bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidence of humoral sensitization in HLA partially mismatched hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Leffell M. S. , Cao K. , Coppage M. , Hansen J. A. , Hart J. M. , Pereira N. , Pereira S. , Reinsmoen N. L. , Senitzer D. , Smith A. , Torres M. , Vega R. , Fuchs E.
Published: October 2009

As part of the 15th International Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics Workshop (IHIWS), seven centers participated in a collaborative project to determine whether any significant humoral sensitization occurred post‐transplant among recipients of HLA partially mismatched hematopoietic cell transplants (HCTs). A total of 140 donor/recipient pairs were enrolled with a total of 367 pre‐and post‐transplant sera analyzed. The majority of the samples (69.1%) were obtained within 30–90 days post‐HCT. HLA‐specific antibodies were defined using single antigen bead assays on a Luminex™ platform with a positive cutoff value of 1000 normalized median fluorescence intensity (MFI). There was an overall incidence of post‐HCT sensitization toward donor HLA mismatches of 5.7%; however, all cases were among recipients of one HLA haplotype‐mismatched grafts under nonmyeloablative, pre‐transplant conditioning. Among the one haplotype‐mismatched recipients, 15.7% (8/51) developed donor HLA‐specific antibodies and 29.4% also had antibodies directed toward third party HLA antigens. Among the donor‐specific antibodies, 9.8% were directed toward HLA class I antigens; 7.8% were against class II antigens; and 2.0% had both class I and II specificity. The relative strength of post‐transplant antibodies was low with no significant difference in the mean maximum MFI values between third party and donor‐specific antibodies. Because only a small number (10.2%) of the post‐transplant samples were obtained 180 days or more post‐HCT, longer term study is needed to evaluate any clinical relevance of these low‐to‐moderate levels of donor‐specific antibody in one haplotype‐mismatched recipients, as well as to determine whether any other antibodies occur at later times.
Predominant association of HLA‐B*2704 with ankylosing spondylitis in Chinese Han patients
Authors: Liu Y. , Jiang L. , Cai Q. , Danoy P. , Barnardo M. C. N. M. , Brown M. A. , Xu H.
Published: October 2009

Abstract

The HLA‐B27 subtypes have a varied racial and ethnic prevalence throughout the world. However, the association of B27‐subtypes with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in the mainland China is unknown. To determine the association of B27‐subtypes with AS in the Mainland Chinese Han population, a total of unrelated 153 patients with AS were enrolled in a large case‐control association study, and 1545 unrelated, healthy, ethnically matched blood donors were included as controls. The genotyping of B27 and its subtypes was performed using the polymerase chain reaction with sequence specific primers (PCR‐SSP). A total of 130 (84.97%) AS patients and 61 (3.95%) healthy controls were B27 positive. Three B27‐subtypes, B*2704, B*2705 and B*2710, were further identified, of which both B*2704 and B*2705 were strongly AS associated. B*2710 was only detected in one AS patient and two other healthy controls. Considering only B27‐positive cases and controls, a statistically different frequency of B27‐subtypes was observed, with an over‐representation of B*2704 (P = 0.018). B*2704 was clearly more strongly associated than B*2705 with AS [odds ratio (OR ) = 2.4, P = 0.011]. Furthermore, a combined analysis including three previous studies of B27‐subtype distributions in Chinese AS cases confirmed the stronger association of B*2704 with AS than B*2705 (OR = 2.5, P = 0.00094).
A novel HLA‐Cw*08 allele, Cw*0822, identified by genomic full‐length cloning and sequencing
Authors: Xu Y.‐P. , Deng Z.‐H. , Wang D.‐M. , Zeng J.‐Q. , Gao S.‐Q.
Published: October 2009

A novel HLA‐Cw*08 allele, Cw*0822, differing from the closest related allele Cw*080101 by one nucleotide exchange at nt2557 (G>A) in exon 6, was identified by genomic full‐length cloning and sequencing from a male Chinese donor.
A novel HLA‐Cw*01 variant allele, HLA‐Cw*0130
Authors: Deng Z.‐H. , Wang D.‐M.
Published: October 2009

The novel HLA‐Cw*0130 variant allele differs from the closest allele Cw*010201 by single nucleotide change at genomic nt 959 T>C (CDS nt 583 T>C, codon 171 TAC>CAC) in exon 3, which causes an amino acid change Tyr171His.
Population dynamics of Anarsia lineatella in relation to crop damage and the development of economic injury levels
Authors: Damos P. , Savopoulou‐Soultani M.
Published: October 2009

