bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A genomic analysis of transcytosis in the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum, a mechanism involved in virus transmission
Authors: Tamborindeguy C. , Monsion B. , Brault V. , Hunnicutt L. , Ju H. J. , Nakabachi A. , Van Fleet E.
Published: February 2010

Aphids are the primary vectors of plant viruses. Transmission can occur via attachment to the cuticle lining of the insect (non‐circulative transmission) or after internalization in the insect cells with or without replication (circulative transmission). In this paper, we have focused on the circulative and non‐propagative mode during which virions enter the cell following receptor‐mediated endocytosis, are transported across the cell in vesicles and released by exocytosis without replicating. The correct uptake, transport and delivery of the vesicles cargo relies on the participation of proteins from different families which have been identified in the Acyrthosiphon pisum genome. Assemblage of this annotated dataset provides a useful basis to improve our understanding of the molecules and mechanisms involved in virus transmission by A. pisum and other aphid species.
Halloween genes and nuclear receptors in ecdysteroid biosynthesis and signalling in the pea aphid
Authors: Christiaens O. , Iga M. , Velarde R. A. , Rougé P. , Smagghe G.
Published: February 2010

The pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum) is the first whole genome sequenced insect with a hemimetabolic development and an emerging model organism for studies in ecology, evolution and development. The insect steroid moulting hormone 20‐hydroxyecdysone (20E) controls and coordinates development in insects, especially the moulting/metamorphosis process. We, therefore present here a comprehensive characterization of the Halloween genes phantom, disembodied, shadow, shade, spook and spookiest, coding for the P450 enzymes that control the biosynthesis of 20E. Regarding the presence of nuclear receptors in the pea aphid genome, we found 19 genes, representing all of the seven known subfamilies. The annotation and phylogenetic analysis revealed a strong conservation in the class of Insecta. But compared with other sequenced insect genomes, three orthologues are missing in the Acyrthosiphon genome, namely HR96, PNR‐like and Knirps. We also cloned the EcR, Usp, E75 and HR3. Finally, 3D‐modelling of the ligand‐binding domain of Ap‐EcR exhibited the typical canonical structural scaffold with 12 α‐helices associated with a short hairpin of two antiparallel β‐strands. Upon docking, 20E was located in the hormone‐binding groove, supporting the hypothesis that EcR has a role in 20E signalling.
Comparative analysis of the Acyrthosiphon pisum genome and expressed sequence tag‐based gene sets from other aphid species
Authors: Ollivier M. , Legeai F. , Rispe C.
Published: February 2010

To study gene repertoires and their evolution within aphids, we compared the complete genome sequence of Acyrthosiphon pisum (reference gene set) and expressed sequence tag (EST) data from three other species: Myzus persicae, Aphis gossypii and Toxoptera citricida. We assembled ESTs, predicted coding sequences, and identified potential pairs of orthologues (reciprocical best hits) with A. pisum. Pairwise comparisons show that a fraction of the genes evolve fast (high ratio of non‐synonymous to synonymous rates), including many genes shared by aphids but with no hit in Uniprot. A detailed phylogenetic study for four fast‐evolving genes (C002, JHAMT, Apo and GH) shows that rate accelerations are often associated with duplication events. We also compare compositional patterns between the two tribes of aphids, Aphidini and Macrosiphini.
Counterpoints of care: two moments of struggle
Authors: Gleeson B.
Published: February 2010

This paper examines the history of care in modern society and seeks to expose how deep transformations in care arise from wider social relations. From historical survey we may discern a series of transitional points, where the practice and the experience of care was greatly, sometimes suddenly, redefined. Each betrayed deeper political and ethical struggles that went to the core of social relations, and which weren't merely therapeutic in nature. This paper explores two such ‘moments’. I first examine the emergence of a new institutional landscape during the middle industrial era, in the wake of a series of legal and political reforms that sought to settle a social order uprooted and distressed by raw modernisation. I provide a composite, yet incomplete view, of how this transformation proceeded in one urban setting, colonial Melbourne. In the second instance, I review the ambitions and process of deinstitutionalisation in the late 20th century. Ostensibly, this reform sought, inter alia, to collapse the great division between ‘fit’ and ‘unfit’ established in 1834. Again, empirical reference is made to the reconstitution of care in Melbourne, Australia, this time during its late 20th experience of institutional reform. The focus in this case is the process of downscaling and closure for a major congregate facility, Kew Cottages. The major conclusion is that periods of intense transition in the ideology and mode of care are reflective of wider social transformations not merely of therapeutic or institutional shifts.
‘People who need people’: attachment and professional caregiving
Authors: Schuengel C. , Kef S. , Damen S. , Worm M.
Published: February 2010

From the perspective of attachment theory, this paper discusses individual differences in the quality of caregiving by direct‐care staff for persons with intellectual disabilities. Theoretical arguments and findings from related literature are cited to support the probable role of professionals’ own attachment experiences and their mental representations thereof. Case examples are drawn from a study on video‐based interaction guidance for direct‐care staff in group homes for persons with multiple, serious disabilities. These examples illustrate how interventions may avoid attachment‐related defences against changing the quality and affective mutuality of personal contact with clients. However, the possibility is discussed that in parallel processes, quality management systems and institutional culture may selectively reinforce care patterns associated with insecure, dismissing attachment, while failing to reward the positive contribution that sensitive, affectively attuned caregiving makes to wellbeing of persons with disabilities.
Detection ofPseudomonas syringaepv.actinidiaeusing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers based on the 16S–23S rDNA intertranscribed spacer region and comparison with PCR primers based on other gene regions
Authors: Rees‐George J. , Vanneste J. L. , Cornish D. A. , Pushparajah I. P. S. , Yu J. , Templeton M. D. , Everett K. R.
Published: February 2010

