bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The colony structure and reproductive biology of the afrotropical Mashona mole‐rat, Cryptomys darlingi
Authors: Bennett N. C. , Jarvis J. U. M. , Cotterill F. P. D.
Published: July 2009

Cryptomys darlingi occurs in the mesic Miombo woodland of north‐eastem Zimbabwe. It occurs in colonies of up to nine individuals, in which reproduction is limited to one of the largest males and the largest female in the colony.

Reproduction and details of colony size and number of breeding animals in a colony are described for five complete field‐captured colonies.

In captivity, mating is not confined to a particular season, and up to three litters of pups are orn per annum. The reproductive female initiates the pre‐copulatory behaviour. The gestation lengti is 56–61 days (n = 2). The new‐born pups are altricial and litter size is small x̄ = 1.7 ± 0.5 (n = 6). In this case, the pups first left the nest 10 days after birth, began to eat solids when 14 days old, and were fully weaned at five weeks. They began to spar with each other when 36–40 days old, but did not disperse and were incorporated into the colony. This suggests that the Mashona mole‐rat colonies are composed of a founding pair and at least three successive litters of pups.
Differential effects of pH and temperature on embryonic development in the British newts (Triturus)
Authors: Griffithsand R. A. , Wijer P. de
Published: July 2009

Changes in the water quality and temperature relationships of ponds may affect the structure of amphibian assemblages. The survival, time to hatching, hatching size and hatching stage of newt embryos were studied in the three British species (Triturus cristatus, T. helveticus and T. vulgaris), at two temperatures and two pHs. All T. cristatus embryos failed to hatch at pH 4.5, whereas over 80% of T. helveticus and T. vulgaris embryos hatched successfully at the same pH. At pH 7.5, T. cristatus survival was the same as the other two species, after the 50% mortality due to the homomorphism of chromosome 1 was taken into account. Temperature had no effect on survival of embryos. Time to hatching was two to four times longer at 12°C than at 17°C. Low pH shortened development time in T. vulgaris but not in T. helveticus. Low pH, but not temperature, affected size at hatching, with T. helveticus and T. vulgaris embryos emerging at a smaller size and earlier stage of development under acidic conditions. This reduction of size at low pH affected T. vulgaris more than T. helveticus. We predict that T. cristatus embryos will be the most vulnerable of the three species to acidification in nature. Warm ponds will result in rapid embryonic development, but T. helveticus and T. vulgaris larvae hatching in acid ponds will do so at a smaller size and earlier stage of development. The pattern of vulnerability to acidification within amphibian assemblages may change during ontogeny.
The Vanishing Free Market: The Formation and Spread of the British and US Food Regimes
Authors: WINDERS BILL
Published: July 2009

In this paper, I compare the formation of food regimes during British and US hegemony, which were mirror‐images in terms of the degree of free trade and state regulation as well as the direction of trade flow of grains. Many scholars recognize that the foundation for each regime was laid by the national policy and dominant political coalition in the world‐economic hegemon, but my analysis pays particular attention to the divisions and coalitions within agriculture as forces that drove the shape of each regime. Though important agricultural divisions existed in each case, the political power of the resulting agricultural coalitions – and those coalitions' relations to the nation's dominant coalition – are central to understanding the formation and spread of each food regime.
The MST and the EZLN Struggle for Land: New Forms of Peasant Rebellions
Authors: VERGARA‐CAMUS LEANDRO
Published: July 2009

In this article, the author reviews some of the conclusions of the literature on peasant rebellions in the light of current land struggles of the Landless Rural Workers' Movement (MST) in Brazil and the Zapatista Army of National Liberation (EZLN) in Chiapas, Mexico. The author argues that conventional explanations of peasant rebellions are inappropriate for the analysis of current land struggles in Latin America in the midst of the process of neoliberal globalization. Neither struggle can be characterized as ‘quasi‐feudal’, nor as conservative reactions, but instead should be interpreted as attempts to create a basis for self‐subsistence and autonomy. Consequently, the author proposes Marx's concept of alienated labour as an alternative explanatory concept, because it highlights one of the main objectives of the members of the MST and the EZLN, which is the control over their livelihood through a struggle for their re‐peasantization.
Nitroxyl exacerbates ischemic cerebral injury and oxidative neurotoxicity
Authors: Choe Chi‐un , Lewerenz Jan , Fischer Gerry , Uliasz Tracy F. , Espey Michael Graham , Hummel Friedhelm C. , King Stephen Bruce , Schwedhelm Edzard , Böger Rainer H. , Gerloff Christian , Hewett Sandra J. , Magnus Tim , Donzelli Sonia
Published: July 2009

