bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative effects of acebutolol and practolol on the lipolytic response to isoprenaline.
Authors: Gibbons DO , Lant AF , Ashford A , Collins RF , Pinder S
Published: July 2012

1 The effects of beta‐adrenoceptor blockade on the metabolic responses to isoprenaline have been studied in an in vitro system of isolated fat cells and in six normal subjects. 2 The inhibitory effects of varying concentrations of acebutolol, practolol and propranolol on free fatty acid (FFA) release produced by isoprenaline (10(‐7) M) were compared in isolated fat cells prepared from rat epididymal adipose tissue. Acebutolol and practolol, at equimolar concentrations, showed a similar inhibitory effect whilst propranolol was approximately 100 times more potent then either drug. At 10(‐5)M concentration of propranolol, lipolysis was virtually abolished whilst at the same molar concentration, acebutolol and practolol halved the response. 3 Six healthy volunteers received three successive 15 min intravenous isoprenaline challenges (0.03 mug kg‐1 min‐1) per individual experiment. The first acted as a control whilst the following two were given either after single oral doses of placebo, acebutolol or practolol. The mean (+/‐ s.e. mean) basal FFA level was 0.77 +/‐ 0.06 mE1/1 and subsequent resting values after the administration of placebo or beta‐adrenoceptor blocker were not significantly different. 4 Acebutolol inhibited the respective mean rises in FFA, produced by both post‐control isoprenaline challenges, by (mean +/‐ s.e. mean) 70 +/‐ 4% and 84% +/‐ 5%. The comparable figures for practolol were 33 +/‐ 15% and 24 +/‐ 20%. The higher serum concentration of acebutolol produced greater inhibition but correlation of log serum concentration of the drug with percentage inhibition of FFA rise did not achieve significance. 5 Administration of isoprenaline, acebutolol or practolol did not significantly alter serum glucose, triglyceride or cholesterol levels. 6 Acebutolol and practolol effectively blocked the isoprenaline‐ induced tachycardia. The degree of blockade produced by practolol was greater than its inhibitory effect on FFA release. The diatolic fall in blood pressure in response to isoprenaline was abolished by acebutolol suggesting that its beta‐adrenoceptor blocking action encompasses peripheral vascular sites. The comparable effect with practolol was a partial inhibition of the diastolic fall.
Sensitivity and accuracy of the visual analogue scale: a psycho‐ physical classroom experiment.
Authors: Maxwell C
Published: July 2012

1 Twenty‐seven intelligent volunteers took part in a classroom experiment on two occasions to assess subjectively, ordinally related volumes of sound (offered in random sequence), using the visual analogue scale. 2 It was simple to use and largely acceptable. Big differences were significant by parametric tests but small ones were sometimes significant only with ordinal ones. Within‐subject comparisons were more accurate and more sensitive than those between‐ subjects. The t‐test was very robust. 3 Five out of 49 results were erroneously significant; they remained so no matter how the data were handled. It was concluded that this was due to a shift in either perception, cognition or scoring between the two sessions. 4 Arcsine transformations made little difference. The mechanism of these is fully discussed. A conversion to proportional scores resulted in very much improved sensitivity. 5 It is recommended that authors using the visual analogue scale: have valid reason in their own setting for using a transformation; present the distribution, or at least the medians and ranges of their raw scores; also use a simple but different measure so as to demonstrate internal consistency between them.
Some clinical pharmacological studies with terfenadine, a new antihistamine drug.
Authors: Kulshrestha VK , Gupta PP , Turner P , Wadsworth J
Published: July 2012

1 A double‐blind cross‐over trial between placebo, chlorpheniramine, and terfenadine, a new antihistamine drug, was performed in healthy male volunteers to determine and compare their CNS and autonomic effects. 2 Terfenadine and chlorpheniramine were administered orally in therapeutic doses. 3 In objective tests of critical flicker frequency, pursuit rotor, reaction time, salivary volume and pupillary diameter, no statistically significant difference was observed between the treatments. 4 On analogue rating scales, chlorpheniramine produced a statistically significant (P less than 0.05) degree of sedation and impaired concentration as compared to placebo and terfenadine. 5 The results obtained in analogue rating scales were not normally distributed and, therefore, use of non‐parametric statistical methods for analysis of such data is strongly advocated.
Performance studies with antihistamines.
Authors: Clarke CH , Nicholson AN
Published: July 2012

1 Effect of four antihistamines, chlorpheniramine (4 mg), clemastine (1 mg), promethazine (10 mg) and terfenadine (60 mg), on visuo‐motor coordination and on subjective assessments of performance and well‐ being were compared with placebo in six healthy females from 0.5–7.0 h after morning ingestion of each drug. The study was double‐blind, and the doses used were believed to be equally potent in their antihistaminic activity. 2 There was impaired performance 1.5 h (P less than 0.01) after chlorpheniramine, 3.0 h (P less than 0.05) and 5.0 h (P less than 0.01) after clemastine, and 3.0 h (P less than 0.01) and 5.0 h (P less than 0.001) after promethazine. It was not possible to establish effects on performance after ingestion of terfenadine. Subjective assessments of performance were not altered. 3 The subjects as a group reported improved alertness (P less than 0.05) and improved wakefulness (P less than 0.05) 0.5 h and 3.5 h respectively after ingestion of terfenadine, and were less energetic (P less than 0.05) 7.0 h after ingestion of chlorpheniramine. There were not other consistent changes in assessments of well‐being.
Plasma concentrations of isosorbide dinitrate and its metabolites after chronic high oral dosage in man.
Authors: Shane SJ , Iazzetta JJ , Chisholm AW , Berka JF , Leung D
Published: July 2012

