bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hepatitis B vaccination is effective for babies weighing less than 1800 g
Authors: Lian Wee‐Bin , Ho Selina K‐Y , Yeo Cheo‐Lian
Published: May 2006

Aim:  This trial studied the effectiveness of early hepatitis B (HepB) immunisation in babies weighing less than 1800 grams, born of HepB surface‐antigen‐negative mothers.

Methods:  The first vaccine dose was given once clinical stability was achieved, with second and third doses given 1 and 6 months later, respectively. HepB serology, done using Abbott ElA (phase 1) and Abbott Axsym (phase 2) before and after June 2001, respectively, was checked at birth (Sero1), prior to (Sero2) and 6 months after (Sero3) the third dose. A booster dose was recommended when Sero3 showed a non‐immune status (<10 mIU/mL).

Results:  Median birth weight and gestational age (n = 118) were 1295 [range 475, 1780] g and 31 [range 24, 37] completed weeks, respectively. Sero1 (median age of 4 [range 1, 34] days) showed 64% (n = 113) to be non‐immune. The first dose of vaccine was administered at a median weight of 1268 [range 530, 1790] g, median age of 6 [range 1–63] days and median post‐menstrual age of 32 [range 24–37] completed weeks. Sero2 (median age of 179 [range 112–260] days), for 110 babies (93.2%) showed immunity in 48.2% (median titres – Phase 1: 26 [range 10, 150] mIU/mL; Phase 2: 34 [range 10, 1000] mIU/mL). Sero3 revealed seroprotection in 77.8% (median titres – Phase 1: 102 [range 12, 150] mIU/mL; Phase 2: 162 [range 16, 1000] mIU/mL). The more mature the bady at time of first dose, the more likely he is to achieve seroprotection (85% amongst those administered at and beyond 33 weeks; 91% among those administered at and beyond Day 10 at Sero3).

Conclusions:  Early HepB immunisation in infants <1800 g can be safely recommended, with booster doses necessary at 1 year for some infants.
Inflammatory measures in children with obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: Tam Charmaine S , Wong Melanie , McBain Rachel , Bailey Sherryn , Waters Karen A
Published: May 2006

Aim:  To evaluate a range of inflammatory measures in children with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA).

Methods:  In total, 44 children with polysomnographically defined OSA (30 boys; mean age: 7.3 ± 3.7 years) and 69 control subjects (44 boys; mean age: 7.6 ± 4 years) were recruited. Controls were screened for symptoms of OSA by questionnaire at the time of elective surgery that was unrelated to the upper airway. Blood samples were analysed for C‐reactive protein, and cytokines IL‐1β, IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10, IL‐12, GM‐CSF, IFN‐γ and TNF‐α.

Results:  The majority of the children had mild OSA (32/44). Children with OSA (respiratory disturbance index 5.3 ± 6.5 events/h) had significantly higher IFN‐γ and IL‐8 levels than controls (P < 0.001 and 0.003, respectively), although correction for age, sex and body mass index reduced these differences (IFN‐γP = 0.002, and IL‐8 P = 0.051). There were no significant correlations between inflammatory measures and body mass index, respiratory disturbance index, or other sleep, desaturation, or arousal parameters including respiratory or spontaneous arousal indices, desaturation index or severity, sleep efficiency, or apnoea/hypopnoea duration in the OSA group.

Conclusion:  Children with OSA, even of mild severity, have significantly elevated IFN‐γ levels and a trend towards elevated IL‐8 levels compared with asymptomatic controls, consistent with a pro‐inflammatory effect of OSA. These changes seen in mild OSA may precede changes in other pro‐inflammatory cytokines found in studies of adults with more severe and long‐standing disease, implying a potential benefit from early disease identification and intervention.
Disclosure of HIV/AIDS diagnosis to HIV‐infected children in Thailand
Authors: Oberdorfer Peninnah , Puthanakit Thanyawee , Louthrenoo Orawan , Charnsil Chawanun , Sirisanthana Virat , Sirisanthana Thira
Published: May 2006

Background:  With the availability of highly active antiretroviral therapy, more HIV‐infected children have lived longer. Many children are at the age that they should know the diagnosis.

Aim:  To identify the prevalence and patterns of disclosure of HIV/AIDS diagnosis to HIV‐infected children.

Methods:  A cross‐sectional study was conducted among 103 main care givers of HIV‐infected children aged ≥6 years who received highly active antiretroviral therapy at Chiang Mai University and Sanpatong district hospitals, northern Thailand.

Results:  One‐third (30.1%) of the children knew their HIV/AIDS status at an average age of 9.2 years. The care givers’ understanding of ‘knowing’ did not always mean that the children were told the name of ‘HIV’ or ‘AIDS’. Many of those care givers (84.3%) who reported that the child did not know their diagnosis had inaccurately explained to the child that he or she had some kind of disease such as allergy, lung, or liver disease. The most common reason for non‐disclosure was the fear that disclosure might have negative psychological consequences to the child (53.4%). Almost all (88.7%) agreed that they should tell the children their diagnosis in the future but half needed health‐care providers to help them at the event.

