bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contrast-medium-induced nephropathy correlated to the ratio between dose in gram iodine and estimated gfr in ml/min
Authors: Nyman U. , Almén T. , Aspelin P. , Hellström M. , Kristiansson M. , Sterner Gunnar
Published: January 2006

Purpose: To suggest a more precise tool when assessing the risk of contrast-medium-induced nephropathy (CIN), i.e. the ratio between contrast medium (CM) dose expressed in grams of iodine (g-I) and estimated glomerular filtration rate in ml/min (eGFR; based on equations using serum-creatinine (s-Cr), weight, height, age, and/or sex), here named I-dose/GFR ratio.

Material and Methods: A Medline search of published CIN investigations reporting mean eGFR and mean dose of low-osmolality CM (LOCM) identified 10 randomized controlled prophylactic and 2 cohort coronary investigations, and 3 randomized and 1 cohort computed tomographic (CT) investigation. From the randomized trials, data were collected only from the placebo or control arms, unless there was no significant difference between the control and test groups. The mean I-dose/GFR ratio of each study was correlated with the mean frequency of CIN-1 (s-Cr rise⩾44.2 µmol/l or ⩾20–25%) and CIN-2 (oliguria or requiring dialysis). A maximum dose according to an I-dose/GFR ratio = 1 in patients with s-Cr ranging from 100 to 300 µmol/l was compared with that of Cigarroa's formula and with a “European consensus” threshold published by the European Society of Urogenital Radiology, both using s-Cr alone to predict renal function. McCullough's formula was used to assess the risk of CIN requiring dialysis at an I-dose/GFR ratio = 1 with LOCM.

Results: The coronary investigations revealed a linear correlation with a correlation coefficient between the I-dose/GFR ratio and the frequency of CIN-1 and CIN-2 of 0.91 ( P<0.001) and 0.84 ( P = 0.001), respectively. At a mean I-dose/GFR ratio = 1, the regression line indicated a 10% risk of CIN-1 and a 1% risk of CIN-2. At a mean I-dose/GFR ratio = 3, the risk of CIN-1 and CIN-2 increased to about 50% and 15%, respectively. Pooled weighted data from the CT investigations revealed a 12% risk of CIN-1 at a mean I-dose/GFR ratio = 1.1 and no cases of CIN-2. The maximum CM dose according to an I-dose/GFR ratio = 1 was about 30–50% of that of both Cigarroa's formula and the “European consensus” in elderly low-weight individuals, while it was similar for middle-aged individuals weighing about 90 kg. McCullough's formula suggests that there will be an exponentially increasing risk of CIN requiring dialysis, but at an I-dose/GFR ratio = 1 and using LOCM it will not exceed 1% until GFR decreases below 30 ml/min in diabetics and below 20 ml/min in non-diabetics.

Conclusion: Using the I-dose/GFR ratio may be a more expedient way of improving risk assessment of CIN than today's common practice of estimating CM dose from volume alone and renal function from s-Cr alone. Prospective studies based on individual patient data are encouraged to define the risk of CIN at various I-dose/GFR ratios and correlated to type of CM, examination, risk factors, etc.
Angulation, length, and morphology of the styloid process of the temporal bone analyzed by multidetector computed tomography
Authors: Onbas O. , Kantarci M. , Murat Karasen R. , Durur I. , Cinar Basekim C. , Alper F. , Okur A.
Published: January 2006

Purpose: To investigate the angulation, length, and structural variations of the styloid process (SP) by multidetector computed tomography (MDCT).

Material and Methods: MDCT scans were performed in 283 cases (127 M and 156 F, age range 18–77 years). The length of the SP and its angulation on the transverse and sagittal planes were measured. Structural variations of the SP were observed by means of three-dimensional (3D) and multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) images.

Results: The length of the bony SP on both sides varied from 0 to 62 mm (mean 26.8±10.0 mm). Angulation ranged between 55° and 90.5° (7 2.7±6.6) in the transversal plane and between 76° and 110° (93.5±6.9) in the sagittal plane. Morphologically, the SP showed a considerable amount of variation. A solitary SP was present in 168 individuals (59.4%). In 9 individuals (3.1%), the SP was duplicated (4 unilateral and 5 bilateral). Sixty-one persons (21.6%) showed an incomplete ossified SP (42 unilateral and 19 bilateral), whereas in 7 individuals (2.5%) a bony SP was absent entirely (7 unilateral). In 38 individuals (13.4%), the stylohyoid ligament was ossified (16 entirely, 22 partial). In all individuals, 3D and MPR images showed the SP in its entire length.

Conclusion: MDCT with 3D CT and MPR of SP may show further detailed information related to SP. Not only the length of the SP, but also its 3D orientation, should be in focus in anatomical and clinical studies.
Past Imperfect Future Impossible
Authors: Bukovsky Vladimir , Maryniak Irena
Published: January 2006

The late-1980s, the time of Mikhail Gorbachev’s ‘restructuring’ (perestroika), saw the Russian media exposing the Soviet past. There were revelations about repressions, the labour camps and the activities of the KGB. Was this the start of any kind of serious attempt to work through a totalitarian past and ‘de-Sovietise’ Russia?
Dictatorship of the Law
Authors: Hosking Geoffrey
Published: January 2006

RUSSIANS HANKER AFTER THE SECURITIES OF THE PAST RATHER THAN THE DELIGHTS OF DEMOCRACY AND THE RULE OF LAW — AND PRESIDENT VLADIMIR PUTIN IS HAPPY TO OBLIGE
Where Have All the Babushkas Gone?
Authors: Merridale Catherine
Published: January 2006

