bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long‐term dynamics of herbaceous vegetation structure and composition in two African savanna reserves
Authors: Buitenwerf Robert , Swemmer Anthony M. , Peel Mike J.S.
Published: November 2010

1. Small fenced reserves are perceived to require management interventions to maintain ecosystems in a natural state. Such interventions are typically initiated and assessed on the basis of short‐term observations, while slow changes are often misunderstood or missed entirely. Long‐term monitoring is therefore crucial to understand the effect of reserve management on ecosystem structure and functioning.

2. We analysed a 15‐year data set of herbaceous vegetation data for 59 monitoring sites in two nature reserves of different size and with different management regimes in a semi‐arid, South African savanna. Community composition and vegetation structure (basal cover) were assessed in response to rainfall and management variables.

3. No directional changes over time were found. Basal cover as measured by two proxies (distance to the nearest tuft and tuft diameter) increased with current and previous year rainfall. The relative abundance of functional groups also responded to rainfall, with perennial grasses increasing in relative abundance following a wet year. Compositional responses, as measured by a dissimilarity index of species relative abundance, showed a 2‐year lag and responses were larger following dry years than wet years.

4. The response to rainfall of distance to the nearest tuft was significantly weaker in the smaller reserve, while compositional change during dry years was larger than in the larger reserve.

5. Synthesis and applications. Most of the variation in herbaceous basal cover and community composition was associated with differences between years (time) at each site, rather than with differences between sites (space), indicating that inter‐annual variation in rainfall is the most important driver of herbaceous layer dynamics in these systems. However, management did modify the effects of rainfall on herbaceous structure and community composition. The smaller reserve, which had higher grazer and waterhole density, showed greater fluctuations in key herbaceous variables. Such reserves are common in southern Africa and probably require more careful management than larger reserves in the face of global climate change.
The role of midwives and health visitors in promoting intergenerational language maintenance in the bilingual setting: perceptions of parents and health professionals
Authors: Tranter Siobhan , Irvine Fiona , Roberts Gwerfyl , Spencer Llinos , Jones Peter
Published: November 2010

Aims and objectives.  The increasing status and regard of indigenous minority languages across Europe, means the advantages of bilingualism for individuals and communities are now well established. We set out to elicit parents’ and health professionals’ views of the role of health visitors and midwives in promoting bilingualism in the family and to consider whether health professionals acknowledge the contribution that bilingualism makes to public health.

Background.  A three‐year study was completed to measure the impact of a language transmission initiative which depends on the input of midwives and health visitors with new parents and how its effect could be improved. This paper reports on one element of that study.

Design.  A qualitative approach was used.

Methods.  Six focus group interviews were conducted with health visitors and midwives and 33 postnatal interviews were completed with parents across four counties in Wales. Thematic content analysis was undertaken by two researchers, a third trailed decision processes and scrutinised categories and themes.

Results.  Findings suggest that health visitors and midwives perceive their roles relating to the promotion of bilingualism differently. Influences on their involvement include their language profile, contact with parents, personal experience, timing of the interaction and time in their workload. The relationship between promoting bilingualism and public health was accepted by some and denied by others. Data from the interviews with parents suggested that few health professionals discuss issues of language transmission with new parents.

Conclusions.  Some individual health visitors and midwives are willing to promote bilingualism with parents. However, there are challenges in enlisting the support of health visitors and midwives to discuss language transmission and bilingualism with parents.

Relevance to clinical practice.  These findings challenge practitioners to consider their role in promoting bilingualism and its effect on public health and suggest the need for more defined responsibilities.
Working condition of nurses in Japan: awareness of work–life balance among nursing personnel at a university hospital
Authors: Tanaka Sachiko , Maruyama Yukie , Ooshima Satoko , Ito Hirotaka
Published: November 2010

Aim.  The aim of this study was to examine the awareness of work–life balance (WLB) among the nursing personnel at a university hospital in Japan.

Design.  Survey.

Methods.  A questionnaire was sent to 1236 nursing personnel working at a university hospital and 1081 (87·5%) responses received. The questions concerned the following: (1) respondent demographical characteristics, (2) living background, (3) wishes for working environments and (4) motivation to work and health condition. The data were analysed by simple and cross‐tabulations.

Results.  The results can be summarised as follows: (1) the concept and significance of WLB has not yet been established among nurses in Japan, (2) three factors were found, which nurses need as working environment, 1st quality‐of‐life benefits, 2nd flexible working style, 3rd lifelong learning and (3) nurses who reported good WLB also reported higher job satisfaction and job motivation.

Conclusion.  The concept and significance of WLB has not yet been established among nurses. Thus, it is needed to enlighten nurses on the concept and significance of WLB as well as how they should practise WLB. Approximately half of the nurses gave their jobs first priority in reality, although they had various needs for their private lives and household affairs, as well as jobs. WLB cannot be achieved only by individual attitudes; thus, organisational efforts are necessary. In the correlation between WLB and ‘job satisfaction’ and ‘job motivation,’ nurses who were satisfied with their job and those who were highly motivated showed higher WLB. There was a significant correlation between satisfaction and motivation.