Developing a relationship between pest abundance and damage to crops is essential for the calculation of economic injury levels (EILs) and to anticipate informed management decisions. Field studies were conducted for three successive years (2005, 2006 and 2007) in peach orchards of northern Greece to examine relationships between densities of Anarsia lineatella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) populations and peach (Prunus persica) yields. According to a linear regression model, the increase in moth’s densities during the 1st flight resulted in a significant reduction in yield (y = 0.436x + 10.22, R2 = 0.635, d.f. = 2,11, P < 0.05). Correlation of male moths captured during the 2nd flight and observed yield loss was significant (y = 0.5231x + 17.204, R2 = 0.792, d.f. = 2,11, P < 0.05). Moreover, according to a linear model by counting the number of shoot strikes, during the first observation period, a forthcoming yield loss can be estimated (y = 27.389x−6.304, R2 = 0.711, d.f. 2,11, F = 22.09, P < 0.05). A significant relationship was observed between the numbers of the 2nd generation larvae and yield loss (y = 163x, R2 = 0.890). Regression coefficient of the above function represents yield loss per pest and was applied in the calculation of EIL’s and fixed Economic thresholds (ET’s). In addition, parameter of the price commodity was estimated for 2009 by applying stochastic autoregressive moving average model. By integrating above information, EIL and fixed ET estimated as 112 larvae and 84 larvae per sampling unit for a mean value (€4/0.1 ha) of cost management tactics and a 90% efficacy.
Increasing distribution and damage to palms by the Neotropical whitefly,Aleurotrachelus atratus(Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae)
Authors: Borowiec N. , Quilici S. , Martin J. , Issimaila M. A. , Chadhouliati A. C. , Youssoufa M. A. , Beaudoin‐Ollivier L. , Delvare G. , Reynaud B.
Published: October 2009

In recent years, the coconut whitefly,Aleurotrachelus atratusHempel, has been recorded from various islands in the southwestern Indian Ocean. Field surveys in La Réunion, the Seychelles, the Comoros and glasshouses in Paris have allowed us to record this whitefly on 56 palm species, some of which are endemic and/or threatened species. Most of trees showed low infestation levels, except for the coconut palm that is its main host plant. Such a wide host range has facilitated the rapid geographical dissemination of this whitefly. A field study was conducted in 2006 in La Réunion, to gain a better understanding of the bioecology ofA. atratusin a tropical insular ecosystem. The whitefly was found throughout the island, from sea level to 800‐m altitude. Five parasitoid species (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) were found associated with the populations of this pest, withEretmocerus cocoisDelvare being the dominant one. A laboratory study showed that the pre‐imaginal development ofA. atratusis around 48 days at 25–27°C, which is relatively long compared to other whitefly species. With a sex ratio of one male per 1022 females collected in La Réunion, it appears that the whitefly reproduces by thelytoky. It represents a threat to ornamental and agricultural palms as well as to natural palm ecosystems in the absence of effective parasitoids.
Feeding ecology of granivorous carabid larvae: a stable isotope analysis
Authors: Sasakawa K. , Ikeda H. , Kubota T.
Published: October 2009

Although most carabids are primarily carnivorous, some carabid species are omnivorous, with mainly granivorous feeding habits during the larval and/or adult stages (granivorous carabids). This feeding habit has been established based on laboratory and field experiments; however, our knowledge of the feeding ecology of these beetles in the field is limited owing to the lack of an appropriate methodology. In this study, we tested the utility of stable isotope analysis in investigations of the feeding ecology of granivorous carabids in the field, using two closely related syntopic species,Amara chalcitesandAmara congrua. We addressed two issues concerning the feeding ecology of granivorous carabids: food niche differentiation between related syntopic species during the larval stage and the effect on adult body size of supplementing seeds with an animal diet during the larval stage. To investigate larval feeding habits, we analysed newly emerged adults, most somatic tissues of which are considered of larval origin. In the two populations examined, both δ15N and δ13C were significantly higher inA. chalcitesthanA. congrua, suggesting that the two species differentiate food niches, withA. chalciteslarvae being more carnivorous thanA. congrualarvae. The two isotope ratios ofA. chalcitessamples from one locality were positively correlated with body size, suggesting that more carnivorous larvae become larger adults. However, this relationship was not detected in other species/locality groups. Thus, our results were inconclusive on the issue of diet supplementation. Nevertheless, overall, these results are comparable with those of previous laboratory‐rearing experiments and demonstrate the potential utility of stable isotope analysis in field studies on the feeding ecology of granivorous carabids.
Season‐long mating disruption of citrus leafminer, Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton, with an emulsified wax formulation of pheromone
Authors: Stelinski L. L. , Lapointe S. L. , Meyer W. L.
Published: October 2009

