bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of mass spectrometry for imaging metabolites in plants
Authors: Lee Young Jin , Perdian David C. , Song Zhihong , Yeung Edward S. , Nikolau Basil J.
Published: March 2012

We discuss and illustrate recent advances that have been made to image the distribution of metabolites among cells and tissues of plants using different mass spectrometry technologies. These technologies include matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization, desorption electrospray ionization, and secondary ion mass spectrometry. These are relatively new technological applications of mass spectrometry and they are providing highly spatially resolved data concerning the cellular distribution of metabolites. We discuss the advantages and limitations of each of these mass spectrometric methods, and provide a description of the technical barriers that are currently limiting the technology to the level of single‐cell resolution. However, we anticipate that advances in the next few years will increase the resolving power of the technology to provide unprecedented data on the distribution of metabolites at the subcellular level, which will increase our ability to decipher new knowledge concerning the spatial organization of metabolic processes in plants.
Quantitative imaging using genetically encoded sensors for small molecules in plants
Authors: Okumoto Sakiko
Published: March 2012

Quantitative imaging in live cells is a powerful method for monitoring the dynamics of biomolecules at an excellent spatio‐temporal resolution. Such an approach, initially limited to a small number of substrates for which specific dyes were available, has become possible for a large number of biomolecules due to the development of genetically encoded, protein‐based sensors. These sensors, which can be introduced into live cells through a transgenic approach, offer the benefits of quantitative imaging, with an extra advantage of non‐invasiveness. In the past decade there has been a drastic expansion in the number of biomolecules for which genetically encoded sensors are available, and the functional properties of existing sensors are being improved at a dramatic pace. A number of technical improvements have now made the application of genetically encoded sensors in plants rather straightforward, and some of the sensors such as calcium indicator proteins have become standard analytical tools in many plant laboratories. The use of a handful of probes has already revealed an amazing specificity of cellular biomolecule dynamics in plants, which leads us to believe that there are many more discoveries to be made using genetically encoded sensors. In this short review, we will summarize the progress made in the past 15 years in the development in genetically encoded sensors, and highlight significant discoveries made in plant biology.
Metabolite analyses of single cells
Authors: Oikawa Akira , Saito Kazuki
Published: March 2012

Single‐cell analysis is a promising method for understanding not only cellular physiology but also biological mechanisms of multicellular organisms. Although neighboring cells in multicellular organisms originate from the same genomic information, different circumstances around cells or epigenetic differences have different influences on each cell, leading to differing expression of genes, and thus differing levels and dynamics of metabolites, in single cells. However, single‐cell analysis is a tough challenge, even with recent technologies, because of the small size of single cells. Unlike genes, metabolites cannot be amplified, and therefore metabolite analysis is another issue. To analyze such a tiny quantity of metabolites in a single cell, various techniques have been tried and developed. Especially in mass spectrometry, marked improvements in both detection sensitivity and ionization techniques have opened up the challenge for the analysis of metabolites in single cells. In this review, we discuss the method for metabolite detection at the level of single cells and recent advancements in technology.
Inter‐species sequence comparison of Brachypodium reveals how transposon activity corrodes genome colinearity
Authors: Buchmann Jan P. , Matsumoto Takashi , Stein Nils , Keller Beat , Wicker Thomas
Published: March 2012

Intergenic sequences evolve rapidly in plant genomes through a process known as genomic turnover. To investigate the influence of DNA transposons on genomic turnover, we compared 1 Mbp of orthologous genomic sequences from Brachypodium distachyon and Brachypodium sylvaticum. We found that B. distachyon and B. sylvaticum diverged approximately 1.7–2.0 million years ago. Of a total of 219 genes identified on the analyzed sequences, 211 were colinear. However, only 24 transposable elements of a total of 451 were orthologous (i.e. inserted in the common ancestor). We characterized in detail 59 insertions and 60 excisions of DNA transposons in one or other species, which altered 17% of the intergenic space. The DNA transposon excision sites showed complex and highly diagnostic sequence motifs for double‐strand break (DSB) repair. DNA transposon excisions can lead to extensive deletions of hundreds of base pairs of flanking sequence if the DSB is repaired by ‘single‐strand annealing’, or insertions of up to several hundred base pairs of ‘filler DNA’ if the DSB is repaired by ‘synthesis‐dependent strand annealing’. In some cases, DSBs were repaired by a combination of both methods. We present a model for the evolution of intergenic sequences in which repair of DSBs upon DNA transposon excision is a major factor in the rapid turnover and erosion of intergenic sequences.
Trends in health worker performance after implementing the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness strategy in Benin
Authors: Rowe Alexander K. , Osterholt Dawn M. , Kouamé Julien , Piercefield Emily , Herman Karen M. , Onikpo Faustin , Lama Marcel , Deming Michael S.
Published: March 2012

Objective  Training health workers to use Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) guidelines can improve care for ill children in outpatient settings in developing countries. However, even after IMCI training, important performance gaps exist. One potential reason is that the effect of training can rapidly wane. Our aim was to determine if the performance of IMCI‐trained health workers deteriorated over 3 years.

