bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Behavioural trade‐offs in response to external stimuli: time allocation of an Arctic ungulate during varying intensities of harassment by parasitic flies
Authors: Witter Leslie A. , Johnson Chris J. , Croft Bruno , Gunn Anne , Gillingham Michael P.
Published: September 2011

1. Macroparasites may be a major factor shaping animal behaviour. Tundra ecosystems inhabited by caribou and reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) are known for large concentrations of ectoparasites including mosquitoes (Culicidae) and black flies (Simuliidae), as well as endoparasitic oestrid flies (Oestridae).

2. Increased intensity and duration of insect harassment because of climatic warming is hypothesized as a potential factor in recent declines ofRangiferacross the circumpolar north. Although there is a well‐observed relationship between insect harassment and caribou/reindeer behaviour, the influence of ecto‐ relative to endoparasitic species is unclear. Climatic changes may favour the activity patterns, distribution or abundance of certain insect species; thus, understanding differential effects on the behaviour ofRangiferis important.

3. We recorded caribou behaviour using group scan and focal sampling methods, while simultaneously trapping insects and recording weather conditions on the postcalving/summer range of the Bathurst barren‐ground caribou herd in Northwest Territories and Nunavut, Canada, during 2007–2009.

4. We developed statistical model sets representing hypotheses about the effects of insects, weather, habitat/location, and date/time on caribou behaviour. We used multinomial logistic regression models to explore factors affecting the relative dominance of behaviour types within groups of caribou and fractional multinomial logistic regression models to determine factors influencing time allocation by individual caribou. We examined changes in feeding intensity using fractional logistic regression.

5. Relative dominance of insect avoidance behaviour within caribou groups and time allocation to insect avoidance by individual caribou increased when oestrid flies were present or black flies were active at moderate–high levels. Mosquito activity had relatively little effect on caribou behaviour. Time spent feeding was reduced by the greatest degree when all three insect types were present in combination. Feeding intensity was influenced to a greater extent by the accumulation of growing degree days over the course of the postcalving/summer season than by insect activity. Changes in Arctic systems that increase the activity/abundance of ecto‐ and endoparasites could have implications for the productivity ofRangiferpopulations.
Regional zooplankton biodiversity provides limited buffering of pond ecosystems against climate change
Authors: Thompson Patrick L. , Shurin Jonathan B.
Published: September 2011

1. Climate change and other human‐driven environmental perturbations are causing reductions in biodiversity and impacting the functioning of ecosystems on a global scale. Metacommunity theory suggests that ecosystem connectivity may reduce the magnitude of these impacts if the regional species pool contains functionally redundant species that differ in their environmental tolerances. Dispersal may increase the resistance of local ecosystems to environmental stress by providing regional species with traits adapted to novel conditions.

2. We tested this theory by subjecting freshwater zooplankton communities in mesocosms that were either connected to or isolated from the larger regional species pool to a factorial manipulation of experimental warming and increased salinity.

3. Compensation by regional taxa depended on the source of stress. Warming tolerant regional taxa partially compensated for reductions in heat sensitive local taxa but similar compensation did not occur under increased salinity.

4. Dispersal‐mediated species invasions dampened the effects of warming on summer net ecosystem productivity. However, this buffering effect did not occur in the fall or for periphyton growth, the only other ecosystem function affected by the stress treatments.

5. The results indicate that regional biodiversity can provide insurance in a dynamic environment but that the buffering capacity is limited to some ecosystem processes and sources of stress. Maintaining regional biodiversity and habitat connectivity may therefore provide some limited insurance for local ecosystems in changing environments, but is unable to impart resistance against all sources of environmental stress.
Migratory stopover in the long‐distance migrant silver‐haired bat,Lasionycteris noctivagans
Authors: McGuire Liam P. , Guglielmo Christopher G. , Mackenzie Stuart A. , Taylor Philip D.
Published: September 2011

1. Some bat species make long‐distance latitudinal migrations between summer and winter grounds, but because of their elusive nature, few aspects of their biology are well understood. The need for migratory stopover sites to rest and refuel, such as used by birds, has been repeatedly suggested, but not previously tested empirically in bats.

2. We studied migrating silver‐haired bats (Lasionycteris noctivagans) at Long Point, ON, Canada. We used digital radio‐transmitters to track 30 bats using an array of five towers that effectively covered the entire region (c.20 × 40 km). We measured stopover duration and departure direction, and documented movement patterns, foraging activity and roost sites. We measured body composition on arrival using quantitative magnetic resonance and simulated long‐distance migration using observed body composition to predict migration range and rate.

3. Migration occurred in two waves (late August and mid‐September). Most bats stayed 1–2 days, although two remained >2 weeks. One third of the bats foraged while at the site, many foraging opportunistically on nights when rain precluded continued migration. Bats roosted in a variety of tree species and manmade structures in natural and developed areas. Half of the bats departed across Lake Erie (minimum crossing distancec.38 km) while half departed along the shoreline.

4. Simulations predicted a migration rate ofc.250–275 km per day and suggest that all but one of the bats in our study carried sufficient fuel stores to reach the putative wintering area (estimated distance 1500 km) without further refuelling.

