bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Employee social responsibility practices and outcomes in Kenya's tourist hotels
Authors: Kimeli Cheruiyot Thomas , Maru Loice C.
Published: April 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore and espouse employee corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices in classified hotels in the coastal region of Kenya, then to evaluate perceived job satisfaction, employee turnover/retention and organizational commitment by employees and explore any inherent paradox in the employee perceptions on both employee CSR practices and the job‐related outcomes in the African context.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on an exploratory survey that targeted a population of 5,595 hotel employees from 20 selected classified hotels. A sample size of 699 employees was systematically selected and data collected using a structured questionnaire anchored on a five‐point Likert scale. The instrument was evaluated for internal consistency and subjected to principal component analysis to explore extant dimensions.

Findings

Though initially employee CSR practices by the hotel enterprises were defined by four dimensions, while employee job satisfaction‐related outcomes were defined by three dimensions, principal component analysis revealed six dimensions of the employee CSR practices and four dimensions of the job‐related outcomes. This paper, therefore, identifies and discusses the inherent paradoxes of employee job satisfaction, employee commitment and employee retention as revealed by the study.

Originality/value

Internal social responsibility practices among enterprises in Africa, has relatively been downplayed by government, respective enterprise management and scholars.
CSR stakeholder engagement and Nigerian tobacco manufacturing sub‐sector
Authors: Uzoma Ihugba Bethel
Published: April 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the stakeholder engagement approach, level, rationale and implications for corporate social responsibility (CSR) management and governance in the Nigerian tobacco sub‐sector.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were obtained from the published social reports of British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN). These data are used to analyse BATN's CSR initiatives and stakeholder engagement against Arnstein's citizenship participation model and reasons for companies' engagement in CSR initiatives. Other literature, such as news reports and articles were used to contextualise the analysis.

Findings

Findings suggest that the engagement appears too controlled and lacking in authenticity; and that the stakeholder engagement framework needs to be developed to improve informed and balanced stakeholder participation and progressive CSR programmes.

Research limitations/implications

The findings may not be readily generalisable, as the study was based on one company, although the data included a seven year company social report and other independent and external literature, e.g. news reports, to help contextualise the social reports. More research may be needed from other sub‐sectors to demonstrate generalisability.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that entirely discretionary CSR and stakeholder engagement may reduce its developmental impact and sustainability. To avert this, especially in Nigeria, some framework is needed to increase informed participation of relevant stakeholders and encourage a sustainable CSR practice.

Originality/value

To the best of the author's knowledge, this is the first case study that explores CSR and stakeholder engagement in the Nigeria tobacco sub‐sector.
Ubuntu and corporate social responsibility: the case of selected Malawian organizations
Authors: Mickson Kayuni Happy , Tambulasi Richard I.C.
Published: April 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to operationalise the concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) within the framework of Ubuntu in selected Malawian organizations. The intention is to analyze whether CSR can be applied cross‐culturally.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is a result of a qualitative research study conducted amongst nine sampled Malawian organisations. It utilized a semi‐structured interview guide in the collection of data whereby key research questions were exploratory and descriptive in nature.

Findings

This paper finds that in the cases under study, the concept of CSR is being applied within the framework of Ubuntu rather than a Western‐oriented business approach.

Research limitations/implications

CSR does not operate in a vacuum. Its application depends on the prevailing cultural context. In the cases under study, Ubuntu values influence and facilitate the application of CSR activities.

Originality/value

Despite the envisaged significance of Ubuntu cultural context to the understanding and applicability of CSR in Africa, there has been no adequate systematic analysis of the same. The paper is therefore filling this knowledge gap.
Charnley Fold: a practice model of environmental design for enhanced dementia day care
Authors: Chalfont Garuth
Published: April 2012

Purpose

Rehabilitation aims to achieve optimal levels of physical, psychological, social and vocational well‐being. Even though cognitive interventions have been widely applied in dementia care for over 20 years, rehabilitation is largely ignored for degenerative diseases. The purpose of this paper is to present a case study to illustrate environmental design in rehabilitation for people with dementia.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper gives an overview of environmental design in rehabilitation for dementia, using the case study of Charnley Fold enhanced day care. It highlights key points contributing to the success of this practice model, outcomes achieved and arguments for rehabilitative dementia care.

Findings

This model of enhanced day care uses nature as a therapeutic tool and a powerful resource to facilitate the rehabilitative process. It achieves this through the design of the physical environment which maximizes a person's participation with others and the natural world, resulting in outcomes such as confidence, enthusiasm, motivation, re‐skilling, communication and mobility.

Originality/value

The paper highlights key points contributing to the success of this practice model, outcomes achieved and arguments for rehabilitative dementia care.
The criminal injuries compensation scheme
Authors: Sugarman Neil
Published: April 2012

Purpose

This paper seeks to provide an analysis of historic and current criminal injuries compensation schemes in Great Britain.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper aims to explain the nature of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) that administers the present scheme and to identify the qualifying criteria to establish eligibility for awards of compensation and obstacles to success. It deals with the nature and amounts of the awards available, the evidence gathering process, causes of delay and impediments to the achievement of fair outcomes. In the context of cases of serious injury, including acquired brain injury, it examines specific problems that are likely to be encountered and a perceived inadequacy of the compensation available to victims of such injury. The paper considers the involvement of the National Health Service in cases where applications for compensation are made and the possibility that medical professionals might inadvertently hinder the chances of a fair award. The position of local authorities and social services departments is also addressed, as is the danger that proper claims for injured victims might not be identified.