The citrus leafminer, Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae), is a major worldwide pest of citrus. Larval feeding by this insect facilitates proliferation of citrus bacterial canker, Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri. Herein, we describe a season‐long disruption trial of P. citrella with a newly developed, emulsified wax dispenser of pheromone (SPLAT‐CLMTM). A formulation containing a 3 : 1 blend of (Z,Z,E)‐7,11,13‐hexadecatrienal:(Z,Z)‐7,11‐hexadecadienal at a 0.2% loading rate of active ingredient by weight and deployed twice per season (24 weeks total) at 490 g of formulation/ha caused season‐long disruption of male moth catch in pheromone traps as well as reduced leaf infestation. Analysis of pheromone release from dispensers by gas chromatography revealed that effective disruption of P. citrella occurred at a deployment rate of 126 μg of (Z,Z,E)‐7,11,13‐hexadecatrienal/ha/h. Direct observation of moth behaviour in the field suggested that disruption by this formulation occurred by a non‐competitive mechanism. A formulation of the 3 : 1 attractive blend at a 0.02% pheromone loading rate caused only 2–6 weeks of disruption per deployment and did not reduce leaf infestation during mid and end of the season evaluations. A formulation containing 0.2% of (Z,Z)‐7,11‐hexadecadienal alone and deployed at 490 g/ha caused 6–7 weeks of moth disruption to pheromone traps and did not prevent leaf infestation, while an identical formulation loaded with 0.02% (w/w) of (Z,Z)‐7,11‐hexadecadienal alone had no effect on P. citrella orientation to pheromone traps. The SPLAT formulation evaluated herein appears to be an excellent release device for (Z,Z,E)‐7,11,13‐hexadecatrienal given that approximately 100 days of steady release occurred following an initial brief (ca. 7 days) burst of higher release. The advantages of SPLAT as a formulation for P. citrella disruption include low cost of manufacturing, biodegradable and weather resistant characteristics, and flowability allowing machine application. Mating disruption should be an effective alternative to insecticides for management of P. citrella and may reduce the incidence of citrus canker.
Parent‐assisted or nurse‐assisted epidural analgesia: is this feasible in pediatric patients?
Authors: BIRMINGHAM PATRICK K. , SURESH SANTHANAM , AMBROSY ANDREW , PORFYRIS SUZANNE
Published: October 2009

Aim:  The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of parent‐assisted or nurse‐assisted epidural analgesia (PNEA) for control of postoperative pain in a pediatric surgical population.

Methods:  After the institutional review board (IRB) approval was obtained, an analysis of our pain treatment services database of pediatric surgical patients with epidural catheters in whom the parent and/or nurse were empowered to activate the epidural demand‐dose button was evaluated.

Results:  Over a 10 ‐year period between 1999 and 2008, 128 procedures in 126 patients were provided parent or nurse assistance of the epidural demand dose. Satisfactory analgesia was obtained in 86% of patients with no or minor adjustments in PNEA parameters. Fourteen percent of patients were converted to intravenous patient‐controlled analgesia (PCA) for inadequate analgesia (7%) or side effects (7%). None of the patients in this cohort required treatment for respiratory depression or excessive sedation.

Conclusions:  Parent‐assisted or nurse‐assisted epidural analgesia can be safely administered to children undergoing surgery who are physically or cognitively unable or unwilling to self‐activate a demand dose. Additional studies are needed to compare the efficacy of PNEA with other modalities for postoperative pain control in children.
Epinephrine test dose in children: is it interpretable on ECG monitor?
Authors: VARGHESE ELSA , DEEPAK KAVARAGANAHALLI MUKUNDARAO , RAGHAVA CHOWDARY KONERU VEERA
Published: October 2009

Background:  Epidural and other regional blocks are performed in children under general anesthesia; the response to a ‘test dose’ may be altered during administration of general anesthetics. Limited data is available describing changes in electrocardiogram, blood pressure and heart rate (HR) following unintentional intravascular injection of a lidocaine–epinephrine‐containing test dose, under sevoflurane anesthesia in children.

Methods:  Sixty‐eight children undergoing elective surgeries under sevoflurane anesthesia were administered 0.1 ml·kg−1 of 1% lidocaine with epinephrine 0.5 μg·kg−1 or normal saline intravenously, to simulate an accidental intravascular test dose. T‐wave changes in lead II on the anesthesia monitor and on a printed ECG were noted over the initial 1 min as well as changes in HR and systolic blood pressure (SBP) over an initial 3 min period.

Results:  Following injection of lidocaine–epinephrine, a significant increase in T‐wave amplitude in lead II was noted in 91% of children on the ECG monitor and in 94% of children on the ECG printout of the same lead. In 64% of children, an increase in HR of ≥10 b·min−1 and in 76% of children an increase in SBP of ≥15 mmHg was noted.

Conclusion:  An increase in T‐wave amplitude can easily be detected by carefully observing the ECG monitor or an ECG printout within a minute following the accidental i.v. administration of 0.1 ml·kg−1 of 1% lidocaine‐epinephrine (0.5 μg·kg−1) regional anesthetic test dose in children under sevoflurane anesthesia.
Robotic‐assisted radical prostatectomy: a review of current outcomes
Authors: Coelho Rafael F. , Chauhan Sanket , Palmer Kenneth J. , Rocco Bernardo , Patel Manoj B. , Patel Vipul R.
Published: October 2009

With the widespread diffusion of the screening for prostate cancer, the disease has been diagnosed more commonly in the organ‐confined stage, and in younger and healthier men. For these patients, radical prostatectomy (RP) is still the standard treatment. In an effort to decrease the morbidity associated with open RP, minimally invasive approaches have been described, including robotic‐assisted RP (RALP). Almost one decade after the introduction of RALP, large and mature series have now been reported. We reviewed the outcomes of the largest series of RALP published recently. We searched Medline for reports published between 2006 and 2009, to identify articles describing intraoperative data, surgical complications, oncological outcomes, continence and potency rates after RALP. Relevant articles were selected and the outcomes evaluated.
Laparoscopic transperitoneal radical prostatectomy in renal transplant recipients: a review of the literature
Authors: Maestro Mario Álvarez , Gómez Angel Tabernero , Alonso y Gregorio Sergio , Ledo Jesús Cisneros , De La Peña Barthel Javier , Martínez‐Piñeiro Luis
Published: October 2009

OBJECTIVES

To report our experience with laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) for the treatment of localized prostate carcinoma in two renal transplant recipients and a review of the literature.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively identified all patients who had undergone LRP for clinically localized prostate cancer between 2002 and 2008 at our institution (n = 1150). Of these patients, two were renal transplant recipients (one with donor renal transplant cadaver and the other with prior transplantectomy). We reviewed all available clinicopathological data and the scientific literature.

