bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peritoneal natural killer cells from epithelial ovarian cancer patients show an altered phenotype and bind to the tumour marker MUC16 (CA125)
Authors: Belisle Jennifer A. , Gubbels Jennifer A. A. , Raphael Cara A. , Migneault Martine , Rancourt Claudine , Connor Joseph P. , Patankar Manish S.
Published: July 2007

The ovarian tumour marker MUC16 (CA125) inhibits the cytotoxic responses of human natural killer (NK) cells and down‐regulates CD16. Here we show that approximately 10% of the peripheral blood NK cells (PBNK) from the epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) patients are CD16– CD56br whereas 40% of the peritoneal fluid NK (PFNK) carry this phenotype, which is usually associated with NK cells from the lymph nodes or human decidua. PBNK from healthy donors exposed to PF show a significant increase in the CD16– CD56br population. This shift in phenotype is not caused by increased apoptosis of the CD16+ CD56dim cells or selective proliferation of the CD16– CD56br NK cells. Thus, the terminal differentiation of the CD16– CD56br NK cells to CD16+ CD56dim subset that occurs during normal NK cell development may actually be a reversible step. A majority of the NK cell receptors (NKp46, NKp44, NKG2D, CD244, CD226, CD158a, CD158b, and CD158e) studied were down‐regulated in the PFNK. MUC16 binds selectively to 30–40% of CD16+ CD56dim NK cells in EOC patients indicating that phenotypic alterations in these cells are mediated by tumour‐derived soluble factors. Similar to EOC, MUC16 in early pregnancy also binds to NK cells suggesting shared mechanisms of NK cell suppression in feto‐maternal tolerance and immune evasion by ovarian cancers.
Close relatives in intensive care from the perspective of critical care nurses
Authors: Åsa Engström , Siv Söderberg
Published: June 2007

Aim.  The aim was to describe critical care nurses’ experiences of close relatives within intensive care.

Background.  There is a lack of research describing critical care nurses' experiences of the significance of close relatives in intensive care. Knowledge in this area will support critical care nurses to develop good nursing care for the critically ill person and their close relatives.

Design and method.  The design of the study was qualitative. Data collection was carried out through focus group discussions with 24 critical care nurses in four focus groups during spring 2004. The data were subjected to qualitative thematic content analysis.

Results.  The focus groups discussions showed that the presence of close relatives was taken for granted by critical care nurses and it was frustrating if the critically ill person did not have any. Information from close relatives made it possible for critical care nurses to create individual care for the critically ill person. They supported close relatives by giving them information, being near and trying to establish good relations with them. Close relatives were important. Critical care nurses lacked forums for reflection and discussion about the care given.

Relevance to clinical practice.  This study indicates that close relatives are a prerequisite for critical care nurses to give good nursing care to meet the needs of the critically ill person. A communication based on mutual understanding is necessary if critical care nurses are to be able to support close relatives. Dealing constantly with situations that were ethically difficult without any chance to reflect was an obstacle for critical care nurses to improve their work with close relatives.
A comparison of sleep assessment tools by nurses and patients in critical care
Authors: Richardson Annette , Crow Wendy , Coghill Elaine , Turnock Christopher
Published: June 2007

Aim.  The aim of this critical care sleep assessment pilot study was to evaluate the usefulness of three sleep assessment tools to identify which, if any, provided the closest comparison between the nurses’ judgement and the patients’ experience of their sleep. The study objectives were to: (i) compare patients' and nurses' assessment of sleep using three different rating tools. (ii) Ascertain patients’ preferences with non‐interventional, user friendly, practical tools in critical care. (iii) Recommend changes and improvements to the way that sleep is assessed and documented.

Background.  Sleep is important for promoting critical care recovery and sleep disturbance is known to cause irritability, aggression and increased stress levels. The availability and use of valid critical care sleep assessment tools is limited.

Design.  A descriptive comparative study using three sleep assessment‐rating scales were constructed to provide easy to understand tools for completion by both patients and nurses in critical care.

Methods.  Structured interviews were undertaken with 82 patients and 82 nurses using a convenience sample from four multispecialty critical care units in one large teaching trust. Patients were included in the study if they met a list of pre‐defined criteria to obtain responses from lucid orientated patients.

Results.  No tool produced a close association between the nurses’ assessment of the patients sleep and the patients’ assessment of their sleep. Patients found two of the three tools easy to use when rating their sleep.

Discussion.  Objective invasive measurements of sleep as well as complex subjective tools appear inappropriate to be used as a part of daily critical care practice. The application of simple rating scores has a high degree of error when nurses assess patients’ sleep, even though high levels of patient observation and assessment are practiced in critical care.

Conclusions.  More research is needed to examine the assessment of sleep in critical care, particularly linking rating scales to alternative methods of physiological assessment of sleep. Findings indicate nurses are unable to accurately assess critical care patients’ sleep using rating assessment tools. However patients were found to prefer two sleep assessment tools, one banded in hours to assess sleep quantity and one as a comparison against normal sleep to assess sleep quality.