Findings

From the point of view of the victim of crime who is faced with making an application to CICA, the problems that they face lie with the process, the possibility of being refused on technical grounds, limits on compensation, gaps in the scheme – which might leave victims or their relatives going uncompensated or under‐compensated, and finally the lack of financial support with the cost of representation where it is needed. Of equal concern is the fact that the description of the circumstances of the assault and the injuries suffered can be crucial to ensure that full, proper, and relevant evidence gathering is undertaken. Without suitable skills, it is very easy for the lay applicant inadvertently to mislead, or to give the CICA the opportunity to reject or under‐compensate.

Originality/value

This paper provides a detailed analysis of CICA and reflects upon what the future might hold for injured victims of crime.
Personal injury litigation process
Authors: Underhill Malcolm
Published: April 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to consider the claims process for personal injury matters, prior to and post commencement of litigation.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper includes an examination of the personal injury pre‐action protocol and thereafter, the actions required to commence legal proceedings. Flowing from this is a step‐by‐step guide to the actions required to prepare a case for trial. It concludes with a summary of the trial process, in the event that the case is not resolved by other means.

Findings

The actual steps and timetable for the resolution of personal injury neurological cases will vary and be dictated by the particular facts of each case. However, they will all broadly follow the approach outlined, with compliance with the pre‐action protocol before commencement of proceedings. Those proceedings will then be tightly managed by a judge through one or more case management conferences before a trial will proceed.

Originality/value

The paper provides details of the litigation process so that health professionals feel comfortable with the framework of litigation and can understand the client's anxieties. Therefore, it is important that those same professionals are familiar with the personal injury litigation process, to enhance their role and contribution to a case, to the benefit of the mutual client.
T Helper Type 17 Cells Expand in Patients with Myasthenia‐Associated Thymoma
Authors: Wang Z. , Wang W. , Chen Y. , Wei D.
Published: April 2012

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a prototypical CD4+ T cell–dependent autoimmune disease mediated by anti‐acetylcholine receptor autoantibodies (AChR‐Abs). Certain subsets of helper T cells are suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis of MG, including Th1 and regulatory T cells (Treg). However, whether the recently identified Th17 cells play a role in the development of MG and its prognosis is still unknown. Here, we demonstrated that Th17 cells and their associated cytokines are increased, while the Treg cells are decreased in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from MG patients with thymomas (TM), but not from those with normal thymus (NT) or thymic hyperplasia (TH). Furthermore, the quantity of Th17 cells correlates with the quantitative myasthenia gravis (QMG) score in patients with TM. We also found a significant positive relationship between the frequency of Th17 cells (%) and the concentration of AChR antibodies in patients with MG. Therefore, the Th17/Treg imbalance in TM may suggest MG with certain pathological subtype, and the increase in Th17 cells may reveal the severity of the disease, which is valuable in the diagnosis and choice of therapeutic strategy for patients with MG.
Temporal Progress of Yellow Sigatoka and Aerobiology of Mycosphaerella musicola Spores
Authors: Rocha Hermínio Souza , Pozza Edson Ampélio , Uchôa Cleilson Do Nascimento , Cordeiro Zilton José Maciel , De Souza Paulo Estevão , Sussel ÂNgelo Aparecido Barbosa , De Rezende Carlos Alberto
Published: April 2012

An understanding of the progression of a disease is important in the adoption of control strategies as well as the evaluation of their efficacies. Temporal analysis is especially useful because it integrates the evolution of the interaction between the components of the pathosystem, as expressed by the accumulated data on the incidence and severity of disease and depicted by the disease progression curve. Within a given patho‐system, the dispersed airborne spores are important components in the progress of plant disease epidemics. Our aims were to evaluate the temporal dynamics of yellow Sigatoka in a banana plantation located in Coronel Pacheco, MG, Brazil, and to assess the aerobiology of Mycosphaerella musicola spores throughout the year. During the rainy season, we observed intense disease progression concomitant with high rates of leaf emission, which caused rapid reversal of the severity peaks after the maximum rates were reached. The yellow Sigatoka progress curve showed two peaks of extreme severity. The first, which occurred during the rainy season, was predominantly caused by a high concentration of conidia. The second, which occurred during the dry season, was predominantly caused by a high concentration of ascospores in the air. The ascospore concentrations were correlated with the severity of the disease 29 days later, indicating the average latency period of the disease in that region. The patterns of the severity curves for both peaks fit the monomolecular model, and the progression rates were higher during the rainy season than the dry season. The spore concentrations were the same at the two evaluated heights. In all evaluations, it was observed a higher concentration of ascospores than of conidia, with the greatest ascospore concentrations occurring during the early hours of the day and the greatest conidia concentrations occurring later, after the dew has dropped from the leaves.
Endometrial Phospholipase A2 Activity During the Oestrous Cycle and Early Pregnancy in Mares
Authors: Ababneh MM , Troedsson MHT
Published: April 2012

