bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of immunoglobulin heavy and light chain gene expression in chronic lymphocytic leukemia and related disorders
Authors: Nakahashi Hirotaka , Tsukamoto Norifumi , Hashimoto Yoko , Koiso Hiromi , Yokohama Akihiko , Saitoh Takayuki , Uchiumi Hideki , Handa Hiroshi , Murakami Hirokazu , Nojima Yoshihisa , Karasawa Masamitsu
Published: February 2009

The incidence of chronic lymphocytic leukemia is low in the Japanese population compared with populations in western countries, suggesting a role for genetic factors in the occurrence of this disease. We have previously shown that chronic lymphocytic leukemia in Japan rarely expresses the immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region (IGHV) 1‐69 gene (1 out of 43 patients, 2.3%), which is a gene most commonly expressed in chronic lymphocytic leukemia cases from western countries. In the current study, we extended the previous study by examining immunoglobulin heavy chain and light chain gene expression in 80 Japanese patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and in 52 Japanese patients with other leukemic chronic lymphoproliferative disorders. IGHV1‐69 gene expression was again quite low in our cohort, found in only two patients: one with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and the other with splenic marginal zone lymphoma. The IGHV4‐34 gene was most frequently expressed in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (27.5%), whereas it was rarely found in leukemic chronic lymphoproliferative disorders (7.7%, P = 0.005). There was also a significant difference in the expression of IGLV3‐21 between chronic lymphocytic leukemia and leukemic chronic lymphoproliferative disorders (29.4 vs 4.8%, P = 0.018). The IGLV3‐21 gene in the majority of chronic lymphocytic leukemia cases was associated with homologous complementarity determining region 3 sequences. Recent studies identified subsets of cases expressing almost identical B‐cell receptors. We found that two patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and the patient with splenic marginal zone lymphoma expressed IGHV4‐39/IGKV1‐39 and IGHV1‐69/IGKV3‐20, respectively, which belong to these subsets. (Cancer Sci 2009)
Hypoxia and low‐nutrition double stress induces aggressiveness in a murine model of melanoma
Authors: Osawa Tsuyoshi , Muramatsu Masashi , Watanabe Makoto , Shibuya Masabumi
Published: February 2009

Antiangiogenic therapy is a potent cancer treatment, however, the possibility of recurrence and resistance to this approach remains. Here we show that hypoxia and low‐nutrition double‐deprivation stress induces reversible tumor aggressiveness. In a stress‐cycle‐dependent manner, murine melanoma cells showed morphological changes, up‐regulated phospho‐Akt, and abnormal regulation of multiple genes including fibroblast growth factor‐21, a metabolic regulator, resulting in increased cell proliferation in vitro, and increased tumorigenesis and invasive potential in vivo. In this system, altered cellular metabolism participates in the adaptation of tumor to the double‐deprivation stress. Our results suggest the targeting of a minor population of cancer cells resistant to both hypoxia and low nutrition to be an effective new antitumor strategy in combination with antiangiogenic therapy. (Cancer Sci 2009; 100: 844–851)
A prospective study of the time to evacuate acute subdural and extradural haematomas*
Authors: Bulters D. , Belli A.
Published: February 2009

We performed a prospective, single‐centre study of times to treatment of patients with life‐threatening, traumatic, extra‐ and subdural haematomas requiring surgical evacuation between May 2006 and May 2007. The mean time to surgical decompression was 5.0 h and 32% were performed within 4 h. Patients who initially presented to a district hospital and required transfer for neurosurgery were decompressed in 5.4 h vs 3.7 h for those admitted directly. The current standard of surgical evacuation of all haematomas within 4 h is not being met. Delays were identified in every stage in the management of these patients and no single step was identified as the major cause. Initial treatment in district hospitals led to delays greater than the added driving time. There may be time savings from carrying out treatment steps in parallel instead of in series.
The relationship between cerebral and somatic oxygenation and superior and inferior vena cava flow, arterial oxygenation and pressure in infants during cardiopulmonary bypass*
Authors: White M. C. , Edgell D. , Li J. , Wang J. , Holtby H.
Published: February 2009

We investigated blood flow and regional oxygenation (rSO2) during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Twenty infants (mean (SD) age 5 (3) months, weight 5.4 (1.6) kg) were prospectively studied. Total CPB and superior vena cava (SVC) flow were measured using Transonic Bypass Flowmeters, inferior vena cava (IVC) flow derived arithmetically and rSO2measured using Near Infra‐Red Spectroscopy. Mean SVC flow was 51.3 (14.8) ml.kg−1.min−1and mean IVC flow 62.5 (19.0) ml.kg−1.min−1. Mean cerebral rSO2was 71 (11)% and somatic rSO255 (13)%. Cerebral and somatic rSO2showed no correlation with SVC and IVC flow. Cerebral rSO2showed a positive correlation withPaco2, mean arterial pressure (MAP) and haematocrit (p < 0.0001). Somatic rSO2showed a positive correlation with MAP and haematocrit (p = 0.01, p = 0.02). In conclusion, the distribution of blood flow during CPB varies. The most important factor affecting this isPaco2. Cerebral and somatic oxygenation are unaffected by flow but significantly influenced by MAP, haematocrit andPaco2.
Copy number variation in the human genome and its implication in autoimmunity
Authors: Schaschl H , Aitman T J , Vyse T J
Published: February 2009

