bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corrections Victoria: ensuring responsive practices for offenders with complex needs
Authors: Famularo Jo
Published: October 2011

Purpose

Rather than emphasising the earlier disadvantages that Corrections Victoria (CV) Australia, the world's first acquired brain injury (ABI) program, has experienced, this paper aims to highlight how this clinical position has improved best practice outcomes and solutions for offenders in the Victorian forensic system.

Design/methodology/approach

Over the past three years, CV Australia has made a commitment towards better meeting the needs of offenders with a disability. Specific research has been undertaken to identify the prevalence of acquired brain injury among Victoria's male and female population. This world‐first research for CV by its research partners, arbias Ltd and La Trobe University, has identified new challenges particularly evidence concerning the large‐prisoner cohort with acquired brain injury.

Findings

The acquired brain injury clinician within CV is a new position, an innovative service for prisoners and offenders with an ABI in the North West Metropolitan Region, Melbourne. What has emerged in the first 18 months of the ABI program is the presence of co‐morbidities, including mental health and substance use issues in addition to the prisoner/offender's cognitive impairment. This complex profile confirms the need for a specialist response. The role of the clinician is multi‐functional, including consultation, capacity building, information, education, intervention planning and staff training.

Practical implications

The practical implications of this case study include a treatment plan; however, there are issues with implementing this approach as it requires a long‐term commitment from the correctional services system.

Originality/value

In recent months, a number of strategies have been implemented to better support the prisoners who have cognitive impairment. Success of these strategies can make lasting changes to not only the offenders, but also CV staff. The CV staff noted that while resources (time spent) have been heavily invested in the individual learning, this has been an effective strategy. This case study highlights how CV is responding to the research into prisoners/offenders with an acquired brain injury.
The “forensicisation” of challenging behaviour: the perils of people with learning disabilities and severe challenging behaviours being viewed as “forensic” patients
Authors: Douds Fergus , Bantwal Ashwin
Published: October 2011

Purpose

In Scotland, following the closure of long stay learning disability hospitals in 2005, focus has shifted on to developing robust community services/resources to cater for the healthcare needs of people with learning disabilities. In the absence of robust in‐patient services, a small number of individuals with learning disabilities and associated severe challenging behaviours, despite not being regarded as “forensic” cases, do inappropriately get referred and sometimes admitted to forensic learning disability services. This study aims to explore this area of clinical practice in the context of referrals to the high secure forensic setting of The State Hospital, Carstairs, Scotland and in light of key UK and Scottish Government policies.

Design/methodology/approach

All referrals made to the State Hospital's forensic learning disability service between August 2005 and July 2010, which met the criteria, were reviewed (n=5) and common determinants leading to these referrals identified and thematically analysed.

Findings

The identified determinants leading to the making of these referrals were broadly classifiable into psychiatric, environmental and staffing themes.

Practical implications

In Scotland, there does appear to be a requirement for a specialist in‐patient service to meet the needs of this complex and challenging group of patients. There is a need for effective supra‐regional planning to meet the needs of similar “high cost, low volume” patient groups.

Originality/value

This study highlights the wider issue of “gaps” within services in Scotland for individuals with severe challenging behaviours and autism and the requirement for a national specialist service.
China's feed industry in transition: the case of New Hope Group – an industry perspective
Authors: Fu Wenge
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the development of the processed feed industry in China through the lens of one of its most successful and earliest entrants, the Hope Group's “New Hope” enterprise. With the feed industry in China now facing a transition phase, the paper looks at the root causes of the problems facing China's feed industry, analyzes the transition strategy undertaken by New Hope and others, and discusses the opportunities for industry growth in the world's most populous country, where urbanization and standards of living are still on the rise and per capita use of feeds is still low by world standards (e.g. one‐fifth of that in the USA). The case also addresses the potential industry impact of mandates outlined in China's Twelfth Five‐Year Plan, such as the imperative to modernize agriculture and improve peasants’ economic well‐being.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on expert knowledge of the CEO of New Hope Group's sister agribusiness company, West Hope Group, as well as New Hope Group annual reports and global economic data.

Findings

The study reveals future challenges to China's processed feed industry as being price of labor, raw materials, and energy rises; companies undergoing integration; and established companies shifting from product marketing to service marketing models.

Practical implications

This paper is useful for academics interested in industry perspectives, policymakers, practitioners, and business people considering investment in China.

Social implications

How China's processed feed and breeding industries modernize will impact the economic well‐being of each link in the nation's agribusiness chain (from small producers to conglomerates), the cost and quality of animal‐based proteins, and the world's “food vs. fuel” conflicts.

