bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systematic review: neonatal meningitis in the developing world
Authors: Furyk J. S. , Swann O. , Molyneux E.
Published: March 2011

Meningitis is more common in the neonatal period than any other time in life and is an important cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Despite the majority of the burden occurring in the developing world, the majority of the existing literature originates from wealthy countries. Mortality from neonatal meningitis in developing countries is estimated to be 40–58%, against 10% in developed countries. Important differences exist in the spectrum of pathogens isolated from cerebrospinal fluid cultures in developed versus developing countries. Briefly, while studies in developed countries have generally found Group B streptococcus (GBS), Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes as important organisms, we describe how in the developing world results have varied; particularly regarding GBS, other Gram negatives (excluding E. coli), Listeria and Gram‐positive organisms. The choice of empiric antibiotics should take into consideration local epidemiology if known, early versus late disease, resistance patterns and availability within resource constraints. Gaps in knowledge, the role of adjuvant therapies and future directions for research are explored.
Enhancing the routine health information system in rural southern Tanzania: successes, challenges and lessons learned
Authors: Maokola W. , Willey B. A. , Shirima K. , Chemba M. , Armstrong Schellenberg J. R. M. , Mshinda H. , Alonso P. , Tanner M. , Schellenberg D.
Published: March 2011

Objective  To describe and evaluate the use of handheld computers for the management of Health Management Information System data.

Methods  Electronic data capture took place in 11 sentinel health centres in rural southern Tanzania. Information from children attending the outpatient department (OPD) and the Expanded Program on Immunization vaccination clinic was captured by trained local school‐leavers, supported by monthly supervision visits. Clinical data included malaria blood slides and haemoglobin colour scale results. Quality of captured data was assessed using double data entry. Malaria blood slide results from health centre laboratories were compared to those from the study’s quality control laboratory.

Results  The system took 5 months to implement, and few staffings or logistical problems were encountered. Over the following 12 months (April 2006–March 2007), 7056 attendances were recorded in 9880 infants aged 2–11 months, 50% with clinical malaria. Monthly supervision visits highlighted incomplete recording of information between OPD and laboratory records, where on average 40% of laboratory visits were missing the record of their corresponding OPD visit. Quality of microscopy from health facility laboratories was lower overall than that from the quality assurance laboratory.

Conclusions  Electronic capture of HMIS data was rapidly and successfully implemented in this resource‐poor setting. Electronic capture alone did not resolve issues of data completeness, accuracy and reliability, which are essential for management, monitoring and evaluation; suggestions to monitor and improve data quality are made.
Genotyping of Malassezia pachydermatis isolates from canine healthy skin and atopic dermatitis by internal spacer 1 (IGS1) region analysis
Authors: Kobayashi Tetsuya , Kano Rui , Nagata Masahiko , Hasegawa Atsuhiko , Kamata Hiroshi
Published: March 2011

Isolates of Malassezia pachydermatis from healthy dog skin and from dogs with atopic dermatitis were molecularly characterized using internal spacer 1 (IGS1) region analyses, and their phospholipase A2 activity and pH growth profiles were then characterized in vitro. The percentage of isolates from healthy dogs that had the following IGS1 subtypes (isotype, %) were as follows: 1A, 6%; 1B, 27%; 1C, 11%; 2A, 6%; 2B, 6%; 3A, 11%; 3C, 3%; and 3D, 24%. In contrast, 9% of isolates from dogs with atopic dermatitis were isotype IB and 91% were isotype 3D, indicating that isolates of subtype 3D were the most prevalent in dogs with atopic dermatitis. Production of phospholipase A2 was statistically higher in isolates of subtype 3D than in the other subtypes. The subtype 3D isolates showed enhanced growth on alkaline medium compared with non‐3D subtype isolates. The main clinical sign of canine Malassezia dermatitis is waxy exudates on the skin, which predispose the patient to development of a yeast overgrowth of the subtype 3D. Increased phospholipase A2 production may be involved in the inflammatory process associated with Malassezia dermatitis.
Clinical characteristics and causes of pruritus in cats: a multicentre study on feline hypersensitivity‐associated dermatoses
Authors: Hobi Stefan , Linek Monika , Marignac Geneviève , Olivry Thierry , Beco Luc , Nett Claudia , Fontaine Jacques , Roosje Petra , Bergvall Kerstin , Belova Sveta , Koebrich Stefanie , Pin Didier , Kovalik Marcel , Meury Sabrina , Wilhelm Sylvie , Favrot Claude
Published: March 2011

Hypersensitivity dermatitides (HD) are often suspected in cats. Cats with HD are reported to present with one or more of the following patterns: miliary dermatitis, eosinophilic dermatitis, self‐induced symmetrical alopecia or head and/or neck excoriations. Previous reports on feline HD included small numbers of animals, took place in geographically restricted areas or did not compare these conditions with other causes of pruritus. The goal of the present study was to analyse 72 parameters covering signalment, clinical, laboratory and treatment characteristics from a large group of pruritic cats from different geographical areas. Of the 502 cats, the following diagnoses were made: flea HD (29% of cases), food HD (12%) nonflea/nonfood HD (20%) and other diseases in which pruritus was a feature (24%). Cats with signs consistent with a HD but which did not complete a food trial were not analysed further (15% of cases). Most cats with nonflea HD exhibited signs compatible with one or more of the four typical lesional patterns, but none of these patterns was found to be pathognomonic for any specific diagnosis. Food HD and nonflea/nonfood HD were found to be clinically undistinguishable. Young adult, purebred and female cats appeared predisposed to nonflea/nonfood HD. As many diagnoses presented with similar lesional patterns, a thorough clinical work‐up is required for establishment of a specific diagnosis.
The canine hair cycle – a guide for the assessment of morphological and immunohistochemical criteria
Authors: Müntener Tabitha , Doherr Marcus G. , Guscetti Franco , Suter Maja M. , Welle Monika M.
Published: March 2011

