bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TRIM28 repression of retrotransposon-based enhancers is necessary to preserve transcriptional dynamics in embryonic stem cells
Authors: Rowe Helen M. , Kapopoulou Adamandia , Corsinotti Andrea , Fasching Liana , Macfarlan Todd S. , Tarabay Yara , Viville Stéphane , Jakobsson Johan , Pfaff Samuel L. , Trono Didier
Published: December 2012

TRIM28 is critical for the silencing of endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) in embryonic stem (ES) cells. Here, we reveal that an essential impact of this process is the protection of cellular gene expression in early embryos from perturbation by cis-acting activators contained within these retroelements. In TRIM28-depleted ES cells, repressive chromatin marks at ERVs are replaced by histone modifications typical of active enhancers, stimulating transcription of nearby cellular genes, notably those harboring bivalent promoters. Correspondingly, ERV-derived sequences can repress or enhance expression from an adjacent promoter in transgenic embryos depending on their TRIM28 sensitivity in ES cells. TRIM28-mediated control of ERVs is therefore crucial not just to prevent retrotransposition, but more broadly to safeguard the transcriptional dynamics of early embryos.
Helical supramolecular assembly ofN2,N2′-bis[3-(morpholin-4-yl)propyl]-N1,N1′-(1,2-phenylene)dioxalamide dimethyl sulfoxide monosolvate
Authors: González-González Juan Saulo , Padilla-Martínez Itzia I. , García-Báez Efrén V. , Franco-Hernández Olivia , Martínez-Martínez Francisco J.
Published: December 2012

In the title compound, C24H36N6O6·C2H6OS, the carbonyl groups are in an antiperiplanar conformation, with O=C—C=O torsion angles of 178.59 (15) and −172.08 (16)°. An intramolecular hydrogen-bonding pattern is depicted by four N—H...O interactions, which form two adjacentS(5)S(5) motifs, and an N—H...N interaction, which forms anS(6) ring motif. Intermolecular N—H...O hydrogen bonding and C—H...O soft interactions allow the formation of ameso-helix. The title compound is the first example of a helical 1,2-phenylenedioxalamide. The oxalamide traps one molecule of dimethyl sulfoxide through N—H...O hydrogen bonding. C—H...O soft interactions give rise to the two-dimensional structure.
An amino–imino resonance study of 2-amino-4-methylpyridinium nitrate and 2-amino-5-methylpyridinium nitrate
Authors: Yan Xing-Chen , Fan Yu-Hua , Bi Cai-Feng , Zhang Xia , Zhang Zhong-Yu
Published: December 2012

The contributions of the amino and imino resonance forms to the ground-state structures of 2-amino-4-methylpyridinium nitrate, C6H9N2+·NO3−, and the previously reported 2-amino-5-methylpyridinium nitrate [Yan, Fan, Bi, Zuo & Zhang (2012).Acta Cryst.E68, o2084], were studied using a combination of IR spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography and density functional theory (DFT). The results show that the structures of 2-amino-4-methylpyridine and 2-amino-5-methylpyridine obtained upon protonation are best described as existing largely in the imino resonance forms.
Controllable assembly of a three-dimensional metal–organic supramolecular framework including π–π stacking interactions
Authors: Cai Hua , Guo Ying , Li Jian-Gang
Published: December 2012

The mixed-ligand metal–organic complex poly[(μ3-phthalato)[μ2-3-(pyridin-2-yl)-1H-pyrazol-1-ido]dicopper(II)], [Cu2(C8H4O4)(C8H6N3)2]n, has been synthesized by the reaction of copper(II) acetate with 2-(1H-pyrazol-3-yl)pyridine (HL) and phthalic acid. The binuclear chelating–bridgingLunits are further linked by bridging phthalate ligands into a two-dimensional network parallel to the (010) plane. The two-dimensional networks are extended into a three-dimensional supramolecular architectureviaπ–π stacking interactions.
Poly[aqua[μ4-3,3′-(diazenediyl)dibenzoato]zinc]
Authors: Liu Lei-Lei , Zhao Feng
Published: December 2012

The solvothermal reaction of Zn(OAc)2·2H2O with 3,3′-(diazenediyl)dibenzoic acid (H2ADB) in H2O at 393 K afforded the title complex, [Zn(C14H8N2O4)(H2O)]n. The asymmetric unit contains half a ZnIIcation, half an ADB ligand and half a water molecule. Each ZnIIcentre lies on a crystallographic twofold rotation axis and is five-coordinated by four O atoms of bridging carboxylate groups from four ADB ligands and one O atom from a water molecule, forming a distorted trigonal–bipyramidal coordination geometry. The [Zn(H2O)] subunits are bridged by carboxylate groups to give one-dimensional [Zn(μ-COO)4(H2O)]nchains. The chains are linked by ADB ligands into two-dimensional sheets, and these sheets are further connected to neighbouring sheetsviahydrogen bonds (OW—HW...O), forming a three-dimensional hydrogen-bond-stabilized structure with an unprecedented 374175262topology.
Two lanthanum(III) complexes containing η2-pyrazolate and η2-1,2,4-triazolate ligands: intramolecular C—H...N/O interactions and coordination geometries
Authors: Wang Yu-Long , Feng Meng , Tao Xian , Tang Qing-Yun , Shen Ying-Zhong
Published: December 2012

