bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feasibility and Application of 3‐Dimensional Ultrasound for Measurement of Gastric Volumes in Healthy Adults and Adolescents
Authors: Manini Mhd Louai , Burton Duane D , Meixner Duane D , Eckert Deborah J , Callstrom Matthew , Schmit Grant , El‐Youssef Mounif , Camilleri Michael
Published: May 2009

Objectives:

Abnormal gastric accommodation to a meal results in dyspepsia. Current methods to measure gastric volume (GV) are invasive or involve ionizing radiation. The aims of this study were to compare fasting and postprandial (PP) GVs measured by 99mTc‐single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and 3‐dimensional ultrasound (3D‐US) in adults, to assess the performance characteristics of 3D‐US measurement of GV during fasting and postprandially, and to develop normative data of GVs in 24 healthy adolescents.

Patients and Methods:

Eleven adults underwent SPECT and 3D‐US simultaneously to measure GV, and a second 3D‐US alone within 1 week of the first study. Twenty‐four adolescents underwent 1 3D‐US measurement. Each study included fasting, a 300‐mL Ensure meal, and 0 to 30‐minute PP GV measurements.

Results:

3D‐US identifies GV accommodation to 300 mL Ensure. Delta (0–30 minutes average PP fasting) GV was 444 mL (median, interquartile range [IQR] = 422, 534) for 3D‐US and 543 mL (median, IQR = 486, 564) for SPECT (P = 0.15). There were larger interindividual coefficients of variation for GV by 3D‐US (60.3% fasting and 21.3% average PP) compared with 19% fasting and 9.2% PP for SPECT. Intraindividual coefficients of variation for the 2 3D‐US measurements in adults were 84% fasting and 44% average PP. The estimated GVs for the adolescent group (median [25th–75th IQR]) were 33 (18–53) mL fasting, 330 (284–357) mL 30 minutes PP, and 281 (240–324) mL for delta GV.

Conclusions:

3D‐US is a promising method to measure GV accommodation to a meal. Large coefficients of variation reflect the learning stage in development of this promising technique.
Deuterium Equilibrium Time in Saliva of Newborn Infants
Authors: Traver Luis Ângelo Marti , Martinez Francisco Eulógio , Ferriolli Eduardo , Marchini Júlio Sérgio , Monteiro Jacqueline Pontes , Pfrimer Karina , Sanchez Ana Paula Michelin , de Oliveira Thais , Ducatti Carlos , Camelo José Simon
Published: May 2009

There is an increasing interest about the use of stable isotopes for body composition analysis in pediatrics. To ensure the success of total body water analysis by the deuterium dilution method, it is fundamental to determine the equilibrium time (plateau) of deuterium in the body fluid studied.

Objectives:

We report here the equilibration time of deuterium oxide in the saliva of newborns after oral intake of the isotope.

Methods:

Twenty healthy term newborn infants, 10 males and 10 females, were analyzed. Saliva was collected from each newborn before the oral administration of a 100 mg/kg dose of deuterium oxide (baseline sample) and then at 1‐hour intervals for 5 hours after administration. Deuterium enrichment of saliva was determined by isotope ratio mass spectrometry according to the recommendations of the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Results:

The plateau time of deuterium in saliva occurred 3 hours after oral administration of the stable isotope.

Conclusion:

These data are essential for further studies on the body composition of newborn infants. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study regarding the equilibration time of deuterium in the saliva of term newborns.
Neonatal Outcome of Gastroschisis Is Mainly Influenced by Nutritional Management
Authors: Walter‐Nicolet Elizabeth , Rousseau Véronique , Kieffer François , Fusaro Fabio , Bourdaud Nathalie , Oucherif Salima , Benachi Alexandra , Sarnacki Sabine , Mitanchez Delphine
Published: May 2009

Objective:

The aim of the study was to evaluate early minimal enteral feeding (MEF) and gradual enteral nutrition increment on neonatal outcome of gastroschisis.

Patients and Methods:

An intervention group was prospectively assessed and compared with an observational historical control group. The prospective study relied on a new protocol of enteral nutrition. According to the new protocol, MEF was initiated 5 days after bowel reintegration and milk amounts were increased 12 mL/kg/day. In the control group, enteral nutrition was delayed until resolution of postoperative ileus, and increment of feeding was not systematized.

Results:

Twenty‐two patients were included in the MEF group and compared with 51 control patients. Infants in the control group had lower gestational age (36 vs 35 gestational weeks [GW], P = 0.03) and birth weight (2465 vs 2200 g, P = 0.05). Time to first enteral nutrition (5 vs 11.5 days, P = 0.0005) was significantly shorter in the MEF group. All patients in this group were fully enteral fed at day 60, though 30.4% of patients in the control group still needed parenteral nutrition at day 60 (P = 0.004). Incidence of nosocomial infection was reduced (9% of patients vs 40%, P = 0.016) and hospital stay tended to be shorter in the MEF group (40 vs 54.5 days, P = 0.08). In the univariate analysis, factors influencing the length of parenteral nutrition during the 2 periods were the severity of perivisceritis and new nutritional protocol. In the multivariate analysis, only nutritional protocol was significantly associated with the length of parenteral nutrition (P = 0.038).

