bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adaptational assistance in clusters of bacterial chemoreceptors
Authors: Li Mingshan , Hazelbauer Gerald L.
Published: July 2010

Sensory adaptation of low‐abundance chemoreceptors in Escherichia coli requires assistance from high‐abundance receptors, because only high‐abundance receptors carry the carboxyl‐terminal pentapeptide sequence NWETF that enhances adaptational covalent modification. Using membrane vesicles containing both high‐abundance receptor Tar and low‐abundance receptor Trg, we observed effective assistance in vitro for all three adaptational modifications: methylation, demethylation and deamidation. These results demonstrated that adaptational assistance involves not only the previously documented assistance for methylation but also assistance for the two CheB‐catalysed reactions. We determined rates of assisted methylation and demethylation at many ratios of assisting to assisted receptor. Analysis by a model of assistance indicated one Tar dimer could assist seven Trg dimers in methylation or five in demethylation, defining assistance neighbourhoods. These neighbourhoods were larger than a trimer of homodimers, required only receptors and were minimally affected by formation of signalling complexes. Time courses of assisted Trg methylation in membranes with low amounts of Tar showed that assisting receptors did not diffuse beyond initial neighbourhoods for at least two hours. Taken together, these observations indicate that chemoreceptors can form stable neighbourhoods larger than trimers in the absence of other chemotaxis proteins. Such interactions are likely to occur in natural receptor clusters in vivo.
A secreted anti‐activator, OspD1, and its chaperone, Spa15, are involved in the control of transcription by the type III secretion apparatus activity in Shigella flexneri
Authors: Parsot Claude , Ageron Elisabeth , Penno Christophe , Mavris Maria , Jamoussi Kais , d’Hauteville Hélène , Sansonetti Philippe , Demers Brigitte
Published: July 2010

Bacteria of Shigella spp. are responsible for shigellosis in humans and use a type III secretion (TTS) system to enter epithelial cells and trigger apoptosis in macrophages. Transit of translocator and effector proteins through the TTS apparatus is activated upon contact of bacteria with host cells. Transcription of ≈15 genes encoding effectors is regulated by the TTS apparatus activity and controlled by MxiE, an AraC family activator, and its coactivator IpgC, the chaperone of IpaB and IpaC translocators. Using a genetic screen, we identified ospD1 as a gene whose product negatively controls expression of genes regulated by secretion activity. OspD1 associates with the chaperone Spa15 and the activator MxiE and acts as an anti‐activator until it is secreted. The mechanism regulating transcription in response to secretion activity involves an activator (MxiE), an anti‐activator (OspD1), a co‐anti‐activator (Spa15), a coactivator (IpgC) and two anti‐coactivators (IpaB and IpaC) whose alternative and mutually exclusive interactions are controlled by the duration of the TTS apparatus activity.
Deletion of GEL2 encoding for a β(1–3)glucanosyltransferase affects morphogenesis and virulence in Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Mouyna Isabelle , Morelle Willy , Vai Marina , Monod Michel , Léchenne Barbara , Fontaine Thierry , Beauvais Anne , Sarfati Jacqueline , Prévost Marie‐Christine , Henry Christine , Latgé Jean‐Paul
Published: July 2010

The first fungal glycosylphosphatidylinositol an‐chored β(1–3)glucanosyltranferase (Gel1p) has been described in Aspergillus fumigatus and its encoding gene GEL1 identified. Glycosylphosphatidylinositol‐anchored glucanosyltransferases play an active role in the biosynthesis of the fungal cell wall. We characterize here GEL2, a homologue of GEL1. Both homologues share common characteristics: (i) GEL1 and GEL2 are constitutively expressed during over a range of growth conditions; (ii) Gel2p is also a putative GPI‐anchored protein and shares the same β(1–3)glucanosyltransferase activity as Gel1p and (iii) GEL2, like GEL1, is able to complement the Δgas1 deletion in Saccharomyces cerevisiae confirming that Gelp and Gasp have the same enzymatic activity. However, disruption of GEL1 did not result in a phenotype whereas a Δgel2 mutant and the double mutant Δgel1Δgel2 exhibit slower growth, abnormal conidiogenesis, and an altered cell wall composition. In addition, the Δgel2 and the Δgel1Δgel2 mutant have reduced virulence in a murine model of invasive aspergillosis. These data suggest for the first time that β(1–3)glucanosyltransferase activity is required for both morphogenesis and virulence in A. fumigatus.
Overexpression of the COX2 translational activator, Pet111p, prevents translation of COX1 mRNA and cytochrome c oxidase assembly in mitochondria of Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Fiori Alessandro , Perez‐Martinez Xochitl , Fox Thomas D.
Published: July 2010