RESULTS

The two patients underwent successful LRP with no major complications. The mean (range) operative time was 200 (180–220) min with a mean estimated blood loss of 300 (200–400) mL. There were no changes in renal graft function as measured by serum creatinine level. At pathology, the surgical margins were negative and disease was organ‐confined in each case. The two patients tolerated the procedure well and had a mean (range) hospital stay of 3.5  (3–4) days.

CONCLUSIONS

The data from our two patients suggest that LRP, as an accepted minimally invasive treatment for a middle‐aged man with organ‐confined prostate cancer, is a technically feasible and safe treatment of localized prostate cancer in renal transplant recipients.
Type 2 diabetes but not metabolic syndrome is associated with an increased risk of lower urinary tract symptoms and erectile dysfunction in men aged <45 years
Authors: Wang Chung Cheng , Chancellor Michael B. , Lin Jyh Ming , Hsieh Jui Hsiang , Yu Hong Jeng
Published: October 2009

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

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and metabolic syndrome with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and erectile dysfunction (ED) in Taiwanese men aged <45 years.

PATIENTS, SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Voiding and erectile function in 226 men with T2DM, at one diabetes clinic, and 183 healthy men with normal fasting blood glucose levels, were compared. Participants were evaluated using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), the five‐item version of the International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire (IIEF‐5), and measurements of flow rate and postvoid residual urine volume. The association of metabolic syndrome with LUTS and ED was also evaluated.

RESULTS

The mean (sd, range) age of the patients was 38.9 (6.1, 20–45) years and the mean duration of diabetes was 2.8 (3.1, 0.5–20) years. Compared with controls, men with T2DM had a significantly mean (sd) higher IPSS, of 6.1 (5.8) vs 4.1 (4.6) (P < 0.001), an increased of odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of having moderate to severe LUTS of 1.78 (1.12–2.84) (P = 0.01), greater voiding volume of 376 (177) vs 326 (102) mL (P = 0.04), a worse IIEF‐5 score of 17.3 (6.4) vs 20.0 (3.8) (P < 0.001), an increased of odds ratio of having moderate to severe ED of 3.5 (2.1–5.8) (P < 0.001) but a similar maximum flow rate and postvoid residual. The IIEF‐5 score was negatively correlated with the IPSS (P < 0.0001, coefficient = −0.23, 0.35–0.11) and glycosylated haemoglobin (P = 0.02, coefficient = −0.14, 0.26–0.01). In all, 156 (69%) patients met the criteria for metabolic syndrome. The mean age, duration of diabetes, glycosylated haemoglobin, IPSS, voided volume, maximum urinary flow rate and IIEF‐5 score were similar between patients with and without metabolic syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS

Men with T2DM and aged <45 years had more LUTS but a similar bladder emptying function than the controls. ED was highly prevalent and was associated with the severity of LUTS. Metabolic syndrome did not aggravate the severity of LUTS, emptying function or ED in the early stage of DM.
Sexual and gender minority therapy and systemic practice
Authors: Butler Catherine
Published: October 2009

While there has been an increase in papers addressing working with lesbian and gay clients over the past two decades, this paper builds on this historical context to combine the latest developments in therapy with sexual and gender minority clients with principles of systemic theory and practice. Clear guidelines are provided on how to apply sexual and gender minority therapy within a systemic frame. Specific issues relating to sexual and gender minority couple and family work are addressed, with the provision of further suggestions and resources.
An exploratory study into how a sample of a British South Asian population perceive the therapeutic alliances in family therapy
Authors: Pandya Kanan , Herlihy Jane
Published: October 2009

There is currently little research on the therapeutic alliances in family therapy, and even less on those from minority ethnic backgrounds. This paper reports on how British South Asians attending family therapy perceive the alliances, and compares this to the constructs of a newly developed tool – the System for Observing Family Therapy Alliances. Nine participants were interviewed and thematic analysis was employed to analyse the data. The results suggest that certain aspects of the alliances may need more attention when working with this ethnic group. These are safety in front of the therapist and emotional connection to the therapist (including feelings towards the reflecting team and consideration of ethnically matching therapist and client). In general, the quality of the alliance is seen as more important than employing culturally specific techniques. The implications for diversity and family therapy training are discussed.
When Getting Something Good is Bad: Even Three‐year‐olds React to Inequality
Authors: LoBue Vanessa , Nishida Tracy , Chiong Cynthia , DeLoache Judy S. , Haidt Jonathan
Published: October 2009