Conclusions:

Early MEF and controlled increase of nutritional elements after bowel reintegration significantly improved outcome of gastroschisis in newborns.
Parenteral Nutrition Objectives for Very Low Birth Weight Infants: Results of a National Survey
Authors: Lapillonne Alexandre , Fellous Laure , Mokthari M , Kermorvant‐Duchemin Elsa
Published: May 2009

Objectives:

The aim of the study was to evaluate parenteral nutrition objectives for very low birth weight (VLBW) infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), and to compare nutritional protocol differences according to levels of care.

Materials and Methods:

A national survey was conducted in France through a questionnaire sent to 296 French neonatal departments to determine each team leader's nutritional objectives for parenteral nutrition of VLBW infants.

Results:

A total of 172 of the 296 French neonatal departments responded to the questionnaire. Protein administration was not started during the first day of life in half of the responding units. Furthermore, half of the units initiated protein administration with less than 1 g · kg−1 · day−1. The day of introduction of lipid emulsions varied considerably from one unit to another, but more than half of the units started the lipid emulsions after the third day of life. Twenty percent of the units reported a target energy intake of 100 kcal · kg−1 · day−1, whereas 14% reported a target intake above or equal to 130 kcal · kg−1 · day−1.

Conclusions:

In comparison with recent guidelines for parenteral nutrition for VLBW infants, the results indicate that the majority of the departments are familiar with target macronutrient and energy intakes, but the time of introduction and the rate of progression of macronutrients, particularly proteins and lipids, are frequently lower than those defined by the guidelines. The large‐scale publication of new nutritional guidelines for the parenteral nutrition of neonates and preterm infants as well as regular, specific training in the parenteral nutrition of preterm infants are needed.
Helicobacter pylori–positive Versus Helicobacter pylori–negative Idiopathic Peptic Ulcers in Children With Their Long‐term Outcomes
Authors: Tam Yuk Him , Lee Kim Hung , To Ka Fai , Chan Kin Wai , Cheung Sing Tak
Published: May 2009

Objectives:

The aim of this study is to investigate the differences in the characteristics between Helicobacter pylori–positive and H pylori–negative primary ulcers in Chinese children.

Patients and Methods:

We conducted a retrospective review of children with primary peptic ulcers. Demographic data, clinical presentations, endoscopic features, histological findings, H pylori prevalence, and ulcer recurrences were studied.

Results:

Forty‐three Chinese children with primary peptic ulcers were diagnosed over 8 years and were reviewed. There were 31 boys and 12 girls (median age 12 years, range 3–16 years). Thirty children (70%) presented with acute gastrointestinal bleeding, whereas only 19 had a history of epigastric pain. Twenty‐three patients (53.5%) were H pylori positive. H pylori–positive ulcers developed in older children (median age 12 vs 10 years, P < 0.05) and affected more males (91.3% vs 50%, P < 0.01) than the H pylori–negative group. The annual ulcer recurrence rates were estimated to be 5.2% (95% CI 4.2–6.3) and 11.4% (95% CI 9.1–13.6) for positive and negative groups, respectively (P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression suggested H pylori–negative status and ulcer size >1 cm were independent risk factors for recurrence.

Conclusions:

Our report suggests that H pylori–negative primary ulcers exist in children with their own distinct features. In contrast to H pylori–positive ulcers, H pylori–negative ulcers develop in younger children, affect both sexes equally, and carry a higher recurrence risk.
A Randomized Controlled Trial on Parenteral Nutrition, Oxidative Stress, and Chronic Lung Diseases in Preterm Infants
Authors: Bassiouny Mohamed R , Almarsafawy Hala , Abdel‐Hady Hesham , Nasef Nehad , Hammad Tarek A , Aly Hany
Published: May 2009

Objectives:

To evaluate the effect of trace elements (TEs), when added to total parenteral nutrition (TPN) solutions, on peroxides load, and to test the hypothesis that protection of TPN from light can decrease peroxides load and is associated with improvement in oxidant‐related clinical outcomes in preterm infants.

Subjects and Methods:

A total of 80 preterm infants were randomized to 1 of 4 groups (n = 20 each): group 1 received a mixture of dextrose and amino acids; group 2 received a mixture of dextrose, amino acids, and lipid emulsion; group 3 received dextrose, amino acids, lipid emulsion, and multivitamins (MVP); and group 4 received dextrose, amino acids, lipid emulsion, MVP, and TEs. Each group was subdivided into photo‐protected and photo‐exposed subgroups (n = 10 each). Using ferrous oxidation of xylenol orange technique, we measured the baseline level of excreted urinary peroxides before and 48 hours after starting TPN. We examined the association among light protection, urinary peroxides, and clinical outcomes of these infants.

Results:

Baseline urinary peroxides ranged between 5.5 and 24.8 μmol/L. A significant increase in urinary peroxides was observed in all groups after receiving TPN. The use of TEs did not affect peroxide production. In regression analysis, the addition of MVP (P < 0.0001) and the exposure to light (P = 0.02) were significantly associated with increased urinary peroxides. In the overall population, light exposure was associated with a significant increase in the incidence of chronic lung disease (adjusted OR 9.26, confidence interval 1.2–73; P = 0.03) but had no effect on mortality, necrotizing enterocolitis, or sepsis.

