bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quorum sensing‐controlled Evr regulates a conserved cryptic pigment biosynthetic cluster and a novel phenomycin‐like locus in the plant pathogen, Pectobacterium carotovorum
Authors: Williamson Neil R. , Commander Paul M. B. , Salmond George P. C.
Published: February 2010

Pectobacterium carotovorum SCRI193 is a phytopathogenic Gram‐negative bacterium. In this study, we have identified a novel cryptic pigment biosynthetic locus in P. carotovorum SCRI193 which we have called the Pectobacterium orange pigment (pop) cluster. The pop cluster is flanked by two tRNA genes and contains genes that encode non‐ribosomal peptide synthases and polyketide synthase and produces a negatively charged polar orange pigment. Orange pigment production is activated when an adjacent transcriptional activator sharing sequence similarity with the Erwinia virulence regulator (Evr) is overexpressed. Evr was shown to positively activate its own transcription and that of the pigment biosynthetic genes and an unlinked locus encoding a phenomycin homologue. In addition, the expression of Evr and orange pigment production was shown to be regulated by N‐(3‐oxohexanoyl)‐HSL (OHHL) quorum sensing and have a virulence phenotype in potato. Finally, by comparative genomics and Southern blotting we demonstrate that this pigment biosynthetic cluster is present in multiple P. carotovorum spp., Pectobacterium brasiliensis 1692 and a truncated version of the cluster is present in Pectobacterium atrosepticum. The conserved nature of this cluster in P. carotovorum and P. brasiliensis suggests that the pop cluster has an important function in these broad‐host‐range soft rotting bacteria, which is no longer required in the narrow‐host‐range P. atrosepticum SCRI1043.
DNA sequence‐based analysis of the Pseudomonas species
Authors: Mulet Magdalena , Lalucat Jorge , García‐Valdés Elena
Published: February 2010

Partial sequences of four core ‘housekeeping’ genes (16S rRNA, gyrB, rpoB and rpoD) of the type strains of 107 Pseudomonas species were analysed in order to obtain a comprehensive view regarding the phylogenetic relationships within the Pseudomonas genus. Gene trees allowed the discrimination of two lineages or intrageneric groups (IG), called IG P. aeruginosa and IG P. fluorescens. The first IG P. aeruginosa, was divided into three main groups, represented by the species P. aeruginosa, P. stutzeri and P. oleovorans. The second IG was divided into six groups, represented by the species P. fluorescens, P. syringae, P. lutea, P. putida, P. anguilliseptica and P. straminea. The P. fluorescens group was the most complex and included nine subgroups, represented by the species P. fluorescens, P. gessardi, P. fragi, P. mandelii, P. jesseni, P. koreensis, P. corrugata, P. chlororaphis and P. asplenii. Pseudomonas rhizospherae was affiliated with the P. fluorescens IG in the phylogenetic analysis but was independent of any group. Some species were located on phylogenetic branches that were distant from defined clusters, such as those represented by the P. oryzihabitans group and the type strains P. pachastrellae, P. pertucinogena and P. luteola. Additionally, 17 strains of P. aeruginosa, ‘P. entomophila’, P. fluorescens, P. putida, P. syringae and P. stutzeri, for which genome sequences have been determined, have been included to compare the results obtained in the analysis of four housekeeping genes with those obtained from whole genome analyses.
Ultrastructural study of spermiogenesis in the Jamaican Gray Anole, Anolis lineatopus (Reptilia: Polychrotidae)
Authors: Rheubert Justin L. , Wilson Byron S. , Wolf Klaus W. , Gribbins Kevin M.
Published: February 2010

Rheubert, J.L., Wilson, B.S., Wolf, K.W. and Gribbins, K.M. 2010. Ultrastructural study of spermiogenesis in the Jamaican Gray Anole, Anolis lineatopus (Reptilia: Polychrotidae). —Acta Zoologica (Stockholm) 91: 484–494.

As the number of spermatozoal characters being described in reptiles increases, it is important to detail the ontogeny of the features leading to the mature morphology of the spermatozoa which may give rise to more comprehensive data matrices for future phylogenetic analyses within the Reptilia. Therefore, spermiogenically active testes from Anolis lineatopus were investigated ultrastructurally to describe the intracellular changes that occur throughout spermiogenesis. The primary events of spermiogenesis (acrosome formation, nuclear condensation, and elongation) seen in A. lineatopus are similar to those previously described for other amniotes. Characters including a round perforatorium tip, stopper‐like perforatorial base plate, open pits of nucleoplasm during condensation, and protein layers within the acrosome complex corroborate trends from previous studies in squamates. However, uniquely defined in A. lineatopus are the excessive amounts of endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi complexes that contribute to cellular secretions during mid elongation of the spermatids and the lack of a manchette. During acrosome formation, the acrosome granule is found in a basal rather than an apical position, which has been observed in previous studies. These similarities and differences observed during spermiogenesis may be helpful in elucidating the development of mature spermatozoal characters as well as aid in future phylogenetic analyses.
GENDER AND PUBLIC ATTITUDES TOWARD CORRUPTION AND TAX EVASION
Authors: TORGLER BENNO , VALEV NEVEN T.
Published: February 2010

