bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of bagging branches on levels of endophytic fungal infection in Japanese beech leaves
Authors: Kaneko R. , Kaneko S.
Published: March 2004

The species composition of the endophytic mycobiota in leaves of Japanese beech trees (Fagus crenata) and the sources for leaf infections were studied in a forest reserve situated in central eastern Honshu, Japan. To clarify the mechanism of infection of leaves, half of the branches were covered with polyethylene bags and species composition and levels of endophytic fungal infection were then compared with those of unbagged controls. Isolations were carried out from the leaves, petioles, and current‐year twigs of both, bagged and unbagged branches. Additionally, species composition was detected in overwintered terminal buds of beech trees and in the leaves of potted seedlings that had been placed in the field in different seasons. The species assemblage of the unbagged leaves, petioles, and current‐year twigs was dominated byMycosphaerella buna,Ascochyta fagi,Periconiellasp., andTritirachiumsp. Other frequently recovered species wereXylariasp.,Phomopsissp., andTubakia dryina.Mycosphaerella bunaandA. fagiwere never isolated from leaves on bagged branches.A. fagiwas, however, detected on both bagged and unbagged petioles and current‐year twigs at comparatively low isolation frequencies. The detection ofPericoniellasp. on all occasions in both bagged and unbagged leaves was a characteristic feature that differs from those of the other three dominant endophytic fungi. The fungus was also detected without significant differences in bagged and unbagged petioles and current‐year twigs on most sampling dates. Furthermore,Periconiellasp. was isolated from immature twigs inside the bud scales.Tritirachiumsp. was frequently detected in unbagged leaves and petioles and in both bagged and unbagged current‐year twigs, and rarely in bagged leaves and petioles, but was never recovered from terminal buds. The results of the potted seedling experiments revealed that all four dominant species had airborne inocula. The infection of leaves byM. bunaoccurs exclusively by airborne propagules, i.e. ascospores in spring and conidia in autumn. InPericoniellasp. hyphal growth of the fungus from immature twigs inside the buds into the leaf tissues was suggested in addition to infection by airborne inocula.Tritirachiumsp. hyphae were suggested to grow from previous‐ to current‐year twigs.Ascochyta fagiwas present in the outermost scales of overwintered terminal buds, but no systemic growth of the fungus into the petioles and current‐year twigs was observed. Our technique of covering the branches before new leaves unfolded was effective in preventing infection by airborne inocula of endophytic fungi.
Clinical evaluation of frozen/thawed embryo transfer following transport of oocytes and embryos
Authors: Takanashi Yasuhiro
Published: March 2004

Background and Aims:  We evaluated the efficacy of the transport oocyte/embryo frozen/thawed embryo transfer method, in which oocytes or embryos were transported from satellite clinics to the main assisted reproductive technology (ART) center, and surplus embryos were placed in cryopreservation.

Methods:  We evaluated 41 cycles in 34 patients in the transport oocyte group (TO group). In the TO group the oocytes were collected at the satellite clinics, transported to the main ART center and underwent in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Surplus embryos were used for frozen/thawed embryo transfer. We also evaluated 17 cycles in 10 patients in the transport embryo group (TE group), where surplus embryos were transported to the main ART center and used for frozen/thawed embryo transfer; and 189 cycles in 134 patients in the center group (C group), where surplus embryos collected at the same time at the main ART center were used for frozen/thawed embryo transfer. Oocytes were transported from satellite clinics in HEPES buffered human tubal fluid (HTF) culture medium, and embryos in 30% synthetic serum substitute + HEPES buffered HTF, using a portable incubator we devised.

Results:  The proportions of undamaged embryos after freeze/thawing were 47% for the C group, 46% for the TO group, and 46% for the TE group. The numbers of embryos transferred were 2.0 ± 0.7 for the C group, 2.0 ± 0.6 for the TO group, and 2.2 ± 0.4 for the TE group. The rate of embryo transfer was 63% for the C group, 68% for the TO group, and 76% for the TE group. Pregnancy rates per patient were 16% for the C group, 24% for the TO group, and 40% for the TE group. The embryo survival rates (number of embryos with ≥50% viable blastomeres/total number of embryos) were 55% for the C group, 60% for the TO group, and 54% for the TE group. No significant differences were seen between the C group and either the TO or TE groups in any of these parameters.

Conclusions:  Favorable results were achieved with the transport oocyte/embryo frozen/thawed embryo transfer method, and it is suitable for widespread clinical application. (Reprod Med Biol 2004; 3: 1–8)
A successful pregnancy and delivery outcome for a 46‐year‐old woman following in vitro fertilization
Authors: Yoshida Hiroaki , Oomiya Yuki , Sato Tomoko , Aono Nobuya , Araki Yasuhisa
Published: March 2004

Background:  Decreased conception rate with advanced maternal age has been well demonstrated. Although this decline becomes apparent at 35 years of age, and accelerates rapidly in women over 40 years of age, we are able to report pregnancy and delivery case for a 46‐year‐old with in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF‐ET). We report a rare case of a successful delivery of a healthy infant by a 46‐year‐old women following IVF‐ET.

Methods:  She tried three times with conventional IVF and two times cryopreserved embryo transfer, but she failed to conceive. Low‐dose dexamethasone was co‐treated the last two times with IVF on the first day of the beginning menstrual cycle daily and continued until retrieval day. We obtained good quality embryos and she became pregnant at the sixth time of IVF which was carried out at the morula and early blastocyst stage.

