bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic variation in Holocene bowhead whales from Svalbard
Authors: BORGE T. , BACHMANN L. , BJØRNSTAD G. , WIIG Ø.
Published: April 2007

Bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus) are distributed in the Arctic in five putative stocks. All stocks have been heavily depleted due to centuries of exploitation. In the present study, nucleotide sequence variation of the mitochondrial control region was determined from bone remains of 99 bowhead whales. The bones, 14C dated from recent to more than 50 000 bp, were collected on Svalbard (Spitsbergen) and are expected to relate to ancestors of the today nearly extinct Spitsbergen stock. Fifty‐eight haplotypes were found, a few being frequent but many only found in one individual. The most abundant haplotypes of the Spitsbergen stock are the same as those most abundant in the extant Bering‐Chukchi‐Beaufort (BCB) Seas stock of bowhead whales. Although FST indicates a slight but statistically significant genetic differentiation between the Spitsbergen and the BCB stocks this was not considered informative due to the very high levels of genetic diversity of mitochondrial DNA haplotypes in both bowhead whale stocks. Other measures such as KST also indicated very low genetic differentiation between the two populations. Nucleotide diversity and haplotype diversity showed only minor differences between the Spitsbergen and BCB stocks. The data suggest that the historic Spitsbergen stock — before the severe bottleneck caused by whaling — did not have substantially more genetic variation than the extant BCB stock. The similar haplotypes of the Holocene Svalbard samples and the current BCB stock indicate significant migration between these two stocks and question the current designation of five distinct stocks of bowhead whales in the Arctic.
Social kin associations and genetic structuring of striped dolphin populations (Stenella coeruleoalba) in the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: GASPARI STEFANIA , AZZELLINO ARIANNA , AIROLDI SABINA , HOELZEL A. RUS
Published: April 2007

We investigated hierarchical patterns of genetic subdivision, and assessed kinship within and between social groups of striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) in the Tyrrhenian Sea. A total of 165 samples were analysed at eight microsatellite DNA loci, including outgroup samples from the Adriatic, Scotland and Spain for population‐level comparisons. We found population genetic structure within the Mediterranean basin, including small but significant differentiation between the Adriatic and Tyrrhenian Seas (FST = 0.0047, P = 0.008), and between putative ‘inshore’ and ‘offshore’ (FST = 0.0217, P = 0.005) populations in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Assessment of kinship within and among 12 association groups showed higher average kinship for females within than between groups, and smaller groups showed higher average kinship. Comparisons of relatedness for both sexes showed a significant difference between males and females, with females more likely to associate with adult kin. Together these data emphasize the importance of the social cohesion of kin in small groups to the structuring of striped dolphin populations in this environment.
Molecular evidence of host‐associated genetic divergence in the holly leafminer Phytomyza glabricola (Diptera: Agromyzidae): apparent discordance among marker systems
Authors: SCHEFFER SONJA J. , HAWTHORNE DAVID J.
Published: April 2007

Host races play a central part in understanding the role of host plant mediated divergence and speciation of phytophagous insects. Of greatest interest are host‐associated populations that have recently diverged; however, finding genetic evidence for very recent divergences is difficult because initially only a few loci are expected to evolve diagnostic differences. The holly leafminer Phytomyza glabricola feeds on two hollies, Ilex glabra and I. coriacea, that are broadly sympatric throughout most of their ranges. The leafminer is often present on both host plants and exhibits a dramatic life history difference on the two hosts, suggesting that host races may be present. We collected 1393 bp of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) sequence and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) data (45 polymorphic bands) from sympatric populations of flies reared from the two hosts. Phylogenetic and frequency analysis of mitochondrial COI sequence data uncovered considerable variation but no structuring by the host plant, and only limited differentiation among geographical locations. In contrast, analysis of AFLP frequency data found a significant effect with host plant, and a much smaller effect with geographical location. Likewise, neighbour‐joining analysis of AFLP data resulted in clustering by host plant. The AFLP data indicate that P. glabricola is most likely comprised of two host races. Because there were no fixed differences in mitochondrial or AFLP data, this host‐associated divergence is likely to have occurred very recently. P. glabricola therefore provides a new sympatric system for exploring the role of geography and ecological specialization in the speciation of phytophagous insects.
Case studies and mathematical models of ecological speciation. 1. Cichlids in a crater lake
Authors: GAVRILETS SERGEY , VOSE AARON , BARLUENGA MARTA , SALZBURGER WALTER , MEYER AXEL
Published: April 2007

A recent study of a pair of sympatric species of cichlids in Lake Apoyo in Nicaragua is viewed as providing probably one of the most convincing examples of sympatric speciation to date. Here, we describe and study a stochastic, individual‐based, explicit genetic model tailored for this cichlid system. Our results show that relatively rapid (< 20 000 generations) colonization of a new ecological niche and (sympatric or parapatric) speciation via local adaptation and divergence in habitat and mating preferences are theoretically plausible if: (i) the number of loci underlying the traits controlling local adaptation, and habitat and mating preferences is small; (ii) the strength of selection for local adaptation is intermediate; (iii) the carrying capacity of the population is intermediate; and (iv) the effects of the loci influencing nonrandom mating are strong. We discuss patterns and timescales of ecological speciation identified by our model, and we highlight important parameters and features that need to be studied empirically to provide information that can be used to improve the biological realism and power of mathematical models of ecological speciation.
Estimating the number of whales entering trade using DNA profiling and capture‐recapture analysis of market products
Authors: BAKER C. SCOTT , COOKE JUSTIN G. , LAVERY SHANE , DALEBOUT MEREL L. , MA YONG‐UN , FUNAHASHI NAOKO , CARRAHER COLM , BROWNELL ROBERT L.
Published: April 2007

