bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cardiac performance during exercise in patients with Fabry's disease
Authors: Spinelli L. , Nicolai E. , Acampa W. , Imbriaco M. , Pisani A. , Rao M. A. E. , Scopacasa F. , Cianciaruso B. , De Luca N. , Cuocolo A.
Published: November 2008

Background  Fatigability and dyspnoea on effort are present in many patients with Fabry's disease. We assessed the determinants of cardiac performance during exercise in patients with Fabry's disease and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction at rest.

Materials and methods  Sixteen patients with Fabry's disease and 16 control subjects underwent radionuclide angiography at rest and during exercise, tissue Doppler echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging at rest.

Results  The exercise‐induced change in stroke volume was +25 ± 14% in controls and +5·8 ± 19% in patients with Fabry's disease (P < 0·001). In 10 patients (group 1), the stroke volume increased (+19 ± 10%), and in 6 patients (group 2) it decreased (–16 ± 9%) with exercise. Patients of group 2 were older, had worse renal function, higher left ventricular mass and impaired diastolic function compared to group 1. The abnormal stroke volume response to exercise in group 2 was associated with a decrease in end‐diastolic volume (P < 0·001) and a lack of reduction of end‐systolic volume (P < 0·01) compared with both controls and group 1. The ratio of peak early‐diastolic velocity from mitral filling to peak early‐diastolic mitral annulus velocity was the only independent predictor of exercise‐induced change in stroke volume (B –0·44; SE 0·119; β–0·70; P < 0·005).

Conclusions  The majority of patients with Fabry's disease were able to augment stroke volume during exercise by increasing end‐diastolic volume, whereas patients with more advanced cardiac involvement may experience the inability to increase cardiac output by the Frank Starling mechanism.
Dissolved organic carbon and nitrogen dynamics in temperate coniferous forest plantations
Authors: Jones D. L. , Hughes L. T , Murphy D. V. , Healey J. R.
Published: November 2008

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) plays a central role in driving many chemical and biological processes in soil; however, our understanding of the fluxes and composition of the DOM pool still remains unclear. In this study we investigated the composition and dynamics of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and nitrogen (DON) in five temperate coniferous forests. We subsequently related our findings to the inputs (litterfall, throughfall, atmospheric deposition) and outputs (leaching, respiration) of C and N from the forest and to plant available sources of N. With the exception of NO3−, most of the measured soil solution components (e.g. DOC, DON, NH4+, free amino acids, total phenolics and proteins) progressively declined in concentration with soil depth, particularly in the organic horizons. This decline correlated well with total microbial activity within the soil profile. We calculated that the amount of C lost by soil respiration each day was equivalent to 70% of the DOC pool and 0.06% of the total soil C. The rapid rate of amino acid mineralization and the domination of the low molecular weight soluble N pool by inorganic N suggest that the microbial community is C‐ rather than N‐limited and that C‐limitation increases with soil depth. Further, our results suggest that the forest stands were not N‐limited and were probably more reliant on inorganic N as a primary N source rather than DON. In conclusion, our results show that the size of the DON and DOC pools are small relative to both the amount of C and N passing through the soil each year and the total C and N present in the soil. In addition, high rates of atmospheric N deposition in these forests may have removed competition for N resources between the plant and microbial communities.
Vegetative growth and development of irrigated forage turnip (Brassica rapa var. rapa)
Authors: Neilsen J. E. , Rowe B. A. , Lane P. A.
Published: November 2008

Field and greenhouse experiments were conducted to identify visual markers and predictors of changes in the vegetative growth rate of forage turnip (Brassica rapa var. rapa) as a potential tool to improve the timing of inputs of N and irrigation to periods of maximum demand. The onset of root expansion, which was associated with a colour change and the death of cotyledons, was identified as a critical marker for the beginning of the rapid growth of the crop and the accumulation of starch in the storage root but indicators of subsequent changes in vegetative growth rate were not identifiable. The results suggested that management inputs can be more readily targeted to the beginning of the exponential growth phase but targeting of later vegetative growth stages will remain arbitrary. The vegetative growth and development of the crop was also studied to elucidate the process of leaf emergence and senescence (turnover) as they affected both leaf and root yield. The sequential senescence of leaves, which began immediately after cotyledon death, and translocation of carbohydrate to the storage root, coupled with high leaf area index (LAI), probably account for the high growth rates of 220 kg ha−1 day−1 maintained for periods of 10 weeks after the onset of root expansion. High yields can be expected if high LAI is maintained by ensuring that leaf emergence rates are not limited by nutrient or water deficiencies and leaves are protected from insect pests. Forage turnip is particularly robust because new leaf continues to emerge as older and damaged leaves senesce and carbohydrate is stored as starch in the storage root.
The effect of different legume‐based swards on intake and performance of grazing ruminants under Mediterranean and cool temperate conditions
Authors: Molle G. , Decandia M. , Sölter U. , Greef J. M. , Rochon J. J. , Sitzia M. , Hopkins A. , Rook A. J.
Published: November 2008