Relevance to clinical practice.  It is necessary that nurses understand and have any information about working policy to improve working conditions to get better conditions which they need.
An automatic algorithm for the segmentation and morphological analysis of microvessels in immunostained histological tumour sections
Authors: REYES‐ALDASORO C.C. , WILLIAMS L.J. , AKERMAN S. , KANTHOU C. , TOZER G.M.
Published: November 2010

A fully automatic segmentation and morphological analysis algorithm for the analysis of microvessels from CD31 immunostained histological tumour sections is presented. Development of the algorithm exploited the distinctive hues of stained vascular endothelial cells, cell nuclei and background, to provide the seeds for a ‘region‐growing’ method for object segmentation in the 3D hue, saturation, value (HSV) colour model. The segmented objects, identified as microvessels by CD31 immunostaining, were post‐processed with three morphological tasks: joining separate objects that were likely to belong to a single vessel, closing objects that had a narrow gap around their periphery, and splitting objects with multiple lumina into individual vessels. The automatic segmentation was validated against a hand‐segmented set of 44 images from three different SW1222 human colorectal carcinomas xenografted into mice. 96.3 ± 0.9% of pixels were found to be correctly classified. Automated segmentation was carried out on a further 53 images from three histologically distinct mouse fibrosarcomas (MFs) for morphological comparison with the SW1222 tumours. Four morphometric measurements were calculated for each segmented vessel: vascular area (VA), ratio of lumen area to vascular area (lu/VA), eccentricity (e), and roundness (ro). In addition, the total vascular area relative to tumour tissue area (rVA) was calculated. lu/VA, e and ro were found to be significantly smaller in MF tumours than in SW1222 tumours (p < 0.05; unpaired t‐test). The algorithm is available through the website http://www.caiman.org.uk where images can be uploaded, processed and sent back to users. The output from CAIMAN consists of the original image with boundaries of segmented vessels overlaid, the calculated parameters and a Matlab file, which contains the segmentation that the user can use to derive further results.
Antimicrobial disposition in pulmonary epithelial lining fluid of horses, Part III. Cefquinome
Authors: WINTHER L. , BAPTISTE K. E. , FRIIS C.
Published: November 2010

Winther, L., Baptiste, K. E., Friis, C. Antimicrobial disposition in pulmonary epithelial lining fluid of horses, Part III. Cefquinome. J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap.34, 482–486.

Cefquinome concentrations, following intravenous and aerosol administration to horses, in pulmonary epithelial lining fluid (PELF) were examined and compared to plasma concentrations. Single dose of cefquinome sulphate (1 mg/kg) was administered intravenously to six horses followed by a single aerosol administration (225 mg) with a wash‐out period of 14 days between treatments. After each drug administration, cefquinome concentrations in plasma and PELF, obtained by intrabronchial cotton swabs, were determined. After intravenous administration, cefquinome concentrations in plasma declined fast and were not detectable after 12 h. After aerosol administration, plasma concentrations were low or below limit of quantification (LOQ) during the entire sampling period. The degree of penetration of cefquinome into PELF after intravenous administration as described by the AUCPELF/AUCplasma ratio was 0.33. Following aerosol administration, cefquinome concentrations in PELF were high, but only detectable for 4 h. Based on AUC values, total cefquinome concentrations in PELF were one‐third of total plasma concentrations after intravenous administration together with shorter time above Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (T > MIC) in PELF, thus twice daily dosing may be required when treating lower airway infections in horses. Lower doses of cefquinome can be administered as aerosols providing high local drug concentrations in lung, but additional optimization of formulation is needed to improve distribution and persistence in lung.
Pharmacokinetics of ceftiofur sodium and ceftiofur crystalline free acid in neonatal foals
Authors: HALL T. L. , TELL L. A. , WETZLICH S. E. , McCORMICK J. D. , FOWLER L. W. , PUSTERLA N.
Published: November 2010

Hall, T. L., Tell, L. A., Wetzlich, S. E., McCormick, J. D., Fowler, L. W., Pusterla, N. Pharmacokinetics of ceftiofur sodium and ceftiofur crystalline free acid in neonatal foals. J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap.34, 403–409.

Ceftiofur, a third generation cephalosporin, demonstrates in vitro efficacy against microorganisms isolated from septicemic neonatal foals. This pharmacokinetic study evaluated the intravenous and subcutaneous administration of ceftiofur sodium (5 mg/kg body weight; n = 6 per group) and subcutaneous administration of ceftiofur crystalline free acid (6.6 mg/kg body weight; n = 6) in healthy foals. Plasma ceftiofur‐ and desfuroylceftiofur‐related metabolite concentrations were measured using high performance liquid chromatography following drug administration. Mean (±SD) noncompartmental pharmacokinetic parameters for i.v. and s.c. ceftiofur sodium were: AUC0→∝ (86.4 ± 8.5 and 91 ± 22 h·μg/mL for i.v. and s.c., respectively), terminal elimination half‐life (5.82 ± 1.00 and 5.55 ± 0.81 h for i.v. and s.c., respectively), Cmax(obs) (13 ± 1.9 μg/mL s.c.), Tmax(obs) (0.75 ± 0.4 h for s.c.). Mean (± SD) noncompartmental pharmacokinetic parameters for s.c. ceftiofur crystalline free acid were: AUC0→∝ (139.53 ± 22.63 h·μg/mL), terminal elimination half‐life (39.7 ± 14.7), Cmax(obs) (2.52 ± 0.35 μg/mL) and tmax(obs) (11.33 ± 1.63 h). No adverse effects attributed to drug administration were observed in any foal. Ceftiofur‐ and desfuroylceftiofur‐related metabolites reached sufficient plasma concentrations to effectively treat common bacterial pathogens isolated from septicemic foals.
Systematic analysis of cyclic di‐GMP signalling enzymes and their role in biofilm formation and virulence in Yersinia pestis
Authors: Bobrov Alexander G. , Kirillina Olga , Ryjenkov Dmitri A. , Waters Christopher M. , Price Paul A. , Fetherston Jacqueline D. , Mack Dietrich , Goldman William E. , Gomelsky Mark , Perry Robert D.
Published: November 2010

