bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IS NASOBILIARY DRAINAGE UNNECESSARY FOR DRAINAGE OF ACUTE SUPPURATIVE CHOLANGITIS? OUR EXPERIENCE
Authors: Kawashima Hiroki , Itoh Akihiro , Ohno Eizaburo , Goto Hidemi , Hirooka Yoshiki
Published: May 2010

Two randomized controlled trials comparing endoscopic nasobiliary drainage (ENBD) and internal endoscopic biliary drainage (internal EBD) for acute suppurative cholangitis (ASC) showed no significant difference in efficacy and both preferred internal EBD to ENBD. In this study, the necessity of ENBD was re‐examined. Over five years, 59 patients underwent an emergency endoscopic procedure for ASC in our institute. If drainage was needed, we selected internal EBD as a first choice and ENBD was used in patients predicted to have early obstruction of the tube or retrograde infection of the bile duct. The rate of ENBD, for which reason ENBD was selected, and the efficacy of drainage were examined retrospectively. In the 59 patients, 40 patients had the stones completely removed without drainage, five internal EBD and two ENBD were performed without removal of stones and five internal EBD and seven ENBD were performed after removal of stones. In terms of white blood cell count and direct bilirubin level, no significant difference was observed between ENBD and internal EBD patients. ENBD was mainly selected for the patients with multiple biliary strictures, hemorrhage tendency and excessive purulent bile. Even though internal drainage is suitable in many ASC patients, ENBD is necessary in selected patients.
NATURAL HISTORY OF SMALL COLORECTAL PROTUBERANT ADENOMAS
Authors: Hisabe Takashi , Tsuda Sumio , Matsui Toshiyuki , Iwashita Akinori
Published: May 2010

Most previous studies of the natural history of small colorectal adenomas showed no increase in size, no changes that would have necessitated treatment within a couple of years and that malignant transformation is rare. Using endoscopic follow up for a mean period of 43.1 months we assessed the development and progression of 408 protuberant adenomas that were under 10 mm in diameter. Of the 408 lesions, 22 (5.4%) underwent morphological changes. There were 12 lesions (2.9%) whose final tumor diameter had reached 10 mm or more. There were three lesions (0.7%) that developed and progressed into intramucosal cancer. We concluded from the literature and from our own results that small colorectal protuberant adenomas do not grow to advanced adenomas within 5 years.
BLEEDING PEPTIC ULCERS: THE CURRENT MANAGEMENT
Authors: Chiu Philip Wai Yan
Published: May 2010

Bleeding peptic ulcer remains the commonest cause of emergency hospital admission worldwide and carries a mortality of up to 10%. Ulcer rebleeding is one of the important risk factors for mortality, and numerous strategies were examined to prevent ulcer rebleeding including the performance of scheduled second endoscopy and adjunctive proton pump inhibitor infusion. This article reviews the current management of bleeding peptic ulcer, including the prediction of clinical outcomes for bleeding peptic ulcer; the use of second‐look endoscopy and adjunctive proton pump inhibitor infusion for prevention of rebleeding; and potential future development in achieving better primary endoscopic hemostasis with the use of endoscopic suturing.
CURRENT ISSUES REGARDING ENDOSONOGRAPHY‐GUIDED BILIARY DRAINAGE FOR BILIARY OBSTRUCTION
Authors: Ito Kei , Fujita Naotaka , Horaguchi Jun , Noda Yutaka , Kobayashi Go
Published: May 2010

Transpapillary endoscopic biliary drainage is a well‐accepted technique for patients with biliary obstruction. However, transpapillary access to the bile duct is not always possible, especially in patients with duodenal stenosis or difficult cannulation of the bile duct during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage or surgical bypass has been performed in cases of unsuccessful endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Recently, endosonography‐guided biliary drainage (ESBD) has been developed as a new biliary drainage technique. Current issues regarding ESBD are discussed in this article. Proper indications for ESBD should be established for widespread performance. Technical standardization and dedicated instruments for ESBD are also mandatory.
CURRENT STATUS OF ENDOSCOPIC MANAGEMENT FOR NONVARICEAL UPPER GASTROINTESTINAL BLEEDING
Authors: Kawamura Takuji , Yasuda Kenjiro , Morikawa Soichiro , Itonaga Masahiro , Nakajima Masatsugu
Published: May 2010

Endoscopic hemostasis is widely performed for nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal (UGI) bleeding. As the aged Japanese population rapidly increases, the number of patients experiencing complications increases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the recent results of endoscopic hemostasis for nonvariceal UGI bleeding. A retrospective analysis of patients who underwent endoscopic procedures for nonvariceal UGI bleeding was performed. We performed 223 endoscopic procedures on 217 patients between January 1995 and July 2000, and 238 endoscopic procedures on 236 patients between January 2006 and September 2009 at the Kyoto Second Red Cross Hospital. We divided the patients into the 1995–2000 group and the 2006–2009 group. Patient characteristics, hemostasis methods chosen, rates of temporary hemostasis and rebleeding, and mortality were analyzed. There were many serious and actively bleeding cases in the 2006–2009 group (P < 0.001). The endoclip method and intravenous proton pump inhibitor were mainly used in the 2006–2009 group compared with the drug‐injection method and intravenous H2 receptor antagonist in the 1995–2000 group (P < 0.001). Through these treatments, the two groups were able to obtain similar treatment outcomes. Through the progress of endoscopic management we obtained similar satisfactory results in the 2006–2009 group, which had multiple complicated cases, compared to the 1995–2000 group.
ENDOSCOPIC HEMOSTASIS OF GASTRIC ULCER BLEEDING BY HEMOSTATIC FORCEPS COAGULATION
Authors: Nagata Shinji , Kimura Shigeru , Ogoshi Hiroaki , Hidaka Toru
Published: May 2010