Conclusions:

TEs in TPN solutions have no effect on the production of urinary peroxides. Addition of MVP and exposure of TPN to light are the 2 major sources of peroxides in TPN. Protection from ambient light is associated with a decrease in chronic lung disease.
Nutritional Aspects in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Shamir Raanan
Published: May 2009

Nutrition plays a role in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) primarily in prevention and treatment of malnutrition and growth failure. Furthermore, in Crohn disease (CD), nutrition can induce remission, maintain remission, and prevent relapse. Malnutrition is common in IBD and the mechanisms involved include decreased food intake, malabsorption, increased nutrient loss, increased energy requirements, and drug–nutrient interactions. At the time of diagnosis, up to 85% of pediatric patients with CD and 65% of those with ulcerative colitis (UC) have weight loss. Growth failure occurs in 15% to 40% of children with IBD and is less common in UC compared with CD, both at diagnosis and during follow‐up. In CD, nutritional therapy with enteral formulas induces remission at a rate comparable with that achieved with steroids. In adults with CD, limited information suggests that enteral nutrition (EN) may play a role in maintenance of remission. In children with CD colitis, one study suggested that children without colitis respond better to EN than children with colitis, and another study found no such difference but reported a trend toward earlier relapse in those with isolated colonic involvement. Finally, nutrition may play a role in IBD via the possible protective effect of breastfeeding against UC and CD. In summary, although only CD may benefit from nutrition as primary therapy for remission induction and possibly maintenance of remission, nutrition plays an important role in the prevention and treatment of malnutrition in IBD, and may have a protective role, via the effect of breast‐feeding on disease occurrence.
Unstable taxa in cladistic analysis: identification and the assessment of relevant characters
Authors: Pol Diego , Escapa Ignacio H.
Published: May 2009

A common problem in phylogenetic analysis is the presence of unstable taxa that are depicted in multiple positions in optimal topologies. These uncertainties are reflected in strict consensus trees with polytomies that hamper the interpretation of the phylogenetic results. We propose a protocol for detecting unstable branches (either terminal taxa or clades) and identifying particular characters related to their instability in cladistic analysis. This procedure is based on an iterative evaluation of the agreement of triplets among the optimal topologies (i.e. most‐parsimonious trees, MPTs) and examination of character optimizations on these trees. Different types of characters underlying the unstable behaviour of taxa are detected: those with conflicting scorings that support alternative positions of problematic taxa and those with missing data in the unstable taxa that could reduce their instability if they are scored. The entire process is automated through a TNT script that provides a list of characters related to the instability of each unstable taxon. The outcome of this procedure can be used as a guide for further research efforts focused on the revision or addition of (morphological or molecular) phylogenetic data for elucidating the affinities of unstable taxa.

 © The Willi Hennig Society 2009.
Systematic review: frequency and reasons for consultation for gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease and dyspepsia
Authors: HUNGIN A. P. S. , HILL C. , RAGHUNATH A.
Published: May 2009

Background  Upper gastrointestinal symptoms impose a substantial illness burden and management costs. Understanding perceptions and reasons for seeking healthcare is a prerequisite for meeting patients’ needs effectively.

Aim  To review systematically findings on consultation frequencies for gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and dyspepsia and patients’ reasons for consultation.

Methods  Systematic literature searches.

Results  Reported consultation rates ranged from 5.4% to 56% for GERD and from 26% to 70% for dyspepsia. Consultation for GERD was associated with increased symptom severity and frequency, interference with social activities, sleep disturbance, lack of timetabled work, higher levels of comorbidity, depression, anxiety, phobia, somatization and obsessionality. Some consulted because of fears that their symptoms represented serious disease; others avoided consultation because of this. Inconsistent associations were seen with medication use. Patients were less likely to consult if they felt that their doctor would trivialize their symptoms. Few factors were consistently associated with dyspepsia consultation. However, lower socio‐economic status and Helicobacter pylori infection were associated with increased consultation.

Conclusion  Patients’ perceptions of their condition, comorbid factors and external reasons such as work and social factors are related to consultation rates for GERD. Awareness of these factors can guide the clinician towards a more effective strategy than one based on drug therapy alone.
Adiponectin downregulates CD163 whose cellular and soluble forms are elevated in obesity
Authors: Sporrer D. , Weber M. , Wanninger J. , Weigert J. , Neumeier M. , Stögbauer F. , Lieberer E. , Bala M. , Kopp A. , Schäffler A. , Buechler C.
Published: May 2009

Background  CD163 is a monocyte/macrophage specific receptor whose soluble form (sCD163) is elevated in inflammatory diseases. Obesity is associated with chronic inflammation and low adiponectin, an anti‐inflammatory adipokine. Adiponectin, 5‐aminoimidazole‐4‐carboxamide‐1‐4‐ribofuranoside (AICAR) and metformin activate the AMP‐kinase that exerts anti‐inflammatory effects, and the influence of adiponectin and these drugs on monocytic CD163 was analysed, and cellular and sCD163 were determined in obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Materials and methods  Monocytes were incubated with adiponectin, AICAR or metformin. Furthermore, monocytes and serum were obtained from type 2 diabetic patients (T2D), overweight (defined as a body mass index ≥ 25 kg m−2) and normal‐weight (NW) controls. CD163 was analysed by immunoblot and sCD163 was measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in the supernatants of the monocytes and in serum.

Results  In monocytes, adiponectin reduced cellular and surface CD163, whereas sCD163 was not altered in the corresponding supernatants. Further, metformin and AICAR downregulated CD163. Monocytic CD163 was higher in T2D and obesity, whereas sCD163 in the supernatants was not elevated and neither correlated with serum sCD163 nor systemic adiponectin. There was a positive correlation of monocytic sCD163 with serum but not with monocytic IL‐6. In the serum of obese controls and T2D patients, sCD163 was significantly higher compared to NW donors and was positively associated with systemic IL‐6.

