bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Choosing dialysis modality: decision making in a chronic illness context
Authors: Winterbottom Anna , Bekker Hilary L , Conner Mark , Mooney Andrew
Published: July 2012

Background

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are encouraged to make an informed decision about dialysis. Survival rates for dialysis are equivalent yet there is wide variation in peritoneal dialysis uptake in the adultUKpopulation. It is unclear how much is attributable to variations in patients' preferences. Kidney function usually declines over months and years; few studies have addressed how a chronic illness context affects choice. This study describes patients' decision making about dialysis and understands how the experience ofCKDis associated with treatment choice.

Method

Survey employing interview methods explored 20 patients' views and experiences of making their dialysis choice. Data were analysed using thematic framework analysis to provide descriptive accounts of how patients experienced their illness and made treatment decisions.

Results

Patients talked about challenges of living withCKD. Patients were provided with lots of information about treatment options in different formats. Patients did not distinguish between different types of dialysis and/or have an in‐depth knowledge about options. Patients did not talk about dialysis options as a choice but rather as a treatment they were going to have.

Conclusion

Most patients perceived their choice as between ‘dialysis’ and ‘no dialysis’. They did not perceive themselves to be making an active choice. Possibly, patients feel they do not need to engage with the decision until symptomatic. Despite lots of patient information, there were more opportunities to encounter positive information about haemodialysis. A more proactive approach is required to enable patients to engage fully with the dialysis treatment options.
Genome expression profile analysis reveals important transcripts in maize roots responding to the stress of heavy metal Pb
Authors: Shen Yaou , Zhang Yongzhong , Chen Jie , Lin Haijian , Zhao Maojun , Peng Huanwei , Liu Li , Yuan Guangsheng , Zhang Suzhi , Zhang Zhiming , Pan Guangtang
Published: July 2012

Lead (Pb) has become one of the most abundant heavy metal pollutants of the environment. With its large biomass, maize could be an important object for studying the phytoremediation of Pb‐contaminated soil. In our previous research, we screened 19 inbred lines of maize for Pb concentration, and line 178 was identified to be a hyperaccumulator for Pb in both the roots and aboveground parts. To identify important genes and metabolic pathways related to Pb accumulation and tolerance, line 178 was underwent genome expression profile under Pb stress and a control (CK). A total of approximately 11 millioncDNAtags were sequenced and 4 665 539 and 4 936 038 clean tags were obtained from the libraries of the test andCK, respectively. In comparison toCK, 2379 and 1832 genes were identified up‐ or downregulated, respectively, more than fivefolds under Pb stress. Interestingly, all the genes were related to cellular processes and signaling, information storage and processing or metabolism functions. Particularly, the genes involved in posttranslational modification, protein turnover and chaperones; signal transduction, carbohydrate transport and metabolism; and lipid transport and metabolism significantly changed under the treatment. In addition, seven pathways including ribosome, photosynthesis, and carbon fixation were affected significantly, with 118, 12, 34, 21, 18, 72 and 43 differentially expressed genes involved. The significant upregulation of the ribosome pathway may reveal an important secret for Pb tolerance of line 178. And the sharp increase of laccase transcripts and metal ion transporters were suggested to account in part for Pb hyperaccumulation in the line.
Influence of number of pollinations and pollen load size on maternal fitness costs in Collinsia heterophylla: implications for existence of a sexual conflict over timing of stigma receptivity
Authors: MADJIDIAN J. A. , HYDBOM S. , LANKINEN Å.
Published: July 2012

Costs related to pollen competition have rarely been considered, but are expected in the case of sexual conflict where male and female sexual functions have opposing evolutionary interests. In Collinsia heterophylla, delayed stigma receptivity is beneficial as it enhances pollen competition. A sexual conflict over timing of stigma receptivity has been proposed in this species as early pollination, following one‐time pollinations, is advantageous to pollen donors at a cost of reduced maternal seed set (measured as seed number). In this study, we explored whether the maternal cost was still present following an additional pollination. We hypothesized that the cost is caused either by harm related to early pollen presence or by factors unrelated to harm. We performed pollinations at different stages of floral development, either one or two pollinations (24‐h time lag), and varied the size of the first pollen load in the latter category. Early pollination reduced seed biomass also after two‐time pollinations, suggesting a persistent maternal cost of early pollen presence. Further, pollen load size modified seed production, possibly indicating that dose‐dependent harm influences the maternal cost of early fertilization. Our results strongly suggest negative effects of pollen competition on maternal fitness following early pollination, which is consistent with the existence of a sexual conflict over timing of stigma receptivity. In conclusion, we propose that much could be gained if more plant studies considered the potential for fitness costs in relation to sexual conflict, particularly those investigating pollen–pistil interactions.
Different sodium salts cause different solute accumulation in the halophyte Prosopis strombulifera
Authors: Llanes A. , Bertazza G. , Palacio G. , Luna V.
Published: July 2012

