bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Colorectal tumour deposits in the mesorectum and pericolon; a critical review
Authors: Nagtegaal I D , Quirke P
Published: May 2007

Although tumour deposits (TD) in the pericolic and mesorectal fat have been recognized since 1935, incorporation in the Tumour Node Metastasis (TNM)/American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) system took place in 1997. The 3‐mm rule classified TD as lymph node metastases. This rule was changed in 2002, when the contour of the deposit became the diagnostic feature. This review has evaluated the 3714 patients described in the literature. The incidence of TD varies from 5 to 45%. Their origin has been shown to be heterogeneous; however, their presence indicates a poorer survival. The hazard ratio for death due to disease is 1.96. Various studies have tried to determine the importance of types of TD, based on contour, size and origin, but all fail to provide an evidence base to substantiate its use in the TNM system. To classify TD as positive lymph nodes after neoadjuvant therapy is a misconception, since the presence of tumour microfoci after therapy can be a sign of good response to treatment and indicative of a good prognosis. In conclusion, we did not find adequate evidence for the inclusion of TD in TNM/AJCC staging systems. Moreover, the current directives are confusing, and the definitions should not be used after neoadjuvant therapy.
Pemphigus vulgaris immunoglobulin G can recognize a 130 000 MW antigen other than desmoglein 3 on peripheral blood mononuclear cell surface
Authors: Cirillo Nicola , Gombos Fernando , Lanza Alessandro
Published: May 2007

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is considered to be an autoimmune disease affecting skin and mucous membranes. Traditionally, PV autoantibodies are thought to recognize antigens located in the intercellular substance (ICS) of keratinocytes; antigens represented mainly by the desmosomal cadherin desmoglein 3 (Dsg3). Accordingly, titres of anti‐ICS and anti‐Dsg3 immunoglobulin G (IgG) are considered to be major laboratory criteria when making a diagnosis of PV. In this paper, we demonstrated for the first time that PV IgG bind antigen(s) expressed on the surface of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), as revealed by immunofluorescence studies. This novel autoantigen is immunoprecipitated by PV IgG as a 130 000 molecular weight protein. However, Western blot analysis of the immunocomplexes failed to show reactivity with anti‐Dsg3 monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies. Taken together, our data provide strong evidence that PV autoimmunity targets a 130 000 antigen other than Dsg3 on PBMC. This shifting from epidermis to blood cells may open new perspectives for a better understanding of pemphigus autoimmunity and more rational approaches to its treatment.
Monoclonal antibodies capable of discriminating the human inhibitory Fcγ‐receptor IIB (CD32B) from the activating Fcγ‐receptor IIA (CD32A): biochemical, biological and functional characterization
Authors: Veri Maria‐Concetta , Gorlatov Sergey , Li Hua , Burke Steve , Johnson Syd , Stavenhagen Jeffrey , Stein Kathryn E. , Bonvini Ezio , Koenig Scott
Published: May 2007

Human CD32B (FcγRIIB), the low‐affinity inhibitory Fcγ receptor (FcγR), is highly homologous in its extracellular domain to CD32A (FcγRIIA), an activating FcγR. Available monoclonal antibodies (mAb) against the extracellular region of CD32B recognize both receptors. Through immunization of mice transgenic for human CD32A, we generated a set of antibodies specific for the extracellular region of CD32B with no cross‐reactivity with CD32A, as determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and surface plasmon resonance with recombinant CD32A and CD32B, and by fluorescence‐activated cell sorting analysis of CD32 transfectants. A high‐affinity mAb, 2B6, was used to explore the expression of CD32B by human peripheral blood leucocytes. While all B lymphocytes expressed CD32B, only a fraction of monocytes and almost no polymorphonuclear cells stained with 2B6. Likewise, natural killer cells, which express CD32C, a third CD32 variant, did not react with 2B6. Immune complexes co‐engage the inhibitory receptor with activating Fcγ receptors, a mechanism that limits cell responses. 2B6 competed for immune complex binding to CD32B as a monomeric Fab, suggesting that it directly recognizes the Fc‐binding region of the receptor. Furthermore, when co‐ligated with an activating receptor, 2B6 triggered CD32B‐mediated inhibitory signalling, resulting in diminished release of inflammatory mediators by FcεRI in an in vitro allergy model or decreased proliferation of human B cells induced by B‐cell receptor stimulation. These antibodies form the basis for the development of investigational tools and therapeutics with multiple potential applications, ranging from adjuvants in FcγR‐mediated responses to the treatment of allergy and autoimmunity.
Elevated expression of prostaglandin receptor and increased release of prostaglandin E2 maintain the survival of CD45RO+ T cells in the inflamed human pleural space
Authors: Pace Elisabetta , Bruno Tony F. , Berenger Byron , Mody Christopher H. , Melis Mario , Ferraro Maria , Tipa Annalisa , Bruno Andreina , Profita Mirella , Bonsignore Giovanni , Gjomarkaj Mark
Published: May 2007

