bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Methyl bromide emissions to the atmosphere from temperate woodland ecosystems
Authors: DREWER JULIA , HEAL KATE V. , SMITH KEITH A. , HEAL MATHEW R.
Published: July 2008

The environmental importance of methyl bromide (CH3Br) arises from its contribution to stratospheric ozone loss processes and, as a consequence, its emissions from anthropogenic sources are subject to the Montreal Protocol. A better understanding of the natural budget of CH3Br is required for assessing the benefit of anthropogenic emission reductions and for understanding any potential effects of environmental change on global CH3Br concentrations. Measurements of CH3Br flux in temperate woodland ecosystems, in particular, are very sparse, yet these cover a large fraction of terrestrial land surface. Results presented here from 18 months of field measurements of CH3Br fluxes in four static flux chambers in a woodland in Scotland and from enclosures of rotting wood and deciduous and coniferous leaf litter suggest net emissions from temperate woodlands. Net CH3Br fluxes in the woodland varied between the chambers, fluctuating between net uptake and net emissions (−73 to 279 ng m−2 h−1 across 161 individual measurements), and with no strong seasonality, but with time‐averaged net emission overall [27±57 (1 SD)] ng m−2 h−1]. This work demonstrates that scale‐up needs to be based on sufficient individual measurements to provide a reasonably constrained estimate of the long‐term mean. Mean (±1 SD) net CH3Br emissions from deciduous and coniferous leaf litter were 43 (±33) ng kg−1 (dry weight) h−1 and 80 (±37) ng kg−1 (dry weight) h−1, respectively, and ∼1–2 ng kg−1 (fresh weight) h−1 from rotting woody litter. Despite the intrinsic variability, data obtained here consistently point to the conclusion that the temperate forest soil/litter ecosystem is a net source of CH3Br to the atmosphere.
Social interactions of information systems development teams: a performance perspective
Authors: Sawyer Steve , Guinan Patricia J. , Cooprider Jay
Published: July 2008

We report results from a longitudinal study of information systems development (ISD) teams. We use data drawn from 60 ISD teams at 22 sites of 15 Fortune 500 organizations to explore variations in performance relative to these teams’ social interactions. To do this, we characterize ISD as a form of new product development and focus on team‐level social interactions with external stakeholders. Drawing on cluster analysis, we identify five patterns of team‐level social interactions and the relationships of these patterns to a suite of objective and subjective measures of ISD performance. Analysis leads us to report three findings. First, data indicate that no one of the five identified patterns maximizes all performance measures. Second, data make clear that the most common approach to ISD is the least effective relative to our suite of performance measures. Third, data from this study show that early indications of ISD project success do not predict actual outcomes. These findings suggest two issues for research and practice. First, these findings indicate that varying patterns of social interactions lead to differences in ISD team performance. Second, the findings illustrate that singular measures of ISD performance are an oversimplification and that multiple measures of ISD performance are unlikely to agree.
Biogeographical patterns of rocky intertidal communities along the Pacific coast of North America
Authors: Blanchette Carol A. , Melissa Miner C. , Raimondi Peter T. , Lohse David , Heady Kristen E. K. , Broitman Bernardo R.
Published: July 2008

Aim  Our aim in this paper is to present the first broad‐scale quantification of species abundance for rocky intertidal communities along the Pacific coast of North America. Here we examine the community‐level marine biogeographical patterns in the context of formerly described biogeographical regions, and we evaluate the combined effects of geographical distance and environmental conditions on patterns of species similarity across this region.

Location  Pacific coast of North America.

Methods  Data on the percentage cover of benthic marine organisms were collected at 67 rocky intertidal sites from south‐eastern Alaska, USA, to central Baja California Sur, Mexico. Cluster analysis and non‐metric multidimensional scaling were used to evaluate the spatial patterns of species similarity among sites relative to those of previously defined biogeographical regions. Matrices of similarity in species composition among all sites were computed and analysed with respect to geographical distance and long‐term mean sea surface temperature (SST) as a measure of environmental conditions.

Results  We found a high degree of spatial structure in the similarity of intertidal communities along the coast. Cluster analysis identified 13 major community structure ‘groups’. Although breaks between clusters of sites generally occurred at major biogeographical boundaries, some of the larger biogeographical regions contained several clusters of sites that did not group according to spatial position or identifiable coastal features. Additionally, there were several outliers – sites that grouped alone or with sites outside their region – for which localized features may play an important role in driving community structure. Patterns of species similarity at the large scale were highly correlated with geographical distance among sites and with SST. Importantly, we found community similarity to be highly correlated with long‐term mean SST while controlling for the effects of geographical distance.

Main conclusions  These findings reveal a high degree of spatial structure in the similarity of rocky intertidal communities of the north‐east Pacific, and are generally consistent with those of previously described biogeographical regions, with some notable differences. Breaks in similarity among clusters are generally coincident with known biogeographical and oceanographic discontinuities. The strong correlations between species similarity and both geographical position and SST suggest that both geography and oceanographic conditions have a large influence on patterns of intertidal community structure along the Pacific coast of North America.
Primary succession of subarctic vegetation and soil on the fast‐rising coast of eastern Hudson Bay, Canada
Authors: Laliberté Ann‐Catherine , Payette Serge
Published: July 2008

Aim  The objectives of the study are: (1) to evaluate the dynamics of the maritime tree line and forest limit of white spruce, Picea glauca, within the dual framework of primary succession induced by the rapid post‐glacial land emergence on the eastern coast of Hudson Bay and the impacts of recent and past climate changes; and (2) to determine the time lapse between land emergence and seedling, tree, and forest establishment in the context of the primary chronosequence occurring on rising, well‐drained sandy beaches and terraces.

