bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Criminology's Place in the Academic Field
Authors: Garland David
Published: October 2011

This chapter argues that criminology will tend to become more inward-looking and will lose its vital connection to the more basic disciplines as it grows more autonomous, institutionally and intellectually; as it increasingly trains recruits by immersing them primarily in its own literature; as its practitioners focus more and more on criminology's own research agendas; and as they proceed to publish only in its own journals. The possibility of an ‘independent’ criminology ought to be regarded as a temptation to be resisted rather than a goal to be embraced. Instead of aspiring to an autonomous discipline, those of us who conduct criminological research and scholarship should work for a criminology that is intellectually and institutionally integrated in the wider university. It advocates a vision of criminology that would operate as a multi-disciplinary, policy-oriented subject, addressing problems of crime, criminal justice, security, and punishment in a variety of ways and drawing upon a range of academic disciplines.
The Missing Link: Criminological Perspectives on Transitional Justice and International Crimes
Authors: Parmentier Stephan
Published: October 2011

This chapter reflects on how criminology can and should expand its scientific attention into areas of mass-scale violent conflict. After a brief account of the subject at hand it gives a summary of existing criminological research on international crimes, before sketching some challenges for the future of criminology. It is argued that criminology must meet the challenge of these kinds of crimes if it is to remain a vital and relevant discipline.
Intention and Identity
Authors: Finnis John
Published: October 2011

This volume contains nineteen published and unpublished chapters from 1987 to 2009. They are grouped into four parts. The chapters in the first part examine the ways in which being a person grounds the equality of all human beings, acknowledged as law's point even in Roman law and, rather shakily, in modern legal theory (Kelsen, Hart, Dworkin); legal rules can be seen as relationships between persons; persons are primary bearers of meaning and objects of legal interpretation, various aspects of personal identity (both natural and acquired by self-determination) are depicted by Aquinas and Shakespeare (better than Locke); and the reality of human spirit and dignity was vindicated by Elizabeth Anscombe's account of even simple physical gestures. Part Two groups four chapters. The first two carefully analyse what is involved in any group's acting and, consequently, its existence as a group, taking off from Hart's and Dworkin's inconclusive discussions of corporate persons, Honoré's showing of the importance of links and interaction, Thomas Nagel's attempt to distinguish public from private morality, and Scruton's elaborate discussion of corporate persons. The second two seek to show the importance and conditions for nations and national identity, in the face of arguments for a cosmopolitan morality, and of Dworkin's and Raz's arguments about respect and insult. Part Three is the longest part and the seven chapters include close studies of the idea of intention (and of willing, more generally) in Aquinas (poorly understood by many modern theologians, but centre on equally close analysis of intention (including conditional intention) in recent English criminal law, in Anglo-American law of torts, in recent English anti-discrimination law, and more generally. Part Four is about individuality or identity in early human embryonic existence, and in the severely injured conditions often called ‘brain death’ (as discussed by Peter Singer) or, less severe, ‘permanent vegetative syndrome’ (as judicially discussed in Bland).
Religion and Public Reasons
Authors: Finnis John
Published: October 2011

The twenty-four chapters in this volume seek to argue for and illustrate a central element in the author's theory of natural law: that the main tenets of personal and political morality, and of a good legal order, are taught both by reason (arguments accessible to everyone) and by authentic divine revelation (teachings accessible to all who have a reasonable faith in its witnesses). The first Part includes eight chapters. Two attend to the idea of public reason, both in its proper sense and its Rawlsian deformation. One vindicates in outline for treating a religion as part of public reason, and for giving constitutional protection to religions (within due limits now being tested by the emergence of a politically aggressive religion in Western societies). One takes up Plato's warning about the political evils of some kinds of secularism, another surveys the principles of a sound relation between religion and state, and the last addresses Catholics about their participation in liberal discourse and politics. The nine chapters in Part Two include a substantial engagement with the relativizing idea of ‘historical consciousness’ and a variety of reflections (including three sermons) on the preambles to acceptance of revelation and on the content of Judeo-Christian revelation. The main chapter in Part Three studies Newman's idea of conscience in his debate with Gladstone. The seven chapters in Part Four, Controversies, are contributions to debates about world order, natural law, nuclear deterrence, the ‘consistent ethic of life’, the ‘culture of death’, contraception, and hell.
7 ‘On the Side of Righteousness’: Women, the Church, and Abolition
Authors: Robertson Stacey
Published: October 2011

This chapter argues that the cooperative, open environment of the Old Northwest allowed women abolitionists to thrive in church-oriented and political anti-slavery. It explores how Unitarian, Presbyterian, and Congregational women articulated their anti-slavery sentiment within their churches, sometimes trying to build opposition to slavery where none had previously existed. Other women felt betrayed by their ministers' failure to preach the abolitionist message and abandoned them to form new churches. With the rise of anti-slavery splinter churches that supported the Liberty Party, women found spiritual avenues for engaging in partisanship. This increased civic involvement challenged common assumptions about the meaning of public and private.
Article 18 of the 1969 Vienna Convention: A Vague and Ineffective Obligation or a Useful Means for Strengthening Legal Cooperation?
Authors: Palchetti Paolo
Published: October 2011

