bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Testing predictions of a three‐species plant–soil feedback model
Authors: Kulmatiski Andrew , Heavilin Justin , Beard Karen H.
Published: January 2011

1. A growing number of experiments measure plant growth on soils cultivated by different species. Models show that the resulting plant–soil feedbacks (PSFs) can determine plant abundance and persistence; yet, quantitative tests of their importance in community dynamics are lacking.

2. Here, we use the growth of eight plant species on ‘self’ and ‘other’ soils to parameterize a three‐species PSF model. Predictions from the parameterized model were compared to plant growth observed in a 3‐month glasshouse experiment. Four types of three‐species communities were simulated: native, non‐native, nitrogen‐fixing and non‐nitrogen‐fixing. Because the PSF model is founded on a competition model, removing PSF effects from the model allowed us to compare PSF model predictions to competition model predictions.

3. Mean plant biomass differed among soil types by 20% and differed among plant species by 101%.

4. The PSF model correctly predicted rank abundance in the four communities tested while the competition model correctly predicted rank abundance in the two communities with nitrogen‐fixing plants. Furthermore, PSF model predictions of species abundances were closer to observed values than competition model predictions. Despite consistently improving upon the competition model, predictions from the PSF model were significantly different from observed values for three of four communities. Competition model predictions were different from observed values for all four communities.

5. Our three‐species model described the plant and soil conditions that allow coexistence and competitive exclusion, but when parameterized with experimental data, no communities were predicted to result in long‐term coexistence.

6.
Synthesis. Results suggest that PSFs captured a mechanism of plant community development. However, because improvements in model predictions were consistently small, either PSFs were not a dominant mechanism determining plant community development or PSFs were underestimated by our experimental or modelling approaches. Further testing of PSFs and development of improved methods to measure PSFs are suggested.
Invasive legumes fix N2 at high rates in riparian areas of an N‐saturated, agricultural catchment
Authors: Drake D. C.
Published: January 2011

1. This study examined the seemingly paradoxical proliferation of invasive, N2‐fixing broom (Cytisus scoparius) and gorse (Ulex europaeus) in N‐saturated riparian areas of intensive agricultural land in Canterbury, New Zealand.

2. A field study of natural abundance δ15N suggested that broom and gorse along the Selwyn River fix approximately three times more N than they take up from soils, and are thus a potentially large source of N in the landscape. Broom N fixation rates based on mass balance calculations from a glasshouse study were similar.

3. In the controlled glasshouse study, broom grown at both c. 1× and 6.5× field NO3− supply fixed N at the same rate per unit biomass (0.061 mg N day−1 g−1 dry wt) over a 9‐month period. Broom plants grown under the high‐N supply, however, grew c. 1.6 times larger, and thus fixed more N per plant. Above‐to‐below‐ground biomass ratios and %N in above‐ and below‐ground pools were the same under the two levels of N supply.

4. Each broom plant in the greenhouse study contributed at least 0.02 g N year−1 to soils, but leaching from the soils was surprisingly low (<2% of total plant and soil stocks) suggesting that plants less than 1 year old are not contributing substantially to high NO3− concentrations in Selwyn ground and surface water.

5. Synthesis. This study shows that both broom and gorse growing in the Selwyn riparian area are an additional source of bioactive N in this N‐saturated ecosystem. Additionally, broom grows more quickly as N availability increases and therefore fixes more N per plant. This suggests a positive feedback whereby agricultural nutrient pollution leads to increased per‐plant N2 fixation in broom, and probably in gorse, given the taxonomic and physiological similarity of the species. The Selwyn is representative of a large number of New Zealand rivers with riparian zones that are dominated by invasive N2 fixers. The likelihood that these invasive plants increase the amount of bioactive N in rivers and downstream ecosystems presents new considerations and challenges for management.
Subcontinental impacts of an invasive tree disease on forest structure and dynamics
Authors: Garnas Jeffrey R. , Ayres Matthew P. , Liebhold Andrew M. , Evans Celia
Published: January 2011

1. Introduced pests and pathogens are a major source of disturbance to ecosystems world‐wide. The famous examples have produced dramatic reductions in host abundance, including virtual extirpation, but most introductions have more subtle impacts that are hard to quantify but are potentially at least as important due to the pathogens’ effects on host reproduction, competitive ability and stress tolerance. A general outcome could be reduced host abundance with concomitant increases in the abundance of competitors.

2. Beech bark disease (BBD) is a widespread, fatal affliction of American beech (Fagus grandifolia), currently present inc. 50% of beech’s distribution in eastern North America. Despite high adult mortality, beech remains a dominant component of the forest community.

3. Employing spatially extensive data from the national Forest Inventory and Analysis program of the United States Forest Service, we show that forests have changed dramatically in the presence of BBD. Within the 2.3 million km2range of beech, size‐specific mortality was 65% higher in the longest‐infected regions, and large beech (>90 cm diameter at breast height) have declined fromc. 79 individuals km−2to being virtually absent. Small stem beech density was dramatically higher (>350%) such that infested forests contain a roughly equivalent cross‐sectional (basal) area of beech as before BBD.

4. There was no evidence for compensation by sugar maple or other co‐occurring tree species via increased recruitment or adult survivorship at the landscape scale. Overall, community composition remained roughly unchanged as a result of BBD.