Originality/value

The paper offers a rare insider's look at one of China's largest private companies and a global player in agribusiness.
Systemic lupus erythematosus complicated with protein‐losing enteropathy: A case report and review of the published works
Authors: AWAZAWA Ryoko , YAMAMOTO Yu‐ichi , MINE Yoshiko , NAKAMURA Ikumi , KISHIMOTO Kazuto , KINJYO Fukunori , HAGIWARA Keisuke , FUJITA Jiro , UEZATO Hiroshi , TAKAHASHI Kenzo
Published: October 2011

A 45‐year‐old man was referred to our hospital with a history of multiple erythematous skin lesions of several months’ duration. Blood examination revealed extreme hypoproteinemia and hypoalbuminemia, as well as the presence of antinuclear antibodies. A skin biopsy specimen showed liquefaction degeneration at the dermoepidermal junction and dense lymphocyte and neutrophil infiltration around the vessels and appendages in the upper and middle dermis. Chest X‐ray and computed tomography showed a pleural effusion and thoracic paracentesis revealed a mononuclear cell‐dominant cell infiltration, suggestive of serositis. Technetium‐99m (99mTc)‐labeled human serum albumin scintigraphy and α1‐antitrypsin clearance revealed protein leakage along the digestive tracts from the stomach to the jejunum. From the above findings, the patient was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) complicated by protein‐losing enteropathy (PLE). Treatment with oral prednisolone significantly improved his clinical symptoms and hypoalbuminemia. This case highlighted the utility of 99mTc‐labeled human serum albumin scintigraphy and α1‐antitrypsin clearance in the diagnosis of PLE. We also present a published work review on PLE associated with connective tissue disease revealing a relatively higher prevalence in patients of Asian ethnicity, including Japanese.
Efficacy of the addition of salicylic acid to clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide combination for acne vulgaris
Authors: AKARSU Sevgi , FETIL Emel , YÜCEL Filiz , GÜL Eylem , GÜNEŞ Ali T.
Published: October 2011

Clindamycin phosphate (CDP), benzoyl peroxide (BPO) and salicylic acid (SA) are known to be effective acne therapy agents depending on their anti‐inflammatory and comedolytic properties. The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy and tolerability of the addition of SA treatment to CDP and BPO (SA and CDP + BPO) and compare it with CDP + BPO in patients with mild to moderate facial acne vulgaris. Forty‐nine patients were enrolled in a 12 week prospective, single‐blind, randomized, comparative clinical study. Efficacy was assessed by lesion counts, global improvement, quality of life index and measurements of skin barrier functions. Local side effects were also evaluated. Both combinations were effective in reducing total lesion (TL), inflammatory lesion (IL) and non‐inflammatory lesion (NIL) counts. There were statistically significant differences between treatment groups for reductions in NIL counts beyond 2 weeks, IL counts and TL counts throughout the all study weeks, and global improvement scores evaluated by patients and investigator at the end of the study in favor of SA and CDP + BPO treatment when compared to CDP + BPO treatment. Both combinations significantly decreased stratum corneum hydration, although skin sebum values decreased with SA and CDP + BPO treatment. These combinations were also well tolerated except significantly higher frequency of mild to moderate transient dryness in patients applied SA and CDP + BPO. The addition of SA to CDP + BPO treatment demonstrated significantly better and faster results in terms of reductions in acne lesion counts and well tolerated except for higher frequency of mild to moderate transient dryness.
Quantitative study of stratum corneum ceramides contents in patients with sensitive skin
Authors: CHO Hee Jin , CHUNG Bo Young , LEE Hee Bong , KIM Hye One , PARK Chun Wook , LEE Cheol Heon
Published: October 2011

People with sensitive skin (SS) are those who state their skin is more sensitive than that of average persons. The stratum corneum is responsible for maintaining skin barrier function. Ceramides, major constituents of stratum corneum lipids, have been shown to predominantly contribute to the role. It has been suggested that barrier function in SS is decreased. However, we could find very few reports about stratum corneum ceramides in SS. This study was done to find out differences in stratum corneum ceramides between SS and non‐SS groups. Fifty individuals (20 with SS and 30 with non‐SS) were recruited. Lactic acid sting test (LAST) was performed on the left cheek. On six sites including the right cheek, arm, thigh, leg, back and palm, transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and erythema index (EI) were measured. On the above six sites, stratum corneum sheets were obtained by stripping with cyanoacrylate resin and stratum corneum lipids were extracted, then, analyzed by high‐performance liquid chromatography electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. LAST scores were higher in the SS group, but not statistically significant. There were no differences in TEWL and EI values between the two groups. The mean value of the quantity of stratum corneum ceramides on the face was significantly lower in the SS group. On other sites, mean values were also lower in the SS group, but not statistically significant. The quantity of ceramides was significantly decreased in the face of the SS group compared to that of the non‐SS group. These results suggest that the decrease in stratum corneum ceramides on facial skin could be related to SS development.
Health‐related quality of life assessed by the effect of bepotastine besilate in patients with pruritus: Importance of emotions score in atopic dermatitis
Authors: KAWAKAMI Tamihiro , KIMURA Satoko , HAGA Tsuneo , DOI Risako , KYOYA Mikiko , NAKAGAWA Keiko , SOMA Yoshinao
Published: October 2011