Fairness is central to morality. Previous research has shown that children begin to understand fairness between the ages of four and six, depending on the context and method used. Within distributive contexts, there is little clear evidence that children have a concept of fairness before the age of five. This research, however, has mostly examined children's explicit verbal responses to questions about unequal distributions—a method that often underestimates children's knowledge. In the current study, we instead examined emotional and behavioral signs that children notice and dislike inequality. We distributed an unequal number of rewards (stickers) among pairs of children (the ages of three to five years) and probed their responses to the inequality. Both implicit and explicit measures revealed that children as young as three years old notice and react negatively to an unfair distribution, particularly when they receive less than their partner. The few age trends that were found involved verbal (explicit) responses, providing evidence that although children do not explicitly talk about fairness until the age of five or six, this talk is an effort to explain emotional reactions that emerged earlier in development.
GEOGRAPHERS AND PILGRIMAGES: CHANGING CONCEPTS IN PILGRIMAGE TOURISM RESEARCH
Authors: COLLINS‐KREINER NOGA
Published: October 2009

Pilgrimage is one of the basic and oldest population mobilities in the human world, and it has wide implications: political, social, cultural and economic. In this paper, geographical research on pilgrimage is reviewed, with attention to relevant findings from neighbouring disciplines. The aim of this research is to examine key issues, arguments and conceptualisations regarding the research of pilgrimage. This is in order to indicate the shifts that the study of pilgrimage has undergone. As part of this goal the research will also attempt to point out the dedifferentiation between the various types of researchers dealing with pilgrimage. It has become clear that the study of pilgrimage shifted towards blurring between tourism and pilgrimage, namely, secular pilgrimage and religious pilgrimage. Dedifferentiation has penetrated this study in terms of its features and its multidisciplinary treatment by researchers.
ANALYSING REGIONAL IDENTITIES IN THE NETHERLANDS
Authors: SIMON CAROLA , HUIGEN PAULUS , GROOTE PETER
Published: October 2009

Scale‐enlargement processes have made people more conscious of the identity of their region. Professionals, or those actors involved professionally in the development of a region, also recognise this impact on popular perception and they use characteristics of regions to fulfil their goals. They play an important role in employing the identity of a region. The extent to which this occurs varies between regions, which mean that some regions have stronger identities than others. In this paper evidence from two case studies in the Netherlands, Waterland and the Noordoostpolder, is used to explore why these differences occur. By counting the occurrence of names of regions, which are thought to be the most important symbols of a region's identity, insight is gained in the embeddedness of a region in social perception. Representations of regions commodified by professionals show that these actors influence the embeddedness of regions and as such regional differences; so professionals have a great impact on the strength of a region's identity.
The Uneven Impact of Neoliberalism on Housing Opportunities
Authors: FORREST RAY , HIRAYAMA YOSUKE
Published: October 2009

Neoliberalism has dominated policy discourse and policy formulation for at least two decades and has been particularly influential in reshaping housing systems and housing opportunities. The timing, pace and impact of these policy developments have, however, varied between and within societies. This article explores the experiences of Japan and the UK as a way of illustrating that while there has been a shared discourse of neoliberalism, there have been important contextual differences in relation to the economic cycle, welfare systems and political complexion. These have affected the progress and development of neoliberal policy reforms in housing and in other related spheres and the extent of global financial integration. In both countries, a key social change is the striking reduction in levels of home ownership among younger age groups. The article explores the common and different causes and consequences of these trends and points to the significance of these emerging generational fissions for the neoliberal project.

Cela fait au moins vingt ans que le néolibéralisme a envahi le discours et la formulation de l'action publique. Son influence a été considérable sur la reconfiguration des systèmes et des opportunités de logement. Le moment, le rythme et l'impact de ces évolutions politiques ont néanmoins varié d'une sociétéà une autre, et au sein de chacune. Les expériences du Japon et du Royaume‐Uni sont examinées ici afin de montrer que, malgré un discours néolibéral commun, on peut repérer de nettes différences contextuelles en lien avec le cycle économique, les systèmes de protection sociale et la coloration politique. Ces facteurs ont pesé sur la progression et l'ampleur des réformes politiques néolibérales dans le domaine du logement et d'autres sphères connexes, ainsi que sur la portée de l'intégration financière mondiale. Les deux pays révèlent une transformation sociale cruciale: les propriétaires de leur logement sont en forte diminution dans les tranches d’âge les plus jeunes. L’étude s'intéresse aux causes, communes et différentes, ainsi qu'aux conséquences de ces tendances, tout en marquant l'importance, pour le projet néolibéral, de ces ruptures générationnelles récentes.
Community Services and Out‐Migration
Authors: Massey Douglas S. , Williams Nathalie , Axinn William G. , Ghimire Dirgha J.
Published: October 2009

This paper investigates the relationship between changing community context and out‐migration in one of today’s poor countries, seeking to document the various mechanisms by which infrastructure affects the migratory behavior. We focus on the expansion of social and physical facilities and services near to rural people’s homes, including transportation, new markets, employment, schools, health clinics, and mass media outlets such as movie halls. We draw upon detailed data from Nepal to estimate the hypothesized effects. The direct effects of expanding economic and human capital infrastructure are clearly negative, reducing out‐migration. However, increased economic infrastructure is associated with a greater accumulation of human and social capital among respondents and their parents. Through these intervening mechanisms, economic and social infrastructure increased the odds of migrating out. These results reveal the often countervailing nature of short‐ and long‐term effects of economic and social change, and the complex pathways influencing migration outcomes.
Area and family effects on the psychopathology of the Millennium Cohort Study children and their older siblings
Authors: Flouri Eirini , Tzavidis Nikos , Kallis Constantinos
Published: October 2009

Background:  To model and compare contextual (area and family) effects on the psychopathology of children nested in families nested in areas.