Several published polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers to identifyPseudomonas syringaepv.actinidiae, the causal organism of bacterial canker of kiwifruit, were found not to be specific. Two new sets of PCR primers, PsaF1/R2 and PsaF3/R4, were designed to be complementary to a portion of the 16S–23S rDNA intertranscribed spacer (ITS) regions. These primers amplified a DNA fragment from strains ofP. syringaepv.actinidiae, but not from 56 strains of bacteria from six genera and 17 species, except for a strain of the tea pathogen,P. syringaepv.theae. When tested against DNA extracted from a further 20 strains from Japan, Korea, Italy and the USA deposited in culture collections asP. syringaepv.actinidiae, all except six cultures produced the expected product of 280 bp with PsaF1/R2 and 175 bp with PsaF3/R4. Results of multilocus sequence analysis using five housekeeping genes (gyrB,acnB,rpoD,pgiandcts) showed that none of these six strains was phylogenetically similar toP. syringaepv.actinidiae.In contrast to theP. syringaepv.actinidiaetype strain, these strains were positive in the determinative tests for ice nucleation and syringomycin production. It is suggested that these six strains were incorrectly identified asP. syringaepv.actinidiae. It was not possible to distinguishP. syringaepv.actinidiaefrom the phylogenetically similarP. syringaepv.theaeusing the ITS,gyrB,acnB,rpoD,pgiorctsgene regions to design PCR primers. BecauseP. syringaepv.theaeis unlikely to be found on kiwifruit, primers PsaF1/R2 and PsaF3/R4 are recommended for screening bacteria isolated from kiwifruit tissue.
Death in CHARGE syndrome after the neonatal period
Authors: Bergman JEH , Blake KD , Bakker MK , Du Marchie Sarvaas GJ , Free RH , Van Ravenswaaij‐Arts CMA
Published: February 2010

Bergman JEH, Blake KD, Bakker MK, du Marchie Sarvaas GJ, Free RH, van Ravenswaaij‐Arts CMA. Death in CHARGE syndrome after the neonatal period.

CHARGE syndrome is a multiple congenital anomaly syndrome that can be life‐threatening in the neonatal period. Complex heart defects, bilateral choanal atresia, esophageal atresia, severe T‐cell deficiency, and brain anomalies can cause neonatal death. As little is known about the causes of death in childhood and adolescence, we studied post‐neonatal death in patients with CHARGE syndrome. We collected medical data on three deceased children from a follow‐up cohort of 48 CHARGE patients and retrospectively on an additional four deceased patients (age at death 11 months to 22 years). We analyzed the factors that had contributed to their death. In five patients respiratory aspiration had most likely contributed to premature death, one died of post‐operative complications, and another choked during eating. From our findings and a literature review, we suggest that swallowing problems, gastro‐esophageal reflux disease, respiratory aspiration and post‐operative airway events are important contributors to post‐neonatal death in CHARGE syndrome. Cranial nerve dysfunction is proposed as the underlying pathogenic mechanism. We recommend every CHARGE patient with feeding difficulties to be assessed by a multidisciplinary team to evaluate cranial nerve function and swallowing. Timely treatment of swallowing problems and gastro‐esophageal reflux disease is important. Surgical procedures on these patients should be combined whenever possible because of their increased risk of post‐operative complications and intubation problems. Finally, we recommend performing autopsy in deceased CHARGE patients in order to gain more insight into causes of death.
Mapping of three novel loci for non‐syndromic autosomal recessive mental retardation (NS‐ARMR) in consanguineous families from Pakistan
Authors: Rafiq MA , Ansar M , Marshall CR , Noor A , Shaheen N , Mowjoodi A , Khan MA , Ali G , Amin‐ud‐Din M , Feuk L , Vincent JB , Scherer SW
Published: February 2010

Rafiq MA, Ansar M, Marshall CR, Noor A, Shaheen N, Mowjoodi A, Khan MA, Ali G, Amin‐ud‐Din M, Feuk L, Vincent JB, Scherer SW. Mapping of three novel loci for non‐syndromic autosomal recessive mental retardation (NS‐ARMR) in consanguineous families from Pakistan.

