bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validation of MCADD newborn screening
Authors: Maier EM , Pongratz J , Muntau AC , Liebl B , Nennstiel‐Ratzel U , Busch U , Fingerhut R , Olgemöller B , Roscher AA , Röschinger W
Published: September 2009

Medium‐chain acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MCADD) represents a potentially fatal fatty acid β‐oxidation disorder. Newborn screening (NBS) by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) has been implemented worldwide, but is associated with unresolved questions regarding population heterogeneity, burden on healthy carriers, cut‐off policies, false‐positive and negative rates. In a retrospective case‐control study, 333 NBS samples showing borderline acylcarnitine patterns but not reaching recall criteria were genotyped for the two most common mutations (c.985A>G/c.199C>T) and compared with genotypes and acylcarnitines of 333 controls, 68 false‐positives, and 34 patients. c.985A>G was more frequently identified in the study group and false‐positives compared to controls (1:4.3/1:2.3 vs. 1:42), whereas c.199C>T was found more frequently only within the false‐positives (1:23). Biochemical criteria were devised to differentiate homozygous (c.985A>G), compound heterozygous (c.985A>G/c.199C>T), and heterozygous individuals. Four false‐negatives were identified because our initial algorithm required an elevation of octanoylcarnitine (C8) and three secondary markers in the initial and follow‐up sample. The new approach allowed a reduction of false‐positives (by defining high cut‐offs: 1.4 μmol/l for C8; 7 for C8/C12) and false‐negatives (by sequencing the ACADM gene of few suspicious samples). Our validation strategy is able to differentiate healthy carriers from patients doubling the positive predictive value (42→88%) and to target NBS to MCADD‐subsets with potentially higher risk of adverse outcome. It remains controversial, if NBS programs should aim at identifying all subsets of all diseases included. Because the natural course of milder variants cannot be assessed by observational studies, our strategy could serve as a general model for evaluation of MS/MS‐based NBS.
Mutations in the mitochondrial glutamate carrier SLC25A22 in neonatal epileptic encephalopathy with suppression bursts
Authors: Molinari F , Kaminska A , Fiermonte G , Boddaert N , Raas‐Rothschild A , Plouin P , Palmieri L , Brunelle F , Palmieri F , Dulac O , Munnich A , Colleaux L
Published: September 2009

Neonatal epileptic encephalopathies with suppression bursts (SBs) are very severe and relatively rare diseases characterized by neonatal onset of seizures, interictal electroencephalogram (EEG) with SB pattern and very poor neurological outcome or death. Their etiology remains elusive but they are occasionally caused by metabolic diseases or malformations. Studying an Arab Muslim Israeli consanguineous family, with four affected children presenting a severe neonatal epileptic encephalopathy, we have previously identified a mutation in the SLC25A22 gene encoding a mitochondrial glutamate transporter. In this report, we describe a novel SLC25A22 mutation in an unrelated patient born from first cousin Algerian parents and presenting severe epileptic encephalopathy characterized by an EEG with SB, hypotonia, microcephaly and abnormal electroretinogram. We showed that this patient carried a homozygous p.G236W SLC25A22 mutation which alters a highly conserved amino acid and completely abolishes the glutamate carrier's activity in vitro. Comparison of the clinical features of patients from both families suggests that SLC25A22 mutations are responsible for a novel clinically recognizable epileptic encephalopathy with SB.
Interaction of Potential Porcine Sperm Ligands with the Oocyte Plasma Membrane
Authors: Berger T , Nitta BJ , Ducolomb Y , Betancourt M
Published: September 2009

Contents

We previously identified 62, 39, 27 and 7 kDa porcine sperm plasma membrane proteins that demonstrated a predominant affinity for the porcine oocyte plasma membrane by Western ligand blotting. The current experiments were designed to further investigate the potential roles of these molecules in sperm–oocyte plasma membrane interaction. Abilities of these proteins to bind to the oocyte plasma membrane and to inhibit sperm–oocyte interaction were evaluated. Plasma membrane was isolated primarily from the head of ejaculated porcine sperm by nitrogen cavitation and density gradient centrifugation. Fractions containing the 62, 39, 27 and 7 kDa proteins were electroeluted from one dimensional SDS polyacrylamide gels, dialysed and proteins biotinylated. Following incubation with zona‐free porcine oocytes, bound protein was visualized with 20 μg TRITC‐avidin/ml using confocal microscopy. Fractions of the dialysed, electroeluted proteins were added to porcine in vitro fertilization assays. The 62, 39, 27 and 7 kDa proteins all demonstrated binding to the oocyte plasma membrane in contrast to a biotinylated control protein. Addition of unlabelled sperm plasma membrane proteins to the biotinylated protein visibly reduced binding. Addition of each of these protein fractions to in vitro fertilization assays reduced sperm interaction with the porcine oocyte plasma membrane in a concentration‐dependent manner. Binding of these sperm plasma membrane proteins to the oocyte plasma membrane and inhibition of fertilization are consistent with these proteins being involved in sperm–oocyte plasma membrane interaction.
Facial trauma in geriatric patients in a selected Malaysian hospital
Authors: Rahman Normastura Abdul , Ramli Roszalina , Rahman Roslan Abdul , Hussaini Haizal Mohd , Hamid Abdul Latif Abdul
Published: September 2009

Background:  Road traffic accidents are the main cause of trauma in Malaysia. It has been shown that there was an increase in admissions for trauma patients older than 60 years in the last decade. The purpose of this study was to determine the pattern of maxillofacial injuries in the geriatric patients referred to Seremban Hospital, Malaysia.