Under Article 18 of the 1969 Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, a State which has signed or ratified a treaty has the obligation to refrain from acts which would defeat the object and purpose of that treaty prior to its entry into force. Vagueness and ineffectiveness are often indicated as the two major shortcomings affecting the obligation laid down in Article 18. This chapter assesses whether such criticism is justified. More comprehensively, it endeavours to reassess the impact Article 18 has had on State practice over the forty years since the adoption of Vienna Convention. Its major finding is that, while Article 18 seems to suffer from certain shortcomings, which inevitably weaken its normative force, it is by no means a rule devoid of any practical relevance, particularly if one takes into account the increasing recourse to this provision in cases before domestic courts.
Is the management procedure approach equipped to handle short-lived pelagic species with their boom and bust dynamics? The case of the South African fishery for sardine and anchovy
Authors: de Moor Carryn L. , Butterworth Douglas S. , De Oliveira José A. A.
Published: October 2011

de Moor, C. L., Butterworth, D. S., and De Oliveira, J. A. A. 2011. Is the management procedure approach equipped to handle short-lived pelagic species with their boom and bust dynamics? The case of the South African fishery for sardine and anchovy. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 68: 2075–2085. Worldwide, small shoaling pelagic fish manifest rapid and substantial natural changes in abundance. Is the application of a management procedure (MP), evaluated using simulation tests [i.e. a MP approach otherwise known as management strategy evaluation (MSE)], to recommend total allowable catches (TACs) with constraints desired by industry on the extent of interannual changes viable for such resources, particularly given the customarily lengthy MP evaluation process? This question is examined by considering the rapid boom and then bust situation that arose for the South African fishery for sardine (Sardinops sagax) and anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) across the turn of the century. Novel adaptations to the MP in place at the time of the boom allowed enhanced resource use during the boom period without compromising the risk of unintended depletion of the populations. Importantly a two-tier threshold system allowed the normal constraints on the maximum extent of interannual TAC reduction to be modified when TACs rose above the specified thresholds. The general protocol underlying the application of MPs for South African fisheries proved sufficiently flexible for the approach to continue to be applied, despite the unanticipated rapid fish population boom and then bust experienced.
Water‐Extractable Nonstarch Polysaccharide Distribution in Pilot Milling Analysis of Soft Winter Wheat
Authors: Souza Edward J. , Guttieri Mary J. , Sneller Clay
Published: October 2011

Commercial wheat (Triticum aestivum em. Thell) flour milling produces flour streams that differ in water absorption levels because of variability in protein concentration, starch damaged by milling, and nonstarch polysaccharides. This study characterized the distribution of water‐extractable (WE) nonstarch polysaccharides (NSP) in long‐flow pilot‐milling streams of soft wheat to model flour quality and genetic differences among cultivars. Existing reports of millstream analysis focus on hard wheat, which breaks and reduces differently from soft wheat. Seven soft winter wheat genotypes were milled on a pilot‐scale mill that yields three break flour streams, five reduction streams, and two resifted streams. Protein concentration increased linearly through the break streams. WENSP concentration was low and similar in the first two break streams, which are the largest break streams. Flour recovery decreased exponentially through the reduction streams; flour ash and water‐extractable glucose and galactose polymers increased exponentially through the reduction streams. Protein concentration and WE xylan concentration increased linearly through the reduction streams. The ratio of arabinose to xylose in WE arabinoxylan (WEAX) decreased through the reduction streams, and response varied among the genotypes. Flour ash was not predictive of stream composition among genotypes, although within genotypes, ash and other flour components were correlated when measured across streams. The second reduction flour stream was the largest contributor to straight‐grade flour WEAX because of both the size of the stream and the concentration of WEAX in the stream.
Population pharmacokinetics and maximum a posteriori probability Bayesian estimator of abacavir: application of individualized therapy in HIV‐infected infants and toddlers
Authors: Zhao Wei , Cella Massimo , Della Pasqua Oscar , Burger David , Jacqz‐Aigrain Evelyne ,   on behalf of Pediatric European Network for Treatment of AIDS (PENTA) 15 study group
Published: October 2011

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT

• Abacavir is used to treat HIV infection in both adults and children. The recommended paediatric dose is 8 mg kg−1 twice daily up to a maximum of 300 mg twice daily.

• Weight was identified as the central covariate influencing pharmacokinetics of abacavir in children.

WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS

• A population pharmacokinetic model was developed to describe both once and twice daily pharmacokinetic profiles of abacavir in infants and toddlers.

• Standard dosage regimen is associated with large interindividual variability in abacavir concentrations.

• A maximum a posteriori probability Bayesian estimator of AUC0–t based on three time points (0, 1 or 2, and 3 h) is proposed to support area under the concentration–time curve (AUC) targeted individualized therapy in infants and toddlers.

AIMS To develop a population pharmacokinetic model for abacavir in HIV‐infected infants and toddlers, which will be used to describe both once and twice daily pharmacokinetic profiles, identify covariates that explain variability and propose optimal time points to optimize the area under the concentration–time curve (AUC) targeted dosage and individualize therapy.