Summary Throughout the body, the distribution and differentiation of T‐cell subsets varies in a way that optimizes host responses. The role of activation‐induced cell death (AICD) in altering the distribution of T‐lymphocyte subsets at an immune or inflammatory sites has been unexplored. The objective of this study was to assess whether pleural macrophages modulate AICD of specific pleural T‐lymphocyte subsets. We found that pleural T‐lymphocytes spontaneously undergo apoptosis, which is associated to increased expression of both FAS and FAS ligand, to decreased expression of Bcl 2 and to caspase 8 and 3 activation. While pleural T lymphocytes were partly protected from apoptosis, autologous peripheral blood T lymphocytes increased their apoptosis when cultured with exudative pleural fluids. Pleural CD45RO+ T cells, in comparison to pleural CD45RA+ T cells, were more susceptible to apoptosis, but were preferentially protected by exudative pleural fluids. Pleural prostaglandin E 2 (PGE2) was implicated in protecting T‐lymphocytes from apoptosis because exudative pleural T lymphocytes highly express PGE2 receptors, and because exudative pleural fluid contained high concentrations of PGE2. Activated pleural macrophages released PGE2 and reduced the spontaneous apoptosis of pleural T lymphocytes and depletion of PGE2 from pleural fluids decreased this protective effect. This study demonstrates that PGE2, released in the pleural fluids following pleural macrophage activation, prolongs the survival of specific T‐cell subsets, resulting in differentiation of the T‐cell repertoire within the inflamed pleural space.
BAC to immunology – bacterial artificial chromosome‐mediated transgenesis for targeting of immune cells
Authors: Sparwasser Tim , Eberl Gérard
Published: May 2007

Thirty years after the first transgenic mouse was produced, a plethora of genetic tools has been developed to study immune cells in vivo. A powerful development is the bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) transgenic approach, combining advantages of both conventional transgenic and knock‐in gene‐targeting strategies. In immunology the potential of BAC transgenic technology has yet to be fully harvested and, combined with a variety of elegant genetic tools, it will allow the analysis of complex immunological processes in vivo. In this short review, we discuss the applications of BACs in immunology, such as identification of regulatory regions, expression and cell‐fate mapping, cell ablation, conditional mutations and the generation of humanized mice.
Accidental ingestion and aspiration of root canal instruments and other dental foreign bodies in a French population
Authors: Susini G. , Pommel L. , Camps J.
Published: May 2007

Aim  To determine the incidence of aspiration and ingestion of endodontic instruments in France during root canal treatment without using rubber dam.

Methodology  Data was provided by two insurance companies representing 24 651 French general dentists over 11 years. The type and number of accidents per year, the number of dental items involved and the percentage of occurrence of either aspiration or ingestion were reported. The incidence of accidental aspiration or ingestion was calculated. The need for hospitalization to remove the endodontic instruments and other dental items was reported and compared using chi square tests.

Results  One endodontic instrument was aspirated and 57 were ingested. Forty‐three other dental items were aspirated and 409 were ingested. For the endodontic instruments: the incidence of aspiration was 0.001 per 100 000 root canal treatments and the incidence of ingestion was 0.12 per 100 000 root canal treatments. The aspirated endodontic instruments and dental items required statistically more frequent hospitalization than the ingested items (P < 0.0001). The endodontic instruments did not require more frequent hospitalization than other dental items when aspirated (ns) and when ingested (ns). No fatal outcome was reported.

Conclusion  The incidence of ingestion or aspiration of endodontic instruments was low even thought most general practitioners do not routinely use rubber dam. Use of rubber dam by general practitioners for endodontic procedures should be encouraged by stressing its advantages rather than the fear factor of accidents.
Fatigue testing of a NiTi rotary instrument. Part 1: strain–life relationship
Authors: Cheung G. S. P. , Darvell B. W.
Published: May 2007

Aim  To examine the fatigue behaviour using a strain‐life approach, and to determine the effect of water on the fatigue life of a NiTi rotary instrument.

Methodology  Instruments of one brand of NiTi engine‐file (size 25, ProFile 0.04 and 0.06) were subjected to rotational bending either in air or under water, the number of revolutions to fracture (Nf) being recorded using an optical counter and an electronic break‐detection circuit. The effective surface strain amplitude (ɛa) for each specimen was determined from the curvature of the instrument (on a photograph) and the diameter of the fracture cross‐section (from a scanning electron micrograph of the fracture surface). Strain was plotted against fatigue life and the low‐cycle fatigue (LCF) region identified. Values were examined using two‐way analysis of variance for difference between various instrument–environment combinations.

Results  A total of 212 instruments were tested. A strain‐life relationship typical of metals was found. Nf declined with an inverse power function dependence on ɛa. A fatigue limit was present at about 0.7% strain. The apparent fatigue‐ductility exponent, a material constant for the LCF life of metals, was found to be between −0.45 and −0.55. There was a significant effect of the environmental condition on the LCF life, water being more detrimental than air.

Conclusions  The fatigue behaviour of NiTi rotary instrument is typical of most metals, provided that the analysis is based on the surface strain amplitude, and showed a high‐cycle and a LCF region. The LCF life is adversely affected by water.
Penetration depth of a dye marker into dentine using a novel hydrodynamic system (RinsEndo®)
Authors: Hauser V. , Braun A. , Frentzen M.
Published: May 2007

Aim  To investigate the efficiency of a hydrodynamic irrigation system compared with conventional cleansing techniques in root canals.

Methodology  Forty‐five freshly extracted single‐rooted teeth were de‐coronated and their root canals were enlarged to size 30 at the apex. The teeth were randomly divided into three groups (n = 15) for the final rinsing sequence using 2% NaOCl plus acid fuchsin: group I: static application of irrigant, 3 min; group II: flushing with a syringe; 5‐mL NaOCl, 1 min; group III: RinsEndo®‐system; 5‐mL NaOCl, 50 s. Apical extrusion was documented photographically. The roots were sectioned at 2, 4, 6 and 8 mm from their apices and the penetration depths of dye into dentine measured, using a stereomicroscope. Wilcoxon's test and Pearson's chi‐squared test were employed to prove statistic relevance.