Intake and performance of sheep or cattle grazing legume‐based swards were assessed over 2 years at four locations in Europe with different climatic conditions: Sardinia (Italy), southern France, northern Germany and south‐west England (UK). Legume species were sown in mixtures with locally appropriate companion grass species. Standard legume species commonly used at the location (Medicago polymorpha in Italy, Medicago sativa in France, and Trifolium repens in Germany and UK) were compared with two alternative legume species characterized by different agronomic or nutritional characteristics. They were: Trifolium subterraneum and Hedysarum coronarium in Italy; Trifolium incarnatum and Onobrychis sativa in France; Trifolium pratense and Lotus corniculatus in Germany; and Trifolium ambiguum and L. corniculatus in the UK. Lactating milk sheep in Italy, non‐lactating ewes in southern France, growing cattle in Germany, and ewes and lambs in the UK were used in three replicates per treatment. Intake and performance of sheep and cattle in various treatments varied with location, year and period within year. In Germany, intake and performance by cattle were not affected by treatment. In contrast, at the other locations, sheep grazing standard or alternative legume species known to contain condensed tannins (sulla, sainfoin and birdsfoot trefoil) had higher proportions of legume and crude protein (CP) concentrations in the diet and higher CP intakes than those grazing the other alternative legume species. Sheep performance paralleled these results. It is concluded that there is potential for a greater use of alternative legume species, at least for sheep‐grazing systems, in both the Mediterranean and cool temperate zones of Europe.
CD4+ CD25high Foxp3+ regulatory T cells downregulate human Vδ2+ T‐lymphocyte function triggered by anti‐CD3 or phosphoantigen
Authors: Mahan C. Scott , Thomas Jeremy J. , Boom W. Henry , Rojas Roxana E.
Published: November 2008

Vδ2+ T cells, the major circulating T‐cell receptor‐γδ‐positive (TCR‐γδ+) T‐cell subset in healthy adults, are involved in immunity against many microbial pathogens including Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Vδ2+ T cells recognize small phosphorylated metabolites (phosphoantigens), expand in response to whole M. tuberculosis bacilli, and complement the protective functions of CD4+ T cells. CD4+ CD25high Foxp3+ T cells (Tregs) comprise 5–10% of circulating T cells and are increased in patients with active tuberculosis (TB). We investigated whether, in addition to their known role in suppressing TCR‐αβ+ lymphocytes, Tregs suppress Vδ2+ T‐cell function. We found that depletion of Tregs from peripheral blood mononuclear cells increased Vδ2+ T‐cell expansion in response to M. tuberculosis (H37Ra) in tuberculin‐skin‐test‐positive donors. We developed a suppression assay with fluorescence‐activated cell sorting‐purified Tregs and Vδ2+ T cells by coincubating the two cell types at a 1 : 1 ratio. The Tregs partially suppressed interferon‐γ secretion by Vδ2+ T cells in response to anti‐CD3 monoclonal antibody plus interleukin‐2 (IL‐2). In addition, Tregs downregulated the Vδ2+ T‐cell interferon‐γ responses induced by phosphoantigen (BrHPP) and IL‐2. Under the latter conditions there was no TCR stimulus for Tregs and therefore IL‐2 probably triggered suppressor activity. Addition of purified protein derivative (PPD) increased the suppression of Vδ2+ T cells, suggesting that PPD activated antigen‐specific Tregs. Our study provides evidence that Tregs suppress both anti‐CD3 and antigen‐driven Vδ2+ T‐cell activation. Antigen‐specific Tregs may therefore contribute to the Vδ2+ T‐cell functional deficiencies observed in TB.
Differential effects of tumour necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐12 on isopentenyl pyrophosphate‐stimulated interferon‐γ production by cord blood Vγ9 T cells
Authors: Campos Alberto Eduardo Jose , Shimojo Naoki , Aoyagi Masahiko , Kohno Yoichi
Published: November 2008

Lower numbers of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells in cord blood (CB) than in adult peripheral blood (PB), as well as their impaired ability to produce interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) in response to stimulation, are associated with functional deficiency in the immune system in newborns. In this study, we stimulated CB Vγ9 T cells with their T‐cell receptor‐specific ligand, isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP), plus exogenous costimulatory cytokines such as interleukin‐2 (IL‐2), IL‐12 and tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), which are known to play important roles in the activation of PB γδ T cells. Our data show that CB Vγ9 T cells are able to produce IFN‐γ at levels comparable to PB Vγ9 T cells by the addition of TNF‐α in the presence of IPP and IL‐2; however, under the same culture conditions, IL‐12 does not efficiently activate CB Vγ9 T cells to produce IFN‐γ. The frequency of TNF‐α receptor II‐positive Vγ9T cells and the expression levels of TNF‐α receptor II are similar in CB and PB; in contrast, the frequency of IL‐12 receptor βI (IL‐12RβI) ‐positive Vγ9T cells and expression levels of IL‐12RβI are significantly lower in CB than PB. TNF‐α but not IL‐12 increases the expression of IL‐2Rβ on CB Vγ9 T cells. These results provide new insights into the role of TNF‐α in the activation of CB Vγ9 T cells.
Induction of lymphotoxin‐α by interleukin‐12 p40 homodimer, the so‐called biologically inactive molecule, but not IL‐12 p70
Authors: Jana Malabendu , Pahan Kalipada
Published: November 2008

