bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hepatic and cardiac iron overload among patients with end‐stage liver disease referred for liver transplantation
Authors: O’Glasser Avital Y. , Scott David L. , Corless Christopher L. , Zaman Atif , Sasaki Anna , Gopal Deepak V. , Rayhill Stephen C. , Orloff Susan L. , Ham John M. , Rabkin John M. , Flora Ken , Davies Crispin H. , Broberg Craig S. , Schwartz Jonathan M.
Published: November 2009

O’Glasser AY, Scott DL, Corless CL, Zaman A, Sasaki A, Gopal DV, Rayhill SC, Orloff SL, Ham JM, Rabkin JM, Flora K, Davies CH, Broberg CS, Schwartz JM. Hepatic and cardiac iron overload among patients with end‐stage liver disease referred for liver transplantation. Clin Transplant 2009 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399‐0012.2009.01136.x. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract: Background:  Iron overload is associated with fatal cardiovascular events following liver transplantation. Myocardial iron deposits were observed post‐mortem in patients who died of cardiac events after transplantation at our institution. This observation prompted testing to exclude cardiac iron in subsequent transplant candidates.

Aims:  To assess the results of testing for iron overload in liver transplant candidates at our institution.

Methods:  Ferritin, TIBC, and serum iron were measured in cirrhotics referred for transplantation. Patients with transferrin saturation ≥50% and ferritin ≥250 ng/mL underwent liver biopsy graded for iron. Patients with 3–4+ hepatic iron deposits underwent HFE mutation analysis and endomyocardial biopsy with iron staining.

Results:  Eight hundred and fifty‐six patients were evaluated for liver transplantation between January 1997 and March 2005. Two hundred and eighty‐seven patients (34%) had transferrin saturation ≥50% and ferritin ≥250 ng/mL. Patients with markers of iron overload had more advanced liver disease than those with normal iron indices. One hundred and fifty‐three patients underwent liver biopsy. Twenty‐six patients (17%) had 3–4+ hepatic iron staining. One patient was a C282Y heterozygote. Endomyocardial biopsy was performed in 14 patients of whom nine had cardiac iron deposition.

Conclusions:  Non‐HFE‐related cardiac iron overload can occur in advanced liver disease We therefore recommend screening for cardiac iron prior to liver transplantation.
Prospective study of polyomavirus BK replication and nephropathy in renal transplant recipients in China: a single‐center analysis of incidence, reduction in immunosuppression and clinical course
Authors: Huang Gang , Chen Li‐Zhong , Qiu Jiang , Wang Chang‐Xi , Fei Ji‐Guang , Deng Su‐Xiong , Li Jun , Chen Guo‐Dong , Zhang Lei , Fu Qian , Zeng Wen‐Tao , Zhao Da‐Qiang
Published: November 2009

Huang G, Chen L‐Z, Qiu J, Wang C‐X, Fei J‐G, Deng S‐X, Li J, Chen G‐D, Zhang L, Fu Q, Zeng W‐T, Zhao D‐Q. Prospective study of polyomavirus BK replication and nephropathy in renal transplant recipients in China: a single‐center analysis of incidence, reduction in immunosuppression and clinical course. Clin Transplant 2009 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399‐0012.2009.01141.x © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Background:  BK virus (BKV)‐associated nephropathy (BKVAN) in renal transplant recipients is an important cause of renal transplant dysfunction. Our aim was to determine the kinetics of BKV load within one yr after kidney transplantation under the impact of intensive monitoring and reduction in maintenance immunosuppression, the incidence of BKVAN, and the outcome of BKVAN treatment.

Methods:  Urine and peripheral blood (PB) were taken from 90 renal transplant recipients for BKV cytological testing and real‐time PCR for BKV DNA at one, three, six, nine, and 12 months after transplantation and treatment. Graft biopsies and urinary sediments of recipients with BKVAN were taken to monitor viral particles by conventional transmission electron microscopy (TEM).

Results:  By one post‐transplant year, urinary decoy cells (median, 8/10 HPF), BKV viruria (median, 2.60 × 105 copies/mL), viremia (median, 9.65 × 103 copies/mL), and BKVAN occurred in 42.2%, 45.6%, 22.2%, and 5.6% of patients, respectively. The incidence of BK infection was lower in patients who received cyclosporine A (CsA) (28.9%) compared to tacrolimus (FK506) (57.7%) (p = 0.007). An increased hazard of BK infection was associated with the use of FK506 (HR 2.6, p = 0.009) relative to CsA. After reduction in immunosuppression, viremia resolved in 95%, without increased acute rejection, allograft dysfunction, or graft loss. BKVAN was diagnosed in five patients (5.6%). The treatment of immunosuppression reduction was effective (i.e., decreased the viral load and number of decoy cells, and improved graft function) in our five patients with BKVAN. Quantitative count of decoy cells (e.g., >10 per 10 HPF) as a marker of viremia and BKVAN had increased positive predictive values of 85.7% and 57.1%, respectively.