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for early gastric carcinoma has been widely performed in Japan. In this technique, when hemorrhaging from vessels is observed, the bleeding point is coagulated using hemostatic forceps with the soft coagulation. There have been reports that using hemostatic forceps with soft coagulation is a safe and effective method of controlling upper gastrointestinal ulcer bleeding. However, there have been no reports regarding the comparative effectiveness of hemostatic forceps and clipping in upper gastrointestinal ulcer bleeding. Between April 2003 and December 2008, a total of 124 patients with gastric ulcer bleeding causing melena or hematochezia were treated with endoscopic hemostasis in our hospital. Two endoscopic hemostatic methods were used for different groups of patients: coagulation with hemostatic forceps was used for Group A and clipping was used for Group B. The rate of additional treatment required after the initial procedure was 28.6% (8/28) for Group A and 79.2% (76/96) for Group B, indicating a significantly lower rate for Group A than that for Group B (P < 0.01). Additional treatment consists of a hypertonic saline epinephrine injection. The rebleeding rate was 3.6% (1/28) for Group A and 8.3% (8/96) for Group B, again indicating a lower rate for Group A than for Group B. Finally, successful endoscopic hemostasis was 100% in both groups. Using the soft coagulation mode of hemostatic forceps is shown to be a safe, easy and effective method of controlling gastric ulcer bleeding in relation to clipping.
PRESENT STATE OF ENDOSCOPIC HEMOSTASIS FOR NONVARICEAL UPPER GASTROINTESTINAL BLEEDING
Authors: Endo Masaki , Higuchi Masataka , Chiba Toshimi , Suzuki Kazuyuki , Inoue Yoshihiro
Published: May 2010

The subjects of this study were 208 patients who underwent endoscopic hemostasis at the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Iwate University between January 2004 and December 2008. There were 153 men and 55 women with a mean age of 65.3 years. Among them, 181 patients underwent endoscopic hemostasis in the stomach or duodenum and were divided into the peptic ulcer and artificial ulcer groups. The following were retrospectively analyzed: success rates of endoscopic hemostasis, rates of rebleeding, and devices used during treatment. The overall success rate of endoscopic hemostasis was 97.2%. Hemostasis was achieved in 98.2% of the cases with peptic ulcer bleeding and in 88.9% of the cases with artificial ulcer bleeding. Monotherapy (one hemostatic device) was used in 141 cases (77.9%), combination therapy (multiple hemostatic devices) was used in 39 cases (21.5%), and primary hemostasis was used in one case (0.6%) because of blood flow reduction during the observation period. A heat probe was used in 145 cases (80.1%), making it the most frequently used device. Endoscopic hemostasis is very effective for nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
SUCCESSFUL ENDOSCOPIC EXTRACTION OF A LARGE IMPACTED CHOLEDOCHOLITHIASIS IN THE AMPULLA OF VATER: TWO INTERESTING CASES
Authors: Okabe Yoshinobu , Kaji Ryohei , Ishida Yusuke , Noda Tetsuhiro , Sasaki Yuu , Tsuruta Osamu , Sata Michio
Published: May 2010

In patients with choledocholithiasis, a stone can sometimes become impacted in the ampulla of Vater, potentially resulting in the complications of acute cholangitis and acute pancreatitis. Endoscopic sphincterotomy and needle knife papillotomy are very effective for the removal of an impacted stone in the ampulla of Vater. Dramatic improvement of the symptoms may be expected if these procedures are performed sufficiently early after the occurrence of the impaction. However, depending on the size, site and situation of the impacted stone, we have often encountered difficulties during endoscopic treatment. We encountered two interesting cases of choledocholithiasis with impaction of large stones in the ampulla of Vater. In Case 1, treatment with radial incisions was added to the usual treatment of needle knife papillotomy, because of the large size of the stone, and the combined treatment was effective. In Case 2, a large periampullary choledochoduodenal fistula was created at the ampulla of Vater, and an indwelling double pigtail tube was placed in the ampulla; the stone then discharged via the tube without additional need for endoscopic sphincterotomy or needle knife papillotomy. Our experience in these cases indicates that innovations in treatment according to the situation of the impacted stone may be needed for the treatment of giant impacted stones in the ampulla of Vater.
INDICATIONS FOR ENDOSCOPIC RESECTION OF COLORECTAL POLYPS AND SURVEILLANCE GUIDELINES
Authors: Saito Yutaka , Yamano Hiro‐o
Published: May 2010

We report three keynote lecture presentations from the Endoscopic Forum Japan 2009 at Otaru, Hokkaido, on 1–2 August 2009. We will discuss herein: (i) colorectal cancer screening focusing on a comparison between the National Polyp Study and the Japan Polyp Study; (ii) how to deal with small polyps <5 mm in diameter; (iii) the natural history of colorectal tumor development; (iv) the importance of follow up for local recurrence after endoscopic resection for colorectal polyps; and (v) screening for colorectal cancer using two new modalities, narrow‐band imaging and autofluorescence imaging. A questionnaire was completed by everyone involved in the conference and the most important results were reported and then discussed by the participants.
ENDOSCOPIC TREATMENT OF DIFFICULT COMMON BILE DUCT STONES
Authors: Katanuma Akio , Maguchi Hiroyuki , Osanai Manabu , Takahashi Kuniyuki
Published: May 2010