Cyclic di‐GMP (c‐di‐GMP) is a signalling molecule that governs the transition between planktonic and biofilm states. Previously, we showed that the diguanylate cyclase HmsT and the putative c‐di‐GMP phosphodiesterase HmsP inversely regulate biofilm formation through control of HmsHFRS‐dependent poly‐β‐1,6‐N‐acetylglucosamine synthesis. Here, we systematically examine the functionality of the genes encoding putative c‐di‐GMP metabolic enzymes in Yersinia pestis. We determine that, in addition to hmsT and hmsP, only the gene y3730 encodes a functional enzyme capable of synthesizing c‐di‐GMP. The seven remaining genes are pseudogenes or encode proteins that do not function catalytically or are not expressed. Furthermore, we show that HmsP has c‐di‐GMP‐specific phosphodiesterase activity. We report that a mutant incapable of c‐di‐GMP synthesis is unaffected in virulence in plague mouse models. Conversely, an hmsP mutant, unable to degrade c‐di‐GMP, is defective in virulence by a subcutaneous route of infection due to poly‐β‐1,6‐N‐acetylglucosamine overproduction. This suggests that c‐di‐GMP signalling is not only dispensable but deleterious for Y. pestis virulence. Our results show that a key event in the evolution of Y. pestis from the ancestral Yersinia pseudotuberculosis was a significant reduction in the complexity of its c‐di‐GMP signalling network likely resulting from the different disease cycles of these human pathogens.
Immune Maintenance of Self in Morphostasis of Distinct Tissues, Tumour Growth and Regenerative Medicine
Authors: Bukovsky A.
Published: November 2010

Morphostasis (tissue homeostasis) is a complex process consisting of three circumstances: (1) tissue renewal from stem cells, (2) preservation of tissue cells in a proper differentiated state and (3) maintenance of tissue quantity. This can be executed by a tissue control system (TCS) consisting of vascular pericytes, immune system–related components – monocyte‐derived cells (MDC), T cells and immunoglobulins and autonomic innervation. Morphostasis is established epigenetically, during the critical developmental period corresponding to the morphogenetic immune adaptation. Subsequently, the tissues are maintained in a state of differentiation reached during the adaptation by a ‘stop effect’ of MDC influencing markers of differentiating tissue cells and presenting self‐antigens to T cells. Retardation or acceleration of certain tissue differentiation during adaptation results in its persistent functional immaturity or premature ageing. The tissues being absent during adaptation, like ovarian corpus luteum, are handled as a ‘graft.’ Morphostasis is altered with age advancement, because of the degenerative changes of the immune system. That is why the ageing of individuals and increased incidence of neoplasia and degenerative diseases occur. Hybridization of tumour stem cells with normal tissue cells causes an augmentation of neoplasia by host pericytes and MDC stimulating a ‘regeneration’ of depleted functional cells. Degenerative diseases are associated with apoptosis. If we are able to change morphostasis in particular tissue, we may disrupt apoptotic process of the cell. An ability to manage the ‘stop effect’ of MDC may provide treatment for early post‐natal tissue disorders, improve regenerative medicine and delay physical, mental and hormonal ageing.
Viruses and bacteria in acute asthma exacerbations – A GA2LEN‐DARE* systematic review
Authors: Papadopoulos N. G. , Christodoulou I. , Rohde G. , Agache I. , Almqvist C. , Bruno A. , Bonini S. , Bont L. , Bossios A. , Bousquet J. , Braido F. , Brusselle G. , Canonica G. W. , Carlsen K. H. , Chanez P. , Fokkens W. J. , Garcia‐Garcia M. , Gjomarkaj M. , Haahtela T. , Holgate S. T. , Johnston S. L. , Konstantinou G. , Kowalski M. , Lewandowska‐Polak A. , Lødrup‐Carlsen K. , Mäkelä M. , Malkusova I. , Mullol J. , Nieto A. , Eller E. , Ozdemir C. , Panzner P. , Popov T. , Psarras S. , Roumpedaki E. , Rukhadze M. , Stipic‐Markovic A. , Todo Bom A. , Toskala E. , van Cauwenberge P. , van Drunen C. , Watelet J. B. , Xatzipsalti M. , Xepapadaki P. , Zuberbier T.
Published: November 2010

To cite this article: Papadopoulos NG, Christodoulou I, Rohde G, Agache I, Almqvist C, Bruno A, Bonini S, Bont L, Bossios A, Bousquet J, Braido F, Brusselle G, Canonica GW, Carlsen KH, Chanez P, Fokkens WJ, Garcia‐Garcia M, Gjomarkaj M, Haahtela T, Holgate ST, Johnston SL, Konstantinou G, Kowalski M, Lewandowska‐Polak A, Lødrup‐Carlsen K, Mäkelä M, Malkusova I, Mullol J, Nieto A, Eller E, Ozdemir C, Panzner P, Popov T, Psarras S, Roumpedaki E, Rukhadze M, Stipic‐Markovic A, Todo Bom A, Toskala E, van Cauwenberge P, van Drunen C, Watelet JB, Xatzipsalti M, Xepapadaki P, Zuberbier T. Viruses and bacteria in acute asthma exacerbations – A GA2LEN‐DARE systematic review. Allergy 2011; 66: 458–468.

