bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Voxel‐wise meta‐analysis of gray matter abnormalities in idiopathic Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Pan P. L. , Song W. , Shang H. F.
Published: July 2011

Structural neuroimaging studies on idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (IPD) with voxel‐based morphometry (VBM) yielded variable and conflicting findings. A systematic review of VBM studies of patients with IPD and healthy control (HC) subjects published in PubMed, ISI Web of Science, Embase, and Medline databases from 1995 to 25 October 2010 was conducted. Coordinates were extracted from clusters of significant gray matter (GM) difference between patients with IPD and HC subjects. Meta‐analysis was performed using signed differential mapping. A total of 17 VBM studies involving 498 patients with IPD and 375 HC subjects met the inclusion criteria. A significant regional GM volume decrease was detected in the left inferior frontal gyrus (BA47) extending to the left superior temporal gyrus (BA38) and the left insula (BA13) of patients with IPD compared with HC subjects. The findings of this study remain largely unchanged in quartile and jackknife sensitivity analyses and in subgroup analyses. Robust GM reductions in the inferior frontal/orbitofrontal gyrus (BA47) are implicated in IPD, and the reductions may be related to the mediation of the non‐motor IPD symptoms, such as cognitive, emotional, and autonomic functions. Further studies must be conducted to determine whether the findings are specific to all IPD subtypes or different from the atypical Parkinsonism.
Cortex‐sparing fiber dissection: an improved method for the study of white matter anatomy in the human brain
Authors: Martino Juan , De Witt Hamer Philip C. , Vergani Francesco , Brogna Christian , de Lucas Enrique Marco , Vázquez‐Barquero Alfonso , García‐Porrero Juan A. , Duffau Hugues
Published: July 2011

Classical fiber dissection of post mortem human brains enables us to isolate a fiber tract by removing the cortex and overlying white matter. In the current work, a modification of the dissection methodology is presented that preserves the cortex and the relationships within the brain during all stages of dissection, i.e. ‘cortex‐sparing fiber dissection’. Thirty post mortem human hemispheres (15 right side and 15 left side) were dissected using cortex‐sparing fiber dissection. Magnetic resonance imaging study of a healthy brain was analyzed using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)‐based tractography software. DTI fiber tract reconstructions were compared with cortex‐sparing fiber dissection results. The fibers of the superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF), inferior fronto‐occipital fasciculus (IFOF), inferior longitudinal fasciculus (ILF) and uncinate fasciculus (UF) were isolated so as to enable identification of their cortical terminations. Two segments of the SLF were identified: first, an indirect and superficial component composed of a horizontal and vertical segment; and second, a direct and deep component or arcuate fasciculus. The IFOF runs within the insula, temporal stem and sagittal stratum, and connects the frontal operculum with the occipital, parietal and temporo‐basal cortex. The UF crosses the limen insulae and connects the orbito‐frontal gyri with the anterior temporal lobe. Finally, a portion of the ILF was isolated connecting the fusiform gyrus with the occipital gyri. These results indicate that cortex‐sparing fiber dissection facilitates study of the 3D anatomy of human brain tracts, enabling the tracing of fibers to their terminations in the cortex. Consequently, it is an important tool for neurosurgical training and neuroanatomical research.
Evidence that self‐affirmation reduces body dissatisfaction by basing self‐esteem on domains other than body weight and shape
Authors: Armitage Christopher J.
Published: July 2011

Background:  Body satisfaction interventions have typically been multifaceted and targeted at clinical populations. The aim of the present research was to isolate the effects of self‐affirmation on body satisfaction in a community sample and to see whether self‐affirmation works by basing one’s self‐esteem on domains other than body weight and shape.

Methods:  Adolescents (N = 220) were randomized to complete a self‐affirmation manipulation or an equivalently active control task before rating their body shape and weight, and completing measures of perceived threat, body satisfaction and self‐esteem.

Results:  Affirmed girls showed significantly greater body satisfaction and perceived significantly less threat from having to rate their body shape and weight compared with an equivalently active control group. Mediator analyses showed that the effects were due both to increases in self‐esteem and shifts away from using body shape and weight as a source of self‐esteem. Self‐affirmation did not affect boys because they: (a) were less threatened by having to rate their body shape and weight, and (b) principally derived their self‐esteem from sources other than body shape and weight.

Conclusions:  The findings provide support for the unique effects of self‐affirmation on girls’ body satisfaction thereby isolating one active ingredient of programs to increase body satisfaction and identify a potential mechanism for understanding self‐affirmation effects. Further research is required to establish the long‐term effects of self‐affirmation and test how self‐affirmation interacts with other active ingredients in treatment programs.
Pupillometry and P3 index the locus coeruleus–noradrenergic arousal function in humans
Authors: Murphy Peter R. , Robertson Ian H. , Balsters Joshua H. , O'connell Redmond G.
Published: July 2011