The hair follicle has a lifelong capacity to cycle through recurrent phases of controlled growth (anagen), regression (catagen) and quiescence (telogen), each associated with specific morphological changes. A comprehensive classification scheme is available for mice to distinguish the cycle stages anagen I–VI, catagen I–VIII and telogen. For dogs, such a classification system does not exist, although alopecia associated with hair cycle arrest is common. We applied analogous morphological criteria and various staining techniques to subdivide the canine hair cycle stages to the same extent as has been done in mice. Of all the staining techniques applied, haematoxylin and eosin stain, Sacpic, Masson Fontana and immunohistochemistry for vimentin and laminin proved to be most useful. To evaluate the applicability of our criteria, we investigated skin biopsies from healthy beagle dogs (n = 20; biopsies from shoulder and thigh) kept in controlled conditions. From each biopsy, at least 50 hair follicles were assessed. Statistical analysis revealed that 30% of the follicles were in anagen (12% early and 18% late), 8% in catagen (2% early, 5% late and 1% not determinable) and 27% in telogen. Thirty‐five per cent of hair follicles could not be assigned to a specific cycle stage because not all follicles within one biopsy were oriented perfectly. In conclusion, this guide will not only be helpful for the investigation of alopecic disorders and possibly their pathogenesis, but may also serve as a basis for research projects in which the comparison of hair cycle stages is essential, e.g. comparative analysis of gene expression patterns.
The effect of different natural enemies on the performance of Cirsium arvense in its native range
Authors: ABELA‐HOFBAUEROVÁ I , MÜNZBERGOVÁ Z , SKUHROVEC J
Published: March 2011

Abela‐Hofbauerová I, Münzbergová Z & Skuhrovec J (2011). The effect of different natural enemies on the performance of Cirsium arvense in its native range. Weed Research51, 394–403.

Understanding the effects of herbivores on weedy plant performance under different habitat conditions may provide useful information for limiting the spread of these plant species in their native and invaded ranges. A critical drawback to using herbivores to limit the spread of weedy plant species is the limited knowledge regarding the effects of different natural enemies on plant performance under natural conditions and in different habitat types. The aim of this study was to collect information on the degree and types of damage caused by natural enemies and their effects on the performance of the weed species Cirsium arvense, under different abiotic conditions in its native range in the Czech Republic. Damage induced by different natural enemies of C. arvense in four different populations in wet and dry sites was studied. The most common types of damage found in C. arvense were folivory (eaten foliage), external stem damage and leaf necrosis, and their occurrence varied strongly in space and time. Different plant damage types tended to be significantly associated with each other. It was therefore difficult to separate the effects of individual damage types and to study their interactions. Overall, the results indicate that in its native range, C. arvense experiences high levels of herbivory, with stem damage, flower herbivory and folivory having the strongest effects on plant performance. Experimental studies that would separate the effect of single herbivores are, however, needed to confirm this.
‘Universal’ PCR assays detecting mutations in acetyl‐coenzyme A carboxylase or acetolactate synthase that endow herbicide resistance in grass weeds
Authors: DÉLYE C , PERNIN F , MICHEL S
Published: March 2011

Délye C, Pernin F & Michel S (2011). ‘Universal’ PCR assays detecting mutations in acetyl‐coenzyme A carboxylase or acetolactate synthase that endow herbicide resistance in grass weeds. Weed Research51, 353–362.

Herbicides inhibiting acetyl‐coenzyme A carboxylase (ACCase) or acetolactate synthase (ALS) are key for grass weed control. Yet, numerous cases of resistance have evolved. Using the derived cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence method, we developed molecular assays to detect amino acid replacements at the seven ACCase codons (1781, 1999, 2027, 2041, 2078, 2088 and 2096) and at two ALS codons (197 and 574) known to play a role in herbicide resistance in grass weeds. For each codon, one assay detecting all known amino acid replacements endowing herbicide resistance was developed. The nine assays were successfully used to genotype ACCase and ALS in 39 grass species. Their flexible design enables easy detection of new mutations at the targeted codons. Because they can be implemented with basic molecular biology facilities and no previous knowledge of the ACCase or ALS sequence of the grass weed of interest, these assays are tools of choice to easily detect resistance caused by alteration(s) of ACCase or ALS in such species.
Stress and coping in caregivers of patients awaiting solid organ transplantation
Authors: Goetzinger Amy M. , Blumenthal James A. , O’Hayer C. Virginia , Babyak Michael A. , Hoffman Benson M. , Ong Lephuong , Davis R. Duane , Smith Stephen R. , Rogers Joseph G. , Milano Carmelo A. , Smith Alastair D. , Kuo Paul C. , Palmer Scott M.
Published: March 2011

