bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correction for MacLeod
et al.
, The population genetics of
Trypanosoma brucei
and the origin of human infectivity
Authors: MacLeod A. , Tait A. , Turner M. R.
Published: October 2009

Correction for ‘The population genetics of
Trypanosoma brucei
and the origin of human infectivity’ by A. MacLeod, A. Tait and M. R. Turner (Phil. Trans. R. Soc. Lond. B
356
, 1035–1044.
(doi:
10.1098/rstb.2001.0892
)).

Figure 1 contained some incorrect symbols. The amended figure and its caption are reproduced below.
Correction for May, Memorial to Bill Hamilton
Authors: May R. M.
Published: October 2009

Correction for ‘Memorial to Bill Hamilton’ by R. M. May (Phil. Trans. R. Soc. Lond. B
356
, 785–787.
(doi:
10.1098/rstb.2001.0885
)).

On page 785, the digital object identifier should read 10.1098/rstb.2001.0885.
Correction for Lister, The impact of Quaternary Ice Ages on mammalian evolution
Authors: Lister Adrian M.
Published: October 2009

Correction for ‘The impact of Quaternary Ice Ages on mammalian evolution’ by A. M. Lister (Phil. Trans. R. Soc. Lond. B
357
, 1643–1667.
(doi:
10.1098/rstb.2003.1436
)).

On page 230, the stippling in figure 2d,e was missing. The corrected figure and its caption appear below.
Sleep deprivation affects extinction but not acquisition memory in honeybees
Authors: Hussaini Syed Abid , Bogusch Lisa , Landgraf Tim , Menzel Randolf
Published: October 2009

Sleep-like behavior has been studied in honeybees before, but the relationship between sleep and memory formation has not been explored. Here we describe a new approach to address the question if sleep in bees, like in other animals, improves memory consolidation. Restrained bees were observed by a web camera, and their antennal activities were used as indicators of sleep. We found that the bees sleep more during the dark phase of the day compared with the light phase. Sleep phases were characterized by two distinct patterns of antennal activities: symmetrical activity, more prominent during the dark phase; and asymmetrical activity, more common during the light phase. Sleep-deprived bees showed rebound the following day, confirming effective deprivation of sleep. After appetitive conditioning of the bees to various olfactory stimuli, we observed their sleep. Bees conditioned to odor with sugar reward showed lesser sleep compared with bees that were exposed to either reward alone or air alone. Next, we asked whether sleep deprivation affects memory consolidation. While sleep deprivation had no effect on retention scores after odor acquisition, retention for extinction learning was significantly reduced, indicating that consolidation of extinction memory but not acquisition memory was affected by sleep deprivation.
Consumer Socialisation and Value Orientations among Estonian and Chinese Young People
Authors: Wærdahl Randi , Kalmus Veronika , Keller Margit
Published: October 2009

This paper asks if Estonian and Chinese tweens’ access to pocket money influences their brand valuation, as well as value orientations in the context of perceived peer popularity and personal well‐being. Surveys conducted in autumns 2006 (China n = 188) and 2007 (Estonia n = 111) show an inherent cultural resistance among tweens in both countries towards using material standards to evaluate people and social relations. Access to own money correlates strongly with more consumerist values and strengthen the initial indications that individualist and expressive values are more highly esteemed by Estonian tweens, while social inclusion and approval are more vital for the Chinese.
Confetti‐like macular atrophy: A new entity?
Authors: AKSOY Berna , ÜSTÜN Hüseyin , GÜLBAHÇE Rukiye , BALCI Mahi , AKSOY Hasan M. , CIVAŞ Ekrem , ATAKAN Nilgün
Published: October 2009

Anetoderma, is characterized by herniated atrophic macules clinically and by decreased to absent dermal elastic fibers histopathologically. Atrophoderma is characterized by depressed, atrophic, pigmented patches clinically and by thickened and homogenized dermal collagen bundles with absence of elastolysis histopathologically. Atrophoderma elastolyticum discretum describes lesions that are reminiscent of atrophoderma clinically but they are compatible with anetoderma histopathologically. A 34‐year‐old female patient presented with diffuse, hypopigmented, atrophic, shiny macules on the upper limbs and upper trunk. Histopathological examination revealed an atrophic epidermis with disorganized, hyalinized and coarse collagen bundles in the middle and lower dermis. Elastic fiber loss and fragmentation were detected in the upper dermis. The other patient was a 42‐year‐old female patient. She applied with diffuse, hypopigmented, shiny, atrophic macules on the upper limbs and upper trunk. Histopathological examination revealed findings that were similar to those of the first case but there was near complete loss of elastic fibers throughout the whole thickness of dermis. Our cases did not show depressed or herniated atrophic macules clinically but the macules were at the same level with the surrounding healthy skin. Histopathological findings in these cases showed the histopathological features of both atrophoderma and anetoderma. These two cases are interesting because they may represent a clinicopathological entity which has not been described before.
Localized multiple glomangiomas on the foot
Authors: MIYAMOTO Hideaki , WADA Hidefumi
Published: October 2009