Dramatically elevated levels of the COX2 mitochondrial mRNA‐specific translational activator protein Pet111p interfere with respiratory growth and cytochrome c oxidase accumulation. The respiratory phenotype appears to be caused primarily by inhibition of the COX1 mitochondrial mRNA translation, a finding confirmed by lack of cox1Δ::ARG8m reporter mRNA translation. Interference with Cox1p synthesis depends to a limited extent upon increased translation of the COX2 mRNA, but is largely independent of it. Respiratory growth is partially restored by a chimeric COX1 mRNA bearing the untranslated regions of the COX2 mRNA, and by overproduction of the COX1 mRNA‐specific activators, Pet309p and Mss51p. These results suggest that excess Pet111p interacts unproductively with factors required for normal COX1 mRNA translation. Certain missense mutations in PET111 alleviate the interference with COX1 mRNA translation but do not completely restore normal respiratory growth in strains overproducing Pet111p, suggesting that elevated Pet111p also perturbs assembly of newly synthesized subunits into active cytochrome c oxidase. Thus, this severe imbalance in translational activator levels appears to cause multiple problems in mitochondrial gene expression, reflecting the dual role of balanced translational activators in cooperatively regulating both the levels and locations of organellar translation.
Accumulation of eosinophils in intestine‐draining mesenteric lymph nodes occurs after Trichuris muris infection
Authors: SVENSSON M. , BELL L. , LITTLE M. C. , DeSCHOOLMEESTER M. , LOCKSLEY R. M. , ELSE K. J.
Published: July 2010

Eosinophils have recently been demonstrated capable of localizing to lymph nodes that drain mucosal surfaces, in particular during T helper 2 (Th2) responses. Resistance of mice to infection with the gastrointestinal nematode Trichuris muris depends critically on mounting of a Th2 response and represents a useful model system to investigate Th2 responses. Following infection of resistant BALB/c mice with T. muris, we observed accumulation of eosinophils in intestine‐draining mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs). The accumulation of MLN eosinophils was initiated during the second week of infection and peaked during worm expulsion. In contrast, we detected a comparably late and modest increase in eosinophil numbers in the MLNs of infected susceptible AKR mice. MLN eosinophils localized preferentially to the medullary region of the lymph node, displayed an activated phenotype and contributed to the interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) response in the MLN. Despite this, mice genetically deficient in eosinophils efficiently generated IL‐4‐expressing CD4+ T cells, produced Th2 cytokines and mediated worm expulsion during primary T. muris infection. Thus, IL‐4‐expressing eosinophils accumulate in MLNs of T. muris‐infected BALB/c mice but are dispensable for worm expulsion and generation of Th2 responses, suggesting a distinct or subtle role of MLN eosinophils in the immune response to T. muris infection.
Changes in carbohydrate metabolism in Citrus sinensis infected with ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’
Authors: Fan J. , Chen C. , Brlansky R. H. , Gmitter Jr. F. G. , Li Z.‐G.
Published: July 2010

Changes in carbohydrate metabolism in sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) infected with ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’, a purported cause of citrus Huanglongbing (HLB), were investigated. Starch levels in HLB‐infected leaves with and without symptoms increased 3·1‐ and 7·9‐fold, respectively, compared to healthy controls. In symptomless leaves, sucrose and fructose accumulated significantly (P < 0·05) in both midribs and lobes, and glucose only in the midribs (greater than fivefold); whereas maltose levels were reduced to 64·6% and 86·8% in the midribs and foliar lobes, respectively, of the values in healthy leaves. In leaves with symptoms, sucrose and glucose remained at high levels compared to healthy leaves, whilst no accumulation of fructose was observed; by contrast, the maltose content decreased to as low as 49·6% of that in healthy leaves. Fourfold induction of cell‐wall‐bound invertase activity was detected in both types of leaves on diseased plants. Additionally, the expression profiles of starch breakdown genes suggested that the transcription of DPE2 and MEX1 was down‐regulated. Together with the reduction of maltose, it is suggested that the impairment of starch breakdown may contribute to the starch accumulation in infected leaves. The imbalance of carbohydrate partitioning and its relation to disease physiology are discussed.
Morphology of Haemal Nodes in the Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus)
Authors: Akaydin Bozkurt Y. , Kabak M.
Published: July 2010

With 5 figures

The present study was aimed at the determination of the morphology of haemal nodes in the roe deer (Capreolus capreolus). The morphology of haemal nodes located in the abdominal and thoracic cavities of six roe deer (two adult male, two adult female and two foetuses) was studied by gross inspection and histological methods. Oval‐ and round‐shaped haemal nodes with colours varying from pink to dark red were observed particularly between the abdominal aorta and caudal vena cava, and at the beginning of the main branches of the abdominal aorta. These nodes, having connection only with blood vessels, were covered with a thin or thick capsule of connective tissue in the foetus and the adult respectively. Trabeculae were not observed in foetal nodes. In adults, the capsule, trabeculae and, in particular, the sinuses were strongly supported by reticular fibres and cells. The morphology of these nodes displayed similarity to that of other ruminant species.
Towards Functional Glycomics by Lectin Histochemistry: Strategic Probe Selection to Monitor Core and Branch‐end Substitutions and Detection of Cell‐type and Regional Selectivity in Adult Mouse Testis and Epididymis
Authors: Lohr M. , Kaltner H. , Schwartz‐Albiez R. , Sinowatz F. , Gabius H.‐J.
Published: July 2010