A major part of the burden of asthma is caused by acute exacerbations. Exacerbations have been strongly and consistently associated with respiratory infections. Respiratory viruses and bacteria are therefore possible treatment targets. To have a reasonable estimate of the burden of disease induced by such infectious agents on asthmatic patients, it is necessary to understand their nature and be able to identify them in clinical samples by employing accurate and sensitive methodologies. This systematic review summarizes current knowledge and developments in infection epidemiology of acute asthma in children and adults, describing the known impact for each individual agent and highlighting knowledge gaps. Among infectious agents, human rhinoviruses are the most prevalent in regard to asthma exacerbations. The newly identified type‐C rhinoviruses may prove to be particularly relevant. Respiratory syncytial virus and metapneumovirus are important in infants, while influenza viruses seem to induce severe exacerbations mostly in adults. Other agents are relatively less or not clearly associated. Mycoplasma and Chlamydophila pneumoniae seem to be involved more with asthma persistence rather than with disease exacerbations. Recent data suggest that common bacteria may also be involved, but this should be confirmed. Although current information is considerable, improvements in detection methodologies, as well as the wide variation in respect to location, time and populations, underline the need for additional studies that should also take into account interacting factors.
Tolerogenic T cells, Th1/Th17 cytokines and TLR2/TLR4 expressing dendritic cells predominate the microenvironment within distinct oral mucosal sites
Authors: Allam J.‐P. , Duan Y. , Winter J. , Stojanovski G. , Fronhoffs F. , Wenghoefer M. , Bieber T. , Peng W.‐M. , Novak N.
Published: November 2010

To cite this article: Allam J‐P, Duan Y, Winter J, Stojanovski G, Fronhoffs F, Wenghoefer M, Bieber T, Peng W‐M, Novak N. Tolerogenic T cells, Th1/Th17 cytokines and TLR2/TLR4 expressing dendritic cells predominate the microenvironment within distinct oral mucosal sites. Allergy 2011; 66: 532–539.

Background:  Most local oral vaccine strategies use the sublingual region for drug application. Only little is known about the cytokine micromilieu, the nature of T cell subtypes and expression of target structures for adjuvants at different oral mucosal regions (OMR). However, targeting the optimal OMR might ensure highest efficiency of drug uptake and lowest risk for adverse effects.

Methods:  Expression of TGF‐β1, IL10 as well as Th1, Th2 and Th17 cytokines and transcription factors was investigated at different OMR and skin by quantitative real‐time PCR, immunohistochemistry or flow cytometry.

Results:  Highest number of T cells was located in vestibular/buccal region (VBR). In contrast to skin (SK), OMR T cells produced TGF‐β1, IL‐10, IFN‐γ and IL‐17. Significantly higher TGF‐β1 mRNA expression in the VBR compared with the sublingual region (SLR) and skin could be detected, while equal transcripts of IL‐10 and regulatory T cell‐associated transcription factor FoxP3 could be demonstrated. Expression of Th17‐associated IL‐17A, IL‐17F, IL‐22 and IL‐26 mRNA could be demonstrated in VBR and SLR but not in SK. Interestingly, compared to SK, significantly higher expression of TGF‐β1 and IFN‐γ could be detected in OMR. Moreover, expression of toll‐like receptor (TLR) 2 and TLR4 was highest in VBR with significant expression on dendritic cells in OMR.

Conclusion:  From this data, we conclude that (i) VBR and SLR represent a protolerogenic micromilieu, (ii) both regions form a Th1 cytokine‐predominated microenvironment, but also express mRNA for Th17 cytokines and (iii) TLRs detectable in VBR and SLR might serve as a target structures for adjuvants.
Atopy and current intestinal parasite infection: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Feary J. , Britton J. , Leonardi‐Bee J.
Published: November 2010

To cite this article: Feary J, Britton J, Leonardi‐Bee J. Atopy and current intestinal parasite infection: a systematic review and meta‐analysis. Allergy 2011; 66: 569–578.

Background:  The rate of increase in prevalence of allergic disease in some countries implies environmental exposures may be important etiological factors. Our aim was to undertake a systematic review and meta‐analysis of epidemiological studies to quantify the association between current intestinal parasite infection and the presence of atopy and to determine whether this relation is species specific.

Methods:  We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILIACS and CAB Abstracts (to March 2009); reviews; and reference lists from publications. No language restrictions were applied. We included studies that measured current parasite infection using direct fecal microscopy and defined atopy as allergen skin sensitization or presence of specific IgE. We estimated pooled odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) using data extracted from published papers using random‐effects model.

Results:  Twenty‐one studies met our inclusion criteria. Current parasite infection was associated with a reduced risk of allergen skin sensitization OR 0.69 (95% CI 0.60–0.79; P < 0.01). When we restricted our analyses to current geohelminth infection, the size of effect remained similar OR 0.68 (95% CI 0.60–0.76; P < 0.01). In species‐specific analysis, a consistent protective effect was found for infection with Ascaris lumbricoides, Tricuris trichuria, hookworm and Schistosomiasis. There were insufficient data to pool results for atopy defined by the presence of specific IgE.