Methods:  Records of patients aged 60 years or older who sustained oral and maxillofacial injuries between 1998 and 2002 were reviewed. Data related to age, sex, race, etiology, types of injuries and treatment modalities were obtained.

Results:  A total of 134 geriatric patients with maxillofacial and dental injuries were seen in Seremban Hospital between January 1998 and December 2002. There were 101 (75.4%) men and 33 (24.6%) women. The age ranged 60–92 years with the mean age of 68.3 years (standard deviation, 7.48). Chinese made up the majority of the patients (51.8%), followed by Malays (37.2%), Indian (20.4%) and other ethnic groups (1.5%). The most common cause of injury was due to road traffic accidents (64.2%) However, falls were more common in those aged 76 years and above. The most common bone fracture documented was the mandible (35.7%) followed by fracture of the zygomatic complex (34.0%). The majority of treatment was conservative or closed reduction.

Conclusion:  All the elderly patients with facial trauma were managed conservatively or as closed reduction in this hospital. This was largely because of their comorbid state and financial constraints.
Does subliminal visual perception have an error‐monitoring system?
Authors: Pavone Enea Francesco , Marzi Carlo Alberto , Girelli Massimo
Published: September 2009

There is substantial evidence that subliminal stimuli, i.e. stimuli that cannot be perceived consciously, may influence visually guided human behaviour. Two important points require further investigation, namely, the neural bases and the functional capability of unconscious stimulus processing. In this study we aimed at studying one specific aspect of the latter question, i.e. whether unconscious vision can feed into an error‐monitoring system in much the same way as conscious vision. We therefore tested whether the event‐related potential component known as error‐related negativity, which represents the electrophysiological correlate of an error‐monitoring system, is produced by unconscious errors. We found an error‐related negativity not only for errors committed in a discrimination task with visible stimuli but also for those committed with subthreshold stimuli. Moreover, behavioural analysis showed post‐error slowing of reaction time for correct responses following unconscious as well as conscious errors. Thus, the present results provide both electrophysiological and behavioural evidence of an error‐monitoring system operating even when stimuli cannot access consciousness.
Frequency‐selectivity of a thalamocortical relay neuron during Parkinson’s disease and deep brain stimulation: a computational study
Authors: Cagnan Hayriye , Meijer Hil G. E. , Van Gils Stephan A. , Krupa Martin , Heida Tjitske , Rudolph Michelle , Wadman Wytse J. , Martens Hubert C. F.
Published: September 2009

In this computational study, we investigated (i) the functional importance of correlated basal ganglia (BG) activity associated with Parkinson’s disease (PD) motor symptoms by analysing the effects of globus pallidus internum (GPi) bursting frequency and synchrony on a thalamocortical (TC) relay neuron, which received GABAergic projections from this nucleus; (ii) the effects of subthalamic nucleus (STN) deep brain stimulation (DBS) on the response of the TC relay neuron to synchronized GPi oscillations; and (iii) the functional basis of the inverse relationship that has been reported between DBS frequency and stimulus amplitude, required to alleviate PD motor symptoms [A. L. Benabid et al. (1991)Lancet, 337, 403–406]. The TC relay neuron selectively responded to and relayed synchronized GPi inputs bursting at a frequency located in the range 2–25 Hz. Input selectivity of the TC relay neuron is dictated by low‐threshold calcium current dynamics and passive membrane properties of the neuron. STN‐DBS prevented the TC relay neuron from relaying synchronized GPi oscillations to cortex. Our model indicates that DBS alters BG output and input selectivity of the TC relay neuron, providing an explanation for the clinically observed inverse relationship between DBS frequency and stimulus amplitude.
Tuning to non‐symbolic proportions in the human frontoparietal cortex
Authors: Jacob Simon N. , Nieder Andreas
Published: September 2009

Humans share with many species a non‐verbal system to estimate absolute quantity. This sense of number has been linked to the activity of quantity‐selective neurons that respond maximally to preferred numerosities. With functional magnetic resonance imaging adaptation, we now show that populations of neurons in the human parietal and frontal cortex are also capable of encoding quantity ratios, or proportions, using the same non‐verbal analog code as for absolute number. Following adaptation to visually presented constant proportions (specified by the ratio of line lengths or numerosities), we introduced novel relative magnitudes to examine the tuning characteristics of the population of stimulated neurons. In bilateral parietal and frontal cortex we found that blood oxygenation level‐dependent signal recovery from adaptation was a function of numerical distance between the deviant proportion and the adaptation stimulus. The strongest effects were observed in the cortex surrounding the anterior intraparietal sulcus, a region considered pivotal for the processing of absolute magnitudes. Overall, there was substantial overlap of frontoparietal structures representing whole numbers and proportions. The identification of tuning to non‐symbolic ratio stimuli, irrespective of notation, adds to the magnitude system a remarkable level of sophistication by demonstrating automatic access to a composite, derived quantitative measure. Our results argue that abstract concepts of both absolute and relative number are deeply rooted in the primate brain as fundamental determinants of higher‐level numerical cognition.
When Are Attention and Saccade Preparation Dissociated?
Authors: Belopolsky Artem V. , Theeuwes Jan
Published: September 2009

