bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the bZIP transcription factor regulatory network in Neurospora crassa
Authors: Tian Chaoguang , Li Jingyi , Glass N. Louise
Published: November 2010

Transcription factors (TFs) are key nodes of regulatory networks in eukaryotic organisms, including filamentous fungi such asNeurospora crassa. The 178 predicted DNA-binding TFs inN. crassaare distributed primarily among six gene families, which represent an ancient expansion in filamentous ascomycete genomes; 98 TF genes show detectable expression levels during vegetative growth ofN. crassa, including 35 that show a significant difference in expression level between hyphae at the periphery versus hyphae in the interior of a colony. Regulatory networks within a species genome include paralogous TFs and their respective target genes (TF regulon). To investigate TF network evolution inN. crassa, we focused on the basic leucine zipper (bZIP) TF family, which contains nine members. We performed baseline transcriptional profiling during vegetative growth of the wild-type and seven isogenic, viable bZIP deletion mutants. We further characterized the regulatory network of one member of the bZIP family, NCU03905. NCU03905 encodes an Ap1-like protein (NcAp-1), which is involved in resistance to multiple stress responses, including oxidative and heavy metal stress. Relocalization of NcAp-1 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus was associated with exposure to stress. A comparison of the NcAp-1 regulon with Ap1-like regulons inSaccharomyces cerevisiae,Schizosaccharomyces pombe,Candida albicansandAspergillus fumigatusshowed both conservation and divergence. These data indicate howN. crassaresponds to stress and provide information on pathway evolution.
Prevalence, conservation and functional analysis of Yersinia and Escherichia CRISPR regions in clinical Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates
Authors: Cady K. C. , White A. S. , Hammond J. H. , Abendroth M. D. , Karthikeyan R. S. G. , Lalitha P. , Zegans M. E. , O'Toole G. A.
Published: November 2010

Here, we report the characterization of 122 Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolates from three distinct geographical locations: Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in New Hampshire, USA, the Charles T. Campbell Eye Microbiology Lab at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, USA, and the Aravind Eye Hospital in Madurai, India. We identified and located clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) in 45/122 clinical isolates and sequenced these CRISPR, finding that Yersinia subtype CRISPR regions (33 %) were more prevalent than the Escherichia CRISPR region subtype (6 %) in these P. aeruginosa clinical isolates. Further, we observed 132 unique spacers from these 45 CRISPR that are 100 % identical to prophages or sequenced temperate bacteriophage capable of becoming prophages. Most intriguingly, all of these 132 viral spacers matched to temperate bacteriophage/prophages capable of inserting into the host chromosome, but not to extrachromosomally replicating lytic P. aeruginosa bacteriophage. We next assessed the ability of the more prevalent Yersinia subtype CRISPR regions to mediate resistance to bacteriophage infection or lysogeny by deleting the entire CRISPR region from sequenced strain UCBPP-PA14 and six clinical isolates. We found no change in CRISPR-mediated resistance to bacteriophage infection or lysogeny rate even for CRISPR with spacers 100 % identical to a region of the infecting bacteriophage. Lastly, to show these CRISPR and cas genes were expressed and functional, we demonstrated production of small CRISPR RNAs. This work provides both the first examination to our knowledge of CRISPR regions within clinical P. aeruginosa isolates and a collection of defined CRISPR-positive and -negative strains for further CRISPR and cas gene studies.
Unraveling the Evolution of Auxin Signaling
Authors: De Smet Ive , Voß Ute , Lau Steffen , Wilson Michael , Shao Ning , Timme Ruth E. , Swarup Ranjan , Kerr Ian , Hodgman Charlie , Bock Ralph , Bennett Malcolm , Jürgens Gerd , Beeckman Tom
Published: November 2010

Auxin signaling is central to plant growth and development, yet hardly anything is known about its evolutionary origin. While the presence of key players in auxin signaling has been analyzed in various land plant species, similar analyses in the green algal lineages are lacking. Here, we survey the key players in auxin biology in the available genomes of Chlorophyta species. We found that the genetic potential for auxin biosynthesis and AUXIN1 (AUX1)/LIKE AUX1- and P-GLYCOPROTEIN/ATP-BINDING CASSETTE subfamily B-dependent transport is already present in several single-celled and colony-forming Chlorophyta species. In addition, our analysis of expressed sequence tag libraries from Coleochaete orbicularis and Spirogyra pratensis, green algae of the Streptophyta clade that are evolutionarily closer to the land plants than those of the Chlorophyta clade, revealed the presence of partial AUXIN RESPONSE FACTORs and/or AUXIN/INDOLE-3-ACETIC ACID proteins (the key factors in auxin signaling) and PIN-FORMED-like proteins (the best-characterized auxin-efflux carriers). While the identification of these possible AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR- and AUXIN/INDOLE-3-ACETIC ACID precursors and putative PIN-FORMED orthologs calls for a deeper investigation of their evolution after sequencing more intermediate genomes, it emphasizes that the canonical auxin response machinery and auxin transport mechanisms were, at least in part, already present before plants “moved” to land habitats.
Arabidopsis β-Ketoacyl-[Acyl Carrier Protein] Synthase I Is Crucial for Fatty Acid Synthesis and Plays a Role in Chloroplast Division and Embryo Development
Authors: Wu Guo-Zhang , Xue Hong-Wei
Published: November 2010