Result:  She finally conceived following co‐treatment with low‐dose dexamethasone. She delivered vaginally a single male infant with no congenital abnormalities at 40 weeks’ (3416 g; 46, XY).

Conclusion:  We have demonstrated a successful pregnancy due to obtaining quality embryos using co‐treatment low‐dose dexamethasone and delivery outcome for a 46‐year‐old woman using IVF. (Reprod Med Biol 2004; 3: 39–42)
Multiple risk factors of periodontal disease: a study of 9260 Japanese non‐smokers
Authors: Hasegawa Takashi , Watase Hirotoshi
Published: March 2004

Background:  Periodontal disease (PD) is a lifestyle‐related disease. Risk factors include cigarette smoking and diabetes mellitus (DM). Diabetes mellitus, obesity, hypertension and hyperlipidemia are the main determinants of the metabolic syndrome that may be derived from insulin resistance (IR). In the present study, we examine the relationships between PD and IR‐related factors.

Methods:  This is a cross‐sectional study of 9260 non‐smoking urban Japanese. The subjects were comprised of three groups, aged 40, 50 and 60 years. Periodontal status was evaluated using the Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN). Serum samples were analyzed with an automated spectrophotometer.

Results:  Logistic regression analysis of the data showed that age (P = 0.0001), sex (male, P = 0.0045), body mass index (BMI, P = 0.017), mean blood pressure (mBP, P = 0.0297) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG, P = 0.0001) were the variables significantly associated with the prevalence of PD. There was a negative correlation between serum low dense lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) and PD (P = 0.0001). In the age‐adjusted profiles, sex (male, P < 0.01), mBP (P < 0.01) and FPG (P < 0.001) had a significantly correlation with PD at age 60, while an inverse correlation between LDL and the prevalence of PD was seen only in the 40‐year‐old group (P < 0.001).

Conclusion  This is the first study showing that mBP and LDL are factors that may determine the prevalence of PD. Lifestyle‐related factors could play an important role in the progression of PD.
Archery, Romance and Elite Culture in England and Wales, c.1780–1840
Authors: Johnes Martin
Published: March 2004

During the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, the longbow was rendered redundant as a weapon of war by technological developments such as the musket. Yet at the end of the eighteenth century, archery was revived as a fashionable pastime amongst the English aristocracy thanks to a nostalgic taste for the gothic and medieval. Archery societies were set up across the country, each with its own strict entry criteria, outlandish costumes and extravagant dinners. In a period that saw the making of the modern British upper class, as landowners became more powerful, more unified and more status‐conscious, archery societies were havens of exclusivity and a way of reinforcing and reassuring one's own position in society. Furthermore, women could not only compete in the contests but retain and display their ‘feminine forms’ whilst doing so, and thus the clubs also acted as a forum for introductions, flirtation and romance. This article explores the meaning of archery for upper‐class men and women and demonstrates how wider social needs and interests shaped play, recreation and fashion.
Coercive Sexual Behaviour in British Prisons as Reported by Adult Ex‐Prisoners
Authors: Banbury Samantha
Published: March 2004

Abstract:This research has produced a detailed analysis of coercive sexual behaviour in British prisons as reported by victim, perpetrator, non‐victim and non‐perpetrator ex‐prisoners. A total of 408 participants have contributed to this study. Their responses have been structured around the following hypotheses: (i) victims are reluctant to discuss and report incidents of sexual coercion (sexual exploitation, rape and sexual assault, including forced drug searches); therefore, sexual coercion remains under‐reported within the prison system; (ii) different types of ‘discreet’, exploitative relationships exist, and these can include blackmail, violence and sex in exchange for goods; (iii) victims of sexual coercion involving sexual intimacy will predominate among: younger, passive, homosexual, inexperienced prisoners without group affiliations; (iv) victims of forced drug searches will predominate among: younger, passive, drug dependent, prisoners without group affiliations. Coercive sexual behaviour included forced drug searches and those who had been coerced for sexual intimacy. Approximately 1% had been sexually coerced involving sexual intimacy and 4% had been subjected to forced drug searches. Perpetrators for both groups consisted predominantly of prisoners, rather than staff. Victims reported a higher number of psychological problems following the initial incident compared to non‐victims. Once targeted, victims found themselves open to repeated abuse by multiple perpetrators. Perpetrators actively employed various strategies to prevent victims from reporting the incident. Further research needs to be conducted on prison sexual coercion. This will help in the treatment of victims and the development of preventative measures.
Women and Community Punishment: The Probation Hostel as a Semi‐Penal Institution for Female Offenders
Authors: Barton Alana
Published: March 2004

Abstract: Semi‐penal institutions (for example reformatories, asylums and refuges) were originally developed during the late 18th and early 19th Century, their primary aim being to reform ‘deviant’ women back to acceptable and appropriate standards of femininity. This article will argue that many of the significant features of the early semi‐penal institutions can be found in contemporary institutions for women, specifically probation hostels. This article will identify three defining characteristics of the original semi‐penal institutions and, by drawing on original empirical research conducted in the early 1990s, apply them to a women's probation hostel. Through this analysis the article will highlight some themes of continuity in the history of ‘community’ punishment for women.
Disentangling Offenders and Non‐Offenders in the Scottish Children's Hearings: A Clear Divide?
Authors: Waterhouse Lorraine , McGhee Janice , Loucks Nancy
Published: March 2004