Conclusion:  Intestinal parasite infection appears to protect against allergic sensitization. Work should continue to identify the mechanisms of this effect and means of harnessing these to reduce the global burden of allergic disease.
Management of peripheral vascular disease compromising renal allograft placement and function: review of the literature with an illustrative case
Authors: Gill Roop , Shapiro Ron , Kayler Liise K.
Published: November 2010

Gill R, Shapiro R, Kayler LK. Management of peripheral vascular disease compromising renal allograft placement and function: review of the literature with an illustrative case. Clin Transplant 2011: 25: 337–344. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract: As the average age of a renal transplant candidate increases, the challenge of managing recipient vascular disease affecting renal allograft function will become more common. Pre‐operative screening can reveal the presence of atheromatous disease that could adversely affect allograft transplantation and function, but parameters for successful screening have not been established. Treatment options include pre‐operative revascularization, concurrent therapy or delayed revascularization. Endovascular therapies have burgeoned but surgical correction is still required for some of the more complex, long‐segment lesions. Potential surgical interventions range from endarterectomy to aorto‐iliac bypasses. We present a case of immediate post‐operative revascularization using a femoro‐femoral bypass to salvage a renal allograft. The literature is reviewed to assess best practices for detecting peripheral vascular disease in renal transplant candidates and subsequent management options.
Similar prevalence but different characteristics of pain in kidney transplant recipients and chronic hemodialysis patients
Authors: Masajtis‐Zagajewska Anna , Pietrasik Piotr , Krawczyk Joanna , Krakowska Magdalena , Jarzębski Tomasz , Pietrasiewicz Beata , Zbróg Zbigniew , Nowicki Michał
Published: November 2010

Masajtis‐Zagajewska A, Pietrasik P, Krawczyk J, Krakowska M, Jarzębski T, Pietrasiewicz B, Zbróg Z, Nowicki M. Similar prevalence but different characteristics of pain in kidney transplant recipients and chronic hemodialysis patients.  Clin Transplant 2011: 25: E144–E151. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Background:  Chronic pain is frequent in both hemodialysis (HD) patients and kidney transplant (KTx) recipients but its detailed characteristics have never been thoroughly investigated.

Aim:  To compare prevalence of pain, its locations and characteristics, and analgesics use in chronic HD and KTx patients.

Methods:  A cross‐sectional comparative study in 164 HD patients and 114 stable deceased donor KTx recipients. All participants completed the modified McGill Pain Questionnaire.

Results:  Overall, 63% of HD patients and 62% of KTx patients reported pain. Fifty‐four percent of HD patients and 67% of KTx patients indicated more than one location of pain. Severe pain was more common in HD patients, and prevalence of pain‐associated symptoms from major body systems was higher in HD patients. Pain in both groups was mostly local, paroxysmal and/or chronic. Fifteen percent of HD patients and 37% of KTx patients with chronic pain were not receiving pain relief drugs. The general feeling of illness was lower in KTx than HD patients (4.54 ± 2.1 vs. 5.6 ± 0.7; p < 0.0001); however, in the former group, it was systematically increasing with the time after transplantation.

Conclusions:  A successful kidney transplantation does not lead to a significant reduction in the prevalence of pain when compared to chronic HD patients. Pain relief medications are underused in KTx patients.
Insecticidal and feeding deterrent activities of essential oils in the cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Jiang Z. L. , Akhtar Y. , Zhang X. , Bradbury R. , Isman M. B.
Published: November 2010

Ten essential oils were tested against the cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni larvae for contact, residual and fumigant toxicities and feeding deterrent effects. Against third instar T. ni, Syzygium aromaticum (LD50 = 47.8 μg/larva), Thymus vulgaris (LD50 = 52.0 μg/larva) (the two positive controls) and Cinnamomum glanduliferum (LD50 = 76.0 μg/larva) were the most toxic via topical application. Litsea pungens (LD50 = 87.1 μg/larva), Ilex purpurea (LD50 = 94.0 μg/larva), Cinnamomum cassia (LD50 = 101.5 μg/larva) and Litsea cubeba (LD50 = 112.4 μg/larva) oils were equitoxic. Thymus vulgaris (LC50 = 4.8 mg/ml) and S. aromaticum (LC50 = 6.0 mg/ml) oils were the most toxic in residual bioassays. Cymbopogon citratus (LC50 = 7.7 mg/ml) and C. cassia (LC50 = 8.5 mg/ml) oils were equitoxic followed by Cymbopogon nardus (LC50 = 10.1 mg/ml) in this bioassay. The remaining five oils showed little or no residual effects. In a fumigation bioassay, L. cubeba (LC50 = 16.5 μl/l) and I. purpurea (LC50 = 22.2 μl/l) oils were the most toxic. Cinnamomum glanduliferum (LC50 = 29.7 μl/l) and Sabina vulgaris (LC50 = 31.2 μl/l) oils were equitoxic. Interestingly, S. aromaticum did not exhibit any fumigant toxicity. Cymbopogon citratus, C. nardus and C. cassia strongly deterred feeding by third instar T. ni (DC50s = 26.9, 33.8 and 39.6 μg/cm2, respectively) in a leaf disc choice bioassay. The different responses of T. ni larvae to the oils in different bioassays suggest that these essential oils exhibit different modes of action. Based on their comparable efficacy with essential oils already used as active ingredients in many commercial insecticides (i.e. clove oil and thyme oil), some of these essential oils may have potential as botanical insecticides against T. ni.
Identification of microsatellite markers linked to leaf rust adult plant resistance (APR) gene Lr48 in wheat
Authors: Singh A. , Pallavi J. K. , Gupta P. , Prabhu K. V.
Published: November 2010

