bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proteomics of life at low temperatures: trigger factor is the primary chaperone in the Antarctic bacterium Pseudoalteromonas haloplanktis TAC125
Authors: Piette Florence , D'Amico Salvino , Struvay Caroline , Mazzucchelli Gabriel , Renaut Jenny , Tutino Maria Luisa , Danchin Antoine , Leprince Pierre , Feller Georges
Published: February 2010

The proteomes expressed at 4°C and 18°C by the psychrophilic Antarctic bacterium Pseudoalteromonas haloplanktis have been compared using two‐dimensional differential in‐gel electrophoresis, showing that translation, protein folding, membrane integrity and anti‐oxidant activities are upregulated at 4°C. This proteomic analysis revealed that the trigger factor is the main upregulated protein at low temperature. The trigger factor is the first molecular chaperone interacting with virtually all newly synthesized polypeptides on the ribosome and also possesses a peptidyl‐prolyl cis‐trans isomerase activity. This suggests that protein folding at low temperatures is a rate‐limiting step for bacterial growth in cold environments. It is proposed that the psychrophilic trigger factor rescues the chaperone function as both DnaK and GroEL (the major bacterial chaperones but also heat‐shock proteins) are downregulated at 4°C. The recombinant psychrophilic trigger factor is a monomer that displays unusually low conformational stability with a Tm value of 33°C, suggesting that the essential chaperone function requires considerable flexibility and dynamics to compensate for the reduction of molecular motions at freezing temperatures. Its chaperone activity is strongly temperature‐dependent and requires near‐zero temperature to stably bind a model‐unfolded polypeptide.
Aberrant microRNA expression in the brains of neurodegenerative diseases: miR‐29a decreased in Alzheimer disease brains targets neurone navigator 3
Authors: Shioya M. , Obayashi S. , Tabunoki H. , Arima K. , Saito Y. , Ishida T. , Satoh J.
Published: February 2010

M. Shioya, S. Obayashi, H. Tabunoki, K. Arima, Y. Saito, T. Ishida and J. Satoh (2010) Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology36, 320–330 Aberrant microRNA expression in the brains of neurodegenerative diseases: miR‐29a decreased in Alzheimer disease brains targets neurone navigator 3

Aims: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non‐coding RNAs that regulate translational repression of target mRNAs. Accumulating evidence indicates that various miRNAs, expressed in a spatially and temporally controlled that manner in the brain plays a key role in neuronal development. However, at present, the pathological implication of aberrant miRNA expression in neurodegenerative events remains largely unknown. To identify miRNAs closely associated with neurodegeneration, we performed miRNA expression profiling of brain tissues of various neurodegenerative diseases. Methods: We initially studied the frontal cortex derived from three amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients by using a microarray of 723 human miRNAs. This was followed by enlargement of study population with quantitative RT‐PCR analysis (n = 21). Results: By microarray analysis, we identified up‐regulation of miR‐29a, miR‐29b and miR‐338‐3p in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis brains, but due to a great interindividual variation, we could not validate these results by quantitative RT‐PCR. However, we found significant down‐regulation of miR‐29a in Alzheimer disease (AD) brains. The database search on TargetScan, PicTar and miRBase Target identified neurone navigator 3 (NAV3), a regulator of axon guidance, as a principal target of miR‐29a, and actually NAV3 mRNA levels were elevated in AD brains. MiR‐29a‐mediated down‐regulation of NAV3 was verified by the luciferase reporter assay. By immunohistochemistry, NAV3 expression was most evidently enhanced in degenerating pyramidal neurones in the cerebral cortex of AD. Conclusions: These observations suggest the hypothesis that underexpression of miR‐29a affects neurodegenerative processes by enhancing neuronal NAV3 expression in AD brains.
When and why is blood crossmatched?
Authors: Tinegate H. N. , Davies T. , Elshaw R. J. , Jane G. , Lyon M. , Norfolk D. R. , Plews D. E. , Troy C. B. , Watson D.
Published: February 2010

Background and Objectives  This study was undertaken to provide data relating to the timing of laboratory crossmatch procedures, and the source of requests for out of hours crossmatch, to support interpretation of error reports originating in the transfusion laboratory, received by the Serious Hazards of Transfusion haemovigilance scheme.

Materials and Methods  Data on the timing, origin and urgency of all crossmatch requests were collected in 34 hospitals in northern England over a 7‐day period in 2008. Additional data on clinical urgency were collected on crossmatches that were performed out of hours.

Results  Data were obtained on 2423 crossmatches, including 610 (25·2%) performed outside core hours. 30·3% of out of hours crossmatch requests were for transfusions that were set up outside 4 h of completion of the crossmatch.