Methods  We studied two departments in Benin. First, we performed a record review of 32 IMCI‐trained health workers during the first year of IMCI implementation (2001–2002). Second, we analysed data from cross‐sectional health facility surveys from 2001 to 2004 that represented the entire study area. Primary outcomes were the proportion of children under 5 years old with potentially life‐threatening illnesses who received either recommended or adequate treatment, and among all children, an index of overall guideline adherence. Secondary outcomes reflected the treatment of individual diseases. Outcomes were calculated monthly, and time trends were evaluated with regression modelling.

Results  The record review included 9393 consultations, and the surveys included 411 consultations performed by 105 health workers. For both data sources, performance trends were essentially flat for nearly all outcomes. Absolute levels of performance revealed substantial performance gaps.

Conclusions  We found no evidence that performance declined over 3 years after IMCI training. However, important performance gaps found immediately after IMCI training persisted and should be addressed.
Shikimate leaf disc assay for early detection of glyphosate resistance in Conyza canadensis and relative transcript levels of EPSPS and ABC transporter genes
Authors: NOL N , TSIKOU D , EID M , LIVIERATOS I C , GIANNOPOLITIS C N
Published: March 2012

Nol N, Tsikou D, Eid M, Livieratos IC & Giannopolitis CN (2012). Shikimate leaf disc assay for early detection of glyphosate resistance in Conyza canadensis and relative transcript levels of EPSPS and ABC transporter genes. Weed Research52, 233–241.

Twenty‐two biotypes of Conyza canadensis (Canadian fleabane, horseweed) from a conventional orchard in Crete displayed varying degrees of reduced glyphosate susceptibility in standard whole plant assays. A refined shikimate leaf disc assay was developed to precisely determine the resistance levels, permitting early detection of resistance evolution and integrated management of the weed. The 5‐enolpyruvoylshikimate‐3‐phosphate synthase (EPSPS) homologue genes (1 and 2) were sequenced for three different biotypes (one of reduced susceptibility from Crete, one resistant from mainland Greece and one resistant from the USA), and no amino acid substitution of Pro106 was found. Real‐time qRT‐PCR was used to study the expression profiles for EPSPS and the M10 and M11 ABC transporter genes, following glyphosate application. The expression levels of the EPSPS genes were not significantly altered following glyphosate application in any biotype, but both M10 and M11 were found to be highly upregulated in glyphosate‐treated reduced susceptibility or resistant biotypes and not in a susceptible biotype. These results are in accordance with data recently reported by other researchers, supporting a role of the M10 and M11 ABC transporter genes in glyphosate resistance in Conyza canadensis, because of reduced translocation.
Budd–Chiari syndrome in children and outcome after liver transplant
Authors: Gomes Ana Cristina , Rubino Gina , Pinto Carla , Cipriano Augusta , Furtado Emanuel , Gonçalves Isabel
Published: March 2012

Gomes AC, Rubino G, Pinto C, Cipriano A, Furtado E, Gonçalves I. Budd–Chiari syndrome in children and outcome after liver transplant.

Abstract:  BCS is a rare form of portal hypertension in children. The authors describe two cases of BCS with differing presentations. Case 1: Previously healthy four‐yr‐old girl. BCS was diagnosed during the course of an episode of acute gastroenteritis with dehydration. Despite conservative therapy for two months, the condition was progressive resulting in liver failure leading ultimately to LT. Molecular studies showed that she was heterozygous for the Factor (F) V Leiden. At follow‐up, six yr post‐LT (two yr without anticoagulation therapy), no thromboembolic/bleeding events were apparent. Case 2: Three‐yr‐old boy with IgA deficiency and liver disease. Following a febrile episode, he developed fulminant liver failure requiring urgent LT from a living donor (father). Molecular studies disclosed MTHFR C677T homozygosity and FV Leiden heterozygosity. The father was homozygous for the MTHFR mutation. Three months post‐LT, persistent graft dysfunction was associated with stenosis of the IVC, which improved upon stent placement. He received dipyridamole and aspirin for five yr, after which time dipyridamole was discontinued. Evidence is sparse on the follow‐up of BCS cases with liver transplant. The authors discuss their findings, particularly the need for long‐term anticoagulation.
Sticky plant captures prey for symbiotic bug: is this digestive mutualism?
Authors: Anderson B. , Kawakita A. , Tayasu I.
Published: March 2012

Many plants capture and kill insects but, until relatively recently, only carnivorous plants with digestive enzymes were known to gain directly from the nutrients of those insects. Recent studies show that some carnivorous plants lack digestive enzymes and have evolved digestive mutualisms with symbiotic insects that digest their prey for them.Rhododendron macrosepalum, a plant with sticky leaves that captures insects, has an association with symbiotic Mirid bugs that consume the insects captured. Here, we determine what the nature of the relationship is between Mirid and plant. We find thatR. macrosepalumhas no digestive enzymes of its own but that it does not seem to have the ability to absorb hemipteran faeces through its leaf cuticle. Naturally occurring levels of15N and14N were used to determine thatR. macrosepalumgains no nitrogen through its association with the Mirid bugs and that it obtains all of its nitrogen from the soil. The Mirids, on the other hand, seem to obtain nitrogen from insects captured by the plant, as well as from plant tissues. The relationship between plant and Mirid is not a digestive mutualism but more likely an antagonistic relationship. This study adds to our understanding of how digestive mutualisms evolve and shows that insect capture alone, or in combination with a symbiotic insect relationship does not necessarily make a plant ‘carnivorous’.
Involvement of Phytophthora spp. in chestnut decline in the Black Sea region of Turkey
Authors: Akıllı S. , Serçe Ç. U. , Katı rcıoğlu Y. Z. , Maden S.
Published: March 2012