With 2 figures and 2 tables

The recessive adult plant leaf rust resistance (APR) gene Lr48 in CSP44 was tagged using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. The population was phenotyped under controlled conditions using pathotype 77‐5 (121R63‐1) at both seedling and adult plant stages. Four microsatellite markers Xwmc175, Xwmc332, Xwmc627 and Xwmc149 were linked to Lr48 and mapped to chromosome 2BL with distances of 10.3, 2.5, 12.6 and 20.7 cM from Lr48 covering a length of 31 cM. Lr48 was placed between markers Xwmc175 and Xwmc332. The earlier reported location of Lr48 on 2BS could not be confirmed. The markers were validated on another population and the closest SSR marker, Xwmc332, was specific to resistance allele Lr48 and did not amplify in wheat lines carrying other resistance genes, thus enabling breeders to pyramid Lr48 with other leaf rust resistance genes.
Follicular Progesterone Levels Decrease During the Period of Seasonal Infertility in Sows
Authors: Bertoldo M , Holyoake PK , Evans G , Grupen CG
Published: November 2010

Contents

Impaired reproductive performance exhibited by the domestic sow during the late summer and early autumn months is referred to as seasonal infertility. This study was carried out to determine whether there are changes in ovarian morphology and follicular steroidogenesis associated with season, which may be associated with seasonal infertility. Ovaries were collected in pairs from sows sourced from two farms and slaughtered 4 days after weaning during winter and summer. The mean progesterone concentration in follicular fluid (FF) collected from small follicles was lower in summer (701.3 ± 115.54 nm) compared with winter (1235.55 ± 164.47 nm; p < 0.001). The mean progesterone concentration in the FF of large follicles was also lower in summer (1469.2 ± 156.51 nm) compared with winter (2470.9 ± 169.13 nm; p < 0.001). The number of large surface antral follicles (5–8 mm in diameter) on the ovaries recovered from Farm A sows was higher during summer (17.76 ± 0.56) than in winter (15.38 ± 0.54; p < 0.05). Similarly, the number of small follicles (3–4 mm in diameter) on Farm A sow ovaries was higher in summer (8.46 ± 0.66) than in winter (4.63 ± 0.53; p < 0.001). In contrast, the number of small follicles on the surface of ovaries recovered from Farm B sows was higher during winter (10.17 ± 1.50) than in summer (6.45 ± 1.00; p < 0.01). The number of pre‐ovulatory follicles (>8 mm in diameter) was also higher in winter (1.23 ± 1.68) when compared to summer (0.51 ± 0.3; p <0.001) on the ovaries of sows from Farm B. The results suggest that there are seasonal differences in follicular steroidogenesis and ovarian dynamics. These findings add support to the theory that altered follicular steroidogenesis and ovarian morphology may possibly be the mechanism behind reduced reproductive performance during the period of seasonal infertility in sows.
Dilemma in multifocal breast cancer – largest versus aggregate diameter
Authors: Tiong Leong Ung , Parkyn Robert , Walters David , Field John , Lai Christine , Walsh David C. A.
Published: November 2010

Background:  Several studies have shown that multifocal breast cancer has higher risks of lymph node metastases compared to unifocal cancer. This has a significant impact on prognosis and treatment options. We investigated whether this was true in our institution.

Methods:  This was a retrospective study involving 75 patients with multifocal breast cancer from the year 2000 to 2007. The data recorded were largest, aggregate and extent diameter, and outcomes measured were lymph node metastases, disease recurrence and mortality rate. We randomly selected 77 age‐matched subjects with unifocal cancer from the same time period for comparison.

Results:  The average age was 57 and 58 years for the unifocal and multifocal groups, respectively. In the multifocal group, there were 54.6% ductal, 26.7% lobular and 17.3% mixed/other cancers. The unifocal group consisted of 84.4% ductal, 6.5% lobular and 9.1% mixed/other cancers. In the multifocal group, largest diameter was available for 74 patients averaging 22.1 mm. The average diameter in unifocal cancer was 18.4 mm. Fifty‐two per cent of the multifocal subjects had positive lymph nodes compared with 36% in the unifocal group.

Conclusion:  Our data showed that multifocality was associated with a higher rate of lymph node metastases. This might indicate that multifocal breast cancer reflected a heavier disease burden than unifocal cancer and should be treated more aggressively.
Lymph node yield following colorectal cancer surgery
Authors: Field Kathryn , Platell Cameron , Rieger Nicholas , Skinner Iain , Wattchow David , Jones Ian , Chen Frank , Kosmider Suzanne , Wohlers Tony , Hibbert Marienne , Gibbs Peter
Published: November 2010

Background:  Lymph node yield (LNY) is a measure of quality of care and a strong prognostic factor for outcome from colorectal cancer (CRC). The main aims of this study were to determine LNY across multiple Australian centres and the clinico‐pathologic factors that influence yield.

Methods:  Analysis of data from prospective CRC databases at 11 Australian centres between January 1988 and May 2008 was undertaken utilizing the linkage and analysis resources of BioGrid Australia. The LNY depending on different clinico‐pathologic patient characteristics was evaluated.

Results:  In total, 10 082 cases (54.1% men, 45.9% women) were identified. Median LNY was 12 (range 0–174). LNY increased significantly (P < 0.001) over time, from a mean of 8.5 in 1988 to 13 in 2008. LNY also varied significantly between surgical centres. Female gender, younger age, right‐sided disease, higher T and N stage, specific operation types and absence of preoperative radiotherapy were all significantly associated with higher LNY.