5. Surprisingly, trajectory of stand dynamics (shifts in stem density and mean tree size reflecting normal stand maturation (self‐thinning) or retrogression (more abundant, smaller trees over time)) did not differ between affected and unaffected regions. Variance in stand dynamics was greater in afflicted forests, however, indicating that predictability of forest structure has been diminished by BBD.

6. Synthesis.Forests of eastern North America have shifted to increased density and dramatically smaller stature – without notable change in tree species composition – following the invasion of a novel forest disease. Our results reinforce the conclusion that introduced diseases alter fundamental properties of ecosystems, but indicate that the spectrum of potential effects is broader than generally appreciated.
Withdrawal times of freshwater rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri Richardson, after treatment with oxolinic acid, oxytetracycline and trimetoprim
Authors: JACOBSEN M. D.
Published: January 2011

Abstract. Oxolinic acid (OA), oxytetracyline (OTC) and trimetoprim (TMP) were investigated in whole gutted rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri Richardson, and in their skin, muscle and blood, at 6, 12 and 18°C. Concentrations of drugs were measured by high‐pressure liquid chromatography. It is recommended that withdrawal times for rainbow trout be based on whole gutted rainbow trout and not, as in earlier investigations, from residual concentrations in muscle. Any concentrations in rainbow trout feed were found to be stable during the pelleting process used and up to 81 days after pelleting. The absorption of the drugs in rainbow trout show different temperature dependencies. A quantitative comparison of our overall data from this work with individual results from earlier investigations was undertaken. Suggested withdrawal times for freshwater rainbow trout treated with these drugs are: for OTC, 90 days below 6°C, 70 days between 6 and 12°C and 60 days above 12°C; for TMP, 60 days below 8°C and 40 days above 8°C; for OA, 20 days at approximately 18°C.
Ulcerative disease rhabdovirus: cell‐line susceptibility and serological comparison with other fish rhabdoviruses
Authors: FRERICHS G. N. , HILL B. J. , WAY K.
Published: January 2011

Abstract. Five isolates of a rhabdovirus associated with a severe ulcerative disease of striped snakehead, Ophicephalus striatus, and other freshwater fish in S.E. Asia were examined for growth in a range of cold and warm water fish cell lines and for serological relationships to other pathogenic fish rhabdoviruses. All five isolates grew in AS, BF‐2, snakehead, O. striatus and O. micropeltis, and climbing perch, Anabas testudineus, cell lines. CHSE‐214, RTG‐2, EPC, Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, and grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella, cell lines were all refractory to infection. Cross neutralization tests showed the ulcerative disease rhabdovirus (UDRV) to be serologically distinct from VHSV, IHNV, EVA, EVX, SVCV, PFRV and perch rhabdovirus. UDRV appears to be a new distinct pathogen of freshwater fish in S.E. Asia.
Hepatitis C virus replication in Caucasian HIV controllers
Authors: Ruiz‐Mateos E. , Machmach K. , Romero‐Sanchez M. C. , Ferrando‐Martinez S. , Viciana P. , Del Val M. , Muñoz‐Fernandez M. A. , Genebat M. , Leal M. ,   on behalf of the Cohort of the Spanish AIDS Research Network (CoRIS)
Published: January 2011

Summary.  Whether HIV controllers, patients who spontaneously control HIV viraemia, are able to control hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, in terms of spontaneous clearance or lower HCV replication, is not well understood. To assess to what extent Caucasian HIV controllers are able to control HCV replication and potential associated factors, plasma HIV‐1 and HCV RNA levels, anti‐HCV antibodies, HCV genotype and human leucocyte antigens (HLA) typing were determined in samples from 75 HIV controllers (33 viraemic controllers, <1000 HIV‐1 RNA copies/mL, and 42 elite controllers, <40 HIV‐1 RNA copies/mL) and compared with 261 HIV‐infected noncontrollers. We did not find differences in the HCV spontaneous clearance rates between groups. However, we interestingly found a lower HCV viral load in HIV controllers, alongside a different distribution of HCV genotypes in relation to the comparison group. In addition, HLA‐B57 was associated with a lower HCV viral load in the control group and HIV controllers, and conversely, HLA‐B35 with higher HCV viral load in HIV controllers. The subrepresentation of HCV genotype 1 and the overrepresentation of HLA‐B57 only partly explained the lower HCV viral load found in HIV controllers. In fact, HIV controller status was independently associated with lower HCV viral load, together with HCV genotype non‐1, the presence of HLA‐B57 and absence of HLA‐B35. Caucasian HIV controllers are able to better control HCV replication, in terms of lower HCV viral load levels. These findings support the idea that some common host mechanisms are involved in the defence against these two persistent infections.
Arabidopsis genes IRREGULAR XYLEM (IRX15) and IRX15L encode DUF579‐containing proteins that are essential for normal xylan deposition in the secondary cell wall
Authors: Brown David , Wightman Raymond , Zhang Zhinong , Gomez Leonardo D. , Atanassov Ivan , Bukowski John‐Paul , Tryfona Theodora , McQueen‐Mason Simon J. , Dupree Paul , Turner Simon
Published: January 2011