Method:  Data from the first two sweeps of the UK’s Millennium Cohort Study were used. The final study sample was 9,630 children clustered in 6,052 families clustered in 1,681 Lower‐layer Super Output Areas. The mean age of the children at Sweep 2 was 4.96 (SD = 2.76) years. Contextual risk was measured at area level with the Index of Multiple Deprivation (Sweep 1), and at family level with the number of proximal (Sweep 2) and distal (Sweep 1) adverse life events experienced. Psychopathology was measured at Sweep 2 with the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire.

Results:  At baseline, both proximal and distal family risk and area risk predicted broad psychopathology, although the most parsimonious was the proximal family risk model, and both the family‐level and the area‐level variability were significant. The area risk/broad psychopathology association remained significant even when family risk was controlled, but not when family socioeconomic status was controlled. The full model added parenting and paternal and maternal psychopathology. When parental qualifications were excluded from the family‐level contextual controls the effect of area risk remained significant on both externalizing and internalizing psychopathology.

Conclusions:  The effect of area on child psychopathology operated via the socioeconomic characteristics of the child’s family, not just the adverse characteristics of the neighbors. Multiple family risk predicted child psychopathology directly and independently, and not because it was associated with family socioeconomic status. Family socioeconomic status explained the association between area risk and broad psychopathology.
Diurnal cortisol secretion at home and in child care: a prospective study of 2‐year‐old toddlers
Authors: Ouellet‐Morin Isabelle , Tremblay Richard E. , Boivin Michel , Meaney Michael , Kramer Michael , Côté Sylvana M.
Published: October 2009

Background:  Previous studies indicate that children may experience disrupted cortisol secretion in child care. The extent to which this is a transient or long‐term disruption is not known, as most studies have relied on cross‐sectional designs, and age‐heterogeneous small sample sizes. This study aims to (a) compare cortisol secretion measured at home and in child care at 2 and 3 years of age, (b) investigate cortisol changes from 2 to 3 years of age, (c) examine whether age at initiation of child care is associated with cortisol secretion, and (d) investigate whether cortisol secretion in child care is linked to behavioural problems.

Methods:  Saliva samples were collected in a cohort of children recruited at 2 years of age from a larger population sample composed of women seen for the first time during pregnancy. Saliva was sampled twice a day (morning and afternoon) over two consecutive days at home and in child care at 2 (n = 155) and 3 years of age (n = 116). Interviews regarding the familial socioeconomic background and child care history were conducted with the mothers.

Results:  At 2 years of age, children showed a flat diurnal cortisol pattern in child care and a decreasing pattern at home. At age 3 years, children showed decreasing patterns both at home and in child care. Also at 3 years, children with less child care experience (i.e., entry after 16 months) had higher cortisol levels in child care and lower levels at home. In contrast, those with more experience (i.e., entry prior to 8 months) had lower cortisol in child care and higher cortisol at home.

Conclusion:  The different patterns of diurnal secretion observed in child care as compared to home is transient for most children, diminishing as they get older, whereas home and child care overall levels later on may be influenced by the cumulated experience with child care.
Cholesterol metabolism and transport in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Martins Ian J. , Berger Tamar , Sharman Matthew J. , Verdile Giuseppe , Fuller Stephanie J. , Martins Ralph N.
Published: October 2009

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder, affecting millions of people worldwide. Apart from age, the major risk factor identified so far for the sporadic form of AD is possession of the ɛ4 allele of apolipoprotein E (APOE), which is also a risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD). Other apolipoproteins known to play an important role in CAD such as apolipoprotein B are now gaining attention for their role in AD as well. AD and CAD share other risk factors, such as altered cholesterol levels, particularly high levels of low density lipoproteins together with low levels of high density lipoproteins. Statins – drugs that have been used to lower cholesterol levels in CAD, have been shown to protect against AD, although the protective mechanism(s) involved are still under debate. Enzymatic production of the beta amyloid peptide, the peptide thought to play a major role in AD pathogenesis, is affected by membrane cholesterol levels. In addition, polymorphisms in several proteins and enzymes involved in cholesterol and lipoprotein transport and metabolism have been linked to risk of AD. Taken together, these findings provide strong evidence that changes in cholesterol metabolism are intimately involved in AD pathogenic processes. This paper reviews cholesterol metabolism and transport, as well as those aspects of cholesterol metabolism that have been linked with AD.
Microglial phagocytosis attenuated by short‐term exposure to exogenous ATP through P2X7receptor action
Authors: Fang Kuan‐Min , Yang Chung‐Shi , Sun Synthia H. , Tzeng Shun‐Fen
Published: October 2009