To date, of 13 loci with linkage to non‐syndromic autosomal recessive mental retardation (NS‐ARMR), only six genes have been established with associated mutations. Here we present our study on NS‐ARMR among the Pakistani population, where people are traditionally bound to marry within the family or the wider clan. In an exceptional, far‐reaching genetic survey we have collected more than 50 consanguineous families exhibiting clinical symptoms/phenotypes of NS‐ARMR. In the first step, nine families (MR2‐9 and MR11) with multiple affected individuals were selected for molecular genetic studies. Two families (MR3, MR4) showed linkage to already know NS‐ARMR loci. Fifteen affected and 10 unaffected individuals from six (MR2, MR6, MR7, MR8, MR9 and MR11) families were genotyped by using Affymetrix 5.0 or 6.0 single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) microarrays. SNP microarray data was visually inspected by dChip and genome‐wide homozygosity analysis was performed by HomozygosityMapper. Additional mapping was performed (to exclude false‐positive regions of homozygosity called by HomozygosityMapper and dChip) on all available affected and unaffected members in seven NS‐ARMR families, using microsatellite markers. In this manner we were able to map three novel loci in seven different families originating from different areas of Pakistan. Two families (MR2, MR5) showed linkage on chromosome 2p25.3‐p25.2. Three families (MR7, MR8, and MR9) that have been collected from the same village and belong to the same clan were mapped on chromosome 9q34.3. MR11 maps to a locus on 9p23‐p13.3. Analysis of MR6 showed two positive loci, on chromosome 1q23.2‐q23.3 and 8q24.21‐q24.23. Genotyping in additional family members has so far narrowed, but not excluded the 1q locus. In summary, through this study we have identified three new loci for NS‐ARMR, namely MRT14, 15 and 16.
The role of germline AIP, MEN1, PRKAR1A, CDKN1B and CDKN2C mutations in causing pituitary adenomas in a large cohort of children, adolescents, and patients with genetic syndromes
Authors: Stratakis CA , Tichomirowa MA , Boikos S , Azevedo MF , Lodish M , Martari M , Verma S , Daly AF , Raygada M , Keil MF , Papademetriou J , Drori‐Herishanu L , Horvath A , Tsang KM , Nesterova M , Franklin S , Vanbellinghen J‐F , Bours V , Salvatori R , Beckers A
Published: February 2010

Stratakis CA, Tichomirowa MA, Boikos S, Azevedo MF, Lodish M, Martari M, Verma S, Daly AF, Raygada M, Keil MF, Papademetriou J, Drori‐Herishanu L, Horvath A, Tsang KM, Nesterova M, Franklin S, Vanbellinghen J‐F, Bours V, Salvatori R, Beckers A. The role of germline AIP, MEN1, PRKAR1A, CDKN1B and CDKN2C mutations in causing pituitary adenomas in a large cohort of children, adolescents, and patients with genetic syndromes.

The prevalence of germline mutations in MEN1, AIP, PRKAR1A, CDKN1B and CDKN2CI is unknown among pediatric patients with pituitary adenomas (PA). In this study, we screened children with PA for mutations in these genes; somatic GNAS mutations were also studied in a limited number of growth hormone (GH) or prolactin (PRL)‐secreting PA. We studied 74 and 6 patients with either isolated Cushing disease (CD) or GH‐ or PRL‐secreting PA, respectively. We also screened four pediatric patients with CD, and four with GH/PRL‐secreting tumors who had some syndromic features. There was one AIP mutation (p.Lys103Arg) among 74 CD patients. Two MEN1 mutations that occurred in patients with recurrent or difficult‐to‐treat disease were found among patients with CD. There was one MEN1 and three AIP mutations (p.Gln307ProfsX104, p.Pro114fsX, p.Lys241X) among pediatric patients with isolated GH‐ or PRL‐secreting PA and one additional MEN1 mutation in a patient with positive family history. There were no mutations in the PRKAR1A, CDKN1B, CDKN2C or GNAS genes. Thus, germline AIP or MEN1 gene mutations are frequent among pediatric patients with GH‐ or PRL‐secreting PA but are significantly rarer in pediatric CD; PRKAR1A mutations are not present in PA outside of Carney complex.
Dystrophic calcification following neonatal heel‐prick testing
Authors: Kurzydlo Ann‐Maree , Hannaford Rodney
Published: February 2010

A 7‐year‐old boy presented with a 5‐year history of dystrophic calcification manifesting as solitary nodules on the plantar aspect of both heels. Microscopic examination showed hyperkeratosis and psoriasiform hyperplasia overlying an area of dystrophic calcification. Multiple heel‐prick tests carried out during the neonatal period to monitor blood glucose levels are the likely causative mechanism.
Detection of human papillomavirus in a urothelial carcinoma mimicking urethral caruncle
Authors: Tatemichi Yoshinori , Oikawa Hiroki , Maesawa Chihaya , Ambo Junichi , Sato Masayuki , Koike Hiroyuki , Sata Tetsutaro , Fujioka Tomoaki , Masuda Tomoyuki
Published: February 2010

Primary carcinoma of the female urethra is an uncommon diagnosis, accounting for less than 0.02% of all carcinomas in women. Urothelial carcinomas occupying the distal urethra in young females are considered to be extremely rare. Here we report what we believe to be the sixth case of primary urothelial carcinoma in the published English‐language literature. The patient, a 26‐year‐old woman, presented with a distal urethral lesion that resembled a caruncle, but which was proved to be a urothelial carcinoma on histopathological examination of the resected specimen. Human papillomavirus type 51 DNA was detected in the tumor by polymerase chain reaction and in situ hybridization. These findings suggest that human papillomavirus might be involved in a subset of urothelial carcinomas of the urethra.
Beyond pain: predictors of postoperative maladaptive behavior change in children
Authors: FORTIER MICHELLE A. , DEL ROSARIO ANTONIO M. , ROSENBAUM ABRAHAM , KAIN ZEEV N.
Published: February 2010

Objectives & Aim:  Using well‐validated measures and controlling for potential confounding variables such as pain and surgical and anesthetic technique, the goal of this project was to identify the incidence of and risk factors for the development of behavior change in children after surgery.

Background:  Although researchers have described maladaptive behavior change following surgery, many previous studies are limited by potential confounding variables, including postoperative pain, type of surgery, and surgical and anesthetic procedure.