Recent developments in treatment devices and advancements in technology have made endoscopic treatment the first choice for bile duct stones. In endoscopic treatment, the stones are removed after expanding the papilla with endoscopic sphincterotomy or endoscopic papillary balloon dilatation. The devices used to remove bile duct stones include basket catheters, balloon catheters and mechanical lithotripters, and their employment varies depending on the clinical situation. Stone removal by endoscopy is superior to other options, although treatment can be difficult in some cases. The reasons are mainly large stones, a history of gastric surgery, and Mirizzi syndrome. For such difficult cases, various adjuvant treatments such as extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, electrohydraulic lithotripsy and lasers are recommended rather than using just a mechanical lithotripter. Recently, large‐diameter biliary orifice balloon dilation, a method in which the papilla is expanded using a large‐diameter balloon, allowing the stones to be removed, has been reported and is attracting increasing attention.
CbrAB‐dependent regulation of pcnB, a poly(A) polymerase gene involved in polyadenylation of RNA in Pseudomonas fluorescens
Authors: Zhang Xue‐Xian , Liu Yun‐Hao , Rainey Paul B.
Published: May 2010

CbrB is a global σ54‐dependent regulator required for nutrient acquisition in Pseudomonas. Located downstream of cbrB on the Pseudomonas fluorescens SBW25 chromosome is pcnB, a putative poly(A) polymerase gene. Presence of a σ54 promoter in the intergenic region of cbrB and pcnB led to the hypothesis that CbrB regulates pcnB expression in a σ54‐dependent manner. Here we show that transcription of pcnB is CbrB dependent. However, 5′‐RACE analysis of the pcnB transcript using primers located in the pcnB coding region shows that transcription starts immediately upstream of the putative ATG site at a σ70‐like promoter. Deletion of pcnB caused ∼80% decrease of ployadenylated 23S rRNA; growth of the pcnB mutant was compromised in a range of laboratory media and on sugar beet seedlings. Further 5′‐RACE analysis confirmed the existence of the predicted σ54 promoter. Genetic analysis showed that the σ54 promoter drives expression of crcZ, a homologue of the recently described small RNA from Pseudomonas aeruginosa, in a CbrB‐dependent manner. Taken together, our data show that both pcnB and crcZ are part of the CbrB regulon. Moreover, the data draw further attention to the central regulatory role of CbrB and provides a link between mRNA degradation and cellular catabolism.
Hydrogen peroxide‐induced oxidative stress responses in Desulfovibrio vulgaris Hildenborough
Authors: Zhou Aifen , He Zhili , Redding‐Johanson Alyssa M. , Mukhopadhyay Aindrila , Hemme Christopher L. , Joachimiak Marcin P. , Luo Feng , Deng Ye , Bender Kelly S. , He Qiang , Keasling Jay D. , Stahl David A. , Fields Matthew W. , Hazen Terry C. , Arkin Adam P. , Wall Judy D. , Zhou Jizhong
Published: May 2010

To understand how sulphate‐reducing bacteria respond to oxidative stresses, the responses of Desulfovibrio vulgaris Hildenborough to H2O2‐induced stresses were investigated with transcriptomic, proteomic and genetic approaches. H2O2 and induced chemical species (e.g. polysulfide, ROS) and redox potential shift increased the expressions of the genes involved in detoxification, thioredoxin‐dependent reduction system, protein and DNA repair, and decreased those involved in sulfate reduction, lactate oxidation and protein synthesis. A gene coexpression network analysis revealed complicated network interactions among differentially expressed genes, and suggested possible importance of several hypothetical genes in H2O2 stress. Also, most of the genes in PerR and Fur regulons were highly induced, and the abundance of a Fur regulon protein increased. Mutant analysis suggested that PerR and Fur are functionally overlapped in response to stresses induced by H2O2 and reaction products, and the upregulation of thioredoxin‐dependent reduction genes was independent of PerR or Fur. It appears that induction of those stress response genes could contribute to the increased resistance of deletion mutants to H2O2‐induced stresses. In addition, a conceptual cellular model of D. vulgaris responses to H2O2 stress was constructed to illustrate that this bacterium may employ a complicated molecular mechanism to defend against the H2O2‐induced stresses.
Opposite effects of pioglitazone and rosiglitazone on mitochondrial respiration in skeletal muscle of patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Rabøl R. , Boushel R. , Almdal T. , Hansen C. N. , Ploug T. , Haugaard S. B. , Prats C. , Madsbad S. , Dela F.
Published: May 2010

Aim: Skeletal muscle insulin resistance has been linked to mitochondrial dysfunction. We examined how improvements in muscular insulin sensitivity following rosiglitazone (ROSI) or pioglitazone (PIO) treatment would affect muscle mitochondrial function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods: Muscle biopsies were obtained from 21 patients with T2DM before and after 12 weeks on either ROSI (4 mg once daily) [n = 12; age, 59.2 ± 2.2 years; body mass index (BMI), 29.6 ± 0.7 kg/m2] or PIO (30 mg once daily) (n = 9; age, 56.3 ± 2.4 years; BMI, 29.5 ± 1.5 kg/m2). An age‐ and BMI‐matched control group was also included (n = 8; age, 61.8 ± 2.3 years; BMI, 28.4 ± 0.6 kg/m2). Insulin sensitivity, citrate synthase‐ and β‐hydroxyacyl‐CoA‐dehydrogenase (HAD) activity, intramuscular triglyceride (IMTG) and protein content of complexes I–IV were measured, while mitochondrial respiration per milligram muscle was measured in saponin‐treated skinned muscle fibres using high‐resolution respirometry.