Surveys of commercial markets combined with molecular taxonomy (i.e. molecular monitoring) provide a means to detect products from illegal, unregulated and/or unreported (IUU) exploitation, including the sale of fisheries bycatch and wild meat (bushmeat). Capture‐recapture analyses of market products using DNA profiling have the potential to estimate the total number of individuals entering the market. However, these analyses are not directly analogous to those of living individuals because a ‘market individual’ does not die suddenly but, instead, remains available for a time in decreasing quantities, rather like the exponential decay of a radioactive isotope. Here we use mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences and microsatellite genotypes to individually identify products from North Pacific minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata ssp.) purchased in 12 surveys of markets in the Republic of (South) Korea from 1999 to 2003. By applying a novel capture‐recapture model with a decay rate parameter to the 205 unique DNA profiles found among 289 products, we estimated that the total number of whales entering trade across the five‐year survey period was 827 (SE, 164; CV, 0.20) and that the average ‘half‐life’ of products from an individual whale on the market was 1.82 months (SE, 0.24; CV, 0.13). Our estimate of whales in trade (reflecting the true numbers killed) was significantly greater than the officially reported bycatch of 458 whales for this period. This unregulated exploitation has serious implications for the survival of this genetically distinct coastal population. Although our capture‐recapture model was developed for specific application to the Korean whale‐meat markets, the exponential decay function could be modified to improve the estimates of trade in other wildmeat or fisheries markets or abundance of living populations by noninvasive genotyping.
Phylogeography of spruce beetles (Dendroctonus rufipennis Kirby) (Curculionidae: Scolytinae) in North America
Authors: MAROJA LUANA S. , BOGDANOWICZ STEVEN M. , WALLIN KIMBERLY F. , RAFFA KENNETH F. , HARRISON RICHARD G.
Published: April 2007

Tree‐feeding insects that are widespread in north temperate regions are excellent models for studying how past glaciations have impacted differentiation and speciation. We used mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences and allele frequencies at nine microsatellite loci to examine genetic population structure across the current range of the spruce beetle (Dendroctonus rufipennis), an economically important insect in North America. Two major haplotype groups occur across northern North America, from Newfoundland to Alaska, on white spruce (Picea glauca), and a third distinctive haplotype group occurs throughout the Rocky Mountains on Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii). The two mtDNA lineages found in northern populations are 3–4% divergent from each other and from the lineages found in the Rocky Mountains. Analyses of microsatellite data also suggest the existence of major population groupings associated with different geographical regions. In the Pacific Northwest, concordant contact zones for genetically distinct populations of spruce beetles and their principal hosts appear to reflect recent secondary contact. Although we could detect no evidence of historical mtDNA gene flow between allopatric population groups, patterns of variation in the Pacific Northwest suggest recent hybridization and introgression. Together with the pollen record for spruce, they also suggest that beetles have spread from at least three glacial refugia. A minimum estimate of divergence time between the Rocky Mountain and northern populations was 1.7 Myr (million years), presumably reflecting the combined effects of isolation during multiple glacial cycles.
Plant cells must pass a K+ threshold to re‐enter the cell cycle
Authors: Sano Toshio , Becker Dirk , Ivashikina Natalya , Wegner Lars H. , Zimmermann Ulrich , Roelfsema M. Rob G. , Nagata Toshiyuki , Hedrich Rainer
Published: April 2007

Potassium is an inevitable component of plant life, and potassium channels play a pivotal role in plant growth and development. The role of potassium and of K+ channels in plant cell division and cell‐cycle progression, however, has not been determined so far. K+ channel blocker studies with synchronized tobacco BY‐2 cells revealed that K+ uptake is required for proper cell‐cycle progression during the transition from G1 to S phase. Electrophysiological studies (patch‐clamp and voltage‐clamp techniques) showed a cell‐cycle dependency of K+ channel activities and reduced driving force for K+ uptake in dividing cells. Among the four Shaker‐like K+ channel genes expressed in BY‐2 cells, NKT1 represents an inwardly rectifying K+ channel that mediates K+ uptake. NKT1 is transcriptionally induced during G1 phase, while transcripts of the outward‐rectifier NTORK1 dominate S phase. Elongating BY‐2 cells appeared hyperpolarized (−101 ± 11 mV), and had elevated osmotic pressure and approximately twice the turgor pressure when compared with depolarized (−64 ± 8 mV) dividing cells. This indicates that cells have to gain a threshold K+ level to re‐enter the cell cycle. Based on these findings, turgor regulation through modulation of K+ channel density in plant cell division and cell‐cycle progression is discussed.
A simplified method for the analysis of transcription factor–promoter interactions that allows high‐throughput data generation
Authors: Berger Bettina , Stracke Ralf , Yatusevich Ruslan , Weisshaar Bernd , Flügge Ulf‐Ingo , Gigolashvili Tamara
Published: April 2007