The success of Prosopis strombulifera in growing under high NaCl concentrations involves a carefully controlled balance among different processes, including compartmentation of Cl− and Na+ in leaf vacuoles, exclusion of Na+ in roots, osmotic adjustment and low transpiration. In contrast, Na2SO4 causes growth inhibition and toxicity. We propose that protection of the cytoplasm can be achieved through production of high endogenous levels of specific compatible solutes. To test our hypothesis, we examined endogenous levels of compatible solutes in roots and leaves of 29‐, 40‐ and 48‐day‐old P. strombulifera plants grown in media containing various concentrations of NaCl, Na2SO4 or in mixtures of both, with osmotic potentials of −1.0,−1.9 and −2.6 MPa, as correlated with changes in hydric parameters. At 24 h after the last pulse plants grown in high NaCl concentrations had higher relative water content and relatively higher osmotic potential than plants grown in Na2SO4 (at 49 days). These plants also had increased synthesis of proline, pinitol and mannitol in the cytoplasm, accompanied by normal carbon metabolism. When the sulphate anion is present in the medium, the capacities for ion compartmentalisation and osmotic adjustment are reduced, resulting in water imbalance and symptoms of toxicity due to altered carbon metabolism, e.g. synthesis of sorbitol instead of mannitol, reduced sucrose production and protein content. This inhibition was partially mitigated when both anions were present together in the solution, demonstrating a detrimental effect of the sulphate ion on plant growth.
Field evaluation of the relative attractiveness of enriched ginger root oil (EGO)lure and trimedlure for African Ceratitis species (Diptera: Tephritidae)
Authors: Mwatawala M. , Virgilio M. , Quilici S. , Dominic M. , De Meyer M.
Published: July 2012

The males of some fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) are known to be attracted to specific parapheromones. The trapping results between trimedlure (TML) and enriched ginger root oil (EGOlure) were compared at two experimental sites in Morogoro (Central Tanzania) for a period of 12 weeks co‐inciding with the main citrus season. Both attractants captured a comparable diversity of fruit flies, except that EGOlure also attracted fruit flies, such as Ceratitis cosyra, not normally found in TML‐baited traps. Both EGOlure and TML attracted mainly or exclusively male fruit flies, but the catches with EGOlure were equal or superior to those with TML. It is concluded that EGOlure should be considered as a suitable alternative for TML in detection, monitoring and control programs for African fruit flies of the genus Ceratitis. It has the added advantage that it combines the attractiveness with regard to species spectrum of both TML and terpinyl acetate.
The root‐knot nematode resistance N‐gene co‐localizes in the Me‐genes cluster on the pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) P9 chromosome
Authors: Fazari Ariane , Palloix Alain , Wang Lihao , Yan Hua Ming , Sage‐Palloix Anne‐Marie , Zhang Bao Xi , Djian‐Caporalino Caroline
Published: July 2012

With 3 figures and 3 tables

Root‐knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are major plant pathogens, affecting several solanaceous crops worldwide including pepper (Capsicum spp.). Owing to the drastic reduction in the use of most nematicides, breeding for root‐knot nematode resistance is a major challenge for pepper breeders. In pepper, resistance to this pathogen is dominant and controlled by several Me‐genes, which were mapped on the pepper P9 chromosome using PCR‐based markers, and by the N‐gene which was shown to be linked to Me3 using allelism tests. In this study, we developed PCR‐based markers and showed that the N‐gene colocalized in the Me‐genes cluster on the P9 chromosome on pepper reference maps using carthagene software (INRA: Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Toulouse, France). N was mapped at 7 cM from Me1 and 2 cM from Me3 which is confirmed to be allelic to Me7 according to allelism resistance tests. The tightly linked markers to Me and N‐genes will be very useful for the marker‐assisted selection of nematodes resistance in pepper and to study the durability of these R‐genes, alone or pyramided in different genetic backgrounds.
Expression of Connexin 43 in the Porcine Foetal Gonads During Development
Authors: Knapczyk–Stwora K , Durlej–Grzesiak M , Duda M , Slomczynska M
Published: July 2012

Contents

This study was designed to reveal connexin 43 (Cx43) mRNA and protein expression in porcine foetal gonads using RT‐PCR, immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. Expression of Cx43 was investigated in porcine foetal ovaries and testes on days 50, 70 and 90 post coitum (p.c.). RT‐PCR results indicated that Cx43 mRNA was expressed in both foetal ovaries and testes at all gestational ages examined. Cx43 protein was found in the foetal ovary but its distribution varied across ovarian compartments and changed during development. In foetal ovaries, Cx43 was localized between the interstitial cells surrounding egg nests on all investigated days of prenatal period. Moreover, Cx43 expression was observed between germ cells on day 50 p.c. as well as between pre‐granulosa and granulosa cells of primordial and primary follicles on days 70 and 90 p.c. In the foetal testes, Cx43 protein was detected between neighbouring Leydig cells on all examined days of prenatal period and between adjacent Sertoli cells exclusively on day 90 p.c. The presence of Cx43 protein in all investigated foetal gonads was confirmed by Western blot analysis. Cx43 protein detection between pre‐granulosa cells of primordial follicles suggests its role in regulation of the initial stages of follicle development. The Cx43 immunoexpression between neighbouring Leydig and between Sertoli cells indicates its involvement in controlling their functions. We propose that Cx43‐mediated gap junctional communication is involved in the regulation of porcine foetal gonadal development.
Acral subcutaneous steatocystoma multiplex: A distinct subtype of the disease?
Authors: Marzano Angelo V , Tavecchio Simona , Balice Ylenia , Polloni Ilaria , Veraldi Stefano
Published: July 2012

