bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long term outcome after delirium in the intensive care unit
Authors: Van Rompaey Bart , Schuurmans Marieke J , Shortridge‐Baggett Lillie M , Truijen Steven , Elseviers Monique , Bossaert Leo
Published: September 2009

Aims and objectives.  This research studied the long term outcome of intensive care delirium defined as mortality and quality of life at three and six months after discharge of the intensive care unit.

Background.  Delirium in the intensive care unit is known to result in worse outcomes. Cognitive impairment, a longer stay in the hospital or in the intensive care unit and a raised mortality have been reported.

Design.  A prospective cohort study.

Methods.  A population of 105 consecutive patients was included during the stay at the intensive care unit in July–August 2006. The population was assessed once a day for delirium using the NEECHAM Confusion Scale and the CAM‐ICU. Patients were visited at home by a nurse researcher to assess the quality of life using the Medical Outcomes Study Short‐Form General Health Survey at three and six months after discharge of the intensive care unit. Delirious and non delirious patients were compared for mortality and quality of life.

Results.  Compared to the non delirious patients, more delirious patients died. The total study population discharged from the intensive care unit, scored lower for quality of life in all domains compared to the reference population. The domains showed lower results for the delirious patients compared to the non delirious patients.

Conclusions.  Mortality was higher in delirious patients. All patients showed lower values for the quality of life at three months. The delirious patients showed lower results than the non delirious patients.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Nurses are the first caregivers to observe patients. The fluctuating delirious process is often not noticed. Long term effects are not visible to the interdisciplinary team in the hospital. This paper would like to raise the awareness of professionals for long term outcomes for patients having experienced delirium in the intensive care unit.
Exophiala xenobiotica infection in cultured striped jack, Pseudocaranx dentex (Bloch & Schneider), in Japan
Authors: Munchan C , Kurata O , Wada S , Hatai K , Sano A , Kamei K , Nakaoka N
Published: September 2009

This report describes Exophiala infection in cultured striped jack, Pseudocaranx dentex, in Japan in 2005. One hundred out of 35 000 fish died per day and mortalities continued for 1 month. Diseased fish showed swelling of the abdomen and kidney distension. Numerous septate hyphae, pale brown in colour, were seen in kidney in squash preparations. Histology revealed abundant fungal hyphae and conidia in gill, heart and kidney. Fungal hyphae were accompanied by cell necrosis and influx of inflammatory, mainly mononuclear cells. The fungus isolated from the diseased fish had septate hyphae, pale brown in colour and 1.8–3.0 μm in diameter. Conidiogenous cells were conspicuous annellides, short or cylindrical or fusiform in shape. Conidia were one‐celled, ellipsoidal with smooth walls, accumulated in balls at the apices of annellides that tended to slide down, 1.5–2.0 μm in width and 3.0–5.0 μm in length. The fungus was classified into the genus Exophiala based on its morphology and as Exophiala xenobiotica based on the sequences of the ITS 1–5.8S–ITS 2 regions of rDNA. This is the first record of this fungus in a marine fish.
The nutritional intake supplied by enteral formulae used in older children (aged 7–12 years) on home tube feeds
Authors: Evans S. , Daly A. , Davies P. , MacDonald A.
Published: September 2009

Background:  In the UK, patients aged 6–12 years contribute more than one‐third of children on home enteral tube feeds (HETF). Many enteral feeds are given to this age group. The present study aimed to investigate the formula with the best nutritional composition for children aged 7–12 years on HETF by comparing the nutrient intake of three feed types; a paediatric feed (PF) for 1–6 year olds, an adult feed (AF), and a feed for children (OCF) aged 7–12 years.

Methods:  Twenty‐five HETF children aged 7–14 years (median 10 years) were given a 6.3 kJ mL−1 enteral feed designed for 7–12 year olds (or weighing 21–45 kg) for 9 months. Nutrient intakes on the 7–12‐year‐old feed were compared with baseline feed (paediatric n = 10; or adult n = 15).

Results:  At baseline, the PF failed to meet 100% of the reference nutrient intake (RNI) for three of 19 (16%) of the nutrients studied, whereas AF provided in excess of 250% of the RNI for six of 19 (32%) of the nutrients. During the trial, the nutrients on the OCF were two of 19 (11%) <100% and four of 19 (21%) >250% of the RNI. Only seven of 10 (70%) children on a PF met at least 100% of the UK RNI for calcium, compared to 17 of 19 (89%) on the OCF.

Conclusions:  It is important to offer older children an enteral feed that provides an optimal level of nutrients to meet their nutritional requirements. Feeds designed for 7–12‐year‐old children more closely meet nutrient requirements than paediatric or adult formulae, but require further modification to fully meet the nutritional needs of this group.
The impact of enteral feeding protocols on nutritional support in critically ill children
Authors: Meyer R. , Harrison S. , Sargent S. , Ramnarayan P. , Habibi P. , Labadarios D.
Published: September 2009

Background:  Studies have shown that feeding protocols may assist in achieving optimal nutritional care in critically ill children. The present study aimed to assess the impact of enteral feeding protocols on nutritional support practices through a continuous auditing process over a defined period.

