bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sampling tiger ungulate prey by the distance method: lessons learned in Bardia National Park, Nepal
Authors: Wegge P. , Storaas T.
Published: January 2009

Because tigerPanthera tigrisnumbers are regulated by their prey base, prey abundance needs to monitored and estimated reliably. Recently, distance sampling has been adopted as the most appropriate method and is now becoming the standard monitoring protocol in all tiger range countries in south Asia. However, the accuracy of the density estimates generated by this method has not been assessed. From total counts within habitat blocks, we obtained accurate density estimates of ungulates within three main habitats in Bardia National Park, Nepal. We then applied the distance sampling method in the same habitats and compared the results. Distance sampling on foot in dense habitats (riverine forest and tallgrass floodplain) violated method assumptions, and sampling from vehicle along roads gave biased estimates. Sampling from elephant back worked well in all habitat types, but owing to their behaviour, the density of barking deerMuntiacus muntjakwas underestimated. The accuracy of the estimates varied with sampling effort; for the very abundant chital deerAxis axis, estimates varied markedly at <200 animal observations, but converged at larger sample sizes to a similar point estimate as intensive block counts when approaching 300 observations. For the less abundant species, with <20 observations along >100 km of transect lines, the confidence intervals were quite high, and, hence, of limited value for detecting short‐term populations trends. It is therefore difficult to obtain accurate density estimates of rare species by the distance method. In areas consisting of dense habitats, we recommend that the food base of tiger be estimated by distance sampling from elephant back, not on foot, directed at the main and most abundant prey species. For rare species, encounter rates obtained simultaneously may then serve as indices of relative abundances.
Carcasses increase the probability of predation of ground‐nesting birds: a caveat regarding the conservation value of vulture restaurants
Authors: Cortés‐Avizanda A. , Carrete M. , Serrano D. , Donázar J. A.
Published: January 2009

Carcasses not only recruit carrion‐eaters, but can also attract facultative scavengers which could predate on species living in the surroundings. At supplementary feeding stations (‘vulture restaurants’) carcasses are available permanently, posing a conservation dilemma: enhancing populations of endangered scavengers might introduce a predation pressure on non‐target species. Here, we test if nest predation risk on ground‐nesting birds increases near carcasses in Fuerteventura Island (Canary Archipelago). This is an optimal scenario for performing this study because there is a simple community of ground‐nesting birds and facultative scavengers; carrion‐eaters feed regularly in a unique vulture restaurant but also exploit scattered carcasses of goats. We placed artificial nests along different lines located at variable distances (200 m to 34 km) from the vulture restaurant or from single carcasses. Sixty‐seven per cent of lines and up to 90% of nests within lines were predated. Predation risk was higher in lines near carcasses, that is single carcasses or the vulture restaurant. Thus, our study alerts that choosing the location for vulture restaurants may be the key not only for scavengers but also for the conservation of the species living nearby.
Hyponatremia complicating labour—rare or unrecognised? A prospective observational study
Authors: Moen V , Brudin L , Rundgren M , Irestedt L
Published: January 2009

Objective  The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of hyponatraemia following delivery, with a hypothesis that hyponatraemia has a high prevalence in labouring women.

Design  Prospective observational study.

Setting  Consultant‐led delivery suite in County Hospital, Kalmar, Sweden.

Sample  A total of 287 pregnant women at term (37 full gestational weeks).

Methods  Oral fluids were allowed during labour. Blood samples were collected on admission, after delivery, and from the umbilical artery and vein.

Main outcome measure  Hyponatraemia defined as plasma sodium ≤130 mmol/l after delivery.

Results  Hyponatraemia was found in 16 (26%) of the 61 mothers who received more than 2500 ml of fluid during labour. Two‐thirds of fluids were orally ingested. Decrease in plasma sodium concentration during labour correlated with duration of labour and the total fluid volume administered. Analysis by multivariate logistic regression showed that hyponatraemia was significantly correlated with fluid volume (P < 0.001) but not with oxytocin administration or epidural analgesia. Hyponatraemia correlated significantly with prolonged second stage of labour, instrumental delivery, and emergency caesarean section for failure to progress (P = 0.002).

Conclusions  Hyponatraemia is not uncommon following labour. Tolerance to a water load is diminished during labour; therefore, even moderate fluid volumes may cause hyponatraemia. Women should not be encouraged to drink excessively during labour. Oral fluids, when permitted, should be recorded, and intravenous administration of hypotonic fluids should be avoided. When abundant drinking is unrecognised or intravenous fluid administration liberal, life‐threatening hyponatraemia may develop. The possibility that hyponatraemia may influence uterine contractility merits further investigation.
Gender, Peer Relations, and Challenges for Girlfriends and Boyfriends Coming Together in Adolescence
Authors: Underwood Marion K. , Rosen Lisa H.
Published: January 2009