We report a 15‐year‐old Japanese male with multiple, soft, blue and painless nodules on the left foot. The lesions had developed when the boy was 3 years old, and had enlarged gradually thereafter. None of his family members had any similar eruptions. All the lesions were resected under local anesthesia. Histological examination revealed cystically dilated spaces lined by endothelial cells and a few outer layers of glomus cells in the dermis and fat tissue. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated that the tumor cells were positive for α‐smooth muscle actin. We diagnosed this case as localized multiple glomangioma. Multiple glomus tumors are much less common than solitary ones, and localized multiple glomus tumors are extremely rare. Because the clinical differential diagnosis of multiple glomangiomas includes common venous malformation, particularly blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome, histopathological studies should be performed.
Athlete’s nodule
Authors: UCHIYAMA Masaki , TSUBOI Ryoji , MITSUHASHI Yoshihiko
Published: October 2009

Three cases of athlete’s nodule on the feet are reported. In case 1, a 30‐year‐old man, who had been an amateur football player, presented with nodules on the lateral side of the feet and on the right lateral malleolus with a duration of 1 year. In case 2, a 22‐year‐old man, who had participated in karate and track‐and‐field, presented with nodules on the lateral side of the feet and on the right lateral malleolus with a duration of 10 years. In case 3, a 25‐year‐old man, who had skied, presented with a nodule on the right lateral malleolus with a duration of 4 years. The biopsy specimens from the lesion demonstrated hyperkeratosis, acanthosis of the epidermis and thickness of the dermis. In 1991, Cohen et al. proposed the concept of athlete’s nodule which indicated an acquired cutaneous nodule caused by chronic stimuli with sports. Histopathology of the athlete’s nodule shows hypertrophy of the epidermis and dermis. To the best of our knowledge the term “athlete’s nodule” has not been used in Japan, but it is a useful term to refer to the lesion induced by athletics or the use of sporting equipment.
Case of cutaneous malignant melanoma surviving 16 years with late recurrence
Authors: OTSU Utako , FUKUI Nao , IKI Mariko , MORIWAKI Shinichi , KIYOKANE Kimihiro
Published: October 2009

Late recurrence, defined as that occurring 10 or more years after diagnosis, is an unusual event in cutaneous malignant melanoma (MM). A 59‐year‐old woman presented with a black nodule measuring 10 mm × 9 mm on the sole of her right foot. She was diagnosed with MM and the tumor was totally excised with 5 cm of the normal surrounding skin. Eleven years after the operation, five in‐transit metastases were found in her right limb. They were all excised and β‐interferon (IFN‐β) was injected into the skin around the postoperative scars. However, numerous new in‐transit skin metastases have been emerging every year in her right limb. Fifty‐four in‐transit skin metastases have so far been found. Recently, there have been few in‐transit metastases. All in‐transit metastatic lesions were excised and local IFN‐β injections were conducted continuously. There is no evidence of metastases to the internal organs or lymph nodes. This report describes this case with a brief review of the published work concerning the rare late recurrences of MM.
Epigenetic regulation of the non‐canonical Wnt pathway in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Martín Vanesa , Valencia Ana , Agirre Xabier , Cervera Jose , Jose‐Eneriz Edurne San , Vilas‐Zornoza Amaia , Rodriguez‐Otero Paula , Sanz Miguel A. , Herrera Concepción , Torres Antonio , Prosper Felipe , Román‐Gómez Jose
Published: October 2009

Wnt5a is a member of the Wnt family of proteins that signals through the non‐canonical Wnt/Ca2+pathway to suppress cyclin D1. Deregulation of this pathway has been found in animal models suggesting that it acts as tumour suppressor in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Although DNA methylation is the main mechanism of regulation of the canonical Wnt pathway in AML, the role of WNT5A abnormalities has never been evaluated in this clinical setting. The methylation status of WNT5A promoter–exon 1 was analyzed by methylation‐specific PCR and sequencing in eleven AML‐derived cell lines and 252 AML patients. We observed WNT5A hypermethylation in seven cell lines and in 43% (107/252) of AML patients. WNT5A methylation was associated with decreased WNT5A expression (P < 0.001) that was restored after exposure to 5‐Aza‐2’‐deoxycytidine. Moreover, WNT5A hypermethylation correlated with upregulation of CYCLIN D1 expression (P < 0.001). Relapse (15%vs 37%, P < 0.001) and mortality (61%vs 79%, P = 0.004) rates were lower for patients in the non‐methylated group. Disease‐free survival and overall survival at 6 and 7 years, respectively, were 60% and 27% for unmethylated patients and 20% and 0% for hypermethylated patients (P = 0.0001 and P = 0.04, respectively). Interestingly, significant differences were also observed when the analysis was carried out according to cytogenetic risk groups. We demonstrate that WNT5A, a putative tumor suppressor gene in AML, is silenced by methylation in this disease and that this epigenetic event is associated with upregulation of CYCLIN D1 expression and confers poor prognosis in patients with AML. (Cancer Sci 2009)
Colonoscopy‐controlled intra‐individual comparisons to screen relevant neoplasia: faecal immunochemical test vs. guaiac‐based faecal occult blood test
Authors: OORT F. A. , TERHAAR SIVE DROSTE J. S. , VAN DER HULST R. W. M. , VAN HEUKELEM H. A. , LOFFELD R. J. L. F. , WESDORP I. C. E. , VAN WANROOIJ R. L. J. , DE BAAIJ L. , MUTSAERS E. R. , VAN DER REIJT S. , COUPE V. M. H. , BERKHOF J. , BOUMAN A. A. , MEIJER G. A. , MULDER C. J. J.
Published: October 2009

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 31, 432–439

Background  Guaiac‐based faecal occult blood tests (g‐FOBTs) are most commonly used in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening programmes. Faecal immunochemical tests (FITs) are thought to be superior.