There are 10 genes in the Arabidopsis genome that contain a domain described in the Pfam database as domain of unknown function 579 (DUF579). Although DUF579 is widely distributed in eukaryotic species, there is no direct experimental evidence to assign a function to it. Five of the 10 Arabidopsis DUF579 family members are co‐expressed with marker genes for secondary cell wall formation. Plants in which two closely related members of the DUF579 family have been disrupted by T‐DNA insertions contain less xylose in the secondary cell wall as a result of decreased xylan content, and exhibit mildly distorted xylem vessels. Consequently we have named these genes IRREGULAR XYLEM 15 (IRX15) and IRX15L. These mutant plants exhibit many features of previously described xylan synthesis mutants, such as the replacement of glucuronic acid side chains with methylglucuronic acid side chains. By contrast, immunostaining of xylan and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) reveals that the walls of these irx15 irx15l double mutants are disorganized, compared with the wild type or other previously described xylan mutants, and exhibit dramatic increases in the quantity of sugar released in cell wall digestibility assays. Furthermore, localization studies using fluorescent fusion proteins label both the Golgi and also an unknown intracellular compartment. These data are consistent with irx15 and irx15l defining a new class of genes involved in xylan biosynthesis. How these genes function during xylan biosynthesis and deposition is discussed.
Daily survival and human blood index of major malaria vectors associated with oil palm cultivation in Cameroon and their role in malaria transmission
Authors: Tanga M. C. , Ngundu W. I. , Tchouassi P.D.
Published: January 2011

Objective  To describe the daily survival rate, biting habits, feeding behaviour, sporozoite and entomological inoculation rates of Anopheles species and their relative contribution to Plasmodium falciparum transmission in large‐scale oil palm–growing zones in Cameroon.

Methods  Entomological surveys by employing human‐landing catches, both indoors and outdoors, two nights per month for 12 months from October 2004.

Results  A total of 2485 Anopheles were collected and four species recorded: An. funestus, An. hancocki, An. gambiae s.s. and An. nili. There was substantial indoors to outdoors variation and seasonality in the distribution of the Anopheles population. All four species showed similar nocturnal biting patterns and were sympatrically involved in malaria transmission simultaneously or replacing each other seasonally. Their constant presence throughout the year and longevity suggest that transmission can occur at any time if parasite reservoirs are present in the area. The circumsporozoite protein rates were 5.8%, 6.3%, 8.4% and 4.1%; mean anthropophilic rates were 97.1%, 94.5%, 73.9% and 77.6%, respectively, for An. funestus, An. gambiae s.l, An. nili and An. hancocki. The annual entomological inoculation rate was 1077 infectious bites per person. Of those An. gambiae specimens testing positive for P. falciparum sporozoites, 69.01% were M form and 30.99% were S form.

Conclusion  Any vector control strategy intending to significantly reduce the malaria burden in the palm estate will have to take into account entomological heterogeneity in addition to ecological and socio‐economic multiplicity.
Prevalences of and risk factors for vulvar diseases in Nepal: a hospital‐based study
Authors: Pathak Deeptara , Agrawal Sudha , Dhali Tapan K.
Published: January 2011

Background  The vulvar diseases are common skin conditions, but their frequency and importance are often underestimated.

Objectives  This study is aimed to investigate the frequency and clinical patterns of vulvar diseases and the risk factors associated with these diseases in patients attending a tertiary care hospital in eastern Nepal.

Methods  Patients with vulval symptoms or cutaneous lesions on the vulva were enrolled in the study. Laboratory investigations were carried out according to need. Equal numbers of age‐matched females without vulval lesions or symptoms were selected from the outpatient department as controls.

Results  Of 5521 female patients attending the Dermatology Department’s outpatient clinic during the study period, 105 (1.9%) had vulval symptoms and/or lesions. The most common types of vulvar disease were vulvar dermatoses (62.85%), pruritus vulvae (36.19%) and vulvodynia (0.95%). In vulvar dermatoses, infection was the most common (33.4%) manifestation, with a predominance of vulvovaginal candidiasis. Other dermatoses included: cysts and tumors (5.6%); pigmentary changes (vitiligo) (5.6%); inflammatory dermatoses (6.6%); atrophic vaginitis (1.8%); erosive disease (0.9%); and dermatosis caused by sexual abuse (1.9%). Use of nylon undergarments, occasional detergent use for washing clothes, and an irregular menstrual history were found to be associated with vulvar diseases.

Conclusions  Our study findings indicate that the known frequency of vulvar diseases may represent only a small proportion of actual frequency. Further clinical and population‐based research should be carried out with respect to the treatment, follow‐up, and true prevalence of these diseases in the community.
Sexual precocity in hypomelanosis of Ito: mosaicism‐associated case report and literature review
Authors: Park Jin Mo , Kim Hee Jung , Kim Taegyun , Chae Hyun Wook , Kim Duk Hee , Lee Min‐Geol
Published: January 2011

Background  Hypomelanosis of Ito (HI), a neurocutaneous disorder characterized by hypopigmented skin lesions along Blaschko’s line with multiple accompanying diseases, may occasionally present with sexual precocity.

Methods  We reviewed cases of HI with sexual precocity reported in the literature and focused on collecting information on other associated organ abnormalities, chromosomal karyotype, and type of sexual precocity. We also present our own case report.