Conclusion  2008 Serious Hazards of Transfusion data showed that 29/39 (74%) of laboratory errors resulting in ‘wrong blood’ occurred out of hours whilst our audit shows that only 25% of crossmatch requests are made in that time period, suggesting that crossmatching performed outside core hours carries increased risks. The reason for increased risk of error needs further research, but 25 laboratories had only one member of staff working out of hours, often combining blood transfusion, haematology and coagulation work. A total of 25% of out of hours requests were not clinically urgent. Hospitals should develop policies to define indications for out of hours transfusion testing, empower laboratory staff to challenge inappropriate requests and ensure that staffing and expertise is appropriate for the workload at all times.
Review: Modelling the dialysate
Authors: PHIPPS LISA M , HARRIS DAVID CH
Published: February 2010

Dialysate prescription is evolving as new technology allows greater opportunity to alter dialysate constituents throughout dialysis, providing scope for tailored prescription for an individual patient. The intention of modelling or profiling is to improve the tolerability of dialysis and long‐term patient outcomes. This approach can be applied to both electrolytes and water. Despite these advances in technology, benefits of modelling have not been demonstrated consistently. This review examines the use of individual prescription and modelling of dialysate sodium, ultrafiltrate, potassium, calcium, magnesium, bicarbonate and phosphate.
Applying evidence into routine clinical care at a unit level: The exemplar of renal anaemia management
Authors: GALLAGHER MARTIN P , CASS ALAN , CRAIG JONATHAN C
Published: February 2010

Variability in implementing research evidence into clinical practice is widespread, including in the management of patients with kidney disease. There are numerous well‐known barriers and facilitators to evidence implementation identified in other clinical settings and a few chronic kidney disease studies. The necessary changes to health systems that support evidence implementation take time to design, apply and to have a measurable effect. Measurement against an agreed standard is fundamental to this process. We use the example of renal anaemia management across a dialysis unit to illustrate an approach to these issues.
Changes in the highest frequency of breath sounds without wheezing during methacholine inhalation challenge in children
Authors: HABUKAWA Chizu , MURAKAMI Katsumi , MOCHIZUKI Hiroyuki , TAKAMI Satoru , MURAMATSU Reiko , TADAKI Hiromi , HAGIWARA Satomi , MIZUNO Takahisa , ARAKAWA Hirokazu , NAGASAKA Yukio
Published: February 2010

A breath sound analyser was used to detect bronchoconstriction without wheezing during methacholine inhalation challenge in children. The highest frequency of inspiratory breath sounds increased significantly during bronchoconstriction and decreased after inhalation of a bronchodilator. The highest frequency of inspiratory breaths sounds was correlated with bronchial reactivity.

Background and objective:  It is difficult for clinicians to identify changes in breath sounds caused by bronchoconstriction when wheezing is not audible. A breath sound analyser can identify changes in the frequency of breath sounds caused by bronchoconstriction. The present study aimed to identify the changes in the frequency of breath sounds during bronchoconstriction and bronchodilatation using a breath sound analyser.

Methods:  Thirty‐six children (8.2 ± 3.7 years; males : females, 22 : 14) underwent spirometry, methacholine inhalation challenge and breath sound analysis. Methacholine inhalation challenge was performed and baseline respiratory resistance, minimum dose of methacholine (bronchial sensitivity) and speed of bronchoconstriction in response to methacholine (Sm: bronchial reactivity) were calculated. The highest frequency of inspiratory breath sounds (HFI), the highest frequency of expiratory breath sounds (HFE) and the percentage change in HFI and HFE were determined. The HFI and HFE were compared before methacholine inhalation (pre‐HFI and pre‐HFE), when respiratory resistance reached double the baseline value (max HFI and max HFE), and after bronchodilator inhalation (post‐HFI and post‐HFE).

Results:  Breath sounds increased during methacholine‐induced bronchoconstriction. Max HFI was significantly greater than pre‐HFI (P < 0.001), and decreased to the basal level after bronchodilator inhalation. Post‐HFI was significantly lower than max HFI (P < 0.001). HFI and HFE were also significantly changed (P < 0.001). The percentage change in HFI showed a significant correlation with the speed of bronchoconstriction in response to methacholine (P = 0.007).

Conclusions:  Methacholine‐induced bronchoconstriction significantly increased HFI, and the increase in HFI was correlated with bronchial reactivity.
Endobronchial foreign bodies in Vietnamese adults are related to eating habits
Authors: NGUYEN Lan Huu , NGUYEN Dung Huy , TRAN Thach Ngoc , NGUYEN Phung Tran , THI Quy Hoang , AELONY Yossef , HOMASSON Jean Paul Daniel
Published: February 2010

Background and objective:  A high percentage of bronchoscopically extracted foreign bodies in Ho Chi Minh City were pits of the sapote fruit, a finding previously unreported. This paper presents a review of foreign body extractions, which identifies the substances found, documents the diagnostic pathway and draws attention to the specific aspiration risk of the sapote pit.

Methods:  The records of 100 consecutive adults who were found to have a bronchial foreign body during flexible bronchoscopy were reviewed.

Results:  In 83% of patients, the foreign body extraction was performed more than 2 weeks after the aspiration had occurred. In only 34% of patients was the diagnosis of an aspirated foreign body considered early in the patient's clinical course. The most frequent foreign bodies found were sapote pits (41%), followed by small bones (38%). Foreign bodies were lodged more frequently in the right bronchial tree (64%). In 98% of patients, the foreign bodies were successfully removed with the flexible scope. There was one postoperative death, which was not ascribed to the procedure.

