bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Delayed and acute hemolytic transfusion reactions resulting from red cell antibodies and red cell–reactive HLA antibodies
Authors: Takeuchi Chikako , Ohto Hitoshi , Miura Saori , Yasuda Hiroyasu , Ono Satoshi , Ogata Takashi
Published: October 2005

BACKGROUND: It has been controversial whether HLA antibodies cause hemolytic transfusion reactions (HTR) or shortened red blood cell (RBC) survival. A patient is reported who had two episodes of HTR, the latter of which was likely due to RBC‐reactive HLA antibodies.

CASE REPORT: A 77‐year‐old woman, admitted for gastric varix rupture, had no RBC‐irregular antibodies detected before transfusion. On Hospital Day 12, after transfusion of 2 units of RBCs and 2 units of fresh‐frozen plasma, the first delayed hemolytic episode occurred and anti‐E, anti‐c, anti‐Jka, and unidentified RBC‐reactive antibodies were detected in a serum sample from Day 14. Two additional units of matched RBCs were transfused with a leukoreduction filter on Days 19 and 22. After 4 hours of starting a transfusion on Day 22, the patient had fever, and a second hemolytic episode was recorded. Multireactive HLA antibodies (reactive against 20 of 20 donor panel lymphocytes) were detected in serum samples from Day 15 to Day 21. These HLA antibodies reacted strongly with HLA‐A2 and HLA‐B7 antigens, corresponding to Bgc and Bga antigens on RBCs, respectively. RBCs transfused on Day 22 were found to be HLA‐A2 by genotyping.

CONCLUSION: Strong HLA alloantibodies in this recipient appear to have caused a HTR. It is suggested that HLA antibodies be considered in patients with unexplained HTRs.
SCER and SCAN: two novel high‐prevalence antigens in the Scianna blood group system
Authors: Flegel Willy A. , Chen Qing , Reid Marion E. , Martin Judy , Orsini Linda A. , Poole Joyce , Moulds Marilyn K. , Wagner Franz F.
Published: October 2005

BACKGROUND: More than 20 years ago, two probands were described whose red blood cells (RBCs) typed Sc:1,‐2,3. Their serum samples contained alloantibodies reactive with all RBCs tested except those of the Sc:‐1,‐2,‐3 phenotype. Cloning of the Scianna gene allowed us to determine the molecular bases of these samples.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: In a collaborative effort, the two probands’ samples and also two

 Sc:‐1,‐2,‐3 samples were obtained from frozen storage. All 11 SC (ERMAP) exons and their flanking regions were sequenced.

RESULTS: The two probands with antibodies to Scianna‐related antigens were homozygous, respectively, for an ERMAP(R81Q) allele caused by a G to A substitution at nucleotide 242 in the ERMAP gene and for an ERMAP(H26Y,G35S) allele, in which the G35S substitution was caused by a G to A substitution at nucleotide 103. Two patients with the Sc:‐1,‐2,‐3 phenotype both carried ERMAP(R332X) alleles caused by a C to T substitution at nucleotide 994 that differed at one nucleotide position in the noncoding region of exon 11. In eight samples carrying orphan low‐prevalence antigens, no ERMAP variants were detected that could be implicated in Scianna antigen expression.

CONCLUSION: SCER and SCAN expanded the Scianna blood group system to seven antigens, have been assigned the ISBT numbers 013.006 (Sc6) and 013.007 (Sc7), and were associated with ERMAP(R81Q) and ERMAP(G35S) proteins, respectively. ERMAP(R332X) is a second molecular basis for the Scnull phenotype. The eight low‐prevalence antigens By, Toa, Pta, Rea, Jea, Lia, SARA, and Ska do not belong to the Scianna blood group system.
Detection of bacterial contamination in apheresis platelet products: American Red Cross experience, 2004
Authors: Fang Chyang T. , Chambers Linda A. , Kennedy Jean , Strupp Annie , Fucci Mei‐Chien H. , Janas Jo Ann , Tang Yanlin , Hapip Cheryl A. , Lawrence Teri B. , Dodd Roger Y. ,   American Red Cross Regional Blood Centers
Published: October 2005

BACKGROUND:  Routine quality control (QC) testing for bacterial contamination in apheresis platelet (PLT) products was implemented in all 36 regional blood centers of the American Red Cross in March 2004.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:  PLT samples were cultured under aerobic conditions until the end of the product shelf life or when a positive reaction was indicated. To confirm the initial positive reaction, a new sample was taken from the unit for reculturing. All positive culture bottles were referred for bacterial isolation and identification. Bacterial testing data along with apheresis PLT collection information were collected for analysis. Reports and investigations of potential septic reactions to apheresis PLTs were reviewed.

RESULTS:  In the first 10 months of bacterial testing, 226 of 350,658 collections tested initially positive. Sixty‐eight were confirmed on resampling to be bacterially contaminated for an overall confirmed‐positive rate of 0.019 percent or 1 in 5157. Staphylococcus spp. (47.1%) and Streptococcus spp. (26.5%) were the most frequently isolated bacteria; Gram‐negative bacteria accounted for 17.6 percent of the confirmed‐positive products. Of the 354 apheresis PLT products derived from all 226 initial test–positive cases, 38 (10.7%) were transfused by the time the initial positive reaction was indicated. None of these transfused products, however, had a confirmed‐positive bacterial screen and no patient who had been transfused with an unconfirmed‐positive product had evidence of a septic transfusion reaction. Three high‐probability septic transfusion reactions to screened, negative components were identified. In all three cases, a coagulase‐negative Staphylococcus was implicated.