Conclusion:  There is a need for the development of disclosure guide‐lines and models for health‐care providers and care givers as there was a high rate of inaccurate disclosure and, in addition, care givers expressed their need for assistance from health‐care providers for the future disclosure.
Community paediatrics: Soft science or firm foundations?
Authors: Smith J Anne S , McDowell Michael
Published: May 2006

Abstract:  Community paediatrics strives to integrate the biology of health into the social and psychological worlds within which children grow and develop. Consumer demand for limited community paediatric clinical services is increasing and medico–legal pressures escalate professional and personal concern. Meanwhile, the profession, through training and professional support, has struggled to keep up. Research into community paediatrics and its integration into policy and clinical practice remains limited, raising the perception that it is a ‘soft’ science. Our viewpoint is that necessary progress in this field requires leadership, apprenticeship and research. We argue that to build firm foundations for the future requires structures to enable clinical specialisation and continuing professional development in this area.
Subcutaneous fat necrosis of the newborn: Be aware of hypercalcaemia
Authors: Borgia Francesco , Pasquale Loredana De , Cacace Caterina , Meo Petronilla , Guarneri Claudio , Cannavo Serafinella P
Published: May 2006

Abstract:  Subcutaneous fat necrosis of the newborn is an uncommon, self‐limiting panniculitis that usually occurs in full‐term infants as a consequence of perinatal asphyxia. The cutaneous involvement may be associated with metabolic complications such as hypoglycaemia, thrombocytopenia, hypertriglyceridemia, anemia and hypercalcaemia. The delayed onset of hypercalcaemia, 1–6 months after the development of the skin manifestations, imposes a prolonged follow‐up to avoid its acute toxic effects on cardiovascular and renal systems and the more durable metastatic calcifications.
Omenn syndrome: Therapeutic effects of cyclosporin
Authors: Rego Sylvan , Kemp Andrew , Wong Melanie , Knight Paul
Published: May 2006

Abstract:  Omenn syndrome is a severe combined immunodeficiency with features of generalised erythroderma alopecia and evidence of Th2 inflammation (eosinophilia and raised IgE). We describe a differential effect of 2 calcineurin inhibitors, cyclosporine A (CsA) and tacrolimus, with CsA rapidly improving the erythroderma and lymphocytosis but tacrolimus having little effect.
Papillary glioneuronal tumor radiologically mimicking a cavernous hemangioma with hemorrhagic onset
Authors: Buccoliero Anna Maria , Giordano Flavio , Mussa Federico , Taddei Antonio , Genitori Lorenzo , Taddei Gian Luigi
Published: May 2006

Papillary glioneuronal tumor is a recently identified low‐grade brain neoplasm classified as variant of ganglioglioma. Its salient morphological characteristics are the presence of pseudopapillary structures composed of blood vessels, often hyalinized, lined by uniform small astrocytes and a proliferation of neurocytic cells, eventually admixed with ganglioid and ganglion cells. We present a case of papillary glioneuronal tumor occurring in a 15‐year‐old female with an unusual hemorrhagic onset. The clinical, morphological and immunohistochemical features are discussed and the published literature is reviewed. This article proposes that papillary glioneuronal tumor should be included in the differential diagnosis of patients with tumoral related brain hemorrhage.
Neuropathology induced by infection with Friend murine leukemia viral clone A8‐V depends upon the level of viral antigen expression
Authors: Watanabe Rihito , Takase‐Yoden Sayaka
Published: May 2006

A8‐V is a neuropathogenic clone isolated from the Friend murine leukemia virus which causes spongiosis in the rat brain after infection at birth. Serial studies using chimeric viruses derived from the A8‐V and the 57 virus (57‐V), which is a non‐neuropathogenic strain of Friend murine leukemia virus, proved that the long terminal repeat (LTR) and 5′ leader (LTR‐leader/A8) derived from A8‐V, in addition to the env gene (env/A8) of A8‐V, are necessary for the neuropathogenesis of A8‐V. The enhancer element within the LTR of A8‐V (LTR/A8) has been supposed to contribute to the severe manifestation of spongiosis by inducing high levels of viral production in the brain after A8‐V infection. However, the recombinant viruses R7c and R7f, which lack the enhancer element of A8‐V, induced spongiosis with high incidence rates, although the isolated viral titers of the infected brain display very low levels, which are even comparable to the 57‐V infection. Immunohistochemical studies demonstrated that infection with neuropathogenic chimerae, R7c and R7f, induced increased expression of viral antigens than that produced by infection with non‐neuropathogenic chimeric virus, Rec5, despite the fact that R7c, R7f and Rec5 all exhibited similar levels of viral proliferation in the brain postinfection. Thus, neuropathology induced by A8 infection is not dependent upon the viral proliferation rate but rather the level of viral antigen expression.
The involvement of immunoglobulin superfamily proteins in spermatogenesis and sperm–egg interaction
Authors: TOSHIMORI KIYOTATA , MAEKAWA MAMIKO , ITO CHIZURU , TOYAMA YOSHIRO , SUZUKI‐TOYOTA FUMIE , SAXENA DINESH K.
Published: May 2006

The immunoglobulin superfamily (IgSF) proteins are expressed on the plasma membrane between Sertoli cells and germ cells in the testis. IgSF proteins are specifically present at the apical Sertoli‐germ cell junction, that is, ectoplasmic specialization and are involved in germ cell differentiation. Some IgSF proteins are present on the surface of germ cells and undergo further biochemical modifications during sperm maturation. These IgSF proteins undergo final modifications during capacitation and/or the acrosome reaction. The function and expression of IgSF proteins in the testis and spermatozoa, as they relate to spermatogenesis and sperm–egg interaction, are discussed. (Reprod Med Biol 2006; 5: 87–93)
Sperm–zona pellucida interaction and immunological infertility
Authors: KAMADA MASAHARU , MAEGAWA MASAHIKO , DAITOH TOSHIHUMI , MORI KAZUMASA , YAMAMOTO SATOSHI , NAKAGAWA KOJI , YAMANO SYUJI , IRAHARA MINORU , AONO TOSHIHIRO , MORI TAKAHIDE
Published: May 2006

Immune reactions against gametes appear to be physiologically important for the maintenance of homeostasis in reproduction. In contrast, aberration of the immune homeostasis might give rise to ‘immunological infertility’. Antisperm antibodies cause infertility by blocking fertilization. The mechanism can be explained as inhibiting the acrosome reaction of sperm by their blocking effect on capacitation through inhibiting an increase of fluidity of the sperm membrane. Autoantibodies against zona pellucida also cause infertility by blocking sperm–zona pellucida interaction, though the definitive mechanism has not been elucidated.