This article examines how girls' and boys' different peer cultures in middle childhood may set the stage for challenges in emerging heterosexual romantic relationships in adolescence. Two theoretical frameworks are presented for understanding gender differences in children's same-gender friendships and peer groups in middle childhood: the two cultures perspective ( Maccoby, 1998 ) and the emotional trade-offs perspective ( Rose & Rudolph, 2006 ). Emerging empirical evidence is presented to highlight how girls' and boys' gendered friendship qualities may be linked to difficulties girls and boys have when they come together in early romantic relationships. Preliminary longitudinal data are presented that suggest that girls' relational and boys' physical aggression toward same-gender peers in middle childhood may relate to having emotionally intense arguments in early adolescence. Implications for prevention and intervention are discussed.
Understanding and Preventing Adolescent Dating Violence: The Importance of Developmental, Sociocultural, and Gendered Perspectives
Authors: Zurbriggen Eileen L.
Published: January 2009

The three articles in this special section on the development of adolescent dating violence provide important insights that can help shape future research and theory. Several common themes emerged. The roots of adolescent dating violence are broad and deep; thus, developmental and sociocultural perspectives are necessary to adequately understand this phenomenon. Adolescent dating violence is deeply gendered and requires that researchers make gender a centerpiece of their theorizing. These two insights lead to the conclusion that prevention efforts must start early, be broad based, and include gender in a fundamental way. In addition, longitudinal and ecological approaches hold the most promise for future research.
Sexual Assault Victims' Acknowledgment Status and Revictimization Risk
Authors: Littleton Heather , Axsom Danny , Grills-Taquechel Amie
Published: January 2009

How a victim of rape characterizes her assault has potential implications for her postassault experiences and revictimization risk. Prior research has identified several potential benefits to not conceptualizing one's experience as a form of victimization. The current study sought to identify whether there are costs to not acknowledging rape as well, specifically whether unacknowledged victims are at elevated risk of revictimization. The revictimization risk behaviors of 334 acknowledged and unacknowledged female college rape victims were compared. Unacknowledged victims reported more hazardous alcohol use and were more likely to report that they continued a relationship with the assailant after the assault. A subsample of 105 victims completed a 6-month follow-up survey regarding sexual victimization during the follow-up period. Unacknowledged victims were nearly twice as likely to report having experienced an attempted rape during the 6-month follow-up period. Implications of the results for future work evaluating rape acknowledgment, rape recovery, and revictimization are discussed.
Psychological Outcomes Among Lesbian Sexual Assault Survivors: An Examination of the Roles of Internalized Homophobia and Experiential Avoidance
Authors: Gold Sari D. , Dickstein Benjamin D. , Marx Brian P. , Lexington Jennifer M.
Published: January 2009

This study explored the relations among internalized homophobia (IH), experiential avoidance, and psychological symptom severity in a community sample of 72 lesbian sexual assault survivors. Results indicated that IH is associated with both experiential avoidance and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom severity. In addition, experiential avoidance is related to both PTSD and depression symptom severity. Finally, experiential avoidance completely mediated the relation between IH and PTSD symptom severity. The implications of these findings are discussed and suggestions for future research are provided.
Sociocultural Influence and Appearance-Based Rejection Sensitivity Among College Students
Authors: Park Lora E. , DiRaddo Ann Marie , Calogero Rachel M.
Published: January 2009

The present research examined the influence of parents, peers, and the media in predicting college students' Appearance-based Rejection Sensitivity (Appearance-RS)—the degree to which individuals anxiously expect to be rejected based on their physical appearance. Given that women are socialized to be more appearance-focused than men, women were hypothesized to show greater Appearance-RS in response to sociocultural influences than men. A survey was administered to 220 students at a large public university in the United States. Overall, women showed greater sensitivity to appearance rejection than men. Specifically, perceptions of peer conditional acceptance based on appearance were associated with Appearance-RS among women. In addition, the more women and men internalized media ideals and felt media pressure to look attractive, the more sensitive they were to appearance rejection. No significant effects of parental influence were found. Thus, peer conditional acceptance predicted Appearance-RS among women, and media influence predicted Appearance-RS among women and men.
Materialism, Sociocultural Appearance Messages, and Paternal Attitudes Predict College Women's Attitudes About Cosmetic Surgery
Authors: Henderson-King Donna , Brooks Kelly D.
Published: January 2009

Rates of cosmetic surgery procedures have increased dramatically over the past several decades, but only recently have studies of cosmetic surgery attitudes among the general population begun to appear in the literature. The vast majority of those who undergo cosmetic surgery are women. We examined cosmetic surgery attitudes among 218 undergraduate women, most of whom were White. Specifically, we examined their acceptance of cosmetic surgery and expressed desire to undergo cosmetic surgery procedures, and several potential predictors: appearance attitudes of mothers, fathers, and friends; awareness and internalization of sociocultural appearance messages; and materialism. Multiple regression analyses indicated that materialism and internalization of sociocultural messages consistently emerged as significant predictors of acceptance of cosmetic surgery and desire for cosmetic surgery procedures. Paternal attitudes positively predicted acceptance of cosmetic surgery for social reasons and desire for cosmetic surgery; nonmaterialism negatively predicted considering cosmetic surgery and the desire for cosmetic surgery procedures.
Hepatitis C virus, steatosis and lipid abnormalities: clinical and pathogenic data
Authors: Negro Francesco , Sanyal Arun J.
Published: January 2009