Transient expression systems are intensively used to study the transactivation potential of transcription factors and to confirm target promoters. Here we present a novel system based on the high‐efficiency transformation of cultured Arabidopsis thaliana cells by agrobacteria. To demonstrate the potential of this system, we compared it with a commonly used protoplast transfection assay, and studied the regulation of phenylpropanoid biosynthetic pathway genes by various transcription factors. Both systems led to comparable results on the regulation of the promoters tested. However, the agrobacterium‐mediated co‐transformation assay needs significantly less time, requires only mixing of cultured plant cells with agrobacteria, is less labour‐intensive and allows handling of multiple assays in parallel, making it suitable for medium‐ to high‐throughput analyses. In addition, the binary vectors used are the same for both cell‐based assays and stable plant transformations.
Sex ratio, sex‐specific chick mortality and sexual size dimorphism in birds
Authors: BENITO M. M. , GONZÁLEZ‐SOLÍS J.
Published: April 2007

It has been suggested that sexual size dimorphism (SSD) may influence sex ratios at different life stages. Higher energy requirements during growth associated with larger body size could lead to a greater mortality of the larger sex and ultimately to an overproduction of the smaller sex. To explore the associations between SSD and hatching and fledging sex ratio we performed a species‐level analysis and a phylogenetically controlled analysis, based on 83 bird species. Overall, there was a significant inverse relationship between the degree of SSD and the proportion of males at hatching and fledging. Sex‐specific mortality related to SSD showed a weak but persistent negative tendency, suggesting a mortality bias towards the larger sex. These results suggest that changes in relation to SSD may take place mainly at the conception stage, but could be adjusted during growth. However, conclusions should be treated cautiously as these relationships weaken when additional variables are considered.
No evidence for condition‐dependent expression of male genitalia in the dung beetleOnthophagus taurus
Authors: HOUSE C. M. , SIMMONS L. W.
Published: April 2007

AbstractWe examine the condition‐dependence of male genitalia in the dung beetleOnthophagus taurusby manipulating the quality of dung provided for larval growth and development. We show that the influence of larval nutrition differed considerably across three different trait classes (sexual, nonsexual and genital). The size of all nonsexual traits varied with dung quality but their allometric slopes remained unchanged. Relative horn length and allometry, but not absolute horn length, showed a high degree of plasticity with differences in dung quality. In contrast, both absolute size and allometry of genitalia were largely unresponsive to changes in dung quality. Male genitalia exhibited intermediate levels of phenotypic variation and lower allometric slopes than both horns and nonsexual traits. Thus, our findings provide little support for good genes hypotheses of genital evolution. We use our findings to discuss a developmental mechanism and selection pressures that may prevent the condition‐dependent expression of genitalia.
Storage of buffy‐coat‐derived platelets in additive solutions at 4 °C and 22 °C: flow cytometry analysis of platelet glycoprotein expression
Authors: Sandgren P. , Hansson M. , Gulliksson H. , Shanwell A.
Published: April 2007

Background  The aim of our in vitro study is to compare the effects on platelet membrane glycoproteins that play an important role in the main functions of platelets, when platelets are stored for a period of 21 days at 4 °C or 22 °C.

Study Design and Methods  Platelet concentrates (PC) were prepared from pooled buffy‐coats (BC) for paired studies (total eight pools from 80 BCs) by using the OrbiSac system. We divided each pool into two PCs and stored them at 4 °C or 22 °C.

Results  The activation marker CD62 remained almost unchanged during storage in all units. The expression of CD63 was higher in PCs stored at 22 °C than in those stored at 4 °C. No significant difference in CD41 expression was detected over time. The expression of CD42b declined during storage and even more in PCs stored at 4 °C until day 21 [day 14: mean flourscence intensity: 32·5 ± 13·1 vs. 46·5 ± 19·1], but the percentage of platelets expressing CD42b remained high in platelets stored at 4 °C, but gradually decreased at 22 °C (day 14: 95·0 ± 1·5 vs. 59·0 ± 9·9). Storage at 4 °C reduced the rate of glycolysis and maintained the pH better after day 10 than in PCs stored at 22 °C (day 14: 7·009 ± 0·067 vs. 7·233 ± 0·125). The concentration of regulated upon activation of normal T‐cells expressed and secreted was higher in PCs stored at 22 °C than at 4 °C (day 7: 414·7 ± 32·3 vs. 49·6 ± 19·0). No response to extent of shape change and no swirling were detected at 4 °C.