Interleukin‐12 (IL‐12) p70 (p40:p35) is a bioactive cytokine and its biological functions are becoming clear. On the other hand, the IL‐12 p40 homodimer (p402) was considered an inactive or inhibitory molecule and its functions are poorly understood. It has been reported that increased expression of lymphotoxin‐α (Lt‐α) in the central nervous system as well as in peripheral immune cells is associated with multiple sclerosis and experimental allergic encephalomyelitis. Here we describe that p402 induces the expression of Lt‐α in primary mouse and human microglia, BV‐2 microglial cells, splenic macrophages, RAW 264.7 cells and splenic T cells. Interestingly, IL‐12 p70 was either unable to induce Lt‐α or was a very weak inducer of Lt‐α in these cell types. Consistently, p402, but not p70, induced Lt‐α promoter‐driven luciferase activity in microglial cells. Among various stimuli tested, p402 emerged as the most potent followed by IL‐16, lipopolyaccharide and double‐stranded RNA in inducing the activation of Lt‐α promoter in microglial cells. Furthermore, an increase in Lt‐α messenger RNA expression by overexpression of p40, but not p35, complementary DNA and induction of Lt‐α expression by p402 in microglia isolated from IL‐12p35−/− mice confirm that p40, but not p35, is responsible for the induction of Lt‐α. Finally, by using primary microglia from IUL‐12 receptor β1 deficient (IL‐12Rβ1−/−) and IL‐12Rβ2−/− mice, we demonstrate that p402 induced the expression of Lt‐α in microglia and macrophages via IL‐12Rβ1, but not IL‐12Rβ2. These studies delineate a novel biological function of p402 that is absent in IL‐12.
Older people’s expectations regarding ageing, health‐promoting behaviour and health status
Authors: Kim Su Hyun
Published: November 2008

Title.  Older people’s expectations regarding ageing, health‐promoting behaviour and health status.

Aim.  This paper is a study to explore the influence of expectations regarding ageing on physical and mental health status, and to examine the mediating effects of health‐promoting behaviour on the relationship between these expectations and physical and mental health.

Background.  To achieve healthy ageing, it is necessary for older people to play an active role in maintaining good health. Without any expectations for healthy ageing among older people themselves, encouraging them to participate in health‐promoting behaviour and thereby to maintain good health would be unsuccessful.

Method.  A convenience sample of 99 community‐residing Korean older people was surveyed in 2007 via questionnaire using a short version of the Expectations Regarding Aging questionnaire, Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile II, and Medical Outcomes Study 12‐item short form.

Findings.  Having a higher expectation about ageing was associated with better physical and mental health, after adjusting for age, gender and education. Expectations about ageing were partially mediated through the health‐promoting behaviour that influenced physical and mental health.

Conclusion.  It may be necessary for nurses to make an effort to improve older people’s expectations about ageing to help them achieve good health. Nursing interventions to improve these expectations need to be used in conjunction with an emphasis on older people’s active involvement in health‐promoting behaviour.
Causes of depression: perceptions among people recovering from depression
Authors: Fu Chou‐Mei , Parahoo Kader
Published: November 2008

Title.  Causes of depression: perceptions among people recovering from depression.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to explore perceptions of the causes of depression among Taiwanese people recovering from depression.

Background.  Depression is a leading worldwide cause of disability. The prevalence of depression in general, and the incidence of suicide in particular, are causing concern in Taiwan. The suicide rate here has doubled in the last decade and the use of psychotic drugs has also increased. People’s perceptions of their condition determine when and how they access and utilize services.

Method.  A purposive sample of 40 participants (21 women and 19 men) recovering from depression after discharge from four hospitals in Taipei was recruited. In‐depth, qualitative interviews using a narrative style were carried out in 2003. The tape‐recorded interviews were transcribed and analysed for themes.

Findings.  Participants perceived the causes of their depression as being mainly social and cultural in origin. The main identified causes were: stress in marital relationships; conflict in extended families; changes in life circumstances and early life experiences. Women participants viewed their depression as being caused by their ‘dominant’ (traditional) husbands, who still thought that women should stay at home to take care of their children and the housekeeping and who refused to share these roles. Women also felt socially isolated when joining their extended marital families.

Conclusion.  These findings have implications for community nurses’ education and practice in relation to depression. Uncovering and addressing conflict and stress in marital relationships and in extended families is challenging, especially for nurses who traditionally work within medical models of care delivery.
Severe parainfluenza virus type 2 supraglottitis in an immunocompetent adult host: an unusual cause of a paramyxoviridae viral infection
Authors: Vigil K. J. , Mulanovich V. E. , Chemaly R. F. , Tarrand J. , Raad I. I. , Adachi J. A.
Published: November 2008

Parainfluenza virus is a major cause of respiratory illness in humans, manifesting from mild upper respiratory tract infection to bronchiolitis and pneumonia, especially in children. We report – to our knowledge – the first case of a nonimmunocompromised adult patient with human parainfluenza type 2 supraglottitis immediately after returning from China.
Evaluation of excretory secretory and 10–30 kDa antigens of Taenia solium Cysticerci by EITB assay for the diagnosis of neurocysticercosis
Authors: ATLURI S. R. V. , SINGHI P. , KHANDELWAL N. , MALLA N.
Published: November 2008