Aim  To compare performance of a g‐FOBT and a quantitative FIT for detection of CRCs and advanced adenomas in a colonoscopy‐controlled population.

Methods  We assessed sensitivity and specificity of both FIT (OC‐sensor) and g‐FOBT (Hemoccult‐II) prior to patients’ scheduled colonoscopies.

Results  Of the 62 invasive cancers detected in 1821 individuals, g‐FOBT was positive in 46 and FIT in 54 (74.2% vs. 87.1%, P = 0.02). Among 194 patients with advanced adenomas, g‐FOBT was positive in 35 and FIT in 69 (18.0% vs. 35.6%, P < 0.001). Sensitivity for screen relevant tumours (197 advanced adenomas and 28 stage I or II cancers) was 23.0% for g‐FOBT and 40.5% for FIT (P < 0.001). Specificity of g‐FOBT compared to FIT for the detection of cancer was 95.7% vs. 91.0%, P < 0.001) and for advanced adenomas (97.4% vs. 94.2%, P < 0.001).

Conclusions Faecal immunochemical test is more sensitive for CRC and advanced adenomas. Sensitivity of FIT for screen relevant tumours, early‐stage cancers and advanced adenomas, is significantly higher. Specificity of g‐FOBT is higher compared with FIT.
Increased levels of tissue factor activity and procoagulant phospholipids during treatment of children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Authors: Schneider Pascale , Dreden Patrick Van , Rousseau Aurélie , Kassim Yusra , Legrand Elisabeth , Vannier Jean‐Pierre , Vasse Marc
Published: October 2009

The use of l‐asparaginase (l‐ASP) in paediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is associated with thrombotic complications. We evaluated the activities of tissue factor (TFa), thrombomodulin (TMa) and procoagulant phospholipids (PPL) in 26 consecutive children with ALL (25 B‐ALL and one T‐ALL) treated by the French Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia group (FRALLE)‐2000 protocol. Samples were obtained at diagnosis, after glucocorticoid (GC) therapy, during the induction phase with l‐ASP, vincristine (VCR) and adriamycin (ADR), during the re‐induction and within the week after treatment. Plasma levels of TFa, TMa and PPL increased gradually and significantly during the different phases of the treatment, with higher levels observed during the induction period, and decreased after treatment discontinuation. In vitro studies showed that the different drugs used for ALL treatment could induce a weak expression of TF and procoagulant activity (PCA) on normal and leukaemia blood cells, while a marked effect was observed on endothelial cells. In conclusion, these data indicate that, in addition to the well‐identified increased in coagulation factors and inhibitor deficiencies, the injury of the endothelium could lead to the release of TF and PPL and could contribute to the hypercoagulability of children treated for ALL.
Seven years of recent European net terrestrial carbon dioxide exchange constrained by atmospheric observations
Authors: PETERS W. , KROL M. C. , Van Der WERF G. R. , HOUWELING S. , JONES C. D. , HUGHES J. , SCHAEFER K. , MASARIE K. A. , JACOBSON A. R. , MILLER J. B. , CHO C. H. , RAMONET M. , SCHMIDT M. , CIATTAGLIA L. , APADULA F. , HELTAI D. , MEINHARDT F. , DI SARRA A. G. , PIACENTINO S. , SFERLAZZO D. , AALTO T. , HATAKKA J. , STRÖM J. , HASZPRA L. , MEIJER H. A. J. , VAN DER LAAN S. , NEUBERT R. E. M. , JORDAN A. , RODÓ X. , MORGUÍ J.‐A. , VERMEULEN A. T. , POPA E. , ROZANSKI K. , ZIMNOCH M. , MANNING A. C. , LEUENBERGER M. , UGLIETTI C. , DOLMAN A. J. , CIAIS P. , HEIMANN M. , TANS P. P.
Published: October 2009

We present an estimate of net ecosystem exchange (NEE) of CO2 in Europe for the years 2001–2007. It is derived with a data assimilation that uses a large set of atmospheric CO2 mole fraction observations (∼70 000) to guide relatively simple descriptions of terrestrial and oceanic net exchange, while fossil fuel and fire emissions are prescribed. Weekly terrestrial sources and sinks are optimized (i.e., a flux inversion) for a set of 18 large ecosystems across Europe in which prescribed climate, weather, and surface characteristics introduce finer scale gradients. We find that the terrestrial biosphere in Europe absorbed a net average of −165 Tg C yr−1 over the period considered. This uptake is predominantly in non‐EU countries, and is found in the northern coniferous (−94 Tg C yr−1) and mixed forests (−30 Tg C yr−1) as well as the forest/field complexes of eastern Europe (−85 Tg C yr−1). An optimistic uncertainty estimate derived using three biosphere models suggests the uptake to be in a range of −122 to −258 Tg C yr−1, while a more conservative estimate derived from the a‐posteriori covariance estimates is −165±437 Tg C yr−1. Note, however, that uncertainties are hard to estimate given the nature of the system and are likely to be significantly larger than this. Interannual variability in NEE includes a reduction in uptake due to the 2003 drought followed by 3 years of more than average uptake. The largest anomaly of NEE occurred in 2005 concurrent with increased seasonal cycles of observed CO2. We speculate these changes to result from the strong negative phase of the North Atlantic Oscillation in 2005 that lead to favorable summer growth conditions, and altered horizontal and vertical mixing in the atmosphere. All our results are available through http://www.carbontracker.eu
Anterior open bite: a case–control study
Authors: HEIMER MÔNICA VILELA , KATZ CÍNTIA REGINA TORNISIELLO , ROSENBLATT ARONITA
Published: October 2009

Objective.  The aim of this study was to assess the influence of sucking habits and facial pattern measurements on the development of anterior open bite (AOB).