Chestnut blight caused by Cryphonectria parasitica is a serious disease of Castanea sativa in the Black Sea region of Turkey. During disease surveys, dieback and decline symptoms were observed on trees without apparent blight and ink disease symptoms. Black necroses, similar to those caused by Phytophthora infections, were noted on some of the chestnut coppices and saplings in one nursery in Ordu and led to an investigation into this disease complex. Only symptomatic plants showing dieback symptoms were investigated. Soil samples together with fine roots were collected from two directions, north and north‐east, approximately 150 cm away from the main stems. Phytophthora spp. were baited with young chestnut leaves. Three Phytophthora spp., P. cambivora, P. cinnamomi and P. plurivora, were identified from 12 soil samples collected from 73 locations, while from the nurseries, only P. cinnamomi was obtained. Phytophthora cinnamomi was the most common species, obtained from seven locations in five provinces and from four nurseries having similar symptoms mentioned above in different locations. Phytophthora cambivora and P. plurivora were less frequently obtained, from three to two stands, respectively. Phytophthora cinnamomi and P. cambivora were the most aggressive species when inoculated at the stem base on 3‐year‐old chestnut saplings, killing six saplings of eight inoculated in 2 months. The three Phytophthora species were first recorded on chestnut in Black sea region of Turkey with the limited samples investigated in a large area about 150 000 ha chestnut forest.
Can the early condition at admission of a high‐risk infant aid in the prediction of mortality and poor neurodevelopmental outcome? A population study in Australia
Authors: Greenwood Sarah , Abdel‐Latif Mohamed E , Bajuk Barbara , Lui Kei ,   the NSW and ACT Neonatal Intensive Care Units Audit Group
Published: March 2012

Aim:  The aim of this article was to evaluate the Revised Clinical Risk Index for Babies' (CRIB‐II) severity of illness score as a predictor of moderate to severe functional disability (FD) in very premature infants.

Methods:  Population study of infants born <29 weeks' gestation cared for in all Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory between 1998 and 2003. FD at 2–3 years corrected age was defined as developmental delay (quotient < 2 standard deviation), non‐ambulatory cerebral palsy (needing aids to walk), blindness (acuity <6/60 in better eye) or deafness (hearing aids). Sensitivity and specificity of CRIB‐II scores to predict FD were performed by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.

Results:  Of study population of 2210, 480 (21.7%) died before hospital discharge. Among 1328 infants assessed, 217 (16.3%) had FD, 109 (8.2%) developmental delay, 75 (5.6%) cerebral palsy and 54 (4.1%) blindness or deafness. CRIB‐II performed significantly better than gestation or birthweight (BW) alone in predicting mortality (area under the curve (AUC) ± standard error 0.83 ± 0.01, vs. 0.78 ± 0.01 and 0.76 ± 0.01, respectively). CRIB‐II scores were significantly higher in FD than non‐FD children (11.9 ± 2.9 vs. 10.1 ± 2.6), but the AUC for CRIB‐II (0.68 ± 0.02) did not significantly differ from that of gestation (0.65 ± 0.02) and BW (0.65 ± 0.02).

Conclusion:  CRIB‐II improved prediction of mortality but did not perform better than gestational age or BW in predicting FD. We would caution clinicians against using the infant's condition at admission to predict long‐term outcome.
Hepatoid carcinoma of the pancreas penetrating into the gastric cavity: A case report and literature review
Authors: Kai Keita , Nakamura Jun , Ide Takao , Masuda Masanori , Kitahara Kenji , Miyoshi Atsushi , Noshiro Hirokazu , Tokunaga Osamu
Published: March 2012

A 79‐year‐old Japanese woman was admitted to our hospital for treatment of a pancreatic tumor measuring approximately 7 × 5 cm. The tumor had invaded the left adrenal gland and gastric wall and had penetrated into the gastric cavity. Surgical resection was performed. The tumor was composed of a brown to whitish solid area and a zone of hemorrhage, necrosis, and cystic degeneration resembling the gross features of solid pseudopapillary tumor (SPT). Histologically, the tumor showed a heterogeneous growth pattern with a combination of seat‐like, trabecular, papillary and hemorrhagic‐necrotic areas in various proportions. The differential diagnoses first considered were acinar cell carcinoma, neuroendocrine carcinoma and SPT with malignant transformation. Immunohistochemistry showed tumor cells were negative for pancreatic exocrine enzymes and endocrine markers. Tumor cells diffusely expressed cytokeratin 19, alpha‐fetoprotein, carcinoembryonic antigen and glypican‐3, but lacked vimentin or β‐catenin expression. Small proportions of tumor cells expressed hepatocyte paraffin‐1. Although typical morphological features of well‐differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were not distinctly apparent, the tumor morphology partly resembled poorly differentiated HCC. Given these findings and considerations, the tumor was finally diagnosed as poorly differentiated hepatoid carcinoma of the pancreas.
Vitamin D deficiency and changes in serum vitamin D levels with treatment among tuberculosis patients in South Korea
Authors: KOO HYEON‐KYOUNG , LEE JI SUN , JEONG YUN JEONG , CHOI SUN MI , KANG HYO JAE , LIM HYO‐JEONG , JEONG INA , PARK JONG SUN , LEE SANG‐MIN , YANG SEOK‐CHUL , YOO CHUL‐GYU , KIM YOUNG WHAN , HAN SUNG‐KOO , YIM JAE‐JOON
Published: March 2012