The lanthanum(III) complexes tris(3,5-diphenylpyrazolato-κ2N,N′)tris(tetrahydrofuran-κO)lanthanum(III) tetrahydrofuran monosolvate, [La(C15H11N2)3(C4H8O)3]·C4H8O, (I), and tris(3,5-diphenyl-1,2,4-triazolato-κ2N1,N2)tris(tetrahydrofuran-κO)lanthanum(III), [La(C14H10N3)3(C4H8O)3], (II), both contain LaIIIatoms coordinated by three heterocyclic ligands and three tetrahydrofuran ligands, but their coordination geometries differ. Complex (I) has amer-distorted octahedral geometry, while complex (II) has afac-distorted configuration. The difference in the coordination geometries and the existence of asymmetric La—N bonding in the two complexes is associated with intramolecular C—H...N/O interactions between the ligands.
A tetranuclear cadmium(II) complex based on the 2-(quinolin-8-yloxy)acetonitrile ligand
Authors: Liu Ming-Liang , Ye Qiong
Published: December 2012

The hydrothermal reaction of 2-(quinolin-8-yloxy)acetonitrile and Cd(ClO4)2yielded the noncentrosymmetric coordination complex tetrakis[μ-2-(quinolin-8-yloxy)acetato]tetrakis[μ-2-(quinolin-8-yloxy)acetonitrile]tetracadmium tetrakis(perchlorate) dihydrate, [Cd4(C11H8NO3)4(C11H8N2O)4](ClO4)4·2H2O. The local coordination environment around the CdIIcation can be best described as a capped octahedron defined by two N atoms and five O atoms from three ligands. The CdIIcations are linked by the ligands with Cd—O—Cd and Cd—O—C—C—O—Cd bridges, forming tetranuclear units, there being two independent tertranuclear units in the structure. The fourfold rotoinversion centre sits at the centre of each Cd4core. The two perchlorate anions in the asymmetric unit are linked by the water molecule through O—H...O hydrogen bonds.
Completing the bis[hydroxybis(pyridin-2-yl)methanesulfonato-κ3N,O,N′]MIIseries (M= Mn to Zn) with the copper(II) and cobalt(II) structures
Authors: Haghjoo Farhad , Pritchard Robin
Published: December 2012

The CuIIcomplex bis[hydroxybis(pyridin-2-yl)methanesulfonato-κ3N,O,N′]copper(II) hexahydrate, [Cu(C11H9N2O4S)2]·6H2O, (I), crystallizes in the space groupP\overline{1}, compared withP21/cfor the anhydrous CoIIanalogue bis[hydroxybis(pyridin-2-yl)methanesulfonato-κ3N,O,N′]cobalt(II), [Co(C11H9N2O4S)2], (II). However, both molecules sit on a crystallographic inversion centre and are thus very similar in appearance. Jahn–Teller elongation of the Cu—O bonds [2.347 (3) Å in (I) and 2.064 (2) Å in (II)] influences the S—O bond lengths, which are all around 1.455 (3) Å in (I) and 1.436 (2)–1.473 (2) Å in (II).
Synthesis, crystal structures and chemical bonding of RE5−xLixGe4(RE = Nd, Sm and Gd;x≃ 1) with the orthorhombic Gd5Si4type
Authors: Suen Nian-Tzu , You Tae-Soo , Bobev Svilen
Published: December 2012

The syntheses and single-crystal and electronic structures of three new ternary lithium rare earth germanides, RE5−xLixGe4(RE = Nd, Sm and Gd;x≃ 1), namely tetrasamarium lithium tetragermanide (Sm3.97Li1.03Ge4), tetraneodymium lithium tetragermanide (Nd3.97Li1.03Ge4) and tetragadolinium lithium tetragermanide (Gd3.96Li1.03Ge4), are reported. All three compounds crystallize in the orthorhombic space groupPnmaand adopt the Gd5Si4structure type (Pearson codeoP36). There are six atoms in the asymmetric unit: Li1 in Wyckoff site 4c, RE1 in 8d, RE2 in 8d, Ge1 in 8d, Ge2 in 4cand Ge3 in 4c. One of the RE sites,i.e.RE2, is statistically occupied by RE and Li atoms, accounting for the small deviation from ideal RE4LiGe4stoichiometry.
Testing applied nucleation as a strategy to facilitate tropical forest recovery
Authors: Zahawi Rakan A. , Holl Karen D. , Cole Rebecca J. , Reid J. Leighton
Published: December 2012

Active forest restoration typically involves planting trees over large areas; this practice is costly, however, and establishing homogeneous plantations may favour the recruitment of a particular suite of species and strongly influence the successional trajectory. An alternative approach is to plant nuclei (islands) of trees to simulate the nucleation model of succession and accelerate natural recovery.

We evaluated natural tree recruitment over 4 years in a restoration study replicated at eight former pasture sites in the tropical premontane forest zone of southern Costa Rica. At each site, two active restoration strategies were established in 50 × 50 m plots: planting trees throughout, and planting different‐sized tree islands (4 × 4, 8 × 8, 12 × 12 m) within the plot. Restoration plots were compared to similar‐sized controls undergoing passive restoration. Sites were spread across c. 100 km2 and distributed along a gradient of surrounding forest, allowing us to compare the relative importance of adjacent forest to that of within‐site treatment on tree recruitment.

Recruitment of animal‐dispersed tree species was more than twofold higher in active (μ = 0·45 recruits m−2) as compared to passive restoration; recruitment was equivalent in plantation and island treatments, even though only 20% of the area in island plots was planted originally. The majority of recruits (>90%) represented early successional species (n = 54 species total).