The topics of corruption and tax evasion have attracted significant attention in the literature in recent years. We build on that literature by investigating empirically: (1) whether attitudes toward corruption and tax evasion vary systematically with gender and (2) whether gender differences decline as men and women face similar opportunities for illicit behavior. We use data on eight Western European countries from the World Values Survey and the European Values Survey. The results reveal significantly greater aversion to corruption and tax evasion among women. This holds across countries and time, and across numerous empirical specifications.(JELH260, D730, J160, Z130)
THE CLOSED‐LOOP EFFECTS OF MARKET INTEGRATION IN A DYNAMIC DUOPOLY
Authors: FUJIWARA KENJI , SHINOZAKI TSUYOSHI
Published: February 2010

This paper develops a dynamic game model of reciprocal dumping to reconsider welfare effects of market integration, i.e. reductions in transport costs. We show that welfare under trade is unambiguously less than welfare under autarky for any level of transport costs, which is impossible in static models where trade is profitable if the transport cost is low enough. This is because the negative effect through closed‐loop property of feedback strategies dominates the positive effects.
FORECASTING AUSTRALIAN MACROECONOMIC VARIABLES USING A LARGE DATASET
Authors: TSIAPLIAS SARANTIS , CHUA CHEW LIAN
Published: February 2010

This paper investigates the forecasting performance of the diffusion index approach for the Australian economy, and considers the forecasting performance of the diffusion index approach relative to composite forecasts. Weighted and unweighted factor forecasts are benchmarked against composite forecasts, and forecasts derived from individual forecasting models. The results suggest that diffusion index forecasts tend to improve on the benchmark AR forecasts. We also observe that weighted factors tend to produce better forecasts than their unweighted counterparts. We find, however, that the size of the forecasting improvement is less marked than previous research, with the diffusion index forecasts typically producing mean square errors of a similar magnitude to the VAR and BVAR approaches.
OPTIMUM‐WELFARE AND MAXIMUM‐REVENUE TARIFFS IN MIXED OLIGOPOLY WITH FOREIGN COMPETITORS
Authors: WANG LEONARD F.S. , WANG JEAN , LEE JEN‐YAO
Published: February 2010

This paper re‐examines the important tariff ranking issue under a linear mixed oligopoly model with foreign competitors and asymmetric costs. We demonstrate that under Cournot competition, when the size of domestic private and foreign private firms become more unequally distributed, optimum‐welfare tariff will exceed maximum‐revenue tariff. We also show that under Stackelberg competition, when the domestic government protects its domestic sector, it will levy higher optimum‐welfare tariffs versus maximum‐revenue tariffs; however, when it decides to open its doors more for foreign competitors, it will need to levy higher maximum‐revenue tariffs versus optimum‐welfare tariffs. The above results remain valid whether the domestic public firm acts as a leader or a follower.
Real exchange rates in emerging economies
Authors: Brůha Jan , Podpiera Jiří
Published: February 2010

We analyse the role of various investment margins in explaining the real exchange rate appreciation recorded in European transition countries. We present a model that introduces a quality investment margin and show that the margin is needed for replicating the observed pace of real exchange rate appreciation.
Foreign bank entry, bank efficiency and market power in Central and Eastern European Countries1
Authors: Poghosyan Tigran , Poghosyan Arsen
Published: February 2010

This article analyses the implications of the recently observed sharp expansion of foreign banks in the Central and Eastern European Countries (CEECs) as measured by equity ownership. We show that the mode of foreign entry has a pivotal impact on the post‐entry performance of banks in CEECs. Foreign greenfield banks are characterized by superior cost efficiency, compared with domestic and foreign‐acquired banks. The efficiency of foreign‐acquired banks deteriorates in the initial year of acquisition, but improves thereafter. Banks acquired by foreigners have less market power relative to domestic and foreign greenfield banks. Overall, the CEEC banking sectors have benefited from the increased foreign bank participation, both in terms of higher efficiency and more competition.
FDI spillovers in new EU member states
Authors: Nicolini Marcella , Resmini Laura
Published: February 2010

Using an unbalanced panel of firm‐level data in Bulgaria, Poland and Romania, we examine the impact of foreign firms on domestic firms’ productivity. In particular, we try to answer the following research questions: (1) Are there any spillover effects of foreign direct investments (FDI), and if so, are they positive or negative? (2) Are spillover effects more likely to occur within or across sectors? (3) Are the existence, the direction and the magnitude of spillovers conditioned by sector and firm‐specific characteristics? Our findings show that FDI spillovers exist both within and across sectors. The former arise when foreign firms operate in labour‐intensive sectors, while the latter occur when foreign firms operate in high‐tech sectors. Moreover, we find that domestic firm size conditions the exploitation of FDI spillovers even after controlling for absorptive capacity. We also detect a great deal of heterogeneity across countries consistent with the technology gap hypothesis.
Industrial labour productivities and tariffs in South Africa
Authors: Harding Torfinn , Rattsø Jørn
Published: February 2010