Steatocystoma multiplex (SM) is a hamartomatous malformation of the pilosebaceous duct consisting of dermal cysts filled with a sebum‐like material. SM lesions are typically located in areas with sebaceous follicles, although atypical presentations involving sites lacking sebaceous follicles have exceptionally been described. We reviewed retrospectively a series of 32 histologically diagnosed SM observed in our department in the period 2006–2010, evaluating the kinds of lesions and their locations, and family history of SM and associated disorders, to focus on the clinical features of the acral subcutaneous variety of SM and to estimate its prevalence. We found five patients (four women and one man) with asymptomatic deep, skin‐colored nodules on the flexor surfaces of distal upper extremities with a mean age at diagnosis and at disease onset of 32.5 and 26 years, respectively. The prevalence was 15%. All five cases were sporadic. The male patient had eruptive syringomas as an associated condition, together with a family history of this tumour. Acral subcutaneous SM may represent a distinct disease variety by virtue of its distinctive clinical features. Dermatologists should be aware of this form, which has to be included in the wide panel of diseases involving subcutaneous tissue.
Effect of capsule placement with transnasal endoscopy
Authors: Matsunaga Takaharu , Hashimoto Shinichi , Okamoto Takeshi , Harima Satoko , Tanabe Ryo , Nishikawa Jun , Sakaida Isao
Published: July 2012

Aim:  One of the prohibiting factors in achieving complete small bowel capsule endoscopy is slow gastric transit of the capsule. The present study retrospectively investigated the success rate of, and the time required for, transnasal endoscope‐assisted capsule placement to assess its clinical utility.

Methods:  In 24 of 27 patients who underwent capsule placement assisted by a transnasal endoscope, the capsule was successfully transported to and released in the duodenum (capsule placement group). For each patient in the capsule placement group, three age‐ and sex‐matched patients who underwent conventional capsule endoscopy were assigned as controls (n = 72). Gastric transit time, small bowel transit time, and rate of capsule arrival at the cecum within 8 h were compared between the two patient groups.

Results:  Among the 27 patients in whom capsule placement was carried out, the capsule was successfully placed in the duodenum in 24 patients (88.9% success rate). In the capsule placement group, gastric transit time was significantly shorter (10.5 vs 46.2 min, P = 0.0021), small bowel transit time was significantly longer (354.7 vs 301.3 min, P = 0.0134), and completion rate (capsule arrival at the cecum within 8 h) was significantly higher (83.3 vs 61.1%, P = 0.0455) than in the control group. There were no procedural accidents associated with capsule placement.

Conclusion:  Transnasal endoscope‐assisted capsule placement appears to be a safe and reliable procedure, achieving complete small bowel capsule endoscopy, and is considered clinically useful.
β3 integrin is dispensable for conditioned fear and Hebbian forms of plasticity in the hippocampus
Authors: McGeachie A. B. , Skrzypiec A. E. , Cingolani L. A. , Letellier M. , Pawlak R. , Goda Y.
Published: July 2012

Integrins play key roles in the developing and mature nervous system, from promoting neuronal process outgrowth to facilitating synaptic plasticity. Recently, in hippocampal pyramidal neurons, β3 integrin (ITGβ3) was shown to stabilise synaptic AMPA receptors (AMPARs) and to be required for homeostatic scaling of AMPARs elicited by chronic activity suppression. To probe the physiological function for ITGβ3‐dependent processes in the brain, we examined whether the loss of ITGβ3 affected fear‐related behaviours in mice. ITGβ3‐knockout (KO) mice showed normal conditioned fear responses that were similar to those of control wild‐type mice. However, anxiety‐like behaviour appeared substantially compromised and could be reversed to control levels by lentivirus‐mediated re‐expression of ITGβ3 bilaterally in the ventral hippocampus. In hippocampal slices, the loss of ITGβ3 activity did not compromise Hebbian forms of plasticity – neither acute pharmacological disruption of ITGβ3 ligand interactions nor genetic deletion of ITGβ3 altered long‐term potentiation (LTP) or long‐term depression (LTD). Moreover, we did not detect any changes in short‐term synaptic plasticity upon loss of ITGβ3 activity. In contrast, acutely disrupting ITGβ1–ligand interactions or genetic deletion of ITGβ1 selectively interfered with LTP stabilisation whereas LTD remained unaltered. These findings indicate a lack of requirement for ITGβ3 in the two robust forms of hippocampal long‐term synaptic plasticity, LTP and LTD, and suggest differential roles for ITGβ1 and ITGβ3 in supporting hippocampal circuit functions.
Impact of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (7‐36) amide, isosteviol and 5‐aminoimidazole‐4‐carboxamide 1‐β‐d‐ribofuranoside on leucine‐mediated α‐cell dysfunction
Authors: Chen X. , Hermansen K. , Jeppesen P. B.
Published: July 2012

Aim

To investigate the acute and chronic effects of l‐leucine on pancreatic α‐cell function in vitro. Furthermore, we wanted to explore if glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1), isosteviol (ISV) and 5‐aminoimidazole‐4‐carboxamide 1‐β‐d‐ribofuranoside (AICAR) counteract changes in α‐cell function induced by chronic exposure to leucine.

Methods

Isolated mice islets were incubated with 10 mM leucine for 2 or 72 h. We investigated glucagon and insulin secretion at 2 mM and 16.7 mM glucose. In addition, we cultured clonal α‐TC1‐6 cells with 5 mM leucine, 5 mM leucine plus GLP‐1 (10−6 M), or ISV (10−6 M) or AICAR (10−5 M) at high glucose for 72 h. We measured the glucagon secretion, cholesterol (CHO) and triglyceride (TG) content, cell proliferation as well as gene expression.