Abstract: Children referred to the Scottish children's hearings tribunals system on offence and non‐offence grounds were compared to explore whether more similarities than differences were found in their underlying realities and actual needs. This was the contention of the Kilbrandon Committee in 1964, which led to the establishment of the children's hearings system. The hearings system is distinctive in that decision making for children who offend and those in need of care and protection is dealt with in the same system of lay panels. Data on the referral records of 482 children found the grounds of referral changed over time with the majority of children (two‐thirds) referred on offence and non‐offence grounds at different points in their contact with the system. The remaining third of children had referrals either solely on offence grounds (villains) or solely on care and protection grounds (victims). While the social backgrounds of children showed more similarities than differences, the different referral pathways over time suggest that for some children more focused intervention primarily to address offending behaviour or child abuse and neglect may be required. The implications for policy and practice in the use of compulsory measures of supervision are discussed.
Ocular metastasis of a vaccine‐associated fibrosarcoma in a cat
Authors: Cohen M. , Sartin E. A. , Whitley E. M. , Whitley R. D. , Smith A. N. , Brawner W. R. , Henderson R. , Behrend E. N.
Published: March 2004

A 6‐year‐old, neutered male domestic shorthair cat was evaluated for a recurrent vaccine‐associated fibrosarcoma. The cat had three excisions of the tumour prior to presentation and was referred for radiation therapy. Ten months following treatment with radiation therapy, the cat was presented again for a cloudy appearance to the eye. An exenteration was performed, and biopsy revealed fibrosarcoma. At the same time, two discrete pulmonary nodules were identified on thoracic radiographs. Two doses of doxorubicin (20 mg/m2) and cyclophosphamide (100 mg/m2) were administered intravenously 3 weeks apart. Despite treatment, the pulmonary nodule doubled in size. This case represents the first antemortem report of ocular metastasis of a vaccine‐associated sarcoma and supports the highly aggressive nature of these tumours.
The effect of fertilization on sap flux and canopy conductance in aEucalyptus salignaexperimental forest
Authors: Hubbard Robert M. , Ryan Michael G. , Giardina Christian P. , Barnard Holly
Published: March 2004

Land devoted to plantation forestry (50 million ha) has been increasing worldwide and the genusEucalyptusis a popular plantation species (14 million ha) for its rapid growth and ability to grow well on a wide range of sites. Fertilization is a common silvicultural tool to improve tree growth with potential effects on stand water use, but the relationship between wood growth and water use in response to fertilization remains poorly quantified. Our objectives in this study were to determine the extent, timing and longevity of fertilization effects on water use and wood growth in a non‐water limitedEucalyptus salignaexperimental forest near Hilo, HI. We evaluated the short‐ and long‐term effects of fertilization on water use by measuring sap flux per unit sapwood area, canopy conductance, transpiration per unit leaf area and water‐use efficiency in control and fertilized stands. Short‐term effects were assessed by comparing sap flux before and after fertilizer application. Long‐term effects were assessed by comparing control plots and plots that had received nutrient additions for 5 years.

For the short‐term response, total water use in fertilized plots increased from 265 to 487 mm yr−1during the 5 months following fertilization. The increase was driven by an increase in stand leaf area accompanied by an increase in sap flux per unit sapwood area. Sap flux per unit leaf area and canopy conductance did not differ during the 5 months following fertilizer additions. For the last 2 months of our short‐term measurements, fertilized trees used less water per unit carbon gain (361 compared with 751 kg H2O kg C−1in control stands). Trees with 5 years of fertilization also used significantly more water than controls (401 vs. 302 mm yr−1) because of greater leaf area in the fertilized stands. Sap flux per unit sapwood area, sap flux per unit leaf area, and canopy conductance did not differ between control and fertilized trees in the long‐term plots. In contrast to the short‐term response, the long‐term response of water use per unit wood growth was not significant. Overall, fertilization ofE. salignaat our site increased stand water use by increasing leaf area. Fertilized trees grew more wood and used more water, but fertilization did not change wood growth per unit water use.
Atmospheric CO2 elevation has little effect on nitrifying and denitrifying enzyme activity in four European grasslands
Authors: Barnard Romain , Barthes Laure , Roux Xavier Le , Harmens Harry , Raschi Antonio , Soussana Jean‐FranÇois , Winkler Barbro , Leadley Paul W.
Published: March 2004

The objective of this study was to determine what patterns, if any, existed in the response of nitrifying enzyme activity (NEA), denitrifying enzyme activity (DEA), soil microbial N and soil inorganic N to elevated CO2 across a broad range of grassland environments. We studied the response of these N pools and microbial activities in four CO2‐enrichment sites of the MEGARICH project (Managing European Grasslands as a Sustainable Resource in a Changing Climate). CO2 treatment was studied in factorial combination with a cutting frequency treatment at two sites and with a temperature treatment at one site. Our study showed that microbial biomass N, NEA, DEA and extractable soil [NH4+] and [NO3−] were generally not affected by elevated CO2 in these grassland ecosystems after several years of treatment, nor by cutting frequency or temperature at the sites that included these treatments. Exceptions to this were that DEA and soil [NO3−] decreased by 22% and 45%, respectively, at the French site at elevated CO2. We discuss the possible explanations for this lack of response.
Influences on the transport and establishment of exotic bird species: an analysis of the parrots (Psittaciformes) of the world
Authors: Cassey Phillip , Blackburn Tim M. , Russell Gareth J. , Jones Kate E. , Lockwood Julie L.
Published: March 2004