Neurocysticercosis (NCC), caused by the presence of Taenia solium Cysticerci in the Central Nervous System is the most common neurological disease of parasite aetiology. The serodiagnostic methods available at present have variable sensitivity and specificity depending upon the antigen and technique used. The present study was aimed to assess the efficacy of T. solium Cysticerci excretory secretory (ES) and lower molecular mass (LMM) 10–30 kDa antigenic fractions for antibody detection in serum and urine samples by enzyme‐linked immunoelectrotransfer blot (EITB) for the diagnosis of NCC. Serum and urine samples were collected from 125 clinically suspected and radiologically proven NCC children (111 patients with single lesion and 14 with multiple lesions) and 125 control subjects. With the use of ES and LMM antigenic fractions, the sensitivity of the EITB assay was 85·6% and 80·8% with serum and 76·8% and 50·4% with urine, respectively. The specificity was 64% and 61·6% with serum and 48% and 33·6% with urine samples, respectively. The study suggests that antibody detection to ES antigen in serum by EITB assay may serve better purpose for the serodiagnosis of human NCC.
Sex‐specific differences in spatial behaviour in the flesh fly Sarcophaga crassipalpis
Authors: PAQUETTE CALEB , JOPLIN KARL H. , SEIER EDITH , PEYTON JUSTIN T. , MOORE DARRELL
Published: November 2008

Abstract Territoriality in the flesh fly Sarcophaga crassipalpis (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) is studied in the laboratory. In rectangular enclosures, male flies exhibit a lower tolerance (occupation of the same physical space) of same‐sex conspecifics than do females. In circular arenas, male flies show significantly higher levels of spatial separation among themselves (as determined from nearest neighbour analyses) than do females: males show a slight tendency towards a uniform distribution, whereas females exhibit a slight tendency towards clustering. The male spatial behaviour occurs during the photophase but not the scotophase, suggesting that visual cues are required for maintenance of inter‐individual spacing. No significant differences in male spacing behaviour occur between subjective day and subjective night in either constant dark or constant light conditions, suggesting that spatial patterning is not driven by a circadian rhythm.
Behavioural and community ecology of plants that cry for help
Authors: DICKE MARCEL
Published: November 2008

Plants respond to insect herbivory with the production of volatiles that attract carnivorous enemies of the herbivores, a phenomenon called indirect defence or ‘plants crying for help’. Plants are under selection to maximize Darwinian fitness, and this can be done by making the right ‘decisions’ (i.e. by responding to environmental stress in ways that maximize seed production). Plant decisions related to the response to herbivory in terms of the emission of herbivore‐induced volatiles include ‘to respond or not to respond’, ‘how fast to respond’, ‘how to respond’ and ‘when to stop responding’. In this review, the state‐of‐the‐art of the research field is presented in the context of these decisions that plants face. New questions and directions for future research are identified. To understand the consequences of plant responses in a community context, it is important to expand research from individual interactions to multispecies interactions in a community context. To achieve this, detailed information on underlying mechanisms is essential and first steps on this road have been made. This selective review addresses the ecology of herbivore‐induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) by integrating information on mechanisms and ecological functions. New questions are identified as well as challenges for extending current information to community ecology.
Volumetric strains in neutral surface folding
Authors: Lisle Richard J. , Aller Jesús , Bastida Fernando , Bobillo‐Ares Nilo C. , Toimil Noel C.
Published: November 2008

Neutral surface folding is a significant contributor to fold development. This mechanism produces contrasting strains in the inner and outer arcs of the folded layer that arise from principal stress orientations that are approximately parallel and perpendicular to the layer. We demonstrate that such stress patterns imply significant gradients of mean stress across the folding layer, being more tensional on the outer arc and more compressive in the inner arc. This could pump fluids towards the outer arc during folding and result in heterogeneous volume changes. We conclude that the neutral surface folding model should be adapted to accommodate volumetric strains, in order to explain dilatational structures (e.g. open fractures, veining) on the extrados and volume‐loss structures (e.g. pressure solution seams, stylolitic cleavages) on the intrados. This dilatation has economic implications as it allows prediction of sites of mineralization and zones of secondary permeability in fold‐related hydrocarbon traps.
Platinum‐group elements and rhenium in mantle xenoliths from the East Sayan volcanic field (Siberia, Russia): evaluation of melt extraction and refertilization processes in lithospheric mantle of the Tuva‐Mongolian massif
Authors: Ivanov Alexei V. , Palesskii Stanislav V. , Demonterova Elena I. , Nikolaeva Irina V. , Ashchepkov Igor V. , Rasskazov Sergei V.
Published: November 2008

We determined the concentrations of platinum‐group elements (PGE) and rhenium in granular spinel lherzolites entrained as xenoliths in the Late Cenozoic volcanic rocks of the East Sayan within the Sarkhoi palaeo‐arc block of the Tuva‐Mongolian massif. Major element, PGE and rhenium variations in the East Sayan xenoliths can be explained by impregnation of up to 15% of arc‐type melt into initially depleted mantle harzburgite. Such a refertilization process probably took place in the Middle Neoproterozoic, when the Tuva‐Mongolian massif was in a subduction environment. East Sayan xenoliths show close similarities to Vitim xenoliths, whose host basalts erupted within an off‐cratonic crustal block. Both East Sayan and Vitim xenoliths are different from cratonic and circum‐cratonic peridotite xenoliths of worldwide localities.
Expression of endogenous antimicrobial peptides in normal canine skin
Authors: Wingate Kyra V. , Torres Sheila M. , Silverstein Kevin A. T. , Hendrickson Julie A. , Rutherford Mark S.
Published: November 2008