CONCLUSION:  Our experience demonstrates that bacterial testing of apheresis PLT products as a QC measure was efficiently implemented throughout the American Red Cross system and that this new procedure has been effective in identifying and preventing the transfusion of many, although not all, bacterially contaminated PLT units.
Denaturing high‐performance liquid chromatography–based genotyping and genetic variation of FUT2 in Sri Lanka
Authors: Soejima Mikiko , Koda Yoshiro
Published: October 2005

BACKGROUND: Human ABO‐secretor locus (FUT2) is highly polymorphic in many human populations.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The applicability of denaturing high‐performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC) analysis was evaluated for genotyping the FUT2 in two Sri Lankan populations (Tamil and Sinhalese).

RESULTS: Although DHPLC failed to detect one allele, 302C>T, of eight alleles, this method reduces the number of samples to be sequenced and can detect novel polymorphisms by comparing the elution profiles.

CONCLUSION: These results suggest that DHPLC analysis is a useful high‐throughput method for genotyping FUT2 and, further, that the genetic backgrounds of two Sri Lankan populations are quite similar, with little genetic flow from neighboring East and Southeast Asian populations to Sri Lanka.
Fusion of Electroanatomical Activation Maps and Multislice Computed Tomography to Guide Ablation of a Focal Atrial Tachycardia in a Fontan Patient
Authors: TOPS LAURENS F. , DE GROOT NATASJA M.S. , BAX JEROEN J. , SCHALIJ MARTIN J.
Published: October 2005

Introduction: Ablation of atrial tachycardia (AT) occurring late after cardiac surgery for congenital heart disease can be challenging due to the complexity of the arrhythmogenic substrate.

Methods and Results: We performed an ablation procedure in a Fontan patient with an AT using a new approach combining 3D electroanatomical mapping with multislice computed tomography (MSCT). This technique visualizes the position of the catheter in relation to the endocardium, thereby improving delineation of scar tissue. The AT had a focal origin located between areas of scar tissue and was successfully ablated at the earliest activated site.

Conclusion: Ablation of complex arrhythmias can be facilitated by fusion of electroanatomical map and MSCT.
Clinical consequences of heparin‐free hemodialysis
Authors: McGill Rita L , Blas Alfredo , Bialkin Steven , Sandroni Stephen E , Marcus Richard J
Published: October 2005

Heparin‐free hemodialysis (HF‐HD) has been increasingly used in patients at risk for bleeding, especially in the intensive care unit (ICU). Lack of heparin can reduce solute clearances in continuous hemofiltration; the effect on HD is undefined. Failure to recognize an effect of the anticoagulation strategy upon delivered clearance could contribute to the known problem of underdialysis in the ICU. In addition, the consequences of “locking” dialysis catheters with concentrated heparin solutions are also unclear. This study was designed to define the clinically relevant consequences of HF‐HD and catheter locking. In part I, we performed 200 HD treatments on inpatients, of which 100 were performed with heparin, and 100 were performed as HF‐HD. We calculated prescribed and delivered Kt/V and dialysis efficiency. In part II, a separate group of 14 patients undergoing HF‐HD via central venous catheters had measurement of activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) during the last hour of dialysis, as well as 15, 60, and 240 min after catheters were locked with 1:5000 heparin. The prescribed Kt/V was 1.74±0.31 for standard HD with heparin vs. 1.66±0.36 for HF‐HD (p=ns). The delivered Kt/V was 1.42±0.32 vs. 1.36±0.38 (p=ns). Efficiency was 0.82 vs. 0.84 (p=ns). Baseline aPTT was 28±5 s, and increased to 126±54 s, 15 min after locking (p<0.0001) and to 71±50 s, 60 min after locking (p=0.005). By 240 min, the mean aPTT had fallen to 33±9 s (p=0.03), although individual values were still as high as 50 s. The HF technique does not compromise delivery of dialysis to inpatients. Increased treatment time is not necessary. Locking catheters with heparin after HF‐HD resulted in prolonged unintentional anticoagulation.
Quality of life, self‐care ability, and sense of coherence in hemodialysis patients: A comparative study
Authors: Ageborg Maria , Allenius Britt‐Louise , Cederfjäll Claes
Published: October 2005

The number of patients treated for end‐stage renal disease has increased in Sweden as in the rest of the world. During the last 6 years, more than 1000 people per year started renal replacement therapy in Sweden. Today hemodialysis (HD) patients have the opportunity to choose from different treatment modalities, home HD, self‐care dialysis or conventional dialysis. The aim of the study was to investigate whether there are differences in the way HD patients view their quality of life, self‐care ability and sense of coherence if they dialyze themselves at home, dialyze themselves in center (self‐care), or if they are dialyzed by nurses in an outpatient dialysis unit. The instruments consisted of the Short Form 36 (SF‐36) health survey, the Appraisal of Self‐Care Agency questionnaire and the Sense of Coherence questionnaire. Nineteen patients participated in the study (5 patients on home HD, 6 self‐care patients and 8 patients on conventional in center dialysis). There was a tendency for those who dialyzed at home to score higher on quality of life, self‐care ability and sense of coherence than those who dialyzed themselves in center. Since the number of participants in this study was low, it is necessary for future studies to include more patients to verify the results.
In Vitro and Ex Vivo Permissivity of Hepatocytes for Leishmania donovani
Authors: GANGNEUX JEAN‐PIERRE , LEMENAND OLIVIER , REINHARD YANNICK , GUIGUEN CLAUDE , GUGUEN‐GUILLOUZO CHRISTIANE , GRIPON PHILIPPE
Published: October 2005