Results  Five children with sexual precocity in HI were studied. All patients were full‐term females without significant family history. Their ages ranged from three years to 11 years. Skin lesions involved the trunk and limbs. Developmental delay was present in all patients. Central nervous system involvement was found in four patients. Craniofacial abnormalities were present in four patients. Eye involvement was present in two patients. Limb abnormalities (brachydactyly and clinodactyly) were present in two patients. Skeletal organ involvement was present in three patients. Other skin lesions were present in three patients. Dental abnormalities occurred in one patient. Of the five patients, four demonstrated a peripheral type of sexual precocity, and one presented with central type sexual precocity. Vaginal bleeding was present in two patients. Chromosomal karyotype abnormalities were found in two patients, and mosaicism was present in one of these.

Conclusions  Hypomelanosis of Ito is a syndrome characterized by cutaneous signs frequently associated with nervous, ocular, and musculoskeletal system abnormalities. Although it is rarely reported in conjunction with HI, physicians should recognize sexual precocity as a possible associated symptom.
Evaluation of educational methods in dermatology and confidence levels: a national survey of UK medical students
Authors: Chiang Yi Zhen , Tan Kian Tjon , Chiang Yi Ning , Burge Susan M. , Griffiths Christopher E. M. , Verbov Julian L.
Published: January 2011

Background  The high prevalence of skin conditions makes dermatology education an essential part of the undergraduate medical curriculum. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of different educational methods on confidence levels in dermatology among UK medical students.

Methods  A survey‐based study was carried out to establish: (i) educational experience in dermatology, and (ii) confidence levels in the British Association of Dermatologists core curriculum learning outcomes. Measures of confidence were rated using a five‐point Likert scale.

Results  Completed questionnaires were obtained from 449 final‐year medical students at 14 medical schools (12.9% of 3485 final‐year UK medical students). Students who received teaching from dermatologists (P ≤ 0.01), dermatology specialist nurses (P ≤ 0.001), and expert patients (P ≤ 0.001) reported higher levels of confidence. Learning in clinical settings (P ≤ 0.001) and small‐group settings (P ≤ 0.001) was associated with higher confidence levels. Student‐selected components in dermatology were associated with higher confidence levels (P ≤ 0.001). Confidence levels were consistently lower in dermatological emergencies compared with chronic conditions, reflecting the lack of clinical exposure. Overall, 64.9% of students were at least adequately confident in assessing, and 52.0% were similarly confident in managing patients with skin conditions.

Conclusions  The findings of this study show that specialist clinical experiences and small‐group learning had the most significant influence on confidence levels in dermatology. Many medical students nearing qualification were less than adequately confident in their abilities to assess and manage skin conditions, suggesting that a greater emphasis on dermatology is required.
BRAF, HRAS, KRAS, NRAS and CDKN2A genes analysis in cultured melanocytes used for vitiligo treatment
Authors: Czajkowski Rafal
Published: January 2011

Background  Cultured pigment cells are increasingly being used in the treatment of stable vitiligo. The melanocyte growth media contain synthetic and human recombinant mitogenic factors. High concentration of growth factors, increased melanin biosynthesis, and the rapid cell cycle progression may lead to the genetic material damage and the initiation of melanocyte malignant transformation in cell culture conditions. Mutations of genes of the RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK signaling pathway and CDKN2A gene are often found in the early stages of melanoma development. 12‐O‐Tetradecanoyl‐phorbol‐13‐acetate (TPA)/phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA) is considered to be an oncogenic factor, but there is no evidence that it is responsible for melanomagenesis initiation. The goal of this research was to assess the risk of the development of mutations in selected genes of the RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK signaling pathway and CDKN2A gene during the culturing of pigment cells in various growth media.

Methods  Three‐hundred melanocyte cultures were established in 10 various growth media. The population doubling time of cultured cells was calculated for all the tested growth media. Cytogenetic analysis was carried out on the HRAS (exon 1 and 2), KRAS (exon 1 and 2), NRAS (exon 1 and 2), BRAF (exon 11 and 15), and CDKN2A (exon 1) genes.

Results  Our study revealed that TPA and high concentrations of other growth factors intensify the proliferation of pigment cells, without the risk of damage to the analyzed genes.

Conclusions  It is necessary to carry out further similar studies on other signaling pathways to confirm cultured melanocytes transplantation safety.
Ingrown nails and pachyonychia of the great toes impair lower limb functions: improvement of limb dysfunction by medical foot care
Authors: Imai Akiko , Takayama Kaoru , Satoh Takahiro , Katoh Takuro , Yokozeki Hiroo
Published: January 2011

Background  Painful feet and lower limb dysfunction are risk factors for falling. Toenail deformities are common disorders in elderly people, but the relationship between nail deformities and lower limb function remains unclear. The aims of the present study were to assess the impairment of lower limb function in patients with deformities of the great toe and to determine whether foot care treatment is beneficial in reducing the risk of falling.

Methods  Functional tests of the lower extremities were performed in 263 adults, including patients with any of hallux valgus, ingrown nail, or pachyonychia, and volunteers. Fifty‐five subjects with nail disorders of the great toe received medical foot care treatment.

Results  The presence of ingrown nail, pachyonychia, or tenderness of the great toe was significantly correlated with impaired postural performance and reduced muscular strength as assessed by functional tests. Medical foot care markedly reduced pain levels in the great toe and improved scores on functional tests of the lower extremities.