With 2 figures and 3 tables

The emerging insights into glycan functionality direct increasing attention to monitor core modifications ofN‐glycans and branch‐end structures. To address this issue in histochemistry, a panel of lectins with respective specificities was devised. The selection of probes with overlapping specificities facilitated to relate staining profiles to likely target structures. The experiments on fixed sections of adult murine testis and epididymis were carried out at non‐saturating lectin concentrations to visualize high‐affinity sites with optimal signal‐to‐background ratio. They revealed selectivity in lectin reactivity for distinct cell types and segment‐dependent staining in the epididymis. Leydig cells, for instance, were reactive with theSambucus nigraagglutinin and human siglec‐2 (CD22), two lectins also separating principal from basal and apical cells in the caput segments I–III of the epididymis. Apical cells were reactive with theMaackia amurensisagglutinin‐I, and basal cells with the erythroagglutinin ofPhaseolus vulgaris. The reported differences support the concept of lectin staining as cell marker. They thus intimate to study glycogene (genes for glycosyltransferases and lectins) expression and cellular reactivity with tissue lectins. These investigations will be instrumental to assign a role as biochemical signals to the detected staining properties.
Relative efficiency of the maize‐ and Imperata cylindrica‐mediated chromosome elimination approaches for induction of haploids of wheat‐rye derivatives
Authors: Kishore N. , Chaudhary H. K. , Chahota R. K. , Kumar V. , Sood S. P. , Jeberson S. , Tayeng T.
Published: July 2010

With 1 table

Backcrosses were attempted of F1 hybrids of spring wheat genotypes (HS 375 and C 306) and winter wheat genotypes (Saptdhara and Tyari) with the Indian rye (Secale cereale L.) landrace ‘Lahaul Local’. Intergeneric hybridizations using pollen of maize and Imperata cylindrica (2n = 20), a wild and weedy species, were conducted in the wheat‐rye‐derived backcross BC1F1 and BC1F2 generations to study the relative efficiency of the two chromosome elimination approaches in the induction of haploid plants. Although seed formation was similar with both pollen sources, the relative frequency of embryo‐carrying seeds ranged from 8% to 30% with I. cylindrica, whereas with maize, no embryo‐carrying seed was obtained. Comparisons of induction of haploid plants in the wheat‐rye backcross derivatives showed that the wheat × I. cylindrica system was superior to the wheat × maize system and was also cost effective as it shares the flowering season with wheat in sub‐temperate conditions.
Model selection and its consequences for different split‐plot designs with spatial covariance and trend
Authors: Spilke J. , Richter C. , Piepho H.P.
Published: July 2010

With 1 figure and 10 tables

Split‐plot designs play an important role in agricultural field trials, particularly in plant breeding. Analysis of split‐plot experiments may be performed by classical randomization‐based anova‐type models. In addition, spatial covariance can be modelled to improve precision. This study investigates the properties of alternative variance–covariance structures (random blocks, spatial covariance) using Monte‐Carlo simulation for design scenarios commonly found in plant breeding and variety testing. We investigate the efficiency of model selection by information criteria (AICC, BIC). Our results indicate that efficient model selection can be expected when there are marked differences among models with respect to the empirical error rates (type I error and power) as well as the precision of effect estimates (MSE). A comparison of approximations to the denominator degrees of freedom shows that for spatial models use of the Kenward–Roger method gives reasonable control of the nominal type I error rate.
Perturbation of Notch/Suppressor of Hairless pathway disturbs migration of primordial germ cells in Xenopus embryo
Authors: Morichika Keisuke , Kataoka Kensuke , Terayama Kohei , Tazaki Akira , Kinoshita Tsutomu , Watanabe Kenji , Mochii Makoto
Published: July 2010

Primordial germ cells (PGCs) in Xenopus embryo are specified in the endodermal cell mass and migrate dorsally toward the future gonads. The role of the signal mediated by Notch and Suppressor of Hairless [Su(H)] was analyzed on the migrating PGCs at the tailbud stage. X‐Notch‐1 and X‐Delta‐1 are expressed in the migrating PGCs and surrounding endodermal cells, whereas X‐Delta‐2 and X‐Serrate‐1 are expressed preferentially in the PGCs. Suppression and constitutive activation of the Notch/Su(H) signaling in the whole endoderm region or selectively in the PGCs resulted in an increase in ectopic PGCs located in lateral or ventral regions. Knocking down of the Notch ligands by morpholino oligonucleotides revealed that X‐Delta‐2 was indispensable for the correct PGC migration. The ectopic PGCs seemed to have lost their motility in the Notch/Su(H) signal‐manipulated embryos. Our results suggest that a cell‐to‐cell interaction via the Notch/Su(H) pathway has a significant role in the PGC migration by regulating cell motility.
Lactobacillus reuteri in children with functional abdominal pain (FAP)
Authors: Romano Claudio , Ferrau' Valeria , Cavataio Francesca , Iacono Giuseppe , Spina Massimo , Lionetti Elena , Comisi Fabrizio , Famiani Annalisa , Comito Donatella
Published: July 2010

Aim:  Functional abdominal pain (FAP) is a frequent condition affecting 10–20% of children and can be considered within the classification of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID). The objective of this study was to determine the effect of daily supplementation with the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 in children with FAP.

Methods:  The children (aged 6–16 years) were screened for FAP as defined in the Rome III criteria and 60 patients were recruited in this double‐blind, randomised, placebo‐controlled trial. The children were randomly allocated to receive either L. reuteri (2 × 108 CFU/day) or identical placebo for 4 weeks followed by a 4‐week follow‐up period without supplementation. Frequency and intensity of pain was self‐recorded by the subjects.

