bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The linguistic problem of morphology: structure versus homology and the standardization of morphological data
Authors: Vogt Lars , Bartolomaeus Thomas , Giribet Gonzalo
Published: October 2009

The present article discusses the need for standardization in morphology in order to increase comparability and communicability of morphological data. We analyse why only morphological descriptions and not character matrices represent morphological data and why morphological terminology must be free of homology assumptions. We discuss why images only support and substantiate data but are not data themselves. By comparing morphological traits and DNA sequence data we reveal fundamental conceptual shortcomings of the former that result from their high average degree of individuality. We argue that the delimitation of morphological units, of datum units, and of evidence units must be distinguished, each of which involves its own specific problems. We conclude that morphology suffers from the linguistic problem of morphology that results from the lack of (i) a commonly accepted standardized morphological terminology, (ii) a commonly accepted standardized and formalized method of description, and (iii) a rationale for the delimitation of morphological traits. Although this is not problematic for standardizing metadata, it hinders standardizing morphological data. We provide the foundation for a solution to the linguistic problem of morphology, which is based on a morphological structure concept. We argue that this structure concept can be represented with knowledge representation languages such as the resource description framework (RDF) and that it can be applied for morphological descriptions. We conclude with a discussion of how online databases can improve morphological data documentation and how a controlled and formalized morphological vocabulary, i.e. a morphological RDF ontology, if it is based on a structure concept, can provide a possible solution to the linguistic problem of morphology.

 © The Willi Hennig Society 2009.
A common standard for conflict of interest disclosure in addiction journals
Authors: Goozner Merrill , Caplan Arthur , Moreno Jonathan , Kramer Barnett S. , Babor Thomas F. , Husser Wendy C.
Published: October 2009

This paper presents a common standard for conflict of interest disclosure. The common standard was drafted by the authors, following consultation with a multi‐disciplinary group of journal editors, publishers, bioethicists and other academics. It is presented here for the benefit of authors, editorial managers, journal editors and peer reviewers to stimulate discussion and to provide guidance to authors in reporting real, apparent and potential conflicts of interest. It is particularly relevant to addiction specialty journals because of the potential conflicts of interest associated with funding from the alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceutical and gambling industries. Following an appropriate period of vetting the common standard within the scientific community, it is recommended that journal editors adopt journal policies and reporting procedures that are consistent across journals.
Alcohol control policies and alcohol consumption by youth: a multi‐national study
Authors: Paschall Mallie J. , Grube Joel W. , Kypri Kypros
Published: October 2009

Aims  The study examined relationships between alcohol control policies and adolescent alcohol use in 26 countries.

Design  Cross‐sectional analyses of alcohol policy ratings based on the Alcohol Policy Index (API), per capita consumption and national adolescent survey data.

Setting  Data are from 26 countries.

Participants  Adolescents (aged 15–17 years) who participated in the 2003 European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ESPAD) or national secondary school surveys in Spain, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United States.

Measurements  Alcohol control policy ratings based on the API; prevalence of alcohol use, heavy drinking and first drink by age 13 based on national secondary school surveys; per capita alcohol consumption for each country in 2003.

Analysis  Correlational and linear regression analyses were conducted to examine relationships between alcohol control policy ratings and past 30‐day prevalence of adolescent alcohol use, heavy drinking and having first drink by age 13. Per capita consumption of alcohol was included as a covariate in regression analyses.

Findings  More comprehensive API ratings and alcohol availability and advertising control ratings were related inversely to the past 30‐day prevalence of alcohol use and prevalence rates for drinking three to five times and six or more times in the past 30 days. Alcohol advertising control was also related inversely to the prevalence of past 30‐day heavy drinking and having first drink by age 13. Most of the relationships between API, alcohol availability and advertising control and drinking prevalence rates were attenuated and no longer statistically significant when controlling for per capita consumption in regression analyses, suggesting that alcohol use in the general population may confound or mediate observed relationships between alcohol control policies and youth alcohol consumption. Several of the inverse relationships remained statistically significant when controlling for per capita consumption.

Conclusions  More comprehensive and stringent alcohol control policies, particularly policies affecting alcohol availability and marketing, are associated with lower prevalence and frequency of adolescent alcohol consumption and age of first alcohol use.
Phakopsora pachyrhizi, the causal agent of Asian soybean rust
Authors: GOELLNER KATHARINA , LOEHRER MARCO , LANGENBACH CASPAR , CONRATH UWE , KOCH ECKHARD , SCHAFFRATH ULRICH
Published: October 2009

The plant pathogenic basidiomycete fungi Phakopsora pachyrhizi and Phakopsora meibomiae cause rust disease in soybean plants. Phakopsora pachyrhizi originated in Asia–Australia, whereas the less aggressive P. meibomiae originated in Latin America. In the New World, P. pachyrhizi was first reported in the 1990s to have spread to Hawaii and, since 2001, it has been found in South America. In 2004, the pathogen entered continental USA. This review provides detailed information on the taxonomy and molecular biology of the pathogen, and summarizes strategies to combat the threat of this devastating disease.

Taxonomy: Phakopsora pachyrhizi Syd. & P. Syd; uredial anamorph: Malupa sojae (syn. Uredo sojae); Domain Eukaryota; Kingdom Fungi; Phylum Basidiomycota; Order Uredinales; Class Urediniomycetes; Family Phakopsoraceae; Genus Phakopsora (http://www.indexfungorum.org). The nomenclature of rust spores and spore‐producing structures used within this review follows Agrios GN (2005) Plant Pathology, 5th edn. London: Elsevier/Academic Press.

Host range: In the field, P. pachyrhizi infects leaf tissue from a broad range (at least 31 species in 17 genera) of leguminous plants. Infection of an additional 60 species in other genera has been achieved under laboratory conditions.