The causes of autoimmune disease remain poorly defined. However, it is known that genetic factors contribute to disease susceptibility. Hitherto, studies have focused upon single nucleotide polymorphisms as both tools for mapping and as probable causal variants. Recent studies, using genome-wide analytical techniques, have revealed that, in the genome, segments of DNA ranging in size from kilobases to megabases can vary in copy number. These changes of DNA copy number represent an important element of genomic polymorphism in humans and in other species and may therefore make a substantial contribution to phenotypic variation and population differentiation. Furthermore, copy number variation (CNV) in genomic regions harbouring dosage-sensitive genes may cause or predispose to a variety of human genetic diseases. Several recent studies have reported an association between CNV and autoimmunity in humans such as systemic lupus, psoriasis, Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis and type 1 diabetes. The use of novel analytical techniques facilitates the study of complex human genomic structures such as CNV, and allows new susceptibility loci for autoimmunity to be found that are not readily mappable by single nucleotide polymorphism-based association analyses alone.
Oral glucocorticoid treatment decreases interleukin-10 receptor expression on peripheral blood leucocyte subsets
Authors: Moniuszko M , Bodzenta-Lukaszyk A , Dabrowska M
Published: February 2009

Glucocorticoids (GCS) are capable of stimulating the secretion of interleukin (IL)-10 by leucocytes; however, the potential of GCS to modulate leucocyte susceptibility to IL-10-mediated actions has not yet been studied. In the current paper, we performed a detailed cross-sectional analysis of IL-10 receptor (IL-10R) expression by CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, monocytes and neutrophils. Next, we analysed the effects of short-term oral GCS treatment on surface IL-10R expression by various leucocyte subpopulations in asthmatic patients. All leucocyte subsets studied presented with substantial levels of surface IL-10R. The highest levels of IL-10R were found on monocytes, predominantly with CD142+CD16+ and CD14+CD16+ phenotypes, and on CD4+CD25high T cells. In contrast, levels of IL-10R on CD8+ T cells, NK cells and neutrophils were significantly lower and similar to each other in intensity. GCS treatment resulted in a significant decrease of IL-10R expression on all analysed peripheral blood leucocyte subsets. Our data suggest that down-regulation of IL-10R could counterbalance the otherwise suppressive action of GCS.
The A-chain of insulin is a hot-spot for CD4+ T cell epitopes in human type 1 diabetes
Authors: Mannering S I , Pang S H , Williamson N A , Naselli G , Reynolds E C , O'Brien-Simpson N M , Purcell A W , Harrison L C
Published: February 2009

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is caused by T cell-mediated destruction of the pancreatic insulin-producing β cells. While the role of CD4+ T cells in the pathogenesis of T1D is accepted widely, the epitopes recognized by pathogenic human CD4+ T cells remain poorly defined. None the less, responses to the N-terminal region of the insulin A-chain have been described. Human CD4+ T cells from the pancreatic lymph nodes of subjects with T1D respond to the first 15 amino acids of the insulin A-chain. We identified a human leucocyte antigen-DR4-restricted epitope comprising the first 13 amino acids of the insulin A-chain (A1-13), dependent upon generation of a vicinal disulphide bond between adjacent cysteines (A6–A7). Here we describe the analysis of a CD4+ T cell clone, isolated from a subject with T1D, which recognizes a new HLR-DR4-restricted epitope (KRGIVEQCCTSICS) that overlaps the insulin A1-13 epitope. This is a novel epitope, because the clone responds to proinsulin but not to insulin, T cell recognition requires the last two residues of the C-peptide (Lys, Arg) and recognition does not depend upon a vicinal disulphide bond between the A6 and A7 cysteines. The finding of a further CD4+ T cell epitope in the N-terminal A-chain region of human insulin underscores the importance of this region as a target of CD4+ T cell responses in human T1D.
Alteration of soil organic matter pools and aggregation in semi‐arid steppe topsoils as driven by organic matter input
Authors: Steffens M. , Kölbl A. , Kögel‐Knabner I.
Published: February 2009

Grazing is one of the most important factors that may reduce soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks and subsequently aggregate stability in grassland soils. The central aim of this study was to analyse the quality and quantity of SOC fractions and their contribution to aggregate formation, stability and carbon sequestration, as affected by increased inputs of organic matter after grazing exclusion. We applied a combined aggregate size, density and particle size fractionation procedure and aggregate stability measurements to sandy steppe topsoils with different organic matter inputs from different grazing intensities (continuously grazed = Cg, winter grazing = Wg, ungrazed since 1999 = Ug99, ungrazed since 1979 = Ug79). Greater inputs of organic matter led to larger amounts of OC in coarse aggregate size classes (ASC) and especially in light fractions (LF). We found no grazing‐induced changes of soil organic matter (SOM) quantity in fine ASC and mineral fractions. SOM quality (13C solid‐state NMR spectroscopy, neutral sugar analysis) was comparable between different grazing intensities, but ungrazed plots had slightly more decomposed SOM across all fractions. We found generally greater radiocarbon concentrations in Ug79 compared with Cg. Aggregate stability, analysed as resistance to sonication, was greater in Ug79 compared with Cg. Larger litter inputs in grazing exclosures increased LF quantity, led to faster SOM turnover and resulted in the formation and stabilization of coarse aggregates. Organo‐mineral associations turned over faster as indicated by increased radiocarbon concentrations, but the OC content of this pool did not change. To summarize, additional litter inputs were sequestered in the intermediate LF pool and the long‐term pool of organo‐mineral associations appears to be close to saturation. We conclude that management changes in steppe ecosystems do not necessarily increase carbon sequestration and their assumed potential to act as carbon sinks has to be questioned.
New model for assembly dynamics of bacterial tubulin in relation to the stages of DNA replication
Authors: Inoue Ippei , Ino Reiko , Nishimura Akiko
Published: February 2009