5. Our results suggest that migrating bats stopover for sanctuary or short‐term rest as opposed to extended rest and refuelling as in many songbirds. Daily torpor could reduce energy costs when not in flight, minimizing the need for extended stopovers and allowing bats to potentially complete their migration at a fraction of the time and energy cost of similar sized birds.
Elevational variation in regional vegetation responses to late‐glacial climate changes in the Carpathians
Authors: Feurdean Angelica , Tămaş Tudor , Tanţău Ioan , Fărcaş Sorina
Published: September 2011

Aim  We used fossil records to explore patterns of change in vegetation composition, turnover and diversity along an elevational gradient during the late‐glacial to early Holocene, and to locate the elevations most sensitive to past climate changes.

Location  Romania.

Methods  Changes in the late‐glacial vegetation communities were inferred from seven published pollen records distributed within the main vegetation belts of the Romanian Carpathians, at elevations from 275 to 1840 m. Principal components analysis, detrended canonical correspondence analysis (DCCA) and rarefaction analysis were undertaken on these data.

Results  DCCA indicates that compositional change is strongest (SD 1.2, c. 70%) at the late‐glacial/Holocene transition (c. 11,500 cal. yr bp), but significant shifts also occur at c. 14,700, c. 13,800 and c. 12,700 cal. yr bp (SD 0.4–0.8, 25–50%). Palynological turnover is greater for mid‐elevation records (730–1100 m) than at low and high elevations. Intervals of greater palynological richness occur between c. 13,800 and 12,500 cal. yr bp and after 11,500 cal. yr bp, and intervals of lower richness occur before c. 14,000 cal. yr bp and between c. 12,900 and 11,500 cal. yr bp.

Main conclusions  Variations in species composition during repeated climate changes of the late‐glacial suggest that community composition at a given time was not only a result of the environmental conditions of that period, but also the legacy of previous cumulative recruitment and extirpation events. Turnover estimates suggest that mid‐elevations have been the most sensitive to climate change during the late‐glacial and early Holocene. Palynological richness estimates show a less clear elevational pattern and no evidence for a greater sensitivity of this measure of biodiversity at high elevations to past climate change. However, results may have been affected by taxa with high pollen productivity and distance dispersability. Our finding concurs with other palaeoecological and local‐scale modelling studies in suggesting that small populations have survived in favourable microhabitats embedded within larger unsuitable areas during the late‐glacial, features not captured by broad‐scale model predictions.
Progress against cancer (1971–2011): how far have we come?
Authors: Tiwari A. K. , Roy H. K.
Published: September 2011

Tiwari AK, Roy HK (NorthShore University HealthSystem; Evanston, IL, USA). Progress against Cancer (1971–2011): how far have we come? (Historical Perspectives). J Intern Med 2012; 271: 392–399.

Abstract.  ‘The big C’, a common euphemism for cancer, has loomed large on the collective psyche of the mankind for centuries, not least because of the relative dearth of effective treatment against this disease but its ability to relentlessly evade them and come back to haunt us. However, the struggle against cancer took a decisive turn in 1971 when a relentless campaigning by health activists eventually led to signing of the National Cancer Act in the United States, an unprecedented event in the history of diseases. As we commemorate the 40th anniversary of the signing of that historic legislation, an assessment of the progress against cancer would naturally help us understand how we have fared so far in this struggle and guide us in our efforts to re‐strategize and re‐deploy our limited resources to their best use against this immortal enemy.
What near misses tell us about risk and safety in mental health care
Authors: JEFFS L. , ROSE D. , MACRAE C. , MAIONE M. , MACMILLAN K. M.
Published: September 2011

Accessible summary

How near misses in the mental health sector are experienced is not well understood.

Study findings elucidate the nature of near misses as both (1) vulnerabilities and risk associated with the mental health population (e.g. violence, aggression, fear and error proneness); and (2) ‘no‐harm events’ where clinicians or service users minimize or prevent harm from happening.

Study findings have implications for practice, education, research and policy associated with recognizing and responding to safety threats in a timely manner to prevent harm to service users and providers.

How service providers and service users view near misses in their daily practice within the rubric of patient safety events is not well understood. Further no studies were located that explored near misses specifically in mental health settings in Canada. In this context, a qualitative study was undertaken to gain insight into how service providers and service users (mental health clients or their family members) experienced and defined near misses. Eight (8) focus groups (n= 88) with service providers and 28 semi‐structured interviews with service users were conducted at three mental health care organizations. Content analysis was employed to the dataset that elucidated that near misses were (1) safety threats and vulnerabilities associated with experiencing mental illness; and (2) acts that avert harm and prevent something from happening. Findings are compared to what is currently known about in safety. Implications of findings for practice, research and policy are delineated.
Regulation of miR319 during cold stress in sugarcane
Authors: THIEBAUT FLÁVIA , ROJAS CRISTIAN A. , ALMEIDA KARLA L. , GRATIVOL CLÍCIA , DOMICIANO GISELLI C. , LAMB CAREN REGINA C. , DE ALMEIDA ENGLER JANICE , HEMERLY ADRIANA S. , FERREIRA PAULO C. G.
Published: September 2011