Methods:  Participants included 260 children undergoing tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. Baseline and demographic data were collected prior to surgery and pain and behavioral recovery were recorded for 2 weeks following surgery. A standardized approach to anesthesia and surgical procedure was implemented and well‐validated assessment measures were used.

Results:  On the first day at home following surgery, 80.4% of children exhibited negative behavior change. Nearly one‐third of children continued to exhibit behavior changes 2 weeks after surgery. Logistic regression analyses that controlled for pain severity identified several predictors of behavior change: preexisting somatic and anxious/depressed problems predicted new onset postoperative general anxiety, χ2 (8) = 20.10, P = 0.010; younger age predicted separation anxiety, χ2 (4) = 20.41, P < 0.01; and inhibited temperament predicted postoperative sleep disturbance, χ2 (2) = 9.19, P = 0.010.

Conclusions:  Individual child factors above and beyond pain predict maladaptive postoperative behavior change; identification of these predictors may be helpful in both preventing and ameliorating difficulties with behavioral recovery following surgery.
What's Law Got To Do With it? How and Why Law Matters in the Regulation of Sex Work
Authors: Scoular Jane
Published: February 2010

Drawing on recent empirical work that considers the relationship between different legal approaches to the ‘problem’ of prostitution, this article argues that the frequently drawn distinction between apparently diametrically opposed positions, such as prohibitionism and legalization, is certainly less significant than is often assumed and may, in fact, be illusory. This lack of distinction raises serious questions as to law's role in regulating sex work. In response to claims that law is ‘merely’ symbolic in its influence, I argue that these similarities arise precisely because law does matter (albeit in a different way from that assumed by a sovereign‐centred understanding of the legal complex), and offer a complex and critical account of the role of modern law in regulating sex work. This approach not only more accurately elucidates the ways in which law supports dominant structures, in this case neo‐liberalism, but offers some optimism for its (albeit limited) potential to transform.
Brain dysmorphology in individuals with severe prenatal alcohol exposure
Authors: Archibald Sarah L , Fennema‐Notestine Chris , Gamst Anthony , Riley Edward P , Mattson Sarah N , Jernigan Terry L
Published: February 2010

Our previous studies revealed abnormalities on structural MRI (sMRI) in small groups of children exposed to alcohol prenatally. Microcephaly, disproportionately reduced basal ganglia volume, and abnormalities of the cerebellar vermis and corpus callosum were demonstrated. The present study used sMRI to examine in detail the regional pattern of brain hypoplasia resulting from prenatal exposure to alcohol using a higher resolution imaging protocol and larger sample sizes than reported previously. Fourteen participants (mean 11.4 years; eight females, six males) with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) and 12 participants (mean 14.8 years; four females, eight males) with prenatal exposure to alcohol (PEA) but without the facial features of FAS were compared to a group of 41 control participants (mean 12.8 years, 20 females, 21 males). Findings of significant microcephaly and disproportionately reduced basal ganglia volumes in the FAS group were confirmed. Novel findings were that in FAS participants, white matter volumes were more affected than gray matter volumes in the cerebrum, and parietal lobes were more affected than temporal and occipital lobes. Among subcortical structures, in contrast to the disproportionate effects on caudate nucleus, the hippocampus was relatively preserved in FAS participants. Differences between the PEA group and controls were generally non‐significant; however, among a few of the structures most affected in FAS participants, there was some evidence for volume reduction in PEA participants as well, specifically in basal ganglia and the parietal lobe. There were no group differences in cerebral volume asymmetries. Severe prenatal alcohol exposure appears to produce a specific pattern of brain hypoplasia.
Variation and reliability of ultrasonographic quantification of the architecture of the medial gastrocnemius muscle in young children
Authors: Legerlotz Kirsten , Smith Heather K. , Hing Wayne A.
Published: February 2010

The aim of this study was to evaluate the suitability of ultrasonography for the quantification of gastrocnemius muscle architecture in healthy young children. The variation and reliability of measurement of muscle thickness, pennation angle and fibre length of the medial gastrocnemius were determined, using stationary and portable ultrasound machines, in 13 boys and eight girls aged 4–10. Ultrasound images were obtained from each leg, in duplicate, with the ankle at 90°, then at maximal plantar flexion, with the two machines within the same session. The same set of 16 scans was repeated in four children 4–6 weeks later. The mean muscle thickness, pennation angle and fibre length differed between ankle positions and between legs. Measurements obtained using the two machines established similar values with no significant differences in absolute values and coefficients of variation (CV). For duplicate images taken during the same session for the same leg, ankle position and machine, the CV and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) ranged, respectively, from 2·1% to 3·1% and 0·94–0·98 for muscle thickness, from 4·1% to 6·0% and 0·85–0·96 for pennation angle and from 4·5% to 6·3% and 0·87–0·96 for fibre length. Corresponding values for variables for the same child measured on two separate occasions were within the same ranges, all being similar to reliability data reported previously for adult muscle. Muscle thickness, pennation angle and fibre length of the medial gastrocnemius can therefore be quantified reliably, using either a stationary or portable ultrasound machine, in healthy young children.
The Triassic fish faunas of the Cuyana Basin, Western Argentina
Authors: LÓPEZ‐ARBARELLO ADRIANA , RAUHUT OLIVER W. M. , CERDEÑO ESPERANZA
Published: February 2010