METHODS The pharmacokinetics of abacavir was described with plasma concentrations from 23 patients using nonlinear mixed‐effects modelling (NONMEM) software. A two‐compartment model with first‐order absorption and elimination was developed. The final model was validated using bootstrap, visual predictive check and normalized prediction distribution errors. The Bayesian estimator was validated using the cross‐validation and simulation–estimation method.

RESULTS The typical population pharmacokinetic parameters and relative standard errors (RSE) were apparent systemic clearance (CL) 13.4 l h−1 (RSE 6.3%), apparent central volume of distribution 4.94 l (RSE 28.7%), apparent peripheral volume of distribution 8.12 l (RSE14.2%), apparent intercompartment clearance 1.25 l h−1 (RSE 16.9%) and absorption rate constant 0.758 h−1 (RSE 5.8%). The covariate analysis identified weight as the individual factor influencing the apparent oral clearance: CL = 13.4 × (weight/12)1.14. The maximum a posteriori probability Bayesian estimator, based on three concentrations measured at 0, 1 or 2, and 3 h after drug intake allowed predicting individual AUC0–t.

CONCLUSIONS The population pharmacokinetic model developed for abacavir in HIV‐infected infants and toddlers accurately described both once and twice daily pharmacokinetic profiles. The maximum a posteriori probability Bayesian estimator of AUC0–t was developed from the final model and can be used routinely to optimize individual dosing.
Can AIDS stigma be reduced to poverty stigma? Exploring Zimbabwean children's representations of poverty and AIDS
Authors: Campbell C. , Skovdal M. , Mupambireyi Z. , Madanhire C. , Robertson L. , Nyamukapa C. A. , Gregson S.
Published: October 2011

Objective  We use children's drawings to investigate social stigmatization of AIDS‐affected and poverty‐affected children by their peers, in the light of suggestions that the stigmatization of AIDS‐affected children might derive more from the poverty experienced by these children than from their association with AIDS.

Methods  A qualitative study, in rural Zimbabwe, used draw‐and‐write techniques to elicit children's (10–12 years) representations of AIDS‐affected children (n= 30) and poverty‐affected children (n= 33) in 2009 and 2010 respectively.

Results  Representations of children affected by AIDS and by poverty differed significantly. The main problems facing AIDS‐affected children were said to be the psychosocial humiliations of AIDS stigma and children's distress about sick relatives. Contrastingly, poverty‐affected children were depicted as suffering from physical and material neglect and deprivation. Children affected by AIDS were described as caregivers of parents whom illness prevented from working. This translated into admiration and respect for children's active contribution to household survival. Poverty‐affected children were often portrayed as more passive victims of their guardians' inability or unwillingness to work or to prioritize their children's needs, with these children having fewer opportunities to exercise agency in response to their plight.

Conclusions  The nature of children's stigmatization of their AIDS‐affected peers may often be quite distinct from poverty stigma, in relation to the nature of suffering (primarily psychosocial and material respectively), the opportunities for agency offered by each affliction, and the opportunities each condition offers for affected children to earn the respect of their peers and community. We conclude that the particular nature of AIDS stigma offers greater opportunities for stigma reduction than poverty stigma.
Facebook: an effective tool for participant retention in longitudinal research
Authors: Mychasiuk R. , Benzies K.
Published: October 2011

Background  Facebook is currently one of the world's most visited websites, and home to millions of users who access their accounts on a regular basis. Owing to the website's ease of accessibility and free service, demographic characteristics of users span all domains. As such, Facebook may be a valuable tool for locating and communicating with participants in longitudinal research studies. This article outlines the benefit gained in a longitudinal follow‐up study, of an intervention programme for at‐risk families, through the use of Facebook as a search engine.

Results  Using Facebook as a resource, we were able to locate 19 participants that were otherwise ‘lost’ to follow‐up, decreasing attrition in our study by 16%. Additionally, analysis indicated that hard‐to‐reach participants located with Facebook differed significantly on measures of receptive language and self‐esteem when compared to their easier‐to‐locate counterparts.

Conclusions  These results suggest that Facebook is an effective means of improving participant retention in a longitudinal intervention study and may help improve study validity by reaching participants that contribute differing results.
Immunoglobulin E‐binding autoantigens: biochemical characterization and clinical relevance
Authors: Crameri R.
Published: October 2011

Although immediate‐Type I skin reactions to human dander have been described six decades ago, only the recent application of molecular biology to allergology research allowed fast and detailed characterization of IgE‐binding autoantigens. These can be functionally subdivided into three classes: (1) self‐antigens with sequence homology to environmental allergens belonging to the class of phylogenetically conserved proteins, (2) self‐antigens without sequence homology to known environmental allergens, and (3) chemically modified self‐antigens deriving from workplace exposure. As environmental allergens, also IgE‐binding autoantigens belong to different protein families without common structural features that would explain their IgE‐binding capability. Many of the self‐antigens showing sequence homology to environmental allergens, are phylogenetically conserved proteins like manganese dependent superoxide dismutase, thioredoxin or cyclopilin. Their IgE‐binding capability can be explained by molecular mimicry resulting from shared B‐cell epitopes. A common factor of IgE‐binding self‐antigens without sequence homology to known environmental allergens is that they elicit IgE responses only in individuals suffering from long‐lasting atopic diseases. In contrast, IgE‐mediated reactions to modified self‐antigens might be explained with the generation of novel B‐cell epitopes. Chemically modified self‐antigens are likely to be recognized as non‐self by the immune system. The clinical relevance of IgE responses to self‐antigens remains largely unclear. Well documented is their ability to induce immediate Type I skin reactions in vivo, and to induce mediator release from effector cells of sensitized individuals in vitro. Based on these observations it is reasonable to assume that IgE‐mediated cross‐linking of FcRIε receptors on effector cells can elicit the same symptoms as those induced by environmental allergens, and this could explain exacerbations of chronic allergic diseases in the absence of external exposure. However, because most of the described IgE‐binding self‐antigens are intracellular proteins normally not accessible for antigen–antibody interactions, local release of the antigens is required to explain the induction of symptoms.
‘Insulin autoantibody affinity measurement using a single concentration of unlabelled insulin competitor discriminates risk in relatives of patients with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Curnock R M , Reed C R , Rokni S , Broadhurst J W , Bingley P J , Williams A J K
Published: October 2011