Conclusions  Toenail disorders of the great toe cause dysfunction of the lower extremities and are likely to increase the risk of falling in daily life. Foot care management of toenail disorders has the potential to improve functional abilities in daily life, particularly in elderly individuals.
Resveratrol protects quail hepatocytes against heat stress: modulation of the Nrf2 transcription factor and heat shock proteins
Authors: Sahin K. , Orhan C. , Akdemir F. , Tuzcu M. , Iben C. , Sahin N.
Published: January 2011

In the present study, the effects of dietary resveratrol on the induction of heat shock proteins, transcription factors and antioxidative enzyme system in liver of quails under heat stress were investigated. A total of 180 (55‐day‐old) female Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) were reared either at 22 °C for 24 h/day (thermoneutral, TN) or 34 °C for 8 h/day (heat stress, HS; 09:00–17:00 hours) for 12 weeks. Birds in both environments were randomly fed one of three diets: basal diet and basal diet added with either 200 or 400 mg of resveratrol per kg of diet. The results showed that exposure to high ambient temperature induced decreases in feed intake, egg production, and hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) activities but increases in hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations (p < 0.001). Liver Hsp70, Hsp90 and NF‐κB expression was greater while Nrf2 expression was lower for quails reared under the heat stress than for those reared under the TN environment (p < 0.0001). There were linear increases in feed intake, egg production, hepatic SOD, CAT, and GSH‐Px activities as well as Nrf2 expression, but linear decreases in hepatic MDA concentrations and Hsp70, Hsp90, and NF‐κB expressions with increasing supplemental resveratrol level (p < 0.0001). Two‐way treatment interactions revealed that the degree of restorations in all response variables was more notable under the high ambient temperature than that of the TN environment as dietary resveratrol concentration was increased. The results of the present study suggest that supplemental resveratrol reduces oxidative stress in heat‐stressed quails through modulating the hepatic heat shock proteins and nuclear transcription factors.
Identification of plasma and hepatic parameters related to metabolic robustness in dairy cows
Authors: Graber M. , Kohler S. , Müller A. , Burgermeister K. , Kaufmann T. , Bruckmaier R. M. , van Dorland H. A.
Published: January 2011

Blood plasma and hepatic parameters were identified that describe the differences between metabolically robust or vulnerable dairy cows grouped according to their past health status. Data from a field study on dairy cows were used from which metabolically challenged dairy cows were selected that had a milk fat percentage of >4.5 mg/g and a fat to protein ratio of >1.5 in their previous early lactation. The selected cows were either classified as metabolically robust or vulnerable based on the occurrence of various metabolic and (re)production disorders in their previous lactations. Blood and liver tissue samples were collected in week 3 ante partum (a.p.) (−3wk), in week 4 (+4wk) and in week 13 (+13wk) post‐partum (p.p.). Plasma concentrations of metabolites and hormones and mRNA expression of genes involved in metabolic pathways in the liver were used as variables for a two‐group discriminant analysis (DA). Average discriminant scores (centroids) were different (p < 0.05) in −3wk, +4wk and in +13wk. In −3wk, significant variables that best explained the differences between metabolically robust and vulnerable cows were parity, plasma triglycerides, glucose and mRNA abundance of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 2 (CPT2). In addition, based on the classification matrix, 69% of the dairy cows were correctly classified. In +4wk, identified significant parameters were parity, plasma glucose and urea, and 67% of the cows were correctly classified. In +13wk, significant variables that explained the differences between the groups were parity, mRNA abundance of acyl‐CoA synthetase long‐chain 1 and CPT1, and 66% of the cows were correctly classified. In conclusion, the identified variables may distinguish from metabolically challenged cows, those cows that had a poorer health performance in their previous lactations.
Effect of exercise training on renal function and renal aquaporin‐2 expression in rats with chronic heart failure
Authors: Lin Qin‐Qin , Lin Rong , Ji Qiao‐Li , Zhang Ji‐Ye , Wang Wei‐Rong , Yang Li‐Na , Zhang Kai‐Fan
Published: January 2011

1. Chronic heart failure (CHF) is often accompanied by renal dysfunction. Exercise training may relieve the symptomatic burden and improve the overall prognosis of CHF. In the present study, the effects of exercise training on renal function and renal aquaporin (AQP)‐2 expression in CHF rats were examined to determine whether exercise training could relieve renal dysfunction in CHF rats.

2. Male Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into three groups: sham, sedentary CHF (Sed‐CHF) and exercise training CHF (Ex‐CHF) groups. Cardiorenal function was assessed in each group by haemodynamic measurement and ultraviolet spectrophotometry. Pathological changes in cardiac and renal tissues were evaluated histologically and the collagen volume fraction (CVF) was calculated. The expressions of AQP‐2 and β‐tubulin were determined by western blotting and immunohistochemistry.

3. The Sed‐CHF rats were found to have increased left ventricular end‐diastolic pressure (LVEDP) and CVF in the heart compared with sham rats. Exercise training decreased LVEDP and CVF values in Ex‐CHF rats. The Sed‐CHF rats were found to have increased serum levels of creatinine (sCr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and arginine vasopressin (AVP), as well as increased CVF in the kidney, compared with sham rats. Exercise training decreased levels of sCr, BUN, AVP and CVF in Ex‐CHF rats. Moreover, exercise training decreased AQP‐2 and β‐tubulin protein expression in the kidney of CHF rats.