Conclusions:  Choice of FK506 as immunosuppressive agent is an independent risk factor affecting BKV infection. Monitoring and pre‐emptive of immunosuppression reduction were associated with resolution of viremia and showed effective in BKVAN recipients at the early stage without acute rejection or graft loss. Quantitative count of urine cytology is a very convenient, useful, and sensitive method for evaluating BKV infection in renal transplant recipients.
Discrepancies between clinical and autopsy diagnoses in lung transplant recipients
Authors: Akindipe Olufemi A. , Fernandez‐Bussy Sebastian , Staples Edward D. , Baz Maher A.
Published: November 2009

Akindipe OA, Fernandez‐Bussy S, Staples ED, Baz MA. Discrepancies between clinical and autopsy diagnoses in lung transplant recipients. Clin Transplant 2009 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399‐0012.2009.01144.x. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  We sought to investigate the role of autopsy diagnoses in lung transplantation by comparing the clinically derived cause of death with autopsy deduced cause of death in a cohort of lung transplant recipients. We retrospectively reviewed all consecutive autopsy findings on lung transplant recipients transplanted between March 1994 and March 2007. We reviewed medical records and our lung transplant database to determine the clinical diagnosis of cause of death based on the clinical assessment and discharge summary at the time of death. Our study showed that 21% of the autopsies performed on lung transplant recipients at our institution revealed findings unsuspected at the time of death. Myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, high grade acute cellular rejection and infections were the most frequently missed diagnoses. The autopsy remains a useful tool in confirming diagnostic accuracy in lung transplant recipients.
Chances and limitations of non‐invasive tests in the assessment of liver fibrosis in liver transplant patients
Authors: Kamphues Carsten , Lotz Katharina , Röcken Christoph , Berg Thomas , Eurich Dennis , Pratschke Johann , Neuhaus Peter , Neumann Ulf P.
Published: November 2009

Kamphues C, Lotz K, Röcken C, Berg T, Eurich D, Pratschke J, Neuhaus P, Neumann UP. Chances and limitations of non‐invasive tests in the assessment of liver fibrosis in liver transplant patients. Clin Transplant 2009 DOI:10.1111/j.1399‐0012.2009.01152.x © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Because fibrosis progression resulting in liver cirrhosis represents the main reason for graft lost in patients after liver transplantation, an early detection of liver fibrosis is crucial. In recent years, several non‐invasive tests for the assessment of liver fibrosis have been developed. We prospectively assessed the stage of liver fibrosis of 135 liver transplant patients (94 hepatitis C virus [HCV], 41 alcoholic cirrhosis) using liver biopsy, transient elastography, and serum markers. In the HCV group, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) for diagnosis of significant fibrosis (F ≥ 2) and cirrhosis (F = 4) was 0.81 (negative predictive value [NPV] = 0.58, positive predictive value [PPV] = 0.9) and 0.87 (NPV = 0.94, PPV = 0.56), respectively. In the alcoholic cirrhosis group, significant fibrosis (F ≥ 2) was diagnosed with an AUROC of 0.83 (NPV = 1.00, PPV = 0.23). In both groups, higher AUROC values were reached in patients with a body mass index of <25 kg/m2, and both serum markers showed no significant correlation to liver fibrosis. The transient elastography is a reliable test for exclusion of liver cirrhosis in HCV transplant and significant liver fibrosis in alcoholic transplant patients. For the diagnosis of significant liver fibrosis in HCV transplant patients, the transient elastography reaches good results but cannot replace liver biopsy. Both serum markers AST‐to‐platelet ratio index and FIB‐4 are not feasible to assess liver fibrosis in liver transplant patients.
Impact on relapse of corticosteroid therapy after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Imahashi Nobuhiko , Inamoto Yoshihiro , Seto Aika , Watanabe Keisuke , Nishiwaki Satoshi , Yanagisawa Mayumi , Shinba Makoto , Yasuda Takahiko , Kuwatsuka Yachiyo , Atsuta Yoshiko , Kodera Yoshihisa , Miyamura Koichi
Published: November 2009

Imahashi N, Inamoto Y, Seto A, Watanabe K, Nishiwaki S, Yanagisawa M, Shinba M, Yasuda T, Kuwatsuka Y, Atsuta Y, Kodera Y, Miyamura K. Impact on relapse of corticosteroid therapy after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for acute myeloid leukemia.  Clin Transplant 2010: 24: 772–777. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Corticosteroids are often used following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) to control complications such as graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD). However, there is some concern that corticosteroids may suppress the graft‐versus‐leukemia effect and increase leukemia relapse. To evaluate the effect of corticosteroids on relapse, we analyzed 112 adult patients who received their first allogeneic HSCT for acute myeloid leukemia at our institution between 1997 and 2007. Fifty‐seven patients (50.9%) received corticosteroid therapy. Patients who had corticosteroid therapy included higher proportion of patients who developed GVHD. In multivariate analysis, with corticosteroid administration entered as a time‐dependent covariate, corticosteroid administration was not a risk factor for relapse (p = 1.00, hazard ratio [HR] 1.00, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.53–1.88), but it was associated with higher non‐relapse mortality (NRM) (p < 0.001, HR 55.5, 95% CI 7.42–416) and lower overall survival (p < 0.001, HR 2.68, 95% CI 1.56–4.61). The higher NRM associated with corticosteroid administration was mainly due to the increased deaths caused by the complications themselves, which required corticosteroid therapy. The findings of this study indicate the importance of controlling complications after allogeneic HSCT. The strategy of refraining from indispensable corticosteroid therapy because of the excessive concerns about relapse should be avoided.
Antibody‐mediated rejection of renal allograft in combined liver–kidney transplant
Authors: Barth Rolf N. , Campos Luis , Kukuruga Debra L. , Drachenberg Cinthia , Philosophe Benjamin
Published: November 2009