How living cells receive their genome through cell division has been one of the important questions of biology. In prokaryotes, cell division starts with formation of a ring‐shaped microtubule‐like structure, FtsZ‐ring, at the potential division site. All the previous models suggested that FtsZ‐ring is formed coupling to termination or far after initiation of DNA replication. In contrast, we demonstrated that a close communication with DNA replication is maintained throughout the cell cycle. FtsZ starts to assemble to the cell center coupling to initiation of DNA replication, and stabilizes as FtsZ‐ring at its termination, but does not constrict before separation of nucleoids. This combination of a positive and a negative control would guarantee that a successful replication event would inevitably induce one cell division such that each of the daughter cells would receive one and only one daughter nucleoid.
The cardiac patient: a gender comparison via illness narratives
Authors: Rassin Michal
Published: February 2009

Aims.  To compare responses to heart disease between women and men, aged 30–50 years, and to identify the factors influencing them in health and illness.

Background.  The quality of life and prognosis for women with heart disease are worse than for men.

Methods.  Participants were 30 men and 30 women who had coronary heart disease. The study was conducted using a qualitative method based on narrative investigation. Narratives were gathered using in‐depth interviews and were analyzed by thematic analysis. Data were collected in 2006.

Results.  Women often delayed seeking treatment. When they did seek treatment they were often not initially diagnosed as having heart disease. The recovery period for women was characterised by their quick return to daily home making before their physical condition permitted it. Conversely, men extended their recovery period and received family support. Men were strict in following the instructions of the health regimen, whereas most women ignored it. The women, compared to the men, received less support from their spouses and families, and they noted that social expectations concerning their role were high.

Conclusions.  The role of the cardiac patient is socially formed based on male characteristics and, as a result, men are legitimised and receive social support in all that relates to the disease. Consequently, men adhere to the health regimen, whereas women are less inclined to.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Improved disease models for women with heart disease are needed, as are specifically design rehabilitation programmes to meet the needs of women with heart disease.
Nurses as family learning brokers: shared management in childhood chronic kidney disease
Authors: Swallow Veronica , Clarke Charlotte , Campbell Steve , Lambert Heather
Published: February 2009

Aim. To explore the contribution of nurses to families’ learning in shared management of childhood chronic kidney disease.

Background. From early in the disease course, nurses are involved in teaching families to share management. The failure of family members to share management can negatively influence children’s clinical outcomes. Earlier studies discussed the value of nurses’ involvement in chronic disease management and described learning by novices in organisations as a social activity involving communication brokers; however, little is known about the contribution of nurses to family learning in chronic kidney disease management.

Design. A longitudinal qualitative study conducted in a regional kidney unit for children.

Method. Data were obtained between September 2003–September 2005 from five families of children referred for management of conditions needing moderate/high levels of intervention and the four renal nurse‐specialists involved in their management. Data sources were 30 semi‐structured interviews, 19 postinterview case‐note reviews and four mother/child learning diaries; analysis followed the principles of grounded theory.

Results. In promoting family competence, nurses acted as learning brokers, demonstrating five distinct yet overlapping teaching activities: assessing learning needs, creating learning opportunities, implementing teaching strategies, acting as interpreters and ambassadors and assessing learning progress. Families highlighted the contribution of nurses as learning brokers in the process of shared disease management.

Conclusion. Nurses’ teaching activities in shared disease management are more important than previously reported. A clear distinction needs to be made between their contribution to management and to the promotion of family competence in shared management.

Relevance to clinical practice. Recognition of nurses’ distinct teaching activities can inform professionals’ practice when caring for children with chronic disease and inform strategies to educate nurses and other professionals about the role of family learning broker.
Identification of a transcription factor in the mosquito‐invasive stage of malaria parasites
Authors: Yuda Masao , Iwanaga Shiroh , Shigenobu Shuji , Mair Gunnar R. , Janse Chris J. , Waters Andrew P. , Kato Tomomi , Kaneko Izumi
Published: February 2009

Gene expression in Plasmodium parasites undergoes significant changes in each developmental stage, but the transcription factors (TFs) regulating these changes have not been identified. We report here a Plasmodium TF (AP2‐O) that activates gene expression in ookinetes, the mosquito‐invasive form, and has a DNA‐binding domain structurally related to that of a plant TF, Apetala2 (AP2). AP2‐O mRNA is pre‐synthesized by intraerythrocytic female gametocytes and translated later during ookinete development in the mosquito. The Plasmodium TF activates a set of genes, including all genes reported to be required for midgut invasion, by binding to specific six‐base sequences on the proximal promoter. These results indicate that AP2 family TFs have important roles in stage‐specific gene regulation in Plasmodium parasites.
Natural‐host animal models indicate functional interchangeability between the filamentous haemagglutinins of Bordetella pertussis and Bordetella bronchiseptica and reveal a role for the mature C‐terminal domain, but not the RGD motif, during infection
Authors: Julio Steven M. , Inatsuka Carol S. , Mazar Joseph , Dieterich Christine , Relman David A. , Cotter Peggy A.
Published: February 2009