The analysis of the effect of tariffs for labour productivity faces the challenge of tariff policy endogeneity. Tariff policy is designed to promote economic development and the industrial sector tariff structure may reflect characteristics of the industries protected. We seek to identify the effect of tariffs by taking advantage of multilateral tariff liberalization using reductions in industrial sector tariffs in other world regions as instruments for sectoral tariff reductions in South Africa. The data cover 28 manufacturing sectors over the period 1988–2003. We find that tariff reductions have stimulated labour productivity when instrumented by multilateral tariffs. The ordinary least‐squares estimates show downward bias and this confirms the endogeneity of tariffs. Investigation of channels of effects shows some support for the importance of competitive pressure and technology spillover from trade liberalization.
The Expatriate Real Estate Complex: Creative Destruction and the Production of Luxury in Post‐Socialist Prague
Authors: COOK ANDREW
Published: February 2010

This article explores the influence of international financial capital on the production of exclusionary housing markets and spatialities in the city of Prague, Czech Republic. It focuses on the regeneration of Karlín, a district of Prague increasingly defined by the presence of luxury housing and high‐specification office developments. Through a critical discussion of two private companies heavily implicated in the renewal of the district, it is possible to examine the ways in which these actors are contributing to this regeneration. I argue that the regeneration of the district is intimately bound up with processes of capitalist uneven development that couple networks of foreign investors with local municipal authorities through an asymmetric set of power relations. These relations are heavily skewed in favour of the private sector, and the complexity of the linkages between these actors makes meaningful regulation of foreign investment extremely challenging. I also suggest that such practices should not be seen as a transitory position between state socialist planning mechanisms and mature ‘Western’ practices of regeneration, but rather as explicitly post‐socialist in nature, and only as a partial reading of a number of different post‐socialisms, instead of being seen as representative of a singular ‘post‐socialist condition’.

Cet article explore l’influence du capital financier international sur la production de spatialités et de marchés du logement générateurs d’exclusion dans la capitale tchèque. Il s’intéresse à la régénération de Karlín, un quartier de Prague qui se caractérise de plus en plus par la présence d’habitations de luxe et d’aménagements de bureaux très spécifiques. À travers une analyse critique de deux sociétés privées fortement impliquées dans la rénovation du quartier, il est possible d’étudier les modalités selon lesquelles ces acteurs contribuent à cette régénération. Celle‐ci apparaît étroitement liée à des processus d’essor inégal du capitalisme qui associent des réseaux d’investisseurs étrangers aux autorités municipales dans un cadre asymétrique de relations de pouvoir. Ce cadre penche considérablement en faveur du secteur privé, et la complexité des liaisons entre ces acteurs rend extrêmement problématique une réglementation sensée de l’investissement étranger. De telles pratiques ne devraient pas être considérées comme une situation transitoire entre les mécanismes étatiques de planification socialiste et des pratiques de régénération ‘occidentales’éprouvées, mais comme étant de nature explicitement postsocialiste, et seulement dans une lecture partielle de plusieurs postsocialismes différents plutôt que dans une vision représentative d’une ‘situation postsocialiste’ singulière.
An Econometric Analysis of The Remittance Determinants Among Ghanaians and Nigerians in The United States, United Kingdom, and Germany
Authors: Ecer Sencer , Tompkins Andrea
Published: February 2010

This paper examines the determinants of remittance behavior relying on a dataset of migrants living in the United Kingdom, Germany and the United States who remit to Ghana and Nigeria. Controlling for endogeneity of several independent variables, the model measures the effects on the amount sent of the following variables: Home Country (Ghana or Nigeria), Host Country (United States, United Kingdom or Germany), Remittance Fees, Relationship to the Receiver, Purpose of Remittance, Financial Obligations in the Host Country, and Demographics. The results indicate that remittances are primarily influenced by the purpose of the remittance and from where the remittance is sent. It appears that different generations chose to migrate to different countries, creating differences in income, education and age. These differences along with financial obligations in the host country contribute to higher remittance levels. In regards to the development affects, the results of this paper hint that altruistic reasons for remitting may be associated with higher levels of remittances, while more self‐interested reasons for remitting are associated with lower levels of remittances. These results indicate that it may be difficult to design policies to encourage the use of remittances for development purposes, as remittances are primarily used for basic needs.
Trade Credit, Bank Credit and Financial Crisis*
Authors: LOVE INESSA , ZAIDI RIDA
Published: February 2010

This paper examines trade credit behavior in a sample of small and medium enterprises in four East Asian countries before and after the financial crisis of 1998. We use a unique dataset that contains detailed data on trade credit amount and contract terms along with data on access to finance. We find that after the crisis, firms constrained in bank finance receive less trade credit in terms of percent of inputs bought on credit and shorter time of repayment. They also reduce credit extension to their customers in terms of quantity and length of time, due to a smaller pool of available finance. Discount terms rise on both receivables and payables. Our evidence does not support the hypothesis that trade credit can substitute for bank credit in times of the crisis, and instead suggests that liquidity shocks are propagated along the supply chains.
Credit Default Swaps and the Stability of the Banking Sector*
Authors: HEYDE FRANK , NEYER ULRIKE
Published: February 2010