Location  The study area was located on the eastern coast of Hudson Bay (56°20′ N, 76°32′ W) in northern Québec, Canada.

Methods  We evaluated the colonization dynamics of white spruce as seedlings, tree‐line trees and primary‐forest trees at eight sites distributed along a 200‐km latitudinal gradient based on a mean land emergence rate of 1.2 m century−1. A 30‐m wide by 140–300‐m long quadrat was positioned at random at the centre of each site. The elevation above sea level, position and age of all individuals of spruce present in the quadrat areas were determined, and the soils of each chronosequence were described.

Results  The main stages of primary succession along the emerging coast were common to all the sites, regardless of latitude, but occurred at different elevations above sea level (a.s.l.). White spruce seedlings colonized near‐shore beaches 2 m a.s.l., whereas the tree line and forest limit tended to form only at about 3–4 m and 4–8 m a.s.l., corresponding approximately to 180–825 years and 310–1615 years after land emersion, respectively. White spruce establishment at the tree line occurred about 50 years ago. Climatic conditions at this time were probably more favourable to tree colonization than when the species established at the forest limit. Soil formation was influenced primarily by distance from the seashore and elevation above sea level, with podzolization being accelerated by white spruce cover.

Main conclusions  The current tree‐line and forest‐limit positions on the rising coast of eastern Hudson Bay correspond to ecological limits established during the course of primary succession within a context of changing climatic conditions. The recent establishment of trees at the tree line and forest limit at relatively old coastal sites is associated with warmer conditions over the last 100 years. Although white spruce was present nearby, coastal sites were devoid of trees before the 20th century.
The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of alfaxalone in cats after single and multiple intravenous administration of Alfaxan®at clinical and supraclinical doses
Authors: WHITTEM T. , PASLOSKE K. S. , HEIT M. C. , RANASINGHE M. G.
Published: July 2008

This study aimed to determine the pharmacokinetic parameters and pharmacodynamics of alfaxalone in a 2‐hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin alfaxalone formulation (Alfaxan®, Jurox Pty Ltd, Rutherford, NSW, Australia) in cats after single administration at clinical and supraclinical dose rates and as multiple maintenance doses. First, a prospective two‐period cross‐over study was conducted at single clinical and supraclinical doses. Second, a single group multiple dose study evaluated the effect of maintenance doses. Eight (five female and three male) domestic cats completed the cross‐over experiment and six female cats completed the multiple dose study. In the first experiment, alfaxalone was administered intravenously (IV) at 5 or 25 mg/kg with a washout period of 14 days. In the second experiment, alfaxalone was administered IV at 5 mg/kg followed by four doses each of 2 mg/kg, administered at onset of responsiveness to a noxious stimulus. Blood was collected at prescribed intervals and analysed by LCMS for plasma alfaxalone concentration. Noncompartmental pharmacokinetics were used to analyse the plasma alfaxalone data. The plasma clearance of alfaxalone at 5 and 25 mg/kg differed statistically at 25.1 and 14.8 mL/kg/min respectively. The elimination half lives were 45.2 and 76.6 min respectively. Alfaxalone has nonlinear pharmacokinetics in the cat. Nevertheless, for cats dosed with sequential maintenance doses, a regression line through their peak plasma concentrations indicated that there was no clinically relevant pharmacokinetic accumulation. The duration of nonresponsiveness after each maintenance dose was similar at approximately 6 min, indicating a lack of accumulation of pharmacodynamic effect. The cardiovascular and respiratory parameters measured in cats after administration of the labelled doses of Alfaxan®were stable. In conclusion, the pharmacokinetics of alfaxalone in cats are nonlinear. At clinical dose rates, however, neither alfaxalone nor its effects accumulated to a clinically relevant extent. Further, in the un‐premedicated cat the induction and maintenance of surgical anaesthesia was free of untoward events after a dose of 5 mg alfaxalone/kg body weight followed by four sequential doses of 2 mg/kg as needed (i.e., approximately 7 to 8 mg/kg/h).
A test of host‐associated differentiation across the ‘parasite continuum’ in the tri‐trophic interaction among yuccas, bogus yucca moths, and parasitoids
Authors: ALTHOFF DAVID M
Published: July 2008

Parasitic taxa span an antagonistic continuum, with some parasites inflicting no fitness costs to some that kill the host after feeding. Host‐associated differentiation is postulated as a major process facilitating speciation in many parasitic taxa. Here, I examined the importance of host‐associated differentiation in a parasitoid wasp that develops on yucca moths in the genus Prodoxus. Prodoxus are specialists on Yucca, and moth speciation is closely tied to differences in microhabitat use within a plant and among host plant species. Parasitoids in the genus Eusandalum have been reared from Prodoxus species distributed across Yucca. Estimates of host‐use patterns obtained through rearings of adult wasps were combined with surveys of mitochondrial DNA cytochrome oxidase I sequence data and amplified fragment length polymorphism markers to determine if populations of Eusandalum were genetically structured based on host use. Eusandalum populations were genetically structured based on geographical distance rather than moth host species, microhabitats within plants, or Yucca species. The results are contrary to the patterns observed in the host genus Prodoxus. Although parasitoids exhibit parasite‐like characteristics, these results suggest that Eusandalum may be best viewed as a predator. Female wasps are able to utilize any moth species present at a given locality, and there is little likelihood that host specialization may facilitate population subdivision and speciation.
Landscape genetic analyses reveal cryptic population structure and putative selection gradients in a large‐scale estuarine environment
Authors: McCAIRNS R. J. SCOTT , BERNATCHEZ LOUIS
Published: July 2008