Barth RN, Campos L, Kukuruga DL, Drachenberg C, Philosophe B. Antibody‐mediated rejection of renal allograft in combined liver–kidney transplant. Clin Transplant 2009 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399‐0012.2009.01161.x © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Liver transplantation is performed based on ABO blood type compatibility without dependence on crossmatch results. Combined liver–kidney transplantation (CLKT) is similarly performed without dependence of crossmatch results as the liver is thought to confer protection to the renal allograft against alloantibody. We report a case of CLKT in a sensitized patient with antibody‐mediated rejection (AMR) of the renal allograft. AMR was confirmed with C4d staining and serial monitoring of donor‐specific antibody (DSA). Despite intensive therapy directed against AMR and the presence of the liver allograft, the patient demonstrated increasing titers of alloantibody, never demonstrated adequate renal function, and ultimately expired after two months. This result demonstrates the potential for AMR of the renal allograft in sensitized recipients of CLKT.
Tacrolimus combined with two different corticosteroid‐free regimens compared with a standard triple regimen in renal transplantation: one year observational results
Authors: Krämer Bernhard K. , Klinger Marian , Wlodarczyk Zbigniew , Ostrowski Marek , Midvedt Karsten , Stefoni Sergio , Citterio Franco , Pietruck Frank , Squifflet Jean‐Paul , Segoloni Giuseppe , Krüger Bernd , Sperschneider Heide , Banas Bernhard , Bäckman Lars , Weber Markus , Carmellini Mario , Perner Ferenc , Claesson Kerstin , Marcinkowski Wojciech , Vítko Štefan , Senatorski Grzegorz , Salmela Kaija , Nordström Johan
Published: November 2009

Krämer BK, Klinger M, Wlodarczyk Z, Ostrowski M, Midvedt K, Stefoni S, Citterio F, Pietruck F, Squifflet J‐Paul, Segoloni G, Krüger B, Sperschneider H, Banas B, Bäckman L, Weber M, Carmellini M, Perner F, Claesson K, Marcinkowski W, Vítko Š, Senatorski G, Salmela K, Nordström J. Tacrolimus combined with two different corticosteroid‐free regimens compared with a standard triple regimen in renal transplantation: one year observational results. Clin Transplant 2010: 24: E1–E9. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Side effects of steroid use have led to efforts to minimize their use in transplantation. Two corticosteroid‐free regimens were compared with a triple immunosuppressive therapy. Data from the original intent‐to‐treat (ITT) population (153 tacrolimus/basiliximab [Tac/Bas], 151 tacrolimus/MMF [Tac/MMF], and 147 tacrolimus/MMF/steroids [control]) were analyzed in a 12‐month follow‐up. Percentage of graft survival were 92.8%, 95.4%, and 95.9% (KM estimates 89.9%, 95.3%, 95.9%), percentage of surviving patients were 98.7%, 98.0%, and 100% (KM estimates 95.9%, 92.8%, and 100%). During months 7–12, graft loss occurred in 3 Tac/Bas, 2 Tac/MMF, and zero control patients, patient deaths in 1 Tac/Bas, 2 Tac/MMF, and zero control, and biopsy‐proven acute rejection episodes in 4 Tac/Bas, 3 Tac/MMF, and zero control. Mean serum creatinine at month 12 was 141.9 ± 69.6 μM, 144.0 ± 82.1 μM, and 134.5 ± 71.2 μM (ns). New‐onset insulin use in previously non‐diabetic patients at month 12 was 1/138, 6/127, and 4/126. Patient and graft survival as well as renal function at 12 months were not different between patient groups, despite considerably higher rates of acute rejection occurring within the first six months after transplantation in both steroid‐free patient groups. Tac/Bas therapy might offer benefits in terms of a trend for a more favorable cardiovascular risk profile.
Differential Physio‐Biochemical Responses to Cold Stress of Cold‐Tolerant and Non‐Tolerant Grapes (Vitis L.) from China
Authors: Ma Y. Y. , Zhang Y. L. , Shao H. , Lu J.
Published: November 2009

There are many grape species exhibiting differences in cold tolerance in China. ‘Zuoshan1’ (Vitis amurensis Rupr. cv. Zuoshan1), one kind of the most cold tolerant grapes, can endure −40 to −50 °C, whereas, ‘Maoputao’ (Vitis quinqanguoari Rehd. cv. Maoputao) is sensitive to the cold stress. To understand the physiological mechanism, we investigated responses of both species to a range of decreasing temperatures under the controlled condition. The cold‐tolerant ‘Zuoshan1’ showed higher accumulation of abscisic acid than non‐tolerant ‘Maoputao’, which was correlated with a more dramatic increase in solutes including sugars, proteins at early stage of our detection. At latter stages, these solutes showed more decline in ‘Zuoshan1’. Meanwhile, earlier leaf yellowing and necrosis of ‘Zuoshan1’ were detected with concomitant decrease in the chlorophyll (Chl) content along with remarkable increase in electrolyte leakage and malondialdehyde, which indicated that the earlier leaf senescence occurred to ‘Zuoshan1’. Based on the leaf morphology and parameter investigation, it was concluded that cold‐tolerant grape ‘Zuoshan1’ made quicker responses to the low temperature (LT), indicating it sensed the cold‐signal more strongly than the non‐tolerant grape ‘Maoputao’. Therefore the ability to take more active response to cold stress contributes to the higher tolerance in ‘Zuoshan1’.
Antioxidative Effects of Astaxanthin against Nitric Oxide‐Induced Oxidative Stress on Cell Viability and Gene Expression in Bovine Oviduct Epithelial Cell and the Developmental Competence of Bovine IVM/IVF Embryos
Authors: Jang HY , Ji SJ , Kim YH , Lee HY , Shin JS , Cheong HT , Kim JT , Park IC , Kong HS , Park CK , Yang BK
Published: November 2009

