bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two different stator systems drive a single polar flagellum in Shewanella oneidensis MR‐1
Authors: Paulick Anja , Koerdt Andrea , Lassak Jürgen , Huntley Stuart , Wilms Ina , Narberhaus Franz , Thormann Kai M.
Published: December 2008

The Gram‐negative metal ion‐reducing bacterium Shewanella oneidensis MR‐1 is motile by means of a single polar flagellum. We identified two potential stator systems, PomAB and MotAB, each individually sufficient as a force generator to drive flagellar rotation. Physiological studies indicate that PomAB is sodium‐dependent while MotAB is powered by the proton motive force. Flagellar function mainly depends on the PomAB stator; however, the presence of both stator systems under low‐sodium conditions results in a faster swimming phenotype. Based on stator homology analysis we speculate that MotAB has been acquired by lateral gene transfer as a consequence of adaptation to a low‐sodium environment. Expression analysis at the single cell level showed that both stator systems are expressed simultaneously. An active PomB–mCherry fusion protein effectively localized to the flagellated cell pole in 70–80% of the population independent of sodium concentrations. In contrast, polar localization of MotB–mCherry increased with decreasing sodium concentrations. In the absence of the Pom stator, MotB–mCherry localized to the flagellated cell pole independently of the sodium concentration but was rapidly displaced upon expression of PomAB. We propose that selection of the stator occurs at the level of protein localization in response to sodium concentrations.
Three‐dimensional architecture of submarine slide surfaces and associated soft‐sediment deformation in the Lutetian Sobrarbe deltaic complex (Ainsa, Spanish Pyrenees)
Authors: CALLOT PIERRE , ODONNE FRANCIS , DEBROAS ELIE‐JEAN , MAILLARD AGNÈS , DHONT DAMIEN , BASILE CHRISTOPHE , HOAREAU GUILHEM
Published: December 2008

Five successive fossil submarine slides have been mapped and described in the Sobrarbe deltaic complex (Ainsa Basin, Spanish Pyrenees). These slides affect and remove up to 15% of the delta front. The head of the scar surfaces is recognized clearly in the field due to the angular unconformity between the infilling sediments and the underlying layers. Most of the slide scarps trend 55°N with 20° to 40° dips indicating north‐westward sliding. Downslope, traces of the sliding surfaces parallel stratification. However, these surfaces can be identified by displaced masses, resedimented sandstones and soft‐sediment deformation features such as metre‐scale half‐grabens, normal faults and tension cracks; all the surfaces indicate a sliding displacement toward the north‐west. A three‐dimensional model built from topographic data with Earth Vision® software shows the architecture of the slide surfaces and provides an estimation of the volume of each sedimentary body within the limit of the studied area. This study also indicates that: (i) the sediments have been cut and carried away before their lithification; (ii) the sedimentation rate infilling a single slump scar is estimated to be about 8 m per 1000 years, i.e. 10 times higher than in the overall area of the Sobrarbe deltaic complex; (iii) each composite scar progressively develops and infills by retrogressive slumps; (iv) the successive slide surfaces stack vertically in a collapse complex structure and migrate downward to follow the sea‐level drop between two successive collapse complex structures; (v) the development of the scars in the Sobrarbe delta is described from a seven‐stage conceptual model starting with a regressive event; and (vi) the triggering of the Sobrarbe instabilities is controlled by high values of sedimentation rate, relative sea‐level falls mainly controlled by tectonic uplift, and likely seismic activity.
Negativization rates of IgE radioimmunoassay and basophil activation test in immediate reactions to penicillins
Authors: Fernández T. D. , Torres M. J. , Blanca‐López N. , Rodríguez‐Bada J. L. , Gomez E. , Canto G. , Mayorga C. , Blanca M.
Published: December 2008

Background:  Skin test sensitivity in patients with immediate allergy to penicillins tends to decrease over time, but no information is available concerning in vitro tests. We analysed the negativization rates of two in vitro methods that determine specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies, the basophil activation test using flow cytometry (BAT) and the radioallergosorbent test (RAST), in immediate allergic reactions to penicillins.

Methods:  Forty‐one patients with immediate allergic reactions to amoxicillin were followed up over a 4‐year period. BAT and RAST were performed at 6‐month intervals. Patients were randomized into groups: Group I, skin tests carried out at regular intervals; Group II, skin tests made only at the beginning of the study.

Results:  Differences were observed between RAST and BAT (P < 0.01), the latter showing earlier negativization. Considering different haptens, significant differences for the rate of negativization were only found for amoxicillin (P < 0.05). Comparisons between Groups I (n = 10) and II (n = 31) showed a tendency to become negative later in Group I with RAST.

Conclusions:  Levels of specific IgE antibodies tended to decrease over time in patients with immediate allergic reactions to amoxicillin. Conversion to negative took longer for the RAST assay, although the differences were only detected with the amoxicillin hapten. Skin testing influenced the rate of negativization of the RAST assay, contributing to maintenance of in vitro sensitivity. Because of the loss of sensitivity over time, the determination of specific IgE antibodies to penicillins in patients with immediate allergic reactions must be done as soon as possible after the reaction.
Dual sensitization to rat and mouse urinary allergens reflects cross‐reactive molecules rather than atopy
Authors: Jeal H. , Harris J. , Draper A. , Newman Taylor A. , Cullinan P. , Jones M.
Published: December 2008

Background:  Sensitization to rats and mice can develop in laboratory animal workers exposed to only one species. Reasons for this dual sensitization are unclear but may reflect a genetic predisposition to developing allergy (atopy) or alternatively cross‐reactivity between rat and mouse urinary allergens. We examined cross‐reactivity between rat and mouse urine and the effect atopy has on dual sensitization in laboratory animal workers.