Abnormal accumulation of fat in the liver (steatosis) is commonly observed in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, and the severity of steatosis has been well correlated with the degree of hepatic fibrosis. In patients with chronic HCV infection, steatosis may occur in conjunction with other metabolic risk factors such as insulin resistance and the metabolic syndrome. This was observed primarily in patients infected with non‐genotype 3 virus. Otherwise, in HCV‐infected patients, especially those infected with genotype 3a, reductions in total cholesterol as well as high‐density lipoprotein and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol are observed compared with matched controls, and the normalization of these parameters appears to be an important correlate of the response to antiviral therapy. In that setting, the pathogenic mechanisms involved in HCV‐induced steatosis are mediated in large part by the HCV core protein, whose expression is associated with lipid droplet accumulation, changes in lipogenic gene expression and/or the activity of lipogenic proteins, and effects on mitochondrial oxidative function. The importance of genes such as peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐α and the proteasome activator PA28‐γ in HCV‐mediated steatosis has been elucidated from studies in genetically altered mice, and the manipulation of these and other pathways may provide an avenue for therapeutic intervention.
Hepatitis C, insulin resistance and diabetes: clinical and pathogenic data
Authors: Serfaty Lawrence , Capeau Jacqueline
Published: January 2009

Epidemiological data indicate a strong risk for development of insulin resistance (IR), and, ultimately, overt diabetes mellitus (DM) in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Steatosis, or fatty liver, is closely linked with IR in persons without HCV, such as those with metabolic syndrome, primarily due to increased visceral fat leading to altered adipokine production and increased free fatty acid (FFA) release. Moreover, there is evidence that liver fat can have an impact on the development of hepatic IR independently of changes in adipose tissue. Multiple mechanisms can account for the development of IR in patients with chronic HCV. In particular, there is evidence for a triangular interaction between steatosis, inflammatory processes and IR. In patients infected by the genotype 1 virus, steatosis is strongly related to IR, leading to a metabolic steatosis, while, in genotype 3 patients, steatosis is related to viral load in the context of a viral steatosis. Chronic inflammatory processes in the liver may be mediated by persistently activated macrophages and other immune cells, with concomitant overproduction of pro‐inflammatory cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor‐α. Activation of inflammatory pathways, together with increased levels of FFAs, can disrupt hepatocyte intracellular pathways and inhibit insulin signalling, leading to IR. Molecular studies have also shown that the HCV core protein can directly inhibit the insulin signalling pathway and increase reactive oxygen species production, both of which can further exacerbate IR. The available data provide an understanding of chronic HCV whereby chronic inflammatory processes, steatosis and IR contribute to each other, leading to an increased risk of DM, and its associated poor outcomes, in persons with chronic HCV.
Schistosoma mansoni coinfection could have a protective effect against mixed cryoglobulinaemia in hepatitis C patients
Authors: Abbas Omaima M. , Omar Nabil A. , Zaghla Hassan E. , Faramawi Mohammad F.
Published: January 2009

Background/Aim: The association between mixed cryogloblinaemia and chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has been established. However, the factors underlying its great geographical heterogeneity of prevalence have not yet been identified. Concomitant HCV and Schistosoma mansoni infections are common in Egypt. Chronic helminthic infections have been found to decrease the incidence and manifestations of immune‐related diseases. To date, no study has focused on the influence of S. mansoni coinfection on the risk of cryoglobulinaemia in hepatitis C patients.

Methods: A cohort of 119 consecutively recruited chronic hepatitis C‐infected patients was studied. Patients' sera were assessed for S. mansoni antibodies and cryoglobulins (CGs) were determined and characterized.

Results: Cryoglobulins were detected in 18 of 119 patients (15.1%) included in this study. They were detected in 12 of 45 hepatitis C (26.7%) and six of 74 coinfected patients (8.1%), which was statistically significant, P=0.01. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were also found to be significantly lower in the CG‐positive group compared with the CG‐negative group, P=<0.01. CGs were detected in seven of 21 (33.3%) and in 11 of 98 (11.2%) hepatitis C female and male patients, respectively, indicating a significantly positive association with the female gender, P=0.02. A logistic regression adjusted for gender, AST and ALT showed that hepatitis C patients without schistosomal coinfection are more likely to have cryoglobulinaemia, odds ratio=4.12, 95% confidence interval=1.42–11.95.

Conclusion: There is an apparent protective effect of S. mansoni coinfection against mixed cryoglobulinaemia in chronic hepatitis C patients.
Hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in young men with treatment‐naïve chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Yun Jung Won , Cho Yong Kyun , Park Jung Ho , Kim Hong Joo , Park Dong Il , Sohn Chong Il , Jeon Woo Kyu , Kim Byung Ik , Son Byung Ho , Shin Jun Ho
Published: January 2009

Objectives: The clinical significance of liver steatosis has been studied because steatosis plays a role in the progression of liver fibrosis. Nevertheless, the impact of steatosis in the early stage of fibrosis in non‐obese young men with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is poorly understood. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of hepatic steatosis, assess the relationship between hepatic steatosis and fibrosis and to assess the laboratory parameters for predicting clinically significant liver fibrosis in non‐obese young men with CHB.