Abstract. Using models of ex vivo infection of murine, rat, and human primary hepatocytes by Leishmania donovani, we showed that hepatocytes are permissive for Leishmania at a low level. We then modeled the in vitro infection of a human hepatoma‐derived cell line to examine the parasite's capability to proliferate and to cause direct damage to hepatocytes. Results showed that L. donovani can infect hepatocytes, but do not massively proliferate. This slight infection under our experimental conditions resulted in limited damage to hepatocytes. These results bring into question a possible role for hepatocytes as a parasite reservoir during latent infection.
Complete rRNA Gene Sequences Reveal that the Microsporidium Nosema bombi Infects Diverse Bumblebee (Bombus spp.) Hosts and Contains Multiple Polymorphic Sites
Authors: TAY WEE TEK , O'MAHONY ELAINE M. , PAXTON ROBERT J.
Published: October 2005

Abstract. Characterisation of microsporidian species and differentiation among genetic variants of the same species has typically relied on ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequences. We characterised the entire rRNA gene of a microsporidium from 11 isolates representing eight different European bumblebee (Bombus) species. We demonstrate that the microsporidium Nosema bombi infected all hosts that originated from a wide geographic area. A total of 16 variable sites (all single nucleotid polymorphisms (SNPs)) was detected in the small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene and 42 (39 SNPs and 3 indels) in the large subunit (LSU) rRNA sequence. Direct sequencing of PCR‐amplified DNA products of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region revealed identical sequences in all isolates. In contrast, ITS fragment length determined by PAGE and sequencing of cloned amplicons gave better resolution of sequences and revealed multiple SNPs across isolates and two fragment sizes in each isolate (six short and seven long amplicon variants). Genetic variants were not unique to individual host species. Moreover, two or more sequence variants were obtained from individual bumblebee hosts, suggesting the existence of multiple, variable copies of rRNA in the same microsporidium, and contrary to that expected for a class of multi‐gene family under concerted evolution theory. Our data on within‐genome rRNA variability call into question the usefulness of rRNA sequences to characterise intraspecific genetic variants in the Microsporidia and other groups of unicellular organisms.
The Effect of High‐Pressure Processing on Infectivity of Cryptosporidium parvum Oocysts Recovered from Experimentally Exposed Eastern Oysters (Crassostrea virginica)
Authors: COLLINS MARINA V. , FLICK GEORGE J. , SMITH STEPHEN A. , FAYER RONALD , CROONENBERGHS ROBERT , O'KEEFE SEAN , LINDSAY DAVID S.
Published: October 2005

Abstract. Shellfish have been identified as a potential source of Cryptosporidium infection for humans. The inactivation of Cryptosporidium parvum and other pathogens in raw molluscan shellfish would provide increased food safety for normal and at‐risk consumers. The present study identified the efficacy of a non‐thermal alternative food‐processing treatment, high hydrostatic pressure processing (HPP), on the viability of C. parvum oocysts in the Eastern oysters Crassostrea virginica. Oysters were artificially exposed to 2 × 107 oocysts of the Beltsville strain of C. parvum in seawater and subjected to HPP treatments. The effects of the treatments were evaluated by inoculation of the processed oyster tissues into neonatal mice. High‐pressure processing of shucked Eastern oysters at all pressures tested (305, 370, 400, 480, and 550 MPa) was significantly effective (P<0.05) in reducing the numbers of positive mouse pups fed treated oyster tissues exposed to C. parvum oocysts. A dose of 550 MPa at 180 s (s) of holding time produced the maximum decrease in numbers of C. parvum positive mouse pups (93.3%). Measurement of tristimulus color values of HPP‐treated raw oysters at extended processing times from 120 s to 360 s at 550 MPa showed a small increase in whiteness of oyster meat. This non‐thermal processing treatment shows promise for commercial applications to improve safety of seafood and reduce public health risks from cryptosporidiosis.
Mitochondrial Cytochrome b mRNA Editing in Dinoflagellates: Possible Ecological and Evolutionary Associations?
Authors: ZHANG HUAN , LIN SENJIE
Published: October 2005

Abstract. To verify the hypothesis that mt mRNA editing is widespread in dinoflagellates, we analyzed cytochrome b (cob) mRNA editing for six species representing distinct ecotypes and taxonomic classes of Dinophyceae. Editing is detected in all, which is similar to the three other species studied previously in that edited sites appear to aggregate in four clusters and occur predominantly at first and second positions of codons (93%), overwhelmingly involving A→G, U→C, or C→U substitutions with a smaller number of G→C, G→A changes. Comparative analyses on editing characteristics reveal interesting trends related to phylogenetic relatedness and ecological features. Editing density (percentage of nucleotide that is affected by editing) increases from early to derived lineages. Higher editing densities also map to red tide‐forming lineages. Furthermore, similarity of location of edited codons (LOE) and the type of nucleotide changes (TOE) in different lineages mirror the taxonomic affinity of the lineages. Phylogenetic trees constructed from LOE and TOE resemble those inferred from cob sequences. The results bolster our earlier hypothesis that cob editing is widespread in dinoflagellates and suggest that density, location, and type of editing may bear yet‐to‐be‐defined evolutionary and ecological significance.
Morphologic and Molecular Identification of Naegleria dunnebackei n. sp. Isolated from a Water Sample
Authors: VISVESVARA GOVINDA S. , De JONCKHEERE JOHAN F. , MARCIANO‐CABRAL FRANCINE , SCHUSTER FREDERICK L.
Published: October 2005