Results: Mitochondrial respiration per milligram muscle was lower in T2DM compared to controls at baseline and decreased during ROSI treatment but increased during PIO treatment. Citrate synthase activity and average protein content of complexes I–IV were unchanged in the ROSI group, but protein content of complexes II and III increased during PIO treatment. Insulin sensitivity improved in all patients, but IMTG levels were unchanged.

Conclusions: We show opposite effects of ROSI and PIO on mitochondrial respiration, and also show that insulin sensitivity can be improved independently of changes in mitochondrial respiration. We confirm that mitochondrial respiration is reduced in T2DM compared to age‐ and BMI‐matched control subjects.
The Challenges of Ambient Law and Legal Protection in the Profiling Era
Authors: Hildebrandt Mireille , Koops Bert‐Jaap
Published: May 2010

Ambient Intelligence is a vision of a future in which autonomic smart environments take an unprecedented number of decisions both for the private and the public good. It involves a shift to automated pattern recognition, a new paradigm in the construction of knowledge. This will fundamentally affect our lives, increasing specific types of errors, loss of autonomy and privacy, unfair discrimination and stigmatisation, and an absence of due process. Current law's articulation in the technology of the printed script is inadequate in the face of the new type of knowledge generation. A possible solution is to articulate legal protections within the socio‐technical infrastructure. In particular, both privacy‐enhancing and transparency‐enhancing technologies must be developed that embed legal rules in ambient technologies themselves. This vision of ‘Ambient Law’ requires a novel approach to law making which addresses the challenges of technology, legitimacy, and political‐legal theory. Only a constructive and collaborative effort to migrate law from books to other technologies can ensure that Ambient Law becomes reality, safeguarding the fundamental values underlying privacy, identity, and democracy in tomorrow's ambient intelligent world.
The second World Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Conference 2009: ‘Psoriasis – skin and beyond’
Authors: Molin S , Jonckheere CL , Coates LC
Published: May 2010

The high disease burden in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis by the loss of healthy years attributable to disability and the loss of years of life caused by premature death justify the interdisciplinary efforts to join forces for the benefit of affected patients. The initial meeting in 2006 had been a great success that was supposed to be continued. For the second time IFPA, the International Federation of Psoriasis Organisations, has organized a world conference on psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis in Stockholm, Sweden, 24th to 28th June 2009. In a joint effort by dermatologists and rheumatologists, these issues were translated into a scientific programme. Promoting interdisciplinary exchange, the disease‐defined rather than discipline‐specific approach of the second world psoriasis conference dealing with psoriasis revealed that the borders between medical specialities like dermatology and rheumatology or internal medicine not as fixed as traditionally believed.
New reasons for histopathological nail‐clipping examination in the diagnosis of onychomycosis
Authors: Wilsmann‐Theis D , Sareika F , Bieber T , Schmid‐Wendtner M‐H , Wenzel J
Published: May 2010

Background  Onychomycosis is a common problem. Today, the gold standard in the diagnosis of onychomycosis is the direct microscopy and fungal culture. But direct microscopy is regarded as having a low sensitivity and fungal culture takes long time. In addition, in cases of controlling the antifungal treatment course, the present gold standard is often not a reliable tool because of the inhibition of the fungal growth in the culture.

Objective  The purpose of this study was to compare the present gold standard with histological examination with periodic acid‐Schiff staining (PAS) of nail clippings in the diagnosis of onychomycosis in a large cohort.

Materials and methods  We prospectively evaluated 1146 nail samples from 851 patients with clinical signs of onychomycosis using direct microscopy and fungal culture in comparison with PAS‐stain.

Results  A total of 631 nail samples revealed a positive result in at least one test. The most sensitive single test for the diagnosis of onychomycosis was PAS with 82%, followed by culture (53%) and direct microscopy (48%). In 64 cases, in which a prediagnostic antimycotic treatment has been initiated, PAS showed to have by far the highest sensitivity (88%) in comparison with culture (33%) or direct microscopy (50%).

Conclusions  Periodic acid‐Schiff staining is the single method with the highest sensitivity in terms of detection of fungal elements (hyphae) in nail specimens. Especially in cases with prior antifungal treatment, histological analysis of PAS‐stained nail clippings should be considered as an appropriate diagnostic tool.
On the rare Abyssal Octopod Melanoteuthis beebei (sp. n.): a Contribution to the Phytogeny of the Octopoda.
Authors: Robson G. C.
Published: May 2010

The abyssal Octopod Xelanoteubhis beebei from the Eastern Pacific is a new species differing in several important featnres from 111. lzcceias (N. Atlantic), the only other speeies of the genus.

It possesses certain characters not found in the Octopoda but characteristic of the Decapodn; and i t also displays certain features which ally it with the Cirrate and Iiicirrate Octopods.

Melwnoteuthis (and probably the other members of the Vampyromorphze) is the most primitive Octopod. Though referable to the Octopoda, it exhibik very clearly‐marker1 affinity with the Decapoda and can be associated with neither the Cirromorphn nor the, Incirrate Octopods.