Most studies of exotic species invasions only consider the factors that affect the establishment of populations following release, yet this is only one step on the invasion pathway. Different factors are likely to influence which species are transported and released. Here, we examine the influence of species traits on the successful transition of species through several stages in the introduction pathway (transport, release, and establishment), using parrots (Aves: Psittaciformes) as a model system. We use a species‐level supertree of parrots to test for phylogenetic auto‐correlation in the introduction process. Our analyses find that different sets of variables are related to the probability that a species enters each stage on the invasion pathway. The availability of individuals for transport and release seems to be most important for passage through these stages, but has no obvious effect on establishment following release. Rather, establishment success is higher for sedentary species, and species with broad diets.
Increases in Serum Non‐High‐Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol May Be Beneficial in Some High‐Functioning Older Adults: MacArthur Studies of Successful Aging
Authors: Karlamangla Arun S. , Singer Burton H. , Reuben David B. , Seeman Teresa E.
Published: March 2004

Objectives: To examine the association between changes in serum non‐high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (non‐HDL‐C) over a 2.5‐year period and risk of adverse health outcomes in the following 4.5 years in high‐functioning older adults.

Design: Prospective cohort, established in 1988, with a follow‐up in 1991 and 1995.

Setting:  Population‐based, community‐dwelling men and women.

Participants: A random sample (n=267) from the MacArthur cohort (N=1,189). The cohort represented the highest‐functioning tertile of 4,030 screened candidates aged 70 to 79.

Measurements:  Change in non‐HDL‐C between 1988 and 1991 was measured as a predictor of health outcomes between 1991 and 1995, including all‐cause mortality, and among survivors, incident heart attack or stroke, development of new disability in basic activities of daily living, and decline in performance on the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire.

Results: More‐positive change in non‐HDL‐C between 1988 and 1991 was associated with fewer adverse outcomes between 1991 and 1995. In individuals whose total cholesterol at baseline was in the middle two quartiles (195–244 mg/dL), each 10‐mg/dL increase in the 1988‐to‐1991 change in non‐HDL‐C was associated with an adjusted mortality odds ratio (OR) of 0.67 (95% confidence interval (CI)=0.51–0.88). In individuals without cardiovascular disease at baseline, the adjusted OR for new physical disability was 0.79 (95% CI=0.65–0.95) and for cognitive decline was 0.81 (95% CI=0.67–0.98).

Conclusion: Increases in cholesterol over time have beneficial associations in some older adults. The role of cholesterol changes in the health of older individuals needs further exploration.
Association Between Functional Status and Use and Effectiveness of Beta‐Blocker Prophylaxis in Elderly Survivors of Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Vitagliano Gail , Curtis Jeptha P. , Concato John , Feinstein Alvan R. , Radford Martha J. , Krumholz Harlan M.
Published: March 2004

Objectives: To examine whether physical and cognitive impairments explain low use of beta‐blockers in elderly patients and whether functionally impaired older adults have improved survival if a beta‐blocker is prescribed at hospital discharge.

Design: Cross‐sectional and retrospective cohort study.

Setting: Acute care hospitals in the United States.

Participants: National cohort of 45,370 elderly acute myocardial infarction survivors, with no chart‐documented contraindications to beta‐blocker treatment.

Measurements: The main outcome measures were beta‐blocker prescription at hospital discharge and 1‐year survival.

Results: Fifty percent (n=22,683) of eligible patients were prescribed a beta‐blocker at discharge. Older age and functional impairments (incontinence, mobility impairment, and cognitive impairment) were independently associated with decreased use of beta‐blockers. The odds ratios for prescribing a beta‐blocker at hospital discharge were 0.82 (95% confidence interval (CI)=0.77–0.86), 0.63 (95% CI=0.56–0.71), and 0.40 (95% CI=0.32–0.51) for persons with one, two, and three impairments, respectively, compared with those with no impairments. In survival analysis, patients prescribed a beta‐blocker were 21% less likely than nonrecipients to die within 1 year of follow‐up (relative risk=0.79, P=.0001). Similar survival benefit was observed in patients with and without functional impairments.

Conclusion: This study shows a strong association between functional impairment and the use of beta‐blockers after acute myocardial infarction in elderly patients. The results suggest that increasing use of beta‐blockers in this group provides an opportunity to improve outcomes.
The Association Between Physical Function and Lifestyle Activity and Exercise in the Health, Aging and Body Composition Study
Authors: Brach Jennifer S. , Simonsick Eleanor M. , Kritchevsky Stephen , Yaffe Kristine , Newman Anne B. ,   for the Health, Aging and Body Composition Study Research Group
Published: March 2004

Objectives: To determine whether older adults who exercise demonstrate higher levels of physical function than those who do not exercise but are physically active throughout the day.

Design: Cross‐sectional examination of baseline data from the Health, Aging and Body Composition (Health ABC) study.

