bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cooperatives in Italy
Authors: Blackley Simon
Published: May 2011

Simon Blackley's piece gives some observations on the Italian workers' coperative movement as seen by a British co-operator. It originates from the study tour of Italian coperatives which was arranged for delegates from five London coperatives by ICOM in October 1985, as part of the ICOM Pilot Programme. This brief portrait of the Kalian experience raises some important questions about how workers control can be preserved in a large organisation.
Economic development in Merseyside: A critique of MERCEDO
Authors: Mulhearn Chris
Published: May 2011

Much local economic policy in the UK assumes either an inward investment guise or involves some form of work with the local productive sector. This article critically examines both forms of policy as practised in a Merseyside context. It concludes that inward investment and local industrial development work undertaken by MERCEDO was in many ways regressive and broadly reducible to the development of capital. The later orientation of MERCEDO policy towards the unemployed and other labour groups is found to be a more progressive form of intervention.
Worker co-operatives: A dream with jagged edges?
Authors: Mellor Mary , Stirling John , Hannah Janet
Published: May 2011

The authors of this paper argue that worker co-ops need to be valued as an improvement in the quality of working life, yet all too often they and the agencies which support them are caught up in a “numbers game” of trying to maximise the number of jobs created in order to justify funding. It is important not to under-estimate the problem of under-capitalisation in co-ops, the stresses of establishing a new business for those with no management experience, and the cost and time needed for training. Co-ops are more an experiment in a new labour process than an easy cure for a dying economy.
National economic forecasting at local level: Applications of the Cambridge model in the West Midlands
Authors: Marshall Mick
Published: May 2011

The pioneering local economic strategies developed by the GLC and Metropolitan County Councils prior to their abolition in March 1986 frequently drew upon comprehensive research and analysis. The West Midlands County Council was the only local authority using forecasts derived from a national economic model as an input to research for local economic development. This article discusses the West Midlands' experience in using forecasts derived from Cambridge Econometrics' model of the UK economy for sectoral analysis, strategic land-use planning and evaluation of the regional impact of national economic policies.
A microsatellite analysis of five Colonial Spanish horse populations of the southeastern United States
Authors: Conant E. K. , Juras R. , Cothran E. G.
Published: May 2011

The domestic horse (Equus caballus) was re‐introduced to the Americas by Spanish explorers. Although horses from other parts of Europe were subsequently introduced, some New World populations maintain characteristics ascribed to their Spanish heritage. The southeastern United States has a history of Spanish invasion and settlement, and this influence on local feral horse populations includes two feral‐recaptured breeds: the Florida Cracker and the Marsh Tacky, both of which are classified as Colonial Spanish horses. The feral Banker horses found on islands off the coast of North Carolina, which include, among others, the Shackleford Banks, the Corolla and the Ocracoke, are also Colonial Spanish horses. Herein we analyse 15 microsatellite loci from 532 feral and 2583 domestic horses in order to compare the genetic variation of these five Colonial Spanish Horse populations to 40 modern horse breeds. We find that the Corolla horse has very low heterozygosity and that both the Corolla and Ocracoke populations have a low mean number of alleles. We also find that the Florida Cracker population has a heterozygosity deficit. In addition, we find evidence of similarity of the Shackleford Banks, Marsh Tacky and Florida Cracker populations to New World Iberian horse breeds, while the origins of the other two populations are less clear.
Hair follicles contribute significantly to penetration through human skin only at times soon after application as a solvent deposited solid in man
Authors: Liu Xin , Grice Jeff E. , Lademann Juergen , Otberg Nina , Trauer Sindy , Patzelt Alexa , Roberts Michael S.
Published: May 2011

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT

• Depending on the body site and the substances, the hair follicles can contribute significantly to the penetration of topically applied substances. However, the quantitative and selective description of the follicular and intercellular penetration kinetics is difficult due to the lack of suitable models to differentiate between the different penetration pathways. Recently, for the first time, the follicular transport was measured directly in man in vivo indicating that the hair follicles are responsible for a fast delivery of topically applied substances.

WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS

• In the present study, pharmacokinetic principles were applied to define the underlying relative penetration of caffeine through follicles and through intact stratum corneum with time in vivo. Absorption from hair follicles was found to contribute more than one third of the total percutaneous absorption of caffeine. Additionally, it was observed that the uptake by the hair follicles appeared at early times and was transient.

AIMS The aim of this study was to define the underlying relative penetration of caffeine through hair follicles and through intact stratum corneum with time in vivo through pharmacokinetic modelling.

METHODS Caffeine plasma concentration–time profiles after topical application into skin with or without hair follicle blocking were modelled using the Wagner–Nelson method or a compartmental model with first order absorption and elimination. Pharmacokinetic parameters describing absorption rate and extent of absorption through hair follicles or the stratum corneum were determined separately and compared with each other.

RESULTS The obtained pharmacokinetic parameters from the two methods were similar. The absorption rate constant of caffeine for hair follicles was nearly 10 times higher than that for the stratum corneum and the percentage of absorption from hair follicles was more than half of that of the stratum corneum. In addition, the absorption from the stratum corneum showed an approximately 10 min delay while there was no delay for absorption from hair follicles. All caffeine absorbed by hair follicles occurs within 30 min of application and accounts for 10.5 to 33.8% of the total amount absorbed across the skin for all subjects, whereas absorption of caffeine through the stratum corneum can occur over several hours.