Methods: We prospectively evaluated liver biopsies in young male patients with CHBwith a serum alanine aminotransferase level of more than two times the upper limit of normal for at least 3 months before enrollment. Patients were excluded when they had co‐infection with another virus and prior antiviral treatment. Demographical, anthropometric and laboratory parameters were analysed. Liver steatosis, necroinflammation and fibrosis were also assessed.

Results: A total of 86 young male patients with CHB were included in this study. The median age was 21 years (range, 20–26 years) and the median body mass index was 23.0 kg/m2 (range, 18.0–28.3 kg/m2). Steatosis was present in 44 patients (51.2%). Significant fibrosis (beyond periportal fibrosis) was present in 50 patients (58.1%). Steatosis was associated with insulin, homeostasis model for insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR), total cholesterol and triglycerides. On multiple regression analysis, steatosis was independently associated with triglyceride and HOMA‐IR. Significant fibrosis was independently associated with γ‐glutamyltransferase (GGT) and necroinflammation activity. However, there was no significant association between significant fibrosis and the presence of steatosis.

Conclusions: The prevalence of hepatic steatosis is a common finding in young male patients with CHB. Hepatic steatosis in CHB patients seems to be associated with insulin resistance, but it is not associated with hepatic fibrosis. GGT levels can provide useful information on the stage of CHB.
Seasonal changes in basal conditions at Briksdalsbreen, Norway: the winter–spring transition
Authors: ROSE KATHRYN C. , HART JANE K. , MARTINEZ KIRK
Published: January 2009

The winter–spring transition is a dynamic time within the glacier system, because it marks a period of instability as the glacier undergoes a change in state from winter to summer. This period is normally associated with sudden pressure fluctuations resulting in hydrological instabilities within the subglacial drainage system. New data are presented from wireless multi‐sensor subglacial probes incorporated within the till at Briksdalsbreen, Norway. Water pressure readings recorded a two‐phase winter–spring transition. Event 1 occurred early in the year (December–January) and marked the start of activity within the subglacial environment following the winter. However, this did not result in any permanent changes in subglacial activity and was followed by a period of quiescence. Event 2 occurred later in the year in accordance with changing external weather conditions and the retreat of the snow pack. It was characterized by high‐magnitude pressure peaks and diurnal oscillations in connected regions. The variations in sensor trends that followed this event suggested that a transition in the morphology of the subglacial drainage system had occurred in response to these pressure fluctuations. Event 2 also showed some similarities with spring events recorded at valley glaciers in the Alps. A conceptual model is presented associating the form of the winter–spring transition with respect to the location of the probes within connected and unconnected regions of the subglacial drainage system. These data provide further evidence for temporal and spatial heterogeneous subglacial drainage systems and processes. The identification and analysis of subglacial activity during the winter–spring transition can contribute to the interpretation of hydro‐mechanical processes occurring within the subglacial environment and their effect on glacier dynamics.
Can You Hear Me Now? Communication in Virtual Product Development Teams*
Authors: Montoya Mitzi M. , Massey Anne P. , Hung Yu‐Ting Caisy , Crisp C. Brad
Published: January 2009

Globalization and technological advances are driving organizations to extend the boundaries of new product development (NPD) teams from traditional colocated settings to dispersed or virtual settings. Virtual NPD teams have a wide array of information and communication technologies (ICTs) at their disposal. ICTs allow team members to communicate and collaborate as they cope with the opportunities and challenges of cross‐boundary work. The purpose of this paper is to explore ICT use by members of virtual NPD teams. This study presents an exploratory test and integration of two competing perspectives of media use in virtual teams: media capacity theories and social dynamic media theories. Specifically, this paper examines the role of task type, organizational context, and ICT type as critical contingency variables affecting ICT use. It also examines how different patterns of ICT use relate to individual perceptions of team performance. The findings from this study of 184 members of virtual NPD teams in three global firms suggest that communication via ICTs in virtual NPD teams is contingent on a range of factors.
Can Quality‐Oriented Firms Develop Innovative New Products?
Authors: Sethi Rajesh , Sethi Anju
Published: January 2009

Research suggests that a strong focus on quality improvement can adversely affect exploration and thus the development of innovative new products. The focus on quality improvement including total quality management (TQM) has been termed quality orientation. The literature suggests that one way to reduce the adverse effect of a quality orientation on innovativeness is to adopt ambidextrous or dual organizational forms. However, dual organizational forms are cumbersome and expensive to implement. This paper argues that a less demanding structural arrangement for developing innovative products in quality‐oriented organizations involves the creation of cross‐functional teams that are explicitly encouraged to take risk and granted autonomy. In this model, the two dimensions of innovativeness—namely, novelty and appropriateness— are treated separately because quality orientation and encouragement to take risk can have differential effects on these two dimensions. A survey of 141 new product development projects reveals that quality orientation does not adversely affect product novelty in cross‐functional product development teams. However, encouragement given to cross‐functional teams to take risk leads to more novel products. On the other hand, while a quality orientation improves product appropriateness, encouragement to take risk affects it adversely. Quality orientation is able to mitigate the adverse effect of encouragement to take risk on appropriateness. But encouragement to take risk does not influence the relationship between a quality orientation and novelty. Autonomy improves the positive effect of encouragement to take risk on new product novelty but does not influence the effect of a quality orientation on novelty. Both novelty and appropriateness enhance a new product's performance, and both these dimensions of innovativeness partially mediate the effect of quality orientation and fully mediate the effect of encouragement to take risk on new product performance.
Fast‐Sintered Gehlenite Glass–Ceramics from Plasma‐Vitrified Municipal Solid Waste Incinerator Fly Ashes
Authors: Bernardo Enrico , Scarinci Giovanni , Edme Erika , Michon Ulysse , Planty Nicholas
Published: January 2009