Abstract:  The continental deposits of the Cuyana Basin, western Argentina, have yielded the most diverse, but so far almost unstudied, Triassic ichthyofaunas of South America. Here, we review these faunas and show that only eight of the 29 named taxa can be considered valid, including the chondrostean Neochallaia, the acrolepid Challaia, Guaymayenia, a taxon of uncertain affinities, and five species of the perleidiform family Pseudobeaconiidae. The first three taxa most probably come from Middle Triassic sediments, while the pseudobeaconiids are of Late Triassic age. Other material, although not diagnostic, probably represents other species, and thus, the diversity of actinopterygians in the Cuyana basin is certainly higher than currently recognized. For the Late Triassic fish fauna, the absence of crown‐group neopterygians and a single record of a sarcopterygian is noteworthy and probably indicates some degree of endemism in this fauna, also supported by the high abundance of pseudobeaconiids, which are unknown from other areas. Furthermore, on the basis of the age indicated by the fishes and the available geological information, we discuss the age of the local fauna of the Cerro Bayo, close to the city of Mendoza, and the Agua de la Zorra Formation, Uspallata.
Deceptive Detection Methods for Effective Security with Inadequate Budgets: The Testing Power Index
Authors: Kantor Paul , Boros Endre
Published: February 2010

Detection of contraband depends on countermeasures, some of which involve examining cargo containers and/or their associated documents. Document screening is the least expensive, physical methods, such as gamma ray detection are more expensive, and definitive manual unpacking is most expensive. We cannot apply the full array of methods to all incoming cargoes, for budgetary reasons. We study the problem using principles of game theory, and find that best detection rates are achieved when the available budget is allocated between screening and definitive unpacking using a mixture of strategies that maximize detection rate and, further, serve to deceive opponents as to the specific tests to which contraband will be subjected. This yields increases of as much as 100% in detection, with essentially no increase in inspection cost.
The Differential and Contingent Impact of Concurrency on New Product Development Project Performance: A Holistic Examination*
Authors: Jayaram Jayanth , Malhotra Manoj K.
Published: February 2010

This article comprehensively examines how the four facets of new product development (NPD) concurrency, consisting of process and product concurrency groupings, influence NPD project performance under the five contextual conditions of (i) location of product in family stream, (ii) project size, (iii) stage in the product life cycle, (iv) innovativeness of the product, and (v) predictability of market demand. Using data from a large sample of NPD projects in multiple industries, there is support for this hypothesized four‐faceted structure of concurrency, consisting of process and product concurrency groupings, thereby contributing new knowledge to the concurrency literature. All four facets of concurrency display a contingent impact on NPD project performance, even though individual effects vary according to the specific contextual variable under consideration. In particular, the process concurrency facet of dynamic iterative routines was universally effective across all five contextual variables, while the product concurrency facet of cross‐functional coordination was effective in significantly influencing at least one NPD project measure. This article also reports similar, but less strong, contingency patterns, with respect to the process concurrency facet of the implementation of downstream coordination and the product concurrency facet of the use of computer‐based integrated design tools. Theoretical and practical implications of our results are also offered.
Epigenetic therapy in myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Musolino Caterina , Sant’Antonio Emanuela , Penna Giuseppa , Alonci Andrea , Russo Sabina , Granata Angela , Allegra Alessandro
Published: February 2010

The wide spectrum of clonal hematopoietic disorders that fall under the broad diagnostic category of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) consist of a family of bone marrow malignancies – with ineffective, inadequate, and dysplastic hematopoiesis, and with an increased risk of life‐threatening infections, bleeding, and progression to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) – that are characterized by a deep heterogeneity on the clinical, biologic and prognostic level. The intrinsic complexity of this group of disorders and the frequent association with one or more comorbidities have limited for many years the number of effective treatment options available: most patients are, indeed, still managed by supportive care measures, with just a minority of them being eligible for allogeneic stem cell transplantation, which is still the only potentially curative modality. In the last two decades, the progressively better understanding of MDS biology has shown how an abnormal epigenetic modulation might play a crucial part in the pathogenesis and in the process of biologic evolution of these disorders. Moreover, pharmacological agents that target the so‐called epigenome have shown a significant clinical activity for diverse hematologic malignancies, including MDS. The aim of this review is to highlight recent developments within the context of current knowledge of MDS and its altered epigenetic regulation and to recall the experimental steps that have brought to the clinical development and application of epigenetic modifiers, such as azacytidine and decitabine, trying to explain the biologic rationale for their use in this setting.
Effects of long‐term use of HAART on oral health status of HIV‐infected subjects
Authors: Nittayananta Wipawee , Talungchit Sineepat , Jaruratanasirikul Sutep , Silpapojakul Kachornsakdi , Chayakul Panthip , Nilmanat Ampaipith , Pruphetkaew Nannapat
Published: February 2010

J Oral Pathol Med (2010) 39: 397–406

Background:  The aim of this study was to determine the effects of long‐term use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) on oral health status of HIV‐infected subjects.

Methods:  Oral examination and measurement of saliva flow rate of both unstimulated and wax‐stimulated whole saliva were performed in HIV‐infected subjects with and without HAART, and in non‐HIV individuals. The following data were recorded; duration and risk of HIV infection, type and duration of HAART, CD4 cell count, viral load, presence of orofacial pain, oral dryness, oral burning sensation, oral lesions, cervical caries, and periodontal pocket. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the effects of long‐term use of HAART on oral health status of HIV‐infected subjects.