Bacteria of the Bordetella genus cause respiratory tract infections. Both broad host range (e.g. Bordetella bronchiseptica) and human‐adapted (e.g. Bordetella pertussis) strains produce a surface‐exposed and secreted protein called filamentous haemagglutinin (FHA) that functions in adherence and immunomodulation. Previous studies using B. pertussis and cultured mammalian cells identified several FHA domains with potential roles in host cell interactions, including an Arg‐Gly‐Asp (RGD) triplet that was reported to bind integrins on epithelial cells and monocytes to activate host signalling pathways. We show here that, in contrast to our previous report, the fhaB genes of B. pertussis and B. bronchiseptica are functionally interchangeable, at least with regard to the various in vitro and in vivo assays investigated. This result is significant because it indicates that information obtained studying FHA using B. bronchiseptica and natural‐host animal models should apply to B. pertussis FHA as well. We also show that the C‐terminus of mature FHA, which we name the MCD, mediates adherence to epithelial and macrophage‐like cells and is required for colonization of the rat respiratory tract and modulation of the inflammatory response in mouse lungs. We could not, however, detect a role for the RGD in any of these processes.
Menaquinone synthesis is critical for maintaining mycobacterial viability during exponential growth and recovery from non‐replicating persistence
Authors: Dhiman Rakesh K. , Mahapatra Sebabrata , Slayden Richard A. , Boyne Melissa E. , Lenaerts Anne , Hinshaw Jerald C. , Angala Shiva K. , Chatterjee Delphi , Biswas Kallolmay , Narayanasamy Prabagaran , Kurosu Michio , Crick Dean C.
Published: February 2009

Understanding the basis of bacterial persistence in latent infections is critical for eradication of tuberculosis. Analysis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis mRNA expression in an in vitro model of non‐replicating persistence indicated that the bacilli require electron transport chain components and ATP synthesis for survival. Additionally, low μM concentrations of aminoalkoxydiphenylmethane derivatives inhibited both the aerobic growth and survival of non‐replicating, persistent M. tuberculosis. Metabolic labelling studies and quantification of cellular menaquinone levels suggested that menaquinone synthesis, and consequently electron transport, is the target of the aminoalkoxydiphenylmethane derivatives. This hypothesis is strongly supported by the observations that treatment with these compounds inhibits oxygen consumption and that supplementation of growth medium with exogenous menaquinone rescued both growth and oxygen consumption of treated bacilli. In vitro assays indicate that the aminoalkoxydiphenylmethane derivatives specifically inhibit MenA, an enzyme involved in the synthesis of menaquinone. Thus, the results provide insight into the physiology of mycobacterial persistence and a basis for the development of novel drugs that enhance eradication of persistent bacilli and latent tuberculosis.
The Aspergillus fumigatus transcription factor Ace2 governs pigment production, conidiation and virulence
Authors: Ejzykowicz Daniele E. , Cunha Marcel M. , Rozental Sonia , Solis Norma V. , Gravelat Fabrice N. , Sheppard Donald C. , Filler Scott G.
Published: February 2009

Aspergillus fumigatus causes serious and frequently fatal infections in immunocompromised patients. To investigate the regulation of virulence of this fungus, we constructed and analysed an A. fumigatus mutant that lacked the transcription factor Ace2, which influences virulence in other fungi. The Δace2 mutant had dysmorphic conidiophores, reduced conidia production and abnormal conidial cell wall architecture. This mutant produced an orange pigment when grown on solid media, although its conidia had normal pigmentation. Conidia of the Δace2 mutant were larger and had accelerated germination. The resulting germlings were resistant to hydrogen peroxide, but not other stressors. Non‐neutropenic mice that were immunosuppressed with cortisone acetate and infected with the Δace2 mutant had accelerated mortality, greater pulmonary fungal burden, and increased pulmonary inflammatory responses compared with mice infected with the wild‐type or Δace2::ace2‐complemented strains. The Δace2 mutant had reduced ppoC, ecm33 and ags3 mRNA expression. It is known that A. fumigatus mutants with absent or reduced expression of these genes have increased virulence in mice, as well as other phenotypic similarities to the Δace2 mutant. Therefore, reduced expression of these genes likely contributes to the increased virulence of the Δace2 mutant.
Assembly of the MreB‐associated cytoskeletal ring of Escherichia coli
Authors: Vats Purva , Shih Yu‐Ling , Rothfield Lawrence
Published: February 2009