The Skindex‐16 questionnaire was recently developed as a measure of dermatological health‐related quality of life (HRQoL), including symptoms, emotions and functional aspects. Bepotastine besilate is a selective histamine H1‐receptor antagonist and a second‐generation non‐sedating antihistamine to treat various dermatological disorders. We assessed changes of the HRQoL instrument (Skindex‐16) on patients with pruritus, including those with atopic dermatitis (AD) over bepotastine treatment period. The patients’ personal assessment of the intensity of pruritus was determined using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pruritus. Patients answered the Skindex‐16 at baseline and at week 4. Forty‐eight of 51 enrolled dermatological patients completed the Skindex‐16. Of the 48 patients, 11 had AD and 37 had other conditions. Improvement in the clinical evaluation and VAS score was significant in all patients, the AD group and the other disorders group between baseline and week 4. Skindex‐16 showed significantly lower scores for each of the three scales (symptoms, emotions and functioning) and the global score at baseline compared to that at week 4 in all patients and the other disorders. In contrast, there was a significant reduction in the emotions and global score among the AD patients. We found a significant correlation between falls in emotions score of Skindex‐16 and falls in VAS scores for pruritus in the AD group. Bepotastine could be effective in the management of patients’ HRQoL and useful in patients suffering with pruritus. We suggested that pruritus of AD patients could exert a stronger emotional effect due to the skin condition compared to the symptomatic or functional effects.
Measuring β‐tubulin III, Bcl‐2, and ERCC1 improves pathological complete remission predictive accuracy in breast cancer
Authors: Chen Xiaosong , Wu Jiayi , Lu Hongfen , Huang Ou , Shen Kunwei
Published: October 2011

Weekly PCb (paclitaxel + carboplatin) in neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) for breast cancer has a high pathological complete remission (pCR) rate. The present study was to identify pCR predictive biomarkers and to test whether integrating candidate molecular biomarkers can improve the pCR predictive accuracy. Ninety‐one breast cancer patients treated with weekly PCb NCT were retrospectively analyzed. Eleven candidate molecular biomarkers (Tau, β‐tubulin III, PTEN, MAP4, thioredoxin, multidrug resistance‐1, Ki67, p53, Bcl‐2, BAX, and ERCC1) were detected by immunohistochemistry in pre‐NCT core needle biopsy specimens. We analyzed the relationship between these biomarkers and pCR. Univariate analysis showed that estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, molecular classification (clinicopathological markers), and Tau, β‐tubulin III, p53, Bcl‐2, ERCC1 (candidate molecular biomarkers) expression were associated with pCR rate; however, multivariate analysis revealed that only β‐tubulin III, Bcl‐2, and ERCC1 were independent pCR predictive factors. Patients with β‐tubulin III negative, Bcl‐2 negative, or ERCC1 negative tumors were associated with higher pCR rate, with OR (odds ratios) 6.03 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.44–25.24, P = 0.014), 7.54 (95% CI, 1.52–37.40, P = 0.013), and 4.09 (95% CI, 1.17–14.30, P = 0.028), respectively. To compare different logistic regression models, built with different combinations of these variables, we found that the model integrating routine clinical and pathological variables, as well as the β‐tubulin III, Bcl‐2, ERCC1 molecular biomarkers had the highest pCR predictive power. The area under the ROC curve for this model was 0.900 (95% CI, 0.831–0.968), indicating that it deserves further investigation. Trial name: Weekly Paclitaxel Plus Carboplatin in Preoperative Treatment of Breast Cancer. (Cancer Sci 2012; 103: 262–268)
Profiles of family needs of children and youth with cerebral palsy
Authors: Almasri N. , Palisano R. J. , Dunst C. , Chiarello L. A. , O'Neil M. E. , Polansky M.
Published: October 2011

Background  To identify profiles of family needs of families of children and youth with cerebral palsy (CP), and determine whether profile membership is related to child, family and service characteristics.

Methods  Participants were mostly mothers (80%) of 579 children and youth with CP. A family member completed modified version of the Family Needs Survey and questionnaires about their child, family and services. Research assistants determined the Gross Motor Function Classification System levels. K‐means cluster analysis identified profiles of needs. Cluster membership was analysed to examine differences in clusters based on selected characteristics.

Results  Four profiles of needs were identified: Low needs, Needs related to community and financial resources, Needs related to child health condition and High needs. Profile membership was differentiated based on child/youth gross motor function, adaptive behaviour, family relationships, family income, access and effort to co‐ordinate services.

Conclusion  Despite heterogeneity among individuals with CP and their families, four profiles of family needs were identified. In total, 51% of families had low needs suggesting that they are effectively managing their children's health conditions while 11% of families had high needs that may require high levels of services and supports. Service providers are encouraged to partner with families, provide anticipatory guidance and co‐ordinate services.
Immunology in the clinic review series; focus on cancer: glycolipids as targets for tumour immunotherapy
Authors: Durrant L G , Noble P , Spendlove I
Published: October 2011

OTHER THEMES PUBLISHED IN THIS IMMUNOLOGY IN THE CLINIC REVIEW SERIES

Metabolic Diseases, Host Responses, Allergies, Autoinflammatory Diseases, Type 1 diabetes and viruses.