Pretreatment of spermatozoa with D‐mannnose completely inhibited sperm penetration through, but not binding to, the zona pellucida. Furthermore, very rapid kinetics between sperm extracts and D‐mannnose by a BIAcore apparatus suggest that a D‐mannose ligand of the sperm surface is easy to bind to and dissociate from a D‐mannose residue in the sperm receptor site on the zona pellucida. Thus, D‐mannnose on the human zona pellucida might be an essential molecule acting as a second sperm receptor, through which sperm penetrate into the zona pellucida.

Because these antibodies appear to not cause any deleterious clinical symptoms, sperm and zona pellucida antigens are promising candidates in the development of an immunocontraceptive. (Reprod Med Biol 2006; 5: 95–104)
Determinants of oral contraceptive pill use and its discontinuation among rural women in Bangladesh
Authors: ZAFAR ULLAH ABU NASER , HUMBLE MORAG ELIZABETH
Published: May 2006

Oral contraceptive pills (OCP) contribute a major share in the current method‐mix in Bangladesh. However, multiple studies show high discontinuation rates of OCP. The present study examines the behavior and attitude towards OCP use, and investigates the determinants of its discontinuation among the rural married women of Bangladesh.

The present study is based on critical analyses of the data from 24 focus group discussions and 135 in‐depth‐interviews with women, their husbands and key informants conducted over the period of 1 year.

The present study shows that more than two‐thirds of married women have at one time or another used OCP as a method of family planning. However, many women did not take the pills regularly and about one‐quarter of ever users had taken, at one stage or another, a ‘short break’ from OCP use. Although nearly half of them took a break because of side effects, interestingly, 16% took a break as the result of fear of health problems that were related to ‘folk stories’ and other misconceptions. The individual assessment by users of the national family planning service delivery, perceived side effects, misconceptions about continuous use of pills, quality of counseling and information, and contraceptive behavior of the OCP users considerably influenced the decisions on contraceptive use or non‐use. (Reprod Med Biol 2006; 5: 111–121)
Profiling of proteins phosphorylated or dephosphorylated during hyperactivation via activation on hamster spermatozoa
Authors: FUJINOKI MASAKATSU , SUZUKI TATSUYA , TAKAYAMA TAKESHI , SHIBAHARA HIROAKI , OHTAKE HIDEKI
Published: May 2006

Background and Aims:  It has been widely accepted that sperm hyperactivation is regulated by protein phosphorylations. But, the sperm hyperactivation phosphorylation pathway is not well understood yet because several different proteins have been detected in other studies. In order to understand the phosphorylation pathway that regulates hyperactivation, we established how to extract sperm protein completely and detected proteins that were phosphorylated during hyperactivation.

Methods:  Protein phosphorylation of hamster spermatozoa was detected by western blotting using antiphospho‐amino acid monoclonal antibodies or the SELDI ProteinChip system with IMAC‐Ga(III).

Results:  We detected 75 protein/peptide phosphoryations using the method established in the present study. Tyrosine phosphorylations occurred during hyperactivation. Serine or threonine phosphorylations occurred for 30 min. Furthermore, four of the serine or threonine phosphorations were phosphorylated by A‐kinase. As for peptides, 15 peptides were dephosphorylated for 30 min. Other peptides were phosphorylated during hyperactivation.

Conclusions:  Because most of the proteins detected in the present study have been described previously, we could detect comprehensive protein phosphorylations. Moreover, we also detected many novel phosphopeptides. Although we did not understand the role of peptide, it was likely that motility was basically regulated by serine/threonine phosphorylations and hyperactivation was mainly regulated by tyrosine phosphorylations. (Reprod Med Biol 2006; 5: 123–135)
Effects of in vivo exposure to eggs with sperm‐immobilizing antibodies in follicular fluid on subsequent fertilization and embryo development in vitro
Authors: SHIBAHARA HIROAKI , HIRANO YUKI , SHIRAISHI YASUKO , SHIMADA KAZUHIKO , KIKUCHI KUMIKO , SUZUKI TATSUYA , TAKAMIZAWA SATORU , SUZUKI MITSUAKI
Published: May 2006

Aims:  It has been shown that supplementation of patients’ sera that contains sperm‐immobilizing antibodies results in failure of fertilization and embryo development in vitro. The present study was carried out to investigate if exposing retrieved eggs to a high number of sperm‐immobilizing antibodies in the follicular fluid (FF) in vivo affected subsequent fertilization and embryo development in vitro, even if they were washed with an antibody‐free culture medium.