THE CHANGING SHAPE OF RUSSIAN WOMEN SAYS MORE ABOUT POST-SOVIET SOCIETY THAN MOST CONVENTIONAL INDICATORS
Media as Mouthpiece
Authors: Simonov Alexei , Farquharson Marjorie
Published: January 2006

AFTER A DECADE OF FREEDOM, THE GOVERNMENT HAS TAKEN THE NATIONAL MEDIA FIRMLY BACK UNDER ITS WING
Manifesto for the Dawn of Communism
Authors: Zinik Zinovy , Tait Arch
Published: January 2006

WE THOUGHT WE HAD SEEN THE LAST OF IT, BUT SOVIET COMMUNISM SEEMS TO BE ON ITS WAY BACK
Future Shock
Authors: Yerebenkov Yevgeny , Routledge Mike
Published: January 2006

THE UKRAINIAN REVOLUTION HAS CHANGED THE WAY POLITICS IS CARRIED ON IN RUSSIA AND MANY PREDICT THAT THE NEXT ELECTION WILL BE PLAYED OUT IN THE STREETS
The Threat Within
Authors: Gusejnov Gasan , Rich Vera
Published: January 2006

RUSSIAN LAW GRANTS ‘SPECIAL STATUS’ TO ISLAM. BUT FOR MANY ETHNIC RUSSIANS, ISLAM CONTINUES TO THREATEN THE INTEGRITY AND IDENTITY OF THE RUSSIAN STATE
Apathy Into Anarchy Does Go
Authors: Lipman Masha
Published: January 2006

CAUGHT BETWEEN APATHY AND CYNICISM, THE AVERAGE RUSSIAN CITIZEN DEVISES A HUNDRED AND ONE WAYS TO CHEAT THE SYSTEM. THE RESULT? ANARCHY UNBOUND
‘Watch Out! Religion!’
Authors: Ryklin Mikhail , Rich Vera
Published: January 2006

ORTHODOX FUNDAMENTALISTS JOIN HANDS WITH THE STATE TO ATTACK ART AND TOLERANCE
Victim of a Vendetta
Authors: Smith Clive Stafford
Published: January 2006

CLIVE STAFFORD SMITH CONTINUES HIS GUANTANAMO COLUMN WITH THE CASE OF THE SUDANESE JOURNALIST SAMI AL HAJJ
Letter To My Father
Authors: Wiwa Ken
Published: January 2006

TEN YEARS AFTER THE MURDER OF HIS FATHER BY THE NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT FOR HIS ROLE IN ORGANISING OGONI RESISTANCE TO THE DESTRUCTION AND EXPLOITATION OF THEIR LAND BY THE OIL GIANT SHELL, HIS SON RECALLS EVENTS
A Matter of Principle
Authors: Grayling AC
Published: January 2006

FREEDOM OF SPEECH, A CORNERSTONE OF INDIVIDUAL LIBERTY, IS BEING SACRIFICED TO THE UK GOVERNMENT’S DESIRE TO INTRODUCE A LAW ON INCITEMENT TO RELIGIOUS HATRED
High Price of a Scoop
Authors: Badcock James
Published: January 2006

JOURNALIST TAYSSIR ALLOUNI MIXED WITH SOME UNSAVOURY FOLK ON HIS WAY TO GETTING ONE OF THE GREAT NEWS SCOOPS OF THE DECADE. IT COST HIM DEAR
Chronicle of a Massacre Foretold
Authors: Andersen Michael
Published: January 2006

EXPERTS HAD LONG PREDICTED THAT UZBEK PRESIDENT ISLAM KARIMOV’S REPRESSION WOULD LEAD TO CATASTROPHE. NOW THEY WARN THAT WE CAN ONLY WAIT FOR THE NEXT ‘ANDIJAN’
Algèbres de Hecke affines génériques
Authors: Vignéras Marie-France
Published: January 2006

Soit

H
H

l’algèbre de Hecke du groupe de Weyl

W
W

d’une donnée radicielle basée

(
X
,

X
∨

,
R
,

R

∨

,
B
)

(X,X^\vee ,R,R^{\vee },B)

, et d’un poids générique

(

q
w

)

w
∈
W

(q_w)_{w\in W}

. Nous montrerons que

H
H

est un module de type fini sur son centre, et que le centre est une algèbre à engendrement fini. Ceci était connu après inversion du poids, mais il est essentiel de ne pas inverser le poids, dans l’étude des modules des algèbres de Hecke affines qui apparaissent naturellement dans la théorie des représentations des groupes réductifs

p
p

-adiques sur un corps

p
p

-adique ou de caractéristique

p
p

. Des applications de ces théorèmes de finitude à la théorie des modules sont donnés dans une seconde partie. Dans une troisième partie, on explicitera les résultats pour le groupe

G
L
(
n
)

GL(n)

, et l’on introduira pour ce groupe, les modules supersinguliers.
A regularized discriminative model for the prediction of protein–peptide interactions
Authors: Lehrach Wolfgang P. , Husmeier Dirk , Williams Christopher K. I.
Published: January 2006

Motivation: Short well-defined domains known as peptide recognition modules (PRMs) regulate many important protein–protein interactions involved in the formation of macromolecular complexes and biochemical pathways. Since high-throughput experiments like yeast two-hybrid and phage display are expensive and intrinsically noisy, it would be desirable to more specifically target or partially bypass them with complementary in silico approaches. In the present paper, we present a probabilistic discriminative approach to predicting PRM-mediated protein–protein interactions from sequence data. The model is motivated by the discriminative model of Segal and Sharan as an alternative to the generative approach of Reiss and Schwikowski. In our evaluation, we focus on predicting the interaction network. As proposed by Williams, we overcome the problem of susceptibility to over-fitting by adopting a Bayesian a posteriori approach based on a Laplacian prior in parameter space.

