bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differences in relationships among sleep apnoea, glucose level, sleep duration and sleepiness between persons with and without type 2 diabetes
Authors: HARADA YUKA , OGA TORU , CHIN KAZUO , TAKEGAMI MISA , TAKAHASHI KEN‐ICHI , SUMI KENSUKE , NAKAMURA TAKAYA , NAKAYAMA‐ASHIDA YUKIYO , MINAMI ITSUNARI , HORITA SACHIKO , OKA YASUNORI , WAKAMURA TOMOKO , FUKUHARA SHUNICHI , MISHIMA MICHIAKI , KADOTANI HIROSHI
Published: February 2012

Obstructive sleep apnoea is common in patients with diabetes. Recently, it was reported that short sleep duration and sleepiness had deleterious effects on glucose metabolism. Thereafter, several reports showed relationships between glucose metabolism and obstructive sleep apnoea, sleep duration or sleepiness. But the interrelationships among those factors based on recent epidemiological data have not been examined. We analysed data on 275 male employees (age, 44 ± 8 years; body mass index, 23.9 ± 3.1 kg m−2) who underwent a cross‐sectional health examination in Japan. We measured fasting plasma glucose, sleep duration using a sleep diary and an actigraph for 7 days, and respiratory disturbance index with a type 3 portable monitor for two nights. Fifty‐four subjects (19.6%) had impaired glucose metabolism, with 21 having diabetes. Of those 21 (body mass index, 25.9 ± 3.8 kg m−2), 17 (81.0%) had obstructive sleep apnoea (respiratory disturbance index ≥ 5). Regarding the severity of obstructive sleep apnoea, 10, four and three had mild, moderate and severe obstructive sleep apnoea, respectively. The prevalence of obstructive sleep apnoea was greater in those with than without diabetes (P = 0.037). Multiple regression analyses showed that the respiratory disturbance index independently related to fasting plasma glucose only in the diabetic subjects. In patients with diabetes, after adjustment for age, waist circumference, etc. sleep fragmentation had a greater correlation with fasting plasma glucose than sleep duration, but without significance (P = 0.10). Because the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnoea is extremely high in patients with diabetes, sufficient sleep duration with treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea, which ameliorates sleep fragmentation, might improve fasting plasma glucose.
Biochemical mapping of a ligand‐binding domain within Arabidopsis BAM1 reveals diversified ligand recognition mechanisms of plant LRR‐RKs
Authors: Shinohara Hidefumi , Moriyama Yuji , Ohyama Kentaro , Matsubayashi Yoshikatsu
Published: February 2012

Leucine‐rich repeat receptor kinases (LRR‐RKs) are the largest sub‐family of transmembrane receptor kinases in plants. In several LRR‐RKs, a loop‐out region called an ‘island domain’, which intercepts the extracellular tandem LRRs at a position near the transmembrane domain, constitutes the ligand‐binding pocket, but the absence of the island domain in numerous LRR‐RKs raises questions about which domain recognizes the ligand in non‐island domain LRR‐RKs. Here, we used photoaffinity labeling followed by chemical and enzymatic digestion to show that BAM1, a CLV1/BAM‐family LRR‐RK whose extracellular domain comprises 22 consecutive LRRs, directly interacts with the small peptide ligand CLE9 at the LRR6–LRR8 region that is relatively distal from the transmembrane domain. Multiple sequence alignment and homology modeling revealed that the inner concave side of LRR6–LRR8 of CLV1/BAM‐family LRR‐RKs deviates slightly from the LRR consensus. In support of our findings, the clv1‐4 mutant carries a missense mutation at the inner concave side of LRR6 of CLV1, and introduction of the corresponding mutation in BAM1 resulted in complete loss of ligand binding activity. Our results indicate that the ligand recognition mechanisms of plant LRR‐RKs are more complex and diverse than anticipated.
Cutaneous bacillary angiomatosis in renal transplant recipients: report of three new cases and literature review
Authors: Moulin C. , Kanitakis J. , Ranchin B. , Chauvet C. , Gillet Y. , Morelon E. , Euvrard S.
Published: February 2012

Bacillary angiomatosis (BA) is a rare vasculoproliferative disorder due to Bartonella henselae (BH) or Bartonella quintana. It can involve many organs, including the skin, and has been mainly reported in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. In organ transplant recipients (OTR), this disorder remains misdiagnosed and therapeutic guidelines are nonexistent. We report 3 cases of BA with skin involvement in OTR and review similar cases from the literature. BA manifests on the skin with violaceous lesions mimicking Kaposi sarcoma, and is associated with fever, lymphadenopathy, and liver, spleen, or lung nodules. Bartonellosis infections in OTR are due to BH, the agent causing cat‐scratch disease (CSD), but BA comprises histologically a prominent vascular proliferation, which is usually lacking in CSD. Cultures and serologic tests are poorly reliable for the diagnosis, which relies on demonstration of BH within the lesions. A history of cat exposure exists in most cases and pediatric OTR are at higher risk. Prevention consists of regular use of a flea‐control product in cats and prompt cleaning of scratches. Our cases highlight several original features of this rare condition, which could potentially improve the management of BA in OTR.
Chromosomally integrated human herpesvirus‐6 in transplant recipients
Authors: Lee S.‐O. , Brown R.A. , Razonable R.R.
Published: February 2012