Lipid metabolism plays a pivotal role in cell structure and in multiple plant developmental processes. β-Ketoacyl-[acyl carrier protein] synthase I (KASI) catalyzes the elongation of de novo fatty acid (FA) synthesis. Here, we report the functional characterization of KASI in the regulation of chloroplast division and embryo development. Phenotypic observation of an Arabidopsis thaliana T-DNA insertion mutant, kasI, revealed multiple morphological defects, including chlorotic (in netted patches) and curly leaves, reduced fertility, and semidwarfism. There are only one to five enlarged chloroplasts in the mesophyll cells of chlorotic sectors of young kasI rosette leaves, indicating suppressed chloroplast division under KASI deficiency. KASI deficiency results in a significant change in the polar lipid composition, which causes the suppressed expression of FtsZ and Min system genes, disordered Z-ring placement in the oversized chloroplast, and inhibited polymerization of FtsZ protein at mid-site of the chloroplast in kasI. In addition, KASI deficiency results in disrupted embryo development before the globular stage and dramatically reduces FA levels (~33.6% of the wild type) in seeds. These results demonstrate that de novo FA synthesis is crucial and has pleiotropic effects on plant growth. The polar lipid supply is important for chloroplast division and development, revealing a key function of FA synthesis in plastid development.
EGFR overexpression induces activation of telomerase via PI3K/AKT‐mediated phosphorylation and transcriptional regulation through Hif1‐alpha in a cellular model of oral–esophageal carcinogenesis
Authors: Heeg Steffen , Hirt Nina , Queisser Angela , Schmieg Hannah , Thaler Michaela , Kunert Heike , Quante Michael , Goessel Gitta , von Werder Alexander , Harder Jan , Beijersbergen Roderick , Blum Hubert E. , Nakagawa Hiroshi , Opitz Oliver G.
Published: November 2010

Telomerase plays an important role during immortalization and malignant transformation as crucial steps in the development of human cancer. In a cellular model of oral–esophageal carcinogenesis, recapitulating the human disease, immortalization occurred independent of the activation of telomerase but through the recombination‐based alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT). In this stepwise model, additional overexpression of EGFR led to in vitro transformation and activation of telomerase with homogeneous telomere elongation in already immortalized oral squamous epithelial cells (OKF6‐D1_dnp53). More interestingly, EGFR overexpression activated the PI3K/AKT pathway. This strongly suggested a role for telomerase in tumor progression in addition to just elongating telomeres and inferring an immortalized state. Therefore, we sought to identify the regulatory mechanisms involved in this activation of telomerase and in vitro transformation induced by EGFR. In the present study we demonstrate that telomerase expression and activity are induced through both direct phosphorylation of hTERT by phospho‐AKT as well as PI3K‐dependent transcriptional regulation involving Hif1‐alpha as a key transcription factor. Furthermore, EGFR overexpression enhanced cell cycle progression and proliferation via phosphorylation and translocation of p21. Whereas immortalization was induced by ALT, in vitro transformation was associated with telomerase activation, supporting an additional role for telomerase in tumor progression besides elongating telomeres. (Cancer Sci 2011; 102: 351–360)
Reduced expression of ubiquitin ligase FBXW7 mRNA is associated with poor prognosis in breast cancer patients
Authors: Ibusuki Mutsuko , Yamamoto Yutaka , Shinriki Satoru , Ando Yukio , Iwase Hirotaka
Published: November 2010

FBXW7 is a cell cycle regulatory gene that ubiquitinates positive cell cycle regulators such as c‐Myc and cyclin E, allowing for cell cycle exit. Defects in the FBXW7 gene that lead to cell cycle re‐entry and expedite the G1‐S transition is thought to be one of the causes of cancer development. However, its clinical importance for breast cancer patients remains undetermined. This prompted us to investigate its expression level in breast cancer patients to establish its clinical significance. The expression level of FBXW7 mRNA was assessed in 186 cases of primary invasive breast cancer. Correlations between FBXW7 mRNA expression and clinicopathological factors, prognoses and immunohistochemical expression levels of Ki‐67, FBXW7, c‐Myc and cyclin E were analyzed. In vitro investigation of FBXW7 gene silencing in a breast cancer cell line was conducted. FBXW7 mRNA was expressed at significantly lower levels in patients with high histological grade and hormone receptor‐negative tumors. Patients with lower FBXW7 mRNA expression had a poorer prognosis for breast cancer‐specific survival than those with higher expression. A high Ki‐67 labeling index and positive cyclin E protein expression were significantly correlated with lower FBXW7 mRNA expression. In vitro, silencing FBXW7 enhanced expression of c‐Myc and cyclin E proteins and upregulated both cell proliferation and G1‐S transition. In breast cancer, reduced FBXW7 mRNA expression may have independent prognostic potential through the enhanced function of cell cycle regulatory proteins. (Cancer Sci 2011; 102: 439–445)
Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic comparison of hydrofluoroalkane and chlorofluorocarbon formulations of budesonide
Authors: Clearie Karine L. , Williamson Peter. A. , Meldrum Karen , Gillen Michael , Carlsson Lars‐Goran , Carlholm Marie , Ekelund Jan , Lipworth Brian J.
Published: November 2010

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT

• Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) have been implicated in damage to the ozone layer, and are due to be phased out in accordance with the Montreal Protocol.

• Hydrofluoroalkane‐134a (HFA) has been found to act as an adequate propellant for pressurized metered‐dose inhaler delivery systems without the same deleterious environmental effects.

WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS

• This paper presents data from both steady‐state pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic assessments of HFAvs.CFC pressurized metered‐dose inhaler formulations of budesonide. It demonstrates that they are therapeutically equivalent in terms of relative lung bioavailability, airway efficacy and systemic effects.

AIMSA hydrofluoroalkane formulation of budesonide pressurized metered‐dose inhaler has been developed to replace the existing chlorofluorocarbon one. The aim of this study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics of both formulations.

METHODSSystemic bioavailability and bioactivity of both hydrofluoroalkane and chlorofluorocarbon pressurized metered‐dose inhaler formulations at 800 µg twice daily was determined during a randomized crossover systemic pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic study at steady state in healthy volunteers. Measurements included the following: plasma cortisol AUC24h[area under the concentration‐time curve (0–24 h)], budesonide AUC0–12handCmax. Clinical efficacy was determined during a randomized crossover pharmacodynamic study in asthmatic patients receiving 200 µg followed by 800 µg budesonide via chlorofluorocarbon or hydrofluoroalkane pressurized metered‐dose inhaler each for 4 weeks. Methacholine PC20(primary outcome), exhaled nitric oxide, spirometry, peak expiratory flow and symptoms were evaluated.

RESULTSIn the pharmacokinetic study, there were no differences in cortisol, AUC0–12h[area under the concentration‐time curve (0–12 h)],Tmax(time to maximum concentration) orCmax(peak serum concentration) between the hydrofluoroalkane and chlorofluorocarbon pressurized metered‐dose inhaler. The ratio of budesonide hydrofluoroalkanevs.chlorofluorocarbon pressurized metered‐dose inhaler for cortisol AUC24hwas 1.02 (95% confidence interval 0.93–1.11) and budesonide AUC0–12hwas 1.03 (90% confidence interval 0.9–1.18). In the asthma pharmacodynamic study, there was a significant dose response (P< 0.0001) for methacholine PC20(provocative concentration of methacholine needed to produce a 20% fall in FEV1) with a relative potency ratio of 1.10 (95% confidence interval 0.49–2.66), and no difference at either dose. No significant differences between formulations were seen with the secondary outcome variables.

CONCLUSIONSHydrofluoroalkane and chlorofluorocarbon formulations of budesonide were therapeutically equivalent in terms of relative lung bioavailability, airway efficacy and systemic effects.
An empirical equation to calculate soil solution electrical conductivity at 25°C from major ion concentrations
Authors: Visconti F. , De Paz J. M. , Rubio J. L.
Published: November 2010

The electrical conductivity at 25°C (EC25) of soil solutions or irrigation waters is the standard property for assessing salinity. Many models for soil salinity prediction calculate the major ion composition of the soil solution. The electrical conductivity of a solution can be determined from its composition through several different empirical equations. An assessment of these equations is necessary to incorporate the most accurate and precise equations in such models. Twelve different equations for the EC25 calculation were calibrated by means of regression analyses with data from 133 saturation extracts and another 135 1:5 soil‐to‐water extracts from a salt‐affected agricultural irrigated area. The equations with better calibration parameters were tested with another data set of 153 soil solutions covering a wide range of salt concentrations and compositions. The testing was conducted using the standardized difference t‐test, which is a rigorous validation test used in this study for the first time. The equations based on the ionic conductivity decrement given by Kohlrausch's law presented the poorest calibration parameters. The equations founded on the hypothesis that EC25 is proportional to analytical concentrations had worse calibration and validation parameters than their counterparts based on free‐ion concentrations and ionic activities. The equations founded on simpler mathematical relationships generally gave improved validation parameters. The three equations based on the specific electrical conductivity definition presented a mean standardized difference between observations and predictions indistinguishable from zero at the 95% confidence level. The inclusion of the charged ion‐pair concentrations in the equation based on free‐ion concentrations improved its predictions, particularly at large electrical conductivities. This equation can be reliably used in conjunction with chemical speciation software to assess EC25 from the ion composition of soil solutions.
Evaluating soil carbon and nitrogen dynamics in recently established maize‐soyabean inter‐cropping systems
Authors: Oelbermann M. , Echarte L.
Published: November 2010

The Pampa comprises the most productive land in Argentina, but the widespread adoption of sole cropping has drastically reduced soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks. This paper presents baseline data on the effects of maize‐legume inter‐crops compared with maize and soyabean sole crops on SOC and nitrogen (N) stocks, gross SOC turnover, soil microbial biomass (SMB), soil organic matter light fraction (LF) and the partitioning of carbon (C) derived from C3‐ and C4 crops into SOC, LF and SMB. For soil characteristics, only the C:N ratio was significantly different (0–120 cm) between treatments. Gross SOC and SMB‐C turnover time (0–120 cm) was faster in the maize sole crop followed by the inter‐crops and the soyabean sole crop. The SMB‐C and N were significantly greater in the intercrops. Soil LF‐N (0–20 cm) was significantly smaller in the inter‐crop. Soil became significantly enriched (0–120 cm) in δ15N in the inter‐crop, suggesting that microbial decomposers incorporated C derived from maize and soyabean residues. The greatest proportion of C in the soil and in the soil LF was derived from a C4‐C source, and the δ13C of the SMB (0–20 cm) was enriched compared with that of the SOC and the soil LF. Results from this study indicated that after only 1 year of inter‐cropping, soil biological and chemical characteristics were influenced positively by this land management practice.
Risk of asthma in adult twins with type 2 diabetes and increased body mass index
Authors: Thomsen S. F. , Duffy D. L. , Kyvik K. O. , Skytthe A. , Backer V.
Published: November 2010

To cite this article: Thomsen SF, Duffy DL, Kyvik KO, Skytthe A, Backer V. Risk of asthma in adult twins with type 2 diabetes and increased body mass index. Allergy 2011; 66: 562–568.

