bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Web-based extraction of semantic relation instances for terminology work
Authors: Halskov Jakob , Barrière Caroline
Published: August 2008

This article describes the implementation and evaluation of WWW2REL, a domain-independent and pattern-based knowledge discovery system which extracts semantic relation instances from text fragments on the WWW so as to assist terminologists updating or expanding existing ontologies. Unlike most comparable systems, WWW2REL is special in that it can be applied to any semantic relation type and operates directly on unannotated and uncategorized WWW text snippets rather than static repositories of academic papers from the target domain. The WWW is used for knowledge pattern (KP) discovery, KP filtering and relation instance discovery. The system is tested with the help of the biomedical UMLS Metathesaurus for four different relation types and is manually evaluated by four domain experts. This system evaluation shows how ranking relation instances by a measure of “knowledge pattern range” and applying two heuristics yields an average performance of 70% to 65% of the maximum possible F-score by top 10 and top 50 instances, respectively. Importantly, results show that much valuable information not present in the UMLS can be found through the proposed method. Finally, the article examines the domain-dependence of different aspects of the pattern-based knowledge discovery approach proposed.
Designing and evaluating patterns for relation acquisition from texts with Caméléon
Authors: Aussenac-Gilles Nathalie , Jacques Marie-Paule
Published: August 2008

Pattern-based approaches for knowledge identification in texts assume that linguistic regularities always characterise the same kind of knowledge, such as semantic relations. In this paper, we report the experimental evaluation of a large set of patterns using an ontology enrichment tool: Caméléon. Results emphasize the strong influence of the corpus on pattern efficiency and on their meaning. This influence confirms two of the hypotheses that motivated to define Caméléon as a support used in a human-driven process: (1) patterns and relations must be adapted to each project; (2) human interpretation is required to decide how to report the pieces of knowledge identified with patterns in the ontology.
A 12‐week randomised study comparing intravenous iron sucrose versus oral ferrous sulphate for treatment of postpartum anemia
Authors: WESTAD STIAN , BACKE BJØRN , SALVESEN KJELL ÅSMUND , NAKLING JAKOB , ØKLAND INGER , BORTHEN INGRID , ROGNERUD JENSEN ODD HARALD , KOLÅS TORIL , LØKVIK BJARNE , SMEDVIG ELI
Published: August 2008

Objective. To analyze the effect of intravenous ferrous sucrose compared with oral ferrous sulphate on hematological parameters and quality of life in women with postpartum anemia. Design. Open randomised controlled trial. Setting. Multicentre study comprising five obstetrical departments in Norway. Population. Hundred and twenty‐eight postpartum women with hemorrhagic anemia (Hb between 6.5 g/100 ml and 8.5 g/100 ml). The intervention group (59 women) received 600 mg iron sucrose intravenously followed by 200 mg iron sulphate daily from week 5. The control group (70 women) were given 200 mg iron sulphate daily. Methods. Randomisation and start of treatment occurred within 48 hours of the delivery. Participants were followed up at 4, 8 and 12 weeks. Main outcome measures. Hemoglobin, ferritin and quality of life assessed with the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 (SF‐36) and the Fatigue Scale. Results. After 4 weeks the mean hemoglobin values in both groups were similar (11.9g/100ml vs. 12.3g/100ml, p = 0.89). The mean serum ferritin value after 4 weeks was significantly higher in the intervention group with 13.7μg/L vs. 4.2μg/L in the control group (p<0.001). At 8 and 12 weeks the hematological parameters were similar. The total fatigue score was significantly improved in the intervention group at week 4, 8 and 12, whereas SF‐36 scores did not differ. Conclusion. Women who received 600mg intravenous iron sucrose followed by standard oral iron after four weeks, replenished their iron stores more rapidly and had a more favorable development of the fatigue score indicating improved quality of life.
Vulvodynia. Definition, diagnosis and treatment
Authors: PETERSEN CHRISTINA DAMSTED , LUNDVALL LENE , KRISTENSEN ELLIDS , GIRALDI ANNAMARIA
Published: August 2008

Vulvodynia is a chronic painful disorder with an estimated prevalence of 9–12%. A rising incidence of the condition constitutes a growing problem. This has lead to an increased focus on etiology and treatment, while the definition also requires attention. Previous assumptions stating that the problem is solely a psychological disorder have been abandoned, because inflammatory mechanisms and genetic factors have been found to be involved in the pathogenesis as well as psychosexual contributors.