Materials and methods:  A prospective audit on nutritional practice was initiated in 1994–1995 on all ventilated patients who were admitted for more than a complete 24‐h period in the paediatric intensive care unit. The audit was repeated 1997–1998, 2001 and 2005. The collection of data on outcomes included the time taken to initiate nutritional support, the proportion of patients fed via the enteral versus parenteral route, and the proportion of children reaching 50% and 70% of the estimated average requirement (EAR) by day 3. Feeding algorithms and protocols were introduced after each audit with a view to improving practices.

Results:  Over the study period, time taken to initiate nutrition support was reduced from 15 h (1994–1995), 8 h (1997–1998), 5.5 h (2001) to 4.5 h (2005). The proportion of patients on parenteral feeds was reduced from 11% (1994–1995) to 4% (2005). An increase was also documented in the percentage of patients receiving a daily energy provision of 50% and 70% of the EAR by day 3 after the initiation of nutritional support (6% in 1994–1995 to 21% in 2005 for 70% of EAR).

Conclusion:  The present study demonstrates that feeding protocols improve nutritional practices in a paediatric intensive care unit. However, protocol introduction needs to be monitored regularly through audit.
Long‐term efficacy of ‘ready‐to‐drink’ protein substitute in phenylketonuria
Authors: Gokmen‐Ozel H. , MacDonald A. , Daly A. , Hall K. , Ryder L. , Chakrapani A.
Published: September 2009

Background:  In phenylketonuria (PKU), protein substitute is an essential part of dietary treatment. Short‐term studies have demonstrated that liquid protein substitutes (LPS) are efficacious, and improve compliance in teenagers and adults with PKU, although there are no data available to demonstrate that their effectiveness is sustained over time. The present retrospective study aimed to evaluate the long‐term efficacy of ready‐to‐drink protein substitute in a group of people with PKU.

Methods:  Thirty‐four patients (17 females and 17 males, median age 14.9 years, range 7.2–53.8 years) with PKU on dietary management were recruited from Birmingham Children’s Hospital. All patients who were taking a LPS for a median of 2.4 years (range 6 months to 4.1 years), had their plasma phenylalanine concentrations, anthropometric and nutritional biochemical markers reviewed, both before and when taking the LPS.

Results:  There was a significant improvement in median plasma phenylalanine (P < 0.05), vitamin B12 (P < 0.01), calcium (P < 0.05) and albumin (P < 0.05) concentrations in subjects (n = 13) aged >18 years when taking the LPS. In the children aged 7–18 years (n = 21), median plasma phenylalanine concentrations were maintained on LPS. Their plasma selenium concentrations (P < 0.05) deteriorated, but calcium (P < 0.05), albumin (P < 0.01), haemoglobin (P < 0.01) and haematocrit (P < 0.01) significantly improved.

Conclusions:  This retrospective review suggested that, in adult patients, the long‐term use of LPS is associated with better compliance by lowering blood phenylalanine and improving nutritional biochemical markers.
Phase imaging atomic force microscopy in the characterization of biomaterials
Authors: YE Z. , ZHAO X.
Published: September 2009

The phase imaging atomic force microscopy is a powerful tool in surface characterization of the biomaterials, and the resulting phase image is able to detect chemical variation and reveal more detailed surface properties than the morphological image. However, the chemical‐ and morphological‐dependent phase images were still not distinguished well. In order to better understand actual occurring phase images, we examined non‐carious human maxillary incisor, microphase separated polyurethane and self‐assembling peptide nanofibres. We herein reported that phase image mainly plotted the morphological change: the phase peak corresponding to the morphological valley, and the morphological peak to the phase valley, and exhibited fine surface structures of materials. The chemical‐dependent phase contrast was generally masked by their inherent roughness. For the sample being very rough and having great phase separation, its chemical‐dependent phase contrast could be detected at the hard tapping mode (‘Amp. Ref. “set point ratio”’: −0.4 to −0.8), for the sample with medium roughness only at the light tapping mode (‘Amp. Ref.’: −0.1 to −0.4). These results will help us understand and determine actual occurring phase images of natural or fabricated biomaterials, even, other materials.
Intermittent slow sand filtration for preventing diarrhoea among children in Kenyan households using unimproved water sources: randomized controlled trial
Authors: Tiwari Sangya‐Sangam K. , Schmidt Wolf‐Peter , Darby Jeannie , Kariuki Z. G. , Jenkins Marion W.
Published: September 2009

Objective  Measure effectiveness of intermittent slow sand filtration for reducing child diarrhoea among households using unimproved water sources in rural Kenya.

Methods  A randomized controlled trail was conducted among populations meeting a high‐risk profile for child diarrhoea from drinking river water in the River Njoro watershed. Intervention households (30) were provided the concrete BioSand Filter and instructed on filter use and maintenance. Control households (29) continued normal practices. Longitudinal monthly monitoring of diarrhoea (seven‐day daily prevalence recall) and of influent, effluent, and drinking water quality for fecal coliform was conducted for 6 months.

Results  Intervention households had better drinking water quality than control households (fecal coliform geometric mean, 30.0 CFU vs. 89.0 CFU/100 ml, P < 0.001) and reported significantly fewer diarrhoea days (86 days over 626 child‐weeks) compared to controls (203 days over 558 child‐weeks) among children up to 15 (age‐adjusted RR 0.46; 95 % CI = 0.22, 0.96). Greater child diarrhoea reduction due to the intervention (age‐adjusted RR 0.23, 95 % CI = 0.10, 0.51) was observed among the sub‐group using unimproved water sources all of the time.