Density of animal‐dispersed recruits was greater in large (0·80 ± 0·66 m−2) than small (0·28 ± 0·36 m−2) islands and intermediate in medium‐sized islands. Seedling recruitment (<1 m tall) was greater in the interior of islands as compared to plantations, whereas sapling recruitment was similar, suggesting that island interiors may develop greater density of woody recruits as succession proceeds.

Surrounding forest cover did not influence density or species richness of recruits among sites, although this factor may become more important over time.

Synthesis and applications. Applied nucleation is a promising restoration strategy that can accelerate forest recovery to a similar degree as plantation‐style restoration but is more economical. Appropriate island size is on the order of c. 100 m2. Practitioners should consider the methodology as an alternative to large‐scale plantings.
Short‐term dynamics of diversity patterns: evidence of continual reassembly within lacustrine small eukaryotes
Authors: Mangot Jean‐François , Domaizon Isabelle , Taib Najwa , Marouni Nemr , Duffaud Emilie , Bronner Gisèle , Debroas Didier
Published: December 2012

The short‐term variation in the community structure of freshwater small eukaryotes (0.2–5 μm) was investigated in a mesotrophic lake every 2–3 days over one summer by coupling three molecular methods: 454 amplicon pyrosequencing, qPCR and TSA‐FISH. The pyrosequencing approach unveiled a much more extensive small‐eukaryotic diversity (991 OTUs) than has been described previously. The vast majority of the diversity described was represented by rare OTUs (≤ 0.01% of reads) belonging primarily to Cryptomycota, Dikarya and photosynthetic organisms, which were never detected as abundant in any of the samples. The small eukaryote community was characterized by a continual and important reassembly. These rearrangements involved the 20 ‘core taxa’ (≥ 1% of reads), and, were essentially due to a handful of OTUs that were detected in intermediate abundance (0.01–1% of reads) and sporadically in dominant taxa. Putative bacterivorous (Ciliophora and Cercozoa) as well as parasitic and saprotrophic taxa (Perkinsozoa and Cryptomycota) were involved in these changes of diversity. A putative infection of microalgae by a lacustrine perkinsozoan was also reported for the first time in this study. Open questions regarding both the patterns that govern the rapid small eukaryote reassemblies and the possible biogeography of these organisms arise from this study.
Triggers for head computed tomography following paediatric head injury: Comparison of physicians' reported practice and clinical decision rules
Authors: Lockie Francis D , Dalton Sarah , Oakley Ed , Babl Franz E
Published: December 2012

Objective

To compare head computed tomography (CT) triggers for paediatric head injury as reported by senior paediatric emergency physicians in Australia and New Zealand with triggers in published evidence‐based clinical decision rules (CDRs).

Methods

A survey of CT triggers after head injury was distributed to senior emergency physicians at PREDICT (Paediatric Research in Emergency Departments International Collaborative) sites in Australia and New Zealand. Results were compared with recommendations for CT scans in CATCH, CHALICE and PECARN CDRs. Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) from each site were also reviewed.

Results

The response rate was 93% (130/140). No published trigger for head CT was identified by 100% of survey participants and each CDR included several triggers not identified by many respondents. Abnormal examination findings, including depressed skull fracture and base of skull fracture, were most likely to prompt respondents to order a head CT (>90%). A concerning mechanism of injury, such as a fall greater than 3 feet or five stairs, triggered a CT response only in approximately 10% of respondents. Eight different head injury CPGs were used across the 13 PREDICT sites. These were highly variable between sites and CPGs were not explicitly based on published CDRs.

Conclusion

High‐quality, published CDRs exist for head CT use after paediatric head injury. Physician‐reported CT triggers differ from CDR‐recommended triggers. The major published head injury CDRs should be prospectively validated in the Australasian setting before incorporating them into local practice and CPGs.
The heritability of oxycodone reward and concomitant phenotypes in a LG/J × SM/J mouse advanced intercross line
Authors: Bryant Camron D. , Guido Michael A. , Kole Loren A. , Cheng Riyan
Published: December 2012

The rewarding property of opioids likely contributes to their abuse potential. Therefore, determining the genetic basis of opioid reward could aid in understanding the neurobiological mechanisms of opioid addiction, provided that it is a heritable trait. Here, we characterized the rewarding property of the widely abused prescription opioid oxycodone (OXY) in the conditioned place preference (CPP) assay using LG/J and SM/J parental inbred mouse strains and 17 parent–offspring families of a LG/J × SM/J F47/F48 advanced intercross line (AIL). Following OXY training (5 mg/kg, i.p.), SM/J mice and AIL mice, but not LG/J mice, showed an increase in preference for the OXY‐paired side, suggesting a genetic basis for OXY‐CPP. SM/J mice showed greater locomotor activity than LG/J mice in response to both saline and OXY. LG/J, SM/J, and AIL mice all exhibited robust OXY‐induced locomotor sensitization. Narrow‐sense heritability (h2) estimates of the phenotypes using linear regression and maximum likelihood estimation showed good agreement (r = 0.91). OXY‐CPP was clearly not a heritable trait whereas drug–free‐ and OXY‐induced locomotor activity and sensitization were significantly and sometimes highly heritable (h2 = 0.30–0.84). Interestingly, the number of transitions between the saline‐ and OXY‐paired sides emerged as a reliably heritable trait following OXY training (h2 = 0.46–0.66) and could represent a genetic component of drug‐seeking behavior. Thus, although OXY‐CPP does not appear to be amenable to genome‐wide quantitative trait locus mapping, this protocol will be useful for mapping other traits potentially relevant to opioid abuse.
The value of biochemical markers in predicting a perforation in acute appendicitis
Authors: McGowan David Ross , Sims Helen M. , Zia Khawaja , Uheba Mokthar , Shaikh Irshad Ahammed
Published: December 2012

Background

Acute appendicitis is the most common surgical diagnosis of abdominal pain. Perforated appendicitis can result in increased morbidity and mortality. Identifying a perforation early can reduce the impact on the patient. Bilirubin, C‐reactive protein (CRP) and white cell count (WCC) have been shown to indicate perforation in appendicitis. This study aimed to identify whether these biochemical markers can be used to identify if patients are suitable for either a conservative or surgical approach.