Results  Greater dye penetration depth into the dentinal tubules was achieved when employing hydrodynamic rinsing procedures. Using this technique, 23% of the specimens were penetrated for more than 50% of their dentine thickness, whereas the results for flushing with a syringe were 12% (static application, 7%). No penetration of dentine occurred in 63% of specimens with static application, 39% flushing with a syringe and 15% using the hydrodynamic system (P < 0.05 Pearson's chi‐squared test). Apical extrusion occurred more frequently after hydrodynamic rinsing (extruded specimens: RinsEndo® = 80%; static application/flushing with a syringe = 13%; P < 0.05 Pearson's chi‐squared test).

Conclusions  Hydrodynamic rinsing demonstrated an improvement over conventional methods in terms of dentine penetration of a dye marker. A higher risk of apical extrusion with the RinsEndo®‐system was evident.
Expression of the Hypothalamic Transcription Factor Nhlh2 is Dependent on Energy Availability
Authors: Vella K. R. , Burnside A. S. , Brennan K. M. , Good D. J.
Published: May 2007

Mice with a deletion of the hypothalamic basic helix‐loop‐helix transcription factor Nhlh2 display adult onset obesity, implicating Nhlh2 in the neuronal circuits regulating energy availability. Nhlh2 colocalises with the hypothalamic thyrotrophin‐releasing hormone (TRH) neurones in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and pro‐opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurones in the arcuate nucleus. We show that Nhlh2 expression is significantly reduced in response to 24‐h food deprivation in the arcuate nucleus, PVN, lateral hypothalamus, ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) and dorsomedial hypothalamus (DMH). Food intake for 2 h following deprivation stimulates Nhlh2 expression in the arcuate nucleus and the PVN, and leptin injection following deprivation results in increased Nhlh2 expression in the arcuate nucleus, PVN, lateral hypothalamus, VMH, and DMH. Hypothalamic Nhlh2 expression in response to leptin injection is maximal by 2 h. Following leptin injection, Nhlh2 mRNA colocalises in POMC neurones in the arcuate nucleus and TRH neurones in the PVN. Nhlh2 mRNA expression in POMC neurones in the arcuate nucleus and TRH neurones in the PVN is reduced with energy deprivation and is stimulated with food intake and leptin injection. Modulation of POMC expression in response to changes in energy availability is not affected in mice with a targeted deletion of Nhlh2. However, deletion of Nhlh2 does result in loss of normal TRH mRNA expression in mice exposed to food deprivation and leptin stimulation. These data implicate Nhlh2 as a regulatory target of the leptin‐mediated energy availability network of the hypothalamus, and TRH as a putative downstream target of Nhlh2.
Sex Differences in Neurotransmission Parameters in Response to Repeated Mild Restraint Stress Exposures in Intact Male, Female and Ovariectomised Female Rats
Authors: Khurana R. C. , Devaud L. L.
Published: May 2007

The present study determined whether a repeated mild restraint stress exposure would differentially alter neuronal activity in male and female rats to gain insights into neurobiological substrates involved in sex differences in stress‐induced behavioural responses. In our first set of experiments, we used Western blot analysis to determine whether alterations in several synaptic proteins were elicited by the repeated stress treatment. We found bidirectional changes in synaptophysin levels in female cerebral cortex and hippocampus that diverged between intact and ovariectomised females. There were persistent elevations in spinophilin levels in the male, but not female, hippocampus following the repeated mild restraint stress exposure. By contrast, levels of the NMDA receptor scaffolding protein, PSD‐95, were altered only in intact female cerebral cortex and ovariectomised female hippocampus. We next used immunohistochemical evaluation of Fos expression as a marker for neuronal activation. We found significant increases in Fos immunoreactivity in all sex conditions across multiple brain regions in response to the repeated mild stress. Fos protein induction was greatest in the frontal cortex, piriform cortex and amygdala, with the degree of induction varying by sex condition. Fos induction was dramatically higher in amygdala and piriform cortex only in intact females following repeated stress compared to a single restraint stress exposure, suggestive of sensitisation rather than habituation. By contrast, the frontal cortex of intact and ovariectomised females showed habituation to the repeated stressor. Males displayed modest sensitisation in both the frontal cortex and dentate gyrus with no changes in other brain areas. Taken together, these findings show that exposure to a mild repeated stress results in sex differences in synaptic adaptations and patterns of brain activation that likely contribute to observed sex differences in stress‐induced behaviours. This approach provides valuable insights into interactions between the hormonal milieu and responses to a repeated mild stress, and further supports the importance of considering hormonal status in treatment of stress‐related disorders.
Direct Pituitary Effects of Kisspeptin: Activation of Gonadotrophs and Somatotrophs and Stimulation of Luteinising Hormone and Growth Hormone Secretion
Authors: Gutiérrez‐Pascual E. , Martínez‐Fuentes A. J. , Pinilla L. , Tena‐Sempere M. , Malagón M. M. , Castaño J. P.
Published: May 2007