4. The results suggest that exercise training can significantly improve the renal dysfunction in CHF rats and that the underlying mechanism may be related to water reabsorption and preventing changes to the cytoskeleton.
Levetiracetam in children and adolescents with epilepsy and hemiplegic cerebral palsy
Authors: Harbord Michael G
Published: January 2011

Aim:  To monitor the effect of adding levetiracetam in paediatric patients with hemiplegic cerebral palsy and uncontrolled epilepsy.

Methods:  A case series of eight patients with hemiplegic cerebral palsy whose focal seizures were not adequately controlled by their current anticonvulsants were monitored after levetiracetam was added to their medications. If there was a 50% reduction in seizure frequency, then the other anticonvulsants were discontinued. Prolonged follow‐up occurred for a minimum of 2 years.

Results:  There were seven males and one female whose ages ranged from 4 years to 17 years. All had focal onset seizures, while seven also had secondarily generalised tonic clonic seizures. Levetiracetam resulted in at least a 50% reduction in seizure frequency in seven, with no change in one. Three were able to wean successfully to monotherapy and remained seizure free for over 2 years. They had a prior history of infrequent seizures, one to six per year. Those who continued to require multiple anticonvulsants had a prior history of more frequent seizures, 6–50/year. Levetiracetam was well tolerated, and none ceased this because of side effects.

Conclusion:  Levetiracetam is likely to be an effective anticonvulsant in children and adolescents with hemiplegic cerebral palsy and infrequent but persistent focal seizures.
Personalised epilepsy education intervention for adolescents and impact on knowledge acquisition and psychosocial function
Authors: Frizzell Claire K , Connolly Anne M , Beavis Erin , Lawson John A , Bye Ann ME
Published: January 2011

Aim:  Patients frequently have poor knowledge of epilepsy, and this is associated with low self‐esteem in adolescence. There is a paucity of data determining whether education alone can improve psychosocial outcome. The study investigated whether an educational intervention in adolescence:

Increased understanding of epilepsy syndrome and general epilepsy knowledge.

Improved self‐esteem, seizure self‐efficacy and attitudes towards epilepsy.

Methods:  In session 1, adolescents were educated about their epilepsy syndrome in a one‐on‐one session, producing a personalised epilepsy medical record. In session 2, the impact of epilepsy on life‐style was discussed. Pre‐ and post‐intervention measures of knowledge, self‐esteem, seizure self‐efficacy and attitudes towards epilepsy were completed using validated scales. Focus groups explored the intervention's value.

Results:  Thirty adolescents with epilepsy participated (female: 24, male: 6; median age: 16 years; partial symptomatic epilepsy: 15, generalised idiopathic epilepsy: 15). Self‐knowledge of syndrome (P < 0.0001), general knowledge of epilepsy (P < 0.0001), attitudes towards epilepsy (P= 0.008) and seizure self‐efficacy (P= 0.049) improved. Focus group data indicated that sessions were enjoyable and valuable, and the medical record was helpful.

Conclusions:  The intervention significantly improved self‐knowledge and general knowledge of epilepsy, attitudes towards epilepsy and seizure self‐efficacy. This is the first study to demonstrate a positive impact on psychosocial outcomes following an educational intervention without a psychological component. The model has widespread application.
Growth and growth hormone secretion in children after bone marrow transplantation
Authors: SHINOHARA OSAMU , KUBOTA CHIDORI , HINOHARA TOMOYUKI , HATTORI KINYA , YABE HIROMASA , YABE MIHARU , KATO SHUNICHI
Published: January 2011

Long‐term sequelae of bone marrow transplantation (BMT) are a major concern among long‐term survivors since the procedure has been considerably developed over the past decade. In this study, linear growth and growth hormone (GH) secretion were evaluated in 25 children (14 males and 11 females) with various neoplastic or non‐neoplastic hematological disorders who had survived for more than 3 years after BMT. Impaired linear growth after BMT, as defined by a change in height standard deviation score (SDS) by more than − 1.0 SD, was observed in 14 patients (56%). Four children showed severe growth suppression with a decrease in SD score by more than 2.0, and 10 exhibited a moderate reduction by between 1.0 and 2.0 SD. A recovery of normal height velocity was observed in those who had received BMT at a younger age. The type of disease, a difference in preconditioning regimen, the presence of chronic graft‐versus‐host disease or a GH secretory capacity 1 year after BMT were not contributing factors for impaired growth. A serial examination of GH secretion with insulin‐induced hypoglycemia demonstrated that poor GH secretion was not necessarily a prerequisite for impaired growth. These results indicate that the secretory status of GH does not predict the future growth pattern of children who received BMT.
Management of colorectal polyps in children
Authors: NAGASAKI AKIRA , YAMANAKA KIYOICHIRO , TOYOHARA TOSHIMITSU , OHGAMI HIROSHI , AOKI TOMONOBU , SUEISHI KATSUO
Published: January 2011

