bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictors of Prosocial Behavior among Chinese High School Students in Hong Kong
Authors: Siu Andrew M. H. , Shek Daniel T. L. , Lai Frank H. Y.
Published: July 2012

This study examined the correlates and predictors of prosocial behavior among Chinese adolescents in Hong Kong. A sample of 518 high school students responded to a questionnaire containing measures of antisocial and prosocial behavior, prosocial norms, pragmatic values, moral reasoning, and empathy. Preliminary analyses showed that there were gender differences in some of the measures. While correlation analyses showed that parental education, prosocial norms, pragmatic values, moral reasoning, and empathy were related to prosocial behavior, regression analyses showed that prosocial norms, pragmatic values, and empathy dimensions (personal distress and empathy) were key predictors of it. The findings are largely consistent with theoretical predictions and previous research findings, other than the negative relationship between personal distress and prosocial behavior. The study also underscores the importance of values and norms in predicting prosocial behavior, which has been largely neglected in previous studies.
Bioremediation of Parboiled Rice Effluent Supplemented with Biodiesel-Derived Glycerol UsingPichia pastorisX-33
Authors: Gil de los Santos Diego , Gil Turnes Carlos , Rochedo Conceição Fabricio
Published: July 2012

This paper describes the use ofPichia pastorisX-33 as a bioremediator to reduce the chemical oxygen demand (COD), total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), and phosphorus (P-), after culture in parboiled rice effluent supplemented with p.a. glycerol or a glycerol by-product of the biodiesel industry. The greatest reduction in the COD (55%), TKN (45%), and P- (52%) of the effluent was observed in cultures ofP. pastorisX-33 supplemented with 15 g ·L−1of biodiesel-derived glycerol. Furthermore, the overall biomass yield was 2.1 g ·L−1. These data suggest that biodiesel-derived glycerol is an efficient carbon source for the bioremediation of parboiled rice effluent and biomass production.
Proteomic Analysis of Saliva Identifies Potential Biomarkers for Orthodontic Tooth Movement
Authors: Ellias Mohd Faiz , Zainal Ariffin Shahrul Hisham , Karsani Saiful Anuar , Abdul Rahman Mariati , Senafi Shahidan , Megat Abdul Wahab Rohaya
Published: July 2012

Orthodontic treatment has been shown to induce inflammation, followed by bone remodelling in the periodontium. These processes trigger the secretion of various proteins and enzymes into the saliva. This study aims to identify salivary proteins that change in expression during orthodontic tooth movement. These differentially expressed proteins can potentially serve as protein biomarkers for the monitoring of orthodontic treatment and tooth movement. Whole saliva from three healthy female subjects were collected before force application using fixed appliance and at 14 days after 0.014′′ Niti wire was applied. Salivary proteins were resolved using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2DE) over a pH range of 3–10, and the resulting proteome profiles were compared. Differentially expressed protein spots were then identified by MALDI-TOF/TOF tandem mass spectrometry. Nine proteins were found to be differentially expressed; however, only eight were identified by MALDI-TOF/TOF. Four of these proteins—Protein S100-A9, immunoglobulin J chain, Ig alpha-1 chain C region, and CRISP-3—have known roles in inflammation and bone resorption.
Detection of Gastroesophageal Reflux Esophagitis Using 2-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose Positron Emission Tomography
Authors: Tsai Min-Kuei , Ding Hueisch-Jy , Lai Hsueh-Chou , Yen Kuo-Yang , Li Chia-Ing , Lin Yu-Yi , Cheng Kai-Yuan , Wang Keh-Bin , Kao Chia-Hung
Published: July 2012

Background. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common disease and a major upper gastrointestinal problem. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the use of noninvasive 2-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) to detect gastroesophageal reflux esophagitis.Materials and Methods. This is a retrospective study reviewing 408 healthy check-up subjects (169 females and 239 men), who underwent both FDG-PET and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy during September 2008 to December 2009. Quantitative analysis of FDG uptake in the distal part of the esophagus was performed by calculating the maximum standard uptake value (SUVmax). This indicated the degree of esophagitis. FDG-PET findings were compared with endoscopic (modified version of the Los Angeles classification) diagnoses as the gold standard.Results. The SUVmax ranged from 1.30 to 3.40 in normal subjects and from 1.30 to 4.00 in subjects with gastroesophageal reflux esophagitis. In the esophagitis group, the SUVmax was2.13±0.42in subjects with modified LA grade M,2.21±0.45in subjects with LA grade A, and2.48±0.44in subjects with LA grade B and C gastroesophageal reflux esophagitis. One-way ANOVA and post-hoc comparison with Bonferroni correction (Pvalue=0.003) identified statistical differences between the three groups.Conclusion. Noninvasive FDG-PET may be useful in the detection and evaluation of various degrees of gastroesophageal reflux esophagitis.
Carrizo citrange Plants Do Not Require the Presence of Roots to Modulate the Response to Osmotic Stress
Authors: Pérez-Clemente Rosa M. , Montoliu Almudena , Zandalinas Sara I. , de Ollas Carlos , Gómez-Cadenas Aurelio
Published: July 2012