Plasma heating is a highly efficient industrial treatment for municipal solid waste incinerator fly ashes, converted into leach‐resistant glass. The viscous flow sintering of glass powders appears a very promising way for the subsequent conversion of the vitrified waste, not refined and available as glass flakes, into valuable glass–ceramics. Because of the particular glass composition, the densification of glass–ceramics was much hindered by the strong tendency of glass toward surface crystallization. The crystallization of glass was successfully coupled to a low porosity, thus yielding strong gehlenite‐based glass–ceramics (with a bending strength exceeding 100 MPa), by adopting a fast sintering treatment (direct insertion of glass compacts at 1050°C, with an holding time of 1 h).
A novel histone deacetylase inhibitor prevents IL‐1β induced metabolic dysfunction in pancreatic β‐cells
Authors: Susick Laura , Senanayake Thulani , Veluthakal Rajakrishnan , Woster Patrick M. , Kowluru Anjaneyulu
Published: January 2009

The histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor trichostatin A (TSA) has recently been shown to inhibit deleterious effects of cytokines on β‐cells, but it is unable to protect β‐cells from death due to its own cytotoxicity. Herein, we investigated novel HDAC inhibitors for their cytoprotective effects against IL‐1β‐induced damage to isolated β‐cells. We report that three novel compounds (THS‐73–44, THS‐72–5 and THS‐78–5) significantly inhibited HDAC activity and increased the acetylation of histone H4 in isolated β‐cells. Further, these compounds exerted no toxic effects on metabolic cell viability in these cells. However, among the three compounds tested, only THS‐78–5 protected against IL‐1β‐mediated loss in β‐cell viability. THS‐78–5 was also able to attenuate IL‐1β‐induced inducible nitric oxide synthase expression and subsequent NO release. Our data also indicate that the cytoprotective properties of THS‐78–5 against IL‐1β‐mediated effects may, in part, be due to inhibition of IL‐1β‐induced transactivation of nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB) in these cells. Together, we provide evidence for a novel HDAC inhibitor with a significant potential to prevent IL‐1β‐mediated effects on isolated β‐cells. Potential implications of these findings in the development of novel therapeutics to prevent deleterious effects of cytokines and the onset of autoimmune diabetes are discussed.
The ubiquitin specific protease 4 (USP4) is a new player in the Wnt signalling pathway
Authors: Zhao Bin , Schlesiger Claudia , Masucci Maria G. , Lindsten Kristina
Published: January 2009

The canonical Wnt signalling pathway is essential for cell fate determination during embryonic development and for the maintenance of adult tissue homeostasis. Deregulation of Wnt signalling leads to developmental defects and is associated with various types of cancer. Here we have used an RNA interference (RNAi) library specifically targeting human deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) to screen for new regulators of the canonical Wnt signalling pathway. We found that suppression of the ubiquitin specific protease 4 (USP4) activates β‐catenin dependent transcription. We also show that USP4 is a DUB with dual hydrolysing activity for K48‐ and K63‐conjugated polyubiquitin chains and interacts with two known Wnt signalling components: the Nemo like kinase (Nlk) and the transcription factor (T‐cell factor 4 [TCF4]). Overexpression of a catalytically active Nlk promotes nuclear accumulation of USP4 whereas a subpopulation of TCF4 is a substrate of USP4‐dependent deubiquitination. Thus, modulation of USP4 expression may provide a new means to interfere with canonical Wnt signalling in a variety of physiological and pathological conditions.
Stimulation of protein kinase C‐α suppresses colon cancer cell proliferation by down‐regulation of β‐catenin
Authors: Gwak Jungsug , Jung Soo‐Jin , Kang Dong‐II , Kim Eun‐Young , Kim Dong‐Eun , Chung Young‐Hwa , Shin Jae‐Gook , Oh Sangtaek
Published: January 2009

We reported previously that protein kinase C‐α (PKC‐α) negatively regulates Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway. The current study explores the role of PKC‐α in the regulation of proliferation of colon cancer cells, which contain aberrant up‐regulation of intracellular β‐catenin. In colon tissue and cells, an inverse correlation was observed between the expression levels of PKC‐α and intracellular β‐catenin. Activation of PKC‐α inhibited β‐catenin response transcription by down‐regulation of intracellular β‐catenin and induced phosphorylation of the N‐terminal serine and threonine residues (Ser33/Ser37/Thr41) of β‐catenin, marking it for proteasomal degradation, in colon cancer cells. Pharmacological inhibition or depletion of PKC‐α‐abrogated PKC‐α‐mediated β‐catenin down‐regulation and phosphorylation in colon cancer cells. Notably, the Ser45 residue of β‐catenin was essential for PKC‐α‐induced β‐catenin down‐regulation in colon cancer cells. Moreover, PKC‐α activation repressed the expression of cyclin D1 and c‐myc, which are known β‐catenin target genes, and thus inhibited the growth of colon cancer cells. These findings suggest that PKC‐α negatively regulates colon cancer cell proliferation viaβ‐catenin phosphorylation/down‐regulation and may facilitate the development of new strategies to treatment of colon cancer.
Nothing is perfect, not even the local lymph node assay: a commentary and the implications for REACH
Authors: Basketter David A. , McFadden John F. , Gerberick Frank , Cockshott Amanda , Kimber Ian
Published: January 2009