This article describes the terminology and definition of the condition, theories on patho‐physiological mechanisms underlying the disorder, methods of diagnosis and evidence and recommendations on clinical management. A critical examination of the literature regarding vulvodynia reveals numerous strategies and recommendations for treatment, many of which are not evidence‐based, and a lack of effective treatment for all patients. Research is being undertaken internationally to find more specific and unequivocal causes of the disorder, as well as to develop evidence‐based methods of treatment.
Glassy cell carcinoma arising in the vagina
Authors: NASU KAEI , HAMASAKI CHIEKO , TAKAI NORIYUKI , NARAHARA HISASHI
Published: August 2008

Glassy cell carcinoma is a rare neoplasm that occurs most frequently in the uterine cervix. We describe the first reported case of glassy cell carcinoma arising in the vagina. A 77‐year‐old Japanese woman was admitted to our hospital for atypical genital bleeding. Gynecological examination revealed a macroscopic vaginal cancer of 1.5 cm in diameter located in the upper 1/3 of the vagina. The pathological diagnosis of the biopsied specimen was glassy cell carcinoma. She was successfully treated by conventional radiation therapy and chemotherapy under the diagnosis of stage I vaginal cancer (International Federation of Gynecologists and Obstetricians classification, 1986). The patient is alive, without evidence of recurrence, 21 months following the radiation therapy. Glassy cell carcinoma is classified as the most poorly differentiated form of adenosquamous carcinoma. The present case illustrates the potential for glassy cell carcinoma to arise in the Müllerian epithelium throughout the female genital tract.
Maternal eating disorders influence sex ratio at birth
Authors: BULIK CYNTHIA M. , VON HOLLE ANN , GENDALL KELLY , LIE KARI KVEIM , HOFFMAN ELIZABETH , MO XIAOFEI , TORGERSEN LEILA , REICHBORN‐KJENNERUD TED
Published: August 2008

We explored sex ratio at birth, defined as the proportion of male live births, in women with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and eating disorders not otherwise specified‐purging type (EDNOS‐P) relative to a referent group in a large population‐based sample of 38,340 pregnant women in Norway. Poisson regressions were adjusted for mother's age, pre‐pregnancy BMI, lifetime smoking status, maternal education, income, marital status, gestational age, and parity. Lower proportions of male live births were observed in the anorexia and bulimia groups, while binge eating disorder and EDNOS‐P were associated with a higher proportion of male births. These data suggest that maternal eating disorders may influence offspring sex and that the direction of effect may vary by eating disorder subtype. If confirmed, this finding could provide evidence in formulating hypotheses regarding the consequences of eating disorders and determinants of sex ratio at birth.
Complications and patient satisfaction after transobturator anterior and/or posterior tension‐free vaginal polypropylene mesh for pelvic organ prolapse
Authors: PACQUÉE STEFAAN , PALIT GÜLSEREN , JACQUEMYN YVES
Published: August 2008

Complications and satisfaction with anterior and/or posterior prolapse repair using a transobturator polypropylene mesh (Prolift®) in a single center prospective cohort was assessed. Among 30 women six mesh erosions were noted, five (17%) after anterior and one (3%) with combined anterior and posterior procedures. The patients’ impression after six months was ‘better’ to ‘much better’ in 25 (84%), no change in four (13%) and one was worse (3%). At six months one patient had suffered re‐appearance of an anterior prolapse and one had relapse of both an anterior and posterior prolapse. Concomitant procedures were not significantly related to risk of erosion, but the erosion group was younger (mean age 58 vs. 67 years, p<0.0001). After polypropylene transobturator mesh for pelvic organ prolapse relapses do occur. Safety may be hampered by a high rate of mesh erosions.
Computational and Mathematical Modeling of Angiogenesis
Authors: PEIRCE SHAYN M.
Published: August 2008

Over the past two decades, a number of mathematical and computational models have been developed to study different aspects of angiogenesis that span the spatial and temporal scales encompassed by this complex process. For example, models have been built to investigate how growth factors and receptors signal endothelial cell proliferation, how groups of endothelial cells assemble into individual vessels, and how tumors recruit the ingrowth of whole microvascular networks. A prudent question to pose is: “what have we learned from these models?” This review aims to answer this question as it pertains to angiogenesis in the context of normal physiological growth, tumorigenesis, wound healing, tissue engineering, and the design of therapeutic strategies. We also provide a framework for parsing angiogenesis models into categories, according to the type of modeling approach used, the spatial and temporal scales simulated, and the overarching question being posed to the model. Finally, this review introduces some of the simplification strategies and assumptions used in model building, discusses model validation, and makes recommendations for application of modeling approaches to unresolved questions in the field.
An exploratory study of needlestick injuries among Australian prison officers
Authors: Larney Sarah , Dolan Kate
Published: August 2008

Prison officers face multiple occupational hazards including needlestick injuries, which may result in the transmission of blood‐borne viral infections. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of needlestick injuries, the circumstances under which needlestick injuries occur and the responses of injured prison officers. Cross‐sectional data were collected from prison officers in two Australian jurisdictions between January and May 2006, using a self‐report questionnaire. Descriptive analyses were conducted. Of 246 prison officers who completed the survey, two‐thirds had found needles and syringes in the workplace. Seventeen officers (7%) reported having experienced a needlestick injury. Most injuries occurred during searches. Serological testing for blood‐borne viral infections following injury was common, but less than half the injured officers accessed support services. Needlestick injuries appear to be a relatively rare occurrence, but may be further reduced by improving search techniques and equipment and regulating needles and syringes in prisons.
Piecemeal Microautophagy of the Nucleus Requires the Core Macroautophagy Genes
Authors: Krick R. , Muehe Y. , Prick T. , Bremer S. , Schlotterhose P. , Eskelinen E.-L. , Millen J. , Goldfarb D. S. , Thumm M.
Published: August 2008