Conclusion  Intermittent slow sand filtration, a non‐commercial technology, produces similar observed effects on child diarrhoea as commercial POU products, adding to the range of effective options for poor populations (chlorination, ceramic filtration, solar disinfection, flocculation/disinfection).
Health care waste management: a neglected and growing public health problem worldwide
Authors: Harhay Michael O. , Halpern Scott D. , Harhay Jason S. , Olliaro Piero L.
Published: September 2009

The objective of this Short Communication is to promulgate an inventory of 87 papers pertaining to health care waste management practices and challenges in 40 low and middle income countries worldwide amassed through a multi‐language systematic review. Herein, we discuss the major gaps, failures, and frequently reported themes by geographic region. Following this we outline a proposed research agenda moving forward, and conclude that greater research and attention towards these unintended consequences of technologic progress in medical care delivery is needed to address and understand this growing public health threat around the world.
Plasma concentrations of growth arrest‐specific protein 6 and protein S in patients with acute pancreatitis
Authors: Uehara Soichiro , Handa Hiroshi , Gotoh Katuhiro , Tomita Hiroshi , Sennshuu Mitiko
Published: September 2009

Background:  The aim of the present study was to clarify the changes in plasma concentrations of growth arrest‐specific protein 6 (Gas6) and protein S (PS) in patients with mild or severe acute pancreatitis (AP).

Methods:  The study group comprised 29 consecutive patients with AP (24 males, five females; mean age, 54.8 ± 15.0 years) and 20 healthy controls (10 males, 10 females; mean age, 53.0 ± 15.3 years). Plasma concentrations of Gas6 and PS were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results:  The concentration of Gas6 was significantly higher in both severe and mild AP than in healthy controls, and was significantly correlated with two of the multiple organ failure assessment scores. Furthermore, when compared with survivors, the concentrations of Gas6 in non‐survivors of severe AP were significantly increased. The concentrations of free PS and total PS were significantly decreased compared with normal controls, but there was no difference between cases and controls in the concentrations of C4 binding protein–PS.

Conclusion:  Plasma concentrations of Gas6 and PS correlate with disease severity. High concentrations of Gas6 reflect microcirculatory abnormalities, and phagocytosis of dying cells in sepsis associated with severe AP.
Patient satisfaction after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for biliary stones: A prospective multicenter study in Lombardy
Authors: Masci Enzo , Rossi Marzia , Minoli Giorgio , Mangiavillano Benedetto , Bianchi Guglielmo , Colombo Enrico , Comin Umberto , Fesce Edoardo , Perego Maurizio , Ravelli Paolo , Lella Fausto , Buffoli Federico , Zambelli Alessandro , Lomazzi Aldo , Fasoli Renato , Prada Alberto , Testoni Pier Alberto
Published: September 2009

Aims:  To measure patients' satisfaction after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for biliary stones in a large number of unselected endoscopy units.

Methods:  A prospective study using a questionnaire (Group Health Association of America—9 [GHAA‐9], modified) was administered 24 h and 30 days after the procedure. Patients undergoing endoscopy for biliary stones for the first time were enrolled in a large number of endoscopy units, regardless of their size and workload.

Results:  In all, 700 patients were enrolled in 15 units. A high proportion of patients expressed satisfaction (80%). Satisfaction was less extensive for pain control and the quality of information provided before the procedure. There were no differences in the replies to questionnaires at 24 h and 30 days.

Conclusion:  It is feasible to record patients' satisfaction and in this series most patients were very satisfied. Criticisms concerned pain control and explanations provided before the procedure.
Transrectal ultrasound navigation during minilaparotomy retropubic radical prostatectomy: Impact on positive margin rates and prediction of earlier return to urinary continence
Authors: Okihara Koji , Kamoi Kazumi , Kanazawa Motohiro , Yamada Takeshi , Ukimura Osamu , Kawauchi Akihiro , Miki Tsuneharu
Published: September 2009

Objectives:  To assess the impact of transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) navigation on positive margin rates and membranous urethral length (MUL) after minilaparotomy radical retropubic prostatectomy (MRP).

Methods:  Rates of positive distal margins prior to and after the application for TRUS navigation during MRP were assessed. Of the 189 men undergoing MRP at our institution, 70 were evaluated for the clinical usefulness of preoperative and postoperative MUL. Patients filled out self‐administrated questionnaires concerning continence status at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after the MRP. Surgery‐related factors including MUL were analyzed for the prediction of urinary continence after MRP.

Results:  With the application of TRUS, the rate of positive distal margins decreased by 14%. Postoperative MUL was an independent variable predictive of urinary continence 1 month after surgery. Patients with a MUL longer than 12 mm showed a significantly more favorable recovery from urinary incontinence after surgery.

Conclusion:  Application of TRUS results in a lower rate of positive margins, and a longer postoperative MUL is associated with an earlier return to urinary continence after MRP.
Radiofrequency ablation for renal tumors: Our experience
Authors: Hiraoka Kenji , Kawauchi Akihiro , Nakamura Terukazu , Soh Jintetsu , Mikami Kazuya , Miki Tsuneharu
Published: September 2009

Objectives:  To report our results of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for renal tumors and to assess predictors of therapeutic efficacy.