This paper considers credit default swaps (CDSs) used for the transfer of credit risk within the banking sector. The banks' motive to conclude these CDS contracts is to improve the diversification of their credit risk. It is shown that these CDSsreducethe stability of the banking sector in a recession. However, during a boom or in periods of moderate economic up‐ or downturn, theymay reducethis stability. The main reasons behind these negative impacts are firstly, that banks are induced to increase their investment in an illiquid, risky credit portfolio, and secondly, that these CDSs may create a possible channel of contagion.
Sophistication in Risk Management, Bank Equity, and Stability*
Authors: GERSBACH HANS , WENZELBURGER JAN
Published: February 2010

We investigate the question of whether sophistication in risk management fosters banking stability. We compare a simple banking system that uses an average rating with a sophisticated banking system in which banks are able to assess the default risk of entrepreneurs individually. Both banking systems compete for deposits, loans, and bank equity. While a sophisticated system rewards entrepreneurs with low default risks with low loan interest rates, a simple system acquires more bank equity and finances more entrepreneurs. Expected repayments in a simple system are always higher and its default risk may be lower. As an economy with a sophisticated banking system invests its funds more efficiently, there is a trade‐off between efficiency and stability of a banking system.
Entry risk into the juvenile justice system: African American, American Indian, Asian American, European American, and Hispanic children and adolescents
Authors: Vazsonyi Alexander T. , Chen Pan
Published: February 2010

Background:  Findings on disproportionate minority contact remain mixed. Few empirical studies have examined to what extent entry risk into juvenile justice varies across ethnic/racial groups, and to what extent childhood aggressive behaviors foretell later deviance and entry risk. In the current study, we sought to address these shortcomings by implementing a survival analysis on a representative sample of youth followed from age 8 to 18.

Methods:  The sample included N = 2,754 lower to lower‐middle SES youth from five different ethnic/racial groups (African American, American Indian, Asian American, European American, and Hispanic youth), part of a large‐scale violence prevention effort. Aggressive behaviors were rated by teachers during elementary school, entry risk into juvenile justice was measured by official data, while SES was based on census data.

Results:  Developmental entry risk into the juvenile justice system peaked at age 14 and subsequently declined. No differences were found across the four racial groups; however, Hispanic youth were at elevated risk (by 73%). Only childhood physical aggressive behavior increased entry risk (by 87%); this was above and beyond a ‘simple’ maturational liability we found and net any effects by sex, race/ethnicity, and SES.

Conclusions:  Some evidence suggested disproportionate minority contact, but only for Hispanic youth. Entry risk was invariant by race, but differed for males versus females and for youth from relatively higher socioeconomic status (SES) strata compared to youth from lower ones. Intervention efforts should target physically aggressive children during the elementary school years; however, some of the evidence also suggests that there exists a ‘maturational liability’ developmentally over time, between the ages of 8 and 18, independent of any of the focal predictors tested.
Research in people with psychosis risk syndrome: a review of the current evidence and future directions
Authors: Correll Christoph U. , Hauser Marta , Auther Andrea M. , Cornblatt Barbara A.
Published: February 2010

After decades of research, schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders are still among the most debilitating disorders in medicine. The chronic illness course in most individuals, greater treatment responsiveness during the first episode, progressive gray matter decline during early disease stages, and retrospective accounts of ‘prodromal’ or early illness signs and symptoms formed the basis for research on the psychosis risk syndrome (PRS), known variably as ‘clinical high risk’ (CHR), or ‘ultra‐high risk’ (UHR), or ‘prodromal’. The pioneering era of research on PRS focused on the development and validation of specific assessment tools and the delineation of high risk criteria. This was followed by the examination of conversion rates in psychosis risk cohorts followed naturalistically, identification of predictors of conversion to psychosis, and investigation of interventions able to abort or delay the development of full psychosis. Despite initially encouraging results concerning the predictive validity of PRS criteria, recent findings of declining conversion rates demonstrate the need for further investigations. Results from intervention studies, mostly involving second‐generation antipsychotics and cognitive behavioral therapy, are encouraging, but are currently still insufficient to make treatment recommendations for this early, relatively non‐specific illness phase. The next phase of research on PRS, just now beginning, has moved to larger, ‘multisite’ projects to increase generalizability and to ensure that sufficiently large samples at true risk for psychosis are included. Emphasis in these emerging studies is on: 1) identification of biomarkers for conversion to psychosis; 2) examination of non‐antipsychotic, neuroprotective and low‐risk pharmacologic and non‐pharmacologic interventions; 3) testing of potentially phase‐specific interventions; 4) examination of the relationship between treatment response during PRS and prognosis for the course of illness; 5) follow‐up of patients who developed schizophrenia despite early interventions and comparison of illness trajectories with patients who did not receive early interventions; 6) characterization of individuals with outcomes other than schizophrenia‐spectrum disorders, such as bipolar disorder and remission from PRS, including false positive cases; and 7) assessment of meaningful social and role functioning outcomes. While the research conducted to date has already yielded crucial information, the translation of the concept of a clinically identifiable PRS into clinical practice does not seem justified at this point.
Variations in blood lipid profile, thrombotic system, arterial elasticity and psychosexual parameters in the cases of surgical and natural menopause
Authors: TUNA Volkan , ALKIŞ Ismet , SAFIYE Akansu Saylik , IMAMOGLU Nilufer , BAYRAM Nebahat , ALI ISMET Tekirdag
Published: February 2010

