bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
542. Viburnum Parvifolium
Authors: Taylor Nigel , Kirkham Tony
Published: December 2005

Summary.  The small‐leaved Viburnum parvifolium Hayata from Taiwan is illustrated and described. Its relationships with allied species, cultivation requirements and propagation are discussed.
The extent of the ‘prevention paradox’ in alcohol problems as a function of population drinking patterns
Authors: Rossow Ingeborg , Romelsjö Anders
Published: December 2005

Aims To assess to what extent use of various criteria for high‐risk groups and analyses from subpopulations with different drinking patterns may affect the extent of the prevention paradox (that most alcohol‐related harm in populations arises within the drinkers at low risk).

Data sets Two national surveys of Norwegian adult samples (n = 4321 current drinkers) and one register linkage of Swedish armed forces conscripts (n = 45 839 current drinkers) with in‐patient hospital data.

Measures High‐risk groups were categorized as the upper 10% of drinkers by annual alcohol intake or by intoxication frequency. Acute alcohol‐related harms comprised number of quarrels and fights in the Norwegian surveys and number of hospital admissions for attempted suicide and violent injuries over a follow‐up period (3 and 25 years) in the Swedish conscript study.

Results The majority of acute alcohol problems were found among the majority of drinkers with low or moderate risk (the lower 90%) by drinking volume, suggesting empirical support for the prevention paradox. By applying frequency of intoxication rather than annual volume of consumption to determine the high‐risk group, a somewhat larger proportion of acute alcohol‐related harms was found within the high‐risk group, and the number of alcohol‐related harms tended to be distributed more evenly between high‐risk drinkers and other drinkers. The proportion of alcohol‐related harms within the risk groups was significantly lower in the younger age group, where the majority drinks to intoxication compared with other drinkers.

Conclusion The extent of the prevention paradox with respect to acute alcohol problems may be more prominent in drinking in subpopulations where intoxication is a common part of the drinking pattern compared with those where intoxication occurs less frequently and among a smaller fraction of the drinkers.
Comparison of tolerance of facemask vs. mouthpiece for non‐invasive ventilation*
Authors: Schneider E. , Dualé C. , Vaille J.‐L. , Ouchchane L. , Gillart T. , Guélon D. , Schoeffler P.
Published: December 2005

This prospective, single centre, randomised, cross‐over study compares patient tolerance of the facemask and mouthpiece for delivery of non‐invasive ventilation in an intensive care unit. Twenty‐seven patients with acute respiratory failure were scheduled for two 45‐min sessions of non‐invasive ventilation with facemask and mouthpiece. The order of the sessions was chosen at random. Nurses and patients assessed the tolerance of both techniques using a visual analogue scale. The time spent by nurses and the changes in respiratory parameters were recorded. The facemask was better tolerated than the mouthpiece; all the cases of non‐invasive ventilation withdrawal (n = 5) occurred with mouthpieces (p = 0.026). Less nursing time was required using the facemask for the 22 patients who underwent both procedures (p = 0.01). However, the difference in tolerance scores was not significant. Non‐invasive ventilation with both facemask and mouthpiece improved the Pao2/Fio2 ratio, increased the pH and decreased the Paco2. Only non‐invasive ventilation with the facemask lowered the respiratory rate. The facemask appears to be a better initial choice for non‐invasive ventilation when compared to mouthpiece, but both can be effective.
Radiation exposure of trainee anaesthetists
Authors: Ismail S. , Khan F. A. , Sultan N. , Naqvi M.
Published: December 2005

