bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patterns of growth in cold‐seep vestimenferans including Seepiophila jonesi: a second species of long‐lived tubeworm
Authors: Cordes Erik E. , Bergquist Derk C. , Redding Meredith L. , Fisher Charles R.
Published: February 2007

Seepiophila jonesi is a vestimentiferan tubeworm (Siboglinidae: Polychaeta) inhabiting the cold seeps of the upper slope of the Gulf of Mexico. It commonly co‐occurs with Lamellibrachia luymesi, which is among the most long‐lived non‐clonal animals known. The growth pattern of S. jonesi is best described by a model including a size‐specific probability of growth and an average growth rate that does not vary with individual size. This model, based on growth data from in situ staining and collection approximately 1 year later, predicts that S. jonesi is very slow growing and may attain ages comparable with L. luymesi. The efficacy of this model in describing L. luymesi growth rate was assessed, but the previously employed model of declining growth rate with individual size provided the better fit to the empirical data. Comparisons of both S. jonesi and L. luymesi growth rates among sites and among aggregations within a site indicate that there is some degree of habitat variability contributing to differences in growth rates. However, position of the anterior end of the worm within an aggregation did not have a significant effect on growth rate in comparisons among groups of L. luymesi from different distances from the center of an aggregation. The evolution of longevity in these species of vestimentiferans was favored by the relative stability of the seep habitat and sulfide sources, in contrast to the hydrothermal vent environment inhabited by relatively short‐lived and fast‐growing vestimentiferan species.
Ecological aspects of hydrothermal vent animals in captivity at atmospheric pressure
Authors: Miyake Hiroshi , Kitada Mitsugu , Tsuchida Shinji , Okuyama Yoko , Nakamura Ko‐ichi
Published: February 2007

Hydrothermal vent animals were kept and displayed at atmospheric pressure with an artificial hydrothermal vent system in Enoshima Aquarium, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan. The artificial hydrothermal vent system was composed of a main rearing tank, a heating tank, a hot water outlet with added Na2S as the source of H2S, and added CO2for chemosynthetic bacteria and pH regulation. When the need arises, a dissolved oxygen control unit and submersible heaters can be attached. We are now rearing hydrothermal vent crabs (Austinograea yunohana), hydrothermal vent galatheid crabs (Shinkaia crosnieri), vestimentiferan tubeworms (Lamellibrachia satsuma), hydrothermal vent shrimp (Opaepelespp.), hydrothermal vent barnacles (Ashinkailepas seepiophiliaandNeoverrucasp.), and tonguefish (Symphurussp.). In the artificial hydrothermal vent tank, shrimp and crabs have been observed to cluster close to the artificial hydrothermal vent. In particular, large (adult) crabs needed a heat source to live in the aquarium over a long term. Additionally, some species (A. yunohana,S. crosnieri,Opaepelesp. andSymphurussp.) have spawned and hatched in captivity. It is likely higher water temperatures are needed for egg and larval development compared with temperatures for adult requirements.
Adaptation to metal toxicity: a comparison of hydrothermal vent and coastal shrimps
Authors: Gonzalez‐Rey Maria , Serafim Angela , Company Rui , Bebianno Maria João
Published: February 2007

Rainbow vent field is one of the most metal‐contaminated hydrothermal sites on the Mid‐Atlantic Ridge near the Azores region. Two hydrothermal shrimp species dominate the fauna at the Rainbow site along with the mussel Bathymodiolus azoricus. Although the levels of essential and non‐essential metals in these shrimps have been studied, the biological consequences of a metal‐rich environment are still largely unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the levels of metal‐binding proteins – metallothioneins (MT) and the activities of antioxidant enzymes – superoxide dismutase, catalase, total glutathione peroxidase and selenium‐dependent glutathione peroxidase in two hydrothermal vent shrimps (Mirocaris fortunata and Rimicaris exoculata) collected from the Rainbow site and to compare them with two coastal shrimps (Palaemon elegans and Palaemonetes varians) from a south Portugal lagoon (Ria Formosa) to evaluate their different adaptation strategies towards metals in their environment. Results show significant differences in MT levels and antioxidant enzymatic activities between vent and coastal shrimps and also between shrimp species collected from the same site. This suggests that biochemical responses in both vent and coastal shrimps are affected not only by the environmental characteristics but also by inter‐specific differences. Nevertheless, these responses apparently confer successful adaptation for survival in a metal‐extreme environment.
Life‐history traits of the symbiotic scale‐worm Branchipolynoe seepensis and its relationships with host mussels of the genus Bathymodiolus from hydrothermal vents
Authors: Britayev Temir A. , Martin Daniel , Krylova Elena M. , Von Cosel Rudo , Aksiuk Tatiana S.
Published: February 2007