Disentangling the relative contributions of selective and neutral processes underlying phenotypic and genetic variation under natural, environmental conditions remains a central challenge in evolutionary ecology. However, much of the variation that could be informative in this area of research is likely to be cryptic in nature; thus, the identification of wild populations suitable for study may be problematic. We use a landscape genetics approach to identify such populations of three‐spined stickleback inhabiting the Saint Lawrence River estuary. We sampled 1865 adult fish over multiple years. Individuals were genotyped for nine microsatellite loci, and georeferenced multilocus data were used to infer population groupings, as well as locations of genetic discontinuities, under a Bayesian model framework (geneland). We modelled environmental data using nonparametric multiple regression to explain genetic differentiation as a function of spatio‐ecological effects. Additionally, we used genotype data to estimate dispersal and gene flow to parameterize a simple model predicting adaptive vs. plastic divergence between demes. We demonstrate a bipartite division of the genetic landscape into freshwater and maritime zones, independent of geographical distance. Moreover, we show that the greatest proportion of genetic variation (31.5%) is explained by environmental differences. However, the potential for either adaptive or plastic divergence between demes is highly dependent upon the strength of migration and selection. Consequently, we highlight the utility of landscape genetics as a tool for hypothesis generation and experimental design, to identify focal populations and putative selection gradients, in order to distinguish between phenotypic plasticity and local adaptation.
The hydraulic architecture of Juniperus communis L. ssp. communis: shrubs and trees compared
Authors: BEIKIRCHER BARBARA , MAYR STEFAN
Published: July 2008

Juniperus communis ssp. communis can grow like a shrub or it can develop a tree‐like habit. In this study, the hydraulic architecture of these contrasting growth forms was compared. We analysed the hydraulic efficiency (leaf‐specific conductivity, kl; specific conductivity, ks; Huber value, HV) and the vulnerability to cavitation (the water potential corresponding to a 50% loss of conductivity, Ψ50), as well as anatomical parameters [mean tracheid diameter, d; mean hydraulic diameter, dh; cell wall reinforcement (t/b)h2] of shrub shoots, tree stems and tree branches. Shrub shoots were similar to tree branches (especially to lower branches) in growth form and conductivity (kl = 1.93 ± 0.11 m2 s−1 MPa−1 10−7, ks = 5.71 ± 0.19 m2 s−1 MPa−1 10−4), but were similar to tree stems in their vulnerability to cavitation (Ψ50 = −5.81 ± 0.08 MPa). Tree stems showed extraordinarily high kl and ks values, and HV increased from the base up. Stem xylem was more vulnerable to cavitation than branch xylem, where Ψ50 increased from lower (Ψ50 = −6.44 ± 0.19 MPa) to upper branches (Ψ50 = −5.98 ± 0.13 MPa). Conduit diameters were correlated with kl and ks. Data indicate that differences in hydraulic architecture correspond to changes in growth form. In some aspects, the xylem hydraulics of tree‐like Juniperus communis differs from that of other coniferous tree species.
N‐acyl‐L‐homoserine lactones: a class of bacterial quorum‐sensing signals alter post‐embryonic root development in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: ORTÍZ‐CASTRO RANDY , MARTÍNEZ‐TRUJILLO MIGUEL , LÓPEZ‐BUCIO JOSE
Published: July 2008

N‐acyl‐homoserine lactones (AHLs) belong to a class of bacterial quorum‐sensing signals important for bacterial cell‐to‐cell communication. We evaluated Arabidopsis thaliana growth responses to a variety of AHLs ranging from 4 to 14 carbons in length, focusing on alterations in post‐embryonic root development as a way to determine the biological activity of these signals. The compounds affected primary root growth, lateral root formation and root hair development, and in particular, N‐decanoyl‐HL (C10‐HL) was found to be the most active AHL in altering root system architecture. Developmental changes elicited by C10‐HL were related to altered expression of cell division and differentiation marker lines pPRZ1:uidA, CycB1:uidA and pAtEXP7:uidA in Arabidopsis roots. Although the effects of C10‐HL were similar to those produced by auxins in modulating root system architecture, the primary and lateral root response to this compound was found to be independent of auxin signalling. Furthermore, we show that mutant and overexpressor lines for an Arabidopsis fatty acid amide hydrolase gene (AtFAAH) sustained altered growth response to C10‐HL. All together, our results suggest that AHLs alter root development in Arabidopsis and that plants posses the enzymatic machinery to metabolize these compounds.
Large‐scale intertidal polygonal features of the Abu Dhabi coastline
Authors: LOKIER STEPHEN , STEUBER THOMAS
Published: July 2008