This prospective study was conducted to determine the level of radiation exposure of trainee anaesthetists working in urology, orthopaedics and radiology environments. Anaesthetists wore lithium fluoride thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) badges over a 6‐month period. The position of badges was standardised at the collar site (TLD1) and at waist level (TLD2). Area specific dosimeters were used and exchanged between anaesthetists. Of a total of 723 procedures, anaesthetists were exposed to radiation in 33% of procedures in orthopaedics, 30% in urology and 39% in radiology. The mean (SD) exposure time to radiation per case was significantly greater in orthopaedics than in urology (9.2 (4) min vs. 4.2 (2) min). The radiation exposure per case was highest in radiology (19.2 (22) min). The net combined exposure over a 6‐month period was 0.2177 mSv in urology, 0.4265 mSv in orthopaedics and 3.8457 mSv in radiology. The combined exposure was less than the 20 mSv recommended as the maximum exposure per year. Our data does not support the need for routine dosimetric monitoring of anaesthetists working in the above settings.
Botulism in a pregnant intravenous drug abuser
Authors: Morrison G. A. , Lang C. , Huda S.
Published: December 2005

A case of botulism is reported in a heroin‐abusing parturient who initially presented with lethargy and slurred speech. The diagnostic difficulty, complications, intensive care and anaesthetic management of this case are discussed, with particular reference to the pregnancy and the effects of both botulism and its empirical treatment on the fetus. A short review is provided of a condition that has seen a marked increase in its incidence since 2000.
Effect of an anaesthesia department led critical care outreach and acute pain service on postoperative serious adverse events
Authors: Story D. A. , Shelton A. C. , Poustie S. J. , Colin‐Thome N. J. , McIntyre R. E. , McNicol P. L.
Published: December 2005

We examined whether a combined critical care outreach and acute pain service comprising both medical and nursing staff from the Department of Anaesthesia would decrease the incidence of postoperative serious adverse events in a hospital with an established Medical Emergency Team. We called this combined service IMPACT: Inpatient Management of acute Pain and Advice on Clinical Treatment. We conducted a prospective, before‐and‐after trial with a baseline phase (319 patients) of standard acute pain management followed by the IMPACT phase (271 patients), during which the IMPACT team systematically reviewed high‐risk postoperative patients for the first three days after their return to the general wards. The incidence of serious adverse events decreased from 23 events per 100 patients to 16 events per 100 patients. The 30‐day mortality decreased from 9% to 3%, p = 0.004. An acute pain service providing critical care outreach may improve postoperative outcome but the workload is considerable.
Awake insertion of the laryngeal mask airway using topical lidocaine and intravenous remifentanil*
Authors: Lee M. C. , Absalom A. R. , Menon D. K. , Smith H. L.
Published: December 2005

We assessed the use of intravenous remifentanil for the insertion of the laryngeal mask airway in 10 healthy awake volunteers, a technique primarily developed to facilitate functional magnetic resonance imaging studies of anaesthesia. Each volunteer received 200 μg glycopyrronium intravenously. Topical airway anaesthesia was effected by 4 ml nebulised lidocaine 4%, followed by 12 sprays of lidocaine 10%. Remifentanil was subsequently infused to achieve an initial target effect‐site concentration of 2 ng.ml−1; increments of 1 ng.ml−1 were allowed with the maximum effect‐site concentration limited to 6 ng.ml−1. Insertion of the laryngeal mask airway was successful on the first attempt in all cases. The median (IQR [range]) target effect‐site remifentanil concentration at insertion was 2.5 (2–3 [2–4]) ng.ml−1. All volunteers were co‐operative during the procedure and only one reported discomfort. Sore throat was a complication in all volunteers. We conclude that the technique allows successful insertion of the laryngeal mask airway in healthy awake volunteers under conditions that were safe and reproducible.
Identification of quantitative trait loci associated with egg quality, egg production, and body weight in an F2 resource population of chickens1
Authors: Schreiweis M. A. , Hester P. Y. , Settar P. , Moody D. E.
Published: December 2005