It is propxed to subdivide the Octopodn. into three suborders ‐the Vampyrornorphn, Cirromorpha, and Tnciri. ata, whicli seem to represent three markedly divergent evolutionary tendencies.

The structure of Melanotetcthis renders it highly probable that the Octopoda diverged from the Decqoda after the latter had acquired pedunculate suckers and a funnel‐valve, but before t h e central nervous system underwent condensation and (See footnote, p. 469.)
The Modification of the Testes of the Mouse with Age, with special reference to Interstitial Tissue.
Authors: Groome J. R.
Published: May 2010

In the mouse spermatogenesis appears to begin at the time of weaning.

The volume of the interstitial cell nuclei remains fairly constant until the age of 15 months, when there is a remarkable increase.

The absolute number of interstitial cells increases up to the age of 6 months, after which there is a slight decrease.

As the number of interstitial cells relative to the tubules is ten times greater about the time of birth than at any other age, criticism of the iterstitial cell theory based on purely relative figures may be dismissed.
The Structure and Affinities of Tarrasius probhmaticus Traquair.
Authors: Moy‐Thomas J. A.
Published: May 2010

Summary.

(1) Tarraskis problematicus Traquair is shown to be a Palæoniscid having the bones of the head, axial skeleton, median fin supports, and “palæniscoid” scales characteristic of the group.

(2) Tarrasius is specialized in that it has become an eel‐like swimmer, and on account of this has continuous dorsal and ventral fins, a diphycercal tail, lobed vertically held pectoral fins, and no pelvic fins.

(3) Tarrasius shows how a somewhat eel‐like Palæoniscid may exist, and in consequence supports the view of Goodrich that Polypterus is a Palæoniscid.

List of Literature cited.
The accidental importation of three species of Torania into Great Britain, with observations on live specimens (Araneae: Sparassidae)
Authors: Browning Ernest
Published: May 2010

Summary

Records are given of the accidental importation of three species of Torania Simon, occidentalis, scutata and variata into Great Britain.

The epigynes of the females of scutata and variata are figured.

Observations are given on two live females of variata, including the emergence of a worm, Mermis sp., from one of them.
Age changes in some bodily dimensions of Apes
Authors: Ashton E. H.
Published: May 2010

Summary.

 Basic statistical data are given for four overall bodily measurements and two derived indices of seventy‐three wild chimpanzees and eighty‐eight gorillas of all ages.

 Sexual differences are established shortly after the first permanent molars have erupted.

 Each measurement increases rapidly as the remaining permanent teeth erupt and some growth continues after the third permanent molars are in place.

 The overall shape of the ape's body and limbs remains practically constant as the permanent teeth erupt, and there is little evidence that growth in these parts follows an allometric pattern.

 The growth relationship between the face and cranium is, however, strongly allometric.
The vesicula seminalis of the rabbit
Authors: Carr Edna B.
Published: May 2010

Summary.

 The development of the so‐called uterus masculinus is described from sections of 19‐to 32‐day post‐coitum embryos.

 It was found that the structure is formed from the joining of the swollen bases of the Wolffian canals and is connected to the urethra by a short projection from the dorsal wall of the sinus. Since it is formed predominantly from Wolffian tissue it is renamed vesicula seminalis as suggested by Jost (1943, 1947), who first described the role of the Wolffian and sinus tissues in the formation of the vesicula seminalis.
The external ear in Crocodilia
Authors: Shute C. C. D. , Bellairs A. d'A.
Published: May 2010

Summary.

 Crocodilians possess a slit‐like external auditory meatus, bounded above by a large superior ear‐flap, and below and in front by a small inferior ear‐flap. The anterior part of the meatus in living animals is usually open when the top of the head is out of water and closed when it is submerged. The posterior part of the meatus is nearly always closed, even when the head is above the surface.

 The superior ear‐flap is operated by two muscles of the hyoidean group, the more superficial one being the M. levator and the deeper one being the M. depressor. Both muscles are attached to the skull and to the auricular plate, a mass of dense connective tissue which reinforces the upper ear‐flap. These muscles act in an indirect fashion by rotating the auricular plate around a longitudinal axis, and both are related to the deep aspect of the plate.

 The anterior part of the meatus is opened as a result of downward movement of the inferior ear‐flap. This is effected by means of a Y‐shaped structure composed of dense connective tissue and here termed the ypsilon. The lateral arm of the ypsilon is attached to the lower ear‐flap, the medial arm to the postorbital bone, and the stem, which projects forwards into the orbit, to the depressor auriculae inferior muscle. This muscle runs transversely across the floor of the orbit and is probably a derivative of the levator bulbi muscle.

 The functional significance of the ear‐flap in protecting the tympanic membrane from mechanical injury is discussed, and some points of contrast between the external ear in crocodiles and that in mammals are noted.
Colour polymorphism in the males of an African cichlid fish
Authors: Heiligenberg Walter
Published: May 2010

A species of the cichlid genus Pelmatochromis recently imported from West Africa has been observed in captivity and was bred several times. Whereas the females of the imported species all looked alike the males differed in respect of two colour patterns:

 the number of eye spots in the tail fin is constant throughout the individual's life but varies between 0 and 5 among different individuals;

 some males always become red on the whole underside of the belly when courting (type 1) others become red on the hind part of the belly only (type 2).