The study of the effects of a specific stress condition on the performance of plants grown under field conditions is difficult due to interactions among multiple abiotic and biotic factors affecting the system.In vitrotissue-culture-based techniques allow the study of each adverse condition independently and also make possible to investigate the performance of genotypes of interest under stress conditions avoiding the effect of the root. In this paper, the response of Carrizo citrange, a commercial citrus rootstock, to osmotic stress was evaluated by culturingin vitrointact plants and micropropagated shoots. The osmotic stress was generated by adding two different concentrations of polyethyleneglycol to the culture media. Different parameters such as plant performance, organ length, antioxidant activities, and endogenous contents of proline, malondialdehyde, and hormones were determined. Differently to that observed under high salinity, when subjected to osmotic stress conditions, Carrizo citrange showed increased endogenous levels of MDA, proline, and ABA. These results evidence that the mechanisms of response of Carrizo citrange to saline or osmotic stress are different. The presence of roots was not necessary to activate any of the plant responses which indicates that the organs involved in the stress perception and signaling depends on the type of adverse condition to which plants are subjected.
18FDG Uptake in Sinonasal Inverted Papilloma Detected by Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography
Authors: Allegra E. , Cristofaro M. G. , Cascini L. G. , Lombardo N. , Tamburrini O. , Garozzo A.
Published: July 2012

Inverted papilloma (IP) is a benign but locally aggressive sinonasal tumour. Aggressive surgical treatment has thus been traditionally recommended because of the risk of transformation in squamous carcinoma. CT and MRI are used to evaluate bone destruction and soft-tissue extension before surgery but may be ineffective to differentiate an inverted papilloma from squamous cell carcinoma. In recent years, F-18 Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18FDG-PET) is widely used as diffuse imaging procedure for diagnosis and followup of malignancy affecting the head and neck district. To evaluate the utility of18FDG-PET/CT in the diagnosis of patients with suspicious lesions for IP, twelve patients with suspicious sinonasal inverted papilloma were selected for this study.18FDG-PET/CT imaging was performed, and standard uptake value (SUV) was calculated for each patient. was considered as the maximum value measured in the visualized lesions. Seven of the twelve cases exhibited uptake of18FFDG with an ranging from 1 to 8.1. Histopathologic diagnosis after surgery confirmed the diagnosis of IP in five cases; all these cases had an . The five cases, which exhibited absence of18FDG uptake, had a histological diagnosis of absence of IP.
Expression of the Type VI Secretion System 1 Component Hcp1 Is Indirectly Repressed by OpaR inVibrio parahaemolyticus
Authors: Ma Lizhi , Zhang Yiquan , Yan Xiaojuan , Guo Liping , Wang Li , Qiu Jingfu , Yang Ruifu , Zhou Dongsheng
Published: July 2012

The type VI secretion system (T6SS) is bacterial protein injection machinery with roles in virulence, symbiosis, interbacterial interaction, antipathogenesis, and environmental stress responses. There are two T6SS loci, T6SS1 and T6SS2, in the two chromosomes ofVibrio parahaemolyticus, respectively. This work disclosed that the master quorum sensing (QS) regulator OpaR repressed the transcription ofhcp1encoding the structural component Hcp1 of T6SS1 inV. parahaemolyticus, indicating that QS had a negative regulatory action on T6SS1. A singleσ54-dependent promoter was transcribed forhcp1inV. parahaemolyticus, and its activity was repressed by the OpaR regulator. Since the OpaR protein could not bind to the upstream region ofhcp1, OpaR would repress the transcription ofhcp1in an indirect manner.
Rietveld refinement of the cocrystal 2,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid–N′-(propan-2-ylidene)nicotinohydrazide (1/1)
Authors: Lapidus Saul H. , Lemmerer Andreas , Bernstein Joel , Stephens Peter W.
Published: July 2012

A further example of using a covalent-bond-forming reaction to alter supramolecular assembly by modification of hydrogen-bonding possibilities is presented. This concept was introduced by Lemmerer, Bernstein & Kahlenberg [CrystEngComm(2011),13, 55–59]. The title structure, C9H11N3O·C7H6O4, which consists of a reacted niazid molecule,viz.N′-(propan-2-ylidene)nicotinohydrazide, and 2,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, was solved from powder diffraction data using simulated annealing. The results further demonstrate the relevance and utility of powder diffraction as an analytical tool in the study of cocrystals and their hydrogen-bond interactions.
Hydrogen bonding in cyclic imides and amide carboxylic acid derivatives from the facile reaction ofcis-cyclohexane-1,2-carboxylic anhydride witho- andp-anisidine andm- andp-aminobenzoic acids
Authors: Smith Graham , Wermuth Urs D.
Published: July 2012