For many regulatory authorities, the local lymph node assay (LLNA) is the preferred assay for the predictive identification of skin‐sensitizing chemicals. It is the initial requirement for sensitization testing within the new REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemical substances) regulations in the European Union. The primary reasons for the preferment of the LLNA are the animal welfare benefits it provides compared with traditional guinea‐pig methods (refinement and reduction of animal usage) and the general performance characteristics of the assay with regard to overall reliability, accuracy, and interpretation. Moreover, a substantial published literature on the LLNA is available making it appropriate for use as a benchmark against which new approaches, includingin vitroalternatives, can be evaluated and validated. There is, therefore, a view that the LLNA represents the ‘gold standard’ for skin sensitization testing. However, although this is probably correct, it is important to recognize and acknowledge that in common with all other predictive tests (whether they be validated or not), the LLNA has limitations, in addition to strengths, some of which were mentioned above. Arguably, it is the limitations (e.g., the occurrence of false positive and false negative results) of test methods that are most important to understand. With respect to the LLNA, these limitations are similar to those associated with guinea‐pig skin sensitization methods. Among these are the occurrence of false positive and false negative results, susceptibility of results to changes in vehicle, and the possibility that interspecies differences may confound interpretation. In this commentary, these issues are reviewed and their impact on the utility of the LLNA for identification, classification, and potency assessment of skin sensitizers are considered. In addition, their relevance for the future development and validation of novelin vitroandin silicoalternatives is explored.
Is a low content in atranol/chloroatranol safe in oak moss‐sensitized individuals?
Authors: Nardelli Andrea , Giménez‐Arnau Elena , Bernard Guillaume , Lepoittevin Jean‐Pierre , Goossens An
Published: January 2009

Background:  Chloroatranol and atranol are degradation products of chloroatranorin and atranorin, respectively, and have been identified as important contact allergens in oak moss absolute (Evernia prunastri).

Objectives:  To investigate whether chemically modified extracts of oak moss produce positive patch test reactions in previously sensitized subjects.

Methods:  A sample of oak moss was treated by a polymer‐based method to reduce the content of the two main allergens, namely atranol and chloroatranol, from 3.4% to less than 75 p.p.m. and from 1.8% to less than 25 p.p.m., respectively. Fourteen subjects with positive reactions to oak moss from Trolab and/or Chemotechnique were patch tested to this sample, diluted 1% in petrolatum.

Results:  The chemically modified sample reacted negatively in six but gave still positive reactions in eight subjects, with the same intensity as the commercially available oak moss patch test materials.

Conclusions:  Polymer‐based treatment of oak moss extract reduces the allergenic elicitation potential in previously sensitized individuals only to a minor extent. The residual concentrations of atranol and chloroatranol being less than 75 p.p.m. and 25 p.p.m., respectively, are unsafe for the consumer.
Occupational allergic contact dermatitis from cinnamon including one case from airborne exposure
Authors: Ackermann Leena , Aalto‐Korte Kristiina , Jolanki Riitta , Alanko Kristiina
Published: January 2009

Background: The bark of the cinnamon tree is used as a spice; its flavour is from an essential oil containing mainly cinnamal.

Objective: To report new cases of occupational allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) from cinnamon and a novel case of airborne cinnamon contact allergy.

Methods: We examined the patient material of two dermatological clinics in Helsinki to find cinnamon contact allergic patients and review their clinical records.

Results: We found six patients with delayed contact allergy to cinnamon. In four patients, cinnamon was the main cause of occupational ACD. Three of them had dermatitis on their hands and one patient on the face and neck. In the latter case, the exposure was shown to be airborne. In addition, the fifth patient was occupationally sensitized to cinnamon, but it was not the main cause of his hand dermatitis. In the sixth patient, cinnamon allergy was considered to derive from cross‐allergy to fragrances. Five of the patients reacted to cinnamal separately and in fragrance mix I. None of the six patients had immediate‐type cinnamon allergy.

Conclusions: Occupational contact allergy to cinnamon is rare but needs to be considered in workers handling foods. Cinnamal is possibly the main allergen in cinnamon.
Children’s clothing fasteners as a potential source of exposure to releasable nickel ions
Authors: Heim Katherine E. , McKean Bruce A.
Published: January 2009

Background:  Cutaneous nickel allergy in the very young is not well documented or characterized. A significant number of individuals are nickel sensitized by their mid‐teenage years. Recent studies suggest that children may become sensitized to nickel at an early age.

Objectives:  The purpose of this study was to investigate nickel release from children’s clothing fasteners as one potential route of exposure of pre‐school age children to nickel ions.