Conclusion  Platelets stored at 4 °C retain their in vitro characteristics better than those stored at 22 °C, except for parameters that reflect changes in shape. Storage at 4 °C is not associated with an increased expression of glycoprotein (GpIb, GpIIb/IIIa) and platelet activation markers (CD62p and CD63) as compared with storage at 22 °C.
Clinical effect of buffy‐coat vs. apheresis platelet concentrates in patients with severe thrombocytopenia after intensive chemotherapy
Authors: Akkök C. A. , Brinch L. , Lauritzsen G. F. , Solheim B. G. , Kjeldsen‐Kragh J.
Published: April 2007

Background and Objectives  Therapeutic or prophylactic use of platelet concentrates (PC) is essential for patients with thrombocytopenia due to intensive chemotherapy for various malignancies. PC quality has been improved after introduction of storage containers that are more oxygen permeable than the second‐generation PC containers. Consequently, shelf life of PCs at our blood bank has been extended to 6·5 days after monitoring each PC for bacterial contamination. In this prospective observational study, we compared apheresis PCs harvested by Amicus cell separator with buffy‐coat (BC) PCs during storage for up to 6·5 days.

Materials and Methods  All PCs were collected from healthy volunteer donors and were prepared for routine clinical use. A total of 446 transfusion episodes with 688 PCs for 77 adult patients with oncological and haematological diseases were registered during a 13‐month period. Outcome measures were corrected count increment after 1 h (CCI‐1), after 18–24 h (CCI‐2), and transfusion intervals. Transfusions were carried out after storage from 1·5 to 6·5 days.

Results  Both CCI and the transfusion intervals decreased statistically significantly by increasing storage time after transfusions with apheresis PCs or BC PCs. However, less than 4% of the variation in CCI and transfusion interval could be explained by platelet storage time. There were no significant differences between BC PCs and apheresis PCs, regarding CCI and transfusion intervals.

Conclusion  We can conclude that BC PCs are not inferior to apheresis PCs, and may serve the clinical purposes as well as apheresis PCs harvested by Amicus.
How Elephants are Opening Doors: Developmental Neuroethology, Attachment and Social Context
Authors: Bradshaw G. A. , Schore Allan N.
Published: April 2007

Ethology's renewed interest in developmental context coincides with recent insights from neurobiology and psychology on early attachment. Attachment and social learning are understood as fundamental mechanisms in development that shape core processes responsible for informing behaviour throughout a lifetime. Each field uniquely contributes to the creation of an integrated model and encourages dialogue between Tinbergen's four analytical levels: ethology in its underscoring of social systems of behaviour and context, psychology in its emphasis on socio‐affective attachment transactions, and neuroscience in its explication of the coupled development of brain and behaviour. We review the relationship between developmental context and behaviour outcome as a topic shared by the three disciplines, with a specific focus on underlying neuroethological mechanisms. This interdisciplinary convergence is illustrated through the example of abnormal behaviour in wild African elephants (Loxodonta africana) that has been systematically observed in human‐caused altered social contexts. Such disruptions impair normative socially mediated neuroendocrinological development leading to psychobiological dysregulation that expresses as non‐normative behaviour. Aberrant behaviour in wild elephants provides a critical field example of what has been established in ex situ and clinical studies but has been largely absent in wild populations: a concrete link between effects of human disturbance on social context, and short‐ and long‐term neuroethology. By so doing, it brings attention to the significant change in theories of behaviour that has been occurring across disciplines – namely, the merging of psychobiological and ethological perspectives into common, cross‐species, human inclusive models.
Food Deprivation Suppresses a Preference for the Top‐Scent Mark of an Over‐Mark in Meadow Voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus)
Authors: Pierce Andrew A. , Vaughn Ashlee A. , Ferkin Michael H.
Published: April 2007

Food availability affects whether mammals communicate their interest in interacting with opposite‐sex conspecifics. This study examined the responses of voles to over‐marks, and factors that influence the formation and maintenance of a preference for the top‐scent in an over‐mark. Specifically, we investigated how food deprivation affected the amount of time male and female voles exposed to an over‐mark, later responded to the marks of the top‐ and bottom‐scent donors when subsequently presented with the two scents side by side. Males and females that were not food deprived and males that were food deprived 6 h before exposure to an over‐mark later maintained a preference for the donor of the top‐scent mark compared with the donor of the bottom‐scent mark of the over‐mark. Females that were food deprived for 6 h before or after exposure of the over‐mark and males food deprived 6 h after the exposure to the over‐mark showed no preference for the top‐scent mark donor. Re‐feeding females that were food deprived for 6 h before exposure to an over‐mark was sufficient to restore their preference for the mark of the top‐scent male over that of the bottom‐scent male. The different responses of food‐deprived male and female voles to over‐marks of opposite‐sex conspecifics may be associated with differences in their tactics for interacting with potential mates and the higher energetic costs of reproduction in female voles than in male voles.
Spoiled Brats: Is Extreme Juvenile Agonism in Ring‐Tailed Coatis (Nasua nasua) Dominance or Tolerated Aggression?
Authors: Hirsch Ben T.
Published: April 2007