The structures of the open-chain amide carboxylic acidrac-cis-2-[(2-methoxyphenyl)carbamoyl]cyclohexane-1-carboxylic acid, C15H19NO4, (I), and the cyclic imidesrac-cis-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3a,4,5,6,7,7a-hexahydroisoindole-1,3-dione, C15H17NO3, (II), chiralcis-3-(1,3-dioxo-3a,4,5,6,7,7a-hexahydroisoindol-2-yl)benzoic acid, C15H15NO4, (III), andrac-cis-4-(1,3-dioxo-3a,4,5,6,7,7a-hexahydroisoindol-2-yl)benzoic acid monohydrate, C15H15NO4·H2O, (IV), are reported. In the amide acid (I), the phenylcarbamoyl group is essentially planar [maximum deviation from the least-squares plane = 0.060 (1) Å for the amide O atom] and the molecules form discrete centrosymmetric dimers through intermolecular cyclic carboxy–carboxy O—H...O hydrogen-bonding interactions [graph-set notationR22(8)]. The cyclic imides (II)–(IV) are conformationally similar, with comparable benzene ring rotations about the imide N—Carbond [dihedral angles between the benzene and isoindole rings = 51.55 (7)° in (II), 59.22 (12)° in (III) and 51.99 (14)° in (IV)]. Unlike (II), in which only weak intermolecular C—H...Oimidehydrogen bonding is present, the crystal packing of imides (III) and (IV) shows strong intermolecular carboxylic acid O—H...O hydrogen-bonding associations. With (III), these involve imide O-atom acceptors, giving one-dimensional zigzag chains [graph-setC(9)], while with the monohydrate (IV), the hydrogen bond involves the partially disordered water molecule which also bridges molecules through both imide and carboxy O-atom acceptors in a cyclicR44(12) association, giving a two-dimensional sheet structure. The structures reported here expand the structural database for compounds of this series formed from the facile reaction ofcis-cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylic anhydride with substituted anilines, in which there is a much larger incidence of cyclic imides compared to amide carboxylic acids.
μ-4,4′-Bipyridine-κ2N:N′-bis[tetraaqua(4,4′-bipyridine-κN)dimanganese(II)] bis(4-aminobenzoate) bis(perchlorate)–4,4′-bipyridine–water (1/2/4): a supramolecular system constructed by π–π and hydrogen-bond interactions
Authors: Wang Jun , Gao Junlin , Zhao Wenhua
Published: July 2012

The title dinuclear manganese compound, [Mn2(C10H8N2)3(H2O)8](C7H6NO2)2(ClO4)2·2C10H8N2·4H2O, (I), has an inversion center located midway between the MnIIions. Each MnIIion has a distorted octahedral coordination environment, defined by two mutuallycisN atoms from two different 4,4′-bipyridine (4,4′-bipy) ligands and four O atoms from four water molecules. The asymmetric unit contains cationic [Mn(4,4′-bipy)1.5(H2O)4]2+, one isolated 4,4′-bipy molecule, one 4-aminobenzoate ion, one disordered perchlorate ion and two uncoordinated water molecules. In the dinuclear manganese cationic unit, one 4,4′-bipy acts as a bidentate bridging ligand between two MnIIions, while the other two act only as monodentate terminal ligands, giving rise to a `Z-type' [Mn2(4,4′-bipy)3(H2O)8] host unit. These host units are linked to each otherviaface-to-face π–π stacking interactions between monodentate terminal 4,4′-bipy ligands, generating a zigzag chain. The corners of these chains, defined by Mn(OH)4units, are surrounded by the solvent water molecules and the carboxylate O atoms of the 4-aminobenzoate ions, and all of these are connected to each otherviastrong O—H...O hydrogen-bond interactions, leading to a three-dimensional grid network with a large cavity running along thebaxis of the unit cell. The isolated 4,4′-bipy molecules, the 4-aminobenzoate and perchlorate anions and the water molecules are encapsulated in the cavities by numerous hydrogen-bond interactions.
Unraveling the Energetics and Mode of the Recognition of Antibiotics Tetracycline and Rolitetracycline by Bovine Serum Albumin
Authors: Choudhary Sinjan , Kishore Nand
Published: July 2012

An understanding of the detailed energetics and mechanism of the binding of drugs with target proteins is essential for devising guidelines to synthesize new drugs. Binding of the antibiotic drugs tetracycline and rolitetracycline with serum albumin has been studied by a combination of isothermal titration calorimetry, differential scanning calorimetry, steady‐state and time‐resolved fluorescence, and circular dichroism spectroscopies. Both tetracycline and rolitetracycline bind to bovine serum albumin in a sequential manner with first binding being the major binding event with an association constant of the order of 104 for tetracycline and 103 for rolitetracycline, respectively. Ionic strength dependence and binding in the presence of tetrabutylammonium bromide and sucrose indicate involvement of a mix of hydrophobic, ionic, and hydrogen bonding interactions. The isothermal titration calorimetry results for the binding of these drugs to bovine serum albumin in the presence of warfarin and in the presence of each other indicate that both these drugs share binding site 2 on bovine serum albumin. The differential scanning calorimetry results provide quantitative information on the effect of drugs on the stability of bovine serum albumin. A comparison of isothermal titration calorimetry and fluorescence results demonstrates that the former technique has been able to explain the sequential binding events that can be missed by the fluorescence measurements.
Transgenic RNA interference (RNAi)‐derived field resistance to cassava brown streak disease
Authors: Ogwok Emmanuel , Odipio John , Halsey Mark , Gaitán‐Solís Eliana , Bua Anton , Taylor Nigel J. , Fauquet Claude M. , Alicai Titus
Published: July 2012