To understand the mechanisms of visual attention, it is crucial to know the relationship between attention and saccades. Some theories propose a close relationship, whereas others view the attention and saccade systems as completely independent. One possible way to resolve this controversy is to distinguish between the maintenance and shifting of attention. The present study used a novel paradigm that allowed simultaneous measurement of attentional allocation and saccade preparation. Saccades toward the location where attention was maintained were either facilitated or suppressed depending on the probability of making a saccade to that location and the match between the attended location and the saccade location on the previous trial. Shifting attention to another location was always associated with saccade facilitation. The findings provide a new view, demonstrating that the maintenance of attention and shifting of attention differ in their relationship to the oculomotor system.
Suppression During Binocular Rivalry Broadens Orientation Tuning
Authors: Ling Sam , Blake Randolph
Published: September 2009

During binocular-rivalry suppression, an ordinarily visible stimulus is erased from awareness, but how is the sensory representation of that stimulus affected? Although it is established that rivalry suppression attenuates signal strength, the influence of suppression on signal fidelity remains unknown. Here, we show that noise plays a hitherto undiscovered role in the degradation of the percept under suppression. In Experiment 1, we measured psychometric functions for a stimulus presented under dominance and suppression, and found that the slope of these functions was shallower under suppression—a result suggesting that the signal representation was rendered noisier. Experiment 2 then revealed the source of this noise: An examination of the influence of suppression on the orientation bandwidth of noise masking showed that tuning bandwidth is significantly broadened under suppression. Thus, the discriminability of a suppressed stimulus is weakened not only by a general decrease in signal strength, but also by broader orientation tuning that introduces more noise in the neural representation of the suppressed stimulus.
Asymmetrical Body Perception
Authors: Linkenauger Sally A. , Witt Jessica K. , Bakdash Jonathan Z. , Stefanucci Jeanine K. , Proffitt Dennis R.
Published: September 2009

Perception of one's body is related not only to the physical appearance of the body, but also to the neural representation of the body. The brain contains many body maps that systematically differ between right- and left-handed people. In general, the cortical representations of the right arm and right hand tend to be of greater area in the left hemisphere than in the right hemisphere for right-handed people, whereas these cortical representations tend to be symmetrical across hemispheres for left-handers. We took advantage of these naturally occurring differences and examined perceived arm length in right- and left-handed people. When looking at each arm and hand individually, right-handed participants perceived their right arms and right hands to be longer than their left arms and left hands, whereas left-handed participants perceived both arms accurately. These experiments reveal a possible relationship between implicit body maps in the brain and conscious perception of the body.
Measuring cognitive factors in speech comprehension: The value of using the Text Reception Threshold test as a visual equivalent of the SRT test
Authors: KRAMER SOPHIA E. , ZEKVELD ADRIANA A. , HOUTGAST TAMMO
Published: September 2009

The ability to comprehend speech in noise is influenced by bottom‐up auditory and top‐down cognitive capacities. Separate examination of these capacities is relevant for various purposes. Speech‐Reception‐Threshold (SRT) tests measure an individual’s ability to comprehend speech. This paper addresses the value of the Text‐Reception‐Threshold (TRT) test (a visual parallel of the SRT test) to assess the cognitive capacities allocated during speech comprehension. We conducted a secondary data analysis, including 87 normally‐hearing adults (aged 18 to 78 years). Correlation coefficients between age, TRT, working memory (Spatial Span) and SRT were examined. The TRT and SRT correlated significantly (r = 0.30), supporting the value of TRT in explaining inter‐individual differences in SRTs. The relations between age and TRT and between SSP and TRT were non‐significant. The results indicate that the current TRT test does not fully cover the cognitive aspects relevant in speech comprehension. Adaptation of the test is required before clinical implementation can be considered.
Is there an alternative cerebral network associated with enhanced phonological processing in deaf speech‐users? An exceptional case
Authors: APARICIO MARIO , DEMONT ELISABETH , GOUNOT DANIEL , METZ‐LUTZ MARIE‐NOËLLE
Published: September 2009

Most people born deaf and exposed to oral language show scant evidence of sensitivity to the phonology of speech when processing written language. In this respect they differ from hearing people. However, occasionally, a prelingually deaf person can achieve good processing of written language in terms of phonological sensitivity and awareness, and in this respect appears exceptional. We report the pattern of event‐related fMRI activation in such a deaf reader while performing a rhyme‐judgment on written words with similar spelling endings that do not provide rhyme clues. The left inferior frontal gyrus pars opercularis and the left inferior parietal lobe showed greater activation for this task than for a letter‐string identity matching task. This participant was special in this regard, showing significantly greater activation in these regions than a group of hearing participants with a similar level of phonological and reading skill. In addition, SR showed activation in the left mid‐fusiform gyrus; a region which did not show task‐specific activation in the other respondents. The pattern of activation in this exceptional deaf reader was also unique compared with three deaf readers who showed limited phonological processing. We discuss the possibility that this pattern of activation may be critical in relation to phonological decoding of the written word in good deaf readers whose phonological reading skills are indistinguishable from those of hearing readers.
Tinnitus and short‐term serial recall in stable versus intermittent masking conditions
Authors: ANDERSSON GERHARD , EDSJÖ LISA , KALDO VIKTOR , WESTIN VENDELA
Published: September 2009