Goetzinger AM, Blumenthal JA, O’Hayer CV, Babyak MA, Hoffman BM, Ong L, Duane Davis R, Smith SR, Rogers JG, Milano CA, Smith AD, Kuo PC, Palmer SM. Stress and coping in caregivers of patients awaiting solid organ transplantation.  Clin Transplant 2012: 26: 97–104.  © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Caregivers for patients undergoing solid organ transplantation play an essential role in the process of transplantation. However, little is known about stress and coping among these caregivers. Six hundred and twenty‐one primary caregivers of potential candidates for lung (n = 317), liver (n = 147), heart (n = 115), and/or kidney (n = 42) transplantation completed a psychometric test battery at the time of the candidate’s initial pre‐transplant psychosocial evaluation. Caregivers were generally well adjusted, with only 17% exhibiting clinical symptoms of depression (Beck Depression Inventory‐II score >13) and 13% reporting clinical levels of anxiety (State Trait Anxiety Inventory score >48). Greater caregiver burden and negative coping styles were associated with higher levels of depression. Greater objective burden and avoidant coping were associated with higher levels of anxiety. Caregivers evidenced a high degree of socially desirable (i.e., defensive) responding, which may reflect a deliberate effort to minimize fears or worries so as to not jeopardize patients’ listing status.
This article has been retracted: A gene‐specific primer extension and liquid bead array system for killer cell immunoglobulin‐like receptor genotyping
Authors: Park H. J. , Oh Y. , Kang H. J. , Han E. J. , Shin H. Y. , Ahn H. S. , Ahn K. S. , Yoon B. H. , Han B. D.
Published: March 2011

The following article from Tissue Antigens, A gene‐specific primer extension and liquid bead array system for killer cell immunoglobulin‐like receptor genotyping by H. J. Park, Y. Oh, H. J. Kang, E. J. Han, H. Y. Shin, H. S. Ahn, K. S. Ahn, B. H. Yoon & B. D. Han, published online on 14 March 2011 in Wiley Online Library (http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com) and in Tissue Antigens, 77:535–539, has been retracted by agreement between the authors, the journal Editor‐in‐Chief, James McCluskey, and Blackwell Publishing Ltd. The retraction has been agreed due to inadvertent publication of the same article in a prior issue of the journal: Park, H. J., Oh, Y., Kang, H. J., Han, E. J., Shin, H. Y., Ahn, H. S., Ahn, K. S., Yoon, B. H. and Han, B. D. (2011), A gene‐specific primer extension and liquid bead array system for killer‐cell immunoglobulin‐like receptor genotyping.Tissue Antigens, 77:251–256. Blackwell Publishing Ltd. accepts responsibility for this error.

Reference

1. Park HJ, Oh Y, Kang HJ, Han EJ, Shin HY, Ahn HS, Ahn KS, Yoon BH & Han BD. A gene‐specific primer extension and liquid bead array system for killer cell immunoglobulin‐like receptor genotyping. Tissue Antigens, 77: 535–539.
Association of the HLA‐G gene +3142C>G polymorphism with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Consiglio C. R. , Veit T. D. , Monticielo O. A. , Mucenic T. , Xavier R. M. , Brenol J. C. T. , Chies J. A. B.
Published: March 2011

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an inflammatory autoimmune disease that affects several organs and systems. Its etiology remains unknown, although it is probably multifactorial. The human leukocyte antigen G (HLA‐G) is a nonclassic major histocompatibility complex I molecule characterized by restricted expression and low DNA polymorphism. HLA‐G plays a role in immunosuppression through different mechanisms. In inflammatory diseases, it has been postulated that HLA‐G expression may be a possible mechanism of tissue protection against exacerbated inflammatory response. On the 3′ untranslated region (3′ UTR) of the HLA‐G gene, there is an insertion/deletion polymorphism of 14 bp (rs1704) that was shown to influence the mRNA stability. The influence of this polymorphism in disease susceptibility is controversial. Also in the 3′ UTR there is a single nucleotide polymorphism C/G (rs1063320) on the position +3142, at a possible binding site for microRNAs (miRNAs) and having an influence on miRNA affinity. In this study, we analyzed the +3142C>G and the 14 bp polymorphisms in 195 SLE European‐derived female patients. Our findings show a significant increase of the +3142G allele frequency among patients as compared with controls (0.58 vs 0.47, P = 0.011). Also, patients presented a higher frequency of the GG genotype (OR = 1.90, 95% CI: 1.08–3.42). Double heterozygotes for the two polymorphisms presented a milder mean systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index (SLEDAI) than heterozygotes for only one of the variants or non‐heterozygous individuals (1.56 vs 3.15 and 3.26, respectively, corrected P = 0.044). These results suggest the involvement of the HLA‐G molecule on SLE susceptibility and outcome.
Secondary pulmonary alveolar proteinosis after unrelated cord blood hematopoietic cell transplantation
Authors: Ansari Marc , Rougemont Anne‐Laure , Le Deist Françoise , Ozsahin Hulya , Duval Michel , Champagne Martin A. , Fournet Jean‐Christophe
Published: March 2011

Ansari M, Rougemont A‐L, Le Deist F, Ozsahin H, Duval M, Champagne MA, Fournet J‐C. Secondary pulmonary alveolar proteinosis after unrelated cord blood hematopoietic cell transplantation.