Methods:  Patients’ sera and their FF were collected in 15 in vitro fertilization‐embryo transfer (IVF‐ET) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection‐embryo transfer (ICSI‐ET) treatment cycles from 11 infertile women with sperm‐immobilizing antibodies in their sera. Quantitative sperm‐immobilizing antibody titers (SI50 titers) in the sera and FF were evaluated. The fertilization rate, good‐quality embryo rate and implantation rate by IVF‐ET were compared between infertile patients having higher (10≤) SI50 titers and lower (<10) SI50 titers in their FF.

Results:  There was a significant correlation in the SI50 titers between the patients’ sera and their FF (P < 0.0001). After thoroughly washing the collected eggs in culture medium without the patient's serum before IVF, there was no difference in the fertilization rate in the patients with high (10≤) and low (<10) SI50 titers in their FF (P = 0.62). However, the good‐quality embryo rate in the patients with a high SI50 titer was significantly lower than patients with a low antibody titer (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the implantation rate between the two groups (P = 0.33).

Conclusions:  Similar amounts of sperm‐immobilizing antibodies existed in the patients’ FF and in their sera. ICSI did not seem to be necessary in patients having the antibodies if their sera were not supplemented in the culture media. Even with careful manipulation of eggs, it might be suggested that the harmful effects of sperm‐immobilizing antibodies on embryo development cannot be completely avoided, especially in patients with high SI50 titers in the FF. (Reprod Med Biol 2006; 5: 137–143)
A factorial study of ondansetron, metoclopramide, and dexamethasone for emesis prophylaxis after adenotonsillectomy in children
Authors: GUNTER JOEL B. , McAULIFFE JOHN J. , BECKMAN EILEEN C. , WITTKUGEL ERIC P. , SPAETH JAMES P. , VARUGHESE ANNA M.
Published: May 2006

Background:  We conducted a factorial study of emesis prophylaxis with ondansetron (OND), metoclopramide (MET), and dexamethasone (DEX).

Methods:  After informed parental consent, 240 children having adenotonsillectomy were randomized to one of 15 combinations of OND (0–60 μg·kg−1), MET (0–400 μg·kg−1), and/or DEX (0–500 μg·kg−1). Using multivariable logistic regression, models were generated for the probability of emesis before discharge, after discharge and overall for 24 h.

Results:  Odds of emesis increased by a factor of three to four for children older than 7 years. Before discharge, odds of emesis decreased by factors of 0.29 for each 15 μg·kg−1 of OND and 0.37 for each 100 μg·kg−1 of MET. After discharge, odds of emesis decreased by a factor of 0.67 for each 125 μg·kg−1 of DEX and increased by a factor of 3.5 for emesis before discharge. Over 24 h, odds of emesis decreased with OND, MET, and DEX (ORs as above). A negative interaction between OND and MET was seen before discharge and over 24 h, reducing the efficacy of their combination.

Conclusions:  We present novel study design and methods of analysis which are uniquely suited to studies of multiple interventions. Factorial design was a powerful tool, allowing simultaneous determination of dose–response relationships for three drugs and identifying a previously unreported negative interaction between OND and MET.
Comparison of cultivation‐dependent and molecular methods for studying the diversity of anoxygenic purple phototrophs in sediments of an eutrophic brackish lagoon
Authors: Ranchou‐Peyruse Anthony , Herbert Rodney , Caumette Pierre , Guyoneaud Rémy
Published: May 2006

Phototrophic anoxygenic purple bacteria play a key role in many aquatic ecosystems by oxidizing sulfur compounds and low‐molecular‐weight organic compounds using light as energy source. In this study, molecular methods based upon pufM gene (photosynthetic unit forming gene) were compared with culture‐dependent methods to investigate anoxygenic purple phototrophic communities in sediments of an eutrophic brackish lagoon. Thirteen strains, belonging to eight different genera of purple phototrophic bacteria were isolated with a large dominance of the metabolically versatile purple non‐sulfur bacteria (eight strains), some purple sulfur bacteria (three strains) and two strains belonging to the Roseobacter clade (aerobic phototrophs). The pufM genes amplified from the isolated strains were not detected by the molecular methods [terminal‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (T‐RFLP)] applied on in situ communities. An environmental clone library of the pufM gene was thus constructed from sediment samples. The results showed that most of the clones probably corresponded to aerobic phototrophic bacteria. Our results demonstrate that the culture‐dependent techniques remain the best experimental approach for determining the diversity of phototrophic purple non‐sulfur bacteria whereas the molecular approach clearly illustrated the abundance of organisms related to the Roseobacter clade in these eutrophic sediments.
Microbial succession of nitrate‐reducing bacteria in the rhizosphere of Poa alpina across a glacier foreland in the Central Alps
Authors: Deiglmayr K. , Philippot L. , Tscherko D. , Kandeler E.
Published: May 2006

Changes in community structure and activity of the dissimilatory nitrate‐reducing community were investigated across a glacier foreland in the Central Alps to gain insight into the successional pattern of this functional group and the driving environmental factors. Bulk soil and rhizosphere soil of Poa alpina was sampled in five replicates in August during the flowering stage and in September after the first snowfalls along a gradient from 25 to 129 years after deglaciation and at a reference site outside the glacier foreland (> 2000 years deglaciated). In a laboratory‐based assay, nitrate reductase activity was determined colorimetrically after 24 h of anaerobic incubation. In selected rhizosphere soil samples, the community structure of nitrate‐reducing microorganisms was analysed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis using degenerate primers for the narG gene encoding the active site of the membrane‐bound nitrate reductase. Clone libraries of the early (25 years) and late (129 years) succession were constructed and representative clones sequenced. The activity of the nitrate‐reducing community increased significantly with age mainly due to higher carbon and nitrate availability in the late succession. The community structure, however, only showed a small shift over the 100 years of soil formation with pH explaining a major part (19%) of the observed variance. Clone library analysis of the early and late succession pointed to a trend of declining diversity with progressing age. Presumably, the pressure of competition on the nitrate reducers was relatively low in the early successional stage due to minor densities of microorganisms compared with the late stage; hence, a higher diversity could persist in this sparse environment. These results suggest that the nitrate reductase activity is regulated by environmental factors other than those shaping the genetic structure of the nitrate‐reducing community.
Structure analysis of a soil community of predatory bacteria using culture‐dependent and culture‐independent methods reveals a hitherto undetected diversity of Bdellovibrio‐and‐like organisms
Authors: Davidov Yaacov , Friedjung Avital , Jurkevitch Edouard
Published: May 2006