Results:  One hundred and fifty‐seven HIV‐infected subjects – 99 on HAART (age range 23–57 years, mean 39 years) and 58 not on HAART (age range 20–59 years, mean 34 years) – and 50 non‐HIV controls (age range 19–59 years, mean 36 years) were enrolled. The most common HAART regimen was 2 NRTI + 2 NNRTI. HIV‐infected subjects without HAART showed greater risks of having orofacial pain, oral dryness, oral lesions, and periodontal pockets than those with short‐term HAART (P < 0.01). The subjects with long‐term HAART were found to have a greater risk of having oral lesions than those with short‐term HAART (P < 0.05). The unstimulated and stimulated salivary flow rates of the subjects with HAART were significantly lower than in those without HAART (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:  We conclude that long‐term HAART has adverse effects on oral health status of HIV‐infected subjects.
Recognition and treatment of genitourinary complications in paediatric Crohn’s disease using Infliximab
Authors: Afzal NA , Shenoy MU , Haque S , Wilcox DT , Shah N
Published: February 2010

Although genitourinary complications of Crohn’s are well recognized, available information regarding their clinical course and management is sparse especially in the paediatric population. We report a myriad of urological complications in five paediatric cases, our experience from a tertiary paediatric urological and gastroenterological centre. All children with urological complications had severe Crohn’s disease which necessitated the use of immuno‐suppressants including Infliximab. Three of four children healed and closed their fistulas after treatment, although failed to avoid future surgery, albeit for other reasons.

Conclusion:  We suggest Infliximab should be considered as a treatment option but in the absence of a common consensus, treatment be tailored to individual cases.
Diabetic mothers and their newborn infants – rooming‐in and neonatal morbidity
Authors: Stage E , Mathiesen ER , Emmersen PB , Greisen G , Damm P
Published: February 2010

Aim:  As a result of increased neonatal morbidity, the infants of diabetic mothers have routinely been admitted to a neonatal special care unit (NSCU). We therefore investigated whether the offer of rooming‐in diabetic mothers and their newborn infants has an effect on neonatal morbidity.

Methods:  The records of an old cohort of 103 infants routinely admitted to the NSCU, and a new cohort (N = 102), offered rooming‐in were assessed for neonatal morbidity.

Results:  Eighty‐four (82%) of the new cohort infants followed their mothers to the maternity ward; whereas 19 (18%) were transferred to the NSCU chiefly because of prematurity. Ten infants were later transferred to the NSCU for minor problems. Neonatal morbidity and neonatal hypoglycaemia were significantly less common in the new cohort than in the old cohort [27 (26%) vs. 55 (54%), p < 0.001 and 42 (41%) vs. 64 (63%), p = 0.0027 respectively]. Maternal HbA1c in late pregnancy was significantly lower in the new cohort, but the only independent predictors of neonatal morbidity were belonging to the old cohort and preterm delivery.

Conclusion:  Neonatal care with rooming‐in mothers with type 1 diabetes and their newborn infants seems safe and is associated with reduced neonatal morbidity, when compared with routine separation of infants from their mothers.
Who Creates the Jobs?
Authors: Anyadike-Danes Michael , Hart Mark , Bonner Karen
Published: February 2010

Small business start-ups create most of the new jobs in our economy. It is an attractive argument to those who want governments to support small businesses. But is it true? Or are large firms the ones that generate most jobs? Michael Anyadike-Danes, Mark Hart and Karen Bonner examine a long-running and acrimonious dispute.
Mervyn Stone
Authors: Stone Mervyn
Published: February 2010

Why do governments treat their scientific advisers so badly? Mervyn Stone believes he knows – and he can point to the fiascos that result when research is abused. In the wake of the sacking of a leading scientific adviser to the government, he speaks to Julian Champkin.
“Cow, Compass, Bang”
Authors: Wong Yan
Published: February 2010

Do cows really sense the earth's magnetic field and point north? Yan Wong had five minutes of film time to explain the statistics of finding out.
Effects of the Non‐Competitive NMDA Receptor Antagonist Memantine on the Volitional Consumption of Ethanol by Alcohol‐Preferring Rats
Authors: Malpass Gloria E. , Williams Helen L. , McMillen Brian A.
Published: February 2010

Abstract: PotentN‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists decrease volitional consumption of ethanol by rats. This study examined the effects of memantine, a low‐affinity, open channel NMDA antagonist, on volitional consumption of ethanol by alcohol‐preferring rats and potential locomotor, sedative and hypothermic effects. Volitional consumption of ethanol in a 24‐hr two‐choice paradigm was determined for male Myers’ high‐ethanol‐preferring (mHEP) rats. Effects of memantine (0.3, 1.0, 3.0 and 10.0 mg/kg, i.p., b.i.d. [twice daily] for 3 days) or vehicle on volitional consumption of ethanol, proportion of ethanol to total fluids consumed, total fluid intake and consumption of food were observed. Potential sedating and locomotor effects of memantine (10.0 mg/kg, i.p., b.i.d.) were determined using an elevated plus maze and an Auto‐Track Opto‐Varimex activity monitoring system. Rectal temperature was measured to determine if memantine (10.0 mg/kg, i.p.) produces a hypothermic effect. The results indicate that memantine dose‐dependently decreased the amount of ethanol and proportion of ethanol to total fluids consumed daily, reaching 48% and 24%, respectively, at the highest dose. These effects did not appear to be anti‐caloric. Memantine (10.0 mg/kg) partially reversed both the sedation and the reductions in locomotor activity induced by ethanol. This dose did, however, produce a small, partially reversible hypothermic effect. In conclusion, memantine may decrease ethanol consumption with fewer side effects than other NMDA receptor antagonists, such as phencyclidine (PCP), MK 801 and ketamine.
Cell and gene therapy strategies for the treatment of postmyocardial infarction ventricular arrhythmias
Authors: Gepstein Lior
Published: February 2010