Results

Ten millimolar of leucine for 2 h significantly stimulated glucagon and insulin secretion both at 2 and 16.7 mM glucose in mice islets. After 72 h incubation with 10 mM leucine the glucagon secretion was enhanced at both 2 and 16.7 mM glucose, whereas the glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion (16.7 mM glucose) was inhibited. Chronic exposure to 5 mM leucine increased glucagon secretion, CHO and TG content, cell proliferation and Pcsk2 (p < 0.001), MafB (p < 0.05), Gcg (p < 0.001), Prkaa1 (p < 0.01), Hmgcr (p < 0.001), Srebf2 (p < 0.001), Acaca (p < 0.001), Mtor (p < 0.05) mRNA expression in clonal α‐TC1‐6 cells. While GLP‐1 was cable of reducing glucagon hypersecretion and Pcsk2 (p < 0.05) mRNA expression. ISV and AICAR had no effect on leucine‐induced glucagon hypersecretion.

Conclusions

Long‐term exposure to leucine induces hypersecretion of glucagon secretion, that is, aminoacidotoxicity and influences some key genes of pancreatic α‐cells. Interestingly, GLP‐1 counteracts the leucine‐induced α‐cell dysfunction.
Prevalence and correlates of major depression among Nepalese patients in treatment for alcohol‐use disorders
Authors: Neupane Sudan Prasad , Bramness Jørgen G.
Published: July 2012

Introduction and Aims

This study investigated the prevalence of major depression (MD) and its sociodemographic and alcohol‐related correlates among Nepalese patients receiving treatment for an alcohol‐use disorder (AUD).

Design and Methods

A cross‐sectional survey was carried out among 188 consecutively admitted AUD patients in eight residential alcohol treatment units in Kathmandu. We recorded sociodemographic data and administered the alcohol use and depression modules of the World Health Organization Composite International Diagnostic Interview 2.1 and the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test. Analyses were performed with χ2‐tests, Student's t‐tests, Mann–Whitney U‐tests and logistic regression analyses.

Results

The lifetime and 12‐month prevalence of MD among AUD patients were found to be 45% and 36% respectively. Living with a spouse and low‐frequency drinking (2–3 days/week) showed negative associations with reporting MD in the preceding 12‐month period, whereas a history of alcohol‐induced blackout and problem drinking in the individual's parents were independently predictive of having a comorbid MD.

Discussion and Conclusion

MD is common among patients with AUDs in Nepal. Among AUD patients who sought treatment, a few factors, such as marital status, history of alcohol‐induced blackout and drinking frequency, seem to correlate well with comorbid MD. Study results suggest that transgenerational underpinning of AUD‐MD comorbidity may exist in those sections of the population who have strong taboos about the use of alcohol.
DYNASTIC POLITICAL PRIVILEGE AND ELECTORAL ACCOUNTABILITY: THE CASE OF U.S. GOVERNORS, 1950–2005
Authors: CROWLEY GEORGE R. , REECE WILLIAM S.
Published: July 2012

This paper examines the impact of dynastic political privilege on the behavior of incumbents. Incumbents have opportunities to serve themselves at the expense of voters, but society can design political institutions to mitigate these principal‐agent problems. Dynastic political privilege may be one such mechanism. We argue that the possibility that opportunistic behavior in office may damage family members' political prospects disciplines incumbents. We test this hypothesis using data for 1950–2005 on U.S. governors, including a new data set on the family relationships of politicians, and find that dynastic political privilege increases incumbent accountability. (JEL H71, H10)
Two Types of Self-Censorship: Public and Private
Authors: Cook Philip , Heilmann Conrad
Published: July 2012

We develop and defend a distinction between two types of self-censorship: public and private. First, we suggest that public self-censorship refers to a range of individual reactions to a public censorship regime. Second, private self-censorship is the suppression by an agent of his or her own attitudes where a public censor is either absent or irrelevant. The distinction is derived from a descriptive approach to self-censorship that asks: who is the censor, who is the censee, and how do they interact? We label situations in which censor and censee are different agents as public self-censorship, and situations in which they are the same agents as private self-censorship. We demonstrate the salience of this distinction by analysing the case of publication of Mohammed cartoons by the Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten. Our analysis reveals the presence and interaction of a number of different instances of private and public self-censorship. While our article is primarily concerned with establishing this novel descriptive distinction between public and private self-censorship, our analysis has important evaluative implications. We explain for instance how Jyllands-Posten was laudable as a public self-censor but not so as a private self-censor. In general, our analysis reveals that the agents and processes involved in public and private self-censorship are substantively different, as are the agents to whom normative principles regarding censorship should be applied. In particular, principles of free speech do not apply to the case of private self-censorship, because while an instance of censorship, the absence of an external censor makes the censorship non-coercive.
Non‐Parametric Change‐Point Tests for Long‐Range Dependent Data
Authors: DEHLING HEROLD , ROOCH AENEAS , TAQQU MURAD S.
Published: July 2012