The Escherichia coli actin homologue MreB is part of a helical cytoskeletal structure that winds around the cell between the two poles. It has been shown that MreB redistributes during the cell cycle to form circumferential ring structures that flank the cytokinetic FtsZ ring and appear to be associated with division and segregation of the helical cytoskeleton. We show here that the MreB cytoskeletal ring also contains the MreC, MreD, Pbp2 and RodA proteins. Assembly of MreB, MreC, MreD and Pbp2 into the ring structure required the FtsZ ring but no other known components of the cell division machinery, whereas assembly of RodA into the cytoskeletal ring required one or more additional septasomal components. Strikingly, MreB, MreC, MreD and RodA were each able to independently assemble into the cytoskeletal ring and coiled cytoskeletal structures in the absence of any of the other ring components. This excludes the possibility that one or more of these proteins acts as a scaffold for incorporation of the other proteins into these structures. In contrast, incorporation of Pbp2 required the presence of MreC, which may provide a docking site for Pbp2 entry.
Soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 induces human eosinophil migration
Authors: Ueki S. , Kihara J. , Kato H. , Ito W. , Takeda M. , Kobayashi Y. , Kayaba H. , Chihara J.
Published: February 2009

Background:  Tissue eosinophilia is one of the hallmarks of allergic diseases and Th2‐type immune responses including asthma. Adhesion molecules are known to play an important role in the accumulation of eosinophils in allergic inflammatory foci, and they contribute to eosinophil activation. Elevated levels of the soluble forms of adhesion molecules in the body fluid of asthmatic patients have been observed, although their pathophysiological significance remains to be fully elucidated.

Methods:  Peripheral blood eosinophils were purified, and the effect of soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (sVCAM‐1) on eosinophil migration was investigated using in vitro systems.

Results:  We found that sVCAM‐1 (1 to 10 μg/ml) induced eosinophil chemotaxis, rather than chemokinesis, in a concentration‐dependent fashion. In addition, sVCAM‐1 induced cell shape change and actin polymerization, which are necessary for cell movement. Manipulations with very late antigen (VLA)‐4‐neutralizing antibody and signal inhibitors indicated that the sVCAM‐1‐induced chemotaxis was mediated through ligand‐dependent activation of tyrosine kinase Src, p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK), and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) MAPK. Rapid phosphorylation of these signaling molecules was observed using a bead‐based multiplex assay.

Conclusion:  Our results raise the possibility of sVCAM‐1 in the fluid phase as a significant contributor to the heightened eosinophilic inflammatory response.
Development and validation of the Food Allergy Quality of Life Questionnaire – Adult Form
Authors: Flokstra‐de Blok B. M. J. , Van Der Meulen G. N. , DunnGalvin A. , Vlieg‐Boerstra B. J. , Oude Elberink J. N. G. , Duiverman E. J. , Hourihane J. O’B. , Dubois A. E. J.
Published: February 2009

Background:  Health‐related quality of life (HRQL) may be affected by food allergy. Presently, no disease‐specific HRQL questionnaire exists for food allergic adults. Therefore, we developed and validated the Food Allergy Quality of Life Questionnaire – Adult Form (FAQLQ‐AF) in the Dutch language.

Methods:  Twenty‐two food allergic patients (≥18 years) were interviewed and generated 180 HRQL items. The most important items were identified by 54 food allergic patients using the clinical impact method resulting in the FAQLQ‐AF containing 29 items (score range 1 ‘not troubled’ to 7 ‘extremely troubled’). The FAQLQ‐AF, the Food Allergy Independent Measure (FAIM) and a generic HRQL questionnaire (RAND‐36) were sent to 100 other food allergic adults for cross‐sectional validation of the FAQLQ‐AF.

Results:  Cross‐sectional validity was assessed by the correlation between FAQLQ‐AF and FAIM (ρ = 0.76, P < 0.001). The FAQLQ‐AF had excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.97). The FAQLQ‐AF discriminated between patients who differ in severity of symptoms (anaphylaxis vs no anaphylaxis, total FAQLQ‐AF score 4.9 vs 4.1; P = 0.041) and number of food allergies (>3 food allergies vs≤3 food allergies, total FAQLQ‐AF score 5.2 vs 4.2; P = 0.008). The total FAQLQ‐AF score was correlated with one RAND‐36 scale (convergent/discriminant validity).

Conclusions:  The FAQLQ‐AF is the first disease‐specific HRQL questionnaire for food allergic adults and reflects the most important issues that food allergic patients have to face. The questionnaire is valid, reliable and discriminates between patients with different disease characteristics. The FAQLQ‐AF is short and easy to use and may therefore be a useful tool in clinical research.
Condition dependence of developmental stability in the sexually dimorphic flyTelostylinus angusticollis(Diptera: Neriidae)
Authors: BONDURIANSKY R.
Published: February 2009

Developmental stability is widely regarded as a condition‐dependent trait, but its relation to genotype and environment, and extent of developmental integration, remain contentious. InTelostylinus angusticollis, the dorsocentral bristles exhibit striking variation in developmental stability, manifested as fluctuating asymmetry (FA) in bristle position (‘positional FA’) and failure to develop some bristles (‘bristle loss’), in natural and laboratory populations. To determine whether this variation reflects condition, I tested for effects of genotype and environment (larval diet quality), and examined covariation with condition‐dependent traits. Positional FA was not affected by genotype or environment. However, positional FA covaried negatively with secondary sexual trait expression in males, and with sexual dimorphism in body shape, but covaried positively with body size in females. Bristle loss reflected both genotype and larval diet. Flies reared on poor‐quality diet exhibited a similar rate of bristle loss as wild flies. Both positional FA and bristle loss were greater in males. These results suggest that the relation between developmental stability and condition is complex and sex dependent.
Diet‐dependent female evolution influences male lifespan in a nuptial feeding insect
Authors: HALL M. D. , BUSSIÈRE L. F. , BROOKS R.
Published: February 2009

