bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determinants of compliance with colonoscopy in patients with adenomatous colon polyps in a veteran population
Authors: SIDDIQUI A. A. , PATEL A. , HUERTA S.
Published: November 2006

Aim  To determine factors affecting compliance of a follow‐up colonoscopy in patients with previously diagnosed adenomatous colon polyps.

Methods  A retrospective review was performed on patients with adenomatous polyps excised between January and December 1998. Twenty‐nine clinical factors were assessed in patients grouped into whether they were compliant (n = 81) or noncompliant (n = 38) with follow‐up colonoscopy. Significant variables by univariate analysis were included in multivariate regression.

Results  One hundred and nineteen patients with adenomatous colon polyps were identified. Of 119 patients, 114 had a documented recommendation for follow‐up of 5 years or less, with 69% having been compliant. In a univariate analysis, greater number of polyps (P = 0.04), NSAID use (P = 0.02), statin use (P = 0.005), first‐degree relatives with colon cancer (P = 0.05) and compliance with out‐patient clinic follow‐up (P < 0.001) were significantly associated with patient compliance. Multivariate analysis revealed statin use (P = 0.05), first‐degree relatives with colon cancer (P = 0.06) and compliance with out‐patient clinic follow‐up (P < 0.001) were independent predictors of compliance.

Conclusions  History of statin use and family history of colon cancer are good predictors of compliance. The strongest predictor can be anticipated with compliance assessed with encounters for other visits. Strong efforts should be directed at improving patient education about colon cancer by the physician and facilitating patient compliance.
Response to mannitol in asymptomatic subjects with airway hyper‐responsiveness to methacholine
Authors: Porsbjerg C. , Rasmussen L. , Thomsen S. F. , Brannan J. D. , Anderson S. D. , Backer V.
Published: November 2006

Background
Bronchial provocation using methacholine, a cholinergic agonist, causes airway narrowing directly by contraction of bronchial smooth muscle. While methacholine has a high sensitivity for identifying airway hyper‐responsiveness (AHR), it does not have a high specificity to diagnose asthma and false‐positive responses may be observed in non‐asthmatics. Mannitol is an osmotic stimulus that acts indirectly to cause airway narrowing by release of endogenous bronchoconstricting mediators.

Objectives
We tested the hypothesis that subjects with asymptomatic AHR to methacholine would not have AHR to mannitol.

Methods
Sixteen subjects with a methacholine PD20 <8 μmol were challenged with mannitol. A positive response to mannitol was defined as a 15% decline in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) after <635 mg (PD15). Expired nitric oxide (eNO) and blood eosinophils were also measured.

Results
The GM PD20 for methacholine was 2.25 μmol [95% confidence interval (CI): 2.19–5.29], the mean eNO was 14.7 p.p.b. (CI: 10.1–19.4) and the eosinophil count was 0.20 × 10−9/L (CI: 0.14–0.27 × 10−9/L). Only one subject (a smoker, 10 pack‐years, FEV1 76% pred, non‐allergic rhinitis, normal eNO and eosinophil count) also had a mild positive response to mannitol (PD15: 451 mg).

Conclusions
The response to mannitol was within the normal range in asymptomatic subjects with AHR to methacholine. Further evidence on the responsiveness to mannitol compared with methacholine in a random population sample is required to elucidate whether mannitol is a more specific test for diagnosing asthma.
Mediator release assays based on human or murine immunoglobulin E in allergen standardization
Authors: Kaul S. , Lüttkopf D. , Kastner B. , Vogel L. , Höltz G. , Vieths S. , Hoffmann A.
Published: November 2006

Background
The biological potency of allergens can be measured by provoking mediator release from effector cells. As established immunochemical methods in allergen standardization only determine inhibition potency or major allergen content, routine tests for biological potency may enhance standardization and batch control of allergen products.

Objective
The general performance and application potential of biological in vitro assays in batch control and standardization of allergens and as a tool for verifying activity and stability of allergen standards were analysed.

Methods
Allergen extracts of five clinically relevant allergens from three to five different manufacturers were investigated. A CAP‐IgE‐inhibition assay was compared with mediator release assay (MRA)s based on murine or human basophils. Rat basophilic leukaemia (RBL) cells were passively sensitized with pooled murine allergen‐specific IgE‐containing sera. Humanized RBL cells and human‐stripped basophils were sensitized with pooled patient's sera, which were also used for the CAP‐IgE‐inhibition assay. Allergen specificity of the sera was determined by immunoblotting.

Results
A good batch‐to‐batch consistency was found with each assay among all manufacturers and allergens tested. Between different manufacturers, the products showed differences in activity and the various assays indicated an almost identical ranking. However, the biological assays revealed qualitative differences of biological activity or composition of allergen preparations undetectable by IgE‐inhibition assay.