1 We have previously reported that vasodilator headache due to isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN) can be circumvented by using small 'priming' doses for an induction period of 1‐2 weeks, after which it is possible to increase to dose rapidly to 360‐720 mg, daily without recurrence of headache and without toxicity. The present study corroborates this earlier finding. 2. Chronic oral administration of doses of ISDN of this order of magnitude results in prolonged high plasma concentrations of the parent compound, as well as higher levels of the metabolites 2‐ISMN and 5‐ISMN. 3. It is our thesis that chronic high oral dosage of ISDN saturates the intrahepatic biotransformation process, and allows high concentrations of ISDN and its metabolites to enter the systemic circulation.
A longitudinal study of the mechanisms of action of debrisoquine and propranolol.
Authors: Aminu J , Vere DW
Published: July 2012

1 The mode of action of hypotensive drugs is not necessarily the same early and late in a course of treatment. 2 It was aimed to study this possible difference of effects for the drugs debrisoquine and propranolol, using a clinical trial design and measuring as many cardiovascular functions as possible by noninvasive methods in out‐ patients. 3 Several well known effects of these drugs were noted; in addition it was found that in some subjects there was a small but progressive salt retention during propranolol treatment, that the displacements of the slopes in baroceptor function tests were different for the two drugs tested, and that venous distensibility was reduced at first with propranolol but soon increased again. 4 It is useful to combine longitudinal measures of body functions with a clinical trial when studying mechanisms of drug action.
Histamine challenge and anterior nasal rhinometry: their use in the assessment of pseudoephedrine and triprolidine as nasal decongestants in subjects with hayfever.
Authors: Britton MG , Empey DW , John GC , McDonnell KA , Hughes DT
Published: July 2012

1 Nasal airway resistance (NAR) was measured by anterior rhinometry in ten volunteers with allergic rhinitis. Measurements before and after challenge with three concentrations of histamine diphosphate showed significant rises in NAR for each challenge. 2 In a double‐blind, crossover study with the same patients triprolidine (2.5 mg) and pseudoephedrine (60 mg) were shown to be equally effective in reducing the rise in NAR produced by histamine challenge to one nostril; both were significantly better than placebo. 3 The rise in NAR of both nostrils after histamine challenge to one nostril was significantly reduced after pseudoephedrine compared with placebo. This suggests that pseudoephedrine is effective in preventing reflex mucosal congestion in the unchallenged nostril. 4 No increase in the pulse rate or blood pressure of the volunteers was detected after either drug.
The acute effects of the administration of rimiterol aerosol in asthmatic children.
Authors: Blackhall MI , Macartney B , O'Donnell SR
Published: July 2012

1 Ten asthmatic children received on two separate occasions rimiterol (500 microgram) and orciprenaline (1.5 mg) as aerosols in a double‐ blind, crossover design trial. Respiratory parameters (FEV1, FVC and PEFR) and pulse rate were recorded for 60 min after each administration. 2 Rimiterol produced effective bronchodilation in children with negligible cardiac stimulation. It differed from orciprenaline in that the peak bronchodilator effect was not maintained during the 60 min observation period. 3 Rimiterol is a selective, short‐ acting, sympathomimetic bronchodilator in children.
Comparison of digoxin and medigoxin in normal subjects.
Authors: Hayward RP , Greenwood H , Hamer J
Published: July 2012

1 The properties of a recently introduced digitalis glycoside, 4‐beta‐ methyl digoxin (medigoxin) were compared to those of a standard digoxin preparation. Using a radioimmunoassay (RIA) technique, serial plasma levels were recorded for 8 h following a single oral dose in five fasting volunteer subjects, and urinary glycoside elimination was measured for 4 consecutive days after dosage by use of a modification of the RIA method. 2 It was found that this RIA was suitable for plasma level measurement of both digoxin and midigoxin by reference to appropriate standard curves. Comparison of the plasma level profiles of these two drugs showed that medigoxin was very rapidly absorbed with peak levels occurring within 15–30 min, while digoxin produced peak levels after 45–75 min. The area under the plasma level‐time curve produced by medigoxin was also consistently greater than that produced by digoxin, even though the medigoxin dose used was smaller. Quantitative comparison of these areas after adjustment to compensate for differing doses showed that medigoxin is considerably more biologically available than digoxin under study conditions (ratio 1.6 +/− 0.25:1), and comparison of quantitative urinary elimination suggested that medigoxin is eliminated in the urine to a lesser extent than digoxin and therefore it undergoes more metabolism and/or hepato‐ biliary elimination.
Outcome of children and adolescents with recurrent/refractory classical Hodgkin lymphoma, a study from the Société Française de Lutte contre le Cancer des Enfants et des Adolescents (SFCE)
Authors: Gorde‐Grosjean Stéphanie , Oberlin Odile , Leblanc Thierry , Pacquement Hélène , Donadieu Jean , Lambilliotte Anne , Schell Mathias , Dommange Florence , Munzer Martine , Paillard Catherine , Schmitt Claudine , Lutz Patrick , Edan Christine , Ansoborlo Sophie , Stephan Jean‐Louis , Michel Gérard , Thomas Caroline , Perel Yves , Robert Alain , Landman‐Parker Judith
Published: July 2012