Associations between scale‐worms and giant mussels are common constituents of hydrothermal vent and cold seep ecosystems, but very little is known about their nature and ecology. Here, we analyze the ecological characteristics of the associations between Branchipolynoe seepensis, an obligate symbiotic polychaete, and their host mytilid mussels Bathymodiolus puteoserpentis and B. azoricus inhabiting hydrothermal vent fields on the Mid‐Atlantic Ridge. Infested mussels generally harbored a single symbiont (<4% had two to six worms). Infestation rate varied from 7.2% to 76.5%, increasing with mussel size, and was significantly lower for B. puteoserpentis. Symbiont density at Lucky Strike ranged between 1071 and 1191 individuals m−2. Female symbiont size was always positively correlated with host size, while only males and juveniles from small mussels showed the same trend. This suggested a relatively long‐lasting host/symbiont association for females and short‐lasting association with successive reproductive migrations for adult males. The sex ratio of symbionts was always biased in favor of females. Males were smaller and more slender than females and had one mode in their size distributions, whereas females typically had three or more modes, suggestive of a longer life span in females. Between 59.1% and 72.2% of mussels had damaged soft tissues with substantially higher incidence of trauma in infested ones, suggesting that symbionts may cause trauma. The symbionts also induce tunnel‐like structures among the ctenidia, indicating fidelity to a particular location inside the host. Based on our data, together with the fact that infested mussels became relatively wider than non‐infested ones, this association is considered parasitic (likely kleptoparasitic). Our data, together with those from previous studies, allowed us to define the main life‐history traits of B. seepensis: (i) the relationship with their host is parasitic, (ii) the association begins at the smallest mytilid size classes, (iii) there is sexual dimorphism in body size, (iv) sex ratio deviates from 1:1 in favor of females, (v) fertilization occurs through temporal pairing and pseudocopulation, (vi) sperm are stored by females, (vii) eggs are large (likely lecithotrophic or with direct development), (viii) females have a longer life span than males, (ix) adult males may be semalparous, undertaking reproductive migrations followed by a short period of pairing and then death, and (x) females have a semi‐continuous iteroparous reproductive cycle.
Histological grading and MIB‐1 labeling index of soft‐tissue sarcomas
Authors: Hasegawa Tadashi
Published: February 2007

Soft‐tissue sarcomas or malignant soft‐tissue tumors are malignant tumors arising from soft tissues of mesenchymal origin. These soft‐tissue tumors can develop from any site in the body, including the extremities, trunk, retroperitoneum, or the head/neck region. In Japan, soft‐tissue sarcomas are rarely encountered, with an incidence of approximately 2 per 100 000 population. Diverse types (more than 30 types) of soft‐tissue sarcomas are known. Pathological examination of biopsy or resected specimens is indispensable for a definitive diagnosis of soft‐tissue sarcomas. Needless to say, early detection and treatment based on accurate diagnosis are the basic principles of the management of soft‐tissue sarcomas. The purpose of the present paper was to address the histological grading of soft‐tissue sarcomas (the most important histopathological prognostic factor for this type of sarcoma) based on the French Fédération Nationale des Centres de Lutte Contre Ie Cancer (FNCLCC) system, the histological grading of this type of sarcoma based on the MIB‐1 labeling index (an immunohistochemical marker of cell proliferation; MIB‐1 system), precautions that must be taken while evaluating the degree of malignancy and the relationship of the grade with other clinicopathological factors.
Role of oxidative stress on pathogenesis of hypertensive cerebrovascular lesions
Authors: Suzuki Keiji , Nakazato Kyoumi , Kusakabe Takahiko , Nagamine Takeaki , Sakurai Hiromu , Takatama Masamitu
Published: February 2007

The hypertensive rat brain exhibited softening, severe edema and intracerebral hemorrhage. The NO2– + NO3– (NOx) level in the hypertensive rat brain was higher than in the normotensive rat brain. Light microscopy demonstrated severe arterial and arteriolar lesions with fibrinoid deposits and medial lesion. After injecting hypertensive rats with nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT), formazan deposits, which are the reaction product of reduction of NBT by superoxide, were observed in the microvessels and nervous tissue around the microvessels of injured brain. Immunohistochemistry showed that copper zinc superoxide dismutase and manganese superoxide dismutase expression of the endothelial cells of hypertensive rats were also upregulated in comparison with normotensive rat endothelial cells. Inducible nitric oxide synthase and endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression in endothelial cells of normotensive rats were strongly positive, whereas the expression in hypertensive rat endothelial cells was weaker. Nitrotyrosine, a biomarker of peroxynitrite, which is a powerful oxidant formed by the reaction of nitric oxide (NO) with superoxide, was found in the microvessels, injured arteries and arterioles and infarcted brain tissue. Deposition of a major aldehydic product of lipid peroxidation, that is, 4‐hydroxy‐2‐nonenal (4‐HNE) was found in microvessels, perivascular tissue, and edematous and infarcted brain. Hypertensive cerebrovascular disease is the result of hypertension‐induced oxidative stress.
Hyalinizing spindle cell tumor with giant rosettes arising in the lung: Report of a case with FUS‐CREB3L2 fusion transcripts
Authors: Kim Lucia , Yoon Yong Han , Choi Suk‐Jin , Han Jee Young , Park In Suh , Kim Joon Mee , Chu Young Chae , Kim Ye Ji
Published: February 2007