Nitroxyl (HNO) donor compounds function as potent vasorelaxants, improve myocardial contractility and reduce ischemia‐reperfusion injury in the cardiovascular system. With respect to the nervous system, HNO donors have been shown to attenuate NMDA receptor activity and neuronal injury, suggesting that its production may be protective against cerebral ischemic damage. Hence, we studied the effect of the classical HNO‐donor, Angeli’s salt (AS), on a cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury in a mouse model of experimental stroke and on relatedin vitroparadigms of neurotoxicity. I.p. injection of AS (40 μmol/kg) in mice prior to middle cerebral artery occlusion exacerbated cortical infarct size and worsened the persistent neurological deficit. AS not only decreased systolic blood pressure, but also induced systemic oxidative stressin vivoindicated by increased isoprostane levels in urine and serum.In vitro, neuronal damage induced by oxygen‐glucose‐deprivation of mature neuronal cultures was exacerbated by AS, although there was no direct effect on glutamate excitotoxicity. Finally, AS exacerbated oxidative glutamate toxicity – that is, cell death propagated via oxidative stress in immature neurons devoid of ionotropic glutamate receptors. Taken together, our data indicate that HNO might worsen cerebral ischemia‐reperfusion injury by increasing oxidative stress and decreasing brain perfusion at concentrations shown to be cardioprotectivein vivo.
Zn(II)‐ and Cu(II)‐induced non‐fibrillar aggregates of amyloid‐β (1–42) peptide are transformed to amyloid fibrils, both spontaneously and under the influence of metal chelators
Authors: Tõugu Vello , Karafin Ann , Zovo Kairit , Chung Roger S. , Howells Claire , West Adrian K. , Palumaa Peep
Published: July 2009

Aggregation of amyloid‐β (Aβ) peptides is a central phenomenon in Alzheimer’s disease. Zn(II) and Cu(II) have profound effects on Aβ aggregation; however, their impact on amyloidogenesis is unclear. Here we show that Zn(II) and Cu(II) inhibit Aβ42 fibrillization and initiate formation of non‐fibrillar Aβ42 aggregates, and that the inhibitory effect of Zn(II) (IC50 = 1.8 μmol/L) is three times stronger than that of Cu(II). Medium and high‐affinity metal chelators including metallothioneins prevented metal‐induced Aβ42 aggregation. Moreover, their addition to preformed aggregates initiated fast Aβ42 fibrillization. Upon prolonged incubation the metal‐induced aggregates also transformed spontaneously into fibrils, that appear to represent the most stable state of Aβ42. H13A and H14A mutations in Aβ42 reduced the inhibitory effect of metal ions, whereas an H6A mutation had no significant impact. We suggest that metal binding by H13 and H14 prevents the formation of a cross‐β core structure within region 10–23 of the amyloid fibril. Cu(II)‐Aβ42 aggregates were neurotoxic to neurons in vitro only in the presence of ascorbate, whereas monomers and Zn(II)‐Aβ42 aggregates were non‐toxic. Disturbed metal homeostasis in the vicinity of zinc‐enriched neurons might pre‐dispose formation of metal‐induced Aβ aggregates, subsequent fibrillization of which can lead to amyloid formation. The molecular background underlying metal‐chelating therapies for Alzheimer’s disease is discussed in this light.
Suicidal Behaviour Among Youth in Five Public Sectors of Care
Authors: Chavira Denise A. , Accurso Erin C. , Garland Ann F. , Hough Richard
Published: July 2009

Background:  Rates of suicidal ideation and behaviours as well as associated risk factors are examined among youth recruited from five public sectors of care (i.e. child welfare, juvenile justice, special education services, alcohol and drug services, and county mental health).

Method:  1057 youth (ages 11–18) completed a diagnostic interview and questionnaires assessing relevant suicide risk factors at baseline and 2‐year follow‐up.

Results:  While past year thoughts about death (28%) and talking about killing oneself (7.1%) were comparable to community norms, rates of lifetime suicide attempts (20.1%) were considerably higher in this sample. However, youth in the special education sector reported significantly more suicidal thoughts and behaviours relative to the other sectors. In multivariate analyses, longitudinal predictors of suicidality included major depression, female gender, and involvement in the special education sector.

Conclusions:  Efforts to implement screening and evidence based interventions for depression and suicide in the public sector, particularly special education services, are necessary.
The Potentials and Limitations of Civil Society Research: Getting Undone Science Done
Authors: Hess David J.
Published: July 2009

The term “undone science” refers to absences of scientific research that social movement and other civil society organizations find when attempting to make epistemic claims in the political field. The existing literature has identified various pathways for addressing the knowledge needs of civil society organizations, including asking elected and appointed political leaders to shift funding priorities and directly seeking support and partnerships with scientists. Here, a third pathway is identified and explored: civil society organizations that have the resources to fund their own research. A sample of such “civil society research” from large, mainstream, U.S. environmental organizations demonstrates that although the large organizations do engage in such research, most of it is not published in peer‐reviewed journals. The peer‐reviewed research is found almost exclusively in large preservation and conservation organizations that have staffs of scientists. Most of the other research reports are oriented toward documenting environmental problems and providing policy and management solutions. The research is highly applied and does not represent fundamental contributions to large mainstream scientific fields. Comparisons with civil society research in the author's previous research projects on religion, health, and economic development are discussed to assess applicability of the concept for other sociological subfields.
Current management of hepatitis B virus infection before and after liver transplantation
Authors: Papatheodoridis George V. , Cholongitas Evangelos , Archimandritis Athanasios J. , Burroughs Andrew K.
Published: July 2009