Methods:  In a cross‐sectional study the frequency of sensitization to rat and/or mouse was analysed in 498 employees exposed to both rat and mouse at work and 220 to rat only. RAST inhibitions, western blots and blot inhibitions were carried out on a subset of five individuals to assess cross‐reactivity.

Results:  Fourteen per cent of workers were sensitized to rats and 9% to mouse. Over half (62%) of rat sensitized individuals were also mouse sensitized and the majority (91%) of mouse sensitized individuals were also rat sensitized. IgE cross‐reactivity was demonstrated between rat and mouse urine using RAST inhibitions. Rates of atopy did not differ between rat only sensitized individuals compared with those sensitized to both species. Sensitization to cats and rabbits was more common amongst those with dual sensitization.

Conclusions:  Dual sensitization to rat and mouse reflects IgE cross‐reactivity rather than atopy. Individuals with dual sensitization are more likely to be sensitized to other animal allergens. These findings will have implications for individuals working with only one rodent species who develop sensitization and symptoms to be aware of the potential for allergy to other species.
Production and characterization of an amphiploid between common wheat and Psathyrostachys huashanica Keng ex Kuo
Authors: Kang H. Y. , Wang Y. , Sun G. L. , Zhang H. Q. , Fan X. , Zhou Y. H.
Published: December 2008

Wide crosses and synthetic amphiploids have played an important role in introgressing desirable traits from related species into cultivated wheat. Hybrids between Triticum aestivum cv. ‘J‐11’ and Psathyrostachys huashanica were treated with colchicine, to produce a new intergeneric amphiploid (PHW‐SA). The morphological characteristics of PHW‐SA resembled the parent ‘J‐11’. PHW‐SA plants have purple internodes and pubescence in the basal spikelet, inherited from the P. huashanica parent. Somatic chromosome numbers varied from 2n = 51 to 2n = 56, with 70.59% of plants having 56 chromosomes. At metaphase I, PHW‐SA (2n = 56) plants showed an average of 1.15 univalents, 27.34 bivalents, 0.03 trivalents and 0.02 tetravalents per cell; complete chromosome pairing occurred in 50% of the pollen mother cells. A survey of disease resistances revealed that the stripe rust resistance from P. huashanica was expressed, but powdery mildew resistance was suppressed. The fertility of PHW‐SA was 60%.
Morphology of Reproductive Organs, Semen Quality and Sexual Behaviour of the Male Rabbit Exposed to a Soy‐containing Diet and Soy‐derived Isoflavones during Gestation and Lactation
Authors: Cardoso JR , Báo SN
Published: December 2008

Contents

Placental and breastfeeding transfer of soy isoflavones are potential routes for animal and human exposure to phytoestrogens, and reproductive dysfunctions have been linked to early exposure to these compounds. So, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of perinatal (intrauterine and lactational) exposure to soy‐containing diet and soy‐derived isoflavones on the reproductive parameters of male rabbits. For this purpose, 12 female rabbits were randomly assigned to receive: (1) a soy‐ and alfalfa‐free diet (control diet); (2) a soy‐ and alfalfa‐free diet supplemented with 10 mg/kg body wt/day of soy isoflavones; (3) a soy‐ and alfalfa‐free diet supplemented with 20 mg/kg body wt/day of soy isoflavones; and (4) a diet containing 18% of soy meal, throughout gestation and lactation. Weight and morphology of the reproductive organs of some of the male offspring were evaluated at weaning (between days 29 and 31). The remaining males were placed on the control diet from weaning to adulthood (gestational and lactational exposure only). Sexual behaviour, semen quality and reproductive organs’ morphology were evaluated after puberty. There were no significant differences in litter size and gestation duration between control and treatment groups. Perinatal exposure to soy‐containing diet and soy isoflavones did not alter testis, epididymides, proprostate and prostate weight and gross morphology. After puberty, sexual behaviour and semen parameters did not differ significantly from the control group. These results indicate that intrauterine and lactational exposure to soy‐containing diet and soy‐derived isoflavones may not adversely affect reproductive development and function of male rabbits.
Effects of Gonadotropins on In Vitro Maturation and of Electrical Stimulation on Parthenogenesis of Canine Oocytes
Authors: Kim BS , Lee SR , Hyun BH , Shin MJ , Yoo DH , Lee S , Park YS , Ha JH , Ryoo ZY
Published: December 2008