Hyalinizing spindle cell tumor with giant rosettes (HSCT) is a very uncommon mesenchymal tumor that has similar morphological and biological features to the low‐grade fibromyxoid sarcoma (LGFMS). Lung involvement of HSCT is extremely rare, and only one case has been reported in the English‐language literature. Reported herein is a case of primary pulmonary HSCT that had FUS‐CREB3L2 fusion transcripts, a product of characteristic chromosomal abnormality t(7;16)(q33;p11) of HSCT and LGFMS. The patient was a 50‐year‐old woman who had a large solitary mass in the lung. Histologically, it was composed of bland spindle cells with variable cellularity deposited in a densely hyalinized stroma alternating with myxoid areas. Characteristic collagen rosettes were scattered in the cellular areas. Reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) assay using formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded tissue detected FUS‐CREB3L2 fusion transcripts. Despite its bland morphology, it is known as low‐grade sarcoma and its recognition in the lung would be helpful for accurate diagnosis and proper management of this rare tumor. RT‐PCR for detection of FUS‐CREB3L2 fusion transcripts is a useful method for differential diagnosis of primary pulmonary HSCT.
Myointimoma of the glans penis
Authors: Vardar Enver , Gunlusoy Bulent , Arslan Murat , Kececi Sibel
Published: February 2007

Myointimoma is a recently described benign tumor, which is regarded as a rare type of mesenchymal tumor of the penis. The present patient was a 50‐year‐old man who had a nodule located in the glans penis. He had a 2 month history of a mass. An excisional biopsy was performed. The histological findings revealed a multinodular tumor that was characterized by spindle‐shaped cells located in the intravascular area. This case, in addition to 11 cases reported in the literature, demonstrates that the myointimoma is frequently misdiagnosed on clinical and pathological grounds because of its rarity. Histological and immunohistochemical features are summarized on the basis of the present case and previously published reports.
Renal cell carcinoma arising in a long pre‐existing angiomyolipoma
Authors: Inomoto Chie , Umemura Shinobu , Sasaki Yutaka , Yasuda Masanori , Terachi Toshiro , Osamura R. Yoshiyuki
Published: February 2007

Angiomyolipoma (AML) is a mixed mesenchymal tumor belonging to the family of perivascular epithelioid cell tumors. Concurrent development of AML and adult renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is very rare. Herein is presented a unique case in which RCC arose within a previously detected AML tumor mass. A 40‐year‐old woman had been diagnosed with AML of the right kidney. Fifteen years later, during a regular radiographic examination, a new lesion was detected at the lower pole of the right kidney adjacent to the previously described AML. Because RCC was clinically suspected, the patient underwent right nephrectomy. Macroscopically, the tumor had a yellowish, transparent, fatty area and an opaque yellowish area with cystic features. Microscopically, the former tumor, consisting of an admixture of mature adipose tissue with smooth muscle and vascular tissue, was diagnosed as AML. The latter tumor was diagnosed as RCC (clear cell type). RCC was not completely enclosed within the AML, but overlapped it. No fibrous capsule was found between these tumors. Although this situation is very rare, from a clinical and pathological point of view it is important to consider the possibility that RCC might arise within AML. The relationship between the two lesions is discussed with a review of the literature.
Description of a new technique: Management of pleural effusion with a Cystofix catheter
Authors: KILIC Dalokay , FINDIKCIOGLU Alper , HATIPOGLU Ahmet
Published: February 2007

Abstract:  Pleural effusion (PE) is a common and serious complication of respiratory disease that often requires drainage. Forty‐four patients whose PE were successfully treated with a Cystofix catheter are reported. This is a new technique for draining PE that should be considered in all patients.
Bronchial washing yield before and after forceps biopsy in patients with endoscopically visible lung cancers
Authors: LEE Hee Seok , KWON Sung Youn , KIM Deog Kyeom , YOON Ho Il , LEE Sang‐Min , LEE Jae Ho , LEE Choon‐Taek , CHUNG Hee Sun , HAN Sung Koo , SHIM Young‐Soo , YIM Jae Joon
Published: February 2007

Background and objective:  The need for routine use of bronchial washing in addition to forceps biopsy has been debated in the diagnosis of endoscopically visible lung tumours. Moreover, the optimal sequence for obtaining bronchial washing and forceps biopsy specimens from endoscopically visible tumours through a flexible bronchoscope has not been well established.

Methods:  A multicentre 13‐month prospective randomized study was performed. Two hundred and thirty consecutive patients with endoscopically visible tumours were randomly assigned into a bronchial washing before forceps biopsy (pre‐biopsy) group and a bronchial washing after forceps biopsy (post‐biopsy) group. Bronchial washing and forceps biopsy were performed according to the assigned sequence.

Results:  Two hundred and seven patients with a definite cytological or histological diagnosis of lung cancer were included in the analyses. One hundred and three were in the pre‐biopsy group and 104 were in the post‐biopsy group. The diagnostic yield of bronchial washing was 57.3% (59/103) in the pre‐biopsy group and 55.8% (58/104) in the post‐biopsy group (P = 0.88). In addition, bronchial washing provided the diagnosis in six patients without definite diagnosis from forceps biopsy, and its addition to forceps biopsy significantly increased the overall diagnostic yield of bronchoscopy from 93.7% to 96.6% (P = 0.03).

Conclusion:  The sequence for performing bronchial washing before or after forceps biopsy did not affect the diagnostic yield of bronchial washing in patients with endoscopically visible lung cancers. However, bronchial washing led to a significant increase in the overall diagnostic yield of bronchoscopy in patients with lung cancers.
Increased surfactant protein‐D and foamy macrophages in smoking‐induced mouse emphysema
Authors: HIRAMA Noriyuki , SHIBATA Yoko , OTAKE Kazuhisa , MACHIYA Jun‐ichi , WADA Toshihiro , INOUE Sumito , ABE Shuichi , TAKABATAKE Noriaki , SATA Makoto , KUBOTA Isao
Published: February 2007

Background and objective:  The molecular mechanisms underlying COPD remain undetermined. The lungs of surfactant protein‐D (SP‐D) deficient mice show emphysema and an excessive number of foamy macrophages. This study aims to elucidate roles of SP‐D and foamy macrophages in smoking‐induced mouse emphysema.