Research into aberrant glycosylation and over-expression of glycolipids on the surface of the majority of cancers, coupled with a knowledge of glycolipids as functional molecules involved in a number of cellular physiological pathways, has provided a novel area of targets for cancer immunotherapy. This has resulted in the development of a number of vaccines and monoclonal antibodies that are showing promising results in recent clinical trials.
Induction of contact‐dependent CD8+ regulatory T cells through stimulation with staphylococcal and streptococcal superantigens*
Authors: Taylor Amanda L. , Cross Elizabeth L. A. , Llewelyn Martin J.
Published: October 2011

The bacterial superantigen exotoxins of Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes are potent stimulators of polyclonal T‐cell proliferation. They are the causes of toxic shock syndrome but also induce CD25+ FOXP3+ regulatory cells in the CD4 compartment. Several studies have recently described different forms of antigen‐induced regulatory CD8+ T cells in the context of inflammatory diseases and chronic viral infections. In this paper we show that bacterial superantigens are potent inducers of human regulatory CD8+ T cells. We used four prototypic superantigens of S. aureus (toxic shock syndrome toxin‐1 and staphylococcal enterotoxin A) and Str. pyogenes (streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxins A and K/L). At concentrations below 1 ng/ml each toxin triggers concentration‐dependent T‐cell receptor Vβ‐specific expression of CD25 and FOXP3 on CD8+ T cells. This effect is independent of CD4+ T‐cell help but requires antigen‐presenting cells for maximum effect. The cells also express the activation/regulatory markers cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte antigen‐4 and glucocorticoid‐induced tumour necrosis factor receptor‐related protein and skin homing adhesins CD103 and cutaneous lymphocyte‐associated antigen. Superantigen‐induced CD25+ FOXP3+ CD8+ T cells were as potent as freshly prepared naturally occurring CD4+ regulatory T cells in suppressing proliferation of CD4+ CD25− T cells in response to anti‐CD3 stimulation. Although superantigen‐induced CD8+ CD25+ FOXP3+ express interleukin‐10 and interferon‐γ their suppressive function is cell contact dependent. Our findings indicate that regulatory CD8+ T cells may be a feature of acute bacterial infections contributing to immune evasion by the microbe and disease pathogenesis. The presence and magnitude of regulatory CD8+ T‐cell responses may represent a novel biomarker in such infections. Superantigen‐induced regulatory CD8+ T cells also have therapeutic potential.
Catchment‐scale peatland restoration benefits stream ecosystem biodiversity
Authors: Ramchunder Sorain J. , Brown Lee E. , Holden Joseph
Published: October 2011

1. Drainage of peat‐dominated catchments across the world has caused widespread degradation of peat and freshwater ecosystem services. In the UK, an estimated £500 million has been spent over the last decade blocking drains to reverse these changes. The practice raises water‐tables to induce rewetting and promote peat aggradation. However, the potential benefits for impacted ecosystems such as streams remain unknown.

2. This study examined stream physicochemistry and benthic macroinvertebrates across peatland catchments with artificial drainage networks, or drains that have recently been blocked, and compared these with intact peatland sites having no history of drainage.

3. Streams in artificially drained catchments were characterised by more benthic fine particulate organic matter (FPOM), higher suspended sediment concentrations and finer bed sediments (D50) than in drain‐blocked and intact catchments.

4. Drained sites had higher abundance of Diptera (Simuliidae and Chironomidae) larvae, and lower abundance of Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera larvae, than drain‐blocked sites. In contrast, streams in drain‐blocked catchments had macroinvertebrate communities broadly similar to intact sites in terms of taxon richness, overall species composition and community structure. These changes were associated with lower suspended sediment and benthic FPOM concentrations following drain‐blocking.

5. Synthesis and applications. This study has shown changes in the structure of stream benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages linked to increases in benthic particulate organic matter and suspended sediment following peatland drainage. However, these effects seem to be reversible following catchment‐scale restoration by drain‐blocking. Drain‐blocking therefore appears to benefit not only peatland soil, vegetation and hydrological ecosystem services but also stream water quality and biodiversity. The numerous agencies undertaking peatland restoration should consider implementing detailed pre‐ and post‐blocking monitoring of streams to further improve our understanding of the mechanisms through which peatland management affects stream biodiversity and biological recovery dynamics, refine drain‐blocking practices, and inform aquatic conservation and management strategies.
Nursing academicians' attitudes towards work life and their personality traits
Authors: YILDIRIM S. , ÇAM O.
Published: October 2011

Accessible summary

Job‐ and organization‐related attitude can be defined as a person's general attitude towards his/her job and organization. It can also be defined as the combination of the feelings, opinions and behaviours of the employee towards the job and the organization.

The review of literature shows that, in general, the factors affecting the features of job‐ and organization‐related attitude can be divided into three subtitles: sociodemographic characteristics, professional and institutional characteristics, and personal characteristics.

In order to help develop a positive attitude towards job and organization in nursing academicians, it is important to establish the factors affecting the features of this attitude.

This study is a descriptive and relational study, aiming to investigate the relationship between personality characteristics and job‐ and organization‐related attitude in nursing academicians in Turkey.

The study sample included 287 nursing academicians who worked in 14 School of Nurses in the Universities of Turkey.

The job‐ and organization‐related attitude of the nursing academicians is affected by their socio‐economic status, working year, academic title, the temperament feature of novelty seeking and persistence, and the character feature of self‐directedness and cooperativeness.