Conclusions:  Physicians need to consider foreign body aspirations when evaluating patients with recurrent pneumonia, unexplained cough or atelectasis. Awareness of this problem might lead to public health measures that could reduce the incidence of these aspirations.
‘Lung age’ predicts post‐operative complications and survival in lung cancer patients
Authors: HARUKI Tomohiro , NAKAMURA Hiroshige , TANIGUCHI Yuji , MIWA Ken , ADACHI Yoshin , FUJIOKA Shinji
Published: February 2010

Background and objective:  The Japanese Respiratory Society recently proposed ‘lung age’ as an easily understood concept of respiratory function. In this study, we evaluated whether ‘lung age’ could be a useful predictor of post‐operative respiratory complications and survival patients with lung cancer treated surgically.

Methods:  The study recruited 308 patients who underwent surgery for primary non‐small‐cell lung cancer. All patients had preoperative pulmonary function testing. ‘Lung age’ was determined using the methods advocated by the Japanese Respiratory Society. Based on the difference between ‘real age’ (R) and ‘lung age’ (L), patients were classified into five groups: group A: R−L > 15 (n = 37), B: 5 < R−L ≤ 15 (n = 50), C: −5 ≤ R−L ≤ 5 (n = 73), D: −15 ≤ R−L < −5 (n = 54), E: −15 > R−L (n = 94). Clinicopathological factors, post‐operative respiratory complications and survival were compared between the groups.

Results:  Gender, smoking status and index, histology, operative approach and FEV1 were significantly associated with the group classification. The incidence of complications was significantly higher in group E compared with other groups (P = 0.003). Multivariate analysis showed that the group classification by ‘lung age’ was an independent predictor of post‐operative respiratory complications (P = 0.02). Overall survival differed significantly between the groups (P = 0.03).

Conclusions:  ‘Lung age’ could be useful for the prediction of post‐operative respiratory complications and survival in patients with lung cancer treated surgically.
Prognostic value of survivin, X‐linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein and second mitochondria‐derived activator of caspases expression in advanced non‐small‐cell lung cancer patients
Authors: CHEN Ping , LI Jian , GE Li‐Ping , DAI Chun‐Hua , LI Xiao‐Qin
Published: February 2010

Background and objective:  Survivin and X‐linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) in vitro mediate cancer cell survival and chemoresistance. Second mitochondria‐derived activator of caspases (Smac), an antagonist of XIAP, has been shown in vitro to increase chemosensitivity. This study examined the prognostic value of survivin, XIAP and Smac in advanced non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with cisplatin‐containing chemotherapy.

Methods:  Semi‐quantitative RT‐PCR was used to measure survivin, XIAP and Smac mRNA expression in transbronchial biopsy tumour specimens from 72 patients with advanced NSCLC before commencing chemotherapy. Outcome measures were response to chemotherapy, progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).

Results:  Low expression of survivin was associated with good response to chemotherapy (P = 0.028). No association was found between XIAP and Smac expression levels and response to chemotherapy (P = 0.224 and P = 0.088, respectively). Patients with low survivin expression or high Smac expression had significantly longer PFS (P = 0.012 and P = 0.029, respectively) and OS (P = 0.007 and P = 0.031, respectively) compared with patients with high expression of survivin or low expression of Smac. XIAP expression was not correlated with PFS or OS. Additionally, PFS and OS in patients with performance status of 0 or 1 and stage IIIB were significantly longer than PFS and OS in patients with performance status (PS) of 2 and stage IV disease. Multivariate Cox regression analyses demonstrated that survivin and clinical stage were independent predictors for PFS and OS. Smac was an independent prognostic factor for OS, but not for PFS.

Conclusions:  Our findings suggest that the expression levels of survivin and Smac, but not XIAP, predict the survival of patients with advanced NSCLC treated with chemotherapy.
Relationship between exhaled nitric oxide and treatment response in COPD patients with exacerbations
Authors: ANTUS Balazs , BARTA Imre , HORVATH Ildiko , CSISZER Eszter
Published: February 2010

Background and objective:  Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) has been implicated as a pulmonary biomarker in various respiratory diseases, including COPD. In this longitudinal study, the benefit of measuring FENO in a routine clinical setting was assessed in COPD patients hospitalized with an exacerbation of the disease.

Methods:  FENO, lung function and blood gases were measured in 58 COPD patients at hospital admission due to an exacerbation, and at discharge following treatment with corticosteroids and bronchodilators.

Results:  FENO levels were significantly decreased at discharge, compared with those at admission (geometric mean 25.3 ppb (95% CI: 21.2–30.1) vs 19.7 ppb (95% CI: 17.2–22.6); P = 0.002). There was a significant positive correlation between FENO concentrations at admission and the increase in FEV1 after treatment (r = 0.441, P < 0.001), and a significant inverse correlation between FENO values at admission and the mean length of hospital stay (r = −0.297, P = 0.016). Using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the optimum cut point for FENO as a predictor for significant increase in FEV1 was 26.8 ppb (sensitivity: 74%, specificity: 75%). There were no correlations between FENO levels and absolute values for lung function variables at admission or discharge.