The relation between tinnitus and short‐term memory performance in varying background sounds is not well understood. In the present study a sample of 18 persons with tinnitus completed a serial recall test in three conditions, silence, masking and intermittent masking. The performance of a matched control group without tinnitus was also investigated. Based on the literature on the “irrelevant sound effect” we expected that the tinnitus group would perform worse during intermittent masking and that they would score lower overall compared to the control group. Results revealed no statistically significant differences between the groups, nor any group interaction within sound conditions for the serial recall test. Groups did however differ regarding subjective measures of concentration problems, anxiety and depression. Results are discussed in relation to thought suppression and distraction from tinnitus.
From Narcissistic Exploitativeness to Bullying Behavior: The Mediating Role of Approval‐of‐aggression Beliefs
Authors: Ang Rebecca P. , Ong Eileen Y. L. , Lim Joylynn C. Y. , Lim Eulindra W.
Published: September 2009

This study examined the role of approval‐of‐aggression beliefs in the relationship between narcissistic exploitativeness and bullying behavior in an Asian sample (N = 809) comprising elementary children and middle school adolescents. Narcissistic exploitativeness was significantly and positively associated with both bullying behavior and approval‐of‐aggression beliefs, and approval‐of‐aggression beliefs was significantly and positively associated with bullying behavior. Additionally, findings indicated that approval‐of‐aggression beliefs was a statistically significant mediator and 53 percent of the total effect of narcissistic exploitativeness on bullying behavior was mediated by approval‐of‐aggression beliefs. Approval‐of‐aggression beliefs did not moderate the association between narcissistic exploitativeness and bullying behavior. There are important theoretical implications as well as implications for prevention and intervention efforts targeting aggressive, bullying behavior among children and adolescents.
CD81 expression in peripheral blood lymphocytes before and after treatment with interferon and ribavirin in HIV/HCV coinfected patients
Authors: Micheloud D , González‐Nicolás J , Berenguer J , Lorente R , Miralles P , López JC , Cosín J , Catalán P , Muñoz‐Fernández MaÁ , Resino S
Published: September 2009

Background

CD81 is expressed on lymphocytes and confers HCV viral infectivity support. The aim of our study was to quantify CD81 expression in peripheral blood B‐ and T‐cells of HCV/HIV‐coinfected patients and healthy subjects to examine its association with several HCV virological characteristics and the therapeutic responsiveness to HCV antiviral treatment.

Methods

We carried out a cross‐sectional study on 122 naïve patients. For a duration of 48 weeks, 24 out of 122 patients underwent HCV antiviral therapy with interferon (IFN)‐α and ribavirin. T‐ and B‐cell subsets were analysed by flow cytometry.

Results

We found that HIV/HCV coinfected patients with HCV‐RNA ≥850 000 IU/mL had lower values of %CD19+CD81‐CD62L+ and %CD19+CD62L+; and higher values of CD19+CD81+CD62L− and CD19+CD81+ percentages and absolute counts than patients with HCV‐RNA <850 000 IU/mL. Similarly, HIV/HCV coinfected patients with the genotype 1 had lower values of %CD19+CD81−CD62L+ and higher values of CD3+CD81+CD62L− and CD3+CD81+ percentages and absolute counts than patients without genotype 1. Moreover, we found that HIV/HCV coinfected patients had higher values of %CD19+HLA‐DR+CD25+, %CD19+CD40+CD25+ and %CD19+CD25+ than healthy control patients. When we studied the B‐ and T‐cell subset kinetics of 24 HIV/HCV coinfected patients on HCV antiviral therapy, we found a significant decrease in CD3+CD81+and CD3+CD81+CD62L− subsets and a significant increase in CD3+CD62L+ and CD3+CD81+CD62L+ percentages and absolute counts, but the variation in these markers disappeared several months after stopping the treatment.

Conclusions

We observed a different pattern of CD81 T‐cell and B‐cell levels in naïve HIV/HCV coinfected patients according to HCV virological status and their subsequent variations during HCV antiviral treatment. CD81 expression might influence HCV pathogenesis and response to HCV antiviral treatment.
The Limits to Minimum‐Variance Hedging
Authors: Harris Richard D. F. , Shen Jian , Stoja Evarist
Published: September 2009

Abstract:  In this paper, we compare the estimated minimum‐variance hedge ratios from a range of conditional hedging models with the ‘realized’ minimum variance hedge ratio constructed using intraday data. We show that the reduction in conditionally hedged portfolio variance falls far short of the ex post maximal reduction in variance obtained using the realized minimum variance hedge ratio. While this is partly due to systematic bias, correcting for this bias does little to improve hedging effectiveness. The poor performance of conditional hedging models is therefore more likely to be attributable to the unpredictability of the integrated hedge ratio.
Attenuation of AD‐like neuropathology by harnessing peripheral immune cells: local elevation of IL‐10 and MMP‐9
Authors: Koronyo‐Hamaoui Maya , Ko MinHee K. , Koronyo Yosef , Azoulay David , Seksenyan Akop , Kunis Gilad , Pham Michael , Bakhsheshian Joshua , Rogeri Patricia , Black Keith L. , Farkas Daniel L. , Schwartz Michal
Published: September 2009