Development of high-risk combinations of multiple islet autoantibodies and type 1 diabetes is associated with high-affinity insulin autoantibodies (IAA), but IAA affinity measurements require large serum volumes. We therefore investigated whether a simplified method of IAA affinity measurement using a low concentration of unlabelled insulin (ULI) competitor discriminated between moderate–high- and low-affinity IAA and identified individuals at highest risk of disease. Samples were assayed by radiobinding microassay using high (4·0 × 10−5 mol/l) and low (7 × 10−9 mol/l) ULI concentrations for competitive displacement in three cohorts of IAA-positive individuals; (1) 68 patients with newly-diagnosed type 1 diabetes; (2) 40 healthy schoolchildren; and (3) 114 relatives of patients with type 1 diabetes followed prospectively for disease development (median follow-up 13 years). IAA results obtained with low ULI were expressed as a percentage of those obtained with high ULI and this was used to classify samples as low or moderate–high affinity (0–50% and >50%, respectively). Sixty-eight patient samples were positive with high and 67 (99%) with low ULI. Forty schoolchildren were IAA-positive with high and 22 (55%) with low ULI (P < 0·001). Of the relatives, 113 were positive with high and 83 (73%) with low ULI (P < 0·001). In relatives, moderate–high affinity IAA were associated with multiple islet antibodies (P < 0·001) and greater diabetes risk than low affinity IAA (P < 0·001). A single low concentration of ULI competitor can act as a surrogate for complex IAA affinity measurements and identifies those IAA-positive relatives at highest risk of disease progression.
Cytokine profile and induction of T helper type 17 and regulatory T cells by human peripheral mononuclear cells after microbial exposure
Authors: Donkor O N , Ravikumar M , Proudfoot O , Day S L , Apostolopoulos V , Paukovics G , Vasiljevic T , Nutt S L , Gill H
Published: October 2011

The immunomodulatory effects of probiotics were assessed following exposure of normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), cord blood cells and the spleen-derived monocyte/macrophage cell line CRL-9850 to Lactobacillus acidophilus LAVRI-A1, Lb. rhamnosus GG, exopolysaccharides (EPS)-producing Streptococcus thermophilus St1275, Bifidobacteriun longum BL536, B. lactis B94 and Escherichia coli TG1 strains. The production of a panel of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines by PBMC following bacterial stimulation was measured, using live, heat-killed or mock gastrointestinal tract (GIT)-exposed bacteria, and results show that (i) all bacterial strains investigated induced significant secretion of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines from PBMC-derived monocytes/macrophages; and (ii) cytokine levels increased relative to the expansion of bacterial cell numbers over time for cells exposed to live cultures. Bifidobacteria and S. thermophilus stimulated significant concentrations of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, an interleukin necessary for the differentiation of regulatory T cells (Treg)/T helper type 17 (Th17) cells and, as such, the study further examined the induction of Th17 and Treg cells after PBMC exposure to selected bacteria for 96 h. Data show a significant increase in the numbers of both cell types in the exposed populations, measured by cell surface marker expression and by cytokine production. Probiotics have been shown to induce cytokines from a range of immune cells following ingestion of these organisms. These studies suggest that probiotics' interaction with immune-competent cells produces a cytokine milieu, exerting immunomodulatory effects on local effector cells, as well as potently inducing differentiation of Th17 and Treg cells.
Trend changes in global greening and browning: contribution of short‐term trends to longer‐term change
Authors: de Jong Rogier , Verbesselt Jan , Schaepman Michael E. , de Bruin Sytze
Published: October 2011