The progress in treatment against hepatitis B virus (HBV) has substantially improved the outcome of all HBV‐infected patients. We systematically reviewed the existing data in the management of HBV transplant patients in order to assess the optimal regimen in the pretransplant setting, for post‐transplant prophylaxis and for therapy of HBV recurrent infection. All data suggest that an effective pretransplant anti‐HBV therapy prevents post‐transplant HBV recurrence. Pretransplant therapy has been based on lamivudine with addition of adefovir upon lamivudine resistance, but the use of newer, potent high‐genetic barrier agents is expected to improve long‐term efficacy. Moreover, it may lead to improvement of liver function, which sometimes removes the need for transplantation, although more objective criteria for removal from waiting lists are required. After liver transplantation, the combination of HBV immunoglobulin and one nucleos(t)ide analogue, mostly lamivudine, is currently the best approach, almost eliminating the probability of HBV recurrence. Treatment of post‐transplant HBV recurrence has been mainly studied with lamivudine, but it will be most effective with entecavir and tenofovir, which have a low risk of resistance. In conclusion, the newer anti‐HBV agents improve the treatment of HBV both pretransplant and post‐transplant. HBV immunoglobulin is still used in combination with an anti‐HBV agent for post‐transplant prophylaxis. Monoprophylaxis with one of the new anti‐HBV agents might be possible, particularly in patients preselected as having a low risk of HBV recurrence, but further data are needed and strategies to ensure compliance must be used.
A New Pulsatile Volumetric Device With Biomorphic Valves for the In Vitro Study of the Cardiovascular System
Authors: Lanzarone Ettore , Vismara Riccardo , Fiore Gianfranco B.
Published: July 2009

A pulsatile mock loop system was designed and tested. This prototype represents a versatile, adjustable, and controllable experimental apparatus for in vitro studies of devices meant to interface with the human circulatory system. The pumping system consisted of a ventricular chamber featuring two biomorphic silicone valves as the inlet and outlet valves. The chamber volume is forced by a piston pump moved by a computer‐controlled, low‐inertia motor. Fluid dynamic tests with the device were performed to simulate physiological conditions in terms of cardiac output (mean flow of 5 and 6 L/min, with beat rates from 60 to 80 bpm), of rheological properties of the processed fluid, and of systemic circulation impedance. The pulsating actuator performed a good replication of the physiological ventricular behavior and was able to guarantee easy control of the waveform parameters. Experimental pressure and flow tracings reliably simulated the physiological profiles, and no hemolytic subatmospheric pressures were revealed. The performance of the prototype valves was also studied in terms of dynamic and static backflow, effective orifice area, and pressure loss, resulting in their applicability for this device. Mechanical reliability was also tested over 8 h. The device proved to be a reliable lab apparatus for in vitro tests; the pumping system also represents a first step toward a possible future application of pulsating perfusion in the clinic arena, such as in short‐term cardiac assist and pulsatile cardiopulmonary bypass.
Is Hemicrania Continua a Single Entity or the Association of Two Headache Forms? Considerations From a Case Report
Authors: Allena Marta , Tassorelli Christina , Sances Grazia , Guaschino Elena , Sandrini Giorgio , Nappi Giuseppe , Antonaci Fabios
Published: July 2009

Hemicrania continua (HC) belongs to the group of primary headaches and it is characterized by a strictly unilateral, continuous headache of moderate intensity, with superimposed exacerbations of severe intensity that are accompanied by trigeminal autonomic features. The syndrome is completely responsive to indomethacin. Here we report a case of a 49‐year‐old man with HC, which may be viewed as a combination of different types of headache, ie, chronic tension‐type headache and  trigeminal autonomic cephalalgia. The analysis of this case raises interesting issues regarding the proper place of HC among the primary headache forms.
Control and Out‐of‐Sample Validation of Dependent Risks
Authors: Gourieroux Christian , Liu Wei
Published: July 2009

Abstract

This article introduces a framework to determine and allocate capital reserves to multiple dependent business lines, with or without overall reserve level constraints. The proposed methodology emphasizes the role of the loss function in the validation criterion and its conditional interpretation. Univariate and multivariate examples are discussed in detail.
Hybrid Cat Bonds
Authors: Barrieu Pauline , Loubergé Henri
Published: July 2009

Abstract

Natural catastrophes attract regularly the media attention and have become a source of public concern. From a financial viewpoint, they represent idiosyncratic risks, diversifiable at the world level. But for various reasons, reinsurance markets are unable to cope with this risk completely. Insurance‐linked securities, such as catastrophe (cat) bonds, have been issued to complete the international risk transfer process, but their development is disappointing so far. This article argues that downside risk aversion and ambiguity aversion explain their limited success. Hybrid cat bonds, combining the transfer of cat risk with protection against a stock market crash, are proposed to complete the market. The article shows that replacing simple cat bonds with hybrid cat bonds would lead to an increase in market volume.
Ethnoscaping Canada's boreal forest: liberal whiteness and its disaffiliation from colonial space
Authors: BALDWIN ANDREW
Published: July 2009

This essay examines the construction of Canada's boreal forest from the point of view of critical whiteness studies. Through an evaluation of two texts—a film and a book—produced in conjunction with a 2003–2004 environmental campaign, it argues that the boreal forest is constructed as a white ethnoscape and that, as a result, boreal forest conservation comes to be associated with ‘white’ identity, although by no means exclusively so, and certainly not without significant contradictions. The essay deploys Robyn Wiegman's notion of liberal whiteness to argue that liberal white subjectivity is cultivated in these texts by its self‐conscious distancing, or disaffiliation, from colonial spatial practices. It is argued that this distancing is achieved through the active inclusion of First Nations peoples in the texts such that the boreal forest is constructed as a socio‐natural working landscape. Liberal white disaffiliation is explored through three specific tropes: inclusion, inverted racial historicism and economic partnership.
New Pharmacological Strategies for the Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Burashnikov Alexander , Antzelevitch Charles
Published: July 2009