The adaptive gain theory highlights the pivotal role of the locus coeruleus–noradrenergic (LC‐NE) system in regulating task engagement. In humans, however, LC‐NE functional dynamics remain largely unknown. We evaluated the utility of two candidate psychophysiological markers of LC‐NE activity: the P3 event‐related potential and pupil diameter. Electroencephalogram and pupillometry data were collected from 24 participants who performed a 37‐min auditory oddball task. As predicted by the adaptive gain theory, prestimulus pupil diameter exhibited an inverted U‐shaped relationship to P3 and task performance such that largest P3 amplitudes and optimal performance occurred at the same intermediate level of pupil diameter. Large phasic pupil dilations, by contrast, were elicited during periods of poor performance and were followed by reengagement in the task and increased P3 amplitudes. These results support recent proposals that pupil diameter and the P3 are sensitive to LC‐NE mode.
Electrophysiological correlates of speech perception mechanisms and individual differences in second language attainment
Authors: Jakoby Hilla , Goldstein Abraham , Faust Miriam
Published: July 2011

In an increasingly globalized world mastering a second language (L2) provides a clear advantage. However, after early childhood, not everyone can easily learn a foreign language. The present study explored whether the large variability found in L2 attainment in the normal population, not diagnosed as learning disabled, is related to preattentive speech perception abilities. Using event‐related potentials (ERPs) we examined the mismatch negativity, P3a, and the late discriminative negativity (MMN‐P3a‐LDN) complex, which served as an index for preattentive foreign phonological contrast discrimination abilities. Our results show that, compared to unsuccessful L2 learners, successful L2 learners had shorter latencies of the MMN and P3a components and higher amplitudes of the LDN component. These results suggest that unsuccessful L2 learners have a deficient speech perception mechanism.
A STUDY OF GLASS BEADS FROM THE HALLSTATT C–D FROM SOUTHWESTERN POLAND: IMPLICATIONS FOR GLASS TECHNOLOGY AND PROVENANCE*
Authors: PUROWSKI T. , DZIERŻANOWSKI P. , BULSKA E. , WAGNER B. , NOWAK A.
Published: July 2011

Eighty‐one samples taken from 68 glass beads found in southwestern Poland on sites of the Lusatian culture from the Hallstatt C and Hallstatt D subphases were analysed by EPMA. A subsample of 18 of these were additionally subjected to analysis by means of LA–ICP–MS in order to validate the results obtained by EPMA. Some glass was made using mineral soda and some using plant ash rich in sodium. Both high‐magnesium soda–lime glass (HMG) and low‐magnesium soda–lime glass (LMG) were identified. A large number of samples are characterized by low MgO content and medium K2O content (LMMK glass), combined with low concentrations of CaO and high Fe2O3 and Al2O3. All the LMMK glass contains numerous silica crystals and inclusions composed of a number of elements (most frequently Cu, Co, Sb, As, Ag, Ni and Fe). The LMMK glass was presumably made in Europe during the Hallstatt C.
Practical Instrumental Colour Quality Control ‐ The Hatra Experience
Authors: JAECKEL S. M. , WARD C. D.
Published: July 2011

Paper presented at the Society's ‘Teach‐in’ on Quantitative Colour Control at the University of Nottingham on 20 September 1975.

The requirements that are considered essential for successful operation for both the control system and the dyehouse organization are stated. There is a brief review of problems of formula selection, colorimeter selection, computation, and presentation of colour differences. Problems of dyehouse organization and tolerance‐limit selection are discussed and illustrated. Views on customer‐contractor relations in this connection are expressed.
Nuclear Clusterin Is Associated with Neuronal Apoptosis in the Developing Rat Brain upon Ethanol Exposure
Authors: Kim Nayoung , Han Jae Y. , Roh Gu S. , Kim Hyun J. , Kang Sang S. , Cho Gyeong J. , Park Jae Y. , Choi Wan S.
Published: July 2011

Background: Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is often accompanied by reduced brain volumes, reflecting brain cell death induced by ethanol, but the molecular mechanisms were less elucidated. This study was set up to investigate whether clusterin (Clu) was involved in neuronal cell death in developing rats.

Methods: Seven‐day‐old rats were subcutaneously injected with 20% ethanol in normal saline at 3 g/kg twice. The upregulation of Clu and cell death was detected by immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence microscopy, and/or Western blotting. Protein–protein interaction was detected by immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting. To identify the isoform interacting with Bcl‐XL, HT22 mouse hippocampal cells were transfected with nuclear Clu(nClu)‐ or secretory Clu‐expressing vector, and confocal microscopy was performed. Clu transcripts were knocked down in primary cortical cells using siRNA.

Results: We found that Clu increased in the cerebral cortex following acute ethanol treatment. The Clu upregulation was related to increased cell death, which was assessed by activated caspase‐3 and TUNEL staining. The upregulated Clu was a nuclear isoform that was nuclear translocated upon ethanol exposure and interacted with Bcl‐XL, mediating apoptosis.

Conclusions: This study shows that nClu plays a pro‐apoptotic role in ethanol‐induced cell death in the developing brain, providing new insights for development of FASD.
Cost‐Benefit Analysis of Passive Fire Protections in Road LPG Transportation
Authors: Paltrinieri Nicola , Bonvicini Sarah , Spadoni Gigliola , Cozzani Valerio
Published: July 2011

The cost‐benefit evaluation of passive fire protection adoption in the road transport of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) was investigated. In a previous study, mathematical simulations of real scale fire scenarios proved the effectiveness of passive fire protections in preventing the “fired” boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion (BLEVE), thus providing a significant risk reduction. In the present study the economical aspects of the adoption of fire protections are analyzed and an approach to cost‐benefit analysis (CBA) is proposed. The CBA model is based on the comparison of the risk reduction due to fire protections (expressed in monetary terms by the value of a statistical life) and the cost of the application of fire protections to a fleet of tankers. Different types of fire protections were considered, as well as the possibility to apply protections to the entire fleet or only to a part of it. The application of the proposed model to a real‐life case study is presented and discussed. Results demonstrate that the adoption of passive fire protections on road tankers, though not compulsory in Europe, can be economically feasible, thus representing a concrete measure to achieve control of the “major hazard accidents” cited by the European legislation.
Social Energy and Racial Segregation in the University Context*
Authors: Lewis Valerie A.
Published: July 2011

Objectives

Universities often promote their diversity as a selling point, but are students of different races at these universities integrated socially? Using theories on social energy, I examine racial segregation among university students.