Bdellovibrio‐and‐like organisms (BALOs) are widespread obligatory predators of other Gram‐negative bacteria. Their detection by culture‐dependent methods is complicated as their replication is totally dependent upon the availability of an appropriate prey. Because BALOs do not form numerically dominant groups within microbial communities, non‐specific culture‐independent tools also generally fail to detect them. We designed sets of 16S rRNA primers that specifically target BALOs. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) were combined, yielding partial 16S rDNA sequences. This simple method that allows specific in situ culture‐independent detection of BALOs was applied to the soil environment. Bdellovibrio‐and‐like organisms were also isolated from the same soil and the phylogeny and prey range of the isolates analysed. Seventeen isolates retrieved using five different potential preys exhibited eight different spectra of prey utilization and formed nine operational taxonomic units (OTUs). These OTUs were affiliated with the Bdellovibrionaceae, Bacteriovorax, Peredibacter or Micavibrio, i.e. the known BALO groups. In comparison, 15 OTUs including 10 that were not detected by the culture‐dependent approach were obtained using the specific primers in a PCR‐DGGE approach. The occurrence of a complex BALO community suggests that predation occurs on a much wider range of prey than can be detected by the classical culture‐dependent technique.
Maximum growth rates and possible life strategies of different bacterioplankton groups in relation to phosphorus availability in a freshwater reservoir
Authors: Šimek Karel , Horňák Karel , Jezbera Jan , Nedoma Jiří , Vrba Jaroslav , Straškrábová Viera , Macek Miroslav , Dolan John R. , Hahn Martin W.
Published: May 2006

We investigated net growth rates of distinct bacterioplankton groups and heterotrophic nanoflagellate (HNF) communities in relation to phosphorus availability by analysing eight in situ manipulation experiments, conducted between 1997 and 2003, in the canyon‐shaped Římov reservoir (Czech Republic). Water samples were size‐fractionated and incubated in dialysis bags at the sampling site or transplanted into an area of the reservoir, which differed in phosphorus limitation (range of soluble reactive phosphorus concentrations – SRP, 0.7–96 µg l−1). Using five different rRNA‐targeted oligonucleotide probes, net growth rates of the probe‐defined bacterial groups and HNF assemblages were estimated and related to SRP using Monod kinetics, yielding growth rate constants specific for each bacterial group. We found highly significant differences among their maximum growth rates while insignificant differences were detected in the saturation constants. However, the latter constants represent only tentative estimates mainly due to insufficient sensitivity of the method used at low in situ SRP concentrations. Interestingly, in these same experiments HNF assemblages grew significantly faster than any bacterial group studied except for a small, but abundant cluster of Betaproteobacteria (targeted by the R‐BT065 probe). Potential ecological implications of different growth capabilities for possible life strategies of different bacterial phylogenetic lineages are discussed.
Chemostat‐based proteomic analysis of toluene‐affected Pseudomonas putida S12
Authors: Volkers Rita J. M. , De Jong Ad L. , Hulst Albert G. , Van Baar Ben L. M. , De Bont Jan A. M. , Wery Jan
Published: May 2006

The aim of this study was to assess the cellular response of the solvent‐tolerant Pseudomonas putida S12 to toluene as the single effector. Proteomic analysis (two‐dimensional difference‐in‐gel‐electrophoresis) was used to assess the response of P. putida S12 cultured in chemostats. This approach ensures constant growth conditions, both in the presence and absence of toluene. A considerable negative effect of toluene on the cell yield was found. The need for energy in the defence against toluene was reflected by differentially expressed proteins for cell energy management. In toluene‐stressed cells the balance between proton motive force (PMF) enforcing and dissipating systems was shifted. NAD(P)H generating systems were upregulated whereas the major proton‐driven system, ATP synthase, was downregulated. Other differentially expressed proteins were identified: outer membrane proteins, transport proteins, stress‐related proteins and translation‐related proteins. In addition, a protein with no assigned function was found. This study yielded a more detailed view of the effect of toluene on the intracellular energy management of P. putida S12 and several novel leads have been obtained for further targeted investigations.
Subarachnoid hemorrhage due to Borrelia burgdorferi‐associated vasculitis
Authors: Jacobi C. , Schwark C. , Kress B. , Hug A. , Storch‐Hagenlocher B. , Schwaninger M.
Published: May 2006

We report the case history of a patient who suffered a subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in association with early Lyme neuroborreliosis. After a tick bite, this patient developed erythema chronicum migrans and complained of stinging radicular pain in both legs. A computed tomography (CT) scan was performed because of acute headache and nuchal rigidity, which revealed an occipital SAH. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis provided further evidence of acute neuroborreliosis. Digital substraction angiography showed irregularities in the right posterior cerebral artery, which might be due to vasculitis, but no aneurysms.
Comparison of Dynamic (Brush) and Static (Pressure) Mechanical Allodynia in Migraine
Authors: LoPinto C , Young WB , Ashkenazi A
Published: May 2006