Conclusions
MRAs provide refined information on allergen activity, either confirming the results of IgE‐inhibition assay, or indicating differences requiring further investigation, and represent a highly sensitive novel tool in allergen standardization. By using permanently cultivated cell lines, repeated venepuncture to obtain human basophils is avoided. As in the RBL assay, the coefficient of variation for the release values were below 15% and for the ED50 below 25%, the assay is suitable to determine differences that are relevant for batch control purposes.
An improved method for the diagnostic approach of α+‐thalassaemia
Authors: REPAPINOU Z. , KARABABA PH. , BOUSSIOU M. , KAFARAKIS V. , PAPADAKI H. A. , MAVROUDIS D. , ELIOPOULOS G. D. , LOUTRADI‐ANAGNOSTOU A.
Published: November 2006

An improved method for the diagnostic approach of α+‐thalassaemia is described. The method is based on five common parameters: absence of iron deficiency, mild morphological abnormalities of erythrocytes, normal or slightly reduced erythrocytic indices MCV and MCH, normal chromatographic findings, and presence of haemoglobin H inclusions in erythrocytes with methyl‐violet stain after, but not before, incubation with oxidant agent. We studied by DNA analysis, 58 subjects fulfilling the above mentioned diagnostic criteria and we found that 50 of them (86.2%) had a α‐globin gene defect. In the remaining eight subjects (13.8%) no α‐gene defect could be documented with the techniques used in the DNA analysis, which detect the six well‐known α+‐thalassaemic defects in the Greek population. We conclude that the improved method, we described has a high sensitivity and accuracy in the screening of α+‐thalassaemia.
Phenotypic variation in male and worker encapsulation response in the bumblebee Bombus terrestris
Authors: BAER BORIS , SCHMID‐HEMPEL PAUL
Published: November 2006

Abstract 1. Life‐history traits such as immunity are often characterised by the presence of large phenotypic variation, but it often remains unclear how and why this variation is maintained by selection.

2. Here an annual social insect, the bumblebee Bombus terrestris, was used to study variation in encapsulation response of males and workers. Bumblebees are a suitable system to study offspring immunity because they are host to a broad variety of different parasites. Bumblebee males, in particular, have a long lifespan compared with other social insect males and their immunity should therefore be an important element for colony reproductive success.

3. Encapsulation response, which was used here as a measurement for the generalised immune defence capacity of an individual, was found to be a highly variable trait. High levels of worker response correlated with low levels of colony parasitism rates.

4. Encapsulation response was found to be (a) lower in males compared with sister workers, and (b) lower in late‐produced cohorts compared with early ones.

5. In colonies with delayed sexual reproduction, males had a lower encapsulation response. Thus, investments into immunity seemed reduced in later male cohorts and those eclosing later in the season, perhaps because males had a shorter expected remaining time to acquire matings. The results presented add further evidence that immune defence is a key variable defining colony fitness in social insects.
Dynamic matching of forager size to resources in the continuously polymorphic leaf‐cutter ant,Atta colombica(Hymenoptera, Formicidae)
Authors: CLARK E.
Published: November 2006

Abstract1. Ergonomic optimisation theory proposes that by increasing variation in worker morphology, social insect colonies may increase their dietary breadth; however, little is known about how this relationship operates at the colony level. This study examines the colony‐level pattern of forager size allocation to resource sites in a natural setting.

2. Using a biologically relevant measure of toughness, it is shown that leaf‐cutter ant colonies exploit a variety of plant resources that vary significantly in toughness at any given time.

3. Forager size is shown to be matched to the toughness of plant material, with larger ants harvesting tougher material.

4. Furthermore, outbound foragers travelling to a harvest site are matched in size to the toughness of plant material contained within the site and are not a random selection of available foragers. The match between forager size and plant toughness may reduce the number of wasted trips and ill‐matched foragers.

5. The observed colony‐level pattern of forager allocation could be the result of learning by individual foragers, or the result of information shared at the colony level.
Infestation of commercial bumblebee (Bombus impatiens) field colonies by small hive beetles (Aethina tumida)
Authors: SPIEWOK SEBASTIAN , NEUMANN PETER
Published: November 2006

Abstract 1. The small hive beetle, Aethina tumida, is a parasite of honeybee (Apis mellifera) colonies native to sub‐Saharan Africa and has become an invasive species. In North America the beetle is now sympatric with bumblebees, Bombus, not occurring in its native range. Laboratory studies have shown that small hive beetles can reproduce in bumblebee colonies but it was not known whether infestations occur in the field.

2. For the first time, infestation of bumblebee colonies by small hive beetles was investigated in the field. Commercial Bombus impatiens colonies (n= 10) were installed in proximity to infested apiaries. Within 8 weeks, all colonies that were alive in the 5‐week observation period (n= 9) became naturally infested with adult small hive beetles and successful small hive beetle reproduction occurred in five colonies.

3. In four‐square choice tests, the beetles were attracted to both adult bumblebee workers and pollen from bumblebee nests, suggesting that these odours may serve as cues for host finding.

4. The data indicate that bumblebee colonies may serve as alternative hosts for small hive beetles in the field. To foster the conservation of these essential native pollinators, investigations on the actual impact of small hive beetles on wild bumblebee populations are suggested.
Mechanisms of resistance of freshwater macrophytes to herbivory by invasive juvenile common carp
Authors: MILLER STEPHANIE A. , PROVENZA FREDERICK D.
Published: November 2006

1. Herbivory on freshwater macrophytes has been assumed to be insignificant and rare. More recent evidence suggests herbivory is common and the impact of invasive invertebrate herbivores can be substantial. However, little is known about consumption of macrophytes by fish.