Contents

The aim of the present study was to elucidate the fundamental mechanism of bovine oviduct epithelial cell (BOEC) co‐culture on developmental capacity of bovinein vitrooocyte maturation/in vitrofertilization (IVM/IVF) embryos. We examined the effects of astaxanthin against nitric oxide‐induced oxidative stress on cell viability by MTT assay, lipid peroxidation (LPO) by using thiobarbituric acid (TBA) reaction for malondialdehyde (MDA) and the expression of antioxidant genes (CuZnSOD, MnSODandCatalase) or apoptosis genes (Bcl‐2, Caspase‐3andBax) by RT‐PCR in BOEC. We also evaluated the developmental rates of bovine IVM/IVF embryos co‐cultured with BOEC pre‐treated with astaxanthin (500 μm) in the presence or absence of sodium nitroprusside (SNP, 1000 μm) for 24 h. Cell viability in BOEC treated with SNP (50–2000 μm) lowered, while astaxanthin addition (50–500 μm) increased it in a dose‐dependent manner. Cell viability in astaxanthin plus SNP (1000 μm) gradually recovered according to the increase in astaxanthin additions (100–500 mm). The LPO in astaxanthin group (50–500 μM) gradually decreased in a dose dependent manner and among SNP or astaxanthin plus SNP group, SNP alone and astaxanthin (50 μM) plus SNP shown a significant increase than other groups (p < 0.05). Expression of apoptosis or antioxidant genes was detected by RT‐PCR.Bcl‐2and antioxidant genes were detected in astaxanthin or astaxanthin plus SNP group, andCaspase‐3andBaxgenes were only found in SNP group. When bovine IVM/IVF embryos were cultured for 6–7 days under co‐culture system such as BOEC treated with astaxanthin in the presence or absence of SNP, the developmental ability to blastocysts in 500 μmastaxanthin group was the highest of all groups. These results suggest that astaxanthin has a antioxidative effect on cell viability and LPO of BOEC, and development of bovine IVM/IVF embryos due to the induction of antioxidant genes and suppression of apoptosis genes.
Significance of Non‐conventional Parameters in the Evaluation of Cooling‐induced Damage to Ram Spermatozoa Diluted in Three Different Media
Authors: Del Valle I , Mendoza N , Casao A , Cebrián‐Pérez JA , Pérez‐Pé R , Muiño‐Blanco T
Published: November 2009

Contents

The objectives of this study were two. First, to compare three base media with different sugar composition as an initial step to achieve a good chemically‐defined extender for ram sperm refrigeration. The second one, to determine which sperm quality parameters may be more useful for revealing differences between sperm samples. One medium contained 200 mm sucrose and 2.8 mm glucose (SM), another only disaccharides (D) such as sucrose, trehalose, maltose and lactose (75 mm each); and the third one (D+M) included a mix of monosaccharides (50 mm glucose, 20 mm fructose and 20 mm galactose,) and the same disaccharides as in D (50 mm each). Ram semen samples diluted in the mentioned media were refrigerated at 5°C for 1 h, and rewarmed upto 37°C in order to mimic the temperature in the female reproductive tract. Addition of monosaccharides to the extender did not produce a better preservation of motility or viability after cooling. The supplementation with other disaccharides apart from sucrose did not enhance the viability either. Thus, after cooling and rewarming, there were no significant differences in sperm viability (membrane integrity evaluated by CFDA/PI staining) or the percentage of progressive motile and rapid sperm (evaluated by CASA) between the three media. However, the percentage of viable non‐capacitated sperm evaluated by the chlortetracycline (CTC) assay was higher and sperm oxygen consumption was lower in SM than in D and in D+M. Although the apoptosis‐like markers [phosphatidylserine exposure assessed by Annexin V/CFDA staining and DNA‐damage evaluated by TUNEL assay] showed a continuous increment throughout the process with all diluents, the percentage of sperm with damaged DNA at the end of the process was significantly lower in SM than in the other two media (p < 0.01). On the basis of these results, we would make two recommendations: the use of an extender supplemented only with sucrose and glucose for ram sperm refrigeration; the inclusion of non‐conventional methods such as oxygen consumption measure, evaluation of capacitation state and apoptosis‐like markers for revealing differences between sperm samples.
Hepatic Ethoxy‐, Methoxy‐ and Pentoxyresorufin O‐Dealkylase Activities in Landrace and Duroc Pigs Stimulated with hCG
Authors: Zamaratskaia G , Zlabek V , Ropstad E , Tajet H , Andresen Ø
Published: November 2009