Contents

The aim of this study was to determine phospholipase A2 (PLA2) kinetics and activity in the mare’s endometrium during the oestrous cycle and early pregnancy. Phospholipase A2 is responsible for the liberation of arachidonic acid from phospholipids, which is the first limiting step in prostaglandins synthesis. Phospholipase A2 activity was measured using an assay based on the liberation of oleic acid from 1‐palmitoyl‐2‐[14C] oleoyl phosphatidylcholine. The enzyme was shown to be calcium dependent, to have an optimum pH of 8 and an apparent Michaelis constant of 127 μm. Enzyme activity was low in the endometrium of early luteal phase tissue but increased significantly (p < 0.001) during the late luteal phase (5.39 ± 0.16; 3.48 ± 0.33, 6.85 ± 0.59, and 9.96 thinsp;± thinsp;1.23 thinsp;nmol oleic acid released/mg protein at oestrus, and Days 3, 8 and 14 after ovulation, respectively). The mean PLA2 activity in endometrial tissue from pregnant mares (4.23 ± 0.74) was significantly lower (p < 0.01) than from cyclic animals during late dioestrus (9.96 ± 1.23). The results indicate that PLA2 activity in equine endometrium changes with the stage of the oestrous cycle and thus may be influenced by systemic hormone concentrations. The inhibitory effects of conceptus products on secretion of prostaglandin during early pregnancy were associated with a competitive inhibitor that decreased endometrial PLA2 activity.
Systematic review of the use of topical diltiazem compared with glyceryltrinitrate for the nonoperative management of chronic anal fissure
Authors: Sajid M. S. , Whitehouse P. A. , Sains P. , Baig M. K.
Published: April 2012

Aim  The study analyzed clinical trials investigating the effectiveness of diltiazem (DTZ) and glyceryltrinitrate (GTN) for the nonsurgical management of chronic anal fissure (CAF).

Method  Randomized trials on the effectiveness of DTZ and GTN were analyzed systematically using RevMan® where combined outcome was expressed as risk ratio (RR).

Results  Seven randomized controlled trials that included 481 patients were analyzed. Two‐hundred and thirty‐eight patients were treated with DTZ and 243 patients were treated with GTN. There was significant heterogeneity [Tau2 = 0.24, χ2 = 13.16, d.f. = 6 (P < 0.05); I2 = 54%] among the included trials. In the random‐effects model, DTZ was associated with a lower incidence of side effects (RR = 0.48; 95% CI = 0.27, 0.86; z = 2.46; P < 0.01), headache (RR = 0.39; 95% CI = 0.24, 0.66; z = 3.54; P < 0.004) and recurrence (RR = 0.68; 95% CI = 0.52, 0.89; z = 2.77; P < 0.006) of CAF. Both GTN and DTZ were equally effective (RR = 1.10; 95% CI = 0.90, 1.34; z = 0.92; P = 0.36) in the nonsurgical management of CAF.

Conclusion  This systematic review of seven trials validates and strengthens the finding of a previously published meta‐analysis of two randomized trials. Both DTZ and GTN are equally effective in the management of CAF. However, DTZ is associated with a lower incidence of headache and recurrent fissure. Therefore DTZ should be the preferred first line of treatment for CAF.
Decrease in frequency of ketoacidosis at diabetes onset over the past two decades – perspectives of a paediatric tertiary care centre
Authors: de Vries L. , Oren L. , Lebenthal Y. , Shalitin S. , Lazar L. , Phillip M.
Published: April 2012

Diabet. Med. 29, e170–e175 (2012)

Aims  To determine whether the frequency and severity of diabetic ketoacidosis and the clinical characteristics of children at diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes mellitus have changed over the past decades among patients under surveillance of a tertiary paediatric centre.

Methods  In three time‐periods, 75 (1986–1987), 86 (1996–1997) and 245 (2006–2007) patients at mean age 10.1 ± 4.7 years (0.6–20.0) were diagnosed with new‐onset Type 1 diabetes. Data on clinical characteristics and laboratory evaluation at diagnosis retrieved from the patients’ files . Comparative analysis was performed between the three time periods.

Results  The frequency of diabetic ketoacidosis at diagnosis was 40% in 1986–1987, 41.8% in 1996–1997 and 29.4% in 2006–2007; the last rate was significantly lower (P = 0.04). No significant differences in the proportions of patients with severe or moderate diabetic ketoacidosis were found over time. Mean weight standard deviation score significantly increased from −0.72 ± 1.8 in 1986–1987 to −0.27 ± 1.2 in 2006–2007 (P < 0.05), while percentage weight loss (∼6.5%) before diagnosis remained unchanged. In 2006–2007 a higher proportion of children had glucose testing at the community clinic before diagnosis, than in the earlier years (73.1 vs. 59.6%, P = 0.003).