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between attitudes of nursing academicians towards job and organization and their personality traits. The research included 287 nursing academicians who worked in 14 School of Nurses in the Universities of Turkey. A descriptive information form, Job and Organization Related Attitude Scale and Temperament and Character Inventory were used as data collection tools. It has been determined that attitudes of nursing academicians towards job and organization and their personality traits depended upon socio‐economic status, working year, academic title, the temperament feature of novelty seeking and persistence, and the character feature of self‐directedness and cooperativeness.
Performance of Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse imaging for the staging of liver fibrosis: a pooled meta‐analysis
Authors: Friedrich‐Rust M. , Nierhoff J. , Lupsor M. , Sporea I. , Fierbinteanu‐Braticevici C. , Strobel D. , Takahashi H. , Yoneda M. , Suda T. , Zeuzem S. , Herrmann E.
Published: October 2011

Summary.  Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse (ARFI) imaging is a novel ultrasound‐based elastography method that is integrated in a conventional ultrasound machine enabling the exact localization of measurement site. It might present an alternative method to transient elastography for the noninvasive assessment of liver fibrosis. At present, studies with small patient population have shown promising results. A systematic review and meta‐analysis of pooled patient data were performed to evaluate the overall performance of ARFI for the staging of liver fibrosis. Literature databases were searched up to 10/2010. The authors of the original publication were contacted, and the original patient data were requested. A meta‐analysis was performed using a random effect meta‐analytic method for diagnostic tests. In addition, available data comparing ARFI with FibroScan with the DeLong test were evaluated. Literature search yielded nine full‐paper publications evaluating ARFI while using liver biopsy as reference method. Original patient data were available from eight studies including 518 patients. The mean diagnostic accuracy of ARFI expressed as areas under ROC curves (AUROC) was 0.87 for the diagnosis of significant fibrosis (F ≥ 2), 0.91 for the diagnosis of severe fibrosis (F ≥ 3), and 0.93 for the diagnosis of cirrhosis. ARFI can be performed with good diagnostic accuracy for the noninvasive staging of liver fibrosis.
Nuisance flies on Australian cattle feedlots: immature populations
Authors: HOGSETTE J. A. , URECH R. , GREEN P. E. , SKERMAN A. , ELSON‐HARRIS M. M. , BRIGHT R. L. , BROWN G. W.
Published: October 2011

Species composition, seasonality and distribution of immature fly populations on a southern Queensland feedlot during 2001–2003 were determined. Similar data were collected on feedlots in central New South Wales and central Queensland. The fly species recovered in the highest numbers were Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae), Stomoxys calcitrans L. (Diptera: Muscidae) and Physiphora clausa Macquart (Diptera: Ulidiidae). Houseflies were the dominant species at all feedlots. Houseflies preferred the warmer months from October to June, but stable flies preferred the cooler months and peaked in spring (September–November) and autumn (March–May). Larval abundance ratings recorded in the feedlot and numbers of larvae extracted in the laboratory from corresponding samples followed similar trends. Larvae of M. domestica were most abundant in the hospital and induction area and least abundant in horse stables and yards. Pupae of M. domestica were abundant in the hospital and induction area and drains, but least abundant in horse stables and yards. Larvae of S. calcitrans were most abundant in drains and least abundant in horse stables and yards. Pupae of S. calcitrans were most numerous in drains and least numerous in old cattle pens. Feedlot design and management had little effect on fly reduction.
An amino‐terminal signal peptide of Vfr protein negatively influences RopB‐dependent SpeB expression and attenuates virulence in Streptococcus pyogenes
Authors: Shelburne III Samuel A. , Olsen Randall J. , Makthal Nishanth , Brown Nicholas G. , Sahasrabhojane Pranoti , Watkins Ebru M. , Palzkill Timothy , Musser James M. , Kumaraswami Muthiah
Published: October 2011

Streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin B (SpeB) is an extracellular cysteine protease that is a critical virulence factor made by the major human pathogen group A Streptococcus (GAS). speB expression is dependent on the regulator of proteinase B (RopB) and is upregulated with increasing cell density and during infection. Because computer modelling suggested significant structural similarity between RopB and peptide‐sensing regulatory proteins made by other Gram‐positive bacteria, we hypothesized that speB expression is influenced by RopB–peptide interactions. Inactivation of the gene (vfr) encoding the virulence factor related (Vfr) protein resulted in increased speB transcript level during the exponential growth phase, whereas provision of only the amino‐terminal region of Vfr comprising the secretion signal sequence in trans restored a wild‐type speB expression profile. Addition of the culture supernatant from a Vfr signal peptide‐expressing GAS strain restored wild‐type speB transcript level to a vfr‐inactivated isogenic mutant strain. A distinct peptide in the Vfr secretion signal sequence specifically bound to recombinant RopB. Finally, overexpression of the Vfr secretion signal sequence significantly decreased speB transcript level and attenuated GAS virulence in two mouse models of invasive infection. Taken together, these data delineate a previously unknown small peptide‐mediated regulatory system that controls GAS virulence factor production.
Ubiquitin and ubiquitin‐modified proteins activate the Pseudomonas aeruginosa T3SS cytotoxin, ExoU
Authors: Anderson David M. , Schmalzer Katherine M. , Sato Hiromi , Casey Monika , Terhune Scott S. , Haas Arthur L. , Feix Jimmy B. , Frank Dara W.
Published: October 2011