Methods:  Twenty B6C3F1 mice were exposed to cigarette smoke (2 cigarettes/day/mouse for 6 months). The mice were killed, and formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded lung sections were carried out on seven mice, BAL was carried out on six mice, and seven mice were used to make lung homogenates. In in vitro studies, A549 cells were transduced with the SP‐D expression plasmid and treated with cigarette smoke extract to evaluate cell viability.

Results:  Emphysema was induced in the mice by chronic cigarette smoke exposure. Increased expression of matrix metalloproteinase‐9 and ‐12 was observed, and foamy alveolar macrophages accumulated in the smoke‐exposed lungs. Immunostaining of BAL cells revealed the major source of matrix metalloproteinase‐12 to be foamy alveolar macrophages. Furthermore, SP‐D was elevated in emphysema lungs. Expression of transcription factors, Fra‐1, junB and C/EBPβ (which induce SP‐D) were significantly elevated in emphysema lungs. The in vitro expression of SP‐D gene in A549 cells prolonged cell survival following exposure to cigarette smoke condensate.

Conclusions:  The accumulation of foamy alveolar macrophages may play a key role in the development of smoking‐induced emphysema. Increased SP‐D may play a protective role in the development of smoking‐induced emphysema, in part by preventing alveolar cell death.
Assessment of impairment in health‐related quality of life in patients with difficult asthma: Psychometric performance of the Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire
Authors: ABURUZ Salah , GAMBLE Jacqui , HEANEY Liam G.
Published: February 2007

Objective and background:  To understand the effects of asthma and its treatment and to draw accurate conclusions with respect to different management programmes, including clinical trials. In more severe asthmatics, it is imperative that the health‐related quality of life (HRQL) be measured accurately and validly. This study had a twofold objective: (i) to examine the psychometric characteristics of the Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ) in patients with difficult asthma, and (ii) to explore to what extent suffering from asthma affects the HRQL in patients with difficult asthma.

Methods:  Eighty‐six adult patients with difficult asthma (33 men) participated in the study.

Results:  The internal consistency reliability (α) ranged from 0.80 (environment subscale) to 0.96 (overall score), and the 2‐ to 4‐week reproducibility (intraclass correlation coefficients) ranged from 0.82 (environment subscale) to 0.92 (overall score).The AQLQ correlated significantly with an asthma disease severity scale, the EQ‐5D, and the visual analogue scale indicator of global quality of life (P < 0.0001). No relationship was found between the AQLQ score and FEV1%.

Conclusions:  The results suggest that the AQLQ may be a useful outcome measure for clinical trials in severe asthmatics. The results of this study showed that the HRQL in patients with difficult asthma is substantially impaired. The dominant feature of this group is high symptom scores, with environmental exposure scoring lowest. Mean AQLQ values for this group compared with published means from other less severe asthmatics suggest that patients with difficult asthma experience clinically significant, poorer health‐related quality of life. This study presents the poorest health‐related quality of life reported in patients with asthma.
Endobronchial ultrasound for detection of tracheomalacia from chronic compression by vascular ring
Authors: LEE Pyng , LOW Su‐Ying , LIEW Han‐Lim , TAN Diana , ENG Philip
Published: February 2007

Abstract:  A 67‐year‐old female chronic smoker was evaluated for an asymptomatic right paratracheal mass and the diagnosis of double‐arch aorta was made. She returned 2 years later with dyspnoea on exertion, productive cough and wheeze on lying supine. Flow volume curve showed variable intrathoracic airway obstruction, and bronchoscopy revealed extrinsic compression of the trachea by double‐arch aorta with destruction of the cartilaginous layer visualized on endobronchial ultrasonography. Endobronchial ultrasonography may be a useful adjunctive tool for the identification of adults at risk of postoperative tracheomalacia where tracheopexy or airway stenting can be performed concurrently or sequentially if surgery is contemplated.
Histological diagnosis of mediastinal lymph node metastases from renal cell carcinoma by endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration
Authors: NAKAJIMA Takahiro , YASUFUKU Kazuhiro , WONG Matthew , IYODA Akira , SUZUKI Makoto , SEKINE Yasuo , SHIBUYA Kiyoshi , HIROSHIMA Kenzo , IIZASA Toshihiko , FUJISAWA Takehiko
Published: February 2007

Abstract:  Evaluation of mediastinal lymphadenopathy in patients with an intrathoracic nodule post malignancy is crucial for the determination of further treatment. Different radiological modalities are available for the detection of mediastinal lymph node metastases such as multidetector helical CT, PET‐scan and PET‐CT. However, tissue sampling is required for a firm diagnosis. A minimally invasive method of tissue sampling of mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes using direct real‐time endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration has been reported. This method is appropriate not only for cytodiagnosis but also for histological diagnosis. This current study reports a case of mediastinal lymph node metastases from renal cell carcinoma successfully diagnosed histologically by endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration.
Analysis of pleural effusions in acute pulmonary embolism: Radiological and pleural fluid data from 230 patients
Authors: PORCEL José M. , MADROÑERO Ana B. , PARDINA Marina , VIVES Manuel , ESQUERDA Aureli , LIGHT Richard W.
Published: February 2007

Background and objective:  The aims of this study were to describe the frequency and radiographical characteristics of pleural effusions in a large population of patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE) and characterize the pleural fluid biochemistry in those patients who underwent diagnostic thoracentesis.