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are part of a novel mechanism of gene regulation that is active in plants under abiotic stress conditions. In the present study, 12 miRNAs were analysed to identify miRNAs differentially expressed in sugarcane subjected to cold stress (4 °C). The expression of miRNAs assayed by stem–loop RT‐PCR showed that miR319 is up‐regulated in sugarcane plantlets exposed to 4 °C for 24 h. The induction of miR319 expression during cold stress was observed in both roots and shoots. Sugarcane miR319 was also regulated by treatment with abscisic acid. Putative targets of this miRNA were identified and their expression levels were decreased in sugarcane plantlets exposed to cold. The cleavage sites of two targets were mapped using a 5′ RACE PCR assay confirming the regulation of these genes by miR319. When sugarcane cultivars contrasting in cold tolerance were subjected to 4 °C, we observed up‐regulation of miR319 and down‐regulation of the targets in both varieties; however, the changes in expression were delayed in the cold‐tolerant cultivar. These results suggest that differences in timing and levels of the expression of miR319 and its targets could be tested as markers for selection of cold‐tolerant sugarcane cultivars.
Casein kinase II α subunits affect multiple developmental and stress‐responsive pathways in Arabidopsis
Authors: Mulekar Jidnyasa Jayant , Bu Qingyun , Chen Fulu , Huq Enamul
Published: September 2011

Casein kinase II (formerly known as CK2), a ubiquitous Ser/Thr kinase, plays critical roles in all higher organisms including plants. The CK2 holoenzyme consists of two catalytic α subunits and two regulatory β subunits. The Arabidopsis genome has four α subunit and four β subunit genes, and members of both the α and β subunit families have been shown to be localized in the cytoplasm, nucleus and also in chloroplasts. However, the biological roles of CK2 subunits have not been fully characterized yet. Here we identified T‐DNA insertion mutants in three α subunit genes (α1, α2 and α3) and made double and triple mutants. The CK2 α1α2α3 triple mutants displayed reduced CK2 activity compared with wild‐type seedlings. Phenotypic characterization showed that CK2 α1α2α3 triple mutants are late flowering under both long‐ and short‐day conditions. Genes encoding floral integrators are differentially regulated in the triple mutant compared with the wild‐type plants. CK2 α1α2α3 triple mutants also displayed reduced hypocotyl growth, smaller cotyledon size and a reduced number of lateral roots compared with wild‐type seedlings under light. Abscisic acid‐induced blockage of seed germination and cotyledon greening is reduced in CK2 α subunit mutants in an additive manner. Moreover, CK2 α subunit mutants are also hyposensitive to a NaCl‐induced blockage of seed germination. Taken together, these data suggest that CK2 α subunits affect diverse developmental and stress responsive pathways in Arabidopsis.
Knowledge, attitude, and performance of students toward skin cancer in Yazd, 2009
Authors: MahmoodAbad Seyed Saeed Mazloomy , Noorbala Mohamad Taghi , Mohammadi Mariam , Rahaei Zohre , Ehrampush Mohamad Hasan
Published: September 2011

Background  Cancer is increasingly recognized as a major and growing health concern in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR), and skin cancers are the most prevalent cancers. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and performance of university students regarding skin cancer.

Methods  This cross‐sectional study included 230 samples selected randomly from the students of Yazd universities. The reliability of the questionnaire was certified by specialists, validated by a pilot study, and confirmed by Alpha Cronbachs test (α = 0.8). SPSS software was used for data entry, manipulation, and analysis.

Results  The students studied had medium knowledge level related to skin cancer. Their attitude towards skin cancer was relatively good. The performance level of the population under study was moderate. Non‐medical students had more poor knowledge, attitude, and performance than medical students. Overall results show a significant relationship between knowledge, attitude, and performance level of the population under study.

Conclusion  Skin cancers are the most common form of cancers in our state, but my students do not have appropriate knowledge and performance levels about this disease. It is therefore proposed that related information should be given to them during continuous and regular educational programs.
Treatment of acne scarring
Authors: Goodman Greg J.
Published: September 2011

Background Post‐acne scarring remains a common entity despite advances in the treatment of acne. This represents limitations in our quality of therapy and a failure of public education. The level of severe scarring remains as much an ongoing challenge to prevent as well as manage.

Methods This review will concentrate on the methods by which acne scarring may be improved and the available evidence for their utility. It will also rely on a grading scale of disease burden to classify patients and their ideal therapy. New therapies allowing treatment of scarring in areas other than the face will also be highlighted.

Results Tabulated treatment planning will present algorithms summarizing best practice in the treatment of post‐acne scarring.

Conclusion Post‐acne scarring is being better managed. Grade 1 scars with flat red, white, or brown marks are best treated with topical therapies, fractionated and pigment or vascular‐specific lasers and, occasionally, pigment transfer techniques. Grade 2 mild scarring as seen primarily in the mirror is now the territory of non‐ablative fractionated and non‐fractionated lasers as well as skin rolling techniques. Grade 3 scarring, visible at conversational distance but distensible, is best managed by traditional resurfacing techniques or with fractional non‐ablative or ablative devices, sometimes including preparatory surgical procedures. Grade 4 scarring, where the scarring is at its most severe and non‐distensible, is most in need of a combined approach.
Dependence induced increases in intragastric alcohol consumption in mice
Authors: Fidler Tara L. , Powers Matthew S. , Ramirez Jason J. , Crane Andrew , Mulgrew Jennifer , Smitasin Phoebe , Cunningham Christopher L.
Published: September 2011