Autophagy is a diverse family of processes that transport cytoplasm and organelles into the lysosome/vacuole lumen for degradation. During macroautophagy cargo is packaged in autophagosomes that fuse with the lysosome/vacuole. During microautophagy cargo is directly engulfed by the lysosome/vacuole membrane. Piecemeal microautophagy of the nucleus (PMN) occurs in Saccharomyces cerevisiae at nucleus-vacuole (NV) junctions and results in the pinching-off and release into the vacuole of nonessential portions of the nucleus. Previous studies concluded macroautophagy ATG genes are not absolutely required for PMN. Here we report using two biochemical assays that PMN is efficiently inhibited in atg mutant cells: PMN blebs are produced, but vesicles are rarely released into the vacuole lumen. Electron microscopy of arrested PMN structures in atg7, atg8, and atg9 mutant cells suggests that NV-junction–associated micronuclei may normally be released from the nucleus before their complete enclosure by the vacuole membrane. In this regard PMN is similar to the microautophagy of peroxisomes (micropexophagy), where the side of the peroxisome opposite the engulfing vacuole is capped by a structure called the “micropexophagy-specific membrane apparatus” (MIPA). The MIPA contains Atg proteins and facilitates terminal enclosure and fusion steps. PMN does not require the complete vacuole homotypic fusion genes. We conclude that a spectrum of ATG genes is required for the terminal vacuole enclosure and fusion stages of PMN.
MotifVoter: a novel ensemble method for fine-grained integration of generic motif finders
Authors: Wijaya Edward , Yiu Siu-Ming , Son Ngo Thanh , Kanagasabai Rajaraman , Sung Wing-Kin
Published: August 2008

Motivation: Locating transcription factor binding sites (motifs) is a key step in understanding gene regulation. Based on Tompa's benchmark study, the performance of current de novo motif finders is far from satisfactory (with sensitivity ≤0.222 and precision ≤0.307). The same study also shows that no motif finder performs consistently well over all datasets. Hence, it is not clear which finder one should use for a given dataset. To address this issue, a class of algorithms called ensemble methods have been proposed. Though the existing ensemble methods overall perform better than stand-alone motif finders, the improvement gained is not substantial. Our study reveals that these methods do not fully exploit the information obtained from the results of individual finders, resulting in minor improvement in sensitivity and poor precision.

Results: In this article, we identify several key observations on how to utilize the results from individual finders and design a novel ensemble method, MotifVoter, to predict the motifs and binding sites. Evaluations on 186 datasets show that MotifVoter can locate more than 95% of the binding sites found by its component motif finders. In terms of sensitivity and precision, MotifVoter outperforms stand-alone motif finders and ensemble methods significantly on Tompa's benchmark, Escherichia coli, and ChIP-Chip datasets. MotifVoter is available online via a web server with several biologist-friendly features.

Availability:  http://www.comp.nus.edu.sg/~bioinfo/MotifVoter

Contact:  ksung@comp.nus.edu.sg

supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
The Synergizer service for translating gene, protein and other biological identifiers
Authors: Berriz Gabriel F. , Roth Frederick P.
Published: August 2008

Summary: The Synergizer is a database and web service that provides translations of biological database identifiers. It is accessible both programmatically and interactively.

Availability: The Synergizer is freely available to all users inter-actively via a web application (http://llama.med.harvard.edu/synergizer/translate) and programmatically via a web service. Clients implementing the Synergizer application programming interface (API) are also freely available. Please visit http://llama.med.harvard.edu/synergizer/doc for details.

Contact:  fritz_roth@hms.harvard.edu
MPSQ: a web tool for protein-state searching
Authors: Zheng Siyuan , Sheng Jia , Wang Chuan , Wang Xiaojing , Yu Yao , Li Yun , Michie Alex , Dai Jianliang , Zhong Yang , Hao Pei , Liu Lei , Li Yixue
Published: August 2008

Summary: MPSQ (multi-protein-states query) is a web-based tool for the discovery of protein states (e.g. biological interactions, covalent modifications, cellular localizations). In particular, large sets of genes can be used to search for enriched state transition network maps (NMs) and features facilitating the interpretation of genomic-scale experiments such as microarrays. One NM collects all the catalogued states of a protein as well as the mutual transitions between the states. For the returned NM, graph visualization is provided for easy understanding and to guide further analysis.

Availability: MPSQ is freely available via the web at http://mpsq.biosino.org/.

Contact:  phao@sibs.ac.cn; liulei@scbit.org; yxli@sibs.ac.cn
Dissecting the role of p53 phosphorylation in homologous recombination provides new clues for gain-of-function mutants
Authors: Restle Anja , Färber Martin , Baumann Cindy , Böhringer Michael , Scheidtmann Karl Heinz , Müller-Tidow Carsten , Wiesmüller Lisa
Published: August 2008