Methods

A retrospective post hoc analysis of all appendicectomies over a 6‐year period investigating the association between preoperative bilirubin, CRP, WCC, and neutrophil count and the histological findings of either the presence or lack of a perforation.

Results

One thousand two hundred seventy‐one patients had appendicitis, 154 (12.12%) of which were perforated upon histological examination. All biochemical markers were significantly higher in perforation (P < 0.001). The greatest sum of sensitivity and specificity of CRP was at 34.6 mg/L (sensitivity 78.57%, specificity 63.01%), and for bilirubin was at 21.5 μmol/L (sensitivity 62.96%, specificity 88.31%). Combining CRP and bilirubin improved sensitivity and specificity, but this was reduced by further incorporating WCC and neutrophils. Logistic regression analysis identified CRP as the most sensitive marker of perforation (odds ratio (OR) = 1.064 (1.043–1.085) ) (P < 0.001), with bilirubin (OR = 1.005 (1.003–1.008) ) also significant (P < 0.001) for a 1‐unit increase.

Conclusion

Bilirubin and CRP are markers of perforation in appendicitis, but are not accurate enough to be diagnostic. In a patient with high clinical suspicion of acute appendicitis, a raised CRP and bilirubin suggests that a patient is not suitable for conservative treatment.
Efficacy of transanal drainage for anastomotic leakage after laparoscopic low anterior resection of the rectum
Authors: Okoshi Kae , Masano Yuuki , Hasegawa Suguru , Hida Koya , Kawada Kenji , Nomura Akinari , Kawamura Junichiro , Nagayama Satoshi , Yoshimura Tsunehiro , Sakai Yoshiharu
Published: December 2012

Introduction

Anastomotic leakage remains a devastating complication following low anterior resection of the rectum. Our aim was to retrospectively assess the efficacy of transanal drainage.

Methods

Twenty‐five patients with anastomotic leakage after laparoscopic low anterior resection (using the double‐stapling technique) were reviewed. Transanal drainage was performed when an abscess was localized within the pelvic cavity, and any leakage was detected through radiological study and digital examination. In each patient, the fistula was dilated with a forefinger, and the abscess was drained into the rectum. A suction drain tube was indwelled transanally when the abscess cavity was large or unstable. Clinical outcomes of patients after transanal drainage were then analyzed.

Results

Nine of the 25 patients required an emergency operation. The remaining 16 cases with localized disease were treated conservatively as an initial treatment. This included 12 patients treated by transanal drainage, 10 of whom were successfully cured. Two eventually required a defunctioning ileostomy because of fistula formation with other organs (treatment success rate: 83.3%). The median duration of drain placement, fasting and postoperative hospitalization were 10, 10 and 45 days, respectively.

Conclusions

Transanal drainage may be a viable option for the treatment of anastomotic leakage after low anterior resection of the rectum.
Schultz–Crock binocular ophthalmoscope
Authors: McAllister Ian L , Keeler Richard , Burrows Clive
Published: December 2012

The ophthalmoscope, which is an indispensable tool of our profession, is now taken for granted. It is often forgotten that it was only just over 150 years ago that the first binocular ophthalmoscope was invented. The early instruments were not popular for a variety of reasons. Australians Donald Schultz and Gerald Crock played a major role in improving this instrument and developing the modifications that turned it into an everyday tool of all ophthalmologists.
Combining phacoemulsification with endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation to manage cataract and glaucoma
Authors: Clement Colin I , Kampougeris George , Ahmed Faisal , Cordeiro M Francesca , Bloom Philip A
Published: December 2012

Background

To examine the outcome and complications of combined phacoemulsification and endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation as surgical management of cataract and glaucoma.

Design

Retrospective uncontrolled case series from the glaucoma unit, Western Eye Hospital, London, UK.

Participants

Sixty‐three eyes from 59 patients with coexisting cataract and glaucoma.

Methods

Patients underwent routine phacoemulsification followed by 270–360 degree endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation as a single procedure.

Main Outcome Measures

Intraocular pressure, number of intraocular pressure‐lowering medications, logMAR visual acuity, recorded complications.

Results

Baseline characteristics included mean age (77.3 ± 11.1 years), mean logMAR visual acuity (1.01 ± 0.98), mean intraocular pressure (21.13 ± 6.21 mmHg) and mean number of intraocular pressure‐lowering medications, (2.71 ± 1.06). Twelve months after phacoemulsification and endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation, mean intraocular pressure had reduced to 16.09 ± 5.27 mmHg (P < 0.01), number of intraocular pressure‐lowering medications reduced to 1.47 ± 1.30 (P < 0.01) and mean logMAR acuity improved to 0.33 ± 0.22 (P < 0.01). Success, defined as an intraocular pressure reduction > 20% with intraocular pressure 6–21 mmHg, was achieved in 55.5% of eyes at 12 months. Complications included fibrinous uveitis, elevated intraocular pressure, posterior vitreous detachment and induced astigmatism.