2. We performed a series of feeding assays, based on the consumption by common carp (Cyprinus carpio), to determine if any mechanisms of resistance, structural or chemical, were present in five species of macrophytes (Stuckenia pectinata, Typha latifolia, Scirpus validus, Chara aspera and Ceratophyllum demersum).

3. Carp consumed more fresh whole plant tissue of C. aspera than any other macrophyte, suggesting a lack of structural or chemical deterrents. Typha latifolia, S. validus and C. demersum were consumed least as whole plants, but consumption increased when they were offered in pellet form suggesting structural defence. Crude chemical extracts from S. pectinata significantly reduced consumption of pellets by carp. Thus, plant chemistry and structure both deterred feeding by carp.

4. Experiments that focus on theory are common but their application to managing landscapes is substantially lacking. Our results provide a basis for recommending plants to be used in restoring larval habitat refugia with the aim of increasing the probability for long‐term recovery of an endangered species. Thus, this paper is an example of how experiments that tie theory to application are important for practical applications and for continued testing of theory.

5. We suggest that macrophyte–herbivore interactions play an integral part in aquatic food webs and may be as important in freshwater communities as in marine and terrestrial systems.
Using biological metrics to score and evaluate sites: a nearest‐neighbour reference condition approach
Authors: BATES PRINS SAMANTHA C. , SMITH ERIC P.
Published: November 2006

1. Reference (i.e. least or minimally impaired) sites can provide important information about the expected range of biological metrics and can be used to establish impairment or non‐impairment of a test site. A problem with using reference data is that biological metrics are affected by natural conditions. We present an approach that uses local information to adjust for natural conditions and a method for statistically evaluating condition at a test site using biological metrics.

2. Our method consists of four steps: selection of a distance measure to find neighbours of a test site, selecting natural variables to measure the distance, selection of the number of neighbours and calculating a scored metric.

3. We use a simulated example to illustrate when the nearest‐neighbour approach improves classification of sites as reference or not reference.

4. Using a set of data from the Mid‐Atlantic Highlands, we show that the nearest‐neighbour method improved on the ability of a regression approach to correctly classify test sites known to be from a non‐reference group without affecting the ability to correctly classify test sites known to be from the reference group.
The corrosion of nickel–titanium rotary endodontic instruments in sodium hypochlorite
Authors: Nóvoa X. R. , Martin‐Biedma B. , Varela‐Patiño P. , Collazo A. , Macías‐Luaces A. , Cantatore G. , Pérez M. C. , Magán‐Muñoz F.
Published: November 2006

Aim  To evaluate the corrosion resistance of nickel–titanium (NiTi) endodontic rotary instruments immersed in 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) solution.

Methodology  The corrosion performance of NiTi instruments (S1 25 mm, ProTaper Dentsplay Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) was evaluated using commercial 5.25% NaOCl solution (pH = 12.3), and the same solution partially neutralized adding H2SO4 to reach pH = 10.1. Electrochemical measurements were carried out using a potentiostat equipped with a five‐channel zero resistance ammeter (ZRA) for galvanic current measurements. The instruments were sectioned into three parts (cutting part, noncutting part and shank) and degreased with acetone and rinsing with demineralized water prior to being immersed in NaOCl solution for testing. Each set of the three parts constituted one ‘virtual’ instrument through the ZRA, giving access to the galvanic currents that circulate between the three parts. Nine instruments were employed to check the reproducibility of the electrochemical measurements.

Results  The corrosion potential (Ecorr) of the NiTi alloy reached the passive domain in approximately 20 s of immersion in the solution having a pH 10.1. After this initial period the potential remained steady, indicating that stable passivation was achieved. However, at pH 12.3 no stationary state was achieved even after 6000 s of immersion time. Thus, the alloy was not stable in this medium from a corrosion point of view.

Conclusions  The corrosion resistance of NiTi alloy was enhanced by lowering the pH of NaOCl solution to 10.1, which allows the system to reach the stability domain of the passivating species TiO2 and NiO2.
Elevated expression of Cu, Zn‐SOD and Mn‐SOD mRNA in inflamed dental pulp tissue
Authors: Bödör C. , Matolcsy A. , Bernáth M.
Published: November 2006

Aim  To determine the mRNA expression levels of copper‐zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu, Zn‐SOD) and manganese SOD (Mn‐SOD) in healthy and inflamed human dental pulp tissue.

Methodology  Sixteen patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis (eight females and eight males) were selected for study. Normal healthy pulps were removed from extracted mandibular third molar teeth from 10 systemically healthy individuals (six females and four males). QRT‐PCR analysis of Cu, Zn‐SOD and Mn‐SOD mRNA expression was carried out in 16 cases of irreversible pulpitis and in 10 cases of systemically healthy donors. The Shapiro–Wilk's test was used to test the normality of data, whereas the Mann–Whitney U‐test was used to evaluate the significance of the differences between groups. Differences in the expression levels were considered to be statistically significant for P‐values <0.05.