There is strong evidence that these differences in coloration are genetically determined.
The morphology and histology of the digestive systems of two freshwater teleosts, Poecilia reticulata and Gasterosteus aculeatus
Authors: Hale Patricia A.
Published: May 2010

The morphological and histological structure of the post‐pharyngeal gut, liver and exocrine pancreas are described. In Poecilia the gut comprises only oesophagus and intestine and lies folded in the body cavity, while in Gasterosteus the straight gut also includes a true stomach.

In both species the oesophagus is lined by a stratified epithelium containing many saccular mucus cells. The oesophageal musculature consists of bundles of striated fibres.

The wall of the post‐oesophageal gut comprises the following layers: simple epithelium, sub‐epithelial connective tissue, circular and longitudinal smooth muscle, and serosa. A muscularis mucosae is not present in any part of the digestive tract in either species.

The stickleback stomach is lined by a simple columnar superficial epithelium. Gastric tubules, present only in the anterior half, are lined by pyramidal secretory cells of a single type, presumed to secrete both acid and pepsin.

In both species columnar absorbing cells possessing a striated border and mucussecreting goblet cells are the most numerous cell types in the intestinal epithelium.

The liver of each species is made up of tightly packed polyhedral hepatic cells with blood sinusoids running at random between them.

Both species have a diffuse pancreas. Acini sheath the mesenteric blood vessels. The choledochal and pancreatic ducts open together into the anterior intestine.
The palpal organs of Acartauchenius scurrilis and Syedra gracilis (Araneae: Linyphiidae)
Authors: Merrett P.
Published: May 2010

The male palpal organs of Acartauchenius scurrilis (0.P.‐C.) and Syedra gracilis (Menge) are described in detail, and the taxonomic position of the two species is discussed.
The SPECTRAL project: a training needs analysis for providers of clinical question answering services
Authors: Booth Andrew , Beecroft Claire
Published: May 2010

Purpose:  To characterise the training needs of those providing clinical question answering services (CQAS).

Participants:  Seventeen specialist UK staff working in CQAS, 21 from general health library UK staff and eight international respondents.

Methodology:  A literature review examined documented training needs for CQAS staff. A follow‐up questionnaire examined prior training and experience and identified training needs for the surveyed staff.

Results/outcomes:  Ninety per cent of CQAS staff had worked in health services for 3 years or longer. Training received in preparation for the CQAS role comprised literature searching (including the PRECEPT/ADEPT and cochrane library courses) and critical appraisal. Skills considered ‘essential’ for clinical question answering were ‘literature searching’ (100%), ‘understanding the context of clinical questions’, ‘bibliographic databases’, ‘evidence‐based sources’ and ‘the Internet’ (all 93%). Main training needs for specialist CQAS staff include management and organisation of CQAS and technical skills in interpretation and presentation.

Discussion/conclusion:  CQAS staff require a formal training programme. Most CQAS staff considered that this should be a mandatory requirement.
Implication of TAp73 in the p53‐independent pathway of Puma induction and Puma‐dependent apoptosis in primary cortical neurons
Authors: Fricker Michael , Papadia Sofia , Hardingham Giles E. , Tolkovsky Aviva M.
Published: May 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 114, 772–783.

Puma (p53 up‐regulated modulator of apoptosis) is a BH3‐only protein member of the Bcl‐2 family that controls apoptosis by regulating the release of pro‐apoptotic factors from mitochondria. Previously, we reported that sodium arsenite (NaAsO2) induces Puma‐dependent apoptosis in cortical neurons in a p53‐independent manner. The following evidence shows that p53‐independent Puma activation by NaAsO2 is mediated by the p53‐related protein TAp73: (i) NaAsO2 causes TAp73α accumulation and increases p53‐independent expression of p73 target genes; (ii) two p53 response elements in the Puma promoter are required for NaAsO2‐mediated activation of a Puma reporter construct; (iii) expression of the inhibitory ΔNp73α and ΔNp73β isoforms decreases NaAsO2‐mediated induction of Puma and other p53‐family target genes in a p53‐null background; (iv) ΔNp73α and ΔNp73β expression protects the neurons from NaAsO2‐dependent apoptosis. Interestingly, although ER stressors also induce p53‐independent, Puma‐dependent apoptosis, they do not increase TAp73 expression while NaAsO2 does not induce notable endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. In contrast, DNA damaging agents, okadaic acid, and H2O2 all induce apoptosis in a strictly Puma‐ and p53‐dependent manner. Hence, the pivotal position of Puma as mediator of apoptosis in cortical neurons is because of the availability of at least three independent signalling pathways that ensure its activation.
Disruption of gap junctions attenuates aminoglycoside‐elicited renal tubular cell injury
Authors: Yao Jian , Huang Tao , Fang Xin , Chi Yuan , Zhu Ying , Wan Yigang , Matsue Hiroyuki , Kitamura Masanori
Published: May 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Gap junctions play important roles in the regulation of cell phenotype and in determining cell survival after various insults. Here, we investigated the role of gap junctions in aminoglycoside‐induced injury to renal tubular cells.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Two tubular epithelial cell lines NRK‐E52 and LLC‐PK1 were compared for gap junction protein expression and function by immunofluorescent staining, Western blot and dye transfer assay. Cell viability after exposure to aminoglycosides was evaluated by WST assay. Gap junctions were modulated by transfection of the gap junction protein, connexin 43 (Cx43), use of Cx43 siRNA and gap junction inhibitors.