Results:  The L. reuteri‐supplemented children had significantly lower pain intensity compared with the placebo controls.

Conclusions:  Supplementation with L. reuteri reduced perceived abdominal pain intensity, which may encourage clinicians to use this probiotic in children with FAP.
Effect of an intravitreal injection of bevacizumab on the expression of VEGF and CD34 in the retina of diabetic rats
Authors: Ma Jin , Zhu TiePei , Tang Xiajin , Ye Panpan , Zhang Zhen
Published: July 2010

Abstract

Purpose:  To evaluate the efficacy of intravitreal injection of bevacizumab as a preventive intervention of vascular endothelial cell proliferation in the retina of diabetic rats.

Methods:  Fifty‐four streptozotocin‐induced diabetic Wistar rats were injected intravitreally with 3 µL (25 mg/mL) of bevacizumab into left eyes and 3 µL of saline into the right eyes. Immunohistochemistry and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays for CD34 and VEGF were used to assess retinal angiogenesis, and transmission electron microscopy was used to evaluate the ultrastructure of retinal capillaries.

Results:  Retinal expression of VEGF was inhibited 1 week and 1 month after injection (P < 0.01, paired t‐test), and the expression of CD34 was not obviously inhibited until 2 months after injection (P < 0.05, paired t‐test). Using multiple comparisons between the left eyes of bevacizumab‐treated rats, the VEGF expression before injection was higher than at 1 week or 1 month after injection (P < 0.05, Dunnett's t‐test), and similar to 2 months after injection (P > 0.05, Dunnett's t‐test). The amount of VEGF expression was higher 2 months after injection than 1 week or 1 month after injection, and also higher 1 week after injection compared with 1 month after injection (P < 0.05, Student–Newman–Keuls test). CD34 expression decreased more significantly 2 months after injection compared with before injection, 1 week or 1 month after injection (P < 0.05, Dunnett's t‐test).

Conclusion:  A single intraocular injection of bevacizumab may be beneficial as a therapy for preventing retinal vascular endothelial cell growth in the eyes of diabetic rats.
A subset of naturally isolated Bacillus strains show extreme virulence to the free‐living nematodes Caenorhabditis elegans and Pristionchus pacificus
Authors: Rae Robbie , Iatsenko Igor , Witte Hahn , Sommer Ralf J.
Published: July 2010

The main food source of free‐living nematodes in the soil environment is bacteria, which can affect nematode development, fecundity and survival. In order to occupy a reliable source of bacterial food, some nematodes have formed specific relationships with an array of invertebrate hosts (where bacteria proliferate once the hosts dies), thus forming a tritrophic system of nematode, bacteria and insect or other invertebrates. We isolated 768 Bacillus strains from soil (from Germany and the UK), horse dung and dung beetles and fed them to the genetically tractable free‐living nematodes Caenorhabditis elegans and Pristionchus pacificus to isolate nematocidal strains. While C. elegans is a bacteriovorous soil nematode, P. pacificus is an omnivorous worm that is often found in association with scarab beetles. We found 20 Bacillus strains (consisting of B. cereus, B. weihenstephanensis, B. mycoides and Bacillus sp.) that were pathogenic to C. elegans and P. pacificus causing 70% to 100% mortality over 5 days and significantly affect development and brood size. The most pathogenic strains are three B. cereus‐like strains isolated from dung beetles, which exhibit extreme virulence to C. elegans in less than 24 h, but P. pacificus remains resistant. C. elegans Bre mutants were also highly susceptible to the B. cereus‐like strains indicating that their toxins use a different virulence mechanism than B. thuringiensis Cry 5B toxin. Also, mutations in the daf‐2/daf‐16 insulin signaling pathway do not rescue survival. We profiled the toxin genes (bcet, nhe complex, hbl complex, pcpl, sph, cytK, piplc, hly2, hly3, entFM and entS) of these three B. cereus‐like strains and showed presence of most toxin genes but absence of the hbl complex. Taken together, this study shows that the majority of naturally isolated Bacillus from soil, horse dung and Geotrupes beetles are benign to both C. elegans and P. pacificus. Among 20 pathogenic strains with distinct virulence patterns against the two nematodes, we selected three B. cereus‐like strains to investigate resistance and susceptibility immune responses in nematodes.
Efficient rhizosphere colonization by Pseudomonas fluorescens f113 mutants unable to form biofilms on abiotic surfaces
Authors: Barahona Emma , Navazo Ana , Yousef‐Coronado Fátima , Aguirre de Cárcer Daniel , Martínez‐Granero Francisco , Espinosa‐Urgel Manuel , Martín Marta , Rivilla Rafael
Published: July 2010