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic Gram‐negative pathogen that possesses a type III secretion system (T3SS) critical for evading innate immunity and establishing acute infections in compromised patients. Our research has focused on the structure–activity relationships of ExoU, the most toxic and destructive type III effector produced by P. aeruginosa. ExoU possesses phospholipase activity, which is detectable in vitro only when a eukaryotic cofactor is provided with membrane substrates. We report here that a subpopulation of ubiquitylated yeast SOD1 and other ubiquitylated mammalian proteins activate ExoU. Phospholipase activity was detected using purified ubiquitin of various chain lengths and linkage types; however, free monoubiquitin is sufficient in a genetically engineered dual expression system. The use of ubiquitin by a bacterial enzyme as an activator is unprecedented and represents a new aspect in the manipulation of the eukaryotic ubiquitin system to facilitate bacterial replication and dissemination.
Sub‐Cambrian pedogenesis recorded in weathering profiles of the Arabian‐Nubian Shield
Authors: SANDLER AMIR , TEUTSCH NADYA , AVIGAD DOV
Published: October 2011

Altered crystalline rocks occur at the peneplain exposed in southern Israel and in other localities across North Africa and Arabia where they underlie an extensive blanket of Cambro–Ordovician sandstones. This study focuses on the petrography, mineralogy and geochemistry of top basement rocks of the northern Arabian‐Nubian Shield. The altered rocks are shown to be weathering profiles that can be subdivided into three horizons interpreted as apparently unweathered granite, or saprock, which grades upwards to a saprolite, topped by a thin clayey plasmic zone. The plasmic zone is enriched in iron and aluminium and is depleted in silicon, calcium, magnesium and potassium relative to the underlying saprolite. The chemical index of alteration increases upward, but does not exceed 90 and, therefore, lags behind values observed in strongly leached present‐day tropical soils. Petrographic examinations reveal iron mobility under local fluctuating redox conditions, similar to modern and Proterozoic soils. A variety of birefringence fabrics induced by shrinkage and expansion of clays during wetting and drying cycles and clay illuviation strongly indicate pedogenic processes rather than a post‐depositional alteration. Illite and ordered illite‐smectite phases coexist with smectitic illite‐smectite in the lower part of the saprolite and with kaolinite in the plasmic zone, in line with increasing chemical index of alteration. Observations are in accordance with the current profile being a remnant of a thick weathering profile whose top was truncated by fluvial incision just prior to deposition of the overlying Early Cambrian sequence. A previously documented Devonian thermal event reaching temperatures of at least 200°C overprinted the studied rocks. During burial diagenesis, illitization affected original smectite rather than kaolinite. However, in spite of the elevated temperatures, illitization was incomplete implying restricted potassium addition. The sub‐Cambrian weathering reflects warm and humid conditions in a tropical or sub‐tropical climate, in line with several plate reconstructions placing Israel at low latitudes during Cambrian time.
Kilometre‐scale sand injectites in the intracratonic Murzuq Basin (South‐west Libya): an igneous trigger?
Authors: MOREAU JULIEN , GHIENNE JEAN FRANÇOIS , HURST ANDREW
Published: October 2011

Mount Telout, situated at the edge of the Murzuq Basin, is a 325 m high conical hill within a circular collapse structure that records 0·5 km3 of sand intrusion into Silurian shales. Based on a comparison with other similar circular collapse structures around the Murzuq Basin, it is argued that sand injection in the form of pipes occurred during the Devonian. The overpressures triggering the process are inferred to result from a combination of: (i) tectonic uplift at a basin scale that initially focused regional ground water flows; and (ii) igneous intrusion within the sand‐rich Cambrian–Ordovician strata. The palaeorelief buried under the regionally extensive Silurian shales may have locally focused overpressures and localized sand injection at the 1 to 10 km scale. The Mount Telout injected sandbody and related features offer exceptional, seismic‐scale outcrop analogues for sand injections that are often identified in seismic reflection data. Large‐scale sand injections might be essential in petroleum exploration of the North African Lower Palaeozoic basins as they form seal‐bypass systems.
Molecular phylogenetics of Erebidae (Lepidoptera, Noctuoidea)
Authors: ZAHIRI REZA , HOLLOWAY JEREMY D. , KITCHING IAN J. , LAFONTAINE J. DONALD , MUTANEN MARKO , WAHLBERG NIKLAS
Published: October 2011

As a step towards understanding the higher‐level phylogeny and evolutionary affinities of quadrifid noctuoid moths, we have undertaken the first large‐scale molecular phylogenetic analysis of the moth family Erebidae, including almost all subfamilies, as well as most tribes and subtribes. DNA sequence data for one mitochondrial gene (COI) and seven nuclear genes (EF‐1α,wingless,RpS5,IDH,MDH,GAPDHandCAD) were analysed for a total of 237 taxa, principally type genera of higher taxa. Data matrices (6407 bp in total) were analysed by parsimony with equal weighting and model‐based evolutionary methods (maximum likelihood), which revealed a well‐resolved skeleton phylogenetic hypothesis with 18 major lineages, which we treat here as subfamilies of Erebidae. We thus present a new phylogeny for Erebidae consisting of 18 moderate to strongly supported subfamilies: Scoliopteryginae, Rivulinae, Anobinae, Hypeninae, Lymantriinae, Pangraptinae, Herminiinae, Aganainae, Arctiinae, Calpinae, Hypocalinae, Eulepidotinae, Toxocampinae, Tinoliinae, Scolecocampinae, Hypenodinae, Boletobiinae and Erebinae. Where possible, each monophyletic lineage is diagnosed by autapomorphic morphological character states, and within each subfamily, monophyletic tribes and subtribes can be circumscribed, most of which can also be diagnosed by morphological apomorphies. All additional taxa sampled fell within one of the four previously recognized quadrifid families (mostly into Erebidae), which are now found to include two unusual monobasic taxa from New Guinea: Cocytiinae (now in Erebidae: Erebinae) and Eucocytiinae (now in Noctuidae: Pantheinae).
A switch in Ca2+ spiking signature is concomitant with endosymbiotic microbe entry into cortical root cells of Medicago truncatula
Authors: Sieberer Björn J. , Chabaud Mireille , Fournier Joëlle , Timmers Antonius C.J. , Barker David G.
Published: October 2011