Regulation of homologous recombination (HR) represents the best-characterized DNA repair function of p53. The role of p53 phosphorylation in DNA repair is largely unknown. Here, we show that wild-type p53 repressed repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) by HR in a manner partially requiring the ATM/ATR phosphorylation site, serine 15. Cdk-mediated phosphorylation of serine 315 was dispensable for this anti-recombinogenic effect. However, without targeted cleavage of the HR substrate, serine 315 phosphorylation was necessary for the activation of topoisomerase I-dependent HR by p53. Moreover, overexpression of cyclin A1, which mimics the situation in tumors, inappropriately stimulated DSB-induced HR in the presence of oncogenic p53 mutants (not Wtp53). This effect required cyclin A1/cdk-mediated phosphorylation for stable complex formation with topoisomerase I. We conclude that p53 mutants have lost the balance between activation and repression of HR, which results in a net increase of potentially mutagenic DNA rearrangements. Our data provide new insight into the mechanism underlying gain-of-function of mutant p53 in genomic instability.
The orphan receptor ERRα interferes with steroid signaling
Authors: Teyssier Catherine , Bianco Stéphanie , Lanvin Olivia , Vanacker Jean-Marc
Published: August 2008

The estrogen receptor-related receptor α (ERRα) is an orphan member of the nuclear receptor super-family that has been shown to interfere with the estrogen-signaling pathway. In this report, we demonstrate that ERRα also cross-talks with signaling driven by other steroid hormones. Treatment of human prostatic cells with a specific ERRα inverse agonist reduces the expression of several androgen-responsive genes, in a manner that does not involve perturbation of androgen receptor expression or activity. Furthermore, ERRα activates the expression of androgen response elements (ARE)-containing promoters, such as that of the prostate cancer marker PSA, in an ARE-dependent manner. In addition, promoters containing a steroid response element can be activated by all members of the ERR orphan receptor subfamily, and this, even in the presence of antisteroid compounds.
Tomato Susceptibility to Root-Knot Nematodes Requires an Intact Jasmonic Acid Signaling Pathway
Authors: Bhattarai Kishor K. , Xie Qi-Guang , Mantelin Sophie , Bishnoi Usha , Girke Thomas , Navarre Duroy A. , Kaloshian Isgouhi
Published: August 2008

Responses of resistant (Mi-1/Mi-1) and susceptible (mi-1/ mi-1) tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) to root-knot nematodes (RKNs; Meloidogyne spp.) infection were monitored using cDNA microarrays, and the roles of salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA) defense signaling were evaluated in these interactions. Array analysis was used to compare transcript profiles in incompatible and compatible interactions of tomato roots 24 h after RKN infestation. The jai1 and def1 tomato mutant, altered in JA signaling, and tomato transgenic line NahG, altered in SA signaling, in the presence or absence of the RKN resistance gene Mi-1, were evaluated. The array analysis identified 1,497 and 750 genes differentially regulated in the incompatible and compatible interactions, respectively. Of the differentially regulated genes, 37% were specific to the incompatible interactions. NahG affected neither Mi-1 resistance nor basal defenses to RKNs. However, jai1 reduced tomato susceptibility to RKNs while not affecting Mi-1 resistance. In contrast, the def1 mutant did not affect RKN susceptibility. These results indicate that JA-dependent signaling does not play a role in Mi-1-mediated defense; however, an intact JA signaling pathway is required for tomato susceptibility to RKNs. In addition, low levels of SA might be sufficient for basal and Mi-1 resistance to RKNs.
Auxotrophy Accounts for Nodulation Defect of Most Sinorhizobium meliloti Mutants in the Branched-Chain Amino Acid Biosynthesis Pathway
Authors: de las Nieves Peltzer Maria , Roques Nicolas , Poinsot Véréna , Aguilar O. Mario , Batut Jacques , Capela Delphine
Published: August 2008

Some Sinorhizobium meliloti mutants in genes involved in isoleucine, valine, and leucine biosynthesis were previously described as being unable to induce nodule formation on host plants. Here, we present a reappraisal of the interconnection between the branched-chain amino acid biosynthesis pathway and the nodulation process in S. meliloti. We characterized the symbiotic phenotype of seven mutants that are auxotrophic for isoleucine, valine, or leucine in two closely related S. meliloti strains, 1021 and 2011. We showed that all mutants were similarly impaired for nodulation and infection of the Medicago sativa host plant. In most cases, the nodulation phenotype was fully restored by the addition of the missing amino acids to the plant growth medium. This strongly suggests that auxotrophy is the cause of the nodulation defect of these mutants. However, we confirmed previous findings that ilvC and ilvD2 mutants in the S. meliloti 1021 genetic background could not be restored to nodulation by supplementation with exogenous amino acids even though their Nod factor production appeared to be normal.
Transposon Mutagenesis Reveals Differential Pathogenesis of Ralstonia solanacearum on Tomato and Arabidopsis
Authors: Lin Yu-Mei , Chou I-Chun , Wang Jaw-Fen , Ho Fang-I , Chu Yu-Ju , Huang Pei-Cheng , Lu Der-Kang , Shen Hwei-Ling , Elbaz Mounira , Huang Shu-Mei , Cheng Chiu-Ping
Published: August 2008