KEY RESULTS

NRK‐E52 cells expressed abundant Cx43 and were functionally coupled by gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC). Exposure of NRK‐E52 cells to aminoglycosides, G418 and hygromycin, increased Cx43 phosphorylation and GJIC. The aminoglycosides also decreased cell viability that was prevented by gap junction inhibitors and Cx43 siRNA. LLC‐PK1 cells were gap junction‐deficient and resistant to aminoglycoside‐induced cytotoxicity. Over‐expression of a wild‐type Cx43 converted LLC‐PK1 cells to a drug‐sensitive phenotype. The gap junction inhibitor α‐glycyrrhetinic acid (α‐GA) activated Akt in NRK‐E52 cells. Inhibition of the Akt pathway enhanced cell toxicity to G418 and abolished the protective effects of α‐GA. In addition, gentamycin‐elicited cytotoxicity in NRK‐E52 cells was also significantly attenuated by α‐GA.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

Gap junctions contributed to the cytotoxic effects of aminoglycosides. Modulation of gap junctions could be a promising approach for prevention and treatment of aminoglycoside‐induced renal tubular cell injury.
Possible involvement of GLP‐1(9–36) in the regional haemodynamic effects of GLP‐1(7–36) in conscious rats
Authors: Gardiner SM , March JE , Kemp PA , Bennett T , Baker DJ
Published: May 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The incretin hormone, glucagon‐like peptide (GLP)‐1(7–36), is rapidly cleaved by dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP‐4) into GLP‐1(9–36), and although it is agreed that most, if not all, of the metabolic effects are attributable to the intact peptide, the degree to which the cardiovascular effects are due to the cleavage product is unclear. The purpose of this study was to measure the regional haemodynamic effects of GLP‐1(7–36), and determine the extent to which the cardiovascular effects of GLP‐1(7–36) were influenced by DPP‐4 inhibition and reproduced by GLP‐1(9–36). Additional experiments investigated the involvement of autonomic mechanisms in the cardiovascular effects of GLP‐1(7–36).

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Regional haemodynamic effects of bolus doses and 4 h infusions of GLP‐1(7–36) amide and GLP‐1(9–36) amide were measured in conscious, chronically instrumented rats; the influence of DPP‐4 inhibition and autonomic blockade on responses to GLP‐1(7–36) were also assessed.

KEY RESULTS Glucagon‐like peptide‐1(7–36) had clear regional haemodynamic effects comprising tachycardia, a rise in blood pressure, renal and mesenteric vasoconstriction and hindquarters vasodilatation, whereas GLP‐1(9–36) was devoid of any cardiovascular actions. The effects of GLP‐1(7–36) were enhanced by DPP‐4 inhibition, and the tachycardia and hindquarters vasodilatation were β‐adrenoceptor‐mediated.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS In conscious rats, the cardiovascular effects of GLP‐1(7–36) resemble those of the GLP analogue, exendin‐4, and are attributable to the intact peptide rather than the cleavage product, GLP‐1(9–36).
α4β2 Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, willing if able
Authors: Papke Roger L
Published: May 2010

Li and Steinbach apply nonstationary noise analysis to the whole‐cell current responses of low sensitivity α4β2 nAChR stably‐expressed in HEK cells. These receptors represent one of the most important nAChR subtypes in brain, and also one of the most difficult to study in native tissues. They found the activating properties of the full agonists ACh and nicotine to be similar with regard to Popen and single channel conductance, whereas the weak α4β2 partial agonist cytisine caused channels to open with low probability but increased single channel conductance. When optimally stimulated by either of the full agonists, approximately 80% of the available receptors opened at the peak of the response. However, comparisons of whole‐cell current to estimates of total cell surface receptors, indicated that only about 7% of the total receptor population can be activated. These observations provide important and intriguing new pieces of the brain nicotine receptor puzzle.
Role of Immune Serum in the Killing of Helicobacter pylori by Macrophages
Authors: Keep Stacey , Borlace Glenn , Butler Ross , Brooks Doug
Published: May 2010

Background:  Helicobacter pylori infection can lead to the development of gastritis, peptic ulcers and gastric cancer, which makes this bacterium an important concern for human health. Despite evoking a strong immune response in the host, H. pylori persists, requiring complex antibiotic therapy for eradication. Here we have studied the impact of a patient’s immune serum on H. pylori in relation to macrophage uptake, phagosome maturation, and bacterial killing.

Materials and Methods:  Primary human macrophages were infected in vitro with both immune serum‐treated and control H. pylori. The ability of primary human macrophages to kill H. pylori was characterized at various time points after infection. H. pylori phagosome maturation was analyzed by confocal immune fluorescence microscopy using markers specific for H. pylori, early endosomes (EEA1), late endosomes (CD63) and lysosomes (LAMP‐1).

Results:  Immune serum enhanced H. pylori uptake into macrophages when compared to control bacteria. However, a sufficient inoculum remained for recovery of viable H. pylori from macrophages, at 8 hours after infection, for both the serum‐treated and control groups. Both serum‐treated and control H. pylori phagosomes acquired EEA1 (15 minutes), CD63 and LAMP‐1 (30 minutes). These markers were then retained for the rest of an 8 hour time course.