In this study, comparing four different parameters in women with surgical menopause because of ovariectomy in reproductive age and in women with natural menopause, the effect of withdrawal of ovarian hormones on both groups was investigated. The patient groups in this study were constituted of 100 women in reproductive age who had undergone total abdominal hysterectomy + bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy and 50 women with natural menopause referred to out‐patient’s clinic within the same period. The findings for four different parameters were recorded one day before the surgery and at 3rd month post‐operatively in surgical menopause group and at the day of referral to outpatient clinic in natural menopause group. The parameters planned to be recorded were blood lipid profile, thrombotic system, arterial elasticity and psychosexual variations. Post‐operative high‐density lipoprotein level in surgical menopause group was found lower than that of natural menopause group (47.08 vs 52.44 mg/dL, P < 0.05). Post‐operative very low density lipoprotein level in surgical menopause group was increased more than that in natural menopause group (27.74 vs 23.58 mg/dL, P < 0.05). An increase was observed in post‐operative carotid artery Pulsality Index and Resistive Index levels of surgical menopause group compared with natural menopause group (1.44 vs 1.33, P < 0.001 and 0.73 vs 0.68, P < 0.001 respectively). In surgical menopause group, the differences between pre‐ and post‐operative values of bleeding time (1.15 vs 1.24, P < 0.0001), clotting time (5.9 vs 6.08, P < 0.0001) and fibrinogen level (422 vs 395, P < 0.0001) were found statistically significant. While bleeding time and clotting time were increased post‐operatively, fibrinogen level was decreased. A significant increase was observed in post‐operative mean Kupperman Index levels of surgical menopause group compared with that of natural menopause group (23.89 vs 9.94, P < 0.001). It was concluded that the ovaries should be considered as important organs impacting women’s quality of life with their hormones produced also in the period of menopause; that disadvantages of oophorectomy during hysterectomy should be considered and that an attempt to conserve ovaries during surgery except pre‐cancerous events would benefit women.
Electrical source imaging for presurgical focus localization in epilepsy patients with normal MRI
Authors: Brodbeck Verena , Spinelli Laurent , Lascano Agustina M. , Pollo Claudio , Schaller Karl , Vargas Maria I. , Wissmeyer Michael , Michel Christoph M. , Seeck Margitta
Published: February 2010

Purpose: Patients with magnetic resonance (MR)–negative focal epilepsy (MRN‐E) have less favorable surgical outcomes (between 40% and 70%) compared to those in whom an MRI lesion guides the site of surgical intervention (60–90%). Patients with extratemporal MRN‐E have the worst outcome (around 50% chance of seizure freedom). We studied whether electroencephalography (EEG) source imaging (ESI) of interictal epileptic activity can contribute to the identification of the epileptic focus in patients with normal MRI.

Methods: We carried out ESI in 10 operated patients with nonlesional MRI and a postsurgical follow‐up of at least 1 year. Five of the 10 patients had extratemporal lobe epilepsy. Evaluation comprised surface and intracranial EEG monitoring of ictal and interictal events, structural MRI, [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET), ictal and interictal perfusion single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) scans. Eight of the 10 patients also underwent intracranial monitoring.

Results: ESI correctly localized the epileptic focus within the resection margins in 8 of 10 patients, 9 of whom experienced favorable postsurgical outcomes.

Discussion: The results highlight the diagnostic value of ESI and encourage broadening its application to patients with MRN‐E. If the surface EEG contains fairly localized spikes, ESI contributes to the presurgical decision process.
Revised terminology and concepts for organization of seizures and epilepsies: Report of the ILAE Commission on Classification and Terminology, 2005–2009
Authors: Berg Anne T. , Berkovic Samuel F. , Brodie Martin J. , Buchhalter Jeffrey , Cross J. Helen , Van Emde Boas Walter , Engel Jerome , French Jacqueline , Glauser Tracy A. , Mathern Gary W. , Moshé Solomon L. , Nordli Douglas , Plouin Perrine , Scheffer Ingrid E.
Published: February 2010

The International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) Commission on Classification and Terminology has revised concepts, terminology, and approaches for classifying seizures and forms of epilepsy. Generalized and focal are redefined for seizures as occurring in and rapidly engaging bilaterally distributed networks (generalized) and within networks limited to one hemisphere and either discretely localized or more widely distributed (focal). Classification of generalized seizures is simplified. No natural classification for focal seizures exists; focal seizures should be described according to their manifestations (e.g., dyscognitive, focal motor). The concepts of generalized and focal do not apply to electroclinical syndromes. Genetic, structural–metabolic, and unknown represent modified concepts to replace idiopathic, symptomatic, and cryptogenic. Not all epilepsies are recognized as electroclinical syndromes. Organization of forms of epilepsy is first by specificity: electroclinical syndromes, nonsyndromic epilepsies with structural–metabolic causes, and epilepsies of unknown cause. Further organization within these divisions can be accomplished in a flexible manner depending on purpose. Natural classes (e.g., specific underlying cause, age at onset, associated seizure type), or pragmatic groupings (e.g., epileptic encephalopathies, self‐limited electroclinical syndromes) may serve as the basis for organizing knowledge about recognized forms of epilepsy and facilitate identification of new forms.
Δ9‐Tetrahydrocannabivarin suppresses in vitro epileptiform and in vivo seizure activity in adult rats
Authors: Hill Andrew J. , Weston Samantha E. , Jones Nicholas A. , Smith Imogen , Bevan Sarah A. , Williamson Elizabeth M. , Stephens Gary J. , Williams Claire M. , Whalley Benjamin J.
Published: February 2010

Purpose: We assessed the anticonvulsant potential of the phytocannabinoid Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabivarin (Δ9‐THCV) by investigating its effects in an in vitro piriform cortex (PC) brain slice model of epileptiform activity, on cannabinoid CB1 receptor radioligand‐binding assays and in a generalized seizure model in rats.