This study provides the first quantitative description of modern giant polygons. These large‐scale, up to 166 m diameter, sedimentological features are described here in detail from the intertidal zone of the Arabian Gulf near Abu Dhabi. These features form by the displacive carbonate cementation of carbonate sand below a 3 to 5 cm thick cover of unconsolidated sediment. The oxygen isotopic composition of cements is consistent with precipitation from evaporated sea water. Cementation proceeds via a poorly consolidated layer that grades downward into an 8 to 14 cm thick, well‐cemented grainstone. The margins of this expanding hardground form the overlapping borders of the polygons. Tepee structures at the borders of polygons are only occasionally preserved, as supporting sediment is removed by strong tidal currents and high‐energy events, such as storms, that erode the unsupported tepees. These observations have clear implications for the use of tepees in the interpretation of ancient polygons and their associated environments. When preserved in the sedimentary record, tepee structures are interpreted to indicate lower energy depositional environments than that observed in this study.
Water‐deficit accumulates sugars by starch degradation—not by de novo synthesis—in white clover leaves (Trifolium repens)
Authors: Lee Bok‐Rye , Jin Yu‐Lan , Jung Woo‐Jin , Avice Jean‐Christophe , Morvan‐Bertrand Annette , Ourry Alain , Park Chan‐Woo , Kim Tae‐Hwan
Published: July 2008

Labeling 13CO2 in steady‐state condition was used to estimate quantitative mobilization of recently fixed carbon or stored sugar during water‐deficit in white clover (Trifolium repens L.). Water‐deficient gradually decreased leaf‐water parameters and total amount of recently fixed carbon. Amount of 13C incorporated into glucose, sucrose and soluble sugars fraction rapidly decreased after 3 days of water‐deficit treatment. In contrast, the previously stored soluble sugars significantly increased after 5 days of water‐deficit with a coincidence of significant decrease in starch concentration. A highly significant (P ≤ 0.001) relationship between the decrease in leaf‐water potential caused by water‐deficit and the increase in ratio of soluble sugar/starch concentration was observed in water deficit‐stressed plants. The data indicate that soluble carbohydrate accumulated by water‐deficit treatment is mainly because of the hydrolysis of previously stored starch rather than to de novo synthesis.
Low viral load post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disease localized within the tongue
Authors: Henry D.D. , Hunger S.P. , Braylan R.C. , Dharnidharka V.R.
Published: July 2008

Abstract: Post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) can occur in different sites, such as lymph nodes, allograft, and central nervous system. We report a 6‐year‐old girl with end‐stage renal disease secondary to hypoplastic–dysplastic kidneys, who received a kidney transplant. Thirty months post transplant, she developed PTLD in the tongue, an area of muscular tissue only. At that time her peripheral blood Epstein–Barr viral (EBV) load was only 40 copies/105 lymphocytes, though the tumor was EB early RNA (EBER) positive. Immunosuppression was reduced with initial improvement in her symptoms. One month later, she returned with abdominal complaints and a contained cecal abscess. The excised cecal tissue revealed CD20 and EBER‐positive lymphoid cells. At the same time, her peripheral blood EBV copy number rose to 400 copies/105 lymphocytes. She was successfully treated for the progressive PTLD by complete cessation of immunosuppression and a modified reduced‐dose chemotherapy protocol plus rituximab. Partial immunosuppression was eventually re‐introduced with sirolimus and prednisone. She remains in remission 60 months post transplant, and 30 months post PTLD, with serum creatinine value maintained at 1.3 mg/dL. Unusual localization of PTLD to areas in non‐lymphoid tissue without regional lymphoid involvement may result in misleading low peripheral blood EBV viral loads.
Humoral and cellular immune monitoring might be useful to identify liver transplant recipients at risk for development of infection
Authors: Carbone J. , Micheloud D. , Salcedo M. , Rincon D. , Bañares R. , Clemente G. , Jensen J. , Sarmiento E. , Rodriguez‐Molina J. , Fernandez‐Cruz E.
Published: July 2008

Abstract:
Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is a successful therapy for patients with end‐stage liver disease, and infection remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality for patients undergoing this procedure. To assess humoral and cellular immunity markers as potential risk factors for development of infection, 46 consecutive liver transplant recipients (hepatitis C virus cirrhosis [n=17], alcoholic liver disease [n=15], hepatocellular carcinoma [n=9], autoimmune hepatitis [n=2], and other [n=3]) performed at a single center were prospectively studied. Maintenance therapy included tacrolimus (n=37) or cyclosporine (n=9) and prednisone. During follow‐up, 27 patients had at least 1 episode of infection (58.7%). Pre‐OLT immunoglobulin G (IgG) hypergammaglobulinemia (relative risk [RR] 2.78; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.17–6.60, P=0.02), pre‐OLT IgA hypergammaglobulinemia (RR 2.77, CI=1.24–6.19, P=0.012), and pre‐OLT C3 hypocomplementemia (RR 3.02, CI=1.21–7.55, P=0.018) were associated with an increased risk for development of infection. Monitoring of Ig and complement levels might help to identify the risk of developing infection in OLT.
Size‐dependent sex allocation in Aconitum gymnandrum (Ranunculaceae): physiological basis and effects of maternal family and environment
Authors: Zhao Z.‐G. , Meng J.‐L. , Fan B.‐L. , Du G.‐Z.
Published: July 2008

Theory predicts size‐dependent sex allocation (SDS): flowers on plants with a high‐resource status should have larger investment in females than plants with a low‐resource status. Through a pot experiment with Aconitum gymnandrum (Ranunculaceae) in the field, we examined the relationship between sex allocation of individual flowers and plant size for different maternal families under different environmental conditions. We also determined the physiological base of variations in plant size. Our results support the prediction of SDS, and show that female‐biased allocation with plant size is consistent under different environmental conditions. Negative correlations within families showed a plastic response of sex allocation to plant size. Negative genetic correlations between sex allocation and plant size at the family level indicate a genetic cause of the SDS pattern, although genetic correlation was influenced by environmental factors. Hence, the size‐dependency of sex allocation in this species had both plastic and genetic causes. Furthermore, genotypes that grew large also had higher assimilation ability, thus showing a physiological basis for SDS.
To treat or not to treat – critically ill patients with candiduria
Authors: Hollenbach Eike
Published: July 2008