Abstract:  PAP is a rare alveolointerstitial lung disorder characterized histologically by the intra‐alveolar accumulation of eosinophilic and PAS‐positive material. We observed two cases of PAP after unrelated CB hematopoietic progenitor cell transplantation in children with ALL. No antagonist activity toward GM‐CSF was identified in the patient tested. The putative multifactorial PAP etiology is discussed. This potentially curable condition should be considered in a CB allograft recipient with alveolointerstial lung disorder.
Differential drying rates of recalcitrant Trichilia dregeana embryonic axes: a study of survival and oxidative stress metabolism
Authors: Varghese Boby , Sershen  , Berjak Patricia , Varghese Dalia , Pammenter Norman W.
Published: March 2011

Studies to elucidate the biochemical basis of survival of excised embryonic axes (EAs) of recalcitrant seeds of Trichilia dregeana at different drying rates revealed significant differences between slow and rapid drying. Rapid drying allowed these EAs to survive dehydration to much lower water contents (WCs; ca. 0.31 g g−1 dry mass basis with 73% germination) compared with slow drying, where 90% of the EAs lost viability at a WC of ca. 0.79 g g−1. In EAs slowly dried within seeds, the levels of hydroxyl radical (three‐ to fivefold at WCs >0.5 g g−1) and lipid peroxidation (50% at similar WC) were significantly higher compared with those dried rapidly to comparable WCs. When EAs were dried slowly, enzymic antioxidant levels were not sustained and declined significantly with prolonged storage. In contrast, sustained activity of enzymic antioxidants was detected in rapidly dried EAs even at relatively low WCs. Furthermore, the greater decline in glutathione (GSH)/GSH disulphide ratio in EAs slowly dried within seeds compared with rapidly dried EAs and a shift in GSH redox potential to relatively more positive values in the EAs slowly dried within seeds was correlated with considerable viability loss. It is apparent from this study that greater retention of viability to lower WCs in rapidly dried EAs from recalcitrant seeds may at least be partly explained by the retention of functional antioxidant status. It is also suggested that the reduction of viability in rapidly dried EAs at very low WCs appears to be a non‐oxidative process.
How reliable is the double‐ended pressure sleeve technique for assessing xylem vulnerability to cavitation in woody angiosperms?
Authors: Ennajeh Mustapha , Simões Fabiano , Khemira Habib , Cochard Hervé
Published: March 2011

The reliability of a double‐ended pressure sleeve technique was evaluated on three woody angiosperm species with contrasting maximum vessel lengths. Vulnerability curves (VCs) were constructed by varying sample length and the size of the pressure sleeves. VCs were compared against curves obtained with reference techniques. For the two diffuse‐porous species, Betula pendula and Prunus persica, VCs built with shoot segments shorter than maximum vessel length strongly overestimated species vulnerability. Furthermore, increasing the size of the pressure sleeve also tended to lead to overestimated VCs. For the ring‐porous species Quercus robur, the technique strongly overestimated vulnerability to embolism, whatever the sample length or chamber tested. In conclusion, the double‐ended pressure sleeve technique only gives reliable VCs on diffuse‐porous angiosperms with short pressure sleeves, only when segments are longer than maximum vessel length.
Impact of mitochondrial alternative oxidase expression on the response of Nicotiana tabacum to cold temperature
Authors: Wang Jia , Rajakulendran Nirusan , Amirsadeghi Sasan , Vanlerberghe Greg C.
Published: March 2011

The plant mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) includes a non‐energy conserving alternative oxidase (AOX) thought to dampen reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation by the ETC and/or facilitate carbon metabolism by uncoupling it from ATP turnover. When wild‐type (WT) Nicotiana tabacum grown at 28°C/22°C (light/dark) were transferred to 12°C/5°C, they showed a large induction of leaf Aox1a mRNA and AOX protein within 24 h. Transfer to cold also resulted in a large accumulation of monosaccharides, an increase in transcript level of genes encoding important ROS‐scavenging enzymes and a moderate increase in lipid peroxidation. Transgenic plants with suppressed AOX level showed less cold‐induced sugar accumulation than WT while transgenic plants with enhanced AOX levels showed enhanced sugar accumulation. This is inconsistent with the hypothesis that AOX acts to burn excess carbohydrate, but rather suggests a role for AOX to aid sugar accumulation, at least during cold stress. At 28°C/22°C, plants with suppressed AOX had elevated levels of lipid peroxidation compared with WT, while plants with enhanced AOX had reduced lipid peroxidation. This is consistent with the hypothesis that AOX dampens ROS generation and oxidative damage. However, this inverse relationship between AOX level and lipid peroxidation did not hold upon shift to cold. Under this stress condition, plants with strong suppression of AOX show enhanced induction of ROS‐scavenging enzymes compared with WT and decline in lipid peroxidation. These data suggest that, under stress conditions, the lack of AOX enhances a mitochondrial stress‐signaling pathway able to increase the ROS‐scavenging capacity of the cell.
Tuberculous hepatic abscess appearing after liver transplantation in a patient with human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis B and C virus co‐infection
Authors: Rodríguez‐Framil M. , Antela A. , Prieto A. , Otero E. , Molina E. , Varo E.
Published: March 2011

M. Rodríguez‐Framil, A. Antela, A. Prieto, E. Otero, E. Molina, E. Varo. Tuberculous hepatic abscess appearing after liver transplantation in a patient with human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis B and C virus co‐infection. Transpl Infect Dis 2011: 13: 515–519. All rights reserved

Abstract: Tuberculosis infection occurs relatively frequently in solid organ transplant recipients, although the occurrence of tuberculous hepatic abscesses is uncommon. Anti‐tuberculous therapy has several concerns in transplant recipients, including an increased risk of cellular rejection and potential hepatotoxicity. We present the case of a human immunodeficiency virus‐infected liver transplant patient who developed multiple tuberculous liver abscesses. Treatment with isoniazid, ethambutol, pyrazinamide, and moxifloxacin was efficacious, well tolerated, and safe.
Correlates of species richness in the largest Neotropical amphibian radiation
Authors: GONZALEZ‐VOYER A. , PADIAL J. M. , CASTROVIEJO‐FISHER S. , DE LA RIVA I. , VILÀ C.
Published: March 2011