Contents

The effect of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) stimulation on the activities of ethoxyresorufin O‐deethylase (EROD), methoxyresorufin O‐demethylase (MROD) and pentoxyresorufin O‐depentylase (PROD) was studied in intact male pigs of purebred Landrace and Duroc breeds. Pigs were divided into four groups: two control groups of each breed, without hCG stimulation (n = 20 for each breed), and two experimental groups (n = 18 for each breed), with hCG stimulation (Pregnyl®; N.V. Organon, Oss, The Netherlands, 30 IU/kg live weight). Pigs were slaughtered 3 days after hCG stimulation and enzyme activities were measured in hepatic microsomes using two approaches. First, only one substrate concentration was used for the analysis of each enzyme activity. We found that EROD activity was suppressed by hCG‐stimulation in Landrace (p = 0.004), but not Duroc pigs (p > 0.05). Generally, EROD activity was higher in Duroc pigs compared with Landrace (p = 0.017). Methoxyresorufin O‐demethylase and PROD activities did not differ between groups (p > 0.05). To further characterize EROD, MROD and PROD, enzyme kinetic studies were performed. Vmax values for EROD and MROD in both breeds were lower after hCG stimuation (p < 0.001 for Landrace and p < 0.05 for Duroc). Additionally, Vmax values for EROD significantly differed between Landrace and Duroc pigs being higher in Duroc pigs (p < 0.05). We concluded that both hCG stimulation and breed differences may be important in the regulation of EROD and MROD activities. This study provides the first data on the effect of hCG stimulation and thus high testicular steroids, on EROD, MROD and PROD activities. Further studies are needed to investigate individual CYP450 enzymes and their regulation in porcine tissues.
Local outbreaks of Operophtera brumata and Operophtera fagata cannot be explained by low vulnerability to pupal predation
Authors: Heisswolf Annette , Käär Miia , Klemola Tero , Ruohomäki Kai
Published: November 2009

One of the unresolved questions in studies on population dynamics of forest Lepidoptera is why some populations at times reach outbreak densities, whereas others never do. Resolving this question is especially challenging if populations of the same species in different areas or of closely‐related species in the same area are considered.

The present study focused on three closely‐related geometrid moth species, autumnal Epirrita autumnata, winter Operophtera brumata and northern winter moths Operophtera fagata, in southern Finland. There, winter and northern winter moth populations can reach outbreak densities, whereas autumnal moth densities stay relatively low.

We tested the hypothesis that a lower vulnerability to pupal predation may explain the observed differences in population dynamics. The results obtained do not support this hypothesis because pupal predation probabilities were not significantly different between the two genera within or without the Operophtera outbreak area or in years with or without a current Operophtera outbreak.

Overall, pupal predation was even higher in winter and northern winter moths than in autumnal moths. Differences in larval predation and parasitism, as well as in the reproductive capacities of the species, might be other candidates.
Management and results of complications after anterior resection with colonic pouch reconstruction for rectal cancer
Authors: Kruschewski M. , Gröne J. , Vogel N. , Zimmermann M. , Buhr H. J.
Published: November 2009

Aim  Colonic J‐pouch reconstruction is widely carried out during low anterior resection. The aim of this observational study was to describe the complications and evaluate the results of adverse event management.

Method  A total of 128 patients underwent an elective anterior resection with colorectal or coloanal J‐pouch reconstruction for primary rectal cancer between January 1997 and December 2008.

Results  The overall mortality was 1.6%. Three (2.3%) patients developed pouch necrosis, one of whom died. The rate of anastomotic leakage was 11.7%. Other major complications included intra‐abdominal abscess (3.1%), haemorrhage (0.8%) and abdominal dihiscence (0.8%). In all cases of anastomotic leakage, the pouch was salvaged, with 80% of patients undergoing surgical revision with relaparotomy and transanal suture. Patients with pouch necrosis underwent relaparotomy with removal of the pouch and a terminal colostomy. In all cases of intra‐abdominal abscess without anastomotic leakage, radiologically controlled percutaneous drainage was carried out.

Conclusion  Anal function can usually be saved after anastomotic leakage by salvage surgery without increase in mortality.
Histology and ultrastructure of the salivary glands and salivary pumps in the scorpionflyPanorpa obtusa(Mecoptera: Panorpidae)
Authors: Liu Shuyu , Hua Baozhen
Published: November 2009

Liu, S. and Hua, B. 2009. Histology and ultrastructure of the salivary glands and salivary pumps in the scorpionflyPanorpa obtusa(Mecoptera: Panorpidae). —Acta Zoologica(Stockholm)91: 457–465.

The morphology, histology and ultrastructure of the salivary glands and salivary pumps in the scorpionflyPanorpa obtusaCheng 1949were investigated using light microscopy and scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The salivary glands display a distinct sexual dimorphism. The female has only two small sac‐like glands located in the prothorax, while the male possesses six long tubular glands extending into the sixth abdominal segment. The male salivary glands can be divided into five distinct regions. The apical long, thin secretory region possesses numerous secretory cells containing large secretory vesicles; the salivary reservoir expands in diameter, accumulating and temporarily storing the saliva in addition to secreting saliva; the constricted region contains prismatic cells with complex infolded plasma membrane; the sac has an internal brush border to absorb water and ions; the common salivary duct contains longitudinal muscles in the male, but not in the female. The salivary pump possesses independent strong dorsal muscles and abundant internal palm spines near its orifice. The anatomy and ultrastructure of the salivary glands and the salivary pump of scorpionflies as well as their possible functions are briefly discussed.
Cities of Extremes
Authors: Bayat Asef , Biekart Kees
Published: November 2009