The prevalence of candiduria has increased in patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) and it has emerged as a common nosocomial infection among critically ill patients. Generally, urinary candidiasis should be regarded as a risk factor for invasive candidiasis, but not as a disease that needs to be treated on its own. However, decision‐making in critically ill patients with candiduria may become a balancing act, because candiduria may be the only indication for invasive candidaemia with significant morbidity and mortality. Of further concern, there is a worldwide increase in the incidence of non‐albicans spp. isolated from urine with highly variable susceptibility to fluconazole, which has been the first‐line therapy for Candida infections during the last decades. This article discusses everyday problems with urinary candidiasis in interdisciplinary ICUs.
Posaconazole in intensive care patients I: invasive fungal infections in surgical intensive care and case presentation
Authors: Störzinger Dominic , Lichtenstern Christoph , Swoboda Stefanie , Weigand Markus A. , Hoppe‐Tichy Torsten
Published: July 2008

Critically ill patients after extended surgical procedures are at high risk for postoperative infections. Fungal infections play a substantial role for immunocompromised patients, e.g. after solid organ transplantation or under chronic corticoid therapy. Posaconazole, a new broad‐spectrum triazole effective against Aspergillus and Candida species as well as many fungi that are resistant to other antifungals, is well tolerated and can be used as an alternative in salvage therapy. Posaconazole can be administered via gavage so that antifungal therapy can be switched from an expensive intravenously applied antifungal to oral posaconazole at an early stage. Two case reports are presented, which show that posaconazole was efficacious and well tolerated following antifungal therapy with another azole. It was administered without difficulty via gavage to a patient receiving artificial respiration and dialysis.
Candida infection in HIV positive patients 1985–2007
Authors: Traeder Christian , Kowoll Susann , Arastéh Keikawus
Published: July 2008

Infection with Candida species remains a major problem in HIV infected patients. The analysis of over 15000 hospitalisations (1985–2007) in the AVK cohort shows an increasing incidence of non‐albicans species in candida esophagitis. Although our analysis shows a decreasing incidence of opportunistic infections like PCP, cerebral toxoplasmosis and others since the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy the incidence of candida esophagitis remains as high as in the years before the HAART era. This observation might reflect the development of resistance against fluconazole and the selection of non‐albicans species as a consequence of a long‐term prophylactic treatment of HIV+ patients over years.
Isolated congenital spleen agenesis: A rare cause of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension in an adult
Authors: TAKAHASHI Fumiyuki , UCHIDA Koji , NAGAOKA Tetsutaro , HONMA Noriyuki , CUI Ri , YOSHIOKA Masakata , MORIO Yoshiteru , SUZUKI Tsutomu , TOMINAGA Shigeru , TAKAHASHI Kazuhisa , FUKUCHI Yoshinosuke
Published: July 2008

Abstract:  This report describes a case of isolated congenital spleen agenesis complicated by chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTPH) in a 44‐year‐old female patient. The patient had increasing exertional dyspnoea and thrombocytosis. An echocardiogram showed severe pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular hypertrophy, and contrast‐enhanced chest CT revealed multiple thromboemboli within both pulmonary arteries. A perfusion lung scan demonstrated multiple segmental defects and no spleen was detected by abdominal CT, ultrasonography or scintigraphy. Comprehensive clinical examinations disclosed no evidence of a thrombus elsewhere or of an associated malformation such as a cardiac anomaly. Anticoagulation therapy was started, and a perfusion lung scan revealed partial improvement of the hypoperfusion in the right lower lobe. However, repeat echocardiography showed the pulmonary hypertension persisting for 1 year. The multiple segmental defects in the perfusion lung scans were also persistent. Collectively, a diagnosis of CTPH with isolated congenital spleen agenesis was established. This is the first documented case of CTPH in an adult with isolated congenital asplenia. Although congenital spleen agenesis is a rare condition, this case report suggests that this possibility should be considered when a diagnosis of CTPH and thrombocytosis is made.
Core Lower Urinary Tract Symptom Score (CLSS) questionnaire: A reliable tool in the overall assessment of lower urinary tract symptoms
Authors: Homma Yukio , Yoshida Masaki , Yamanishi Tomonori , Gotoh Momokazu
Published: July 2008

Objectives:  To identify the symptoms of higher relevance in patients complaining of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).

Methods:  A questionnaire covering 25 LUTS as defined by the International Continence Society (ICS) terminology committee was administered to 1000 adults complaining of LUTS and 360 not complaining (controls). Symptoms were defined as ‘highly relevant (core LUTS)’ when indicated by at least 25% of symptomatic patients with nine common diseases/conditions as one of the three symptoms that had a significant impact on their daily life.

Results:  Ten symptoms (daytime frequency, nocturia, urgency, urgency incontinence, stress incontinence, slow urinary stream, straining, feeling of incomplete emptying, bladder pain, and urethral pain) were selected as being of high relevance. Core LUTS all showed significantly higher scores in the symptomatic patients than in the controls and they were not correlated with other more prevalent symptoms. The Core LUTS score (CLSS) questionnaire derived from these 10 symptoms was confirmed as showing test‐retest reliability.