Microglia, the CNS resident macrophages responsible for the clearance of degenerating cellular fragments, are essential to tissue remodeling and repair after CNS injury. ATP can be released in large amounts after CNS injury and may mediate microglial activity through the ionotropic P2X and the metabotropic P2Y receptors. This study indicates that exposure to a high concentration of ATP for 30 min rapidly induces changes of the microglial cytoskeleton, and significantly attenuates microglial phagocytosis. A pharmacological approach showed that ATP‐induced inhibition of microglial phagocytotic activity was due to P2X7R activation, rather than that of P2YR. Activation of P2X7R by its agonist, 2′‐3′‐O‐(4‐benzoyl)benzoyl‐ATP (BzATP), produced a Ca2+‐independent reduction in microglial phagocytotic activity. In addition, the knockdown of P2X7R expression by lentiviral‐mediated shRNA interference or the blockade of P2X7R activation by the specific antagonists, oxidized ATP (oxATP) and brilliant blue G, has efficiently restored the phagocytotic activity of ATP and BzATP‐treated microglia. Our results reveal that P2X7R activation may induce the formation of a Ca2+‐independent signaling complex, which results in the reduction of microglial phagocytosis. This suggests that exposure to ATP for a short‐term period may cause insufficient clearance of tissue debris by microglia through P2X7R activation after CNS injury, and that blockade of this receptor may preserve the phagocytosis of microglia and facilitate CNS tissue repair.
Down‐regulation of lipocalin 2 contributes to chemoresistance in glioblastoma cells
Authors: Zheng Long Tai , Lee Shinrye , Yin Guo Nan , Mori Kiyoshi , Suk Kyoungho
Published: October 2009

Malignant gliomas are the most common primary brain tumor and have a poor clinical prognosis. 1, 3‐Bis (2‐chloroethyl)‐1‐nitrosourea (BCNU) is an alkylating agent that is commonly used in glioma therapy. However, BCNU chemotherapy often fails due to drug resistance. To gain better understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying the drug resistance of glioma, a BCNU‐resistant variant (C6R) of C6 rat glioma cells was selected and characterized. The established C6R cells were resistant to BCNU‐induced cell death and cell cycle arrest as confirmed by 3‐(4, 5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2, 5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide reduction assay and flow cytometric analysis of DNA content. C6R cells showed an increased expression of common drug resistance‐related genes such as O6‐methylguanine‐DNA methyltransferase and multiple drug resistance 1. In contrast, C6R cells showed a decreased expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein, therefore, displaying shorter cellular processes compared with parental C6 cells. More importantly, in conjunction with the morphological changes, the expression of lipocalin‐2 (lcn2), a 25‐kDa secreted proapoptotic protein, was markedly reduced in the BCNU‐resistant C6R cells. However, there was no significant change in the expression of lcn2 receptors. Addition of recombinant LCN2 protein or introduction of lcn2 cDNA significantly increased the sensitivity of C6 cells and human glioma cells to BCNU or other anticancer drugs, while knockdown of lcn2 expression by antisense cDNA transfection decreased the sensitivity. When lcn2 was re‐expressed in C6R cells, the BCNU sensitivity was restored. Lcn2 enhanced BCNU‐induced Akt dephosphorylation providing a molecular basis of apoptosis sensitization. These results suggest that LCN2 protein may be involved in glioma drug resistance and may provide a new approach to sensitizing glioblastoma to chemotherapy.
α‐Synuclein modulation of Ca2+signaling in human neuroblastoma (SH‐SY5Y) cells
Authors: Hettiarachchi Nishani T. , Parker Andrew , Dallas Mark L. , Pennington Kyla , Hung Chao‐Chun , Pearson Hugh A. , Boyle John P. , Robinson Philip , Peers Chris
Published: October 2009

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized in part by the presence of α‐synuclein (α‐syn) rich intracellular inclusions (Lewy bodies). Mutations and multiplication of the α‐synuclein gene (SNCA) are associated with familial PD. Since Ca2+dyshomeostasis may play an important role in the pathogenesis of PD, we used fluorimetry in fura‐2 loaded SH‐SY5Y cells to monitor Ca2+homeostasis in cells stably transfected with either wild‐type α‐syn, the A53T mutant form, the S129D phosphomimetic mutant or with empty vector (which served as control). Voltage‐gated Ca2+influx evoked by exposure of cells to 50 mM K+was enhanced in cells expressing all three forms of α‐syn, an effect which was due specifically to increased Ca2+entry via L‐type Ca2+channels. Mobilization of Ca2+by muscarine was not strikingly modified by any of the α‐syn forms, but they all reduced capacitative Ca2+entry following store depletion caused either by muscarine or thapsigargin. Emptying of stores with cyclopiazonic acid caused similar rises of [Ca2+]iin all cells tested (with the exception of the S129D mutant), and mitochondrial Ca2+content was unaffected by any form of α‐synuclein. However, only WT α‐syn transfected cells displayed significantly impaired viability. Our findings suggest that α‐syn regulates Ca2+entry pathways and, consequently, that abnormal α‐syn levels may promote neuronal damage through dysregulation of Ca2+homeostasis.
Amyloid β serves as an NGF‐like neurotrophic factor or acts as a NGF antagonist depending on its concentration
Authors: Arevalo Maria‐Ángeles , Roldan Pedro M. , Chacón Pedro J. , Rodríguez‐Tebar Alfredo
Published: October 2009