Conclusions  The overall frequency of diabetic ketoacidosis in children with newly diagnosed Type 1 diabetes has decreased in the past decade, although the degree of metabolic decompensation has remained unchanged.
Linking temperate demersal fish species to habitat: scales, patterns and future directions
Authors: Johnson Andrew F , Jenkins Stuart R , Hiddink Jan G , Hinz Hilmar
Published: April 2012

Adoption of the ecosystem approach to fisheries management relies on recognition of the link between fish and other components of the ecosystem, namely their physical and biological habitat. However, identifying the habitat requirements of marine fishes and hence determining their distribution in space and time is scientifically complex. We analysed the methodologies and findings of research on temperate, demersal fish habitat requirements to highlight the main developments in this field and to identify potential shortfalls. Many studies were undertaken over large spatial scales (≥100s km2) and these generally correlated abundances of fish to abiotic variables. Biological variables were accounted for less often. Small spatial scale (≤m2), experimental studies were comparatively sparse and commonly focused on biotic variables. Whilst the number of studies focusing on abiotic variables increased with increasing spatial scale, the proportion of studies finding significant relationships between habitat and fish distribution remained constant. This mismatch indicates there is no justification for the tendency to analyse abiotic habitat variables at large spatial scales. Innovative modelling techniques and habitat mapping technologies are developing rapidly, providing new insights at the larger spatial scales. However, there is a clear need for a reduction in study scale, or increase in resolution additional to the integration of biotic variables. We argue that development of sound predictive science in the field of demersal fish habitat determination is reliant on a change in focus along these lines. This is especially important if spatial management strategies, such as Marine Protected Areas (MPA) or No Take Zones (NTZ), are to be used in future ecosystem‐based approaches to fisheries management.
LPHN3 and attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder: interaction with maternal stress during pregnancy
Authors: Choudhry Zia , Sengupta Sarojini M. , Grizenko Natalie , Fortier Marie‐Eve , Thakur Geeta A. , Bellingham Johanne , Joober Ridha
Published: April 2012

Background:  Attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a heterogeneous behavioral disorder, complex both in etiology and clinical expression. Both genetic and environmental factors have been implicated, and it has been suggested that gene‐environment interactions may play a pivotal role in the disorder. Recently, a significant association was reported between ADHD and LPHN3 (which codes for latrophilin 3), and replicated in independent samples.

Methods:  We have examined the association between tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in LPHN3 within the region previously implicated in ADHD. Family based association tests (FBAT) were conducted (n = 380 families) with the categorical diagnosis of ADHD, behavioral and cognitive phenotypes related to ADHD, and response to treatment (given a fixed dose of methylphenidate, 0.5 mg/day). Stratified FBAT analyses, based on maternal smoking and stress during pregnancy, was conducted.

Results:  Whereas limited association was observed in the total sample, highly significant interaction between four LPHN3 tag SNPs (rs6551665, rs1947274, rs6858066, rs2345039) and maternal stress during pregnancy was noted. Analysis conducted in the sub‐group of mothers exposed to minimal stress during pregnancy showed significant associations with ADHD, behavioral and cognitive dimensions related to ADHD, as well as treatment response. Although extensive association was observed with the candidate SNPs, the findings are partially inconsistent with previously published results with the opposite alleles over‐transmitted in these studies.

Conclusions:  These results provide evidence for the interaction between a genetic and environmental factor independently shown to be associated with ADHD. If confirmed in independent large studies, they may present a step forward in unraveling the complex etiology of ADHD.
Probing the pharmacological properties of distinct subunit interfaces within heteromeric glycine receptors reveals a functional ββ agonist‐binding site
Authors: Dutertre Sébastien , Drwal Malgorzata , Laube Bodo , Betz Heinrich
Published: April 2012

J. Neurochem. (2012) 122, 38–47.

Synaptic glycine receptors (GlyRs) are hetero‐pentameric chloride channels composed of α and β subunits, which are activated by agonist binding at subunit interfaces. To examine the pharmacological properties of each potential agonist‐binding site, we substituted residues of the GlyR α1 subunit by the corresponding residues of the β subunit, as deduced from sequence alignment and homology modeling based on the recently published crystal structure of the glutamate‐gated chloride channel GluCl. These exchange substitutions allowed us to reproduce the βα, αβ and ββ subunit interfaces present in synaptic heteromeric GlyRs by generating recombinant homomeric receptors. When the engineered α1 GlyR mutants were expressed in Xenopus oocytes, all subunit interface combinations were found to form functional agonist‐binding sites as revealed by voltage clamp recording. The ββ‐binding site displayed the most distinct pharmacological profile towards a range of agonists and modulators tested, indicating that it might be selectively targeted to modulate the activity of synaptic GlyRs. The mutational approach described here should be generally applicable to heteromeric ligand‐gated ion channels composed of homologous subunits and facilitate screening efforts aimed at targeting inter‐subunit specific binding sites.
LOCALIZATION OF IRON WITHIN CENTRIC DIATOMS OF THE GENUSTHALASSIOSIRA1
Authors: Nuester Jochen , Vogt Stefan , Twining Benjamin S.
Published: April 2012