Methods.  A case–control study was carried out on 60 children aged 7 and 8 years attending municipal public schools in the city of Recife, Brazil. Data collection included interviews with guardians, oral examinations, and facial growth pattern analysis using cephalometric radiographs. The following cephalometric measurements were assessed: SN.Gn, SN.GoGn, FMA, and Facial Axis. Statistical analyses were performed using the Student’s t‐test and Pearson’s chi‐square test at a 5% level of significance.

Results.  The percentage of children with sucking habits in the case group was much higher than in the control group (53.3%vs 16.7%) (P = 0.003). Children with sucking habits were six times more likely to develop AOB. Regarding the measurements assessed, no statistically significant differences were observed between groups.

Conclusion.  This study found no evidence that variations in cephalometric angles (SN.Gn, FMA, SN.GoGn, and facial axis) are risk factors for AOB. Only sucking habits demonstrated a positive correlation with an increased AOB.
Life cycle strategy, species richness and distribution in marine Hydrozoa (Cnidaria: Medusozoa)
Authors: Gibbons Mark J. , Janson Liesl A. , Ismail Adiel , Samaai Toufiek
Published: October 2009

Aim  Using the genus as the unit of analysis, we examine the relationship between richness, distribution and life cycle strategy for all currently recognized marine Hydrozoa.

Location  The global marine environment.

Methods  A global dataset detailing the number of species per genus and the mean date of first description (as a proxy for geographic range size) per genus was assembled for all currently recognized marine Hydrozoa. Differences in means per genus were examined by dominant life cycle strategy (holoplanktic, meroplanktic and benthic) using nonparametric ANOVA and resampling methods.

Results  By comparison with benthic taxa, holopelagic genera are (on average) significantly less species rich and were described at a significantly earlier date. Taxa with meroplanktic life cycles have a richness and a date of first description that is mid‐way between the two extremes.

Main conclusions  Following from previous work showing that there is a negative relationship between the date of first description and geographic range size, our data indicate that holopelagic taxa not only have fewer species per genus but also have a wider distribution than benthic taxa. These quantitative results are in agreement with long‐standing intuitions, and should be applicable to other taxa. They run counter to some recent genetic observations that suggest taxa having planktic larvae might nevertheless show restricted distributions; we argue that this inference reflects a lack of sampling of holopelagic taxa, and a call is made to provide empirical evidence from this realm.
Resilience and the course of daily parenting stress in families of young children with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Gerstein E. D. , Crnic K. A. , Blacher J. , Baker B. L.
Published: October 2009

Background  Parenting stresses have consistently been found to be higher in parents of children with intellectual disabilities (ID); yet, some families are able to be resilient and thrive in the face of these challenges. Despite the considerable research on stress in families of ID, there is still little known about the stability and compensatory factors associated with everyday parenting stresses.

Methods  Trajectories of daily parenting stress were studied for both mothers and fathers of children with ID across child ages 36–60 months, as were specific familial risk and resilience factors that affect these trajectories, including psychological well‐being of each parent, marital adjustment and positive parent–child relationships.

Results  Mothers' daily parenting stress significantly increased over time, while fathers' daily parenting stress remained more constant. Decreases in mothers' daily parenting stress trajectory were associated with both mother and father's well‐being and perceived marital adjustment, as well as a positive father–child relationship. However, decreases in fathers' daily parenting stress trajectory were only affected by mother's well‐being and both parents' perceived marital adjustment.

Conclusions  Parenting stress processes are not shared entirely across the preschool period in parents of children with ID. Although individual parent characteristics and high‐quality dyadic relationships contribute to emerging resilience in parents of children with ID, parents also affect each others' more resilient adaptations in ways that have not been previously considered.
Occupational changes in manual tactile sensibility of the dentist
Authors: SHAHBAZIAN M. , BERTRAND P. , ABARCA M. , JACOBS R.
Published: October 2009

Summary  The aim of this study was to find out if the use of vibrating tools (drill, ultrasonic scaler …) in dental practice has negative side effects on the manual tactile sensibility of the dentist. The sensory tests were performed on 50 subjects, who were allocated to three different groups according to their occupation and the length of their working experience. The first test group consisted of 20 dentists, who had more than 25 years of work experience. As a control group, 20 non‐dentists were recruited to obtain a similar age distribution as the former test group. A final group consisted of 10 dentists with more than 1 year of work experience. All subjects underwent three tests: light‐touch sensation test, two‐point discrimination test and thermal sensation test on the thumb and the index finger of the working and non‐working hands. Results showed significant differences, especially for the light‐touch sensation test. The study showed more specifically that the tactile sensibility of the working hand of the dentists with more than 25 years of work experience was significantly diminished with respect to the non‐working hand and to the working hand of non‐dentists. In the test group of young dentists, there was no noticeable reduction of manual tactile sensibility.
Interaction of landscape and life history attributes on genetic diversity, neutral divergence and gene flow in a pristine community of salmonids
Authors: GOMEZ‐UCHIDA DANIEL , KNIGHT THOMAS W. , RUZZANTE DANIEL E.
Published: October 2009