Motility is a key trait for rhizosphere colonization by Pseudomonas fluorescens. Mutants with reduced motility are poor competitors, and hypermotile, more competitive phenotypic variants are selected in the rhizosphere. Flagellar motility is a feature associated to planktonic, free‐living single cells, and although it is necessary for the initial steps of biofilm formation, bacteria in biofilm lack flagella. To test the correlation between biofilm formation and rhizosphere colonization, we have used P. fluorescens F113 hypermotile derivatives and mutants affected in regulatory genes which in other bacteria modulate biofilm development, namely gacS (G), sadB (S) and wspR (W). Mutants affected in these three genes and a hypermotile variant (V35) isolated from the rhizosphere were impaired in biofilm formation on abiotic surfaces, but colonized the alfalfa root apex as efficiently as the wild‐type strain, indicating that biofilm formation on abiotic surfaces and rhizosphere colonization follow different regulatory pathways in P. fluorescens. Furthermore, a triple mutant gacSsadBwspR (GSW) and V35 were more competitive than the wild‐type strain for root‐tip colonization, suggesting that motility is more relevant in this environment than the ability to form biofilms on abiotic surfaces. Microscopy showed the same root colonization pattern for P. fluorescens F113 and all the derivatives: extensive microcolonies, apparently held to the rhizoplane by a mucigel that seems to be plant produced. Therefore, the ability to form biofilms on abiotic surfaces does not necessarily correlates with efficient rhizosphere colonization or competitive colonization.
The global regulator Crc modulates metabolism, susceptibility to antibiotics and virulence in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Linares Juan F. , Moreno Renata , Fajardo Alicia , Martínez‐Solano Laura , Escalante Ricardo , Rojo Fernando , Martínez José L.
Published: July 2010

The capacity of a bacterial pathogen to produce a disease in a treated host depends on the former's virulence and resistance to antibiotics. Several scattered pieces of evidence suggest that these two characteristics can be influenced by bacterial metabolism. This potential relationship is particularly important upon infection of a host, a situation that demands bacteria adapt their physiology to their new environment, making use of newly available nutrients. To explore the potential cross‐talk between bacterial metabolism, antibiotic resistance and virulence, a Pseudomonas aeruginosa model was used. This species is an important opportunistic pathogen intrinsically resistant to many antibiotics. The role of Crc, a global regulator that controls the metabolism of carbon sources and catabolite repression in Pseudomonas, was analysed to determine its contribution to the intrinsic antibiotic resistance and virulence of P. aeruginosa. Using proteomic analyses, high‐throughput metabolic tests and functional assays, the present work shows the virulence and antibiotic resistance of this pathogen to be linked to its physiology, and to be under the control (directly or indirectly) of Crc. A P. aeruginosa strain lacking the Crc regulator showed defects in type III secretion, motility, expression of quorum sensing‐regulated virulence factors, and was less virulent in a Dictyostelium discoideum model. In addition, this mutant strain was more susceptible to beta‐lactams, aminoglycosides, fosfomycin and rifampin. Crc might therefore be a good target in the search for new antibiotics.
High temporal and inter‐individual variation detected in the human ileal microbiota
Authors: Booijink Carien C. G. M. , El‐Aidy Sahar , Rajilić‐Stojanović Mirjana , Heilig Hans G. H. J. , Troost Freddy J. , Smidt Hauke , Kleerebezem Michiel , De Vos Willem M. , Zoetendal Erwin G.
Published: July 2010

The diversity and temporal stability of the predominant bacteria in the human ileum was studied with the use of ileal effluent samples of seven individuals with Brooke ileostomies. The total number of bacteria within the ileal effluent was in the range of 107–108bacteria per gram (wet weight). The diversity of the bacteria in the ileal effluent showed marked differences compared with that in faecal samples from age‐matched healthy adults. The ileal effluent had a higher relative abundance of species within the ordersLactobacillalesandClostridiales, mainlyStreptococcus bovis‐related species, and theVeillonellagroup, and a lower proportion of species related toRuminococcus gnavus,R. obeumandBacteroides plebeius. In addition, inter‐individual differences were found, indicative of a highly personal ileal microbiota profile. Furthermore, temporal profiles showed large fluctuations per individual over a period of 9–28 days (average similarity over a period of 9 days was as low as 44%), and differences between morning and afternoon profiles were observed. Parallel cloning and sequencing efforts revealed several phylotypes that were not identified in previous studies (12 out of 65 phylotypes showed less than 97% sequence similarity with previously reported sequences).Achaeawere found to be below detection limit by quantitative PCR. Overall, the results indicate that the microbiota of the human ileum is relatively unstable, less complex and consisting of different dominating phylotypes when compared with the colonic microbiota.
Operational challenges to community participation in post‐disaster damage assessments: observations from Fiji
Authors: Méheux Kirstie , Dominey‐Howes Dale , Lloyd Kate
Published: July 2010

Community participation is becoming increasingly popular within the field of disaster management. International disaster policies, frameworks and charters embrace the notion that communities should play an active role in initiatives to identify vulnerabilities and risks and to mitigate those dangers, and, in the event of a disaster, that they should play a proactive part in response and recovery (see, for example, UNISDR, 1994; The Sphere Project, 2004; United Nations, 2005). A number of studies have investigated the participation of communities in disaster preparedness and mitigation efforts (see, for instance, Scott‐Villiers, 2000; Andharia, 2002; Godschalk, Brody and Burby, 2003), There is, however, limited reflection on the challenges to ensuring participation in the operational context of disaster response. This paper draws on a study of the policy and practice of participatory damage assessment in Fiji to identify and discuss the barriers to formal implementation of community participation in a post‐disaster context.
Persistence of airline accidents
Authors: Barros Carlos Pestana , Faria Joao Ricardo , Gil‐Alana Luis Alberiko
Published: July 2010