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a growing clinical problem, increasing in prevalence as the population of the United States and countries around the world ages. Intensive research aimed at improving prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of AF is ongoing. Although the use and efficacy of catheter ablation‐based approaches in AF treatment have increased significantly in the last decade, pharmacological agents remain the first‐line therapy for rhythm management of AF. Currently available anti‐AF agents are generally only moderately effective and associated with extracardiac toxicity and/or a risk for development of life‐threatening ventricular arrhythmias. Included among current investigational strategies for improving the effectiveness and safety of anti‐AF drugs is the development of (1) Agents that produce atrial‐specific or predominant inhibition of IKur, IK‐ACh, or INa; (2) “Upstream therapies” that effect nonion channel targets that reduce atrial structural remodeling, hypertrophy, dilatation, inflammation, oxidative injury, etc; (3) Derivatives of “old” anti‐AF drugs with an improved safety pharmacological profile; and (4) Gap junction therapy aimed at improving conduction without affecting sodium channels. This review focuses on new pharmacological approaches under investigation for the treatment of AF.
Altered Interatrial Conduction Detected in MADIT II Patients Bound to Develop Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Holmqvist Fredrik , Platonov Pyotr G. , Carlson Jonas , Zareba Wojciech , Moss Arthur J. ,   for the MADIT II Investigators
Published: July 2009

Background: Changes in P‐wave morphology have recently been shown to be associated with interatrial conduction route used, without noticeable changes of P‐wave duration. This study aimed at exploring the association between P‐wave morphology and future atrial fibrillation (AF) development in the Multicenter Automatic Defibrillator Trial II (MADIT II) population.

Methods: Patients included in MADIT‐II without a history of AF with sinus rhythm at baseline who developed AF during the study (“Pre‐AF”) were compared to matched controls without AF development (“No‐AF”). Patients were followed for a mean of 20 months. A 10‐minute high‐resolution bipolar ECG recording was obtained at baseline. Signal‐averaged P waves were analyzed to determine orthogonal P‐wave morphology, P‐wave duration, and RMS20. The P‐wave morphology was subsequently classified into one of three predefined types using an automated algorithm.

Results: Thirty patients (age 68 ± 7 years) who developed AF during MADIT‐II were compared with 60 patients (age 68 ± 8 years) who did not. P‐wave duration and RMS20 in the Pre‐AF group was not significantly different from the No‐AF group (143 ± 21 vs 139 ± 30 ms, P = 0.26, and 2.0 ± 1.3 vs 2.1 ± 1.0 μV, P = 0.90). The distribution of P‐wave morphologies was shifted away from Type 1 in the Pre‐AF group when compared to the No‐AF group (Type 1/2/3/atypical; 25/60/0/15% vs 10/63/10/17%, P = 0.04).

Conclusions: This study is the first to describe changes in P‐wave morphology in patients prior to AF development. The results indicate that abnormal interatrial conduction may play a role in AF development in patients with prior myocardial infarction and congestive heart failure.
Scripted Urbanity in the Canadian North
Authors: Daveluy Michelle , Ferguson Jenanne
Published: July 2009

In Canadian northern settlements terms pertaining to traffic are created in local languages. We assess the positioning of languages in public space in northern landscapes through evidence from Nunavik in Northeastern Canada. We argue that the co‐existence of scripts is as relevant as language choice when creating road signs in the Canadian North and show how multigraphic signs, in particular the use of multiple scripts for a single language, make an international (circumpolar) debate about language tangible at the community level. Stop signs and streetname signs complement each other, illustrating language use, language politics and cultural identity among Canadian Inuit. [multilingualism, writing systems, language politics, circumpolar world, Canadian Inuit]
Forbidden intimacies: Christian–Muslim intermarriage in East Kalimantan, Indonesia
Authors: CONNOLLY JENNIFER
Published: July 2009

As a disadvantaged minority, Dayaks have turned to Christianity as a way to maintain their ethnic identity in the face of threats from their Muslim neighbors. Given Indonesian state policies' compelling conversion in the case of interfaith marriage, most anthropological analyses would attribute the anguish Christian Dayaks experience over such marriages to the threat it poses to their community‐building efforts. But Dayaks themselves anchor their concerns about intermarriage in religious and familial obligations, not in the maintenance of collective religious and ethnic identities. Drawing on the work of Fredrik Barth, I argue that understanding the nature of interfaith marriage and the fears it arouses requires anthropologists to consider not only the macrolevel of state policies and the median level of collective identities but also the more intimate emotional and experiential level of the family and the individual. [marriage, Indonesia, Islam, Christianity, ethnicity]
In Situ X‐Ray Radiography and Tomography Observations of the Solidification of Aqueous Alumina Particle Suspensions—Part I: Initial Instants
Authors: Deville Sylvain , Maire Eric , Lasalle Audrey , Bogner Agnès , Gauthier Catherine , Leloup Jérôme , Guizard Christian
Published: July 2009

This paper investigates by in situ high‐resolution X‐ray radiography and tomography the behavior of colloidal suspensions of alumina partic les during directional solidification by freezing. The combination of these techniques provided both qualitative and quantitative information about the propagation kinetic of the solid/liquid interface, the particle redistribution between the crystals and a particle‐enriched phase, and the three‐dimensional organization of the ice crystals. In this first part of two companion papers, the precursor phenomena leading to directional crystallization during the first instants of solidification are studied. Mullins–Sekerka instabilities are not necessary to explain the dynamic evolution of the interface pattern. Particle redistribution during these first instants is dependent on the type of crystals growing into the suspension. The insights gained into the mechanisms of solidification of colloidal suspensions may be valuable for the materials processing routes derived for this type of directional solidification (freeze‐casting), and of general interest for those interested in the interactions between solidification fronts and inert particles.
Phase Relations in the Pyrochlore‐Rich Part of the Bi2O3−TiO2−Nd2O3 System
Authors: Kunej Špela , Škapin Srečo D. , Suvorov Danilo
Published: July 2009