Three experiments used the intragastric alcohol consumption (IGAC) procedure to examine the effects of variations in passive ethanol exposure on withdrawal and voluntary ethanol intake in two inbred mouse strains, C57BL/6J (B6) and DBA/2J (D2). Experimental treatments were selected to induce quantitative differences in ethanol dependence and withdrawal severity by: (1) varying the periodicity of passive ethanol exposure (three, six or nine infusions/day); (2) varying the dose per infusion (low, medium or high); and (3) varying the duration of passive exposure (3, 5 or 10 days). All experiments included control groups passively exposed to water. B6 mice generally self‐infused more ethanol than D2 mice, but passive ethanol exposure increased IGAC in both strains, with D2 mice showing larger relative increases during the first few days of ethanol access. Bout data supported the characterization of B6 mice as sippers and D2 mice as gulpers. Three larger infusions per day produced a stronger effect on IGAC than six or nine smaller infusions, especially in D2 mice. Increased IGAC was strongly predicted by cumulative ethanol dose and intoxication during passive exposure in both strains. Withdrawal during the passive exposure phase was also a strong predictor of increased IGAC in D2 mice. However, B6 mice showed little withdrawal, precluding analysis of its potential role. Overall, these data support the hypothesis that dependence‐induced increases in IGAC are jointly determined by two processes that might vary across genotypes: (1) tolerance to aversive postabsorptive ethanol effects and (2) negative reinforcement (i.e. alleviation of withdrawal by self‐administered ethanol).
Comparing school environments with and without legislation for the prevention and management of anaphylaxis
Authors: Cicutto L. , Julien B. , Li N. Y. , Nguyen‐Luu N. U. , Butler J. , Clarke A. , Elliott S. J. , Harada L. , McGhan S. , Stark D. , Vander Leek T. K. , Waserman S.
Published: September 2011

To cite this article: Cicutto L, Julien B, Li NY, Nguyen‐Luu NU, Butler J, Clarke A, Elliott SJ, Harada L, McGhan S, Stark D, Vander Leek TK, Waserman S. Comparing school environments with and without legislation for the prevention and management of anaphylaxis. Allergy 2012; 67: 131–137.

Background:  School personnel in contact with students with life‐threatening allergies often lack necessary supports, creating a potentially dangerous situation. Sabrina’s Law, the first legislation in the world designed to protect such children, requires all Ontario public schools to have a plan to protect children at risk. Although it has captured international attention, the differences a legislative approach makes have not been identified. Our study compared the approaches to anaphylaxis prevention and management in schools with and without legislation.

Methods:  Legislated (Ontario) and nonlegislated (Alberta, British Columbia, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Quebec) environments were compared. School board anaphylaxis policies were assessed for consistency with Canadian anaphylaxis guidelines. Parents of at‐risk children and school personnel were surveyed to determine their perspectives on school practices. School personnel’s EpiPen5 technique was assessed.

Results:  Consistency of school board policies with anaphylaxis guidelines was significantly better in a legislated environment (P = 0.009). Parents in a legislated environment reported more comprehensive anaphylaxis emergency forms (P < 0.001), while school personnel in nonlegislated environments reported more comprehensive forms (P = 0.004). Despite school personnel in both environments receiving EpiPen5 training (>80%), suboptimal technique was commonly observed. However, school personnel in the legislated environment had better technique (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:  Our results suggest that school boards in legislated environments have made greater efforts to support students at risk for anaphylaxis compared to nonlegislated environments. However, significant gaps exist in both environments, especially with respect to EpiPen5 administration, content, and distribution of anaphylaxis emergency forms, and awareness of school procedures by school personnel and parents.
The association of maternal prenatal IgE and eczema in offspring is restricted to non‐atopic mothers
Authors: Hicks William B. , Nageotte Christian G. , Wegienka Ganesa , Havstad Suzanne , Johnson Christine C. , Ownby Dennis R. , Zoratti Edward M.
Published: September 2011

To cite this article: Hicks WB, Nageotte CG, Wegienka G, Havstad S, Johnson CC, Ownby DR, Zoratti EM. The association of maternal prenatal IgE and eczema in offspring is restricted to non‐atopic mothers. Pediatric Allergy Immunology 2011; 22: 684–687.

The risk of developing eczema is thought to be influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Prenatal factors including the intrauterine environment may influence risk. We examined the relationship of maternal total IgE obtained during pregnancy to the incidence of atopic dermatitis in their 2‐yr‐old offspring. Subjects were participants in an unselected Detroit area birth cohort. Serum IgE was measured from 458 mothers in the third trimester of pregnancy along with prenatal family and environmental histories. Children were evaluated at approximately 2 yr of age for current or past eczema by maternal questionnaire and physician examination. Among the 458 children, 20.3% (n = 93) had a doctor confirmed diagnosis of eczema. Prenatal IgE was higher among women whose children developed AD vs. women whose children did not [Geometric means and 95% confidence intervals 52.7 IU/ml (40.9–68.0) vs. 32.9 IU/ml (28.0–38.7), p = 0.010]. The association was only seen in a subgroup of 181 women without allergic sensitization (specific IgE >0.35 IU/ml) to a panel of eight common allergens. Of the women without allergic sensitization, the mean serum IgE was 24.1 IU/ml (15.5–37.6) among those whose children had a diagnosis of eczema. The mean serum IgE was 11.2 IU/ml (9.2–13.6) among those whose children did not have a diagnosis of eczema (p‐value 0.002). Maternal prenatal IgE level among women who are not sensitized to common allergens is associated with increased risk of eczema in offspring.
A pilot study of the implementation of WHOSurgical Checklist in Finland: improvements in activities and communication
Authors: TAKALA R. S. K. , PAUNIAHO S.‐L. , KOTKANSALO A. , HELMIÖ P. , BLOMGREN K. , HELMINEN M. , KINNUNEN M. , TAKALA A. , AALTONEN R. , KATILA A. J. , PELTOMAA K. , IKONEN T. S.
Published: September 2011