Aim:  To examine the relationship between asthma, type 2 diabetes and increased body mass index (BMI) in adult twins.

Methods:  We performed record linkage between questionnaire‐defined asthma and BMI, and hospital discharge diagnoses of type 2 diabetes in 34 782 Danish twins, 20–71 years of age.

Results:  The risk of asthma was increased in subjects with type 2 diabetes relative to nondiabetic subjects both in men (13.5%vs 7.5%), P = 0.001 and in women (16.6%vs 9.6%), P = 0.001. The result remained significant after adjustment for age, BMI, smoking, symptoms of chronic bronchitis, marital status and zygosity, men: OR = 1.70 (1.07–2.70), P = 0.026; women: OR = 1.88 (1.24–2.85), P = 0.003. In this analysis, BMI remained a highly significant predictor for asthma independently of diabetes status in women, P < 0.000 but not in men, P = 0.336. Significant positive genetic correlations were found between asthma and type 2 diabetes, 0.20 (0.01–0.40), P = 0.047; between asthma and BMI in women, 0.15 (0.07–0.22), P < 0.000; and between BMI and type 2 diabetes, 0.40 (0.29–0.43), P < 0.000.

Conclusions:  Asthma, type 2 diabetes and increased BMI are strongly associated in adults, particularly in women. These results suggest a common aetiology for asthma and metabolic syndrome.
Production of prenylated flavonoids in tomato fruits expressing a prenyltransferase gene from Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2)
Authors: Koeduka T. , Shitan N. , Kumano T. , Sasaki K. , Sugiyama A. , Linley P. , Kawasaki T. , Ezura H. , Kuzuyama T. , Yazaki K.
Published: November 2010

Flavonoids are natural compounds found in many plants, including the important fruit crop, tomato. Prenylated flavonoids consist of a large group of compounds, which often exhibit antitumour, antibacterial and/or anti‐androgen activities. In this study, we engineered the biosynthesis of prenylated flavonoids using a Streptomyces prenyltransferase HypSc (SCO7190) possessing broad‐range substrate specificity, in tomato as a host plant. LC/MS/MS analysis demonstrated the generation of 3′‐dimethylallyl naringenin in tomato fruits when recombinant HypSc protein was targeted to the plastids, whereas the recombinant protein hardly produced this compound in vitro. This is the first report confirming the accumulation of a prenylated flavonoid using a bacterial prenyltransferase in transgenic plants, and our results suggest that the product specificities of prenyltransferases can be significantly influenced by the host plant.
Heat shock protein 90 mediates cytoprotection by H2S against chemical hypoxia‐induced injury in PC12 cells
Authors: Meng Jin‐Lan , Mei Wei‐Yi , Dong Yan‐Fen , Wang Jian‐Hong , Zhao Chun‐Mei , Lan Ai‐Ping , Yang Chun‐Tao , Chen Pei‐Xi , Feng Jian‐Qiang , Hu Chen‐Heng
Published: November 2010

1. Increasing evidence indicates that hydrogen sulphide (H2S) may serve as an important biological cytoprotective agent. Heat shock protein (Hsp) 90 can attenuate stress‐induced injury. However, whether Hsp90 mediates the cytoprotective effect of H2S against chemical hypoxia‐induced injury in PC12 cells is not known.

2. In the present study, CoCl2 (a chemical hypoxia mimetic) was used to treat PC12 cells to create a model of chemical hypoxia. To explore the role of Hsp90 in the cytoprotection afforded by H2S against chemical hypoxia‐induced injury, 2 μmol/L 17‐allylaminogeldanamycin (17‐AAG), a selective inhibitor of Hsp90, was administered for 30 min prior to preconditioning with 400 μmol/L NaHS, followed by chemical hypoxia.

3. Cobalt chloride reduced cell viability (by 52.7 ± 1.5%), increased PC12 cell apoptosis (by 42.1 ± 1.5%), induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) by 3.79% compared with control and induced the dissipation of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) by 2.56% compared with control.

4. Pretreatment of PC12 cells with 100–400 μmol/L sodium hydrosulphide (NaHS), an H2S donor, for 3 h prior to exposure to 600 μmol/L CoCl2 provided significant, concentration‐dependant protection to PC12 cells against CoCl2‐induced cytotoxicity. Specifically, pretreatment of PC12 cells with 400 μmol/L NaHS decreased apoptosis to 16.77 ± 1.77% and blocked the CoCl2‐induced increase in ROS production and loss of MMP.

5. At 400 μmol/L, NaHS upregulated Hsp90 in a time‐dependant manner (over the period 0–180 min). In addition to its effects on Hsp90 expression, NaHS pretreatment of PC12 cells augmented the overexpression of Hsp90 induced by 600 μmol/L CoCl2 by 1.38‐fold (P < 0.01).

6. Treatment of PC12 cells with 2 μmol/L 17‐AAG for 30 min prior to NaHS pretreatment blocked the overexpression of Hsp90 induced by NaHS preconditioning, as evidenced by decreased cell viability (by 54.2 + 1.2%; P < 0.01), increased PC12 cell apoptosis (by 36.6 ± 1.2%; P < 0.01) and increasing ROS production.