Methods:  This was a retrospective observational single‐centre study. A total of 230 consecutive patients with a diagnosis of PE over a 9‐years period were enrolled. Spiral CT pulmonary angiography (52%) and high‐probability ventilation and perfusion scans (42%) were used as the main reference methods.

Results:  Pleural effusions were observed in 32% and 47% of patients by CXR and CT, respectively. Typically, pleural effusions were small (90% occupied less than one third of the hemithorax) and unilateral (85%), but occasionally they reached more than a half of the hemithorax. On CT, 21% of pleural effusions showed loculation. In patients with loculated pleural fluid the diagnosis of PE had been delayed for a mean of 12.2 days after symptoms developed. The presence of pleural fluid was not related to infarction. Twenty‐six of 93 (28%) patients with effusions on imaging underwent thoracentesis. All the fluids met Light’s criteria for exudate, 58% contained erythrocyte counts >10 000/µL and 46% showed neutrophilic predominance.

Conclusions:  Small pleural effusions, mostly unsuitable for diagnostic thoracentesis, were present in about one third of patients with PE. All the pleural effusions due to PE were exudates. If PE diagnosis was delayed the pleural effusion tended to become loculated.
Ultrasonographic evaluation of the diaphragm in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: YOSHIOKA Yasuko , OHWADA Akihiko , SEKIYA Mitsuaki , TAKAHASHI Fumiyuki , UEKI Jun , FUKUCHI Yoshinosuke
Published: February 2007

Abstract:  Real‐time diaphragmatic movement was evaluated with ultrasonography in three patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The initial complaint of two patients was weakness of the extremities followed by dyspnoea later in the disease course, while the third patient had dyspnoea as the initial symptom. Ultrasonographic analyses revealed that the contractile function of the diaphragm was not maintained during maximum inspiratory effort, with unsatisfactory diaphragmatic excursion and no change in diaphragmatic thickness during respiration, indicating diaphragmatic paralysis. Ultrasonography may be useful for the diagnosis and follow up of diaphragmatic involvement with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and other motor‐neuron diseases.
Epidemiology, clinical characteristics and antimicrobial resistance patterns of community‐acquired pneumonia in 1702 hospitalized children in Singapore
Authors: CHIANG Wen C. , TEOH Oon H. , CHONG Chia Y. , GOH Anne , TANG Jenny P.L. , CHAY Oh M.
Published: February 2007

Objective and background:  Childhood community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The features of childhood CAP vary between countries. The aim of this study was to delineate the clinical characteristics, complications, spectrum of pathogens and patterns of antimicrobial resistance associated with hospitalized cases of childhood CAP in Singapore.

Methods:  A retrospective study was conducted of patients discharged from Singapore’s only children’s hospital over a 3‐year period with a principal diagnosis of CAP.

Results:  A total of 1702 children, with a median age of 4.2 years (range: 1 month−16.3 years) were enrolled. A pathogen was identifiable in 38.4% of cases, including Mycoplasma pneumoniae in 20.3%, typical respiratory bacteria in 10.3% (64.6%Streptococcus pneumoniae; 21.7% non‐typeable Haemophilus influenzae), viruses in 5.5% and mixed bacterial/viral infections in 2%. The majority of M. pneumoniae infections were in school‐aged children (>5 years). Severity of infection was greater in CAP caused by typical bacteria, as reflected by length of hospital stay, CRP level, white cell and absolute neutrophil counts. Mortality from typical bacterial infections (8.9%) exceeded that from M. pneumoniae (0.3%) and viral pneumonias (0%) (P < 0.001). Aminopenicillins were often prescribed empirically for suspected S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae infections; however, resistance to these agents was frequently documented among S. pneumoniae (58.5%) and H. influenzae isolates (51%).

Conclusion:  In Singaporean children hospitalized with CAP, M. pneumoniae is the most commonly identified causative organism, followed by common respiratory viruses, S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae. Streptococcus pneumoniae and H. influenzae are associated with greater severity of infection than other organisms, and have high levels of resistance to commonly prescribed antibiotics.
NRAMP1 and TNF‐α polymorphisms and susceptibility to tuberculosis in Thais
Authors: VEJBAESYA Sasijit , CHIERAKUL Nitipatana , LUANGTRAKOOL Panpimon , SERMDUANGPRATEEP Chutima
Published: February 2007

Objective and background:  Polymorphisms in the natural resistance‐associated macrophage protein gene 1 (NRAMP1) and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α gene have been found to be associated with susceptibility to tuberculosis in different populations. However, the results are inconsistent. This study aimed to determine whether NRAMP1 and TNF‐α variants are associated with tuberculosis in Thais.