Recent, compelling evidence indicates that kisspeptins, the products ofKiSS‐1gene, and their receptor GPR54, represent key elements in the neuroendocrine control of reproduction, and that they act primarily by regulating gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion at the hypothalamus. Conversely, and despite earlier reports showing GPR54 expression in the pituitary, the potential physiological roles of kisspeptins at this gland have remained elusive. To clarify this issue, cultures of rat pituitary cells were used to evaluate expression of KiSS‐1 and GPR54, and to monitor the ability of kisspeptin‐10 to stimulate Ca2+responses in gonadotrophs and to elicit luteinising hormone (LH) secretionin vitro. The results obtained show that both GPR54 and KiSS‐1 are expressed in the pituitary of peripubertal male and female rats. Moreover, kisspeptin‐10 induced a rise in free cytosolic Ca2+concentration ([Ca2+]i) in approximately 10% of male rat pituitary cells. Intriguingly, kisspeptin‐responsive cells included not only gonadotrophs, in which a 62.8 ± 16.0%[Ca2+]irise was observed, but also somatotrophs, wherein kisspeptin induced a 60.3 ± 5.5%[Ca2+]iincrease. Accordingly, challenge of dispersed pituitary cells with increasing kisspeptin‐10 concentrations induced dose‐related LH and growth hormone (GH) secretory responses, which were nevertheless of lower magnitude than those evoked by the primary regulators GnRH and GH‐releasing hormone, respectively. In particular, 10−8 M kisspeptin caused maximal increases in LH release (218.7 ± 23.6% and 180.4 ± 7.2% in male and female rat pituitary cells, respectively), and also stimulated maximally GH secretion (181.9 ± 14.9% and 260.2 ± 15.9% in male and female rat pituitary cells, respectively). Additionally, moderate summation of kisspeptin‐ and GnRH‐induced LH responses was observed after short‐term incubation of male rat pituitary cells. In conclusion, our results provide unequivocal evidence that kisspeptins exert direct pituitary effects in peripubertal male and female rats and suggest a possible autocrine/paracrine mode of action. The precise relevance and underlying mechanisms of this potential new actions of kisspeptins (i.e. the direct modulation of gonadotrophic and somatotrophic axis at the pituitary) deserve further analysis.
Identification of Central Nervous System Sites Involved in the Water Diuresis Response Elicited By Central Microinjection of Nociceptin/ Orphanin FQ in Conscious Rats Via c‐Fos and Inducible cAMP Early Repressor Immunocytochemistry
Authors: Gottlieb H. B. , Fleming T. M. , Ji L . , Cunningham J. T.
Published: May 2007

Intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of the opioid‐like peptide, nociceptin/Orphanin (nociceptin), in conscious rats produces diuretic and antinatriuretic effects. The present study utilised changes in Fos and inducible cAMP early repressor (ICER) immunocytochemistry expression to examine the central nervous (CNS) sites activated or inhibited, respectively, by central administration of nociceptin. Urine samples were collected during control (15 min) and after i.c.v. vehicle (5 µl, n = 12) or nociceptin (10 µg/5 µl; n = 12). Four additional urine samples (15‐min) were collected after the i.c.v. injection. The brain was processed for Fos using a commercially available antibody (Oncogene AB‐5) and for ICER using a polyclonal anti‐ICER antibody raised in rabbits. In vehicle‐injected conscious rats, renal excretion of water or sodium was not altered. However, nociceptin produced a rapid and marked increase in urine flow (V) and a decrease in urinary sodium excretion rate. In addition, i.c.v. nociceptin produced a significant increase in Fos staining in the dorsomedial nucleus of the hypothalamus, the perinuclear zone of the supraoptic nucleus, the organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis (OVLT), the lateral preoptic area and the lateral hypothalamic area compared to control. By contrast, Fos expression decreased in the area postrema and locus coeruleus compared to controls. Furthermore, ICER staining was significantly increased in the perinuclear zone of the supraoptic nucleus, supraoptic nucleus, median preoptic nucleus, OVLT, medial preoptic area, central nucleus of the amygdala, and medial nucleus of the solitary tract. Together, central opioid receptor‐like type 1 activation in these CNS regions may participate in the neural pathways involved in the diuretic and antinatriuretic effects of nociceptin.
Pharmacokinetic studies on tobramycin in horses
Authors: HUBENOV H. , BAKALOV D. , KRASTEV S. , YANEV S. , HARITOVA A. , LASHEV L.
Published: May 2007

The objective of the study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of tobramycin in plasma and urine in the horse (n = 7) after intravenous administration of a dose of 4 mg/kg b.w. Plasma tobramycin concentrations were assayed microbiologically and by means of HPLC analyses. Pharmacokinetic parameters, calculated on the basis of concentrations determined with the microbiological assay were not statistically different from those obtained when data from HPLC analysis were used, but the microbiological assay was more sensitive in the detection of low plasma and urine values. The values of the total body clearance (ClB) were 101.4 ± 30.1 and 130.0 ± 49.9 mL/kg/h, respectively. The overall extraction ratio was 2.9%. The determined capacity of elimination of tobramycin in horses was similar to those for other aminoglycosides. Within 24 h after treatment, 57.6 ± 12.2% of injected antibiotic was excreted in the urine.
The bioavailability and disposition kinetics of genistein in cats
Authors: CAVE N. J. , BACKUS R. C. , MARKS S. L. , KLASING K. C.
Published: May 2007