CONCLUSION Hair follicles contribute significantly to percutaneous absorption of caffeine after topical application in man in vivo only at times soon after application.
Japan's Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami
Authors: Stimpson Ian
Published: May 2011

The magnitude 9.0 Tohoku or Sendai Earthquake (Fig. 1) struck just off the northeast coast of Honshu, Japan on 11 March 2011 making it the fourth largest earthquake to be recorded since 1900, and the largest Japanese earthquake since modern seismometers were developed 130 years ago. Despite the earthquake being much more powerful than had been expected from the subduction zone east of Honshu, the earthquake preparedness of Japan resulted in relatively little earthquake damage—despite the protracted shaking with ground accelerations up to three times that of gravity. However, it was the resulting 10–15 metre high tsunami waves that wreaked havoc along the coastal plain, resulting in a death toll in the tens of thousands and an on‐going drama at the Fukushima I nuclear power plant. Modern seismology has its origins in the analyses of the 1906 San Francisco and 1923 Great Kanto earthquakes. The 2011 Tohoku (or ‘northeast’) earthquake looks set to similarly significantly advance our understanding of earthquakes and tsunamis due to the unprecedented volume of seismic, GPS, tide gauge and video data available. There is much information to be gained on how large earthquakes rupture, how buildings behave under prolonged severe shaking and how tsunamis propagate.

Tohoku earthquake global displacement wavefield from IRIS. http://www.iris.edu/hq/files/iris_news/images/Sendai_RS.jpg

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A blast from the past: the lost world of dinosaurs at Tendaguru, East Africa
Authors: Heinrich Wolf‐Dieter , Bussert Robert , Aberhan Martin
Published: May 2011

The superbly preserved dinosaurs and associated organisms from the Late Jurassic fossil Lagerstätte Tendaguru in southern Tanzania mark an exceptional success story in palaeontology. The new permanent exhibits of the Museum für Naturkunde in Berlin, highlighting the spectacular dinosaurs (Fig. 1), are telling evidence. In more than 100 years of research, geoscientists produced a considerable amount of knowledge about the composition and diversity of the ancient fauna and flora at Tendaguru, their unique palaeobiological characteristics, and the continental to marginal marine ecosystems in which they lived. Several questions are still open to debate. These include the detailed genesis of the Lagerstätte, aspects of dinosaur palaeobiology, and their biogeographical affinities to contemporaneous assemblages from the Northern Hemisphere.

The discovery of Brachiosaurus was the crowning achievement of the German Tendaguru expedition of 1909–1913. The skeleton is about 13 metres tall and 23 metres long. It is on display in the dinosaur hall of the Museum für Naturkunde (MfN) in Berlin along with Dicraeosaurus, Kentrosaurus, Dysalotosaurus and Elaphrosaurus. They constitute the most significant dinosaur discoveries ever made in Africa. Photo: Antje Dittmann, MfN.

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Natural building stones
Authors: McKinley Jennifer M.
Published: May 2011

Natural stone due to its durable properties has been the choice of building materials since the very beginning of civilization. However, once stone is taken from its natural environment it begins to change to reach a state of equilibrium with its new environment. The polluted urban environment is a particularly hostile environment for natural stone and the effect on natural stone buildings, especially of historical or cultural significance, is a major cause for concern. Ongoing research into weathering studies is essential to provide a greater understanding of the processes that trigger stone decay and to ensure the implementation of successful stone conservation and replacement strategies.
Vp‐Vs relationship and amplitude variation with offset modelling of glauconitic greensand‡
Authors: Hossain Zakir , Mukerji Tapan , Fabricius Ida L.
Published: May 2011

The relationship between Vp and Vs may be used to predict Vs where only Vp is known. Vp/Vs is also used to identify pore fluids from seismic data and amplitude variation with offset analysis. Theoretical, physical, as well as statistical empirical Vp‐Vs relationships have been proposed for reservoir characterization when shear‐wave data are not available. In published work, the focus is primarily on the Vp‐Vs relationship of quartzitic sandstone. In order to broaden the picture we present Vp‐Vs relationships of greensand composed of quartz and glauconite by using data from the Paleocene greensand Nini oil field in the North Sea. A Vp‐Vs relationship derived from modelling is compared with empirical Vp‐Vs regressions from laboratory data as well as from log data. The accuracy of Vs prediction is quantified in terms of root‐mean‐square error. We find that the Vp‐Vs relationship derived from modelling works well for greensand shear‐wave velocity prediction. We model the seismic response of glauconitic greensand by using laboratory data from the Nini field. Our studies here reveal that brine‐saturated glauconitic greensand can have a similar seismic response to that from oil‐saturated quartzitic sandstone and that oil‐saturated strongly cemented greensand can have a similar amplitude variation with offset response to that from brine‐saturated weakly cemented greensand.
Infant well‐being following neonatal cardiac surgery
Authors: Spence Kaye , Swinsburg Di , Griggs Jo‐Anne , Johnston Linda
Published: May 2011

Aims and objectives.  To investigate infant well‐being as measured by feeding and sleeping and parental support following discharge from the NICU in infants following major cardiac surgery.