Ralstonia solanacearum causes a deadly wilting disease on a wide range of crops. To elucidate pathogenesis of this bacterium in different host plants, we set out to identify R. solanacearum genes involved in pathogenesis by screening random transposon insertion mutants of a highly virulent strain, Pss190, on tomato and Arabidopsis thaliana. Mutants exhibiting various decreased virulence levels on these two hosts were identified. Sequence analysis showed that most, but not all, of the identified pathogenesis genes are conserved among distinct R. solanacearum strains. A few of the disrupted loci were not reported previously as being involved in R. solanacearum pathogenesis. Notably, a group of mutants exhibited differential pathogenesis on tomato and Arabidopsis. These results were confirmed by characterizing allelic mutants in one other R. solanacearum strain of the same phylotype. The significantly decreased mutants' colonization in Arabidopsis was found to be correlated with differential pathogenesis on these two plants. Differential requirement of virulence genes suggests adaptation of this bacterium in different host environments. Together, this study reveals commonalities and differences of R. solanacearum pathogenesis on single solanaceous and nonsolanaceous hosts, and provides important new insights into interactions between R. solanacearum and different host plants.
Differential selection according to the degree of cheating in a status signal
Authors: Nakagawa Shinichi , Lee Jin-Won , Woodward Beth K , Hatchwell Ben J , Burke Terry
Published: August 2008

The maintenance of honesty in a badge-of-status system is not fully understood, despite numerous empirical and theoretical studies. Our experiment examined the relationship between a status signal and winter survival, and the long-term costs of cheating, by manipulating badge size in male house sparrows,Passer domesticus. The effect of badge-size manipulation on survival was complex owing to the significant interactions between the treatments and original (natural) badge size, and between the treatments and age classes (yearlings and older birds). Nevertheless, in the experimental (badge-enlargement) group, males with originally large badges had increased winter survival, while males with originally small badges had decreased survival. This indicates that differential selection can act on a trait according to the degree of cheating.
Queen number influences the timing of the sexual production in colonies of
Cardiocondyla
ants
Authors: Suefuji Masaki , Cremer Sylvia , Oettler Jan , Heinze Jürgen
Published: August 2008

Wingless males of the ant genus
Cardiocondyla
engage in fatal fighting for access to female sexual nestmates. Older, heavily sclerotized males are usually capable of eliminating all younger rivals, whose cuticle is still soft. In
Cardiocondyla
sp. A, this type of local mate competition (LMC) has turned the standard pattern of brood production of social insects upside down, in that mother queens in multi-queen colonies produce extremely long-lived sons very early in the life cycle of the colony. Here, we investigated the emergence pattern of sexuals in two species with LMC, in which males are much less long-lived. Queens of
Cardiocondyla obscurior
and
Cardiocondyla minutior
reared their first sons significantly earlier in multi-queen than in single-queen societies. In addition, first female sexuals also emerged earlier in multi-queen colonies, so that early males had mating opportunities. Hence, the timing of sexual production appears to be well predicted by evolutionary theory, in particular by local mate and queen–queen competition.
Getting to the hart of the matter: did antlers truly cause the extinction of the Irish elk?
Authors: O'Driscoll Worman Cedric , Kimbrell Tristan
Published: August 2008

The extinction of the Irish elk Megaloceros giganteus has traditionally thought to have been caused in one way or another by the enormous antlers of the males. Recently, a popular hypothesis for the Irish elk extinction has been their inability to cope with the nutritional demands of growing such large antlers during worsening habitat conditions. However, this hypothesis is weakened by several previously unaddressed and biologically unreasonable assumptions. We discuss these assumptions and conclude that, because antler mass is expected to have been evolutionarily labile, nutritionally sensitive, and ontogenetically variable and male mortality is expected to have had limited impact on population growth, the large antlers of Irish elk probably had little to do with the extinction. We focus on the reproductive energetics of females as a possible contributor to extinction, and model the nutritional demands of producing precocial cursorial young. Our model shows the reproductive output of females being reduced by 50% due to changes in the length of the growing season at the end of the Pleistocene when most populations of Irish elk went extinct. The model was validated with parameters from the extant wapiti, which was predicted to maintain high levels of reproduction during the Pleistocene climatic deterioration. Thus, nutritional stress on reproductive females is likely to have contributed more to the Irish elk extinction than nutritional stress on large‐antlered males.
Fatty acid intake and asthma symptoms in Japanese children: The Ryukyus Child Health Study
Authors: Miyake Y. , Sasaki S. , Arakawa M. , Tanaka K. , Murakami K. , Ohya Y.
Published: August 2008

Background
It has been hypothesized that increased consumption of n‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acids and decreased consumption of n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids have contributed to the recent increased prevalence of asthma.

Objectives
The present cross‐sectional study examined the association of intake of specific types of fatty acids with the prevalence of asthma symptoms using data from the Ryukyus Child Health Study.

Methods
Study subjects were 25 033 schoolchildren aged 6–15 years in Okinawa, Japan. Symptoms of wheeze and asthma were defined according to diagnostic criteria from the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood. Information on dietary factors was collected using a self‐administered brief diet history questionnaire for children. Adjustment was made for age, sex, number of siblings, smoking in the household, body mass index, paternal and maternal history of allergic diseases, and paternal and maternal educational level.