Disease symptoms: At the beginning of the disease, small, tan‐coloured lesions, restricted by leaf veins, can be observed on infected soybean leaves. Lesions enlarge and, 5–8 days after initial infection, rust pustules (uredia, syn. uredinia) become visible. Uredia develop more frequently in lesions on the lower surface of the leaf than on the upper surface. The uredia open with a round ostiole through which uredospores are released.
Fungal effector proteins: past, present and future
Authors: DE WIT PIERRE J. G. M. , MEHRABI RAHIM , VAN DEN BURG HARROLD A. , STERGIOPOULOS IOANNIS
Published: October 2009

The pioneering research of Harold Flor on flax and the flax rust fungus culminated in his gene‐for‐gene hypothesis. It took nearly 50 years before the first fungal avirulence (Avr) gene in support of his hypothesis was cloned. Initially, fungal Avr genes were identified by reverse genetics and map‐based cloning from model organisms, but, currently, the availability of many sequenced fungal genomes allows their cloning from additional fungi by a combination of comparative and functional genomics. It is believed that most Avr genes encode effectors that facilitate virulence by suppressing pathogen‐associated molecular pattern‐triggered immunity and induce effector‐triggered immunity in plants containing cognate resistance proteins. In resistant plants, effectors are directly or indirectly recognized by cognate resistance proteins that reside either on the plasma membrane or inside the plant cell. Indirect recognition of an effector (also known as the guard model) implies that the virulence target of an effector in the host (the guardee) is guarded by the resistance protein (the guard) that senses manipulation of the guardee, leading to activation of effector‐triggered immunity. In this article, we review the literature on fungal effectors and some pathogen‐associated molecular patterns, including those of some fungi for which no gene‐for‐gene relationship has been established.
Ten things to know about oomycete effectors
Authors: SCHORNACK SEBASTIAN , HUITEMA EDGAR , CANO LILIANA M. , BOZKURT TOLGA O. , OLIVA RICARDO , VAN DAMME MIREILLE , SCHWIZER SIMON , RAFFAELE SYLVAIN , CHAPARRO‐GARCIA ANGELA , FARRER RHYS , SEGRETIN MARIA EUGENIA , BOS JORUNN , HAAS BRIAN J. , ZODY MICHAEL C. , NUSBAUM CHAD , WIN JOE , THINES MARCO , KAMOUN SOPHIEN
Published: October 2009

Long considered intractable organisms by fungal genetic research standards, the oomycetes have recently moved to the centre stage of research on plant–microbe interactions. Recent work on oomycete effector evolution, trafficking and function has led to major conceptual advances in the science of plant pathology. In this review, we provide a historical perspective on oomycete genetic research and summarize the state of the art in effector biology of plant pathogenic oomycetes by describing what we consider to be the 10 most important concepts about oomycete effectors.
Distribution of endosulfan in water, sediment and fish from Warri river, Niger delta, Nigeria
Authors: Ezemonye Lawrence Ikechukwu , Ikpesu Thomas Ohwofasa , Tongo Isioma
Published: October 2009

This article presents the first attempt to quantify the levels and distribution pattern of endosulfan, an organochlorine pesticide in surface water, sediment and fish (Chrysichthys furcatus and Tilapia zilli). The samples were collected from three stations (Ovwian, Ekakpamre and Ovu) of Warri River in the western Niger Delta of Nigeria in 2006 during the dry and wet seasons (January–August). A total of 96 samples made up of 24 samples each for water, sediment and fish were analysed in this study. The pesticide levels were analysed using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC model CECIL 1010) to elucidate its distribution in various environmental compartments. The ranges of concentrations of the pesticide in the matrices were: 0.01–9.23 μg/l (water), 0.06–11.98 μg/gdw (sediment), 0.01–15.06 μg/gdw (Chrysichthys furcatus) and 0.01–1.80 μg/gdw (Tilapia zilli). From this result, decreasing order of occurrence of the pesticide is as follows: fish > sediment > water. The concentrations observed in fish (Chrysichthys furcatus) were higher than the levels observed in sediment and water suggesting bioaccumulation of the pesticide by the fish. Spatial variations occurred with downstream stations having statistically higher concentrations in all matrices at P < 0.05. Seasonal variations occurred with higher concentrations in dry season for water and sediment only, while the fish species had higher concentrations in the wet season. The observed values of endosulfan were above the ecological bench marks (0.02 μg/l) recommended by Nigeria Environmental Protection Agency and European Union. They were also relatively higher than those in previous studies on the Nigerian environment, an observation that calls for regular monitoring of the Niger Delta water bodies.
Population status, structure and activity patterns of the Bohor reedbuck Redunca redunca in the north of the Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia
Authors: Afework Bezawork , Bekele Afework , Balakrishnan Mundanthra
Published: October 2009

The Bohor reedbucks Redunca redunca (Pallas, 1767) were studied in the Bale Mountains National Park (BMNP), Ethiopia to assess their population ecology and activity patterns. The total count method was used to assess population size. Activity patterns of a herd were studied with five minutes recording intervals. There were 406 Bohor reedbucks in the study area of which 96.8% (n = 393) was confined to the Gaysay‐Adelay area. The population was female‐biased. Excluding juveniles, 57.1% (n = 232) was females and 33.5% (n = 136) was males. More adults (71.7%, n = 291) were observed than sub‐adults (18.9%, n = 77) and juveniles (9.4%, n = 38). The herd size of Bohor reedbucks varied from 3 to 5. Herds were seen in aggregations of up to 59 individuals during the dry season in swamp grassland habitat. The maximum number observed in such aggregations during the wet season was 38. The diurnal activity pattern showed feeding peaks early in the morning and late in the afternoon, with resting during the mid‐day. Two feeding peaks were observed in the nocturnal activity phase: one during dusk and the other around midnight. In contradiction to the general concept of occurrence of smaller herds during the dry season, the Bohor reedbucks aggregate in swamps during the dry season. They were also active during night and day time.
Dietary specialization and climatic‐linked variations in extant populations of Ethiopian wolves
Authors: Marino Jorgelina , Mitchell Rebecca , Johnson Paul J.
Published: October 2009