There is little data available regarding children and adolescents with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) who relapse after combined‐modality treatment, even though they have a substantial chance of cure. The purpose of this national retrospective study was to evaluate the outcome of patients with recurrent/refractory HL and determine adverse prognostic factors. From 1990 to 2006, 70 patients (median age 13·9 years) with refractory (n = 31) or first relapse (n = 39) HL were identified. Median time from end of treatment to relapse was 6 months (3–56). Relapses occurred in irradiated areas in 43/70 patients. Salvage therapy consisted of chemotherapy and 50 patients received high‐dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplantation. Radiotherapy was performed in 29 cases, tandem autologous transplantation in five and allograft in three. With a median follow‐up of 40 months (2–140), significant prognostic factors were time to progression/relapse and response to therapy before autograft. Event‐free survival and overall survival in patients with refractory disease, early relapse and late relapse were 35 ± 9%, 67 ± 11%, 76 ± 10% and 48 ± 11%, 89 ± 7% and 80 ± 10%, respectively. As progression <3 months was a major adverse prognostic factor, novel therapeutic approaches are needed for this group of patients. By contrast, patients have substantial chance of long term second remission in case of relapse >3 months.
Human herpesvirus 6 positive Reed–Sternberg cells in nodular sclerosis Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Siddon Alexa , Lozovatsky Larissa , Mohamed Ayman , Hudnall S. David
Published: July 2012

Classical Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) exhibits a bi‐modal age distribution that suggests an infectious aetiology. However, most cases of nodular sclerosis HL (NSHL) are Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) negative (60–90%). Previous studies regarding human herpesvirus 6 (HHV‐6) positivity of HL have led to conflicting results. In order to clarify this situation, we examined NSHL biopsies for the presence and distribution of HHV‐6 by immunohistochemistry (IHC), polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). PCR identified HHV‐6 DNA in 86% of NSHL cases. As HHV‐6 DNA was also identified in most cases of reactive lymphoid hyperplasia, we sought to localize the virus to specific cells by IHC, which detected HHV‐6 in Reed–Sternberg (RS) cells of nearly half (48%) of NSHL cases. Dual CD30/HHV‐6 immunostaining confirmed HHV‐6 immunoreactivity in CD30+ RS cells, and HHV‐6 PCR positivity was confirmed in laser capture microdissection‐isolated CD30+ RS cells. FISH demonstrated multiple copies of HHV‐6 genome in scattered cells. In contrast, EBV+ RS cells were identified in only 24% of the cases. HHV‐6+ cases trended toward a younger age than EBV+ cases. These results conclusively demonstrate that RS cells in many cases of NSHL are HHV‐6 positive, and suggest that HHV‐6 may play a role in NSHL pathogenesis, particularly in younger patients with EBV‐negative disease.
Characteristics and outcomes of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma presenting in leukaemic phase
Authors: Muringampurath‐John Disni , Jaye David L. , Flowers Christopher R. , Saxe Debra , Chen Zhengjia , Lechowicz Mary J. , Weisenburger Dennis D. , Bast Martin , Arellano Martha L. , Bernal‐Mizrachi Leon , Heffner Leonard T. , McLemore Morgan , Kaufman Jonathan L. , Winton Elliott F. , Lonial Sagar , Armitage James O. , Khoury Hanna J.
Published: July 2012

Diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) occasionally presents with circulating malignant cells. The clinical characteristics and long‐term outcomes of these patients have not been described. Twenty‐nine newly diagnosed DLBCL presenting in leukaemic phase were identified between 1996 and 2010, at two institutions. Median age was 48 years, and patients presented with leucocytosis, high lactate dehydrogenase levels, B symptoms, and high International Prognostic Index score. Extra nodal site involvement was observed in all patients and affected the bone marrow (100%), spleen (62%), pleura/lung (41%), liver (21%), bone (17%), bowels (7%) and cerebrospinal fluid (14%). Blood lymphomatous cells co‐expressed CD19, CD20, CD22, CD38, CD45, HLA‐DR and FMC7 in >90%, and kappa or lambda light chain restriction in >50%. Ninety per cent received rituximab and anthracycline‐based chemotherapy. Overall, remission was complete in 54% and partial in 31%; 15% had resistant disease. Median follow‐up was 47 months; 13 (45%) patients remain alive in complete remission. Median progression‐free and overall survivals were 11·5 and 46·7 months, respectively. In summary, patients with DLBCL in leukaemic phase present with high tumour burden and frequent involvement of extra nodal sites. In this uncommon DLBCL subgroup, anthracycline‐based regimens with rituximab are associated with early morbidity and mortality, but yield approximately 50% 4‐year survival.
Trichuris suis ova therapy for allergic rhinitis does not affect allergen‐specific cytokine responses despite a parasite‐specific cytokine response
Authors: Bourke C. D. , Mutapi F. , Nausch N. , Photiou D. M. F. , Poulsen L. K. , Kristensen B. , Arnved J. , Rønborg S. , Roepstorff A. , Thamsborg S. , Kapel C. , Melbye M. , Bager P.
Published: July 2012

Background

Parasitic helminths have been shown to reduce inflammation in most experimental models of allergic disease, and this effect is mediated via cytokine responses. However, in humans, the effects of controlled helminth infection on cytokine responses during allergy have not been studied.