Conclusions:  These data suggest that FENO levels determined at hospital admission may predict the overall response to treatment in COPD patients with acute exacerbations.
Mannitol and AMP do not induce bronchoconstriction in eosinophilic bronchitis: Further evidence for dissociation between airway inflammation and bronchial hyperresponsiveness
Authors: SINGAPURI Amisha , MCKENNA Sue , BRIGHTLING Chris E. , BRADDING Peter
Published: February 2010

Background and objective:  Eosinophilic bronchitis (EB) shares many pathological features with asthma. However, patients with EB do not develop the characteristic physiological abnormalities of asthma: variable airflow obstruction and bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) to a direct bronchial challenge with methacholine. Indirect bronchial challenges with AMP and mannitol are dependent on the presence of airway inflammation, and positive in 10% of asthmatic subjects who have a negative response to methacholine. We have therefore investigated whether subjects with EB are responsive to indirect airway challenge with AMP and mannitol.

Methods:  Subjects with asthma, EB and healthy controls attended on up to four occasions. After screening, subjects performed bronchial provocation tests to methacholine and then either AMP or mannitol. Each challenge was followed immediately by sputum induction for the measurement of airway inflammation and mast cell‐derived histamine.

Results:  No subjects with EB responded to either AMP (n = 5) or mannitol (n = 7) while 4/8 and 7/10 subjects with asthma responded to the respective challenges (P = 0.057 for AMP, P = 0.004 for mannitol). There was no difference in induced sputum concentrations of histamine or eosinophil cell counts following methacholine challenge compared with AMP or mannitol.

Conclusions:  The airways of patients with EB are not responsive to either direct or indirect bronchial challenge. This supports the view that it is the presence of functionally abnormal airway smooth muscle that is the key determinant of BHR in asthma, and that while this may be aggravated by the presence of mucosal airway inflammation, it is not caused by it.
Preference for language in early infancy: the human language bias is not speech specific
Authors: Krentz Ursula C. , Corina David P.
Published: February 2010

Fundamental to infants’ acquisition of their native language is an inherent interest in the language spoken around them over non‐linguistic environmental sounds. The following studies explored whether the bias for linguistic signals in hearing infants is specific to speech, or reflects a general bias for all human language, spoken and signed. Results indicate that 6‐month‐old infants prefer an unfamiliar, visual‐gestural language (American Sign Language) over non‐linguistic pantomime, but 10‐month‐olds do not. These data provide evidence against a speech‐specific bias in early infancy and provide insights into those properties of human languages that may underlie this language‐general attentional bias.
Statistical phonetic learning in infants: facilitation and feature generalization
Authors: Maye Jessica , Weiss Daniel J. , Aslin Richard N.
Published: February 2010

Over the course of the first year of life, infants develop from being generalized listeners, capable of discriminating both native and non‐native speech contrasts, into specialized listeners whose discrimination patterns closely reflect the phonetic system of the native language(s). Recent work by Maye, Werker and Gerken (2002) has proposed a statistical account for this phenomenon, showing that infants may lose the ability to discriminate some foreign language contrasts on the basis of their sensitivity to the statistical distribution of sounds in the input language. In this paper we examine the process of enhancement in infant speech perception, whereby initially difficult phonetic contrasts become better discriminated when they define two categories that serve a functional role in the native language. In particular, we demonstrate that exposure to a bimodal statistical distribution in 8‐month‐old infants’ phonetic input can lead to increased discrimination of difficult contrasts. In addition, this exposure also facilitates discrimination of an unfamiliar contrast sharing the same phonetic feature as the contrast presented during familiarization, suggesting that infants extract acoustic/phonetic information that is invariant across an abstract featural representation.
Federal Implications of Northern Territory Statehood
Authors: Harwood Jeffrey , Phillimore John , Fenna Alan
Published: February 2010

Just over a decade since the failed referendum of 1998, statehood for the Northern Territory (NT) is back on the political agenda. The achievement of statehood would be a first for Australian federalism, where no new state has been created or admitted since Federation. Following a discussion of the concept of statehood and how it might be achieved, it traces the political development of the NT. The article then examines the implications of NT statehood for the Australian federation and finds that statehood would facilitate constitutional change in the federation by lowering the threshold required for success in a national referendum. Statehood may also raise questions about the equal representation in the Senate of less populous states. However, statehood would have no effect upon financial arrangements with the Commonwealth, the standing of the Northern Territory at COAG meetings, or the legal standing of the other states.
Workplace Bullying Policy in the Australian Public Sector: Why Has Gender Been Ignored?
Authors: Hutchinson Jacquie , Eveline Joan
Published: February 2010

This article examines the question of gender‐neutral workplace bullying policy in the Australian context. It draws on the international workplace bullying literature and interview data gathered from policy actors located in Australian public service administrations, including managers, policy implementors and employee advocates. Our findings show that both the literature and the policy actors tend to present workplace bullying as a product of individualised behaviour, overlooking the nuances and dimensions of organisational power relations that include gender. As part of this tendency, policy actors insisted that workplace bullying be represented as gender‐neutral. Our analysis reveals two key factors underpinning the defence and dissemination of workplace bullying as a gender‐neutral problem: the tendency to individualistic remedies in public sector policies; and the idea among policy actors that if workplace bullying was portrayed as needing gender analysis, its current support as an important organisational issue would dissolve.
The Review of Victoria's Guardianship Legislation: State Policy Development in an Age of Human Rights
Authors: Chesterman John
Published: February 2010