Background

World Health Organisation (WHO) has introduced a surgical safety checklist that has reduced post‐operative morbidity and mortality. Prior to national checklist implementation, we assessed its possible impact on the operating room (OR) process, safety‐related issues and communication among surgical staff in a high‐income country.

Methods

In four university and teaching hospitals, a structured questionnaire was delivered to OR personnel involved in consecutive operations over 4–6 weeks before and after the checklist implementation. The questionnaire resembled the WHO checklist and comprised multiple‐choice questions relating to performance of safety checks and communication. Anaesthesiologists (A), surgeons (S) and circulating nurses (CN) answered the questions independently. The WHO checklist was modified for national needs.

Results

Questionnaires were returned from 1748 operations, 901 before and 847 after the checklist. Patient's identity was more often confirmed (A: 62.7% vs. 84.0%, S: 71.6% vs. 85.5%, CN: 81.6% vs. 94.2%, P < 0.001) and knowledge of names and roles among team members (A: 65.7% vs. 81.8%, S: 71.1% vs. 83.6%, CN: 87.7% vs. 93.2%, P < 0.01) improved with the checklist. Anaesthesiologists and surgeons discussed critical events pre‐operatively (A: 22.0% vs. 42.6%, S: 34.7% vs. 46.2%, P < 0.001) more frequently after the checklist. In addition, fewer communication failures (43 vs. 17, P < 0.05) were reported with checklist.

Conclusions

The checklist increased OR teams’ awareness of patient‐related issues, the procedure and expected risks. It also enhanced team communication and prevented communication failures. Our findings support use of the WHO checklist in various surgical fields.
Are non‐traditional CD4+CD69+CD25– regulatory T cells involved in disease progression of human hepatocellular carcinoma?
Authors: Xu Dongping , Wang Fu‐Sheng
Published: September 2011

See article in J. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. 2011; 26: 1519–1526.
Sinonasal teratocarcinosarcoma with rhabdoid features
Authors: Kim Jo‐Heon , Maeng Young‐Hee , Lee Ji‐Shin , Jung Shin , Lim Sang‐Chul , Lee Min‐Cheol
Published: September 2011

Sinonasal teratocarcinosarcoma (SNTCS) is a very rare tumor developed in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. The rhabdoid phenotype represents an aggressive biological behavior, but the rhabdoid feature has hitherto not been reported in cases of SNTCS. A 46‐year‐old man complained of a 1‐month history of left‐sided nasal obstruction. Computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging showed a tumor mass involving the left nasal cavity, ethmoid sinus, and ethmoid bone with extension to the left frontal lobe of the brain. A gross total resection of the mass was performed and postoperative radiation therapy administered. Seven weeks later, several recurring masses were detected in the left frontotemporal lobe of the brain. A gross total resection of the mass was performed and postoperative chemotherapy administered. Histopathologically, the tumor showed benign and malignant epithelial, mesenchymal, neural, and immature elements. In addition, diffuse sheets of rhabdoid cells were immunopositive for vimentin, nestin, neuron‐specific enolase, and INI1. Ultrastructurally, rhabdoid cells showed paranuclear aggregates and whorls of intermediate filaments with a 9–10 nm diameter. In conclusion, we report first case of rhabdoid features in SNTCS. The present case showed an advanced stage and early recurrence; the rhabdoid component was probably responsible for this aggressive behavior.
Greater age and hepatocellular aging are independent risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma arising from non‐B non‐C non‐alcoholic chronic liver disease
Authors: Nakajima Tomoki , Nakashima Toshiaki , Yamaoka Junko , Shibuya Akiko , Konishi Eiichi , Okada Yoshihisa , Jo Masayasu , Nishikawa Taichiro , Itoh Yoshihito , Yoshikawa Toshikazu
Published: September 2011

We previously reported that hepatocellular aging can be assessed by measuring the nuclear size of hepatocytes. We attempted to elucidate whether this method is useful to identify the high risk group of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the patients with non‐B non‐C non‐alcoholic liver injury. Fourteen patients with HCC and 78 without HCC, both of whom presented with non‐B non‐C non‐alcoholic chronic liver injury and underwent liver biopsy, were selected. Twelve histologically normal liver tissues were selected as controls. The relative nuclear size (RNS) was calculated as the average nuclear size of the hepatocytes divided by that of lymphocytes. Multiple clinicopathological parameters were studied. The RNS values of normal livers ranged from 1.32 to 2.10, showing a gradual increase in an age‐dependent manner. The RNS values of the injured livers without HCC increased after middle age. Univariate analysis identified greater age, existence of diabetes and RNS, as significantly positive contributors and ALT value and the degree of steatosis as negative contributors for the occurrence of HCC. Only age and RNS retained significance in multivariate analysis. All of the HCC patients were older than 50 and showed RNS values higher than 2.00. Therefore, such patients are classified as a high risk group of HCC.
Prevalence of asthma and atopy in sarcoidosis
Authors: WILSHER MARGARET , HOPKINS RAEWYN , ZENG IRENE , CORNERE MEGAN , DOUGLAS RICHARD
Published: September 2011