Methods:  Polymorphisms of NRAMP1 at INT4, D543N and the 3′ untranslated region, and of TNF‐α at +488, −238, and −308, were examined in 149 tuberculosis patients and 147 healthy controls. PCR using sequence‐specific oligonucleotides and sequence‐specific priming were used to genotype the NRAMP1 and TNF polymorphisms, respectively.

Results:  There were no significant differences in the distribution of the genotype frequencies for the NRAMP1 and TNF‐α polymorphisms between the patients and controls.

Conclusions:  The NRAMP1 and TNF‐α genes are not associated with susceptibility to tuberculosis in Thais.
Impact of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease on respiratory status and quality of life in newly diagnosed patients with lung cancer
Authors: MOHAN Anant , MOHAN Charu , PATHAK Ashutosh K. , PANDEY Ravinder M. , GULERIA Randeep
Published: February 2007

Objective and background:  A significant proportion of patients with lung cancer have associated COPD, which is considered an independent risk factor and cause of morbidity and mortality. However, the effect of COPD on respiratory status and quality of life in lung cancer has not been evaluated.

Methods:  Newly diagnosed patients with lung cancer were assessed at diagnosis before starting treatment, for detailed respiratory status, spirometry and World Health Organization‐Bref Quality of Life questionnaire in Hindi (WHOQOL‐Bref Hindi).

Results:  One hundred and sixty patients were studied. Spirometry was abnormal in 92.7% patients, 42% had COPD, and the majority (88.6%) had advanced disease (stage III and IV). Patients scored poorly in all QOL domains, with social domain faring worst. Karnofsky Performance status (KPS) correlated significantly with all QOL domains. No significant differences were found in clinical profile, KPS, or QOL scores between patients with and without COPD. Chest pain and dyspnoea severity (assessed by Medical Research Council) grading and visual analogue scale correlated with physical QOL domain.

Conclusion:  Patients with lung cancer have a poor QOL that is affected by the severity of respiratory profile and KPS. The presence of COPD does not significantly affect QOL in lung cancer patients.
Total lung capacity: Single breath methane dilution versus plethysmography in normals
Authors: PESOLA Gene R. , MAGARI Robert T. , DARTEY‐HAYFORD Samuel , COELHO‐D’COSTA Vinette , CHINCHILLI Vernon M.
Published: February 2007

Objective and background:  Methane is an inert tracer gas used to obtain TLC estimates during single breath diffusion capacity (DLCO) measurements. The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of methane dilution TLC in normal subjects undergoing single breath diffusion capacity measurements using plethysmography as the gold standard comparison method.

Methods:  Fifty non‐smoking adults underwent lung function testing. Total lung volume was obtained by both plethysmography and methane dilution during a single breath DLCO measurement. Deming regression and the concordance correlation coefficient, r(ccc), were used to determine agreement between methods for TLC. Bias was the mean difference between methods and limits of agreement were the mean difference between methods ± 1.96 (SD). All values are mean ± SD unless otherwise stated.

Results:  Plethysmography and methane dilution TLC values were not significantly different. The r(ccc) was 0.87 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.78–0.92). Deming regression revealed a slope of 0.93 (P = 0.17, Ho: β = 1.0; 95% CI 0.84–1.03) and a y‐intercept of 0.20 (P = 0.39, Ho: α = 0; 95% CI −0.27–0.70). The bias was 0.11 L favouring plethysmography. Limits of agreement varied as 0.11 ± 0.92 L.

Conclusions:  There is statistical agreement between methods suggesting the average TLC by methane could substitute for plethysmography in normals at the population level. At the individual level, a normal methane dilution value indicates a normal TLC whereas values below the normal range should be validated using plethysmography.
Staging and diagnosis of non‐small cell lung cancer: Invasive modalities
Authors: YASUFUKU Kazuhiro , FUJISAWA Takehiko
Published: February 2007

Abstract:  During the staging process of lung cancer, accurate mediastinal lymph node staging is one of the more important factors that affects patient outcome. Several different invasive and non‐invasive modalities exist for mediastinal staging. Invasive tests include mediastinoscopy, thoracoscopy, transbronchial needle aspiration, transthoracic needle aspiration, endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration and endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration. Each of the invasive tests has limitations for particular locations, has particular risks and requires specific skills. Invasive tests are often used to confirm the staging of lung cancer, but are also used to obtain a diagnosis. The best approach depends upon the clinician’s assessment of the patient. This review discusses the invasive staging tests that are available, with particular emphasis on newer modalities, especially endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration. In addition, the current advances in diagnostic bronchoscopy for lung cancer will be reviewed.
Daily stress in elders with arthritis
Authors: Tak Sunghee H. , Hong Song Hee , Kennedy Robert
Published: February 2007

Abstract  This study examined whether social support perceived by older people with arthritis mediated the experience of daily stress related to the physical disability of arthritis. Seventy participants completed survey questionnaires. The data were analyzed using the three‐step regression analysis procedure. Daily stress was significantly correlated with physical disability and social support. Increased physical disability led to more daily stress. Also, arthritic patients with increased physical disability perceived lower levels of social support. Social support decreased the effects of physical disability on daily stress and had a significant effect on daily stress. However, social support did not fully mediate the effect of physical disability on daily stress. Caregivers should recognize that social support has a limited role in alleviating the daily stress that arthritic patients experience from physical disability. Studies are needed to develop and test stress management programs targeting various sources of daily stress.
Effects of a symptom management program on auditory hallucinations in Thai outpatients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia: A pilot study*
Authors: Kanungpairn Thidarat , Sitthimongkol Yajai , Wattanapailin Atirat , Klainin Piyanee
Published: February 2007