Background and objective:  Vitamin D deficiency has been reported to be associated with the development of active tuberculosis (TB), but many discrepancies exist among studies. The aims of this study were to compare the frequency of vitamin D deficiency in a Korean population of TB patients and control subjects, and to monitor the changes in vitamin D levels during TB treatment.

Methods:  Patients with newly diagnosed TB were prospectively enrolled. In addition, healthy volunteers or patients with diseases other than TB were enrolled as controls. Baseline serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25‐OHD) levels were measured in both groups and compared. In the TB patients, measurements of serum 25‐OHD were repeated 1 month after the initiation of treatment and again after completion of treatment.

Results:  In total, 116 patients with TB and 86 control subjects were recruited. The median 25‐OHD concentration was not different in TB patients at diagnosis (13.9 ng/mL; interquartile range (IQR) 8.80–21.8) compared with control subjects (13.2 ng/mL; IQR 9.6–19.3) (P = 0.97). The frequency of vitamin D deficiency (≤10 ng/mL) was also not different in TB patients (36.2%) compared with controls (27.3%) (P = 0.21). In TB patients, the median 25‐OHD concentration decreased significantly during treatment, to 12.5 ng/mL at 1 month and 11.0 ng/mL on completion of treatment (P = 0.01).

Conclusions:  Vitamin D levels do not appear to be associated with the development of TB in the Korean population. The median 25‐OHD concentration decreased after treatment for TB.
Physiological dormancy in seeds of two endemic species of Begonia from Yunnan Province, China: diagnosis and classification
Authors: HU XIAO‐JIAN , YANG LI‐HUA , GUAN KAI‐YUN
Published: March 2012

With the purpose of assessing the status of dormancy in seeds of two Begonia species (Begonia lithophila and Begonia guishanensis), freshly matured seeds were given gibberellic acid and moist chilling and allowed to dry after ripening. The seeds were then germinated on media with or without KNO3 at 15, 20, 25, 30 and 18/25°C. All three treatments significantly increased germination percentages. Examination by X‐ray revealed that seeds of both species have a fully developed embryo and thus have no morphological component of dormancy; seeds readily imbibed water and KNO3 solution. Therefore, we conclude that seeds of the two Begonia species have non‐deep physiological dormancy. Although KNO3 significantly increased germination in both species, alternating temperatures did not, suggesting that the most favorable microhabitat for germination is small‐scale disturbances under the forest canopy.
Effects of climatic factors on Fallopia japonica s.l. seedling establishment: evidence from laboratory experiments
Authors: FUNKENBERG TIM , RODERUS DAVID , BUHK CONSTANZE
Published: March 2012

The highly invasive Fallopia complex (Fallopia japonica s.l., Fallopia japonica var. japonica, Fallopia sachalinensis and the hybrid Fallopia × bohemica) is known to spread primarily vegetatively by rhizomes and stem fragments in its adventive range. Sexual reproduction has rarely been shown in Europe, despite a high production of germinable seeds. To elucidate this contradiction the aim of the present study was to determine which environmental conditions prevent seed germination or seedling establishment. Several laboratory experiments were conducted focusing on water and light supply as well as the influence of frost. According to morphological and cytological analyses of the parental plants paired with morphological analyses of the seedlings, the seeds used for these experiments were assumed to belong predominantly to the hybrid Fallopia × bohemica. Laboratory experiments revealed that seedling establishment is hampered by severe drought or strong late frost, which are, however, rare events in the study region and could not be crucial in explaining the rarity of seedlings in the field. We discuss the possible role of weather conditions that might lead to a loss of seeds or seedlings under field conditions and include a comparison of several other cited studies carried out in the adventive range of Fallopia japonica s.l. that observed either the presence or the absence of Fallopia seedlings in the field.
Coexistence of two congeneric tree species of Lauraceae in a secondary warm‐temperate forest on Miyajima Island, south‐western Japan
Authors: YAMASAKI NOZOMI , YAMADA TOSHIHIRO , OKUDA TOSHINORI
Published: March 2012

We analyzed the spatial distributions of two congeneric tree species, Neolistea aciculata and Neolistea sericea (Lauraceae), in a warm‐temperate forest on Miyajima Island, south‐western Japan. Both species were mainly found in valley sites on the island. Hence, these species shared the same topographic habitat niche. However, we found a clear difference between the spatial distributions of the two species in relation to the light environment. Neolistea aciculata was predominantly found in stands with low light, such as beneath the canopy of dense evergreen broadleaved forest. In contrast, N. sericea was predominantly associated with ample light, such as in secondary Pinus densiflora forest. In stands with moderate light conditions, both species were found. This habitat niche segregation in relation to light conditions presumably allows the coexistence of these two species in the predominantly successional forest on Miyajima Island.
Current status of pharmacotherapy against metastatic renal cell carcinoma in Japan
Authors: Wada Yoshihiro , Takahashi Wataru , Kawano Yoshiaki , Eto Masatoshi
Published: March 2012