Methods:  Forty patients (median age 73 years) with renal tumors were treated with RFA under local or epidural anesthesia. All of them had high surgical risk or refused radical surgery. Tumors were punctured percutaneously using the Radionics Cool‐tip RF System under computed tomography or ultrasonographic guidance. Median tumor diameter was 24 mm. After RFA, contrast‐enhanced computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging was performed within 1 month. Complete response (CR) was defined as no enhancement inside the tumor. Factors related to the outcome and to renal function were assessed.

Results:  Median follow up was 16 months. CR was observed in 34 cases (85.0%). A significant difference in CR rate was observed between tumors ≤30 mm and those >30 mm. Outcomes tended to be better for tumors in the mid to lower kidney, and those away from the renal hilum. Recurrence was observed in one case (2.9%), but a CR was obtained again by additional RFA. Out of a total of 77 RFA procedures, complications occurred in only three cases (3.9%), and conservative treatment was possible in all cases. Serum creatinine levels 3 months after RFA did not differ from those before RFA.

Conclusions:  Percutaneous RFA is a safe and effective treatment for small renal tumors in patients with high surgical risk or who refuse radical surgery.
Climatic signals in tree‐rings of Araucaria angustifolia in the southern Brazilian highlands
Authors: OLIVEIRA JULIANO MORALES , ROIG FIDEL ALEJANDRO , PILLAR VALÉRIO DEPATTA
Published: September 2009

Araucaria angustifolia (Bertol.) O. Kuntze (Araucariaceae) is a Neotropical tree, widely distributed in subtropical mountain rain forests and nearby natural grasslands of Southern Brazil. This species produces annual growth rings, but its dendroclimatic potential is barely known. In the present paper, the long‐term growth patterns of A. angustifolia were investigated using annual growth ring time series and association to climate over the last century. Wood cores of A. angustifolia trees growing in forest and grassland habitats were obtained with an increment borer. The cores were surfaced, measured and cross‐dated. The dated ring‐width time series were standardized and submitted to correlation and principal component analysis to verify growth trends among sites and trees. Growth‐climate relationships were investigated using correlation and regression analyses, comparing the ordination axes scores to regional time series of precipitation and temperature. Due to anatomical irregularities, mainly partial rings, only 35 out of 60 trees were cross‐dated. The correlation and ordination analyses showed common tree‐growth trends within and between sites, indicative of a regional environmental force determining inter‐annual cambial activity variation. Despite growing in distinct habitats and disturbance regimes, A. angustifolia trees share a common long‐term growth pattern, which is significantly related to thermal conditions during the current and previous growing seasons. Moreover, site‐specific characteristics may have influenced opposite growth responses and association to climate conditions between forest and grassland trees.
Early ontogenetic trajectories vary among defence chemicals in seedlings of a fast‐growing eucalypt
Authors: MCARTHUR CLARE , LONEY PRUE E. , DAVIES NOEL W. , JORDAN GREGORY J.
Published: September 2009

Ontogenetic changes in leaf chemistry can affect plant–herbivore interactions profoundly. Various theoretical models predict different ontogenetic trajectories of defence chemicals. Empirical tests do not consistently support one model. In Eucalyptus nitens, a fast‐growing tree, we assessed early developmental changes to seedlings, in foliage concentrations of nitrogen and the full suite of known secondary (defence) chemicals. This included the terpene, α‐pinene, whose impact on marsupial herbivory is unknown. To test for the influence of abiotic conditions on the ontogenetic trajectories we overlaid a nutrient treatment. Ontogenetic trajectories varied among compounds. Sideroxylonals and cineole were barely detected in very young seedlings, but increased substantially over the first 200 days. Total phenolic concentration increased fourfold over this time. In contrast, α‐pinene concentration peaked within the first 60 days and again between 150 and 200 days. Nutrients altered the degree but not the direction of change of most chemicals. A shorter trial run at a different season showed qualitatively similar patterns, although α‐pinene concentration started very high. We investigated the effect of detected levels of α‐pinene and cineole on food intake by two mammalian herbivores, common brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) and red‐bellied pademelons (Thylogale billardierii). Under no‐choice conditions neither terpene reduced intake; but with a choice, possums preferred α‐pinene to cineole. The ontogenetic trajectories of most compounds were therefore consistent with models that predict an increase as plants develop. Published data from later developmental stages in E. nitens also confirm this pattern. α‐Pinene, however, was the only secondary compound found at significant levels in very young seedlings; but it did not constrain feeding by marsupial herbivores. Models must allow for different roles of defensive secondary chemicals, presumably associated with different selective pressures as plants age, which result in different ontogenetic trajectories.
Are dingoes a trophic regulator in arid Australia? A comparison of mammal communities on either side of the dingo fence
Authors: LETNIC MIKE , KOCH FREYA
Published: September 2009