Abstract  The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the effects of a symptom management program on auditory hallucinations in outpatients diagnosed with schizophrenia. A quasi‐experimental research design with convenience sample was used. Eighteen Thai outpatients diagnosed with schizophrenia were divided into a control group and an experimental group. Those who were in the experimental group received a 10‐session symptom management program, while the control group received the usual care. The participants were assessed at baseline and post‐treatment. The results revealed that the participants who attended the symptom management program experienced significantly decreased overall scores of the characteristics and severity of auditory hallucinations. The findings demonstrated that the symptom management program could attenuate auditory hallucinations in outpatients diagnosed with schizophrenia through their understanding of symptoms, and learning and practicing skills for managing their symptoms in both group and home settings.
Enriched environment promotes adult neural progenitor cell mobilization in mouse demyelination models
Authors: Magalon Karine , Cantarella Cristina , Monti Gilberte , Cayre Myriam , Durbec Pascale
Published: February 2007

Since the discovery of adult neural stem cells, mobilization of endogenous stem cells from the subventricular zone (SVZ) emerges as a promising strategy to promote brain repair. Here, we examined the effect of environment enrichment on SVZ cell mobilization in demyelinating pathologies. We showed that enriched housing conditions reduced functional impairment in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a rodent model of multiple sclerosis. Furthermore, both in a focal demyelination model (lysolecithine injection) and in the inflammatory EAE model, SVZ mitotic activity and the number of SVZ‐derived cells in demyelinated areas were significantly increased by environment enrichment. Enriched housing conditions also promoted the oligodendrocyte fate of SVZ‐recruited cells in the EAE lesions. Altogether our results show that environment enrichment provides beneficial conditions to promote the mobilization of neural progenitors into demyelinating lesions and to favour functional recovery.
GAT‐1 acts to limit a tonic GABAA current in rat CA3 pyramidal neurons at birth
Authors: Sipilä Sampsa T. , Voipio Juha , Kaila Kai
Published: February 2007

Tonic activation of GABAA receptors takes place before the development of functional synapses in cortical structures. We studied whether inefficient GABA uptake might explain the presence of a tonic GABAA‐mediated current (IGABA‐A) in early postnatal hippocampal pyramidal neurons. The data show, however, that the tonic IGABA‐A is enhanced by the specific blocker of GABA transporter‐1 (GAT‐1), NO‐711 (1‐[2‐[[(Diphenylmethyleneimino]oxy]ethyl]‐1,2,5,6‐tetrahydro‐3‐pyridinecarboxylic acid hydrochloride), at birth in rat CA3 pyramidal neurons. NO‐711 also prolonged the duration of GABA transients during endogenous hippocampal network events (known as giant depolarizing potentials) at postnatal day 0. The endogenous tonic IGABA‐A was seen and it was enhanced by NO‐711 in the presence of tetrodotoxin, which itself had only a minor effect on the holding current under control conditions. This indicates that the source of interstitial GABA is largely independent of action‐potential activity. The tonic IGABA‐A in neonatal CA3 pyramidal neurons was increased by zolpidem, indicating that at least a proportion of the underlying GABAA receptors contain γ2 and α1–α3 subunits. The present data point to a significant role for GAT‐1 in the control of the excitability of immature hippocampal neurons and networks.
Effects of maternal smoking in pregnancy on prenatal brain development. The Generation R Study
Authors: Roza Sabine J. , Verburg Bero O. , Jaddoe Vincent W. V. , Hofman Albert , Mackenbach Johan P. , Steegers Eric A. P. , Witteman Jacqueline C. M. , Verhulst Frank C. , Tiemeier Henning
Published: February 2007

Nicotine, as has been shown in animal studies, is a neuroteratogen, even in concentrations that do not cause growth retardation. In humans, there is only indirect evidence for negative influences of nicotine on brain development from studies on the association between maternal smoking in pregnancy and behavioural and cognitive development in the offspring. We investigated the associations of maternal smoking in pregnancy with foetal head growth characteristics in 7042 pregnant women. This study was embedded in the Generation R Study, a population‐based prospective cohort study from foetal life until adulthood. Maternal smoking was assessed by questionnaires in early, mid‐ and late pregnancy. Head circumference, biparietal diameter, transcerebellar diameter and atrial width of lateral ventricles were repeatedly measured by ultrasound. When mothers continued to smoke during pregnancy, foetal head circumference showed a growth reduction of 0.13 mm [95% confidence interval (CI): −0.18, −0.09] per week compared to foetuses of mothers who never smoked during pregnancy. Biparietal diameter of foetuses with smoking mothers grew 0.04 mm (95% CI: −0.05, −0.02) less per week than that of foetuses of nonsmoking mothers. Atrial width of lateral ventricle was 0.12 mm (95% CI: −0.22, −0.02) smaller and transcerebellar diameter was 0.08 mm (95% CI: −0.15, −0.00) smaller if mothers smoked, but growth per week of these characteristics was not affected by maternal smoking in pregnancy. In conclusion, continuing to smoke during pregnancy leads to reduced growth of the foetal head. Further research should focus on the causal pathway from prenatal cigarette exposure via brain development to behavioural and cognitive functions.
Environmental predators as models for bacterial pathogenesis
Authors: Hilbi Hubert , Weber Stefan S. , Ragaz Curdin , Nyfeler Yves , Urwyler Simon
Published: February 2007