The cutaneous barrier contains small, cationic antimicrobial peptides that participate in the innate immunity against a wide variety of pathogens. Despite their immune importance, knowledge of canine defensins and their expression is limited primarily to testicular tissue and their relation to coat colour. Studies have shown that the absence of these antimicrobial peptides contribute to increased secondary infections in humans. The goals of this study were to identify defensin and protease inhibitor peptide genes by performing a computer‐based iterative screen of the canine genome and to determine whether antimicrobial peptides are expressed in normal canine skin. Reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) was used to test for the expression of several antimicrobial peptides in the skin of five normal dogs. RNA from testis was used for comparison. The iterative screen identified 65 putative antimicrobial peptide genes on nine chromosomes, the majority clustered on chromosomes 16 and 24. Amplification of normal canine skin cDNAs demonstrated expression of antimicrobial peptide genes in five different body sites. These findings will provide a tool for future studies examining the association between antimicrobial gene expression and cutaneous immunity in dogs.
Unrelated umbilical cord blood transplantation and unrelated bone marrow transplantation in children with hematological disease: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Shi‐xia Xu , Xian‐hua Tang , Xiang‐feng Tang
Published: November 2008

Abstract:  UCB has been used as an alternative source of HSC. Both unrelated donor BM and UCB are available as potential options for transplantation. However, there have been limited comparisons of the outcomes of unrelated donor UCBT vs. UBMT in the unrelated setting. Our aim is to observe the therapeutic efficacy of UCBT and UBMT for treatment of pediatric hematological diseases. We electronically searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, and critically appraised all relevant articles (1989.1–2008.5). Comparative studies were carried out on clinical therapeutic effect of UCBT and UBMT with research on stem cells engraftment, complications, earlier mortality, and survival rate. We performed a meta‐analysis using review manager 5.0 software (RevMan, The Nordic Cochrane Center, The Cochrane Collaboration) and adopted funnel plot regression to assess the publication bias. We obtained 324 records. Seven trials totaling 1453 patients have been assessed. Pooled comparisons of studies of UCBT and UBMT in children found that the incidence of engraftment failure and earlier transplantation‐related mortality were higher with UCBT because of its delay of hematological recovery [OR = 4.96, 95% CI (3.25, 7.59), p < 0.00001 and OR = 2.36, 95% CI (1.79, 3.11), p < 0.00001 respectively], but CMV infection didn’t increase obviously. There was no difference in long disease‐free survival rate [OR = 0.85, 95% CI (0.65, 1.01), p = 0.06] between UCBT and UBMT due to the decrease of GVHD in UCBT [OR = 0.45, 95% CI (0.34, 0.60), p < 0.0001]. Our meta‐analysis confirmed that UCBT in children is also an effective way to treat children with hematological disease and has equivalent survival outcomes compared with UBMT.
Immunization and transplantation – What is new and what is coming?
Authors: Posfay‐Barbe Klara M. , Siegrist Claire‐Anne
Published: November 2008

Abstract:  Infections represent an important risk for pediatric transplant recipients. Many infections are preventable through immunization, and ongoing studies are working on increasing the number of available vaccines for these children either before or after transplantation. We examine new immunization schedules (such as pertussis vaccines in teenagers) and newly available vaccines (such as human papillomavirus vaccine), and suggest how to deliver them in pediatric transplant candidates or recipients. We also review less common vaccines (such as encephalitis vaccines), and possible vaccines of the future that could have an important clinical impact in these children, such as CMV or EBV vaccines.
Scanning Electron Microscopic Study of the Tongue in the Owl (Strix uralensis)
Authors: Emura S. , Chen H.
Published: November 2008

The dorsal lingual surfaces of adult owl (Strix uralensis) were examined by scanning electron microscopy. The length of the tongue was about 2 cm. The tip of the tongue of the owl was bifid. Three parts were distinguished in the tongue of the owl: the apex, the body and the root of the tongue. The conical region between the lingual apex and lingual root was a very wide area. There were thread‐shaped processes/cells of epithelium in the lingual apex. The small or large conical papillae were observed on the lingual body. The many openings of the lingual glands existed in the lingual body and lingual root.
Comparison of the Level(s) of DNA Damage Using Comet Assay in Bovine Oocytes Subjected to Selected Vitrification Methods
Authors: Stachowiak EM , Papis K , Kruszewski M , Iwaneńko T , Bartłomiejczyk T , Modliński JA
Published: November 2008

Contents

It was suggested that the cryodamage to oocytes’ DNA has been responsible for the compromised developmental competence of cryopreserved oocytes. Vitrification of bovine oocytes affected not only cellular components, but also nuclear material. A significant rate of DNA fragmentation was found in bovine frozen or vitrified oocytes analysed by Comet assay regardless of cryopreservation method. Our method of vitrification using droplet system after gentle pre‐equilibration treatment is one of the most effective cryopreservation methods employed for bovine oocytes so far, making it possible to develop 30% blastocyst stage embryos. In this study, the extent of DNA damage in bovine oocytes vitrified using three vitrification methods (droplet system, Open Pulled Straw and traditional vitrification in 0.25 ml insemination straws) was compared using Comet assay. Vitrification in droplet system and Open Pull Straws vitrification did not result in detectable cryoinjuries of DNA of bovine oocytes. On the contrary, DNA fragmentation was found in four of 26 oocytes vitrified in 0.25 ml straws (15.4%, p ≤ 0.05 in comparison with the other vitrification methods).
Child sun protection: Sun‐related attitudes mediate the association between children's knowledge and behaviours
Authors: Wright Caradee , Reeder Anthony I , Gray Andrew , Cox Brian
Published: November 2008

Aim:  To describe and investigate the relationship among the sun‐related knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of New Zealand primary schoolchildren and consider the roles of sex and school year level.