Abstract.  We propose a non‐parametric change‐point test for long‐range dependent data, which is based on the Wilcoxon two‐sample test. We derive the asymptotic distribution of the test statistic under the null hypothesis that no change occurred. In a simulation study, we compare the power of our test with the power of a test which is based on differences of means. The results of the simulation study show that in the case of Gaussian data, our test has only slightly smaller power minus.3pt than the ‘difference‐of‐means’ test. For heavy‐tailed data, our test outperforms the ‘difference‐of‐means’ test.
Spike‐Type Solutions to One Dimensional Gierer–Meinhardt Model with Lévy Flights
Authors: Nec Y.
Published: July 2012

The Gierer–Meinhardt model with Lévy flights is shown to give rise to patterns of spikes with algebraically decaying tails. The spike shape is given by a solution to a fractional differential equation. Near an equilibrium formation the spikes drift according to the differential equations of the form known for Fickian diffusion, but with a new homoclinic. A nonlocal eigenvalue problem of a new type is formulated and studied. The system is less stable due to the Lévy flights, though the behavior of eigenvalues is changed mainly quantitatively.
Laboratories of Statehood: Legal Intervention in Colonial Africa and Today
Authors: Humphreys Stephen
Published: July 2012

The immense body of contemporary work aimed at ‘promoting the rule of law’ is often accused of ‘neo‐imperialism’. Yet, despite many points of contiguity between past and present legal interventions, the charge is overbroad and rarely illuminating. This article attempts to move beyond polemic to track concrete historical and structural forerunners of today's rule of law work. Focusing mainly (though not exclusively) on late imperial British endeavours, it traces colonial legal interventions over time, the techniques adopted (and rejected), the shifting normative bases of legitimacy, and moments of strategic recalibration in the face of resistance. Three broad attitudes towards law across the period are (provisionally) characterised as ‘regulative’, ‘constitutive’ and ‘institutive’ moments. In each phase, the Powers treat colonial territories as laboratories of statehood, within which experiments are conducted to locate the optimal configuration of law. In conclusion some counterparts to these moments in today's ‘rule of law’ activities are identified.
Local Authorities and the Accountability Gap in a Fragmenting Schools System
Authors: Harris Neville
Published: July 2012

Reforms to the English education system under the UK's coalition government are building on the so‐called ‘schools revolution’ that previous Labour governments began through legislation increasing both schools' autonomy from local authorities and the system's diversity. Growing numbers of state‐funded schools have converted to academies outside local authority control, particularly since the Academies Act 2010, while opportunities have emerged for ‘free schools’ to be established by various interest groups. The right to establish a school has normative human rights underpinnings, yet the government's policy as a whole is particularly controversial due to the increased risk of social division, instability of local schooling arrangements and significantly reduced local democratic accountability for state funded education. This article questions whether, against a background of three decades of centralising educational reform and a concomitant decline in the role of local (education) authorities, the local public interest in education is being adequately safeguarded.
The Transformation of the ‘Barcelona Model’: An Analysis of Culture, Urban Regeneration and Governance
Authors: DEGEN MÓNICA , GARCÍA MARISOL
Published: July 2012

Barcelona's redevelopment has been widely celebrated for its apparently successful combination of cultural strategies with urban regeneration to address social problems. The ‘Barcelona model’ has evolved, however, with changing relationships between urban regeneration, the use of culture and modes of governance. The role of cultural strategy has shifted from being part of a cultural vernacular with social and political citizenship at its core to become a functional tool for ensuring social cohesion and marketing the city's brand. This is linked to a gradual dilution of bottom‐up participatory democracy in governance. Pressures for international competitiveness are challenging the sustainability of the ‘Barcelona model’, while local actors are trying to ensure social justice at home.

Le réaménagement de Barcelone a été salué pour son alliance apparemment réussie de stratégies culturelles et de régénération urbaine destinée à remédier aux problèmes sociaux. Cependant, le ‘modèle de Barcelone’ a évolué avec les nouveaux rapports entre régénération urbaine, utilisation de la culture et modes de gouvernance. La stratégie culturelle a changé de rôle : de style local culturel nourrissant une citoyenneté sociale et politique, elle est devenue un outil fonctionnel visant à assurer la cohésion sociale et à commercialiser la marque de la ville. Cette situation est liée à un déclin progressif de la démocratie participative ascendante dans la gouvernance. Les tensions créées par la concurrence internationale remettent en question la pérennité du ‘modèle de Barcelone’, tandis que les acteurs locaux tentent de garantir la justice sociale sur place.
Whose Paradise? Itinerant Street Vendors' Individual and Collective Practices of Political Agency in the Tourist Streets of Cusco, Peru
Authors: STEEL GRIET
Published: July 2012

The focus of recent studies on street vending in Latin American cities has made a noteworthy shift from street vendors' conflicts with local governments to their resistance strategies. These studies explore how street vendors organize themselves against political repression and consider resistance in terms of collective action or organized protest. However, this article challenges this narrow focus on collective resistance strategies by analysing street vendors' collective and individual strategies for dealing with intensified control and for challenging the measures used by local governments. Drawing on the empirical case of itinerant street vendors in the tourist streets of Cusco, Peru, the article shows that these vendors adopt multiple and fragmented practices of political agency that enable them to make a livelihood in tourism. These less explicit and often more individualized ways of expressing agency are crucial to better understand how itinerant vendors manage to remain in the tourist streets of Cusco. They also explain why some vendors are more powerful than others in challenging repressive policies and benefiting from the global industry that is tourism.