7. The findings of the present study provide novel evidence that Hsp90 mediates H2S‐induced neuroprotection against chemical hypoxia‐induced injury via anti‐oxidant and anti‐apoptotic effects.
Six years’ experience with high‐intensity focused ultrasonography for prostate cancer: oncological outcomes using the new ‘Stuttgart’ definition for biochemical failure
Authors: Ripert Thomas , Azémar Marie‐Dominique , Ménard Johann , Barbe Coralie , Messaoudi Rabah , Bayoud Younes , Pierrevelcin Jean , Duval François , Staerman Frédéric
Published: November 2010

Study Type – Therapy (outcomes research)

Level of Evidence 2b

OBJECTIVE

• To determine oncological outcomes after high‐intensity focused ultrasonography (HIFU) treatment in patients with localized prostate cancer using a new, more accurate, definition (‘Stuttgart’ definition) of biochemical failure.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

• We performed a retrospective review of all patients in our centre who received first‐line treatment with a second‐generation AblathermTM device (EDAP‐TMS, Lyon, France).

• Oncological failure was given either by biochemical failure (prostate‐specific antigen, PSA, nadir plus 1.2 g/mL) (Stuttgart definition) or the start of salvage therapy because of a persistently positive biopsy after the HIFU procedure.

• The 5‐year biochemical‐free survival rate and 5‐year disease‐free survival rate were calculated.

RESULTS

• In total, 53 patients were included (mean age, 72.5 ± 4.5 years, range 60–79 years; 28 low risk and 25 intermediate risk). None had undergone previous hormonal therapy. Mean ±sd follow‐up was 45.4 ± 15.5 months (range 16–71 years). Mean (range) pre‐treatment PSA was 8.5 ± 4 (0.29–18) ng/mL. The median (range) PSA nadir value was 1 (0.01–14) ng/mL and occurred after a mean (range) of 5.09 (3–24) months.

• Overall, 36 patients (67.9%) experienced oncological failure.

• These included 33 cases (62.2%) of biochemical failure. A PSA nadir of ≤0.2, 0.21–1.0 and >1 ng/mL was reached in 20.8%, 30.2% and 49% of patients, respectively, and was associated with biochemical failure in 9.1%, 30.3% and 60.6%, respectively.

• The 5‐year biochemical‐free survival rate and disease‐free survival rate were 21.7% and 13.5%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, a PSA nadir of >1 ng/mL was significantly associated with a risk of biochemical and oncological failure (P= 0.002 and P < 0.001).

• Oncological failure was not associated with any risk group.

• No patient died from prostate cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

• In our experience, AblathermTM treatment for clinically localized prostate cancer was associated with a high rate of biochemical failure as determined by the ‘Stuttgart’ definition, and did not achieve effective cancer control.

• The PSA nadir value after HIFU treatment was a significant predictor of treatment failure.
Brain Potentials Reveal Discrete Stages of L2 Grammatical Learning
Authors: McLaughlin Judith , Tanner Darren , Pitkänen Ilona , Frenck‐Mestre Cheryl , Inoue Kayo , Valentine Geoffrey , Osterhout Lee
Published: November 2010

In this article we review several studies investigating the neural correlates of second‐language (L2) grammatical learning in the context of novice adult learners progressing through their first year of L2 classroom instruction. The primary goal of these studies was to determine how and when learners incorporate L2 knowledge into their online language processing system. We show that at least some learners progress through discrete stages of grammatical learning during the first year of instruction. These stages are robust across languages, experimental tasks, and levels of language (lexical vs. sentential) and indicate that there is an intermediate stage of learning between no L2 grammatical knowledge and grammaticalization. We also show that although learners’ brain responses are quite variable, this variability is highly systematic and can be used to identify meaningful subgroups of learners.
Examining Autonomy’s Boundaries: A Follow‐up Review of Perinatal Mortality Cases in UK Independent Midwifery
Authors: Symon Andrew , Winter Clare , Donnan Peter T. , Kirkham Mavis
Published: November 2010

Abstract:  Background:  An earlier matched cohort study in the United Kingdom found a significantly higher perinatal mortality rate for births booked under an independent midwife compared with births in National Health Service units (1.7% [25/1,508] vs 0.6% [45/7,366]). This study examined independent midwives’ management and decision making in the 15 instances of perinatal death that occurred at term.

Methods:  Thematic analysis of independent midwives’ case notes was performed in instances of perinatal mortality. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with the midwives concerned.

Results:  Home birth was attempted in 13 of the 15 cases. Significant (often multiple) antenatal risk factors were identified in 13 cases, including twin pregnancy, planned vaginal births after cesarean section, breech presentations, and maternal illness. Several women had declined some or all routine antenatal screening. Three deaths occurred before labor onset. Postmortem results were known in only four cases; many causes of death remained unexplained. Professional consensus was that seven deaths were unpreventable; elective cesarean section may have changed the outcome in eight cases. However, the pregnant women had declined this option; some were reported to be avoiding National Health Service care because of previous bad experiences. Transfer to hospital care, when it occurred, was often problematic. Care management was judged to be clinically acceptable within the parameters set by the mothers’ choices.