Relevance to clinical practice.  This study reviews the importance of sleep assessment and the diverse methods available for assessing sleep focussing on the critically ill patient. More noteworthy it highlights how nurses sole judgements of patients sleep is not a reliable method in clinical practice, however it provides some indication on the application of ‘easy to use’ tools to assist in the patients assessments of their sleep.
Deliberate self‐harm: emergency department nurses’ attitudes, triage and care intentions
Authors: McCann Terence V , Clark Eileen , McConnachie Susan , Harvey Isabel
Published: June 2007

Aim and objectives.  This exploratory study investigates emergency department nurses’ attitudes towards patients who engage in deliberate self‐harm. It examines their attitudes towards, and triage and care decisions with, patients who self‐harm.

Background.  Emergency department nurses sometimes show unsympathetic attitudes towards patients who present with self‐harm and these can contribute to difficulties in assessing and providing appropriate care.

Design.  A modified version of the Suicide Opinion Questionnaire was used. A non‐probability sample of 43 emergency department nurses from a large Australian hospital participated in the study. Data were analysed using SPSS.

Results.  Most nurses had received no educational preparation to care for patients with self‐harm; over 20% claimed that the department either had no practice guidelines for deliberate self‐harm or they did not know of their existence and one‐third who knew of them had not read them. Overall, nurses had sympathetic attitudes towards patients who self‐harm, including both professional and lay conceptualizations of deliberate self‐harm. They did not discriminate against this group of patients in their triage and care decisions.

Conclusions.  The findings of this exploratory study are important because attitudes can affect care decisions. Recommendations are made for improving the educational preparation of emergency department nurses, for improving awareness and implementation of practice guidelines, and for improving attitudes towards patients with deliberate self‐harm. Further research is needed to confirm these results.
Clinical validation of the signs and symptoms and the nature of the respiratory nursing diagnoses in patients under invasive mechanical ventilation*
Authors: Zeitoun Sandra Salloum , De Barros Alba Lúcia Bottura Leite , Michel Jeanne Liliane Marlene , De Bettencourt Ana Rita Cássia
Published: June 2007

Aims.  The aims of this study were to validate the signs and symptoms of the respiratory nursing diagnoses impaired gas exchange, ineffective airway clearance and ineffective breathing pattern in patients under mechanical ventilation; to verify whether intubation time and ventilatory modalities were related factors for respiratory nursing diagnoses; to verify the occurrence of shared signs and symptoms in the diagnoses and compare them with North American Nursing Diagnosis Association's proposition and to ascertain whether respiratory nursing diagnoses occur in isolated or associated patterns.

Background.  The need for mechanical ventilation is common in several patients admitted to intensive care units. Therefore, critical care nurses should identify the respiratory nursing diagnoses of high incidence.

Design and methods.  Descriptive observational study, with 177 evaluations of surgical and medical critically ill adult patients undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation. The study adopted Fehring's Modified Clinical Diagnostic Validity Model, with a suggested alteration.

Results.  The critical signs and symptoms were the same as proposed by North American Nursing Diagnosis Association, when the diagnoses were separately identified, although no particular sign and symptom was found for ineffective breathing pattern. Impaired gas exchange and ineffective airway clearance were identified as having 88 (49·7%) evaluations sharing the critical signs and symptoms. Intubation time and ventilation modality were related factors for the development of ineffective airway clearance and ineffective breathing pattern.

Conclusion.  The critical signs and symptoms of impaired gas exchange were abnormal blood gases and hypoxemia. For ineffective airway clearance, they were rhonchi and decreased breath sounds. No highlights were found for ineffective breathing pattern signs and symptoms. Validation by experts has confirmed these findings. The interface between ineffective airway clearance and impaired gas exchange was confirmed by the presence of the shared critical signs and symptoms.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Studies like this are relevant to clinical practice because they evaluate the adequacy of Taxonomy II for patients under mechanical ventilation in clinical practice, thus allowing for the intensive care nurses to go from one mechanical and routine practice to a critical, reflexive practice, committed to professional progress.
The challenges for nurses communicating with and gaining valid consent from adults with intellectual disabilities within the accident and emergency care service
Authors: Sowney Margaret , Barr Owen
Published: June 2007

Aim.  This paper reports the challenges experienced by nurses within accident and emergency departments in communicating with and gaining valid consent from adults with intellectual disabilities.

Background.  Consent is both a legal requirement and an ethical principle required to be obtained by health‐care professionals, prior to the start of any examination, treatment and/or care. Central to the process of seeking consent is effective communication. However, evidence shows that people with intellectual disabilities are not viewed by professionals within acute general hospitals as a vital source of information, neither are they often communicated with directly, nor involved in discussions or decisions about their health care and are frequently not directly asked for their consent.

Method.  A purposive sample of nurses working within the accident and emergency departments of five general hospitals was recruited to participate in this qualitative study. Data were collected from five focus groups.

Findings.  Effective communication was identified as the most challenging aspect in caring for adults with intellectual disabilities within this environment, having an impact on the assessment of needs, informing patients of their health status and seeking valid consent.

Conclusions.  Fundamental to the provision of quality care are the concepts communication, choice and control. However, these issues are perceived to be more challenging in the provision of health care to people with intellectual disabilities. Communication and consent, therefore, require further consideration within the educational and clinical areas to strengthen nurses’ competence in caring for people with intellectual disabilities, with an emphasis and understanding that choice and control are key principles for all people, being central aspects to the provision of an inclusive service for people with intellectual disabilities.