Background and objective:  We hypothesized that the prevalence of allergic disorders, characterized by the release of type 2 cytokines (IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐10), would be lower in sarcoidosis in which there is a dominant type 1 immune response (IL‐2, interferon‐gamma). The objective was to measure the prevalence of atopy and self‐reported asthma in patients with sarcoidosis.

Methods:  Sarcoidosis patients (n = 136, 72 M, age range 22–75), recruited in the outpatient setting, completed a modified European Community Respiratory Health Survey. 123 of these patients provided blood for allergy testing.

Results:  For the cohort as a whole the self‐reported prevalence of asthma ever (21.5%) and asthma attack in the last 12 months (7.5%), was high as was wheezing (42.1%), breathlessness with wheeze (22.3%) and use of an asthma medication (13.1%). The prevalence of atopy was 34%. These data are not different from the previously reported prevalence of asthma and atopy in New Zealand.

Conclusions:  The same prevalence of asthma symptoms and atopy as in the normal population suggests that the immune system is not skewed away from mounting T helper type 2 immune responses in sarcoidosis.
Adjuvant combined paclitaxel and carboplatin chemotherapy for glassy cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix: Report of three cases with clinicopathological analysis
Authors: Takahashi Yoshiki , Sasaki Hiroe , Mogami Haruta , Hamada Shinshichi , Konishi Ikuo
Published: September 2011

Glassy cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix (GCC) is a rare form of cervical carcinoma that is characterized by aggressiveness and poor prognosis. We reviewed a variety of clinicopathological features, treatment strategies, and outcomes in three women with GCC. The three patients were successfully treated by radical hysterectomy with pelvic/para‐aortic lymphadenectomy. The patients had stage Ib1, stage IIa, and stage Ib2 tumors without lymph node metastases. A 44‐year‐old woman with stage Ib1 tumor did not undergo adjuvant chemotherapy or radiation therapy. She had recurrent pelvic tumors 12 months after surgery, and died 6 months after the recurrent disease. The histological findings of her cervix, which were different from the other two patients, did not show the marked infiltration of eosinophils. The other two patients with stage Ib2 and IIa tumors underwent adjuvant chemotherapy with paclitaxel and carboplatin, and had disease‐free survival for 4.5 and 9 years. We think that all patients with GCC of stage Ib1 or more should undergo adjuvant chemotherapy of paclitaxel and carboplatin or other adjuvant therapies.
Female sexual dysfunction: Facts and factors among gynecology outpatients
Authors: Jahan Muna Shalima , Billah Syed Muhammad Baqui , Furuya Hiroyuki , Watanabe Tetsu
Published: September 2011

Aim:  This study was aimed at assessing the female sexual dysfunction of respondents at gynecology outpatient clinics.

Materials and Methods:  The cross‐sectional study involved interviewing 137 female respondents from the gynecology outpatient department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital and Shaheed Suhrawardy Hospital with a semi‐structured questionnaire during March–August 2007. The sociodemographic details and sexual history with sexual problems were recorded.

Results:  Half (51.8%) the respondents had one or more sexual problems. Pain during intercourse (71.8%) and reduced desire (54.9%) were highest among different complaints followed by orgasmic (43.66%) and arousal problems (32.39%). Age and education were significantly associated with reduced desire (P = 0.03). Delivery mode was significantly associated with inhibited desire (P = 0.01) and arousal problems (P = 0.003), and not significantly with pain (P = 0.06). After adjusting confounding factors, parity (odds ratio [OR] = 3.4, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.21–9.68), history of menstrual regulation (OR = 2.84, 95%CI: 1.31–6.22), mental stress (OR = 2.81, 95%CI: 1.05–7.50) and sexual problems of the husband (OR = 3.16, 95%CI: 1.19–8.44) became risk factors for increasing odds of having dysfunction while increased frequency of intercourse showed a marginally significant reducing effect (OR = 0.764, 95%CI: 0.95–1.00).

Conclusions:  This is a pioneer study in Bangladesh to postulate female sexuality, revealing pain disorder as most prevalent; the women with dysfunction were dissatisfied with their sexual life. In order to determine the cause of female sexual dysfunction, the topic needs further exploration involving intervention at regular medical investigations.
Third‐line chemotherapy with tyrosine kinase inhibitor (imatinib mesylate) in recurrent ovarian granulosa cell tumor: Case report
Authors: Raspagliesi Francesco , Martinelli Fabio , Grijuela Barbara , Guadalupi Valentina
Published: September 2011