Understanding of the biology of rarity is central to the conservation of some endangered species. Rare taxa are often reported to be specialized, but they are usually poorly studied. The Ethiopian wolf (Canis simensis) is endemic to the Ethiopian highlands and in two major populations, Bale and Arsi in the southern range of the species, it preys almost exclusively upon diurnal rodents all year round, mainly molerats Tachyoryctes macrocephalus and common molerats T. splendens, respectively. Where these large rodents are absent or rare, wolves are expected to rely more heavily on nocturnal rats or livestock. Prey remains in 161 scats from five newly studied populations confirmed that wolves are indeed specialist rodent hunters elsewhere, and that their narrow diets are dominated by diurnal Murinae rats (60–83% of prey occurrences). Swamp rats Otomys typus were the main prey, followed by grass rats Arvicanthis abyssinicus. Common molerats, Lophuromys rats and nocturnal Stenocephalemys spp. constituted the variable portion of the diets, and their proportional contributions varied across populations in relation to elevation and latitude. Towards the north, where the climate is drier and human populations more dense, wolves predate more frequently on rat‐sized prey, including nocturnal species, with implications for the survival of small populations in the Northern Highlands.
Do Meyer’s Parrots Poicephalus meyeri benefit pollination and seed dispersal of plants in the Okavango Delta, Botswana?
Authors: Boyes Rutledge S. , Perrin Michael R.
Published: October 2009

Recent studies of new world parrots repeatedly document, with few exceptions, that parrots are wasteful and destructive predispersal seed predators that are unlikely to contribute towards pollination and seed dispersal. Few detailed studies, however, have assessed the contribution of African parrots to forest ecology by quantifying the potential net benefit of seed and flower predation by parrots for most tree species in their diet. Due to the incidence of pollen on the heads of Meyer’s Parrots when feeding on Leguminosae flowers and the dispersal of viable seeds to the ground during seed predation, we compared destruction rates, when feeding on pods, fruits and flowers, with dispersal rates of viable seeds to the ground and frequency of head contact with reproductive apparatus to estimate net benefit from Meyer’s Parrot feeding activity. Meyer’s Parrots were not implicated in endo‐ or epizoochory, but they dropped uneaten fruit pulp and seeds to the ground during feeding bouts, thus providing ripe, undamaged seeds to secondary seed dispersers. This link with forest recruitment was weak, as all tree species utilized by Meyer’s Parrots either had more significant primary dispersal agents or were primarily wind‐dispersed. In most cases, the negative effect of seed predation outweighed any positive effects in terms of dispersal, whereby almost three times more seeds were consumed or destroyed than were dispersed to the ground. Significantly, only Sclerocarya birrea caffra recorded marginal net dispersal benefit from utilization by Meyer’s Parrots. Due to low relative resource abundance and high destruction rate, feeding activity on Berchemia discolor may be significant enough to influence its spatial distribution and abundance. Utilization of flowers of Kigelia africana and Adansonia digitata by parrots likely had a significant negative impact on pollination. Feeding on Acacia nigrescens flowers, however, was potentially advantageous to their pollination. We conclude that Poicephalus parrots are net consumers of ripe, undamaged seeds and flowers, thus having an overall negative impact on forest recruitment in subtropical Africa.
Anaesthesia for an adult with Angelman syndrome
Authors: Maguire M.
Published: October 2009

Angelman syndrome is a complex genetic condition involving abnormalities of chromosome 15 in the majority of cases. These defects involve a gene encoding an ubiquitin protein ligase and may be associated with abnormal γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)A receptor subunits. Angelman syndrome may have profound implications for anaesthesia: potential exists for airway difficulties; refractory bradyarrythmias; and pharmacodynamic unpredictability. A case of an adult with Angelman syndrome undergoing dental work under general anaesthesia is presented. Induction and maintenance of anaesthesia was unremarkable but emergence was complicated by generalised muscular hypertonia and temporary respiratory embarrassment which resolved spontaneously.
Difficult and failed intubation in 3430 obstetric general anaesthetics*
Authors: Djabatey E. A. , Barclay P. M.
Published: October 2009

A retrospective audit was performed of all obstetric general anaesthetics in our hospital over an 8 year period to determine the incidence of difficult and failed intubation. Data was collected from a number of sources to ensure accuracy. A total of 3430 rapid sequence anaesthetics were given. None of the patients had a failed or oesophageal intubation (95% CI, 0–1:1143). There were 23 difficult intubations (95% CI, 1:238–1:100). This was anticipated in nine cases, requiring awake fibreoptic intubation in three cases. Consultants or specialist registrars were involved in the management of all cases. We attribute the low incidence of airway complications to the above average rate of general anaesthesia in our hospital, senior cover and specialised anaesthetic operating department assistants.
A comparison of McGrath and Macintosh laryngoscopes in novice users: a manikin study
Authors: Ray D. C. , Billington C. , Kearns P. K. , Kirkbride R. , Mackintosh K. , Reeve C. S. , Robinson N. , Stewart C. J. , Trudeau T.
Published: October 2009

Direct laryngoscopy using the Macintosh laryngoscope is a difficult skill to acquire. Videolaryngoscopy is a widely accepted airway management technique that may be easier for novices to learn. We compared the McGrath® videolaryngoscope and Macintosh laryngoscope by studying the performance of 25 medical students with no previous experience of performing tracheal intubation using an easy intubation scenario in a manikin. The order of device use was randomised for each student. After brief instruction each participant performed eight tracheal intubations with one device and then eight tracheal intubations with the other laryngoscope. Novices achieved a higher overall rate of successful tracheal intubation, avoided oesophageal intubation and produced less dental trauma when using the McGrath. The view at laryngoscopy was significantly better with the McGrath. Intubation times were similar for both laryngoscopes and became shorter with practice. There was no difference in participants’ rating of overall ease of use for each laryngoscope.
A national survey of support and counselling after maternal death*
Authors: McCready S. , Russell R.
Published: October 2009