Results  A significant increase (P < 0.05) occurred in both Cu, Zn‐SOD and Mn‐SOD mRNA expression in cases of irreversible pulpitis. The increase in Mn‐SOD level was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than the change observed for Cu, Zn‐SOD.

Conclusions  The development of pulpitis is associated with elevated transcription of both Cu, Zn‐SOD and Mn‐SOD; pulp tissue inflammation generated higher Mn‐SOD transcription compared with Cu, Zn‐SOD.
Reduction in parafunctional activity: a potential mechanism for the effectiveness of splint therapy
Authors: GLAROS A. G. , OWAIS Z. , LAUSTEN L.
Published: November 2006

summary  Interocclusal splints may be an effective modality in the management of temporomandibular disorders (TMD), but there is little evidence regarding the mechanism by which splints work. This study tested the hypothesis that pain reduction produced by splints is associated with reduction in parafunctional activity. In a two‐group, single‐blinded randomized clinical trial, patients diagnosed with myofascial pain received full coverage hard maxillary stabilization splints. Patients were instructed to maintain or avoid contact with the splint for the 6 weeks of active treatment. Patients who decreased the intensity of tooth contact were expected to show the greatest alleviation of pain, and those who maintained or increased contact were expected to report lesser reductions in pain. Experience‐sampling methodology was used to collect data on pain and parafunctional behaviours at pre‐treatment and during the final week of treatment. Patients were reminded approximately every 2 h by pagers to maintain/avoid contact with the splint. The amount of change in intensity of tooth contact accounted for a significant proportion of the variance in pain change scores. Patients who reduced tooth contact intensity the most reported greater relief from pain. Splints may produce therapeutic effects by reducing parafunctional activities associated with TMD pain.
Early versus late loading of unsplinted TiUnite surface implants supporting mandibular overdentures: a 2‐year report from a prospective study
Authors: TURKYILMAZ I. , TUMER C.
Published: November 2006

summary  The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical performance of the implants supporting mandibular overdentures, and to investigate the prosthodontic outcomes of the mandibular implant overdentures. Twenty edentulous patients participated in this study. Forty implants were placed in the canine areas of the mandibles of all patients using the 1‐stage approach. New maxillary complete dentures and the mandibular implant overdentures were delivered to 10 patients in the test group 1 week after surgery, while new maxillary and mandibular complete prostheses were delivered to 10 patients in the control group. These conventional mandibular prostheses were converted to mandibular implant overdentures 3 months after surgery. No implants were lost neither in test nor in control group. The average ISQ values between the two groups were not statistically significant during 2 years (P > 0·05). The average marginal bone resorptions were 0·4 and 0·5 mm for the test and the control group after 2 years. The number of appointments required for the prosthodontic maintenance of the mandibular implant overdentures in the first year was higher than that in the second year, which was statistically significant(P < 0·001). The results of the study suggest that the 1‐week early loading approach does not adversely influence the clinical performance of the implants supporting mandibular overdentures.
In search of a familial cancer risk assessment tool
Authors: Kelly KM , Sweet K
Published: November 2006

Approximately one in three individuals will be affected by cancer in their lifetime in the United States, and some are at elevated risk because of family history. Although assessment of family history of cancer and cancer risk is the standard of care, the current health‐care system appears unable to meet this need. Because individuals are increasingly using the Internet, web‐based cancer risk assessment tools (CRATs) may provide a way to meet this need. The purpose of this review was to evaluate the types of familial CRATs available on the Internet and their nature. The current review evaluated five CRATs identified through an Internet search based on (i) their ability to identify those at the highest risk of cancer (i.e. those with hereditary cancer syndromes), (ii) their strengths and limitations based on criteria adapted from Rich and colleagues (2004, 2005), (iii) their readability based on four readability calculations, and (iv) their quality based on criteria from Health on the Net. The general limitations of CRATs as a whole were also delineated, including concerns about availability to those who are poor and underserved and those who have lower levels of literacy. Recommendations for future tools include assessing risk for a greater number of diseases, using theoretically driven approaches to increase the likelihood that individuals will engage in appropriate health behaviors, and making a greater effort to reach diverse populations.
Molecular genetic studies of natives on Easter Island: evidence of an early European and Amerindian contribution to the Polynesian gene pool
Authors: Lie B. A. , Dupuy B. M. , Spurkland A. , Fernández‐Viña M. A. , Hagelberg E. , Thorsby E.
Published: November 2006

Most archaeological and linguistic evidence suggest a Polynesian origin of the population of Easter Island (Rapanui), and this view has been supported by the identification of Polynesian mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) polymorphisms in prehistoric skeletal remains. However, some evidence of an early South American contact also exists (the sweet potato, bottle gourd etc.), but genetic studies have so far failed to show an early Amerindian contribution to the gene pool on Easter Island. To address this issue, we analyzed mtDNA and Y chromosome markers and performed high‐resolution human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genotyping of DNA harvested from previously collected sera of 48 reputedly nonadmixed native Easter Islanders. All individuals carried mtDNA types and HLA alleles previously found in Polynesia, and most men carried Y chromosome markers of Polynesian origin, providing further evidence of a Polynesian origin of the population of Easter Island. A few individuals carried HLA alleles and/or Y chromosome markers of European origin. More interestingly, some individuals carried the HLA alleles A*0212 and B*3905, which are of typical Amerindian origin. The genealogy of some of the individuals carrying these non‐Polynesian HLA alleles and their haplotypic backgrounds suggest an introduction into Easter Island in the early 1800s, or earlier. Thus, there may have been an early European and Amerindian contribution to the Polynesian gene pool of Easter Island.
Molecular and cytogenetic paternity testing of a male offspring of a hinny
Authors: Zhao C.J. , Qin Y.H. , Lee X.H. , Wu Ch.
Published: November 2006