Conclusion

Phacoemulsification and endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation is both safe and effective as surgical management for cataract and glaucoma. Larger intraocular pressure reductions can be achieved in older patients and those with higher baseline intraocular pressure.
The Relation of Aortic Stiffness and In‐Stent Restenosis in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Stenting
Authors: Mahfouz Ragab A. , Abdulmoneim Amr , Abduo Mohammed , Elawady Waleed
Published: December 2012

Background

There is a suggestion that increased aortic stiffness can be the early manifestations of the atherosclerosis process and is related to decrease coronary flow after coronary stenting. We aimed to evaluate whether aortic stiffness could predict occurrence of in‐stent restenosis (ISR) and its relation to coronary flow reserve (CFR) after coronary artery stenting.

Methods and Results

The study population included 126 patients with single vessel coronary artery disease (CAD) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with bare‐metal stenting and at least 12 months of follow‐up. All patients underwent noninvasive aortic stiffness index (ASI) assessment before stenting and coronary flow assessment 1 month after stenting. Clinical ISR was observed in 29 (23%) patients, whereas 97 patients remained free of signs or symptoms of recurrent ischemia. ASI was significantly higher in patients with coronary artery disease versus control subjects, and it is significantly increased in patients with restenosis versus those without restenosis (P < 0.0001 and P < 0.001, respectively). There was a significant negative correlation between ASI and CFR (P = 0.0001). The ASI was significantly correlated with C‐reactive protein (r = 0.395, P < 0.03). On univariate and multivariate analysis, ASI was the strongest predictor of restenosis (OR 6.8, 95% CI 2.6–13.5).

Conclusions

Increased aortic stiffness was an independent predictor of poststenting impaired coronary flow and occurrence of ISR in patients undergoing PCI. Evaluation of aortic stiffness may represent a useful screening tool to stratify patients according to future risk of restenosis.
The Effects of Managerial Shareholding on Audit Fees: Evidence from Hong Kong
Authors: Lin Z. Jun , Liu Ming
Published: December 2012

This study investigates how managerial shareholding affects audit pricing for listed companies in Hong Kong. Based on agency theory, we examine the relationship between managerial shareholding and audit fees, from the perspectives of the alignment effect and the entrenchment effect. We posit a non‐linear relationship, which is tested by grouping sample firms into three levels of managerial shareholding: low, intermediate, and high regions of management ownership. The empirical results reveal that the association of managerial ownership with audit fees is non‐linear: managerial shareholding is significantly and negatively associated with audit fees in the low and high regions of managerial ownership, whereas the association is significantly positive in the intermediate region. These correlations are further confirmed by the results of curvilinear regression analysis.
An Experimental Investigation of Professional Skepticism in Audit Interviews
Authors: Lee Chih‐Chen , Welker Robert B. , Wang Te‐Wei
Published: December 2012

Fraud‐related auditing standards define professional skepticism as a questioning mind or, according to Nelson, presumptive doubt, and advocate its exercising in fraud risk evaluations of evidence. The present experiment assessed auditors' mental perspective toward interviewees under levels of deception risk. Auditors judged informational veracity after observing an interviewee who, in actuality, was lying. In the experimental condition of high deception risk, the interviewee could gain financially from successful deception, and red flags suggested the possibility of deception. The percentage who incorrectly believed the interviewee was around 70 percent regardless of deception risks. These results suggest the prevalence of presumptive trust, as opposed to presumptive doubt. Its prevalence in conditions of deception risk may reveal a general reluctance among auditors to undertake deception detection in audit interviews, an attitude that could compromise authoritative calls for auditors to do so for fraud risk assessment.
Perspectives on plant photorespiratory metabolism
Authors: Fernie A. R. , Bauwe H. , Eisenhut M. , Florian A. , Hanson D. T. , Hagemann M. , Keech O. , Mielewczik M. , Nikoloski Z. , Peterhänsel C. , Roje S. , Sage R. , Timm S. , von Cammerer S. , Weber A. P. M. , Westhoff P.
Published: December 2012

Being intimately intertwined with (C3) photosynthesis, photorespiration is an incredibly high flux‐bearing pathway. Traditionally, the photorespiratory cycle was viewed as closed pathway to refill the Calvin–Benson cycle with organic carbon. However, given the network nature of metabolism, it hence follows that photorespiration will interact with many other pathways. In this article, we review current understanding of these interactions and attempt to define key priorities for future research, which will allow us greater fundamental comprehension of general metabolic and developmental consequences of perturbation of this crucial metabolic process.
Land, Labour and the Production of Affliction in Rural Southern Africa
Authors: O'Laughlin Bridget
Published: December 2012

In the colonial vision of Southern Africa, rural people were seen as both underemployed and self‐sustaining even while processes of commodification dependent on the exploitation of their labour were producing spatially and racially marked inequalities of wealth and consumption and related patterns of health and affliction. Affliction sometimes reflected denial of access to formal health provisioning, but it was also produced by the conditions of labour, including capital's largely successful struggle to externalize responsibility for the reproduction of its workers. This paper discusses various moments in the making of affliction in the region: the development of endemic tuberculosis, the resurgence of malaria, famine‐related paralysis and HIV/AIDS. These cases illustrate how affliction has been shaped by the weight of long‐term structural relations of class in the organization of labour and by the contingent outcomes of immediate political struggles. They suggest that efforts to improve health in Southern Africa today must address persistent structural patterns that underlie the causes of the incidence of disease; these are also relevant to questions of land reform.
Diabetes, lower extremity amputation, loss of protective sensation, and neuronal nitric oxide synthase associated protein in the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort study
Authors: Margolis David J. , Gupta Jayanta , Thom Stephen R. , Townsend Raymond R. , Kanetsky Peter A. , Hoffstad Ole , Papdopoulos Maryte , Fischer Michael , Schelling Jeffrey R. , Mitra Nandita
Published: December 2012