Cassava brown streak disease (CBSD), caused by the Ipomoviruses Cassava brown streak virus (CBSV) and Ugandan Cassava brown streak virus (UCBSV), is considered to be an imminent threat to food security in tropical Africa. Cassava plants were transgenically modified to generate small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) from truncated full‐length (894‐bp) and N‐terminal (402‐bp) portions of the UCBSV coat protein (ΔCP) sequence. Seven siRNA‐producing lines from each gene construct were tested under confined field trials at Namulonge, Uganda. All nontransgenic control plants (n = 60) developed CBSD symptoms on aerial tissues by 6 months after planting, whereas plants transgenic for the full‐length ΔCP sequence showed a 3‐month delay in disease development, with 98% of clonal replicates within line 718‐001 remaining symptom free over the 11‐month trial. Reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) diagnostics indicated the presence of UCBSV within the leaves of 57% of the nontransgenic controls, but in only two of 413 plants tested (0.5%) across the 14 transgenic lines. All transgenic plants showing CBSD were PCR positive for the presence of CBSV, except for line 781‐001, in which 93% of plants were confirmed to be free of both pathogens. At harvest, 90% of storage roots from nontransgenic plants were severely affected by CBSD‐induced necrosis. However, transgenic lines 718‐005 and 718‐001 showed significant suppression of disease, with 95% of roots from the latter line remaining free from necrosis and RT‐PCR negative for the presence of both viral pathogens. Cross‐protection against CBSV by siRNAs generated from the full‐length UCBSV ΔCP confirms a previous report in tobacco. The information presented provides proof of principle for the control of CBSD by RNA interference‐mediated technology, and progress towards the potential control of this damaging disease.
Prescribing pattern of glucose lowering drugs in the United Kingdom in the last decade: a focus on the effects of safety warnings about rosiglitazone
Authors: Leal Ingrid , Romio Silvana A. , Schuemie Martijn , Oteri Alessandro , Sturkenboom Miriam , Trifirò Gianluca
Published: July 2012

Aim

In the last decade, new glucose lowering drugs (GLDs) have been launched, and also several warnings regarding their safety. The cardiovascular safety of thiazolidinediones (TZD) has been questioned. We analyzed the prescription pattern of GLDs from 2000 to November 2009 in the United Kingdom (UK) using the THIN database with special focus on the effects of the safety warnings about rosiglitazone issued in May 2007 and January 2008.

Methods

Annual prevalence and incidence of GLD prescriptions were measured. For TZD, the monthly prevalence and incidence of prescription were calculated from May 2006 to January 2009. The switching pattern around the FDA alert and the characteristics of subjects starting treatment with TZD before and after the alerts were observed.

Results

The prevalence of prescriptions of GLDs increased during the 10 year period, metformin increasing more than three times. Rosiglitazone prevalence showed an increased trend until May 2007, (2.3/1000 person‐years) and decreased thereafter (January 2009: 1.1/1000 person‐years). The use of pioglitazone increased surpassing rosiglitazone from April 2008 onwards. The incidence of rosiglitazone use decreased sharply after May 2007 (0.8/1000 person‐years). The prevalence of use of other therapies remained rather stable from 2000 to 2007 but increased afterwards. After May 2007, rosiglitazone users were increasingly switched to pioglitazone. There was an increased proportion of new users of pioglitazone with cardiovascular risk after the alerts.

Conclusions

The prescription of GLDs in the UK has increased in the last decade. For TZDs, it changed after May 2007 as well as the characteristics of the subjects treated with them.
Pharmacokinetics of paracetamol and its metabolites in women at delivery and post‐partum
Authors: Kulo Aida , Peeters Mariska Y. , Allegaert Karel , Smits Anne , de Hoon Jan , Verbesselt Rene , Lewi Liesbeth , van de Velde Marc , Knibbe Catherijne A. J.
Published: July 2012

Aim

A recent report on intravenous (i.v.) paracetamol pharmacokinetics (PK) showed a higher total clearance in women at delivery compared with non‐pregnant women. To describe the paracetamol metabolic and elimination routes involved in this increase in clearance, we performed a population PK analysis in women at delivery and post‐partum in which the different pathways were considered.

Methods

Population PK parameters using non‐linear mixed effect modelling were estimated in a two‐period PK study in women to whom i.v. paracetamol (2 g loading dose followed by 1 g every 6 h up to 24 h) was administered immediately following Caesarean delivery and in a subgroup of the same women to whom single 2 g i.v.loading dose was administered 10–15 weeks post‐partum.

Results

Population PK analysis was performed based on 255 plasma and 71 urine samples collected in 39 women at delivery and in eight of these 39 women 12 weeks post‐partum. Total clearance was higher in women at delivery compared with 12th post‐partum week (21.1 vs. 11.7 l h−1) due to higher clearances to paracetamol glucuronide (11.6 vs. 4.76 l h−1), to oxidative metabolites (4.95 vs. 2.77 l h−1) and of unchanged paracetamol (1.15 vs. 0.75 l h−1). In contrast, there was no difference in clearance to paracetamol sulphate.

Conclusion

The increased total paracetamol clearance at delivery is caused by a disproportional increase in glucuronidation clearance and a proportional increase in clearance of unchanged paracetamol and in oxidation clearance, of which the latter may potentially limit further dose increase in this patient group.
Antibody combination therapy targeting CD25, CD70 and CD8 reduces islet inflammation and improves glycaemia in diabetic mice
Authors: Alkhamis T , Barbic J , Crnogorac-Jurcevic T , Greenlaw R E , Peakman M , Jurcevic S
Published: July 2012

Destruction of pancreatic islets in type 1 diabetes is caused by infiltrating, primed and activated T cells. In a clinical setting this autoimmune process is already in an advanced stage before intervention therapy can be administered. Therefore, an effective intervention needs to reduce islet inflammation and preserve any remaining islet function. In this study we have investigated the role of targeting activated T cells in reversing autoimmune diabetes. A combination therapy consisting of CD25-, CD70- and CD8-specific monoclonal antibodies was administered to non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice with either new-onset diabetes or with advanced diabetes. In NOD mice with new-onset diabetes antibody combination treatment reversed hyperglycaemia and achieved long-term protection from diabetes (blood glucose <13·9 mmol/l) in >50% of mice. In contrast, in the control, untreated group blood glucose levels continued to increase and none of the mice were protected from diabetes (P < 0·0001). Starting therapy early when hyperglycaemia was relatively mild proved critical, as the mice with advanced diabetes showed less efficient control of blood glucose and shorter life span. Histological analysis (insulitis score) showed islet preservation and reduced immune infiltration in all treated groups, compared to their controls. In conclusion, antibody combination therapy that targets CD25, CD70 and CD8 results in decreased islet infiltration and improved blood glucose levels in NOD mice with established diabetes.
A community of practice view of intervention programmes: the case of women returning to IT
Authors: Panteli Niki
Published: July 2012