Background.  Infant feeding and sleeping have been identified as two of the most important concerns reported by parents. These concerns have been reported anecdotally for infants who have undergone cardiac surgery in the neonatal period.

Design.  A prospective study using questionnaires and phone interviews followed a cohort of parents of neonates who underwent surgery in the neonatal period for congenital heart disease.

Methods.  The study was conducted using validated questionnaires and phone interviews with a semi‐structured questionnaire. The questionnaires were administered prior to discharge from the NICU and interviews took place following discharge on five occasions within nine months.

Results.  Fifty six infants and mothers were followed for nine months following discharge from NICU. Sixty‐eight per cent were breastfeeding on discharge however the rates decline over time in line with healthy infants. Mothers were not bothered by their infant’s sleep patterns which were consistent with those of healthy infants at six months. There were 37 episodes of re‐hospitalisation and the average time of further surgery was five months following discharge from their initial period of hospitalisation.

Conclusion.  The issues from this pilot study warrant further investigation. Factors such as multiple hospitalisations, parent education and support may vary within contexts and need to be studied to ensure optimal supports are identified for this high risk population.

Relevance to clinical practice.  This study identified several issues that can improve care provided to these infants and their parents. Support following discharge could include: lactation consultant to provide follow‐up calls to identify concerns with breastfeeding, lactation course for paediatric nurses providing follow‐up and education for Early Childhood Clinics on Congenital Heart Disease.
Risk of cancer by transferrin saturation levels and haemochromatosis genotype: population‐based study and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ellervik C. , Tybjærg‐Hansen A. , Nordestgaard B. G.
Published: May 2011

Abstract. Ellervik C, Tybjærg‐Hansen A, Nordestgaard BG (Herlev Hospital, Herlev; Naestved Hospital, Naestved; Copenhagen University Hospitals and Faculty of Health Sciences, Copenhagen; Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen; The Copenhagen City Heart Study, Bispebjerg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark). Risk of cancer by transferrin saturation levels and haemochromatosis genotype: population‐based study and meta‐analysis.J Intern Med2012;271: 51–63.

Objective. Increased iron overload, whether or not owing to the presence of the haemochromatosis genotype C282Y/C282Y, may be associated with an increased risk of cancer. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that elevated transferrin saturation levels (as a proxy for iron overload) and haemochromatosis genotype C282Y/C282Y are associated with an increased risk of cancer.

Methods. We conducted a population‐based study of 8763 individuals, of whom 1417 developed a first cancer during 15 years of follow‐up, and a meta‐analysis. We stratified absolute 10‐year risk of cancer by smoking status, an important risk factor.

Results. In women, transferrin saturation above 60% versus below 50% was associated with a hazard ratio of 3.6 (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.0–6.5;P < 0.001) for any cancer; risk of liver cancer was increased in both women and men. In women, the corresponding absolute 10‐year risk of any cancer was 34% and 30% in smokers and nonsmokers, respectively. In men, haemochromatosis genotype C282Y/C282Y versus wild type/wild type was associated with a hazard ratio of 3.7 (95% CI: 1.2–12;P = 0.01) for any cancer, with a similar trend in women. In men, the corresponding absolute 10‐year risk of cancer was 39% and 27% in smokers and nonsmokers, respectively. Other haemochromatosis genotypes were not associated with increased risk of cancer in women or men. From the meta‐analysis, the odds ratio of any cancer for transferrin saturation ≥60% versus a reference group was 1.5 (95% CI: 1.2–1.8) for women and men combined.

Conclusions. We have demonstrated that elevated transferrin saturation levels in women and haemochromatosis genotype C282Y/C282Y in men are associated with increased risk of cancer. Thus, our results support the implementation of cancer screening programmes in patients with iron overload or with C282Y/C282Y.
Patients treated for psychosis and their perceptions of care in compulsory treatment: basis for an action plan
Authors: ANDREASSON E. , SKÄRSÄTER I.
Published: May 2011

Accessible summary

Patients in acute psychiatric care perceive compulsory treatment as good if they are given good care, if they are given the shelter they need and if they are given help with understanding what is happening.

They feel respected if they are allowed to retain their autonomy and are invited to participate, even though they are in compulsory treatment.

It is important to take advantage of patients' own resources to prevent their traumatization when receiving compulsory treatment.

Preparation of individual action plans for future compulsory treatment may empower patients during compulsory treatment and improve their experience of care.

The purpose of the study was to describe patients' conceptions and experiences of care in compulsory treatment for acute onset of psychosis. Twelve patients with experience of compulsory treatment were interviewed in 2008–2009, and phenomenographic analysis was used to analyse the data. Two descriptive categories emerged in the results: receiving needed support and perceiving respectful care. Patients perceived that coercive interventions were positive if they were given good care, if they were given the shelter they needed, if they got help with understanding and if the setting was healing. Patients felt respected if they were treated like human beings, if they were allowed to retain as much of their autonomy as possible and if they were invited to participate even though they were under compulsory treatment. The results show that it is important to prevent patients from being traumatized during compulsory treatment and to take advantage of patients' inner resources. Patients' experiences of compulsory treatment can form the basis for preparing an individual action plan for future compulsory treatment. Individual action plans could empower patients during compulsory treatment and improve their experience of care.
Victimization in individuals suffering from psychosis: a Swedish cross‐sectional study
Authors: BENGTSSON‐TOPS A. , EHLIASSON K.
Published: May 2011

Accessible summary

This study investigates victimization in male and female outpatients suffering from psychosis, the relationship to perpetrators, places where it occurs, and whether drugs or alcohol have been involved.