Although tropical environments are often considered biodiversity hotspots, it is precisely in such environments where least is known about the factors that drive species richness. Here, we use phylogenetic comparative analyses to study correlates of species richness for the largest Neotropical amphibian radiation: New World direct‐developing frogs. Clade‐age and species richness were nonsignficantly, negatively correlated, suggesting that clade age alone does not explain among‐clade variation in species richness. A combination of ecological and morphological traits explained 65% of the variance in species richness. A more vascularized ventral skin, the ability to colonize high‐altitude ranges, encompassing a large variety of vegetation types, correlated significantly with species richness, whereas larger body size was marginally correlated with species richness. Hence, whereas high‐altitude ranges play a role in shaping clade diversity in the Neotropics, intrinsic factors, such as skin structures and possibly body size, might ultimately determine which clades are more speciose than others.
Genetic differences among populations in sexual dimorphism: evidence for selection on males in a dioecious plant
Authors: YU Q. , ELLEN E. D. , WADE M. J. , DELPH L. F.
Published: March 2011

Genetic variation among populations in the degree of sexual dimorphism may be a consequence of selection on one or both sexes. We analysed genetic parameters from crosses involving three populations of the dioecious plant Silene latifolia, which exhibits sexual dimorphism in flower size, to determine whether population differentiation was a result of selection on one or both sexes. We took the novel approach of comparing the ratio of population differentiation of a quantitative trait (QST) to that of neutral genetic markers (FST) for males vs. females. We attributed 72.6% of calyx width variation in males to differences among populations vs. only 6.9% in females. The QST/FST ratio was 4.2 for males vs. 0.4 for females, suggesting that selection on males is responsible for differentiation among populations in calyx width and its degree of sexual dimorphism. This selection may be indirect via genetic correlations with other morphological and physiological traits.
Response of Trifolium repens to UV‐B radiation: morphological links to plant productivity and water availability
Authors: Hofmann R. W. , Campbell B. D.
Published: March 2011

This study used nine populations of Trifolium repens L. (white clover) to investigate possible relationships between plant morphological attributes and responses to ultraviolet‐B (UV‐B) radiation. Plants were exposed to 0 or 13.3 kJ·m−2·day−1 UV‐B for 12 weeks. Drought was applied in parallel to these treatments during the last 4 weeks of the experiment to test whether limited moisture availability would alter morphological UV‐B responses. UV‐B affected plant morphology under well‐watered conditions, reducing leaf size by 15%, leaf number by 5% and stolon elongation by 19%. The number of leaf primordia in the apical bud was decreased by 4% under UV‐B, and by 12% under drought. In drought‐exposed plants, leaf size was reduced by 50%, leaf number by 30% and stolon elongation by 60%. In addition, drought reduced specific leaf area (SLA) by 33% and increased leaf percentage dry mass (PDM) by 40%. UV‐B‐induced reduction in plant biomass in the T. repens populations was associated with higher plant productivity and this was further linked to larger leaf size as well as to lower PDM. In conclusion, the findings suggest that morphological attributes conferring fast potential growth under productive conditions carry a cost in the form of lower biomass accumulation under UV‐B.
Resistance of ‘Roxana’ to powdery mildew and its presence in some European spring barley cultivars
Authors: Dreiseitl Antonín
Published: March 2011

With 3 tables

In the last two decades, powdery mildew resistance has been investigated in a large number of barleys grown in the Czech Republic. Apart from those with the Mlo resistance, 29 spring barley cultivars were as fully resistant. In this study, tests on 22 of these cultivars are presented. Forty reference isolates of Blumeria graminis f. sp. hordei, including five isolates collected in 2008, were used. Two of the latter were virulent on 18 cultivars including ‘Havanna’, ‘Marnie’ and ‘Roxana’. ‘Roxana’ derived its resistance from wild barley accession 1B–86B, and was the first cultivar registered with this resistance. It is recommended that this resistance be designated Ro. According to their pedigrees, the resistances of ‘Andrey’ and ‘Lilly’ were also derived from ‘Marnie’. It is likely that the resistance of IN 0614 and NORD 06/1108 is Mlo. Thus, among the 29 cultivars, there are only two resistances, and only Mlo remains fully resistant.
A method for selection of restriction enzymes for sdCAPS marker construction
Authors: Jeong YeSol , Lee SunYoung , Choi InHye , Lim YongPyo , Hur YoonKang , Staub Jack E. , Chung SangMin
Published: March 2011

With 2 figures

Development of PCR‐based markers for single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) detection is prerequisite for various genetic analyses. The use of restriction enzymes (REs) following PCR amplification is a common and relatively low cost method for SNP detection. Simple and cost‐effective methodologies for SNP marker development that would enhance the use of SNP‐based technologies are desirable. As an alternative analytical method for selection of REs for recognition of SNP motifs for marker development that does not require computer‐based selection of REs is herein described. Given that only 12 REs are required for the detection of any SNP motif, the method described in this study is relatively inexpensive and technically simple.
Chronic lithium administration ameliorates 2,4,6‐trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid‐induced colitis in rats; potential role for adenosine triphosphate sensitive potassium channels
Authors: Daneshmand Ali , Mohammadi Hamed , Rahimian Reza , Habibollahi Peiman , Fakhfouri Gohar , Talab Saman Shafat , Mehr Shahram Ejtemaei , Dehpour Ahmad Reza
Published: March 2011

Background and Aim: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a multi‐factorial disease with an unknown etiology characterized by oxidative stress, leukocyte infiltration and a rise in inflammatory cytokines. This study was conducted to investigate lithium in 2,4,6‐trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)‐induced chronic model of experimental IBD, and the contribution of potassium channels as a possible underlying mechanism.