Conclusions  This study indicates that monocytic CD163 and systemic sCD163 are elevated in T2D and obesity. Adiponectin reduces CD163 in vitro, but additional factors related to obesity like IL‐6 may be more relevant in vivo.
Melatonin – a pleiotropic molecule involved in pathophysiological processes following organ transplantation
Authors: Fildes James E. , Yonan Nizar , Keevil Brian G.
Published: May 2009

Mammals adjust their physiology in response to seasonal changes to environment (i.e. photoperiod, temperature, food availability). These changes are thought to predominantly occur for the conservation of energy during winter, by pervasive changes such as the inhibition of reproduction. Previous reports have suggested that circannual changes also occur to the immune system. In mammals, this chronological effect may be dependent on photoperiod, and evidence exists to suggest that there is a great deal of immune variation in response to light, or circadian rhythm. This is a clinically relevant, yet under‐reported area of human transplantation. The aim of this review is to discuss immune variation, with specific emphasis on melatonin secretion, in the context of organ rejection, infection, neoplasia formation, and immunosuppression.
Investigation of the mechanism of action of alemtuzumab in a human CD52 transgenic mouse model
Authors: Hu Yanping , Turner Michael J. , Shields Jacqueline , Gale Matthew S. , Hutto Elizabeth , Roberts Bruce L. , Siders William M. , Kaplan Johanne M.
Published: May 2009

Alemtuzumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody against CD52, an antigen found on the surface of normal and malignant lymphocytes. It is approved for the treatment of B‐cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and is undergoing Phase III clinical trials for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. The exact mechanism by which alemtuzumab mediates its biological effects in vivo is not clearly defined and mechanism of action studies have been hampered by the lack of cross‐reactivity between human and mouse CD52. To address this issue, a transgenic mouse expressing human CD52 (hCD52) was created. Transgenic mice did not display any phenotypic abnormalities and were able to mount normal immune responses. The tissue distribution of hCD52 and the level of expression by various immune cell populations were comparable to those seen in humans. Treatment with alemtuzumab replicated the transient increase in serum cytokines and depletion of peripheral blood lymphocytes observed in humans. Lymphocyte depletion was not as profound in lymphoid organs, providing a possible explanation for the relatively low incidence of infection in alemtuzumab‐treated patients. Interestingly, both lymphocyte depletion and cytokine induction by alemtuzumab were largely independent of complement and appeared to be mediated by neutrophils and natural killer cells because removal of these populations with antibodies to Gr‐1 or asialo‐GM‐1, respectively, strongly inhibited the activity of alemtuzumab whereas removal of complement by treatment with cobra venom factor had no impact. The hCD52 transgenic mouse appears to be a useful model and has provided evidence for the previously uncharacterized involvement of neutrophils in the activity of alemtuzumab.
Antibodies to wounded tissue enhance cutaneous wound healing
Authors: Nishio Naomi , Ito Sachiko , Suzuki Haruhiko , Isobe Ken‐Ichi
Published: May 2009

The wound repair process is a highly ordered sequence of events that encompasses haemostasis, inflammatory cell infiltration, tissue regrowth and remodelling. Wound healing follows tissue destruction so we hypothesized that antibodies might bind to wounded tissues, which would facilitate the engulfment of damaged tissues by macrophages. Here, we show that B cells, which produce antibodies to damaged tissues, are engaged in the process of wound healing. Splenectomy delayed wound healing, and transfer of spleen cells into splenectomized mice recovered the delay in wound healing. Furthermore, wound healing in splenectomized nude mice was also delayed. Transfer of enriched B220+ cells by magnetic beads accelerated wound healing in splenectomized mice. We detected immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) binding to wounded tissues by using fluorescein isothiocyanate‐labelled anti‐IgG1 6–24 hr after wounding. Splenectomy reduced the amount of IgG1 binding to wounded tissues. Immunoblotting studies revealed several bands, which were reduced by splenectomy. Using immunoprecipitation with anti‐IgG bound to protein G we found that the intensity of several bands was lower in the serum from splenectomized mice than in that from sham‐operated mice. These bands were matched to myosin IIA, carbamoyl‐phosphate synthase, argininosuccinate synthase, actin and α‐actinin‐4 by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry analysis.
Risk factors for chronic diarrhoea in the community in the absence of irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Chang J. Y. , Richard Locke Iii G. , Schleck C. D. , Zinsmeister A. R. , Talley N. J.
Published: May 2009