Lower extremity amputation (LEA) is a life‐altering complication of diabetes. The goal of our study was to investigate the possibility that genetic variation in neuronal nitric oxide synthase associated protein (NOS1AP) is associated with LEA and diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). Our work used data from the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC) study. CRIC is a multicenter investigation undertaken to pursue the relationship between chronic renal insufficiency and cardiovascular disease. We evaluated 3,040 CRIC study subjects; 1,490 individuals were African Americans and 1,550 were whites. LEA occurred in 162 (5.3%) subjects, 93 (6.2%) of African Americans and 69 (4.4%) of whites. In whites, NOS1AP single nucleotide polymorphism rs1963645 was most strongly associated with LEA (1.73 [1.23, 2.44]). In African Americans three NOS1AP single nucleotide polymorphisms were associated with LEA: rs6659759 (1.65 [1.21, 2.24]); rs16849113 (1.58 [1.16, 2.14]); rs880296 (1.54 [1.14, 2.10]). We tested a subset of 100 CRIC participants for DPN using Semmes–Weinstein filaments. DPN in those with diabetes was associated with rs1963645 (16.97 [2.38, 120.97]) in whites and rs16849113 and rs6659759 (3.62 [1.11, 11.83] and 3.02 [0.82, 11.12], respectively) in African Americans. In conclusion, this is one of the first studies to show that NOS1AP gene variants are associated with DPN and LEA.
Financement de la protection sociale dans l'Union européenne: rien ne change?
Authors: WAGNER Norman
Published: December 2012

Prenant comme exemple cinq pays d'Europe, représentatifs des différents modèles de protection sociale, l'auteur analyse la façon dont la crise financière et les mesures de relance ou d'austérité, qui l'ont accompagnée, ont modifié les modalités de leur financement, avec des effets régressifs. Il démontre que, à court et moyen terme, les systèmes par cotisations ont des finances plus stables que ceux financés par l'impôt. Le modèle corporatiste‐continental semble avoir plus de chances de rester stable sur le long terme, car il privilégie le maintien de l'emploi, première source de recettes publiques du système.
Crise et politique sociale: le rôle des accords collectifs
Authors: GLASSNER Vera , KEUNE Maarten
Published: December 2012

Les auteurs examinent les accords collectifs conclus dans l'UE en 2008–2011 et leurs apports à la politique sociale: réduction du temps de travail, formation, modération salariale, flexibilisation de la fixation des salaires et de la durée du travail. A cet effet, ils distinguent secteur public et secteur privé: dans le premier, les déficits budgétaires et l'austérité limitent les possibilités de négociation à vocation sociale, tandis que dans le second les négociateurs ont recherché un équilibre entre compétitivité et maintien de l'emploi et des salaires, notamment dans les pays où les négociations sont coordonnées. Ailleurs, les auteurs avancent qu'une détérioration est à craindre.
The crisis and social policy: The role of collective agreements
Authors: GLASSNER Vera , KEUNE Maarten
Published: December 2012

Based on an analysis of collective agreements concluded across the EU in 2008–11, the authors examine their contributions to social policy through provisions for short‐time work, training, wage moderation, and flexibilization of wage setting and working time. They highlight the distinction between the public and private sectors in this respect, contrasting the former's very limited scope for integrative bargaining in the face of mounting budget deficits and austerity with the latter's (initially) more balanced trade‐offs between cost competitiveness and maintenance of employment and wages, especially in countries with coordinated bargaining systems. Elsewhere, the authors argue, the outcomes look set to deteriorate further.
Salarios y desigualdad de ingresos en la UE durante la crisis
Authors: DE BEER Paul
Published: December 2012

El autor examina el impacto de la crisis en el empleo, los salarios, la desigualdad y la pobreza en la Unión Europea, especialmente en Alemania, Dinamarca, Eslovaquia, España y Reino Unido de 2008 a 2010. Tras una revisión bibliográfica, analiza las últimas tendencias y constata que los salarios reales han reaccionado de forma anticíclica en la mayoría de los países, a diferencia de lo observado en recesiones previas. La evolución en cuanto a desigualdad y pobreza ha variado considerablemente entre países en términos de intensidad y dirección. La desigualdad podría agravarse como resultado de los efectos regresivos potenciales de los planes de austeridad.
Financiación de la seguridad social en la UE: ¿continuidad o cambio?
Authors: WAGNER Norman
Published: December 2012

El artículo examina cómo están afrontando la crisis diferentes regímenes de seguridad social en función de sus mecanismos de financiación. Se centra en cinco países de la Unión Europea representativos de los diversos modelos. Muestra que la crisis y las medidas de estímulo o austeridad asociadas han provocado una disminución de los recursos asignados al bienestar social, y que, a corto o medio plazo, los regímenes contributivos son financieramente más sólidos durante las recesiones que los no contributivos. El modelo contributivo continental parece el más estable a largo plazo, al centrarse en el mantenimiento del empleo, principal fuente de ingresos del Estado.
El destino de la política social en la UE. Evolución del discurso político de la Estrategia de Lisboa a Europa 2020
Authors: BARBIER Jean‐Claude
Published: December 2012