Granulosa cell tumors (GCT) of the ovary represent less than 5% of malignant ovarian tumors. Primary treatment of GCT is surgery. GCT present indolent growth and also tend to relapse many years after diagnosis. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy and hormonal therapy are of little benefit. We report a case of a 60‐year‐old woman with a heavily pretreated recurrent, c‐kit positive, GCT of the ovary who underwent an experimental therapy with imatinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Imatinib (400 mg/day during the first 2 months; 800 mg/day after) was given, without notable side‐effects. Monthly positron emission tomography–computed tomography scan evaluations were performed revealing a marked reduction of disease after 6 months of treatment. To our knowledge this is the first case of highly recurrent and unresponsive GCT of the ovary responding to imatinib. Further studies evaluating this drug in recurrent and/or aggressive GCT are warranted.
Annexin A2 in amniotic fluid: Correlation with histological chorioamnionitis, preterm premature rupture of membranes, and subsequent preterm delivery
Authors: Namba Fumihiko , Ina Shihomi , Kitajima Hiroyuki , Yoshio Hiroyuki , Mimura Kazuya , Saito Shigeru , Yanagihara Itaru
Published: September 2011

Aim:  The aim of this study was to determine whether amniotic fluid levels of annexin A2, a phospholipid‐binding protein that is abundant in amnion and regulates fibrin homeostasis, are associated with histological chorioamnionitis, preterm premature rupture of the membranes, and subsequent preterm delivery.

Materials and Methods:  Amniotic fluid was obtained from 55 pregnant women with preterm labor and/or preterm premature rupture of the membranes before 32 weeks of gestation, and amniotic fluid levels of annexin A2 were measured with a sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results:  Amniotic fluid levels of annexin A2 in patients with histological chorioamnionitis was higher than that in the remainder (P = 0.053), whereas amniotic fluid levels of annexin A2 in patients with preterm premature rupture of the membranes was significantly higher than that in the remainder (P = 0.002). Amniotic levels of annexin A2 was a fair test (area under receiver–operator characteristic curve = 0.679), and amniotic fluid levels of annexin A2 > 878.2 ng/mL had a sensitivity of 68.8%, a specificity of 65.2%, a positive predictive value of 73.3%, and a negative predictive value of 60.0% for predicting delivery within 2 weeks after amniotic fluid sampling. Furthermore, the combined use of amniotic fluid cut‐off levels of 878.2 ng/mL for annexin A2 and 13.3 ng/mL for interleukin‐8 improved the specificity (91.3%) and the positive predictive value (89.5%).

Conclusions:  We identified amniotic fluid levels of annexin A2, especially in combination with amniotic fluid levels of interleukin‐8, as a novel predictive marker for preterm delivery.
Effects of orientation, stress and exposure time on short intergranular stress corrosion crack behaviour in sensitised type 304 austenitic stainless steel
Authors: RAHIMI S. , MARROW T. J.
Published: September 2011

Intergranular stress corrosion cracking (IGSCC) in austenitic stainless steels occurs at susceptible grain boundaries after sensitisation. In this study, the effects of test duration, static stress (applied and residual) and microstructure orientation on the developed populations of short crack nuclei are reported for a sensitised type 304 austenitic stainless steel in an acidified potassium tetrathionate (K2S4O6) solution. The crack populations were analysed using the Gumbel distribution method, showing an increase in the characteristic crack lengths with increasing time and grain size. There is a weak, but measurable effect of stress on crack length. Tensile stress increases crack growth and compressive residual stresses introduced by surface machining are shown to be beneficial. A significant dependence on sample orientation is observed and this cannot be explained in terms of the bulk microstructure properties or characteristics, which showed no significant variations.
Corrosion fatigue crack propagation of an aluminum alloy under periodic overloads
Authors: WANG R , ZHENG X
Published: September 2011

Periodic tensile overloads superposed on constant amplitude cycles were used on compact tension fracture mechanics specimens of an aluminum (Al–Cu–Mg) alloy. The delayed retardation of corrosion fatigue crack propagation in the low part of the Paris regime was investigated in a 3.5% NaCl environment. The aluminum alloy exhibits the intensive retardation effect of crack propagation under overload ratios from 1.3 to 2.0 and overload intervals from 102 to 104 cycles. The crack propagation under the periodic overloads can be treated as the base constant amplitude crack propagation, i.e. . The periodic overloads decrease the crack propagation resistance coefficient of Bcf, but have less effect on the threshold value of obtained by best fitting of this model.
Protist diversity in suboxic and sulfidic waters of the Black Sea
Authors: Wylezich Claudia , Jürgens Klaus
Published: September 2011

The oxic–anoxic transition zone of the Black Sea comprises a large suboxic zone as well as anoxic and sulfidic waters. While the prokaryotes and biogeochemical cycles that characterize this zone have been frequently studied, little is known about the diversity or ecology of its microbial eukaryotes. Here, we present the first broad qualitative report of the protist species composition in the Black Sea redoxcline using molecular tools. Fingerprint analysis from the whole redoxcline revealed a complex community structure of metabolically active protists with distinct shifts along the redox gradient. Additionally, 18S rRNA gene clone libraries were used to compare protist species composition of suboxic and sulfidic water layers. Among the ciliates, sequences related toPleuronemaandStrombidiumwere dominant in both water layers whereas sequences affiliated with anaerobic plagiopylids andCyclidiumwere detected only in the sulfidic zone. Among the flagellates, mainly stramenopiles (mostly bicosoecids and chrysophytes) occurred throughout the redoxcline. In the sulfidic zone we found stramenopile sequences but also euglenozoans, jakobids and choanoflagellates that were related to clonal sequences from other anoxic marine habitats, thus indicating the existence of globally distributed groups of anoxic flagellates. Higher species diversity in the sulfidic zone and about twice as many novel sequence types of ciliates and stramenopiles compared with the suboxic layer emphasizes the importance of anoxic, sulfidic waters as habitat for high protist diversity although the function of these organisms is yet unknown.
A new approach to model the spatiotemporal development of biofilm phase in porous media
Authors: Bozorg Ali , Sen Arindom , Gates Ian D.
Published: September 2011