The cellular iron (Fe) quota of centric diatoms has been shown to vary in response to the ambient dissolved Fe concentration; however, it is not known how centric diatoms store excess intracellular Fe. Here, we use synchrotron X‐ray fluorescence (SXRF) element mapping to identify Fe storage features in cells ofThalassiosira pseudonanaHasle et Heimdal andThalassiosira weissflogiiG. A. Fryxell et Hasle grown at low and high Fe concentrations. Localized intracellular Fe storage features, defined as anomalously high Fe concentrations in regions of relatively low phosphorus (P), sulfur (S), silicon (Si), and zinc (Zn), were twice as common inT. weissflogiicells grown at high Fe compared to low‐Fe cells. Cellular Fe quotas of this strain increased 2.9‐fold, the spatial extent of the features increased 4.6‐fold, and the Fe content of the features increased 14‐fold under high‐Fe conditions, consistent with a vacuole storage mechanism. The element stoichiometry of the Fe features is consistent with polyphosphate‐bound Fe as a potential vacuolar Fe storage pool. Iron quotas increased 2.5‐fold inT. pseudonanagrown at high Fe, but storage features contained only 2‐fold more Fe and did not increase in size compared to low‐Fe cells. The differences in Fe storage observed betweenT. pseudonanaandT. weissflogiimay have been due to differences in the growth states of the cultures.
MOLECULAR EVOLUTION OF GLUTAMINE SYNTHETASE II AND III IN THE CHROMALVEOLATES1
Authors: Ghoshroy Sohini , Robertson Deborah L.
Published: April 2012

Glutamine synthetase (GS) is encoded by three distinct gene families (GSI, GSII, and GSIII) that are broadly distributed among the three domains of life. Previous studies established that GSII and GSIII isoenzymes were expressed in diatoms; however, less is known about the distribution and evolution of the gene families in other chromalveolate lineages. Thus, GSII cDNA sequences were isolated from three cryptophytes (Guillardia theta D. R. A. Hill et Wetherbee, Cryptomonas phaseolus Skuja, and Pyrenomonas helgolandii Santore), and GSIII was sequenced from G. theta. Red algal GSII sequences were obtained from Bangia atropurpurea (Mertens ex Roth) C. Agardh; Compsopogon caeruleus (Balbis ex C. Agardh) Mont.; Flintiella sanguinaria F. D. Ott and Porphyridium aerugineum Geitler; Rhodella violacea (Kornmann) Wehrmeyer and Dixoniella grisea (Geitler) J. L. Scott, S. T. Broadwater, B. D. Saunders, J. P. Thomas et P. W. Gabrielson; and Stylonema alsidii (Zanardini) K. M. Drew. In Bayesian inference and maximum‐likelihood (ML) phylogenetic analyses, chromalveolate GSII sequences formed a weakly supported clade that nested among sequences from glaucophytes, red algae, green algae, and plants. Red algal GSII sequences formed two distinct clades. The largest clade contained representatives from the Cyanidiophytina and Rhodophytina and grouped with plants and green algae. The smaller clade (C. caeruleus, Porphyra yezoensis, and S. alsidii) nested within the chromalveolates, although its placement was unresolved. Chromalveolate GSIII sequences formed a well‐supported clade in Bayesian and ML phylogenies, and mitochondrial transit peptides were identified in many of the sequences. There was strong support for a stramenopile‐haptophyte‐cryptophyte GSIII clade in which the cryptophyte sequence diverged from the deepest node. Overall, the evolutionary history of the GS gene families within the algae is complex with evidence for the presence of orthologous and paralogous sequences, ancient and recent gene duplications, gene losses and replacements, and the potential for both endosymbiotic and lateral gene transfers.
FATTY ACID SIGNATURES DIFFERENTIATE MARINE MACROPHYTES AT ORDINAL AND FAMILY RANKS1
Authors: Galloway Aaron W. E. , Britton‐Simmons Kevin H. , Duggins David O. , Gabrielson Paul W. , Brett Michael T.
Published: April 2012

Primary productivity by plants and algae is the fundamental source of energy in virtually all food webs. Furthermore, photosynthetic organisms are the sole source for ω‐3 and ω‐6 essential fatty acids (EFA) to upper trophic levels. Because animals cannot synthesize EFA, these molecules may be useful as trophic markers for tracking sources of primary production through food webs if different primary producer groups have different EFA signatures. We tested the hypothesis that different marine macrophyte groups have distinct fatty acid (FA) signatures by conducting a phylogenetic survey of 40 marine macrophytes (seaweeds and seagrasses) representing 36 families, 21 orders, and four phyla in the San Juan Archipelago, WA, USA. We used multivariate statistics to show that FA composition differed significantly (P < 0.001) among phyla, orders, and families using 44 FA and a subset of seven EFA (P < 0.001). A second analysis of published EFA data of 123 additional macrophytes confirmed that this pattern was robust on a global scale (P < 0.001). This phylogenetic differentiation of macrophyte taxa shows a clear relationship between macrophyte phylogeny and FA content and strongly suggests that FA signature analyses can offer a viable approach to clarifying fundamental questions about the contribution of different basal resources to food webs. Moreover, these results imply that taxa with commercially valuable EFA signatures will likely share such characteristics with other closely related taxa that have not yet been evaluated for FA content.
DIATOM COLONY FORMATION: A COMPUTATIONAL STUDY PREDICTS A SINGLE MECHANISM CAN PRODUCE BOTH LINKAGE AND SEPARATION VALVES DUE TO AN ENVIRONMENTAL SWITCH1
Authors: Bentley Katie , Clack Chris , Cox Eileen J.
Published: April 2012