So far, metastatic renal cell carcinoma has been one of the most treatment‐resistant cancers. The extensive use of cytokines, such as interferon‐α and interleukin‐2, were carried out for metastatic renal cell carcinoma. However, significant advances in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying renal cell carcinoma have led to the development of molecular target‐based drugs, which were desperately awaited for a long time, and now two types of molecular target‐based drugs are available. Two vascular endothelial growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors and two mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors have been approved and available in Japan. The molecular target‐based drugs have unique and characteristic adverse events, whose profile are not well understood in Japanese patients, because most of the clinical trials were carried out in Europe and America. In contrast, immunotherapy is being reconsidered in the selection of more appropriate patients or as a combined treatment form with other drugs, because of few complete responses obtained and unexpected adverse events by molecular targeted treatments. We have several molecular targeted‐drugs available at present and will have more, and we will actually use these drugs in various clinical settings, such as the presurgical setting, the adjuvant setting, sequential administration and combined administration, in addition to cytokines. Therefore, we need more elaborate studies to obtain the optimal treatment methods to maximize the effect of such agents to extend overall survival while maintaining quality of life of metastatic renal cell carcinoma patients. In this article, we reviewed the issues related to the current status of pharmacotherapy available for metastatic renal cell carcinoma.
Solitary fibrous tumor arising slowly in the vulva over 10 years: Case report and review
Authors: Taki Mana , Baba Tsukasa , Mandai Masaki , Suzuki Ayako , Mikami Yoshiki , Matsumura Noriomi , Konishi Ikuo
Published: March 2012

Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT), which was first described as a pleural lesion by Klemperer and Rabin in 1931, is a rare, slow‐growing neoplasm characterized by the proliferation of fibroblast‐like spindle cells arranged in a patternless manner with few nuclear atypia. Extrathoracic SFT have increasingly been recognized, but those in the genital tract are extremely rare. Gynecological SFT behave as tumors with low malignant potential to recur, metastasize, or affect nearby organs resulting in infertility. We report a case of vulvar SFT slowly growing for 10 years, and propose a strategy for the diagnosis and treatment of gynecological SFT.
Carbon ion radiotherapy for recurrent malignant transformation from mature cystic teratoma of the ovary
Authors: Ito Yumiko , Morikawa Shigehiko , Kato Shingo , Kajiyama Hiroaki , Nawa Akihiko , Kikkawa Fumitaka
Published: March 2012

Mature cystic teratoma (MCT) is the most common tumor of the ovary; malignant transformation (MT) of squamous cell carcinoma is a rare disorder. A 78‐year‐old woman with stage IIc MT‐MCT (squamous cell carcinoma [SCC]) underwent a total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy; there was residual tumor in the pelvis. The patient was treated with six courses of paclitaxel and carboplatin, but the recurrent tumor grew. The patient was then treated with carbon ion radiotherapy (CIRT). The recurrent tumor shrank and the patient has been free of clinical disease for 53 months. CIRT can be considered as a treatment for recurrent MT‐MCT.
Malignant transformation arising from mature cystic teratoma of the ovary: A report of six cases
Authors: Ulker Volkan , Numanoglu Ceyhun , Akbayir Ozgur , Akyol Alpaslan , Tuncel Ayca , Akca Aysu , Aydin Ovgu
Published: March 2012

Aim:  Malignant transformation of mature cystic teratoma (MCT) is an uncommon complication. Preoperative diagnosis is difficult because of the lack of specific symptoms and signs indicating malignancy. Thus, we retrospectively analyzed the clinical characteristics of patients and the role of surgery in their management.

Material and Methods:  During a 9‐year period (2002–2010), six patients with malignant transformation arising from ovarian MCT were treated at the Gynecologic Oncology Unit of Bakirkoy Woman and Children's Training and Research Hospital. A retrospective chart review and analysis of the patients' data were conducted.

Results:  Malignant transformation arising from ovarian MCT accounted for 1.9% of all ovarian MCT (6/321). Three cases were stage IA and the other three were stage IC. Histologically, three of six cases had squamous cell carcinoma (50%), two had a carcinoid tumor (33%), and one had mucinous adenocarcinoma (17%). All patients underwent comprehensive surgical staging. Two patients received adjuvant chemotherapy and one received adjuvant chemoradiation. Five of six patients were observed for 16–104 months and no recurrence was detected. One patient with a carcinoid tumor in stage IC died of disease within 34 months following the surgery.