Methods:  A randomly selected, two‐stage cluster sample of 488 children from 27 primary schools in five regions of New Zealand was surveyed regarding their sun‐related knowledge, attitudes and behaviours. A scoring system was used to assign a knowledge, attitude and behaviour score to each child.

Results:  Although knowledge increased with school year level, there was a decline in sun protective attitudes and behaviours. There was little variation in knowledge, attitudes and behaviour between boys and girls, but sex–year level interactions were found for knowledge and behaviour. When considering children's knowledge, attitudes and behaviours simultaneously, knowledge was only significantly associated with behaviours when mediated by attitudes.

Conclusions:  When targeting child sun protection and skin cancer prevention programmes, a focus on attitudes towards sun exposure and a suntan may prove beneficial in influencing sun‐related behaviours.
First‐episode versus recurrent acute rheumatic fever: Is it different?
Authors: Rayamajhi Ajit , Sharma Deewakar , Shakya Urmila
Published: November 2008

Background:  Recurrent episodes of acute rheumatic fever (RF) can lead to rheumatic heart disease with considerable disability and mortality in children. RF can recur in the absence of secondary prophylaxis. The differences in clinical manifestations and outcome between first‐episode and recurrent RF have been less studied.

Methods:  A cross‐section of patients under 14 years was studied for 2 years (2003–2005) in order to compare the clinical, laboratory, echocardiographic profile and outcome of first‐episode RF with recurrent attacks, and risk factors for recurrence and mortality. Patients without a previous history of RF and/or mitral stenosis (MS) and/or aortic stenosis (AS) were defined as first‐episode patients, and patients with previous history of RF and/or MS and/or AS, were defined as recurrent RF patients based on the Jones criteria.

Results:  Of 51 patients in total, 26 had first‐episode RF and 25 had recurrent RF. Arthritis occurred in a significantly higher number of first‐episode patients (P = 0.047) whereas shortness of breath (SOB; P = 0.003), palpitation (P = 0.034), and aortic regurgitation (AR; P = 0.001) occurred in a significantly higher number of recurrent RF patients. Audible murmur of corresponding echocardiographic regurgitation was present in all recurrent RF patients whereas audible murmur was present in 61.5% and echocardiographic regurgitation in 81% in first‐episode patients (P = 0.007). Palpitation, SOB, audible murmur, thrill, age and AR on admission were independent predictors of recurrence. Palpitation, age and AS on admission were independent predictors of mortality.

Conclusions:  Subclinical carditis occurred only in the first‐episode patients, which requires further evaluation for clinical significance. Because all deaths occurred in recurrent RF group (P = 0.02), secondary prophylaxis and management of sore throat need re‐emphasis.
Taxonomic resolution, ecotypes and the biogeography of Prochlorococcus
Authors: Martiny Adam C. , Tai Amos P. K. , Veneziano Daniele , Primeau François , Chisholm Sallie W.
Published: November 2008

In order to expand our understanding of the diversity and biogeography of Prochlorococcus ribotypes, we PCR‐amplified, cloned and sequenced the 16S/23S rRNA ITS region from sites in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Ninety‐three per cent of the ITS sequences could be assigned to existing Prochlorococcus clades, although many novel subclades were detected. We assigned the sequences to operational taxonomic units using a graduated scale of sequence identity from 80% to 99.5% and correlated Prochlorococcus diversity with respect to environmental variables and dispersal time between the sites. Dispersal time was estimated using a global ocean circulation model. The significance of specific environmental variables was dependent on the degree of sequence identity used to define a taxon: light correlates with broad‐scale diversity (90% cut‐off), temperature with intermediate scale (95%) whereas no correlation with phosphate was observed. Community structure was correlated with dispersal time between sample sites only when taxa were defined using the finest sequence similarity cut‐off. Surprisingly, the concentration of nitrate, which cannot be used as N source by the Prochlorococcus strains in culture, explains some variation in community structure for some definitions of taxa. This study suggests that the spatial distribution of Prochlorococcus ecotypes is shaped by a hierarchy of environmental factors as well dispersal limitation.
The prognostic value of peritumoral regulatory T cells and its correlation with intratumoral cyclooxygenase‐2 expression in clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Li Jin F. , Chu Yi W. , Wang Guo M. , Zhu Tong Y. , Rong Rui M. , Hou Jun , Xu Ming
Published: November 2008

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prognostic value of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and its correlation with cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) expression in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

CD4+, Foxp3+ tumour‐infiltrating lymphocytes and tumour COX‐2 expression were assessed by immunohistochemistry in tissue microarrays containing RCC from 125 patients. Prognostic effects of low and high expression were evaluated by Cox regression and Kaplan–Meier analysis using the median values as thresholds. The expression of Tregs and COX‐2 were compared with the clinicopathological variables. In addition, Tregs and its correlation with COX‐2 expression was also analysed.