Ca2+ spiking is a central component of a common signaling pathway that is activated in the host epidermis during initial recognition of endosymbiotic microbes. However, it is not known to what extent Ca2+ signaling also plays a role during subsequent root colonization involving apoplastic transcellular infection. Live‐tissue imaging using calcium cameleon reporters expressed in Medicago truncatula roots has revealed that distinct Ca2+ oscillatory profiles correlate with specific stages of transcellular cortical infection by both rhizobia and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Outer cortical cells exhibit low‐frequency Ca2+ spiking during the extensive intracellular remodeling that precedes infection. This appears to be a prerequisite for the formation of either pre‐infection threads or the pre‐penetration apparatus, both of which are fully reversible processes. A transition from low‐ to high‐frequency spiking is concomitant with the initial stages of apoplastic cell entry by both microbes. This high‐frequency spiking is of limited duration in the case of rhizobial infection and is completely switched off by the time transcellular infection by both microsymbionts is completed. The Ca2+ spiking profiles associated with both rhizobial and arbuscular mycorrhizal cell entry are remarkably similar in terms of periodicity, suggesting that microbe specificity is unlikely to be encoded by the Ca2+ signature during this particular stage of host infection in the outer cortex. Together, these findings lead to the proposal that tightly regulated Ca2+‐mediated signal transduction is a key player in reprogramming root cell development at the critical stage of commitment to endosymbiotic infection.
Incidence of severe acute maternal morbidity associated with abortion: a systematic review
Authors: Adler A. J. , Filippi V. , Thomas S. L. , Ronsmans C.
Published: October 2011

Objective  To systematically review articles describing complications of abortion in settings where abortions are thought to be unsafe and to determine the incidence of severe acute maternal morbidity (SAMM) attributed to abortion at the population level.

Methods  We searched relevant databases using search terms related to abortion and complications. We included population‐representative studies that listed complications of abortion. We extracted data on the definitions and numbers of severe complications and SAMM, and we report abortion complication rates (per 100 000 women of reproductive age) and ratios (per 100 000 live births) for SAMM, severe complications and any complications.

Results  We included 15 studies representing eleven countries (six in Africa, four in Asia and one in Latin America). We found a median abortion ratio of SAMM of 237 (range 91–1892) per 100 000 live births and a median abortion ratio of severe complications of 596 (range 435–5298). There was a great degree of heterogeneity between definitions and study populations.

Conclusions  The burden of SAMM attributed to abortion is much greater than what is reported for deaths caused by abortion. However, the great heterogeneity in definitions makes it difficult to draw firm conclusions. We call for future work on the burden of unsafe abortion to use strict definitions of SAMM.
The role of sexually transmitted infections in the evolution of the South African HIV epidemic
Authors: Johnson Leigh F. , Dorrington Rob E. , Bradshaw Debbie , Coetzee David J.
Published: October 2011

Objectives  To assess the extent to which sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have contributed to the spread of HIV in South Africa and to estimate the extent to which improvements in STI treatment have reduced HIV incidence.

Methods  A mathematical model was used to simulate interactions between HIV and six other STIs (genital herpes, syphilis, chancroid, gonorrhoea, chlamydial infection and trichomoniasis) as well as bacterial vaginosis and vaginal candidiasis. The effects of STIs on HIV transmission probabilities were assumed to be consistent with meta‐analytic reviews of observational studies, and the model was fitted to South African HIV prevalence data.

Results  The proportion of new HIV infections in adults that were attributable to curable STIs reduced from 39% (uncertainty range: 24–50%) in 1990 to 14% (8–18%) in 2010, while the proportion of new infections attributable to genital herpes increased. Syndromic management programmes are estimated to have reduced adult HIV incidence by 6.6% (3.3–10.3%) between 1994 and 2004, by which time syndromic management coverage was 52%. Had syndromic management been introduced in 1986, with immediate achievement of 100% coverage and a doubling of the rate of health seeking, HIV incidence would have reduced by 64% (36–82%) over the next decade, but had the same intervention been delayed until 2004, HIV incidence would have reduced by only 5.5% (2.8–9.0%).

Conclusions  Sexually transmitted infections have contributed significantly to the spread of HIV in South Africa, but STI control efforts have had limited impact on HIV incidence because of their late introduction and suboptimal coverage.
Sown grass strips harbour high weed diversity but decrease weed richness in adjacent crops
Authors: CORDEAU S , PETIT S , REBOUD X , CHAUVEL B
Published: October 2011

Cordeau S, Petit S, Reboud X & Chauvel B (2011). Sown grass strips harbour high weed diversity but decrease weed richness in adjacent crops. Weed Research 52, 88–97.