A majority of the patients had been victimized in adulthood and in the previous year.

Female patients were more frequently physically and sexually victimized than male patients.

In future it is important for care to focus not only on interpersonal aspects of violence but also on environmental factors.

The aims of the study were to investigate: (1) self‐reported adulthood and last‐year victimization in male and female outpatients suffering from psychosis; (2) relationships to perpetrators; (3) whether drugs or alcohol were involved in victimization situations; (4) places where victimization occurred. Patients were randomly selected from five outpatient units geared to patients with psychosis; 174 patients participated in a structured face‐to‐face interview. Experiences of victimization in adulthood were reported by 67%, 33% in the previous year. During adulthood 51% had been physically and 32% sexually victimized and 39% threatened. In the previous year 21% reported threats, 20% physical and 15% sexual victimization. Women reported greater exposure to physical and sexual victimization than men during adulthood and in the previous year. Strangers and acquaintances were mainly reported as perpetrators and half (55%) of those victimized in the previous year stated no involvement of alcohol or drugs. Victimization mainly occurred in the patients' own home (59%), outside downtown (34%), or in others homes (38%). The results of this study give reason to highlight the importance for research and clinical practices to adopt a broad frame of interpretation concerning victimization in patients, covering both individual and environmental factors.
Hepatitis B surface antigen monitoring and management of chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Sonneveld M. J. , Zoutendijk R. , Janssen H. L. A.
Published: May 2011

Summary.  Serum hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) levels reflect intrahepatic hepatitis B virus (HBV) covalently closed circular DNA and may be a valuable addition to HBV DNA in the management of patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Among HBeAg‐negative CHB patients with low HBV DNA levels, HBsAg quantification may help distinguish those with active CHB from true inactive carriers with a very favourable prognosis, thus limiting the need for long‐term intensive monitoring of ALT and HBV DNA levels. In patients treated with peginterferon (PEG‐IFN), achievement of a decline in HBsAg during therapy appears to be an important marker for treatment outcome, and several groups have proposed stopping rules based on HBsAg thresholds. A recently described stopping rule incorporating a combination of HBsAg and HBV DNA levels can accurately identify HBeAg‐negative patients, especially those with HBV genotype D, not responding to PEG‐IFN. Current applications of HBsAg levels in the monitoring of patients treated with nucleo(s)tide analogues are still being evaluated. First data from these studies show that HBsAg decline, and thus subsequent clearance, is confined to those with an active immune response to HBV, such as HBeAg‐positive patients with elevated ALT, or those who achieve HBeAg clearance.
The lowermost Mississippi River: a mixed bedrock‐alluvial channel
Authors: NITTROUER JEFFREY A. , MOHRIG DAVID , ALLISON MEAD A. , PEYRET AYMERIC‐PIERRE B.
Published: May 2011

In this study, the distribution of channel‐bed sediment facies in the lowermost Mississippi River is analysed using multibeam data, complemented by sidescan sonar and compressed high‐intensity radar pulse seismic data, as well as grab and core samples of bed material. The channel bed is composed of a discontinuous layer of alluvial sediment and a relict substratum that is exposed on the channel bed and sidewalls. The consolidated substratum is made up of latest Pleistocene and Early Holocene fluvio‐deltaic deposits and is preferentially exposed in the deepest thalweg segments and on channel sidewalls in river bends. The exposed substratum commonly displays a suite of erosional features, including flutes that are quantitatively similar in form to those produced under known laboratory conditions. A total of five bed facies are mapped, three of which include modern alluvial deposits and two facies that are associated with the relict substratum. A radius of curvature analysis applied to the Mississippi River centreline demonstrates that the reach‐scale distribution of channel‐bed facies is related to river planform. From a broader perspective, the distribution of channel‐bed facies is related to channel sinuosity — higher sinuosity promotes greater substratum exposure at the expense of alluvial sediment. For example, the ratio of alluvial cover to substratum is ca 1·5:1 for a 45 km segment of the river that has a sinuosity of 1·76 and this ratio increases to ca 3:1 for a 120 km segment of the river that has a sinuosity of 1·21. The exposed substratum is interpreted as bedrock and, given the relative coverage of alluvial sediment in the channel, the lowermost Mississippi River can be classified as a mixed bedrock‐alluvial channel. The analyses demonstrate that a mixed bedrock‐alluvial channel boundary can be associated with low‐gradient and sand‐bed rivers near their marine outlet.
Carbonate sediments in a cool‐water macroalgal environment, Kaikoura, New Zealand
Authors: REID CATHERINE M. , JAMES NOEL P. , BONE YVONNE
Published: May 2011