Les études récentes consacrées à la vente ambulante dans les villes sud‐américaines ont opéré une importante réorientation, abandonnant les conflits entre les vendeurs de rue et les autorités locales pour s’intéresser à leurs stratégies de résistance. Elles examinent comment ces vendeurs s’organisent contre la répression politique et envisagent la résistance en termes d’action collective ou de protestation structurée. Cependant, cet article conteste cet intérêt limité pour les méthodes de résistance collective en analysant les stratégies individuelles et collectives des colporteurs pour faire face à l’intensification des contrôles et contester les mesures appliquées par les autorités locales. À partir du cas empirique des vendeurs dans les rues touristiques de Cusco au Pérou, l’article montre que ceux‐ci adoptent des pratiques multiples et fragmentées d’agence politique qui leur permettent de vivre du tourisme. Ces façons moins explicites et souvent plus individualisées d’exprimer leur agence sont essentielles pour mieux comprendre comment ils parviennent à rester dans les rues touristiques de Cusco. Elles expliquent aussi pourquoi certains d’entre eux sont mieux armés que d’autres pour affronter les politiques répressives et tirer profit de l’industrie mondialisée qu’est le tourisme.
On Rational Amoralists
Authors: ZAVALIY ANDREI G.
Published: July 2012

An influential tradition in moral philosophy attempts to explain an immoral action by reference to the defect in reasoning on the part of an immoral agent. On this view, the requirements of morality are not only sanctioned by the more general requirements of rationality, but the violations of the moral requirements would be indicative of a rational failure. In this article I argue that ascription of irrationality to amoral individuals (e.g., psychopaths) is either empirically false, or else, conceptually problematic. An interpretation of irrationality in its instrumental sense fails to do justice to the results of the research concerning the intelligence of some amoralists, whereas the suggestion that the alleged cognitive deficiency lies at the level of final ends and ultimate values faces serious theoretical difficulties. All attempts to construe the notion of an external reason for action without reference to the agent's actual goals and values bespeak an objectivist's bias, rest on controversial assumptions, and tend to alienate the agent from the proposed set of reasons. The argument is partly based on the analysis of reasoning of Ted Bundy, a notorious serial murderer, who presents a rather sophisticated justification for his criminal behavior.
Sustainable lifestyles in an urban context: towards a holistic understanding of ethical consumer behaviours. Empirical evidence from Catalonia, Spain
Authors: Papaoikonomou Eleni
Published: July 2012

Ethical consumer behaviour has been gaining increasing attention in recent times. Nevertheless, most empirical research tends to focus on specific expressions of ethical consumer behaviour such as fair trade shopping and disregard other ethical projects that a consumer might be involved in. The main implication of this is a lack of a holistic understanding of ethical consumer lifestyles. This work adopts a qualitative approach, which, together with a combination of research techniques, makes it possible to observe the ethical consumer experience as a whole. The findings suggest that a wide diversity of behavioural strategies can fit under the same ethical lifestyles. Furthermore, an answer is provided for the ongoing debate as to whether ethical consumerism should be considered a means for change in the guise of political pressure or it should be seen as immoral.
Three decades of populist radical right parties in Western Europe: So what?
Authors: MUDDE CAS
Published: July 2012

The populist radical right constitutes the most successful party family in postwar Western Europe. Many accounts in both academia and the media warn of the growing influence of populist radical right parties (PRRPs), the so‐called ‘verrechtsing’ (or right turn) of European politics, but few provide empirical evidence of it. This lecture provides a first comprehensive analysis of the alleged effects of the populist radical right on the people, parties, policies and polities of Western Europe. The conclusions are sobering. The effects are largely limited to the broader immigration issue, and even here PRRPs should be seen ascatalystsrather than initiators, who are neither a necessary nor a sufficient condition for the introduction of stricter immigration policies. The lecture ends by providing various explanations for the limited impact of PRRPs, but it is also argued that populist parties are not destined for success in opposition and failure in government. In fact, there are at least three reasons why PRRPs might increase their impact in the near future: the tabloidisation of political discourse; the aftermath of the economic crisis; and the learning curve of PRRPs. Even in the unlikely event that PRRPs will become major players in West European politics, it is unlikely that this will lead to a fundamental transformation of the political system. PRRPs are not a normal pathology of European democracy, unrelated to its basic values, but a pathological normalcy, which strives for the radicalisation of mainstream values.
Screening of effective pharmacological treatments for MELAS syndrome using yeasts, fibroblasts and cybrid models of the disease
Authors: Garrido‐Maraver Juan , Cordero Mario D , Moñino Irene Domínguez , Pereira‐Arenas Sheila , Lechuga‐Vieco Ana V , Cotán David , De la Mata Mario , Oropesa‐Ávila Manuel , De Miguel Manuel , Bautista Lorite Juan , Rivas Infante Eloy , Álvarez‐Dolado Manuel , Navas Plácido , Jackson Sandra , Francisci Silvia , Sánchez‐Alcázar José A
Published: July 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE MELAS (mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis and stroke‐like episodes) is a mitochondrial disease most usually caused by point mutations in tRNA genes encoded by mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Approximately 80% of cases of MELAS syndrome are associated with a m.3243A > G mutation in the MT‐TL1 gene, which encodes the mitochondrial tRNALeu (UUR). Currently, no effective treatments are available for this chronic progressive disorder. Treatment strategies in MELAS and other mitochondrial diseases consist of several drugs that diminish the deleterious effects of the abnormal respiratory chain function, reduce the presence of toxic agents or correct deficiencies in essential cofactors.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We evaluated the effectiveness of some common pharmacological agents that have been utilized in the treatment of MELAS, in yeast, fibroblast and cybrid models of the disease. The yeast model harbouring the A14G mutation in the mitochondrial tRNALeu(UUR) gene, which is equivalent to the A3243G mutation in humans, was used in the initial screening. Next, the most effective drugs that were able to rescue the respiratory deficiency in MELAS yeast mutants were tested in fibroblasts and cybrid models of MELAS disease.