Patients/Methods:  Fasteners from new and used children’s clothing purchased in the USA were tested using the dimethylglyoxime (DMG) and EN1811 tests for nickel ion release.

Results:  Of 173 fasteners tested, 10 (6%) tested positive using the DMG test for nickel release. EN 1811 standardized nickel release testing of these 10 items demonstrated that 70% (4% of all fasteners tested) released nickel in excess of the European Nickel Directive release limit (0.5 μg/cm2/week). Ten randomly selected DMG‐negative fasteners were also EN 1811 tested, of which 30% of fasteners exceeded the European Nickel Directive release limit. Therefore, not less than 6% of the fasteners tested released excessive nickel.

Conclusion:  This study concluded that clothing fasteners purchased in the USA could be a source of early childhood exposure to releasable nickel.
Skin biopsy for inflammatory and common neoplastic skin diseases: optimum time, best location and preferred techniques. A critical review
Authors: Sina Bahram , Kao Grace F. , Deng April C. , Gaspari Anthony A.
Published: January 2009

The diagnosis of skin diseases, particularly inflammatory dermatoses, is based primarily on clinical information. Pathologic examination of the biopsied specimen often serves as a complementary or confirmative part of the diagnosis. However, the clinical diagnosis of skin diseases may be challenging, as the clinical information and appearance of skin lesions invariably overlap. Evidence for a correct diagnosis may be lacking without histopathologic examination of skin biopsies. It is well known that the histologic diagnosis of inflammatory and other skin diseases requires clinicopathologic correlation, and there is evolution of skin lesions into different stages as the diseases progress. Other factors important for accurate dermatopathologic diagnosis are optimum time, best location and preferred techniques of skin biopsy. In searching for available information concerning when, where and how to take skin biopsies, it is noted that there are only limited practical guidelines currently available. We present this review article in hopes that our collective dermatopathologic and dermatologic experience can provide a quick reference for accurate diagnosis and proper management of skin diseases.
Analysis of cell cycle phases and proliferative capacity in mice bearing melanoma maintained on different dietary proteins
Authors: Castro Georgia A. , Maria Durvanei A. , Rodrigues Consuelo J. , Sgarbieri Valdemiro C.
Published: January 2009

Background: Diet seems to represent, directly or indirectly, 35% of all cancer reports. In this study, the influence of dietary protein on the growth of melanoma B16F10 was evaluated through analyses of cell cycle phases and proliferative capacity.

Methods: Flow cytometry and argyrophilic nucleolar organizer regions (AgNORs) technique were applied in mice bearing B16F10 melanoma cells fed on different dietary proteins. All data were submitted to statistical analyses.

Results: The G0/G1 phase increased for the animal groups fed bovine collagen hydrolysate (BCH) or BCH‐P1 + whey protein isolate (WPI), compared with mice receiving only WPI, for all dietary groups treated and nontreated with paclitaxel. Mice that received BCH + WPI treated with paclitaxel showed the highest percentage of apoptosis compared with WPI group. AgNORs, total nucleolar organizer regions (NORs)/cells and dot number/cell for all dietary protein groups nontreated with paclitaxel were higher than for the WPI. The only two dietary protein groups treated with paclitaxel that presented higher total NORs and dot number/cell than the WPI group were BCH + WPI and BCH‐P1 + WPI.

Conclusions: A significantly lower proliferative capacity and larger number of cells in the G0/G1 phase were observed for the dietary protein groups combining the two collagen hydrolysates, BCH or BCH‐P1 with WPI, treated with paclitaxel.
Melanocytic nevi with features of Spitz nevi and Clark’s/dysplastic nevi (“Spark’s” nevi)
Authors: Ko Christine J. , McNiff Jennifer M. , Glusac Earl J.
Published: January 2009

Background: Nevi with cytologic characteristics of Spitz nevus and architectural features of Clark’s/dysplastic nevus are not well recognized in the literature.

Methods: Twenty‐seven nevi with characteristics of Spitz nevus and Clark’s/dysplastic nevus are reviewed.

Results: The patients’ mean age was 33 years, and 17/27(63%) patients were female. Lesions were most frequent on the trunk and lower extremities. Histopathologically, these nevi were composed of large, monomorphous spindled and/or epithelioid melanocytes. Spindle cells were often oriented parallel to the epidermis, with fused rete and lamellar fibroplasias. Lateral extension of the junctional component was a feature of compound lesions. An average of 10 years of clinical follow up in 12 patients revealed no recurrence or metastasis.

Conclusions: Recognition of this type of nevus is important to avoid confusion with malignant melanoma.
IgG4‐positive plasma cells in cutaneous Rosai‐Dorfman disease: an additional immunohistochemical feature and possible relationship to IgG4‐related sclerosing disease
Authors: Kuo Tseng‐tong , Chen Tse‐Ching , Lee Li‐Yu , Lu Pei‐Hsuan
Published: January 2009

Background: Cutaneous Rosai‐Dorfman disease (CRDD) shares the histopathological features of abundant plasma cells and stromal fibrosis with IgG4‐related sclerosing disease. The possible role of IgG4+ plasma cells in CRDD was investigated.