Brown and red, and to a lesser extent green, macroalgae are a hallmark of intertidal rocky coasts and adjacent shallow marine environments swept by stormy seas in middle and high latitudes. Such environments produce carbonate sediment but the sediment factory is neither well‐documented nor well‐understood. This study documents the general marine biology and sedimentology of rocky coastal substrates around Kaikoura Peninsula, a setting that typifies many similar cold‐temperate environments with turbid waters and somewhat elevated trophic resources along the eastern coast of South Island, New Zealand. The macroalgal community extends down to 20 m and generally comprises a phaeophyte canopy beneath which is a prolific rhodophyte community and numerous sessile calcareous invertebrates on rocky substrates. The modern biota is strongly depth zoned and controlled by bottom morphology, variable light penetration, hydrodynamic energy and substrate. Most calcareous organisms live on the lithic substrates beneath macroalgae or on algal holdfasts with only a few growing on macroalgal fronds. A live biota of coralline red algae [geniculate, encrusting and nodular (rhodoliths)], bryozoans, barnacles and molluscs (gastropods and epifaunal bivalves), together with spirorbid and serpulid worms, small benthonic foraminifera and echinoids produce sediments that are mixed with terrigenous clastic particles in this overall siliciclastic depositional system. The resultant sediments within macroalgal rocky substrates at Kaikoura contain bioclasts typified by molluscs, corallines and rhodoliths, barnacles and other calcareous invertebrates. In the geological record, however, the occurrence of macroalgal produced sediments is restricted to unconformity‐related early transgressive systems tract stratigraphic intervals and temporally constrained to a Cenozoic age owing to the timing of the evolution of large brown macroalgae.
Unique morphological changes in plant pathogenic phytoplasma‐infected petunia flowers are related to transcriptional regulation of floral homeotic genes in an organ‐specific manner
Authors: Himeno Misako , Neriya Yutaro , Minato Nami , Miura Chihiro , Sugawara Kyoko , Ishii Yoshiko , Yamaji Yasuyuki , Kakizawa Shigeyuki , Oshima Kenro , Namba Shigetou
Published: May 2011

Abnormal flowers are often induced by infection of certain plant pathogens, e.g. phytoplasma, but the molecular mechanisms underlying these malformations have remained poorly understood. Here, we show that infection with OY‐W phytoplasma (Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris, onion yellows phytoplasma strain, line OY‐W) affects the expression of the floral homeotic genes of petunia plants in an organ‐specific manner. Upon infection with OY‐W phytoplasma, floral morphological changes, including conversion to leaf‐like structures, were observed in sepals, petals and pistils, but not in stamens. As the expression levels of homeotic genes differ greatly between floral organs, we examined the expression levels of homeotic genes in each floral organ infected by OY‐W phytoplasma, compared with healthy plants. The expression levels of several homeotic genes required for organ development, such as PFG, PhGLO1 and FBP7, were significantly downregulated by the phytoplasma infection in floral organs, except the stamens, suggesting that the unique morphological changes caused by the phytoplasma infection might result from the significant decrease in expression of some crucial homeotic genes. Moreover, the expression levels of TER, ALF and DOT genes, which are known to participate in floral meristem identity, were significantly downregulated in the phytoplasma‐infected petunia meristems, implying that phytoplasma would affect an upstream signaling pathway of floral meristem identity. Our results suggest that phytoplasma infection may have complex effects on floral development, resulting in the unique phenotypes that were clearly distinct from the mutant flower phenotypes produced by the knock‐out or the overexpression of certain homeotic genes.
Arabidopsis ENHANCED DISEASE RESISTANCE 1 is required for pathogen‐induced expression of plant defensins in nonhost resistance, and acts through interference of MYC2‐mediated repressor function
Authors: Hiruma Kei , Nishiuchi Takumi , Kato Tomoaki , Bednarek Paweł , Okuno Tetsuro , Schulze‐Lefert Paul , Takano Yoshitaka
Published: May 2011

Arabidopsis thaliana exhibits durable resistance, called nonhost resistance, against non‐adapted fungal pathogens that typically terminates pathogen entry. The PEN2‐dependent indole glucosinolate metabolism pathway is involved in preventing the entry of a range of non‐adapted fungi. Here, we report that ENHANCED DISEASE RESISTANCE 1 (EDR1) functions in pre‐invasive nonhost resistance. Plants lacking EDR1 exhibit impaired entry resistance to the non‐adapted hemibiotrophic Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, in contrast to the enhanced resistance of edr1 against biotrophic infection of a host‐adapted powdery mildew fungus. Analysis of the edr1 pen2 double mutant indicates that EDR1 acts in a defense pathway independent from the PEN2 indole glucosinolate pathway. The edr1 mutant also exhibited enhanced susceptibility to host‐adapted pathogens, including Colletotrichum higginsianum and necrotrophic Alternaria brassicicola. Comparative transcript profiling revealed that upon C. gloeosporioides inoculation, the expression of four plant defensin genes was severely impaired in edr1, indicating that EDR1 is required for the induced expression of these antifungal proteins. Inactivation of the MYC2‐encoded transcription factor fully restored defensin expression in edr1, implying that EDR1 interferes with MYC2 function to abrogate repression of defensin expression. Furthermore, constitutive expression of plant defensin PDF1.2b largely rescued pre‐invasive resistance responses in edr1 plants. These results indicate that EDR1 exerts a positive and critical role in resistance responses to hemibiotrophic/necrotrophic fungi, in part by inducing antifungal protein expression through derepression of MYC2 function.
NIMA‐related kinases 6, 4, and 5 interact with each other to regulate microtubule organization during epidermal cell expansion in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Motose Hiroyasu , Hamada Takahiro , Yoshimoto Kaori , Murata Takashi , Hasebe Mitsuyasu , Watanabe Yuichiro , Hashimoto Takashi , Sakai Tatsuya , Takahashi Taku
Published: May 2011