Relevance to clinical practice.  All nurses need to have a greater awareness of learning disability, how to increase opportunities for effective communication and be very familiar with the issue and guidelines relating to consent, to ensure that people with learning disabilities have choice, control and are more active in decision making regarding their health.
Transcriptional coordination of the biogenesis of the oxidative phosphorylation machinery in plants
Authors: Gonzalez Daniel H. , Welchen Elina , Attallah Carolina V. , Comelli Raúl N. , Mufarrege Eduardo F.
Published: June 2007

Publicly available microarray experiments were used to analyze Arabidopsis thaliana genes whose expression is correlated with that of nuclear genes encoding components of the oxidative phosphorylation machinery (OxPhos genes). This analysis indicated the existence of coordination in the expression of genes encoding components of the five respiratory complexes. For these genes, preferential expression was observed in anthers and roots, especially in the elongation zone, while reduced or very low relative expression was evident in leaves and mature pollen grains. A global induction of OxPhos genes by carbohydrates, photo‐destruction of chloroplasts, inhibition of cellulose synthesis, release from dormancy and germination, among other conditions, was also observed. Cluster analysis of the response of Arabidopsis genes to a set of 15 treatments allowed the identification of DNA motifs, known as site II, that are frequently present in the upstream regions of genes with responses like those of OxPhos genes. Mutagenic analysis of site II motifs in several genes encoding respiratory chain components showed that they actively participate in transcription of these genes. We conclude that an important number of nuclear genes encoding components of the five respiratory complexes show coordinated expression under various circumstances, and that site II elements and the putative proteins that interact with them are, together with as yet unidentified factors, important actors in this coordinated response.
Attenuation of the hypersensitive response by an ATPase associated with various cellular activities (AAA) protein through suppression of a small GTPase, ADP ribosylation factor, in tobacco plants
Authors: Lee Mi‐Hyun , Sano Hiroshi
Published: June 2007

ATPase associated with various cellular activities (AAA) proteins are commonly distributed among eukaryotes, and are involved in a multitude of cellular functions. NtAAA1 is one such example, being involved in pathogen response in tobacco plants. When its activity was suppressed in RNAi transgenic tobacco plants, an elevated resistance to the pathogenic bacteriumPseudomonas syringaewas observed in comparison with the wild type. As AAA proteins function through interaction with specific partners, NtAAA1‐interacting proteins were screened by the yeast two‐hybrid assay, and one particular gene encoding a small GTPase, an ADP ribosylation factor, was identified and designated as NtARF. Its specific binding to NtAAA1 was confirmed byin vitropull‐down assay, and their interaction was predominant between active forms of NtARF and NtAAA1, each bound to GTP and ATP, respectively. Their physical interactionin vivoaround the plasma membrane was shown by fluorescence resonance energy transfer assays, suggesting their role in membrane trafficking. Transgenic tobacco plants constitutively expressingNtARFunder the control of a cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter exhibited spontaneous and wound‐induced lesion formation, and enhanced resistance to pathogen attack. Expression ofNtAAA1in leaves of NtARF transgenic plants attenuated lesion and suppressed pathogen resistance. In wild‐type tobacco plants, transcripts ofNtAAA1andNtARFcould be induced by ethylene and salicylic acid, respectively. These results suggest that NtAAA1 balances plant resistance through suppression of NtARF, and that the molecular basis for the known antagonistic actions of ethylene and salicylic acid in defense response could be partly attributable to these two proteins.
Efficiency and role of loss processes in light‐driven water oxidation by PSII
Authors: Grabolle Markus , Dau Holger
Published: June 2007

Its superior quantum efficiency renders PSII a model for biomimetic systems. However, also in biological water oxidation by PSII, the efficiency is restricted by recombination losses. By laser‐flash illumination, the secondary radical pair, P680+Q−A (where P680 is the primary Chl donor in PSII and QA, primary quinone acceptor of PSII), was formed in close to 100% of the PSII. Investigation of the quantum efficiency (or yield) of the subsequent steps by time‐resolved delayed (10 μs to 60 ms) and prompt (70 μs to 700 ms) Chl fluorescence measurements on PSII membrane particles suggests that (1) the effective rate for P680+ Q−A recombination is approximately 5 ms−1 with an activation energy of approximately 0.34 eV, circumstantially confirming dominating losses by reformation of the primary radical pair followed by ground‐state recombination. (2) Because of compensatory influences on recombination and forward reactions, the efficiency is only weakly temperature dependent. (3) Recombination losses are several‐fold enhanced at lower pH. (4) Calculation based on delayed‐fluorescence data suggests that the losses depend on the state of the water‐oxidizing manganese complex, being low in the S0→S1 and S1→S2 transition, clearly higher in S2→S3 and S3→S4⇒S0. (5) For the used artificial electron acceptor, the efficiency is limited by acceptor‐side processes/S‐state decay at high/low photon‐absorption rates resulting in optimal efficiency at surprisingly low rates of approximately 0.15–15 photons s−1 (per PSII). The pH and S‐state dependence can be rationalized by the basic model of alternate electron‐proton removal proposed elsewhere. A physiological function of the recombination losses could be limitation of the lifetime of the reactive donor‐side tyrosine radical (Y·Z) in the case of low‐pH blockage of water oxidation.
BpMADS4 has a central role in inflorescence initiation in silver birch (Betula pendula)
Authors: Elo Annakaisa , Lemmetyinen Juha , Novak Anu , Keinonen Kaija , Porali Ilkka , Hassinen Minna , Sopanen Tuomas
Published: June 2007