Results
Intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids, n‐3 and n‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acids and linoleic acid (18 : 2 n‐6) was independently associated with an increased prevalence of wheeze – the multivariate odds ratios for the highest quintile were 1.19 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05–1.35), 1.17 (95% CI, 1.03–1.34), 1.19 (95% CI, 1.04–1.35), and 1.20 (95% CI, 1.06–1.37), respectively. There was no measurable relationship of consumption of α‐linolenic (18 : 3 n‐3), eicosapentaenoic (20 : 5 n‐3), docosahexaenoic (22 : 6 n‐3) or arachidonic acid (20 : 4 n‐6) or the ratio of n‐3 to n‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acids with the prevalence of wheeze. Consumption of total fat, saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids and cholesterol were not evidently related to wheeze. No material dose–response association was found between the intake of any of the types of fatty acids considered and the prevalence of asthma.

Conclusions
The findings suggest that consumption of both n‐3 and n‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially linoleic acid, may be associated with an increased prevalence of wheeze.
A clinical profile of memory impairment in humans due to endogenous glucocorticoid excess
Authors: León‐Carrión José , Atutxa Ainara Madrazo , Mangas Miguel Angel , Soto‐Moreno Alfonso , Pumar Alfonso , Leon‐Justel Antonio , Martín‐Rodriguez Juan Francisco , Venegas Eva , Domínguez‐Morales Mª Rosario , Leal‐Cerro Alfonso
Published: August 2008

Objective  Glucocorticoid excess is commonly related to neuropsychiatric and neurological disorders, with memory impairment typically found among these disorders. The objective of this study is to offer a clinical profile of memory deficits resulting from exposure to chronic stress‐level elevations of endogenous glucocorticoids in patients with Cushing's Syndrome (CS).

Study subjects  Thirty female participants of matching age and education level were studied: 15 had untreated CS (mean age 38 ± 14) and 15 were healthy. In all patients, CS was confirmed by histology of the lesion after surgery.

Design  Different learning and memory processes were assessed using an adapted version of Luria's Memory Words‐Revised task (LMW‐R). Participants’ performances were measured in an immediate condition and, 30 min later, in a delayed condition. Attentional and executive functions were also evaluated.

Results  Our data show that chronic exposure to elevated levels of cortisol is clinically associated with significant working memory deficits, which included less shot‐term memory volume, slow learning rate, memory contamination and no accurate perception of own performance. Patients also show impairment in the delayed recall task. No relation was detected between learning and delayed conditions. CS group did not differ significantly from control group in basic attentional and executive functioning.

Conclusions  Our clinical profile of memory deficits related to CS relates chronic exposure to hypercortisolemia to impaired attentional‐dependent working memory and delayed recall process, suggesting that cortisol levels play a critical role in the modulation of learning and memory. Possible damage to hippocampus and extrahippocampal areas is discussed.
Variations in the promoter of CYP21A2 gene identified in a Chinese patient with simple virilizing form of 21‐hydroxylase deficiency
Authors: Zhang Hui‐Jie , Yang Jun , Zhang Man‐na , Zhang Wei , Liu Jian‐min , Wang Wei‐qing , Ning Guang , Li Xiao‐Ying
Published: August 2008

Objective  The variations in the transcriptional regulatory regions of CYP21A2 were rarely investigated in patients with 21‐hydroxylase deficiency (21‐OHD). The present study aims to verify that the variations in the promoter of CYP21A2 relate to the classical form of 21OHD.

Patients and methods 
CYP21A2 was screened for mutations in 20 patients with the simple virilizing form of 21OHD, including the promoter region. The transcriptional activities of the variants in the promoter were investigated using a dual‐reporter luciferase assay system and electromobility gel shift assays.

Results  The heterozygous variants –447 A > G, –443InsA, –306G > C, –295T > C, –294 A > C, –283 A > G, –281T > G, –210T > C, –199C > T, –196 A > T, –126C > T, –113G > A, –110T > C, –103 A > G and –4C > T in the promoter of CYP21A2 gene were identified in a patient with simple virilizing form of 21OHD. The transcriptional activities of the promoter with the variants were reduced to 50% of the wild type.

Conclusion  We speculated that the 15 variants in the promoter of CYP21A2 combined with a compound heterozygous mutation Q318X lead to a simple virilizing form of 21OHD.
Low testosterone and anaemia in men with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Grossmann Mathis , Panagiotopolous Sianna , Sharpe Ken , MacIsaac Richard J. , Clarke Sophie , Zajac Jeffrey D. , Jerums George , Thomas Merlin C.
Published: August 2008

Objective  Anaemia is frequently found in patients with diabetes, in whom it is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Low testosterone levels are also common in men with type 2 diabetes. We hypothesized that low testosterone levels are also associated with anaemia in men with type 2 diabetes, over the effects of chronic kidney disease.

Design  Cross‐sectional cohort study, performed in 2005 in a tertiary diabetes clinic.

Patients  464 men with type 2 diabetes.

Main outcome measure  Anaemia (haemoglobin (Hb) < 13·7 g/dl in men aged < 60, or < 13·2 g/dl in men aged 60 and older).