Ventricular arrhythmias in the setting of a healed myocardial infarction represent a major cause of morbidity and mortality. The underlying mechanism is the presence of slow conduction tissue within the infarct border zone. In the current review we describe experimental gene and cell therapy approaches targeting the electrophysiologic substrate of the border zone, with the aim of preventing postinfarction ventricular arrhythmias. These include strategies that aim to prevent reentry by improving conduction velocity or by prolonging refractoriness. Attempts to augment conduction velocity include cardiomyocyte transplantation to regenerate the infarct, overexpression of unique sodium channels (to improve excitability), and methods to improve cell‐to‐cell coupling. Strategies to prolong refractoriness include gene therapy to prolong action potential duration or cell therapy using engineered cell grafts transfected ex vivo to express unique potassium channels. Finally, we will also discuss the potential advantages and drawbacks of these strategies as well as a road map for future clinical use.
Vascularization shaping the heart
Authors: Lesman Ayelet , Gepstein Lior , Levenberg Shulamit
Published: February 2010

Myocardial infarction can lead to irreversible heart failure. In an attempt to restore function in the failing heart, tissue‐engineered cardiac constructs can be applied to repopulate scar tissue with a new pool of contractile cells. Effective engineering of viable thick complex tissue‐constructs requires intense vascularization. Furthermore, endothelial–cardiomyocyte crosstalk plays a key role in mutually enhancing tissue functionality, which can further improve construct survival. The ability to generate an engineered, vascularized muscle tissue was demonstrated by us using the skeletal and the cardiac muscle models. In the skeletal model, we showed that prevascularization of the construct promoted perfusion of the graft. More recently, we successfully generated a beating human cardiac muscle‐construct, containing an endothelial network, by co‐culturing human embryonic stem cell–derived‐cardiomyocytes, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells within biodegradable scaffolds. Such muscle‐constructs could contribute significantly to the emerging discipline of cardiovascular regenerative medicine as well as to the study of the important role of tissue vascularization.
Molecular mechanisms in evolutionary cardiology failure
Authors: Swynghedauw Bernard , Delcayre Claude , Samuel Jane‐Lyse , Mebazaa Alexandre , Cohen‐Solal Alain
Published: February 2010

Integration of the relevant evolutionary paradigm in cardiology has not yet been fully achieved: In the past, heart failure (HF) was mainly ascribed to infections, and the origins of cardiac hypertrophy (CH) were regarded as mechanical. Recent changes in lifestyle have both reduced the incidence of infections and increased lifespan, and HF is now seen as a complex disease—one that is still caused by mechanical disorder, but also associated with ischemia and senescence. The long‐held view that CH serves to restore myocardial economy back to normal is still valid. The adaptive process is characterized by a quantitative and a qualitative fetal gene reprogramming, which is now being confirmed by recent advances in microRNA research. It underscores the fact CH is the physiologic reaction of the heart to a pathologic stimulus. The goal for therapy is economic, not inotropic. Another major issue is myocardial fibrosis, a major determinant of diastolic function and arrhythmias. Recent changes in lifestyle have crucially modified the context in which HF occurs.
Petrological and Geochemical Characteristics of Intrusive Rocks Related to Porphyry Copper Mineralization and the Implications for the Genesis of Deposits in the Namosi area, Viti Levu, Republic of the Fiji Islands
Authors: Tanaka Takayuki , Imai Akira , Egashira Saori , Sakomoto Sachihiro , Yasunaga Kentaro , Maeda Katsuhiko
Published: February 2010

In the Namosi district, of Viti Levu Island, Republic of the Fiji Islands, we conducted chemical analysis on intrusive rocks and attempted to clarify the relationship between petrological characteristics and mineralization. Samples were collected from the Waisoi copper deposit, Waivaka corridor, Waisomo, Wailutelevu and Wainabama Southwest localities. The intrusive rocks in the district show the overall characteristics of calc‐alkaline magnetite series. Using the normative composition diagram for granite classification, most of the intrusive rocks plot in the tonalite, granodiorite, quartz monzodiorite and quartz diorite fields. Rare earth element (REE) analysis revealed that at Waisoi the intrusive rocks tend towards an Eu positive anomaly, whereas most of those at Waisomo tend to have a negative anomaly. The (Cecn/Ybcn)/Ybcn ratio shows that the intrusive rocks in the Namosi district may be derived from a mantle origin magma possibly contaminated by crustal materials. Waisoi rocks have less contamination with continental crust and show higher gold content compared to those of the Waivaka corridor. The observed differences between Waisoi and Waivaka corridor in the Cu/Au ratio might also be caused by varying amounts of contamination by crustal materials. There is no clear correlation between the La/Yb ratio and K–Ar ages, however, the La/Yb ratio of the Waivaka corridor rocks has a wide range, suggesting a variable amount of crustal contamination of the magma from 7 to 5 Ma. The less crustal contamination and generation of relatively high silica contents under relatively oxidized conditions in the Waisoi magmas is correlated with Au‐rich porphyry copper mineralization and in contrast more crustal contamination produced Au‐poor porphyry copper mineralization at the Waivaka Corridor in the Namosi district.
Ilmenite, Magnetite and Chromite Beach Placers from South Maharashtra, Central West Coast of India
Authors: Gujar Anup R. , Ambre Nawso V. , Mislankar Premchand G. , Iyer Sridhar D.
Published: February 2010