The absorption and disposition kinetics of the soy isoflavone genistein were determined in cats (n = 6). An oral dose of 100 mg/kg was administered, which has previously been demonstrated to be the minimum oral estrogenic dose, and was administered intravenously at a dose of 20 mg/kg, being the largest practical dose that could be safely administered. Plasma free, and total (conjugated + free) genistein concentrations were determined by HPLC following organic extraction. Noncompartmental analysis revealed a half‐life of 21.67 ± 7.9 h (free) and 9.95 ± 2.7 h (conjugated), volume of distribution 31.94 ± 10.38 L/kg (free) and 11.82 ± 3.96 L/kg (conjugated) following intravenous administration. Following oral administration the half‐lives were determined to be 17 ± 4.8 h (free) and 8.56 ± 4.65 h (conjugated), withtmax = 4.4 ± 0.6 h (free) and 4.42 ± 0.99 h (conjugated), andCmax = 0.276 ± 0.1 μg/mL (free) and 6.24 ± 6.58 μg/mL (conjugated). Oral bioavailabilities were 1.379 ± 0.9% (free) and 29.85 ± 22.61% (conjugated). The ratio of total:free genistein ranged from 25.9 to 5.5. Poor oral absorption and efficient conjugation explain the low bioavailability of free genistein. Accumulation of genistein in peripheral lipophilic compartments may occur.
Attenuation of acute plasma cortisol response in calves following intravenous sodium salicylate administration prior to castration
Authors: COETZEE J. F. , GEHRING R. , BETTENHAUSEN A. C. , LUBBERS B. V. , TOERBER S. E. , THOMSON D. U. , KUKANICH B. , APLEY M. D.
Published: May 2007

Pain associated with castration in cattle is an animal welfare concern in beef production. This study examined the effect of oral aspirin and intravenous (i.v.) sodium salicylate on acute plasma cortisol response following surgical castration. Twenty bulls, randomly assigned to the following groups, (i) uncastrated, untreated controls, (ii) castrated, untreated controls, (iii) 50 mg/kg sodium salicylate i.v. precastration and (iv) 50 mg/kg aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) per os precastration, were blood sampled at 3, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 min and 1, 1.5, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 h postcastration. Samples were analyzed by competitive chemiluminescent immunoassay and fluorescence polarization immunoassay for cortisol and salicylate, respectively. Data were analyzed using noncompartmental analysis, a simple cosine model, anova and t‐tests. Intravenous salicylate Vd(ss) was 0.18 L/kg, ClB was 3.36 mL/min/kg and t1/2λ was 0.63 h. Plasma salicylate concentrations above 25 μg/mL coincided with significant attenuation in peak cortisol concentrations (P = 0.029). Peak salicylate concentrations following oral aspirin administration was <10 μg/mL and failed to attenuate cortisol response. Once salicylate concentrations decreased below 5 μg/mL, cortisol response in the castrated groups was significantly higher than uncastrated controls (P = 0.018). These findings have implications for designing drug regimens to provide analgesia during routine animal husbandry procedures.
Dolomite formation in the dynamic deep biosphere: results from the Peru Margin
Authors: MEISTER PATRICK , MCKENZIE JUDITH A. , VASCONCELOS CRISOGONO , BERNASCONI STEFANO , FRANK MARTIN , GUTJAHR MARCUS , SCHRAG DANIEL P.
Published: May 2007

Early diagenetic dolomite beds were sampled during the Ocean Drilling Programme (ODP) Leg 201 at four reoccupied ODP Leg 112 sites on the Peru continental margin (Sites 1227/684, 1228/680, 1229/681 and 1230/685) and analysed for petrography, mineralogy, δ13C, δ18O and 87Sr/86Sr values. The results are compared with the chemistry, and δ13C and 87Sr/86Sr values of the associated porewater. Petrographic relationships indicate that dolomite forms as a primary precipitate in porous diatom ooze and siliciclastic sediment and is not replacing the small amounts of precursor carbonate. Dolomite precipitation often pre‐dates the formation of framboidal pyrite. Most dolomite layers show 87Sr/86Sr‐ratios similar to the composition of Quaternary seawater and do not indicate a contribution from the hypersaline brine, which is present at a greater burial depth. Also, the δ13C values of the dolomite are not in equilibrium with the δ13C values of the dissolved inorganic carbon in the associated modern porewater. Both petrography and 87Sr/86Sr ratios suggest a shallow depth of dolomite formation in the uppermost sediment (<30 m below the seafloor). A significant depletion in the dissolved Mg and Ca in the porewater constrains the present site of dolomite precipitation, which co‐occurs with a sharp increase in alkalinity and microbial cell concentration at the sulphate–methane interface. It has been hypothesized that microbial ‘hot‐spots’, such as the sulphate–methane interface, may act as focused sites of dolomite precipitation. Varying δ13C values from −15‰ to +15‰ for the dolomite are consistent with precipitation at a dynamic sulphate–methane interface, where δ13C of the dissolved inorganic carbon would likewise be variable. A dynamic deep biosphere with upward and downward migration of the sulphate–methane interface can be simulated using a simple numerical diffusion model for sulphate concentration in a sedimentary sequence with variable input of organic matter. Thus, the study of dolomite layers in ancient organic carbon‐rich sedimentary sequences can provide a useful window into the palaeo‐dynamics of the deep biosphere.
The Alboran Sea (Western Mediterranean) revisited with a view from the Moroccan Margin
Authors: Mauffret A. , Ammar A. , Gorini C. , Jabour H.
Published: May 2007

This paper presents a new depth to acoustic basement map based on a grid of seismic profiles. In the Western Alboran Basin the basement is more than 10 km deep. An examination of a seismic profile of this region suggests that Late Oligocene–Early Miocene 5 km thick synrift formation has been accumulated in this basin. This West Alboran basin has been formed in an extensional setting, but in a fore‐arc position, south of the Balearic Islands then westwards transported behind a subduction zone.
Lower friction of the Xianshuihe–Xiaojiang fault system and its effect on active deformation around the south‐eastern Tibetan margin
Authors: He Jiankun , Lu Shuangjiang
Published: May 2007