Ring‐tailed coatis exhibit an extreme form of juvenile agonism not found in other social mammals. Two groups of habituated, individually recognized, coatis were studied over a 2.5‐yr period in Iguazu National Park, Argentina. Dominance matrices were divided by year and group, resulting in four dominance hierarchies which were analyzed using the Matman computer program. Strong general patterns were seen in both groups during both years. Adult males (one per group) were the highest ranking individuals, followed by male juveniles, female juveniles, adult females, and male and female subadults. The pattern in which young, physically inferior individuals were able to outrank larger adults is different from other social mammal species in that the juvenile coatis aggressively defended food resources and directed aggression towards older individuals. These agonistic interactions may not reflect ‘dominance’ in the traditional sense, and appear to be a form of ‘tolerated aggression.’ This tolerated aggression leads to increased access to food, and should help juveniles during a period in which they need to rapidly gain weight and grow. Because this tolerance of juvenile aggression is reinforced through coalitionary support of juveniles by adult females, agonistic patterns are also consistent with the hypothesis that juvenile rank is being influenced by high degrees of relatedness within coati groups. Although some interesting parallels exist, there is little evidence indicating that these dominance patterns are the same as those found in other social mammals such as hyenas, lions, meerkats, or Cercopithicine primates.
Accumulation of cyclitols functioning as compatible solutes in the haptophyte algaPavlovasp.
Authors: Kobayashi Yoshie , Torii Ayako , Kato Misako , Adachi Kyoko
Published: April 2007

Using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, we identified and characterized accumulated compatible solutes in cells of the haptophyte algaPavlovasp. strain CCMP504. The predominant organic solutes wered‐1,4/2,5‐cyclohexanetetrol (CHT), 1,3,5/2,4‐cyclohexanepentol (CHP) andscyllo‐inositol. We then profiled the intracellular organic solutes present inPavlovasp. grown in medium with salinity ranging from 23 practical salinity units (PSU) (hyposaline) to 35 PSU (optimum salinity for growth), to 47 PSU (hypersaline). The results of these analyses reveal progressive accumulation of CHT and CHP in response to increasing growth medium salinity. We also observed altered accumulation of CHT and CHP in samples subjected to salinity shock. To further characterize the CHT and CHP biosynthesis inPavlovasp., we carried out stable isotope feeding experiments. Specific labeling of CHT and CHP withd‐13C‐glucose suggested thatd‐glucose is a biosynthetic precursor of these cyclitols. The salinity‐induced accumulation of CHT and CHP suggests that these cyclitols act as compatible solutes. Our results therefore provide new evidence supporting classification of CHP as a compatible solute.
Phylogenetic study of Gymnodinium dorsalisulcum comb. nov. from tropical Australian coastal waters (Dinophyceae)
Authors: Murray Shauna , De Salas Miguel , Luong‐Van Jim , Hallegraeff Gustaaf
Published: April 2007

A new species of the dinoflagellate genus Gymnodinium Stein, previously considered a member of Katodinium Fott, is characterized from two marine benthic habitats in tropical northern Australia. Gymnodinium dorsalisulcum comb. nov. was found to be very abundant at times, and in culture produced large quantities of mucus. We analyzed two regions of ribosomal DNA from this species (partial large subunit and complete small subunit sequences), using Bayesian analysis and phylogenetic models appropriate to alignments of ribosomal RNA genes. We compared it to eight species of the ‘true’Gymnodinium clade and to other dinoflagellates. The results show that it is a member of the Gymnodinium clade, and is closely related to Gymnodinium impudicum and G. chlorophorum. Katodinium was originally defined as having cells with an epitheca that is much larger than the hypotheca. However, this character is clearly inadequate, and the genus requires a re‐investigation to determine the apomorphies of the type species.
BS10 THE PROGNOSTIC SIGNIFICANCE OF THE OVEREXPRESSION OF THE GROWTH FACTOR CRIPTO IN PATIENTS WITH BREAST CANCER
Authors: Carmalt H. L. , Gong Y. P. , Yarrow P. M. , Lin B. P. C. , Xing P. X. , Gillett D. J.
Published: April 2007

Purpose  To determine the prognostic significance and long term survival of breast cancer patients with overexpression of the epidermal growth factor Cripto.

Methodology  120 formalin fixed paraffin embedded breast cancer specimens were constructed on a tissue microarray and detection of Cripto carried out by immunohistochemical staining. Patients were treated between 1989 and 1995 and the median follow up was 125 months. We examined the association of Cripto positivity with age, menopausal status, grade and size of tumour, lymph node status, tumour type, ER/PR/HER2 status, Ki67 and Nottingham Prognostic Index (NPI).

Results  48% of patients were Cripto positive. We demonstrated a significant association between overexpression of Cripto and NPI (p < 0.01), grade of tumour (p < 0.01), progesterone receptor (p = 0.02), Ki 67 (p = 0.02), tumour type (p = 0.04) and most importantly overall survival (p = 0.0003). Cox regression analysis revealed Cripto to be an independent prognostic variable for survival – HR 2.79 (95% CI 1.20–6.50).

Conclusion  Overexpression of Cripto is associated with high grade poor prognostic breast cancer and a significantly decreased patient survival. Future research is required to confirm these findings and to develop an anti‐Cripto humanised antibody for clinical use.
BS14 UPDATE ON IN SITU PROLIFERATIONS OF THE BREAST
Authors: Harris G. C.
Published: April 2007

This is a pathologist’s view of in situ proliferations of the breast, particularly those other than DCIS. The increasing evidence for Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (LCIS) as a non‐obligate precursor, at least in some instances, and the emerging entity of pleomorphic LCIS will be discussed. Columnar cell proliferations including Flat Epithelial Atypia will also be presented with particular emphasis on clinical significance and currently recommended management strategies.