Methods

Quantitative data were collected on student residence patterns and social groupings formed at lunch tables at a case study university. In addition, interviews were conducted with 25 students.

Results

Students are substantially more segregated than chance predicts. Blacks and Hispanics are particularly segregated. Interviews reveal that these students spend large amounts of social energy coping with prejudice and discrimination as well as functioning in a student culture they find unwelcoming and foreign.

Conclusions

Social energy drains on minority students from discrimination and an unwelcoming campus culture reduce energy left for interracial interaction, making these racial groups more segregated. The study highlights the need for understanding segregation as a function of the interaction of out‐group preferences, in‐group preferences, and the larger social context.
Oxidative DNA damage correlates with carotid artery atherosclerosis in hemodialysis patients
Authors: ARI Elif , KAYA Yuksel , DEMIR Halit , CEBI Aysegul , ALP Hamit Hakan , BAKAN Ebubekir , ODABASI Dolunay , KESKIN Sıddık
Published: July 2011

Oxidative stress is accepted as a nonclassical cardiovascular risk factor in chronic renal failure patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relation between oxidative DNA damage (8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine/deoxyguanosine [8‐OHdG/dG] ratio), oxidative stress biomarkers, antioxidant enzymes, and carotid artery intima‐media thickness (CIMT) in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Forty chronic HD patients without known atherosclerotic disease and 48 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy individuals were included in the study. Plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and 8‐OHdG/dG ratio were determined as oxidative stress markers. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities were measured as antioxidants. CIMT was assessed by carotid artery ultrasonography. 8‐OHdG/dG ratios and MDA levels were higher; SOD and GPx activities were lower in HD patients compared to controls. HD patients had significantly higher CIMT compared to controls (0.61 ± 0.08 vs. 0.42 ± 0.05, p < 0.001). There was a significant positive correlation between CIMT and 8‐OHdG/dG ratio (r = 0.57, p < 0.01) and MDA levels (r = 0.41, p < 0.01), while there was a significant negative correlation between CIMT and SOD (r = −0.47, p < 0.01) and GPx levels (r = −0.62, p < 0.01). It is firstly demonstrated that CIMT is positively correlated with oxidative DNA damage in HD patients without known atherosclerotic disease.
Is unilateral breast enlargement always a sign of cancer?
Authors: TEKBAS Guven , OGUZKURT Levent , GUREL Kamil , OZKAN Uğur , GUR Serkan , ONDER Hakan
Published: July 2011

Breast swelling is caused by many etiological factors, but should alert central vein occlusion in hemodialysis patients when the permanent vascular access is in the same arm. The swelling of the breast is caused by venous hypertension in the venous plexus draining the breast. Endovascular treatment relieves venous hypertension and related clinical signs. Additional diagnostic workup or invasive interventions such as a biopsy should be avoided in such patients, as diagnosis is straightforward with the presence of a functioning arteriovenous fistula in the same arm.
Spécificités des relations professionnelles chinoises: le rôle des syndicats
Authors: ZHU Ying , WARNER Malcolm , FENG Tongqing
Published: July 2011

Les auteurs examinent dans une perspective historique les récents changements dans la politique du travail et du syndicalisme en Chine et analysent le rôle des syndicats dans la promotion d'une «société harmonieuse». La méthode très critiquée de hiérarchie verticale de la Fédération panchinoise des syndicats a produit des tensions croissantes avec «la base», comme le montre la récente augmentation du nombre de grèves. Selon les auteurs, un nouveau rôle se dessine donc pour les syndicats, tandis que s'institutionnalise aujourd'hui un régime de relations professionnelles doté de spécificités chinoises.
Recherche d'emploi, embauche et promotions: le vécu des minorités ethniques sur le marché du travail de Beijing
Authors: HASMATH Reza
Published: July 2011

S'appuyant sur les microdonnées d'un recensement et les entretiens qu'il a menés auprès de travailleurs et d'employeurs, l'auteur examine la recherche d'emploi, l'embauche et la promotion des personnes issues des minorités ethniques à Beijing. Les données indiquent que les minorités ethniques sont défavorisées par rapport à l'ethnie dominante Han, notamment en ce qui concerne les emplois qualifiés offrant un salaire élevé. Les entretiens individuels menés par l'auteur montrent que ce handicap peut être dû aux failles de la structure institutionnelle qui favorisent le recours aux réseaux sociaux lors de la recherche d'emploi, de l'embauche et des promotions.
Public pensions' sustainability and population ageing: Is immigration the solution?
Authors: SERRANO Felipe , EGUÍA Begoña , FERREIRO Jesús
Published: July 2011