Objective

The aim was to investigate whether infection with the nematode parasite Trichuris suis alters systemic cytokine levels, cellular cytokine responses to parasite antigens and pollen allergens and/or the cytokine profile of allergic individuals.

Methods

In a randomized double‐blinded placebo‐controlled clinical trial (UMIN trial registry, Registration no. R000001298, Trial ID UMIN000001070, URL: http://www.umin.ac.jp/map/english), adults with grass pollen‐induced allergic rhinitis received three weekly doses of 2500 Trichuris suis ova (n = 45) or placebo (n = 44) over 6 months. IFN‐γ, TNF‐α, IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐10 and IL‐13 were quantified via cytometric bead array in plasma. Cytokines, including active TGF‐β, were also quantified in supernatants from peripheral blood mononuclear cells cultured with parasite antigens or pollen allergens before, during and after the grass pollen season for a sub‐cohort of randomized participants (T. suis ova‐treated, n = 12, Placebo‐treated, n = 10).

Results

Helminth infection induced a Th2‐polarized cytokine response comprising elevated plasma IL‐5 and parasite‐specific IL‐4, IL‐5 and IL‐13, and a global shift in the profile of systemic cytokine responses. Infection also elicited high levels of the regulatory cytokine IL‐10 in response to T. suis antigens. Despite increased production of T. suis‐specific cytokines in T. suis ova‐treated participants, allergen‐specific cytokine responses during the grass pollen season and the global profile of PBMC cytokine responses were not affected by T. suis ova treatment.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

This study suggests that cytokines induced by Trichuris suis ova treatment do not alter allergic reactivity to pollen during the peak of allergic rhinitis symptoms.
Leaf, stem and root tissue strategies across 758 Neotropical tree species
Authors: Fortunel Claire , Fine Paul V. A. , Baraloto Christopher
Published: July 2012

1. Trade‐offs among functional traits reveal major plant strategies that can give insight into species distributions and ecosystem processes. However, current identification of plant strategies lacks the integration of root structural traits together with leaf and stem traits.

2. We examined correlations among 14 traits representing leaf, stem and woody root tissues. Traits were measured on 1084 individuals representing 758 Neotropical tree species, across 13 sites representative of the environmental variation encompassed by three widespread habitats (seasonally flooded, clay terra firme and white‐sand forests) at opposite ends of Amazonia (French Guiana and Peru).

3. Woody root traits were closely aligned with stem traits, but not with leaf traits. Altogether leaf, stem and woody root traits delineated two orthogonal axes of functional trade‐offs: a first axis defined by leaf traits, corresponding to a ‘leaf economics spectrum’, and a second axis defined by covarying stem and woody root traits, corresponding to a ‘wood economics spectrum’. These axes remained consistent when accounting for species evolutionary history with phylogenetically independent contrasts.

4. Despite the strong species turnover across sites, the covariation among root and stem structural traits as well as their orthogonality to leaf traits were strongly consistent across habitats and regions.

5. We conclude that root structural traits mirrored stem traits rather than leaf traits in Neotropical trees. Leaf and wood traits define an integrated whole‐plant strategy in lowland South American forests that may contribute to a more complete understanding of plant responses to global changes in both correlative and modelling approaches. We suggest further meta‐analyses in expanded environmental and geographic zones to determine the generality of this pattern.
A specialist root herbivore reduces plant resistance and uses an induced plant volatile to aggregate in a density‐dependent manner
Authors: Robert Christelle A. M. , Erb Matthias , Hibbard Bruce E. , Wade French B. , Zwahlen Claudia , Turlings Ted C. J.
Published: July 2012

1.Leaf‐herbivore attack often triggers induced resistance in plants. However, certain specialist herbivores can also take advantage of the induced metabolic changes. In some cases, they even manipulate plant resistance, leading to a phenomenon called induced susceptibility. Compared to above‐ground plant‐insect interactions, little is known about the prevalence and consequences of induced responses below‐ground.

2.A recent study suggested that feeding by the specialist root herbivore Diabrotica virgifera virgifera makes maize roots more susceptible to conspecifics. To better understand this phenomenon, we conducted a series of experiments to study the behavioural responses and elucidate the underlying biochemical mechanisms.

3.We found that D. virgifera benefitted from feeding on a root system in groups of intermediate size (3–9 larvae/plant in the laboratory), whereas its performance was reduced in large groups (12 larvae/plant). Interestingly, the herbivore was able to select host plants with a suitable density of conspecifics by using the induced plant volatile (E)‐β‐caryophyllene in a dose‐dependent manner. Using a split root experiment, we show that the plant‐induced susceptibility is systemic and, therefore, plant mediated. Chemical analyses on plant resource reallocation and defences upon herbivory showed that the systemic induced‐susceptibility is likely to stem from a combination of (i) increased free amino acid concentrations and (ii) relaxation of defence inducibility.