A short discussion of other "indeterminate" in situ proliferations will also be included.
BS02 MODERN APPROACH TO PALLIATIVE CARE
Authors: Grundy K.
Published: April 2007

This paper explores the modern concept of Specialist Palliative Care. This includes the gradual and ongoing development of specialist palliative care services in New Zealand, embedded within cancer services and the wider health sector: within the community and the acute care environment. No longer is it accurate to assume that a referral to palliative care indicates that the person is imminently dying or that their care will be transferred to that service as an alternative to any form of continued active treatment. Cancer can be aggressive and unremitting but is increasingly experienced as a chronic illness and patients have concerns and needs that fluctuate over time. Multi‐disciplinary palliative care must be responsive, flexible and able to assist at “points of need”, working together with the referring team. Collaboration across all the medical disciplines and the full health care team is essential and communication between services must be robust so that our care is consistent, unambiguous and patient‐centred. Palliative care is as aspect of clinical care that we all practice, every day, sometimes without realising it. We need to continually develop our own skills in symptom control, effective communication and decision‐making, as well as exploring the philosophy and ethics of end‐of‐life care. Accessible, meaningful education in all of these areas is vital. While it is challenging, we must also find time to reflect on our own practice, learning to acknowledge and work within our own prejudices, fears and short‐comings.

This paper will draw on recent work in the area of palliative care and cancer care: The New Zealand Palliative Care Strategy (2001), the Cancer Control Strategy (2006), the proposed adoption of a model of palliative care within NZ that incorporates clear definitions of both Specialist and Generalist services and the new Ministry of Health “Palliative Care Service Specifications” that highlight the need for specialist services to be available in all locations, providing not just clinical care but also education and support.
BS20 FAMILIAL GYNAECOLOGICAL CANCER – ASPECTS OF CLINICAL MANAGEMENT
Authors: Sykes P.
Published: April 2007

There are significant familial associations between surgical and gynaecological cancers. hereditary non polyposis coli cancer was first described as a family with an increased risk of gynaecological cancer and BRCA mutations have a well known association with ovarian as well as breast cancer. To complicate issues colorectal and breast cancer share similar etiologic factors to colorectal and breast cancers and treatments may influence the incidence and treatment of these cancers. This talk will discuss issues related to; the identification of familial cancer syndromes, screening and prophylactic treatment in women with familial cancer syndromes, quality of life and hormone replacement therapy.

The following issues are considered relevant:

Women with breast cancer and people under 50 with colorectal cancer or should have family histories taken and genetic counseling referrals made where appropriate.

Women with HNPCC related or BRCA mutations should be counseled by a gynaecologist with expertise in familial cancer.

Women with BRCA mutations probably do not benefit from screening.

Prophylactic surgery is normally indicated.

Women with HNPCC should be counseled regarding their risk of gynecological cancer risk reducing surgery is sometimes indicated.

Menopause caused by oophorectomy, radiotherapy or chemotherapy is associated with a significant reduction in quality of life. Hormone replacement therapy should be considered.
BS04 TRASTUZUMAB (HERCEPTIN): REVIEW OF ADJUVANT TRIALS IN EARLY BREAST CANCER
Authors: Chan A.
Published: April 2007

Trastuzumab (Herceptin) is a humanized, monoclonal antibody to the Her2 neu receptor which is over‐expressed in approximately 15 to 20% of patients with breast cancer. The presence of this growth factor gene over‐expression is associated with more aggressive disease. The pivotal trials in metastatic breast cancer in the late 1990s demonstrated that Herceptin combined with chemotherapy produced significantly higher response rates, improved time to progression and superior overall survival compared to chemotherapy alone. There have been five clinical trials conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of Herceptin when used in combination with chemotherapy in women with early breast cancer. For the four larger trials, more than 13,000 women were essentially randomly assigned to either standard chemotherapy alone or the same chemotherapy plus Herceptin for one or two years. A small Finnish trial of 232 women, evaluated 9 weeks of Herceptin given with chemotherapy. Each trial confirmed a statistically improved disease‐free survival with a 42% to 50% reduction in the risk of relapse. In the four larger trials, a statistically significant overall survival benefit with a 33% to 41% reduction in the risk of death was seen. The only significant side effect associated with the inclusion of Herceptin was a higher incidence of cardiac dysfunction. This ranged from 1.7% to 4.1% in those patients receiving Herceptin, compared to <1% in the control group.
CT01 IMPACT OF COMPLETION ANGIOGRAPHY AFTER SURGICAL CORONARY REVASCULARIZATION
Authors: Kumar S. , Ahmad R. , Greelish J. , Balaguer J. , Petracek M. , Byrne J.
Published: April 2007

Background  Coronary revascularization surgery does not traditionally employ angiography to assess procedural success. Early graft failure is reported up to 30% in one year (JAMA Nov 2005) may relate to technical errors or conduit problems. We hypothesize that intra‐operative assessment of graft by angiography identifies graft defects and may improve the long term graft survival.

Methods  We have developed one of the first hybrid operation room in the USA. In one year period 203 consecutive patients (age:63+/−16, M/F:126/39) underwent coronary revascularization with angiography before decannulation.