The 2000–2002 Confidential Enquiry into Maternal and Child Health report highlighted several cases of maternal death where the staff who had been involved, were not offered support. The report recommended that ‘Trusts must make provision for the prompt offer of support and/or counselling for all staff who have cared for a woman who has died.’ We conducted a postal survey to firstly establish whether Trusts had implemented this, and also to ascertain the experience of consultant obstetric anaesthetists. Of 706 respondents (response rate 64%), 60% involved in a maternal death or other traumatic event received no offer of support, 65% were unaware of potential sources of support and only 5% received details of further help available. Furthermore, 69% were unaware of policies within their own Trusts for the provision of support services. We suggest that a formal structure should exist within all units that offers confidential support services and/or debriefing facilities to all staff involved in a maternal death or other traumatic event.
Review of patient safety incidents submitted from Critical Care Units in England & Wales to the UK National Patient Safety Agency*
Authors: Thomas A. N. , Panchagnula U. , Taylor R. J.
Published: October 2009

We reviewed and classified all patient safety incidents submitted from critical care units in England and Wales to the National Patient Safety Agency for the first quarter of 2008. A total of 6649 incidents were submitted from 141 organisations (median (range) 23 (1–268 incidents)); 786 were unrelated to the critical care episode and 248 were repeat entries. Of the remaining 5615 incidents, 1726 occurred in neonates or babies, 1298 were associated with temporary harm, 15 with permanent harm and 59 required interventions to maintain life or may have contributed to the patient’s death. The most common main incident groups were medication (1450 incidents), infrastructure and staffing (1289 incidents) and implementation of care (1047 incidents). There were 2789 incidents classified to more than one main group. The incident analysis highlights ways to improve patient safety and to improve the classification of incidents.
A simplified modelling approach for quantifying tillage effects on soil carbon stocks
Authors: Chatskikh D. , Hansen S. , Olesen J. E. , Petersen B. M.
Published: October 2009

Soil tillage has been shown to affect long‐term changes in soil organic carbon (SOC) content in a number of field experiments. This paper presents a simplified approach for including effects of tillage in models of soil C turnover in the tilled‐soil layer. We used an existing soil organic matter (SOM) model (CN‐SIM) with standard SOC data for a homogeneous tilled layer from four long‐term field experiments with conventionally tilled (CT) and no‐till (NT) treatments. The SOM model was tested on data from long‐term (>10 years) field trials differing in climatic conditions, soil properties, residue management and crop rotations in Australia, Brazil, the USA and Switzerland. The C input for the treatments was estimated using data on crop rotation and residue management. The SOM model was applied for both CT and NT trials without recalibration, but incorporated a ‘tillage factor’ (TF) to scale all decomposition and maintenance parameters in the model. An initial value of TF = 0.57 (parameter uncertainty, PU = 0.15) for NT (with TF set to 1.0 for CT) was used on the basis of a previous study with observations of soil CO2 respiration. The simulated and observed changes in SOC were then compared using slopes of linear regressions of SOC changes over time. Results showed that the SOM model captured observed changes in SOC content from differences in rotations, N application and crop residue management for conventional tillage. On the basis of SOC change data a mean TF of 0.48 (standard deviation, SD = 0.12) was estimated for NT. The results indicate that (i) the estimated uncertainty of tillage effects on SOC turnover may be smaller than previously thought and (ii) simple scaling of SOM model parameters may be sufficient to capture the effects of soil tillage on SOM turnover in the tilled layer. Scenario analyses showed that the average extra C input needed to compensate for soil tillage was 762 (SD = 351) kg C ha−1 year−1. Climatic conditions (temperature and precipitation) also affected how much extra C was needed, with substantially larger inputs being required for wetter and warmer climates.
Integrated basin flow assessments: concepts and method development in Africa and South‐east Asia
Authors: KING JACKIE , BROWN CATE
Published: October 2009

1. This study summarises our development and application in developing countries of a process for assessing the ecological, social and economic costs and benefits of water‐resource developments, as an aid to basin planning.

2. During 15 years of work in Africa and Asia, the process sequentially included the whole river ecosystem and the whole flow regime in the assessment; used a multidisciplinary team and a scenario‐based approach that gave equal weighting to the ecological, social, resource‐economic and macro‐economic costs and benefits of development; quantified or semi‐quantified the costs and benefits in data‐poor situations, capturing expert opinion and local wisdom as well as data; recognised that the final allocation of water for ecosystem maintenance should be a societal choice of trade‐offs between resource protection and development.

3. Flow assessments were increasingly done at the basin rather than project level and introduced the concept and practicality of Development Space as a tool to aid basin planning.

4. Later assessments included valuation of regulating, cultural and provisioning services provided by rivers as part of the cost‐benefit analysis.

5. Implementation of managed flows as outlined above is a complex and long‐term process that should include a number of major steps, from development of the appropriate legislation to monitoring of management decisions and adaptive management. Country or region‐wide implementation at this scale could well take one to two decades, even where the political will and technical skills exist.

6. We conclude by offering eight principles that we believe would promote genuinely sustainable use of rivers.
Interobserver variation in the reporting of local peritoneal involvement and extramural venous invasion in colonic cancer
Authors: Littleford Sarah E , Baird Alan , Rotimi Olorunda , Verbeke Caroline S , Scott Nigel
Published: October 2009

Aims:  Local peritoneal involvement (LPI) and extramural venous invasion (EMVI) are of prognostic value in Dukes’ B colonic cancers and may be used to select patients for adjuvant chemotherapy. There is marked variation in the frequency with which they are reported however, ranging from 7% to 39% and 10% to 90%, respectively. A grading system for diagnosing LPI has been proposed by Shepherd et al. and partially incorporated into the Royal College of Pathologists guidelines for reporting colorectal cancer. This study aimed to determine the degree of interobserver variation in the reporting of LPI and EMVI amongst a group of experienced pathologists with a special interest in gastrointestinal pathology.