Immunization with an altered myelin‐derived peptide (MOG45D) improves recovery from acute CNS insults, partially via recruitment of monocyte‐derived macrophages that locally display a regulatory activity. Here, we investigated the local alterations in the cellular and molecular immunological milieu associated with attenuation of Alzheimer’s disease‐like pathology following immunotherapy. We found that immunization of amyloid precursor protein/presenilin 1 double‐transgenic mice with MOG45D peptide, loaded on dendritic cells, led to a substantial reduction of parenchymal and perivascular amyloid beta (Aβ)‐plaque burden and soluble Aβ(1–42) peptide levels as well as reduced astrogliosis and levels of a key glial scar protein (chondroitin sulphate proteoglycan). These changes were associated with a shift in the local innate immune response, manifested by increased Iba1+/CD45high macrophages that engulfed Aβ, reduced pro‐inflammatory (tumor necrosis factor‐α) and increased anti‐inflammatory (interleukin‐10) cytokines, as well as a significant increase in growth factors (IGF‐1 and TGFβ) in the brain. Furthermore, the levels of matrix metalloproteinase‐9, an enzyme shown to degrade Aβ and is associated with glial scar formation, were significantly elevated in the brain following immunization. Altogether, these results indicate that boosting systemic immune cells leads to a local immunomodulation manifested by elevated levels of anti‐inflammatory cytokines and metalloproteinases that contribute to ameliorating Alzheimer’s disease pathology.
Vesicular monoamine transporter 2 and dopamine transporter are molecular targets of Pitx3 in the ventral midbrain dopamine neurons
Authors: Hwang Dong‐Youn , Hong Sunghoi , Jeong Joo‐Won , Choi Sangdun , Kim Hansoo , Kim Jangwoo , Kim Kwang‐Soo
Published: September 2009

Midbrain dopamine (mDA) neurons play critical roles in the regulation of voluntary movement and their dysfunction is associated with Parkinson’s disease. Pitx3 has been implicated in the proper development of mDA neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta, which are selectively lost in Parkinson’s disease. However, the basic mechanisms underlying its role in mDA neuron development and/or survival are poorly understood. Toward this goal, we sought to identify downstream target genes of Pitx3 by comparing gene expression profiles in mDA neurons of wild‐type and Pitx3‐deficient aphakia mice. This global gene expression analysis revealed many potential target genes of Pitx3; in particular, the expression of vesicular monoamine transporter 2 and dopamine transporter, responsible for dopamine storage and reuptake, respectively, is greatly reduced in mDA neurons by Pitx3 ablation. In addition, gain‐of‐function analyses and chromatin immunoprecipitation strongly indicate that Pitx3 may directly activate transcription of vesicular monoamine transporter 2 and dopamine transporter genes, critically contributing to neurotransmission and/or survival of mDA neurons. As the two genes have been known to be regulated by Nurr1, another key dopaminergic transcription factor, we propose that Pitx3 and Nurr1 may coordinately regulate mDA specification and survival, at least in part, through a merging and overlapping downstream pathway.
Developing the Support, Teambuilding, and Referral (STAR) Intervention: A Research/Community Partnership
Authors: Cavaleri Mary A. , Perez Melanie , Burton Geraldine , Penn Marlene , Beharie Nisha , Hoagwood Kimberly E.
Published: September 2009

This paper describes the process by which child mental health researchers partnered with paraprofessionals called peer family advisors to create a stress‐reducing intervention for caregivers of children and adolescents with mental health challenges. The issues that arose as the team strove to develop an intervention that was both relevant to the issues that these caregivers grapple with, as well as palatable and feasible for peers to deliver, are discussed.
Preventive HIV Vaccine Acceptability and Behavioral Risk Compensation among a Random Sample of High‐Risk Adults in Los Angeles (LA VOICES)
Authors: Newman Peter A. , Lee Sung‐Jae , Duan Naihua , Rudy Ellen , Nakazono Terry K. , Boscardin John , Kakinami Lisa , Shoptaw Steven , Diamant Allison , Cunningham William E.
Published: September 2009

Objective. To assess HIV vaccine acceptability among high‐risk adults in Los Angeles.

Study Setting. Sexually transmitted disease clinics, needle/syringe exchange programs, Latino community health/HIV prevention programs.

Study Design. Cross‐sectional survey using conjoint analysis. Participants were randomly selected using three‐stage probability sampling.

Data Collection. Sixty‐minute structured interviews. Participants rated acceptability of eight hypothetical vaccines, each with seven dichotomous attributes, and reported post‐vaccination risk behavior intentions.

Principal Findings. Participants (n=1164; 55.7 percent male, 82.4 percent ethnic minority, mean age=37.4 years) rated HIV vaccine acceptability from 28.4 to 88.6; mean=54.5 (SD=18.8; 100‐point scale). Efficacy had the greatest impact on acceptability, followed by side effects and out‐of‐pocket cost. Ten percent would decrease condom use after vaccination.

Conclusions. Findings support development of social marketing interventions to increase acceptability of “partial efficacy” vaccines, behavioral interventions to mitigate risk compensation, and targeted cost subsidies.
The Role of Outpatient Facilities in Explaining Variations in Risk‐Adjusted Readmission Rates between Hospitals
Authors: Lorch Scott A. , Baiocchi Michael , Silber Jeffrey H. , Even‐Shoshan Orit , Escobar Gabriel J. , Small Dylan S.
Published: September 2009

Objective. Validate risk‐adjusted readmission rates as a measure of inpatient quality of care after accounting for outpatient facilities, using premature infants as a test case.

Study Setting. Surviving infants born between January 1, 1998 and December 12, 2001 at five Northern California Kaiser Permanente neonatal intensive care units (NICU) with 1‐year follow‐up at 32 outpatient facilities.