Contents

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of gonadotropins on in vitro maturation (IVM) and electrical stimulation on the parthenogenesis of canine oocytes. In experiment I, cumulus oocyte complexes were collected from ovaries at a random phase of the oestrus cycle and cultured on maturation medium treated with hCG or eCG for 48 or 72 h. There were no significant differences in the effects on the metaphase II (MII) rate between the hCG and eCG treatment groups over 48 h (5.4% vs 5.5%). The MII rate in the co‐treatment group of hCG and eCG for 48 h was higher than in each hormone treated group (15.5%, p < 0.05). In experiment 2, the parthenogenetic effect on oocyte development, at various electrical field strengths (1.0, 1.5, 2.0 kV/cm DC) for 60 or 80 μs with a single DC pulse after IVM on the co‐treatment of hCG and eCG, was examined. The rate of pronuclear formation (37.1%) in electrical activation at 1.5 kV/60 μs without cytochalasin B (CB) was higher than that of oocytes activated in the other groups (p < 0.05). However, we did not observe the cleavage stages. Also, CB did not influence parthenogenesis of canine oocytes. The results showed that the pronucleus formation rate, indicative of the parthenogenesis start point, could be increased by electrical stimulation. Therefore, these results can provide important data for the parthenogenesis of canine oocytes and suggest the probability of parthenogenesis in canines.
Insulin analogues: an example of applied medical science
Authors: Sheldon B. , Russell‐Jones D. , Wright J.
Published: December 2008

Insulin analogues were developed to try and achieve more physiological insulin replacement from injection in the subcutaneous site. Their pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics differ from human insulin when injected subcutaneously because of alterations in the amino acid sequence of the insulin molecule. The rapid‐acting insulin analogues, lispro, aspart and glulisine, have a rapid onset of action and shorter duration of action because of changes to the B26–30 portion of insulin inhibiting formation of dimers and hexamers. They appear to improve postprandial glucose, incidence of hypoglycaemia and patient satisfaction and, when used in combination with basal insulin analogues, improve glycosylated haemoglobin in comparison to conventional insulin therapy. Additionally, they have been successfully used in children, pregnant women, in pump therapy and as part of premixed biphasic regimens. The two basal insulin analogues, glargine and detemir, developed by adjusting the isoelectric point and adding a fatty acid residue, respectively, have a protracted duration of action and a relatively smooth profile. Their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles have been assessed using euglycaemic clamp protocols. Both analogues have a longer duration of action, less of a peak of activity and a reduced variability with repeated injection. There is some evidence to suggest that detemir may have a slight hepatoselective effect. Clinical studies have shown a lower relative risk of hypoglycaemia and detemir appears to have a weight‐sparing action. Insulin analogues represent a successful example of applied medical science.
The impact of training on service provision in laparoscopic radical prostatectomy
Authors: Neill Mischel G. , Chabert Charles C. , Merrilees David A. , Eden Christopher G.
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE

To address concerns about the impact of training on patient outcomes during the ‘learning curve’ for laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP), we compare the results of our patients undergoing LRP with and without trainees performing a substantial proportion of the cases.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In all, 771 consecutive cases of LRP were performed or supervised by one surgeon during a 7.5‐year period, of which 114 (15%) were training cases. A five‐port transperitoneal technique was used in the first 111 patients and an extraperitoneal approach in the remaining 660. Patient, operative and oncological outcome variables were compared using an independent samples t‐test if continuous or with Fisher’s exact test for rates.

RESULTS

There were no differences in preoperative patient or cancer characteristics with the exception of body mass index (BMI) which was lower in the training cases (medians 25 and 26 kg/m2, P = 0.02) and patient age which was higher (medians 64 and 62 years, P < 0.001). Operative time, which was longer in training cases (medians 200 and 175 min, P < 0.001) was the only significantly different operative variable between the groups. There were no statistically significant differences in postoperative (duration of catheterization, hospitalization time, complication rates, biochemical recurrence and pad‐free rates at 1 year) or pathological (gland weight, positive surgical margin rate) outcomes between the groups. As Fellows did not perform the posterior or apical dissection steps in nerve‐sparing cases, no evaluation of potency outcomes is included.

CONCLUSIONS

Training cases took a median of 25 min longer to complete than non‐training cases. However, other perioperative measures, complications rates and cancer outcomes were similar. Adequately supervised training in LRP does indeed take additional time but is essential for the dissemination of surgical skills and preservation of acceptable outcomes.
Failure of monotherapy in primary monosymptomatic enuresis: a combined desmopressin and propiverine treatment regimen improves efficacy outcomes
Authors: Alloussi Saladin Helmut , Mürtz Gerd , Gitzhofer Silvia , Eichel Robert , Lang Christoph , Madersbacher Helmut , Strugala Gerhard , Alloussi Schahnaz
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate, in a prospective study, the combination of the antimuscarinic propiverine and the antidiuretic hormone‐agonist desmopressin in children and adolescents not responsive to previous monotherapy, as in primary monosymptomatic enuresis (PME), combined treatments are considered a second‐line approach after the failure of monotherapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study included 122 children and adolescents (mean age 10.8 years, range 5–21) with PME and so far unresponsive to single or multiple monotherapy. Propiverine (body weight <30 kg, 15 mg/day; ≥30 kg, 20 mg/day) and desmopressin (0.4 mg/night) were administered over 3 months, followed by successive structured withdrawal programmes for propiverine and desmopressin, depending on the amount of loss of urine at night before treatment.