Results: The proposed method was tested on two datasets of protein–protein interactions involving 28 SH3 domain proteins in Saccharmomyces cerevisiae, where the datasets were obtained with different experimental techniques. The predictions were evaluated with out-of-sample receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves. In both cases, Laplacian regularization turned out to be crucial for achieving a reasonable generalization performance. The Laplacian-regularized discriminative model outperformed the generative model of Reiss and Schwikowski in terms of the area under the ROC curve on both datasets. The performance was further improved with a hybrid approach, in which our model was initialized with the motifs obtained with the method of Reiss and Schwikowski.

Availability: Software and supplementary material is available from

Contact:  wlehrach@ed.ac.uk
A non-linear optimization procedure to estimate distances and instantaneous substitution rate matrices under the GTR model
Authors: Catanzaro Daniele , Pesenti Raffaele , Milinkovitch Michel C.
Published: January 2006

Motivation: The general-time-reversible (GTR) model is one of the most popular models of nucleotide substitution because it constitutes a good trade-off between mathematical tractability and biological reality. However, when it is applied for inferring evolutionary distances and/or instantaneous rate matrices, the GTR model seems more prone to inapplicability than more restrictive time-reversible models. Although it has been previously noted that the causes for intractability are caused by the impossibility of computing the logarithm of a matrix characterised by negative eigenvalues, the issue has not been investigated further.

Results: Here, we formally characterize the mathematical conditions, and discuss their biological interpretation, which lead to the inapplicability of the GTR model. We investigate the relations between, on one hand, the occurrence of negative eigenvalues and, on the other hand, both sequence length and sequence divergence. We then propose a possible re-formulation of previous procedures in terms of a non-linear optimization problem. We analytically investigate the effect of our approach on the estimated evolutionary distances and transition probability matrix. Finally, we provide an analysis on the goodness of the solution we propose. A numerical example is discussed.

Contact:  mcmilink@ulb.ac.be
ANDY: a general, fault-tolerant tool for database searching on computer clusters
Authors: Smith Andrew , Chandonia John-Marc , Brenner Steven E.
Published: January 2006

Summary: ANDY (seArch coordination aND analYsis) is a set of Perl programs and modules for distributing large biological database searches, and in general any sequence of commands, across the nodes of a Linux computer cluster. ANDY is compatible with several commonly used distributed resource management (DRM) systems, and it can be easily extended to new DRMs. A distinctive feature of ANDY is the choice of either dedicated or fair-use operation: ANDY is almost as efficient as single-purpose tools that require a dedicated cluster, but it runs on a general-purpose cluster along with any other jobs scheduled by a DRM. Other features include communication through named pipes for performance, flexible customizable routines for error-checking and summarizing results, and multiple fault-tolerance mechanisms.

Availability: ANDY is freely available and can be obtained from

Contact:  brenner@compbio.berkeley.edu

Supplementary information: Supplemental data, figures, and a more detailed overview of the software are found at
OPM: Orientations of Proteins in Membranes database
Authors: Lomize Mikhail A. , Lomize Andrei L. , Pogozheva Irina D. , Mosberg Henry I.
Published: January 2006

Summary: The Orientations of Proteins in Membranes (OPM) database provides a collection of transmembrane, monotopic and peripheral proteins from the Protein Data Bank whose spatial arrangements in the lipid bilayer have been calculated theoretically and compared with experimental data. The database allows analysis, sorting and searching of membrane proteins based on their structural classification, species, destination membrane, numbers of transmembrane segments and subunits, numbers of secondary structures and the calculated hydrophobic thickness or tilt angle with respect to the bilayer normal. All coordinate files with the calculated membrane boundaries are available for downloading.

Availabililty:  

Contact:  almz@umich.edu
BuchneraBASE: a post-genomic resource for Buchnera sp. APS
Authors: Prickett M. Dennis , Page Matt , Douglas Angela E. , Thomas Gavin H.
Published: January 2006

Summary:  BuchneraBASE is a bioinformatic research tool for the genome of the symbiotic bacterium Buchnera sp. APS that includes an improved genome annotation, comparative information about related insect symbiont genomes and a complete mapping of metabolic reactions to an Escherichia coli in silico model. The database is designed to accommodate genome-wide post-genomic datasets that are becoming available for this organism.

Availability:  BuchneraBASE is available at

Contact:  ght2@york.ac.uk
A multi-step approach to time series analysis and gene expression clustering
Authors: Amato R. , Ciaramella A. , Deniskina N. , Mondo C. Del , di Bernardo D. , Donalek C. , Longo G. , Mangano G. , Miele G. , Raiconi G. , Staiano A. , Tagliaferri R.
Published: January 2006

Motivation: The huge growth in gene expression data calls for the implementation of automatic tools for data processing and interpretation.

Results: We present a new and comprehensive machine learning data mining framework consisting in a non-linear PCA neural network for feature extraction, and probabilistic principal surfaces combined with an agglomerative approach based on Negentropy aimed at clustering gene microarray data. The method, which provides a user-friendly visualization interface, can work on noisy data with missing points and represents an automatic procedure to get, with no a priori assumptions, the number of clusters present in the data. Cell-cycle dataset and a detailed analysis confirm the biological nature of the most significant clusters.

Availability: The software described here is a subpackage part of the ASTRONEURAL package and is available upon request from the corresponding author.