A partir de documentos seleccionados de la Comisión y el Consejo Europeos, se analizan los cambios, las constantes y los determinantes del discurso sobre política social de la Unión Europea (UE). Se distinguen tres períodos, el primero asociado con la Estrategia de Lisboa, el segundo con las reformas subsiguientes (2005–2009) y el tercero con Europa 2020. En este último se observa una marginación de la política social frente a los objetivos macroeconómicos y financieros. Paralelamente, la UE se va imponiendo en este ámbito de política, hasta ahora de competencia nacional. Esta evolución parece corresponder al cambio de los actores fundamentales.
Species pools in cultural landscapes – niche construction, ecological opportunity and niche shifts
Authors: Eriksson Ove
Published: December 2012

This paper discusses the ecology of species that were favoured by the development of the cultural landscape in central and NW Europe beginning in the Neolithic and the Bronze Age, with a focus on mechanisms behind species responses to this landscape transformation. A fraction of species may have maintained their realized niches from the pre‐ agricultural landscape and utilized similar niches created by the landscape transformation. However, I suggest that many species responded by altering their niche relationships, and a conceptual model is proposed for this response, based on niche construction, ecological opportunity and niche shifts. Human‐mediated niche construction, associated with clearing of forests and creation of pastures and fields promoted niche shifts towards open habitats, and species exploited the ecological opportunity provided by these created environments. This process was initially purely ecological, i.e. the new habitats must have been included in the original fundamental niche of the species. Two other features of human‐mediated niche construction, increased interconnectivity and increased spatial stability of open habitats, resulted in species accumulating in the habitats of the constructed landscape. As a consequence, selection processes were initiated favouring traits promoting fitness in the constructed landscape. This process implied a feed‐back to niche shifts, but now also including evolutionary changes in fundamental niches. I briefly discuss whether this model can be applied also to present‐day anthropogenic impact on landscapes. A general conclusion is that ecological and evolutionary changes in species niches should be more explicitly considered in modeling and predictions of species response to present‐day landscape and land‐use changes.
Extended roles and the dietitian: community adult enteral tube care
Authors: Stanley W. , Borthwick A. M.
Published: December 2012

Background

Role flexibility is considered central to a health policy agenda stressing workforce redesign measures and professional role boundary change. Extensions in health professionals' role boundaries may involve the incorporation of new or ‘vacant’ roles, as well as the competitive acquisition of others. In the present study, the experiences of dietitians with extended roles in home enteral tube feeding (HETF) were explored and considered within the context of workforce role transition.

Methods

Six semi‐structured interviews conducted with dietitians specialising inHETFwere undertaken and the emergent role development for dietitians inHETFwas explored.

Results

Dietetic HETF roles emerged as a form of diversification, occupying a task ‘vacancy’, commonly on an opportunistic basis. Role overlap in these community based tasks was negotiated with community nurses, privately funded industry nurses and other medical staff. Notably, role conflict was encountered only with nutrition nurse specialists.

Conclusions

To date, a lack of role exclusivity in a small and confined speciality field with multiple potential competitors has resulted in surprisingly little role conflict. Financial constraints within theNational Health Serviceare considered likely to favour a privately funded service model of delivery, and this may have implications for dietitians specialising in this field. Dietitians also perceived an increase in professional status as a result of extended roles.
Recent Changes in Women's Land Rights and Contested Customary Law in South Africa
Authors: Claassens Aninka
Published: December 2012

This paper discusses the phenomenon of single women claiming, and acquiring, residential sites in the former homelands since the end of apartheid in 1994, against the backdrop of steadily declining marriage rates. It argues that the transition to democracy changed the balance of power within which ‘living customary law’ is negotiated at the local level, and emboldened women. The changes are put at risk by controversial traditional leadership laws enacted since 2003. These restore the power of definition to chiefs, and reassert constructs of customary law that obscure the dynamics of the changes under way. I suggest that the ‘changes’ may, in part, reflect the re‐emergence of pre‐existing repertoires that were suppressed by official customary law. The paper contrasts the Constitutional Court's inclusive approach to ‘living customary law’ and the legislative process, with the autocratic approach of the new laws, one of which has already been struck down by the Court.
Health status of critically ill trauma patients
Authors: Aitken Leanne M , Chaboyer Wendy , Schuetz Michael , Joyce Christopher , Macfarlane Bonnie
Published: December 2012

Aims and objectives

To describe the recovery of trauma intensive care patients up to six months posthospital discharge.

Background

Injury is a leading cause of preventable mortality and morbidity worldwide, with approximately 10% of hospitalised trauma patients being admitted to intensive care. Intensive care patients experience significant ongoing physical and psychological burden after discharge; however, the patterns of recovery and the subgroups of intensive care patients who experience the greatest burden are not described.

Design

This prospective cohort study was conducted in one tertiary referral hospital in south‐east Queensland, Australia.

Methods

Following ethics approval, injured patients who required admission to intensive care provided consent. Participants completed questionnaires prior to hospital discharge (n = 123) and one (n = 93) and six months (n = 88) later. Data included demographic and socioeconomic details, pre‐injury health, injury characteristics, acute care factors, postacute factors [self‐efficacy, illness perception, perceived social support and psychological status as measured by the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) and the PTSD Civilian Checklist] and health status (SF‐36).