Study Design. Using a retrospective cohort of premature infants (N=898), Poisson's regression models determined the risk‐adjusted variation in unplanned readmissions between 0–1 month, 0–3 months, 3–6 months, and 3–12 months after discharge attributable to patient factors, NICUs, and outpatient facilities.

Data Collection. Prospectively collected maternal and infant hospital data were linked to inpatient, outpatient, and pharmacy databases.

Principal Results. Medical and sociodemographic factors explained the largest amount of variation in risk‐adjusted readmission rates. NICU facilities were significantly associated with readmission rates up to 1 year after discharge, but the outpatient facility where patients received outpatient care can explain much of this variation. Characteristics of outpatient facilities, not the NICUs, were associated with variations in readmission rates.

Conclusion. Ignoring outpatient facilities leads to an overstatement of the effect of NICUs on readmissions and ignores a significant cause of variations in readmissions.
Postnatal testing for diabetes in Australian women following gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: MORRISON Melinda K. , COLLINS Clare E. , LOWE Julia M.
Published: September 2009

Background:  Postnatal blood glucose testing is recommended for reclassification of glucose tolerance following a pregnancy affected by gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM); however, there are limited data on the postnatal follow‐up sought by Australian women.

Aims:  To describe postnatal diabetes testing patterns in Australian women following a pregnancy affected by GDM and identify factors associated with return for follow‐up testing in accordance with the Australasian Diabetes in Pregnancy Society (ADIPS) guidelines.

Methods:  A cross‐sectional self‐administered survey of 1372 women diagnosed with GDM between 2003 and 2005, sampled from the National Diabetes Services Scheme database.

Results:  Postnatal diabetes testing was reported by 73.2% of survey respondents with 27.4% returning for an oral glucose test tolerance at six to eight weeks post‐GDM pregnancy. Using logistic regression analysis, factors associated with appropriate postnatal testing were receiving individualised risk reduction advice (odds ratio (OR) 1.41 (1.08,1.84)) or written information (OR 1.35 (1.03,1.76)) and in two‐way interactions, being under the care of an endocrinologist and not tertiary educated (OR 2.09 (1.49,2.93)) as well as seeing an obstetrician and diabetes educator during pregnancy (OR 1.72 (1.19,2.48)). Every five years increase in age reduced the likelihood of a woman returning for testing by 17%.

Conclusions:  Specialist diabetes care in non‐tertiary educated women, or a team approach to management with diabetes education and obstetric care may act to reinforce the need for postnatal diabetes testing in accordance with the ADIPS guidelines. Individualised follow up from a health professional and provision of written information following a GDM pregnancy may also encourage return for postnatal testing in this high‐risk group.
Magnetic resonance imaging for assessment of deep endometrial invasion for patients with endometrial carcinoma
Authors: HWANG Jong Ha , LEE Nak Woo , LEE Kyu Wan , LEE Jae Kwan
Published: September 2009

Aims: To evaluate the value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the detection of deep myometrial invasion.

Methods: The patient group consisted of 53 women with endometrial cancer who underwent preoperative workup, including MRI, and surgical staging between August 1999 and August 2008 at Korea University Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea. The pathological data from surgical staging were compared with the preoperative MRI results.

Results: The mean age of the patients was 51 years and most patients had endometrioid cancer. On pathological evaluation of the myometrium, 20.8% had a deep myometrial invasion. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of MRI in detecting deep myometrial invasion were 50.0%, 89.7%, 79.2%, 63.6% and 83.3%, respectively. Evaluation of MRI findings and tumour grades by preoperative biopsy had a sensitivity and specificity of 88.9% and 87.5%, respectively, with a kappa of 0.764.

Conclusion: In patients with endometrial cancer, MRI is limited in its ability to detect deep myometrial invasion. The combination of MRI findings and tumour histology or grade can be helpful in determining if lymphadenectomy is necessary.
The obstructed hemivagina, ipsilateral renal anomaly, uterus didelphys triad
Authors: KIMBLE Rebecca M. N. , KHOO Soo Keat , BAARTZ David , KIMBLE Roy M.
Published: September 2009

The triad of obstructed hemivagina, renal anomaly and uterus didelphys is an uncommon cause of abdominal pain and menstrual discomfort in adolescent girls. Accurate diagnosis and surgical treatment can be delayed for several months or even years. Adolescent girls presenting with these symptoms should have a baseline pelvic ultrasound scan to establish uterine anatomy. In those with ultrasound findings of Müllerian anomalies appropriate follow up would include a magnetic resonance imaging, preferably at a tertiary centre with expertise in interpretation of Müllerian anatomy, as well as early consultation and referral to a centre with experience in the management of these rare conditions. Appropriate surgery would be a single stage procedure to either excise or completely divide the obstructing septum. There is currently no consensus on concurrent laparoscopy. We present a case series of four patients with the triad of uterus didelphys, obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal agenesis managed between 2005–2009 at a tertiary centre for paediatric and adolescent gynaecology.
Discrepancies between clinical staging and pathological findings of operable cervical carcinoma with stage IB–IIB: A retrospective analysis of 818 patients
Authors: QIN Yu , PENG Zhilan , LOU Jiangyan , LIU Hui , DENG Feng , ZHENG Yuhuan
Published: September 2009

Introduction and objectives:  Cervical cancer is the only gynaecological cancer that is staged clinically. The clinical stage of cervical cancer relies largely on the pelvic examination. The aim of this study is to analyse the discrepancy between clinical stage and pathological results, and to explore the accuracy of pelvic examination.