NimA‐related kinase 6 (NEK6) has been implicated in microtubule regulation to suppress the ectopic outgrowth of epidermal cells; however, its molecular functions remain to be elucidated. Here, we analyze the function of NEK6 and other members of the NEK family with regard to epidermal cell expansion and cortical microtubule organization. The functional NEK6–green fluorescent protein fusion localizes to cortical microtubules, predominantly in particles that exhibit dynamic movement along microtubules. The kinase‐dead mutant of NEK6 (ibo1‐1) exhibits a disturbance of the cortical microtubule array at the site of ectopic protrusions in epidermal cells. Pharmacological studies with microtubule inhibitors and quantitative analysis of microtubule dynamics indicate excessive stabilization of cortical microtubules in ibo1/nek6 mutants. In addition, NEK6 directly binds to microtubules in vitro and phosphorylates β‐tubulin. NEK6 interacts and co‐localizes with NEK4 and NEK5 in a transient expression assay. The ibo1‐3 mutation markedly reduces the interaction between NEK6 and NEK4 and increases the interaction between NEK6 and NEK5. NEK4 and NEK5 are required for the ibo1/nek6 ectopic outgrowth phenotype in epidermal cells. These results demonstrate that NEK6 homodimerizes and forms heterodimers with NEK4 and NEK5 to regulate cortical microtubule organization possibly through the phosphorylation of β‐tubulins.
Haemolysis after treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin due to anti‐A
Authors: Morgan S. , Sorensen P. , Vercellotti G. , Zantek N. D.
Published: May 2011

Background: Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is used to treat an increasing number of conditions. IVIG contains immunoglobulin G (IgG) directed against many targets, including red blood cell (RBC) antigens.

Methods/materials: We report on three patients identified within a 7‐month period in a single institution who developed haemolysis because of passively transferred anti‐A.

Results: The patients were a 34‐year‐old A (non‐A1) D‐positive male with aplastic anaemia, a 61‐year‐old A1 D‐negative female with myasthenia gravis and a 57‐year‐old AB D‐positive female lung transplant recipient. The haemoglobin decreased from 11·1 to 5·3 g dL−1 over 2 days, 12·8 to 7·8 g dL−1 over 6 days and 7·8 to 6·0 g dL−1 over several hours, respectively. All three patients had a negative antibody screen, positive direct antiglobulin test for IgG only and an elution containing anti‐A1 reactivity. The patients were transfused with O RBC with an appropriate rise in haemoglobin.

Conclusion: These cases illustrate the potential severity of haemolysis after IVIG because of passively transferred antibodies to blood group antigens. Lack of recognition of IVIG as a cause for haemolysis by clinicians may be further confounded if routine testing fails to detect the passively transferred ABO blood group antibodies.
Does targeting key‐containers effectively reduce Aedes aegypti population density?
Authors: Maciel‐de‐Freitas Rafael , Lourenço‐de‐Oliveira Ricardo
Published: May 2011

Objectives  The elimination of Aedes aegypti breeding sites has been broadly adopted worldwide to keep vector population density below a critical threshold. We observed the effectiveness of targeting the most productive containers on adult A. aegypti females density, which was evaluated weekly.

Methods and Results  Adult mosquitoes were collected weekly over 55 weeks and pupal surveys were done in intervals of 4 months to determine container productivity and guidelines for interventions. Pupal surveys indicated that water tanks (72% of pupae in first survey) and metal drums (30.7% of pupae in second survey) were the most productive container types. We observed a dramatic but short‐term decrease in weekly adult female A. aegypti density after covering 733 water tanks with nylon net. A long‐term decrease in female adult population density was achieved only when we covered both water tanks and metal drums. Overall, pupae abundance and pupae standing crop diminished after netting water tanks and metal drums. Pupae per person, per hectare and per house decreased gradually between the first and the third pupal surveys, suggesting that targeting the most productive container types (water tanks and metal drums) produced a reduction in adult population density and infestation levels.