ABSTRACT. Naegleria dunnebackei n. sp., a new species of the free‐living amoeboflagellate Naegleria, is described in this report. The organism was isolated from a water sample taken from drinking troughs associated with cases of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis in cattle at a ranch in southern California. The isolate grew at, but not above 37°C, and did not kill young mice upon intranasal inoculation suggesting that it was not pathogenic. The new species combines morphological features of non‐pathogenic Naegleria gruberi and pathogenic Naegleria fowleri. The trophic amoeba resembled other members of the genus, with a prominent vesicular nucleus and mitochondria with discoidal cristae; a Golgi apparatus was not observed by electron microscopy. The cyst stage had pores in the wall typical of those seen in pathogenic N. fowleri. Upon suspension in distilled water, amoebae transformed into temporary, non‐feeding flagellates, mostly with two anterior flagella but occasionally with four. The rationale for its description as a new species was based upon sequencing of the 5.8S rDNA and internal transcribed spacers of the amoeba, which is similar to but not identical to that of Naegleria gallica, differing from that organism's DNA by six base pairs. Virus‐like elements were found in the cytoplasm of trophic amoebae, often in association with crystalloids, and may be the cause of lysis of amoebae in culture.
Modeling determinants of agricultural production cooperatives' performance in Iran
Authors: Karami Ezatollah , Rezaei‐Moghaddam Kurosh
Published: October 2005

The purpose of this article is to identify the fundamental factors that are key determinants in promoting effective operation of Agricultural Production Cooperatives (APCs). A theoretical framework “determinants of APCs' performance” was used to analyze the links between the webs of factors. A survey method was used to collect data from two southern provinces in Iran. Data were collected from 52 managers and 260 member farmers in 52 APCs using a stratified random sampling method. It is concluded that the theoretical model can to a great extent predict the performance of APCs. Cooperative structure and government support factors are the most important factors explaining the performance of APCs. Also, policy strategies need to focus on conditioning variables that affect the performance of APCs.
Determinants of food security in Southern Ethiopia at the household level
Authors: Feleke Shiferaw T. , Kilmer Richard L. , Gladwin Christina H.
Published: October 2005

In the early 1980s, a paradigm shift occurred in the field of food security, following Amartya Sens (1981) claims that food insecurity is more of a demand concern, affecting the poor's access to food, than a supply concern, affecting availability of food at the national level. Despite the wide acceptance of Sen's thinking, many controversies including the relative importance of supply‐side versus demand‐side variables in causing and solving food insecurity have remained in academic and policy circles. This study develops a recursive household food security model within the framework of consumer demand and production theories following Singh et al. (1986), and parses out the relative importance of supply‐side versus demand‐side variables in determining household food security in southern Ethiopia. Based on results of a test of full/reduced model and the magnitude of changes in conditional probabilities of food security, we conclude that the supply‐side variables are more powerful determinants of food security than the demand‐side variables.
Corneal Optics after Reading, Microscopy and Computer Work
Authors: Collins Michael J. , Buehren Tobias , Bece Andrej , Voetz Stephanie C.
Published: October 2005

Purpose:  To compare lid‐induced changes in corneal optics following reading, microscopy and computer work.

Methods:  Nine subjects with normal ocular health were recruited for the study. Five subjects were myopic, two were emmetropic, one was astigmatic and one was hyperopic. Corneal topography was measured before and after 60 mins of reading a novel, performing a blood cell counting task on a microscope and Internet searching. Corneal topography data were used to derive the corneal wavefront Zernike coefficients up to the fourth order. A meridian analysis of instantaneous corneal power along the upper 90‐degree semi‐meridian was performed to examine local changes caused by eyelid pressure. Digital photography was used to capture body posture and eyelid position during the tasks.

Results:  Each of the three tasks showed systematically different effects on both the characteristics and location of corneal topography changes. Reading and microscopy generally exhibited larger and more centrally located changes compared with the computer task. Differences in wavefront aberration characteristics between the three tasks were apparent in both lower and higher order aberrations. The location of corneal distortions differed significantly between microscopy and computer work, with microscopy causing distortions to occur closer to the videokeratoscope measurement axis compared with computer work (p = 0.015).

Conclusions:  Reading, microscopy and computer work have different effects on corneal aberrations. The results are in agreement with the hypothesis that lid‐induced corneal aberrations may play a role in myopia development.
Laser photocoagulation for retinopathy of prematurity: structural and functional outcome
Authors: Kieselbach Gerhard Franz , Ramharter Anke , Baldissera Ivo , Kralinger Martina Theresa
Published: October 2005

Background: To report the structural and refractive outcome after laser photocoagulation for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

Methods: Nineteen consecutive patients who had undergone photocoagulation for ROP between 1997 and 2002 at our clinic were examined for this non‐comparative, consecutive, interventional, retrospective case series. A total of 37 eyes received either transscleral or transpupillary laser treatment. Data consisted of grade of ROP pre‐ and postoperatively, birth weight, perioperative and postoperative complications and refraction. Based on indirect ophthalmoscopy, independent observers graded the extent of ROP and determined the postoperative refraction by retinoscopy.