Forty‐two patients each with a colorectal polyp have been treated in our hospital over the past 10 years. In twenty‐two cases the polyps were noted in the rectum, nine in the sigmoid colon, seven in the descending colon and four in the transverse colon. Each patient had only one polyp. Hematochezia was the main symptom in 29 patients, prolapse of the polyp from the anus in 10, abdominal pain due to intussusception in two and no symptoms were observed in one. Auto‐amputation of the polyp was considered to have occurred in five patients. Twelve rectal polyps were resected from a transanal operation, and another 25 polyps were removed endoscopically with electric cautery. We have had no experience of endoscopic complications such as bleeding or perforation. A histological examination revealed an adenoma in one patient. Other polyps were non‐neoplastic and were classified as juvenile, inflammatory and hyperplastic in 30, two and four patients, respectively. There have been no recurrences of polyps to date.
Irradiated fetal thymus transplantation in a patient with combined immunodeficiency with predominant T cell defect
Authors: HIGUCHI SHIGENORI , YANABE YASUHIDE , TSUCHIYA HIROYUKI , AKAHOSHI IZUMI , UDAKA KEIJI , MIGITA MASAHIRO , MATSUDA ICHIRO
Published: January 2011

A 6 month old boy was diagnosed as a case of combined immunodeficiency (with predominant T cell defect by previous classification). His T cell count was decreased, his B cell count in peripheral blood was increased, his serum IgG level was decreased, his serum IgM level was normal and the thymus was not evident on CT scans and magnetic resonance imaging. Administration of the thymus hormone, thymosin, led to a partial recovery of T cell function without normalization of the T cell count. At age 26 months the patient received an irradiated thymus transplantation from a 16 week old female fetus. After the transplantation, the T cell count (mainly CD4+ cells) increased by 50–70%. A mild graft‐versus‐host reaction (GVHR) occurred and several immunosuppressants were prescribed. Chromosome analysis showed that the T cells have both 46 XY and 46 XX karyotypes while the B cells have the 46 XY karyotype alone. His cellular immunity (skin tests, DNA synthesis, mixed lymphocyte reaction, cytotoxic activity and natural killer cell function) and his serum IgG level remained low. However, being on regular r‐globulin therapy and oral anti‐fungal drugs, he is now living normally with almost no trouble at age 6 years and 3 months. This case showed that irradiated thymus transplantation might be a useful method when an adequate donor for bone marrow transplantation is not available. The unexpected observation that the increased T cells were mainly CD4 may be related to the mild GVHR and the clinical improvement.
Inflammatory esophagogastric polyp and fold in an adolescent
Authors: KATO SEIICHI , OZAWA AKIRA , SHIBUYA HIDENORI , NAKAGAWA HIROSHI , NAGANUMA HIROSHI
Published: January 2011

The case of a 13 year old boy with an inflammatory esophagogastric polyp and ulcerative colitis is described. Endoscopy revealed a typical polyp and gastric fold complex at the esophagogastric junction and a hiatal hernia. Histology of a biopsy specimen confirmed an inflammatory polyp covered by hyperplastic squamous and gastric foveolar epithelium. Continuous 24 hour esophageal manometry suggested gastroesophageal reflux, which may be related to the pathogenesis of the lesion. Follow‐up endoscopy showed marked regression of the polyp with medication for reflux eosphagitis. This clinical entity is rare in childhood and adolescence, and the manifestations may not be readily recognized. Therefore, endoscopic biopsy is important in children with esophageal polyps. However, polypectomy is unnecessary except when malignancy is suspected or when symptoms persist.
Normal levels of IgG subclass in childhood determined by a sensitive ELISA
Authors: HAYASHIBARA HIROSHI , TANIMOTO KANAME , NAGATA IKUO , HARADA YUICHIRO , SHIRAKI KAZUO
Published: January 2011

Normal values of all IgG subclasses were determined using a sensitive ELISA in children aged from newborn to 14 years. The upper and lower limits of normal values of all IgG subclasses were obtained in all the age groups using 29 umbilical cord blood samples from full‐term newborns and 308 venous blood samples from normal infants and children. The trends in the levels of IgG1, IgG2 and IgG3 with age were almost similar to previous reports. IgG4 levels decreased gradually until reaching the lowest level at 7 to 12 months and increased gradually with age, reaching a plateau at 12 to 14 years of age. Thus, the lower limit of serum IgG4 levels was determined using our method.
A study of the hemoglobin levels in breast‐fed infants in one village of Okinawa prefecture
Authors: HOKAMA TOMIKO
Published: January 2011

We investigated the prevalence of anemia and the hemoglobin levels in breast‐fed infants. Three hundred and fifty‐six healthy children with different feeding methods were studied longitudinally. The results showed that the prevalence of anemia was higher and the hemoglobin levels were lower in breast‐fed infants compared with those in partially breast‐fed or formula‐fed infants at late infancy.
A case of congenital herpes zoster
Authors: KUSUHARA KOICHI , MIYAZAKI CHIAKI , ISE KEIKO , HIDAKA YASUFUMI , TOKUGAWA KEN , UEDA KOHJI
Published: January 2011