RESULTS

Peritumoral Tregs were positively correlated with intratumoral COX‐2 expression (Spearman rank correlation 0.336, P < 0.001). Peritumoral Tregs were associated with TNM stage (P = 0.001) and tumour size (P = 0.002), while intratumoral COX‐2 expression was associated with TNM stage (P = 0.018) and grade (P = 0.013). Using multivariate analysis, increased peritumoral Tregs, higher TNM stage (III + IV), larger tumour size (≥7 cm) and higher nuclear grade (III + IV) were independent predictors for significantly shorter overall survival and disease‐free survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased peritumoral Tregs are associated with worse prognosis in clear cell RCC. The high intratumoral COX‐2 expression may be the underlying reason for the aberrant gathering of Tregs. These results suggest that clinical application of COX‐2 inhibitors may benefit those patients with higher intratumoral COX‐2 immunostaining by reducing the transformation of Tregs in RCC.
Evaluating the evidence: the methodological and reporting quality of comparative observational studies of surgical interventions in urological publications
Authors: Tseng Timothy Y. , Breau Rodney H. , Fesperman Susan F. , Vieweg Johannes , Dahm Philipp
Published: November 2008

OBJECTIVE

To develop and apply a standardized evaluation form for assessing the methodological and reporting quality of observational studies of surgical interventions in urology.

METHODS

An evaluation standard was developed using the Consolidated Standards for Reporting Trials statement and previously reported surgical reporting quality instruments. Consensus scoring among three reviewers was developed using two distinct sets of studies. All comparative observational trials involving therapeutic surgical procedures published in four major urological journals in 1995 and 2005 were randomly assigned to each reviewer. Categories of reporting adequacy included background, intervention, statistical analysis, results and discussion.

RESULTS

Twenty‐seven articles in 1995 and 62 in 2005 met the inclusion criteria; 90% of studies were retrospective. From 1995 to 2005, the overall reporting quality score increased by 3.9 points (95% confidence interval, CI, 2.7–5.9; P = 0.001), from a mean (sd) of 19.1 (3.9) to 23.0 (4.2) on a scale of 0–42. There were significant improvements in the reporting categories of study background (+0.7 points, 95% CI 0.1–1.3, P = 0.043, 0–8‐point scale), intervention (+1.6 points, 0.8–2.3, P = 0.001, 0–9‐point scale), and statistical analysis (+0.8 points, 0.2–1.4, P = 0.006, 0–9‐point scale). There were smaller and statistically insignificant improvements for results (+0.5 points, −0.3 to 1.2, P = 0.217, 0–10‐point scale) and discussion reporting (+0.4 points, −0.1 to 0.8, P = 0.106, 0–6‐point scale).

CONCLUSIONS

There have been minor improvements in the reporting of observational studies of surgical intervention between 1995 and 2005. However, reporting quality remains suboptimal. Clinical investigators, reviewers and journal editors should continue to strive for transparent reporting of the observational studies representing the bulk of the clinical evidence for urological procedures.
An update on experience with the single‐instrument port laparoscopic nephrectomy
Authors: Msezane Lambda P. , Mushtaq Imran , Gundeti Mohan S.
Published: November 2008

OBJECTIVE

To describe a modification of the posterior prone retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy, which allows the entire operation to be performed through a single instrument port.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

With the patient prone, a retroperitoneal working space is created using a custom‐made balloon lateral to the sacrospinalis muscle. One instrument port is placed at the tip of the 11th rib under direct vision. The laparoscope and working instrument can both be held by the operating surgeon. Gerota’s fascia is incised and the kidney reflected anteriorly. The vessels are identified and divided. The remaining dissection is completed with a harmonic scalpel and the specimen is placed in an endo‐catch bag. Care must be taken to avoid even minor bleeding, to keep the operating field clear.

RESULTS

The technique was successful in 54 children with a mean (range) age of 4.5 (0.25–14) years; the mean operative duration was 52 (35–96) min. Blood loss was minimal and there were no open conversions. Most children (51) were discharged the day after surgery, and the cosmetic outcome has been excellent in all cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with the traditional approach, the single‐instrument port laparoscopic (SImPL) nephrectomy approach avoids instrument crowding and maximizes the restricted retroperitoneal working space. Avoiding the second port might improve cosmesis and reduce cost. The technique is quickly mastered by both the experienced laparoscopist and trainee, and is feasible and safe.
The importance of health belief models in determining self‐care behaviour in diabetes
Authors: Harvey J. N. , Lawson V. L.
Published: November 2008

Patients’ self‐care behaviours have a major role in diabetes management. Diabetes education provides the required knowledge, but despite this, self‐care is often suboptimal. The degree to which patients follow advice as regards the various self‐care behaviours is determined by their health beliefs (Illness Representations or Personal Models) of diabetes. Psychometric studies have tried to categorize and measure the beliefs about illness that influence patients to adhere to treatment recommendations in diabetes. Various models have been proposed to explain the relationship between beliefs and behaviour. Leventhal's Self‐Regulatory Model, which takes account of the emotional as well as the objective rational response to illness, currently seems to offer the best system for identifying the determinants of patient self‐care behaviour. A review of interventions indicates those based on psychological theory offer professionals the best chance of maximizing their patients’ contribution to diabetes self‐management and achieving improved outcomes, both glycaemic and psychosocial. Studies designed specifically to modify illness representations are now being undertaken. This brief review aims to summarize developments in this area of psychological theory over the last 20 years and the implications for promoting better self‐care behaviour in diabetes.
Biopsy of the posterior interosseous nerve: a low morbidity method for assessment of peripheral nerve disorders
Authors: Thomsen N. O. B. , Mojaddidi M. , Malik R. A. , Dahlin L. B.
Published: November 2008

Aims  The sural nerve is the commonest peripheral nerve biopsied to help in the diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy of unknown cause. However, associated complications limit its use. The aim was, as an alternative, to asses biopsy of the terminal branch of the posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) in the forearm.