Methods and results:  Four pathologists specialising in gastrointestinal pathology independently assessed LPI according to the grading system described by Shepherd et al. and the presence or absence of EMVI on 138 and 131 slides of pT3 and pT4 colonic cancers, respectively. Kappa statistics were performed to assess interobserver agreement. Kappa values for LPI ranged from κ = 0.74 (substantial agreement) to κ = 0.89 (almost perfect agreement). Kappa values for EMVI ranged from κ = 0.29 (poor agreement) to κ = 0.59 (moderate agreement).

Conclusions:  Using Shepherd’s grading system there was good agreement between pathologists in reporting LPI in colonic carcinomas. The reporting of EMVI in colonic carcinomas on haematoxylin and eosin‐stained slides had only poor to moderate agreement however, even amongst gastrointestinal pathologists working together in a single unit. Introduction of standardized criteria and/or the use of an elastin stain in the diagnosis of EMVI may assist in improving interobserver agreement.
CD10+ fibroblasts are more involved in the progression of hilar/extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma than of peripheral intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Nishihara Yunosuke , Aishima Shinichi , Hayashi Akifumi , Iguchi Tomohiro , Fujita Nobuhiro , Taketomi Akinobu , Honda Hiroshi , Tsuneyoshi Masazumi
Published: October 2009

Aims:  To identify the role of CD10 expression of tumour‐associated fibroblastic cells in the progression of cholangiocarcinoma (CC).

Methods and results:  The CD10 expression of fibroblastic cells was investigated immunohistochemically in 167 cases of intrahepatic and extrahepatic CC and 29 cases of biliary dysplasia, comparing the clinicopathological parameters. CD10 expression of fibroblastic cells was observed in 5.7% (4/70) of peripheral intrahepatic CC, 29.2% (14/48) of hilar intrahepatic CC, and 57.1% (28/49) of extrahepatic CC. As for biliary dysplasia, CD10 expression of fibroblastic cells was observed in 4.3% (1/23) in the hepatic hilum and 20% (3/15) in the extrahepatic bile duct. CD10 expression had a strong relationship with the anatomical location of CC, and was more frequently detected in the periductal infiltrating type of hilar intrahepatic CC (P < 0.0001) and in less differentiated cases in extrahepatic CC (P = 0.0151). CD10 expression was observed more frequently in CC than in biliary dysplasia of hepatic hilum (P = 0.0365) and extrahepatic bile duct (P = 0.0262). CD10 expression was not a prognostic indicator in CC.

Conclusions:  We suggest that CD10+ fibroblasts are more involved in the progression of hilar and extrahepatic CC than of peripheral intrahepatic CC.
Juvenile polymyositis or paediatric muscular dystrophy: a detailed re‐analysis of 13 cases
Authors: D’Arcy Colleen E , Ryan Monique M , McLean Catriona A
Published: October 2009

Aims:  There has been much debate about the existence of juvenile polymyositis (JPM) as an entity distinct from muscular dystrophy (MD). The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyse muscle biopsies and clinical features of 13 Australian children given an initial diagnosis of JPM, to determine their clinicopathological, immunohistochemical and molecular characteristics.

Methods and results:  The muscle biopsies on 13 cases were reviewed using detailed morphological and immunoperoxidase studies, with additional protein and molecular analyses, in conjunction with clinical review. Only one case had a true connective tissue disease inflammatory myopathy. Twelve (92.3%) cases with an initial diagnosis of JPM were found on clinical, pathological and molecular review to be MD.

Conclusions:  Inflammatory changes in apparently sporadic juvenile myopathies should prompt consideration of an early presentation of MD. Detailed analysis of muscle histopathology, specifically the detection of subsarcolemmal blebbing, isolated fibre degeneration occurring independent of inflammatory infiltrates, patchy clustered major histocompatibility complex‐I expression and a CD68+/CD3+ perimysial infiltrate, assists in the diagnosis of early MD. Specific protein and gene analysis adds support to the pathological diagnosis of dystrophy. This series adds weight to suggestions that JPM may not represent a discrete clinical or pathological entity.
Factors associated with isolated anti‐hepatitis B core antibody in HIV‐positive patients: impact of compromised immunity
Authors: Sun H.‐Y. , Lee H.‐C. , Liu C.‐E. , Yang C.‐L. , Su S.‐C. , Ko W.‐C. , Lin C.‐Y. , Tsai J.‐J. , Wong W.‐W. , Ho M.‐W. , Cheng S.‐H. , Lin Y.‐H. , Miao W.‐J. , Hung C.‐C.
Published: October 2009