Human herpesvirus‐6 (HHV‐6) is unique among human herpesviruses because of its ability to integrate into chromosomes. This entity, termed chromosomally integrated HHV‐6 (CIHHV‐6), is often mistaken for active infection and treated unnecessarily. The clinical significance of CIHHV‐6 in transplant recipients is not defined. Herein, the clinical characteristics of 7 liver transplant patients with CIHHV‐6 from our recent study, together with 14 other published cases of CIHHV‐6 were reviewed. Of the 21 cases, CIHHV‐6B was reported most commonly among solid organ transplant recipients, while CIHHV‐6A was mostly seen in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell recipients. None of the 21 patients developed clinical symptoms related to HHV‐6 after transplantation. However, antiviral therapy was administered to 5 asymptomatic patients mistaken to have HHV‐6 infection because of their very high HHV‐6 DNA levels, 3 who developed symptomatic cytomegalovirus disease, and 1 with graft‐versus‐host disease that was mistaken for HHV‐6 infection. In patients who received antiviral therapy, there was no apparent decline in HHV‐6 DNA load, although change in viral kinetics is difficult to discern in the setting of high baseline HHV‐6 DNA load. Clinicians should be aware of this entity of CIHHV‐6 so that antiviral therapy can be considered in the proper clinical context.
Plasma concentrations of caspofungin at two different dosage regimens in a patient with hepatic dysfunction
Authors: van der Elst K.C.M. , Brüggemann R.J.M. , Rodgers M.G.G. , Alffenaar J.W.C.
Published: February 2012

The currently recommended dosage regimen of caspofungin (50 mg/day) was developed for patients with invasive candidiasis. With invasive aspergillosis, successful outcomes occur in less than half the patients. We evaluate the pharmacokinetics in a patient with elevated liver enzyme levels after liver transplantation, who received caspofungin for the treatment of aspergillosis. Plasma concentrations of caspofungin were monitored at 2 different dosage regimens. The area under the concentration‐time curve (AUC) at a dosage of 70 mg was 191 mg h/L and was associated with an increase in liver enzymes. After dose reduction to 50 mg with an AUC of 100 mg h/L, liver enzymes normalized. In conclusion, caspofungin plasma concentrations may be helpful to evaluate exposure and reduce the need for off‐label dosing.
Anti‐tuberculosis prophylaxis following renal transplantation: acceptable variations?
Authors: Field M. , Clarke A. , Kelleher M. , Hamsho A. , Mellor S. , Ready A. , Inston N. , van Dellen D.
Published: February 2012

Background

Guidelines suggest tuberculosis (TB) prophylaxis in renal transplant recipients originating in endemic areas or in those at risk from non‐endemic countries. Concern remains that these guidelines may fail to provide adequate prophylaxis for a cohort of patients who remain at potential risk. We aimed to determine variation patterns among different transplant units within the United Kingdom (UK) with regard to TB prophylaxis policy.

Methods

The renal pharmacist at each of the 25 UK renal transplant centers was contacted. Specific information was obtained relating to drug prophylaxis given, duration of treatment, as well as which transplant recipients were eligible for treatment.

Results

A 96% response rate (24/25 centers) was achieved. Prophylaxis regimens varied from no prophylaxis to isoniazid 300 mg given life‐long. The most common duration of treatment was 6 months post transplantation (at 7 centers). Variations existed in the concurrent use of pyridoxine. A wide discrepancy was seen in the determination of who should receive prophylaxis, with no clear association with frequency of TB incidence in the region.

Conclusions

A marked discrepancy exists among national renal transplant units in pharmacologic prophylaxis for TB, as well in the selection of individuals for this treatment.
Multilocus analysis of nucleotide variation inDrosophila madeirensis, an endemic species of the Laurisilva forest in Madeira
Authors: KHADEM M. , MUNTÉ A. , CAMACHO R. , AGUADÉ M. , SEGARRA C.
Published: February 2012

Drosophila madeirensisis an endemic species of Madeira that inhabits the island Laurisilva forest. Nucleotide variation inD. madeirensisis analysed in six genomic regions and compared to that previously reported for the same regions inDrosophila subobscura, an abundant species in the Palearctic region that is closely related toD. madeirensis. The gene regions analysed are distributed along the O3inversion. The O3arrangement is monomorphic inD. madeirensis, and it was present in ancestral populations ofD. subobscurabut went extinct in this species after the origin of the derived OSTand O3+4arrangements. Levels of nucleotide polymorphism inD. madeirensisare similar to those present in the OSTand O3+4arrangements ofD. subobscura, and the frequency spectrum is skewed towards rare variants. Purifying selection against deleterious nonsynonymous mutations is less effective inD. madeirensis. AlthoughD. madeirensisandD. subobscuracoexist at present in Madeira, no clear evidence of introgression was detected in the studied regions.
Single origin of human commensalism in the house sparrow
Authors: SÆTRE G.‐P. , RIYAHI S. , ALIABADIAN M. , HERMANSEN J. S. , HOGNER S. , OLSSON U. , GONZALEZ ROJAS M. F. , SÆTHER S. A. , TRIER C. N. , ELGVIN T. O.
Published: February 2012