Methods: Δ9‐THCV was applied before (10 μmΔ9‐THCV) or during (10–50 μmΔ9‐THCV) epileptiform activity induced by Mg2+‐free extracellular media in adult rat PC slices and measured using multielectrode array (MEA) extracellular electrophysiologic techniques. The actions of Δ9‐THCV on CB1 receptors were examined using [3H]SR141716A competition binding and [35S]GTPγS assays in rat cortical membranes. Effects of Δ9‐THCV (0.025–2.5 mg/kg) on pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)–induced seizures in adult rats were also assessed.

Results: After induction of stable spontaneous epileptiform activity, acute Δ9‐THCV application (≥20 μm) significantly reduced burst complex incidence and the amplitude and frequency of paroxysmal depolarizing shifts (PDSs). Furthermore, slices pretreated with 10 μmΔ9‐THCV prior to induction of epileptiform activity exhibited significantly reduced burst complex incidence and PDS peak amplitude. In radioligand‐binding experiments, Δ9‐THCV acted as a CB1 receptor ligand, displacing 0.5 nm[3H]SR141716A with a Ki∼290 nm, but exerted no agonist stimulation of [35S]GTPγS binding. In PTZ‐induced seizures in vivo, 0.25 mg/kg Δ9‐THCV significantly reduced seizure incidence.

Discussion: These data demonstrate that Δ9‐THCV exerts antiepileptiform and anticonvulsant properties, actions that are consistent with a CB1 receptor–mediated mechanism and suggest possible therapeutic application in the treatment of pathophysiologic hyperexcitability states.
Immune‐mediated pancytopenia induced by oxaliplatin: a case report
Authors: Fontão‐Wendel Rita , Hoff Paulo M. , Lazar Arlette , Freitas Daniela , Novis Yana , Patah Poliana , Tsujita Maristela , Balthazar Adriana , Pierroti Márcia , Wendel Silvano
Published: February 2010

BACKGROUND: Drug‐induced immune pancytopenia is considered an uncommon disorder.

CASE REPORT: A 76‐year‐old woman with metastatic gastric adenocarcinoma received 15 cycles of FOLFOX‐6 (oxaliplatin/folinic acid/fluorouracil) with a complete response. Upon disease progression, she was restarted on FOLFOX; during the seventh cycle of treatment, 1 hour after completing her oxaliplatin infusion, she presented oral bleeding, petechiae and generalized hematomas. Her platelet (PLT) count decreased from 164 × 109/L to less than 5 × 109/L within a 3‐hour period and her white blood cells (WBCs) decreased from 5 × 109 to 1.5 × 109/L. One day later she presented a decrease in hemoglobin level (from 11.4 to 10 g/dL, reaching 8.9 g/dL after 5 days). The patient's PLT and lymphocyte count started to recover after 3 days of immunosuppressive treatment.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: PLT, red blood cell (RBC), and WBC antibody detection tests were performed in the presence and absence of oxaliplatin. PLT‐associated antibodies were evaluated by monoclonal antibody immobilization of PLT antigen assay and flow cytometry; WBC antibodies were tested by flow cytometry; and RBC antibodies were evaluated by gel and indirect antiglobulin test tube testing drug‐treated RBCs and untreated RBCs in the presence of drug.

RESULTS: Positive reactions were obtained only in the presence of the drug (1 mg/mL) for all tests performed (PLTs, RBCs, and WBCs).

CONCLUSIONS: Our case convincingly demonstrates that oxaliplatin led to the production of drug‐dependent PLT, RBC, and WBC antibodies inducing pancytopenia in the patient. The oxaliplatin was discontinued and patient's hematologic values recovered to normal levels.
Blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome
Authors: Agnese M , Cipolletta L , Bianco MA , Quitadamo P , Miele E , Staiano A
Published: February 2010

Blue Rubber Bleb Nevus Syndrome (BRBNS) is a rare condition characterized by multiple venous malformations involving the skin and internal organs. The gastrointestinal tract is always involved and intestinal haemorrhage is the most frequent clinical manifestation associated with iron deficiency anaemia. We describe a 10‐year‐old girl who, since birth, presented numerous venous malformations all over her body and a lymphangioma in the right leg. At the age of 5 years, she also had a severe episode of gastric bleeding requiring a blood transfusion. From this episode, she is suffering from chronic anaemia and this is the reason for admission into our hospital. The endoscopic examination of the gastrointestinal tract revealed multiple giant venous malformations in the oesophagus, stomach, duodenum and in all visible sections of the colon. Endoscopy is the gold standard technique for the diagnosis of BRBNS with GI lesions and also allows immediate therapeutic measures such as argon plasma coagulation, laser photocoagulation, sclerotherapy or band ligation. In addition, pharmacological treatments based on corticosteroids, interferon alfa, vincristine or octreotide have been described for BRBNS.