Population ageing generates problems of financial sustainability for unfunded pension systems in many developed countries. Immigration is often presented as one potential solution to this problem, mainly in countries with high migration inflows. The authors propose a model to analyse the impact of immigration flows on the financial sustainability of the pay‐as‐you‐go method, using Spain as a test case. They show that, despite their size, these inflows do not solve the Spanish pension system's sustainability problem, leading to the need for parametric reforms. The article also presents the intensity of the reforms required to maintain the system's financial equilibrium.
Labour market transition, income inequality and economic growth in China
Authors: LU Ming , GAO Hong
Published: July 2011

After “opening up” in 1978, China followed a development strategy that has led to internal and external economic imbalances, especially since its labour market reform of the mid‐1990s and the resulting surge in rural‐to‐urban migration. Low labour costs emerged as its main comparative advantage, but its over‐reliance on exports for growth was starkly exposed by the global economic crisis of 2008. This, coupled with widening income disparities, could jeopardize the sustainability of China's growth unless it adjusts its reform and development strategies to promote income equality and domestic consumption. The Employment Contract Law in force since 2008 could signal institutional change in the right direction.
Industrial relations in China: A review based on a six‐party model
Authors: MA Zhining
Published: July 2011

Research on industrial relations and labour in China has been relatively stagnant, partly because the classic tripartite model of industrial relations is unable to explain the facts. This article proposes a six‐party model: following brief reviews of theory and China's industrial relations history, it introduces a new six‐party taxonomy for the analysis of industrial relations in China. The actors, with their “Chinese characteristics”, are the Party‐State, the All‐China Federation of Trade Unions, employers' organizations, grass‐roots unions, employers and employees. This model, the author argues, provides a useful tool for capturing a broader picture of China's evolving industrial relations.
From job search to hiring and promotion: The labour market experiences of ethnic minorities in Beijing
Authors: HASMATH Reza
Published: July 2011

Drawing on micro‐level census data and interviews with individual workers and employers, this article examines the job‐search, hiring and promotion experiences of ethnic minority workers and jobseekers in Beijing. Labour market data indicate that ethnic minorities are at a disadvantage relative to the dominant Han ethnic group, particularly when it comes to employment in high‐wage, skilled jobs. The evidence provided here suggests this may be attributable to gaps in the institutional framework that encourage reliance on social‐network capital for job search, hiring and promotion.
Mesenchymal stem cells show radioresistance in vivo
Authors: Singh Sarvpreet , Kloss Frank R. , Brunauer Regina , Schimke Magdalena , Jamnig Angelika , Greiderer‐Kleinlercher Brigitte , Klima Günter , Rentenberger Julia , Auberger Thomas , Hächl Oliver , Rasse Michael , Gassner Robert , Lepperdinger Günter
Published: July 2011

Irradiation impacts on the viability and differentiation capacity of tissue‐borne mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), which play a pivotal role in bone regeneration. As a consequence of radiotherapy, bones may develop osteoradionecrosis. When irradiating human bone‐derived MSC in vitro with increasing doses, the cells’ self‐renewal capabilities were greatly reduced. Mitotically stalled cells were still capable of differentiating into osteoblasts and pre‐adipocytes. As a large animal model comparable to the clinical situation, pig mandibles were subjected to fractionized radiation of 2 χ 9 Gy within 1 week. This treatment mimics that of a standardized clinical treatment regimen of head and neck cancer patients irradiated 30 χ 2 Gy. In the pig model, fractures which had been irradiated, showed delayed osseous healing. When isolating MSC at different time points post‐irradiation, no significant changes regarding proliferation capacity and osteogenic differentiation potential became apparent. Therefore, pig mandibles were irradiated with a single dose of either 9 or 18 Gy in vivo, and MSC were isolated immediately afterwards. No significant differences between the untreated and 9 Gy irradiated bone with respect to proliferation and osteogenic differentiation were unveiled. Yet, cells isolated from 18 Gy irradiated specimens exhibited a reduced osteogenic differentiation capacity, and during the first 2 weeks proliferation rates were greatly diminished. Thereafter, cells recovered and showed normal proliferation behaviour. These findings imply that MSC can effectively cope with irradiation up to high doses in vivo. This finding should thus be implemented in future therapeutic concepts to protect regenerating tissue from radiation consequences.
Contribution of genetic and dietary insulin resistance to Alzheimer phenotype in APP/PS1 transgenic mice
Authors: Hiltunen Mikko , Khandelwal Vinoth K. M. , Yaluri Nagendra , Tiilikainen Tea , Tusa Maija , Koivisto Henna , Krzisch Marine , Vepsäläinen Saila , Mäkinen Petra , Kemppainen Susanna , Miettinen Pasi , Haapasalo Annakaisa , Soininen Hilkka , Laakso Markku , Tanila Heikki
Published: July 2011