This article considers the Victorian government's decision to review the state's guardianship legislation and notes the significant place international human rights developments are playing in that review. The article recognises the opportunities these developments present for reworking the guardianship legislation to increase the autonomy and decision‐making power of people with disabilities, but also considers the challenge these developments present to ensuring that society continues to protect its most vulnerable citizens.
Autonomic symptoms in patients and pre‐manifest mutation carriers of Huntington’s disease
Authors: Aziz N. A. , Anguelova G. V. , Marinus J. , Van Dijk J. G. , Roos R. A. C.
Published: February 2010

Background and purpose:  Although autonomic function tests have revealed abnormalities of the autonomic nervous system in Huntington’s disease (HD), autonomic symptoms and their association with other symptoms and signs of HD have not yet been assessed in large groups of patients or pre‐manifest mutation carriers. Therefore, we aimed at delineating the characteristics and correlates of autonomic symptoms in HD.

Methods:  Using the scales for outcomes in Parkinson’s disease‐autonomic symptoms (SCOPA‐AUT) and Beck Depression Inventory questionnaires, autonomic symptoms and depressed mood were assessed in 63 patients with HD, 21 pre‐manifest mutation carriers, and 85 controls. The Unified Huntington’s Disease Rating Scale was used to assess other HD symptoms and signs.

Results:  Relative to controls, patients with HD experienced significantly more gastrointestinal, urinary, cardiovascular and, in men, sexual problems. The most prevalent symptoms were swallowing difficulties, erection and ejaculation problems, dysphagia, sialorrhea, early abdominal fullness, straining for defecation, fecal and urinary incontinence, urgency, incomplete bladder emptying, and light‐headedness whilst standing. Pre‐manifest mutation carriers experienced significantly more swallowing difficulties and light‐headedness on standing up compared with controls. In patients with HD, autonomic symptoms were associated with a greater degree of functional disability, more severe depression, and antidepressant drugs use. However, depression was the only independent predictor of autonomic dysfunction.

Conclusions:  Autonomic symptoms are highly prevalent in patients with HD and may even precede the onset of motor signs. Moreover, autonomic dysfunction is related to functional disability and depression in HD.
The high rate of familial lichen sclerosus suggests a genetic contribution: an observational cohort study
Authors: Sherman V , McPherson T , Baldo M , Salim A , Gao XH , Wojnarowska F
Published: February 2010

Background  Familial lichen sclerosus (LS) has been described in only 37 families. We feel that the association is under‐reported.

Objectives  To determine the percentage of patients with LS who have a positive family history.

Method  A large observational‐cohort study of a total of 1052 females at vulval clinics within a University Hospital with a diagnosis of LS of the vulva (clinical diagnosis was confirmed in 80% of cases by histology). Patients were questioned as to family history of LS or balanitis xerotica obliterans; male circumcision for medical reasons; vulval cancer; and routine medical and family history. The outcome was the presence or absence of personal or family history of LS, autoimmune disorder or vulval cancer.

Results  In total 1052 patients were investigated. Of these, 126 (12%) had a positive family history of LS. These patients belonged to 95 families. Vulval cancer was significantly increased in those with a family history of LS compared with those without (4.1% vs. 1.2%, P < 0.05). There was more associated autoimmune disease in familial LS than in sporadic LS, although this was not statistically significant. (7% vs. 5%, P > 0.2).

Conclusion  Our data from a large cohort of patients with LS provide evidence of an increased risk for family members to develop LS. This indicates a likely genetic component in the aetiology of LS.
Subcutaneous zygomycosis: report of 10 cases from two institutions in North India
Authors: Ramesh V , Ramam M , Capoor MR , Sugandhan S , Dhawan J , Khanna G
Published: February 2010

Background  Subcutaneous zygomycosis is an uncommon condition observed in tropics. Few series have been published, particularly from the northern regions of India.

Objectives  The aim of this study was to describe clinical, investigative and therapeutic details in subcutaneous zygomycosis observed in two teaching hospitals in Delhi.

Patients and methods  Ten patients seen over a period of 10 years (1999–2009) form the material for this report.

Results  There were four children and six adults. In four children, the presentation was a subcutaneous localized mass or gradually spreading plaque. In the others, it was observed over nasal region of face, spreading inward into mucosal sites and paranasal sinuses, and outward to the contiguous areas. Regional lymphadenopathy was present in two with facial lesions. Majority showed a granulomatous infiltrate with admixture of other cells, mainly eosinophils. Aseptate or poorly septate hyphae were observed in seven. In one patient in whom no hyphae were observed, there was dense perivascular inflammation. Organisms were cultured from four patients, Basidiobolus ranarum in two and Syncephalastrum racemosum in two. The main therapy used was a saturated solution of potassium iodide (KI). Four received only KI of which two attained cure after 3 months and 9 months respectively, and the other two showed signs of regression. In one boy subsidence was associated with reduced circumference of thigh. Ketoconazole or itraconazole was given with KI to hasten regression when response was slow or there were side‐effects to KI.