Conclusions:  While varying across centres, the median LNYs in Australia are acceptable and have improved significantly over recent years. Multiple clinico‐pathologic factors significantly influence the number of nodes retrieved.
Intraperitoneal local anaesthetic in abdominal surgery – a systematic review
Authors: Kahokehr Arman , Sammour Tarik , Soop Mattias , Hill Andrew G.
Published: November 2010

Background: The use of intraperitoneal local anaesthetic (IPLA) can be used to modulate visceral nociception after abdominal surgery; however, this technique is not routinely used in open abdominal surgery. The aim of this systematic review was to appraise the clinical effects of IPLA in open abdominal surgery for metachronous outcomes including pain, metabolic response to surgery and gastrointestinal function.

Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted independently without language restriction. Relevant meeting abstracts and reference lists were manually searched. Data analysis was performed using Review Manager Version 5.0 software. Post‐operative clinical and metabolic outcomes of randomized controlled trials comparing IPLA versus no IPLA or placebo solution were used for meta‐analysis.

Results: Twelve trials were identified including eight randomized trials in gastrointestinal and gynaecological surgery. Post‐operative pain was reduced but not opioid use. There was blunting of postoperative hyperglycaemia. There was no difference in post‐operative cortisol response. Return of bowel function appeared to be quickened, although meta‐analysis was not possible.

Conclusion: The use of IPLA is safe and appears to have clinical benefits. However this technique has not been studied in optimized perioperative settings. Trials are needed to evaluate this method of visceral blockade further after major abdominal surgery.
Timing and detection of metachronous colorectal cancer
Authors: Hollington Paul , Tiong Leong , Young Graeme
Published: November 2010

Background:  Surveillance following surgery for colorectal cancer aims to detect treatable disease relapse or metachronous neoplasia. Metachronous cancers have been reported within a short duration of follow‐up, and may be due to missed lesions, seeding into polypectomy wounds or accelerated tumorigenesis related to genetic instability. The purpose of this study was to establish the timing and method of detection of metachronous cancers in a large population of patients in a surveillance database.

Methods:  This retrospective clinical study used patients with an elevated risk of colorectal neoplasia included in a colonoscopy‐based surveillance programme to identify those with two or more colorectal cancers, as well as the timing and method of detection of the tumours. Colonoscopy reports and histopathology results were reviewed to determine quality of bowel preparation, tumour location, and polypectomy data.

Results:  Fourteen (2.5%) of 569 patients with colorectal cancer developed metachronous malignant tumours, nearly half of which were identified within 3 years of follow‐up by surveillance colonoscopy or an interval faecal immunochemical test for globin. None of these had a previous polypectomy at the site of the second tumour, bowel preparation at the original colonoscopy was good in most cases, and no metachronous tumour occurred at a colonic flexure.

Conclusion:  Metachronous cancers can occur early during follow‐up after curative intent resection, and early colonoscopic surveillance may be warranted.
Chest pain before and after laparoscopic cardiomyotomy for achalasia
Authors: Wuller Carolyn , Bessell Justin R. , Watson David I.
Published: November 2010

Background:  Laparoscopic cardiomyotomy usually achieves a good outcome for patients with achalasia. However, some patients continue to experience chest pain after surgery, even when symptoms such as dysphagia have resolved. In this study, we quantified chest pain and the impact of myotomy on this symptom.

Methods:  In 108 patients who underwent laparoscopic cardiomyotomy, chest pain was assessed before and after surgery. A standardized questionnaire evaluated chest pain, other symptoms including odynophagia, dysphagia and regurgitation, and overall satisfaction with the outcome of surgery.

Results:  The proportion of patients reporting chest pain was similar across all age groups and genders before and after surgery. Sixty‐five (60.2%) patients reported some chest pain after surgery. Of these, 47 (72.3%) also reported dysphagia, 9 (13.8%) odynophagia and 23 (35.4%) acid regurgitation (62.3%, 11.6% and 21.7% before surgery). Following surgery, there was a significant reduction in the frequency of chest pain (daily chest pain declined from 26.9% to 5.6%).

Conclusions:  Chest pain is common before and after cardiomyotomy for achalasia, and it is frequently associated with dysphagia. Whilst it is less problematic after surgery, it persists in many patients. This information should be provided to individuals considering surgery for achalasia.
Laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy: A novel method
Authors: East Michael C.
Published: November 2010

This paper describes a novel method of facilitating laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) uniquely distinguished by commencing vaginally and finishing laparoscopically. For this technique a specially designed uterine manipulator has been developed.
Propofol and children – what we know and what we do not know
Authors: Rigby‐Jones Ann E. , Sneyd J. Robert
Published: November 2010

The pharmacokinetics of propofol are relatively well described in the pediatric population. Recent work has confirmed the validity of allometric scaling for predicting propofol disposition across different species and for describing pediatric ontogenesis. In the first year of life, allometric models require adjustment to reflect ontogeny of maturation. Pharmacodynamic data for propofol in children are scarcer, because of practical difficulties in data collection and the limitations of currently available depth of anesthesia monitors for pediatric use. Hence, questions relating to the comparative sensitivity of children to propofol, and differences in time to peak effect relative to adults, remain unanswered. Keo half‐lives have been determined for pediatric kinetic models using time to peak effect techniques but are not currently incorporated into commercially available target‐controlled infusion pumps.
Temporal diabetes and diuresis‐induced alteration of nerves and vasculature of the urinary bladder in the rat
Authors: Liu Guiming , Li Mei , Vasanji Amit , Daneshgari Firouz
Published: November 2010

What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Diabetes mellitus seriously affects urinary bladder function. Diabetes induces time‐dependent bladder hypertrophy and altered tissue composition. However, the alterations of the density of nerves and vasculatures in bladder under diabetes remains poorly studied.