This paper expands on air travel accident research by examining the relationship between air travel accidents and airline traffic or volume in the period from 1927–2006. The theoretical model is based on a representative airline company that aims to maximise its profits, and it utilises a fractional integration approach in order to determine whether there is a persistent pattern over time with respect to air accidents and air traffic. Furthermore, the paper analyses how airline accidents are related to traffic using a fractional cointegration approach. It finds that airline accidents are persistent and that a (non‐stationary) fractional cointegration relationship exists between total airline accidents and airline passengers, airline miles and airline revenues, with shocks that affect the long‐run equilibrium disappearing in the very long term. Moreover, this relation is negative, which might be due to the fact that air travel is becoming safer and there is greater competition in the airline industry. Policy implications are derived for countering accident events, based on competition and regulation.
How the State is Handling the Property Crisis in France: A Perspective on Recent Government Measures
Authors: POLLARD JULIE
Published: July 2010

This essay aims to compare public‐policy reactions to the property crisis in the 1990s with reactions to the current crisis, based on France as an example. It argues that although this crisis does not have the same origin or the same characteristics as the earlier one, reactions have been similar. The solutions the state has adopted have all prioritized the economic handling of the property crisis over the social handling of the housing crisis. Support for the market and subsidies for private actors in the sector predominate. Current measures are on a continuum with earlier measures: the current period does not seem very conducive to a fundamental review of the instruments and orientations of housing policy. However, one point of difference should be emphasized, namely the political reaction time, which has been much shorter in the early 2000s than it was in the 1990s. Then, it took nearly 5 years before the most important supportive measures were instituted, whereas in 2008 it took only a few months.

À partir du cas français, l'objectif de ce texte est de comparer les réactions, en termes de politiques publiques, à la crise immobilière des années 1990 et à la crise actuelle. L'idée défendue est que si la crise actuelle n'a pas la même origine ni les mêmes caractéristiques que la précédente, les réactions de l'action publique sont proches. Les solutions adoptées consacrent la priorité accordée au traitement économique de la crise immobilière par rapport au traitement social de la crise du logement. Le soutien au marché et les aides aux acteurs privés du secteur dominent. Les mesures prises s'inscrivent dans la continuité de mesures antérieures: la période apparaît peu propice à une remise à plat des instruments et orientations de la politique du logement. Un point de différenciation doit toutefois être souligné: le temps de réaction politique. Il est nettement plus rapide aujourd'hui qu'il ne l'avait été dans les années 1990. Il avait alors fallu attendre près de cinq ans pour les mesures de soutien les plus importantes et il n'a fallu, en 2008, que quelques mois.
The Global Financial Crisis and Migrant Workers in China: ‘There is No Future as a Labourer; Returning to the Village has No Meaning’
Authors: CHAN KAM WING
Published: July 2010

This essay examines the impact of the global financial crisis on rural migrant labour in China, with a focus on unemployment. It illustrates the interaction of global and China‐specific processes in the context of the worldwide recession. The essay first summarizes China's unique socio‐economic system and the mechanisms that have created a system of ‘rural migrant labour’ and ‘super‐cheapened’ it to help make China the ‘world's factory’. The main part of the essay examines the unemployment situation for migrants in late 2008 and the first half of 2009, and the dislocations and problems migrant labourers are facing. The China story is complex but interesting, not only for its rather complicated lexicon and statistics that often confuse outside observers, but also for its distinctive system of exploiting the rural population and internal migrant labour. This system makes the impact of the global crisis on migrant labourers, which are at the bottom of the global supply chain, all the more apparent. The last part of this essay analyses recent governmental fiscal‐stimulus policies and measures as well as their impact on rural migrant labour, making some broader observations and linking the crisis to China's model of development.

Ce texte examine l’impact de la crise financière mondiale sur la main‐d’œuvre migrante rurale chinoise en s’intéressant notamment au chômage. Il illustre l’interaction des processus planétaires et nationaux dans le cadre de la récession mondiale. Une synthèse présente d’abord le régime socio‐économique unique du pays, ainsi que les mécanismes qui ont créé un système de ‘main‐d’œuvre migrante rurale’ tout en ‘hyper‐dépréciant’ ces travailleurs afin de faire de la Chine ‘l’usine du monde’. L’étude centrale porte sur le chômage des migrants entre la fin 2008 et le premier semestre 2009, ainsi que sur les bouleversements et problèmes que rencontrent les ouvriers migrants. L’histoire chinoise est complexe mais intéressante, non seulement à cause d’un vocabulaire et de statistiques compliqués qui déroutent souvent les observateurs extérieurs, mais aussi par son système spécifique d’exploitation de la population rurale et de la main‐d’œuvre migrante. Ce système renforce d’autant plus l’impact de la crise mondiale sur les ouvriers migrants, lesquels se trouvent tout en bas de la chaîne d’approvisionnement mondial. En revenant sur les récentes politiques et mesures d’incitation fiscale du gouvernement et sur leurs conséquences pour la main‐d’œuvre migrante rurale, la dernière partie élargit le champ des observations et relie la crise au modèle de développement chinois.
Biogeographic regions of the Iberian Peninsula: butterflies as biogeographical indicators
Authors: Romo H. , García‐Barros E.
Published: July 2010