Bacteria can exist within biofilms that are attached to the solid matrix of a porous medium. Under certain conditions, the biomass can fully occupy the pore space leading to reduced hydraulic conductivity and mass transport. Here, by treating biofilm as a growing, high‐viscosity phase, a novel macroscopic approach to model biofilm spatial expansion and its corresponding effects on porous medium hydraulic properties is presented. The separate yet coupled flow of the water and biofilm phases is handled by using relative permeability curves that allow for biofilm movement within the porous medium and bioclogging effects. Fluid flow is governed by Darcy's law and component transport is set by the convection–diffusion equation reaction terms for each component. Here, the system of governing equations is solved by using a commercial multiphase flow reservoir simulator, which is used to validate the model against published laboratory experiments. A comparison of the model and experimental observations reveal that the model provides a reasonable means to predict biomass development in the porous medium. The results reveal that coupled flow of water and movement of biofilm, as described by relative permeability curves, is complex and has a large impact on the development of biomass and consequent bioclogging in the porous medium.
SYNCHRONIZATION OF ECONOMIC SHOCKS BETWEEN GULF COOPERATION COUNCIL AND UNITED STATES, EUROPE, JAPAN, AND OIL MARKET: CHOICE OF EXCHANGE RATE REGIME†
Authors: KIM WON JOONG , HAMMOUDEH SHAWKAT , ALEISA EISA A.
Published: September 2011

Using a structural vector autoregression (SVAR) with block exogeneity, this study examines the impacts of external shocks originating from the United States, the European Union, Japan, and the oil market as well as those of the regional shocks, on the oil‐rich countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), viewed as a prospective monetary union. It takes into account the implications of the shock impacts for selecting an appropriate common exchange rate arrangement. The SVAR variance decomposition and impulse response analyses strongly underscore the relative impacts of the global shocks over the regional ones. The findings imply that the world's two major currencies, the U.S. dollar and the euro, should figure highly in a GCC's common basket of currencies. Accordingly, a transitional movement to a more flexible exchange rate arrangement such as a basket peg may be desirable for these trade‐dependent economies in the long run, as is argued in the optimal currency literature for developing countries. (JEL E52, O52, C22)
Physical activity for obese individuals: a systematic review of effects on chronic disease risk factors
Authors: Katzmarzyk P. T. , Lear S. A.
Published: September 2011

The purpose of this review was to determine the effectiveness of physical activity in improving chronic disease risk factors in obese individuals. A systematic review was conducted to identify randomized physical activity intervention studies reporting changes in risk factors among obese individuals published prior to March 2010. Studies included in the review were randomized trials of at least 10 weeks in duration, with a sample mean body mass index ≥30 kg/m2 at baseline, and reporting a relevant risk factor (blood pressure, blood lipids, glucose/insulin or C‐reactive protein). Forty‐four studies met the inclusion criteria for this review. Overall, physical activity had no more than a modest effect on chronic disease risk factors in obese individuals. There was great heterogeneity in responses of risk factors across studies. In many studies it was difficult to determine the effect of physical activity, independent of changes in body mass consequent to the intervention. Obese individuals should be encouraged to undertake physical activity following general recommendations for weight loss and health. The degree to which physical activity is effective at lowering risk factor levels among high‐risk obese individuals is not known.
Convolution‐Based Simulation of Homogeneous Subsurface Scattering
Authors: Munoz Adolfo , Echevarria Jose I. , Seron Francisco J. , Gutierrez Diego
Published: September 2011

This paper introduces a new method for simulating homogeneous subsurface light transport in translucent objects. Our approach is based on irradiance convolutions over a multi‐layered representation of the volume for light transport, which is general enough to obtain plausible depictions of translucent objects based on the diffusion approximation. We aim at providing an efficient physically based algorithm that can apply arbitrary diffusion profiles to general geometries. We obtain accurate results for a wide range of materials, on par with the hierarchical method by Jensen and Buhler.
Influence of the Tunnel Shape on Shotcrete Lining Stresses
Authors: Barpi Fabrizio , Peila Daniele
Published: September 2011

Tunnel excavation is frequently carried out in rock masses by the drill and blast method and the final shape of the tunnel boundary can be irregular due to overbreaks. In order to investigate the effects of overbreaks a study of the effect of tunnel boundary irregularity has been carried out. This is done developing a computational tool able to take into account fuzzy variables (i.e., thickness of the beams of the bedded spring approach used for the model). The obtained results show that irregularity effects should be considered when a shotcrete lining is used as the final tunnel lining (for the case where the tunneling procedure does not permit a smooth surface to be obtained). This is crucial to obtain a durable lining.