The study presents an intervention programme for women returning to the information technology (IT) industry following a career break. This is interpreted through the lens of the community of practice perspective. The longitudinal nature of the case study offered opportunities for in‐depth investigation of participants' experience and development during the process. Using this datum, a mid‐level analytical approach is adopted. It is found that learning about the path to return to IT emerged regardless of the degree of participation in the intervention programme, and this was supported by the diversity and integration embedded in this programme. The implications of the findings for our understanding of intervention programmes are discussed.
Environmental species sorting dominates forest‐bird community assembly across scales
Authors: Özkan Korhan , Svenning Jens‐Christian , Jeppesen Erik
Published: July 2012

Environmental species sorting and dispersal are seen as key factors in community assembly, but their relative importance and scale dependence remain uncertain, as the extent to which communities are consistently assembled throughout their biomes.

To address these issues, we analysed bird metacommunity structure in a 1200‐km2 forested landscape (Istranca Forests) in Turkish Thrace at the margin of the Western Palaearctic (WP) temperate‐forest biome. First, we used spatial regressions and Mantel tests to assess the relative importance of environmental and spatial factors as drivers of local species richness and composition within the metacommunity. Second, we analysed species' abundance–occupancy relationship across the metacommunity and used null models to assess whether occupancy is determined by species' environmental niches. Third, we used generalized linear models to test for links between species' metacommunity‐wide occupancy and their broader WP regional populations and assessed whether these links are consistent with environmental species sorting.

There was strong environmental control on local species richness and composition patterns within the metacommunity, but non‐environmental spatial factors had also an important joint role.

Null model analyses on randomized communities showed that species' occupancy across the metacommunity was strongly determined by species' environmental niches, with occupancy being related to niche position marginality.

Species' metacommunity‐wide occupancy correlated with their local abundance as well as with their range size and total abundance for the whole WP, suggesting that the same assembly mechanisms act consistently across local to regional scales. A species specialization index that was estimated by bird species' habitat use across France, incorporating both niche position and breadth, was significantly related to species' occupancy and abundance at both metacommunity and WP regional scales. Hence, the same niche‐related assembly mechanisms appear to act consistently across the WP region.

Overall, our results suggest that the structure of the Istranca Forest' bird metacommunity was predominantly controlled by environmental species sorting in a manner consistent with the broader WP region. However, variability in local community structure was also linked to purely spatial factors, albeit more weakly.
Localisation and Role of Activin Receptor‐Interacting Protein 1 in Mouse Brain
Authors: Liu H. Y. , Wang Y. N. , Ge J. Y. , Li N. , Cui X.‐L. , Liu Z.‐H.
Published: July 2012

Activin A, a stimulator of follicle‐stimulating hormone secretion from the pituitary, acts as a neurotrophic and neuroprotective factor in the central nervous system. Activin receptor‐interacting protein 1 (ARIP1) has been identified as a cytoplasmic protein that interacts with the type II receptor of activin (ActRII). However, the distribution pattern and function of ARIP1 are not well characterised in the brain. In the present study, we confirmed the existence of mRNA and protein of ARIP1 in the mouse brain, and found that ARIP1 was mainly localised at the hippocampus and hypothalamus in the cerebrum, granular layers in the cerebellum (especially in Purkinje cells of the cerebellum) and choroid epithelial cells by immunohistochemical staining. Furthermore, in contrast to the significant increase of activin A mRNA, ARIP1 mRNA and protein expression decreased in the mechanically lesioned brain of the mouse. Using neuroblastoma‐derived Neuro‐2a cells to investigate the function of ARIP1, we found that overexpression of ARIP1 down‐regulated the activin A‐induced signal transduction and significantly decreased the voltage‐gated Na+ current (INa). These data indicate that ARIP1 is a key molecule for the regulation of the action of activin in neurones, and also that decreased ARIP1 expression in the lesioned brain may be beneficial to the neurotrophic and neuroprotective roles of activin A in recovery after brain injury.
A range‐wide genetic bottleneck overwhelms contemporary landscape factors and local abundance in shaping genetic patterns of an alpine butterfly (Lepidoptera: Pieridae: Colias behrii)
Authors: SCHOVILLE SEAN D. , LAM ATHENA W. , RODERICK GEORGE K.
Published: July 2012