The objective definition of geographic regions based on biotic criteria is useful for summarizing biodiversity as well as for predicting the geographically differential effects of general trends and for planning an adequate distribution of the protected areas. We propose a regionalization of the Ibero‐Balearic area based on butterfly presence–absence data and a synthesis of several clustering methods (similarity, parsimony analysis and multivariate techniques), and characterize the sub‐regions on the basis of diagnostic species. Seven regions are proposed. The results showed two basic gradients, which apparently lead the butterfly species distributions within the study area: a north‐east–south‐west one, related to altitude and species richness, and a west–east one, implying a humidity or lithologic gradient. The Balearic Islands remain as an independent region in all cases. The observed divisions probably reflect the distribution of species richness in the study area. Characteristic species for each of the regions were identified using a numerical preference index. The network of protected areas is well represented in all of the sectors proposed, although three of the proposed sub‐sectors are under‐represented if sampling effort is taken into consideration.
Involvement of threonine 258 and serine 259 motif in amphetamine‐induced norepinephrine transporter endocytosis
Authors: Annamalai Balasubramaniam , Mannangatti Padmanabhan , Arapulisamy Obulakshmi , Ramamoorthy Sammanda , Jayanthi Lankupalle D.
Published: July 2010

J. Neurochem.(2010)115, 23–35.

d‐Amphetamine (AMPH) down‐regulates the norepinephrine transporter (NET), although the exact trafficking pathways altered and motifs involved are not known. Therefore, we examined the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in AMPH‐induced NET regulation in human placental trophoblast cells expressing the wild‐type (WT)‐hNET and the hNET double mutant (DM)‐bearing protein kinase C (PKC)‐resistant T258A + S259A motif. NET function and surface expression were significantly reduced in cells expressing WT‐hNET but not in cells expressing hNET‐DM following AMPH treatment. AMPH inhibited plasma membrane recycling of both WT‐hNET and hNET‐DM. In contrast, AMPH stimulated endocytosis of WT‐hNET, and did not affect hNET‐DM endocytosis. Although PKC or calcium/calmodulin‐ dependent kinase‐II (CaMKII) inhibition or depletion of calcium failed to block AMPH‐mediated down‐regulation of WT‐hNET, NET‐specific blocker desipramine completely prevented AMPH‐induced down‐regulation. Furthermore, AMPH treatment had no effect on phospho‐CaMKII immunoreactivity. The inhibitory potency of AMPH was highest on hNET‐DM, intermediary on T258A and S259A single mutants and lowest on WT‐hNET. Single mutants exhibited partial resistance to AMPH‐mediated down‐regulation. AMPH accumulation was similar in cells expressing WT‐hNET or hNET‐DM. The results demonstrate that reduced plasma membrane insertion and enhanced endocytosis account for AMPH‐mediated NET down‐regulation, and provide the first evidence that T258/S259 motif is involved only in AMPH‐induced NET endocytosis that is desipramine‐sensitive, but PKC and CaMKII independent.
Can the patient perspective contribute to quality of nutritional care?
Authors: Holst Mette , Rasmussen Henrik H , Laursen Birgitte S
Published: July 2010

Scand J Caring Sci; 2011; 25; 176–184 Can the patient perspective contribute to quality of nutritional care?

Aim: Undernutrition has been seen in hospitalized patients at all times. Nurses have a central position in the nutritional care of the patient. Despite guidelines for nutritional practise and care, 20–55% of patients are still at risk of complications to insufficient nutrition intake. The aim of this study was to obtain knowledge of hospitalized patient’s experiences of being undernourished, to understand implications this might have to quality of nutritional nursing care.

Methods: Qualitative interviews were undertaken in 12 hospitalized patients at severe nutritional risk.

Findings: Pain, no appetite, bad taste and side effects to medication were among reasons for poor eating. Nurses practically did not address or question symptoms that could influence poor eating and were only to a low degree involved at patient initiative. The patients appeared to divide into two groups; One ‘Passive group’, characterized with fatigue, lack of concentration and short term memory, were found insusceptible to increase nutrition intake by motivation and guidance. The overall motivation in the other ‘Active’ group was the setting of and achievement of goals, which had to be clear, communicated and followed up by nurses and physicians. This group furthermore found self‐determination and active involvement determinant for a positive and fruitful cooperation between staff and themselves.

Conclusions: Nurses were in progressive about clarifying why patients did not eat. Patients highly regarded nutrition registration when followed up, however, this was only practised to a low degree. Severely undernourished patients could be divided in two groups. The ‘Passive group’ should be attended to systematically. Artificial nutrition is often needed in this group. The ‘Active group’ should be cared for with individual, active involvement from nurses. Nurses should be able to distinct which nutritional care for which patient, and act upon it.
BIODIVERSITY RESEARCH: Genetic diversity in two introduced biofouling amphipods (Ampithoe valida & Jassa marmorata) along the Pacific North American coast: investigation into molecular identification and cryptic diversity
Authors: Pilgrim Erik M. , Darling John A.
Published: July 2010

Aim  We investigated patterns of genetic diversity among invasive populations of Ampithoe valida and Jassa marmorata from the Pacific North American coast to assess the accuracy of morphological identification and determine whether or not cryptic diversity and multiple introductions contribute to the contemporary distribution of these species in the region.