The morphological plasticity and adaptive behavior exhibited during diatom colony formation in Aulacoseira is explored through computer simulation to study how the interplay of mechanisms such as cytoskeletal‐driven membrane protrusions, silica deposition, and environmental factors may contribute to the generation of two distinct spine morphologies on linkage and separation valves. A multiscale agent‐based computational model was developed, which showed that a single cytoskeleton‐driven, competitive growth mechanism could generate either of the two characteristic phenotypes, given only a single switch in the environment (as might be experienced by a change in light regime). Hypotheses are formulated from the model, and predictions made for potential follow‐up experiments.
Difficulties in emotional regulation: association with poorer oral health‐related quality of life in the general population
Authors: Mattila A.K. , Pohjola V. , Suominen A.L. , Joukamaa M. , Lahti S.
Published: April 2012

Mattila AK, Pohjola V, Suominen AL, Joukamaa M, Lahti S. Difficulties in emotional regulation and poorer oral health‐related quality of life in the general population.   Eur J Oral Sci 2012; 120: 224–231. © 2012 Eur J Oral Sci

Personality is one of the strongest predictors of subjective well‐being and may, according to a few previous studies, affect how people report oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL). Alexithymia, a personality trait involving difficulties in emotional regulation, is associated with poorer health‐related quality of life in the general population. We studied if alexithymia is also associated with poorer OHRQoL in a general population sample of 4,460 adults. Oral health‐related quality of life was measured using the 14‐item Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP‐14) and alexithymia was measured using the 20‐item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS‐20). Controlling for clinically assessed dental health, depression, anxiety, and socio‐demographic variables, higher scores on the TAS‐20 as well as on its three dimensions [difficulties in identifying feelings (DIF), difficulties in describing feelings (DDF), and externally oriented thinking (EOT)] were associated with higher OHIP‐14 composite scores according to Poisson regression analyses. In adjusted logistic regression analyses, the TAS‐20 and two of its dimensions (DIF and DDF) were positively and significantly associated with the seven OHIP‐14 dimensions and the prevalence of those reporting one or more OHIP‐14 items fairly often or very often. The study showed that difficulties in emotional regulation might be reflected in poorer OHRQoL, regardless of the dental health status, depression, anxiety, and socio‐demographic variables.
Association between subjective oral health and regularity of service use
Authors: Kaprio Henri , Suominen Anna Liisa , Lahti Satu
Published: April 2012

Kaprio H, Suominen AL, Lahti S. Association between subjective oral health and regularity of service use.   Eur J Oral Sci 2012; 120: 212–217. © 2012 Eur J Oral Sci

The aim was to evaluate the predictive power of two different measures of subjective oral health in relation to regularity of use of oral health‐care services. The nationally representative data were collected as part of the Health 2000 Survey on Finnish adults, 30+ yr of age (n = 4926). Subjective oral health and regularity of using of oral health‐care services were measured using single questions and oral health‐related quality of life was measured using the 14‐item Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP‐14) questionnaire. Those reporting poor oral health or higher impacts in the OHIP‐14 were more likely to be irregular users of oral health‐care services. Further research is needed to investigate more precisely the applicability of these measures in different settings of oral health‐care provision.
Diversity and Expression of RubisCO Genes in a Perennially Ice-Covered Antarctic Lake during the Polar Night Transition
Authors: Kong Weidong , Ream David C. , Priscu John C. , Morgan-Kiss Rachael M.
Published: April 2012

The autotrophic communities in the lakes of the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica, have generated interest since the early 1960s owing to low light transmission through the permanent ice covers, a strongly bimodal seasonal light cycle, constant cold water temperatures, and geographical isolation. Previous work has shown that autotrophic carbon fixation in these lakes provides an important source of organic matter to this polar desert. Lake Bonney has two lobes separated by a shallow sill and is one of several chemically stratified lakes in the dry valleys that support year-round biological activity. As part of an International Polar Year initiative, we monitored the diversity and abundance of major isoforms of RubisCO in Lake Bonney by using a combined sequencing and quantitative PCR approach during the transition from summer to polar winter. Form ID RubisCO genes related to a stramenopile, a haptophyte, and a cryptophyte were identified, while primers specific for form IA/B RubisCO detected a diverse autotrophic community of chlorophytes, cyanobacteria, and chemoautotrophic proteobacteria. Form ID RubisCO dominated phytoplankton communities in both lobes of the lake and closely matched depth profiles for photosynthesis and chlorophyll. Our results indicate a coupling between light availability, photosynthesis, and
rbcL
mRNA levels in deep phytoplankton populations. Regulatory control of
rbcL
in phytoplankton living in nutrient-deprived shallow depths does not appear to be solely light dependent. The distinct water chemistries of the east and west lobes have resulted in depth- and lobe-dependent variability in RubisCO diversity, which plays a role in transcriptional activity of the key gene responsible for carbon fixation.
Life under Multiple Extreme Conditions: Diversity and Physiology of the Halophilic Alkalithermophiles
Authors: Mesbah Noha M. , Wiegel Juergen
Published: April 2012