Setting: Health ABC field centers in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Memphis, Tennessee.

Participants: Three thousand seventy‐five well‐functioning black and white men and women aged 70 to 79.

Measurements: Physical activity and exercise were assessed using a modified leisure‐time physical activity questionnaire. Participants were classified as inactive (reporting <1,000 kcal/wk of exercise activity and ≤2,719 kcal/wk of total physical activity), lifestyle active (reporting <1,000 kcal/wk of exercise activity and >2,719 kcal/wk of total physical activity), or exerciser (reporting≥1,000 kcal/wk of exercise activity). Physical function measures included the Established Populations for the Epidemiologic Studies of the Elderly (EPESE) battery, the Health ABC battery, a 400‐m walk test, and isokinetic strength testing of the knee extensors.

Results: The lifestyle active and exerciser groups had similar total activity levels (men: 6,135 kcal/wk and 6,734 kcal/wk, respectively; P=.108; women: 5,695 kcal/wk and 5,854 kcal/wk, respectively; P=.335). When examining lower extremity performance in relation to physical activity, a progressive trend was evident, with the inactive individuals most likely to have impaired performance on the EPESE battery (men: 33.7%, 24.3%, and 19.1%, P<.001; women: 49.9%, 37.3%, and 28.4%, P<.001; inactive, lifestyle active, and exerciser, respectively). Progressive trends of similar magnitude were present for the Health ABC battery, time to walk 400 m, and knee extensor strength. In multivariate linear regression, those in the inactive and lifestyle active groups had poorer scores on the Health ABC performance battery than individuals in the exercise group after controlling for demographic factors and prevalent disease (men: inactive β=−0.27, P<.001, lifestyle active β=−0.07, P=.032; women: inactive β=−0.23, P<.001, lifestyle active β=−0.07, P<.059). After controlling for demographic factors and prevalent disease, the lifestyle active and exercisers had similar proportions of functionally limited older persons (scoring <10 on the EPESE battery).

Conclusion: Older adults who participate in 20 to 30 minutes of moderate‐intensity exercise on most days of the week have better physical function than older persons who are active throughout the day or who are inactive. Any type of physical activity is better than no activity for protection against functional limitations, but exercise confers greater benefit for physical capacity.
Interventions Improve Gait Regularity in Patients with Peripheral Neuropathy While Walking on an Irregular Surface Under Low Light
Authors: Richardson James K. , Thies Sibylle B. , DeMott Trina K. , Ashton‐Miller James A.
Published: March 2004

Objectives: To determine which, if any, of three inexpensive interventions improve gait regularity in patients with peripheral neuropathy (PN) while walking on an irregular surface under low‐light conditions.

Design: Observational.

Setting: University of Michigan Biomechanics Research Laboratory.

Participants: Forty‐two patients with PN (20 women), mean age±standard deviation=64.5±9.7.

Interventions: A straight cane, touch of a vertical surface, or semirigid ankle orthoses.

Measurements: Step‐width variability and range, step‐time variability, and speed.

Results: Subjects demonstrated significantly less step‐width variability (mean=41.0±1.5, 36.9±1.6, 37.2±1.3, and 35.9±1.5 mm for baseline, cane, orthoses, and vertical surface, respectively; P<.0001) and range (182.7±7.4, 163.7±8.3, 164.3±7.4, 154.3±6.9 mm for baseline, cane, orthoses and vertical surface, respectively; P=.0006) with each of the interventions than under baseline conditions. Step‐time variability significantly decreased with use of the orthoses and vertical surface but not the cane (P=.0001). Use of a cane, but not orthoses or vertical surface, was associated with decreased speed (0.79±0.03, 0.73±0.03, 0.79±0.03, 0.80±0.03 m/s for baseline, cane, orthoses, and vertical surface, respectively; P=.0001).

Conclusion: Older patients with PN demonstrate improved spatial and temporal measures of gait regularity with the use of a cane, ankle orthoses, or touch of a vertical surface while walking under challenging conditions. The decreased speed and stigma associated with the cane and uncertain availability of a vertical surface suggest that the ankle orthoses may be the most practical intervention.
The Effect of a 5‐Week Wobble‐Board Exercise Intervention on Ability to Discriminate Different Degrees of Ankle Inversion, Barefoot and Wearing Shoes: A Study in Healthy Elderly
Authors: Waddington Gordon S. , Adams Roger D.
Published: March 2004

Objectives: There is some evidence of an improvement in falls risk in the elderly after completing a wobble‐board training program. This study examined the effects of wobble‐board training on ability to discriminate between different extents of ankle inversion movements in a group of older subjects, tested wearing shoes and barefoot.

Design: A randomized, controlled, crossover pilot study.

Setting: Canberra region, Australia.

Participants: Twenty community‐dwelling subjects aged 65 to 85 participated in this study; all were in good health with no known disorder of the musculoskeletal system.

Measurements: The accuracy with which subjects could identify a set of ankle inversion movements of different extents was measured, with testing conducted in an upright, weightbearing stance.

Intervention: The effects of a 5‐week training program using a wobble board modified for data logging or a period of normal activity only were assessed. Subjects underwent an ankle movement discrimination test pre‐ and posttraining, with shoes on and off.