We use three‐dimensional mechanical modelling with fault as Coulomb‐type frictional surface to explore the active deformation of the Xianshuihe–Xiaojiang fault system in south‐eastern Tibet. Crustal rheology is simplified as an elastoplastic upper crust and a viscoelastic lower crust. Far‐field GPS velocities and Quaternary fault slip rates are used to constrain the model results. Numerical experiments show that effective fault friction lower than ∼0.1–0.08 leads to a high slip rate that fits well with geological estimates of the slip rate on the fault system. Associating with the modelled fault slip rate, strain in the surrounding crust distributes broadly, and is partitioned into strike–slip and thrust senses. This means that in the Indian‐Eurasia convergence, accommodation of the large fraction of sinistral motion on the fault system is achieved mainly due to its lower fault friction. This in turn affects crustal deformation around the south‐eastern Tibetan margin, resulting in negligible compression across the Longmen Shan.
On subducting slab entrainment of buoyant asthenosphere
Authors: Phipps Morgan J. , Hasenclever Jörg , Hort M. , Rüpke L. , Parmentier E. M.
Published: May 2007

Laboratory and numerical experiments and boundary layer analysis of the entrainment of buoyant asthenosphere by subducting oceanic lithosphere implies that slab entrainment is likely to be relatively inefficient at removing a buoyant and lower viscosity asthenosphere layer. Asthenosphere would instead be mostly removed by accretion into and eventual subduction of the overlying oceanic lithosphere. The lower (hot) side of a subducting slab entrains by the formation of a ∼10–30 km‐thick downdragged layer, whose thickness depends upon the subduction rate and the density contrast and viscosity of the asthenosphere, while the upper (cold) side of the slab may entrain as much by thermal ‘freezing’ onto the slab as by mechanical downdragging. This analysis also implies that proper treatment of slab entrainment in future numerical mantle flow experiments will require the resolution of ∼10–30 km‐thick entrainment boundary layers.
Microstructural evidences for thermal runaway and deep palaeoseismic activity (Cabo Ortegal, NW Spain)
Authors: Puelles P. , Ábalos B. , Gil Ibarguchi J. I.
Published: May 2007

Abstract The occurrence of high‐pressure granulite facies tectonites with features at the outcrop and thin section scale, characteristic of both pseudotachylytes and ultramylonites, is reported in the Cabo Ortegal complex (NW Spain). We interpret that these rocks formed due to a seismic event at great depth (1.4 GPa) under high‐temperature conditions (740 °C). Shear heating and thermal runaway mechanism would have been responsible for the failure of the still hot and mechanically rigid granulites and provoked melt formation and the accumulation at dilatational jogs. Ambient high P and T conditions would have led to subsequent recrystallization of the previously formed melt accounting for the present weak planar fabric.
Iron‐shortage‐induced increase in citric acid content and reduction of cytosolic aconitase activity in Citrus fruit vesicles and calli
Authors: Shlizerman Lyudmila , Marsh Ken , Blumwald Eduardo , Sadka Avi
Published: May 2007

Aconitase, which catalyses the conversion of citrate into isocitrate, requires Fe for its activity. The yeast and animal enzyme loses its enzymatic activity under Fe shortage and binds to RNA of genes involved in Fe homeostasis, altering their expression. Thus, the enzyme provides a regulatory link between organic acid metabolism and Fe cellular status. Roots and leaves of Fe‐deficient plants show induction in organic acids, especially citrate. Although no RNA‐binding activity has been so far demonstrated for the plant aconitase, whether alternations in enzyme activity by Fe could play a role in this induction remain unanswered. This question was investigated in lemon fruit [Citrus limon (L.) Burm var Eureka], characterized by the accumulation of citrate to about 0.3 M in the juice vesicles cells (pulp). Calli and isolated juice vesicles showed two‐ to three‐fold induction in citrate level when subjected to Fe shortage. The mRNA level of aconitase exhibited no changes under reduced Fe concentrations. Analysis of aconitase isozymes demonstrated that out of two aconitase isozymes, typically detected in citrus fruit, only the cytosolic form displayed a reduced activity under low Fe concentrations. Our data support the notion of a limited Fe‐availability‐induced reduction in cytosolic aconitase, resulting in a slower rate of citrate breakdown and a concomitant increase in citrate levels.
Sex ratio variation in gynodioeciousLobelia siphilitica: effects of population size and geographic location
Authors: CARUSO C. M. , CASE A. L.
Published: May 2007

Variation in population sex ratio can be influenced by natural selection on alternate sex phenotypes as well as nonselective mechanisms, such as genetic drift and founder effects. If natural selection contributes to variation in population sex ratio, then sex ratio should covary with resource availability or herbivory. With nonselective mechanisms, sex ratio should covary with population size. We estimated sex ratio, resource availability, herbivory and size of 53 populations of gynodioeciousLobelia siphilitica. Females were more common in populations with higher annual temperatures, lower soil moisture and lower predation on female fruits, consistent with sex‐specific selection. Females were also more common in small populations, consistent with drift, inbreeding or founder effects. However, small populations occurred in areas with higher temperatures than large populations, suggesting that female frequencies in small populations could be caused by sex‐specific selection. Both selective and nonselective mechanisms likely affect sex ratio variation in this gynodioecious species.
Historic and contemporary levels of genetic variation in two New Zealand passerines with different histories of decline
Authors: TAYLOR S. S. , JAMIESON I. G. , WALLIS G. P.
Published: May 2007