Abstract  In contrast to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), the prevalence and risk factors for diarrhoea in the absence of IBS in the community are unknown. We aimed to evaluate potential risk factors for chronic diarrhoea (non‐IBS). A valid questionnaire that recorded gastrointestinal symptoms required for a diagnosis of chronic diarrhoea, self‐reported measures of potential risk factors, and a somatic symptom checklist was mailed to an age‐ and gender‐stratified random sample of Olmsted County, Minnesota residents (30–64 year). Chronic diarrhoea was defined as reporting one or more of the following symptoms more than 25% of the time in the past 3 months: ≥3 bowel movements a day, loose or watery stools, or faecal urgency. Subjects with IBS (Rome III) were excluded. Of 892 eligible subjects, 653 (73%) responded. Among 523 respondents not reporting IBS, chronic diarrhoea was reported by 148 (28%); 90 (61%) had chronic painless diarrhoea. Chronic diarrhoea was significantly associated with self‐reported food sensitivity (OR = 2.05 [1.31–3.20]) and stress (OR = 1.99 [1.03–3.85]). Both remained significant in the adjusted variable models that excluded subjects with any abdominal pain. Female gender (OR = 0.67 [0.45–0.98]) and higher education level (OR = 0.60 [0.39–0.92]) had smaller odds for chronic diarrhoea. No association was detected for age, marital status, body mass index, cigarette or alcohol use, coffee, analgesics, emotional support, pets or water source. Chronic diarrhoea in the absence of IBS is common; self‐reported food sensitivity, male gender and a lower level of education are risk factors.
Alternative oxidase: a defence against metabolic fluctuations?
Authors: Rasmusson Allan G. , Fernie Alisdair R. , Van Dongen Joost T.
Published: May 2009

An increasing number of oscillating or fluctuating cellular systems have been recently described following the adaptation of fluorescent technology. In diverse organisms, these variously involve signalling factors, heat production, central metabolism and reactive oxygen species (ROS). In response to many plant stresses and primarily via the influence of ROS, changes in mRNA and protein levels or in vivo activity of alternative oxidase are often observed. However, in several investigations, a lack of correlation between the mRNA, protein and in vivo activity has been evident. This discrepancy has made it questionable whether the induction of alternative oxidase has importance in regulating alternative pathway activity in vivo, or being diagnostic for a role of alternative oxidase in stress tolerance and ROS avoidance. Here, we suggest a role of alternative oxidase in counteracting deleterious short‐term metabolic fluctuations, especially under stress conditions. This model emphasizes the importance of peak activity for establishing protein levels and allows an amalgamation of the present status of physiological, cellular and molecular knowledge.
Single sequence repeat markers reflect diversity and geographic barriers in Eurasian populations of the conifer pathogen Ceratocystis polonica
Authors: Marin M. , Preisig O. , Wingfield B. D. , Kirisits T. , Wingfield M. J.
Published: May 2009

The blue‐stain fungus and vascular stain pathogen Ceratocystis polonica and its associated bark beetle vectors, particularly Ips typographus and I. typographus japonicus, cause significant losses to several spruce species in Eurasia. Nothing is, however, known about the population genetics of this conifer pathogen. In this study, a set of single sequence repeat (SSR) markers were developed to determine the population structure and genetic diversity of C. polonica in Europe and Japan. ISSR‐PCR primers were used to target SSR‐rich regions and specific primers were designed flanking the SSR regions found in these amplicons. The SSR primers developed for C. polonica were found to be transferable to six other Ceratocystis species from conifers, residing in the Ceratocystis coerulescens complex. Ninety‐eight isolates representing four populations of C. polonica (Austria, Norway, Poland and Japan) were tested using 10 selected polymorphic SSR markers. A high level of gene diversity was found in C. polonica as a whole (H = 0.53). Analysis of G statistics showed a low degree of population structure in Europe and a high level of gene flow between populations (Gst = 0.05, Nm = 8.5). In contrast, the Japanese and the European populations of C. polonica displayed strong genetic separation, which is likely caused by geographic isolation. The low level of population structure of C. polonica in Europe and the differentiation between the European and the Japanese fungal populations mirror previous findings for I. typographus and I. typographus japonicus, the main insect vectors of this fungus. These results support the view that the fungus and the insect have closely co‐evolved together. This study also suggests that movement of C. polonica and its vectors between Europe and Asia pose a threat to forestry on both continents and this should clearly be avoided.
Promoting mental health care in a rural paediatric unit through participatory action research
Authors: Happell Brenda , Moxham Lorna , Reid‐Searl Kerry , Dwyer Trudy , Kahl Julie , Morris Jodie , Wheatland Narelle
Published: May 2009

Objective:  To explore, advance and evaluate mental health practices in a rural general paediatric unit through participatory action research.

Design:  A participatory action research approach guided this study, providing an opportunity for nursing staff to become actively involved in the design, direction and outcomes of the research.

Setting:  A 16‐bed paediatric unit of a rural general hospital.

Participants:  A purposive convenience sample of all paediatric nursing staff (n = 20; of 24 nurses).

Outcome measures:  In the first phase of this study, focus groups were conducted to explore the experiences of nurses.

Results:  Participants considered mental health to be a specialist discipline area and the role of the mental health nurse to be complex. They felt that their lack of training and experience with mental health issues was detrimental to the delivery of optimal patient care. There was concern about differing approaches to treatment, relationships with other mental health services and the suitability of the ward environment for young people with a mental health problem. Participants called for training by qualified mental health staff and the development of policies and clinical guidelines to facilitate their delivery of care to patients with a mental health problem in an acute medical environment.