Conclusions:  While immune sera appeared to have a slight positive effect on bacterial uptake, both serum‐treated and control H. pylori were not eliminated by macrophages. Furthermore, the same disruptions to phagosome maturation were observed for both serum‐treated and control H. pylori. We conclude that to eliminate H. pylori, a strategy is required to restore the normal process of phagosome maturation and enable effective macrophage killing of H. pylori, following a host immune response.
The Effect of Probiotics and Mucoprotective Agents on PPI‐Based Triple Therapy for Eradication of Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Song Min Jun , Park Dong Il , Park Jung Ho , Kim Hong Joo , Cho Yong Kyun , Sohn Chong Il , Jeon Woo Kyu , Kim Byung Ik
Published: May 2010

Background/Aims:  Recent studies have found that probiotics have anti‐Helicobacter pylori (HP) properties. We evaluated the additive effects of (i) Saccharomyces boulardii combined with proton pump inhibitor (PPI)‐based triple therapy and (ii) S. boulardii and a mucoprotective agent (DA‐9601) coupled with PPI‐based triple therapy for HP eradication.

Methods:  We recruited 991 HP infected patients and randomized them into one of three groups, (A) PPI‐based 7‐day triple therapy, (B) the same triple therapy plus S. boulardii for 4 weeks, and (C) the same 7‐day triple therapy plus S. boulardii and mucoprotective agent for 4 weeks. All patients in the three groups were tested via 13C‐urea breath test 4 weeks after the completion of the therapy.

Results:  According to the results of an intention‐to‐treat analysis, HP eradication rates for the groups A, B, and C were 71.6% (237/331), 80.0% (264/330), and 82.1% (271/330), respectively (p = .003). According to the results of a per protocol analysis, the eradication rates were 80.0% (237/296), 85.4% (264/309) and, 84.9% (271/319), respectively (p = .144). The frequency of side effects in group B (48/330) and C (30/330) was lower than that in group A (63/331) (p < .05).

Conclusion:  This study suggests that supplementation with S. boulardii could be effective for improving HP eradication rates by reducing side effects thus helping completion of eradication therapy. However, there were no significant effects on HP eradication rates associated with the addition of mucoprotective agents to probiotics and triple therapy.
Ethanol Acutely Modulates mGluR1‐Dependent Long‐Term Depression in Cerebellum
Authors: Su Li‐Da , Sun Cheng‐Long , Shen Ying
Published: May 2010

Background: Acute and chronic ethanol exposure produces profound impairments in motor functioning. Individuals with lower sensitivity to the acute motor impairing effects of ethanol have an increased risk of developing alcohol dependence and abuse, and infants with subtle delays in motor coordination development may have an increased risk for subsequently developing alcoholism. Thus, understanding the mechanism by which ethanol disrupts motor functioning is very important.

Methods: Parasagittal slices of the cerebellar vermis (250 μM thick) were prepared from P17 to 20 Sprague–Dawley rats. Whole‐cell recordings of Purkinje cells were obtained with an Axopatch 200B amplifier. Parallel fiber‐Purkinje cell synaptic currents were sampled at 1 kHz and digitized at 10 kHz, and synaptic long‐term depression (LTD) was observed in either external or internal application of ethanol for comparison.

Results: We determined whether ethanol acutely affects parallel fiber LTD using whole‐cell patch‐clamp recordings from Purkinje cells. Application of ethanol both externally (50 mM) and internally (17 and 10 mM) significantly suppressed mGluR‐mediate slow currents. Short‐term external ethanol exposure (50 but not 17 mM) during tetanus blocked mGluR‐dependent parallel fiber LTD. Furthermore, internal 17 and 10 mM ethanol completely inhibited this LTD.

Conclusions: The results of the current study demonstrate that ethanol acutely suppresses parallel fiber LTD and may influence the mGluR‐mediated slow current intracellularly. This study, plus previous evidence by Carta and colleagues (2006) and Belmeguenai and colleagues (2008), suggests significant actions of ethanol on mGluR‐mediated currents and its dependent plasticity in brain.
Age‐Related Changes in Drinking Patterns From Mid‐ to Older Age: Results From the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study
Authors: Molander Rachel C. , Yonker James A. , Krahn Dean D.
Published: May 2010

Background:  Drinking has generally been shown to decline with age in older adults. However, results vary depending on the measure of alcohol consumption used and the study population. The goals of this study were to (i) describe changes in drinking in a current cohort of older adults using a variety of measures of drinking and (ii) examine a number of different possible predictors of change.

Methods:  This is a longitudinal study of a community‐based sample surveyed at 2 time points, ages 53 and 64 years. We estimated a series of logistic regressions to predict change and stability in drinking categories of nondrinking, moderate drinking, and heavy drinking. Linear regressions were used to predict change in past‐month drinking days, past‐month average drinks per drinking day, and past‐month total drinks.

Results:  From age 53 to 64, average drinks per drinking day and heavy drinking decreased. Frequency of drinking increased for men and women, and total drinks per month increased for men. The most consistent predictors of drinking changes were gender, health, and education. Other factors predicted drinking change but were not consistent across drinking measures including: adolescent IQ, income, lifetime history of alcohol‐related problems, religious service attendance, depression, debt, and changes in employment.

Conclusions:  Heavy drinking decreases with age, but we may see more frequent moderate drinking with current and upcoming cohorts of older adults. Components of quantity and frequency of drinking change differently. Composite measures of total alcohol consumption may not be adequate for describing relevant changes in drinking over time. A number of factors predicted patterns of change in drinking and warrant further exploration.