Egg production and egg quality are complex sex‐limited traits that may benefit from the implementation of marker‐assisted selection. The primary objective of the current study was to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with egg traits, egg production, and body weight in a chicken resource population. Layer (White Leghorn hens) and broiler (Cobb‐Cobb roosters) lines were crossed to generate an F2 population of 508 hens over seven hatches. Phenotypes for 29 traits (weekly body weight from hatch to 6 weeks, egg traits including egg, albumen, yolk, and shell weight, shell thickness, shell puncture score, percentage of shell, and egg shell colour at 35 and 55 weeks of age, as well as egg production between 16 and 55 weeks of age) were measured in hens of the resource population. Genotypes of 120 microsatellite markers on 28 autosomal groups were determined, and interval mapping was conducted to identify putative QTL. Eleven QTL tests representing two regions on chromosomes 2 and 4 surpassed the 5% genome‐wise significance threshold. These QTL influenced egg colour, egg and albumen weight, percent shell, body weight, and egg production. The chromosome 4 QTL region is consistent with multiple QTL studies that define chromosome 4 as a critical region significantly associated with a variety of traits across multiple resource populations. An additional 64 QTL tests surpassed the 5% chromosome‐wise significance threshold.
The impact of genetic variation in the region of the GPIIIa gene, on PlA2 expression bias and GPIIb/IIIa receptor density in platelets
Authors: O'Halloran Aisling M. , Curtin Ronan , O'Connor Fiona , Dooley Michelle , Fitzgerald Anthony , O'Brien John K. , Fitzgerald Desmond J. , Shields Denis C.
Published: December 2005

Some studies have suggested that genetic variability in the glycoprotein (GP) IIIa gene modulates expression of platelet GPIIb/IIIa (α2bβ3). We sought to determine as to whether combinations of genetic variants within the GPIIIa gene (haplotypes) influenced the expression of GPIIIa RNA and protein levels in human platelets. Three promoter polymorphisms, PlA1/A2 genotype and platelet receptor densities were determined in 207 acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients. Allele‐specific quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction of platelet RNA from PlA1/A2 heterozygotes identified a greater expression of PlA2 bearing transcripts among heterozygotes. Among the patients studied, the ratio of PlA1/PlA2 RNA expression was significantly influenced by promoter haplotype (P < 0·01). However, this effect reflected carriership of rare not common haplotypes (P = 0·2). There was a threefold variation between subjects in the number of GPIIb/IIIa receptors expressed per platelet, although no association between receptor density and the PlA2 (P = 0·93) or promoter polymorphisms was demonstrated (−468A, P = 0·52; −425C, P = 0·59; −400A, P = 0·52). Among common haplotypes, PlA1/PlA2 RNA expression was negatively correlated with adjusted GPIIb/IIIa receptor density (P = 0·04). The overall trend towards higher expression of PlA2 bearing message in PlA1/A2 heterozygotes, and the existence of rare haplotypes with more pronounced changes indicate the existence of cis‐acting genetic factors that remain to be identified.
Interannual changes in sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria) recruitment in relation to oceanographic conditions within the California Current System
Authors: SCHIRRIPA MICHAEL J. , COLBERT J. J.
Published: December 2005

Sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria) supports substantial fisheries in both the eastern and western Pacific Oceans. Juvenile recruitment along the west coast of the continental United States has been highly variable over the past three decades. Using a generalized additive model, we demonstrate that physical oceanographic variables within the California Current System have significant effects on sablefish recruitment. Significant relationships were found between juvenile recruitment and northward Ekman transport, eastward Ekman transport, and sea level during key times and at key locations within the habitat of this species. The model explains nearly 70% of the variability in sablefish recruitment between the years 1974 and 2000. The predictive power of the model was demonstrated by refitting without the last 5 yr of data and subsequent prediction of those years. Bootstrap assessments of bias associated with parameter estimates and jackknife‐after‐bootstrap assessments of the influence of individual data on parameter estimates are presented and discussed. Using this model, it is possible to draw preliminary conclusions concerning year‐class strength of cohorts not yet available to the survey gear as well as historic year‐class strengths. We discuss changes in zooplankton abundance and shifts in species of copepods associated with fluctuations in the physical variables that appear to have a major influence on sablefish recruitment.
Marine and freshwater climatic factors affecting interannual variation in the timing of return migration to fresh water of sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka)
Authors: HODGSON SAYRE , QUINN THOMAS P. , HILBORN RAY , FRANCIS ROBERT C. , ROGERS DONALD E.
Published: December 2005