The direct and indirect interactions that large mammalian carnivores have with other species can have far‐reaching effects on ecosystems. In recent years there has been growing interest in the role that Australia's largest terrestrial predator, the dingo, may have in structuring ecosystems. In this study we investigate the effect of dingo exclusion on mammal communities, by comparing mammal assemblages where dingoes were present and absent. The study was replicated at three locations spanning 300 km in the Strzelecki Desert. We hypothesized that larger species of mammal subject to direct interactions with dingoes should increase in abundance in the absence of dingoes while smaller species subject to predation by mesopredators should decrease in abundance because of increased mesopredator impact. There were stark differences in mammal assemblages on either side of the dingo fence and the effect of dingoes appeared to scale with body size. Kangaroos and red foxes were more abundant in the absence of dingoes while Rabbits and the Dusky Hopping‐mouse Notomys fuscus were less abundant where dingoes were absent, suggesting that they may benefit from lower red fox numbers in the presence of dingoes. Feral cats and dunnarts (Sminthopsis spp.) did not respond to dingo exclusion. Our study provides evidence that dingoes do structure mammal communities in arid Australia; however, dingo exclusion is also associated with a suite of land use factors, including sheep grazing and kangaroo harvesting that may also be expected to influence kangaroo and red fox populations. Maintaining or restoring populations of dingoes may be useful strategies to mitigate the impacts of mesopredators and overgrazing by herbivores.
Circadian variation in resource quality: leaf water content and its relevance to eastern grey kangaroo Macropus giganteus and common wombat Vombatus ursinus
Authors: JARMAN PETER J. , EVANS MURRAY C.
Published: September 2009

Green leaves of six grass species in temperate Australia showed considerable circadian variation (especially in summer) in water content, which peaked late in the night and fell from sunrise to an afternoon minimum. In summer, water content of a set of ‘wetter’ species (Axonopus affinis, Pennisetum clandestinum and Paspalum dilatatum) was consistently higher and varied less profoundly through the 24 h than that of a ‘drier’ set (Imperata cylindrica, Poa labillardieri and Themeda triandra). Hour‐to‐hour and day‐to‐day variation in leaf water content of P. dilatatum in summer partly but imperfectly reflected ambient temperature. Recognizing the risks for herbivores of visiting water sources, we considered leaf water content as a source of free water for leaf‐grazing herbivores, eastern grey kangaroos Macropus giganteus and common wombats Vombatus ursinus. Using known field metabolic rates, energy requirements and digestive efficiencies, we calculated these two species' free‐water intakes when satisfying their energy needs with these grasses but distributing their grazing in different schedules. Both species would obtain more free water by their observed foraging schedules than by random or daytime‐only schedules. We calculated that the measured grasses could satisfy the water requirements of wombats but not always those of kangaroos, who would need to drink when forage water content was less than about 70%. Water content of grass leaf could rise above and fall below this value within a day, creating some scope for kangaroos to manage their need to visit water by adjusting foraging schedules or choice of grass species. In future studies, circadian variation in leaf water content should be considered as a factor (together with their thermal physiology) driving herbivores' activity scheduling, and affecting their dietary selection.
Latitudinal trends in foliar oils of eucalypts: Environmental correlates and diversity of chrysomelid leaf‐beetles
Authors: STEINBAUER MARTIN J.
Published: September 2009

Eucalypts are characterized by their oleaginous foliage, yet no one has considered the universality of oil expression or its ecological associations and implications for biodiversity. Published literature on the oils of 66 eucalypts was combined with geographic distribution information contained in the Australian National Herbarium (ANHSIR) database to investigate continent‐scale changes in oil yield and composition. The exposure to fire and rainfall of each eucalypt was considered in reference to Walker's data on fire frequency and Australian Bureau of Meteorology 97‐year records of rainfall variability. Host collection records for 69 species of chrysomelid leaf‐beetle were collated from entomologists to consider patterns of association with a subset of 16 eucalypts. Eucalypts endemic to the seasonally arid, sub‐tropical to tropical climates of northern Australia have less oleaginous and aromatic leaves than species endemic to the mesic, temperate climates of the southern parts of the continent. Maximum oil yield and the concentrations of cineole and pinene were positively correlated with minimum fire interval but not with rainfall variability. Low oil contents in more northerly distributed species may facilitate persistence in highly fire‐prone habitats. There were no patterns in the diversity of chrysomelid leaf‐beetles with either the oil yield or the concentrations of 1,8‐cineole or α‐pinene in their hosts. When taken in consideration with the apparent strategy of eucalypts to tolerate insect herbivory, current evidence augurs against high concentrations of cineole or pinene acting alone as antibiotic plant secondary metabolites.
Diplochory in two Jatropha (Euphorbiaceae) species of the Monte Desert of Argentina
Authors: RICKERT ADRIANA A. , FRACCHIA SEBASTIÁN
Published: September 2009

The potential explosive seed dispersal under controlled conditions and the dispersal by ants in natural populations are compared between two diplochoric species: Jatropha hieronymi Kuntze and J. excisa Griseb. The seeds of J. hieronymi are more than eightfold heavier than J. excisa seeds, and were explosively dispersed considerably further distances, reaching a maximum of almost 18 m. The differences in explosive dispersal distances between the two species seem to depend on both carpel wall thickness of the fruit and aerodynamic shape of the seed. Seed removal by ants was positively correlated with the presence of the elaiosome and was higher for J. excisa (83.6%) than for J. hieronymi (31.6%). Seed size was the major factor affecting the removal by ants, as only large bodied ants were able to transport the large seeds of J. hieronymi. The larger size and the higher oleic acid content of the elaiosomes of J. hieronymi seeds had no influence on the observed removal rates by ants. In contrast, ants transported the J. hieronymi seeds further distances than J. excisa seeds. Jatropha hieronymi distances achieved by both dispersal modes are in the range of the furthest distances described for a diplochorous species. Finally, the possible advantages of this dispersal mode in arid zones are discussed.
Accumulation of reelin‐positive plaques is accompanied by a decline in basal forebrain projection neurons during normal aging
Authors: Madhusudan Amrita , Sidler Corinne , Knuesel Irene
Published: September 2009