Conclusions:  Information about clinical processes (and outcomes) is essential if informed decisions are to be made. The women in this review had reportedly accepted the potential consequences of their high‐risk situations. If reality is to match rhetoric about “patient” autonomy, such decision making in high‐risk situations must be accepted. (BIRTH 37:4 December 2010)
Exploring Dental Care Misconceptions and Barriers in Pregnancy
Authors: Detman Linda A. , Cottrell Barbara H. , Denis‐Luque Marie F.
Published: November 2010

Abstract:  Background:  Poor oral health is increasingly linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth and low‐birthweight infants. Little is known about childbearing women’s experiences in obtaining dental care. The objective of this study was to explore Florida women’s experience of barriers in obtaining dental care before and during their pregnancies.

Methods:  Study data were derived from a larger data set of a study that examined barriers to prenatal care. One month after giving birth face‐to‐face interviews were conducted with 253 African American women, 18 to 35 years old, who were residents of one of three Florida counties. Interview questions about women’s experiences on obtaining oral health care before and during pregnancy, and recall of guidance about oral health care during prenatal visits were transcribed and analyzed qualitatively. Through subject‐level content analysis, key themes were assessed about the participants’ perspectives on obtaining oral health care before and during pregnancy.

Results:  Most participants did not obtain dental care and did not recall receiving dental information during prenatal visits. Barriers to dental care included lack of insurance, difficulty in finding a dentist, low priority given to dental care, misconceptions about the safety and appropriateness of dental care during pregnancy, and sporadic anticipatory guidance during prenatal care.

Conclusions:  Misconceptions about the appropriateness of oral health care during pregnancy may affect women’s access to and use of this care. Given the implications of poor oral health on possible adverse birth outcomes and its larger connection with the general health of mothers and babies, attention to oral health misconceptions and barriers is warranted. (BIRTH 37:4 December 2010)
The Patient Observer: Sterile Water Injections for Labor Pain
Authors: Mårtensson Lena
Published: November 2010

Abstract:  Several studies have reported a good pain relief effect from sterile water injections, especially for low back pain, during labor. The aim of this paper was to illustrate the use of the method in a clinical childbirth situation by means of a descriptive case report. The woman in the report described that the method provided a powerful pain relief effect, measured by a visual analog scale, and that her experience was highly positive. (BIRTH 37:4 December 2010)
The Private Market for Long‐Term Care Insurance in the United States: A Review of the Evidence
Authors: Brown Jeffrey R. , Finkelstein Amy
Published: November 2010

Abstract

This article reviews the growing literature on the market for private long‐term care insurance, a market notable for its small size despite the fact that long‐term care expenses are potentially large and highly uncertain. After summarizing long‐term care utilization and insurance coverage in the United States, the article reviews research on the supply of and the demand for private long‐term care insurance. It concludes that demand‐side factors impose important limits on the size of the private market and that we currently have a limited understanding of how public policies could be designed to encourage the growth of this market.
Housing, Health, and Annuities
Authors: Davidoff Thomas
Published: November 2010

Abstract

Annuities, long‐term care insurance (LTCI), and reverse mortgages appear to offer important consumption smoothing benefits to the elderly, yet private markets for these products are small. A prominent idea is to combine LTCI and annuities to alleviate both supply (selection) and demand (liquidity) problems in these markets. This article shows that if consumers typically liquidate home equity only in the event of illness or very old age, then LTCI and annuities become less attractive and may become substitutes rather than complements. The reason is that the marginal utility of wealth drops when an otherwise illiquid home is sold, an event correlated with the payouts of both annuities and LTCI. Simulations confirm that demand for LTCI and annuities is highly sensitive to the liquidity and magnitude of home equity.
The Aggregate Demand for Private Health Insurance Coverage in the United States
Authors: Ahking Francis W. , Giaccotto Carmelo , Santerre Rexford E.
Published: November 2010

Abstract

This article estimates the aggregate demand for private health insurance coverage in the United States using an error correction model for the period 1966–1999. Both short‐ and long‐run price and income elasticities of demand are estimated. The empirical findings indicate that both private insurance enrollment and the completeness of insurance are relatively inelastic with respect to changes in price and income in the short and long run. Moreover, the results suggest that an increase in the number cyclically and frictionally uninsured generates less welfare loss than an increase in the number of structurally uninsured.
Adverse Selection, Moral Hazard, and Outlier Payment Policy
Authors: Mougeot Michel , Naegelen Florence
Published: November 2010

Abstract

In this article, we analyze the rationale for introducing outlier payments into a prospective payment system for hospitals under adverse selection and moral hazard. The payer has only two instruments: a fixed price for patients whose treatment cost is below a threshold and a cost‐sharing rule for outlier patients. We show that a fixed‐price policy is optimal when the hospital is sufficiently benevolent. When the hospital is weakly benevolent, a mixed policy solving a trade‐off between rent extraction, efficiency, and dumping deterrence must be preferred. We show how the optimal combination of fixed price and partially cost‐based payment depends on the degree of benevolence of the hospital, the social cost of public funds, and the distribution of patients severity.
Dynamics of the Market for Medical Malpractice Insurance
Authors: Neale Faith R. , Eastman Kevin L. , Peterson Drake Pamela
Published: November 2010

Abstract

Public attention has been directed recently at the market for medical malpractice insurance, yet disagreement persists over whether this market has changed and, if so, what has caused this change. In this study, we examine factors that affect the market for this insurance, including the growth in premiums, losses, and investment earnings, and loss variability. Our analysis suggests that there was significant deterioration in the market for medical malpractice insurance beginning in 1998 and culminating in 2001. We conclude that insurers' losses are the primary driver of the market deterioration during the period 1998 through 2003.
On the Possibility of Profitable Self‐Selection Contracts in Competitive Insurance Markets
Authors: Snow Arthur
Published: November 2010