Results: A total of 97% of all eyes responded to laser treatment with regression of ROP. Only one eye out of 37 progressed to stage IV B despite photocoagulation and therefore an encircling procedure was performed. After further progression a vitrectomy was carried out. Perioperative complications included haemorrhages in 22% that resorbed spontaneously and cataract formation in one eye (3%). Postoperative refractive errors at mean ages of 23 ± 12 months and 45 ± 14 months were evaluated in 15/19 patients (79%). The spherical equivalents ranged between −8 D and +6 D at the first examination and between −12 D and +7 D at the second examination. In all only 14% of the refracted eyes were myopic.

Conclusions: Photocoagulation for ROP in our patients resulted in regression of threshold ROP. In addition, the analyses of the refractive outcomes demonstrated a predominance of hypermetropia in our patients.
Monoamine receptors in human corneal epithelium and endothelium
Authors: Grueb Matthias , Wallenfels‐Thilo Barbara , Denk Oliver , Mielke Joerg , Reinthal Eva , Rohrbach Jens Martin , Bartz‐Schmidt Karl Ulrich
Published: October 2005

Purpose:  Monoamine receptors are found throughout the body. Reports about the presence of monoamine receptors in the human cornea are inconsistent.

Methods:  Immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and immunoblotting were used to localize monoamine receptor sites on human corneal epithelium and endothelium.

Results:  Antibodies to alpha‐1, beta‐1 and beta‐2 adrenergic receptors and to D1‐like and 5HT‐7 receptors were bound in corneal epithelium. Antibodies to alpha‐1, alpha‐2A, beta‐1 and beta‐2 adrenergic receptors and to 5HT‐7 receptors were bound in corneal endothelium.

Conclusions:  Our data demonstrate the presence of several monoamine receptors in the human cornea. These receptors may play a role in the regulation of fluid transport or corneal homeostasis.
Central corneal thickness and corneal diameter in premature infants
Authors: Kirwan Caitriona , O'Keefe Michael , Fitzsimon Susan
Published: October 2005

Background:  Central corneal thickness is significantly greater in full‐term infants than in adults. Very little is known about corneal thickness in premature infants.

Methods:  Measurements of central corneal thickness and horizontal corneal diameter were carried out in 35 premature babies (70 eyes) undergoing screening for retinopathy of prematurity. Initial measurements were taken at ∼ 31 weeks gestational age and at intervals until term was reached.

Results:  Babies born at ∼ 31 weeks have very thick corneas which show a progressive and statistically significant decrease to term. Conversely, horizontal corneal diameter shows a progressive significant increase to term. A very strong inverse correlation was found between these two parameters.

Conclusion:  We demonstrate that premature infants have thick corneas and small corneal diameters. Central corneal thickness decreases dramatically from ∼ 31 weeks to term and is mirrored by a significant increase in corneal diameter.
Compound heterozygous RDH5 mutations in familial fleck retina with night blindness
Authors: Hayashi Takaaki , Goto‐Omoto Satoshi , Takeuchi Tomokazu , Gekka Tamaki , Ueoka Yasuo , Kitahara Kenji
Published: October 2005

Purpose:  To describe the clinical features and genetic analysis of a 3‐year‐old boy diagnosed with familial fleck retina with night blindness.

Methods:  The proband and his parents and grandparents were included. History, visual acuity and fundus examinations were evaluated. Bright‐flash (rod‐plus‐cone) electroretinograms (ERGs) were recorded after 30 mins and 180 mins of dark adaptation. Mutation screening of the RDH5 gene encoding 11‐cis retinol dehydrogenase was performed.

Results:  The parents noticed the proband's night blindness when he was 2 years old. Best corrected visual acuity was 1.0 in both eyes. Fundus examinations revealed numerous yellow−white flecks of varying size and shape throughout the midperipheral to far peripheral retina in both eyes. The distribution, size and shape of the flecks were comparable to those seen in familial fleck retina with night blindness, rather than fundus albipunctatus. The ERGs showed extremely diminished responses after 30 mins of dark adaptation, but there were substantial increases in the amplitudes of both a‐ and b‐waves when recorded after 180 mins of dark adaptation. Although a total of 19 RDH5 mutations have been found only in patients with fundus albipunctatus, compound heterozygous mutations, p.V177G and p.L310delinsEV, whose combination has not been previously reported, were found in the proband. The asymptomatic parents and one of the grandparents each carried one of the mutations, consistent with autosomal recessive transmission.

Conclusion:  Our study indicates that different mutations in the RDH5 gene can cause phenotypic variations of either fundus albipunctatus or familial fleck retina with night blindness.
Composite glandular‐endocrine cell carcinomas of the stomach: clinicopathologic and methylation study
Authors: LEE EUI JIN , PARK SEUNG‐MAN , MAENG LEESO , LEE ANHI , KIM KYOUNG‐MEE
Published: October 2005