Acceleration of flowering would be beneficial for breeding trees with a long juvenile phase; conversely, inhibition of flowering would prevent the spread of transgenes from the genetically modified trees. We have previously isolated and characterized several MADS genes from silver birch (Betula pendula Roth). In this study, we investigated the more detailed function of one of them, BpMADS4, a member of the APETALA1/FRUITFULL group of MADS genes. The expression of BpMADS4 starts at very early stage of the male and female inflorescence development and the activity is high in the apex of the developing inflorescence. Later, some expression is detected in the bracts and in the flower initials. Ectopic expression of BpMADS4 accelerates flowering dramatically in normally flowering clones and also in the early‐flowering birch clone, in which the earliest line flowered about 11 days after rooting, when the saplings were only 3 cm high. The birches transformed with the BpMADS4 antisense construct showed remarkable delay in flowering and the number of flowering individuals was reduced. Two of the transformed lines did not show any signs of flower development during our 2‐year study, whereas all the control plants formed inflorescences within 107 days. Our results show that BpMADS4 has a critical role in the initiation of birch inflorescence development and that BpMADS4 seems to be involved in the transition from vegetative to reproductive development. Therefore, BpMADS4 provides a promising tool for the genetic enhancement of forest trees.
Effects of climate warming and species richness on photochemistry of grasslands
Authors: Gielen Birgit , Naudts Kim , D’Haese David , Lemmens Catherine M. H. M. , De Boeck Hans J. , Biebaut Eddy , Serneels Roger , Valcke Roland , Nijs Ivan , Ceulemans Reinhart
Published: June 2007

In view of the projected climatic changes and the global decrease in plant species diversity, it is critical to understand the effects of elevated air temperature (Tair) and species richness (S) on physiological processes in plant communities. Therefore, an experiment of artificially assembled grassland ecosystems, with different S (one, three or nine species), growing in sunlit climate‐controlled chambers at ambient Tair and ambient Tair + 3°C was established. We investigated whether grassland species would be more affected by midday high‐temperature stress during summer in a warmer climate scenario. The effect of elevated Tair was expected to differ with S. This was tested in the second and third experimental years by means of chlorophyll a fluorescence. Because acclimation to elevated Tair would affect the plant’s stress response, the hypothesis of photosynthetic acclimation to elevated Tair was tested in the third year by gas exchange measurements in the monocultures. Plants in the elevated Tair chambers suffered more from midday stress on warm summer days than those in ambient chambers. In absence of severe drought, the quantum yield of PSII was not affected by elevated Tair. Our results further indicate that species had not photosynthetically acclimated to a temperature increase of 3°C after 3 years exposure to a warmer climate. Although effects of S and Tair × S interactions were mostly not significant in our study, we expect that combined effects of Tair and S would be important in conditions of severe drought events.
A place to play: Socioeconomic and spatial factors in children's physical activity
Authors: Ziviani Jenny , Wadley David , Ward Heather , Macdonald Doune , Jenkins David , Rodger Sylvia
Published: June 2007

Background and aims:  Concerns about physical inactivity in children and growing levels of obesity are expressed by politicians, health economists and those involved with the health and well‐being of children. As this has the potential to be a major health issue, the aim of this investigation was to explore any contributing socioenvironmental considerations.

Methods and results:  Census‐matched survey data were analysed from 318 parents of 6‐ to 7‐year‐old children, revealing that family socioeconomic status (SES) influenced the places where children engaged in physical activity. Children from low SES backgrounds spent significantly more time playing close to their homes, and their families were less able to afford access to commercial physical‐activity facilities, than those from middle and high SES families. Although neighbourhood‐based activities are generally associated with more spontaneous free play, such activities may not provide the same opportunities for supervision and physical skill building available through commercial‐based activities.

Conclusions:  Given that access to ‘enriching’ physical‐activity spaces may be limited by the capacity to pay, these findings have implications for professionals such as occupational therapists who can take on a role in advocating for equity in access and promotion of a more engaging urban design. Dialogue with urban planners is central to this process.
Queensland extended care services for people with severe mental illness and the role of occupational therapy
Authors: Munro Jane , Palmada Michelle , Russell Anneliese , Taylor Penny , Heir Bradley , McKay Jan , Lloyd Chris
Published: June 2007

Background:  People with serious mental illness in Queensland who require extended rehabilitation may be treated in extended inpatient mental health services. Two of these extended inpatient services, hospital and community‐based ‘Extended Treatment and Rehabilitation Units (ETRUs) and Community Care Units (CCUs)’, are described, including the aims, objectives, philosophy and service delivery.