Contact:  robtag@unisa.it

Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
ORegAnno: an open access database and curation system for literature-derived promoters, transcription factor binding sites and regulatory variation
Authors: Montgomery S. B. , Griffith O. L. , Sleumer M. C. , Bergman C. M. , Bilenky M. , Pleasance E. D. , Prychyna Y. , Zhang X. , Jones S. J. M.
Published: January 2006

Motivation: Our understanding of gene regulation is currently limited by our ability to collectively synthesize and catalogue transcriptional regulatory elements stored in scientific literature. Over the past decade, this task has become increasingly challenging as the accrual of biologically validated regulatory sequences has accelerated. To meet this challenge, novel community-based approaches to regulatory element annotation are required.

Summary: Here, we present the Open Regulatory Annotation (ORegAnno) database as a dynamic collection of literature-curated regulatory regions, transcription factor binding sites and regulatory mutations (polymorphisms and haplotypes). ORegAnno has been designed to manage the submission, indexing and validation of new annotations from users worldwide. Submissions to ORegAnno are immediately cross-referenced to EnsEMBL, dbSNP, Entrez Gene, the NCBI Taxonomy database and PubMed, where appropriate.

Availability: ORegAnno is available directly through MySQL, Web services, and online at . All software is licensed under the Lesser GNU Public License (LGPL).

Contact:  sjones@bcgsc.ca
The Effects Of Impact Fees On Multifamily Housing Construction*
Authors: Burge Gregory , Ihlanfeldt Keith
Published: January 2006

Abstract.  Development impact fees may create more housing opportunities for lower‐income households within suburban areas if there is a fiscal incentive behind the adoption of exclusionary land‐use regulations. Using panel data estimation techniques that allow us to control for unobservable heterogeneity and potential endogeneities, we estimate the effects of different types of impact fees on multifamily housing construction using data from Florida counties. Impact fees earmarked for public services other than for offsite water and sewer system improvements are found to expand the stock of multifamily housing construction within inner suburban areas. Water/sewer impact fees, on the other hand, are found to reduce construction throughout the entire metropolitan area.
Cutaneous metastases from adenocarcinoma of the rete testis
Authors: Rubegni Pietro , Poggiali Sara , De Santi Margherita , Stefania Marsili  , Bilenchi Roberta , Miracco Clelia , Fimiani Michele
Published: January 2006

Abstract:  Adenocarcinoma of the rete testis (ACRT) is extremely rare and has only been the subject of sporadic case reports, in most of which the neoplasm manifested as a scrotal mass with diffuse enlargement of the testis. Only a few cases of scrotal infiltration by a contiguous ACRT have been described. To our knowledge, none have reported distant skin metastases. We report a case of ACRT presenting with suprapubic skin metastases. The diagnosis was based on clinical and histopathological findings and supported by the results of immunohistochemical and ultrastructural studies. We discuss the differential diagnosis to this rare entity, which include metastatic adenocarcinoma, serous tumor of the testis, and mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis.
A paired study of prairie carbon stocks, fluxes, and phenology: comparing the world's oldest prairie restoration with an adjacent remnant
Authors: KUCHARIK CHRISTOPHER J. , FAYRAM NATHAN J. , CAHILL KIMBERLY NICHOLAS
Published: January 2006

We measured carbon (C) stocks and fluxes and vegetation phenology in the world's oldest prairie restoration (∼65 years) and an adjacent prairie remnant in southern Wisconsin from 2001–2004 to quantify structural and functional differences. While the species distributions and frequency differed, the number of species measured per 1 m2quadrat were not significantly different (15.8±4.4 and 14.1±2.1 for remnant and planted [order for all reported values in abstract];P=0.29), and the annual average aboveground net primary productivity (271±51 and 330±55 g C m−2) and peak leaf area index (2.9–4.9 m2 m−2) were comparable under similar fire management. Total root biomass was not significantly different in 2002 (1736±1062 and 1690±459 g dry matter m−2) or 2003 (3029±2081 and 2146±898 g m−2), but annual average soil respiration (1229±77 and 1428±24 g C m−2 yr−1) was significantly higher in the restoration (P<0.0001). However, the prairie remnant contained 37% greater soil C (P<0.0001) in the top 25 cm. Soil respiration response to 10 cm soil temperature (Q10) varied with respect to prairie and soil moisture conditions as annualQ10values ranged from 2.5 to 3.6. We calculated a range of net ecosystem production (NEP) values using estimated heterotrophic respiration and three root turnover values. Average NEP varied from −1.4 to 1.9 and −2.3 to 1.3 Mg C ha−1 yr−1for the remnant and planted prairies, respectively. While these two prairies share similar structural components and functional attributes, the large uncertainty in NEP casts doubt as to whether we can verify these prairies as C sources or sinks without direct measures of heterotrophic respiration and root turnover. We argue that quantitative studies of C exchange in prairies, which differ in restoration methodology, management intensity, and fire frequency, are needed to solidify the relationship between prairie structure and potentially desired functions such as C sequestration.
Effect of improved nitrogen management on greenhouse gas emissions from intensive dairy systems in the Netherlands
Authors: SCHILS R. L. M. , VERHAGEN A. , AARTS H. F. M. , KUIKMAN P. J. , ŠEBEK L. B. J.
Published: January 2006

Dairy systems in Europe contribute to the emissions of the greenhouse gases (GHGs) nitrous oxide (N2O), methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2). In this paper, the effects of improved nitrogen (N) management on GHG emissions from Dutch dairy farms are determined. The GHG emissions are calculated using the panel on climate change (IPCC) methodology for the Netherlands, an updated and refined IPCC methodology, and a full accounting approach.