Four cases of very rare composite glandular‐endocrine cell carcinoma of the stomach are presented with methylation findings. All but one of the tumors arose in the antrum and two of them were at the early stage. Each composite carcinoma was accompanied by atrophic and metaplastic gastritis in the adjacent mucosa. Three cases showed lymph nodes metastasis, and one of them showed both glandular and neuroendocrine tumor components within the metastatic nodes. Mucin stains were positive in the adenocarcinoma areas while only the neuroendocrine markers were positive in neuroendocrine tumor components. Of all seven markers tested for, p16INK4A methylation was observed in both components of one composite carcinoma and hMLH1 was methylated in the neuroendocrine tumor component within the same tumor. An additional six gastric large cell neuroendocrine carcinomas showed no methylation. Follow up of patients indicated short survival in patients with poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma components and advanced stages of tumors, while patients with well‐differentiated neuroendocrine tumor components and early stages showed long disease‐free survival. Our results suggest that hypermethylation of tumor suppressor genes is rare in gastric composite and neuroendocrine carcinomas, and prognosis of gastric composite carcinomas appears to be related to the histopathology of neuroendocrine components and tumor stage.
Immunohistochemical expression of thymidylate synthase as predictor of response to capecitabine in patients with advanced colorectal adenocarcinoma
Authors: LINDEBJERG J. , NIELSEN J. NEDERBY , HOEFFDING L. DAMKIER , JAKOBSEN A.
Published: October 2005

Capecitabine is an oral prodrug to 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU). The primary target of 5‐FU is thymidylate synthase (TS). A mainstay of colorectal adenocarcinoma chemotherapy is inhibition of TS, which may be one of many determinant factors when predicting the outcome of chemotherapies based on fluoropyrimidine treatment. This retrospective study included 39 patients with advanced colorectal adenocarcinoma treated with capecitabine. Response was assessed by measuring the amount of tumour in the course of treatment. TS expression was evaluated by scoring the immunohistochemical (IHC) reaction and assessing the predominant IHC reaction pattern. This study showed significant correlation between the predominant IHC reaction pattern and response, but no correlation between IHC score and response. The predominant IHC reaction pattern may be a useful parameter in prediction of clinical outcome in patients treated with capecitabine.
Ribosomal DNA sequencing: experiences from use in the Danish National Reference Laboratory for Identification of Bacteria
Authors: CHRISTENSEN JENS JØRGEN , ANDRESEN KELD , JUSTESEN TAGE , KEMP MICHAEL
Published: October 2005

Diagnostic tools for identification of bacteria have developed dramatically in the last decade. Sequencing of genes coding for rRNA has led to revolutionary insights into the phylogeny and taxonomy of bacteria, and to new demands on the service provided by national reference laboratories for identification of bacteria. At the Danish Reference Laboratory for Identification of Bacteria, partial 16S rDNA sequencing has been used since 2001 to identify “difficult” strains submitted for taxonomic elucidation. Experiences relating to phenotypic as well as 16S rDNA sequencing of the first 175 strains examined are presented. Approximately 2/3 of the strains were Gram‐positive and 1/3 Gram‐negative. One fifth of the strains were anaerobic, while 4/5 were either facultatively anaerobic or aerobic. Methodological agreement was seen for most strains at species and/or genus level. Methodological disagreement was relatively rare. In 1/6 of the strains valuable information was obtained from sequencing results, while for some strains identification was based primarily on the phenotypic results. Only a few strains could not be clearly identified by either method. A very large number of strains representing taxons ranging from facultatively anaerobic to aerobic and anaerobic species and genera, Gram‐positive as well as Gram‐negative, were successfully examined. Of the submitted strains many have only rarely been encountered as human pathogens. Thus, genotypic identification may result in recognition of hitherto seldom recognized or unrecognized bacteria as human pathogens, which will lead to a better understanding of the nature of human infections. It is self evident that we should focus on slowly growing, fastidious or ‘difficult’ organisms when using sequencing for national reference purposes. Short sequences (450–650 base pairs) seem sufficient for most identifications. Molecular bacterial identification is a powerful tool for national reference laboratories, enhancing both the speed and validity of examinations performed.
Improved diagnosis of mycobacterial infections in formalin‐fixed and paraffin‐embedded sections with nested polymerase chain reaction
Authors: AZOV ANDREY G. , KOCH JØRN , HAMILTON‐DUTOIT STEPHEN J.
Published: October 2005

Traditional histological diagnosis of mycobacterial infection in formalin‐fixed and paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) tissues is insensitive and poorly specific. To improve this, we developed nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocols for detecting a Mycobacterium genus‐specific 65‐kDa heat shock protein (HSP65) sequence and the M. tuberculosis complex‐specific insertion sequence IS6110 in FFPE sections. Protocols were optimized on tissues from 20 patients with a final clinical diagnosis of mycobacterial infection. Amplicons were controlled by sequencing and restriction endonuclease digestion. PCR could detect as few as three mycobacterial genomes per reaction. Assays showed 100% sensitivity and specificity for both M. tuberculosis complex and M. avium complex infection. Paraffin blocks from a second group of 26 patients with histological evidence of necrotizing granulomas of unknown etiology were then analyzed as a surrogate group to test the assay under conditions similar to those applying during routine diagnosis. Twenty‐three of these blocks contained amplifiable DNA; nine were positive for M. tuberculosis complex DNA and four for other types of mycobacterial DNA. Furthermore, digestion of HSP65 amplicons with NarI could distinguish M. tuberculosis from M. avium complex. In conclusion, our nested PCR assays can be used as reliable tools for the detection of mycobacterial infections in FFPE tissues. The assays are simple and rapid to perform and show improved sensitivity and specificity compared to previously reported protocols.
Virulence genes in verocytotoxigenic Escherichia coli strains isolated from humans and cattle
Authors: WELINDER‐OLSSON C. , ERIKSSON E. , KAIJSER B.
Published: October 2005

Verocytotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC) causing diarrhoea, haemorrhagic colitis and haemolytic‐uremic syndrome usually have additional traits such as the adhesin intimin and a large plasmid that seems to increase virulence. There are, however, isolates of VTEC causing serious symptoms that do not harbour these traits. In the present study we have used PCR with primers detecting adhesin genes other than eaeA, namely fimA, papC, sfaD/sfaE and daaE. We have also used PCR to detect the genes hlyA and iutA that besides the plasmid‐borne gene E‐hly possibly support the bacterial access to iron. The aim of the study was to identify and compare the presence of virulence genes in VTEC isolates of human and cattle origin. The main finding was that the absence of E‐hly might be compensated for by the gene iutA coding for aerobactin or hlyA coding for α‐haemolysin as 94% of the human VTEC isolates had at least one of these genes. Interestingly, only 45% of VTEC isolated from cattle had any of these genes. We propose that this might be the reason for the relatively low incidence of symptomatic VTEC infections among humans in relation to the high number of VTEC among cattle.
Floral variant of follicular lymphoma containing marginal zone B‐cell component
Authors: KOJIMA M. , TANAKA H. , MATSUDA H. , IIJIMA M. , MOTOORI T. , MASAWA N.
Published: October 2005

We here report two unusual cases of floral variant of follicular lymphoma containing marginal zone B‐cells. Histologically, the neoplastic follicles consisted of three distinct layers. The inner layer was composed of neoplastic germinal centers exhibiting a floral design and the middle layer had unusually prominent mantle zones. The outer zone of neoplastic follicles was surrounded by a pale cuff of marginal zone B‐cells. Immunohistological study demonstrated that both the germinal center and marginal zone component lay within the follicular dendritic cell network. The germinal center component was CD10+ and bcl‐2+. However, a portion of the marginal zone component weakly expressed bcl‐2 but not CD10. Nodal marginal zone B‐cell lymphoma (NMZBL) occasionally possesses “floral” lymphoid follicles. Follicular lymphoma with marginal zone differentiation is a high‐risk variant of follicular lymphoma. In diagnostic practice, the differential diagnosis between the floral variant of follicular lymphoma containing marginal zone B‐cells and the “floral variant” of NMZBL is important.
An Empirical Investigation of Knowledge‐Sharing in Networks
Authors: Wagner Stephan M. , Bukó Constantin
Published: October 2005

Given the growing importance of knowledge‐sharing, the primary purpose of this research is to develop and test a series of hypotheses regarding interorganizational knowledge‐sharing with different actors in networks. Findings, based on responses from 182 firms, reveal that a firm's degree of knowledge‐sharing with research institutions and customers is positively influenced by the firm's resource commitment. As expected, the firms' satisfaction is positively related to the frequency of communication. Consistent with the proposed hypotheses, knowledge tacitness diminishes the effect sharing knowledge with suppliers has on satisfaction. Contrary to expectations, tacitness positively moderates the effect sharing knowledge with customers has on satisfaction. Overall, this paper establishes the foundation for a more fine‐grained analysis of knowledge‐sharing with customers, suppliers and research institutions in a network setting.
Relationship Marketing and Supplier Logistics Performance: An Extension of the Key Mediating Variables Model
Authors: Morris Matthew , Carter Craig R.
Published: October 2005

Firms are increasingly relying on relational exchanges to govern buyer–supplier relationships. While the antecedents to these relationships have been studied extensively in the marketing channels and supply chain management literature, relatively little research has considered the performance outcomes of such exchanges. The current study contributes to this stream of research by extending Morgan and Hunt's key mediating variables (KMV) model to examine how the five key endogenous variables from the KMV model affect supplier logistics performance. The findings suggest that cooperation and uncertainty are significantly related to supplier logistics performance, while supplier acquiescence, functional conflict and propensity to leave the relationship have no significant impact.
Managing Supply Risk with Early Supplier Involvement: A Case Study and Research Propositions
Authors: Zsidisin George A. , Smith Michael E.
Published: October 2005

While there have been numerous reports of benefits associated with adoption of early supplier involvement (ESI) in product design, particularly in reducing the duration of the design process and improving design outcomes, this study extends a recent stream of research indicating that ESI may be a useful tool for managing supply risk. Utilizing a case‐study approach, the current research explores the extent to which ESI reduces the likelihood of supply disruptions and other negative supply events for an aerospace supplier. Although initial adoption of ESI was intended to reduce supply costs, results indicated that ESI serves to reduce perceptions of supply risk at this firm. Factors associated with risk reductions are discussed in the context of agency theoretic variables, and a series of research propositions are presented to build theory in supply risk management.
Patterns of painting in satin bowerbirds Ptilonorhynchus violaceus and males’ responses to changes in their paint
Authors: D. Bravery Benjamin , A. Nicholls James , W. Goldizen Anne
Published: October 2005