Methods:  A quality project involving occupational therapists working in these settings, as well as a consumer and carer, provides different perspectives concerning these relatively new health services in Queensland.

Results:  Two main occupational therapy roles were identified: case management and occupational therapy‐specific roles (including assessment and intervention). The consumer and carer perspective is also presented.

Conclusion:  These services provide a positive option for people with high levels of functional disability as a result of mental illness and also for their carers. They provide environments with many exciting opportunities and challenges for occupational therapists working in mental health.
The concurrent validity of the 3‐day Physical Activity Recall questionnaire administered to female adolescents aged 12–14 years
Authors: Stanley Rebecca , Boshoff Kobie , Dollman Jim
Published: June 2007

Aim:  This pilot study was conducted as part of an honours project and aimed to provide evidence of validity for the 3‐day Physical Activity Recall (3dPAR) questionnaire in a sample of female adolescents aged 12–14 years (N = 20) for use by occupational therapists to assess adolescents’ physical activity.

Methods:  Participants wore a Computer Science and Applications 7164 accelerometer for seven consecutive days and completed the 3dPAR questionnaire after the recording period.

Results:  A significant correlation was found between self‐reported total metabolic equivalents and accelerometer total counts for 3 days (r = 0.630, P < 0.01) and self‐reported vigorous physical activity and accelerometer minutes of vigorous physical activity for the 7 days (r = 0.568, P < 0.01) and corresponding 3 days (r = 0.493, P < 0.05) of monitoring.

Conclusions:  A validity coefficient has been established for the 3dPAR questionnaire when measuring total and vigorous physical activity in females aged 12–14 years over a 3‐day period. It is anticipated that this study will assist in familiarising the occupational therapy field with the 3dPAR questionnaire as a potential self‐report tool to assess and explore the complexity of adolescents’ physical activity.
The Four‐Quadrant Model of Facilitated Learning (Part 1): Using teaching–learning approaches in occupational therapy
Authors: Greber Craig , Ziviani Jenny , Rodger Sylvia
Published: June 2007

Occupational therapists routinely use teaching–learning approaches to support clients in their acquisition of skills supporting occupational performance goals. This paper is the first of a two‐part presentation that positions teaching–learning in occupational therapy through a discussion of the Four‐Quadrant Model of Facilitated Learning (4QM). The 4QM provides a means of informing clinical reasoning when using teaching–learning approaches in occupational therapy. Although developed to actualise teaching–learning approaches with children, it has the potential to be applied more broadly. This first paper explores the relationship between occupational therapy principles and the use of teaching–learning approaches. It draws on current literature to understand the use of learning strategies as therapeutic tools. In this context, the 4QM is presented as a way of organising occupational therapy intervention when a teaching–learning approach is used.
Expression of apoptosis regulators in germinal centers and germinal center‐derived B‐cell lymphomas: Insight into B‐cell lymphomagenesis
Authors: Kondo Eisaku , Yoshino Tadashi
Published: June 2007

Germinal centers (GC) are unique sites in peripheral lymphoid tissue where clonal selection of B cells takes place in response to stimulation by various antigens. To select a proper B‐cell clone for antibody‐mediated immunity, multiple apoptotic signals synchronize in the GC, both in negative and positive selection pathways. At the same time, GC have been known to be a major source of B‐cell lymphomas including follicular and Burkitt's, and also some diffuse large B‐cell lymphomas. Therefore, uncovering the biological characteristics of GC would greatly contribute to understanding lymphomagenesis, or progression of B‐cell lymphomas of GC origin. Herein the authors briefly explain the expression and pathophysiological significance of apoptosis regulators in GC, focusing particularly on Bcl‐2, Fas (CD95) and a transcription factor, nuclear factor of activated T cells, which seems to play a critical role in regulating cellular dynamics of GC B cells via B‐cell antigen receptor. The expression of these molecules is then compared with that of the neoplastic counterpart B‐cell lymphomas in order to consider lymphomagenesis of GC origin. In conclusion, follicular lymphoma closely reflected characteristics of GC among these B‐cell lymphomas, although it acquires strong expression of apoptosis‐resistant gene, bcl‐2.
Role of translational research advancing the understanding of the pathogenesis of light chain‐mediated glomerulopathies
Authors: Teng Jiamin , Turbat‐Herrera Elba A. , Herrera Guillermo A.
Published: June 2007

Glomerulopathic light chains engage in pathological interactions with mesangial cells resulting in alterations in glomerular homeostasis. The crucial pathological events are centered in the mesangium and, therefore, research dealing with pathogenesis of these disorders is focused on this glomerular compartment. Particular physicochemical characteristics of these light chains are responsible for their ability to alter mesangial milieu leading to glomerular damage. An in vitro model has been used to dissect the processes involved. This model has been instrumental in providing a solid platform from which to observe in a dynamic fashion how mesangial cells handle pathogenic light chains and the sequential steps that are involved in the progressive glomerular damage. Key steps amenable to possible modulation have been defined and should provide a solid platform to design and test therapeutic interventions. In the past significant difficulties have been encountered in the development of animal models of light chain‐induced glomerular damage. However, in the last few years a new generation of animal models has emerged to address whether what has been documented in vitro retains significance in vivo. Preliminary observations appear to substantiate this.
Blockade of interferon‐γ‐inducible protein‐10 attenuates chronic experimental colitis by blocking cellular trafficking and protecting intestinal epithelial cells
Authors: Suzuki Kenji , Kawauchi Yusuke , Palaniyandi Suresh S. , Veeraveedu Punniyakoti T. , Fujii Masato , Yamagiwa Satoshi , Yoneyama Hiroyuki , Han Gi Dong , Kawachi Hiroshi , Okada Yoshiaki , Ajioka Yoichi , Watanabe Kenichi , Hosono Masamichi , Asakura Hitoshi , Aoyagi Yutaka , Narumi Shosaku
Published: June 2007