An alleged male foal of a female mule, whose sire and grandparents were unknown, was identified for its pedigree. Parentage testing was conducted by comparing polymorphism of 12 microsatellite DNA sites and mitochondrial D‐loop sequences of the male foal and the female mule. Both the sequence analysis of species‐specific DNA fragments and a cytogenetic analysis were performed to identify the species of the foal and its parents. The results showed that the alleged female mule is actually a hinny, and the male foal, which possesses 62 chromosomes, qualifies as an offspring of the female hinny and a jack donkey.
Effect of selection for growth on normal and reduced protein diets on weight gain, feed intake, feed efficiency and body composition in mice
Authors: Nielsen V.H. , Korsgaard I.R.
Published: November 2006

Mice selected for weight gain from 3 to 9 weeks of age on a normal (N) protein diet containing 19.3% protein and a reduced (R) protein diet with 5.1% protein were reared on both diets in generations 7 and 9. The lines NH, NC, NL, RH, RC and RL (H, high; C, control; L, low) were tested for weight gain on diet N and R and for feed intake and feed efficiency on diet N in generation 7. In generation 9, the lines were tested for body composition traits (fat, protein and water percentage) at 3, 6, 9 and 12 weeks of age on both diets. A significant (p < 0.0001) genotype × environment interaction for growth rate was observed in generation 7. Weight gain at both the protein levels was best improved by selection at the protein level itself. Furthermore, the ranking of the lines on diet N was similar for weight gain, feed intake and feed efficiency. In generation 9 at 9 weeks of age, the ranking of the lines for fat percentage was equal to the ranking for weight gain in generation 7 on both test‐diets. The association between weight gain and protein or water percentage was less pronounced, particularly on diet R. These results suggest that the largest genetic improvement in growth rate is obtained when the protein content of the feed is the same in selection and production. However, when selection is carried out in one environment while the animals have to perform under conditions with varying nutrient protein contents, selection in an inferior environment may be advantageous.
Factor analysis of body measurements in Arabian horses
Authors: Sadek M.H. , Al‐Aboud A.Z. , Ashmawy A.A.
Published: November 2006

Data of 13 body measurements have been analysed from 166 Arabian horses, 123 mares and 43 stallions, ranging from 49 to 298 months of age, belonging to Alzahraa stud, Cairo, Egypt. General linear model was used to study age and gender effects on these measures. Gender was a significant source of variation for most studied traits, but not for neck girth, cannon bone circumference of fore and hind legs, and pastern girth of fore and hind legs. Age significantly affected pastern girths of fore and hind legs and cannon bone circumference of fore legs, while there was no significant effect on the other measurements. Pearson correlations, adjusted for age effect, between measurements were estimated and ranged from 0.02 to 0.84 for mares and from −0.05 to 0.90 for stallions. Factor analysis with promax rotation for each gender was carried out to derive fewer independent common factors. Three factors were extracted which accounted for 66% and 67% of the total variance in mares and stallions respectively. The first, second and third factors in mares tended to describe body thickness, leg thickness and general size respectively; whereas in stallions they tended to differentiate among general size, leg thickness and body thickness respectively. The three extracted factors for each gender determine the main sources of shared variability that control body conformation in Arabian horses. These factors could be considered in selection programmes to acquire highly coordinated bodies in pure Arabian horses with fewer measurements.
Single nucleotide polymorphism identification, linkage and radiation hybrid mapping of the porcine pituitary adenylate cyclase‐activating polypeptide type I receptor gene to chromosome 18
Authors: Kollers S. , Mote B. , Rothschild M.F. , Plastow G. , Rocha D.
Published: November 2006

Pituitary adenylate cyclase‐activating polypeptide (PACAP) is a neuropeptide with diverse biological actions. Type I PACAP receptors (PACAPR) are specific for PACAP, whereas type II and III PACAPRs are less restricted. To localize and analyse the variation of this gene, a 559‐bp long intronic fragment of the porcine PACAPR gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction and sequenced in samples from five different pig breeds. One single nucleotide polymorphism was identified and its allele frequency was determined in all five breeds. Linkage analysis in a Berkshire × Yorkshire reference family placed the PACAPR gene on chromosome 18, between SW787 and S0062 (SW787– 8.1 cM –PACAPR– 3.0 cM –S0062). Radiation hybrid mapping confirmed that the PACAPR gene was linked to SW1682 on chromosome 18 (28.8 cR3000; LOD = 10.4).
Optimizing interpolation of shoot density data from aPosidonia oceanicaseagrass bed
Authors: Scardi Michele , Chessa Lorenzo A. , Fresi Eugenio , Pais Antonio , Serra Simone
Published: November 2006