4.These findings show that herbivores can use induced plant volatiles in a density‐dependent manner to aggregate on a host plant and change its metabolism to their own benefit. Our study furthermore helps to explain the remarkable ecological success of D. virgifera in maize fields around the world.
Haemorrhoids are associated with erectile dysfunction: a population‐based study
Authors: Keller J. J. , Lin H.‐C.
Published: July 2012

Haemorrhoids are associated with regional vascular abnormalities and rectal pain, which are hypothesized to increase the risk of erectile dysfunction (ED); however, few studies have investigated the association between ED and haemorrhoids. This case‐control study aimed to estimate the association between haemorrhoids and ED by using a population‐based data in Taiwan. We identified 6 310 patients with ED as cases and randomly selected 31 550 controls. Conditional logistic regression was performed to compute the odds ratio (OR) for having been previously diagnosed with haemorrhoids between cases and controls. The results show that haemorrhoids were found to be present among 1 572 (24.9%) cases and 4 491 (14.20%) controls. The OR for prior haemorrhoids among cases was 1.90 (95% CI = 1.78–2.03) when compared with controls after adjusting for monthly income, geographical location, hypertension, diabetes, coronary heart disease, hyperlipidemia, obesity and alcohol abuse/alcohol dependence syndrome. Younger cases demonstrated a higher risk for prior haemorrhoids when compared with controls. In particular, the adjusted OR among cases <30 years old was 3.71 (95% CI = 2.74–5.02) when compared with controls. We concluded that there was an association between ED and a prior diagnosis of haemorrhoids.
Genetic diversity of hepatitis B virus genotypes B6, D and F among circumpolar indigenous individuals
Authors: Kowalec K. , Minuk G. Y. , Børresen M. L. , Koch A. , McMahon B. J. , Simons B. , Osiowy C.
Published: July 2012

Summary.  Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is highly prevalent in circumpolar indigenous peoples. However, the clinical outcome is extremely variable, such that while hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is uncommon in Canadian Inuit, the incidence of HCC is slightly higher in Greenlanders than in Danes, and it is especially high in Alaskan Native people infected with HBV genotypes F (HBV/F) and C (HBV/C). These differences may be associated with the genomic variability of the predominant HBV genotype in each group. The purpose of this study was to determine the rate, nature and regional susceptibility of HBV genomic mutations among circumpolar indigenous individuals. Paired serum samples, separated by 5–6 years, were analysed from Canadian and Greenlandic Inuit infected with HBV genotype B6 (HBV/B6) and HBV/D, respectively, and from Alaskan Native people infected with HBV/F, each having subsequently developed HCC. Phylogenetic and mutational analyses were performed on full‐genome sequences, and the dynamic evolution within the quasispecies population of each patient group was determined by clonal analysis of the non‐overlapping core coding region. Mutations associated with severe outcomes predominated in HBV/F, mostly within the precore/core and PreS1 region. HBV/B6 genomes exhibited higher diversity compared to HBV/D and HBV/F, particularly within the core coding region. Thus, differing mutational profiles and genetic variability were observed among different HBV genotypes predominating in circumpolar indigenous patients. The unusual observation of persistently high genetic variability with HBV/B6 despite clinical inactivity could be due to the evolution of a host‐pathogen balance, but other possible factors also need to be explored.
Hepatitis B e antigen‐suppressing mutations enhance the replication efficiency of adefovir‐resistant hepatitis B virus strains
Authors: Herbers U. , Amini‐Bavil‐Olyaee S. , Mueller A. , Luedde T. , Trautwein C. , Tacke F.
Published: July 2012

Summary.  Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) negative hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections caused by precore (PC) or basal core promoter (BCP) mutations are associated with disease progression and complications. PC or BCP mutations may enhance the replication capacity of distinct drug‐resistance‐associated polymerase mutations, but their effect on adefovir‐resistant HBV mutants is unclear. Importantly, BCP mutations were an independent risk factor for virological breakthrough in lamivudine‐resistant patients treated with adefovir. We aimed at addressing the functional consequences of PC and BCP mutations on the replication and drug susceptibility of adefovir‐resistant HBV mutants. Therefore, HBV constructs with wild type (WT) or adefovir‐resistant rtN236T, rtA181V and rtA181T mutations, with or without concomitant PC or BCP mutations, were analysed in vitro using molecular assays. The adefovir‐resistant polymerase mutations rtN236T, rtA181V and rtA181T showed a drastically reduced viral replication compared with WT. Interestingly, additional PC or BCP mutations enhanced the reduced replication efficacy of adefovir‐resistant constructs and restored HBV replication to WT level. HBV rtA181T mutants displayed abolished hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) secretion, owing to a sW172* stop codon in the overlapping envelope gene. All rtN236T‐ or rtA181V/T‐containing constructs, regardless of concomitant PC or BCP mutations, were resistant to adefovir, but remained susceptible to telbivudine, entecavir and tenofovir. In conclusion, adefovir drug resistance mutations reduced viral replication, which can be significantly increased by additional HBeAg‐suppressing PC or BCP mutations. Because increased HBV replication in HBeAg‐negative patients has been associated with an unfavourable clinical course, close monitoring appears indispensable during adefovir treatment in HBeAg‐negative patients.
Serum biomarkers are similar in Churg–Strauss syndrome and hypereosinophilic syndrome
Authors: Khoury P. , Zagallo P. , Talar‐Williams C. , Santos C. S. , Dinerman E. , Holland N. C. , Klion A. D.
Published: July 2012

Rationale

Churg–Strauss syndrome (CSS) and hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) overlap considerably in clinical presentation. A reliable means of distinguishing between these groups of patients is needed, especially in the setting of glucocorticoid therapy.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of 276 adult subjects referred for evaluation of eosinophilia > 1500/μl was performed, and subjects with a documented secondary cause of eosinophilia or a
PDGFR
‐positive myeloproliferative neoplasm were excluded. The remaining subjects were assessed for the presence of American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria. Laboratory and clinical parameters were compared between subjects with biopsy‐proven vasculitis (CSS; n = 8), ≥4 ACR criteria (probable CSS; n = 21), HES with asthma and/or sinusitis without other CSS‐defining criteria (HESwAS; n = 20), HES without asthma or sinusitis (HES; n = 18), and normal controls (n = 8). Serum biomarkers reported to be associated with CSS were measured using standard techniques.