In this study we used solid‐state synthesis to determine the phase relations in the pyrochlore‐rich part of the Bi2O3−TiO2−Nd2O3 system at 1100°C. The samples were analyzed using X‐ray powder diffraction and scanning electron microscopy with energy‐ and wavelength‐dispersive spectroscopy. A single‐phase pyrochlore ceramic was obtained with the addition of 4.5 mol% of Nd2O3. We determined the solubility limits for the three solid solutions: (i) the pyrochlore solid solution Bi(1.6–1.08x)NdxTi2O(6.4+0.3x), where 0.25<x<0.96; (ii) the solid solution Bi4−xNdxTi3O12, where 0<x<2.6; and (iii) the Nd2−xBixTi2O7 solid solution, where 0<x<0.35. The determined phase relations in the pyrochlore‐rich part are presented in a partial phase diagram of the Bi2O3−TiO2−Nd2O3 system in air at 1100°C.
Risk Factors for Mortality of Bacteremic Patients in the Emergency Department
Authors: Lin Jiun‐Nong , Tsai Yen‐Shuo , Lai Chung‐Hsu , Chen Yen‐Hsu , Tsai Shang‐Shyue , Lin Hsing‐Lin , Huang Chun‐Kai , Lin Hsi‐Hsun
Published: July 2009

Objectives:  Patients with bacteremia have a high mortality and generally require urgent treatment. The authors conducted a study to describe bacteremic patients in emergency departments (EDs) and to identify risk factors for mortality.

Methods:  Bacteremic patients in EDs were identified retrospectively at a university hospital from January 2007 to December 2007. Demographic characteristics, underlying illness, clinical conditions, microbiology, and the source of bacteremia were collected and analyzed for their association with 28‐day mortality.

Results:  During the study period, 621 cases (50.2% male) were included, with a mean (±SD) age of 62.8 (±17.4) years. The most common underlying disease was diabetes mellitus (39.3%). Escherichia coli (39.2%) was the most frequently isolated pathogen. The most common source of bacteremia was urinary tract infection (41.2%), followed by primary bacteremia (13.2%). The overall 28‐day mortality rate was 12.6%. Multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis showed age > 60 years (odds ratio [OR] = 2.52, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.29 to 4.92, p = 0.007), malignancy (OR = 2.66, 95% CI = 1.44 to 4.91, p = 0.002), liver cirrhosis (OR = 2.08, 95% CI = 1.02 to 4.26, p = 0.044), alcohol use (OR = 5.73, 95% CI = 2.10 to 15.63, p = 0.001), polymicrobial bacteremia (OR = 3.99, 95% CI = 1.75 to 9.10, p = 0.001), anemia (OR = 2.33, 95% CI = 1.34 to 4.03, p = 0.003), and sepsis (OR = 1.94, 95% CI = 1.16 to 3.37, p = 0.019) were independent risk factors for 28‐day mortality.

Conclusions:  Bacteremic patients in the ED have a high mortality, particularly with these risk factors. It is important for physicians to recognize the factors that potentially contribute to mortality of bacteremic patients in the ED.
What Difference Does a Robe Make? Comparing Mediators with and without Prior Judicial Experience
Authors: Goldberg Stephen B. , Shaw Margaret L. , Brett Jeanne M.
Published: July 2009

This article reports the results of two studies. The first study, based on the responses of attorneys to questions about the reasons for the success of mediators with and without prior judicial experience, shows that the capacity of the mediator to gain the confidence of the disputants was most important for mediators with and without prior judicial experience. Although certain process skills were viewed as important to the success of both former judges and nonjudges, in general, process skills were significantly more important for nonjudges than for former judges. The capacity to provide useful case evaluations, on the other hand, was significantly more important for former judges than for nonjudges. The second study, based upon attorney responses to questions about unsatisfactory mediators, reinforced the conclusions of the first study regarding the importance of confidence‐building attributes. For both judges and nonjudges, the mediator's inability to gain the confidence of the parties was a major reason for his or her lack of success.
What Makes Parties Trust Mediators?
Authors: Poitras Jean
Published: July 2009

The relationship of trust between mediators and parties is a key element of the mediation process. This article reviews the trust relationship from the parties' perspectives. A qualitative research methodology was used to identify five key factors explaining why parties trust their mediator: degree of mastery over the process, explanation of the process, warmth and consideration, chemistry with the parties, and lack of bias toward either party. The theoretical and practical implications of the results are discussed.
Assessing Empowerment in Divorce Mediation
Authors: Bailey Jo Daugherty , McCarty Dawn
Published: July 2009

The empowerment of disputants is a fundamental concern of mediation research, but empowerment is difficult to measure. This study operationally defines empowerment in a divorce case as an agreed‐upon modification of the Texas Standard Possession Order in the direction of granting more time with the child to the noncustodial parent. Using a cross‐case analysis of mediated and nonmediated divorce cases, this study found that couples that participated in mediation were empowered, not disempowered, in the construction of their visitation arrangements. Implications for measuring empowerment, litigation, and legislative policy are discussed.
Mesenchymal stem cell‐based therapy: a new paradigm in regenerative medicine
Authors: Satija Neeraj Kumar , Singh Vimal Kishor , Verma Yogesh Kumar , Gupta Pallavi , Sharma Shilpa , Afrin Farhat , Sharma Menka , Sharma Pratibha , Tripathi R. P. , Gurudutta G. U.
Published: July 2009