Results

All participants required ongoing support from healthcare providers in the six months after discharge from hospital, and approximately half required support services such as accommodation and home modifications. Approximately 20% of participants reported post‐traumatic stress symptoms, while approximately half the participants reported psychological distress. Average quality of life scores were significantly below the Australian norms both one and six months postdischarge.

Conclusions

Trauma intensive care patients rely on ongoing healthcare professional and social support services. Compromised health‐related quality of life and psychological health persists at six months.

Relevance to clinical practice

Effective discharge planning and communication across the care continuum is essential to facilitate access to healthcare providers and other support services in the community setting.
The impact of psychosocial adaptation status on quality of life for Chinese patients with visual impairments
Authors: Zhang Xiu‐jie , Wang Ai‐ping , Yin An‐chun
Published: December 2012

Aims and objctives

To analyse the association of psychosocial adaptation with quality of life and to examine the influential factors for Chinese people with visual impairments.

Background

The status of psychosocial adaptation is the main influential factor for quality of life. The correlation between psychosocial adaptation and quality of life for various diseases has been studied previously. However, there have been few reports on the impact of psychosocial adaptation on quality of life in people with visual impairments.

Design

Survey.

Methods

In this study, subjects with visual impairment (n = 213) were interviewed to assess their demographics, disease‐related information, psychosocial adaptation status and quality of life. The psychosocial adaptation questionnaire and quality of life scale for visually impaired patients were used to survey psychosocial adaptation and quality of life. Correlation and multiple stepwise regression analyses were used to study the association of psychosocial adaptation with quality of life in visually impaired patients.

Results

Psychosocial adaptation was significantly associated with quality of life, including the sense of belonging and psychological dimensions. The results also showed that there was statistical significance for the impact of occupational status, payment, monthly income (family), vision classification and psychosocial adaptation on quality of life, and the status of psychosocial adaptation was the main factor affecting the quality of life in people with visual impairments.

Conclusion

It was found that the status of psychosocial adaptation was conspicuously associated with multiple dimensions of quality of life. Therefore, psychosocial adaptation status should be given close attention in clinical care.

Relevance to clinical practice

Our results could be used to guide nurses in making a plan for health education and nursing that improves the quality of life for the visually impaired.
Social circumstances that drive early introduction of formula milk: an exploratory qualitative study in a peri‐urban South African community
Authors: Ijumba Petrida , Doherty Tanya , Jackson Debra , Tomlinson Mark , Sanders David , Persson Lars‐Åke
Published: December 2012

Breastfeeding is widely endorsed as the optimal strategy for feeding newborns and young infants, as well as improving child survival and achieving Millennium Development Goal 4. Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for the first 6 months of life is rarely practised in South Africa. Following the 2010 World Health Organization (WHO) infant feeding recommendations (EBF for HIV‐positive mothers with maternal or infant antiretroviral treatment), South Africa adopted breastfeeding promotion as a National Infant Feeding Strategy and removed free formula milk from the Prevention of Mother‐to‐Child Transmission of HIV programme. This study aimed to explore the perceptions of mothers and household members at community level regarding the value they placed on formula feeding and circumstances that drive the practice in a peri‐urban community. We conducted in‐depth interviews with HIV‐positive and HIV‐negative mothers in a community‐randomised trial (Good Start III). Focus group discussions were held with grandmothers, fathers and teenage mothers. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. The following themes were identified; inadequate involvement of teenage mothers; grandmothers who become replacement mothers; fear of failing to practise EBF for 6 months; partners as formula providers and costly formula milk leading to risky feeding practices. The new South African Infant Feeding Strategy needs to address the gaps in key health messages and develop community‐orientated programmes with a focus on teenage mothers. These should encourage the involvement of grandmothers and fathers in decision‐making about infant feeding so that they can support EBF for optimal child survival.
0.025% Capsaicin Gel for the Treatment of Painful Diabetic Neuropathy: A Randomized, Double‐Blind, Crossover, Placebo‐Controlled Trial
Authors: Kulkantrakorn Kongkiat , Lorsuwansiri Chakraphong , Meesawatsom Pongsatorn
Published: December 2012

Background

Topical therapy may provide additional benefit in patients with painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN). This study was conducted to study the safety and efficacy of 0.025% capsaicin gel in this condition.

Methods

A 20‐week, double‐blind, crossover, randomized, single‐center study enrolled subjects with PDN. They received 0.025% capsaicin gel or placebo for 8 weeks, with a washout period of 4 weeks between the two treatments. Primary efficacy end point was percent change in visual analog scale (0–100 mm) of pain severity. Secondary outcomes were score change in Neuropathic Pain Scale (NPS), short‐form McGill Pain Questionnaires (SF‐MPQ), proportion of patients who had pain score reductions of 30% and 50%, and adverse event.

Results

Of the 35 subjects screened, 33 were enrolled and 33 completed at least an 8‐week treatment period. Intention‐to‐treat analysis showed no significant improvement in pain with capsaicin gel, compared with placebo with visual analog scale (VAS) score 28.8 mm vs. 34.6 mm (P = 0.53). No significant difference between the groups was found in SF‐MPQ (7.4 vs. 7.71, P = 0.95), NPS (29.4 vs. 31.3, P = 0.81), and proportion of patients who had 30% or 50% pain relief. Capsaicin gel was well tolerated with minor skin reaction.

Conclusions

0.025% capsaicin gel is safe and well tolerated, but does not provide significant pain relief in patients with PDN.