Modern cities have always been the locus of both inequality and opportunity. However, neoliberal policies pursued since the 1980s have intensified urban disparities. Cities are increasingly shaped more by the logic of the market than the needs of their inhabitants. This article, which introduces a collection of papers on the topic, examines the implications of the neoliberal turn for the ‘right to the city’ as the fundamental tenet of urban citizenship. While evidence suggests a formidable challenge from market forces to the ‘right to the city’, the authors argue that the neoliberal city remains a highly contested urbanity in which poor inhabitants continue to struggle for citizenship in highly diverse ways. The challenge for scholarship is to discover and document those intricate modes of claim‐making.
The Assault on Occupancy in Surabaya: Legible and Illegible Landscapes in a City of Passage
Authors: Peters Robbie
Published: November 2009

This article takes as its starting point the burning down of traditional markets and clearance of squatter communities and street vendors that took place in the major Indonesian port city of Surabaya during 2007–08. It is argued that a legible landscape facilitating intervention, simulation and passage now marks a city where malls and hotels linked into new accelerated networks of unobstructed streets form the dominant presence. Using recent anthropological investigation from a poor neighbourhood and broader economic analysis of urban trends, the article demonstrates that while this landscape both displaces the poor and generates unprecedented revenues for the municipal government, it also contributes to a delegitimization of the city's municipal administration as it struggles to extend a legible gaze over the city's poor neighbourhoods.
Slum Wars of the 21st Century: Gangs, Mano Dura and the New Urban Geography of Conflict in Central America
Authors: Rodgers Dennis
Published: November 2009

The political economy of violence in Central America is widely perceived as having undergone a critical shift during the past two decades, often pithily summarized as a movement from ‘political’ to ‘social’ violence. Although such an analysis is plausible, it also offers a depoliticized vision of the contemporary Central American panorama of violence. Basing itself principally on the example of Nicaragua, the country in the region that is historically perhaps most paradigmatically associated with violence, this article offers an alternative interpretation of the changes that the regional landscape of violence has undergone. It suggests that these are better understood as a movement from ‘peasant wars of the twentieth century’ (Wolf, 1969) to ‘urban wars of the twenty‐first century’ (Beall, 2006), thereby highlighting how present‐day urban violence can in many ways be seen as representing a structural continuation of past political conflicts, albeit in new spatial contexts. At the same time, however, there are certain key differences between past and present violence, as a result of which contemporary conflict has intensified. This is most visible in relation to the changing forms of urban spatial organization in Central American cities, the heavy‐handed mano dura response to gangs by governments, and the dystopian evolutionary trajectory of gangs. Taken together, these processes point to a critical shift in the balance of power between rich and poor in the region, as the new ‘urban wars of the twenty‐first century’ are increasingly giving way to more circumscribed ‘slum wars’ that effectively signal the defeat of the poor.
Using TTS voices to develop audio materials for listening comprehension: A digital approach
Authors: Sha Guoquan
Published: November 2009

This paper reports a series of experiments with text‐to‐speech (TTS) voices. These experiments have been conducted to develop audio materials for listening comprehension as an alternative technology to traditionally used audio equipment like the compact cassette. The new generation of TTS voices based on unit selection synthesis provides impressive naturalness and intelligibility. In the experiments, TTS‐generated audio files have been put to use in the classroom procedure and listening tests. So far, these endeavours have yielded positive results. The paper also evaluates the synthesised speech involved in the experiments and discusses problems that arise in the application.
Knowledge Sharing through Face‐to‐Face Communication and Labour Productivity: Evidence from British Workplaces
Authors: Salis Sergio , Williams Allan M.
Published: November 2009

We investigate whether the adoption by workplaces of human resources management (HRM) practices that enhance face‐to‐face communication (FTFC) among employees is associated with productivity gains. The analysis is based on a nationally representative sample of over 500 British trading establishments drawn from the linked 2004 Workplace Employment Relations Survey and Annual Business Inquiry, for which objective measures of labour productivity (value added per employee) are available. We find a positive association between productivity and FTFC in problem‐solving groups, teams and meetings of senior or line managers and employees, provided that FTFC is adopted on a continuous basis. Our finding suggests that British workplaces in the trading sector could increase their productivity by implementing HRM practices in such a way as to enhance knowledge sharing through employees' personal interactions.
Early precursors and enabling skills of reading acquisition
Authors: LUNDBERG INGVAR
Published: November 2009

Research on early linguistic precursors and enabling skills of reading acquisition among young children is reviewed. Language development starts early in infancy when the child learns to categorize the speech sounds according to the pattern typical of the mother tongue. Equipped with these sound categories the child is ready to learn to segment words from the sound stream and to understand and to use words. The precise phonological representation of words will facilitate the important development of phonological awareness, a basic prerequisite for reading acquisition. This paper reviews some of my longitudinal research and training studies indicating the causal direction of the relation between phonological awareness and reading and includes some ongoing studies, where gender differences, socio‐economic factors, dose‐response‐effects and motivational factors are explored. Preventive and remedial implications of the findings are pointed out. Finally, the complexity of the causal relationships between different aspects of early language development, including genetic influences and later reading is pointed out.
Psychoneuroimmunology: A bio‐psycho‐social approach to health and disease
Authors: ZACHARIAE ROBERT
Published: November 2009