KEY RESULTS According to our results, supplementation with riboflavin or coenzyme Q10 effectively reversed the respiratory defect in MELAS yeast and improved the pathologic alterations in MELAS fibroblast and cybrid cell models.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Our results indicate that cell models have great potential for screening and validating the effects of novel drug candidates for MELAS treatment and presumably also for other diseases with mitochondrial impairment.
Structure‐based design of decoy chemokines as a way to explore the pharmacological potential of glycosaminoglycans
Authors: Adage Tiziana , Piccinini Anna‐Maria , Falsone Angelika , Trinker Martin , Robinson James , Gesslbauer Bernd , Kungl Andreas J.
Published: July 2012

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are a class of highly negatively charged, unbranched, O‐linked polysaccharides that are involved in many diseases. Their role as a protein‐binding matrix on cell surfaces has long been recognized, but therapeutic approaches to interfere with protein–GAG interactions have been limited due to the complex chemistry of GAGs, on one hand, and due to the lack of specific antibodies against GAGs, on the other hand. We have developed a protein engineering platform (the so‐called CellJammer® technology), which enables us to introduce higher GAG‐binding affinity into wild‐type GAG‐binding proteins and to combine this with impaired biological, receptor‐binding function. Chemokines are among the prototypic GAG‐binding proteins and here we present selected results of our CellJammer technology applied to several of these proinflammatory proteins. An overview is given of our lead decoy protein, PA401, which is a CXCL8‐based mutant protein with increased GAG‐binding affinity and decreased CXCR1/2 binding and activation. Major results from our CCL2 and CCL5 programmes are also summarized and the potential for clinical application of these decoy proteins is presented.
Verapamil‐ and state‐dependent effect of 2‐aminoethylmethanethiosulphonate (MTSEA) on hKv1.3 channels
Authors: Nikouee Azadeh , Janbein Malika , Grissmer Stephan
Published: July 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE T‐cells usually express voltage‐gated Kv1.3 channels. These channels are distinguished by their typical C‐type inactivation. Therefore, to be able to rationally design drugs specific for the C‐type inactivation state that may have therapeutic value in autoimmune disease therapy, it is necessary to identify those amino acids that are accessible for drug binding in C‐type inactivated channels.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The influence of 2‐aminoethylmethanethiosulphonate (MTSEA) on currents through wild‐type human Kv1.3 (hKv1.3) and three mutant channels, hKv1.3_L418C, hKv1.3_T419C and hKv1.3_I420C, in the closed, open and inactivated states was investigated by the patch‐clamp technique.

KEY RESULTS Currents through hKv1.3_L418C and hKv1.3_T419C channels were irreversibly reduced after the external application of MTSEA in the open state but not in the inactivated and closed states. Currents through hKv1.3_I420C channels were irreversibly reduced in the open and inactivated states but not in the closed state. In the presence of verapamil, the MTSEA modification of hKv1.3_T419C and hKv1.3_I420C channels was prevented, while the MTSEA modification of hKv1.3_L418C channels was unaffected.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS From our experiments, we conclude that the activation gate of all mutant channels must be open for modification by MTSEA and must also be open during inactivation. In addition, the relative movement of the S6 segments that occur during C‐type inactivation includes a movement of the side chains of the amino acids at positions 418 and 419 away from the pore lining. Furthermore, the overlapping binding site for MTSEA and verapamil does not include position 418 in hKv1.3 channels.
Observation of Gastric Mucosa in Bangladesh, the Country with the Lowest Incidence of Gastric Cancer, and Japan, the Country with the Highest Incidence
Authors: Matsuhisa Takeshi , Aftab Hafeza
Published: July 2012

Background

The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is high, but the incidence of gastric cancer is low in natives of Bangladesh. The gastric mucosa was observed in Bangladeshi patients to investigate the differences between Bangladeshis and Japanese.

Materials and Methods

The study involved 418 Bangladeshi and 2356 Japanese patients with abdominal complaints who underwent endoscopy examinations and had no history of H. pylori eradication. The prevalence of H. pylori infection and the gastric mucosa in H. pylori‐positive patients were compared between age‐, gender‐, and endoscopic diagnosis‐matched Bangladeshi and Japanese subjects.

Results

The prevalence of H. pylori infection was higher in Bangladeshi than in Japanese subjects (60.2 and 45.1%, respectively). All the scores for chronic inflammation, neutrophil activity, glandular atrophy, and intestinal metaplasia were significantly lower in H. pylori‐positive Bangladeshis than in H. pylori‐positive Japanese. The ratio of the corpus gastritis score (C) to the antrum gastritis score (A) (C/A ratio) was <1 (antrum‐predominant gastritis) in all age groups of Bangladeshi subjects, whereas the C/A ratio changed from <1 to more than 1 (corpus‐predominant gastritis) with aging in Japanese subjects.