Methods: Twelve cases of CRDD were reviewed, and their lesions were immunostained with anti‐IgG4 and anti‐IgG antibodies. The number of IgG4+ and IgG+ plasma cells and their ratios were estimated. Serum IgG4 and IgG concentrations were measured in two recent cases.

Results: Many IgG4+ and IgG+ plasma cells were found in all 12 cases. IgG4+ plasma cells ranged from 21 to 204 per high‐power field (HPF) (mean 117/HPF), and IgG+ plasma cells ranged from 114 to 759/HPF (mean 349/HPF). All cases had more than 30 IgG4+ cells/HPF, except one case. The IgG4/IgG ratio ranged from 16% to 51% (mean 34%). Serum IgG4 concentration and serum IgG4/IgG ratio were increased in one recent case. Various degrees of stromal fibrosis were present in all cases.

Conclusions: The presence of many IgG4+ plasma cells and stromal fibrosis suggests that CRDD may be related to IgG4‐related sclerosing disease. Many IgG4+ plasma cells is another feature of CRDD, and serum IgG4 may be elevated.
Light responses of mire mosses – a key to survival after water‐level drawdown?
Authors: Hájek Tomáš , Tuittila Eeva‐Stiina , Ilomets Mati , Laiho Raija
Published: January 2009

Mosses are important ecosystem engineers in mires. Their existence may be threatened directly or indirectly by anthropogenic drying, which further leads to shading and changed competition conditions via increased arboreal plant cover. Yet, some species are able to acclimate to the changing habitat, while some give way to new colonizers. In the shaded conditions, acclimation or adaptation to low light levels is likely to be a winning strategy to survive. We studied the light responses of photosynthesis and photosynthetic pigment concentrations in mosses from an open mire and its shaded, i.e. drained and forested counterpart. Against our expectations, the Sphagnum species found only in the open habitat had lower photosynthetic capacity and maximum quantum yield than those found to grow in the shade. Chlorophyll fluorescence results suggested that photoinhibitory damage to photosystem II is responsible for the low photosynthetic performance of the Sphagna of the open habitat, which were inefficient to utilize any light level. In the shaded habitat, Sphagnum mosses showed adaptation to lower light conditions only by possessing a higher chlorophyll content. Pleurozium schreberi reached photosynthetic light saturation at half the irradiance level compared to Sphagna. The lack of efficient photoprotection or repair mechanism after photodamage may constrain the success of these species in the open habitat. Thus, the dominant Sphagna in the open pristine conditions seem to be stress tolerant, while the dominants of the shaded drained mire appear to be species capable of maximizing their growth and production to compete in the unstressful conditions in terms of light and desiccation.
The evolution of dispersal – the importance of information about population density and habitat characteristics
Authors: Enfjäll Karin , Leimar Olof
Published: January 2009

The evolution of mobility patterns and dispersal strategies depend on different population, habitat and life history characteristics. The ability to perceive and make use of information about the surrounding environment for dispersal decisions will also differ between organisms. To investigate the evolutionary consequences of such differences, we have used a simulation model with nearest‐neighbour dispersal in a metapopulation to study how variation in the ability to obtain and make use of information about habitat quality and conspecific density affects the evolution of dispersal strategies. We found a rather strong influence of variation in information on the overall rate of dispersal in a metapopulation. The highest emigration rate evolved in organisms with no information about either density or habitat quality and the lowest rate was found in organisms with information about both the natal and the neighbouring patches. For organisms that can make use of information about conspecific density, positively density‐dependent dispersal evolved in the majority of cases, with the strongest density dependence occurring when an individual only has information about density in the natal patch. However, we also identified situations, involving strong local population fluctuations and frequent local extinctions, where negatively density‐dependent dispersal evolved.
Nearest‐neighbour interactions in species‐rich shrublands: the roles of abundance, spatial patterns and resources
Authors: Perry G. L. W. , Enright N. J. , Miller B. P. , Lamont B. B.
Published: January 2009

We explored pairwise nearest‐neighbour interactions in four species‐rich shrubland plant communities, asking the question: how often is an individual of species j the nearest‐neighbour of species i? In the observed data and null models, less than 35% of the maximum possible number of nearest‐neighbour species pairs was present, and at three of the four sites the number of observed nearest‐neighbour pairs were significantly less than those occurring in simulated null communities. Many of the missing pairs included woody shrubs whose absence might be interpreted as evidence of site‐specific competition between larger growth forms for soil resources or space. Less than 5% of the pairs of species that occurred did so at frequencies different from that expected under random mixing, and many of these pairs were conspecific. Of the heterospecific pairs whose frequency differed significantly from random mixing there was a weak bias towards pairs occurring at higher rather than lower frequencies than expected. There was no evidence for asymmetry (interaction of species j with species i but not the reverse) in the frequency of species pairs. Nearest‐neighbour relationships are species‐specific rather than between plant functional types. The four sites form a soil nutrient and water availability gradient, and, according to the stress gradient hypothesis, positive species interactions should be most prevalent at the most stressful sites. However, we found the opposite: the site with the highest availability of resources had both proportionally the most heterospecific pairs, and the most conspecific and heterospecific species pairs with frequencies departing significantly from that expected under random mixing.