Since the early 1980s, the interdisciplinary field of psychoneuroimmunology has explored the complex bi‐directional interactions between brain, behavior, and the immune system. Taken together, this research has expanded the limits of the questions we can ask about the organism by challenging the biomedical paradigm of the immune system as predominantly “autonomous”. Psychoneuroimmunology has played a key role in establishing a biological basis for the ancient idea that the mind can play a role in health and disease. This article describes the development of psychoneuroimmunology and reviews a number of key findings concerning psychological phenomena of potential relevance to understanding brain‐behavior‐immune interactions, including learning, emotions, stress, and the role of sensory processes.
Implicit visual working memory
Authors: MAGNUSSEN SVEIN
Published: November 2009

Psychophysical studies of the short‐term memory for attributes or dimensions of the visual stimulus that are important in online perceptual processing of visual images – spatial frequency, orientation, contrast, motion – identify a low‐level perceptual memory mechanism. This mechanism is located early in the visual processing stream, prior to the structural description system, but beyond the primary visual cortex (V1); it is composed of a series of parallel, special‐purpose perceptual mechanisms with independent but limited processing resources. Each mechanism is dedicated to the analysis of a single attribute or dimension of the visual stimulus, and is coupled to a memory store. The evidence for this model from psychophysical and recent functional brain imaging studies is reviewed.
Of snakes and faces: An evolutionary perspective on the psychology of fear
Authors: ÖHMAN ARNE
Published: November 2009

Snakes and faces are unique stimuli because they are deeply grounded in evolutionarily shaped behavior systems. Snakes are the prototypical stimulus in a predatory defense system promoting escape from predators, which prepares primates for efficient processing, attentional priority, and rapid fear acquisition to snakes and other stimuli related to predation. The social submissiveness system plays a similar role on the social arena by promoting yielding to dominant individuals without jeopardizing the protection of the group. Supporting these theoretical propositions, empirical data from a research program spanning four decades demonstrate enhanced fear conditioning to snakes and threatening faces compared to neutral stimuli, as well as fast nonconscious processing of, and prioritized attention to, snakes and threatening faces. Human brain‐imaging data show that these effects are mediated by an extensive fear‐network centering on the amygdala.
Dopamine and serotonin systems modify environmental effects on human behavior: A review
Authors: KELTIKANGAS‐JÄRVINEN LIISA , SALO JOHANNA
Published: November 2009

The relative influences of genetic and environmental factors in the development of human behavior have been a long‐term topic for an intense debate. Recent behavioral genetic studies suggest focusing on the joint effect of genes and environment, and especially on the life‐course developmental interplay between nature and nurture. Vulnerability to environmental adversities and sensitivity to its benefits may be conditional on genetic background, and regarding psychological outcomes, these kinds of gene × environment interactions may be of higher importance than direct gene–trait associations. In our recent series of studies, we have shown that different variants of serotonergic and dopaminergic genes may moderate the influence of environmental conditions on a range of psychological outcomes, i.e. temperament, depression, hostility, and educational attainment. These studies suggest that depending on their genotype, people may be differentially sensitive to the environmental conditions they encounter. In the light of these results it seems highly plausible that the effects of genes may become evident only when studied in the context of environmental factors.
INVENTOR PRODUCTIVITY AND FIRM SIZE: EVIDENCE FROM PANEL DATA ON INVENTORS
Authors: Kim Jinyoung , Lee Sangjoon John , Marschke Gerald
Published: November 2009

It has long been recognized that worker wages and productivity are higher in large firms. Moreover, economists have been interested in the efficiency of large firms in R&D enterprises. This paper uses inventor panel data to examine the relationship between inventor productivity and firm size in the pharmaceutical and semiconductor industries. In both industries, we find that inventors' productivity increases with firm size even after controlling for inventors' experience, education and other firm characteristics. We find evidence in the pharmaceutical industry that this is partly accounted for by differences in the way in which large and small firms organize R&D activities.
The Cross‐Section of Expected Stock Returns: What Have We Learnt from the Past Twenty‐Five Years of Research?
Authors: Subrahmanyam Avanidhar
Published: November 2009

I review the recent literature on cross‐sectional predictors of stock returns. Predictive variables used emanate from informal arguments, alternative tests of risk‐return models, behavioural biases, and frictions. More than fifty variables have been used to predict returns. The overall picture, however, remains murky, because more needs to be done to consider the correlational structure amongst the variables, use a comprehensive set of controls, and discern whether the results survive simple variations in methodology.
Notalgia paresthesica successfully treated with narrow‐band UVB: report of five cases
Authors: Pérez‐Pérez L , Allegue F , Fabeiro J‐M , Caeiro J‐L , Zulaica A
Published: November 2009

Background  Notalgia paresthesica is a disorder of unknown origin characterized by pruritus localized to the patients’ back. Local pain, burning or paresthesias have also been described. No definite treatments have been found for this disorder and most of those reported to date are anecdotal. Topical capsaicin is the option most widely used among dermatologists. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, gabapentin, oxcarbazepine and botulinum toxin have recently shown promising effects. UVB has been used for decades to treat different pruritic skin diseases, but its benefits in the management of NP have not been stated to date.

Objectives  To test the effects of UVB in notalgia paresthesica.

Methods  We used a course of UVB narrow band to treat five patients with notalgia paresthesica. The treatment was administered following a phototype protocol in a UV 7002 cabinet.