Conclusions

The scores for glandular atrophy and intestinal metaplasia in H. pylori‐positive Bangladeshis were significantly lower than those in Japanese. All age groups of Bangladeshis had antrum‐predominant gastritis, whereas corpus‐predominant gastritis was more common than antrum‐predominant gastritis in older Japanese age groups. These results may explain the low incidence of gastric cancer in Bangladeshis and the high incidence in Japanese.
Validity of the Prenatal Risk Overview for Detecting Drug Use Disorders in Pregnancy
Authors: Harrison Patricia A. , Godecker Amy , Sidebottom Abbey
Published: July 2012

Objective

To validate the Prenatal Risk Overview (PRO) drug use questions against a structured diagnostic interview among pregnant women.

Design and Sample

Prenatal care patients were administered the PRO at intake and then asked to consent to a research diagnostic interview. Of 1,367 women asked to participate, 1,274 consented and 745 completed the study.

Measures

Three drug use items comprised one of 13 PRO psychosocial risk domains. The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐IV (SCID) was used as the validation instrument. To assess criterion validity, the Moderate/High and High Risk classifications were cross‐tabulated with SCID Drug Use Disorder diagnoses.

Results

In response to the PRO, almost one third of participants (29.4%) reported drug use during the 12 months pre‐pregnancy awareness and 11.0% reported use post‐pregnancy awareness; 7.0% met SCID diagnostic criteria for Drug Abuse, Drug Dependence, or both, primarily for marijuana use. Drug Use Disorder sensitivity and specificity rates for the PRO Moderate/High Risk classifications were 88.5% and 74.3%, respectively, and for High Risk only, 78.8% and 87.3%.

Conclusion

The PRO yielded substantial self‐reporting of drug use before and after pregnancy awareness with high sensitivity and specificity for detecting Drug Use Disorders. PRO results can inform decisions about appropriate clinical responses.
Pediatric Pemphigus Vulgaris: Durable Treatment Responses Achieved with Prednisone and Mycophenolate Mofetil (MMF)
Authors: Baratta Andrea , Camarillo Diana , Papa Christine , Treat James R. , Payne Aimee S. , Rozenber Suzanne S. , Yan Albert C.
Published: July 2012

Abstract:  Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a chronic autoimmune blistering disease of the skin and mucous membranes. Most cases occur in adults; cases in children are rare. This report describes the clinical presentations and treatment responses of three children with PV, as confirmed according to histology and indirect immunofluorescence studies. In all three cases, oral prednisone used in conjunction with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) resulted in complete clinical remission, during which all pharmacotherapy was successfully discontinued. Resolution of the skin and mucosal blistering tended to occur quickly with prednisone, and after initiation of treatment with MMF, discontinuation of all pharmacotherapy was achieved within a range of 10 to 30 months in the three patients. One patient experienced a recurrence of genital lesions 19 months after discontinuation of therapy, but the condition remitted within 2 weeks with topical corticosteroid therapy. At the time of this report, the duration of complete remission ranged from 6 to 19 months. In summary, combination therapy with prednisone and MMF for pediatric PV appears to be a safe and effective approach that is associated with durable remission.
Case Report of Atopic Dermatitis with Refractory Pruritus Markedly Improved with the Novel Use of Clonidine and Trimeprazine
Authors: Genois Annie , Haig Margaret , Roches Anne Des , Sirard Alain , Le May Sylvie , McCuaig Catherine C.
Published: July 2012

Abstract:  We report a 6‐year‐old boy with severe atopic dermatitis and refractory pruritus. The novel use of clonidine, an adrenergic agonist, along with trimeprazine, led to dramatic improvement. This represents the first case report of clonidine’s effect in relieving pruritus in atopic dermatitis.
Klebsiella‐Associated Phagedenic Ulcers in Infants—A Report of Two Cases
Authors: Pai Varadraj V. , Annigeri Venkatesh , G. Ajanta , Naik Ashok , Kikkeri Naveen N. , Sori Tukaram
Published: July 2012

Abstract:  Phagedenic ulcer is usually associated with infections due to staphylococcus, pseudomonas, streptococcus or fusospirochete in immunocompromised individuals. We report, for the first time, two cases of phagedenic ulcers in infants caused by Klebsiella pneumonia species.
Contact Dermatitis in a Child from Methlychloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone in Moist Wipes
Authors: Kazandjieva Jana , Gergovska Malena , Darlenski Razvigor
Published: July 2012

Abstract:  Contact allergic reactions to methlychloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone also widely known as Kathon CG have been reported extensively reported. It is one of the most commonly used preservatives in rinse‐off products, cosmetics, and others. Herein, a case of a 50‐year‐old girl is presented with chronic dermatitis in the anogenital area. The patient was patch tested and had positive reaction to Kathon CG. The detailed history taking revealed that the allergen was present in the moist cleaning wipes used instead of dry toilet paper. The presented case serves as a basis for a appraisal of the use of this preservative in wet wipes. In addition, the duration of the patch test protocol in children has also been discussed.
Generalized Pigmented Purpuric Dermatosis in a Boy Treated with Narrow‐Band‐Ultraviolet B Therapy
Authors: Verma Prashant
Published: July 2012

Abstract:  A 14‐year‐old boy presented with extensive capillaritis. Narrow‐band ultraviolet B was administered on a thrice‐weekly schedule followed by once‐a‐week maintenance. A favorable response to treatment was seen without any side effects.