Environmental bacteria are constantly threatened by bacterivorous predators such as free‐living protozoa and nematodes. In the course of their coevolution with environmental predators, some bacteria developed sophisticated defence mechanisms, including the secretion of toxins, or the capacity to avoid lysosomal killing and to replicate intracellularly within protozoa. To analyse the interactions with bacterial pathogens on a molecular, cellular or organismic level, protozoa and other non‐mammalian hosts are increasingly used. These include amoebae, as well as genetically tractable hosts, such as the social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans and the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. Using these hosts, the virulence mechanisms of opportunistic pathogenic bacteria such as Legionella, Mycobacterium, Pseudomonas or Vibrio were found to be not only relevant for the interactions of the bacteria with protozoa, nematodes and insect phagocytes, but also with mammalian hosts including humans. Thus, non‐mammalian model hosts provide valuable insight into the pathogenesis of environmental bacteria.
Importance of substrate roughness for in vitro sun protection Assessment
Authors: Ferrero L. , Pissavini M. , Dehais A. , Marguerie S. , Zastrow L.
Published: February 2007

The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the influence of plate roughness on well‐known absolute or relative UV spectroscopic indices such as the in vitro SPF, in vitro UVA PF (PPD), UVA/UVB ratio, critical wavelength and SPF/UVA PF (PPD) ratio. Firstly, a roughness index was measured by non‐contact surface topography analysis on different PMMA plates, which are available today on the European market. A large difference between maximum and minimum plate roughness values could be measured ranging from 1.88 to 6.76 μm. Then, the PMMA plates were grouped into five different roughness classes. To measure the different spectroscopic indices, the same sunscreen preparation was applied at the same amount rate (1 mg cm–2) to each of the selected plates. Large differences were noted for the absolute in vitro indices SPF and UVA PF (PPD), with the SPF varying in one instance from 13.5 to 40.7. On the other hand, the relative absorbance indices UVA/UVB ratio and critical wavelength showed a small but significant variation in relation to roughness. The SPF/UVA PF (PPD) ratio index based on the direct in vitro values was found to be very sensitive to roughness variation. However, adjusting the UV absorbance curve to reach equality between the in vitro SPF and in vivo SPF is a recognized and efficient mathematical process to limit the variation. All these results can be interpreted using the irregular sunscreen film theory. Mathematical developments can be achieved by modelling the height distribution with a gamma function.
Optical rejuvenating makeup using an innovative shape‐controlled hybrid powder
Authors: Yagi K. , Ogawa K. , Kanemaru T. , Joichi K. , Kunizawa N. , Takano R.
Published: February 2007

For women, the sagging of facial skin noticed with ageing is one of the important problems that should be solved. Although conventional skincare cosmetics exist that can prevent sagging, no makeup cosmetics that can correct the appearance of sagging have been developed. The vital factors for an optical rejuvenating makeup were found to be recovery of the skin tension and lightening of the face shadow appearing on sagging skin. Therefore, a hybrid powder consisting of platy barium sulphate on the surface of titanium dioxide‐coated mica having red interference light was developed. Results of a panel test showed that almost all panelists noticed the rejuvenating effect of the foundation containing the powder. Image analysis showed that the foundation finish made the face look 12 years younger than the face with no makeup. As the mechanism of the optical rejuvenation, regular reflection of the red interference light from the hybrid powder can give the natural‐fresh impression observed for a very young skin, and diffuse reflection of the white light can irradiate the shadow. The development of this innovative shape‐controlled hybrid powder offers a new technique for making anti‐aging cosmetics. Award winning platform presentation at the IFSCC International Conference 2005, Florence, Italy
Modulation of activity of the adipocyte aquaglyceroporin channel by plant extracts
Authors: Cals‐Grierson M.‐M.
Published: February 2007

Synopsis

The plasma membrane protein, aquaglyceroporin‐7 (AQP7) is exclusively expressed in adipocytes and appears to be a channel for glycerol entry and exit. It is possible that by facilitating the opening of these channels, the loss of intracellular glycerol could be encouraged and thus reduce the size of the lipid reservoir. Human preadipocytes and mouse 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes were induced to develop an adipocytic phenotype by culture in a semi‐defined medium. After 7 days, the expression of AQP7 message had increased by 37‐fold, a level which could be further up‐regulated by troglitazone or retinoic acid or down‐regulated by insulin. The mature adipocytes also expressed immunoreactive aquaporin (AQP) channel protein as assessed by immunocytochemistry and Western blot. The addition of adrenaline to the culture medium stimulated the release of glycerol (blockable by HgCl2). Plant extracts, with potential anti‐cellulite properties, were tested for their effect on glycerol elimination. These included wild yam root (Dioscorea opposita), cocoa bean (Theobroma cacao), horse chestnut tree (Aesculus hippocastanum) seed and bark and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). Of these, D. opposita appeared to induce a dose‐dependent glycerol release. The results show that our assay can help to identify modulators of AQP7 channel expression and activation in adipocytes.