According to epidemiological studies, type‐2 diabetes increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Here, we induced hyperglycaemia in mice overexpressing mutant amyloid precursor protein and presenilin‐1 (APdE9) either by cross‐breeding them with pancreatic insulin‐like growth factor 2 (IGF‐2) overexpressing mice or by feeding them with high‐fat diet. Glucose and insulin tolerance tests revealed significant hyperglycaemia in mice overexpressing IGF‐2, which was exacerbated by high‐fat diet. However, sustained hyperinsulinaemia and insulin resistance were observed only in mice co‐expressing IGF‐2 and APdE9 without correlation to insulin levels in brain. In behavioural tests in aged mice, APdE9 was associated with poor spatial learning and the combination of IGF‐2 and high‐fat diet further impaired learning. Neither high‐fat diet nor IGF‐2 increased β‐amyloid burden in the brain. In male mice, IGF‐2 increased β‐amyloid 42/40 ratio, which correlated with poor spatial learning. In contrast, inhibitory phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase 3β, which correlated with good spatial learning, was increased in APdE9 and IGF‐2 female mice on standard diet, but not on high‐fat diet. Interestingly, high‐fat diet altered τ isoform expression and increased phosphorylation of τ at Ser202 site in female mice regardless of genotype. These findings provide evidence for new regulatory mechanisms that link type‐2 diabetes and Alzheimer pathology.
miR‐145 is differentially regulated by TGF‐β1 and ischaemia and targets Disabled‐2 expression and wnt/β‐catenin activity
Authors: Mayorga Maritza E. , Penn Marc S.
Published: July 2011

The effect of wnt/β‐catenin signalling in the response to acute myocardial infarction (AMI) remains controversial. The membrane receptor adaptor protein Disabled‐2 (Dab2) is a tumour suppressor protein and has a critical role in stem cell specification. We recently demonstrated that down‐regulation of Dab2 regulates cardiac protein expression and wnt/β‐catenin activity in mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) in response to transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1). Although Dab2 expression has been shown to have effects in stem cells and tumour suppression, the molecular mechanisms regulating this expression are still undefined. We identified putative binding sites for miR‐145 in the 3′‐UTR of Dab2. In MSC in culture, we observed that TGF‐β1 treatment led to rapid and sustained up‐regulation of pri–miR‐145. Through gain and loss of function studies we demonstrate that miR‐145 up‐regulation was required for the down‐regulation of Dab2 and increased β‐catenin activity in response to TGF‐β1. To begin to define how Dab2 might regulate wnt/β‐catenin in the heart following AMI, we quantified myocardial Dab2 as a function of time after left anterior descending ligation. There was no significant Dab2 expression in sham‐operated myocardium. Following AMI, Dab2 levels were rapidly up‐regulated in cardiac myocytes in the infarct border zone. The increase in cardiac myocyte Dab2 expression correlated with the rapid and sustained down‐regulation of myocardial pri–miR‐145 expression following AMI. Our data demonstrate a novel and critical role for miR‐145 expression as a regulator of Dab2 expression and β‐catenin activity in response to TGF‐β1 and hypoxia.
Low prevalence of human papillomavirus infection in the healthy oral mucosa of a Northern Italian population
Authors: Migaldi M. , Pecorari M. , Forbicini G. , Nanni N. , Grottola A. , Grandi T. , Delle Donne G. , Leocata P. , Trovato D. , Sgambato A.
Published: July 2011

J Oral Pathol Med (2012) 41: 16–20

Background:  Oral cancer is the sixth most common malignancy in developed countries, representing almost 3% of malignant tumors. Tobacco use and alcohol consumption are well‐established risk factors. However, the observation that most patients with oral cancer have not been exposed to these risk factors suggests that additional causes may promote oral carcinogenesis. A link has been suggested between human papillomavirus (HPV) and oral cavity cancer but the significance of HPV contribution to oral carcinogenesis as well as the prevalence of HPV infection in normal oral cavity mucosa remains debated.

Methods:  In this study, the prevalence of oral HPV infection was evaluated in 81 randomly selected Northern Italian subjects with clinically normal oral mucosa using a nested PCR on DNA extracted by oral smears.

Results and conclusions:  No HPV‐related lesions were detectable in any of the smears analyzed by cytological approach. nPCR identified HPV DNA in only one (1.2%) of the specimens obtained from clinically healthy oral mucosa and subsequent characterization assigned the positive case to HPV type 90.

These data suggest that the incidence of HPV infection in the healthy population might be very low and that other risk factors are likely responsible to promote oral carcinogenesis.
Co‐ordination of Incoming and Outgoing Traffic in Antigen‐Presenting Cells by Pattern Recognition Receptors and T Cells
Authors: Nair Priyanka , Amsen Derk , Blander J. Magarian
Published: July 2011

Dendritic cells are innate sentinels of the immune system and potent activators of naÏve T cells. Mechanisms must exist to enable these cells to achieve maximal activation of T cells specific for microbial antigens, while avoiding activation of T cells specific for self‐antigens. Here we discuss how a combination of signals from pattern recognition receptors and T cells co‐ordinates subcellular trafficking of antigen with both major histocompatibility complex class I and class II molecules and T‐cell costimulatory molecules, resulting in the preferential presentation of microbial peptides within a stimulatory context.
Factors associated with discontinuation of breastfeeding before 1 month of age
Authors: Almqvist‐Tangen Gerd , Bergman Stefan , Dahlgren Jovanna , Roswall Josefine , Alm Bernt
Published: July 2011

Background:  Breastfeeding is associated with many benefits for both mother and child. Initiation rates are high in Sweden. Recently a slight decline is seen.

Aim:  The aim of this study was to assess factors associated with discontinuation of breastfeeding during the first 4 weeks.

Method:  A population‐based longitudinal birth cohort study recruiting from 2007 to 2008 in south‐western Sweden. At the first visit to the child health centre, parents were asked to complete a questionnaire. Also, the infants’ height, weight, head and waist circumference were collected. Response rate was 69.2%.