The heavy mineral placer deposits of the coastal sediments in south Maharashtra stretch for 12.5 km from Pirwadi in the north to Talashil in the south. The area is a sand bar represented by a narrow submergent coastal plain lying between the Achara and Gad Rivers. The sediments in the area are mainly sands which are moderately well sorted to well sorted. The heavy mineral concentration in the surficial sediments ranges between 0.69 and 98.32 wt % (28.73 wt % in average). The heavy mineral concentration shows an increasing trend from north to south. The heavy mineral suite consists predominantly of opaque minerals (ilmenite, magnetite and chromite), garnet, pyroxene, amphibole, zircon, tourmaline, rutile, staurolite, etc. Ilmenite grains are fresh whereas magnetite grains show the effect of weathering and alteration. The chromite grains are rounded to sub‐rounded with alteration at the margin of the grains. The surficial textures of the opaque minerals show mechanical breaking that indicates limited distance of transportation.

Ilmenite has TiO2in the range between 40.04 and 46.6 wt %. Based on ore microscopy studies, the magnetite grains appear to be of two types: pure magnetite and titano‐magnetite. Compositionally, the total magnetite fractions have Fe2O3between 32 and 46 wt %, FeO between 19.0 and 25 wt % and TiO2between 14.3 and 23.9 wt %. The chromite grains are an admixture of two varieties, ferro‐chromite and magnesio‐chromite. The chromite grains have 32.06–47.5 wt % of Cr2O3with total iron between 23.86 wt % (4.73% Fe2O3and 19.13% FeO) and 27.89 wt % (4.36% Fe2O3and 23.53% FeO) and MgO between 12 and 40 wt %.

The observed variations in the distribution of heavy minerals in the area are due to differences in the sediment supply, their specific gravity and oceanographic processes all of which result in a selective sorting of the sediments. The observed mineral assemblages of transparent heavy minerals (pyroxene, amphibole, tourmaline, kyanite, garnet, zircon and olivine) are suggestive of their derivation from a heterogeneous provenance comprising of igneous rocks, high grade metamorphic rocks and reworked Kaladgi sediments. The chromite grains appear to have been derived from ultrabasic rocks present in the upper reaches of the Gad River. The inferred reserves of ilmenite, magnetite and chromite are 0.175, 0.395 and 0.032 million tons, respectively.
Identification of Mineral Intensity along Drifts in the Dayingezhuang Deposit, Jiaodong Gold Province, China
Authors: Wan Li , Wang Qingfei , Deng Jun , Gong Qingjie , Yang Liqiang , Liu Huan
Published: February 2010

Great mineral intensity in drifts or drills is characterized by both the high proportion and spatial cluster of the high grades. Great mineral intensity indicates the high ore quality and low dilution in the exploitation. The fractal dimension, the fluctuation exponent proposed in this paper and the lacunarity are utilized to analyze the mineral intensity along drifts in the Dayingezhuang gold deposit in Jiaodong gold province, China. It is proven that the combination of the parameters can identify the mineral intensity. The fractal dimension and fluctuation exponent are negatively correlated. In the places where the fractal dimension is small and fluctuation exponent is great, the mineralization is more pronounced. While in the case that the fractal dimensions are similar, smaller fluctuation exponent means more clustered structure of high grades and greater mineral intensity. In the diagram of fractal dimension versus lacunarity, the drifts with great mineral intensity can also be identified. The methods used in this paper provide a relatively comprehensive description for local mineral intensity, providing information for both the ore‐forming process and the exploitation.
Detecting dyads of related individuals in large collections of DNA‐profiles by controlling the false discovery rate
Authors: SKAUG H. J. , BÉRUBÉ M. , PALSBØLL P. J.
Published: February 2010

The search for pairs (dyads) of related individuals in large databases of DNA‐profiles has become an increasingly important inference tool in ecology. However, the many, partly dependent, pairwise comparisons introduce statistical issues. We show that the false discovery rate (FDR) procedure is well suited to control for the proportion of false positives, i.e. dyads consisting of unrelated individuals, which under normal circumstances would have been labelled as related individuals. We verify the behaviour of the standard FDR procedure by simulation, demonstrating that the FDR procedure works satisfactory in spite of the many dependent pairwise comparisons involved in an exhaustive database screening. A computer program that implements this method is available online. In addition, we propose to implement a second stage in the procedure, in which additional independent genetic markers are used to identify the false positives. We demonstrate the application of the approach in an analysis of a DNA database consisting of 3300 individual minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) each typed at ten microsatellite loci. Applying the standard procedure with an FDR of 50% led to the identification of 74 putative dyads of 1st‐ or 2nd‐order relatives. However, introducing the second step, which involved additional genotypes at 15 microsatellite loci, revealed that only 21 of the putative dyads can be claimed with high certainty to be true dyads.