Besides its critical role during neurodevelopment, the extracellular glycoprotein reelin is also a pivotal regulator of adult synaptic function and plasticity, and altered reelin‐mediated signalling has been suggested to contribute to neuronal dysfunction associated with Alzheimer’s disease. We have recently discovered, in aged rodents and non‐human primates, a pronounced decline in reelin‐positive interneurons and concomitant accumulation of reelin in extracellular amyloid‐like deposits, both being associated with episodic‐like memory impairments. Here, we report that these age‐related neuropathological changes in hippocampus, entorhinal and piriform cortices of aged wild‐type mice are accompanied by abnormal axonal varicosities and altered expression profiles of calcium‐binding proteins in plaque‐dense areas, as well as a significant reduction in the number of parvalbumin‐positive γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic projection neurons in basal forebrain areas, including medial septum (MS), ventral and horizontal diagonal Band of Broca (VDB/HDB) and substantia innominata (SI), compared with young subjects. In addition, a significant reduction in the number of choline acetyltransferase‐positive cholinergic projection neurons was evident in the HDB/SI area but not in the MS of aged compared with young wild‐type mice. No reelin‐deposits were found in these basal forebrain regions. Our findings suggest that the elevated reelin plaque load in the projection areas of afferent subcortical GABAergic and cholinergic neurons including hippocampus, entorhinal and piriform cortices affects the axonal integrity and survival of these neurons, potentially contributing to the cognitive impairments observed in aged wild‐type mice.
Visual recalibration of auditory spatial perception: two separate neural circuits for perceptual learning
Authors: Passamonti Claudia , Frissen Ilja , Làdavas Elisabetta
Published: September 2009

A remarkable example of rapid perceptual learning is the visual recalibration of auditory spatial perception, which can result in either a bias (ventriloquism after‐effect) or an improvement (multisensory enhancement) in auditory localization. Here, we examine the possibility that these after‐effects might depend on two distinct neural pathways (geniculostriate vs. collicular–extrastriate). To this end, patients with a lesion of the striate cortex (hemianopic patients) or temporoparietal cortex (neglect patients) were asked to localize weak sounds, before and after a brief exposure to repetitive auditory–visual stimulation which was given either in the normal or in the affected field. Adaptation comprised spatially disparate (Experiment 1) or spatially coincident (Experiment 2) auditory–visual stimuli. After exposure to spatially disparate stimuli in the normal field, all patients exhibited the usual shifts toward the visual attractor, at each sound location. In contrast, when the same kind of adaptation was given in the affected field, a consistent shift was still evident in neglect patients but not in patients with hemianopia. After adaptation to spatially coincident stimuli, and regardless of the adaptation hemifield, all patients exhibited a significant improvement in auditory localization, which was largest for sounds presented at the adapted location. The findings suggest the presence of two distinct recalibration mechanisms. Adapting to spatially conflicting stimuli invokes a corrective mechanism implemented within the geniculostriate circuit, which tries to reduce the registered discrepancy. Adapting to spatially aligned inputs invokes a mechanism implemented along a collicular–extrastriate circuit, which tries to reduce the localization error.
GABAergic interneurons targeting dendrites of pyramidal cells in the CA1 area of the hippocampus
Authors: Klausberger Thomas
Published: September 2009

The dendrites of pyramidal cells are active compartments capable of independent computations, input/output transformation and synaptic plasticity. Pyramidal cells in the CA1 area of the hippocampus receive 92% of their GABAergic input onto dendrites. How does this GABAergic input participate in dendritic computations of pyramidal cells? One key to understanding their contribution to dendritic computation lies in the timing of GABAergic input in relation to excitatory transmission, back‐propagating action potentials, Ca2+ spikes and subthreshold membrane dynamics. The issue is further complicated by the fact that dendritic GABAergic inputs originate from numerous distinct sources operating with different molecular machineries and innervating different subcellular domains of pyramidal cell dendrites. The GABAergic input from distinct sources is likely to contribute differentially to dendritic computations. In this review, I describe four groups of GABAergic interneuron according to their expression of parvalbumin, cholecystokinin, axonal arborization density and long‐range projections. These four interneuron groups contain at least 12 distinct cell types, which innervate mainly or exclusively the dendrites of CA1 pyramidal cells. Furthermore, I summarize the different spike timing of distinct interneuron types during gamma, theta and ripple oscillations in vivo, and I discuss some of the open questions on how GABAergic input modulates dendritic operations in CA1 pyramidal cells.
Neural encoding of cocaine‐seeking behavior is coincident with phasic dopamine release in the accumbens core and shell
Authors: Owesson‐White Catarina A. , Ariansen Jennifer , Stuber Garret D. , Cleaveland Nathan A. , Cheer Joseph F. , Mark Wightman R. , Carelli Regina M.
Published: September 2009