Results

There were no differences between the subjects with definite or probable CSS or HES with respect to age, gender, or maintenance steroid dose. Serum CCL17, IL‐8, and eotaxin levels were significantly increased in eosinophilic subjects as compared to normal controls, but were similar between the eosinophilic groups. Serum CCL17 correlated with eosinophil count (P < 0.0001, r = 0.73), but not with prednisone dose.

Conclusions

In patients with a history of asthma and sinusitis, distinguishing between ANCA‐negative CSS and
PDGFR
‐ne‐gative HES is difficult because of significant overlap in clinical presentation and biomarker profiles.
Intravenous fluorescein as a cause of immunoglobulin E‐mediated anaphylactic shock
Authors: BREIDABLIK A. , DE PATER G. H. , WALTHER C. , NOPP A. , GUTTORMSEN A. B.
Published: July 2012

We report a patient with severe anaphylactic shock immediately after injection of i.v. fluorescein. The patient recovered without sequela. Immunoglobulin E (IgE) mechanism was highly suggestive with significant increase in serum tryptase, positive basophil allergen threshold sensitivity (CD‐sens) and histamine release tests towards fluorescein. This is, to our knowledge, the first report where CD‐sens has been used to aid in diagnosing an IgE‐mediated anaphylactic shock caused by fluorescein.
Platelet transfusions in haematology patients: are we using them appropriately?
Authors: Estcourt L. J. , Birchall J. , Lowe D. , Grant‐Casey J. , Rowley M. , Murphy M. F.
Published: July 2012

Background and Objectives  A large proportion of all platelet components are given to haematology patients. As there are risks associated with their transfusion, costs associated with production, and shortages may occur, it is important that their use is appropriate.

Study Design and Methods  The study was split into two parts, a survey to assess local practice guidelines and an assessment of platelet usage. A total of 123 hospitals completed the survey and 168 hospitals submitted data of 40 haematology patients over a 3‐month period.

Results  The organizational survey found that 36% of hospitals routinely give prophylactic platelet transfusions to patients with long‐term bone‐marrow failure. Also, a significant minority of hospitals administer platelet transfusions if the platelet count is below a certain threshold prior to performing a bone‐marrow aspirate (11%) or a bone‐marrow aspirate and trephine (23%); both of these are contrary to UK platelet transfusion guidelines. Data were collected on a total of 3402 patients, of which 3296 cases were eligible for analysis. They received approximately 46% of all platelet components issued to participating hospitals in England during the study period. The majority (69%) of platelet transfusions were prophylactic; of these only 33% were given when the platelet count was ≤10 × 109/l. Using an algorithm, based on current UK guidelines, 60% of prophylactic transfusions were appropriate, 6% could not be assessed and 34% were inappropriate. A total of 10% of all prophylactic transfusions were double the standard adult dose.

Conclusions  There is considerable potential for decreased use of platelet transfusions with a consequent improvement in their appropriate use and cost reduction.
Effects of Simultaneous vs. Sequential Settlement on the Territorial Behaviour of Juvenile Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Lindeman Amanda A. , Grant James W. A.
Published: July 2012

The aggression hypothesis predicts that territories will be smaller and more numerous when individuals arrive simultaneously rather than sequentially, because of the prior residency effect, whereas the attraction hypothesis predicts the opposite. In this study, we test the predictions of these contrasting hypotheses by releasing 12 juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) either simultaneously, all on 1 d, or sequentially, two per day for 6 d, in artificial streams. After the fish spent an average of 1 wk in the streams, we quantified the number of territories established, territory size, aggression rate and growth rate. There was evidence of a prior residency effect – early arrivers were more aggressive and grew faster than late arrivers – but this effect did not alter the number or size of territories established. We concluded that the temporal patterns of arrival have no strong effects on the territorial dynamics of juvenile rainbow trout.
Head Colour and Age Relate to Personality Traits in Gouldian Finches
Authors: Mettke‐Hofmann Claudia
Published: July 2012

Colour polymorphism is a widespread phenomenon in vertebrates and has often been linked with differences in behaviour such as aggression or boldness, behaviours that are often part of personality traits in monomorphic species. However, up to now, very few studies have looked whether colour morphs just differ in average behaviour or whether specific combinations of behaviours are favoured in relation to a particular morph therefore signalling personality traits. This was tested in the highly social and polymorphic Gouldian finch (Erythrura gouldiae). Tests were performed in pairs of a red‐headed and a black‐headed individual of same sex and size but different age. Capture rank in the aviary as well as latency to feed beside a novel object (neophobia) and to approach and touch a novel object on a perch (neophilia) were measured. For neophobia and neophilia, ranks of latencies calculated across all individuals were used and general and within‐pair comparisons were made. Neophobia and approach neophilia were consistent over time (2 mo), and approach neophilia was positively correlated with capture rank and neophobia indicating that the behaviours are part of personality traits. Moreover, black‐headed birds generally approached the novel object earlier than red‐headed birds. Similarly, within pairs, black‐headed birds were first to approach the novel object and were also captured first. Relative age (younger or older than the partner) was related to neophobia and tactile neophilia ranks; older birds reacted faster. The results indicate that colour morphs not only differ in average behaviour but that specific combinations of behaviours are related to colour morphs suggesting that head colours signal personality traits. Furthermore, depending on age individuals may have different roles in a social network.
The Return of the Intruder: Immediate and Later Effects of Different Approach Distances in a Territorial Songbird
Authors: Bartsch Conny , Weiss Michael , Kipper Silke
Published: July 2012