Landscape genetics holds promise for the forecasting of spatial patterns of genetic diversity based on key environmental features. Yet, the degree to which inferences based on single species can be extended to whole communities is not fully understood. We used a pristine and spatially structured community of three landlocked salmonids (Salvelinus fontinalis, Salmo salar, and Salvelinus alpinus) from Gros Morne National Park (Newfoundland, Canada) to test several predictions on the interacting effects of landscape and life history variation on genetic diversity, neutral divergence, and gene flow (m, migration rate). Landscape factors consistently influenced multispecies genetic patterns: (i) waterfalls created strong dichotomies in genetic diversity and divergence between populations above and below them in all three salmonids; (ii) contemporary m decreased with waterway distance in all three species, while neutral genetic divergence (θ) increased with waterway distance, albeit in only two taxa; (iii) river flow generally produced downstream‐biased m between populations when waterfalls separated these, but not otherwise. In contrast, we expected differential life history to result in a hierarchy of neutral divergence (S. salar > S. fontinalis > S. alpinus) based on disparities in dispersal abilities and population size from previous mark‐recapture studies. Such hierarchy additionally matched varying degrees of spatial genetic structure among species revealed through individual‐based analyses. We conclude that, whereas key landscape attributes hold power to predict multispecies genetic patterns in equivalent communities, they are likely to interact with species‐specific life history attributes such as dispersal, demography, and ecology, which will in turn affect holistic conservation strategies.
BRIEF REPORT: Single exposure to cocaine or ecstasy induces DNA damage in brain and other organs of mice
Authors: Alvarenga Tathiana A. , Andersen Monica L. , Ribeiro Daniel A. , Araujo Paula , Hirotsu Camila , Costa José L. , Battisti Murilo C. , Tufik Sergio
Published: October 2009

We evaluated the overall genetic damage induced by different doses of cocaine and MDMA (3,4‐Methylenedioxymethamphetamine) in several organs. One hour after intraperitoneal drug administration, mice were euthanized; peripheral blood, liver and brain were collected, and the cellular suspensions were used for the single cell gel (comet) assay. We determined that all doses of cocaine and MDMA tested were able to induce DNA damage in blood cells. Extensive genotoxic damage was induced by cocaine or MDMA at the highest doses used in liver cells. Brain cells were affected by all doses administrated. These findings demonstrate that cocaine and MDMA are potent genotoxins.
GENETIC STUDY: H2 haplotype at chromosome 17q21.31 protects against childhood sexual abuse‐associated risk for alcohol consumption and dependence
Authors: Nelson Elliot C. , Agrawal Arpana , Pergadia Michele L. , Wang Jen C. , Whitfield John B. , Saccone F. Scott , Kern Jason , Grant Julia D. , Schrage Andrew J. , Rice John P. , Montgomery Grant W. , Heath Andrew C. , Goate Alison M. , Martin Nicholas G. , Madden Pamela A. F.
Published: October 2009

Animal research supports a central role for corticotropin‐releasing factor (CRF) in actions of ethanol on brain function. An examination of alcohol consumption in adolescents reported a significant genotype × environment (G × E) interaction involving rs1876831, a corticotropin‐releasing hormone receptor 1 (CRHR1) polymorphism, and negative events. CRHR1 and at least four other genes are located at 17q21.31 in an extremely large block of high linkage disequilibrium resulting from a local chromosomal inversion; the minor allele of rs1876831 is contained within the H2 haplotype. Here, we examine whether G × E interactions involving this haplotype and childhood sexual abuse (CSA) are associated with risk for alcohol consumption and dependence in Australian participants (n = 1128 respondents from 476 families) of the Nicotine Addiction Genetics project. Telephone interviews provided data on DSM‐IV alcohol dependence diagnosis and CSA and enabled calculation of lifetime alcohol consumption factor score (ACFS) from four indices of alcohol consumption. Individuals reporting a history of CSA had significantly higher ACFS and increased risk for alcohol dependence. A significant G × E interaction was found for ACFS involving the H2 haplotype and CSA (P < 0.017). A similar G × E interaction was associated with protective effects against alcohol dependence risk (odds ratio 0.42; 95% confidence interval 0.20–0.89). For each outcome, no significant CSA‐associated risk was observed in H2 haplotype carriers. These findings support conducting further investigation of the H2 haplotype to determine the gene(s) responsible. Our results also suggest that severe early trauma may prove to be an important clinical covariate in the treatment of alcohol dependence.
The role of physician–patient communication in promoting patient–participatory decision making
Authors: Ruiz‐Moral Roger
Published: October 2009

Context  Involving patients in decision making (DM) is being advocated in clinical practice. For it to be operational, some behavioural models have been put forward. Yet, their suitability and implementation in primary care are controversial.

Objective  To illustrate: (i) some of the strategies general practitioners use to involve patients in DM and (ii) a type of patient involvement in the context of primary care based on the appropriate use of general communication skills along the physician–patient interaction to promote participation without an extensive exhibition of options.

Strategy  Analysis of two real situations of family medicine practice.