Allodynia has been described in migraine but has not been fully investigated for the different sensory modalities. The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of dynamic (brush) and static (pressure) mechanical allodynia in migraine patients and to suggest a practical method of testing them in a clinical setting. Patients with International Headache Society-defined episodic migraine (EM) or with transformed migraine (TM) as defined by Silberstein and Lipton were prospectively recruited from the Jefferson Headache Center out-patient clinic. A questionnaire of migraine features and symptoms of allodynia was administered. Brush allodynia (BA) was tested by cutaneous stimulation with a gauze pad and pressure allodynia (PA) was tested using von Frey hairs (VFH). The prevalence of BA and PA in all patients and in the different subgroups was calculated and correlated with migraine features. We recruited 55 migraine patients. Twenty-five had EM and 30 had TM. BA was present in 18 (32.7±) patients and PA in 18–24 (32.7–43.6±). Allodynia to both brush and pressure was found in 13–17 (23.6–30.9±) patients. If a patient had allodynia to one modality only, it was more likely to be PA than BA. Both BA and PA were more common in patients with TM compared with those with EM [BA 46.7± vs. 16.0±; PA (differences significant for the medium and thick VFHs) 50± vs. 20± and 50± vs. 12±, respectively]. Both types of allodynia were also more common in patients with migraine with aura compared with those with migraine without aura (BA 57.1± vs. 17.6±; PA 57.1–61.9± vs. 17.6–32.7±). There was a positive correlation between allodynia score (as obtained by examination) and allodynia index (as obtained by history) for both BA and PA. The incomplete, although considerable, overlap between BA and PA suggests that allodynia to different sensory modalities is associated with sensitization of different neuronal populations. Because PA was more common than BA, it may be a more sensitive indicator of allodynia in migraine. PA can be tested clinically in a practical and systematic manner.
Explaining the Short‐ and Long‐Term IPO Anomalies in the US by R&D
Authors: Guo Re‐Jin , Lev Baruch , Shi Charles
Published: May 2006

Abstract:  Financial scholars who research the initial underpricing and long‐term underperformance of IPOs generally attribute these phenomena to information asymmetry and investors’ misevaluations. Here, we identify, on a sample of 2,696 US IPOs issued during 1980–1995, a widespread source of information asymmetry and valuation uncertainty—the R&D activities of issuers—and document that these activities significantly affect both the initial underpricing of IPOs (R&D is positively correlated with underpricing) and their long‐term performance (R&D is positively related to long‐term performance). Given the pervasiveness and constant growth of firms’ R&D activities in modern economies, our identification of R&D as a major factor affecting IPO's performance contributes to the understanding of this important economic and capital market phenomenon.
Short Sales Constraints and Momentum in Stock Returns
Authors: Ali Ashiq , Trombley Mark A.
Published: May 2006

Abstract:  We show that stock characteristics identified by D’Avolio (2002) provide a reliable index of the mostly unobservable short sales constraints. Specifically, we find that this index is positively related to the level of short interest and to short selling costs implied by the disparity in prices in the options and stock markets, and is negatively related to future returns. Using this index, we show that the magnitude of momentum returns for the period 1984 to 2001 is positively related to short sales constraints, and loser stocks rather than winner stocks drive this result. We conclude that short sales constraints are important in preventing arbitrage of momentum in stock returns.
Could peripartum antibiotics have delayed health consequences for the infant?
Authors: Bedford Russell AR , Murch SH
Published: May 2006

Antibiotics are increasingly prescribed in the peripartum period, for both maternal and fetal indications. Their effective use undoubtedly reduces the incidence of specific invasive infections in the newborn, such as group B streptococcal septicaemia. However, the total burden of infectious neonatal disease may not be reduced, particularly if broad‐spectrum agents are used, as the pattern of infections has been shown to alter to allow dominance of previously uncommon organisms. This area has been relatively understudied, and there are almost no studies of long‐term outcome. Recent findings suggest that such long‐term data should be sought. First, there is evidence that organisms initially colonising the gut at birth may establish chronic persistence in many children, in contrast to prompt clearance if first encountered in later infancy, childhood or adulthood. Second, there is a rapidly advancing basic scientific data showing that individual members of the gut flora specifically induce gene activation within the host, modulating mucosal and systemic immune function and having an additional impact on metabolic programming. We thus review the published data on the impact of perinatal antibiotic regimens upon composition of the flora and later health outcomes in young children and summarise the recent scientific findings on the potential importance of gut flora composition on immune tolerance and metabolism.
Persistent high rates of hysterectomy in Western Australia: a population‐based study of 83 000 procedures over 23 years
Authors: Spilsbury K , Semmens JB , Hammond I , Bolck A
Published: May 2006

Objective  To investigate incidence trends and demographic, social and health factors associated with the rate of hysterectomy and morbidity outcomes in Western Australia and compare these with international studies.

Design  Population‐based retrospective cohort study.

Setting  All hospitals in Western Australia where hysterectomies were performed from 1981 to 2003.

Population  All women aged 20 years or older who underwent a hysterectomy.

Methods  Statistical analysis of record‐linked administrative health data.

Main outcome measures  Rates, rate ratios and odds ratios for incidence measures and length of stay in hospital and odds ratios for morbidity measures.