A case study on the optimization ofPosidonia oceanicadensity interpolation, using a data set from a large meadow at Porto Conte Bay (NW Sardinia, Italy), is presented. Ordinary point kriging, cokriging and a weighted average based on inverse square distance were used to interpolate density data measured in 36 sampling stations. The results obtained from different methods were then compared by means of a leave‐one‐out cross‐validation procedure. The scale at which interpolation was carried out was defined on the basis of the Hausdorff dimension of the variogram. Optimizing spatial scale and data points search strategy allowed obtaining more accurate density estimates independently of the interpolation method.
Modelling the relationship between sexual reproduction and rhizome growth inPosidonia oceanica(L.) Delile
Authors: Calvo Sebastiano , Lovison Gianfranco , Pirrotta Maria , Di Maida Germana , Tomasello Agostino , Sciandra Mariangela
Published: November 2006

The relationship between flowering and growth performance ofPosidonia oceanica(L.) Delile in meadows distributed along the south‐eastern coast of Sicily (Italy) was investigated by means of a statistical model (generalized linear mixed model) combined with the lepidochronological analysis. Over a 28‐year period, 67 floral stalk remains were observed. The highest flowering index was recorded in lepidochronological year 1998 (10.1%) and the Inflorescence Frequency per age showed a clear decrease corresponding to 15‐year‐old shoots. The sexual reproductive event had positive effects on rhizome elongation (cm year−1) and leaf production (no. leaves year−1) in the same flowering year, whilst no effect on the rhizome production (mg year−1) was observed. Rhizome growth variables showed significant negative lagged responses in the two years following flowering. On the whole, we calculated that the effect exerted by flowering, in terms of loss on rhizome elongation and production, was about 27% and 38%, respectively. Although it has been demonstrated that recovery from the stress induced by sexual reproduction is limited to the two years after flowering, the magnitude of the reproductive cost may become quite considerable especially in comparison with the whole lifespan of individual shoots.
Chlamydosporulation of Candida albicans and Candida dubliniensis on mustard agar
Authors: Girish Kumar C. P. , Menon T. , Prabu D. , Nandhakumar B.
Published: November 2006

Chlamydospores are distinctive morphological forms characteristic of Candida albicans, a phenomenon shared only with the closely related species Candida dubliniensis. The production of chlamydospores has remained an important diagnostic criterion for the differentiation of C. albicans and C. dubliniensis from other yeast. We herein describe a new medium, mustard agar, for chlamydosporulation in Candida. All the strains of C. dubliniensis and C. albicans tested produced chlamydospores on mustard agar, whereas none of the other five species produced chlamydospores.
Fungal peritonitis in peritoneal dialysis patients: is previous antibiotic therapy an essential condition?
Authors: Guimarães Rosa Nuno , Silva Sónia , Lopes José António , Branco Patrícia , De Almeida Edgar , Ribeiro Carlos , Abreu Fernando , Barbas José , Martins Prata M.
Published: November 2006

The aim of this study was to analyse the clinical and microbiological features of fungal peritonitis, in chronic peritoneal dialysis patients, focusing on non‐traditional risk factors for this feared complication. From 2001 to 2004, five episodes of fungal peritonitis were diagnosed in five different patients, accounting for 4.5% of all peritonitis cases seen during this period. Candida spp. were the most frequent isolates. In all cases, peritoneal dialysis catheter removal and switching to haemodialysis were necessary. In these five cases of fungal peritonitis only one was preceded by antibiotic use, within the previous 3 months, the classical risk factor for fungal peritonitis. Identifying predisposing factors usually not taken into account, may lead to an early diagnosis and to a better understanding of fungal peritonitis pathogenesis.
Deep dermatophytosis caused by Trichophyton rubrum: report of two cases
Authors: Gong J. Q. , Liu X. Q. , Xu H. B. , Zeng X. S. , Chen W. , Li X. F.
Published: November 2006

Two patients presenting with subcutaneous nodules, plaques, papules and ulceration caused by Trichophyton rubrum are described in this report. The first case was a 46‐year‐old woman referred with erythema and desquamation over her trunk, hands and feet for 30 years, progressing to nodules and ulceration over her trunk, arms and scalp for the last 2 years. The second case was a 34‐year‐old man who presented with a 2‐year‐history of itchy, erythema and desquamation over the trunk, progressing to papules, nodules and cyst around his ear, on the neck and scalp for 1 year. The diagnoses were suspected after direct microscopical examinations of the discharge materials, which revealed the presence of hyaline hyphae. The histological examinations showed granulomatous inflammatory infiltrates with fungal elements in the dermis including epithelioid cells, giant cells, lymphocytes and eosinophils, and the periodic acid‐Schiff stain showed hypha within the granulomas. Cultures of puncture materials, skin biopsies and nails confirmed the diagnosis identifying T. rubrum. Antifungal therapies with itraconazole were successful in both patients, the lesions were completely clear with atrophic scars after 3 months. Side effects were not noticed during the medication. We discuss the clinical types of granulomatous cutaneous lesions caused by dermatophyte infections and evaluate the therapeutic effect of itraconazole.
Plasma and gastric mucosal 5‐hydroxytryptamine concentrations following cold water intake in patients with diarrhea‐predominant irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Zuo Xiu Li , Li Yan Qing , Yang Xiao Zhong , Guo Min , Guo Yu Ting , Lu Xue Feng , Li Jun Man , Desmond Paul V
Published: November 2006

Background and Aim:  The purpose of the present paper was to investigate the effects of cold water intake on 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) and its metabolite 5‐hydroxyindole acetic acid (5‐HIAA) in diarrhea‐predominant irritable bowel syndrome (d‐IBS) patients, and to observe the relationship between 5‐HT and symptomatology.