Summary.  In regions that are hyperendemic for chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, prevalence of and risk factors associated with isolated anti‐hepatitis B core antibody (anti‐HBc) in HIV‐positive patients are less well described. HIV‐positive patients who were tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), anti‐hepatitis B surface antibody (anti‐HBs) and anti‐HBc at designated hospitals for HIV care in Taiwan were included for analysis. HBV DNA was detected by real‐time polymerase chain reaction in patients with and without isolated anti‐HBc. Of 2351 HIV‐positive patients, 450 (19.1%) were HBsAg positive, 411 (17.5%) were anti‐HBc positive alone and 963 (41.0%) for both anti‐HBs and anti‐HBc. Compared with patients who were positive for both anti‐HBs and anti‐HBc, patients with isolated anti‐HBc were older, less likely to have anti‐hepatitis C virus antibody (anti‐HCV), had lower CD4 lymphocyte counts and higher plasma HIV RNA loads. Older age (adjusted odds ratio, 1.029; 95% confidence interval, 1.015–1.043) and CD4 <100 cells/μL (adjusted odds ratio, 1.524; 95% confidence interval, 1.025–2.265) were independently associated with isolated anti‐HBc by logistic regression, while presence of anti‐HCV and injecting drug use were not. HBV DNA was detectable in 8.3% of 277 patients with isolated anti‐HBc and 14.3% of 56 patients with both anti‐HBs and anti‐HBc (P = 0.160). In a country hyperendemic for HBV infection, HIV‐positive patients at older age and with CD4 <100 cells/μL were more likely to have isolated anti‐HBc, suggesting that compromised immunity plays a role in the presence of this marker.
Transmission of SARS in three Chinese hospitals
Authors: Cooper Ben S. , Fang Li‐Qun , Zhou Jie‐Ping , Feng Dan , Lv Hui , Wei Mao‐Ti , Wang Shi‐Xin , Cao Wu‐Chun , De Vlas Sake J.
Published: October 2009

Objective  To quantify the transmissibility of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in hospitals in mainland China and to assess the effectiveness of control measures.

Methods  We report key epidemiological details of three major hospital outbreaks of SARS in mainland China, and estimate the evolution of the effective reproduction number in each of the three hospitals during the course of the outbreaks.

Results  The three successive hospital outbreaks infected 41, 99 and 91 people of whom 37%, 60% and 70% were hospital staff. These cases resulted in 33 deaths, five of which occurred in hospital staff. In a multivariate logistic regression, age and whether or not the case was a healthcare worker (HCW) were found to be significant predictors of mortality. The estimated effective reproduction numbers (95% CI) for the three epidemics peaked at 8 (5, 11), 9 (4, 14) and 12 (7, 17). In all three hospitals the epidemics were rapidly controlled, bringing the reproduction number below one within 25, 10 and 5 days respectively.

Conclusions  This work shows that in three major hospital epidemics in Beijing and Tianjin substantially higher rates of transmission were initially observed than those seen in the community. In all three cases the hospital epidemics were rapidly brought under control, with the time to successful control becoming shorter in each successive outbreak.
Renal insufficiency, a frequent complication with age in oral‐facial‐digital syndrome type I
Authors: Saal S , Faivre L , Aral Bernard , Gigot N , Toutain A , Van Maldergem L , Destree A , Maystadt I , Cosyns J‐P , Jouk P‐S , Loeys B , Chauveau D , Bieth E , Layet V , Mathieu M , Lespinasse J , Teebi A , Franco B , Gautier E , Binquet C , Masurel‐Paulet A , Mousson C , Gouyon J‐B , Huet F , Thauvin‐Robinet C
Published: October 2009

Saal S, Faivre L, Aral B, Gigot N, Toutain A, Van Maldergem L, Destree A, Maystadt I, Cosyns J‐P, Jouk P‐S, Loeys B, Chauveau D, Bieth E, Layet V, Mathieu M, Lespinasse J, Teebi A, Franco B, Gautier E, Binquet C, Masurel‐Paulet A, Mousson C, Gouyon J‐B, Huet F, Thauvin‐Robinet C. Renal insufficiency, a frequent complication with age in oral‐facial‐digital syndrome type I.

The oral‐facial‐digital syndrome type I (OFD I) is characterized by multiple congenital malformations of the face, oral cavity and digits. A polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is found in about one‐third of patients but long‐term outcome and complications are not well described in the international literature. Renal findings have been retrospectively collected in a cohort of 34 females all carrying a pathogenic mutation in theOFD1gene with ages ranging from 1 to 65 years. Twelve patients presented with PKD – 11/16 (69%) if only adults were considered –with a median age at diagnosis of 29 years [IQR (interquartile range) = (23.5–38)]. Among them, 10 also presented with renal impairment and 6 were grafted (median age = 38 years [IQR = (25–48)]. One grafted patient under immunosuppressive treatment died from a tumor originated from a native kidney. The probability to develop renal failure was estimated to be more than 50% after the age of 36 years. Besides, neither genotype‐phenotype correlation nor clinical predictive association with renal failure could be evidenced. These data reveal an unsuspected high incidence rate of the renal impairment outcome in OFD I syndrome. A systematic ultrasound (US) and renal function follow‐up is therefore highly recommended for all OFD I patients.
Zur Effizienz des Energieumsatzes von Mastochsen verschiedener Zuchtrichtungen1
Authors: Würgler F. , Bickel H.
Published: October 2009

In 181 Respirationsversuchen wurde der Stoff‐ und Energieumsatz von 24 extensiv und intensiv gemästeten Ochsen dreier verschiedener Zuchtrichtungen (Aberdeen Angus x Braunvieh, Braunvieh, Holstein Friesian) ermittelt. Zwischen den Rassen ergab sich kein signifikanter Unterschied hinsichtlich Verdaulichkeit und Umsetzbarkeit der Futterenergie. Anhand verschiedener statistischer Modelle wurden der Erhaltungsbedarf, bezogen auf das metabolische Körpergewicht, und der Teilwirkungsgrad für den Ansatz von Körpersubstanz, geschätzt. Es ergaben sich dabei ebenfalls keine deutlichen Unterschiede zwischen den Zuchtrichtungen, dagegen zwischen den Fütterungsintensitäten und teilweise zwischen den Tieren.
Energieumsatz beim jungen wachsenden Schwein1
Authors: Wenk C. , Kronauer M.
Published: October 2009

In einer Serie von 222 Respirationsversuchen an wachsenden Ferkeln von 6 bis 50 kg LM wurde die Verwertung der umsetzbaren Energie für das Wachstum bei einer weiten Variation der Fütterungsintensität und Futterzusammensetzung gemessen. Die Ergebnisse wurden nach verschiedenen Regressionsmodellen ausgewertet.