Abstract

Several studies extend the Rothschild–Stiglitz model of competitive insurance contracting with adverse selection by incorporating additional dimensions of private information and conclude that some insurers may earn positive profit in a separating, self‐selection equilibrium, provided each insurer is restricted to making a single contract offer. The main result of this article is that these profitable configurations are not sustainable when individual insurers can offer multiple contracts. It is also shown that the ability to offer multiple contracts overturns equilibria that have applicants from different risk classes pooled as well as those where profits are dissipated by a fixed entry cost.
Insurance Markets With Differential Information
Authors: Seog S. Hun
Published: November 2010

Abstract

This article attempts to understand the outcomes when each party of an insurance contract simultaneously has superior information. I assume that policyholders have superior information about specific risks while insurers have superior information about general risks. I find that low‐general‐risk policyholders purchase insurance, while high‐general‐risk policyholders are self‐insured. Among the low‐general‐risk policyholders, high‐specific‐risk policyholders purchase full insurance, while low‐specific‐risk policyholders purchase partial insurance. When insurers can strategically publicize their information, efficiency is improved because high‐general‐risk policyholders purchase actuarially fair insurance. The market segmentation is also found based on the general‐risk type and the publicizing of information.
Evidence of Asymmetric Information in the Automobile Insurance Market: Dichotomous Versus Multinomial Measurement of Insurance Coverage
Authors: Kim Hyojoung , Kim Doyoung , Im Subin , Hardin James W.
Published: November 2010

Abstract

In the empirical analysis of information asymmetry in automobile insurance markets, prior research used a dichotomous measurement approach that induces excessive bundling in coverage measurements and sample selection biases. To improve on the conditional correlation method for testing information asymmetry, we propose a multinomial measurement approach that constructs coverage categories at ordered multinomial levels. With this approach, we find robust evidence of information asymmetry in both coverage area and coverage amount choices, which we could not find with the dichotomous measurement approach. It thus demonstrates the sensitivity of the empirical findings to the method used to measure insurance coverage.
Multidimensional Credibility With Time Effects: An Application to Commercial Business Lines
Authors: Englund Martin , Gustafsson Jim , Nielsen Jens Perch , Thuring Fredrik
Published: November 2010

Abstract

This article considers Danish insurance business lines for which the pricing methodology has been dramatically upgraded recently. A costly affair, but nevertheless, the benefits greatly exceed the costs; without a proper pricing mechanism, you are simply not competitive. We show that experience rating improves this sophisticated pricing method as much as it originally improved pricing compared with a trivial flat rate. Hence, it is very important to take advantage of available customer experience. We verify that recent developments in multivariate credibility theory improve the prediction significantly, and we contribute to this theory with new robust estimation methods for time (in‐)dependency.
A Case of Aborted Sudden Cardiac Death and Consequent Extreme Electrical Storm Secondary to a Metastatic Cardiac Tumor
Authors: YUDI MATIAS , BATRA RAVINDER
Published: November 2010

We report a 43‐year‐old man with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator for aborted sudden cardiac death. He represents in extreme electrical storm with 111 different ventricular fibrillation episodes. Successful treatment was achieved with multiple antiarrhythmic agents, mechanical ventilation, external shocks, and ultimately overdrive pacing. A cardiac magnetic resonance scan revealed two cardiac lesions that were later diagnosed as metastatic fibrosarcoma. This case highlights two very important and increasingly common cardiological dilemmas: the management of extreme electrical storm and the role of magnetic resonance imaging in aborted cardiac death patients with an apparent “normal” heart.
“Electrically Silent” Pulmonary Veins Connecting to the Right Atrium: Does the Atrium Make the Difference?
Authors: STEVEN DANIEL , ROSTOCK THOMAS , SALUKHE TUSHAR , MÜLLERLEILE KAI , WILLEMS STEPHAN
Published: November 2010

Pulmonary veins (PVs) usually drain into the left atrium (LA) and are frequently targeted for electrical isolation, since it became evident that PVs may trigger and maintain paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). We present a patient with right‐sided PVs anomalously connecting to the right atrium with lack of electrical PV‐atrial connection. Therefore, isolation of the left veins was performed resulting in freedom from AF as shown during a midterm follow‐up. These findings indicate that PV connection to the LA may be a prerequisite for the arrhythmogenic properties of the PVs causing AF. (PACE 2010; 1–4)
Induction of Ventricular Tachycardia by Alternate Current due to an Insufficiently Grounded Electrical System
Authors: LAPPEGÅRD KNUT T.
Published: November 2010

Detection of electromagnetic interference followed by inappropriate therapy by implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators (ICDs) has been well documented in several case reports as well as in follow‐up studies. This is a report of a case where electromagnetic interference induced ventricular tachycardia, with appropriate detection and treatment by the patient's ICD. (PACE 2012; 35:e170–e172)
Cerebral White Matter Lesions in Patients with Crohn's Disease
Authors: Chen Merry , Lee Grace , Kwong Lawrence N. , Lamont Sharon , Chaves Claudia
Published: November 2010

BACKGROUND

To investigate the incidence, characteristics, and predisposing factors for cerebral white matter lesions in patients with Crohn's disease.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated the incidence and characteristics of cerebral T2 white matter abnormalities in 54 patients with Crohn's disease and compared to 100 age‐matched controls. We also investigated potential co‐morbidities known to be associated with white matter abnormalities in Crohn's patients with normal and abnormal Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).