Conclusion  Awareness and early recognition will prevent disfigurement produced by advanced disease, misdiagnosis and unnecessary surgical intervention.
Intralesional immunotherapy of common warts: successful treatment with mumps, measles and rubella vaccine
Authors: Nofal A , Nofal E
Published: February 2010

Background  Despite numerous therapeutic modalities reported in the literature, treatment of common warts remains a continuing challenge and there is no universal consensus about optimal treatment. Recently, intralesional immunotherapy by different antigens has proved efficacy in the treatment of different types of warts.

Objective  To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intralesional mumps, measles and rubella (MMR) vaccine in the treatment of common warts.

Methods  The study included 135 patients with single or multiple recalcitrant or non‐recalcitrant common warts. They were randomly assigned to two groups; the first group (85 patients) received intralesional MMR vaccine, and the second group (50 patients) received intralesional saline as a control group. Both treatments were injected into single lesions or largest wart in case of multiple lesions at 2‐week intervals until complete clearance or for a maximum of five treatments. Follow‐up was made every 2 months for 6 months to detect any recurrence.

Results  A highly significant difference was found between the therapeutic response of common warts to MMR vaccine and saline control group (P < 0.001). In the MMR group, complete response was achieved in 80% and 84.6% of patients presenting with recalcitrant and multiple warts respectively. No recurrence was observed in the MMR group and side effects included pain during injection and flu‐like symptoms.

Conclusions  Intralesional immunotherapy by MMR vaccine is a promising effective and safe treatment modality for common warts, particularly the multiple ones.
The evolutionary ecology of clonally propagated domesticated plants
Authors: McKey Doyle , Elias Marianne , Pujol Benoît , Duputié Anne
Published: February 2010

While seed‐propagated crops have contributed many evolutionary insights, evolutionary biologists have often neglected clonally propagated crops. We argue that widespread notions about their evolution under domestication are oversimplified, and that they offer rich material for evolutionary studies. The diversity of their wild ancestors, the diverse ecologies of the crop populations themselves, and the intricate mix of selection pressures, acting not only on the parts harvested but also on the parts used by humans to make clonal propagules, result in complex and diverse evolutionary trajectories under domestication. We examine why farmers propagate some plants clonally, and discuss the evolutionary dynamics of sexual reproduction in clonal crops. We explore how their mixed clonal/sexual reproductive systems function, based on the sole example studied in detail, cassava (Manihot esculenta). Biotechnology is now expanding the number of clonal crops, continuing the 10 000‐yr‐old trend to increase crop yields by propagating elite genotypes. In an era of rapid global change, it is more important than ever to understand how the adaptive potential of clonal crops can be maintained. A key component of strategies for preserving this adaptive potential is the maintenance of mixed clonal/sexual systems, which can be achieved by encouraging and valuing farmer knowledge about the sexual reproductive biology of their clonal crops.

ContentsSummary318I.Domesticated plants as model systems in evolutionary biology: bringing clonally propagated crops into the fold319II.Advantages and disadvantages of clonal propagation319III.Evolution in clonal populations: somatic mutations and epigenetic traits as sources of heritable variation321IV.Evolutionary dynamics of sex in clonally propagated crop plants323V.Mixed clonal‐sexual systems: how do they work?325VI.Domestication syndromes in clonally propagated crops327VII.The future of clonally propagated domesticated plants328Acknowledgements329References329
Eph receptor tyrosine kinases regulate astrocyte cytoskeletal rearrangement and focal adhesion formation
Authors: Puschmann Till B. , Turnley Ann M.
Published: February 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 113, 881–894.

EphA4 null mice have impaired astrocytic gliosis following spinal cord injury. This may be because of altered cytoskeletal regulation and is examined herein using cultured astrocytes from wildtype and EphA4 null mice. Under basal conditions EphA4 null astrocytes appeared relatively normal but following stimuli resulting in cytoskeletal rearrangement, EphA4 null cells responded more slowly. When F‐actin stress fibers were collapsed using the Rho kinase inhibitor HA1077, fewer EphA4 null cells showed stress fiber collapse in response to HA1077 and recovered stress fibers more slowly following HA1077 removal. EphA4 null astrocytes were less adherent and had smaller focal adhesions, while activation of Eph receptors with ephrin‐A5‐Fc increased the numbers of focal adhesions in both wildtype and knockout astrocytes following serum starvation. Using scratch wound assays, EphA4 null astrocytes invading the scratch showed impaired glial fibrillary acidic protein expression, particularly in proliferative cells. Astrocytes did not express Ephexin, a major Eph‐interacting Rho guanine exchange factor, but they expressed Vav proteins, with lower levels of phospho‐Vav in EphA4 null compared to wildtype astrocytes. This may contribute to the slower cytoskeletal responses generally observed in the EphA4 null astrocytes. Eph receptor signaling therefore regulates astrocyte reactivity through modulation of cytoskeletal responses.
Quantal release of acetylcholine in mice with reduced levels of the vesicular acetylcholine transporter
Authors: Lima Ricardo de Freitas , Prado Vania F. , Prado Marco A. M. , Kushmerick Christopher
Published: February 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 113, 943–951.