The current, virtually worldwide distribution of the house sparrow (Passer domesticus) is a result of its commensal relationship with humans. It has been suggested that long before the advent of agriculture, an early glacial advance resulted in two disjunct ranges of ancestral house sparrows – one in the Middle East and another on the Indian subcontinent. Differentiation during this period of isolation resulted in two major groups of subspecies: the domesticus group and the indicus group. According to this hypothesis, commensalism with humans would have evolved independently in the two regions and at least twice. An alternative hypothesis is that morphological differences between the subspecies represent very recent differentiation, following expansions from a single source. To test between these hypotheses, we analysed genetic variation at the mitochondrial DNA control region and at three nuclear loci from several house sparrow populations in Europe, Asia and North Africa. No differentiation between the indicus and domesticus groups was found, supporting the single origin hypothesis. One of the subspecies in the indicus group, P. d. bactrianus, differs ecologically from other house sparrows in being migratory and in preferentially breeding in natural habitat. We suggest that bactrianus represents a relict population of the ancestral, noncommensal house sparrow. When agricultural societies developed in the Middle East about 10 000 years ago, a local house sparrow population of the bactrianus type adapted to the novel environment and eventually became a sedentary, human commensal. As agriculture and human civilizations expanded, house sparrows experienced a correlated and massive expansion in range and numbers. The pattern of genetic variation analysed here is consistent with this scenario.
Cortisol release, heart rate and heart rate variability, and superficial body temperature, in horses lunged either with hyperflexion of the neck or with an extended head and neck position
Authors: Becker‐Birck M. , Schmidt A. , Wulf M. , Aurich J. , von der Wense A. , Möstl E. , Berz R. , Aurich C.
Published: February 2012

Bringing the head and neck of ridden horses into a position of hyperflexion is widely used in equestrian sports. In our study, the hypothesis was tested that hyperflexion is an acute stressor for horses. Salivary cortisol concentrations, heart rate, heart rate variability (HRV) and superficial body temperature were determined in horses (n = 16) lunged on two subsequent days. The head and neck of the horse was fixed with side reins in a position allowing forward extension on day A and fixed in hyperflexion on day B. The order of treatments alternated between horses. In response to lunging, cortisol concentration increased (day A from 0.73 ± 0.06 to 1.41 ± 0.13 ng/ml, p < 0.001; day B from 0.68 ± 0.07 to 1.38 ± 0.13 ng/ml, p < 0.001) but did not differ between days A and B. Beat‐to‐beat (RR) interval decreased in response to lunging on both days. HRV variables standard deviation of RR interval (SDRR) and RMSSD (root mean square of successive RR differences) decreased (p < 0.001) but did not differ between days. In the cranial region of the neck, the difference between maximum and minimum temperature was increased in hyperflexion (p < 0.01). In conclusion, physiological parameters do not indicate an acute stress response to hyperflexion of the head alone in horses lunged at moderate speed and not touched with the whip. However, if hyperflexion is combined with active intervention of a rider, a stressful experience for the horse cannot be excluded.
Hepatoprotective effects of S‐adenosylmethionine and silybin on canine hepatocytes in vitro
Authors: Au A. Y. , Hasenwinkel J. M. , Frondoza C. G.
Published: February 2012

Inflammation and oxidative stress are associated with liver injury and development of liver disease. The transcription factors nuclear factor‐kappa beta (NF‐κB) and nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2) play critical roles in modulating liver injury and damage. Activation of NF‐κB induces production of pro‐inflammatory molecules including prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) and macrophage chemotactic protein‐1 (MCP‐1). Nrf2 regulates genes controlling antioxidants. Our laboratory previously showed that hepatocytes, the primary functional cell type comprising liver tissue, respond to the cytokine interleukin‐1 beta (IL‐1β) by increased production of PGE2, IL‐8 and MCP‐1. This increase is associated with nuclear translocation of NF‐κB. In this study, we evaluated whether primary canine hepatocytes pre‐treated with the combination of S‐adenosylmethionine (SAMe; 30 and 2000 ng/ml) and silybin (SB; 298 ng/ml), agents with known anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant properties, could attenuate IL‐1β‐induced inflammation and oxidative stress. The SAMe and SB combination reduced cytokine‐induced PGE2, IL‐8 and MCP‐1 production while also inhibiting NF‐κB nuclear translocation. These changes were accompanied by increased antioxidant enzyme‐reduced glutathione (GSH) comparable to control levels. The study shows for the first time that the SAMe and SB combination inhibits both inflammation and oxidative stress through two separate signalling pathways.
What's new in liver fibrosis? The origin of myofibroblasts in liver fibrosis
Authors: Iwaisako Keiko , Brenner David A , Kisseleva Tatiana
Published: February 2012