Sown grass strips have been widely established on field margins across France, because of their expected environmental benefits. They may also enhance the diversity of plant species in the adjacent boundary by buffering them from agricultural practices. However, the strips could act as an extended reservoir for weeds and increase their dispersal into the field. This study evaluated the impact of a 5‐m‐wide sown grass strip on (i) the weed richness, abundance and diversity of both boundary and field adjacent habitats and on (ii) the width of the edge zone within the field, defined as the zone where boundary habitats impact the flora in the field. We surveyed the flora in 10 fields along continuous transects running from the boundary toward the centre of the field on opposite sides of each field, one side with a sown grass strip and one side without. The establishment of sown grass strips did not change the overall species richness at the field scale, but modified its distribution in the different habitats. In the boundaries, plant species richness, total abundance or diversity (Shannon index) remained unchanged when a sown grass strip was present, whereas these indicators sharply decreased in the crop edge (−10.9 species and −86.4 individuals per 1.25 m2) and in the field margin (−3.6 species and −9.6 individuals per 1.25 m2) where the grass strip was present. Sown grass strips also significantly decreased the width of the edge zone, from 6.5 to 1.5 m for species richness and from 12 to 1 m for species diversity, demonstrating a decrease in weed ingress into the crop.
Using precision farming technology to quantify yield effects attributed to weed competition and herbicide application
Authors: GERHARDS R , GUTJAHR C , WEIS M , KELLER M , SÖKEFELD M , MÖHRING J , PIEPHO H P
Published: October 2011

Gerhards R, Gutjahr C, Weis M, Keller M, Sökefeld M, Möhring J & Piepho HP (2011). Using precision farming technology to quantify yield effects attributed to weed competition and herbicide application. Weed Research 52, 6–15.

Field experiments using precision farming technology and Geographic Information Systems, following a so‐called Precision Experimental Design, were conducted in maize, winter barley and winter wheat and compared with two randomised plot experiments in maize to quantify yield effects attributed to weed competition and weed control. Fields were divided into cells, and weed densities for all weed species, soil conductivity and grain yield were measured in each cell. Untreated plots and herbicide treatments against grass weeds or broad‐leaved weeds were included in all three experiments. Chenopodium album, Polygonum spp. and Echinochloa crus‐galli were the dominating weed species in maize. Stellaria media, Veronica hederifolia, Matricaria chamomilla, Alopecurus myosuroides and Galium aparine were the most abundant weed species in the winter barley and winter wheat fields. All species were distributed heterogeneously within the fields with densities ranging from 0 to more than 200 plants m−2. In the Precision Experimental Design, it was found that grass‐weed competition and herbicide application had a significant effect on grain yield, using a linear mixed model with spatial correlation structure to determine the effects of groups of weed species, soil variability and herbicide application on grain yield separately. When a conventional plot experiment was set up in the same field, no statistically significant grain yield difference between the treatments was found. The results highlight the benefits of Precision Experimental Design for studying weed–crop competition. Data can be used to calculate yield loss functions for groups of weed species and to create a decision support system for site‐specific weed control.
HLA‐A*33:25, a novel allele identified by sequence‐based typing, is a well‐documented allele in Koreans
Authors: Joo S. Y. , Song E. Y. , Huh J. Y. , Kang M. S. , Park M. H.
Published: October 2011

The new allele, HLA‐A*33:25, differs from A*33:03:01 by one nucleotide substitution in exon 4 (c.778G>A) which results in an amino acid change at codon 236 [GCA→ACA (Ala>Thr)] in β2‐microglobulin‐binding domain.
Budd–Chiari syndrome as presenting symptom of hepatic sarcoidosis in a child, with recurrence after liver transplantation
Authors: Van Brusselen Daan , Janssen Carl E. I. , Scott Christiaan , Bevers Nanja , Roskams Tania , Wouters Carine , Van Damme‐Lombaerts Rita
Published: October 2011

Van Brusselen D, Janssen CEI, Scott C, Bevers N, Roskams T, Wouters C, Van Damme‐Lombaerts R. Budd–Chiari syndrome as presenting symptom of hepatic sarcoidosis in a child, with recurrence after liver transplantation.  Pediatr Transplantation 2012: 16: E58–E62. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  A seven‐yr‐old boy presented with a severe Budd–Chiari syndrome, complicated by recurrent thrombosis of several successive TIPSs. Because of liver failure secondary to venous outflow tract obstruction and deterioration of his general condition, an emergency liver transplantation was performed. Steroids were discontinued three months after transplantation, and maintenance immunosuppressive therapy consisted of tacrolimus and azathioprine. Seven years later, this patient presented symptoms of recurrence of venous outflow obstruction in the transplant liver, comparable to the initial event. Histopathology of the liver revealed diffuse granulomatous inflammation with confluent non‐caseating granulomas compressing the centrolobular veins. Extensive investigations excluded infections, immune deficiency, and systemic vasculitides. After treatment with a high dose of corticosteroids, the granulomas in the allograft disappeared completely. We report the first case of hepatic sarcoidosis, presenting with venous outflow obstruction and recurring after liver transplantation, in a child.