Introduction

Mesenchymal stem cells and its characteristics

Experimental/preclinical MSC‐based studies

Clinical studies

Challenges and future prospects

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), adherent fibroblastoid cells, present in bone marrow and many other tissues can be easily isolated and expanded in vitro. They are capable of differentiating into different cell types such as osteoblasts, chondrocytes, adipocytes, cardiomyocytes, hepatocytes, endothelial cells and neuronal cells. Such immense plasticity coupled with their ability to modulate the activity of immune cells makes them attractive for stem cell‐based therapy aimed at treating previously incurable disorders. Preclinical studies have reported successful use of MSCs for delivering therapeutic proteins and repairing defects in a variety of disease models. These studies highlighted the in vivo potential of MSCs and their ability to home to injury sites and modify the microenvironment by secreting paracrine factors to augment tissue repair. Their therapeutic applicability has been widened by genetic modification to enhance differentiation and tissue targeting, and use in tissue engineering. Clinical trials for diseases such as osteogenesis imperfecta, graft‐versus‐host disease and myocardial infarction have shown some promise, demonstrating the safe use of both allogeneic and autologous cells. However, lack of knowledge of MSC behaviour and responses in vitro and in vivo force the need for basic and animal studies before heading to the clinic. Contrasting reports on immunomodulatory functions and tumorigenicity along with issues such as mode of cell delivery, lack of specific marker, low survival and engraftment require urgent attention to harness the potential of MSC‐based therapy in the near future.
Excess use of coercive measures in psychiatry among migrants compared with native Danes
Authors: Norredam M. , Garcia‐Lopez A. , Keiding N. , Krasnik A.
Published: July 2009

Norredam M, Garcia‐Lopez A, Keiding N, Krasnik A. Excess use of coercive measures in psychiatry among migrants compared with native Danes.

Objective:  To investigate differences in risk of compulsory admission and other coercive measures in psychiatric emergencies among refugees and immigrants compared with that among native Danes.

Method:  A register‐based retrospective cohort design. All refugees (n = 29 174) and immigrants (n = 33 287) who received residence permission in Denmark from 1.1.1993 to 31.12.1999 were included and matched 1 : 4 on age and sex with native Danes. Civil registration numbers were cross‐linked to the Danish Psychiatric Central Register and the Registry of Coercive Measures in Psychiatric Treatment.

Results:  Refugees (RR = 1.82; 95%CI: 1.45; 2.29) and immigrants (RR = 1.14; 95%CI: 0.83; 1.56) experienced higher rates of compulsory admissions than did native Danes. This was most striking for refugee men (RR = 2.00; 95%CI: 1.53; 2.61) and immigrant women (RR = 1.73; 95%CI: 1.45; 2.60). Moreover, refugees and immigrants experienced higher frequencies of other coercive measures during hospitalisation compared with native Danes.

Conclusion:  Coercive measures in psychiatry are more likely to be experienced by migrants than by native Danes.
Immunohistochemical expression of SPARC is correlated with recurrence, survival and malignant potential in meningiomas
Authors: BOZKURT SUHEYLA UYAR , AYAN ERDOGAN , BOLUKBASI FATIHHAN , ELMACI ILHAN , PAMIR NECMETTIN , SAV AYDIN
Published: July 2009

Meningioma is a common neoplasm that constitutes almost 30% of all primary central nervous system tumors and is associated with inconsistent clinical outcomes. The extracellular matrix proteins play a crucial role in meningioma cell biology and are important in tumor cell invasion and in progression to malignancy. SPARC (secreted protein, acidic and rich in cysteine) (osteonectin) is a matricellular glycoprotein that regulates cell function by interacting with different extracellular matrix proteins. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of SPARC with proliferation index, p53 reactivity in WHO grade 1 (benign), grade 2 (atypical) and grade 3 (anaplastic) meningiomas and correlate with clinical features of the patients, including location of the tumor, recurrence of the tumor and survival of patients. We studied 111 meningiomas, 69 being benign, 34 being atypical and eight being anaplastic meningiomas of various histological types. Using immunohistochemical analysis, we evaluated the expression of SPARC, Ki‐67 (MIB‐1) and p53 in meningiomas. Immunohistochemical scores of SPARC were determined as the sum of frequency (0–3) and intensity (0–3) of immunolabeling of the tumor cells. A high immunohistochemical score (4–6) for SPARC was more frequent in atypical and in anaplastic meningiomas than in benign meningiomas (p < 0.01). MIB‐1 proliferation index showed significant association between tumor grades in meningiomas (p < 0.01). At the end of a follow‐up period of 47.53 ± 25.04 months, 30 tumors recurred. A high SPARC expression was significantly associated with tumor recurrence (p = 0.02). The immunoreactivity of p53 protein and MIB‐1 score were significantly higher in recurrent meningiomas than in non‐recurrent meningiomas. The cumulative survival of patients with high SPARC expression was significantly lower than patients with low SPARC expression. The high SPARC expression scores were predominantly identified in meningothelial, fibrous and chordoid meningiomas; low SPARC expression scores were mostly spotted in secretory and psammomatous meningiomas. Evaluating SPARC expression might help assessing recurrence risk and survival estimation in meningiomas.
Evidence that plumage bacteria influence feather coloration and body condition of eastern bluebirdsSialia sialis
Authors: Gunderson Alex R. , Forsyth Mark H. , Swaddle John P.
Published: July 2009