Satin bowerbirds Ptilonorhynchus violaceus have an elaborate multi‐component sexual display, some components of which have been extensively studied. We describe a relatively unstudied component of this display, bower painting, and birds’ responses to manipulations of their paint. Males of this species focus their display around a stick bower constructed on the forest floor which they decorate with a variety of objects and paint. Painting involves a male masticating plant material and wiping the plant‐saliva mixture onto the inside walls of the bower; during courtship visits to bowers, females nibble at this paint. We found that 93% of 53 males painted their bowers at our study site and the time males spent painting their bowers accounted for 24% of their time at the bower. We experimentally removed and added paint to bowers to test whether males respond to these changes in their paint. Males gave more advertisement calls and spent less time manipulating sticks at the bower when we added fresh wet paint to their bowers compared to older dried paint or a control treatment. They did not respond to the removal of paint from their bowers, perhaps because it was primarily older dried paint that was removed. We also found that males painted more frequently when there was measurable wind in their bowers, which could have degraded the quality of the signal. Our findings indicate that fresh wet paint is more important to males than older dried paint and, together with previous work at this site, suggest that paint may act as a signal to females. Given that females nibble bower sticks during courtship, we suggest that bower paint may function as a chemical sexual signal rather than a visual signal.
SMOOTHED-PSEUDO WIGNER–VILLE DISTRIBUTION OF NORMAL AND AORTIC STENOSIS HEART SOUNDS
Authors: DJEBBARI ABDELGHANI , BEREKSI-REGUIG F.
Published: October 2005

In this paper, we are interested in the acquisition and the time-frequency analysis of the Phonocardiogram (PCG) signal. The interactive software "PCG Recorder" we implemented in MATLAB, drives the sound card of a personal computer for acquisition purposes. Normal and abnormal heart sounds were acquired with 16 bits resolution and at high sampling frequencies; the value 2 kHz was selected as sampling rate to avoid spectral aliasing. For each patient, additional information like the age, the gender, the weight as well as the auscultation area can be introduced within the saved data file. The aortic, the tricuspid, the mitral and the pulmonic areas are considered for the acquisition task. The Smoothed-Pseudo Wigner–Ville Distribution (SPWVD) yield adequate Time-Frequency Representations (TFRs) of such non-stationary signal as heart sounds. Moreover, by taking into account the corresponding auscultation area for each obtained TFR, we adopt exclusion reasoning to attribute each burst to its origins within the myocardium. Furthermore, the alternating functioning of heart valves and cavities in systole and diastole was characterized in the time and frequency domains. Aortic stenosis heart sounds were involved in our study in a view to confirm their pathological nature towards the normal heart sounds findings. Indeed, the weakened S1 and S2 heart sounds and the strong systolic ejection murmur which dominates the overall systole, confirm our hypotheses. Thus, modulations laws relating to the systolic ejection of blood through the stenosed orifice were characterized by means of the reliable SPWVD approach. A third heart sound (S3) which is an indicator of the presence of systolic dysfunction and the elevated filling pressure for aortic stenosis lesion was also characterized.
NATURAL FIBER REINFORCED COMPOSITES FOR FEMORAL COMPONENT OF TOTAL HIP ARTHROPLASTY
Authors: ASGARI S. A. , HAMOUDA A. M. , MANSOR S. B. , MAHDI E. , WIRZA R. , SINGH H.
Published: October 2005

This paper describes a theoretical approach to compare two types of fiber reinforced composite materials for femoral component of hip implants. The natural fiber reinforced composite implant is compared with carbon fiber reinforced composite and the results are evaluated against the control solution of a metallic implant made of titanium alloy. With identical geometry and loading condition, the composite implants assumed lower stresses, thus induced more loads to the bone and consequently reduced the risk of stress shielding, whilst the natural fiber reinforced composite showed promising result compared with carbon fibers. However, natural fibers, as well as carbon fibers, lack the power to improve interface debonding due to excessive loads in interface. Nevertheless, natural fiber reinforced composite could be an appropriate alternative given its capability of tailoring and achieving the optimal fiber orientation and robust design.
CHARACTERIZATION OF THE EFFECT OF ANISOTROPY ON STRESS CONCENTRATION IN BOVINE PERICARDIAL TISSUE
Authors: ÖZÜPEK ŞEBNEM , CAO HENGCHU
Published: October 2005

Characterization of anisotropy is studied in a bovine pericardial tissue undergoing non-homogeneous deformations. The purpose of this study is not to formulate an exact constitutive model for a particular tissue, but to develop a methodology for the measurement and representation of the stress-strain behavior of soft planar tissues, such as pericardium. Tissue samples with a central circular hole are subjected to uniaxial loading. A procedure for measuring local displacements is developed. Various constitutive models differing mainly in their representation of anisotropy are considered to simulate the test. The comparison of displacement and strain predictions with the measured values show that although the isotropic model has a good agreement with the data in the loading direction, the introduction of anisotropy is necessary to capture the essential characteristics of the test. The procedure provides a more realistic evaluation of the constitutive models, hence is more useful for stress analysis purposes.
TANGENT DIRAC STRUCTURES AND SUBMANIFOLDS
Authors: VAISMAN IZU
Published: October 2005

We write down the local equations that characterize the submanifolds N of a Dirac manifold M which have a normal bundle that is either a coisotropic or an isotropic submanifold of TM endowed with the tangent Dirac structure. In the Poisson case, these formulas once again prove a result of Xu: the submanifold N has a normal bundle which is a coisotropic submanifold of TM with the tangent Poisson structure if and only if N is a Dirac submanifold. In the presymplectic case it is the isotropy of the normal bundle which characterizes the corresponding notion of a Dirac submanifold. On the way, we give a simple definition of the tangent Dirac structure, make new remarks about it and establish its characteristic, local formulas for various interesting classes of submanifolds of a Dirac manifold.
COVARIANT FORMULATION OF CHERN–SIMONS THEORIES
Authors: FATIBENE L. , FRANCAVIGLIA M. , MERCADANTE S.
Published: October 2005

We shall review some results about the globality of Chern–Simons theory in any odd dimension. The relation between Chern–Simons theories and some recent results about conservation laws are also considered in detail.