RESULTS

The re‐evaluation of unresponsive patients, incorporating video‐urodynamics, showed neurogenic detrusor overactivity, isolated detrusor sphincter dyssynergia and vesicorenal reflux in 12.3% (15/122) of patients, so far falsely treated as enuresis. In 107 of 122 patients the diagnosis of PME was confirmed. The primary efficacy outcome, continence at night, was achieved in 104 of 107 patients (97.2%). During the individual follow‐up periods (3–12 months), 23 of 107 (21.5%) patients relapsed after withdrawal of both medications. Adverse events of moderate intensity were rare (3.7%).

CONCLUSION

Re‐evaluation of patients after monotherapy has failed is justified, because other entities can be discovered in patients so far treated unsuccessfully for enuresis. The combination of propiverine and desmopressin is highly effective in children with PME. Our results support the case for further optimizing the inaugurated treatment algorithm of PME for treatment duration, dose‐titration and structured withdrawal programmes, thus possibly further decreasing relapse rates.
Use of forearm free‐flap phalloplasty in bladder exstrophy adults
Authors: Timsit Marc‐Olivier , Mouriquand Pierre E. , Ruffion Alain , Bouillot Alain , Dembelé Diala , Mejean Arnaud , Lalloue Fanny , Leriche Albert , Morel‐Journel Nicolas
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE

To assess the long‐term outcome and cosmetic results of forearm free‐flap phalloplasty for correcting micropenis associated with bladder exstrophy in men.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From 1992 to 2000, six men with bladder exstrophy and unsatisfactory penile appearance underwent phalloplasty at our institution. The mean (range) follow‐up was 113 (62–153) months. The surgical procedure consisted of a modified radial free‐flap phalloplasty and prosthesis implantation. One‐stage urethroplasty was electively performed according to the patient’s voiding pattern. Early and late complications were recorded and quality of life after phalloplasty was assessed.

RESULTS

The mean (range) age was 21.2 (17–26) years and flap survival was 100%. Two incontinent patients underwent immediate perineal urethrostomy. One sepsis occurred, requiring the removal of the penile prosthesis and a cutaneous continent urinary diversion; this patient was the only one to complain about the outcome. Two anastomotic urethral strictures were conservatively treated by endoscopic urethrotomy and only one patient underwent subsequent urethral self‐dilatations. Five patients were very satisfied with the cosmesis of the neophallus and three patients reported having regular sexual intercourse.

CONCLUSIONS

Although short, this series indicates the low incidence of early complications and the excellent long‐term satisfaction with forearm free‐flap phalloplasty in bladder exstrophy. Phalloplasty has potential indications when adult exstrophy patients are dissatisfied with the cosmetic appearance of their external genitalia or have unsatisfactory sexual intercourse.
A hierarchical competing systems model of the emergence and early development of executive function
Authors: Marcovitch Stuart , Zelazo Philip David
Published: December 2008

The hierarchical competing systems model (HCSM) provides a framework for understanding the emergence and early development of executive function – the cognitive processes underlying the conscious control of behavior – in the context of search for hidden objects. According to this model, behavior is determined by the joint influence of a developmentally invariant habit system and a conscious representational system that becomes increasingly influential as children develop. This article describes a computational formalization of the HCSM, reviews behavioral and computational research consistent with the model, and suggests directions for future research on the development of executive function.
Tradable rights to emit air pollution*
Authors: Burtraw Dallas , Evans David A.
Published: December 2008

The use of cap‐and‐trade to regulate air pollution promises to achieve environmental goals at lower cost than traditional prescriptive approaches. Cap‐and‐trade has been applied to various air pollutants including sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds in the United States and carbon dioxide (CO2) in the European Union. This corresponds to what is likely to become the most expensive environmental undertaking in history – the effort to reduce the heating of the planet. However, the efficacy of a cap‐and‐trade policy for CO2 depends in large part on the design of the program. In addition to the level of the cap, the most important decision facing policymakers will be the initial allocation of emissions allowances. The method used to allocate tradable emissions allowances will have significant influence on the distributional impact and efficiency of the program.
Large-Scale Multiple Testing under Dependence
Authors: Sun Wenguang , Tony Cai T.
Published: December 2008

The paper considers the problem of multiple testing under dependence in a compound decision theoretic framework. The observed data are assumed to be generated from an underlying two-state hidden Markov model. We propose oracle and asymptotically optimal data-driven procedures that aim to minimize the false non-discovery rate FNR subject to a constraint on the false discovery rate FDR. It is shown that the performance of a multiple-testing procedure can be substantially improved by adaptively exploiting the dependence structure among hypotheses, and hence conventional FDR procedures that ignore this structural information are inefficient. Both theoretical properties and numerical performances of the procedures proposed are investigated. It is shown that the procedures proposed control FDR at the desired level, enjoy certain optimality properties and are especially powerful in identifying clustered non-null cases. The new procedure is applied to an influenza-like illness surveillance study for detecting the timing of epidemic periods.
World Bank Support for Public Financial Management and Procurement: From Theory to Practice
Authors: WESCOTT CLAY G.
Published: December 2008

The advice provided by the World Bank on improving public financial management and procurement is influenced by debates on theory and practice in developed and developing countries. This article touches on some of the highlights of these debates, drawing from the indicative literature mainly since 1990 from scholars and practitioners. It goes on to examine the Bank's diagnostic work, design, and implementation of project and policy support in this area. It also assesses evidence of outcomes and attribution, and ends with questions for further research.
Quantitative evaluation of functional limitation of upper limb movements in subjects affected by ataxia
Authors: Menegoni F. , Milano E. , Trotti C. , Galli M. , Bigoni M. , Baudo S. , Mauro A.
Published: December 2008

Background and purpose:  The design of useful and effective treatment strategies for movement disorders largely depends on the ability to objectively quantify changes in performances, providing reliable outcome measures. Evaluation of ataxia remains mainly assigned to different clinical scales, providing a semi‐quantitative assessment. The aim of this study was to quantitatively characterize functional changes in upper limb movements in ataxic patients, using an optoelectronic system for objective measurements.