Chronic liver injury of many etiologies produces liver fibrosis and may eventually lead to the formation of cirrhosis. Fibrosis is part of a dynamic process associated with the continuous deposition and resorption of extracellular matrix, mainly fibrillar collagen. Studies of fibrogenesis conducted in many organs including the liver demonstrate that the primary source of the extracellular matrix in fibrosis is the myofibroblast. Hepatic myofibroblasts are not present in the normal liver but transdifferentiate from heterogeneous cell populations in response to a variety of fibrogenic stimuli. Debate still exists regarding the origin of hepatic myofibroblasts. It is considered that hepatic stellate cells and portal fibroblasts have fibrogenic potential and are the major origin of hepatic myofibroblasts. Depending on the primary site of injury the fibrosis may be present in the hepatic parenchyma as seen in chronic hepatitis or may be restricted to the portal areas as in most biliary diseases. It is suggested that hepatic injury of different etiology triggers the transdifferentiation to myofibroblasts from distinct cell populations. Here we discuss the origin and fate of myofibroblast in liver fibrosis.
Alcohol, smoking, and obesity epidemiology in Japan
Authors: Tsugane Shoichiro
Published: February 2012

The health impact of alcohol drinking, cigarette smoking and obesity differs between Asian and Western countries. The epidemiology of cancer and death related to these lifestyles are described in this article. In Japan, heavy alcohol drinking and cigarette smoking are rather high in men. While there is a worldwide anti‐smoking policy, Japan is still on the way to aiming at this goal, and this delay in health promotion has maintained the high impact of smoking, whether active or passive, on people's health in that country. Public health policy should focus more strongly on the control of smoking and heavy drinking, especially among men. Maintaining the consumption of alcohol at a level below 46 g a day in men and 23 g a day in women appears to minimize the risks of mortality and cancer in the Japanese population. On the other hand, the obesity rate is low and being underweight is common both in men and women. Proportions of cancer attributable to a body mass index of 25 or more are only 0.5% in men and 1.1% in women. Given that many previous studies in Japanese and Asian populations have associated a low body mass index with an increased risk of cancer, the impact of being underweight—not only obese—may warrant further investigation.
The role of steroids in children with multiple recurrences of intussusception
Authors: Lopez Robert , Beasley Spencer W , Blakelock Russell , Maoate Kiki , McBride Craig A , Slade Charlotte , Day Andrew S , King Sebastian K
Published: February 2012

Abstract:  We describe the case of a boy who had 9 recurrences of intussusception, for which no pathological lesion at the leadpoint was identified. A contrast follow‐through study revealed a follicular/nodular mucosal pattern, particularly prominent in the terminal ileum and caecum. Patients with multiple recurrences usually have an identifiable lesion at the leadpoint, but sometimes recurrences may be due to lymphoid hyperplasia, as presumed in our case. No further recurrences occurred after a two month tapering course of oral prednisolone.
Microarray analysis of gastric mucosa among children with Helicobacter pylori infection
Authors: Ikuse Tamaki , Ohtsuka Yoshikazu , Kudo Takahiro , Hosoi Kenji , Obayashi Naho , Jimbo Keisuke , Aoyagi Yo , Fujii Tohru , Nagata Satoru , Shimizu Toshiaki
Published: February 2012

Background:  Although initial infection with Helicobacter pylori may occur before 5 years of age, the pediatric mucosal immune response against H. pylori is not clear. The aim of the present study was to evaluate immune responses in the H. pylori‐infected gastric mucosa of children using microarray and real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of pediatric gastric samples.

Methods:  Gastric samples were obtained from 12 patients undergoing routine endoscopy of chronic abdominal complaints. Six patients (three boys, three girls) aged 10.1–14.6 years had evidence of H. pylori infection, and the remaining six (three boys, three girls) aged 10.3–15.5 years had no evidence of infection and presented no histological changes associated with gastritis. Microarray and real‐time PCR analyses were performed, and the changes in gene expression‐related immune response were also analyzed.

Results:  Using microarray analysis, the total number of significantly upregulated and downregulated genes (fold change >5, P < 0.01) was 21 in the antrum and 16 in the corpus when comparing patients with or without infection. Using real‐time PCR, the expression of lipocalin‐2 (Lcn2), C‐C motif chemokine ligand (CCL) 18, C‐X‐C motif chemokine ligand (CXCL) 9 and CXCL11 was upregulated, while the expression of pepsinogen (PG) I and PGII was downregulated when comparing patients with or without infection.

Conclusions:  Lcn2, CCL18, CXCL9, CXCL11, PGI and PGII play important roles in childhood H. pylori infection.
Large summer weight gain in relatively overweight preschool Japanese children
Authors: Kato Noriko , Sauvaget Catherine , Kato Tadaaki
Published: February 2012

Background:  Children's lifestyles have changed recently in Japan. These changes are thought to be associated with their physical growth. The aim of the present paper was to describe and interpret the growth seasonality of children attending day‐nurseries in Osaka Prefecture, Japan.

Methods:  Results were based on a 6 year follow‐up study of preschool children aged 0 at baseline to 6 years old at the end of the follow up. Longitudinal growth data for 148 boys and 113 girls, born between April 1990 and March 1991, attending day‐nursery were obtained monthly from April 1990 through to March 1996. Children were divided into two groups: those with a normal (<17) or high (≥17) body mass index (BMI) at 5 years of age. Weight and height seasonal gains were estimated for each group.

Results:  Weight gain was higher during autumn among the group with a normal BMI at 5 years of age. Among high BMI group, weight gain was higher during autumn when they were 0 to 4 years of age, while it was higher during summer when they were 5 years of age. Height gain was higher in spring and summer in both BMI groups. Results were similar in boys and girls.