Theory predicts that lifespan will depend on the dietary intake of an individual, the allocation of resources towards reproduction and the costs imposed by the opposite sex. Although females typically bear the majority of the cost of offspring production, nuptial feeding invertebrates provide an ideal opportunity to examine the extent to which reproductive interactions through gift provisioning impose a cost on males. Here we use experimental evolution in an Australian ground cricket to assess how diet influences male lifespan and how the costs of mating evolve for males. Our findings show that males had significantly shorter lifespans in populations that adapted to a low‐quality diet and that this divergence is driven by evolutionary change in how females interact with males over reproduction. This suggests that the extent of sexual conflict over nuptial feeding may be under‐realized by focusing solely on the consequences of reproductive interactions from the female’s perspective.
A report on transmissible spongiform encephalopathies and transfusion safety
Authors: Coste J. , Prowse C. , Eglin R. , Fang C. ,   for the Subgroup on TSE
Published: February 2009

The incidence of BSE in Europe is in continued decline. At present, iatrogenic transmission from person to person is considered a serious threat to public health. This report of the International Society of Blood Transfusion Working Party on Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy will focus on the state of the art in relation to blood components and plasma safety. Latest information on the pathogenicity of the infectious agent, the frequency and dynamics of infection in blood and transfusion transmissibility will be documented. Preventive measures including donor deferral policies, technologies for prion removal from labile blood components and for prion detection in plasma, the absence of a sensitive and rapid reference assay able to confirm the positive results from any putative blood screening assay will be updated. At last, as many uncertainties remain and a number of assumptions await confirmation, the areas to continue to explore are listed.
Optimum allocation of test resources and relative efficiency of alternative procedures of within‐family selection in hybrid breeding
Authors: Longin C. F. H. , Maurer H. P. , Melchinger A. E. , Frisch M.
Published: February 2009

Selection within families can be conducted as family deviation (FDS) or strict within‐family selection (WFS). Our objectives were to (i) investigate two breeding schemes combining selection among families with FDS or WFS and (ii) compare the optimum allocation of test resources for these breeding schemes. We focused on selection among S1 families and doubled haploid (DH) lines within S1 families and used Monte Carlo simulations to determine the selection gain (ΔĜ), its standard deviation (SDΔĜ), and the average coefficient of coancestry among the selected DH lines (). For breeding schemes focusing only on within‐family selection, as employed in animal breeding, the maximum ΔĜ, its SDΔĜ, and were larger for FDS than for WFS. However, for breeding schemes combining among‐ and within‐family selection, as employed commonly in plant breeding programmes, the maximum ΔĜ, SDΔĜ, and were almost equal for FDS and WFS. Furthermore, the optimum allocation of test resources was similar for FDS and WFS. We conclude that FDS and WFS are equally suited for short‐ and long‐term success in breeding schemes where among‐family selection is followed by within‐family selection.
Genetic analysis of seedling resistance to Stagonospora nodorum blotch in selected tetraploid and hexaploid wheat genotypes
Authors: Singh P. K. , Feng J. , Mergoum M. , McCartney C. A. , Hughes G. R.
Published: February 2009

Stagonospora nodorum blotch (SNB), caused by Phaeosphaeria nodorum, is a major component of the leaf‐spotting disease complex of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in the northern Great Plains of North America. This study was conducted, under controlled environmental conditions, to determine the inheritance of resistance to SNB in a diverse set of hexaploid and tetraploid wheat genotypes and to decipher the genic/allelic relationship among the resistance gene(s). Plants were inoculated at the two to three‐leaf stages with a spore suspension of P. nodorum isolate Kelvington‐SK and disease reaction was assessed 8 days after inoculation based on a lesion‐type scale. Tests of the F1 and F2 generations and of F2 : 3 or F2 : 5 families indicated that a single recessive gene controlled resistance to SNB in both hexaploid and tetraploid resistance sources. Lack of segregation in intra‐specific and inter‐specific crosses between the hexaploid and the tetraploid resistant genotypes, indicated that these genetically diverse sources of resistance possess the same gene for resistance to SNB. Results of this study suggest that the wheat‐P. nodorum interaction may follow the toxin model of the gene‐for‐gene hypothesis.
Lower urinary tract symptoms after hormone replacement therapy in Japanese patients with late‐onset hypogonadism: A preliminary report
Authors: Takao Tetsuya , Tsujimura Akira , Nakayama Jiro , Matsuoka Yasuhiro , Miyagawa Yasushi , Takada Shingo , Nonomura Norio , Okuyama Akihiko
Published: February 2009