Conclusion  The quality of the process of involving patients in DM depends mainly on the professional’s communicative effort to achieve understanding and rapport rather than on an extensive discussion of possibilities or their prioritization.
New labour and reform of the English NHS: user views and attitudes
Authors: Wallace Andrew , Taylor‐Gooby Peter
Published: October 2009

Background  The British National Health Service has undergone significant restructuring in recent years. In England this has taken a distinctive direction where the New Labour Government has embraced and intensified the influence of market principles towards its vision of a ‘modernized’ NHS. This has entailed the introduction of competition and incentives for providers of NHS care and the expansion of choice for patients.

Objectives  To explore how users of the NHS perceive and respond to the market reforms being implemented within the NHS. In addition, to examine the normative values held by NHS users in relation to welfare provision in the UK.

Design and setting  Qualitative interviews using a quota sample of 48 recent NHS users in South East England recruited from three local health economies.

Results  Some NHS users are exhibiting an ambivalent or anxious response to aspects of market reform such as patient choice, the use of targets and markets and the increasing presence of the private sector within the state healthcare sector. This has resulted in a sense that current reforms, are distracting or preventing NHS staff from delivering quality of care and fail to embody the relationships of care that are felt to sustain the NHS as a progressive public institution.

Conclusion  The best way of delivering such values for patients is perceived to involve empowering frontline staffs who are deemed to embody the same values as service users, thus problematizing the current assumptions of reform frameworks that market‐style incentives will necessarily gain public consent and support.
No association of KIR3DL1 or KIR3DS1 or their alleles with ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: McCappin J. , Harvey D. , Wordsworth B. P. , Middleton D.
Published: October 2009

Abstract

We determined the alleles of KIR3DL1 and KIR3DS1 in a cohort of British Caucasian ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients and HLA‐B27‐positive controls. We found no association in frequencies of the alleles of these genes in AS. In addition, no differences were found when the patients and controls were differentiated by gender.
Remifentanil post‐conditioning attenuates cardiac ischemia–reperfusion injury via κ or δ opioid receptor activation
Authors: WONG G. T. C. , LI R. , JIANG L. L. , IRWIN M. G.
Published: October 2009

Background:Ischemic pre‐ or post‐conditioning of the heart has been shown to involve opioid receptors. Remifentanil, an ultra‐short‐acting selective μ opioid receptor agonist in clinical use, pre‐conditions the rat heart against ischemia–reperfusion injury. This study investigates whether remifentanil post‐conditioning is also cardioprotective.

Methods:Remifentanil post‐conditioning (5‐min infusion at 1, 5, 10 or 20 μg/kg/min) or ischemic post‐conditioning (three cycles of a 10 s reperfusion interspersed with a 10 s ischemia) was induced in an open‐chest rat heart model of ischemia and reperfusion injury, in the presence or absence of nor‐binaltorphimine, naltrindole or CTOP, specific κ, δ and μ opioid receptor antagonists, respectively. The same sequence of experiments was repeated in the isolated heart model using the maximal protective dose of remifentanil from the dose–response studies.

Results:Both ischemic and remifentanil post‐conditioning reduced the myocardial infarct size relative to the control group in both models. This cardioprotective effect for both post‐conditioning regimes was prevented by the prior administration of nor‐binaltorphimine and naltrindole but not CTOP. The sole administration of the antagonists had no effect on the size of myocardial infarction.

Conclusions:These results indicate that remifentanil post‐conditioning protects the heart from ischemia–reperfusion injury to a similar extent as of ischemic post‐conditioning. This protection involves κ and δ but not μ opioid receptor activation. This drug has great potential as a clinical post‐conditioning modality as it can be given in large doses without prolonged opioid‐related side effects.
A clarification of Pouydebat et al., 2008, evolution of grasping among anthropoids
Authors: MARZKE M. W. , POUYDEBAT E. , LAURIN M. , GORCE P. , BELS V.
Published: October 2009

Several statements by Pouydebat et al. (2008) do not adequately represent views of authors cited, in part because they reflect confusion in the literature about terminology regarding precision gripping. We address these problems, by tracing definitions of precision grips through the literature on manipulative behaviour and identifying the grip that is central to the Pouydebat et al. (2008) study. This allows us to offer a clarification of the statements by Pouydebat et al. (2008) regarding the sequence of appearance of human grip capabilities and possible morphological correlates to these capabilities in extant species.
Selective abortion and the evolution of genomic imprinting
Authors: WOLF J. B. , HAGER R.
Published: October 2009

Mothers can determine which genotypes of offspring they will produce through selective abortion or selective implantation. This process can, at some loci, favour matching between maternal and offspring genotype whereas at other loci mismatching may be favoured (e.g. MHC, HLA). Genomic imprinting generally renders gene expression monoallelic and could thus be adaptive at loci where matching or mismatching is beneficial. This hypothesis, however, remains unexplored despite evidence that loci known to play a role in genetic compatibility may be imprinted. We develop a simple model demonstrating that, when matching is beneficial, imprinting with maternal expression is adaptive because the incompatible paternal allele is not detected, protecting offspring from selective abortion. Conversely, when mismatching is beneficial, imprinting with paternal expression is adaptive because the maternal genotype is more able to identify the presence of a foreign allele in offspring. Thus, imprinting may act as a genomic ‘cloaking device’ during critical periods in development when selective abortion is possible.
Cisplatin compromises myocardial contractile function and mitochondrial ultrastructure: Role of endoplasmic reticulum stress
Authors: Ma Heng , Jones Kyla R , Guo Rui , Xu Peisheng , Shen Youqing , Ren Jun
Published: October 2009

1. Cisplatin is a potent chemotherapeutic agent with broad‐spectrum antineoplastic activity against various types of tumours. However, a major factor limiting treatment with cisplatin is its acute and cumulative cardiotoxicity. The aim of the present study was to explore the effect of cisplatin on myocardial contractile function and the possible underlying cellular mechanisms.