Results:  Twenty‐seven per cent of mothers had breastfeeding problems. In a multivariate analysis, there was a negative correlation between breastfeeding and use of pacifier (OR 3.72; CI 2.09–6.63), maternal smoking (OR 2.09; CI 1.08–4.05) and breastfeeding problems (OR 2.54; CI 1.73–3.71). Breastfeeding problems were correlated with poor sucking technique (OR 2.96; CI 2.14–4.07), support from maternity ward (OR 2.56; CI 2.05–3.19) and perceived poor weight gain (OR 1.37; CI 1.00–1.86).

Conclusion:  Many mothers reported breastfeeding problems that are associated with an early cessation. This is preventable with support, but the timing is crucial. To promote breastfeeding, the support from the child health centres must be tailored with the maternal perspective in mind.
Aetiology of severe mental retardation and further genetic analysis by high‐resolution microarray in a population‐based series of 6‐ to 17‐year‐old children
Authors: Lundvall Mikael , Rajaei Saideh , Erlandson Anna , Kyllerman Mårten
Published: July 2011

Aim:  To investigate the prevalence, co‐morbidities and aetiologies of severe mental retardation (SMR) in a cohort of Swedish children and to further penetrate aetiologies in the group with undetermined causes by application of updated clinical‐genetic methods.

Methods:  The study was population‐based and included children living in the County of Halland in western Sweden in 2004 (born 1987–1998; 46 000 children). Patients were identified through habilitation centres, paediatric clinics and school health services. Patients with unclear prenatal aetiology were investigated with single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)‐array.

Results:  Severe mental retardation was identified in 133 children from 132 families, corresponding to a prevalence of 2.9 per 1000 children. There were more males than females (90:43).The aetiology was prenatal in 82 (62%), perinatal in 14 (10%) and postnatal in 8 (6%). In 29 (22 %) children, mainly males with autism, the cause could not be related to the time of birth. In the prenatal group, genetic causes dominated, but still 23 children remained undiagnosed; in 5/19 of these patients, a diagnosis could be made after SNP‐array analysis. One or more associated neurological handicaps were found in more than half of the children.

Conclusion:  Prevalence and co‐morbidity were similar to previous Scandinavian studies. High‐resolution chromosomal micro‐array techniques are valuable diagnostic tools, reducing the number of patients with unexplained SMR.
Growing into disability benefits? Psychosocial course of life of young adults with a chronic somatic disease or disability
Authors: Verhoof Eefje , Maurice‐Stam Heleen , Heymans Hugo , Grootenhuis Martha
Published: July 2011

Aim:  A growing number of young adults with somatic diseases/disabilities since childhood apply for disability benefits. The achievement of psychosocial milestones while growing up (course of life) is assumed to be related to job participation. This study assessed the course of life of young adult beneficiaries with somatic limitations compared with peers from the general Dutch population.

Methods:  Young adult beneficiaries (22–31 years, N = 415) completed the Course of Life Questionnaire assessing the achievement of milestones on autonomy, psychosexual and social development and risk behaviour. Differences between respondents and peers were tested using analysis of variance and logistic regression analysis by group, age and gender. Associations were expressed as odds ratios (OR) with confidence intervals.

Results:  The beneficiaries achieved fewer milestones or achieved the milestones at a later age than peers. The differences were substantial: most effect sizes were moderate to large and most of the ORs lower than 0.5.

Conclusion:  Young adult beneficiaries with somatic limitations since childhood are at risk of a delayed course of life. Healthcare providers should pay systematic attention to the psychosocial developmental trajectory of their patients in order to optimize their development to adulthood and, consequently, create conditions for an optimal labour market position.
Health‐related quality of life of former very preterm infants in adulthood
Authors: Baumgardt Melanie , Bucher Hans Ulrich , Arlettaz Mieth Romaine , Fauchère Jean‐Claude
Published: July 2011

Aim:  To assess health‐related quality of life of young adults born very preterm compared with a term control group.

Methods:  A cohort of preterm infants <1250 g and a term control group, both born between 1983 and 1985, were surveyed as adults at the median age of 23 years. Questionnaires including the Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF 36) and a modified lifestyle questionnaire assessed quality of life, health attitudes, height and weight, chronic diseases, medication and drug consumption.

Results:  Fifty‐two preterms and 75 controls matched for age and sex participated in the study. There were no significant differences in the quality of life as assessed by SF 36. Former preterms were significantly smaller than their term controls but not so for body mass index. The overall consumption of illicit drugs was significantly lower in former preterms. Moreover, former preterms went significantly less often in for sports. There was a trend for higher prevalence of chronic diseases in male compared to female preterms, but their use of medication was significantly lower.

Conclusion:  Adults born very preterm show no significant differences in their quality of life when compared to controls in early adulthood. However, based on their lifestyle and health disadvantages, male preterm subjects constitute a risk group when entering early adulthood with a clear need for continued attention.
Surveying Southern Mongolia: application of multivariate classification methods in drylands with low diversity and long floristic gradients
Authors: Wesche Karsten , von Wehrden Henrik
Published: July 2011

Question: How do standard multivariate classification algorithms perform for Mongolian dryland vegetation characterized by low diversity and very long floristic gradients?