The changes in dairy farming over the last 20 years, and the consequences for N management are described using detailed farm‐level data, collected in 1985, 1997 and 2002. The selected years represent distinct stages in the implementation of N policies. The changes in N management have reduced the GHG emissions. A reduction of the N surplus per kilogram milk with 1 g N reduced the GHG emissions per kilogram milk with approximately 29 g CO2‐equivalents. The reduction of the N surpluses was mainly brought about by reduced fertilizer use and reduced grazing time. The use of updated and refined emission factors resulted in higher CH4emissions and lower N2O emissions. On average, the overall emission was 36% higher with the refined method. Full accounting, including all direct and indirect emissions of CH4, N2O and CO2, increased the emission with 36% compared with the refined IPCC methodology.

We conclude that the N surplus at farm level is a useful indicator of GHG emissions.

A full accounting system as presented in this study may effectively enable farmers to address the issue of emissions of GHGs in their operational management decisions. Both approaches serve their own specific objectives: full accounting at the farm level to explore mitigation options, and the IPCC methods to report changes in GHG emissions at the national level.
Comparison of measured and EF5‐r‐derived N2O fluxes from a spring‐fed river
Authors: CLOUGH TIM J. , BERTRAM JANET E. , SHERLOCK ROBERT R. , LEONARD ROBERT L. , NOWICKI BARBARA L.
Published: January 2006

There is considerable uncertainty in the estimates of indirect N2O emissions as defined by the intergovernmental panel on climate change's (IPCC) methodology. Direct measurements of N2O yields and fluxes in aquatic river environments are sparse and more data are required to determine the role that rivers play in the global N2O budget.

The objectives of this research were to measure the N2O fluxes from a spring‐fed river, relate these fluxes to the dissolved N2O concentrations and NO3‐N loading of the river, and to try and define the indirect emission factor (EF5‐r) for the river.

Gas bubble ebullition was observed at the river source with bubbles containing 7.9 μL N2O L−1. River NO3‐N and dissolved N2O concentrations ranged from 2.5 to 5.3 mg L−1 and 0.4 to 1.9 μg N2O‐N L−1, respectively, with N2O saturation reaching 404%. Floating headspace chambers were used to sample N2O fluxes. N2O‐N fluxes were significantly related to dissolved N2O‐N concentrations (r2=30.6) but not to NO3‐N concentrations. The N2O‐N fluxes ranged from 38–501 μg m−2 h−1, averaging 171 μg m−2 h−1 (±SD 85) overall. The measured N2O‐N fluxes equated to an EF5‐r of only 6.6% of that calculated using the IPCC methodology, and this itself was considered to be an overestimate because of the degassing of antecedent dissolved N2O present in the groundwater that fed the river.
Learning for reality
Authors: Bendall Eve
Published: January 2006

This paper gives a brief description of a research project carried out to test the assumption that there is a relationship between a student nurse's description, on paper, of how she would care for a patient, and the actual observed behaviour. No relationship was found in more than two‐thirds of subjects in 19 hospitals. The paper goes on to look at the possible reasons for this phenomenon and suggests alterations in the training programmes for nurses in England and Wales which could create a greater correlation between the theory and practice of nursing. The views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily of any organization.
Descriptive epidemiology of teratoma in infants, Hawaii, 1986–2001
Authors: Forrester Mathias B. , Merz Ruth D.
Published: January 2006

Although teratoma is the most common type of neonatal tumour, there are few population‐based epidemiological data on teratoma among infants. Using data from a population‐based birth defects registry in Hawaii, this study described the distribution of teratoma with respect to various demographic and clinical factors. A total of 22 cases were identified among deliveries in 1986–2001, of which 13 (59.1%) were located in the sacrococcygeal region. The rate per 10 000 live births was 0.74 for all cases and 0.43 for sacrococcygeal cases. Major birth defects were identified in 7 (31.8%) of the cases. Females accounted for 57.1% of all cases and 58.3% of sacrococcygeal cases. Teratoma rates were highest for Pacific Islanders (1.08) and lowest for Far East Asians (0.37) and Filipinos (0.72). The rate was higher in metropolitan Honolulu (0.89) than in the rest of Hawaii (0.62). Teratoma rates were greater with gestational age < 38 weeks (2.15) than for gestational age ≥ 38 weeks (0.34). No clear differences in rates were identified with respect to maternal age, birthweight and plurality. Except for gestational age, the rate differences were not statistically significant. In conclusion, this study found that most of the teratomas among infants occur in the sacrococcygeal region. Differences in teratoma rates were noted with respect to sex, maternal race/ethnicity, geography and gestational age. Due to the small number of cases, caution should be used when interpreting the results. Further investigation involving larger data sets is recommended.
A population‐based case–control study of risk factors for neural tube defects in four high‐prevalence areas of Shanxi province, China
Authors: Li Zhiwen , Ren Aiguo , Zhang Le , Guo Zhanying , Li Zhu
Published: January 2006

Shanxi province in Northern China has one of the highest reported prevalence rates of neural tube defects (NTD) in the world. To explore the risk factors for NTDs in Shanxi province, we carried out a population‐based case–control study in four selected counties with prevalence rates >10 per 1000 births during 2003. Using a multi‐logistic regression model analysis (α = 0.10), 158 NTD cases were compared with 226 control mothers.