The role of chemokines, especially CXCL10/interferon‐γ‐inducible protein 10 kDa (IP‐10), a chemokine to attract CXCR3+ T‐helper 1‐type CD4+ T cells, is largely unknown in the pathophysiology of inflammatory bowel disease; ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. The authors have earlier shown that IP‐10 neutralization protected mice from acute colitis by protecting crypt epithelial cells of the colon. To investigate the therapeutic effect of neutralization of IP‐10 on chronic colitis, an anti‐IP‐10 antibody was injected into mice with newly established murine AIDS (MAIDS) colitis. Anti‐IP‐10 antibody treatment reduced the number of colon infiltrating cells when compared to those mice given a control antibody. The treatment made the length of the crypt of the colon greater than control antibody. The number of Ki67+ proliferating epithelial cells was increased by the anti‐IP‐10 antibody treatment. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP nick‐end labeling (TUNEL)+ apoptotic cells were observed in the epithelial cells of the luminal tops of crypts in control MAIDS colitis, whereas TUNEL+ apoptotic epithelial cells were rarely observed with anti‐IP‐10 antibody treatment. In conclusion, blockade of IP‐10 attenuated MAIDS colitis through blocking cellular trafficking and protecting intestinal epithelial cells, suggesting that IP‐10 plays a key role in the development of inflammatory bowel disease as well as in chronic experimental colitis.
Amplification of c‐myc and cyclin D1 genes in primary and metastatic carcinomas of the liver
Authors: Takahashi Yoshihisa , Kawate Susumu , Watanabe Masato , Fukushima Jun‐ichi , Mori Shigeo , Fukusato Toshio
Published: June 2007

The c‐myc and cyclin D1 genes are included among the oncogenes the amplifications of which have been detected in cancers of various organs. However, there have been few reports on the amplification of both these genes in primary and metastatic liver carcinomas. In the present study, c‐myc and cyclin D1 gene amplification was examined in 76 primary and metastatic liver carcinomas using formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissue sections and a differential polymerase chain reaction procedure. c‐myc and cyclin D1 gene amplification was detected in 15 (33%) and two (4%) of 46 hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC), one (10%) and 0 (0%) of 10 intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas (ICC), one (33%) and 0 (0%) of three combined hepatocellular and cholangiocarcinomas (HCC + ICC), and nine (56%) and three (19%) of 16 metastatic lesions to the liver from colorectal adenocarcinoma (MCA), respectively. The incidence of c‐myc amplification was significantly higher in MCA than in ICC (P = 0.023), and it tended to be higher in HCC than in ICC. These results indicate that the amplification of the c‐myc proto‐oncogene is not unusual in HCC and MCA, and its detection may have a useful diagnostic significance in differentiating ICC from MCA or HCC from ICC.
Minute scirrhous hepatocellular carcinomas undergoing different carcinogenetic processes
Authors: Fujii Takahiko , Zen Yoh , Nakanuma Yasuni
Published: June 2007

Scirrhous hepatocellular carcinoma (scirrhous HCC) is a rare histological subtype of HCC characterized by marked fibrosis along the sinusoid spaces. Carcinogenetic processes and pathological features at earlier stages of scirrhous HCC remain unclarified. In the present report two cases of minute scirrhous HCC suggesting different carcinogenesis, are described. The first case involved a 54‐year‐old man with liver cirrhosis related to HCV infection. This patient died of ruptured splenic aneurysm. At autopsy a hepatic tumor measuring 1.8 cm was found, and this tumor had a nodule‐in‐nodule appearance. Histologically, the inner part of the tumor was well‐differentiated HCC with prominent collagen fiber deposition along the sinusoids (scirrhous HCC), whereas the outer part was a high‐grade dysplastic nodule. The other patient was a 75‐year‐old woman who died of hepatic failure due to liver cirrhosis probably related to non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis. At autopsy a hepatic tumor (1.2 cm in diameter) was incidentally found in the cirrhotic liver, and was histologically scirrhous HCC without dysplastic nodule elements. Carcinoma cells proliferated along the cirrhotic fibrous septa and replaced regenerative nodules. These two cases suggested that scirrhous HCC could occur in dysplastic nodules (the former case) and also develop de novo in cirrhotic liver (the latter case).
Diffuse fatty infiltration in amyloid goiter
Authors: Himmetoglu Cigdem , Yamak Seda , Tezel Gaye Guler
Published: June 2007