Conclusions:  There is a clear need for nursing specialities to work together to ensure that optimal care is given to patients admitted to general hospital with a mental health issue. Given the absence of accessible specialist child mental health inpatient units in regional and remote areas, upskilling paediatric nurses must be a priority.
Landscape structure influences tree density patterns in fragmented woodlands in semi‐arid eastern Australia
Authors: DEBUSE VALERIE J. , HOUSE ALAN P. N. , TAYLOR DAVID W. , SWIFT SCOTT A.
Published: May 2009

Landscape and local‐scale influences are important drivers of plant community structure. However, their relative contribution and the degree to which they interact remain unclear. We quantified the extent to which landscape structure, within‐patch habitat and their confounding effects determine post‐clearing tree densities and composition in agricultural landscapes in eastern subtropical Australia. Landscape structure (incorporating habitat fragmentation and loss) and within‐patch (site) features were quantified for 60 remnant patches of Eucalyptus populnea (Myrtaceae) woodland. Tree density and species for three ecological maturity classes (regeneration, early maturity, late maturity) and local site features were assessed in one 100 × 10 m plot per patch. All but one landscape characteristic was determined within a 1.3‐km radius of plots; Euclidean nearest neighbour distance was measured inside a 5‐km radius. Variation in tree density and composition for each maturity class was partitioned into independent landscape, independent site and joint effects of landscape and site features using redundancy analysis. Independent site effects explained more variation in regeneration density and composition than pure landscape effects; significant predictors were the proportion of early and late maturity trees at a site, rainfall and the associated interaction. Conversely, landscape structure explained greater variation in early and late maturity tree density and composition than site predictors. Area of remnant native vegetation within a landscape and patch characteristics (area, shape, edge contrast) were significant predictors of early maturity tree density. However, 31% of the explained variation in early mature tree differences represented confounding influences of landscape and local variables. We suggest that within‐patch characteristics are important in influencing semi‐arid woodland tree regeneration. However, independent and confounding effects of landscape structure resulting from previous vegetation clearing may have exerted a greater historical influence on older cohorts and should be accounted for when examining woodland dynamics across a broader range of environments.
High diversity Pleistocene rainforest Dasyurid assemblages with implications for the radiation of the dasyuridae
Authors: CRAMB JONATHAN , HOCKNULL SCOTT , WEBB GREGORY E.
Published: May 2009

It is commonly accepted that dasyurids (Marsupialia: Dasyuridae) radiated in the late Miocene or early Pliocene in response to a drying trend in Australia's climate as evidenced from the high diversity of dasyurids from modern arid environments compared with Miocene rainforest assemblages. However, mid‐Pleistocene dasyurid assemblages from cave deposits at Mt Etna, Queensland are more diverse than any previously known from rainforest habitats. New taxa will be described elsewhere, but include three new genera as well as new species of Dasyurus, Antechinus and Phascogale. Comparison of dasyurids from Mt Etna sites that are interpreted as rainforest palaeoenvironments with fossil and extant assemblages indicate that they are at least as diverse as those from modern arid environments. Thus Neogene diversification of dasyurids occurred in both arid and rainforest habitats, but only the former survived continuing aridification. Hence, aridification cannot be invoked for the diversification of all dasyurid lineages.
Environmental modulation of reproductive activity of the invasive mussel Limnoperna fortunei: implications for antifouling strategies
Authors: BOLTOVSKOY DEMETRIO , SYLVESTER FRANCISCO , OTAEGUI ALEJANDRO , LEITES VALENTÍN , CATALDO DANIEL H.
Published: May 2009

Limnoperna fortunei (Dunker, 1857) (Bivalvia) invaded Argentina through the Río de la Plata estuary around 1990 and is presently established throughout five South American countries as a dominant component of the benthic fauna and a major nuisance for industry and power plants. Between 1997 and 2006 we monitored the reproductive activity of L. fortunei through weekly measurements of planktonic larvae in six South American water bodies: Río de la Plata estuary, Paraná and Carapachay rivers, Salto Grande, Itaipú and Embalse de Río Tercero reservoirs. Mean larval densities varied between 4000 and 7000 individuals m−3; except in the reservoirs of Itaipú (450 ind. m−3) and Salto Grande (869 ind. m−3), where the mussel was first recorded shortly before our surveys, and upstream dispersal is limited (Salto Grande). In all cases, reproductive output decreases during the winter. At four of the six sites surveyed larval densities were comparatively high for 8.8–10.2 months per year. A lower food supply is possibly responsible for the shorter reproductive period of 5.9 months at Embalse. At Salto Grande, there is a well‐defined mid‐summer drop in larval numbers, coinciding with blooms of cyanobacteria. We propose that, in addition to temperature, two major factors may regulate the reproductive activity of L. fortunei: (i) the availability of food; and (ii) blooms of toxic cyanobacteria, significantly shortening the otherwise very long reproductive period. This information is important for the design of antifouling programmes involving the use of molluscicides, and has potential for reduced biocide use. These results provide supporting evidence for some fundamental ecological theories of invasions discussed here.
Reproductive potential and seedling establishment of the invasive alien tree Schinus molle (Anacardiaceae) in South Africa
Authors: IPONGA DONALD M. , MILTON SUZANNE J. , RICHARDSON DAVID M.
Published: May 2009