Conclusions:  Of 25 LUTS defined by the ICS committee, 10 symptoms were selected as core LUTS. The CLSS, a questionnaire for core LUTS, provides an overall assessment of relevant symptoms without significant omissions. It might be useful for new patients, those with multiple diseases, and those without a definite diagnosis, as well as before and after interventions that may cause other symptoms.
Risk factors associated with preterm delivery in women with pregestational diabetes
Authors: Matsushita Erina , Matsuda Yoshio , Makino Yasuo , Sanaka Mayumi , Ohta Hiroaki
Published: July 2008

Aim:  The primary objective of this study was to compare the rates of spontaneous and indicated preterm delivery at less than 37 weeks of gestation. A second objective was to identify prenatal events associated with preterm delivery at less than 35 weeks of gestation in women with diabetes mellitus (DM).

Methods:  A case–control study was conducted on 219 pregnant women with type 1 and type 2 DM, who were treated at a single medical center. The rate of preterm delivery at less than 37 weeks of gestation was determined. Preterm delivery was categorized into spontaneous and indicated for the purpose of the study. The distributions of relevant variables were compared between women who had preterm delivery at less than 35 weeks of gestation (n = 16) and the controls (n = 203).

Results:  Thirty‐three women (15.1%) gave birth at less than 37 weeks of gestation. These patients were divided into two groups: seven cases (3.2% of the study sample) of spontaneous preterm delivery, and 26 cases (11.9%) of indicated preterm delivery. The presence of vascular disease (odds ratio [OR] 5.7; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.3, 25.7), and pre‐eclampsia/superimposed pre‐eclampsia (OR 12.3; CI 3.1, 49.3) were found to be significantly associated with an increased risk of preterm delivery at less than 35 weeks of gestation.

Conclusions:  In this case–control study, the presence of vascular disease, or pre‐eclampsia/superimposed pre‐eclampsia, was found to be correlated with an increase in the risk of preterm delivery at less than 35 weeks of gestation in diabetic pregnancies.
Is there any link between severe pre‐eclampsia and defined polymorphisms in leptin and adiponectin genes?
Authors: Bienertová‐Vašků Julie , Dostálová Zuzana , Kaňková Kateřina , Bienert Petr , Vašků Anna , Unzeitig Vít
Published: July 2008

Aim:  The pathophysiology of pre‐eclampsia, one of the leading causes of maternal mortality worldwide, still remains unclear. Recently, it has been suggested that impaired regulation of complex interactions among various adipokines plays an important role in the development of pre‐eclampsia. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the two common polymorphisms of the leptin (LEP) and adiponectin (APM1) genes are associated with the development of pre‐eclampsia and its related traits (gestational hypertension, proteinuria and various measures of reduced fetal growth ) in the Czech pre‐eclamptic population.

Methods:  The case–control study comprised a total of 123 pre‐eclamptic women and 150 healthy controls of similar age and parity distribution. They were genotyped for the LEP −2548G/A (5′‐untranslated region) and APM1 T94G (exon 2) polymorphisms using polymerase chain reaction.

Results:  The allele frequency of the LEP −2548G polymorphism was 0.541 in the pre‐eclamptic group versus 0.583 in the control group (P = 0.578); the frequency of the APM1 94G polymorphism was 0.073 and 0.079 (P = 0.628), respectively. No significant associations were detected between either of the two single nucleotide polymorphisms or any of the parameter biomarkers related to pre‐eclampsia, such as gestational hypertension or proteinuria. However, the APM1 T94G polymorphism was significantly associated with a low birth weight in pre‐eclamptic pregnancies, with mothers carrying the T‐allele having an almost three‐fold increase in the likelihood of giving birth to a child with a low birth weight for its gestational age (odds ratio, 2.7; 95% confidence interval, 0.18–5.9; P = 0.004).

Conclusions:  The APM1 T94G and LEP −2548G/A polymorphisms do not seem to be major genetic determinants of susceptibility to pre‐eclampsia in the Czech Caucasian population. However, evidence has been provided for possible APM1 T94G involvement in controlling the birth weight of children from pre‐eclamptic pregnancies, thus supporting the hypothesis of T94G involvement in controlling the birth weight of newborns.
Meydanli Compression Suture: New surgical procedure for postpartum hemorrhage due to uterine atony associated with abnormal placental adherence
Authors: Meydanli Mehmet Mutlu , Türkçüoğlu Ilgın , Engin‐Üstün Yaprak , Üstün Yusuf , Kafkasli Ayşe
Published: July 2008

Aim:  To inform about the clinical results of a new uterine compression suture technique used in the surgical management of postpartum hemorrhage due to uterine atony associated with abnormal placental adherence.

Methods:  Postpartum hemorrhage due to uterine atony associated with abnormal placental adherence was diagnosed in seven out of 1819 (0.38%) cesarean sections performed between January 2004 and February 2007, and a new uterine compression suture technique was used for surgical management. Age, parity, gestational age and cesarean section indications, amount of transfusion performed, length of hospital stay, postoperative complications, and number of patients in whom the uterus was preserved were evaluated.

Results:  The mean age of the cases was 30.5 ± 3.7 (24–35) years. Cesarean indications were previous cesarean section plus placenta previa totalis in three cases (43%), previous cesarean section in two cases (29%), a twin pregnancy as a result of in vitro fertilization–embryo transfer in one case (14%) and preterm premature rupture of membranes in one case (14%). Six out of seven cases (85%) were successfully treated with the Meydanli compression suture and the uterus was preserved.