Conclusion:  Blue Rubber Bleb Nevus Syndrome is a congenital cutaneous and gastrointestinal haemangiomatosis. Its morbidity and mortality depends on involvement of visceral organs and particularly on GI bleeding. The treatment is based on pharmacological or surgical therapy. Overall, the most important step is the follow‐up to the presence and the evolution of GI lesions and the possible bleeding.
Predicting neurodevelopmental impairment in preterm infants by standardized neurological assessments at 6 and 12 months corrected age
Authors: Grimmer I , Metze BC , Walch E , Scholz T , Bührer C
Published: February 2010

Aim:  Neurodevelopmental impairment in very preterm infants can be reasonably diagnosed by 18–24 months corrected age, whereas the predictive value of earlier assessments is debated. We hypothesized that neurological findings at 6 and 12 months indicative of subsequent cerebral palsy predict 18–24 months’ neurodevelopmental impairment.

Methods:  Neurodevelopmental examinations (Griffiths scales) at 20 months of age in 561 preterm infants (birth weight <1 500 g) were compared with results of standardized neurological examinations (Early Motor Pattern Profile; EMPP) and Griffiths scales at 6 (n = 451) and 12 months (n = 496) corrected age.

Results:  Griffiths developmental quotients at 20 months were weakly but significantly related to EMPP scores at 6 (Rs = 0.328) and 12 months (Rs = 0.493). Areas under receiver operator characteristic curves for the EMPP to predict neurodevelopmental impairment (Griffiths scores ≤75) at 20 months were 0.772 (0.890) at 6 (12) months, compared to 0.915 (0.962) for Griffiths scores. By contrast, EMPP and Griffiths scores had equal power to predict unability to walk unaided at 2 years of age (EMPP 6/12 months: 0.946/0.983; Griffiths 6/12 months: 0.935/0.985).

Conclusion:  Neurological examinations with the EMPP at 6 and 12 months corrected age are of limited value to predict neurodevelopmental impairment at 20 months.
Parents’ views of their child’s health and family function in paediatric inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Lindfred H , Saalman R , Nilsson S , Lepp M
Published: February 2010

Aim:  The aim of this study was to explore parents’ views and agreement of their child’s current and future health, as well as the family’s functioning in daily life with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Methods:  In this study, 119 parents (65 mothers and 54 fathers) of 66 adolescents (11–16 years) with IBD completed a questionnaire regarding their views of their child’s IBD and health‐related behaviour.

Results:  The majority of the parents held a positive view of their child’s current health status. However, the parents voiced a range of worries about their children’s future health and life situation such as fear about the side effects of medication, concerns for future schooling, social life and employment options. Within the families, the parental pairs had more similar views about their child’s current health status than about their future health. Factors that affected the parents’ views consisted of cohabitation status, i.e. parents not living together, and severe disease course, both correlated with a more negative view of the child’s current health and family functioning.

Conclusion:  The majority of the parents in this study had a largely positive view of their child’s current health status, but they expressed concerns about their child’s future health. Knowledge about parents’ thoughts may be of importance for healthcare teams supporting families with IBD.
Development of adaptive motor behaviour in typically developing infants
Authors: Heineman KR , Middelburg KJ , Hadders‐Algra M
Published: February 2010

Aim:  During motor development, infants learn to select adaptive motor strategies out of their motor repertoire. The aim of this study is twofold: first, to investigate whether the presence of adaptive motor behaviour can be observed reliably, and second, to explore the ages at which clinically observable transition to adaptive motility emerges for four specific motor functions: abdominal progression, sitting motility, reaching and grasping.

Methods:  The reliability part of the study included 38 assessments of term and preterm infants in the age range of 4–18 months. The longitudinal prospective study included 30 term born typically developing infants with nine assessments between 3 and 18 months. On the basis of standardized video‐recordings of spontaneous motor behaviour, the presence of adaptive motor strategies was scored.

Results:  Intra‐ and interobserver reliability were good. Clinically observable transitions to adaptive selection started to emerge from 6 months onwards and peaked between 8 and 15 months. Transitions developed gradually and occurred at specific ages for different motor functions.

Conclusion:  Transition to adaptive motor behaviour can be observed reliably. Adaptive motor behaviour develops gradually from 6 months onwards at function‐specific ages. Comparison of our results to literature showed that changes measured by neurophysiologic methods precede clinically observed transitions.
The prognostic value of early aEEG in asphyxiated infants undergoing systemic hypothermia treatment
Authors: Hallberg B , Grossmann K , Bartocci M , Blennow M
Published: February 2010

Background:  Induced moderate hypothermia (HT) for 72 h has been shown to reduce the combined outcome of death or severe neurodevelopmental disabilities in asphyxiated full‐term infants. A pathological amplitude integrated EEG background as early as 3–6 h after birth, has been shown to correlate to poor prognosis.