Conclusion:  Early detection of malignant transformation arising from MCT is mandatory for treating patients, but in most patients malignancy was detected intraoperatively. Surgical cytoreduction with a complete staging procedure and adjuvant treatment may be reasonable for stage IC. Additionally, prognosis is better when the tumor is completely excised and does not extend beyond the capsule.
Diagnostic utility of CD117, CD133, SALL4, OCT4, TCL1 and glypican‐3 in malignant germ cell tumors of the ovary
Authors: Trinh Dat Tien , Shibata Kiyosumi , Hirosawa Tomoya , Umezu Tomokazu , Mizuno Mika , Kajiyama Hiroaki , Kikkawa Fumitaka
Published: March 2012

Aim:  Primary ovarian malignant germ cell tumors (OMGCTs) are rare and difficult to diagnose. Immunohistochemistry can help in the diagnosis and development of new management strategies. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of CD117, CD133, SALL4, OCT4, TCL1 and glypican‐3 marker expression in OMGCTs.

Material and Methods:  We examined the expression of six markers in 87 (85 pure and two mixed OMGCTs) cases of OMGCT using immunohistochemical staining. Staining was graded in a semiquantitative manner as follows: negative (no staining), 1+ (1–30% staining), 2+ (31–60% staining), or 3+ (>60% staining).

Results:  All 27 dysgerminomas and all 31 YSTs showed CD117 expression, with only nine (29%) positively stained in immature teratomas. SALL4 and glypican‐3 were strongly positive in 100 and 79.3%, respectively, of YSTs. All dysgerminomas were positive for OCT4, whereas all YSTs and immature teratomas were negative. 100% of dysgerminomas were positive for TCL1, but all immature teratomas were negative. CD133 expression showed generally the same tendency in the 3 OMGCTs.

Conclusion:  CD117 can be used as a diagnostic marker for dysgerminoma and YST. SALL4 is a more sensitive and specific marker for YSTs than glypican‐3. SALL4 and OCT4 are useful in distinguishing YST from dysgerminoma.
Regional anesthesia in children: the future
Authors: Bosenberg Adrian
Published: March 2012

Pediatric regional anesthesia continues to evolve. Education and attention to anatomical detail remain key elements to successful outcomes. New techniques, some adapted from adult practice, provide analgesia for pediatric surgical procedures such cleft palate or congenital hip dysplasia. Despite technological advances a number of controversial issues remain unresolved.
A curve of thresholds governs plague epizootics in Central Asia
Authors: Reijniers Jonas , Davis Stephen , Begon Mike , Heesterbeek Johan A. P. , Ageyev Vladimir S. , Leirs Herwig
Published: March 2012

Ecology Letters(2012)

A core concept of infectious disease epidemiology is the abundance threshold, below which an infection is unable to invade or persist. There have been contrasting theoretical predictions regarding the nature of this threshold for vector‐borne diseases, but for infections with an invertebrate vector, it is common to assume a threshold defined by the ratio of vector and host abundances. Here, we show in contrast, both from field data and model simulations, that for plague (Yersinia pestis) in Kazakhstan, the invasion threshold quantity is based on theproductof its host (Rhombomys opimus) and vector (mainlyXenopsyllaspp.) abundances, resulting in a combined thresholdcurvewith hyperbolic shape. This shape implies compensation between host and vector abundances in permitting infection, which has important implications for disease control. Realistic joint thresholds, supported by data, should promote improved understanding, prediction and management of disease occurrence in this and other vector‐borne disease systems.
What controls the distribution of tropical forest and savanna?
Authors: Murphy Brett P. , Bowman David M.J.S.
Published: March 2012

Ecology Letters (2012) 15: 748–758

Forest and savanna biomes dominate the tropics, yet factors controlling their distribution remain poorly understood. Climate is clearly important, but extensive savannas in some high rainfall areas suggest a decoupling of climate and vegetation. In some situations edaphic factors are important, with forest often associated with high nutrient availability. Fire also plays a key role in limiting forest, with fire exclusion often causing a switch from savanna to forest. These observations can be captured by a broad conceptual model with two components: (1) forest and savanna are alternative stable states, maintained by tree cover‐fire feedbacks, (2) the interaction between tree growth rates and fire frequency limits forest development; any factor that increases growth (e.g. elevated availability of water, nutrients, CO2), or decreases fire frequency, will favour canopy closure. This model is consistent with the range of environmental variables correlated with forest distribution, and with the current trend of forest expansion, likely driven by increasing CO2 concentrations. Resolving the drivers of forest and savanna distribution has moved beyond simple correlative studies that are unlikely to establish ultimate causation. Experiments using Dynamic Global Vegetation Models, parameterised with measurements from each continent, provide an important tool for understanding the controls of these systems.
Perception and knowledge of the Sirex woodwasp and other forest pests in South Africa
Authors: Hurley Brett P. , Slippers Jana , Wingfield Michael J. , Dyer Colin , Slippers Bernard
Published: March 2012

Sirex noctilio F. (Siricidae: Hymenoptera) is one of the most serious invasive pests of pine. In South Africa, there has been a national effort to control S. noctilio, including a campaign to increase awareness of the pest amongst the local forestry community.

We considered the impacts that the arrival of the pest and the awareness campaign have had on perceptions and knowledge of S. noctilio, as well as other forestry pests, amongst members of the forestry community.

For data collection, a survey questionnaire was developed and used in telephone interviews.