Conclusion:  The Meydanli compression suture seems to be a simple, quickly applicable and safe uterine compression suture technique, which decreases maternal mortality and peripartum hysterectomy rates.
Cigarette smoking and glutathione S‐transferase M1 polymorphism associated with risk for uterine cervical cancer
Authors: Nishino Koji , Sekine Masayuki , Kodama Shoji , Sudo Norihito , Aoki Yoichi , Seki Nao , Tanaka Kenichi
Published: July 2008

Aim:  To elucidate the role of tobacco smoking and polymorphisms of carcinogen metabolism genes in cervical carcinogenesis.

Methods:  We analyzed genotypes of nine genes, 11 polymorphisms encoding carcinogen metabolizing enzymes, information on smoking, and the presence of human papillomavirus in 124 Japanese cervical cancer patients and 125 healthy controls.

Results:  The incidence of human papillomavirus infection (95.5% vs 9.9%; P < 0.001; odds ratio (OR), 231.98; 95% confidence interval [CI], 57.17–941.22), and smoking (41.1% vs 18.4%; P < 0.001; OR, 3.40; 95% CI, 1.88–6.17) were both significantly higher in patients than in controls. The genotype distributions of CYP1A1, CYP2E1, CYP2A6, NQO1, NAT2, mEH, MPO and GSTT1 genes were not statistically different; however, the ratio of the GSTM1 null genotype was significantly higher in patients than in controls (62.1% vs 47.2%; P = 0.019; OR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.11–3.04). The incidence of GSTM1 null was significantly higher in the non‐smoking group (63.0% vs 47.1%; P = 0.038; OR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.04–3.54), and not in the smoking group (60.8% vs 47.8%; P = 0.300; OR, 1.69; 95% CI, 0.63–4.56).

Conclusions:  In the current study, risk factors for developing cervical cancer were tobacco smoking and GSTM1 null; however, no association was observed between these two factors. We could not prove that smoking–GSTM1 null interaction was responsible for the increase in cervical cancer among young Japanese, and further studies with more detailed smoking status, not only active but passive smoking, will be required.
Possible risk factor for postmenopausal women: Postprandial hypertriglyceridemia
Authors: Yoshikata Remi , Miyahara Yuko , Onoe Yoshiko , Okano Hiroya , Ohta Hiroaki
Published: July 2008

Aim:  To explore the clinical implications of postprandial hypertriglyceridemia in postmenopausal Japanese women.

Methods:  Postprandial blood samples were collected from 91 women at their initial visit, with fasting blood samples collected within the following month to examine their lipid profiles. These women were grouped into normotriglyceridemia (fasting/postprandial triglycerides [TG] < 150; n = 36), mild postprandial hypertriglyceridemia (fasting TG < 150, postprandial TG ≥ 150, <225; n = 27), moderate postprandial hypertriglyceridemia (fasting TG < 150, postprandial TG ≥ 225; n = 19) and hypertriglyceridemia (fasting TG ≥ 150; n = 9) by using 225 mg/dL as the cut‐off value for postprandial hypertriglyceridemia.

Results:  The subjects were 54.1 ± 7.8 years old; their duration of menopause, 6.0 ± 7.7 years; body mass index, 21.4 ± 4.0 kg/m2; postprandial TG concentration, 189 ± 110 mg/dL; and fasting TG concentration, 109 ± 50 mg/dL. Approximately 50% (n = 46) of the women had normal fasting TG (fasting TG < 150), but high postprandial TG (postprandial TG ≥ 150). Approximately 10% (n = 9) of the women had hypertriglyceridemia (fasting TG ≥ 150 mg/dL). In those with postprandial hypertriglyceridemia (n = 46), postprandial TG negatively correlated with high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C), while fasting TG showed no such correlation with HDL‐C.

Conclusion:  Postprandial TG may provide a better understanding of lipid metabolism in postmenopausal women.
Comparison of maternal and newborn outcomes of Tibetan and Han Chinese delivering in Lhasa, Tibet
Authors: Miller Suellen , Tudor Carrie , Thorsten Vanessa , Nyima  , Sonam  , Droyoung  , Wright Linda , Varner Michael
Published: July 2008

Aim:  To compare maternal and neonatal outcomes of Tibetan and Han Chinese women delivering vaginally at high altitude (3650 meters) in Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China.

Method:  Comparative analysis of data from a prospective observational study of Tibetan (n = 938) and Han Chinese (n = 146) women delivering at three hospitals between January 2004 and May 2005.

Results:  Han Chinese women had higher rates of pre‐eclampsia/gestational hypertension than Tibetan women, (10.3% vs 5.9%, P = 0.04). There was no difference in rates of postpartum hemorrhage between Tibetan and Han women (12.8% vs 17.1%, P = 0.15). Han newborns weighed significantly less than Tibetan newborns (P < 0.01), and were twice as likely to be small for gestational age, (24.5% vs 11.6%, P < 0.01). Tibetan newborns were less likely to have poor neonatal outcomes than Han newborns (P < 0.01).

Conclusion:  In high altitude deliveries in Tibet, adverse outcomes were significantly more common among Han Chinese.
Laparoscopy versus laparotomy for surgical intervention of ovarian torsion
Authors: Lo Liang‐Ming , Chang Shuenn‐Dhy , Horng Shang‐Gwo , Yang Ting‐Yu , Lee Chyi‐Long , Liang Ching‐Chung
Published: July 2008

Aim:  To review the clinical manifestations of ovarian torsion (OT) and to compare the surgical results between laparoscopy and laparotomy.