Falls alle 222 Versuche berücksichtigt wurden, konnte für alle Modelle ein energetischer Erhaltungsbedarf von etwa 440 kJ/LM3/4 abgeleitet werden. Die Werte der partiellen Wirkungsgrade der Verwertung der ME für das Wachstum betrugen für kg 0,65, kp 0,55 und kf 0,77. Diese Werte entsprechen gut jenen, die in Versuchen an Mastschweinen ermittelt wurden. Es kann somit angenommen werden, daß bezüglich der Verwertung der umsetzbaren Energie keine grundsätzlichen Unterschiede zwischen Ferkeln und Mastschweinen bestehen.

Die selektive Auswertung der Daten nach unterschiedlicher Fütterungsintensität sowie unterschiedlichem Protein‐, Fett‐ und Rohfasergehalt der Rationen ergaben eine weite Variation für den Erhaltungsbedarf und die partiellen Wirkungsgrade. Hingegen verhielten sich die Werte der retinierten Energie bei einer ME‐Aufnahme von 1,3 MJ ME* wesentlich konstanter als ME*M. Es wird deshalb vorgeschlagen, den Verlauf der Regressionen von einem Wert der Energieretention bei einer mittleren Futteraufnahme(z. B. iF = 3) aus mit den entsprechenden Wirkungsgraden zu beurteilen.
Effects of salinomycin on digesta passage, digestibility, nitrogen balance and ruminal traits in wethers
Authors: Kobayashi Y. , Wakita M. , Hoshino S.
Published: October 2009

Die Wirkung von Salinomycin auf die Passagerate, die Verdaulichkeit, den N‐Ansatz und einige Pansenparameter bei Hammeln

Die Wirkung von Salinomycin (SL) auf die Passagerate, die Verdaulichkeit, den N‐Ansatz und einige Pansenparameter wurde in Bilanzversuchen an Hammeln untersucht. Dabei wurde die Passagerate von Flüssigkeit und festen Partikeln im Pansen und festen Partikeln im Dickdarm bei Zusatz von SL zum Futter beobachtet. Mit SL‐Zulage zur Ration nahm die scheinbare Verdaulichkeit der Rohnährstoffe außer Rohasche leicht ab. Diese Abnahme war nicht signifikant. Der N‐Ansatz bei SL‐gefütterten Hammeln lag leicht höher als bei den Kontrolltieren. Mit SL‐Zulage stieg die Konzentration der Propionsäure, die der Essigsäure im Pansen nahm ab, während kein Einfluß auf den pH‐Wert und die Ammoniakkonzentration beobachtet werden konnte. Aus diesem Ergebnis läßt sich schließn, daß mit dem Anstieg der Propionsäu‐reproduktion und des N‐Ansatzes sowie der Abnahme der Passagerate eine Verbesserung der Futterverwertung bei SL‐gefütterten Tieren einhergeht.
Allantoinausscheidung im Harn und Gesamtstickstoffausscheidung im Kot als Indikatoren für die mikrobielle Proteinsynthese im Pansen des Wiederkäuers1,2
Authors: Bickel‐Baumann C. , Landis J.
Published: October 2009

In Versuchen an ausgewachsenen Schafen wurde der Einfluß von Zulagen reiner Kohlenhydrate (Cellulose und Stärke) auf die Ausscheidung von Allantoinstickstoff im Harn und an Gesamtstickstoff im Kot untersucht. Beide Größen nahmen mit steigenden Zulagen stark zu. Die Erhöhung der Ausscheidungen war bei beiden Größen für die Stärke höher als für die Cellulose. Die Ergebnisse wurden hinsichtlich einer Schätzung der mikrobiellen Proteinsynthese im Pansen diskutiert.
Synthesis of bacterial nitrogen substances in the sheep rumen from nitrogen‐15 labelled urea
Authors: Javorský P. , Havassy I. , Rybošová E. , Králová M. , Horský K. , Košt'a K.
Published: October 2009

Die Synthese von bakteriellen Stickstoffverbindungen aus 15N‐Harnstoff im Pansen von Schafen

In Versuchen mit 6 Schafen wurde festgestellt, daß bereits 30 Minuten nach intravenöser Verabreichung von 15N‐markiertem Harnstoff Stickstoffverbindungen aus Blutharnstoff durch Pansensaftbakterien, durch die an das Pansenepithel anhaftenden und an Futterpartikel angelagerten Bakterien gebildet werden. Ihre 15N‐Anreicherung 30, 180 und 360 Minuten nach der Verabreichung des markierten Harnstoffs erhöhte sich allmählich. Die 15N‐Anreicherung war nach 360 Minuten in den Pansenwandbakterien (0,367–0,426 Atom‐%) deutlich niedriger als in den Pansensaftbakterien (0,802–0,858 Atom‐%) und in den an Futtermittelpartikeln haftenden Bakterien (0,811–0,943 Atom‐%).

In Fraktion 1. (Protozoen, Reste von Futterpartikeln und epitheliale Zellen mit anhaftenden Bakterien) und Fraktion 2. (Pansensaftbakterien, abgetrennt durch differentielle Zentrifugation von filtriertem Pansensaft) erhöhte sich 30, 180 und 360 Minuten nach der i.v.‐Verabreichung von 15N‐Harnstoff die relative 15N‐Häufigkeit. Gleichzeitig erniedrigte sich diese in der Fraktion 3. (Supernatant nach der Isolierung von Pansensaftbakterien).

Aus den Ergebnissen kann geschlossen werden, daß intravenös verabreichter Harnstoff für die Synthese von N‐Verbindungen durch Pansenbakterien relativ schnell verwertet wird. Dabei wird er durch Pansensaftbakterien und Bakterien an Futterpartikeln intensiver genutzt als durch Bakterien an der Pansenwand.
Qualität von Rohprotein in Fleischknochenmehlen (FKM)
Authors: Stapel Ulrike‐Petra , Drepper K.
Published: October 2009

Zusammenfassung

Bei sechs Fleischknochenmehl (FKM) herstellenden Betrieben mit unterschiedlichen Herstel‐lungsverfahren (Benzinextraktion, Naßentfettung, Preßentfettung) wurden während eines Jahres monatlich Proben entnommen.