Spatial and environmental heterogeneity are major factors in structuring species distributions in alpine landscapes. These landscapes have also been affected by glacial advances and retreats, causing alpine taxa to undergo range shifts and demographic changes. These nonequilibrium population dynamics have the potential to obscure the effects of environmental factors on the distribution of genetic variation. Here, we investigate how demographic change and environmental factors influence genetic variation in the alpine butterfly Colias behrii. Data from 14 microsatellite loci provide evidence of bottlenecks in all population samples. We test several alternative models of demography using approximate Bayesian computation (ABC), with the results favouring a model in which a recent bottleneck precedes rapid population growth. Applying independent calibrations to microsatellite loci and a nuclear gene, we estimate that this bottleneck affected both northern and southern populations 531–281 years ago, coinciding with a period of global cooling. Using regression approaches, we attempt to separate the effects of population structure, geographical distance and landscape on patterns of population genetic differentiation. Only 40% of the variation in FST is explained by these models, with geographical distance and least‐cost distance among meadow patches selected as the best predictors. Various measures of genetic diversity within populations are also decoupled from estimates of local abundance and habitat patch characteristics. Our results demonstrate that demographic change can have a disproportionate influence on genetic diversity in alpine species, contrasting with other studies that suggest landscape features control contemporary demographic processes in high‐elevation environments.
Asymmetric adaptation to indolic and aliphatic glucosinolates in the B and Q sibling species of Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae)
Authors: ELBAZ M. , HALON E. , MALKA O. , MALITSKY S. , BLUM E. , AHARONI A. , MORIN S.
Published: July 2012

The role glucosinolates play in defending plants against phloem feeders such as aphids and whiteflies is currently not clear as these herbivores may avoid bringing glucosinolates from the phloem sap into contact with myrosinase enzymes. Here, we investigated the effects of high levels of aliphatic and indolic glucosinolates on life history traits and detoxification gene expression in two sibling species, B and Q, of the whitefly Bemisia tabaci. High levels of aliphatic glucosinolates decreased the average oviposition rate of both species and reduced the survival and developmental rate of Q nymphs. High levels of indolic glucosinolates decreased the oviposition rate and survival of nymphal stages of the B species and the developmental rate of both species. Molecular analyses revealed two major asymmetries between the B and Q species. First, specific GST genes (BtGST1 and BtGST2) were significantly induced during exposure to indolic glucosinolates only in Q. This may reflect the genes putative involvement in indolic glucosinolates detoxification and explain the species’ good performance on plants accumulating indolic glucosinolates. Second, the constitutive expression of eight of the 10 detoxification genes analysed was higher in the Q species than in the B species. Interestingly, four of these genes were induced in B in response to high levels of glucosinolates. It seems, therefore, that the B and Q species differ in their ‘optimal defence strategy’. B utilizes inducible defences that are profitable if the probability of experiencing the stress is small and its severity is low, while Q invests significant resources in being always ‘ready’ for a challenge.
Three novel allelic variants of the RAET1E/ULBP4 gene in humans
Authors: Cox S. T. , Madrigal J. A. , Saudemont A.
Published: July 2012

Discovery of three novel alleles of RAET1E/ULBP4 by sequence‐based typing: RAET1E*008, RAET1E*009 and RAET1E*010.
Triple‐phase abdominal computed tomography for detecting spontaneous portopulmonary shunts in cirrhotic patients
Authors: Gonzalez German , Wilkinson Lana M , Carcano Carolina , Kumar Anand , Mohammed Tan‐Lucien , Lurix Einar , Castro Fernando , Kirsch Jacobo
Published: July 2012

Background and Aim

Data on prevalence of portopulmonary shunts (PPS) are quite limited. Most studies have used cineportography or echocardiography for diagnosis. Only few recent case reports have reported the use of computed tomography (CT) for identification of PPS. This study tried to determine the prevalence of PPS in patients with cirrhosis using contrast‐enhanced CT of the abdomen, and to determine their association with demographic and clinical characteristics.

Methods

A total of 150 subjects with cirrhosis who had previously undergone triple‐phase CT were analyzed. PPS was diagnosed when at least one esophageal varix met all of the following criteria: (i) it could be followed cephalad into the chest to the level of the inferior pulmonary vein or left atrium; (ii) it abutted the wall of either of these structures; (iii) it had luminal continuity with one of these structures; and (iv) it was no longer seen one slice above the level of contact.

Results

Of 150 subjects, 18 were excluded for incomplete data. The prevalence of PPS was found to be 26/132 (19.7%). Of these, 14 (53.8%) patients had PPS draining into the left atrium and 12 (46.2%) had those draining into one of the pulmonary veins. Presence of PPS was associated with the presence of varices at endoscopy, ascites, thrombocytopenia and splenomegaly.

Conclusion

In our study, the largest study on PPS to date, the prevalence of PPS in cirrhotic patients using triple phase CT was found to be 19.7%. CT may be a useful technique to study PPS and their clinical implications.
Ten‐day sequential versus triple therapy for Helicobacter pylori eradication: A prospective, open‐label, randomized trial
Authors: Chung Jun‐Won , Jung Young Kul , Kim Yoon Jae , Kwon Kwang Ahn , Kim Jung Ho , Lee Jong Joon , Lee Sung Min , Hahm Ki Baik , Lee Sun Mi , Jeong Jin Yong , Yun Sung‐Cheol
Published: July 2012

Background and Aim

Increased resistance of Helicobacter pylori to antibiotics has increased the need to develop new first‐line treatments for H. pylori. We have prospectively evaluated 10‐day sequential versus conventional triple therapy in peptic ulcer patients.

Methods

One hundred and fifty‐nine patients with peptic ulcer diseases were prospectively randomized to receive 10 days of lansoprazole, amoxicillin, and clarithromycin (conventional triple therapy) or 5 days of lansoprazole and amoxicillin followed by 5 days of lansoprazole, clarithromycin, and metronidazole (sequential therapy). Post‐treatment H. pylori status was determined by the 13C‐urea breath test. Eradication rates, antibiotic resistance rates by agar dilution method, drug compliance, and side‐effects were compared.