Male songbirds often maintain territories throughout the breeding season, and one of the main functions of song is to deter invaders. Therefore, the distance of an unknown singing rival should play a crucial role within territorial singing interactions of males. This distance is expected to be assessed as more threatening the closer the rival approaches. Here, we tested this assumption by conducting nocturnal playbacks from two different distances in territorial Common nightingales (Luscinia megarhynchos). Immediate vocal responses of birds were examined by analysing changes in song structure as well as temporal response features. The next morning, follow‐up playbacks from an intermediate distance allowed us to investigate longer‐lasting effects of nocturnal playbacks. We found that the distance of a simulated rival had an effect on both immediate and later vocal responses of territorial male nightingales with different song parameters being affected during nocturnal and diurnal singing. This indicates that birds perceive intruder distances and adjust their response behaviour both immediately and in later interactions.
The destructive invasive pathogen Phytophthora lateralis found on Chamaecyparis lawsoniana across the UK
Authors: Green S. , Brasier C. M. , Schlenzig A. , McCracken A. , MacAskill G. A. , Wilson M. , Webber J. F.
Published: July 2012

In 2010–2011,
Phytophthora lateralis was isolated from diseased
Chamaecyparis lawsoniana exhibiting dieback and mortality at eight geographically separate forest, parkland and shelterbelt locations in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. In 2011,
P. lateralis was also isolated from young symptomatic nursery plants of
C. lawsoniana and
Thuja occidentalis recently imported into Scotland from mainland Europe. These are the first findings of
P. lateralis in the UK. At six of the field sites, only collar and root lesions were observed. However, at two sites, large stem and branch lesions unconnected to the collar region were also observed. Phytophthora lateralis was readily isolated from both aerial and basal lesions. In artificial inoculation experiments, two Scottish isolates of the pathogen caused lesions on
C. lawsoniana shoots and were readily reisolated from the lesions, their pathogenicity being comparable to that of
P. lateralis isolates originating from outside the UK. Isolates from six field sites and the two nursery interceptions exhibited ITS and cox
II sequences identical to published sequences of French and North American isolates. However, the isolates from two field sites shared an ITS sequence with Taiwanese isolates and differed from North American, French and Taiwanese isolates by a single‐base substitution in cox
II, suggesting a separate evolutionary history. It is clear that
P. lateralis now presents a significant threat to
C. lawsoniana in Britain. The main source of the outbreaks is likely to be imported infested nursery stock.
Genetic correlations for foal and studbook traits with racing traits and implications for selection strategies in the Finnhorse and Standardbred trotter
Authors: Suontama M. , van der Werf J.H.J. , Juga J. , Ojala M.
Published: July 2012

Genetic correlations for body measurements and conformation and functional traits in foals and studbook horses with racing traits were estimated in the Finnhorse and Standardbred. Genetic response and accuracy were estimated using records of animal, half‐sibs and parents in selection scenarios for racing traits, for foal and racing traits, for studbook and racing traits, and using records of animal, half‐sibs and parents for foal traits and racing traits of parents. Racing time and earnings were the breeding objective. Low‐to‐moderate genetic correlations for body measurements and racing traits indicated that selection favours bigger horses at all ages. Being mainly favourable for the breeding objective, genetic correlations for conformation and functional traits with racing traits were highest for the foal traits of type, trot and overall grade and for the studbook traits of character and movements. Genetic correlations for foal and studbook conformation with racing traits were low in the Finnhorse and moderate to high in the Standardbred. In foals, the highest genetic correlations were for trot with racing time (−0.54) and with earnings (0.52) in the Finnhorse, and for overall grade with racing time (−0.54) and with earnings (0.54) in the Standardbred. In studbook horses, genetic correlations were high for character with racing time and earnings in the Finnhorse (−0.68, 0.61) and in the Standardbred (−0.63, 0.70), and for movements with racing time and earnings in the Finnhorse (−0.70, 0.69) and in the Standardbred (−0.90, 0.88). To increase accuracy of conformation and functional traits, foal traits would be more useful in the index with racing traits, as being less preselected than studbook traits. The foal traits (type, trot, overall grade) having moderate heritability and genetic correlations with racing traits would be useful in multi‐trait index before a racing career, where the greatest gain is because of a shorter generation interval. It would be feasible to implement for AI stallions.
Effect of marker‐data editing on the accuracy of genomic prediction
Authors: Edriss V. , Guldbrandtsen B. , Lund M.S. , Su G.
Published: July 2012