Conclusion:  Although the findings are consistent with previous studies for normal BMI children, the present study reports new findings for children with a high BMI at 5 years of age, for whom a large weight gain occurred during summer.
Carbon‐ion radiation therapy for prostate cancer
Authors: Ishikawa Hitoshi , Tsuji Hiroshi , Kamada Tadashi , Akakura Koichiro , Suzuki Hiroyoshi , Shimazaki Jun , Tsujii Hirohiko ,   the Working Group for Genitourinary Tumors
Published: February 2012

In 1994, carbon‐ion radiotherapy was started at the National Institute of Radiological Sciences using the Heavy‐Ion Medical Accelerator in Chiba. Between June 1995 and March 2000, two phase I/II dose escalation studies (protocols 9402 and 9703) of hypofractionated carbon‐ion radiotherapy for both early‐ and advance‐stage prostate cancer patients had been carried out to establish radiotherapy technique and to determine the optimal radiation dose. To validate the feasibility and efficacy of hypofractionated carbon‐ion radiotherapy, a phase II study (9904) was initiated in April 2000 using the shrinking field technique and the recommended dose fractionation (66 gray equivalents in 20 fractions over 5 weeks) obtained from the phase I/II studies, and was successfully completed in October 2003. The data from 175 patients in the phase II study showed the importance of an appropriate use of androgen deprivation therapy according to tumor risk group. Since November 2003, carbon‐ion radiotherapy for prostate cancer was approved as “Highly Advanced Medical Technology” from the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare, and since then approximately 1100 patients have received carbon‐ion radiotherapy as of July 2011. In this review, we introduce our steps thorough three clinical trials carried out at National Institute of Radiological Sciences, and show the updated data of carbon‐ion radiotherapy obtained from approximately 1000 prostate cancer patients. In addition, our recent challenge and future direction will be also described.
Contrast tuned responses in primary auditory cortex of the awake ferret
Authors: Shechter B. , Depireux D. A.
Published: February 2012

Auditory neurons are often characterized by their spectro‐temporal receptive field (STRF), a linear measure that captures overall trends of neural responses to modulations of the spectro‐temporal envelopes of sounds. We have previously shown that primary auditory cortex neurons of the awake ferret are better characterized by STRFs followed by a non‐trivial non‐linearity. This non‐linearity is a half‐wave rectification followed by a squaring function, indicating that cortical neurons probably encode higher‐order statistics of the spectrum of sounds. In this article, we introduce the concept of a contrast receptive field (CRF) and show that neurons in the auditory cortex encode quadratic statistics of the spectro‐temporal envelope of sounds, which we call auditory contrast. We reveal phase‐dependent contrast tuning in single units. Most units with a reliable STRF also possess a reliable CRF, such that the response to stimulus contrast complements the linear response described by the STRF. The relationship between the STRF and the CRF is analyzed in terms of orthogonality, co‐localization in time–frequency, feature orientation selectivity, and output non‐linearity interdependence. Our study shows that contrast can be used by auditory cortex neurons to sharpen, in a noise‐resistant fashion, their responses to dynamic spectral profiles.
Neural circuit competition in cocaine‐seeking: roles of the infralimbic cortex and nucleus accumbens shell
Authors: LaLumiere Ryan T. , Smith Kyle C. , Kalivas Peter W.
Published: February 2012

Following cocaine self‐administration and extinction training, activity in the infralimbic cortex (IL) suppresses cocaine‐seeking behavior. IL inactivation induces cocaine‐seeking whereas activation suppresses cocaine‐reinstated drug‐seeking. We asked how the suppression of cocaine‐seeking induced by IL activation integrates with the circuitry promoting reinstated cocaine‐seeking. Following cocaine self‐administration and extinction training, rats underwent cue‐induced reinstatement. In order to activate IL projections, microinjections of PEPA, a positive allosteric modulator of AMPA receptors, were made into the IL in combination with microinjections into a variety of nuclei known to regulate cocaine‐seeking. Intra‐IL PEPA administration suppressed cue‐induced reinstatement without affecting locomotor activity. The suppression of cocaine‐seeking was reversed by activating dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area with microinjections of the μ‐opioid receptor agonist DAMGO, and was partially reversed by dopamine microinjections into the prelimbic cortex or basolateral amygdala. Previous evidence suggests that the nucleus accumbens shell both promotes and suppresses cocaine‐seeking. The suppression of cue‐induced cocaine seeking by PEPA in the IL was reversed by intra‐shell microinjections of either dopamine or the AMPA receptor antagonist CNQX, suggesting that the accumbens shell bidirectionally regulates cocaine‐seeking depending on whether dopamine input is mimicked or glutamate input is inhibited. Together, these findings indicate that the IL acts ‘upstream’ from structures promoting cocaine‐seeking, including from the mesolimbic dopamine projections to the prelimbic cortex and basolateral amygdala, and that the accumbens shell may be a crucial point of integration between the circuits that promote (ventral tegmental area) and inhibit (IL) reinstated cocaine‐seeking.
Predation by generalist predators on the codling moth versus a closely‐related emerging pest the oriental fruit moth: a molecular analysis
Authors: Boreau de Roincé Catherine , Lavigne Claire , Ricard Jean‐Michel , Franck Pierre , Bouvier Jean‐Charles , Garcin Alain , Symondson William O. C.
Published: February 2012

Biological control by conservation of native natural enemies can, at its best, reduce the need for pesticides and prevent detrimental effects upon the environment. The present study investigated the role of ground‐active generalist predators as natural enemies of two tortricid pests in apple orchards.