Methods: Experimental IBD was induced in rats by a single colonic administration of 10 mg of TNBS. Lithium, Glibenclamide (a potassium channel blocker), Lithium + Glibenclamide, Cromakalim or Lithium + Glibenclamide + Cromakalim were given twice daily for 7 successive days. At the end of the experiment, macroscopic and histopathologic scores, colonic malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) level, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity as well as plasma lithium level were assessed.

Results: Both macroscopic and histological features of colonic injury were markedly ameliorated by lithium. Likewise, the elevated amounts of MPO and MDA were diminished as well as those of TNF‐α (P < 0.05). Glibenclamide reversed the effect of lithium on these markers, Addition of cromakalim abrogated the effects mediated by glibenclamide and markedly decreased MPO activity, MDA level and TNF‐α content (P < 0.0.05). Macroscopic and microscopic scores and biochemical markers were significantly decreased in Cromakalim‐treated animals. No significant difference was observed between TNBS and Glibenclamide groups.

Conclusion: Lithium exerts prominent anti‐inflammatory effects on TNBS‐induced colitis in rats. Potassium channels contribute to these beneficial properties.
Pleural controversy: Aetiology of pneumothorax
Authors: HAYNES DEMONDES , BAUMANN MICHAEL H.
Published: March 2011

Pneumothoraces are classified as spontaneous, traumatic and iatrogenic. Spontaneous pneumothoraces that occur without recognized lung disease are termed primary spontaneous pneumothoraces (PSP), whereas those that occur due to an underlying lung disease are termed secondary spontaneous pneumothoraces. The aetiology of secondary, traumatic or iatrogenic pneumothoraces is not usually debated. However, the aetiology of PSP is potentially controversial and often debated. Therefore, PSP is the focus of this article. There are several purported causes, which include blebs, bullae, emphysema‐like changes (ELC) and pleural porosity. The controversy is valid because of the importance of recurrence prevention. This article reviews the current available evidence for the causes of PSP. The causes of PSP are likely a combination ELC, pleural porosity and other potential factors.
Comparison of cardiorespiratory fitness and body mass index between rural and urban youth: Findings from the East of England Healthy Hearts Study
Authors: Sandercock Gavin R.H. , Ogunleye Ayodele , Voss Christine
Published: March 2011

Background:  The aim of the present study was to determine if there were differences in cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and body mass index (BMI) in rural versus urban youth.

Methods:  We measured BMI in 6628 10.0–15.9‐year‐olds and classified them as normal weight, overweight or obese. CRF was assessed with a 20‐m shuttle‐run test and subjects were classified as unfit, fit or highly fit. Rural or urban dwelling was calculated from postcodes.

Results:  There were no differences in frequency of BMI categories or CRF between rural and urban children (<13 years) or adolescents (>13 years). Rural adolescents were less likely to be fit (OR = 0.80; 95%CI 0.67–0.96) or highly fit (OR = 0.69; 95%CI 0.55–0.86) independent of their age, sex, race or level of deprivation.

Conclusions:  Whilst there were no differences evident in children <13 years, rural adolescents were significantly less likely to meet criterion‐based cut‐off points for CRF. Research to elucidate why such differences exist is warranted.
Retinal vascular caliber and metabolic syndrome in a Chinese population
Authors: Yuan Y. , Ikram M. K. , Vingerling J. R. , Jiang S. , Lin H. , Liu M. , Ren L. , Gao X.
Published: March 2011

Background:  Microvascular changes have been associated with the metabolic syndrome.

Methods:  We included 869 participants aged ≥40 years from the High‐risk for Diabetes Changfeng Study, who had gradable fundus photographs. On digital photographs sum retinal arteriolar and venular calibers were measured with a semi‐automated system. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to the International Diabetes Federation consensus.

Results:  A total of 286 (32.9%) participants was diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. Participants with narrower retinal arteriolar caliber were more often diagnosed with metabolic syndrome (odds ratio 1.78, 95% confidence interval 1.02–3.10; lowest vs highest quintile). Additionally adjusting for age, gender, education, smoking and weekly activity, and adding arteriolar and venular caliber simultaneously in the same models did not alter these associations. In the component analyses, participants with narrower retinal arteriolar caliber were more likely to have central obesity, dyslipidaemia or raised blood pressure, and less likely to have raised fasting plasma glucose. The association between wider venular caliber and metabolic syndrome was less pronounced and non‐significant (odds ratio 1.34; 95% confidence interval 0.79–2.38; highest vs lowest quintile).

Conclusion:  Retinal arteriolar narrowing and, to a lesser extent, retinal venular dilatation were associated with metabolic syndrome in this Chinese population. These vascular changes, although small in magnitude, may still be important in the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in the metabolic syndrome.
Variability in vitamin D assays impairs clinical assessment of vitamin D status
Authors: Lai J. K. C. , Lucas R. M. , Banks E. , Ponsonby A.‐L. ,   Ausimmune Investigator Group
Published: March 2011

Background:  Measuring serum 25(OH)D concentration is common in clinical practice despite the questionable reliability of assays.

Aims:  The aim of the present study was to examine agreement in 25(OH)D concentrations measured by different assays and laboratories, and consider related clinical implications.