Diabetes induced time‐dependent changes of density of the nerves and vasculatures in the bladder tissues. In addition, diabetes‐related polyuria plays an important role in this alteration.

OBJECTIVE

To characterize the temporal changes of the nerves and vasculature of the bladder in diabetic rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 36 Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into three groups: streptozotocin‐induced diabetics, 5% sucrose‐induced diuretics and age‐matched controls.

The characteristics of the nerves and vasculature in the equatorial cross‐sectional areas of the bladder were examined by immunofluorescence staining of their specific markers, neurofilament 200 (NF200) and CD31, at 1, 9 or 20 weeks after induction.

The distributions of the nerves and blood vessels were observed and the densities were quantified.

RESULTS

Diabetes caused a significant reduction in body weight. Bladder weight increased in diabetic and diuretic rats, but not in controls.

The total cross‐sectional wall area and detrusor muscle area at the equatorial midline were greater in bladders of diabetic and diuretic rats than in controls.

Neurofilament 200‐immunoreactive (NF200‐IR) nerves were mainly distributed in the detrusor muscle. CD31‐immunoreactive blood vessels were mainly distributed in the mucosa/submucosa.

There were no significant differences in the NF200‐IR nerve terminal area among control, diabetic and diuretic groups. However nerve density was decreased at 9 and 20 weeks in the muscle, and at 20 weeks in the mucosa/submucosa in diabetic and diuretic animals.

Blood vessel density decreased in the diabetic and diuretic groups at 20 weeks in the muscle.

CONCLUSIONS

Diabetes induced time‐dependent changes in the density of the nerves and vasculature in the bladder tissues.

Diabetes‐related polyuria plays an important role in these changes.
Invasive forbs differ functionally from native graminoids, but are similar to native forbs
Authors: Scharfy Deborah , Funk Andrea , Olde Venterink Harry , Güsewell Sabine
Published: November 2010

See also the Commentary by Cleland
Fatal sepsis in a pregnant woman with pyelonephritis caused by Escherichia coli bearing Dr and P adhesins: diagnosis based on postmortem strain genotyping
Authors: Śledzińska A , Mielech A , Krawczyk B , Samet A , Nowicki B , Nowicki S , Jankowski Z , Kur J
Published: November 2010

Please cite this paper as:Śledzińska A, Mielech A, Krawczyk B, Samet A, Nowicki B, Nowicki S, Jankowski Z, Kur J. Fatal sepsis in a pregnant woman with pyelonephritis caused by Escherichia coli bearing Dr and P adhesins: diagnosis based on postmortem strain genotyping. BJOG 2011;118:266–269.
Tuberculosis in pregnancy
Authors: Mnyani CN , McIntyre JA
Published: November 2010

Please cite this paper as: Mnyani C, McIntyre J. Tuberculosis in pregnancy. BJOG 2011;118:226–231.

Tuberculosis (TB) remains an important infection in women globally. It is responsible for 700 000 deaths annually and is a major contributor to maternal mortality. Mycobacterium tuberculosis/HIV co‐infection is common in areas of high HIV prevalence, and may be associated with significant perinatal and maternal morbidity. Improved diagnosis and treatment of TB in pregnant women are important interventions for both maternal and child health. Controlling TB in pregnancy in high‐prevalence areas requires a range of interventions, including active TB screening in pregnant women, TB preventative therapy for HIV‐infected pregnant women, treatment of active TB and linking mothers and children to TB care services.
Accruals and the Conditional Equity Premium
Authors: GUO HUI , JIANG XIAOWEN
Published: November 2010

Accruals correlate closely with the determinants of the conditional equity premium at both the firm and the aggregate levels. The common component of firm‐level accruals, which cannot be diversified away by aggregation, explains the positive relation between aggregate accruals and future stock market returns. The residual component, which accounts for most variation in firm‐level accruals, is responsible for the negative cross‐sectional relation between firm‐level accruals and future stock returns. Consistent with the risk‐based explanation, aggregate accruals, as a proxy for the conditional equity premium, forecast changes in aggregate economic activity. Moreover, we document a similar comovement of earnings with the conditional equity premium at both the firm and the aggregate levels, which helps explain the negative relation between changes in aggregate earnings and contemporaneous market returns.
Whose wonderful news? Italian satire and William Baldwin's Wonderfull Newes of the Death of Paule the III
Authors: OVERELL ANNE , Lucas SCOTT C.
Published: November 2010

About the year 1552, the celebrated mid‐Tudor author William Baldwin released Wonderfull Newes of the Death of Paul the III, his translation of a satirical and scandalous account of Pope Paul III's supposed arrival in hell. For over a century, influential Anglophone scholars and bibliographers have ascribed the original of Baldwin's work, the anonymous Epistola de morte Pauli tertii (1549), to the Lutheran reformer, Matthias Flacius, who was based in Germany. This article challenges that attribution, showing that there is no evidence for Flacius’ authorship. Instead, it locates the Epistola in a community of Italian religious exiles publishing in Basel and identifies the fiercely anti‐papal polemicist Pier Paolo Vergerio as the most likely author. In reopening the authorship question, the essay examines the motives behind the creation of this work and shows how Renaissance anti‐papalism traversed confessional and geographical boundaries. The conclusion traces the intricate international network through which this topical Italian satire probably reached William Baldwin, whose translation became one of the most daring texts of the earlier Tudor period.