Presented herein is a case of diffuse fatty infiltration of amyloid goiter in a 58‐year‐old woman with chronic renal failure. Bilateral total thyroidectomy was performed due to symptoms of dysphagia and hoarseness. Macroscopic and microscopic examination showed that almost all thyroid follicles were replaced by fat cells. Hyalinized stroma intervening the fatty infiltration was shown to harbor amyloid deposition.
Benign glandular inclusion in obturator lymph node of a man treated for prostate carcinoma
Authors: Moreira Leite Katia Ramos , Sarkis Alvaro Sadek , Camara‐Lopes Luiz Heraldo
Published: June 2007

Benign glandular inclusions in lymph nodes are extremely rare in men. Their identification is essential because it changes dramatically the prognosis and therapy of neoplasms. Described herein is the first case of benign glandular inclusion in an obturator lymph node dissected during a radical prostatectomy for treatment of prostate adenocarcinoma. A 60‐year‐old man underwent radical prostatectomy and obturator–hypogastric lymph node dissection for treatment of prostate adenocarcinoma. Benign glandular inclusion was found in microscopic examination. The lesion was characterized by two glandular spaces lined by a single, cuboid, benign epithelium localized in the sinus of one of four dissected lymph nodes. Immunohistochemistry showed mesothelial differentiation. Pathologists should be aware of benign glandular inclusion in obturator lymph nodes dissected during a radical prostatectomy for treatment of prostate cancer in order to avoid the incorrect diagnosis of metastatic disease.
Polymorphisms of interleukin‐10 and tumour necrosis factor‐α genes are associated with newly diagnosed and recurrent pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: OH Jae‐Hee , YANG Chul‐Su , NOH Yeon‐Kyeong , KWEON Yu‐Mi , JUNG Sung‐Soo , SON Ji Woong , KONG Suck‐Jun , YOON Jang Uk , LEE Ji‐Sook , KIM Hwa‐Jung , PARK Jeong‐Kyu , JO Eun‐Kyeong , SONG Chang‐Hwa
Published: June 2007

Background and objectives:  The genetic determinants for developing TB or having recurrent TB are unknown. The present study investigated the relationship between susceptibility to tuberculosis and human tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and interleukin‐10 genes (IL‐10).

Methods:  A case–control study was conducted using two groups of cases—newly diagnosed TB (N‐TB) and recurrent TB (R‐TB)—and a control group.

Results:  One hundred and seventeen healthy controls, 80 newly diagnosed TB patients and 65 patients with recurrent TB were enrolled. There was no significant difference in the TNF‐α−308 G/A genotype between the TB patient groups and the controls. The IL‐10 −1082A alleles were markedly over‐represented among the TB patient groups compared with the control subjects, however, there was no significant difference in the IL‐10 genotype frequency between the N‐TB and R‐TB patient groups.

Conclusion:  The −1082A allele of the IL‐10 gene may be important in determining susceptibility to TB, however, the −308 allele of the TNF‐α gene does not affect differential TB susceptibility.
Efficacy and safety of inhaled ciclesonide compared with chlorofluorocarbon beclomethasone dipropionate in adults with moderate to severe persistent asthma*
Authors: ADACHI Mitsuru , ISHIHARA Kyosuke , INOUE Hiroshi , KUDO Koichiro , TAKAHASHI Kiyoshi , MORITA Yutaka , MASUDA Ken‐Ichi , SAKAI Tomoki , KATO Ryuichi , MIYAMOTO Terumasa
Published: June 2007

Background and objective:  Inhaled corticosteroids are recognized as first‐line therapy in the management of asthma; however, their use may be limited by systemic and local side‐effects. Ciclesonide, a novel pro‐drug inhaled corticosteroid, is activated in the lungs and is expected to have less systemic and local side‐effects. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of ciclesonide in hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) compared with beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) in a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) formulation in adult patients with moderate to severe asthma.

Methods:  This was a multicentre, randomized, open‐label, parallel‐group comparative study. The patients were given 800 μg/day of CFC‐BDP in the four‐week baseline period. After the baseline period, 319 patients were randomly allocated into three groups which, respectively, received HFA‐ciclesonide 400 μg/day (without a spacer), HFA‐ciclesonide 800 μg/day (without spacer) and CFC‐BDP 800 μg/day (with spacer) for the eight‐week treatment period. The primary efficacy variable was morning PEF.

Results:  The morning PEF increased by 16.02 L/min in the 400 μg HFA‐ciclesonide group, 23.98 L/min in the 800 μg HFA‐ciclesonide group and 5.91 L/min in the 800 μg CFC‐BDP group. Better outcomes were achieved by the use of 800 μg/day of HFA‐ciclesonide compared with 800 μg/day of CFC‐BDP (P = 0.001). There was no difference in adverse events between the groups.