We compared historic and contemporary genetic variation in two threatened New Zealand birds (saddlebacks and robins) with disparate bottleneck histories. Saddlebacks showed massive loss of genetic variation when extirpated from the mainland, but no significant loss of variation following a severe bottleneck in the 1960s when the last population was reduced from ∼1000 to 36 birds. Low genetic variation was probably characteristic of this isolated island population: considerably more genetic variation would exist in saddlebacks today if a mainland population had survived. In contrast to saddlebacks, contemporary robin populations showed only a small decrease in genetic variation compared with historical populations. Genetic variation in robins was probably maintained because of their superior ability to disperse and coexist with introduced predators. These results demonstrate that contemporary genetic variation may depend more greatly on the nature of the source population and its genetic past than it does on recent bottlenecks.
Papillar Morphology of the Rumen of Forest Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus fennicus) and Semidomesticated Reindeer (R. t. tarandus)
Authors: Soveri T. , Nieminen M.
Published: May 2007

The papillar morphology of the ventral and dorsal rumen of the wild forest reindeer (Rangifer tarandus fennicus Lönn.) and semidomesticated reindeer (R. t. tarandus L.) was studied in October and November 1996. The morphological measurements which were carried out were: the lengths of the papillae, the number of the papillae per square centimetre, the cross‐sectional area and perimeter of sections cut from the middle of papillae. From these measurements mean papillar volume, areal papillar volume, mean papillar (epithelial) surface area, areal papillar surface and surface enlargement factor were calculated. No differences in these measurements between ventral and dorsal walls of the rumen were evident. The semidomesticated reindeer had longer papillar perimeters, larger mean and areal papillar surface areas, larger mean papillar volumes, and a larger surface enlargement factor in the ventral rumen than did forest reindeer. This may be a result of differences between feeding habits, the semidomesticated reindeer preferring a diet including more plants rich in carbohydrates e.g. lichens, which has resulted in a high production of volatile fatty acids and thus stimulation of papillar growth.
Prognostic factors in pulmonary tuberculosis requiring mechanical ventilation for acute respiratory failure
Authors: RYU Yon Ju , KOH Won‐Jung , KANG Eun Hae , SUH Gee Young , CHUNG Man Pyo , KIM Hojoong , KWON O Jung
Published: May 2007

Background and objective:  The prognosis in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis and acute respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation is believed to be poor. The aim of this study was to identify factors contributing to in‐hospital mortality in these patients.

Methods:  The medical records of 32 patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis as a primary cause of acute respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation in the medical intensive care unit (ICU) of a tertiary referral hospital over a 10‐year period were reviewed retrospectively, and predictors of mortality were assessed.

Results:  The patients’ median age was 69 years (range 25–88 years). The median length of intensive care unit stay was 11 days (range 2–88 days), and the median duration of mechanical ventilation was 9 days (range 2–86 days). Overall in‐hospital mortality was 59% (19/32). Independent predictive factors of in‐hospital mortality included tuberculous‐destroyed lungs (hazard ratio 6.61, 95% CI: 1.21–36.04, P = 0.029), Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II scores ≥20 (hazard ratio 4.90, 95% CI: 1.43–16.80, P = 0.012) and sepsis (hazard ratio 5.84, 95% CI: 1.63–20.95, P = 0.007).

Conclusion:  Acute respiratory failure caused by pulmonary tuberculosis necessitating mechanical ventilation has a high mortality rate and poor prognosis, particularly in patients with tuberculous‐destroyed lungs, high Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II scores and sepsis.
Video‐assisted thoracic surgery for spontaneous haemopneumothorax
Authors: LUH Shi‐Ping , TSAO Thomas Chang‐Yao
Published: May 2007

Background and objective:  The aim of this study was to review the treatment options for spontaneous haemopneumothorax (SHP) by video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS).

Methods:  Records from 16 patients (14 male, age 16–38 years, mean age 26.1 years) with prominent SHP (blood loss over 400 cc in the first 24 h) undergoing VATS from July 1994 to December 2005 and treated by one thoracic surgeon in four medical centres or community hospitals of North and Mid‐Taiwan were reviewed retrospectively.

Results:  Thirteen patients (81.3%) were identified to have a prominent bleeding source intraoperatively. Torn engorged vessels from the parietal pleura to adjacent bullae were found in nine patients, and bleeders adjacent or over the parietal part of the adhered pleura were found in the other four. Ruptured bullae/blebs or air leakage were found in 14 (87.5%). All underwent removal of intrapleural blood clot, control of bleeders and their bullae/blebs were resected through three‐port VATS (n = 13, 81.2%) or mini‐thoracotomy and VATS (n = 3, because of unstable vital signs or conversion because of dense adhesion). Mechanical or chemical pleurodesis was carried out in all patients. The mean operative time was 53.8 ± 21.7 min. There was no postoperative mortality. However, recurrent bleeding requiring reoperation occurred in one patient, and one other patient had a prolonged air leakage (>7 days) postoperatively and recovered spontaneously. The mean duration of chest tube drainage was 3.8 days and the median follow‐up period was 3.2 years.

Conclusion:  SHP complicated by severe bleeding is a surgical emergency. VATS is a reasonable treatment for patients with SHP.
Recent discovery of an old disease: Malignant pleural mesothelioma in a village in south‐east Turkey
Authors: OSMAN Elbek , HASAN Bayram , MERAL Uyar , ERCAN Akbulut , MEHMET Tülü , NAZAN Bayram , AYHAN ÖZkur , ERHAN Ekinci , ÖNER Dikensoy
Published: May 2007

Background and objective:  Environmental asbestos exposure is reportedly common in some districts of Turkey. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence and effect of environmental asbestos exposure in a village in Gaziantep, Turkey, with reported cases of mesothelioma.