Results  Of 436 grafts, 72 angiographic defects were detected in 69 grafts (17% of total grafts). There were 11% conduit defects, 3% anastomotic defects, and 3% target vessel error. Of 72 defects, 25/72 defects required minor revision, 47/72 required either surgical or percutaneous intervention. Intra‐operative angiography added an average 20+/−12 minutes to the surgery and 112+/−56 ml contrast. Renal function at 24hours and 48 hours after procedure did not vary significantly between patients who did vs. those did not have revisions. There were no significant differences in cardiopulmonary bypass time, aortic cross clamp time, and length of hospital stay for patients who underwent revision compared to those who did not. Renal function, bleeding complication, transfusion were similar in patients with percutaneous vs. surgical revision.

Conclusions  Intraoperative graft angiography performed at the time of CABG identifies graft defects, allowing for immediate surgical or percutaneous revision. Long‐term study is in progress to assess whether intra‐operative completion angiography decreases the rate of early graft failure.
CT11 CARBON DIOXIDE FLOODING IN CARDIAC SURGERY: AN OLD TECHNIQUE REVISITED
Authors: Bhaskar N. I. L.
Published: April 2007

Cerebral air embolism is a known complication of open‐heart surgery with devastating consequences. Neurologic injury after CPB can be divided into 2 types:

Type I: Focal injury.

Type II: Intellectual deterioration/neurocognitive impairment (up to 53% at the time of hospital discharge and 42% could be impaired for up to 5 years). Increasing evidence points to cerebral embolization as the principal culprit. Since the early days of modern cardiac surgery, surgeons have attempted to limits its damage by various means. One of the early techniques propounded was carbon dioxide insufflation of the pericardial cavity. Carbon dioxide, was uniquely positioned for this, being denser than air, more soluble than air, and easily managed perioperatively if the blood levels were to go up beyond physiological ranges. The technique gradually went into disuse, since there was no instrumentation, in the early days of CPB to measure and establish its impact on the actual outcomes. Secondly, the devices, through which CO2 was delivered, were not effective.

There has been increasing enthusiasm for the technique but no consensus on the technical considerations or on the actual benefits of the practice.

Our literature search showed that if practiced properly, carbon dioxide flooding does decrease the embolic counts significantly and that, by inference, could possibly improve the neurocognitive outcome. Since, there are no studies at this point in time, which show a direct beneficial correlation, we intend to do a prospective randomized controlled trial, to put things in proper perspective.
CT14 PREDICTING ONE‐YEAR SURVIVAL AFTER SURGERY FOR EARLY STAGE NON‐SMALL CELL LUNG CANCER
Authors: O’keefe M. , Yap C. H. , Lee A. , Kiyingi K. , Alam N. , Wright G.
Published: April 2007

Introduction  Post‐operative survival after surgery for early stage non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is influenced by factors such as stage of disease and co‐morbidities. We sought to assess the performance of 2 models in predicting 1 year survival after resected NSCLC.

Methods  The Colinet Simplified Co‐Morbidity Score (SCS) (1) and a prognostic model by Birim (2) were retrospectively applied to a cohort of patients with surgically resected NSCLC. End‐point was 1 year survival obtained from clinical follow‐up and data‐linkage with the Cancer Council of Victoria.

Results  216 patients were treated from Feb 1999 to Dec 2005. 52 patients were excluded due to missing data, leaving 164 patients for analysis. Mean patient age was 66.4 ± 10.3. Pathological stage was 1 in 61%, 2 in19% and 3 in 17%. Observed 1 year survival was 78.7%.

SCS was predictive of 1 year survival: mean SCS 9.24 for survivors and 11.03 for non‐survivors (p = 0.001 by t‐test). Patient’s with low SCS (0‐9) had a higher 1‐year survival than those with high SCS (>9); 87.2% vs 69.2% (p = 0.005 by chi‐square test). SCS discriminated fairly for 1 year survival (area under ROC curve 0.66).

The predicted survival using the Birim model (74.2%) was similar to the observed survival (p = 0.43). The model predicted survival well in both low (predicted 83% vs observed 88%, p = 0.51) and high (66 vs 70%, p = 0.74) risk groups. Birim model discriminated well for 1 year survival (area under ROC curve 0.70).

Conclusion  SCS and the Birim model can both be used to estimate 1‐year survival. They may aid the clinician in deciding who should be considered for surgical resection.
CT15 RISK STRATIFICATION MODELS FOR HEART VALVE SURGERY
Authors: Yap C. H. , O’keefe M. , Mohajeri M. , Yii M.
Published: April 2007

Purpose  Risk stratification models may be useful in aiding surgical decision‐making, preoperative informed consent, quality assurance and healthcare management. While several overseas models exist, no model has been well‐validated for use in Australia. We aimed to assess the performance of two valve surgery risk stratification models in an Australian patient cohort.

Method  The Society of Cardiothoracic Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland (SCTS) and Northern New England (NNE) models were applied to all patients undergoing valvular heart surgery at St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne and The Geelong Hospital between June 2001 and November 2006. Observed and predicted early mortalities were compared using the chi‐square test. Model discrimination was assessed by the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Model calibration was tested by applying the chi‐square test to risk tertiles.