Parasites influence the expression of secondary sexual traits and the health of infected individuals. We set out to test the influence of reputed exogenous parasites, plumage bacteria, including feather‐degrading bacteria (FDB), on secondary sexual characteristics and body condition of wild adult eastern bluebirdsSialia sialis. Previous work has shown that FDB alter the coloration of structurally‐colored bluebird feathersin vitro(Shawkey et al. 2007). In a correlational study of how bacteria affect birds in the wild, we found that female plumage got duller with increasing FDB intensity. Males tended to get brighter with increasing FDB intensity, but the relationship was not significant. We also found significant associations between plumage bacteria intensity and body condition, but, again, with gender‐based differences. Female body condition was negatively associated with plumage bacteria intensity, while male body condition was positively associated with plumage bacteria intensity. Interestingly, plumage bacteria intensity of males and females in nesting pairs was significantly positively correlated. We also report the highest prevalence of FDB measured in a wild bird population, with FDB detected on 67/68 (99%) of individuals. Further work is needed to fully understand the relationships between plumage bacteria and birds, but our data indicate that plumage bacteria may have sex‐dependent effects on multiple phenotypic traits.
Markers of bone destruction and formation and periodontitis in type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Lappin David F. , Eapen Bob , Robertson Douglas , Young Jenny , Hodge Penny J.
Published: July 2009

Aim: To determine plasma concentrations of bone metabolism markers in type 1 diabetes mellitus patients and non‐diabetic and to evaluate the influence of periodontitis on biomarkers of bone formation in these patient groups.

Methods: Plasma concentrations of receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand (RANKL), osteoprotegerin (OPG), C‐terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen and osteocalcin were measured in type 1 diabetes mellitus patients (n=63) and non‐diabetics (n=38) who were also subdivided on the basis of their periodontal status.

Results: Diabetics had significantly lower osteocalcin concentrations, lower RANKL to OPG ratios and higher OPG concentrations (as shown by other researchers) than non‐diabetics. The ratio of RANKL to OPG was altered by the periodontal status. Osteocalcin had a negative correlation and OPG a positive correlation with the percentage of glycated haemoglobin in the blood.

Conclusion: Because, osteocalcin, a biomarker of bone formation, is lower in patients with periodontitis and in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus with and without periodontitis than in non‐diabetics without periodontitis, this might indicate that diabetics are less able to replace bone lost during active bursts of periodontitis and explain the greater severity of disease seen in studies of patients with diabetes.
Morphometric analyses of elastic tissue fibers in dermatofibroma: clues to etiopathogenesis?
Authors: Pongpudpunth Marinya , Keady Michelle , Mahalingam Meera
Published: July 2009

Background: The etiopathogenesis of dermatofibroma (DF), a common benign fibrohistiocytic tumor, is debatable. The goal of this study was to ascertain the density of elastic tissue fibers in DF in an effort to investigate whether this provides an insight into its etiopathogenesis.

Method: Three groups comprising eight cellular DFs, eight paucicellular DFs and eight scars (control group) were stained with a modified Verhoeffs‐van Gieson (without counterstain), and elastic fibers in three randomly selected fields within the lesional area/case semiquantitatively analyzed and examined in a blinded fashion.

Result: The mean density of elastic tissue fibers in cellular DF was 6.81 (1.38–15.89); in paucicellular DF, 2.46 (0.14–5.79) and in scar, 2.95 (0.97–10.69). Overall, significant differences in density of elastic tissue fibers were observed only between cellular DF and the other two groups (vs. paucicellular variant, p = 0.03 and vs. scar, p = 0.05). Morphological changes observed included thickness, clumping, elongation and waviness (cellular DF) and margination of elastic tissue fibers (paucicellular variant).

Conclusion: While the jury still appears to be out regarding the etiopathogenesis of DF, the reduction in density of elastic tissue fibers in the paucicellular variant compared with its cellular counterpart lends credence to the concept of evolutionary stages of DF.
Dermal mucinosis as a sign of venous insufficiency
Authors: Pugashetti Rupa , Zedek Daniel C. , Seiverling Elizabeth V. , Rajendran Priya , Berger Timothy
Published: July 2009

Dermal mucinoses are a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by abnormal deposition of dermal mucin, an amorphous substance composed of hyaluronic acid and sulfated glycosaminoglycans. We describe two cases of dermal mucinosis in the setting of chronic venous insufficiency. Both patients presented with painful, edematous lower extremity plaques. Biopsies of all lesions showed striking dermal mucin deposition, a slight increase in small blood vessel density, slightly thickened vessel walls and no inflammation. Neither patient showed laboratory or clinical findings consistent with a secondary mucinosis such as thyroid dysfunction, lupus erythematosus, dermatomyositis, scleroderma, granuloma annulare, graft‐vs.‐host disease or mucin deposition post‐ultraviolet or photochemotherapy treatment. Both patients were diagnosed with localized cutaneous mucinosis secondary to venous insufficiency. The clinicopathological features of this entity are described, and a pathogenic mechanism is proposed.