Maternal factors significantly associated with increased risk for an NTD were a primary school education or lower (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 2.32, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.09, 4.97); a history of a previous birth defect‐affected pregnancy (adjusted OR 5.27, 95% CI 0.98, 28.37); history of a fever or ‘cold’ (adjusted OR 3.36, 95% CI 1.68, 6.72); use of analgesic and antipyretic drugs (adjusted OR 4.89, 95% CI 0.92, 25.97); daily passive exposure to cigarette smoke (adjusted OR 1.60, 95% CI 0.94, 2.73); poor ventilation during heating (adjusted OR 3.91, 95% CI 0.75, 20.81); and consumption of ≥ six meals per week containing pickled vegetables (adjusted OR 3.86, 95% CI 1.11, 13.47) during pregnancy.

Factors which appeared to be protective were meat consumption one to three times per week (adjusted OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.37, 1.06), or ≥ four times per week (adjusted OR 0.28, 95% CI 0.11, 0.77); and legume consumption ≥ six times per week (adjusted OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.17, 0.89). Differences in risk were found between the two most common phenotypes, anencephaly and spina bifida. Most of the environmental factors had stronger positive and negative associations with risk for anencephaly rather than spina bifida, whereas history of a previous birth defect‐associated pregnancy, as well as legume consumption, were more strongly associated with the risk for spina bifida than for anencephaly. The findings suggest that aetiological heterogeneity may exist between anencephaly and spina bifida.
Consequences for a specialist insect and its parasitoid of the response of Allium porrum to conspecific herbivore attack
Authors: Dugravot Sébastien , Thibout Éric
Published: January 2006

Abstract.  Recent studies on the leek Allium porrum L. demonstrate that a sharp increase in the release of volatile and nonvolatile sulphur compounds occurs in response to attack by the specialist phytophage, the leek moth Acrolepiopsis assectella (Zeller). The consequences of that response on the developmental capacity and behaviour of the leek moth and on the host‐searching behaviour of the parasitoid hymenoptera Diadromus pulchellus Wesmael have been studied. No immediate adverse effect on larval development is seen, but the duration of male development is significantly longer. In addition, an almost 20% decrease is observed in the number of oocytes produced by adult females that developed on attack‐damaged leek plants. Leek moths do not avoid damaged plants systematically. On attacked plants, larvae tend to consume more and females to lay more eggs, although the latter tendency disappears after intensive attack. Concerning host‐searching by D. pulchellus, the data indicate that females make use of the induced leek response. Parasitoids are attracted more strongly to attacked plants than to undamaged plants and mechanically damaged plants. The results of this study in a tritrophic system involving a biannual plant suggest a complex defence system combining direct and indirect mechanisms. Sulphur compounds may act by reducing second‐generation pests, thereby preventing the specialist insect population from exploding at the expense of the leek.
Olfactory cues and nest recognition in the solitary bee Osmia lignaria
Authors: Guédot Christelle , Pitts‐Singer Theresa L. , Buckner James S. , Bosch Jordi , Kemp William P.
Published: January 2006

Abstract.  The use of olfactory cues for nest recognition by the solitary bee Osmia lignaria is studied in a greenhouse environment. Glass tubes are provided as nesting cavities to allow the in‐nest behaviour of bees to be observed. In addition, each glass tube is cut into three sections for experimental manipulation and for subsequent chemical analysis. Nesting females drag their abdomen along the tube before exiting, spiral inside the tube, and sometimes deposit fluid droplets from the tip of the abdomen. For the manipulation, the outer section, the middle section, or both sections are removed and replaced with similar clean glass tube sections, and the behaviour exhibited by test females is recorded upon arrival in front of the nesting site and inside the nesting tubes. The resulting hesitation behaviour displayed by females after treatments appears to indicate the loss of some olfactory cues used for nest recognition inside the entire nest. Chemical analysis of the depositions inside the nesting tube, as well as analysis of the cuticular lipids of the nesting bees, reveals the presence of free fatty acids, hydrocarbons and wax esters.
Cowpea weevil flights to a point source of female sex pheromone: analyses of flight tracks at three wind speeds
Authors: Kuenen L. P. S. , Rowe H. C.
Published: January 2006

Abstract.  Two‐day‐old male cowpea weevils, Callosobruchus maculatus, fly upwind to a point source of female sex pheromone at three wind speeds. All beetles initiating flight along the pheromone plume make contact with the pheromone source. Analysis of digitized flight tracks indicates that C. maculatus males respond similarly to moths tested at several wind speeds. Beetles' mean net upwind speeds and speeds along their track are similar (P > 0.05) across wind speeds, whereas airspeeds increase (P < 0.01) with increasing wind speed. Beetles adjust their course angles to fly more directly upwind in higher wind speeds, whereas track angles are almost identical at each wind speed. The zigzag flight paths are generally narrow compared with most moth flight tracks and interturn distances are similar (P > 0.05) at the wind speeds employed. The frequency of these counterturns across the wind line is almost constant regardless of wind speed, and there is little variation between individuals. The upwind flight tracks are more directly upwind than those typically seen for male moths flying upwind toward sex pheromone sources. Male moths typically produce a bimodal distribution of track angles to the left and right of the windline, whereas C. maculatus males' track angles are centred about 0°. Preliminary examination of two other beetle species indicates that they fly upwind in a similar fashion.
Respiration by mangrove ants Camponotus anderseni during nest submersion associated with tidal inundation in Northern Australia
Authors: Nielsen M. G. , Christian K. , Henriksen P. G. , Birkmose D.
Published: January 2006