Results  The age‐standardised rate of hysterectomy adjusted for the underlying prevalence of hysterectomy decreased 23% from 6.6 per 1000 woman‐years (95% CI 6.4–6.9) in 1981 to 4.8 per 1000 woman‐years (95% CI 4.6–4.9) in 2003. Lifetime risk of hysterectomy was estimated as 35%. In 2003, 40% of hysterectomies were abdominal. The rate of hysterectomy to treat menstrual disorders fell from 4 per 1000 woman‐years in 1981 to 1 per 1000 woman‐years in 1993 and has since stabilised. Low socio‐economic status, having only public health insurance, nonindigenous status and living in rural or remote areas were associated with increased risk of having a hysterectomy for menstrual disorders. Indigenous women had higher rates of hysterectomy to treat gynaecological cancers compared with nonindigenous women, particularly in rural areas. The odds of a serious complication were 20% lower for vaginal hysterectomies compared with abdominal procedures.

Conclusion  Western Australia has one of the highest hysterectomy rates in the world, although proportionally, significantly fewer abdominal hysterectomies are performed than in most countries.
The effect of metformin on fat distribution and the metabolic syndrome in women with polycystic ovary syndrome—a randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Lord J , Thomas R , Fox B , Acharya U , Wilkin T
Published: May 2006

Objective  To establish whether metformin has a significant action in reducing visceral fat and improving other metabolic parameters in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Design  Randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial.

Setting  Reproductive medicine clinic.

Population  Forty women with anovulatory PCOS.

Methods  Participants were randomised into receiving metformin 500 mg three times a day or placebo for 3 months.

Main outcome measures  Fat distribution was measured by computed tomography scan. Secondary outcome measures included serum indices of the metabolic syndrome and evidence of ovulation.

Results  We found no significant differences in any of the measures of fat distribution between the placebo and metformin groups. The metformin group had significantly lower total cholesterol (P= 0.02), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (P= 0.02) and cholesterol:high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (P= 0.05), but there was no statistically significant treatment effect on androgens, insulin, insulin resistance, triglycerides, ovulation or pregnancy.

Conclusions  Metformin has no clinically significant effect in reducing visceral fat mass, although it does have a beneficial effect on lipids. This trial lends support to the growing evidence that metformin is not a weight loss drug. Metformin might therefore be used as an adjunct to lifestyle modification in women with PCOS, but not as a substitute for it.
Second messenger and Ras/MAPK signalling pathways regulate CLOCK/CYCLE‐dependent transcription
Authors: Weber Frank , Hung Hsiu‐Cheng , Maurer Christian , Kay Steve A.
Published: May 2006

The heterodimeric complex of the transcription factors CLOCK (CLK) and CYCLE (CYC) constitutes the positive element of the circadian clock in Drosophila and mammals. Phosphorylation of clock proteins represents an essential mechanism for promotion and control of the molecular oscillator. However, the kinases and signalling pathways that regulate CLK/CYC function remain largely elusive. In the present study we performed a chemical screen of kinase inhibitors in a cell culture reporter assay to identify functional regulators of CLK/CYC‐dependent gene expression. These studies and analysis of constitutively active forms of kinases revealed that cyclic nucleotide/protein kinase A (PKA), calcium/calmodulin‐dependent kinase (CaMK) II and Ras/mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) regulate CLK/CYC activity. In vitro phosphorylation analysis showed a direct phosphorylation of CLK by CaMK II and p42 MAPK [extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) 2], suggesting that these kinases regulate CLK/CYC‐dependent transcription by direct phosphorylation of CLK.
Slow and selective death of spinal motor neurons in vivo by intrathecal infusion of kainic acid: implications for AMPA receptor‐mediated excitotoxicity in ALS
Authors: Sun Hui , Kawahara Yukio , Ito Kyoko , Kanazawa Ichiro , Kwak Shin
Published: May 2006

Excitotoxicity mediated by α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazole propionic acid (AMPA) receptors has been proposed to play a major role in the selective death of motor neurons in sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and motor neurons are more vulnerable to AMPA receptor‐mediated excitotoxicity than are other neuronal subclasses. On the basis of the above evidence, we aimed to develop a rat model of ALS by the long‐term activation of AMPA receptors through continuous infusion of kainic acid (KA), an AMPA receptor agonist, into the spinal subarachnoid space. These rats displayed a progressive motor‐selective behavioral deficit with delayed loss of spinal motor neurons, mimicking the clinicopathological characteristics of ALS. These changes were significantly ameliorated by co‐infusion with 6‐nitro‐7‐sulfamobenso(f)quinoxaline‐2,3‐dione (NBQX), but not with d(–)‐2‐amino‐5‐phosphonovaleric acid (APV), and were exacerbated by co‐infusion with cyclothiazide, indicative of an AMPA receptor‐mediated mechanism. Among the four AMPA receptor subunits, expression of GluR3 mRNA was selectively up‐regulated in motor neurons but not in dorsal horn neurons of the KA‐infused rats. The up‐regulation of GluR3 mRNA in this model may cause a molecular change that induces the selective vulnerability of motor neurons to KA by increasing the proportion of GluR2‐lacking (i.e. calcium‐permeable) AMPA receptors. This rat model may be useful in investigating ALS etiology.
Effects of Smoking on Coronary Blood Flow Velocity and Coronary Flow Reserve Assessed by Transthoracic Doppler Echocardiography
Authors: Park Seong‐Mi , Shim Wan‐Joo , Song Woo‐Hyuk , Lim Do‐Sun , Kim Young‐Hoon , Ro Young‐Moo
Published: May 2006