The results obtained in the present study showed that the Sirex awareness campaign had increased knowledge of forestry pests in general but basic knowledge regarding the identification and symptoms of specific pests, such as S. noctilio, was poor. This will negatively influence monitoring efficacy.

Traditional paper‐based media and personal contact contributed most to enhanced awareness. Electronic media were less effective and improvement would require a more focused effort. It was of concern that private farmers and contractors, as well as non‐European first language speakers, were less well informed about forestry pests.

Clearly, a fragmented landscape in terms of ownership and language, presents challenges for effective communication of forestry pest threats.
Prostate‐specific antigen testing in older men in the USA: data from the behavioral risk factor surveillance system
Authors: Scosyrev Emil , Wu Guan , Golijanin Dragan , Messing Edward
Published: March 2012

Study Type – Diagnosis (cohort)

Level of Evidence 2a

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Previous studies from the USA reported that, in recent years, prostate cancer screening with PSA was very common among the elderly men, including those whose life expectancy was substantially limited by advanced age and known comorbidities. In 2008, the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommended against PSA screening after age 75.

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of the USPSTF 2008 recommendation on the frequency of PSA testing among elderly men in the USA. Our findings suggest that the USPSTF recommendation had no major impact on clinical practice.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the frequency of PSA testing in men aged ≥75 years before and after the 2008 US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendation to stop prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) screening at age 75.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data were obtained from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) surveys completed in 2006, 2008 and 2010.

Men aged ≥ 76 years at the time of survey and without a prostate cancer diagnosis were included in the study.

The percentage of men who had a PSA test in the year before the survey was computed separately for survey years 2006, 2008 and 2010.

RESULTS

The estimated percentages of men with a PSA test in the year before the survey were 60% (95% CI: 58–62%), based on 9033 respondents interviewed in 2006, 63% (95% CI: 62–65%), based on 12 063 respondents interviewed in 2008, and 60% (95% CI: 59–61%), based on 14 782 respondents interviewed in 2010.

CONCLUSION

No substantial reduction in the frequency of PSA testing was observed in the BRFSS 2010 survey data compared with the earlier years, suggesting that the USPSTF 2008 recommendation had no major impact on the frequency of PSA testing in older men in the USA.
The effect of plum juice on the prevention of struvite calculus formation in vitro
Authors: Zhu Huaijun , Sun Xizhao , Lu Jianlin , Wang Meihua , Fang Yun , Ge Weihong
Published: March 2012

Study Type – Prevention (cohort)

Level of Evidence 2b

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Urinary struvite calculus is always related to urinary tract infections with urease‐producing bacteria. Prevention strategies for struvite calculus have focused on urine sterilization, urine acidification and urease activity inhibition. The clinical utility of all the available agents remains limited with respect to long‐term use because of serious side effects or antimicrobial resistance. Plum juice has shown antibacterial activity on the urease‐producing bacteria Helicobacter pylori. Importantly, plums also showed an effect on urinary acidification in humans.

The present study conducted in vitro reports a concentration‐dependent inhibition of plum juice on urease activity, as well as antibacterial effects on four urease‐producing bacterial commonly found in the urine of patients with struvite calculus. The results of the crystallization experiment perfomed in vitro showed that natural plum juice prevented the occurrence of Proteus mirabilis‐induced crystals, whereas pH‐adjusted plum juice slowed the growth rate of struvite crystals.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effect of plum juice on struvite calculus formation in vitro and to explore the effect of plum juice on urease‐producing bacteria and urease activity

The compliance of available drugs is low for struvite calculus after surgical treatment and functional food may represent a good choice as an alternative therapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Antibacterial activity was assessed using a microdilution antimicrobial susceptibility test.

Urease activity was determined by measuring ammonia production.

Struvite crystals were induced by Proteus mirabilis in artificial urine with natural and pH‐adjusted plum juice.

The optical density (OD)600 and pH of artificial urine were examined, as well the shape and weights of crystals.

RESULTS

Natural plum juice showed an antibacterial effect on urease‐producing bacteria, whereas the pH‐adjusted juice did not.

A concentration‐dependent inhibition on urease activity was found for both natural and pH‐adjusted juice.

Natural plum juice at a high concentration of 0.5% showed an obvious inhibition on the increase of OD600 and pH of the artificial urine, and crystal formation was prevented by up to or more than 8 h, depending on the concentration of juice.

Crystal weight in the natural plum juice groups was decreased in a concentration‐dependent manner.

The pH‐adjusted plum juice did not show any effect on OD600 and pH, although the presence of juice changed the crystal habit, indicating that the juice slowed the growth rate of crystals.