Results

The intention‐to‐treat eradication rates were 75.9% (95% CI 66.5–85.3%, 60/79) in the sequential therapy group and 58.7% (95% CI 47.9–69.5%, 47/80) in the conventional triple therapy group (P = 0.01), while the per‐protocol eradication rates were 86.8% (95% CI 78.7–94.8%, 59/68) and 67.6% (95% CI 56.5–78.7%, 46/68) (P = 0.01), respectively. Compliance and side‐effects were similar in the two groups. Culture of H. pylori showed that 18.2% were resistant to clarithromycin, 41.9% to metronidazole. Dual resistance to both antibiotics was 9.6%.

Conclusions

Although 10‐day sequential therapy yielded a higher H. pylori eradication rate than 10‐day conventional triple therapy, the sequential therapy protocol did not result in a sufficiently satisfactory eradication rate. This might be related to the higher antibiotics resistance rate especially to dual resistance. More effective regimens are needed to overcome antibiotic resistance in Korea.
Real medicine
Authors: Wilson Hayden , Payne Donald
Published: July 2012

A substantial part of a paediatrician's work increasingly involves caring for children and young people with mental health, developmental, emotional and behavioural problems. Over time, recognition of these aspects has redefined and broadened the notion of what classically constitutes ‘Paediatrics.’ This paper discusses the ways in which paediatricians and psychiatrists can support each other in this work. It highlights the role of supervision and specifically advocates for the expansion of consultation/liaison psychiatry services.
Teachers’ perceptions, beliefs and concerns about cyberbullying
Authors: Eden Sigal , Heiman Tali , Olenik‐Shemesh Dorit
Published: July 2012

Schools and teachers nowadays face new difficulties and challenges as a result of the fast growth of cyberbullying. The aim of the study is to examine the perceptions, beliefs and concerns about cyberbullying, as well as the needs, of a professionally diverse group of teachers. Three‐hundred and twenty‐eight teachers (88.4% female, 11.6% male) from different types of schools and professional foci were randomly selected and completed a cyberbullying questionnaire regarding their perceptions of cyberbullying and about their personal experiences in relation to cyberbullying. They also provided background information. Findings indicate that teachers noted that cyberbullying is a problem in their school, suggesting that urgent attention be paid to three aspects: policy making, enhancing awareness of the school team and coping strategies for parents. About half the teachers reported that students complain of harassment through the mobile phone and Internet, and some teachers were themselves cyberbullied. It was found that the teachers’ gender, education level and the age of the students they taught affected their level of concern about cyberbullying, and therefore how credible they found the school's commitment to act on it. Female teachers expressed more concern than male teachers, as did teachers of younger children. Special education teachers were more concerned than mainstream teachers and were more likely to believe that the cyberbullying must be confronted. The results contribute to our understanding of the teachers’ perceptions, beliefs and concerns about cyberbullying, which could serve as a basis for developing policy guidelines in schools as well as establishing programs for school teachers to cope with cyberbullying.
Success rate, efficacy, and safety/tolerability of overnight switching from immediate‐ to extended‐release pramipexole in advanced Parkinson's disease
Authors: Schapira A. H. V. , Barone P. , Hauser R. A. , Mizuno Y. , Rascol O. , Busse M. , Debieuvre C. , Fraessdorf M. , Poewe W.
Published: July 2012

Background and purpose

For Parkinson's disease (PD), an extended‐release (ER) pramipexole formulation taken once daily, has shown efficacy, safety, and tolerability resembling those of immediate‐release (IR) pramipexole taken three times daily. The present study assessed, in advanced PD, the success of an overnight switch from adjunctive IR to ER.

Methods

Levodopa users experiencing motor fluctuations were randomized to adjunctive double‐blind (DB) placebo, IR, or ER. Amongst completers of ≥18 weeks, ER recipients were kept on DB ER, whilst IR recipients were switched overnight to DB ER at unchanged daily dosage. After a DB week, switch success was assessed. During the next 5 weeks, all patients underwent ER titration to optimal open‐label maintenance dosage.

Results

One week post‐switch, 86.2% of 123 IR‐to‐ER and 83.8% of 105 ER‐to‐ER patients had ≤15% (or ≤3‐point, for pre‐switch scores ≤20) increase on UPDRS Parts II + III, and 77.9% (of 122) and 70.2% (of 104) had ≤1‐h increase in daily OFF‐time. At 32 weeks, the groups showed comparable improvements from DB baseline (pramipexole inception), including, on UPDRS II + III, adjusted mean (SE) changes of −14.8 (1.5) for IR‐to‐ER and −13.3 (1.6) for ER‐to‐ER. Rates of premature discontinuation owing to adverse events were 6.5% for IR‐to‐ER and 4.9% for ER‐to‐ER.

Conclusions

By OFF‐time and UPDRS criteria, majorities of patients with advanced PD were successfully switched overnight from pramipexole IR to ER at unchanged daily dosage. During subsequent maintenance, pramipexole showed sustained efficacy, safety, and tolerability, regardless of formulation (IR or ER) in the preceding DB trial.
‘It's Always English in the Cop Shop’: Accounts of Minority Language Use in the Criminal Justice System in Wales
Authors: Madoc‐Jones Iolo , Parry Odette
Published: July 2012