Location: Southern Mongolian Gobi.

Methods: We compared several widely used classification methods based on 1231 relevés obtained with a similar sampling method. We applied agglomerative cluster algorithms (flexible beta/FLEX, average linkage/UPGMA, weighted linkage/WPGMA, complete linkage, Ward's clustering) and a divisive classification technique (TWINSPAN); data were reduced to presence/absence. We compared results against a published phytosociological classification (PHYTO), against environmental background data, and with respect to the presence of significant indicator species.

Results: Complete linkage was inferior to other methods. TWINSPAN, UPGMA, flexible beta and WPGMA gave partly similar clusters, with FLEX and WARD showing the highest pair‐wise similarity. Classifications of all methods except CL partly agreed with PHYTO classification. Clusters of all methods had significant indicator species, but Ward's method had the highest number of indicator species, followed by the PHYTO classification and FLEX, TWINSPAN, UPGMA and WPGMA. The latter four methods all yielded clusters that differed in terms of precipitation, but TWINSPAN, FLEX and Ward's method performed best under this criterion. PHYTO and CL ranked last in partitioning the precipitation gradient. Comparisons with ordinations indicated that classification algorithms capture the main floristic gradient but were less successful than the phytosociological approach to elucidate the finer structures.

Conclusion: Performance of classification methods differed depending on the applied validation approach and we thus caution against uncritically adopting a single evaluation/validation criterion. Most numerical approaches can aid sorting of large data sets, while details of manual syntaxonomic classifications are not easily reproduced. Choice of the most appropriate classification and validation method thus clearly depends on the overall aim of a given study.
Effects of a combination of hinokitiol (β‐thujaplicin) and an organic acid mixture on ruminal fermentation in heifers fed a high‐grain diet
Authors: ISHII Junichiro , OMURA Hiroshi , MITSUI Tadao , EGUCHI Norichika , UENO Takashi , GOTO Hisaya , ITO Hiroshi
Published: July 2011

This study evaluated the effects of hinokitiol (a natural antibacterial compound extracted from Thujopsis dolabrata var. hondai) and an organic acid mixture (citrate content 50%) on ruminal fermentation. Antibacterial properties were examined by measuring minimal inhibitory concentration. Hinokitiol at 1.56 µg/mL or an organic acid mixture at 1600 µg/mL inhibited Streptococcus bovis growth. The combination of 0.78 µg/mL hinokitiol and 200 µg/mL of an organic acid mixture also inhibited S. bovis growth. Both hinokitiol and the hinokitiol and an organic acid mixture combination showed strong antibacterial properties on Gram‐positive bacteria such as S. bovis, but relatively weak antibacterial activities on Gram‐negative bacteria such as Megasphaera elsdenii. Three ruminally cannulated heifers were fed a bloat‐producing diet containing barley, pelleted alfalfa meal, soybean meal and salt without long‐cut roughage to investigate the ruminal characteristics in vivo. Feeding to heifers a bloat‐producing diet containing 7.8 mg/kg hinokitiol and 0.2% of an organic acid mixture significantly decreased the increase in stable ingesta volume. Hinokitiol or an organic acid mixture did not affect ruminal volatile fatty acids, protozoa and bacteria. These results suggest that a combination of hinokitiol and an organic acid mixture might reduce frothy bloat in cattle fed high‐grain diets.
Quaternary structure, conformational variability and global motions of phosphoglucosamine mutase
Authors: Mehra‐Chaudhary Ritcha , Mick Jacob , Tanner John J. , Beamer Lesa J.
Published: July 2011

Phosphoglucosamine mutase (PNGM) is a bacterial enzyme that participates in the peptidoglycan biosynthetic pathway. Recent crystal structures of PNGM from two bacterial pathogens, Bacillus anthracis and Francisella tularensis, have revealed key structural features of this enzyme for the first time. Here, we follow up on several novel findings from the crystallographic studies, including the observation of a structurally conserved interface between polypeptide chains and conformational variability of the C‐terminal domain. Small‐angle X‐ray scattering of B. anthracis PNGM shows that this protein is a dimer in solution. Comparisons of the four independent polypeptide chains from the two structures reveals conserved residues and structural changes involved in the conformational variability, as well as a significant rotation of the C‐terminal domain, of nearly 60°, between the most divergent conformers. Furthermore, the fluctuation dynamics of PNGM are examined via normal mode analyses. The most mobile region of the protein is its C‐terminal domain, consistent with observations from the crystal structures. Large regions of correlated, collective motions are identified exclusively for the dimeric state of the protein, comprising both contiguous and noncontiguous structural domains. The motions observed in the lowest frequency normal mode of the dimer result in dynamically coupled opening and closing of the two active sites. The global motions identified in this study support the importance of the conformational change of PNGM in function, and suggest that the dimeric state of this protein may confer advantages consistent with its evolutionary conservation.