Mammalian motor nerve terminals contain hundreds of thousands of synaptic vesicles, but only a fraction of these vesicles is immediately available for release, the remainder forming a reserve pool. The supply of vesicles is replenished through endocytosis, and newly formed vesicles are refilled with acetylcholine through a process that depends on the vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT). During expression of short‐term plasticity, quantal release can be increased, but it is unknown whether this reflects enhanced recruitment of vesicles from the reserve pool or rapid recycling. We examined spontaneous and evoked release of acetylcholine at endplates from genetically modified VAChT KDHOM mice that express approximately 30% of the normal level of VAChT to determine steps rate‐limited by synaptic vesicle filling. Quantal content and quantal size were reduced in VAChT KDHOM mice compared with wild‐type controls. Although high‐frequency stimulation did not reduce quantal size further, the post‐tetanic increase in end‐plate potential amplitude or MEPP frequency was significantly smaller in VAChT KDHOM mice. This was the case even when tetanic depression was eliminated using an extracellular solution containing reduced Ca2+ and raised Mg2+. These results reveal the dependence of short‐term plasticity on the level of VAChT expression and efficient synaptic vesicle filling.
The hematopoietic factor granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor improves outcome in experimental spinal cord injury
Authors: Pitzer Claudia , Klussmann Stefan , Krüger Carola , Letellier Elisabeth , Plaas Christian , Dittgen Tanjew , Kirsch Friederike , Stieltjes Bram , Weber Daniela , Laage Rico , Martin‐Villalba Ana , Schneider Armin
Published: February 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 113, 930–942.

Granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor (G‐CSF) is a potent hematopoietic factor that drives differentiation of neutrophilic granulocytes. We have recently shown that G‐CSF also acts as a neuronal growth factor, protects neurons in vitro and in vivo, and has regenerative potential in various neurological disease models. Spinal cord injury (SCI) following trauma or secondary to skeletal instability is a terrible condition with no effective therapies available at present. In this study, we show that the G‐CSF receptor is up‐regulated upon experimental SCI and that G‐CSF improves functional outcome in a partial dissection model of SCI. G‐CSF significantly decreases apoptosis in an experimental partial spinal transsection model in the mouse and increases expression of the anti‐apoptotic G‐CSF target gene Bcl‐XL. In vitro, G‐CSF enhances neurite outgrowth and branching capacity of hippocampal neurons. In vivo, G‐CSF treatment results in improved functional connectivity of the injured spinal cord as measured by Mn2+‐enhanced MRI. G‐CSF also increased length of the dorsal corticospinal tract and density of serotonergic fibers cranial to the lesion center. Mice treated systemically with G‐CSF as well as transgenic mice over‐expressing G‐CSF in the CNS exhibit a strong improvement in functional outcome as measured by the BBB score and gridwalk analysis. We show that G‐CSF improves outcome after experimental SCI by counteracting apoptosis, and enhancing connectivity in the injured spinal cord. We conclude that G‐CSF constitutes a promising and feasible new therapy option for SCI.
Influence of Temperature on the Fatigue Behaviour of Glass Fibre Reinforced Polypropylene
Authors: Viña J. , Argüelles A. , Canteli A. F.
Published: February 2010

Abstract:  The behaviour of a composite with a polymeric matrix subjected to fatigue was analysed. The study was conducted at ambient temperature, as well as at 50 and 100 °C. The material was observed to behave differently at each temperature. Furthermore, a statistical analysis was performed using Castillo’s model. Although certain similarities in behaviour were observed at ambient temperature and 50 °C, the material behaved differently at 100 °C. Structural modifications were found in the thermal analysis that justify these differences.
The Scandinavian Ice Sheet: from MIS 4 to the end of the Last Glacial Maximum
Authors: LAMBECK KURT , PURCELL ANTHONY , ZHAO JASON , SVENSSON NILS‐OLOF
Published: February 2010

Lambeck, K., Purcell, A., Zhao, J. & Svensson, N‐O. 2010 (April): The Scandinavian Ice Sheet: from MIS 4 to the end of the Last Glacial Maximum. Boreas, Vol. 39, pp. 410–435. 10.1111/j.1502‐3885.2010.00140.x. ISSN 0300‐9483.

Glacial rebound modelling, to establish constraints on past ice sheets from the observational evidence of palaeo‐shoreline elevations, is well established for the post‐ Last Glacial Maximum (post‐LGM) period, for which the observational evidence is relatively abundant and well distributed spatially and in time. This is particularly the case for Scandinavia. For the earlier part of the glacial cycle this evidence becomes increasingly sparse and uncertain such that, with the exception of the Eemian period, there are very few, if any, direct sea‐level indicators that constrain any part of the Scandinavian Ice Sheet evolution before the LGM. Instead, we assume that ice‐sheet basal conditions during Marine Isotope Stage 3 (MIS 3) are the same as those for the LGM, focus on establishing these conditions from the rebound analysis for the LGM and Lateglacial period, and then extrapolate to the earlier period using observationally constrained locations of the ice margins. The glacial rebound modelling and inversion follow previously established formulations, with the exception that the effects of water loading from proglacial lakes that form within the Baltic Basin and elsewhere have been included. The data set for the inversion of the sea‐ and lake‐level data has been extended to include marine‐limit data in order to extend the observational record further back in time. The result is a sequence of time slices for the Scandinavian Ice Sheet from the time of MIS 4 to the Lateglacial that are characterized by frozen basal conditions until late in the LGM interval when rapid thinning occurred in the eastern and southern sectors of the ice sheet. The primary function of these models is as an interpolator between the fragmentary observational constraints and to produce quantitative models for the glaciation history with predictive capabilities, for example regarding the evolution of the Baltic Basin.
Bonding to Zirconia Using a New Surface Treatment
Authors: Aboushelib Moustafa N. , Feilzer Albert J. , Kleverlaan Cornelis J.
Published: February 2010

Purpose: Selective infiltration etching (SIE) is a newly developed surface treatment used to modify the surface of zirconia‐based materials, rendering them ready for bonding to resin cements. The aim of this study was to evaluate the zirconia/resin bond strength and durability using the proposed technique.