Background: Smoking is a well‐known risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Coronary blood flow velocity (CFV) can be measured directly with transthoracic Doppler echocardiography (TTDE) which is conducted immediately after smoking. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the chronic and acute effects of smoking on coronary blood flow and coronary flow reserve (CFR) by the use of TTDE. Methods: Healthy volunteers (11 smokers and 9 nonsmokers) with a mean age of 27 ± 3 years were included. Smoking was abstained for at least 4 hours before the study. CFV was measured at the distal left anterior descending coronary artery by TTDE at baseline and during intravenous adenosine infusion (140 μg/kg per minute) in all participants. For smokers, CFV was measured immediately after consecutively smoking two cigarettes and during adenosine infusion. Results: CFR and coronary vascular resistance index (CVRI) showed no significant difference between nonsmokers and smokers (CFR: 3.5 ± 0.8 vs 3.6 ± 0.6, P = ns, CVRI: 0.28 vs 0.28, P = ns) at baseline. CFR significantly decreased (3.6 ± 0.6 to 2.8 ± 0.7, P = 0.008) and CVRI markedly increased (0.28 to 0.35, P = 0.012) after smoking. Conclusion: After 4 hours of abstinence from smoking, CFR and CVRI in smokers were similar to those of nonsmokers. However, consecutively smoking two cigarettes acutely reduced CFR and increased CVRI. These findings suggested that smoking could reduce coronary blood flow immediately, even in healthy people.
Usefulness of Pulsed‐Wave Tissue Doppler Echocardiography for the Assessment of the Left and Right Ventricular Function in Patients with Clinical Hypothyroidism
Authors: Kosar Feridun , Sahin Ibrahim , Aksoy Yüksel , Uzer Elmas , Turan Nedim
Published: May 2006

Clinical hypothyroidism (HT) is often associated with cardiovascular disorders, such as endothelial and myocardial dysfunction. Previous studies have explored left ventricular (LV) function using pulsed‐wave tissue Doppler echocardiography (TDE) in HT. However, no study has utilized this technique in the assessment of right ventricular (RV) function in HT. Accordingly, we investigated the effects of clinical HT on LV and RV function by TDE. The study subjects included 35 newly diagnosed HT patients and 32 healthy normal controls. For each subject, serum FT3, FT4, TT3, TT4, and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were measured, and standard echocardiography and TDE were performed. No statistically significant difference was found between patients and controls with regard to age, gender, body mass index, heart rate, and blood pressure. Compared to controls, TSH levels were significantly higher, and TT4 and FT4 levels were significantly lower. TDE showed that patients had significantly lower early diastolic tricuspid annular velocity (Ea) and early/late (Ea/Aa) diastolic tricuspid annular velocity ratio (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively), and significantly longer isovolumetric relaxation time (P < 0.001) than those of the controls. Aa, Sa, isovolumetric contraction time, and ejection time did not significantly differ. In addition, a significant relationship between some TDE indexes, and thyroid hormones (TT4 and FT4) and TSH was observed. We showed that patients with clinical HT are associated with impaired RV diastolic function, in addition to impaired LV diastolic function using TDE.
Echocardiography with Tissue Harmonic Imaging in the Detection of ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction: Comparison with Coronary Angiography
Authors: Yang Li , Wu Wei , Wang Jingfeng , Zhang Huizhong , Zhang Xiaoling
Published: May 2006

Background: Tissue harmonic imaging (THI) has been used to improve endocardial border definition and cardiac structure visualization in patients with poor quality echocardiograms. However, little is known about the usefulness of THI in the detection of acute myocardial infarction. Methods: Ninety‐eight patients with a first ST segment elevation myocardial infarction were investigated using THI and coronary angiography. Results: Using THI, adequate quality echocardiograms were obtained in 95.9% of the patients. THI detected myocardial infarction in 92.9% of the patients. The sites of myocardial infarction estimated by THI and echocardiogram were nearly consistent. The sites of myocardial infarction estimated by THI were in accordance with the territories subtended by the infarct‐related artery in coronary angiography (accuracy 88.8%), among which the highest accuracy (96.8%) concerning infarcts caused by left anterior descending branch disease. Infarcts involving inferior, posterior wall, or right ventricle were commonly complicated with myocardial infarction of other location, and were more likely to be missed. Conclusions: Echocardiography with THI is a sensitive technique for detecting ST segment elevation myocardial infarction. More attention should be paid to the observation of inferior, posterior wall, or right ventricle to avoid missing the detection of myocardial infarction involving these sites.
Severe Chronic Aortic Insufficiency Requiring Valve Replacement: An Infrequent Complication of Takayasu's Disease
Authors: Brady Jennifer , Esrig Barry C. , Hamirani Kamran , Baisre Ada , Saric Muhamed
Published: May 2006

Takayasu's arteritis (TA) is a granulomatous vasculitis of medium and large arteries, which most often presents as pulseless disease due to widespread arterial stenoses. Only the minority of TA patients have aortic valve insufficiency, which is due to aortic root dilatation following aortitis and aneurysm formation. No other cardiac valve is involved. We report a case of Takayasu's disease‐related severe aortic insufficiency (AI) in a Filipino woman, which necessitated aortic valve replacement. It is important to consider TA in the differential diagnosis of AI in young women, particularly those with early‐onset systemic hypertension and pulse deficits. Early diagnosis and therapy of TA can improve outcomes.