Methods:  The plasma 5‐HT/5‐HIAA concentrations at 0, 30 min, 60 min, 90 min, 120 min, 150 min and 180 min following cold or warm water intake were investigated in 32 female subjects with d‐IBS and 21 healthy female subjects. Gastric mucosal 5‐HT under fasting conditions and following water intake were further investigated in 15 d‐IBS patients and nine healthy subjects. Symptomatology was assessed throughout the study.

Results:  The plasma 5‐HT concentrations in IBS patients were significantly higher than those of controls at 30 min (P = 0.022), 60 min (P < 0.001), 90 min (P < 0.001), 120 min (P < 0.001) and 150 min (P = 0.001) after cold water intake. The peak plasma 5‐HT/5‐HIAA and area under the curve for 5‐HT/5‐HIAA were also higher in d‐IBS patients (P < 0.001). Gastric mucosal 5‐HT in d‐IBS patients and controls did not show any significant differences both under fasting condition (P = 0.596) and after cold water intake (P = 0.426). Last, the d‐IBS patients with symptoms had higher 5‐HT concentration (P < 0.001) and there was a positive correlation (r = 0.714, P = 0.001)between the symptomatology and plasma 5‐HT level.

Conclusions:  These data suggest that symptomatology following cold water intake may be associated with increased plasma 5‐HT concentrations in female subjects with d‐IBS.
Induced hypothyroidism accelerates the regression of liver fibrosis in rats
Authors: Bruck Rafael , Weiss Sigal , Traister Alexandra , Zvibel Isabel , Aeed Hussein , Halpern Zamir , Oren Ran
Published: November 2006

Background and Aim:  It has been shown in previous studies that hypothyroidism prevents the development of liver fibrosis in bile duct ligated rats and in rats chronically treated with thioacetamide (TAA). In recent years, regression of liver fibrosis (occurring spontaneously or during treatment) has been demonstrated in rodent models such as bile duct ligation and CCl4 administration. Therefore, in the present study, the potential therapeutic effect of hypothyroidism on liver fibrosis was investigated.

Methods:  Liver fibrosis was induced in rats by administration of TAA (200 mg/kg, i.p., twice weekly) for 12 weeks. Hypothyroidism was then induced by either methimazole (0.04%) or propylthiouracil (0.05%) administered in drinking water for 8 weeks. Control euthyroid rats received normal drinking water. Hypothyroidism was confirmed by a significant elevation of serum thyroid‐stimulating hormone levels.

Results:  Eight weeks after the cessation of TAA administration, spleen weight, histological score of liver fibrosis, and hepatic hydroxyproline content were significantly lower in both groups of hypothyroid rats as compared to euthyroid controls (P < 0.001). In vitro studies using the rat hepatic stellate cell line HSC‐T6 using northern blot analysis and zymography, respectively, showed that high concentrations of triiodotyronine (T3) enhanced transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β‐induced collagen I gene expression, and reduced metalloproteinase (MMP)‐2 secretion, implying that reducing the levels of T3 may contribute to resolution of fibrosis. Additionally, low T3 concentration inhibited HSC‐T6 proliferation.

Conclusion:  Pharmacologically induced hypothyroidism accelerates the resolution of liver fibrosis in rats. This beneficial effect may in part be due to prevention of T3‐induced stimulation of collagen synthesis and reduction of MMP‐2 secretion.
Effects of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease on the development of metabolic disorders
Authors: Fan Jian‐Gao , Li Fen , Cai Xiao‐Bo , Peng Yong‐De , Ao Qing‐Hong , Gao Yan
Published: November 2006

Background and Aim:  Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is considered to be the liver component of metabolic syndrome. However, the impact of NAFLD on metabolic syndrome is unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the influence of NAFLD on the development of metabolic disorders.

Methods:  Patients with NAFLD and an age, sex, and occupation‐matched control group were recruited from employees of Bao‐Steel Group (Shanghai, China) who had received medical check‐ups biennially between 1995 and 2002. Anthropometric and laboratory data, and incidence of metabolic disorders were assessed at baseline and at follow‐up of at least 4 years. SPSS 11.5 was used for statistical analysis.