Mesolimbic dopamine neurons projecting from the ventral tegmental area to the nucleus accumbens (NAc) are part of a complex circuit mediating cocaine‐directed behaviors. However, the precise role of rapid (subsecond) dopamine release within the primary subregions of the NAc (the core and shell) and its relationship to NAc cell firing during this behavior remain unknown. Here, using fast‐scan cyclic voltammetry in rats we report rapid dopamine signaling in both the core and shell; however, significant differences were observed in the timing of dopamine release events within seconds of the cocaine‐reinforced response during self‐administration sessions. Importantly, simultaneous voltammetric and electrophysiological recordings from the same electrode reveal that, at certain sites within both subregions, neurons exhibiting patterned activation were observed at locations where rapid dopamine release was present; the greater the strength of the neural signal the larger the dopamine release event. In addition, it was at those locations that electrically‐evoked stimulated release was greatest. No changes in dopamine were observed where nonphasic neurons were recorded. Thus, although differences are evident in dopamine release dynamics relative to cocaine‐reinforced responding within the core and shell, dopamine release is heterogeneous within each structure and varies as a function of precise neuronal targets during cocaine‐seeking behavior.
Glucosylglycerate: a secondary compatible solute common to marine cyanobacteria from nitrogen‐poor environments
Authors: Klähn Stephan , Steglich Claudia , Hess Wolfgang R. , Hagemann Martin
Published: September 2009

The synthesis and accumulation of compatible solutes represent an essential part of the salt acclimation strategy of microorganisms. Glucosylglycerol is considered to be the typical compatible solute among marine cyanobacteria. However, genes that encode enzymes for the synthesis of glucosylglycerol were not detected in the genome sequences of marine picoplanktonic Prochlorococcus strains. Instead, we noticed the presence of genes that putatively encode for glucosylglycerate (GGA) synthesis among Prochlorococcus and most other closely related marine picocyanobacteria. Recombinant proteins from Prochlorococcus marinus SS120 and Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002 exhibited glucosyl‐phosphoglycerate synthase (GpgS) activity, and GpgS is a key enzyme of GGA synthesis. GGA accumulation was found to be salt‐ as well as nitrogen‐regulated in the coastal strain Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002. Moreover, GGA was also detected in all picoplanktonic Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus strains harbouring gpgS genes, especially under N‐limiting conditions. These results suggest that marine picocyanobacteria acquired the capacity to synthesize the negatively charged compound GGA during their evolution. Our results establish GGA as the fifth most widespread compatible solute among cyanobacteria. Additionally, GGA appears to replace glutamate as an anion to counter monovalent cations in marine picocyanobacteria from N‐poor environments.
Initial management of prostate cancer: first year experience with the Norwegian National Prostate Cancer Registry
Authors: Hernes Eivor , Kyrdalen Anne , Kvåle Rune , Hem Einar , Klepp Olbjørn , Axcrona Karol , Fosså Sophie D.
Published: September 2009

Study Type – Therapy (individual cohort)  Level of Evidence 2b

OBJECTIVE

Improving a country’s management of cancer patients requires continuous evaluation, and requires the availability of population‐based prognostic and therapeutic variables. We aimed to document the national diagnostic and therapeutic tasks in Norwegian patients with prostate cancer diagnosed in 2004, with the 2003 European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines representing the background.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The Norwegian Prostate Cancer Registry (NoPCR) was established in 2004, and data collected during this first year were reviewed. The Tumour‐Node‐Metastasis group, prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level and Gleason score were recorded as basic diagnostic variables, with the initial treatment. Patients with nonmetastatic T1‐T3 tumours were separated from those with advanced disease (T4 and/or N+ and/or M+). Patients with T1‐T3 tumours, aged ≤75 years, and in good health were candidates for curative local treatment (‘CurCands’) and were allocated to risk groups.

RESULTS

The compliance rate to the NoPCR was 96%; 2693 (72%) of 3744 eligible patients had T1‐T3 tumours and 833 (22%) had advanced disease (not classifiable in 218, 6%). Of 1650 CurCands (low‐risk 500; intermediate‐risk 453; high‐risk 697), 62% had radical prostatectomy or radiotherapy with or without hormone therapy, with the remaining 23% and 10% managed by, respectively, hormone therapy only or observation (other/unknown treatment, 6%).Only 64% of CurCands in the combined intermediate/high‐risk group had local treatment. In the low‐risk group local treatment was used in 57% of the patients, mainly in men with T2 tumours. In intermediate‐ and high‐risk CurCands, PSA was the strongest factor determining the performance of curative treatment. Adjuvant radiotherapy after radical prostatectomy was used in four of 142 patients with tumour‐involved margins.