Around the world, there are numerous alkaline, hypersaline environments that are heated either geothermally or through intense solar radiation. It was once thought that such harsh environments were inhospitable and incapable of supporting a variety of life. However, numerous culture-dependent and -independent studies revealed the presence of an extensive diversity of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and archaea that survive and grow under these multiple harsh conditions. This diversity includes the halophilic alkalithermophiles, a novel group of polyextremophiles that require for growth and proliferation the multiple extremes of high salinity, alkaline pH, and elevated temperature. Life under these conditions undoubtedly involves the development of unique physiological characteristics, phenotypic properties, and adaptive mechanisms that enable control of membrane permeability, control of intracellular osmotic balance, and stability of the cell wall, intracellular proteins, and other cellular constituents. This minireview highlights the ecology and growth characteristics of the extremely halophilic alkalithermophiles that have been isolated thus far. Biochemical, metabolic, and physiological properties of the extremely halophilic alkalithermophiles are described, and their roles in resistance to the combined stressors of high salinity, alkaline pH, and high temperature are discussed. The isolation of halophilic alkalithermophiles broadens the physicochemical boundaries for life and extends the boundaries for the combinations of the maximum salinity, pH, and temperature that can support microbial growth.
Resistance to Broad-Spectrum Antibiotics in Aquatic Systems: Anthropogenic Activities Modulate the Dissemination of
bla
CTX-M
-Like Genes
Authors: Tacão Marta , Correia António , Henriques Isabel
Published: April 2012

We compared the resistomes within polluted and unpolluted rivers, focusing on extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) genes, in particular
bla
CTX-M
. Twelve rivers from a Portuguese hydrographic basin were sampled. Physicochemical and microbiological parameters of water quality were determined, and the results showed that 9 rivers were classified as unpolluted (UP) and that 3 were classified as polluted (P). Of the 225 cefotaxime-resistant strains isolated, 39 were identified as ESBL-producing strains, with 18 carrying a
bla
CTX-M
gene (15 from P and 3 from UP rivers). Analysis of CTX-M nucleotide sequences showed that 17 isolates produced CTX-M from group 1 (CTX-M-1, -3, -15, and -32) and 1 CTX-M that belonged to group 9 (CTX-M-14). A genetic environment study revealed the presence of different genetic elements previously described for clinical strains. IS
Ecp1
was found in the upstream regions of all isolates examined. Culture-independent
bla
CTX-M
-like libraries were comprised of 16 CTX-M gene variants, with 14 types in the P library and 4 types in UP library, varying from 68% to 99% similarity between them. Besides the much lower level of diversity among CTX-M-like genes from UP sites, the majority were similar to chromosomal ESBLs such as
bla
RAHN-1
. The results demonstrate that the occurrence and diversity of
bla
CTX-M
genes are clearly different between polluted and unpolluted lotic ecosystems; these findings favor the hypothesis that natural environments are reservoirs of resistant bacteria and resistance genes, where anthropogenic-driven selective pressures may be contributing to the persistence and dissemination of genes usually relevant in clinical environments.
Biosynthesis of Fusarubins Accounts for Pigmentation of Fusarium fujikuroi Perithecia
Authors: Studt Lena , Wiemann Philipp , Kleigrewe Karin , Humpf Hans-Ulrich , Tudzynski Bettina
Published: April 2012

Fusarium fujikuroiproduces a variety of secondary metabolites, of which polyketides form the most diverse group. Among these are the highly pigmented naphthoquinones, which have been shown to possess different functional properties for the fungus. A group of naphthoquinones, polyketides related to fusarubin, were identified inFusariumspp. more than 60 years ago, but neither the genes responsible for their formation nor their biological function has been discovered to date. In addition, although it is known that the sexual fruiting bodies in which the progeny of the fungus develops are darkly colored by a polyketide synthase (PKS)-derived pigment, the structure of this pigment has never been elucidated. Here we present data that link the fusarubin-type polyketides to a defined gene cluster, which we designatefsr, and demonstrate that the fusarubins are the pigments responsible for the coloration of the perithecia. We studied their regulation and the function of the single genes within the cluster by a combination of gene replacements and overexpression of the PKS-encoding gene, and we present a model for the biosynthetic pathway of the fusarubins based on these data.
Expression of Chlorite Dismutase and Chlorate Reductase in the Presence of Oxygen and/or Chlorate as the Terminal Electron Acceptor in Ideonella dechloratans
Authors: Hellberg Lindqvist Miriam , Johansson Nicklas , Nilsson Thomas , Rova Maria
Published: April 2012

The ability of microorganisms to perform dissimilatory (per)chlorate reduction is, for most species, known to be oxygen sensitive. Consequently, bioremediation processes for the removal of oxochlorates will be disturbed if oxygen is present. We measured the expression of chlorite dismutase and chlorate reductase in the presence of different terminal electron acceptors in the chlorate reducer
Ideonella dechloratans
. Enzyme activity assays and mRNA analyses by real-time quantitative reverse transcription (qRT)-PCR were performed on cell extracts from cells grown aerobically with and without chlorate and on cells grown anaerobically in the presence of chlorate. Our results showed that both chlorite dismutase and chlorate reductase are expressed during aerobic growth. However, transfer to anaerobic conditions with chlorate resulted in significantly enhanced enzyme activities and mRNA levels for both enzymes. Absence of oxygen was necessary for the induction to occur, since chlorate addition under aerobic conditions produced neither increased enzyme activities nor higher relative levels of mRNA. For chlorite dismutase, the observed increase in activity was on the same order of magnitude as the increase in the relative mRNA level, indicating gene regulation at the transcriptional level. However, chlorate reductase showed about 200 times higher enzyme activity in anaerobically induced cells, whereas the increase in mRNA was only about 10-fold, suggesting additional mechanisms influence the enzyme activity.
No Evidence for Transmission of Antibiotic-Resistant Escherichia coli Strains from Humans to Wild Western Lowland Gorillas in Lopé National Park, Gabon
Authors: Benavides Julio Andre , Godreuil Sylvain , Bodenham Rebecca , Ratiarison Sandra , Devos Céline , Petretto Marie-Odile , Raymond Michel , Escobar-Páramo Patricia
Published: April 2012