Die Rohnährstoff‐, Calcium‐ und Phosphorgehalte in den Einzelproben entsprachen den Anforderungen des gültigen Futtermittelgesetzes.

Die Gehalte der essentiellen Aminosäuren im Rohprotein von aus den Einzelproben herge‐stellten Jahresmischungen (getrennt nach Herstellungsverfahren) waren im Vergleich zum Bedarf wachsender Ratten besonders gering beim Tryptophan, Isoleucin und Methionin + Cystein, der Gehalt an Glycin war fast 9mal höher als im Casein.

Die Absorbierbarkeit (wahre Verdaulichkeit) des FKM‐Rohproteins betrug bei wachsenden Ratten 62–69%. Trotz bedarfsgerechter Ergänzung mit essentiellen Aminosäuren wurde das absorbierbare FKM‐Rohprotein nur zu etwa 55% für die Gewichtszunahmen wachsender Ratten verwertet (Parameter: PER). Zwischen den PER‐Werten bei Verfütterung von FKM der drei geprüften Herstellungsverfahren bestanden nur unbedeutende Unterschiede. Diese geringe Vewertung (˜ 35% des FKM‐Gesamtrohproteins) war nicht bedingt durch evtl. extreme Bedingungen bei der FKM‐Herstellung, durch Hemmfaktoren, die die Proteinbiosynthese beeinträchtigen könnten und auch nicht durch den extrem hohen Glycingehalt im Rohprotein. Kombinationen von absorbierbarem Fischmehl‐ bzw. Sojarohprotein und absorbierbarem FKM‐Rohprotein (2/3: 1/3) ergaben eine fast gleich gute Verwertung wie absorbierbares Rohprotein aus Casein + Methionin (beim Soja erst nach Ergänzung mit Methionin).
Fe‐Retention bei Nachkommen von an Blei depletierten Ratten
Authors: Reichlmayr‐Lais A. M. , Kirchgessner M.
Published: October 2009

Zusammenfassung

Bei den Nachkommen von weiblichen Sprague Dawley‐Ratten, die ab einer Lebendmasse von 32 ± 1 g bis einschließlich Gravidität und Laktation eine Pb‐arme halbsynthetische Diät (PbKonzentration 20 ppb) bzw. eine Diät mit 1 ppm Pb++ supplementiert erhielten, wurde die FeRetention über Ganzkörperanalysen ermittelt. Zum einen wurde die Fe‐Retention während 10 Tagen nach der Entwöhnung und zum anderen bei Geschwistertieren vom Absetzen bis einschließlich Gravidität ermittelt. In beiden Fällen zeigten die depletierten Ratten eine erniedrigte Fe‐Retention im Vergleich zu den Kontrolltieren. Diese Ergebnisse stimmen mit Ergebnissen früherer Pb‐Depletionsversuche überein, die auch eine Depletion an Eisen bei Pb‐Mangel zeigten.
Absorption, metabolism and excretion of zinc 14C‐bacitracin fed to young pigs
Authors: Frøyshov Ø. , Pedersen S. , Hove K.
Published: October 2009

Zusammenfassung

Absorption, Stoffwechsel und Exkretion von 14C‐Zink‐Bacitracin beim Ferkel

Sieben abgesetzte, männliche kastrierte Ferkel mit einem Lebendgewicht von 12–17 kg erhielten ein Fertigfutter mit 117 mg/kg Zink‐Bacitracin über 2 Wochen. Anschließend wurde ihnen eine einmalige Dosis von 14C‐Zink‐Bacitracin (6,8 mg, 79,9 μCi) mit Hilfe einer Magensonde verabreicht. Die Tiere wurden dann 1, 3, 6, 12, 72 und 168 h nach der Markierung geschlachtet. Die Ausscheidung von Zink‐Bacitracin und seinen Abbauprodukten wurden in Extrakten von Galle, Harn und Kot untersucht.

Der größte Teil der Radioaktivität (91,2–97,5%) wurde über den Kot innerhalb von 48 Stunden nach der Verabreichung ausgeschieden. Der größte Teil des markierten Materials aus dem Kot war mikrobiellen Ursprungs (A, B1 und B2). Außerdem wurden in geringen Mengen oxidiertes Bacitracin (Bacitracin F) und desaminiertes Bacitracin (Desamidobacitracin) nachgewiesen.

Zwischen 2,0 und 4,2% der 14C‐Dosis wurde im Harn innerhalb von 2 Tagen nach der Verabreichung entdeckt. In der Galle waren 0,1% der Dosis pro 1 nachzuweisen. Dabei handelte es sich um Peptid‐Fragmente des Bacitracins. Bacitracin A, B1, B2, F und Desamido‐Bacitracin wurden nicht gefunden.

In Blut, Leber, Nieren, Herz, Lunge, Milz, Lymphknoten, Knochen, Haut, Fett und Muskulatur wurde keine Radioaktivität nachgewiesen, nur in Leber und Nieren (0,23 und 0,05% der Dosis) in den ersten 24 h nach der Verabreichung. Die gesamte Wiederfindungsrate von Schlachtkörper und Ausscheidungen betrug 96,2 ± 5,0%. Der geringe Anteil der Radioaktivität in der Galle zeigt, daß der enterohepatische Kreislauf für Bacitracin vernachlässigt werden kann. Ferner kann aus den geringen Aktivitätsanteilen in Galle und Harn geschlossen werden, daß die intestinale Absorption von Zink‐Bacitracin äußerst gering ist, wenn sie überhaupt stattfindet.