Methods:  Fourteen patients with cerebellar ataxia and 27 healthy subjects were analyzed using an optoelectronic system with passive markers during pointing task and hand‐to‐mouth movement. Quantitative parameters capable of characterizing ataxic movements were defined using recorded kinematics.

Results:  In both the considered functional movements, ataxic patients showed increased adjustment during the last phase of movement. The movement was less smooth than that in controls, with a fragmented trajectory presenting more direction changes than controls.

Conclusions:  The proposed protocol allows the quantitative characterization of the motion pattern of ataxic subjects in a non‐invasive way. We believe that this analysis could represent a good tool for ataxia evaluation in a clinical context such as neurorehabilitation.
A framework for comparing social protection in developing and developed countries: The example of child benefits
Authors: Esser Ingrid , Ferrarini Tommy , Nelson Kenneth , Sjöberg Ola
Published: December 2008

Abstract  The article outlines a conceptual and theoretical framework for improved comparative analysis of publicly provided social protection in developing countries, drawing on the research tradition of the study of longstanding welfare democracies. An important element of the proposed institutional approach is the establishment of comparable qualitative and quantitative indicators for social protection. The empirical example of child benefits indicates that differences between developed and developing countries should not be exaggerated, and that the prevalence of child benefits in sub‐Saharan African and Latin American countries today resembles the inter‐war period (1919‐1938) situation in developed regions.
First evaluation of six nucleic acid amplification tests widely used in the diagnosis of Chlamydia trachomatis in Russia
Authors: Shipitsyna E , Zolotoverkhaya E , Agné‐Stadling I , Krysanova A , Savicheva A , Sokolovsky E , Domeika M , Unemo M
Published: December 2008

Background  In Russia, nationally developed nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs), which have never been validated to international commercially available NAATs, are mainly used in the diagnosis of Chlamydia trachomatis infection.

Objective  To evaluate the performance characteristics of six NAATs widely used to diagnose C. trachomatis infection in Russia.

Materials and methods   In total, 446 consecutive symptomatic patients (319 females and 127 males) were included. Five polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays and one real‐time nucleic acid sequence‐based amplification (NASBA) assay were evaluated on cervical and vaginal samples from females and on urethral and first voided urine samples from males. As reference methods, the Cobas Amplicor PCR, as the main ‘gold standard’ method, and LightMix 480HT PCR were used.

Results  The overall prevalence of C. trachomatis infection was 12.6%. The Russian NAATs and the reference methods displayed a high level of concordance (97.9% to 99.2%). In comparison with the reference methods, the sensitivities, specificities, positive predictive values and negative predictive values of the Russian tests in different specimens ranged from 86.1% to 100%, 99.1% to 100%, 92.3% to 100% and 98.2% to 100%, respectively.

Conclusions  According to the reference methods, C. trachomatis NAATs developed and used in Russia have relatively good performance characteristics for both invasive and non‐invasive samples. However, larger studies that include symptomatic and asymptomatic patients as well as genital and extra‐genital samples, and in comparison with other internationally well‐recognized, validated, and ideally Food and Drug Administration–approved C. trachomatis NAATs performed strictly according to the manufacturer's instructions, need to be conducted.

Conflicts of interest

None declared
Post‐bottleneck mtDNA diversity in a free‐living population of European bison: implications for conservation
Authors: Wójcik J. M. , Kawałko A. , Tokarska M. , Jaarola M. , Vallenback P. , Pertoldi C.
Published: December 2008

A free‐living population of European bison Bison bonasus in the Białowieża Primeval Forest originated from only seven founder animals after a severe bottleneck that occurred at the beginning of the 20th century. Consequently, the contemporary population of the species is characterized by low genetic diversity. We studied a total of 195 individuals (127 males and 68 females). A 1429 bp fragment of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) including the D‐loop region was analyzed in 87 individuals and revealed only three distinct haplotypes. Nucleotide (π) and haplotype (Hd) diversity values were estimated for the European bison and were compared with π and Hd estimated from three individuals of American bison Bison bison. Very low diversity values were found in the European bison in comparison with the diversity values found in the American bison. The low mtDNA variability in the European bison is in concordance with theoretical expectations for a species that has undergone a severe and recent bottleneck. A management strategy for the preservation of the rare and very rare haplotypes present in the Białowieża population of the European bison is discussed. Furthermore, all 195 individuals were investigated for heteroplasmy involving these three haplotypes, in order to detect a possible association between heteroplasmy and the incidence of males affected by posthitis, a disease that affects the male reproductive organs, leading to necrotic lesions. Heteroplasmy was found in 15 females, in 17 males affected by posthitis and in 11 non‐affected males, and no significant association was found.
The quality of optometrists’ referral letters for glaucoma
Authors: Scully Natalie D. , Chu Ling , Siriwardena Dilani , Wormald Richard , Kotecha Aachal
Published: December 2008

Purpose:  The purpose of the study was to evaluate the quality of content of optometrist‐initiated glaucoma referral letters arriving at the appointment booking centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital (MEH).