CONCLUSION

In 2004 the initial management of prostate cancer in Norway was largely in accordance with the 2003 EAU guidelines, though there was some evidence of ‘over‐treatment’ of low‐risk patients and ‘under‐treatment’ of intermediate‐ and high‐risk patients. Some improvement of data collection by the NoPCR is warranted. National prostate cancer registries can contribute to improving the medical care of these patients.
Synergistic potentiation of interferon activity with maitake mushroom d‐fraction on bladder cancer cells
Authors: Louie Brandon , Rajamahanty Srinivas , Won John , Choudhury Muhammad , Konno Sensuke
Published: September 2009

OBJECTIVE

To examine whether the combination of interferon (IFN)‐α and maitake mushroom D‐fraction (PDF), a bioactive mushroom extract, might potentiate the anticancer activity of IFN‐α in bladder cancer T24 cells in vitro.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Effects of recombinant IFN‐α2b (0–50 000 IU/mL), PDF (0–700 µg/mL), or their combinations were assessed on T24 cell growth at 72 h. Cell cycle analysis and assays for double‐stranded DNA‐dependent protein kinase (DNA‐PK) were performed to explore possible antiproliferative mechanism of these agents.

RESULTS

IFN‐α2b was able to induce a significant (≈50%) growth reduction at 20 000 IU/mL, which further declined to ≈66% at 50 000 IU/mL. PDF had no effects up to 200 µg/mL, but there was an ≈20% and ≈53% growth reduction at 400 and 700 µg/mL, respectively. When the varying concentrations of IFN‐α2b and PDF were combined, 10 000 IU/mL of IFN‐α2b combined with 200 µg/mL of PDF resulted in an ≈75% growth reduction. This was accompanied by a G1 cell cycle arrest, shown by cell cycle analysis. Concurrently, DNA‐PK activity in IFN‐α2b/PDF‐treated cells was almost three‐fold higher than controls.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of IFN‐α2b (10 000 IU/mL) and PDF (200 µg/mL) reduced growth by ≈75% in T24 cells. This appears to be due to a synergistic potentiation of these two agents, inducing a G1 arrest with DNA‐PK activation. Therefore, the IFN‐α2b/PDF combination could trigger DNA‐PK activation that may act on the cell cycle to cease cancer cell growth.
Self‐reported history of overweight and its relationship to disordered eating in adolescent girls with Type 1 diabetes
Authors: Markowitz J. T. , Lowe M. R. , Volkening L. K. , Laffel L. M. B.
Published: September 2009

Aims  Increased body weight and disordered eating attitudes/behaviours are common in adolescent girls with Type 1 diabetes (T1D). Disordered eating increases risks for diabetes‐related complications. This study aimed to identify a rapid screening approach for disordered eating attitudes and behaviours in adolescent girls with T1D and to examine the relationship between disordered eating and body weight in this population.

Methods  Ninety adolescent girls, aged 12–19 years, provided a self‐assessment of weight status. Participants also completed questionnaires to assess attitudes/behaviours toward food and eating, appetitive responsiveness to the food environment, disinhibition in eating and weight history.

Results  Forty‐three per cent of participants reported a history of overweight. Compared with participants who reported never being overweight, those who reported ever being overweight were significantly older, scored significantly higher on all measures of disordered eating attitudes/behaviours (P ≤ 0.009) and were 4.8 times more likely to be currently overweight or obese (P < 0.001). Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) was similar between those who did and did not report ever being overweight.

Conclusions  Because of the ill‐health effects of disordered eating and the higher rate of overweight in adolescent girls with T1D, effective screening tools are warranted. The single question ‘Have you ever been overweight?’ may be sufficient as a first question to screen for those at high risk for disordered eating attitudes/behaviours and to provide early intervention and prevention.
Two‐step Prediction and Image Deflection for Exact Head Tracking in Virtual Environments
Authors: Mazuryk Tomasz , Gervautz Michael
Published: September 2009

Time lag and image jittering are the main reasons for destroying the feeling of reality in most virtual environments. They cause motion sickness because human beings are simply not used to unrealistically generated feedback. This paper proposes advanced software methods that greatly reduce these unwanted effects: a new improved two‐step prediction method for better head tracking, an image deflection technique to reduce remaining error and a new software configuration that allows the full use of available hardware capabilities. Our improved prediction technique reduces prediction error by 50% in comparison to standard methods. The image deflection allows to extend the prediction distance by 100% while keeping the error below a tolerable level.
Syntax Channelling and Other Issues affecting Innovation in the Graphical User Interface
Authors: King Mike
Published: September 2009

Does the modern commercial Graphical User Interface constrain the developer of graphics applications into certain interaction styles? This paper looks at the Microsoft Windows environment as an example, with particular reference to the question of interaction modes, screen real‐estate and visual appearance. The concept of syntax channelling is introduced to help analyse the problem of modality, and the question of button‐down versus button‐up dragging is debated in the context of a range of commercial applications, and possible consequences for upper limb disorder. A Windows application developed by the author involving the implementation of a variety of innovative interfacing techniques is presented.
Modeling 3D Curves of Minimal Energy
Authors: Veltkamp Remco C. , Wesselink Wieger
Published: September 2009

Modeling a curve through minimizing its energy yields an overall smooth curve. A common way to model shape features is to perform the minimization subject to a number of interpolation constraints. This way of modeling is attractive because the designer is not bothered with the precise representation of the curve (e.g. control points). However, local shape specification by means of interpolation constraints is very limited. On the other hand, local deformation by repositioning control points is powerful but very laborious, and destroys the minimal energy property. In this paper, deform operators are introduced for 3D curve modeling that have built‐in energy terms that have an intuitive effect. These operators allow local shape modification and do justice to the energy minimization way of modeling.