Abstract.  The ant Camponotus anderseni lives exclusively in twigs of the mangrove tree Sonneratia alba, which forms the fringe at the wettest part of the mangrove zone. During inundation, which can last up to 3 h, the entrance hole to the nest cavity is blocked with a soldier's head that effectively prevents flooding, but simultaneously blocks gas exchange with the surroundings. The ants and brood, together with their mutualistic Coccid, Myzolecanium sp. 1, occupy an average of 23% of the volume of the nest cavities (maximum of 50%). Measurements of CO2 production in the laboratory indicate respiratory rates of 1.90 and 0.41 µL CO2 h−1 mg−1 live mass at 25 °C for workers and larvae, respectively. Measurements of sealed natural nests show that mean respiratory rates decrease to 18.9% and 1.8% of the normoxic rate at CO2 concentrations of 10% and 25%, respectively. In artificial nests where the initial CO2 is elevated, the respiratory rates after 1 h are reduced to 48% and 2.3% of the normoxic rate when exposed to CO2 concentrations of 10% and 25%, respectively. Air samples from natural nests in the field taken more than 12 h after inundation have mean CO2 concentrations of up to 4–5%, which means that the CO2 concentration in the parts farthest from the entrance must be much higher. In sealed nests in the laboratory, the O2 concentration after 1 h decreases by 6.8% and, in the same period, the CO2 concentration increases by 12.1%, which suggests that the ants have partly switched to anaerobic respiration. The rapid and extreme depression of the respiratory rates of C. anderseni represents an outstanding physiological adaptation that allows their survival under the extreme conditions of tidal inundation.
Thermal response in adult codling moth
Authors: Kührt Ute , Samietz Jörg , Dorn Silvia
Published: January 2006

Abstract.  The thermoregulation behaviour of the adult codling moth, Cydia pomonella, is investigated in the laboratory using temperature gradient experiments. Unmated males and females are tested at dawn when moths typically move to resting sites. Mated females are tested during oviposition over a complete diurnal cycle. Temperature strongly affects microhabitat selection in adult moths. Unmated males and females prefer to rest at the low‐temperature ends of temperature gradients between 15 and 32 °C. Relative humidity does not influence the thermal response in unmated females, whereas males show a less distinct temperature selection under high humidity. By contrast to unmated moths, ovipositing females prove to be highly thermophilous (i.e. they deposit the highest proportions of their eggs in the zones of highest temperatures of gradients between 15 and 36 °C). This striking discrepancy in thermal response of females between their premating and oviposition period is likely to reflect an adaptation to different selection pressures from the thermal environment. Unmated moths may benefit from low temperatures by a longer lifespan and crypsis within the tree canopy, whereas the choice of warmer oviposition sites by mated females will favour a faster development of eggs.
Sperm ejection as a possible cryptic female choice mechanism in Odonata (Insecta)
Authors: Córdoba‐Aguilar Alex
Published: January 2006

Abstract.  The few odonate studies of sperm use suggest that females spend apparently more sperm than appears necessary during oviposition (sometimes females may have their sperm stores reduced to 50% after a single oviposition episode). Furthermore, some studies document that females eject sperm during and after copulation. This raises the question of whether sperm reduction may be interpreted as a cryptic female choice mechanism. Using two zygopterans, Ischnura denticollis Burmeister and Enallagma praevarum Hagen, and one anisopteran, Pantala flavescens Fabricius, it is shown that females mate more than once, show a marked reduction in stored sperm, and that this is by ejection of sperm before to oviposition. The extent of sperm reduction is inversely related to the number of eggs laid. When mated to the same male, females show similar reductions in sperm stores and egg load and only rarely does the vaginal duct contain sperm. This suggests that marked sperm reduction is common in this insect order and is not explained by an excess of sperm obstructing the egg passage. It is suggested that female's sperm shortage is better explained as a cryptic female choice mechanism aimed at favouring the sperm of some males. This study provides exciting research avenues for future studies of female choice in an animal taxa whose sexual biology is otherwise regarded as controlled by males.
LePLDβ1 activation and relocalization in suspension‐cultured tomato cells treated with xylanase
Authors: Bargmann Bastiaan O.R. , Laxalt Ana M. , Riet Bas ter , Schouten Elske , Van Leeuwen Wessel , Dekker Henk L. , De Koster Chris G. , Haring Michel A. , Munnik Teun
Published: January 2006

Phospholipase D (PLD) has been implicated in various cellular processes including membrane degradation, vesicular trafficking and signal transduction. Previously, we described a PLD gene family in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) and showed that expression of one of these genes, LePLDβ1, was induced by treatment with the fungal elicitor xylanase. To further investigate the function of this PLD, a gene‐specific RNAi construct was used to knock down levels of LePLDβ1 transcript in suspension‐cultured tomato cells. Silenced cells exhibited a strong decrease in xylanase‐induced PLD activity and responded to xylanase treatment with a disproportionate oxidative burst. Furthermore, LePLDβ1‐silenced cell‐suspension cultures were found to have increased polyphenol oxidase activity, to secrete less of the β‐d‐xylosidase LeXYL2 and to secrete and express more of the xyloglucan‐specific endoglucanase inhibitor protein XEGIP. Using an LePLDβ1–green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion protein for confocal laser scanning microscopy‐mediated localization studies, untreated cells displayed a cytosolic localization, whereas treatment with xylanase induced relocalization to punctuate structures within the cytosol. Possible functions for PLDβ in plant–pathogen interactions are discussed.
Report on Apoptosis and Immunity, 31 May–3 June 2005, Palm Cove, Queensland, Australia
Authors: Trapani Joseph A , Smyth Mark J
Published: January 2006