Field observations and time series of vegetation greenness data from satellites provide evidence of changes in terrestrial vegetation activity over the past decades for several regions in the world. Changes in vegetation greenness over time may consist of an alternating sequence of greening and/or browning periods. This study examined this effect using detection of trend changes in normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) satellite data between 1982 and 2008. Time series of 648 fortnightly images were analyzed using a trend breaks analysis (BFAST) procedure. Both abrupt and gradual changes were detected in large parts of the world, especially in (semi‐arid) shrubland and grassland biomes where abrupt greening was often followed by gradual browning. Many abrupt changes were found around large‐scale natural influences like the Mt Pinatubo eruption in 1991 and the strong 1997/98 El Niño event. The net global figure – considered over the full length of the time series – showed greening since the 1980s. This is in line with previous studies, but the change rates for individual short‐term segments were found to be up to five times higher. Temporal analysis indicated that the area with browning trends increased over time while the area with greening trends decreased. The Southern Hemisphere showed the strongest evidence of browning. Here, periods of gradual browning were generally longer than periods of gradual greening. Net greening was detected in all biomes, most conspicuously in croplands and least conspicuously in needleleaf forests. For 15% of the global land area, trends were found to change between greening and browning within the analysis period. This demonstrates the importance of accounting for trend changes when analyzing long‐term NDVI time series.
Parathyroid hormone/parathyroid hormone‐related peptide receptor 1 expression in odontogenic cystic lesions
Authors: Lima A. C. , Fregnani E. R. , Silva‐Sousa Y. T. C. , da Cruz Perez D. E.
Published: October 2011

Lima AC, Fregnani ER, Silva‐Sousa YTC, da Cruz Perez DE. Parathyroid hormone/parathyroid hormone‐related peptide receptor 1 (PTHR1) expression in odontogenic cystic lesions. International Endodontic Journal, 45, 209–214, 2012.

Aim  To evaluate parathyroid hormone/parathyroid hormone‐related peptide receptor 1 (PTHR1) expression in odontogenic cystic lesions and to compare immunoexpression between the lesions.

Methodology  Thirty‐five radicular cysts, 22 dentigerous cysts and 17 keratocystic odontogenic tumours were evaluated. Immunohistochemical reactions against PHTR1 were carried out in 3‐μm histological sections, and the expression and the intensity of PTHR1 expression were evaluated. For statistical analysis, the Fisher exact test was used, with a significance of 5%.

Results  The intensity of expression in the epithelial lining was significantly weaker in the radicular cyst (P = 0.007). However, in the fibrous capsule, the radicular cyst presented higher positivity for PTHR1 (P = 0.04).

Conclusions  The probable co‐expression of PTHrP and PTHR1 in odontogenic cystic lesions may eventually have an autocrine and/or paracrine stimulus in the epithelial and mesenchymal cells, inducing proliferation and lesion growth.
Cell‐Type Specific Expression of Oxytocin and Vasopressin Genes: An Experimental Odyssey
Authors: Gainer H.
Published: October 2011

The supraoptic nucleus (SON) is a particularly good model for the study of cell‐type specific gene expression because it contains two distinct neuronal phenotypes, the oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (AVP) synthesising magnocellular neurones (MCNs). The MCNs are found in approximately equal numbers and selectively express either the OT or the AVP gene in approximately 97% of the MCN population in the SON. An unresolved issue has been to determine what mechanisms are responsible for the highly selective regulation of the cell‐type specific expression of OT and AVP genes in the MCNs. Previous attempts to address this question have used various bioinformatic and molecular approaches, which included using heterologous cell lines to study the putative cis‐elements in the OT and AVP genes, and the use of OT and/or AVP transgenes in transgenic rodents. The data from all of the above studies identified a region < 0.6 kbp upstream of OT exon I and approximately 3 kb upstream of AVP exon I as being sufficient to produce cell‐specific expression of the OT and AVP genes, respectively, although they failed to identify the specific cis‐domains responsible for the MCN‐specific gene expression. An alternative experimental approach to perform promoter deletion analysis in vivo (i.e. to use stereotaxic viral vector gene transfer into the SON to further dissect the cis‐elements in the OT and AVP genes) will be described here. This in vivo method uses adeno‐associated viral (AAV) vectors expressing OT‐promoter deletion constructs and utilises the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) as the reporter. The AAV constructs are stereotaxically injected into the rat brain above the SON and, 2 weeks post injection, the rats are sacrificed and assayed for EGFP expression. Using this method, it has been possible to identify specific regions upstream of the transcription start site in the OT and AVP gene promoters that are responsible for conferring the cell‐type specificity of the OT and AVP gene expression in the SON.
Gain of chromosome arm 1q in atypical meningioma correlates with shorter progression‐free survival
Authors: Jansen M. , Mohapatra G. , Betensky R. A. , Keohane C. , Louis D. N.
Published: October 2011

M. Jansen, G. Mohapatra, R. A. Betensky, C. Keohane and D. N. Louis (2012) Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology38, 213–219

Gain of chromosome arm 1q in atypical meningioma correlates with shorter progression‐free survival