RESULTS

Seventy‐two percent of patients with Crohn's disease had T2 white matter abnormalities, as compared with 34% of the age‐matched controls (P < .001). Lesion severity and size were not significantly different between the two groups; however, periventricular distribution and fulfillment of the Barkhof MRI criteria were overrepresented in Crohn's population. History of hypertension, diabetes, and migraine; gender, duration of disease and prior exposure to anti‐tumor necrosis factor were not significantly different between Crohn's patients with and without white matter abnormalities; however, patients with lesions were significantly older than those without.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with Crohn's disease have a higher incidence of white matter T2 hyperintensities as compared with controls. Age was the only significant factor for the abnormalities within Crohn's group. White matter T2 hyperintensities are likely another extra‐intestinal manifestation of Crohn's disease.
Intracranial Rosai‐Dorfman Disease with Unusual Transcranial Extension
Authors: Lu Chia‐Hsing , Chang Kung‐Chao , Lee E‐Jian , Chuang Ming‐Tsung , Chang Ruey‐Sheng
Published: November 2010

A 48‐year‐old woman presented with a growing palpable mass at the left frontal area. The imaging studies and histopathological examination of the mass was consistent with dural‐based Rosai‐Dorfman disease with unusual transcranial extension. We reported this case not only because of its rarity, but also because of the infiltrative pattern. The infiltrative nature presented in this case may be taken into consideration for surgical treatment of intracranial Rosai‐Dorfman disease.
Update on Magnetic Resonance Angiography of the Circle of Willis in Patients with Symptomatic Intracranial Neuropathology
Authors: Gilbert John , Wheeler Greg , Mick Gregory , Herder Stephanie , Richardson Gay , Kenney III Charles
Published: November 2010

J Neuroimaging 2012;22:213‐213.
Evaluation of rapid diagnostic tests for malaria in Swedish travellers
Authors: BRONNER ULF , KARLSSON LILLEMOR , EVENGÅRD BIRGITTA
Published: November 2010

Bronner U, Karlsson L, Evengård B. Evaluation of rapid diagnostic tests for malaria in Swedish travellers. APMIS 2010; 119: 88–92.

Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for malaria have become valuable tools for the diagnosis of malaria in both endemic and non‐endemic areas. During a 7‐year period, first the MalaQuick rapid test and then the NOW Malaria test, were evaluated by well‐trained laboratory technicians in a university hospital laboratory of parasitology. A total of 635 blood samples were selected from 4731 blood specimens obtained from travellers at the emergency department, at wards and at out‐patient clinics. The samples were analysed by microscopy and RDT. Malaria parasites were detected in the blood films of 134 (21%) samples. The sensitivity of the RDT for Plasmodium falciparum was 97.7% (84 of 86 samples) with a negative predictive value of 99.6%. The two false‐negative results were associated with low levels of parasitaemia. For non‐falciparum species the sensitivity was only 58.3% (28 of 48 samples). Based on the excellent ability of the RDTs to detect P. falciparum infections, we recommend the use of the NOW Malaria test as a complement to microscopy in the laboratory.
Molecular force probe measurement of antigen I/II–matrix protein interactions
Authors: Soell Martine , Hemmerlé Joseph , Hannig Matthias , Haïkel Youssef , Sano Hidehiko , Selimovic Denis
Published: November 2010

Soell M, Hemmerlé J, Hannig M, Haïkel Y, Sano H, Selimovic D. Molecular force probe measurement of antigen I/II–matrix protein interactions. Eur J Oral Sci 2010; 118: 590–595. © 2010 Eur J Oral Sci

Viridans streptococci possess a family of immunologically and structurally related cell‐surface proteins, termed antigen I/II, which may function as adhesins and enable oral streptococci to adhere to saliva‐coated surfaces and matrix proteins. Here we used atomic force microscopy in the molecular force mode to measure the specific interaction forces between antigen I/II and two matrix proteins, collagen and fibronectin. These matrix proteins provide important binding sites for adherence of oral streptococcal in dentinal caries and endocarditis, respectively. Antigen I/II‐coated cantilever tips were brought into contact with collagen‐ or fibronectin‐coated silica coverslips. For the protein I/II–fibronectin interaction experiments, the mean strength of the last ruptures was 216 pN, with most of the detachments located around 125 pN. In antigen I/II–collagen interaction experiments, the mean strength of the last rupture forces corresponded to 136 pN, with the most frequent unbinding force around 75 pN. Thus, our findings definitely suggest that, under the present experimental conditions, antigen I/II binds more strongly to fibronectin than to type I collagen. This might be of relevance for the attachment of viridians streptococci to surfaces exposed to strong hydrodynamic shearing forces under in vivo conditions.
Iloprost in dermatology
Authors: Wohlrab Johannes , Schanz Stefan , Ulrich Jens
Published: November 2010

Rheologically active pharmacotherapy is of high importance in many dermato‐logical diseases. The intravenous administration of iloprost belongs to the most effective systemic therapeutic agents that serve this pharmacodynamic approach and additionally substantial knowledge on the safety and efficacy exists. We review the dermatologically relevant data in order to offer an easy, thematically focused overview to practicing dermatologists.