Methods  PIN pathology was morphometrically quantified in 10 male patients with Type 2 diabetes and compared with six PIN biopsy specimens taken post mortem from male cadavers with no history of neuropathy or trauma.

Results  The PIN biopsy procedure provides a long (approximately 3 cm) mono‐ or bifascicular nerve biopsy with generous epineurial tissue and adjacent vessels. Our results show a significantly lower myelinated fibre density in subjects with diabetes [5782 (3332–9060)/mm2] compared with autopsy control material [9256 (6593–12 935)/mm2, P < 0.007]. No postoperative discomfort or complications were encountered.

Conclusions  A reduction in myelinated fibre density has previously been shown to be a clinically meaningful measure of neuropathy in diabetic patients. We demonstrate similar findings using the PIN biopsy. The PIN biopsy procedure fulfils the criteria for nerve biopsy and was well tolerated by the patients. It may be a possible alternative to sural nerve biopsy to allow for diagnosis of neuropathy.
A Unified Analysis Model for Energy Dissipation Devices Used in Seismic Structures
Authors: Lu Lyan‐Ywan , Lin Ging‐Long , Lin Chien‐Hung
Published: November 2008

Abstract:  To date, various types of energy dissipation devices (EDDs) have been invented and applied to structural systems for mitigating their seismic responses. An elastic structure with EDDs can be treated as a nonlinear dynamic system with hysteretic property. Due to the diversity of the hysteretic properties of various EDDs, it is difficult to obtain a generic analysis method that can be applied to structures with different EDDs. In this study, a unified analysis model containing an internal variable is proposed for simulating the hysteretic behavior of various types of EDDs. By assigning different physical meanings to the internal variable, the model is able to simulate three types of widely used EDDs, namely, yielding, viscoelastic, and friction dampers. The unified model is also able to simulate nonlinear viscous dampers whose velocity terms have an exponential coefficient not equal to 1.0. Furthermore, based on this model, this article also developes a numerical analysis method derived from the discrete‐time solution of a state‐space equation. Without requiring iteration at each computational time step, the numerical method is able to accurately simulate the hysteretic properties of the three kinds of EDDs. The accuracy and efficiency of the proposed analysis method is investigated by using the analytical solution of a nonlinear system governed by Duffing's equation, and also by using a seismic structure equipped with multiple EDDs.
Aerospace Supply Chains as Evolutionary Networks of Activities: Innovation via Risk‐Sharing Partnerships
Authors: Rose‐Anderssen Christen , Baldwin James S. , Ridgway Keith , Allen Peter M. , Varga Liz
Published: November 2008

In the aerospace industry competitive advantage is searched through product innovation. This paper sets out to explore the effects that relationship development in the commercial aerospace supply chains have on innovation and competitive advantage. A perspective of supply chains as complex activity networks is used for data analysis based on in‐depth interviews in a global setting. Applying these concepts of supply chains as the interaction of multiple work activities assists in comprehending the forces of change. The processes of change are characterized by expansive learning processes of creating instruments for initializing, developing and sustaining these relationships. These processes take place in a terrain of complex power exercises. The long‐term effects are totally dependent on nurturing the relationships. The findings may be useful to practitioners in understanding how implementation of successful supply chain changes may come about. It promotes risk‐sharing partnerships as instruments for innovation. The paper provides evidence of changing relationships in commercial aerospace supply chains.
How Should a Small Company Interact in Its Business Network to Sustain Its Exchange Effectiveness?
Authors: Von Raesfeld Ariane , Roos Kaspar
Published: November 2008

In this paper we followed the dynamic alignment between networking approaches and business development of a small firm in the printing industry, with the aim of investigating how a small firm embedded in its network can deal with networking paradoxes when developing its business, such that it efficiently maintains its existing business and keeps its flexibility to develop new business. The empirical contribution of this paper lies in the use of a longitudinal case study that enables us to show the intermediary functions of counterparts along the path of a small firm's business and network development. Three mediating functions of counterparts are introduced: the relating, joining and insulating functions. In the study we saw that joining functions of intermediaries were especially used in opportunity creation, while insulating functions of intermediaries were especially used in opportunity exploitation. The case study indicates an evolution into an efficient sales network with an important partner who is not willing to develop new business with Atlas. An explanation for the unwillingness to see the focal firm as a development partner might be found in its network position, reflected in the moderate technological and business integration of their product in customer applications, the weak contact of focal firm with end users, and the insulating function of distributors and original equipment manufacturers, who isolated the focal firm from end users. Managerial implications are drawn and will be investigated in further research.