Methods:  The minimum standard of information required for an ophthalmologist to determine the appropriateness and urgency of glaucoma suspect referral was determined, and criteria for three standards of referral letter formulated: ‘Ideal’, ‘Acceptable’ and ‘Fail’. These standards were applied to a prospective review of all optometrist‐derived referrals for glaucoma or suspected glaucoma cases arriving in the MEH booking centre over a 4‐month period. The contents of each letter were scrutinised and classified based on the criteria within each standard.

Results:  Forty‐nine per cent of referral letters were found to be of ‘acceptable’ quality, 7%‘ideal’ quality and the remainder classed as “fail”. The main reason for failure was an omission of non‐clinical information, including patient and/or referring practice details, although 26% of letters failed to include an optic disc evaluation and 6% failed to provide intra‐ocular pressure measurements. Two‐thirds of ‘acceptable’ letters did not reach the ‘ideal’ standard due to a lack of discussion of risk factors, visual field analysis or recommendations for referral speed.

Discussion:  The information gleaned from this prospective study indicates a need to improve the quality of optometrists’ glaucoma referral letters, particularly with respect to completion of all the items set out on the General Ophthalmic Services (GOS) 18 referral form.
The effect of altering spherical aberration on the static accommodative response
Authors: Theagarayan Baskar , Radhakrishnan Hema , Allen Peter M. , Calver Richard I. , Rae Sheila M. , O’Leary Daniel J.
Published: December 2008

Purpose:  To investigate the effect of altering the spherical aberration (SA) of the eye on the static accommodative response.

Methods:  Participants were fitted with nominally afocal contact lenses with controlled amounts of SA of either −0.2, −0.1, 0.0, +0.1 or +0.2 μm for a 5‐mm pupil. Measurements of SA and root mean square (RMS) total aberration for the eye plus lens for each participant were determined with a Complete Ophthalmic Analysis System aberrometer. Accommodation was stimulated either by placing targets at different dioptric distances from the eye, or by using a fixed distance target and placing negative‐powered lenses in front of the eye. Accommodation responses were determined with a Shin‐Nippon autorefractor.

Results:  For both stimuli situations, the slope of the accommodation stimulus‐response function was lowest for the lenses with +0.2 μm SA, and increased as the amount of SA was reduced. There was a significant negative correlation between SA and slope. Lag of accommodation at 33 cm correlated well with added SA, but did not correlate with total RMS error. There was no significant difference between the responses at 30 min after lens wear started and the responses after 1 h.

Conclusions:  Adding negative SA to the eye generally improves the slope of the accommodation stimulus‐response curve and decreases lag of accommodation, and positive added SA depresses the slope of the stimulus‐response curve and increases lag. The effect seems to be specific to SA, as there was no relationship between lag and RMS error. Altering SA may be a viable way of changing accommodative functions in clinical situations.
Accommodation, pupil diameter and myopia
Authors: Charman W. Neil , Radhakrishnan Hema
Published: December 2008

Concurrent measurements of steady‐state accommodation response/stimulus curves and of pupil diameter were made in groups (n = 20) of young, adult myopes [age (mean ± SD) 23.1 ± 4.5 years, mean‐sphere error (MSE) −3.06 ± 2.35 D, range −0.60 to −8.54 D] and emmetropes (mean age 25.3 ± 5.7 years, mean MSE −0.07 ± 0.26 D, range −0.50 to +0.50 D). The aim of this study was to explore the possibilities that pupil diameters with relaxed accommodation were larger, and that accommodative miosis was weaker, in the myopic group. Such behaviour would lead to relatively greater degradation of the retinal images in the myopic group, even though aberrations at constant pupil diameter and dioptric accommodative lags in the two groups were the same: this might result in excessive axial growth and further myopia development. No evidence for any systematic refractive dependence of pupillary characteristics or accommodative responses was found. Interestingly, those subjects whose response/stimulus curves had a higher slope tended to display greater accommodative miosis, irrespective of their refractive error.
Dynamically scheduling ships to multiple continuous berth spaces in an iron and steel complex
Authors: Tang Lixin , Li Shaohua , Liu Jiyin
Published: December 2008

This paper studies the problem of dynamically scheduling ships to multiple continuous berth spaces at the raw material docks in an iron and steel complex with the objective of minimizing the total weighted service time. We propose two mathematical models and develop an improved Lagrangian relaxation algorithm to solve the problem. Based on the problem structure, six properties are observed that help speed up the procedures of solving the sub‐problems, updating Lagrangian multipliers and obtaining feasible solutions, respectively. Computational results on 50 real data problems and 120 randomly generated problems show that the algorithm generates good solutions in short time and that using the properties can reduce by more than 80% the computation time of the algorithm.
Accelerated Vesting of Employee Stock Options in Anticipation of FAS 123‐R
Authors: CHOUDHARY PREETI , RAJGOPAL SHIVARAM , VENKATACHALAM MOHAN
Published: December 2008