Results: Greater improvement in ankle movement discrimination capability was made in subjects who underwent wobble‐board training than in subjects who did not train (F1,18=11.2, P=.003). Active movements at the ankle were also significantly better discriminated throughout when subjects were wearing shoes than when barefoot (F1,18=40.6, P=.001).

Conclusion: Training with a wobble board provides a simple in‐home intervention that improves ability to differentiate between extent of movements into ankle inversion in subjects aged 65 and older. Research on trip and fall frequency after wobble‐board use is needed before such training could be widely used.
Designing Randomized, Controlled Trials Aimed at Preventing or Delaying Functional Decline and Disability in Frail, Older Persons: A Consensus Report
Authors: Ferrucci Luigi , Guralnik Jack M. , Studenski Stephanie , Fried Linda P. , Cutler Gordon B. , Walston Jeremy D. ,   The Interventions on Frailty Working Group
Published: March 2004

The discovery of effective interventions to prevent or delay disability in older persons is a public health priority. Most likely to benefit from such interventions are frail individuals who are not yet disabled and those with early disability who are at high risk of progression. In spite of this frail older persons have often been excluded from research on the assumption that they would not tolerate testing or benefit from treatment. The Interventions on Frailty Working Group developed recommendations to screen, recruit, evaluate, and retain frail older persons in clinical trials.

 Specific recommendations are:

Eligibility screening should include a multistage process, to quickly exclude those who are too well and those who are too sick.

Inclusion criteria should target those most likely to benefit, be meaningful to clinicians, and reflect advancements in the frailty research area.

Disability outcome measures should include self‐reported, objective, and proxy measures. Strategies to improve retention and compliance and to monitor their effectiveness should be an integral part of the study design.

Estimation of cost and sample size should contemplate high dropout rates and interference bycompeting outcomes.

Additional research is needed to refine criteria for screening frail older persons, identify objective measures of disability that are reliable and valid in frail older persons, and improve the informed consent process for high‐risk participants, recognizing that research in this subgroup is essential to improving their health outcomes.
From carcinoma in situ to testicular germ cell tumour
Authors: DONNER JUDITH , KLIESCH SABINE , BREHM RALPH , BERGMANN MARTIN
Published: March 2004

The mechanisms of invasive tumour development from pre‐invasive CIS are unknown. We examined changes in functional parameters of the tubular wall according to the increase in CIS cells and tubular size. Immunohistochemistry was performed on 37 testicular specimens from 25 patients with carcinoma in situ and/or malignant germ cell tumour for the detection of actin/myosin in myocytes, and laminin/integrin α6 in the basement membrane of seminiferous tubules. Tumour cells were detected by PlAP, Sertoli cells by inhibin alpha and vimentin and by cytokeratin 18/connexin 26 immunoreactivity, which is selectively expressed together with CIS. Areas showing clusters of tumour cells surrounded by a fibrous sheet could be identified as enlarged tubules because of focal Sertoli cell‐specific co‐expression of inhibin alpha, vimentin, cytokeratin 18, and connexin 26 immunoreaction. These clusters exhibited an intact basement membrane shown by a persistent laminin/integrin α6 immunoreactivity, but myocytes had lost their contractility indicated by the loss of myosin/actin immunoreactivity. They often showed septa originating from the fibrous sheet containing numerous capillaries. Focal areas of syncytiotrophoblastic cells within classical seminoma also expressing inhibin alpha, cytokeratin 18, and connexin 26 could be differentiated from single Sertoli cells within tumor cell clusters by typical hCG but absence of vimentin immunoreactivity. In contrast to the current concept of CIS cells passing the tubular wall, these data provide evidence for an additional theory, i.e. that the switch from pre‐invasive CIS to invasive tumour takes place in situ by tubular enlargement due to tumour cell proliferation followed by Sertoli cell degeneration and conversion of the tubular wall into connective tissue.
Staphylococcus aureus, but not Staphylococcus epidermidis, modulates the oxidative response and induces apoptosis in human neutrophils
Authors: NILSDOTTER‐AUGUSTINSSON ÅSA , WILSSON ÅSA , LARSSON JENNY , STENDAHL OLLE , ÖHMAN LENA , LUNDQVIST‐GUSTAFSSON HELEN
Published: March 2004

S. epidermidis is the most common isolate in foreign body infections. The aim of this study was to understand why S. epidermidis causes silent biomaterial infections. In view of the divergent inflammatory responses S. epidermidis and S. aureus cause in patients, we analyzed how they differ when interacting with human neutrophils. Neutrophils interacting with S. epidermidis strains isolated either from granulation tissue covering infected hip prostheses or from normal skin flora were tested by measuring the oxidative response as chemiluminescence and apoptosis as annexin V binding. Different S. aureus strains were tested in parallel. All S. epidermidis tested were unable to modulate the oxidative reaction in response to formyl‐methionyl‐leucyl‐phenylalanine (fMLP) and did not provoke, but rather inhibited, apoptosis. In contrast, some S. aureus strains enhanced the oxidative reaction, and this priming capacity was linked to p38‐mitogen‐activated‐protein‐kinase (p38‐MAPK) activation and induction of apoptosis. Our results may explain why S. epidermidis is a weak inducer of inflammation compared to S. aureus, and therefore responsible for the indolent and chronic course of S. epidermidis biomaterial infections.
Two cases of nondura‐based clear cell meningioma of the cauda equina
Authors: PAYANO MARIA , KONDO YOSHIYUKI , KASHIMA KENJI , DAA TSUTOMU , YATSUKA TOMOJI , KIDA HIROTAKA , NAKAYAMA IWAO , YOKOYAMA SHIGEO
Published: March 2004