Aims: Atypical (World Health Organization grade II) meningiomas have moderately high recurrence rates; even for completely resected tumours, approximately one‐third will recur. Post‐operative radiotherapy may aid local control and improve survival, but carries the risk of side effects. More accurate prediction of recurrence risk is therefore needed for patients with atypical meningioma. Previously, we used high‐resolution array comparative genomic hybridization to identify genetic variations in 47 primary atypical meningiomas and found that approximately 60% of tumours show gain of 1q at 1q25.1 and 1q25.3 to 1q32.1 and that 1q gain appeared to correlate with shorter progression‐free survival. This study aimed to validate and extend these findings in an independent sample. Methods: Eighty‐six completely resected atypical meningiomas (with 25 recurrences) from two neurosurgical centres in Ireland were identified and clinical follow‐up was obtained. Utilizing a dual‐colour interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization assay, 1q gain was assessed using Bacterial Artificial Chromosome probes directed against 1q25.1 and 1q32.1. Results: The results confirm the high prevalence of 1q gain at these loci in atypical meningiomas. We further show that gain at 1q32.1 and age each correlate with progression‐free survival in patients who have undergone complete surgical resection of atypical meningiomas. Conclusions: These independent findings suggest that assessment of 1q copy number status can add clinically useful information for the management of patients with atypical meningiomas.
Selective Increase in Blood Dendritic Cell Antigen‐3‐Positive Dendritic Cells in Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid in Allergic Patients
Authors: Kayserova J. , Zentsova‐Jaresova I. , Budinsky V. , Rozkova D. , Kopecka J. , Vernerova E. , Pohunek P. , Skalicka V. , Spisek R. , Sediva A.
Published: October 2011

Dendritic cells (DCs) are specific antigen‐presenting cells that play critical roles in the initiation and polarization of immune responses. DCs residing in the lungs might be detected in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). We analysed DC compartment in the peripheral blood and BALF of patients with allergy and in controls. Plasmacytoid and four distinct subsets of myeloid DCs [characterized by the expression of blood dendritic cell antigen (BDCA)‐1+ and ‐3+ and CD16 positivity or negativity] were detected in both tested compartments. We further evaluated the expression of C‐type lectins [mannose receptor (MR), dendritic cell‐specific intercellular adhesion molecule‐3‐grabbing non‐integrin (DC‐SIGN) and dendritic and epithelial cells (DEC)‐205] relevant to the pathogenesis of asthma. Interestingly, we found a selective increase in the frequency of myeloid DC‐expressing BDCA‐3 and MR particularly in BALF from allergic patients. Specific and highly statistically significant increase in BDCA‐3+ and/or MR+ DCs brings a novel characteristic to BAL analysis in allergic patients.
MicroRNAs: Emerging Regulators of Immune‐Mediated Diseases
Authors: Tomankova T. , Petrek M. , Gallo J. , Kriegova E.
Published: October 2011

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) represent the most abundant class of regulators of gene expression in humans: they regulate one‐third of human protein‐coding genes. These small noncoding ∼22‐nucleotides (nt)‐long RNAs originate by multistep process from miRNA genes localized in the genomic DNA. To date, more than 1420 miRNAs have been identified in humans (miRBase v17). The main mechanism of miRNA action is the posttranscriptional regulation via RNA interference with their target mRNAs. The majority of target mRNAs (more than 80%) undergo degradation after recognition by complementary miRNA; the translational inhibition with little or no influence on mRNA levels has been also reported. Each miRNA may suppress multiple mRNA targets (average ∼200), and at the same time, one mRNA can be targeted by many miRNAs enabling to control a spectrum wide range of cellular processes. Recently, the role of miRNAs in the development of immune cells and the maintenance of immune system homeostasis gained attention, and the involvement of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of several immune system diseases has emerged. This review focuses on the role of miRNAs in autoimmune disorders (systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease and psoriasis), inflammatory pathologies of distinct organ (atherosclerosis, osteoarthritis and atopic eczema) and/or systemic locations such as allergy. The role of miRNAs, their predicted and known mRNA targets and description of their actions in physiological immune reactions and in the pathological processes ongoing in immune‐mediated human disorders will be discussed. Finally, miRNA‐based diagnostics and therapeutic potentials will be highlighted.
Cold acclimation induces changes in Arabidopsis tonoplast protein abundance and activity and alters phosphorylation of tonoplast monosaccharide transporters
Authors: Schulze Waltraud X. , Schneider Thomas , Starck Sabrina , Martinoia Enrico , Trentmann Oliver
Published: October 2011

Because they are immotile organisms, higher plants have developed efficient strategies for adaptation to temperature changes. During cold acclimation, plants accumulate specific types of solutes to enhance freezing tolerance. The vacuole is a major solute storage organelle, but until now the role of tonoplast proteins in cold acclimation has not been investigated. In a comparative tonoplast proteome analysis, we identified several membrane proteins with altered abundance upon cold acclimation. We found an increased protein abundance of the tonoplast pyrophosphatase and subunits of the vacuolar V‐ATPase and a significantly increased V‐ATPase activity. This was accompanied by increased vacuolar concentrations of dicarbonic acids and soluble sugars. Consistently, the abundance of the tonoplast dicarbonic acid transporter was also higher in cold‐acclimatized plants. However, no change in the protein abundance of tonoplast monosaccharide transporters was detectable. However, a generally higher cold‐induced phosphorylation of members of this sugar transporter sub‐group was observed. Our results indicate that cold‐induced solute accumulation in the vacuole is mediated by increased acidification of this organelle. Thus solute transport activity is either modulated by increased protein amounts or by modification of proteins via phosphorylation.
The SOC1‐SPL module integrates photoperiod and gibberellic acid signals to control flowering time in Arabidopsis
Authors: Jung Jae‐Hoon , Ju Yun , Seo Pil Joon , Lee Jae‐Hyung , Park Chung‐Mo
Published: October 2011