Methods:  All villagers ≥14 years old were subject to an interview rediagnosis and a detailed questionnaire. Chest microfilms were performed in all cases, and additional standard CXRs were obtained when necessary. Samples collected from the natural mantle, and whitewash from the houses were analysed for the presence of asbestos.

Results:  In total, 269 villagers took part in the study. The incidence of histopathologically diagnosed malignant pleural mesothelioma was 0.32% relative to the total village population in the year 2000. The verbal autopsy revealed eight possible cases of malignant pleural mesothelioma, all of whom had died within the past 12 years. Of these eight, there was a first‐degree kinship between three, and additionally, these patients had a third‐degree relationship with a biopsy proven case. Radiological evaluation showed pleural calcification and/or thickness in 3.3%, and pleural effusion in 0.4% of patients undergoing CXR. All houses in the village were constructed using adobe soil, and the interior whitewash was made from soil containing asbestos. Analysis of soil samples revealed tremolite and/or actinolyte asbestos.

Conclusion:  The current findings suggest that environmental asbestos exposure continue to be a serious health concern in the Gaziantep region of Turkey.
Snoring and breathing pauses during sleep in the Malaysian population
Authors: KAMIL Mohd Ariff , TENG Cheong Lieng , HASSAN Syed Almashoor
Published: May 2007

Objective:  The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of snoring and breathing pauses during sleep, and to assess associated factors, including morbidity and the impact on daytime functioning, in an adult Malaysian population.

Methods:  A cross‐sectional survey of community‐dwelling adults aged 30–70 years was conducted. Daytime sleepiness was assessed using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Physical examinations were limited to measurements of body habitus and blood pressure.

Results:  The sample consisted of 1611 adults (52.9% male). The prevalence of habitual snoring, breathing pauses and excessive daytime sleepiness were 47.3%, 15.2% and 14.8%, respectively. Seven per cent of respondents (8.8% male, 5.1% female) were clinically suspected to have obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS). The independent predictors of habitual snoring were older age, Chinese or Indian ethnicity (compared with Malays), smoking, obesity and use of sedatives. Clinically suspected OSAS and habitual snoring were significantly associated with difficulty in getting up in the morning, morning headache, driving and workplace accidents, hypertension, and ischaemic heart disease.

Conclusions:  The prevalence of habitual snoring is high in the Malaysian population. Sleep‐related breathing disorders in Malaysian adults are associated with significant morbidity.
Evaluation of the relationship between radiological abnormalities and both pulmonary function and pulmonary hypertension in coal workers’ pneumoconiosis
Authors: AKKOCA YILDIZ Oznur , ERIS GULBAY Banu , SARYAL Sevgi , KARABIYIKOGLU Gulseren
Published: May 2007

Objective:  The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the radiological evidence of emphysema, and the extent of interstitial involvement, on lung function and pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) in patients with coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (CWP).

Methods:  The records of 48 patients with suspected CWP were evaluated retrospectively. Pulmonary function tests, arterial blood gas analyses and right heart catheterization were evaluated in all patients. Radiological scoring was according to International Labour Organization criteria, and emphysema was scored by CT scanning. Patients were grouped according to the mean PAP (≥20 mm Hg or ≤19 mm Hg).

Results:  All patients showed a mild decrease in FEV1/FVC and a mild increase in FRC. Forty‐four per cent of patients developed mild to moderate pulmonary hypertension. Emphysema scores correlated significantly with airflow rates, including FEV1%, FEV1/FVC and FEF25−75%, and with carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DLCO)% predicted as well as FRC% predicted and the ratio RV/TLC, which are indices of air trapping. Additionally, profusion and global profusion scores showed significant correlation with FEV1/FVC, DLCO% predicted, specific airway conductance and smoking. Mean PAP showed a significant negative correlation with FEF50% predicted, DLCO% predicted and profusion score.

Conclusions:  The impairment of pulmonary function (mainly disturbance in airflow rates and air trapping) and pulmonary hypertension may be present, even in a simple form of CWP. The pulmonary function impairment in patients with CWP is likely to be attributable to the occurrence of emphysema. However, pulmonary hypertension was directly related to the profusion of pneumoconiotic nodules, which may result in obliteration of the vascular bed.
Lipid peroxides in stable asthmatics receiving inhaled steroids and long‐acting β2‐agonists
Authors: ALZOGHAIBI Mohammed A. , BAHAMMAM Ahmed S.
Published: May 2007

Background and objective:  The effect of inhaled steroids on oxidative stress in asthmatics is unclear. The levels of lipid peroxides in the serum of asthmatic patients, whose symptoms were controlled with inhaled corticosteroids and long‐acting β2‐agonists, were measured in this study.

Methods:  Twenty asthmatic patients and 17 matched, healthy controls were recruited. Oxidative stress levels were quantified by measuring thiobarbituric acid reactive substances.

Results:  After 3 months of treatment, the mean lipid peroxide concentrations were significantly higher in asthmatic patients than in the healthy controls (4.2 ± 0.13 µmol/mL vs. 3.6 ± 0.07 µmol/mL, respectively).

Conclusion:  The level of lipid peroxides is higher in patients with asthma than in healthy controls, even when the asthma is well controlled after 3 months of treatment. A longer period of therapy may be required before lipid peroxidation normalizes.