Clear cell meningioma is a rare disorder. We report two cases of nondura‐based clear cell meningioma of the cauda equina, one in a 24‐year‐old male and the other in a 19‐year‐old female. Both patients had complained of numbness and spontaneous pain in the lower back and limbs for several months. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography scanning revealed an intradural tumor in the cauda equina in each case. At surgery, a neurilemoma was suspected, because each of the tumors had displaced nerve roots and had attached to one of the nerve roots without any adherence to the dura. Light microscopy revealed that both tumors were well‐demarcated with a thin capsule and consisted mainly of clear, glycogen‐rich, polygonal cells with vague whorl formations, and of copious deposits of hyalinized blocky collagen in the stroma and perivascular areas. The neoplastic cells were immunopositive for vimentin and epithelial membrane antigen, but immunonegative for S‐100 protein and chromogranin A. Positive nuclei for MIB‐1 were very few in both cases, and PCNA‐labeling indices were 12.1% and 24.7%, respectively. No local recurrence has been seen for 61 months and for 52 months, respectively.
Acute myeloid leukaemia with t(8;21) associated with “occult” mastocytosis. Report of an unusual case and review of the literature
Authors: Bernd H-W , Sotlar K , Lorenzen J , Osieka R , Fabry U , Valent P , Horny H-P
Published: March 2004

Approximately 20% of patients with systemic mastocytosis (SM) have an associated haematological, clonal, non-mast cell lineage disease, and most exhibit an associated myelogenous neoplasm. This report describes a 48 year old man with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and a type t(8;21) cytogenetic abnormality. Associated bone marrow mastocytosis (a defined subtype of SM) was only detected after successful polychemotherapy in the state of bone marrow aplasia, and persisted after complete remission of AML. The diagnosis of mastocytosis was based on the demonstration of a multifocal dense mastocytic infiltrate. The atypical mast cells showed prominent spindling and an aberrant immunophenotype, with coexpression of tryptase, chymase, KIT, and CD25—which is expressed only on neoplastic (not normal) mast cells. In addition, the transforming somatic mutation D816V of the c-kit gene was detected. Re-examination of the pretherapeutic (initial) bone marrow revealed a slight diffuse increase in partially spindle shaped mast cells also exhibiting an abnormal immunophenotype, with CD25 expression, although compact mastocytic infiltrates were not detected. Because the D816V mutation was detected in the initial bone marrow specimen, strict application of three minor diagnostic criteria (spindling, CD25, D816V) enabled a diagnosis of SM-AML to be confirmed retrospectively in the initial bone marrow tissue.
RUNX3 expression in primary and metastatic pancreatic cancer
Authors: Li J , Kleeff J , Guweidhi A , Esposito I , Berberat P O , Giese T , Büchler M W , Friess H
Published: March 2004

Aim:Runx transcription factors are important regulators of lineage specific gene expression, cell proliferation, and differentiation. Runx3 expression is lost in a high proportion of gastric cancers, suggesting a tumour suppressive role in this malignancy. This study investigates the expression and localisation of Runx3 in pancreatic tissues.

Methods:Quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to measure Runx3 mRNA. Immunohistochemistry was carried out to localise Runx3 in normal pancreatic tissues, and in primary and metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Basal and transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) induced Runx3 expression was analysed in cultured pancreatic cancer cell lines.

Results:Runx3 expression was low to absent in normal pancreatic tissues, but increased in a third of cancer tissues. Runx3 was present only in islets in normal pancreas, whereas in pancreatic cancers, Runx3 was detected in the cancer cells of seven of 24 samples analysed. In addition, it was expressed by lymphocytes in six of the 16 cases with lymphocyte infiltration. In pancreatic cancer cell lines, Runx3 mRNA was present in Colo-357 and T3M4 cells, but was low to absent in the other cell lines tested. TGFβ1 repressed Runx3 mRNA expressed in Colo-357 cells, and had no effect on Runx3 expression in the other pancreatic cancer cell lines.

Conclusion:Runx3 expression is restricted to islets in the normal pancreas. In contrast, a considerable proportion of pancreatic tumours express Runx3, and its expression is localised in the tumour cells and in the infiltrating lymphocytes. Thus, Runx3 might play a role in the pathogenesis of PDAC.
Paul Dirac: Building Bridges of the Mind
Authors: Brown Laurie M.
Published: March 2004

Paul Dirac was a brilliant and original thinker. He used his physical intuition and his ideal of mathematical beauty to construct bridges between major areas of physics. This article discusses several such important works, including the bridge between quantum mechanics and relativity that led to his prediction of the existence of antimatter.
Maitotoxin-induced cell death cascade in bovine aortic endothelial cells: divalent cation specificity and selectivity
Authors: Wisnoskey Brian J. , Estacion Mark , Schilling William P.
Published: March 2004