CONCLUSIONS

Natural plum juice at high and moderate concentrations prevented the formation of P. mirabilis‐induced crystals for up to 8 h in artificial urine. Although pH‐adjusted and low‐concentration natural juice did not prevent the occurrence of crystals, both types of juice slowed their growth rate.
Analyst firm parent–subsidiary relationship and conflict of interest: evidence from IPO recommendations
Authors: Lee Cheolwoo
Published: March 2012

We uncover a new source for the conflict of interest in analyst coverage existed before the Regulation FD period by examining whether recommendations within the parent–subsidiary (PS) relationship are more optimistic and whether they have better investment value than non‐PS recommendations. We find evidence consistent with the conflict of interest: PS analysts on average issue more optimistic recommendations, but their recommendations have worse or no better investment value in the calendar‐time portfolio analysis. Analyst firm PS relationship is another source for the conflict of interest in analyst coverage that has not been identified before.
Living standards, terms of trade and foreign ownership: reflections on the Australian mining boom*
Authors: Gregory Robert G
Published: March 2012

Australia is experiencing its largest mining boom for more than a century and a half. This paper explores, from a national perspective, important economic differences that arise when a mining boom, such as the current one, is generated by sustained export price increases (trading gains) rather than export volume increases. Since 2003, the terms of trade changes – through their direct trading gain effect and indirect real GDP effects – have increased Australian living standards. The increase, measured from official data and relative to the United States, is about 25 per cent; an increase that probably places Australian living standards well above those of the United States. But official data inadequately adjusts for foreign ownership of mining resources suggesting that this estimate is probably a little too high.
Fuzzy Representation of Pavement Condition for Efficient Pavement Management
Authors: Bianchini Alessandra
Published: March 2012

Abstract:  Many government agencies and private consulting companies manage large pavement networks in terms of infrastructure condition assessment and maintenance planning. Efficient pavement management is supported by pavement management systems (PMSs), which includes models for pavement condition assessments considered “valuable” by agency's engineers. The objective of this article is to define a pavement condition model able to overcome surveyors’ subjectivity in rating distresses and thus provide meaningful pavement conditions for the agencies to employ in project planning. The article proposes a fuzzy inference model for calculating pavement condition ratio (PCR) specifically tailored on the Alabama Department of Transportation Pavement (ALDOT) guidelines and policies. Applied to several surveyors’ ratings, the proposed model has the ability to smooth distress extent differences among surveyors producing PCR values within acceptable range of variability. The proposed approach has the intention of not only enhancing pavement condition characterization but also to exploit the opportunity made available by automation in the collection and interpretation of pavement data which are anyway characterized by an inherent subjectivity.
The impact of processing time on the bizarreness and orthographic distinctiveness effects
Authors: GOUNDEN YANNICK , NICOLAS SERGE
Published: March 2012

Gounden, Y. & Nicolas, S. (2012). The impact of processing time on the bizarreness and orthographic distinctiveness effects. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology 53, 287–294.

The bizarreness effect and the orthographic distinctiveness effect (OD effect) are typical cases of secondary‐distinctiveness‐based effects. This study tested the simple attentional account or processing time hypothesis as a possible explanation of the bizarreness effect and the OD effect. In the bizarreness effect literature, this hypothesis gained support by some studies but was also discredited by other research. In light of these conflicting results, Experiment 1 was devised to test the processing time hypothesis in the bizarreness effect by using black‐and‐white concrete images and manipulating the time allotted for processing the stimuli (500 ms, 1000 ms, 3000 ms). Concerning the OD effect, no research has directly investigated the impact of processing time by examining the effect under varying amounts of study time. Experiment 2 was thus devised to investigate this same hypothesis in the OD effect and time allotted for processing the stimuli was manipulated (250 ms, 500 ms, 1000 ms, 3000 ms). Results did not support the processing time hypothesis since the magnitude of the bizarreness effect and of the OD effect was not modulated by the amount of time allotted for processing the stimuli. We refer to alternative explanations to account for these two secondary‐distinctiveness‐based effects.
Mobilizing Resistance: The Burberry Workers' Campaign against Factory Closure
Authors: Blyton Paul , Jenkins Jean
Published: March 2012

This paper draws on mobilization theory, frame analysis and community characteristics to explore a high-profile campaign by a largely female workforce against the closure of a clothing plant owned by the international fashion house, Burberry. It analyses the particular factors associated with their mobilization and examines the workforce's propensity to act collectively, having exhibited little indication of a clear definition of its collective interests in the past. The paper highlights the central importance of perceived substantive and procedural injustice among the workforce, together with the ways in which geographic location and community characteristics reinforced their willingness to fight the closure decision. The paper concludes by considering the wider implications of this campaign for mobilization theory.
Private Equity and the Concept of Brittle Trust
Authors: Froud Julie , Green Sarah , Williams Karel
Published: March 2012

This paper focuses on private equity in the UK and is set in the context of debates about transformations in the City of London. The article focuses on a particular concept of trust as expressed by senior members of the private equity sector. The argument developed is based on interviews with five senior founding partners of private equity firms who talked to us about their background and education, their understanding of how private equity worked and the basis for successful money making and their relationships with those inside and outside the organization. All interviewees strongly asserted the need for absolute trust between senior partners as an essential condition for the successful operation of their business. At the same time, their description of trust in this context was that while it is deep, it is also easily broken, and that once broken, the breach cannot be forgiven. We call this ‘brittle trust’: asserted to be simultaneously strong while extremely fragile. The paper argues, drawing on Diego Gambetta's work on the Sicilian Mafia, that this concept of ‘trust’ reflects a particular understanding of the practice of private equity as a high risk, tough and unforgiving business that nevertheless requires high standards of personal integrity. The study allows us to understand something more about the social ideals that were built into this financial sector by its founders, which we argue formed a crucial part of the transformation of the financial sector.