Apoptosis and Immunity 2005 was the ninth in a series of conferences centred on cellular immunity and particularly the molecular and cellular biology of cytotoxic lymphocytes, the first of which was held in Marseilles in 1981. More than 80 delegates from 20 countries attended the conference, which was held in the convivial surroundings of the Novotel Resort at Palm Cove, north Queensland.
Early virological response predicts outcome during extended lamivudine retreatment in patients with chronic hepatitis B who relapsed after initial HBeAg responses
Authors: JANG JEONG WON , BAE SI HYUN , CHOI JONG YOUNG , KIM CHANG WOOK , HAN NAM IK , HAN JUN YEOL , CHOI SANG WOOK , YOON SEUNG KEW , CHUNG KYU WON , SUN HEE SIK
Published: January 2006

Background and Aim:  Studies from hepatitis B virus endemic areas have shown less durable lamivudine‐induced responses and have raised issues about the management of a post‐treatment relapse.

Methods:  From January 2000 to June 2004, all 51 patients (43 HBeAg‐positive and eight HBeAg‐negative) were retreated with lamivudine for at least 12 months. All had a post‐treatment relapse after HBeAg responses (HBeAg loss/seroconversion) during the first therapy.

Results:  During retreatment, HBeAg seroconversion occurred more frequently in those patients with HBeAg seroconversion than in those with HBeAg loss alone during prior lamivudine therapy (P = 0.001). On multivariate analysis, prior HBeAg seroconversion and early virological response (EVR) (≤ 2 months of retreatment) independently predicted HBeAg seroconversion (P = 0.012 and P = 0.004, respectively). With regard to virological breakthrough, only the time to virological response (> 2 months of retreatment) remained significant (P = 0.048). Among the HBeAg‐negative patients, virological breakthrough occurred in only one patient with a late virological response.

Conclusions:  EVR is a major predictor in determining a favorable response to lamivudine retreatment. Our observations suggest that lamivudine retreatment will provide more therapeutic gains in those patients with a prior HBeAg seroconversion than in those with HBeAg loss alone.
Relationship between levels of DNA damage in lymphocytes and histopathological severity of chronic hepatitis C and various clinical forms of hepatitis B
Authors: BOLUKBAS CENGIZ , BOLUKBAS FUSUN F. , KOCYIGIT ABDURRAHIM , ASLAN MEHMET , SELEK SAHABETTIN , BITIREN MUHARREM , ULUKANLIGIL MUSTAFA
Published: January 2006

Background and Aim:  A significant proportion of cancer is attributable to DNA damage caused by chronic infection and inflammation. Because both hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV and HCV, respectively) cause chronic infection and inflammatory disease, the aim of the present study was to investigate whether there is a difference in peripheral DNA damage in patients with chronic HCV compared with patients with chronic HBV; and whether there is an association in the level of peripheral DNA damage with a natural history of HBV infection.

Methods:  Twenty patients with chronic hepatitis C, 20 patients with chronic hepatitis B, 11 patients with cirrhosis secondary to hepatitis B, 12 inactive hepatitis B s antigen (HBsAg) carriers and 21 healthy subjects were included in the study. The DNA damage in lymphocytes was determined using the alkaline comet assay.

Results:  Although the chronic hepatitis C group had similar levels of DNA damage compared with patients with cirrhosis due to hepatitis B (P > 0.05) and non‐cirrhotic patients with chronic hepatitis B (P > 0.05), they had higher levels of DNA damage compared with inactive HBsAg carriers (P = 0.021) and controls (P = 0.001). Hepatitis B cirrhotic patients and patients with chronic hepatitis B had significantly higher levels of DNA damage than inactive HBsAg carriers (P = 0.002 and P = 0.012, respectively) and controls (both P = 0.001). Linear logistic regression analysis showed that chronic hepatitis C and HBV‐related cirrhosis were discriminators in determining DNA damage in lymphocytes (β 0.424 and P = 0.013, β 0.393 and P = 0.016, respectively).

Conclusions:  Chronic hepatitis C, based on the severity of liver disease, or cirrhosis as an advanced form of HBV infection increase DNA damage in lymphocytes independently of confounding factors such as age, gender, body mass index and smoking habits.
HLA‐DQB1 locus and gastric cancer in Helicobacter pylori infection
Authors: WATANABE YOSHINORI , AOYAMA NOBUO , SAKAI TOSHIYUKI , SHIRASAKA DAISUKE , MAEKAWA SHUJI , KURODA KOHEI , WAMBURA CASMIR , TAMURA TAKAO , NOSE YOSHISUKE , KASUGA MASATO
Published: January 2006

Background and Aims:  It has been suggested that the incidence of digestive diseases associated with Helicobacter pylori is influenced by the strain diversity of H. pylori, factors involving the host or environment, and the duration of infection. The authors have previously reported that human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐DQB1*0401 plays an important role in the development of atrophic gastritis in H. pylori infected patients. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between HLA‐DQB1 genotype and cancer development.

Methods:  HLA‐DQB1 genotyping was performed by the PCR‐RFLP method on 122 H. pylori‐infected non‐ulcer dyspepsia (NUD) patients, 53 gastric cancer patients and 28 uninfected controls. To reliably estimate the grade of atrophic gastritis, histological evaluation was performed.

Results:  The allele frequency of DQB1*0401 was significantly higher in intestinal type cancer patients compared with age‐ and sex‐matched H. pylori‐infected NUD patients. There was no significant difference in the mean atrophic scores of the biopsy samples from the lesser curvature of the mid‐corpus between these groups.

Conclusions:  HLA‐DQB1*0401 is a useful marker for determining susceptibility to intestinal type gastric cancer.