2. C57 mice were treated with cisplatin (10 mg/kg per day, i.v.) or vehicle (0.9% NaCl) for 1 week and myocardial function was assessed using the Langendorff and cardiomyocyte edge‐detection systems. Transmission electron microscopy, mitochondrial membrane potential, indices of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and caspase 3 activity were evaluated.

3. Cisplatin‐treated mice developed myocardial contractile dysfunction, as evidenced by a reduction in left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP) and the first derivative of LVDP (+/−dP/dt). Cisplatin treatment significantly prolonged time to 90% relengthening, depressed peak shortening, maximal velocity of shortening/relengthening (+/−dL/dt) and augmented the frequency‐elicited depression in peak shortening. The JC‐1 fluorescent assay demonstrated that cispatin‐induced cardiac dysfunction was associated with mitochondrial membrane depolarization. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that cisplatin induces ultrastructural abnormalities of the mitochondria. Following cisplatin treatment, cardiomyocytes show activation of the ER stress response, increased caspase 3 activity and increased terminal deoxyribonucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP–digoxigenin nick end‐labelling (TUNEL) staining.

4. The data indicate that cisplatin is cardiotoxic and may lead to left ventricular dysfunction and depressed cardiomyocyte contraction associated with mitochondrial abnormalities, enhanced ER stress and apoptosis. This work should shed some light on the management of cisplatin‐induced cardiac injury.
Inhibitory effects of amiloride on the current mediated by native GABAA receptors in cultured neurons of rat inferior colliculus
Authors: Liu Feng , Zhang Min , Tang Zhen‐Quan , Lu Yun‐Gang , Chen Lin
Published: October 2009

1. The diuretic amiloride is known to modulate the activity of several types of ion channels and membrane receptors in addition to its inhibitory effects on many ion transport systems. However, the effects of amiloride on some important ion channels and receptors, such as GABAA receptors, in the central nervous system have not been characterized.

2. In the present study, we investigated the functional action of amiloride on native GABAA receptors in cultured neurons of rat inferior colliculus using whole‐cell patch‐clamp recordings.

3. Amiloride reversibly inhibited the amplitude of the GABA‐induced current (IGABA) in a concentration‐dependent manner (IC50 454 ± 24 μmol/L) under conditions of voltage‐clamp with a holding potential at −60 mV. The inhibition depended on drug application mode and was independent of membrane potential. Amiloride did not change the reversal potential of IGABA. Moreover, amiloride induced a parallel right‐ward shift in the concentration–response curve for IGABA without altering the maximal value and Hill coefficient.

4. The present study shows that amiloride competitively inhibits the current mediated by native GABAA receptors in the brain region, probably via a direct action on GABA‐binding sites on the receptor. The findings suggest that the functional actions of amiloride on GABAA receptors may result in possible side‐effects on the central nervous system in the case of direct application of this drug into the cerebrospinal fluid for treatment of diseases such as brain tumours.
Autonomic impairment after myocardial infarction: Role in cardiac remodelling and mortality
Authors: Mostarda Cristiano , Rodrigues Bruno , Vane Matheus , Moreira Edson D , Rosa Kaleizu , Moraes‐Silva Ivana C , Lacchini Silvia , Casarini Dulce E , De Angelis Kátia , Irigoyen Maria Claudia
Published: October 2009

1. Impairmant of baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) has been implicated in the reduction of heart rate variability (HRV) and in the increased risk of death after myocardial infarction (MI). In the present study, we investigated whether the additional impairment in BRS induced by sinoaortic baroreceptor denervation (SAD) in MI rats is associated with changes in the low‐frequency (LF) component of HRV and increased mortality rate.

2. Rats were randomly divided into four groups: control, MI, denervated (SAD) and SAD + MI rats. Left ventricular (LV) function was evaluated by echocardiography. Autonomic components were assessed by power spectral analysis and BRS.

3. Myocardial infarction (90 days) reduced ejection fraction (by ∼42%) in both the MI and SAD + MI groups; however, an increase in LV mass and diastolic dysfunction were observed only in the SAD + MI group. Furthermore, BRS, HRV and the LF power of HRV were reduced after MI, with an exacerbated reduction seen in SAD + MI rats. The LF component of blood pressure variability (BPV) was increased in the MI, SAD and SAD + MI groups compared with the control group. Mortality was higher in the MI groups compared with the non‐infarcted groups, with an additional increase in mortality in the SAD + MI group compared with the MI group. Correlations were obtained between BRS and the LF component of HRV and between LV mass and the LF component of BPV.

4. Together, the results indicate that the abolishment of BRS induced by SAD in MI rats further reduces the LF band of HRV, resulting in a worse cardiac remodelling and increased mortality in these rats. These data highlight the importance of this mechanism in the prognosis of patients after an ischaemic event.
Circulating Th17 cells frequency is associated with the disease progression in HBV infected patients
Authors: Wu Wei , Li Jie , Chen Feng , Zhu Haihong , Peng Guoping , Chen Zhi
Published: October 2009

Background and Aims:  Th17 cells have been shown to mediate host defensive mechanisms in various infections, but their role in HBV infection in humans has not been well characterized. In this study, we analyzed the frequency and cytokines secretion of circulating Th17 cells in HBV infected patients with different statuses, and also evaluated the potential association of Th17 frequency with the levels of liver injury.