Pugashetti R, Zedek DC, Seiverling EV, Rajendran P. Berger T. Dermal mucinosis as a sign of venous insufficiency.
Malignant eccrine spiradenoma: a new case report
Authors: Ben Brahim Ehsen , Sfia Mehdi , Tangour Monia , Makhlouf Ridha , Cribier Bernard , Chatti Samia
Published: July 2009

Malignant eccrine spiradenoma is an extremely rare skin tumor of sweat gland origin. In most cases, it arises in pre‐existing benign eccrine spiradenoma.

We report an additional case of malignant eccrine spiradenoma. The present case is of a 75‐year‐old man with malignant eccrine spiradenoma developed in the right shoulder. He had a 6‐year history of a recurrent mass that was removed 2 years ago. The patient then underwent a complete excision. The gross pathologic specimen showed a large cutaneous and subcutaneous multinodular tumor, measuring 6 cm in maximal dimension. Microscopically, there were two distinct morphological components: a benign eccrine spiradenoma and a malignant eccrine spiradenoma of low grade with extensive necrosis. Different histologic patterns were observed such as cylindromatous features.

Morphological differentiation in malignant eccrine spiradenoma is variable, sometimes with almost complete loss of eccrine differentiation. Extensive sampling to look for a probable previously benign component is necessary. In the other hand, malignant changes can be easily missed without adequate sampling.

Ben Brahim E, Sfia M, Tangour M, Makhlouf R, Cribier B, and Chatti S. Malignant eccrine spiradenoma: a new case report
Acquired perforating calcific collagenosis after topical calcium chloride exposure
Authors: Patel Rishi R. , Zirvi Monib , Walters Ruth F. , Kamino Hideko
Published: July 2009

A 24‐year‐old healthy man presented with a 6‐week history of numerous umbilicated coalescing erythematous papules with some scale and crust on his anterior medial thighs. The eruption began 1 to 2 weeks after he spilled calcium chloride rock salts on his pants while salting the sidewalk during a snow storm. The salts dissolved and remained in contact with his skin for at least 4 hours until he was able to change clothes. A skin biopsy shows thick and thin collagen fibers with partial calcification in the papillary and upper reticular dermis associated with a sparse infiltrate of neutrophils, lymphocytes and mononuclear histiocytes. There are foci of transepidermal elimination of calcified fibers with adjacent epidermal hyperplasia and ortho‐ and parakeratosis. Von Kossa stain highlights calcification of the fibers, and trichrome stain confirms the fibers are collagen. A Verhoeff‐van Gieson stain shows no abnormality of elastic fibers. The patient was treated with topical betametasone diproprionate cream twice daily for 3 weeks, as well as a short course of oral levofloxacin and topical gentamicin cream. The lesions resolved over 3 weeks with residual scarring. We report a unique case of acquired perforating calcific collagenosis secondary to topical calcium chloride exposure.

Patel RR, Zirvi M, Walters RF, Kamino H. Acquired perforating calcific collagenosis after topical calcium chloride exposure.
Multiple clustered dermatofibroma: case report and review of the literature
Authors: Gershtenson Platina Coy , Krunic Aleksandar L. , Chen Helen M.
Published: July 2009

The presence of multiple dermatofibromas is rare and is defined as more than 15 lesions. Multiple clustered dermatofibroma (MCDF) is a distinct entity with only 12 reported cases in the literature. MCDF occurs in healthy individuals of both sexes in the first to third decades on the lower half of the body and portends an excellent prognosis. On histology, MCDF is consistent with benign dermatofibromas. We report a 31‐year‐old healthy Hispanic woman with a 14‐year history of slowly progressive MCDF located on her right hip initially misdiagnosed as dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans. We believe this case represents the 13th report of MCDF in the literature and the second from North America.

Gershtenson PC, Krunic AL, Chen HM. Multiple clustered dermatofibroma: case report and review of the literature.
Expression of cyclooxygenase‐1 and ‐2 in IL‐1β‐induced synovitis of the temporomandibular joint
Authors: Satoh K. , Ogura N. , Akutsu M. , Kuboyama N. , Kuyama K. , Yamamoto H. , Kondoh T.
Published: July 2009

Background:  In this study, we analyzed the gene expression profile of fibroblast‐like synoviocyte (FLS) cultures from the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) to identify candidate genes associated with intracapsular pathologic conditions of TMJ. Cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2 was one of the genes in FLS upregulated following stimulation by interleukin (IL)‐1β, a cytokine thought to play a key role in several pathological conditions. This study investigated the expression of COX‐1 and COX‐2 in cultured human FLS and rat TMJ synovium following stimulation with IL‐1β.

Methods:  RNA was isolated from human FLS after IL‐1β treatment. COX‐1 and ‐2 expression was examined using a GeneChip and real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels in conditioned media from FLS were measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Synovial tissues from TMJs of IL‐1β‐injected rats were examined for COX‐1 and COX‐2 expression by immunohistochemical staining.

Results:  Following treatment of FLS with IL‐1β, expression of the COX‐2 gene increased up to 8 h and peaked at 4 h, whereas COX‐1 expression did not change. Stimulation with IL‐1β increased the level of PGE2 in conditioned media of cultured FLS in a time‐dependent manner up to 48 h. Immunohistochemistry showed a strong positive staining for COX‐2 in the lining and sub‐lining synovial tissues of the TMJ of IL‐1β‐injected rats. In contrast, staining for COX‐1 was the same in synovial tissues with and without IL‐1β injection.

Conclusion:  These data suggest that COX‐2 expression stimulated by IL‐1β stimulates the production of PGE2 in FLS and plays important roles in the progression of inflammation in TMJ.