Methods:  Serum samples from 813 participants in the Australian Multicentre Study of Environment and Immune Function (the Ausimmune Study) were assayed for 25(OH)D concentration. Duplicate samples from subsets of subjects were sent to different laboratories, two using DiaSorin Liaison (Laboratory A and B) and one using Liquid Chromatography‐Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS – selected here as the nominal gold standard). Pairwise within‐assay (both within‐laboratory and between‐laboratories) and between‐assay agreement was examined using Deming regression and Bland‐Altman plots. Common 25(OH)D cut‐points for classification of vitamin D deficiency were used to compare the different assays.

Results:  25(OH)D concentrations measured using Liaison were substantially lower at Laboratory A than at Laboratory B (mean bias −11.60 nmol/L, 95% limits of agreement −46.39, 23.18). Both Liaison assays returned much lower 25(OH)D concentrations than LC‐MS/MS (mean bias up to −26.05 nmol/L, 95% limits of agreement of −13.21, 65.31). For Laboratory A participants, 46% (355/765) were classified as vitamin D deficient (25(OH)D <50 nmol/L) using Liaison compared with 17% (128/765) using LC‐MS/MS. For Laboratory B participants, the respective figures were 36% (76/209) and 20% (41/209). Hence, between 1‐in‐5 and 1‐in‐3 participants were misclassified as ‘deficient’.

Conclusion:  Bias and variability in 25(OH)D measurements sufficient to affect significantly clinical decision‐making were found both between‐laboratories and between‐assays. The adoption of common standards to allow assay calibration is required urgently.
Quality of life: a potentially useful measure to indicate subclinical flares in Crohn disease
Authors: Cámara R. J. A. , Juillerat P. , Pittet V. , Schoepfer A. M. , Begré S. , von Känel R. ,   the Swiss Inflammatory Bowel Disease Cohort Study Group
Published: March 2011

Background:  While quality of life (QoL) is a well‐recognised outcome measure of Crohn disease (CD) activity, its influence on other outcome measures, including exacerbation of CD is poorly understood. If QoL measures were to be associated with intestinal inflammatory activity, they might be useful for early detection of subclinical flares.

Aims:  We hypothesised that low QoL might be associated with subsequent CD flares.

Methods:  A cohort of 318 adult CD patients was observed for 1 year after assessment of baseline characteristics. Data were collected in Swiss university hospitals, regional hospitals and private practices. At inclusion, patients completed the Inflammatory Bowel Disease QoL Questionnaire (gastrointestinal QoL; range: 32 to 224 points) and the Short Form‐36 Health Survey (general QoL; range: 35 to 145 points). During follow up, flares were recorded. Binary logistic regression was performed to estimate the relation between QoL and the odds of subsequent flares.

Results:  A twofold decrease in the odds of flares (99% CI: 1.1; 4.0) per standard deviation of gastrointestinal QoL and a threefold decrease (99% CI: 1.5; 6.2) per standard deviation of general QoL were observed.

Conclusions:  The close association between QoL and subsequent flares suggests that QoL measures might be useful in detecting upcoming flares before they become clinically apparent.
Differences in characteristics of men with localised prostate cancer who demonstrate low, intermediate or high prostate‐specific antigen velocity
Authors: Algotar A. M. , Thompson P. A. , Ranger‐Moore J. , Stratton M. S. , Hsu C. H. , Ahmann F. R. , Nagle R. B. , Stratton S. P.
Published: March 2011

Background:  Current diagnostic tools are inadequate for reliable prediction of prostate cancer (PCa) aggressiveness in patients with localised disease. This results in many patients being exposed to potentially unnecessary invasive treatment and its associated morbidities. In order to develop appropriate treatment strategies, it is essential to understand the differences between patients who will develop aggressive disease and those who will not.

Methods:  A longitudinal study was conducted in men with localised PCa on active surveillance for their disease in which 140 subjects were followed every 3 months for up to 5 years. Change in prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) over time (PSA velocity) was used as a marker for PCa progression. Subjects were categorised as slow, intermediate and fast progressors based on tertiles of PSA velocity. Differences in baseline markers were investigated using logistic regressions. Two approaches were used, slow progressors were compared with fast progressors (model 1) and slow progressors were compared with combination of intermediate and fast progressors (model 2).

Results:  Aspirin was negatively associated with high PSA velocity in model 1 (odds ratio (95% confidence interval): 0.24 (0.06, 0.94), P‐value = 0.04) and model 2 (odds ratio = 0.22 (0.08, 0.59), P‐value = 0.003), whereas smoking was positively associated with high PSA velocity in model 1 (1.03 (0.92, 1.13), P‐value = 0.01).

Conclusions:  These findings highlight the role of aspirin and smoking in PCa progression. They have potential towards risk stratification as well as PCa prevention and hence need to be investigated further.
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy: an Australian single centre experience with medium term follow up
Authors: Samardhi H. , Raffel O. C. , Savage M. , Sirisena T. , Bett N. , Pincus M. , Small A. , Walters D. L.
Published: March 2011

Background:  Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC) is increasingly recognised in patients presenting with features of acute coronary syndrome. We present a single centre experience of TC with medium term follow up.

Methods:  Fifty‐two consecutive patients presenting with a diagnosis of TC were included. The clinical presentation, complications, baseline and follow‐up echocardiograms and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging were analysed.