In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) mandated the use of a fair value–based measurement attribute to value employee stock options (ESOs) via Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) 123‐R. In anticipation of FAS 123‐R, between March 2004 and November 2005, several firms accelerate the vesting of ESOs to avoid recognizing existing unvested ESO grants at fair value in future financial statements. We find that the likelihood of accelerated vesting is higher if (1) acceleration has a greater effect on future ESO compensation expense, especially related to underwater options, and (2) firms suffer greater agency problems, proxied by fewer blockholders, lower pension fund ownership, and top five officers holding a greater share of ESOs. We also find a negative stock price reaction around the announcement of the acceleration decision. Furthermore, stock returns are significantly negative before the new vesting dates and positive afterward, suggesting that vesting dates could have been backdated.
Do Managers Withhold Bad News?
Authors: KOTHARI S. P. , SHU SUSAN , WYSOCKI PETER D.
Published: December 2008

In this study, we examine whether managers delay disclosure of bad news relative to good news. If managers accumulate and withhold bad news up to a certain threshold, but leak and immediately reveal good news to investors, then we expect the magnitude of the negative stock price reaction to bad news disclosures to be greater than the magnitude of the positive stock price reaction to good news disclosures. We present evidence consistent with this prediction. Our analysis suggests that management, on average, delays the release of bad news to investors.
Implementation of a clinical practice guideline for smoking cessation in a public antenatal care setting
Authors: FLENADY Vicki , MACPHAIL Julie , NEW Karen , DEVENISH‐MEARES Paul , SMITH Julie
Published: December 2008

Background:  Despite high level evidence showing that antenatal smoking cessation programs are effective in reducing the number of women who smoke during pregnancy and the number of low birthweight and preterm births, few Australian hospitals have adopted a systematic approach to assist pregnant women to stop smoking.

Aims:  The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a smoking cessation guideline, developed specifically for clinicians providing antenatal care in public maternity hospitals, combined with an implementation program on the uptake of evidence‐based practice.

Methods:  A clinical practice guideline was developed and an implementation strategy was tested, using a prospective before‐and‐after study design, at the Mater Mothers’ Hospital in Brisbane. Women were surveyed in late pregnancy, pre‐ and post‐implementation. The primary outcome measures were women's report of appropriate smoking cessation support received, specifically, information brochures and referral to Quitline. Secondary outcome measures included women's report of smoking status in late pregnancy and relapse rates.

Results:  Post‐implementation, more women reported receiving written materials on smoking cessation (76% vs 35%; relative risk (RR) 3.4; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.7, 4.2) and referral to Quitline (67% vs 14%; RR 4.9; 95% CI 3.0, 8.0). While not statistically significant, fewer women post‐implementation reported smoking in late pregnancy (19.5% vs 16.7%) and fewer reported smoking > 10 cigarettes per day (38% vs 25%).

Conclusions:  Clinical practice guidelines specifically designed for a public maternity care setting combined with an implementation program resulted in an increase in evidence‐based practice with some indication of improved smoking behaviour for women.
First trimester predictors of adverse pregnancy outcomes
Authors: BRAMELD Kate J. , DICKINSON Jan E. , O’LEARY Peter , BOWER Carol , GOLDBLATT Jack , HEWITT Beverley , MURCH Ashleigh , STOCK Rosanne
Published: December 2008

Aim: To identify first trimester indicators of adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Method: Data were obtained from the statewide evaluation of first trimester screening for Down syndrome in Western Australia which included 22 695 pregnancies screened between August 2001 and October 2003. Screening data were linked with pregnancy outcome information from the Hospital Morbidity Database and the Birth Defects Registry. The odds ratios (OR) of adverse outcomes were analysed for combined risk incorporating maternal age, nuchal translucency (NT) and biochemical parameters and then separately for each parameter (pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A (PAPP‐A), free beta human chorionic gonadotropin (β‐hCG) and NT).

Results: Risk assessments for first trimester combined screening are derived from maternal age, ultrasound measurement of fetal NT, maternal serum free β‐hCG and PAPP‐A. Increased combined risk for Down syndrome was significantly (P < 0.01) associated with spontaneous loss at or before 24 weeks gestation (OR 13.51), birth defects (OR 6.58) and preterm birth at or before 32 weeks gestation (OR 3.2). Maternal serum PAPP‐A below the 5th centile was associated with Down syndrome (OR 8.43), spontaneous loss before 24 weeks (OR 5.04) and later than 24 weeks (OR 4.50), preterm delivery before 32 weeks (OR 3.11) and before 37 weeks (OR 2.24). NT above the 95th centile was associated with Down syndrome (OR 43.91), birth defects (OR 4.02) and spontaneous loss before 24 weeks (OR 6.24). Low levels of free β‐hCG and increased NT were less consistently associated with adverse outcomes and high levels of free β‐hCG showed limited use as an indicator. The detection rates for all outcomes other than Down syndrome were less than 40%.