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is performed for the treatment for patients with late onset hypogonadism (LOH). One of the main concerns about HRT is the influence of lower urinary tract including prostate. This study examined whether HRT for Japanese patients of LOH affected lower urinary tract symptoms. A total of 21 patients with LOH were included in this study. Changes of International prostate symptom score (IPSS), IPSS quality of life (QOL) index and King's health questionnaire (KHQ), before HRT and 3 months after HRT, were evaluated. Statistical comparisons were made using the Wilcoxon signed rank test, P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Total IPSS and QOL index were not significantly different from 7.43 ± 6.56, 2.71 ± 1.74 at baseline to 8.29 ± 6.24, 2.91 ± 1.13 after 3 months. There were no significant differences in any of the nine categories of KHQ. In this preliminary study, the results suggested that HRT for LOH had no short‐term effects on patients with lower urinary symptoms.
Transdifferentiation of rat fetal brain stem cells into penile smooth muscle cells
Authors: Song Yunseob , Mehta Neal , Sheh Bryant , Saljooque Farid , U Hoi Sang , Rajasekaran Mahadevan
Published: February 2009

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate whether rat fetal brain stem cells can be induced to acquire cell fates outside the nervous system, hypothesising that cell‐based replacement therapy with stem cells can aid in the regeneration of penile smooth musculature and might help to attenuate organic erectile dysfunction (ED), as the degeneration of penile smooth muscle cells leading to subsequent impairment of function is important in organic ED.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fetal brain stem cells (FBSCs) from embryonal 12‐day Fisher 344 rats were isolated and characterized. For in vitro studies, undifferentiated FBSCs were cultured for 21 days in either N2 media (control) or N2 media conditioned in rat penile smooth muscle cell culture. These were then subjected to immunocytochemistry for specific markers of neural stem cells (nestin) and penile smooth muscle cells, i.e. α‐smooth muscle actin (αSMA), penis‐specific myosin light chain (MLC) desmin, calponin, vimentin, phosphodiesterase‐5 (PDE5) and connexin. For in vivo studies, male adult Fisher 344 rats had an intracavernous injection with saline (five rats, control) or FBSCs that were labelled genetically by an expression construct for green fluorescent protein (GFP, nine rats, experimental) and maintained for 6 weeks. The rats were then killed and penile tissue was harvested and subjected to immunocytochemistry for markers of neural stem cells, smooth muscle cells, and sinusoidal endothelium (vascular endothelial growth factor, VEGF).

RESULTS

Undifferentiated cells exposed to N2 media continued to maintain the characteristic morphological and protein marker features of FBSCs, while the cells exposed to the conditioned media acquired the morphological features of smooth muscle cells. In addition, the differentiated cells (30–40%) expressed smooth muscle markers. Rats implanted with FBSCs had cells that showed double‐labelling for GFP/αSMA, GFP/calponin and GFP/VEGF. The control group had no evidence of such double‐labelling.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest the transdifferentiation of FBSCs into penile smooth muscle cells. Such transdifferentiated cells showed long‐term survival when injected into the cavernous tissue, thus raising the possibility of a novel therapeutic option for organic ED.
Metanephric adenoma of the kidney: clinical and radiological study of nine cases
Authors: Bastide Cyrille , Rambeaud Jean‐Jacques , Bach Ariadne M. , Russo Paul
Published: February 2009

OBJECTIVE

To analyse the clinical and radiological features of metanephric adenoma (MA, a rare benign renal tumour) in nine patients, and to review previous reports.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From 1992 to 2007, we identified nine patients (eight women and one man) with MA at our institution. Four patients had a radical nephrectomy and five a partial nephrectomy. Preoperative imaging was reviewed by a senior radiologist. Renal colour Doppler ultrasonography (US), abdominal computed tomography and abdominal magnetic resonance imaging were used in seven, eight and four patients, respectively.

RESULTS

The mean (range) age of the patients was 46.8 (19–79) years. Six tumours were discovered incidentally. Three patients were symptomatic (two with haematuria and one with polycythaemia). There was no vascular flow on colour Doppler US within the tumours. There were peripheral and/or central calcifications in six of the tumours. All the tumours were well‐circumscribed with minimal enhancement after injection with non‐ionic intravenous contrast or gadolinium.

CONCLUSIONS

Renal MA is a benign tumour occurring mainly in young and middle‐aged women. Polycythaemia is associated in ≈10%. Generally, MA is solid, well‐circumscribed and hypovascular, often with calcifications. Based on a combination of clinical and imaging features, it might be possible to suspect the diagnosis of MA and propose a preoperative diagnostic biopsy, a partial nephrectomy or active surveillance.
Smoke‐free air policy: subcultural shifts and secondary health effects among club‐going young adults
Authors: Kelly Brian C.
Published: February 2009

In March 2003, New York City implemented legislation that called for a ban of smoking in bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and other establishments. The express purpose of this legislation was to protect the health of employees and patrons from second‐hand smoke. In addition to the stated goal of protection from second‐hand smoke for employees, key secondary health effects of this law have emerged in the lives of club‐going youth. This paper is based upon data derived from an ethnographic research project on club‐related health issues in NYC. Drawing upon ethnographic fieldwork during the implementation of the ban and in‐depth interviews with club‐going youth, the paper provides a grounded analysis of youth reactions to the smoking ban and a descriptive profile of the secondary health effects of the smoking ban in nightclubs. It explores the attitudes of club‐going youth towards the ban and the ways in which the legislation shapes the behaviours of habitual smokers, ‘social smoking’, and the use of drugs within bars and clubs. In particular, the data suggest a tension between the desire to remain subculturally involved and the desire to smoke. It also highlights the adaptive character of subcultures and the importance of social relations in behavioural patterns.
Sociology of diagnosis: a preliminary review
Authors: Jutel Annemarie
Published: February 2009