Aim:  The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between amplitude integrated EEG during HT treatment and short‐term outcome in asphyxiated full‐term infants with moderate/severe hypoxic‐ischaemic encephalopathy.

Methods:  Between December 2006 and December 2007, 24 infants were treated with moderate HT (33.5°C for 72 h) using a cooling mattress. Motor functions were assessed at 4 and 12 months of age.

Results:  Of the total birth cohort of 28,837 infants, 26 infants fulfilled the criteria for HT treatment (0.9/1000) of whom 23 was treated with HT and all of these infants had available amplitude integrated EEG data. Normal 1‐year outcome was found in 10/15 infants with severely abnormal burst‐suppression pattern or worse at 6 h of age. Severe abnormalities were found to be significantly predictive for abnormal outcome after 36 h.

Conclusion:  Among asphyxiated infants treated with HT, only those who had aEEG abnormalities persisting at and beyond 24 h after birth showed poor neurological outcome at 1 year.
Body composition in full‐term healthy infants measured with air displacement plethysmography at 1 and 12 weeks of age
Authors: Eriksson Britt , Löf Marie , Forsum Elisabet
Published: February 2010

Aim:  To use Pea Pod, a device based on air displacement plethysmography, to study body composition of healthy, full‐term infants born to well‐nourished women with a western life‐style.

Methods:  Body composition was assessed in 53 girls and 55 boys at 1 week (before 10 days of age) and at 12 weeks (between 77 and 91 days of age).

Results:  At 1 week girls contained 13.4 ± 3.7% body fat and boys 12.5 ± 4.0%. At 12 weeks, these figures were 26.3 ± 4.2% (girls) and 26.4 ± 5.1% (boys). Body fat (%) did not differ significantly between the genders. Body fat (%) at the two measurements was not correlated. At 1 week, the weight (r = 0.20, p = 0.044) and BMI (r = 0.26, p = 0.007) of the infants, but not their body fat (g, %) or fat free mass (g), correlated with BMI before pregnancy in their mothers.

Conclusions:  Pea Pod has potential for use in studies investigating the effect of external (i.e. nutritional status) and internal (i.e. age, gender, gestational age at birth) factors on infant body composition. This may be of value when studying relationships between the nutritional situation during early life and adult health.
Optimal birth weight percentile cut‐offs in defining small‐ or large‐for‐gestational‐age
Authors: Xu H , Simonet F , Luo Z‐C
Published: February 2010

Aims:  It remains questionable what birth weight for gestational age percentile cut‐offs should be used in defining clinically important poor or excessive foetal growth. We aimed to evaluate the optimal birth weight percentile cut‐offs for defining small‐ or large‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA or LGA).

Methods:  In a birth cohort‐based analysis of 17 979 120 non‐malformation singleton live births, U.S. 1995–2001, we assessed the optimal birth weight percentile cut‐offs for defining SGA and LGA. The 25th–75th percentile group served as the reference. Primary outcomes are the risk ratios (RR) of neonatal death and low 5‐min Apgar score (<4) comparing SGA or LGA versus the reference group. More than 2‐fold risk elevations were considered clinically significant.

Results:  The 15th birth weight cut‐off already identified SGA infants at more than 2‐fold risk of neonatal death at pre‐term, term or post‐term, except for extremely pre‐term births <28 weeks (continuous risk reductions over increasing birth weight percentiles). LGA was associated with a reduced risk of low 5‐min Apgar score at pre‐term, but an elevated risk at term and post‐term. The 97th cut‐off identified LGA infants at 2‐fold risk of low 5‐min Apgar at term.

Conclusion:  The commonly used 10th and 90th birth weight percentile cut‐offs for defining SGA and LGA respectively seem largely arbitrary. The 15th and 97th percentiles may be the optimal cut‐offs to define SGA and LGA respectively.
Association of the interleukin‐23 receptor gene variant rs11209026 with Crohn’s disease in German children
Authors: Lacher M , Schroepf S , Helmbrecht J , Von Schweinitz D , Ballauff A , Koch I , Lohse P , Osterrieder S , Kappler R , Koletzko S
Published: February 2010

Aim:  Genome‐wide association studies have described variants within the interleukin‐23 receptor (IL23R) locus to be associated with Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). We investigated the association of rs11209026 (p.Arg381Gln) and rs7517847 (c.799‐3588T>G) into German paediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients and analysed IL23R transcriptional activity in colonic tissues.

Methods:  The rs11209026 and rs7517847 nucleotide substitutions were determined in 353 German children with IBD (221 CD, 132 UC) and 253 controls using pre‐designed TaqMan® SNP genotyping assays. In selected IBD patients and controls, IL23R mRNA expression was measured using real‐time PCR.

Results:  The prevalence of the rs11209026 A allele was lower in CD patients, but not in UC patients, when compared with controls (1.8% vs 7.1%, p < 0.01). The rs7517847 variant, in contrast, was associated neither with CD nor with UC. IL23R expression was variable in IBD patients compared with controls without significant overexpression or downregulation.

Conclusion:  Our study provides additional support for the strong protection of the rs11209026 (p.Arg381Gln) variant against paediatric CD. IL23R was expressed in both CD and UC with a great variability. However, expression levels showed no significant association with the disease.