Genomic selection is a method to predict breeding values using genome‐wide single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. High‐quality marker data are necessary for genomic selection. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of marker‐editing criteria on the accuracy of genomic predictions in the Nordic Holstein and Jersey populations. Data included 4429 Holstein and 1071 Jersey bulls. In total, 48 222 SNP for Holstein and 44 305 SNP for Jersey were polymorphic. The SNP data were edited based on (i) minor allele frequencies (MAF) with thresholds of no limit, 0.001, 0.01, 0.02, 0.05 and 0.10, (ii) deviations from Hardy–Weinberg proportions (HWP) with thresholds of no limit, chi‐squared p‐values of 0.001, 0.02, 0.05 and 0.10, and (iii) GenCall (GC) scores with thresholds of 0.15, 0.55, 0.60, 0.65 and 0.70. The marker data sets edited with different criteria were used for genomic prediction of protein yield, fertility and mastitis using a Bayesian variable selection and a GBLUP model. De‐regressed EBV were used as response variables. The result showed little difference between prediction accuracies based on marker data sets edited with MAF and deviation from HWP. However, accuracy decreased with more stringent thresholds of GC score. According to the results of this study, it would be appropriate to edit data with restriction of MAF being between 0.01 and 0.02, a p‐value of deviation from HWP being 0.05, and keeping all individual SNP genotypes having a GC score over 0.15.
The influence of rice plant age on susceptibility to the rice water weevil, Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus
Authors: Stout M. J. , Hamm J. C. , Abbe I. , Bergeron C.
Published: July 2012

Plant age‐ and plant stage‐related changes in the resistance of rice, Oryza sativa, to its most important insect pest in the US, the rice water weevil (Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus), were investigated in a series of field and greenhouse choice and no‐choice studies. Rice plants were susceptible to infestation by rice water weevils over a broad range of plant ontogenetic stages, from at least the early vegetative stage to well into the reproductive stage. There was, however, a clear preference expressed by rice water weevils in both choice and no‐choice experiments for plants in (or nearly in) the tillering stage of development, with pre‐tillering and reproductive stage plants less preferred. The relationship between rice plant age and susceptibility to weevils is thus nonlinear. This study constitutes one of the most thorough studies to date of the relationship in a grass species between plant age and susceptibility to herbivores. The results provide a biological explanation for observed patterns of weevil infestations and a rationale for the cultural practice of delayed flooding.
Inflammatory Tinea capitis: a 12‐year study and a review of the literature
Authors: Zaraa Inès , Hawilo Abdelmohti , Aounallah Amina , Trojjet Sondes , El Euch Dalenda , Mokni Mourad , Osman Amel Ben
Published: July 2012

Inflammatory Tinea capitis (TC) is a rare form of TC. The aim of this study was to review epidemiological, clinical and mycological profile of inflammatory TC. We present a retrospective study (1999–2010), enrolled all the cases of inflammatory TC observed at a referral hospital in the northern Tunisia. One hundred and twenty‐one patients with inflammatory TC, 83 male patients (68.6%) and 38 female patients (31.4%) were enrolled. The mean age was about 8 years. A majority of TC (71.9%) were in patients lesser than 10 years of age. Positive family history and contact with animals were noted in seven and 35 cases respectively. Direct examination was positive in 110 cases (59 ectothrix, 51 endothrix) and positive cultures were obtained in 105 patients (49 Trichophyton violaceum, 31 Microsporum canis, 13 Trichophyton interdigitale complex, 12 Trichophyton verrucosum). Systemic treatment was carried out in 115 patients with griseofulvin, in one with terbinafine. A complete recovery was noted in 88 cases; and persistent alopecia in 28 cases. The inflammatory TC is rare, but more common in rural families. The disease mostly affected male genders (68.6%) and T. violaceum remains the common pathogen of inflammatory TC in northern Tunisia.
Five commercial citrus rate poorly as hosts of the polyphagous fruit fly Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt) (Diptera: Tephritidae) in laboratory studies
Authors: Muthuthantri Sakuntala , Clarke Anthony R
Published: July 2012

Queensland fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt), is a polyphagous pest, and many citrus types are included among its hosts. While quantification of citrus host use by B. tryoni is lacking, citrus is generally considered a ‘low pressure’ crop. This paper investigates B. tryoni female oviposition preference and offspring performance in five citrus types; Murcott mandarin (Citrus reticulata), Navel orange and Valencia orange (Citrus sinensis), Eureka lemon (Citrus limon) and yellow grapefruit (Citrus paradisi). Oviposition preference was investigated in laboratory‐based choice and no‐choice experiments, while immature survival and offspring performance were investigated by infesting fruits in the laboratory and evaluating pupal recovery, pupal emergence and F1 fecundity. Fruit size, Brix level and peel toughness were also measured for correlation with host use. Bactrocera tryoni demonstrated an oviposition preference hierarchy among the citrus fruits tested; Murcott and grapefruit were most preferred for oviposition and lemon the least, while preference for Navel and Valencia was intermediate. Peel toughness was negatively correlated with B. tryoni oviposition preference, while no significant correlations were detected between oviposition and Brix level or fruit size. Immature survival in the tested fruit was very low. Murcott was the best host (21% pupal recovery), while all other citrus types that showed pupal recovery of 6% or lower and no pupae were recovered from Valencia orange. In pupae recovered from Navel orange and lemon, adult eclosion was greatly reduced, while in grapefruit and lemon, no eggs were recovered from F1 adults. Based on these laboratory results, many commercial citrus varieties appear to be poor hosts for B. tryoni and may pose a low post‐harvest and quarantine risk. These findings need to be confirmed in the field, as they impact on both pre‐harvest and post‐harvest countermeasures.