European language activists have successfully campaigned for the right to use regional or minority languages in judicial contexts. Despite this, such rights are rarely exercised. This is commonly understood as a function of the unavailability and/or inaccessibility of appropriate language services, so judicial authorities in a range of countries are urged to do more to meet their obligations to meet the needs of minority language speakers. The article draws on a study of language use in one criminal justice system where the right to use a minority language exists. It uses a discourse analytic approach to explore how first‐language Welsh‐speaking criminal justice service users account for their choice, and usage, of language, and what purposes these accounts may serve for narrators. Despite their commitment to the Welsh language, none of the study respondents used Welsh in their most recent episodes in the police station or at court. Two competing discursive constructions were evident in respondent accounts which served specific objectives for narrators. A ‘down to them’ discursive construction, which drew on wider imperialist discourses, positioned narrators as powerless victims of a system in which they had no choice over language. This construction legitimised narrators’ claim to Welshness and castigated agencies of the criminal justice system. Simultaneously, however, narrators deployed ‘up to me’ discursive constructions to demonstrate resistance to the role of victim. This construction positioned narrators as more powerful and as exercising agency and choice in the criminal justice system. The article thus challenges oversimplified understandings of minority language use and non‐use in the criminal justice system.
The seasonal diet of British pine marten determined from genetically identified scats
Authors: Caryl F. M. , Raynor R. , Quine C. P. , Park K. J.
Published: July 2012

Knowledge of a carnivore's foraging behaviour is central to understanding its ecology. Scat‐content analysis provides a non‐invasive way to collect such information but its validity depends on attributing scats to the correct species, which can prove problematic where similarly sized species occur sympatrically. Here we provide the first description of the diet of European pine marten Martes martes in Scotland based on genetically identified scats (n = 2449). Concurrent small mammal live trapping also allowed us to determine preferential selection of small mammal species. We found the marten diet was almost entirely formed by three principal foods: Microtus agrestis (39%), berries (Sorbus aucuparia and Vaccinium myrtillus: 30%) and small birds (24%). The seasonal dominance of these foods in the diet suggested a facultative foraging strategy, with a short period in which the diet was more generalized. A discrepancy in the occurrence of
Microtus in the diet (77% of small mammals consumed) and marten home ranges (12% of small mammals trapped) indicated a frequency‐independent preference for this prey, one which differentiated British marten from marten in continental Europe. Microtus were the marten's staple prey and taken with relative consistency throughout the year, even at times when rodent populations were at their least abundant. Martens supplemented their diet with small birds and fruits as these foods became abundant in summer. The diet became generalized at this time, reflected by a threefold increase in diet niche breadth. Microtus consumption was significantly reduced in autumn, however, when their populations peak in abundance. The autumn diet was instead dominated by fruit; an abrupt dietary switch suggesting a frequency‐dependent preference for fruit irrespective of the abundance of alternative prey.
Construct validity of the Quality of Upper Extremity Skills Test for children with cerebral palsy
Authors: THORLEY MEGAN , LANNIN NATASHA , CUSICK ANNE , NOVAK IONA , BOYD ROSLYN
Published: July 2012

Aim  The aim of the study was to investigate the construct validity of the Quality of Upper Extremity Skills Test (QUEST) in children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Method  A total of 170 QUEST assessments from a convenience sample of 94 children with CP involved in clinical and research treatment programmes (54 males, 40 females; mean age 6y 10mo, SD 2y 11mo, range 2–16y; Gross Motor Function Classification System levels I–V) were reviewed.

Results  The QUEST was not unidimensional; many items demonstrated poor fit when total scores were analysed; goodness of fit improved when domains were considered independently and limbs separately examined. QUEST items involving elbow flexion and/or forearm in pronation were easily achieved, thus reducing test sensitivity. Postures items in the grasp domain behaved erratically, with little total score relationship.

Interpretation  Calculating total scores is discouraged. Reporting QUEST results separately for domains and each limb is recommended. Posture items in the grasp domain had little relationship with total scores and it is recommended that they be removed from the test.
Exposure to predator odor and resulting anxiety enhances the expression of the α2δ subunit of voltage‐sensitive calcium channels in the amygdala
Authors: Nasca Carla , Orlando Rosamaria , Marchiafava Moreno , Boldrini Paolo , Battaglia Giuseppe , Scaccianoce Sergio , Matrisciano Francesco , Pittaluga Anna , Nicoletti Ferdinando
Published: July 2012

The α2δ subunit of voltage‐sensitive calcium channels (VSCCs) is the molecular target of pregabalin and gabapentin, two drugs marked for the treatment of focal epilepsy, neuropathic pain, and anxiety disorders. Expression of the α2δ subunit is up‐regulated in the dorsal horns of the spinal cord in models of neuropathic pain, suggesting that plastic changes in the α2δ subunit are associated with pathological states. Here, we examined the expression of the α2δ‐1 subunit in the amygdala, hippocampus, and frontal cortex in the trimethyltiazoline (TMT) mouse model of innate anxiety. TMT is a volatile molecule present in the feces of the rodent predator, red fox. Mice that show a high defensive behavior during TMT exposure developed anxiety‐like behavior in the following 72 h, as shown by the light–dark test. Anxiety was associated with an increased expression of the α2δ‐1 subunit of VSCCs in the amygdaloid complex at all times following TMT exposure (4, 24, and 72 h). No changes in the α2δ‐1 protein levels were seen in the hippocampus and frontal cortex of mice exposed to TMT. Pregabalin (30 mg/kg, i.p.) reduced anxiety‐like behavior in TMT‐exposed mice, but not in control mice. These data offer the first demonstration that the α2δ‐1 subunit of VSCCs undergoes plastic changes in a model of innate anxiety, and supports the use of pregabalin as a disease‐dependent drug in the treatment of anxiety disorders.