miR156 and its target SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN‐LIKE (SPL) genes constitute an endogenous flowering pathway in Arabidopsis. The SPL genes are regulated post‐transcriptionally by miR156, and incorporate endogenous aging signals into floral gene networks. Intriguingly, the SPL genes are also regulated transcriptionally by FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT)‐mediated photoperiod signals. However, it is unknown how photoperiod regulates the SPL genes. Here, we show that SUPPRESSOR OF OVEREXPRESSION OF CONSTANS 1 (SOC1) and FT regulate the SPL3, SPL4 and SPL5 genes by directly binding to the gene promoters in response to photoperiod signals. Notably, the SOC1 regulation of the SPL genes, termed the SOC1‐SPL module, also mediates gibberellic acid (GA) signals to promote flowering under non‐inductive short days (SDs). Under SDs, the inductive effects of GA on the SPL genes disappeared in the soc1‐2 mutant, and the flowering of SPL3‐overexpressing transgenic plants (35S:SPL3) was less sensitive to GA. In addition, the 35S:SPL3 × soc1‐2 plants flowered much earlier than the soc1‐2 mutant, supporting SOC1 regulation of the SPL genes. Our observations indicate that the SOC1‐SPL module serves as a molecular link that integrates photoperiod and GA signals to promote flowering in Arabidopsis.
ACCELERATED CELL DEATH 2 suppresses mitochondrial oxidative bursts and modulates cell death in Arabidopsis
Authors: Pattanayak Gopal K. , Venkataramani Sujatha , Hortensteiner Stefan , Kunz Lukas , Christ Bastien , Moulin Michael , Smith Alison G. , Okamoto Yukihiro , Tamiaki Hitoshi , Sugishima Masakazu , Greenberg Jean T.
Published: October 2011

The Arabidopsis ACCELERATED CELL DEATH 2 (ACD2) protein protects cells from programmed cell death (PCD) caused by endogenous porphyrin‐related molecules like red chlorophyll catabolite or exogenous protoporphyrin IX. We previously found that during bacterial infection, ACD2, a chlorophyll breakdown enzyme, localizes to both chloroplasts and mitochondria in leaves. Additionally,acd2cells show mitochondrial dysfunction. In plants withacd2andACD2 +sectors, ACD2 functions cell autonomously, implicating a pro‐death ACD2 substrate as being cell non‐autonomous in promoting the spread of PCD. ACD2 targeted solely to mitochondria can reduce the accumulation of an ACD2 substrate that originates in chloroplasts, indicating that ACD2 substrate molecules are likely to be mobile within cells. Two different light‐dependent reactive oxygen bursts in mitochondria play prominent and causal roles in theacd2PCD phenotype. Finally, ACD2 can complementacd2when targeted to mitochondria or chloroplasts, respectively, as long as it is catalytically active: the ability to bind substrate is not sufficient for ACD2 to functionin vitroorin vivo. Together, the data suggest that ACD2 localizes dynamically during infection to protect cells from pro‐death mobile substrate molecules, some of which may originate in chloroplasts, but have major effects on mitochondria.
Monitoring patients at risk of massive transfusion with Thrombelastography or Thromboelastometry: a systematic review
Authors: WIKKELSOE A. J. , AFSHARI A. , WETTERSLEV J. , BROK J. , MOELLER A. M.
Published: October 2011

Background

Thrombelastography (TEG) and Thrombelastometry (ROTEM) are viscoelastic whole‐blood assays evaluating the haemostatic capacity of blood. These devices are used in algorithms to guide transfusion of haemostatic blood components.

Methods

The methods used for this study were systematic reviews with meta‐analyses and trial sequential analyses of randomised clinical trials (RCTs) of TEG/ROTEM‐based algorithm compared with standard treatment in patients with bleeding. Primary outcome was all‐cause mortality. We searched the literature in seven databases (up to 31 October 2010), reference lists, registers of ongoing trials, and contacted authors and experts. We extracted data from included studies related to study methods, interventions, outcomes, bias risk and adverse events using Cochrane methodology. All trials irrespective of blinding or language status were included.

Results

Nine trials involving 776 participants were included. Eight trials involved cardiac surgery with an average blood loss of 390–960 ml, and one trial investigated liver transplantations. One trial was classified as low‐risk‐of‐bias trial. We found two ongoing trials. No impact was identified on mortality, amount of blood transfused, incidence of surgical reinterventions, time to extubation, or length of stay in hospital and intensive care unit. We identified a significant reduction in blood loss favouring the use of TEG/ROTEM {85 ml [95% confidence interval (CI) 29.4−140.7]} and in the proportion of patients receiving freshly frozen plasma and platelets [relative risk 0.39 (95%CI 0.27–0.57)].