A 5 day old girl was transferred to the pediatric ward of Kyushu University Hospital because of papules noted since birth. The papules were distributed on her skin corresponding to the dermatomes innervated by the left Th1‐Th3 and the left L1‐L3. Varicella‐zoster virus antigens were detected in scrapings of incised papules. The diagnosis of herpes zoster was made and acyclovir (ACV) was administered. She responded to ACV well, but she experienced a recurrence twice after discontinuation of ACV. This is the first report of ‘congenital herpes zoster’, which supports the hypothesis that varicella embryopathy is the sequelae of herpes zoster in utero.
Injury surveillance in Australia
Authors: HARRISON JAMES , TYSON DANIEL
Published: January 2011

The development of injury surveillance systems in Australia is described from a public health perspective at the national level. Injury surveillance systems have undergone significant changes in recent years and further developments are planned. Three phases or generations are distinguished, each with distinctive features, advantages, and disadvantages. The first generation system was based on by‐product data from routine mortality and morbidity statistics. The second generation system was specifically designed for injury surveillance, mainly using data collected for this purpose in hospital accident and emergency departments. A third generation of public health surveillance systems for injury control is now being developed for Australia. In developing a third generation system, a middle course is being charted. The number of data items and the complexity of classification for routine surveillance are mid‐way between those of the first and second generation systems.
Childhood drownings and near‐drownings in Japan
Authors: MIZUTA RYUZO , FUJITA HIROMI , OSAMURA TOSIO , KIDOWAKI TAKURO , KIYOSAWA NOBUYUKI
Published: January 2011

In Japan, the leading cause of death for children over 1 year old is injury, and for children aged 0–14, drowning is the second leading cause of death. The purpose of the present study was to describe the epidemiological factors of drownings and near‐drownings among Japanese children and to ascertain whether there are characteristic patterns for different age groups.

Epidemiologic data was obtained by questionnaire. A total of 604 cases of submersion injuries were reported from 49 hospitals located in 22 Japanese prefectures. In the present paper, victims of drowning (n = 134) and near‐drowning with permanent severe brain damage (n = 51) and those of near‐drowning with intact survival or mild impairment (n = 419) were investigated. Preschool‐aged children, especially toddlers, are at the greatest risk of drowning and near‐drowning, and for children over 2 years of age, boys have three times greater risk than girls. The bathtub is the most common place of submersion injuries in Japan, especially for children under 4 years of age. The important risk factors for the victims who died or were severely impaired were associated with duration of submersion and necessity of emergency cardiopulmonary resuscitation on arrival at hospital.
Accidental poisoning of children in Japan: A report from the Japan Poison Information Center
Authors: GOTO KYOKO , KUROKI YUMIKO , SHINTANI SHIGERU , KUSAKAWA SANJI
Published: January 2011

The Japan Poison Information Center (JPIC) was founded only 6 years ago as a result of co‐operation between the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the Japanese Association for Acute Medicine, the Japan Pediatric Society and other related medical organizations. The JPIC is the only poison information center admitted by the Ministry of Health and Welfare to provide toxicological information to medical personnel and the general public, and has two offices on duty in alternating 24 h shifts. Every year, JPIC receives about 30 000 inquiries. About 82% of these inquiries are from the general public and 84% of the patients are children 5 years and younger.

We contrasted the data in the fiscal year 1991 with the data of the American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC). Child poison exposure in Japan is characterized by a high exposure rate of children under 1 year of age to (mostly) household products. The JPIC also analyzed the cause of tobacco ingestion. It is considered that the Japanese lifestyle causes differences from those reported by AAPCC. We report the accidental poisoning of children in Japan.
Injuries of school‐aged children in Japan: Causes and costs
Authors: YAMANAKA TATSUHIRO
Published: January 2011

Injuries of school‐aged children were presented from several data sources. About 80000 schools, from nurseries to upper secondary schools, operate in Japan and are attended by 24.3 million students. About 97% of these young people are insured by the insurance system of the School Safety Division of the National Stadium and School Health Center of Japan. Annual injuries and illnesses total 1.08 million, 1039 cases being impedimentary and 191 causing death. The average incidence of injury and illness is 4.6%, a rate that has been increasing every year since 1960.

The activity at the time of injury, the impairment incurred, and the part of the body injured differ with the type of school and depend mainly on the developmental stage of the child. Minor injuries occur at the rate of about 47 cases in elementary schools and 14 in lower secondary schools versus one benefit‐applied injury at a school safety center.

The cost of injuries under the control of schools totaled US$124 million per year in 1990. The average amount of benefits per injured student per month was US$63.
Preventing accidents in childhood: A European perspective
Authors: ROGMANS WIM HJ
Published: January 2011

Accidental injury is a principal public health issue with important individual, societal and economic consequences. Crude figures show that 2.7 million deaths from injury and poisoning are reported worldwide. In developing and industrialized countries 10–30% of all hospital admissions are due to accidental injuries. In particular, children and adolescents are at risk. In all industrialized countries accidental injuries are the major cause of death and morbidity among children above the age of one. In the domestic safety area much effort has to be invested in improving the safety of the environment and products.

In the European region, collaboration among authorities in the framework of the European Community (EC) has been shown to be productive in the area of safety. Although trade interest is predominant in the EC objectives, the need to harmonize national regulations and standards towards common European standards has appeared to be an important vehicle for establishing standards at an optimum level of safety. It has also fostered some collaboration in data collection and analysis and in implementing prevention measures. An even stronger international collaboration is needed for ensuring that appropriate priorities are being set and prevention measures are effectively being implemented.