Results  SCTS model (n = 1095) performed well. Observed mortality was 4.84%, expected mortality 6.64% (chi‐square p = 0.20). Model discrimination (area under ROC curve 0.835) and calibration was good (chi‐square p = 0.9). the NNE model (n = 1015) over‐predicted mortality. Observed mortality 4.83% and expected 7.54% (chi‐square p < 0.02). Model discrimination (area under ROC curve 0.835) and calibration was good (chi‐square p = 0.9).

Conclusion  Both models showed good model discrimination and calibration. The NNE model over‐predicted early mortality whilst the SCTS model performed well in our cohort of patients. The SCTS model may be useful for use in Australia for risk stratification.
CT17P IMAGES OF AN INFARCT RELATED INCOMPLETE LEFT VENTRICULAR RUPTURE MANAGED WITH PERICARDIAL PATCH REPAIR
Authors: Galvin S. D. , Bunton R. W. , Chen V.
Published: April 2007

Introduction  A 54‐year‐old woman presented with an inferior MI & post infarction pericarditis. Incomplete LV rupture was confirmed by MRI. She was managed with pericardial patch repair of her LV.

Case  Our patient presented with 1 week of chest pain, elevated Troponin T & ECG suggesting a recent inferior MI. Angiography showed an occluded obtuse marginal artery, left ventriculogram a 1 cm endocardial defect in a hypokinetic segment of the infero‐lateral LV & transthoracic echo a small LV wall defect with a haemodynamically insignificant pericardial effusion. Cardiac MRI confirmed an infero‐lateral infarct & an anatomical defect suggesting incomplete rupture of the LV free wall. Operatively straw colored pericardial fluid & a shaggy pericarditis were noted. Myocardium supplied by the obtuse marginal artery had appearances of recent infarction & on cardiopulmonary bypass a pericardial patch was glued over this area. The patient required elective drainage of a persistent pericardial effusion and was discharged on the 13th post‐operative day. 4 weeks after discharge she was asymptomatic with echo showing a resolving pericardial effusion.

Discussion  Incomplete LV rupture following MI is rare & caused by haemorrhagic dissection of the ventricular wall leaving a defect lined by epicardium alone. The natural history is not well described but may include free wall rupture with an in‐hospital mortality of 70%. Pericardial patch augmentation of the LV may reduce the risk of free wall rupture.

Conclusion  Management of incomplete LV rupture is poorly described but reinforcement of the area with a pericardial patch may be performed safely to reduce the risk of free wall rupture.
CT19P TRICUSPID VALVE REPAIR IN ‘TORRENTIAL TRICUSPID REGURGITATION’ FOLLOWING PERMANENT PACEMAKER LEAD EXTRACTION – A CASE REPORT
Authors: Mehrotra D. , Miller A. , McAlister H. , Kejriwal N. K.
Published: April 2007

Introduction  Traumatic tricuspid regurgitation secondary to blunt chest trauma has been reported in literature. We report our experience with a case of ‘Torrential Tricuspid Regurgitation’ following permanent pacemaker lead extraction which was successfully treated with tricuspid valve repair and annuloplasty.

Report  A 67 year old woman was treated for Sick sinus syndrome with permanent pacemaker implant. She had three generator changes for end of life and repositioning.Erosion of generator, led cardiologist to plan lead and generator extraction with the surgical backup. During lead extraction a small piece of papillary muscle was avulsed. The patient remained hemodynamically stable in the theatre. However in ward she developed right sided cardiac failure not responding to conservative therapy. A transthoracic echo (TTE) revealed torrential tricuspid regurgitation with a freely mobile posterior leaflet with attached chordae and avulsed papillary muscle.During surgery the tricuspid valve was successfully repaired and transesophageal (TOE) images showed trivial to mild tricuspid regurgitation at the end of repair procedure. Additional procedure also included ligation of both atrial appendages and implantation of epicardial leads and pacemaker. Patient made good recovery from operation.

Conclusion  To the best of our knowledge this is first report of repair of tricuspid valve in ‘Torrential Tricuspid Regurgitation’ following pacemaker lead extraction. We share our experience with tricuspid valve repair technique and annuloplasty.
CT24 ICU PROTOCOLS
Authors: Bowie D. R.
Published: April 2007

During its development in the past 4 decades the perioperative care of cardiac surgery patients has been the most protocolised in any branch of surgery. Initially this protocolisation was developed to allow the introduction to the clinical environment of applied physiology which had previously only been possible in the research laboratory. Invasive pressure monitoring, blood chemistry management, cardiac performance manipulation and coagulation control were all subject to rule based management which could be successfully implemented by staff with a wide range of knowledge and experience.

Coronary Artery Surgery is now proported to be the commonest single procedure performed in North America and what was once considered ‘Miraculous’ is now routine. Active Physiological management which was once only the realm of specialised units is now taught to all medical students. The protocols used in the perioperative management of 21st century cardiac surgery patients although still based on sound physiological criteria are now directed towards resource optimisation. Low mortality is now a given and so techniques which decreasing ICU and hospital stay and maximise value for money while at the same time decreasing complication rates are the new focus.