Conclusion

There is currently weak evidence to support the use of TEG/ROTEM as a tool to guide transfusion in patients with severe bleeding. Further studies need to address other clinical settings and with larger blood losses.
Combined adenomatoid tumor and well differentiated papillary mesothelioma of the omentum
Authors: Hatano Yuichiro , Hirose Yoshinobu , Matsunaga Kengo , Kito Yusuke , Yasuda Ichiro , Moriwaki Hisataka , Osada Shinji , Yoshida Kazuhiro , Hara Akira
Published: October 2011

Herein is reported a highly rare case of combined adenomatoid tumor and well differentiated papillary mesothelioma of the omentum. A 45‐year‐old Japanese man was incidentally found to have a mesenteric mass during abdominal ultrasonography. Grossly, a well‐circumscribed and non‐encapsulated tumor, measuring 24 × 23 × 22 mm, was located in the omentum with no obvious invasion to the surrounding stomach and pancreas. Microscopically, the tumor consisted of two histological distinct components; the majority of it showed irregular arrangement of numerous cysts lined by a single layer of flattened or epithelioid cells and the multifocal minor component exhibited prominent papillary protrusions lined by a single layer of cuboidal cells with relatively uniform nucleus. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were diffusely positive for cytokeratin (AE1/AE3), vimentin, calretinin, D2‐40 and WT‐1, and negative for epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), desmin, S‐100 protein and CD68. Ki‐67 labeling index of the tumor cells was <5%. The postoperative course was uneventful, though he has not received any adjuvant therapy. Despite the rarity, recognition of such combined cases of mesothelial lesions is important to prevent overdiagnosis.
Enhanced recovery after surgery protocols – compliance and variations in practice during routine colorectal surgery
Authors: Ahmed J. , Khan S. , Lim M. , Chandrasekaran T. V. , MacFie J.
Published: October 2011

Aim  Although there are numerous studies on the efficacy of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols in reducing length of stay, the long‐term compliance to such protocols in routine clinical practice has not been well documented. The aim of this study was to review the published literature on compliance to ERAS in patients undergoing colorectal surgery in routine clinical practice.

Method  Medline, Embase and PubMed databases were searched to identify studies that focused on compliance to ERAS protocols during routine clinical practice. Fourteen studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and a total of 19 perioperative ERAS modalities were identified across these studies.

Results  None of the studies used all 19 ERAS modalities within their ERAS protocols. Compliance to the various modalities varied considerably between studies and, in general, was poorest during the postoperative period. The use of epidural had the highest compliance (between 67 and 100%), whereas the use of transverse incisions (25%) had the lowest compliance. Length of stay in hospital ranged from 2 to 13 days. Higher compliance was associated with a reduced length of hospital stay. However, reduced length of hospital stay was associated with a high rate of readmission.

Conclusion  There is significant variation in the components of, as well as in compliance to, ERAS protocols in daily practice. This may contribute to the observed variation between the studies in length of hospital stay. A standardized and practically feasible ERAS protocol should be established in order to improve the implementation and optimal outcome.
Validity of self‐assessed waist circumference in a multi‐ethnic UK population
Authors: Khunti K. , Taub N. , Webb D. , Srinivasan B. , Stockman J. , Griffin S. J. , Simmons R. K. , Davies M. J.
Published: October 2011

Diabet. Med. 29, 404–409 (2012)

Aims  To investigate validity of waist circumference measurements obtained by self‐report and self‐measurement with non‐verbal pictorial instructions among a multi‐ethnic population.

Methods  Five hundred and twenty‐six individuals aged 40–75 years (91 South Asian, 430 White European and five other), who attended a screening programme for Type 2 diabetes, estimated their waist circumference and measured their waist with a paper tape measure. Participants were also provided with simple pictorial instructions for measurement of waist circumference in their preferred language and remeasured their waist circumference. We calculated 95% limits of agreement with measures undertaken by a healthcare professional unaware of prior measures.

Results  Mean age was 56.8 years (sd 9.0), mean BMI 30.0 kg/m2 (sd 5.6) and mean waist circumference 98.4 cm (sd 14.1). Seventy‐nine per cent had high waist circumference according to International Diabetes Federation criteria. The mean of participants’ self‐reported value was 6.8 cm lower than the healthcare professional measure (sd 8.8; 95% limits of agreement −10.4 to 24.0 cm), with significant differences by sex and ethnicity (South Asian men 7.5 cm, South Asian women 0.1 cm, White European men 7.8 cm, White European women 7.0 cm, P < 0.001). Compared with healthcare professional measures, mean self‐measured waist circumference was very similar, both with instructions (0.4 cm higher; sd 5.5 cm; −11.1 to 10.4 cm) and without instructions (0.5 cm lower; sd 5.6; −10.4 to 11.4 cm), but with significant differences by sex and ethnicity (P < 0.001).

Conclusions  There was systematic underestimation of self‐reported waist circumference in this multi‐ethnic UK population. The magnitude of underestimation might reduce the performance of risk scores; however, this can be corrected through self‐measurement with pictorial instructions.
VENTURE CAPITAL AND INNOVATION: WHICH IS FIRST?
Authors: HIRUKAWA MASAYUKI , UEDA MASAKO
Published: October 2011

Policy‐makers typically interpret positive relations between venture capital (VC) investments and innovations as evidence that VC investments stimulate innovation (VC‐first hypothesis). This interpretation is, however, one‐sided because there may be a reverse causality that innovations induce VC investments (innovation‐first hypothesis): an arrival of new technology increases demand for VC. We analyze this causality issue of VC and innovation in the US manufacturing industry using both total factor productivity growth and patent counts as measures of innovation. We find that, consistent with the innovation‐first hypothesis, total factor productivity growth is often positively and significantly related with future VC investment. We find little evidence that supports the VC‐first hypothesis.