Results:  The study consisted of 358 patients (326 men and 32 women) and 788 matched controls (711 men and 77 women) with a similar mean age of 39.0 years and median follow‐up of 6 years. At the end of follow‐up, incidence of obesity (47.6% vs 19.5%), hypertension (69.6% vs 16.3%), hypertriglyceridemia (39.1% vs 16.3%), hypercholesterolemia (24.5% vs 17.3%), impaired fasting glucose (IFG) (25.1% vs 11.6%), diabetes mellitus (20.3% vs 5.2%) and multiple metabolic disorders (MMD) (56.3% vs 16.3%) were significantly higher in the fatty liver group than the control group. Interestingly, the mean alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level in patients with fatty liver significantly decreased at follow‐up compared with baseline (28.56 ± 18.86 vs 31.51 ± 18.34 U/L, P < 0.05). To separate the effects of obesity from fatty liver, the subjects were re‐classified according to the presence of obesity and fatty liver at baseline. The incidence of hypertension (61.1% vs 41.3%), hypertriglyceridemia (38.1% vs 15.0%), hypercholesterolemia (29.9% vs 16.6%), IFG (21.3% vs 10.0%) and diabetes (11.1% vs 4.3%) were significantly higher in the fatty liver group without obesity (n = 84) than in the group with without fatty liver or obesity (n = 614). In addition, the incidence of hypertension (72.9% vs 57.4%), hypertriglyceridemia (39.4% vs 22.7%) and diabetes (23.2% vs 8.4%) was higher in the group with fatty liver and obesity (n = 274) than in the group with obesity alone (n = 174).

Conclusions:  The presence of NAFLD might predict the development of metabolic disorders due to insulin resistance, rather than obesity itself. ALT levels decreased over time in patients with fatty liver.
Collaboration between university hospitals and local medical communities in Japan evaluated by a questionnaire among doctors
Authors: Tanaka Makoto , Yokode Masayuki
Published: November 2006

Background:  To provide quality medical service in a society with many elderly, university hospitals should clearly define their roles and contribute to the establishment of an integrated, comprehensive medical system.

Methods:  In this study, we conducted a questionnaire survey of doctors working at Kyoto University Hospital and at private practices in Kyoto about their attitude toward collaboration between the university hospital and private practices and asked their opinions on the role of university hospitals in the local medical community.

Results:  The survey showed that doctors both at the university hospital and in private practice regarded close collaboration as important, but also highlighted obstacles and problems that block collaboration.

Conclusion:  Overcoming these problems and constructing collaboration models will be a key for university hospitals to fully contribute to establishing a quality medical system.
Factors associated with falling in patients with Parkinson’s disease and atypical parkinsonism: An assessment using the Tinetti Gait and Balance Scale
Authors: Morita Yukari , Osaki Yasushi , Doi Yoshinori
Published: November 2006

Aim:  To identify factors associated with falling, we assessed the Tinetti Gait and Balance Scale (TGBS) for patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and atypical parkinsonism (AP), and assessed the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) for patients with PD.

Methods:  A cross sectional study was conducted in a university hospital, with the subject constituting 30 PD patients and 22 AP patients. Each item included in the TGBS and the UPDRS part III were scored in the clinical setting. Fallers were categorized if the patient experienced at least one fall in the prior six‐month period.

Results:  Thirty‐five patients were categorized as fallers. When comparing PD fallers and PD non‐fallers, a subscore comprising a sum with ‘walk stance’ and ‘nudge on sternum’ in the TGBS showed a significant difference. Total UPDRS part III score indicated a significant difference during the medication ON period, whereas the difference was insignificant during the medication OFF period. The presence of dyskinesia or freezing of gait was not different. In addition, ‘walk stance’ only in the TGBS showed a significant difference between PD fallers and AP fallers.

Conclusions:  We concluded that ‘walk stance’ and ‘nudge on sternum’ in the TGBS may be useful for evaluating factors associated to falling in PD. ‘Walk stance’ item merits inclusion into routine assessment in PD in addition to UPDRS part III.
Under‐detection of depressed mood in older inpatients and related over‐prescription of depression‐associated medications
Authors: Castel Hana , Shahar Danit , German Larissa , Harman‐Boehm Ilana
Published: November 2006

Background: Aging is associated with increased prevalence of depression and with increased use of medications. The aims of this study were to determine the rate of recognition of depressive symptoms and the prevalence of depressed mood among aged inpatients, as well as to assess the use of medications known to enhance depression in this population.

Methods: A cross‐sectional study of cognitively intact patients aged 65 and over, in a general medical ward, was undertaken. Depressed mood was identified using the Geriatric Depression Screening Scale. Data on diagnoses, prescribed medications, psychiatry consultations and medication changes were abstracted from medical charts. Two years following the index hospitalization, data on diagnoses during subsequent admissions were abstracted from computerized records.

Results: The study sample comprised 183 elderly patients. 27.3% of them displayed depressed mood. None were diagnosed as suffering from depression, referred to psychiatric consultation, or prescribed antidepressant medication. All patients but one received depression‐enhancing medications. Only in four cases were these medications stopped, without attributing the cessation to awareness of the mood disturbance and the potential association with the stopped medication. During the subsequent two years, a state of depression was recorded in only three additional patients.

Conclusion: Under‐recognition of depressed mood leads to inappropriate management of aged inpatients. Initiation or continuation of depression‐associated medications, resulting from under‐recognition of depression, may contribute to the prevalence and augment the severity of this disorder.