Location  Native range: Atlantic North American coast; Invaded range: Pacific North American coast.

Methods  We assessed indices of genetic diversity based on DNA sequence data from the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene, determined the distribution of COI haplotypes among populations in both the invasive and putative native ranges of A. valida and J. marmorata and reconstructed phylogenetic relationships among COI haplotypes using both maximum parsimony and Bayesian approaches.

Results  Phylogenetic inference indicates that inaccurate species‐level identifications by morphological criteria are common among Jassa specimens. In addition, our data reveal the presence of three well supported but previously unrecognized clades of A. valida among specimens in the north‐eastern Pacific. Different species of Jassa and different genetic lineages of Ampithoe exhibit striking disparity in geographic distribution across the region as well as substantial differences in genetic diversity indices.

Main conclusions  Molecular genetic methods greatly improve the accuracy and resolution of identifications for invasive benthic marine amphipods at the species level and below. Our data suggest that multiple cryptic introductions of Ampithoe have occurred in the north‐eastern Pacific and highlight uncertainty regarding the origin and invasion histories of both Jassa and Ampithoe species. Additional morphological and genetic analyses are necessary to clarify the taxonomy and native biogeography of both amphipod genera.
Torsade de pointes induced by ioxaglate intracoronary injection in patients with pre‐existent drug‐induced QT prolongation: case reports and review of literature
Authors: Andréjak Michel , Leborgne Laurent , Tribouilloy Christophe , Andréjak Marie‐thérèse , Caron Jacques
Published: July 2010

We report two cases of torsade de pointes directly related to intracoronary contrast media injection in patients without previous history of neither arrhythmia nor syncope but chronically treated with a drug prolonging ventricular repolarization. We discussed the effects of the contrast medium used on repolarization and concluded that three suggestions may be highlighted from the case reports presented and from the literature: (i) a QT prolongation should be systematically searched before coronary angiography; (ii) it seems important to correct QT prolongation when it results from a reversible cause (such as drug‐induced) before nonurgent coronary angiography; and (iii) if there is no reversible cause explaining QT prolongation, contrast media should be used cautiously in such patient and nonionic iso‐osmolar contrast media should be preferred.
Inferring Hidden Causal Structure
Authors: Kushnir Tamar , Gopnik Alison , Lucas Chris , Schulz Laura
Published: July 2010

We used a new method to assess how people can infer unobserved causal structure from patterns of observed events. Participants were taught to draw causal graphs, and then shown a pattern of associations and interventions on a novel causal system. Given minimal training and no feedback, participants in Experiment 1 used causal graph notation to spontaneously draw structures containing one observed cause, one unobserved common cause, and two unobserved independent causes, depending on the pattern of associations and interventions they saw. We replicated these findings with less‐informative training (Experiments 2 and 3) and a new apparatus (Experiment 3) to show that the pattern of data leads to hidden causal inferences across a range of prior constraints on causal knowledge.
The clinical and radiographic outcome of implants placed in the posterior maxilla with a guided flapless approach and immediately restored with a provisional rehabilitation: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Van de Velde T. , Sennerby L. , De Bruyn H.
Published: July 2010

Objectives: To evaluate and compare the outcome of dental implants placed using a flapless protocol and immediate loading with a conventional protocol and loading after 6 weeks.

Materials and methods: Fourteen patients with bilateral maxillary edentulous areas were treated using Straumann SLA‐implants. Using a randomized split‐mouth design, implants were placed in one side of the maxilla using a stereolithographic surgical guide for flapless surgery and immediately loaded on temporary abutments with a bridge (test). Implants in the other side were placed using the conventional protocol and loaded after 6 weeks of healing (control). Clinical and radiographic evaluation of peri‐implant tissues was performed at time of implant surgery, and after 1 week, 6 weeks, 3, 6, 12 and 18 months.

Results: A total of 70 implants were placed (36 test and 34 control). One implant (test) was lost after 3 months, resulting in a survival rate of 97.3% for the test implants and 100% for the control implants. Marginal bone levels were not statistically significantly different between the test and control implants but at baseline the marginal bone level was significantly lower compared to the other evaluation periods (P < 0.05). The mean bone level for test and control implants was 1.95 mm ± 0.70 and 1.93 mm ±0.42 after 18 months, respectively. There was a significant change in height of the attached mucosa at implants placed with a conventional flap between post‐operative and 1 week and between 1 week and 6 weeks. Statistically significant differences were found between the test side and the control side for opinion about speech, function, aesthetics, self‐confidence and overall appreciation the first 6 weeks.

Conclusion: Implants can successfully integrate in the posterior maxilla using a flapless approach with immediate loading similar to a conventional protocol. The mucosal tissues around implants placed with a conventional flap changed significantly compared with flapless placed implants.

To cite this article:
 Van de Velde T, Sennerby L, De Bruyn H. The clinical and radiographic outcome of implants placed in the posterior maxilla with a guided flapless approach and immediately restored with a provisional rehabilitation: a randomized clinical trial. Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 21, 2010; 1223–1233. doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2009.01924.x