In the nervous system, both the shape and connectivity of neurons are strongly influenced by soluble, extracellular factors. Indeed, we recently demonstrated that after binding to p75NTR, the common neurotrophin receptor, nerve growth factor (NGF) controls the morphology and connectivity of cultured mouse hippocampal neurons by encouraging the production of fewer yet longer dendrites, and by augmenting GABAergic connectivity. These effects of NGF are mediated by the differential expression of Enhancer‐of‐split 1/5 homologs and neurogenin 3. Amyloid β (Aβ), a pathogenic agent in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is known to bind to p75NTR, hence we studied its influence on cultured hippocampal neurons. At 800 nM, Aβ(1–40) prevents NGF‐induced activation of NF‐κB and consequently, it depresses the expression of Enhancer‐of‐split 1. Thus, at this concentration, the effect of Aβ on neurons is antagonistic to those provoked by NGF and accordingly, neurons sprout more yet shorter dendrites and their GABAergic input decreases. In contrast, at lower concentration, 20 nM, the amyloid induces cellular effects similar to those induced by NGF, both in terms of gene expression, neuronal morphology, and GABAergic connectivity. Our results demonstrate that Aβ may act as a neurotrophic factor that mimics the activity of NGF. However, at higher concentrations, the amyloid behaves as an antagonist of NGF, contributing to the advent of AD.
Relative positioning of diazepam in the benzodiazepine‐binding‐pocket of GABAAreceptors
Authors: Tan Kelly R. , Baur Roland , Charon Sébastien , Goeldner Maurice , Sigel Erwin
Published: October 2009

GABAAreceptors are the major inhibitory neurotransmitter receptors in the brain. Some of them are targets of benzodiazepines that are widely used in clinical practice for their sedative/hypnotic, anxiolytic, muscle relaxant and anticonvulsant effects. In order to rationally separate these different drug actions, we need to understand the interaction of such compounds with the benzodiazepine‐binding pocket. With this aim, we mutated residues located in the benzodiazepine‐binding site individually to cysteine. These mutated receptors were combined with benzodiazepine site ligands carrying a cysteine reactive group in a defined position. Proximal apposition of reaction partners will lead to a covalent reaction. We describe here such proximity‐accelerated chemical coupling reactions of α1S205C and α1T206C with a diazepam derivative modified at the C‐3 position with a reactive isothiocyanate group (–NCS). We also provide new data that identify α1H101C and α1N102C as exclusive sites of the reaction of a diazepam derivative where the –Cl atom is replaced by a –NCS group. Based on these observations we propose a relative positioning of diazepam within the benzodiazepine‐binding site of α1β2γ2receptors.
Coping with myocardial infarction: evaluation of a coping questionnaire
Authors: Brink Eva , Persson Lars‐Olof , Karlson Björn W.
Published: October 2009

The negative effects of emotional distress on the recovery following myocardial infarction make it important to study coping strategies in this situation. The present study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties and the validity of a 10 dimensions questionnaire labelled The General Coping Questionnaire (GCQ). The structure of the questionnaire was based on a previous interview study with 26 persons with different diseases. The 10 dimensions are called self‐trust, problem‐reducing actions, change of values, social trust, minimization, fatalism, resignation, protest, isolation and intrusion. The present study comprised 114 first‐time myocardial infarction patients (37 women, 77 men). Five months after myocardial infarction, they answered questions about health‐related quality of life, health complaints, sense of coherence and the GCQ. A multi‐trait/multi‐item analysis showed good item‐scale convergent and discriminatory validity when the GCQ was reduced from 47 to 40 items. In conclusion, the results showed that the 40‐item GCQ is a well‐structured and reliable questionnaire for measuring coping strategies in myocardial infarction patients.
Maturation increases early reproductive investment in Adélie Penguins Pygoscelis adeliae
Authors: POLITO MICHAEL J. , MILLER AILEEN K. , TRIVELPIECE SUSAN G. , TRIVELPIECE WAYNE Z.
Published: October 2009

Correlations between female investment in egg production and age, breeding experience and laying date have been reported in several seabird species. In general, clutch and egg sizes increase with female age and breeding experience but decrease with laying date. Positive correlations of clutch and egg size with age and breeding experience can be caused by an increase in reproductive investment with maturation or they may be an artefact of lower survival rates for individuals with poor‐quality phenotypes. Negative correlations of clutch and egg size with laying date might signal an adaptive reduction in egg production or be due in part to variation among individuals. We examined the interactions of female age, breeding experience, laying date and clutch and egg size in Adélie Penguins Pygoscelis adeliae. Breeding experience strongly affected clutch size with 87.3% of all one‐egg clutches laid by first‐time breeders. In addition, increasing age had a positive influence on egg size and was associated with earlier laying dates. However, there was little evidence to suggest that either clutch or egg sizes are influenced by laying date. Laying dates and clutch and egg sizes did not affect a female’s probability of returning to breed in the following year, indicating that increased investment is a product of maturation and not of the loss of poor‐quality breeders from the population. Our results suggest that as female Adélie Penguins gain foraging and breeding experience they are able to initiate breeding earlier, to lay complete clutches of two eggs and to lay larger eggs.