Conclusion  Overall, targeting the most productive container types caused the adult mosquito density to decrease over time, supporting the assumption that this intervention is an effective tool for dengue control. However, this effect was observed only when both water tanks and metal drums were covered, possibly due to the functional similarity between these container types, which are large, often shaded, perennial water storage containers.
Clinical significance of Aspergillus sensitisation in bronchial asthma
Authors: Agarwal Ritesh , Noel Vijay , Aggarwal Ashutosh N. , Gupta Dheeraj , Chakrabarti Arunaloke
Published: May 2011

Numerous studies have suggested a link between fungal sensitisation and severity of asthma. However, few studies have specifically evaluated the relationship between Aspergillus sensitisation and asthma severity. This study was aimed at investigating the clinical significance of Aspergillus sensitisation in asthma. In this prospective cross‐sectional study, patients with asthma were subjected to pulmonary function test and an intradermal Aspergillus skin test (AST) apart from a detailed clinical history and physical examination. Assessment of asthma severity was carried according to the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) recommendations, Asthma Control Test (ACT) and the mini Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (mini AQLQ). Based on AST, the cases were dichotomised into Aspergillus‐sensitive and AST‐negative groups. There were 417 (193 males, 224 females; mean age, 34 years) asthmatic patients of whom 219 (52.5%) showed Aspergillus sensitisation. The severity of disease as per the GINA criteria and the dose of ICS required for asthma control were similar in the two groups. The Aspergillus‐sensitive group had poorer pulmonary function than the AST‐negative group [AST positive vs. negative: percentage predicted mean (SD) forced expiratory volume in the first second : 73.1(23.8) vs. 77.9(22.7), P = 0.04; mean (SD) FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio: 68.2(13.3) vs. 74.3(15.7), P = 0.0001]. The mini AQLQ scores were similar in the two groups. In the ACT, the numbers of patients in the domain pertaining to nocturnal awakenings were significantly higher in the Aspergillus‐sensitive group (P = 0.014). There was a weak association between Aspergillus sensitisation and severity of asthma. Whether Aspergillus sensitisation is causally linked to asthma severity remains to be seen.
Nutritionally Induced Relationships Between Insulin Levels During the Weaning‐to‐Ovulation Interval and Reproductive Characteristics in Multiparous Sows: I. Luteinizing Hormone, Follicle Development, Oestrus and Ovulation
Authors: Wientjes JGM , Soede NM , van den Brand H , Kemp B
Published: May 2011

Contents

To get more insight in how insulin secretion patterns and corresponding insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) levels are related to luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion, follicle development and ovulation, 32 multiparous sows were fed either a dextrose plus lactose‐containing diet at 4 h intervals (DL; each 150 g/day) or an isocaloric control diet at 12 h intervals (CTRL; containing soybean oil) during the weaning‐to‐ovulation interval (WOI). Insulin parameters (basal, peak levels and mean insulin) and IGF‐1 levels during the WOI were similar for both treatments, but the insulin secretion pattern differed (related with feeding frequency and meal sizes). Oestrus and ovulation characteristics were not influenced by treatment. The LH surge was higher in CTRL compared with DL sows (3.73 vs 3.00 ng/ml; p = 0.03). Average diameter (6.5 vs 6.1 mm; p = 0.08) and uniformity (CV: 11 vs 15%, p = 0.02) of follicles ≥3 mm at day 4 after weaning was higher in CTRL compared with DL sows. Basal insulin levels were positively related with follicle diameter at ovulation (β = 0.05 mm/(μU/ml); p = 0.04) and negatively related with LH surge level (β = −0.07 (ng/ml)/(μU/ml); p = 0.01). Insulin area under the curve (AUC) (β = 0.037 (ng/ml)/1000 μU; p = 0.02) and IGF‐1 levels (β = 0.002 (ng/ml)/(ng/ml); p < 0.01) were positively related to basal LH level around the LH surge. From these data, we conclude that insulin and IGF‐1 levels during the WOI are related to LH secretion and follicle development. Not only the absolute level of insulin seems important, but also the pattern within a day in which insulin is secreted seems to affect LH secretion and development of pre‐ovulatory follicles.
Comparative Study on 15‐Ketodihydro‐PGF2α Plasma Concentrations in Newborn Horses, Donkeys and Calves
Authors: Panzani S , Carluccio A , Probo M , Faustini M , Kindahl H , Veronesi MC
Published: May 2011

Contents

The aim of this study was to compare the plasma profiles of 15‐ketodihydro‐PGF2α (PGM) in healthy neonates of three different species from birth until the third week of life. Twenty‐four horse foals, 12 donkey foals, and 9 calves were studied. Blood samples were collected at 10, 20 and 30 min after birth, at 3, 24 and 72 h after birth, and at 7, 10, 17 and 21 days of life. All mothers experienced normal gestation lengths and normal, spontaneous deliveries. All newborns were judged mature and viable. Hormone concentrations were higher (p < 0.05) in horse foals 20 and 30 min after birth compared to later samples, and at 10 min in donkey foals compared to later samples (p < 0.05). In calves, higher (p < 0.05) concentrations of PGM were observed 10, 20, 30 min and 3 hours from parturition compared to later samples. These findings may be related to increased fetal placental unit production during parturition, while the relatively high PGF2α levels in the days after parturition may be connected with their role in completing organ maturation. Despite the existing differences between these species, the statistical analysis did not discover significant differences in PGM profiles during the first 3 weeks of life in donkey, horse and cattle newborns. The low levels observed 10 days after birth are possibly due to a fast completion of maturational development in these species.
Factors predicting outcome following airway stenting for post‐tuberculosis tracheobronchial stenosis
Authors: LIM SO YEON , PARK HYE KYEONG , JEON KYEONGMAN , UM SANG‐WON , KOH WON‐JUNG , SUH GEE YOUNG , CHUNG MAN PYO , KWON O JUNG , KIM HOJOONG
Published: May 2011

Background and objective:  Silicone airway stents are used to widen narrowed airways in patients with post‐tuberculosis tracheobronchial stenosis (PTTS). After mechanical stabilization, stents can be removed from the majority of patients leaving restored airway patency. However, in a significant minority re‐stenosis develops post‐sten removal thus necessitating surgical intervention or long‐term stenting. In this study, we sought to establish prognostic factors for successful airway intervention in PTTS.