Diagnoses are the classification tools of medicine, and are pivotal in the ways medicine exerts its role in society. Their sociological study is commonly subsumed under the rubrics of medicalisation, history of medicine and theory of disease. Diagnosis is, however, a powerful social tool, with unique features and impacts which deserve their own specific analysis. The process of diagnosis provides the framework within which medicine operates, punctuates the values which medicine espouses, and underlines the authoritative role of both medicine and the doctor. Diagnosis takes place at a salient juncture between illness and disease, patient and doctor, complaint and explanation. Despite calls for its establishment, almost two decades ago (Brown 1990), there is not yet a clear sociology of diagnosis. This paper argues that there should be, and, as a first step, draws together a number of threads of medical sociology that potentially contribute to this proposed sociology of diagnosis, including the place of diagnosis in the institution of medicine, the social framing of disease definitions, the means by which diagnosis confers authority to medicine, and how that authority is challenged. Through this preliminary review, I encourage sociology to consider the specific role of diagnosis in view of establishing a specific sub‐disciplinary field.
Everyday health and the internet: a mediated health perspective on health information seeking
Authors: Kivits Joëlle
Published: February 2009

This paper explores the relationship between internet use and individuals’ health experience. Adopting a ‘mediated health’ approach, it presents four cases studies of households using the internet for health information. The study shows that participants use the internet as it offers personalised information in line with individuals’ and families’ health needs affecting their everyday routines. The internet emerges as an everyday helper linked to the intimacy of health experiences. Agency is manifest in study participants’ choice of both becoming more informed as well as having the possibility of ignoring information. Case studies also show how personal internet use is confronted by informational surroundings generating flows of information that may induce uncertainty on the information seeker's side. The paper calls for a perspective which considers together personal health experience and media use to embed online health information seeking within an everyday context of internet use.
POST‐KEYNESIAN EFFECTIVE DEMAND AND CAPITAL–LABOUR SUBSTITUTION
Authors: Ohno Takashi
Published: February 2009

This paper analyses the relationship between the real wage rate and employment when we induce capital–labour substitution within a Post‐Keynesian Kaleckian model. To avoid the over‐determinacy problem, we consider a non‐homogeneous production function and cost minimization, in contrast to recent work that assumed a homogeneous production function and profit maximization. As a result, we find not only that increasing returns to scale are important in sustaining the long‐run stability condition, but also that if the increasing returns to scale are small, then it is more likely that employment will increase.
Characterizing arbitrarily slow convergence in the method of alternating projections
Authors: Bauschke Heinz H. , Deutsch Frank , Hundal Hein
Published: February 2009

Bauschke, Borwein, and Lewis have stated a trichotomy theorem that characterizes when the convergence of the method of alternating projections can be arbitrarily slow. However, there are two errors in their proof of this theorem. In this note, we show that although one of the errors is critical, the theorem itself is correct. We give a different proof that uses the multiplicative form of the spectral theorem, and the theorem holds in any real or complex Hilbert space, not just in a real Hilbert space.
Predictors of Adherence to Triptans: Factors of Sustained vs Lapsed Users
Authors: Cady Roger K. , Maizels Morris , Reeves Dennis L. , Levinson Daniel M. , Evans Judith K.
Published: February 2009

Objective.— The present study was conducted to identify factors that predict adherence to triptans by migraine patients.

Background.— Triptans have demonstrated efficacy for acute migraine yet many migraine sufferers discontinue their use.

Design and Methods.— A survey study was conducted using 785 subjects (390 health maintenance organizations [HMO] and 395 non‐HMO). Of those, 586 were sustained users of triptans (defined by at least 1 refill within the past year), and 199 were classified as lapsed users (ie, individuals who had 0 refills in the past year). Groups were compared on a variety of measures including a comprehensive Migraine Survey that included items related to efficacy and adverse events associated with the patient's current medication, as well as the Headache Impact Test (HIT)‐6 and Migraine Disability Assessment Score (MIDAS) questionnaires. Data were analyzed with multivariate analysis of variance and stepwise multiple regression.

Results.— Sustained users of triptans were significantly more satisfied with their medication, confident in the medication's ability to control headache, and reported control of migraine with fewer doses of medication. Sustained users also switched triptans products significantly less often than lapsed users, and reported greater benefit from triptan intervention in restoring normal daily functions, including improved cognitive ability, compared with lapsed users' ratings of their nontriptan medication. More lapsed users than sustained users reported adverse events associated with past triptan use. Results from multiple and logistic regression analyses correctly classified 95% of sustained users and identified the most significant predictors for sustained use as: satisfaction and belief in medication, reliability of response, effectiveness in rapidly restoring normal levels of productivity, and fewer doses of medication for resolving an attack. The HIT‐6 and MIDAS distinguished between sustained and lapsed triptan users on days unable to do household work and missed family and social events.

Conclusions.— Predictors of adherence to triptans included satisfaction and confidence in triptans' ability to stop the migraine and associated symptoms and to return the individual to normal functioning. The findings suggest that lapsed users may not be receiving optimal treatment, and that if their past response to triptans was a consequence of inadequate education, they may benefit from additional education on proper use of triptans.