Schinus molle (Peruvian pepper tree) was introduced to South Africa more than 150 years ago and was widely planted, mainly along roads. Only in the last two decades has the species become naturalized and invasive in some parts of its new range, notably in semi‐arid savannas. Research is being undertaken to predict its potential for further invasion in South Africa. We studied production, dispersal and predation of seeds, seed banks, and seedling establishment in relation to land uses at three sites, namely ungrazed savanna once used as a military training ground; a savanna grazed by native game; and an ungrazed mine dump. We found that seed production and seed rain density of S. molle varied greatly between study sites, but was high at all sites (384 864–1 233 690 seeds per tree per year; 3877–9477 seeds per square metre per year). We found seeds dispersed to distances of up to 320 m from female trees, and most seeds were deposited within 50 m of putative source trees. Annual seed rain density below canopies of Acacia tortillis, the dominant native tree at all sites, was significantly lower in grazed savanna. The quality of seed rain was much reduced by endophagous predators. Seed survival in the soil was low, with no survival recorded beyond 1 year. Propagule pressure to drive the rate of recruitment: densities of seedlings and sapling densities were higher in ungrazed savanna and the ungrazed mine dump than in grazed savanna, as reflected by large numbers of young individuals, but adult : seedling ratios did not differ between savanna sites. Frequent and abundant seed production, together with effective dispersal of viable S. molle seed by birds to suitable establishment sites below trees of other species to overcome predation effects, facilitates invasion. Disturbance enhances invasion, probably by reducing competition from native plants.
Phase II study of paclitaxel and vinorelbine (Pacl‐Vin) in hormone‐refractory metastatic prostate cancer: double tubulin targeting
Authors: Sewak S. , Kosmider S. , Ganju V. , Woollett A. , Yeow E. G. , Le B. , Henry M. , Debrincat M. A. , Bell R.
Published: May 2009

Background: Androgen ablation is the standard treatment for advanced prostate cancer. However, most patients will eventually develop progressive hormone‐refractory prostate cancer (HRPC). The aim of the Pacl‐Vin study was to determine the efficacy and safety of paclitaxel in combination with vinorelbine in patients with HRPC, following from a phase I trial.

Methods: Thirty castrate patients with progressive, metastatic prostate cancer were enrolled. Patients were treated with paclitaxel 40 mg/m2, vinorelbine 20 mg/m2 intravenously on day 1 and day 8 of a 21‐day cycle.

Results: Two patients demonstrated a partial response and seven patients had stable disease from a cohort of 10 patients with measurable disease. Of 30 patients assessable for prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) response, 19 showed stable disease, which was maintained for at least 4 weeks, while six (20%) experienced ≥50% decline in PSA levels. Median overall survival was 7.3 months (interquartile range (IQR): 4.7–9.9 months). Median progression‐free survival was 3.3 months (IQR: 2.5–7.0 months). Improvement in quality of life measures was noted after three cycles of therapy. Grade 3 and 4 toxicities were: neutropenia 8%, febrile neutropenia 4%, infection 2%, anaemia 3%, lethargy 1% and somnolescence 1%. One patient died as a result of neutropenic sepsis.

Conclusion: In a poor prognostic cohort of patients paclitaxel and vinorelbine is a tolerable regimen, with a 20% PSA and objective response rate. The majority of patients achieved PSA stability. Furthermore, quality of life parameters, such as pain, were improved. However, the low level of activity of this regimen precludes its further testing.
Growth hormone‐releasing peptide 6 protection of hypothalamic neurons from glutamate excitotoxicity is caspase independent and not mediated by insulin‐like growth factor I
Authors: Delgado‐Rubín A. , Chowen Julie A. , Argente Jesús , Frago Laura M.
Published: May 2009

Treatment of the fetal hypothalamic neuronal cell line RCA‐6 with growth hormone‐releasing peptide 6, an agonist of the ghrelin receptor, or insulin‐like growth factor I activates intracellular signalling cascades associated with anti‐apoptotic actions. Abnormally high concentrations of glutamate provoke over‐excitation of neurons leading to cell damage and apoptosis. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate whether the administration of growth hormone‐releasing peptide 6 and insulin‐like growth factor I attenuates monosodium glutamate‐induced apoptosis in RCA‐6 neurons and the mechanisms involved. Two different mechanisms are involved in glutamate‐induced cell death, one by means of caspase activation and the second through activation of a caspase‐independent pathway of apoptosis mediated by the translocation of apoptosis‐inducing factor. Growth hormone‐releasing peptide 6 partially reversed glutamate‐induced cell death but not the activation of caspases, suggesting blockage of the caspase‐independent cell death pathway, which included interference with the translocation of apoptosis‐inducing factor to the nucleus associated with the induction of Bcl‐2. In contrast, the addition of insulin‐like growth factor I to RCA‐6 neurons abolished glutamate‐induced caspase activation and cell death. These data demonstrate for the first time a neuroprotective role for growth hormone secretagogues in the caspase‐independent cell death pathway and indicate that these peptides have neuroprotective effects independent of its induction of insulin‐like growth factor I.
NR2A‐containing NMDA receptors are required for L‐LTP induction and depotentiation in CA1 region of hippocampal slices
Authors: Zhang Li , Meng Kai , Li Yan‐Hai , Han Tai‐Zhen
Published: May 2009