Methods:  We retrospectively investigated 71 patients who underwent silicone stenting due to PTTS. After stenting, bronchoscopic toileting and/or repositioning was performed during follow up. At 6–12 months after clinical stabilization, stents were planned to be removed. Patients with patent airways were followed if no further intervention was required. If restenosis developed, patients underwent re‐stenting or operation. Clinical parameters were analysed to determine favourable prognostic factors.

Results:  Stents were successfully removed in 40 patients at a median 12.5 months after insertion. In 27 patients, stent re‐insertion was carried out and four patients underwent surgical management. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that successful stent removal was independently associated with atelectasis <1 month before bronchoscopic intervention, and absence of complete lobar atelectasis.

Conclusions:  Airway intervention, including silicone stenting, can be successful in patients with PTTS, when the intervention is performed within 1 month of atelectasis and before complete lobar atelectasis.
Clinical and molecular microbiological characteristics of carbapenem‐resistant Acinetobacter baumannii strains in an NICU
Authors: Hu Zhangxue , Wang Zheng , Liu Ding , Chen Ping , Wang Hao , Chen Yao , Zhao Xilong , Shi Yuan
Published: May 2011

Background:  Seventeen cases of Acinetobacter baumannii infection in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) were evaluated. The strains were characterized as resistant to carbapenems. The aim of the present study was therefore to investigate the clinical and molecular epidemiological characteristics of the 17 carbapenem‐resistant A. baumannii strains.

Methods:  Samples were isolated from blood or sputum from the patients in the NICU, cultured using conventional techniques and an automated system. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect blaOXA‐51‐like, blaOXA‐23‐like, OXA‐24, OXA‐58 and Ambler class B carbapenemases. The genotype of the strains was identified on pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE).

Results:  BlaOXA‐23 was detected in all of the isolates. PFGE genotype analysis suggested three clones among the 17 strains. Two clones were isolated from other wards of the hospital including the adult ICU and Department of Pulmonology. The other clone was proved to be the first appearance in the hospital as genotype analysis.

Conclusion:  BlaOXA‐23 was the drug‐resistant gene that made A. baumannii resistant to carbepenem. The source of blaOXA‐23 in the 17 isolates was different.
Risk factors for bronchopulmonary dysplasia in neonates born at ≤1500 g (1999–2009)
Authors: Zhang Hongshan , Fang Jianpei , Su Haobin , Chen Miao
Published: May 2011

Background:  Advances in perinatal care have improved the survival rate for very low‐birthweight (VLBW) infants in China. The incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), however, has not been reduced. The objective of the present study was to identify the perinatal risk factors for BPD in neonates born at ≤1500 g.

Methods:  A retrospective analysis of data for neonates born at ≤1500 g between 1999 and 2009 in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of Second Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐Sen University, Guangzhou city, China, was carried out.

Results:  Out of a total of 11 506 live births, 3538 infants were admitted to level II nursery and NICU (level III nursery). Among 149 preterm infants born at ≤1500 g, 77.8% survived until day 28, and the incidence of BPD was 48.3%. Logistic regression analysis showed that gestational age (GA) ≤30 weeks (odds ratio [OR], 9.507; 95% confidence intervals [95%CI]: 2.604–34.707), maternal chorioamnionitis (OR, 41.987; 95%CI: 6.048–291.492), ventilation‐associated pneumonia (OR, 11.600; 95%CI: 2.847–47.268), and more than three blood transfusions (OR, 10.214; 95%CI: 2.191–47.623) were associated with the development of BPD.

Conclusion:  Clinical evidence has been provided for possibly significant risk factors associated with BPD in neonates born at ≤1500 g, which can provide useful information for further research to improve survival of VLBW infants and decrease the incidence of BPD.
Gestational choriocarcinoma of Fallopian tube diagnosed with a combination of p57KIP2 immunostaining and short tandem repeat analysis: Case report
Authors: Nakayama Masato , Namba Akira , Yasuda Masanori , Hara Masaaki , Ishihara Osamu , Itakura Atsuo
Published: May 2011

Tubal choriocarcinoma is an extremely rare condition and can be of gestational or non‐gestational origin. The appropriate management of choriocarcinoma begins with the categorization of the tumor. However, it is difficult to discriminate the two types by routine histological examination. We report the first case of gestational choriocarcinoma of the Fallopian tube to be confirmed by a combination of p57KIP2 immunostaining and DNA polymorphism analysis at 15 short tandem repeat loci, along with X and Y chromosome markers. The patient had no detectable metastasis or evidence of recurrence 15 months after treatment, which involved surgery without adjuvant chemotherapy. This case demonstrates the usefulness of a combination of p57KIP2 immunostaining and DNA polymorphism analysis in determining the origin of extrauterine choriocarcinoma (i.e. gestational or non‐gestational), which helps to determine the strategy for treatment of the disease.