Interannual variation in the timing of the return migration to fresh water of adult sockeye salmon, Oncorhynchus nerka, from 46 populations throughout the species North American range was examined in a broad analysis of how timing patterns are affected by marine and freshwater conditions. Migration timing data (measured at various points along the migration, including just prior to freshwater entry, just after freshwater entry, and near the spawning grounds) were examined for correlations with sea‐surface temperatures (SST) prior to migration and to freshwater temperatures and flows during migration. Following a spring–summer period with warm SST, populations from southwestern Alaska tended to return early, Fraser River populations returned late, and populations from other regions showed no consistent patterns. Similarities between interannual timing of both nearby and distant populations indicated the presence of common or coincidental influences on timing. When riverine conditions related to timing, high flows and low temperatures were associated with late migrations, low flows and high temperatures were associated with early migrations. However, even counting stations at upriver locations showed correlations with SST. Notwithstanding some inconsistencies among the many populations examined and the indirect nature of the inferences, the results supported the hypotheses that (i) interannual variations in salmon distributions at sea reflect temperature conditions, and (ii) the date when salmon initiate homeward migration is a population‐specific trait, largely unaffected by the fish's location at sea.
Covariation between the average lengths of mature coho (Oncorhynchus kisutch) and Chinook salmon (O. tshawytscha) and the ocean environment
Authors: WELLS BRIAN K. , GRIMES CHURCHILL B. , FIELD JOHN C. , REISS CHRISTIAN S.
Published: December 2005

We used the average fork length of age‐3 returning coho (Oncorhynchus kisutch) and age‐3 ocean‐type and age‐4 stream‐type Chinook (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) salmon along the northeast Pacific coast to assess the covariability between established oceanic environmental indices and growth. These indices included the Multivariate El Niño‐Southern Oscillation Index (MEI), Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), Northern Oscillation Index, and Aleutian Low Pressure Index. Washington, Oregon, and California (WOC) salmon sizes were negatively correlated with the MEI values indicating that ultimate fish size was affected negatively by El Niño‐like events. Further, we show that the growth trajectory of WOC salmon was set following the first ocean winter. Returning ocean‐type British Columbia‐Puget Sound Chinook salmon average fork length was positively correlated with the MEI values during the summer and autumn of return year, which was possibly a result of a shallower mixed layer and improved food‐web productivity of subarctic Pacific waters. Size variation of coho salmon stocks south of Alaska was synchronous and negatively correlated with warm conditions (positive PDO) and weak North Pacific high pressure during ocean residence.
The evolving classification of soft tissue tumours: an update based on the new WHO classification
Authors: Fletcher C D M
Published: December 2005

Tumour classifications have become an integral part of modern oncology and, for pathologists, they provide guidelines which facilitate diagnostic and prognostic reproducibility. In many organ systems and most especially over the past decade or so, the World Health Organization (WHO) classifications have become pre‐eminent, partly enabled by the timely publication of new ‘blue books’ which now incorporate detailed text and copious illustrations. The new WHO classification of soft tissue tumours was introduced in late 2002 and, because it represents a broad consensus view, it has gained widespread acceptance. This review summarizes the changes, both major and minor, which were introduced and briefly describes the significant number of tumour types which have been first recognized or properly characterized during the past decade. Arguably the four most significant conceptual advances have been: (i) the formal recognition that morphologically benign lesions (such as cutaneous fibrous histiocytoma) may very rarely metastasize; (ii) the general acceptance that most pleomorphic sarcomas can be meaningfully subclassified and that so‐called malignant fibrous histiocytoma is not a definable entity, but instead represents a wastebasket of undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcomas, accounting for no more than 5% of adult soft tissue sarcomas; (iii) the acknowledgement that most lesions formerly known as haemangiopericytoma show no evidence of pericytic differentiation and, instead, are fibroblastic in nature and form a morphological continuum with solitary fibrous tumour; and (iv) the increasing appreciation that not only do we not know from which cell type(s) most soft tissue tumours originate (histogenesis) but, for many, we do not recognize their line of differentiation or lineage—hence an increasing number of tumours are placed in the ‘uncertain differentiation’ category.
The role of genetic testing in soft tissue sarcoma
Authors: Antonescu C R
Published: December 2005