Predation rates were compared on the well established codling moth Cydia pomonella and the emerging oriental fruit moth Grapholita molesta, which has recently switched hosts to apples.

The present study hypothesized that the ground‐active predators consumed the two tortricid pests in significant numbers without preference, and attacked the pests at different developmental stages.

Using diagnostic polymerase chain reaction on the gut contents of field‐caught ground‐active predators, no difference in predation rates was found on these two pests. Spiders were the most efficient predators of emergent adult moths in spring, whereas the carabid beetles, feeding on diapausing larvae, were important in the autumn.

The temporal complementarity between spiders and carabid beetles, attacking different stages of the pests at different times of year, highlights the need for diverse predator assemblages to optimize biological control.
Midwifery students' perceived independence within the core competencies expected of the midwifery community upon graduation: an Italian study
Authors: Fasan J. , Zavarise D. , Palese A. , Marchesoni D.
Published: February 2012

FASAN J., ZAVARISE D., PALESE A. & MARCHESONI D. (2012) Midwifery students' perceived independence within the core competencies expected of the midwifery community upon graduation: an Italian study. International Nursing Review59, 208–214

Aim:  The general aim of this article is to describe the independence perceived by midwifery students who are due to qualify with regard to core competencies that are considered essential by the community of professional midwives working in Italian healthcare hospitals.

Methods:  A multi‐method research project was undertaken. One hundred sixty‐seven midwives working in 11 regional facilities were approached with the aim of selecting the core competencies expected by graduands. In the same region, all graduands (24) educated at two universities were involved in the study aiming to discover the level of the independence (from 0 none to 10 maximum) perceived in each core competence selected by the midwives.

Results:  The average score obtained by graduands in the questionnaire containing 102 core competencies was 717.4 (standard deviation 130.3, median 743). The minimum score was 363 and the highest was 916. Assuming the minimum cut‐off at 612 points, five students (20.8%) had a perceived level of independence below sufficiency.

Conclusion:  Italian midwifery education has been reformed five times since 1940. The reduction in the length of the direct entry midwifery programme as introduced in the latest Italian national reform, and the higher standard of education requested also by European Directives, cause an increasing number of students to prefer to extend their course duration and postpone graduation until they feel independent. Any change in curriculum should consider the impact in the short, medium and long terms. For this reason, each new policy should consider carefully the point of view of experts in the disciplines, such as midwifery, with the objective of protecting and developing their competence in taking care of women, newborns and their families.
The Five‐Factor Model of Personality Disorder and DSM‐5
Authors: Trull Timothy J.
Published: February 2012

The Five‐Factor Model of personality disorders (FFMPD; Widiger & Mullins‐Sweatt, ) developed from the recognition that the popular Five‐Factor Model (FFM) of personality could be used to describe and understand the official personality disorder (PD) constructs from the American Psychiatric Association's (APA) diagnostic manuals (e.g., DSM‐IV‐TR, APA, ). This article provides an overview of the FFM, highlighting its validity and utility in characterizing PDs as well as its ability to provide a comprehensive account of personality pathology in general. In 2013, DSM‐5 is scheduled to appear, and the “hybrid” PD proposal will emphasize a 25–personality trait model. I present the current version of this new model, compare it to the FFMPD, and discuss issues related to the implementation of the FFMPD.
Clinical Utility of the Five‐Factor Model of Personality Disorder
Authors: Mullins‐Sweatt Stephanie N. , Lengel Gregory J.
Published: February 2012

There exists a great deal of research regarding the validity of the Five‐Factor Model (FFM) of personality disorder. One of the most common objections to this model is concern regarding clinical utility. This article discusses clinical utility in terms of three fundamental components (i.e., ease of usage, communication, and treatment). In addition, a considerable number of recent empirical studies have examined whether the FFM compares well to personality disorder diagnostic categories with respect to all three components of clinical utility. The purpose of the current article is to provide a description of the implications of each component of clinical utility as it relates to the FFM and to acknowledge and address the empirical findings.
Assessment of Maladaptive Variants of Five‐Factor Model Traits
Authors: Lynam Donald R.
Published: February 2012

Research has shown that the personality disorders (PDs) bear consistent relations to general models of personality functioning, particularly in relation to the Five‐Factor Model (FFM). In addition to suggesting that the PDs might be understood as constellations of traits from the FFM, this research also suggests that these constellations might be used to assess the PDs. The present article reviews previous research using the NEO Personality Inventory–Revised (NEO PI‐R; Costa & McCrae, ) to assess disordered personality and discusses some shortcomings of this approach. Next, I detail studies that have used what is known about the relations between the FFM and disordered personality to construct new assessments that are grounded in the basic science of personality but designed to assess the more pathological aspects. Finally, the advantages of this approach are outlined.
Integrating Normal and Abnormal Personality Structure: The Five‐Factor Model
Authors: Widiger Thomas A. , Costa Paul T.
Published: February 2012