Methods:  We collected retrospective data from 818 patients with cervical carcinoma staged IB–IIB, who were treated with primary surgery from January 1999 to June 2007. Clinical stages of those patients were determined by pelvic examination without anaesthesia. After surgery, all the patients were assigned to pT category according to the pathological findings. Comparisons were made between these two stages.

Results:  The total concordance between clinical stage and pT category for stage IB–IIB was 53.1%, with an overestimation of 37.3% and an underestimation of 9.7%. The concordance in stage IB1, stage IB2, stage IIA and stage IIB were 85.4%, 77.4%, 35.3% and 20.5%, respectively. The most significant discrepancy was caused by the failure to detect the parametrial invasion accurately in stage IIB. The accuracy of pelvic examination to determine vaginal and parametrial disease was 70.2% and 74.0%, respectively.

Conclusions:  There are significant discrepancies between clinical stage and pathological results. Pelvic examination has its limitations in staging determination. Thus for operable cervical cancer, clinical stage alone is not reliable for selecting postoperative therapies and surgical staging system may be considered.
Caesarean scar ectopic pregnancy: A single centre case series
Authors: MICHENER Camille , DICKINSON Jan E.
Published: September 2009

Objective:  To examine the characteristics, management and outcomes of 13 caesarean scar pregnancies (CSPs) at a single tertiary obstetric centre over a five‐year period.

Methods:  Retrospective cohort study. Cases were identified from interrogation of the institutional database with patient characteristics, management and outcome data extracted from the medical record chart and ultrasound image review.

Results:  Thirteen cases of CSP were identified from 2002–2007. Median maternal age was 34 years (interquartile range (IQR) 32.2, 35.2) with a median parity of 2 (IQR 1, 3). In nine of 13 (69%) cases there was one prior caesarean section and ≥ 2 in four of 13 (31%). The median gestation at diagnosis was 6.8 weeks (range 5.5–11.5). Vaginal bleeding was the most common presenting symptom (nine of 13 cases). The final diagnosis was made by ultrasound in 11 of 13 cases (84.6%) but the diagnosis was delayed in seven of 13 cases, including four that had an earlier ultrasound assessment. Treatment was with systemic methotrexate in seven cases with five (71.4%) requiring no further intervention. One case received intragestational sac and systemic methotrexate with a delayed hysterectomy as a result of molar complications. Two cases were treated with uncomplicated curettage and three by hysterectomy. Four women are known to have had pregnancies following the CSP.

Conclusions:  The diagnosis of CSP can be challenging, and awareness of this condition is needed, particularly as the incidence is increasing. There does not appear to be a clear association between number of prior caesarean deliveries and CSPs. No consistent management strategy was evident in our series, being based predominantly on patient factors and consultant resources rather than CSP features.
New species of Thinobius Kiesenwetter, 1844 (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) from Argentina with ecological notes
Authors: SCHEIBLER Erica E. , CHANI‐POSSE DE MAUS Mariana
Published: September 2009

Thinobius andinus sp. nov. from Argentina is described and illustrated, detailed information on its ecology is provided and a key to species of Thinobius from south‐western South America is given. This species was collected from high elevation stream areas of the Mendoza River watershed. It belongs to pollution‐sensitive species, and it was mainly found in clear, low‐salinity cold waters pertaining to high elevation streams with riparian vegetation. Lectotype is designated for Thinobius pulchripennis Bernhauer, 1923.
Male egg‐brooding in the millipede Yamasinaium noduligerum (Diplopoda: Andrognathidae)
Authors: KUDO Shin‐ichi , KOSHIO Chiharu , TANABE Tsutomu
Published: September 2009

Yamasinaium noduligerum is a Japanese fungivorous millipede that is usually found on decaying logs fallen on the forest floor. Here we present observations on paternal egg‐brooding behavior in this species. At the end of May to early June, we found males with eggs on the bark of the underside of fallen decaying logs and in old burrows and galleries excavated by wood‐dwelling insects under the bark of the logs. The males showed a typical brooding posture where they curl the anterior part of the body around the egg mass. The egg masses contained, on average, 30.2 ± 13.7 (SD) eggs. The brooding males showed no aggressive responses when disturbed.
Taxonomic review of the genus Aulacorthum (Sternorrhyncha: Aphididae) for the Korean peninsula, with the description of one new species
Authors: LEE Wonhoon , KIM Hyojoong , HAVELKA Jan , LEE Seunghwan
Published: September 2009

Twelve species of the genus Aulacorthum Mordvilko 1914 (Sternorrhyncha: Aphididae) are recognized from the Korean Peninsula. One new species, Aulacorthum ixeridis n. sp., is described for apterous and alate viviparous females on Ixeris chinensis var. graminifolia (Ledeb.) H. C. Fu and Lactuca indica L. (Asteraceae). From the allied species, Aulacorthum nepetifolii Miyazaki 1968, Aulacorthum ixeridis n. sp. is distinguished by the relatively short ultimate rostral segment (0.83–1.07 × as long as the second segment hind tarsus), the dense spinules on head and the triangular short cauda. Host plants of the Korean Aulacorthum are reviewed and the identification key to subgenera and species is also presented.
Weak parasitoid‐mediated apparent competition between two Phyllonorycter (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) leaf miner species on a deciduous oak Quercus dentata
Authors: NAKAMURA Takashi , KIMURA Masahito T.
Published: September 2009