Long‐term potentiation (LTP) is a well‐characterized form of synaptic plasticity that fulfills many of the criteria for the neural correlate of memory. LTP reversal (or depotentiation, DP) is thought to correlate with prevention or elimination of memory storage. LTP during and immediately after induction can be easily reversed by afferent stimulation, when applied within the optimal time window. The aim of the present study was to determine whether later‐phase LTP (L‐LTP) could be reversed by special patterned stimulation applied at 2 h after LTP induction, as well as to characterize the receptor mechanisms underlying this reversal. Field excitatory postsynaptic potentials evoked by Schaffer collateral stimulation were recorded from the CA1 subfield of adult rat hippocampal slices. Results demonstrated that stable LTP, which was induced by six theta‐burst stimulations, was mediated by NR2A‐containing N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptors (NMDARs). This L‐LTP was partially reversed by high‐intensity paired‐pulse low‐frequency stimulation (HI‐PP‐LFS) and was inhibited by Zn2+ (30 nm), a voltage‐independent NR2A‐NMDAR antagonist. However, NR2B‐NMDAR antagonists (Ro 25‐6981, 1 μm) displayed no effect on L‐LTP reversal. L‐LTP partial reversal was also induced by HI‐PP‐LFS, when the protein synthesis inhibitors anisomycin (25 μm) and cycloheximide (60 μm) were applied following LTP induction. These results suggested that NR2A‐containing NMDARs are required for L‐LTP induction and DP in the hippocampal CA1 area of adult rats. Moreover, HI‐PP‐LFS was an effective stimulation pattern to induce DP.
Glycaemic risk assessment in children and young people with Type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Hill N. R. , Thompson B . , Bruce J. , Matthews D. R. , Hindmarsh P.
Published: May 2009

Aim  To ascertain if those with diabetes (and their carers) ascribe a similar level of risk to blood glucose control as healthcare professionals.

Methods  We used a structured questionnaire to ask fifty healthcare professionals how ‘dangerous’ a given blood glucose value was. Their answers were modelled to produce an algorithm of assessed risk. To examine if patients (and their carers) would apportion a similar level of risk to that of healthcare professionals, the same questionnaire was issued to fifty children and adolescents with Type 1 diabetes. For patients under 8 years old the carers completed the questionnaires (n = 23). Both patient and carers together completed the questionnaire for those aged 8–11 years (n = 15) and patients over the age of 11 years completed the questionnaire themselves (n = 12). The median results and interquartile range of the assessed level of risk, as determined by the two groups, were compared using a generalized linear model.

Results  A significant difference (P < 0.0001) was identified between the median risk assessments of the two groups. The zero level of assessed risk was upward shifted in the patient group by 0.8 mmol/l and indicated the patients’ view of risk increased.

Conclusions  Patients with Type 1 diabetes (and their carers) evaluate the risk from blood glucose values differently from healthcare professionals. The euglycaemic state (zero ascribed risk) that patients chose was 0.8 mmol/l greater than that of healthcare professionals, indicating, perhaps, hypoglycaemia avoidance, a more pragmatic approach or less exposure to current trends in glycaemic control.
Gene silencing of mannose 6‐phosphate reductase in the parasitic weed Orobanche aegyptiaca through the production of homologous dsRNA sequences in the host plant
Authors: Aly Radi , Cholakh Hila , Joel Daniel M. , Leibman Diana , Steinitz Benjamin , Zelcer Aaron , Naglis Anna , Yarden Oded , Gal‐On Amit
Published: May 2009

Orobanche spp. (broomrape) are parasitic plants which subsist on the roots of a wide range of hosts, including tomato, causing severe losses in yield quality and quantity. Large amounts of mannitol accumulate in this parasitic weed during development. Mannose 6‐phosphate reductase (M6PR) is a key enzyme in mannitol biosynthesis, and it has been suggested that mannitol accumulation may be very important for Orobanche development. Therefore, the Orobanche M6PR gene is a potential target for efforts to control this parasite. Transgenic tomato plants were produced bearing a gene construct containing a specific 277‐bp fragment from Orobanche aegyptiaca M6PR‐mRNA, in an inverted‐repeat configuration. M6PR‐siRNA was detected in three independent transgenic tomato lines in the R1 generation, but was not detected in the parasite. Quantitative RT‐PCR analysis showed that the amount of endogenous M6PR mRNA in the tubercles and underground shoots of O. aegyptiaca grown on transgenic host plants was reduced by 60%–80%. Concomitant with M6PR mRNA suppression, there was a significant decrease in mannitol level and a significant increase in the percentage of dead O. aegyptiaca tubercles on the transgenic host plants. The detection of mir390, which is involved with cytoplasmic dsRNA processing, is the first indication of the existence of gene‐silencing mechanisms in Orobanche spp. Gene silencing mechanisms are probably involved with the production of decreased levels of M6PR mRNA in the parasites grown on the transformed tomato lines.
APPROXIMATING VOLATILITIES BY ASYMMETRIC POWER GARCH FUNCTIONS
Authors: Penzer Jeremy , Wang Mingjin , Yao Qiwei
Published: May 2009

ARCH/GARCH representations of financial series usually attempt to model the serial correlation structure of squared returns. Although it is undoubtedly true that squared returns are correlated, there is increasing empirical evidence of stronger correlation in the absolute returns than in squared returns. Rather than assuming an explicit form for volatility, we adopt an approximation approach; we approximate the γth power of volatility by an asymmetric GARCH function with the power index γ chosen so that the approximation is optimum. Asymptotic normality is established for both the quasi‐maximum likelihood estimator (qMLE) and the least absolute deviations estimator (LADE) in our approximation setting. A consequence of our approach is a relaxation of the usual stationarity condition for GARCH models. In an application to real financial datasets, the estimated values for γ are found to be close to one, consistent with the stylized fact that the strongest autocorrelation is found in the absolute returns. A simulation study illustrates that the qMLE is inefficient for models with heavy‐tailed errors, whereas the LADE is more robust.