It is evident that the conceptualization, diagnosis, and classification of personality disorder (PD) is shifting toward a dimensional model. The purpose of this special issue of Journal of Personality is to indicate how the Five‐Factor Model (FFM) can provide a useful and meaningful basis for an integration of the description and classification of both normal and abnormal personality functioning. This introductory article discusses its empirical support and the potential advantages of understanding personality disorders, including those included within the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and likely future PDs from the dimensional perspective of the FFM.
A Five‐Factor Model Framework for Understanding Childhood Personality Disorder Antecedents
Authors: De Clercq Barbara , De Fruyt Filip
Published: February 2012

The present contribution reviews evidence that supports the relevance of childhood antecedents of personality disorders, and advocates that the validity of a Five‐Factor Model framework for describing general trait differences in childhood can be extended towards the field of developmental personality difficulties. In addition, we suggest that several traditional childhood Axis I conditions include a substantial trait component that may be responsible for the recurring finding that childhood Axis I disorders are predictive for adult Axis II disorders. Given the valuable information provided by a trait assessment, we further propose to integrate dimensional personality and personality pathology measures as standard tools in mental health assessments at a young age.
Educational virtual environments as a lens for understanding both precise repeatability and specific variation in learning ecologies
Authors: Zuiker Steven J.
Published: February 2012

As a global cyberinfrastructure, the Internet makes authentic digital problem spaces like educational virtual environments (EVEs) available to a wide range of classrooms, schools and education systems operating under different circumstantial, practical, social and cultural conditions. And yet, if the makers and users of EVEs both have a hand in what can be initially achieved and subsequently repeated, then replication is not only a matter of precise repeatability but also specific variation. In this light, the study enlists one EVE in order to examine both classroom learning and educational research methodology. Two Singapore secondary school enactments of the Quest Atlantis Taiga curriculum are compared with one another and with previously published US enactments. Statistically significant learning gains precisely repeat Barab and colleagues' findings while classroom practices specifically vary from its design narratives. Descriptions of the progressive development of Singapore enactments illustrate a methodological tack for understanding continuity and change within Singapore classrooms and between Singapore and US classrooms as necessary functions of diversity. The juxtaposition of these analyses characterize tensions between replication and implementation fidelity and, in turn, frame EVEs as a tool for understanding and leveraging precise repeatability and specific variability of curricula.

Practitioner Notes

What is already known about this topic

Evidence suggests that some educational virtual environments (EVEs) can support learning.

However, the processes through which EVEs operate remain underspecified.

At the same time, it is undesirable to control in every way how teachers and students use EVEs and therefore more difficult to characterize these technologies in terms of causal mechanisms.

What this paper adds

EVEs can more systematically illuminate both a process of learning and a diverse repertoire of supporting strategies.

With such a perspective, this paper describes how two Singapore classrooms make use of the same EVE differently while also documenting statistically significant learning gains.

The paper also enlists the EVE as a frame for juxtaposing differences within and between education systems.

Implications for practice and/or policy

Documenting productive learning experiences across a range of unique locales and attendant facilitation strategies underscores that some curricula can be flexible.

Several successful strategies that teachers employed departed from the EVE design and highlight ways that local adaptations can improve designs in ways that designers simply cannot anticipate.

EVEs can be a useful tool for understanding strategic adaptations and enhancing the implicit partnerships that designers and teachers forge via curricula.
Matrilineal motives: kinship, witchcraft, and repatriation among Congolese refugees
Authors: APTER ANDREW
Published: February 2012

This article explores the significance of matrilineal descent among Congolese refugees in camp Kala, Zambia. Matriliny mattered in Kala, I argue, because it motivated repatriation, generating witchcraft accusations stemming from variations of the matrilineal puzzle. On the surface, Kala did not ‘look’ particularly matrilineal, given the ad hoc domestic arrangements of surviving refugees. But when placed against the backdrop of matrilineal descent – expressed in broader kinship networks between refugee households, and as an evaluative discourse of illegitimate accumulation – witchcraft‐driven repatriation makes sense as an ‘extreme’ form of lineage fission. Within the confines of the refugee camp, a Central African model of matriliny was effectively reduced to its core dynamics, highlighting a bio‐social economy of the womb and its witchcraft conversions of blood into money. After examining three social dramas of witchcraft and repatriation in Kala, I engage broader considerations of gender and history to recast descent as a regenerative scheme.