Parasitoid assemblages and the rates of parasitism on tissue‐feeding larvae of two Phyllonorycter leaf miner species, P. persimilis and P. leucocorona, were studied from the autumn generation in 2002 to the summer generation in 2005 to understand whether parasitoids mediate interactions between the two leaf miner species. Fourteen species of parasitoids emerged from P. persimilis and 11 emerged from P. leucocorona. The parasitism rate was high: 24.1–92.6% in P. persimilis and 58.9–81.7% in P. leucocorona. Thus, parasitism was a major mortality factor in the present Phyllonorycter species. The parasitoid composition was distinctly different between the two host species, although most parasitoids were able to parasitize both leaf miner species. The analysis based on the quantitative parasitoid overlap revealed that the present parasitoids could mediate interactions between the present leaf miner species, but their effects would be weak. This is attributable to parasitoid's preferential uses of either of the leaf miners as a host.
Genus Thubana Walker in Indonesia, with descriptions of four new species (Lepidoptera: Lecithoceridae) and a world catalog of the genus
Authors: PARK Kyu‐Tek , HEPPNER John B.
Published: September 2009

The genus Thubana Walker (Lepidoptera: Lecithoceridae: Torodorinae) in Indonesia is reviewed, with three known species from Java and four additional new species: Th. raphidodea sp. nov. from Sulawesi, Indonesia and Malaysia; and Th. erycinae sp. nov., Th. apiculalis sp. nov. and Th. sellarius sp. nov. from Sumatra, Indonesia. The previously known species from Java, Th. costimaculella (Snellen), is redescribed for the wing venation and genitalia of both sexes; however, the syntype of Th. heylaertsi (Snellen) is observed only by its photograph. No specimens of Th. heylaertsi and Th. xylogramma Meyrick were found during this study. Photos of all known species, except Th. xylogramma Meyrick, and a key to species are provided. A catalog for the genus with all 46 known species in the world is given.
Experimental Demonstration of an Allee Effect in American Ginseng
Authors: Hackney Erin E. , McGraw James B.
Published: September 2009

Abstract: Harvesting of wild American ginseng (  Panax quinquefolius) for the herbal trade has lowered natural population sizes. We tested for reproductive limitation due to small population size (a form of the Allee effect) by experimentally planting “natural” populations numbering 4, 16, and 64 using 4‐year‐old cultivated plants. Plant size traits and reproductive traits ( bud, flower, green fruit, and mature fruit) were recorded through the ensuing summer. Fruit production per flower and per plant increased in proportion to flowering population size ( p = 0.0063 and p = 0.0017, respectively), strongly suggesting that an Allee effect occurs in very small populations. The increase in fruit production was not explained by either plant or inflorescence size differences. Although population size‐dependent pollination, through insufficient pollinator visitation rate or pollen transfer rate, seems the most likely cause of the observed effects, our limited observations of pollinators were not sufficient to demonstrate a change in pollination rates as a function of population size. Knowledge of the presence as well as the mechanism underlying this Allee effect may be especially useful for management and determination of minimum viable population size of the species in the wild.
Effects of Forest Edges on Ovenbird Demography in a Managed Forest Landscape
Authors: Flaspohler David J. , Temple Stanley A. , Rosenfield Robert N.
Published: September 2009

Abstract: We studied the reproductive ecology of Ovenbirds ( Seiurus aurocapillus) for 3 years in a primarily forested landscape in northern Wisconsin. We searched for and monitored nests in large, closed‐canopy northern hardwood forests adjacent to recent clearcuts (<6 years old) and measured the effect of proximity to edge on nest success, clutch size, and breeding pair density. Mayfield nest success was lower near the forest edge (0.44, Nnests = 42; <300 m) than in the forest interior (0.69, Nnests = 47; >300 m; χ2 = 4.43, df = 1, p ≤ 0.04), and mean clutch size was higher (4.93) near the forest edge than in the forest interior (4.27; t =−3.83, df = 59, p ≤ 0.0003). Edge effects on nest success and clutch size extended farther (300 m) into intact forest than has been documented previously. Using habitat‐specific demographic parameters, we found that annual productivity per pair was similar in edge (3.37 fledglings) and interior (3.85 fledglings) habitat. We used our estimates of per capita annual productivity and published estimates of adult and juvenile survival to approximate the finite rate of growth (λ) for birds breeding in edge and interior locations. Based on published estimates of age‐specific survival, both edge and interior habitats appear to be source habitats (where λ > 1) for Ovenbirds in the landscape we studied. Our assessment of population status, however, was extremely sensitive to variation in survival estimates. We used geographic information system data from the Nicolet National Forest to estimate population size in northern and mixed‐hardwood forests in this region and to quantify annual productivity in this landscape. Ovenbirds near forest edges faced higher predation pressure but laid more eggs on average than birds in the forest interior. Our data suggest that Ovenbirds may make tradeoffs between the probability of nest success and the per‐nest productivity as measured by clutch size. Our findings are consistent with the equilibrium state of the ideal free distribution model in that although individual demographic characteristics (nest success and clutch size) varied with distance from edge, an important correlate of fitness, finite rate of increase (λ) remained relatively similar.