Materials and Methods: Fifty‐four zirconia discs were fabricated and divided into three groups (n = 18) according to their surface treatment: as‐sintered surface (control group), airborne‐particle abrasion (50‐μm aluminum oxide), and SIE group. The zirconia discs were bonded to preaged composite resin discs using a light‐polymerized adhesive resin (Panavia F 2.0). The zirconia/resin bond strength was evaluated using microtensile bond strength test (MTBS), and the test was repeated after each of the following intervals of accelerated artificial aging (AA): thermocycling (10,000 cycles between 5 and 55°C), 4 weeks of water storage (37°C), and finally 26 weeks of water storage (37°C). Silver nitrate nanoleakage analysis was used to assess the quality of zirconia/resin interface. A repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc test were used to analyze the data (n = 18, α= 0.05)

Results: There were significant differences in the MTBS values between the three test groups at each of the test intervals (p < 0.001). AA resulted in reduction in the bond strength of the as‐sintered and the particle‐abraded groups (5.9 MPa and 27.4, MPa, respectively). Reduction in the bond strength of these groups was explained by the observed nanoleakage across the zirconia/resin interface. The bond strength of the SIE specimens was stable after completion of AA (51.9 MPa), which also demonstrated a good seal against silver nitrate penetration across the zirconia/resin interface.

Conclusion: SIE established a strong, stable, and durable bond to zirconia substrates. Conservative resin‐bonded zirconia restorations are now possible using this new technique.
Testing Branching Process Estimators of Cascading Failure with Data from a Simulation of Transmission Line Outages
Authors: Dobson Ian , Kim Janghoon , Wierzbicki Kevin R.
Published: February 2010

We suggest a statistical estimator to quantify the propagation of cascading transmission line failures in large blackouts of electric power systems. We use a Galton‐Watson branching process model of cascading failure and the standard Harris estimator of the mean propagation modified to work when the process saturates at a maximum number of components. If the mean number of initial failures and the mean propagation are estimated, then the branching process model predicts the distribution of the total number of failures. We initially test this prediction on failure data generated by a simulation of cascading transmission line outages on two standard test systems. We discuss the effectiveness of the estimator in terms of how many cascades need to be simulated to predict the distribution of the total number of line outages accurately.
A Risk‐Based Approach for Identifying Key Economic and Infrastructure Systems
Authors: Barker Kash , Santos Joost R.
Published: February 2010

This article introduces approaches for identifying key interdependent infrastructure sectors based on the inventory dynamic inoperability input‐output model, which integrates an inventory model and a risk‐based interdependency model. An identification of such key sectors narrows a policymaker's focus on sectors providing most impact and receiving most impact from inventory‐caused delays in inoperability resulting from disruptive events. A case study illustrates the practical insights of the key sector approaches derived from a value of workforce‐centered production inoperability from Bureau of Economic Analysis data.
Continuing Medical Education Program in Echocardiography
Authors: Fan Pohoey , Groban Leanne , Sanders David M. , Houle Timothy T. , Antonio Benjamin L. , Ntuen Edi C. , Zvara David A. , Kon Neal D. , Kincaid Edward H.
Published: February 2010

Article Title: Prognostic Value of Tissue Doppler‐Derived E/e′ on Early Morbid Events after Cardiac Surgery

(Echocardiography 2010;27:130)
Alterations of Length Heteroplasmy in Mitochondrial DNA Under Various Amplification Conditions*
Authors: Seo Seung B. , Jang Byoung S. , Zhang Aihua , Yi Jin A. , Kim Hye Y. , Yoo Seong H. , Lee Yoon S. , Lee Soong D.
Published: February 2010

Abstract:  There are several areas within mitochondrial DNA that show length heteroplasmy. If the heteroplasmy pattern is unique and consistent for each person, it may be used to support an interpretation of exclusion in identity testing. We investigated whether the length heteroplasmy pattern would be consistent under different amplification conditions. We also determined whether various amplification parameters would affect the homopolymeric cytosine stretches (C‐stretch) in HV1. Monoclonal samples tended to be heteroplasmic after amplification. After several repetitions, C‐stretch patterns of all samples were inconsistent even under the same amplification conditions. Increased PCR cycles and high template concentrations resulted in a more frequent heteroplasmic tendency. These amplification parameters seem to have little effect if samples are not long enough in C‐stretch or total length of the segment from nt 16180 to nt 16193. It is suggested that the pattern of length heteroplasmy cannot be used as an additional polymorphic marker.