Results  We provide the results of a course of UVB narrow‐band phototherapy in five patients. Phototherapy contributed substantially to improve pruritus in all of them.

Conclusion  Given the benefits achieved, we stress the interest of UVB narrow‐band as a safe and well tolerated alternative treatment for notalgia paresthetica.
Cetuximab‐induced cutaneous toxicity
Authors: Tomková H , Kohoutek M , Zábojníková M , Pospíšková M , Ostřížková L , Gharibyar M
Published: November 2009

Background  Epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors are recently utilized by oncologists in advanced cases of certain malignancies. However, these agents are associated with numerous cutaneous adverse reactions.

Objective  To systematically review the cutaneous toxicity of cetuximab‐treated patients.

Methods  An analysis of a series of 24 patients (20 men and 4 women) treated with cetuximab (12 patients with head and neck cancer and 12 patients with colorectal cancer) was performed with respect to relevant clinical characteristics.

Results  A total of 22 patients (91.7%) developed pustular or maculopapular follicular eruption, often referred to as acneiform rash. One patient (4.2%) developed paronychia in the course of cetuximab therapy. All patients with head and neck cancer had a combination treatment with radiotherapy and experienced radiation dermatitis accompanied by skin xerosis. Anaphylactic reaction was observed in three patients (12.5%).

Conclusions  The most frequent cutaneous side effect reported in this series was acneiform eruption. The authors observed that all women with acneiform rash had only limited facial involvement, whereas all but one man experienced more widespread lesions of the face, the back and the chest. We found no association between the extent and severity of cutaneous eruptions (grade 1 vs. grade 2) and patients’ response to therapy.
Developmental stages of the Japanese quail
Authors: Ainsworth Sophie J. , Stanley Rachael L. , Evans Darrell J. R.
Published: November 2009

Developmental biology research has used various avian species as model organisms for studying morphogenesis, with the chick embryo being used by the majority of groups. The focus on the chick embryo led Hamburger and Hamilton to develop their definitive staging series nearly 60 years ago and this series is still the mainstay of all laboratories working with avian embryos. The focus on the chick embryo has somewhat overshadowed the importance of another avian embryo that has proved to be equally powerful, the Japanese quail. Since the late 1960s, chimeras have been produced using chick and quail embryos and this technique has revolutionized the approach taken to the investigation of the cellular and molecular interactions that occur during development. Reviews of the literature demonstrate that many research groups are using the quail embryo in a number of established and new ways, and this species has become a primary animal model in developmental biology. Some staging of quail has been performed but this has been incomplete and variations in descriptions, stages and incubation timings mean that comparisons with the chick are not always easily made. There appears to be general agreement that, at the early stages of embryogenesis, there is little developmental difference between chick and quail embryos, although the basis for this has not been established experimentally. The accelerated ontogeny of quail embryos at mid to late stages of development means that registration with the chick is lost. We have therefore developed a definitive developmental stage series for Japanese quail so that differences are fully characterized, misconceptions or assumptions are avoided, and the results of comparative studies are not distorted.
How and why children change in aggression and delinquency from childhood to adolescence: moderation of overreactive parenting by child personality
Authors: De Haan A.D. , Prinzie P. , Deković M.
Published: November 2009

Background:  This study examines how and why children change in aggression and delinquency from age 6 to 15 years. Besides assessing the shape of the developmental trajectories of aggression and delinquency, we investigated whether child personality characteristics, parenting, and interactions between these two predict the development of aggression/delinquency.

Methods:  Employing a cohort‐sequential design, data from the Flemish Study on Parenting, Personality, and Development were used. The sample consisted of 586 children aged 6–9 years at the first assessment, and their parents. Mothers, fathers, and teachers rated child personality at Time 1 using the Hierarchical Personality Inventory for Children, and mothers and fathers rated externalizing behaviors at the first, second, and third assessment using the Child Behavior Checklist. Parents rated their own overreactive parenting at Time 1 with the Parenting Scale.

Results:  Aggression and delinquency showed differential, though interrelated development. Less extraverted, benevolent and conscientious children, and more imaginative children were more susceptible to overreactivity. The model replicated across fathers’ overreactivity.

Conclusions:  Parents of children who are less extraverted, benevolent and conscientious, or more imaginative, are in particular need of being supported in developing and maintaining effective disciplinary techniques.
Advances in laying date and increasing population size suggest positive responses to climate change in Common Eiders Somateria mollissima in Iceland
Authors: D’ALBA LILIANA , MONAGHAN PAT , NAGER RUEDI G.
Published: November 2009

Models of climate change predict that its effects on animal populations will not always be negative, but most studies indicate negative associations between changes in climate and the phenology of animal migration and reproduction. For some populations, however, climate change may render particular environments more favourable, with positive effects on population growth. We used a 30‐year population dataset on over 2000 Common Eiders Somateria mollissima at a colony in southwest Iceland to examine the response of this species to climate fluctuations. Eiders are strongly dependent on suitable climatic conditions for successful reproduction and survival. Temperatures in southwest Iceland, in both winter and summer, have generally increased over the past 30 years but have shown considerable fluctuation. We show that females laid earlier following mild winters and that year‐to‐year variation in the number of nests was related to the temperature during the breeding season 2 years previously. Milder summers could have positive effects on breeding success and offspring survival, producing an increase in nest numbers 2 years later when most Eiders recruit into the breeding population. In this part of their range, Eiders could benefit from a general warming of the climate.