Structured digital abstract

 PNGM binds to PNGM by x ray scattering (View interaction)
Crystal structure of Cu / Zn superoxide dismutase from Taenia solium reveals metal‐mediated self‐assembly
Authors: Hernández‐Santoyo Alejandra , Landa Abraham , González‐Mondragón Edith , Pedraza‐Escalona Martha , Parra‐Unda Ricardo , Rodríguez‐Romero Adela
Published: July 2011

Taenia solium is the cestode responsible for porcine and human cysticercosis. The ability of this parasite to establish itself in the host is related to its evasion of the immune response and its antioxidant defence system. The latter includes enzymes such as cytosolic Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase. In this article, we describe the crystal structure of a recombinant T. solium Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase, representing the first structure of a protein from this organism. This enzyme shows a different charge distribution at the entrance of the active channel when compared with human Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase, giving it interesting properties that may allow the design of specific inhibitors against this cestode. The overall topology is similar to other superoxide dismutase structures; however, there are several His and Glu residues on the surface of the protein that coordinate metal ions both intra‐ and intermolecularly. Interestingly, one of these ions, located on the β2 strand, establishes a metal‐mediated intermolecular β–β interaction, including a symmetry‐related molecule. The factors responsible for the abnormal protein–protein interactions that lead to oligomerization are still unknown; however, high metal levels have been implicated in these phenomena, but exactly how they are involved remains unclear. The present results suggest that this structure could be useful as a model to explain an alternative mechanism of protein aggregation commonly observed in insoluble fibrillar deposits.

Database
 The atomic coordinates and structure factors have been deposited in the Protein Data Bank under the accession number 3MND.

Structured digital abstract

 Cu/Zn SOD binds to Cu/Zn SOD by dynamic light scattering (View Interaction 1, 2)

 Cu/Zn SOD binds to Cu/Zn SOD by mass spectrometry studies of complexes (View interaction)

 Cu/Zn SOD binds to Cu/Zn SOD by molecular sieving (View Interaction 1, 2)

 Cu/Zn SOD binds to Cu/Zn SOD by x‐ray crystallography (View interaction)
Formation of the Galactic bulge from a two-component stellar disc: explaining cylindrical rotation and a vertical metallicity gradient
Authors: Bekki Kenji , Tsujimoto Takuji
Published: July 2011

Recent observational studies have revealed that the Galactic bulge has cylindrical rotation and a steeper vertical metallicity gradient. We adopt two representative models for the bulge formation and thereby investigate whether the two models can explain both the observed cylindrical rotation and vertical metallicity gradient in a self-consistent manner. One is the ‘pure disc scenario’ (PDS) in which the bulge is formed from a pure thin stellar disc through spontaneous bar instability. The other is the ‘two-component disc scenario’ (TCDS) in which the bulge is formed from a disc composed of thin and thick discs through bar instability. Our numerical simulations show that although the PDS can reproduce the cylindrical rotation, it shows a rather flatter vertical metallicity gradient that is inconsistent with observations. The derived flatter metallicity gradient is due to the vertical mixing of stars with different initial metallicities by the stellar bar. This result implies that the bulge cannot be simply formed from a pure thin stellar disc. On the other hand, the bulge formed from the two-component disc in the TCDS can explain both the observed cylindrical rotation and vertical metallicity gradient of the Galactic bulge reasonably well. In the TCDS, more metal-poor stars at higher ∣z∣ (vertical distance), which originate from the already dynamically hotter thick disc, cannot be strongly influenced by vertical mixing of the bar so that they can stay in situ for longer time-scales and thus keep the lower metallicity at higher ∣z∣. Consequently, the vertical metallicity gradient of the bulge composed of initially thin and thick disc stars cannot be so flattened, even if the gradient of the thin disc can be flattened significantly by the bar in the TCDS. We therefore suggest that a significant fraction of the present Galactic bulge is composed of stars initially in the inner part of the thick disc and thus that these bulge stars and the thick disc have a common origin. We also suggest that the Galaxy might well have experienced some merger events that could dynamically heat up its inner regions until ∼10 Gyr ago.
Numerical convergence in self-gravitating disc simulations: initial conditions and edge effects
Authors: Paardekooper Sijme-Jan , Baruteau Clément , Meru Farzana
Published: July 2011

We study the numerical convergence of hydrodynamical simulations of self-gravitating accretion discs, in which a simple cooling law is balanced by shock heating. It is well known that there exists a critical cooling time-scale for which shock heating can no longer compensate for the energy losses, at which point the disc fragments. The numerical convergence of previous results of this critical cooling time-scale was questioned recently using smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH). We employ a two-dimensional grid-based code to study this problem and find that for smooth initial conditions, fragmentation is possible for slower cooling as the resolution is increased, in agreement with recent SPH results. We show that this non-convergence is at least partly due to the creation of a special location in the disc, the boundary between the turbulent and the laminar region, when cooling towards a gravito-turbulent state. Converged results appear to be obtained in setups where no such sharp edges appear, and we then find a critical cooling time-scale of ∼4Ω−1, where Ω is the local angular velocity.
The good, the bad and the dishonest doctor: the General Medical Council and the ‘redemption model’ of fitness to practise
Authors: Case Paula
Published: July 2011

The ‘elusive’ concept of ‘impairment’ was introduced into the General Medical Council's Fitness to Practise Procedures in 2002. Its function was ostensibly to bring all forms of fitness to practise allegations against doctors under a unifying concept and thereby reduce procedural complexity. This paper strives to illuminate the application of ‘impairment’ of fitness to practise with reference to a year of fitness to practise decision making by the General Medical Council (GMC). It concludes that impairment has brought with it a redemptive style of resolving matters of professional discipline which brings significant benefits to doctors, the patient population and society as a whole, but which can also encourage a contrived exchange of remorse, insight and remediation with further implications for professional integrity and truth.