Results  About 24% of study participants had anaemia, which was associated with the presence and severity of chronic kidney disease, systemic inflammation, increased age, and reduced iron availability. In addition, testosterone levels were independently associated with reduced Hb levels, determining between 6 and 8% of the total variability in raw Hb levels in this population after adjusting for these other factors. Individuals with total testosterone level < 10 nmol/l (43% of the cohort) were more likely to have anaemia (adjusted odds ratio 1·7; 95% CI 1·1–2·8). Similarly, anaemia was twice as common in individuals with a calculated free testosterone of < 0·23 nmol/l (adjusted odds ratio 2·0, 95% CI 1·2–3·1).

Conclusions  These findings suggest that testosterone deficiency may contribute to the increased frequency of anaemia in men with type 2 diabetes. However, the appropriate clinical response to testosterone deficiency in anaemic patients remains to be established by prospective clinical trials.
Life‐history strategies in freshwater macroinvertebrates
Authors: VERBERK WILCO C. E. P. , SIEPEL HENK , ESSELINK HANS
Published: August 2008

Explaining spatial and temporal differences in species assemblages is a central aim of ecology. It requires a sound understanding of the causal mechanisms underlying the relationship of species with their environment. A species trait is widely acknowledged to be the key that links pattern and process, although the enormous variety of traits hampers generalization about which combination of traits are adaptive in a particular environment.

In three steps, we used species traits to match species and environment, and chose lentic freshwater ecosystems to illustrate our approach. We first identified key environmental factors and selected the species traits that enable the organism to deal with them. Secondly, we investigated how investments in these traits are related (e.g. through trade‐offs). Thirdly, we outlined 13 life‐history strategies, based on biological species traits, their interrelations known from life‐history theory and their functional implications.

Species traits and environmental conditions are connected through life‐history strategies, with different strategies representing different solutions to particular ecological problems. In addition, strategies may present an integrated response to the environment as they are based on many different traits and their interrelationships. The presence and abundance of (species exhibiting) different life‐history strategies in a location may therefore give direct information about how a particular environment is experienced by the species present.

Life‐history strategies can be used to (i) explain differences in species assemblages either between locations or in different periods; (ii) compare waterbodies separated by large geographical distances, which may comprise different regional species pools or span species distribution areas and (iii) reduce often very complex, biodiverse assemblages into a few meaningful, easily interpretable relationships.
Macroinvertebrate diversity in headwater streams: a review
Authors: CLARKE AMBER , MAC NALLY RALPH , BOND NICK , LAKE P. S.
Published: August 2008

1. Headwater streams are ubiquitous in the landscape and are important sources of water, sediments and biota for downstream reaches. They are critical sites for organic matter processing and nutrient cycling, and may be vital for maintaining the ‘health’ of whole river networks.

2. Macroinvertebrates are an important component of biodiversity in stream ecosystems and studies of macroinvertebrate diversity in headwater streams have mostly viewed stream systems as linear reaches rather than as networks, although the latter may be more appropriate to the study of diversity patterns in headwater systems.

3. Studies of macroinvertebrate diversity in headwater streams from around the world illustrated that taxonomic richness is highly variable among continents and regions, and studies addressing longitudinal changes in taxonomic richness of macroinvertebrates generally found highest richness in mid‐order streams.

4. When stream systems are viewed as networks at the landscape‐scale, α‐diversity may be low in individual headwater streams but high β‐diversity among headwater streams within catchments and among catchments may generate high γ‐diversity.

5. Differing ability and opportunity for dispersal of macroinvertebrates, great physical habitat heterogeneity in headwater streams, and a wide range in local environmental conditions may all contribute to high β‐diversity among headwater streams both within and among catchments.

6. Moving beyond linear conceptual models of stream ecosystems to consider the role that spatial structure of river networks might play in determining diversity patterns at the landscape scale is a promising avenue for future research.
Existential aspects of living with addiction – Part I: meeting challenges
Authors: Wiklund Lena
Published: August 2008

Aim.  This paper aims to explore the existential aspects of living with addiction.

Background.  This study arises from data from a previous research project carried out by the author and takes as its point of departure the patient’s perspective. Addiction is described as being related to traumatic experience and to loss of control, shame, guilt and low self‐esteem, but also to spirituality. This causes profound suffering and drugs are used as a means of handling this suffering.

Design.  Hermeneutic inquiry was used to explore peoples experiences of living with addiction.

Method.  The first study was based on interviews with people with rich, personal experience of addiction. This study constitutes a secondary analysis of the same data and was conducted using a hermeneutic approach.

Results.  On an existential level the experiences of living with addiction can be understood as a striving to meet and resolve challenges associated with spirituality caused by a person’s suffering and, paradoxically, also by his/her efforts to relieve that suffering through the use of drugs. These challenges are presented as themes focusing on the conflict that must be met; meaning – meaninglessness, connectedness – loneliness, life – death, freedom – adjustment, responsibility – guilt, control – chaos.

Conclusion.  Living with addiction appears as being in the midst of a struggle with existential challenges. Furthermore, the use of drugs is paradoxical as it momentarily relieves suffering but at the same time increases it.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Addressing the challenges will facilitate nurses interaction with addicted persons. When facing challenges, including the motivational aspects, instead of focusing on problems, health can be promoted and suffering relieved.
Day surgery: patients’ felt abandoned during the preoperative wait
Authors: Gilmartin Jo , Wright Kerrie
Published: August 2008

Background. The rapid expansion in day surgery has facilitated a shift in surgical nursing intervention. The evolving evidence base has a major part to play in influencing nurse‐led preassessment, information provision, pain management and postoperative intervention. However, the literature is characterised by a number of deficits: poor attention to patient experience from admission to discharge, anxieties evoked and the potential needs of patients are not well articulated.