Results:  Fifty‐one patients were female. A stressful event preceded presentation in 37 (71%) patients. Chest pain was the most common symptom (83%). Two patients presented with an out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest. ST segment elevation (40%) and global T wave inversion (44%) were the most frequent electrocardiogram changes. Left ventricular assessment demonstrated typical apical ballooning in 41 patients and 11 patients demonstrated the mid‐wall variant. In‐hospital complications occurred in 11 patients (21%) and included acute pulmonary oedema (n = 2), cardiogenic shock (n = 5); two of whom had a significant left ventricular outflow gradient, atrial fibrillation (n = 1), left ventricular thrombus (n = 2) and a cerebrovascular event (n = 2). Left ventricular function at presentation and follow up was compared in 40 patients. The mean ejection fraction in this group at presentation was 47% (20–70%) compared with that at follow up of 63% (44–76%). There were no significant complications or recurrences at follow up.

Conclusions:  While TC is a reversible condition with low rates of complications and recurrence at follow up it is, as demonstrated in our cohort, associated with significant in‐hospital morbidity in a proportion of patients.
Effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on the postpartum dyspareunia treatment
Authors: Dionisi Barbara , Senatori Roberto
Published: March 2011

Aim:  This article will evaluate the safety and efficacy of intravaginal transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for the treatment of vulvar pain and dyspareunia during the postpartum period related to perineal trauma caused by episiotomy.

Methods:  From January 2007 to January 2009, 45 women presenting with postpartum dyspareunia related to perineal trauma after a vaginal delivery were educated on the importance of the pelvic floor and its part in continuing dyspareunia. The treatment consisted of weekly applications of intravaginal TENS in an outpatient setting and daily home therapy with myofascial stretching and exercises of the pelvic floor musculature. The results were evaluated using the cotton swab test, the Marinoff Dyspareunia Scale and the Visual Analog Scale, and the anovulvar distance was assessed prior to and at the end of the treatment period.

Results:  Of the women included in the study, 84.5% reported an improvement of dyspareunia after only five applications of TENS, with a total remission of symptoms (in 95% of patients) at the end of the protocol. At follow‐up, eight months after the end of treatment, all patients were pain free.

Conclusions:  Therapy with intravaginal transcutaneous nerve stimulation and pelvic floor relaxation exercises is safe and effective in the improvement of vulvar pain and dyspareunia in women with postpartum perineal trauma due to episiorrhaphy, after spontaneous delivery.
Outcome of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2 diagnosed by punch biopsy in 131 women
Authors: Ding Zongqun , Jiang Chunping , Shore Timothy , Pather Selvan , Dalrymple Christopher , Atkinson Kenneth , Murali Rajmohan , Yousef Al‐Rayyan Ehab Salem , Luo Kehui , Carter Jonathan
Published: March 2011

Aim:  To study the outcome of biopsy‐diagnosed cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 2 in patients treated by loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) or cold knife cone biopsy (CKC).

Material and Methods:  Patients (n = 131) were analyzed for histological results on LEEP/CKC specimen. Demographic and risk factors, referral cytology, high risk human papilloma virus (HR HPV) test and follow‐up colposcopic clinic visits were studied.

Results:  Excisional specimens from LEEP/CKC demonstrated no CIN in 20 (15%), CIN 1 in 17 (13%), CIN 2 in 57 (44%) and CIN 3 in 37 (28%). No invasive cancers were identified. The referral Pap smear was high grade or possible high grade in 52 (40%), low grade in 59 (45%) and inconclusive in 20 (15%). Fourteen patients (11%) had positive excisional margins, eight of the 14 were tested for HR HPV infection before LEEP, and all were positive. Post‐treatment HPV testing was performed at the 12‐month visit in 6 of the 14 patients who had positive excision margins, and all 6 tested were negative. Two women (1.5%) with clear margins had recurrence of CIN 2, both tested positive for HR HPV after treatment.

Conclusion:  Our data showed that a significant number of women (28%) with biopsy‐diagnosed CIN 2 had CIN 1 or no dysplasia on subsequent excisional biopsy. The recurrence risk of high grade dysplasia in CIN 2 is low (1.5%). However, due to the high number of patients (72%) with high grade dysplasia at treatment biopsy, caution needs to be exercised when a conservative approach is adopted in the management of CIN 2.
Post‐cesarean vesicouterine fistula (Youssef syndrome): Report of two cases
Authors: Ikechebelu Joseph I. , Ugboaja Joseph O. , Okeke Chukwunwendu F.
Published: March 2011

Vesicouterine fistula (VUF) is a rare complication of cesarean section. We present two cases of VUF that were successfully managed by transperitoneal surgical repair. The first case presented with the Youssef classical triad: cyclical hematuria (menouria), amenorrhea and urinary continence, while the second case presented with total urinary incontinence with normal menstruation. In both cases, diagnosis was confirmed by hysterogram and both were managed by transperitoneal surgical repair. The clinical features, etiologic factors, diagnostic procedures and treatment modalities are discussed in relation to the case and others as reported in the literature.
Mitral valve replacement in a twin pregnancy
Authors: Kisat Mehreen , Fatimi Saulat H. , Sheikh Lumaan , Samad Khalid
Published: March 2011

A 35‐year‐old female with twin gestation diagnosed with severe mitral stenosis and pulmonary hypertension was successfully treated with open heart surgery for mitral valve replacement (MVR). She gave birth to twins with good Apgar scores at 33 weeks of gestation by cesarean section. Cardiac surgery in singleton pregnancy has been reported extensively. However, there is only a single reported case of MVR following therapeutic abortion of a twin pregnancy in the second trimester. In contrast, we report the first case of mitral valve replacement for severe mitral stenosis and pulmonary hypertension in an ongoing twin pregnancy with successful outcomes.