Conclusion:  In adult patients with moderate to severe asthma, 800 μg/day of HFA‐ciclesonide was significantly more effective than 800 μg/day of CFC‐BDP. Ciclesonide at doses of 400 μg/day and 800 μg/day was safe and well tolerated.
Consensus weightings of evidence for inferring breeding success in broad‐scale bird studies
Authors: Mac NALLY RALPH
Published: June 2007

Abstract  Ideally, one seeks to assess landscapes for their capacity to sustain viable populations of all local species. This applies to much‐affected landscapes and also to restored landscapes. In most circumstances, it is prohibitive to conduct full demographic and dispersal studies of many species of birds (or other taxa) at many sites, which typifies many conservation problems. Here I report upon outcomes of elicitations of views of expert ornithologists on how they would weight a range of breeding behaviours and evidence for success of breeding in remnants or replanted sites. Such consensus results potentially could be used by workers to assess how alternative conservation and management actions affect breeding success. While the data are tailored specifically to Australian woodland birds, the method can be adapted easily for other taxa and habitats. I also summarize some of the experts' main caveats on weightings.
Making monitoring meaningful
Authors: FIELD SCOTT A. , O'CONNOR PATRICK J. , TYRE ANDREW J. , POSSINGHAM HUGH P.
Published: June 2007

Abstract  Conservation monitoring in Australia has assumed increasing importance in recent years, as societal pressure to actively manage environmental problems has risen. More resources than ever before are being channelled to the task of documenting environmental change. Yet the field remains crippled by a pervasive lack of rigour in analysing, reporting and responding to the results of data collected. Millions of dollars are currently being wasted on monitoring programmes that have no realistic chance of detecting changes in the variables of interest. This is partly because detecting change in ecological systems is a genuinely difficult technical and logistical challenge. However, the failure to plan, fund and execute sophisticated analyses of monitoring data and then to use the results to improve monitoring methods, can also be attributed to the failure of professional ecologists, conservation practitioners and bureaucrats to work effectively together. In this paper, we offer constructive advice about how all parties involved can help to change this situation. We use three case studies of recent monitoring projects from our own experience to illustrate ways in which the disconnect between science and bureaucracy can be bridged and some obstacles to collecting and analysing ecologically meaningful data sets can be overcome. We urge a continuing discussion on this issue and hope to stimulate a change in the culture of conservation monitoring in Australia.
Morphological and phenological differences in Nothofagus pumilio from contrasting elevations: Evidence from a common garden
Authors: PREMOLI ANDREA C. , RAFFAELE ESTELA , MATHIASEN PAULA
Published: June 2007

Abstract  We tested the hypothesis that contrasting elevations select distinct growth patterns and vegetative phenology in Nothofagus pumilio, a winter deciduous tree that dominates mountain forests of Patagonia. Analysis of saplings maintained under common‐garden conditions for 4 years showed a significant decrease in shoot annual growth, leaf size, and a delay in bud‐break, and leaf expansion with increased elevation of their site of origin. Rapid gain in height seems to be advantageous at low elevation in such light‐demanding species. Lower stature high‐elevation plants have wider branching angles and greater branching ratios (number of branches/number of internodes) than low‐elevation plants. Compact growth at high elevation may be related to strong winds and irradiance. Plants from different elevations had distinct growth patterns during the common‐garden experiment. This could be of importance in Mediterranean‐climate areas characterized by highly unpredictable precipitation regimes. Also, liberation of growth‐suppressed seedlings may follow different environmental signals in low‐ and high‐habitats, which might explain such time‐dependent responses to optimal conditions under cultivation. While these greenhouse‐grown N. pumilio saplings showed heritable differences in plant architectural traits and leafing phenology, it was not clear how the genotypes characteristic of particular elevations would respond to longer growing seasons such as those predicted under global warming.
Evaluating the role of the dingo as a trophic regulator in Australian ecosystems
Authors: GLEN A. S. , DICKMAN C. R. , SOULÉ M. E. , MACKEY B. G.
Published: June 2007

Abstract  The importance of strongly interactive predators has been demonstrated in many ecosystems, and the maintenance or restoration of species interactions is a major priority in the global conservation of biodiversity. By limiting populations of prey and/or competitors, apex predators can increase the diversity of systems, often exerting influences that cascade through several trophic levels. In Australia, emerging evidence points increasingly towards the dingo (Canis lupus dingo) as a strongly interactive species that has profound effects on ecosystem function. Through predatory and competitive effects, dingoes can alter the abundance and function of mesopredators including the introduced red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and feral cat (Felis catus), and herbivores including the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). These effects often benefit populations of native prey, and diversity and biomass of vegetation, but may not occur under all circumstances. For example, the social structure of dingoes is of great importance; a pack subject to minimal human interference regulates its own numbers, and such packs appear to have fewer undesirable impacts such as predation on livestock. Despite abundant observational evidence that the dingo is a strong interactor, there have been few attempts to test its ecological role experimentally. Given the well‐recognized importance of species interactions to ecosystem function, it is imperative that such experiments be carried out. To do this, we propose three broad questions: (i) do dingoes limit the abundance of other predators or prey? (ii) do dingoes affect the ecological relationships of other predators or prey (e.g. by altering their spatial or temporal activity patterns)? and (iii) does the removal or reintroduction of dingoes entrain ecological cascades? Finally, we discuss the design of appropriate experiments, using principles that may also be applied to investigate species interactions on other continents. Research might seek to clarify not only the impacts of dingoes at all trophic levels, but also the mechanisms by which these impacts occur.