The maitotoxin (MTX)-induced cell death cascade in bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs), a model for Ca2+overload-induced toxicity, reflects three sequential changes in plasmalemmal permeability. MTX initially activates Ca2+-permeable, nonselective cation channels (CaNSC) and causes a massive increase in cytosolic free Ca2+concentration ([Ca2+]i). This is followed by the opening of large endogenous cytolytic/oncotic pores (COP) that allow molecules <800 Da to enter the cell. The cells then lyse not by rupture of the plasmalemma but through the activation of a “death” channel that lets large proteins (e.g., 140–160 kDa) leave the cell. These changes in permeability are accompanied by the formation of membrane blebs. In this study, we took advantage of the well-known differences in affinity of various Ca2+-binding proteins for Ca2+and Sr2+vs. Ba2+to probe their involvement in each phase of the cell death cascade. Using fluorescence techniques at the cell population level (cuvette-based) and at the single-cell level (time-lapse videomicroscopy), we found that the replacement of Ca2+with either Sr2+or Ba2+delayed both MTX-induced activation of COP, as indicated by the uptake of ethidium bromide, and subsequent cell lysis, as indicated by the uptake of propidium iodide or the release of cell-associated green fluorescent protein. MTX-induced responses were mimicked by ionomycin and were significantly delayed in BAPTA-loaded cells. Experiments at the single-cell level revealed that Ba2+not only delayed the time to cell lysis but also caused desynchronization of the lytic phase. Last, membrane blebs, which were numerous and spherical in Ca2+-containing solutions, were poorly defined and greatly reduced in number in the presence of Ba2+. Taken together, these results suggest that intracellular high-affinity Ca2+-binding proteins are involved in the MTX-induced changes in plasmalemmal permeability that are responsible for cell demise.
Estrogen increases retrograde labeling of motoneurons: evidence of a nongenomic mechanism
Authors: Murashov Alexander K. , Islamov Rustem R. , McMurray Roger J. , Pak Elena S. , Weidner Douglas A.
Published: March 2004

Estrogen has a variety of neurotrophic effects mediated via different signaling cascades, including ERK and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathways. In this study, we investigated effects of estrogen and inhibitors for ERK and PI3K applied directly onto the cut sciatic nerve on retrograde labeling of lumbar motoneurons. A mix of retrograde tracer (Fluorogold) and 17β-estradiol, in combination with an antagonist for estrogen receptors ICI 182,780, an inhibitor of ERK1/2 pathway (U0126), an inhibitor of PI3K (LY-294002), or a protein synthesis inhibitor (cycloheximide), was applied to the proximal stump of the transected sciatic nerve for 24 h. Coapplication of Fluorogold with 17β-estradiol produced a significant increase in the number of retrograde-labeled lumbar motoneurons, compared with Fluorogold alone. Estrogen potentiation of retrograde labeling was inhibited by application of ICI 182,780, U0126, LY-294002, and cycloheximide. Immunohistochemical analysis of the sciatic nerve, 24 h following crush injury, revealed accumulation of phospho-ERK in regenerating nerve fibers. The data suggest a role for estrogen, ERK, PI3K, and protein synthesis in the uptake and retrograde transport of Fluorogold. We propose that estrogen action in peripheral nerve fibers is mediated via the ERK and PI3K signaling pathways and is reliant on local protein synthesis.
Prostaglandin E2 activates outwardly rectifying Cl− channels via a cAMP-dependent pathway and reduces cell motility in rat osteoclasts
Authors: Okamoto Fujio , Kajiya Hiroshi , Fukushima Hidefumi , Jimi Eijiro , Okabe Koji
Published: March 2004

We examined changes in electrical and morphological properties of rat osteoclasts in response to prostaglandin (PG)E2. PGE2 (>10 nM) stimulated an outwardly rectifying Cl− current in a concentration-dependent manner and caused a long-lasting depolarization of cell membrane. This PGE2-induced Cl− current was reversibly inhibited by 4,4′-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid (DIDS), 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)-benzoic acid (NPPB), and tamoxifen. The anion permeability sequence of this current was I− > Br− ≈ Cl− > gluconate−. When outwardly rectifying Cl− current was induced by hyposmotic extracellular solution, no further stimulatory effect of PGE2 was seen. Forskolin and dibutyryl adenosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate (DBcAMP) mimicked the effect of PGE2. The PGE2-induced Cl− current was inhibited by pretreatment with guanosine 5′- O-2-(thiodiphosphate) (GDPβS), Rp-adenosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphorothioate (Rp-cAMPS), N-(2-[ p-bromocinnamylamino]ethyl)-5-isoquinolinesulfonamide dihydrochloride (H-89), and protein kinase A inhibitors. Even in the absence of nonosteoclastic cells, PGE2 (1 μM) reduced cell surface area and suppressed motility of osteoclasts, and these effects were abolished by Rp-cAMPS or H-89. PGE2 is known to exert its effects through four subtypes of PGE receptors (EP1–EP4). EP2 and EP4 agonists (ONO-AE1-259 and ONO-AE1-329, respectively), but not EP1 and EP3 agonists (ONO-DI-004 and ONO-AE-248, respectively), mimicked the electrical and morphological actions of PGE2 on osteoclasts. Our results show that PGE2 stimulates rat osteoclast Cl− current by activation of a cAMP-dependent pathway through EP2 and, to a lesser degree, EP4 receptors and reduces osteoclast motility. This effect is likely to reduce bone resorption.