Methods:  From 1997 to 2006, data on 179 patients admitted to a medical center with surgically proven OT were collected. We compared patients' symptom presentations, objective findings and surgical outcomes between patients who underwent laparotomy and those who received laparoscopy, and between patients admitted via the emergency room and those via the outpatient department.

Results:  The most common symptom and sign was pelvic pain (82.1%), followed by nausea and vomiting (49.7%), elevated white blood count (20.1%), lower urinary tract symptoms (14.5%) and fever (7.8%). An adnexal or pelvic mass could be detected using gynecological ultrasound in almost all of the patients (98.3%). Ovarian torsion was considered among the admission differential diagnoses in 51.4% of patients. One hundred and five patients (58.7%) seen in the emergency room were more likely to present with nausea and vomiting, sudden pain onset and peritoneal signs than those seen in the outpatient department. Patients undergoing laparoscopy had a smaller sized ovarian mass; they were less likely to require oophorectomy; they had a shorter hospital stay; and fewer of them suffered from postoperative fever compared to patients undergoing laparotomy. Discriminant analysis showed that mass size was the single determining factor for choice of operating methods.

Conclusion:  The diagnosis of OT is missed in half of the patients because clinical features are unspecific and objective findings are uncommon. The laparoscopy procedure for ovarian conservation is recommended to treat patients suffering from OT owing to its shorter hospital stay, fewer postoperative complications and ovarian preservation.
Extended secondhand tobacco smoke exposure induces plasticity in nucleus tractus solitarius second‐order lung afferent neurons in young guinea pigs
Authors: Sekizawa Shin‐Ichi , Chen Chao‐Yin , Bechtold Andrea G. , Tabor Jocelyn M. , Bric John M. , Pinkerton Kent E. , Joad Jesse P. , Bonham Ann C.
Published: July 2008

Infants and young children experiencing extended exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) have an increased occurrence of asthma, as well as increased cough, wheeze, mucus production and airway hyper‐reactivity. Plasticity in lung reflex pathways has been implicated in causing these symptoms, as have changes in substance P‐related mechanisms. Using whole‐cell voltage‐clamp recordings and immunohistochemistry in brainstem slices containing anatomically identified second‐order lung afferent nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) neurons, we determined whether extended SHS exposure during the equivalent period of human childhood modified evoked or spontaneous excitatory synaptic transmission, and whether those modifications were altered by endogenous substance P. SHS exposure enhanced evoked synaptic transmission between sensory afferents and the NTS second‐order neurons by eliminating synaptic depression of evoked excitatory postsynaptic currents (eEPSCs), an effect reversed by the neurokinin‐1‐receptor antagonist (SR140333). The recruitment of substance P in enhancing evoked synaptic transmission was further supported by an increased number of substance P‐expressing lung afferent central terminals synapsing onto the second‐order lung afferent neurons. SHS exposure did not change background spontaneous EPSCs. The data suggest that substance P in the NTS augments evoked synaptic transmission of lung sensory input following extended exposure to a pollutant. The mechanism may help to explain some of the exaggerated respiratory responses of children exposed to SHS.
Involvement of T‐type Ca2+channels in the potentiation of synaptic and visual responses during the critical period in rat visual cortex
Authors: Yoshimura Yumiko , Inaba Mie , Yamada Kazumasa , Kurotani Tohru , Begum Tahamina , Reza Faruque , Maruyama Takuro , Komatsu Yukio
Published: July 2008

Neocortical neuronal circuits are refined by experience during the critical period of early postnatal life. The shift of ocular dominance in the visual cortex following monocular deprivation has been intensively studied to unravel the mechanisms underlying the experience‐dependent modification. Synaptic plasticity is considered to be involved in this process. We previously showed in layer 2/3 pyramidal neurons of rat visual cortex that low‐frequency stimulation‐induced long‐term potentiation (LTP) at excitatory synapses, which requires the activation of Ni2+‐sensitive (R‐type or T‐type) voltage‐gated Ca2+channels (VGCCs) for induction, shared a similar age and experience dependence with ocular dominance plasticity. In this study, we examined whether this LTP is involved in ocular dominance plasticity. In visual cortical slices, LTP was blocked by mibefradil, kurtoxin andR‐(−)‐efonidipine, T‐type VGCC blockers, but not by SNX‐482, an R‐type VGCC blocker, indicating that LTP induction requires T‐type VGCC activation. Mibefradil did not affect synaptic transmission even at a dose about 30 times higher than that required for LTP blockade. Therefore, this drug was used to test the effect of T‐type VGCC blockade on ocular dominance shift produced by 6 days of monocular deprivation during the critical period using visual evoked potentials (VEPs). Although this monocular deprivation commonly produced both depression of deprived eye responses and potentiation of nondeprived eye responses, only the former change occurred when mibefradil was infused into the visual cortex during monocular deprivation. Mibefradil infusion produced no acute effects on VEPs. These results suggest that T‐type VGCC‐dependent LTP contributes to the experience‐dependent enhancement of visual responses.
Correction of statistical miscalculation slightly alters conclusions about diversity effects for Douglass et al. (2008)
Authors: Douglass James G. , Duffy J. Emmett , Bruno John F. , Gilchrist George W.
Published: July 2008

While most of the conclusions about diversity effects in Douglass, J.G., Duffy, J.E. & Bruno, J.F. [Ecol. Lett., 11, 2008, 1] are upheld, correction of a statistical miscalculation indicates that grazer diversity and predator diversity had combined effects on responses, but did not have interactive effects as initially reported.