Conclusion: Biochemical indicators and NT that are measured during first trimester screening for Down syndrome show a number of associations with adverse outcomes, but do not show appropriate performance characteristics for screening tests. These data are consistent with the view that the individual components, specifically low PAPP‐A levels alone, do not provide an effective screening tool for adverse pregnancy outcomes.
The diagnosis and treatment of Mullerian adenosarcoma of the uterus
Authors: SHI Yangyang , LIU Zhiqiang , PENG Zhilan , LIU Hui , YANG Kaixuan , YAO Xianying
Published: December 2008

Background:  Adenosarcoma of the uterus is one of the rare types of gynaecological malignant tumours. Poor awareness of it among clinicians makes it difficult to diagnose correctly and timely, so it is helpful to enrich and update our knowledge about the tumour with new information of patients.

Aim:  To improve the level of diagnosis and treatment of Mullerian adenosarcoma of the uterus.

Methods:  The medical data of nine patients with Mullerian adenosarcoma of the uterus who were treated from May 1995 to March 2006 in our hospital were analysed retrospectively. The analysis focused on clinicopathological features, treatment and prognosis.

Results:  Patients typically presented with abnormal uterine bleeding, pain in the lower abdomen, enlargement of the uterus, a mass in the uterine cavity and/or a cervical neoplasm. Microscopically, the glands were lined by benign or atypical glandular epithelium, together with sarcomatous stromal cells which showed characteristic structures of ‘periglandular cuff’ of increased cellularity and ‘intraglandular polypoid projections’. The primary diagnostic rate was 33.3% and the average interval from symptom onset to final diagnosis was 13 months and eight weeks for pre‐ and postmenopausal patients, respectively. The prognosis was better in early stage disease in young patients.

Conclusions:  The most common symptom of adenosarcoma of the uterus is abnormal uterine bleeding. Younger patients are more often misdiagnosed. Clinical stage and age of the patient are closely related to prognosis. Surgery is the primary treatment, and chemotherapy may be somewhat beneficial.
The prevalence of inherited thrombophilic polymorphisms in an asymptomatic Australian antenatal population
Authors: SAID Joanne M. , BRENNECKE Shaun P. , MOSES Eric K. , WALKER Susan P. , MONAGLE Paul T. , CAMPBELL Janine , BRYANT Valerie J. , BORG Anthony J. , HIGGINS John R.
Published: December 2008

Aim: Inherited thrombophilic polymorphisms have been linked to pregnancy‐related thromboembolism and other adverse pregnancy outcomes. As there are limited data on the prevalence of these polymorphisms in Australian populations, we aimed to assess this in an antenatal population.

Methods: Healthy nulliparous women (n = 2031) were recruited to this study. The women had no past or family history of venous thromboembolism. Women were excluded if they or a family member was known to be a carrier of any thrombophilic marker. Genotyping from venous blood for the factor V Leiden, prothrombin 20210A, MTHFR 677 and 1298 and thrombomodulin C1418T polymorphisms was undertaken.

Results: Key findings were that 107 of 2019 (5.30, 95% confidence interval 4.36–6.37%) women tested were heterozygous carriers of factor V Leiden and one was homozygous (0.05, 0–0.27%); 2.43% of women were heterozygous carriers of the prothrombin gene mutation (1.80–3.20%) while no women were homozygous for this mutation; 11.62% (10.22–13.02%) and 9.98% (8.67–11.29%) were homozygous for the MTHFR 677 and 1298 polymorphisms, respectively, and 3.43% (2.63–4.22%) of women were homozygous for the thrombomodulin polymorphism.

Conclusions: The prevalence of these polymorphisms is consistent with previously published data in Caucasian populations. These data will provide the basis for further assessment of the relationship between poor pregnancy outcome and these inherited thrombophilic polymorphisms in an asymptomatic antenatal population.
Prepartum and intrapartum caesarean section rates at Mater Mothers’ Hospital Brisbane 1997–2005
Authors: JANSSENS Sarah , WALLACE Karen L. , CHANG Allan M. Z.
Published: December 2008

Aim: To document the rise in prepartum and intrapartum caesarean section and the demographic and medical factors contributing to the rise.

Methods: Data from 52 423 deliveries between January 1997 to May 2005 were analysed for yearly change in caesarean section rates and multiple demographic and medical factors.

Results: The prepartum caesarean section rate increased by 1.6% per year and the intrapartum caesarean section rate by 0.8% per year. There was no increase in the overall prevalence of obesity, short stature, advanced maternal age, medical complications or previous caesarean section. There were significant increases in nulliparity, private care, induction of labour and the use of electronic monitoring, but these were insufficient to explain the magnitude of the rise.

Conclusion: The increase in prepartum and intrapartum caesarean section displayed was not fully explained by medical and demographic changes in the population.
Primary psoas muscle abscess in pregnancy
Authors: SWANSON Amy , LAU Kenneth K. , KORNMAN Tony , WALLACE Euan M. , POLYAKOV Alex
Published: December 2008

Primary iliacus‐psoas muscle abscess formation is very uncommon during pregnancy. We present a case of a primary iliacus‐psoas muscle abscess in pregnancy causing back pain with delayed diagnosis and treatment. Understanding the clinical presentation of iliacus‐psoas muscle abscess helps with considering it in the differential diagnosis of back pain during pregnancy.