Methods:  The study population consisted of 133 subjects, including 40 mild chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients, 37 severe CHB patients, 20 acute hepatitis B (AHB) patients and 36 healthy controls. The frequency of circulating Th17 cells were carried out by intracellular cytokine staining analysis and serum IL‐10 levels were measured by ELISA.

Results:  Our data shown that AHB and severe CHB patients had a significant increase of Th17 cells frequency in peripheral blood compared with mild CHB patients and healthy control (both P < 0.05). The elevated prevalence of Th17 cells is positively associated with the increased serum ALT levels in severe CHB patients (r= 0.457, P= 0.004) but had no correlation with serum HBV DNA load. In addition, the serum IL‐10 were negatively correlated with the frequency of Th17 cells in PBMC from patients with chronic HBV infection (r=−0.452, P < 0.01).

Conclusion:  Th17 cells may contribute to the disease progression and pathogenesis of liver injury in HBV infected patients, and the induction of IL‐10 may be one mechanism of constraining pro‐inflammatory Th17 responses.
Comparison of procedural sequences in same‐day bidirectional endoscopy without benzodiazepine and propofol sedation: starting at the bottom or the top
Authors: Cho Jae Hee , Kim Jie Hyun , Lee Yong Chan , Song Si Young , Lee Sang Kil
Published: October 2009

Background and Study Aims:  Same‐day bidirectional endoscopy including esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and colonoscopy is routinely performed to evaluate anemia and gastrointestinal bleeding, as well as to conduct cancer surveillance. Numerous questions have been raised regarding the most appropriate procedural sequence and the resulting potential procedure interactions. We compared the quality and feasibility of performing EGD and colonoscopy without sedation in patients subjected to EGD‐colonoscopy (Group I) or colonoscopy‐EGD (Group II) sequences.

Patients and Methods:  A total of 80 patients were prospectively randomized into two groups (40:40). All EGD examinations were recorded on videotape, and the quality of 18 EGD steps was assessed by three endoscopists. In addition, we analyzed the colonoscopic parameters and subjective discomfort scores of patients.

Results:  Group I displayed significantly superior quality for retroflexion‐related steps (P11–13; all median of Group I vs Group II = 2:3; P < 0.01), visualization of the angular fold (P10; Group I vs Group II = 2:3; P = 0.048), and general assessment of the stomach (P17; Group I vs Group II = 2:3; P = 0.008) and upper GI tract (P15; Group I vs Group II = 2:3; P = 0.047). Colonoscopic insertion time, total time, and prolonged insertion ratio did not differ between the two groups. Questionnaire responses indicated that EGD was perceived to be more stressful in Group II sequence.

Conclusions:  The quality of EGD steps is influenced by the sequence of bidirectional endoscopy. EGD is perceived to be more stressful to patients when preceded by colonoscopy. Therefore, EGD followed by colonoscopy may be the preferable procedural sequence for same‐day bidirectional endoscopy.
Simvastatin effects on portal‐systemic collaterals of portal hypertensive rats
Authors: Huang Hui‐Chun , Wang Sun‐Sang , Lee Jing‐Yi , Chen Yi‐Chou , Lee Fa‐Yauh , Lin Han‐Chieh , Chang Ching‐Chih , Lee Shou‐Dong
Published: October 2009

Background and Aim:  Portal‐systemic collateral vascular resistance and vasoconstrictor responsiveness are crucial in portal hypertension and variceal bleeding control. Statins enhance vasodilators production, but their influence on collaterals is unknown. This study aimed to survey the effect of simvastatin on collaterals.

Methods:  Partially portal vein‐ligated rats received oral simvastatin (20 mg/kg/day) or distilled water from −2 to +7 day of ligation. After hemodynamic measurements on the eighth postoperative day, baseline perfusion pressure (i.e. an index of collateral vascular resistance) and arginine vasopressin (AVP, 0.1 nM–0.1 µM) responsiveness were evaluated with an in situ perfusion model for collateral vascular beds. RT‐PCR of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS), inducible NOS (iNOS), cyclooxygenase‐1 (COX‐1), COX‐2, thromboxane A2 synthase (TXA2‐S) and prostacyclin synthase genes was performed in parallel groups for splenorenal shunt (SRS), the most prominent intra‐abdominal collateral vessel. To determine the acute effects of simvastatin, collateral AVP response was assessed with vehicle or simvastatin. SRS RT‐PCR of eNOS, iNOS, COX‐1, COX‐2 and TXA2‐S, and measurements of perfusate nitrite/nitrate, 6‐keto‐PGF1α and TXB2 levels were performed in parallel groups without AVP.

Results:  Acute simvastatin administration enhanced SRS eNOS expression and elevated perfusate nitrite/nitrate and 6‐keto‐PGF1α concentrations. Chronic simvastatin treatment reduced baseline collateral vascular resistance and portal pressure and enhanced SRS eNOS, COX‐2 and TXA2‐S mRNA expression. Neither acute nor chronic simvastatin administration influenced collateral AVP responsiveness.

Conclusion:  Simvastatin reduces portal‐systemic collateral vascular resistance and portal pressure in portal hypertensive rats. This may be related to the enhanced portal‐systemic collateral vascular NO and prostacyclin activities.