Aim. The purpose of this paper is to describe and interpret patients’ experiences of contemporary day surgery.

Method. This hermeneutic phenomenological approach focused on the experience of 20 adult patients. Data was collected by using unstructured interviews. The transcripts were interpreted through the identification of four prevalent themes using the phenomenological method.

Findings. The themes that emerged from the data are emphasised, ranging from the feeling of empowerment during preparation, through apprehensions encountered and the feeling of abandonment in the preoperative waiting area, to recovery dynamics.

Conclusion. The study demonstrates that the majority of the patients felt abandoned in the preoperative stage and nurses did not recognise the importance of ongoing psychological support. Therefore, it is crucial to strengthen the provision of emotional support and person‐centred care in a day surgery context. There is also a need to be aware that environmental factors can impact on patient anxiety, promoting the use of music preoperatively can reduce anxiety and increase well‐being.

Relevance for clinical practice. Crucially health professionals need to facilitate person‐centred and continuity of care throughout the day surgery experience. Using dynamic interpersonal skills, such as active listening ‘holding’‘containment’ and attunement to reduce anxiety and feelings of abandonment in the preoperative period. Moreover, being alert to verbal utterances, para‐language and non‐verbal cues demonstrated by the patient. Specific information about delays regarding the timing of procedures needs to be carefully explained.
Smoking characteristics and saliva cotinine levels in Taiwanese smokers: gender differences
Authors: Huang Chih‐Ling , Lin Hsi‐Hui , Yang Yi‐Hsin
Published: August 2008

Aims. The present study examined the smoking characteristics and a biomarker of a community‐based sample of Taiwanese individuals, seeking to determine the correlates of nicotine dependence for each gender.

Background. Nicotine dependence is a key barrier to smoking cessation. Additionally, nicotine metabolism may influence smoking behaviour and dependence. Correlates of nicotine dependence and biochemical markers of smoking for the Taiwanese population have not yet been studied.

Methods. Participants were 402 men and 110 women smokers, who had recently smoked at least one cigarette every day over a recent year. All participants completed a questionnaire which included demographic data, smoking background, self‐reported quantity of cigarettes per day and the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence. The participants also provided saliva samples.

Results. Female smokers were younger, more likely to be unmarried and were on average higher educated than males. A higher percentage of females reported that family members smoked and tended to be younger at initiation and were also more likely to have attempted to quit on previous occasions. Males reported smoking significantly more cigarettes than females, however, there was no significant difference in the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence scores between the two groups. The average saliva cotinine level was significantly higher for males than females (228·8 ng/ml vs. 94·6 ng/ml,p < 0·0001). Family and friends smoking were risk factors of nicotine dependence among both men and women smokers, but there was a stronger association of both factors on dependence levels for women. Being married is a risk factor for dependence for women but not for men.

Conclusion. These findings support the evidence that smoking characteristics and a biochemical marker differ between the males and females.

Relevance to clinical practice. The results of the study are useful for health policymakers, assisting them in planning tobacco control activities in light of gender differences.
Genetic consequences of glacial survival and postglacial colonization in Norway spruce: combined analysis of mitochondrial DNA and fossil pollen
Authors: TOLLEFSRUD MARI METTE , KISSLING ROY , GUGERLI FELIX , JOHNSEN ØYSTEIN , SKRØPPA TORE , CHEDDADI RACHID , VAN DER KNAAP W. O. , LATAŁOWA MAŁGORZATA , TERHÜRNE‐BERSON RUTH , LITT THOMAS , GEBUREK THOMAS , BROCHMANN CHRISTIAN , SPERISEN CHRISTOPH
Published: August 2008

Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst.) is a broadly distributed European conifer tree whose history has been intensively studied by means of fossil records to infer the location of full‐glacial refugia and the main routes of postglacial colonization. Here we use recently compiled fossil pollen data as a template to examine how past demographic events have influenced the species’ modern genetic diversity. Variation was assessed in the mitochondrial nad1 gene containing two minisatellite regions. Among the 369 populations (4876 trees) assayed, 28 mitochondrial variants were identified. The patterns of population subdivision superimposed on interpolated fossil pollen distributions indicate that survival in separate refugia and postglacial colonization has led to significant structuring of genetic variation in the southern range of the species. The populations in the northern range, on the other hand, showed a shallow genetic structure consistent with the fossil pollen data, suggesting that the vast northern range was colonized from a single refugium. Although the genetic diversity decreased away from the putative refugia, there were large differences between different colonization routes. In the Alps, the diversity decreased over short distances, probably as a result of population bottlenecks caused by the presence of competing tree species. In northern Europe, the diversity was maintained across large areas, corroborating fossil pollen data in suggesting that colonization took place at high population densities. The genetic diversity increased north of the Carpathians, probably as a result of admixture of expanding populations from two separate refugia.