L’auteur explore l’importance de la descendance matrilinéaire parmi les réfugiés congolais du camp de Kala, en Zambie. Il avance que la matrilinéarité a eu une importance à Kala parce que c’est elle qui motivait le rapatriement, suscitant des accusations de sorcellerie liées à des écarts dans l’écheveau matrilinéaire. Superficiellement, Kala « n’avait pas l’air » particulièrement matrilinéaire, compte tenu des dispositions domestiques ad hoc prises par les réfugiés survivants. Pourtant, lorsqu’il est replacé dans le contexte de la matrilinéarité, exprimée dans des réseaux de parentéélargis entre les foyers des réfugiés et au travers d’un discours évaluatif sur l’accumulation illégitime, le rapatriement pour motif de sorcellerie s’explique comme une forme « extrême » de fission lignagère. De fait, aux confins du camp de réfugiés, un modèle de matrilinéarité centrafricain a été réduit à sa dynamique fondamentale, mettant en évidence une économie bio‐sociale de la matrice et ses conversions sorcellaires du sang en argent. Après avoir examiné trois épisodes dramatiques de sorcellerie et de rapatriement à Kala, l’auteur s’engage dans des réflexions plus larges sur le genre et l’histoire, afin de recadrer la filiation comme un mode de régénération.
‘Kidnapping go build back we economy’: discourses of crime at work in neoliberal Trinidad
Authors: PRENTICE REBECCA
Published: February 2012

Drawing on participant observation in garment factories in Trinidad, West Indies, this article explores circulating discourses of crime among shop‐floor workers, managers, and factory owners during a national ‘epidemic’ of kidnappings‐for‐ransom. As sites of inescapable social heterogeneity, garment factories were experienced as places of potentially risky mixture between antagonistic categories of people. Kidnapping talk communicated this fear of social proximity while simultaneously heightening it. The everyday politics of labour under a neoliberal regime is shown to be not a universalizing experience but instead a deeply local and situated one.

À partir d’une observation participante dans des ateliers de confection de Trinité, dans les Caraïbes, l’article explore les discours sur la criminalité circulant parmi les ouvriers, les gérants et les propriétaires des ateliers au cours d’une «épidémie » nationale d’enlèvements avec demande de rançon. Les ateliers de confection, lieux d’une hétérogénéité sociale inévitable, étaient alors perçus comme le creuset d’un mélange potentiellement dangereux entre des catégories de personnes antagonistes. Les histoires de kidnapping ont propagé cette crainte de la proximité sociale tout en l’intensifiant. L’auteure montre que la politique quotidienne du travail sous un régime néolibéral n’est pas une expérience universalisante, mais plutôt profondément locale et fortement située.
European Integration, Nationalism and European Identity
Authors: FLIGSTEIN NEIL , POLYAKOVA ALINA , SANDHOLTZ WAYNE
Published: February 2012

Early theorists of European integration speculated that economic integration would lead to political integration and a European identity. A European identity has not displaced national identities in the EU, but, for a significant share of EU citizens, a European identity exists alongside a national identity. At the same time, political parties asserting more traditional nationalist identities and policies have directed their dissatisfaction against immigrants, foreigners and, sometimes, the EU. Those who participate in ‘Europe’ are more likely to develop a European identity, while those whose economic and social horizons are essentially local are more likely to assert nationalist identities. It is argued in this article that the issue of European and national identity plays a heightened role in European politics, particularly in the economic crisis of 2007–11. The resolution of that crisis, which may result in increased European political co‐operation, will have to take into account highly salient national identities that have so far resisted such co‐operation.
An unusual presentation of anti‐Hu‐associated paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis
Authors: LANGER JENNIFER E , LOPES M BEATRIZ S , FOUNTAIN NATHAN B , PRANZATELLI MICHAEL R , THIELE ELIZABETH A , RUST ROBERT S , GOODKIN HOWARD P
Published: February 2012

Paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis is a rare disorder characterized by personality changes, seizures, memory loss, and psychiatric symptoms often associated with antineuronal antibodies. It is well described in the adult literature but is still underreported in the pediatric literature. Symptoms are usually multifocal and subacute in presentation, occurring over days to weeks; however, in rare cases, symptom onset can be more gradual. We report the case of a 9‐year‐old male with anti‐Hu‐associated paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis that presented as episodic ataxia and behavioral changes evolving to intractable epilepsy and worsening behavioral changes over the course of a year. This case highlights the importance of considering a paraneoplastic disorder in the differential diagnosis for unexplained multifocal neurological symptoms of subacute or chronic onset as earlier detection and treatment may result in an improved outcome.
Rotigotine transdermal patch for the treatment of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Perez‐Lloret Santiago , Rey María Verónica , Ratti Pietro Lucca , Rascol Olivier
Published: February 2012

Rotigotine, a non‐ergot dopamine agonist, has been developed as a novel transdermal formulation. The rotigotine transdermal patch has received EMEA marketing authorization for the treatment of adult patients with early or advanced Parkinson’s disease (PD) or with moderate to severe restless legs syndrome (RLS). FDA originally granted a marketing authorization for early PD, which was later suspended, and is now studying the authorization for RLS. The aim of this review is to review the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics as well as the clinical efficacy and tolerability of the rotigotine transdermal patch in PD. Source material was identified using a PubMed search for the term ‘rotigotine’ and PD. Articles published up to January 2011 or abstract submitted to most relevant international neurology congresses were reviewed. The rotigotine transdermal patch is efficacious for the treatment of PD. Tolerability profile appears to be well within the range of that observed with other non‐ergot dopamine agonists in PD. Application‐site reactions were the most frequent adverse event, and they were considered mild to moderate in the majority of cases. The rotigotine transdermal patch offers a safe and efficacious alternative for the treatment of PD. Further studies should focus on the possibility that continuous dopamine stimulation by means of the transdermal patch has any influence on levodopa‐related motor complications.