The intensification of human activities within the habitats of wild animals is increasing the risk of interspecies disease transmission. This risk is particularly important for great apes, given their close phylogenetic relationship with humans. Areas of high human density or intense research and ecotourism activities expose apes to a high risk of disease spillover from humans. Is this risk lower in areas of low human density? We determined the prevalence of
Escherichia coli
antibiotic-resistant isolates in a population of the critically endangered western lowland gorilla (
Gorilla gorilla gorilla
) and other wild mammals in Lopé National Park (LNP), Gabon, and we tested whether the observed pattern could be explained by bacterial transmission from humans and domestic animals into wildlife populations. Our results show a high prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacterial isolates in humans and low levels in gorillas and other wildlife. The significant differences in the genetic background of the resistant bacteria isolated from humans and gorillas suggest that transmission is low or does not occur between these two species. These findings indicate that the presence of antibiotic-resistant strains in wildlife do not imply direct bacteria transmission from humans. Thus, in areas of low human density, human-wildlife
E. coli
transmission seems to be low. The presence of antibiotic-resistant isolates in gorillas may be better explained by other mechanisms for resistance acquisition, such as horizontal gene exchange among bacteria or naturally acquired resistance.
Fungal Endophytic Communities in Grapevines (Vitis vinifera L.) Respond to Crop Management
Authors: Pancher Michael , Ceol Marco , Corneo Paola Elisa , Longa Claudia Maria Oliveira , Yousaf Sohail , Pertot Ilaria , Campisano Andrea
Published: April 2012

We studied the distribution of fungal endophytes of grapevine (Vitis viniferaL.) plants in a subalpine area of northern Italy, where viticulture is of high economic relevance. We adopted both cultivation-based and cultivation-independent approaches to address how various anthropic and nonanthropic factors shape microbial communities. Grapevine stems were harvested from several locations considering organic and integrated pest management (IPM) and from the cultivars Merlot and Chardonnay. Cultivable fungi were isolated and identified by internal-transcribed-spacer sequence analysis, using a novel colony-PCR method, to amplify DNA from fungal specimens. The composition of fungal communities was assessed using a cultivation-independent approach, automated ribosomal intergenic spacer analysis (ARISA). Multivariate statistical analysis of both culture-dependent and culture-independent data sets was convergent and indicated that fungal endophytic communities in grapevines from organically managed farms were different from those from farms utilizing IPM. Fungal communities in plants of cv. Merlot and cv. Chardonnay overlapped when analyzed using culture-dependent approaches but could be partially resolved using ARISA fingerprinting.
Regulation of Polyphosphate Kinase Production by Antisense RNA in Pseudomonas fluorescens Pf0-1
Authors: Silby Mark W. , Nicoll Julie S. , Levy Stuart B.
Published: April 2012

Pseudomonasspp. adapt rapidly to environmental fluctuations. Loss or overproduction of polyphosphate reduces the fitness ofPseudomonas fluorescensPf0-1, indicating the importance of the fine-tuning of polyphosphate production. An antisense RNA was investigated and shown to regulate the polyphosphate kinase gene (ppk) by a posttranscriptional mechanism reducingppktranscript abundance.
Low-Temperature Decontamination with Hydrogen Peroxide or Chlorine Dioxide for Space Applications
Authors: Pottage T. , Macken S. , Giri K. , Walker J. T. , Bennett A. M.
Published: April 2012

The currently used microbial decontamination method for spacecraft and components uses dry-heat microbial reduction at temperatures of >110°C for extended periods to prevent the contamination of extraplanetary destinations. This process is effective and reproducible, but it is also long and costly and precludes the use of heat-labile materials. The need for an alternative to dry-heat microbial reduction has been identified by space agencies. Investigations assessing the biological efficacy of two gaseous decontamination technologies, vapor hydrogen peroxide (Steris) and chlorine dioxide (ClorDiSys), were undertaken in a 20-m
3
exposure chamber. Five spore-forming
Bacillus
spp. were exposed on stainless steel coupons to vaporized hydrogen peroxide and chlorine dioxide gas. Exposure for 20 min to vapor hydrogen peroxide resulted in 6- and 5-log reductions in the recovery of
Bacillus atrophaeus
and
Geobacillus stearothermophilus
, respectively. However, in comparison, chlorine dioxide required an exposure period of 60 min to reduce both
B. atrophaeus
and
G. stearothermophilus
by 5 logs. Of the three other
Bacillus
spp. tested,
Bacillus thuringiensis
proved the most resistant to hydrogen peroxide and chlorine dioxide with D values of 175.4 s and 6.6 h, respectively. Both low-temperature decontamination technologies proved effective at reducing the
Bacillus
spp. tested within the exposure ranges by over 5 logs, with the exception of
B. thuringiensis
, which was more resistant to both technologies. These results indicate that a review of the indicator organism choice and loading could provide a more appropriate and realistic challenge for the sterilization procedures used in the space industry.