Soft tissue tumours represent a heterogeneous group of mesenchymal lesions and their classification continues to evolve as a result of incorporating advances in cytogenetic and molecular techniques. In the last decade traditional diagnostic approaches were supplemented with a significant number of reliable molecular diagnostic tools, detecting tumour type‐specific genetic alterations. In addition, the successful application of some of these techniques to formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissue made it possible to subject a broader range of clinical material to molecular analysis. Thus, molecular genetics has already become an integral part of the work‐up in some tumours, such as paediatric small blue round cell tumours, which demonstrate characteristic translocations. Several lines of evidence suggest that sarcomas can be divided into two major genetic groups: (i) sarcomas with specific genetic alterations and usually simple karyotypes, such as reciprocal chromosomal translocations (e.g. FUS‐DDIT3 in myxoid liposarcoma) and specific oncogenic mutations (e.g. KIT mutation in gastrointestinal stromal tumours); and (i) sarcomas with non‐specific genetic alterations and complex unbalanced karyotypes. Some of these genetic abnormalities, including chromosomal numerical changes, translocations, gene amplifications or large deletions can be apparent at the cytogenetic level (karyotyping, fluoresence in situ hybridization), while others, such as small deletions, insertions or point mutations, require molecular genetic techniques (polymerase chain reaction and sequence analysis). This review focuses on the applicability of genetic testing in the diagnosis and prognosis of soft tissue sarcomas, and gives a realistic appraisal of the ancillary role of molecular techniques, including its advantages and limitations.
The comparative roles of electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry in the diagnosis of soft tissue tumours
Authors: Fisher C
Published: December 2005

Electron microscopy has contributed to the diagnosis of soft tissue tumours for four decades, and immunohistochemistry for two. Because of its relative ease of use and interpretation, the latter technique has become extensively and routinely applied to identify lines of differentiation in benign soft tissue tumours and in sarcomas. The use of electron microscopy has declined but retains a role because few antibodies are wholly specific or fully sensitive, some tumours are polyphenotypic or divergent in differentiation, and others have no specific antigens. Immunohistochemistry is superior in diagnosis of smooth muscle tumours, small round cell tumours, sarcomas with epithelioid morphology, and most synovial sarcomas. Electron microscopy is of particular value for peripheral nerve sheath tumours, marker‐negative synovial sarcomas, pleomorphic sarcomas and mesotheliomas. As with all adjunctive techniques, immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy should be used in a complementary fashion according to the nature of the diagnostic problem.
Evaluation of biological potential of smooth muscle tumours
Authors: Miettinen M , Fetsch J F
Published: December 2005

Smooth muscle tumours (SMTs) have been traditionally divided into benign leiomyomas (LM) and malignant leiomyosarcomas (LMS) based on cytological atypia, mitotic activity and other criteria. In most instances, this dichotomous approach works, but in some instances the biological potential cannot be determined with certainty. This is often because some, but not all criteria for malignancy have been met or because the tumours are occurring in unusual settings for which there are sparse substantive data. Tumours falling into the latter categories are often designated as ‘smooth muscle tumours of uncertain malignant potential’. For most non‐hormonally influenced SMTs, the presence of significant atypia plus mitotic activity equates with a diagnosis of LMS. However, not all tumours classified as LMSs have a similar prognosis, as a number of other factors, including tumour size, depth, grade and resectability, affect outcome. For example, cutaneous SMTs, regardless of mitotic activity and atypia, have potential largely limited to local recurrence, whereas subcutaneous and deep LMSs have a definite metastatic potential. Angioleiomyoma is the most common SMT of peripheral soft tissues, but deep peripheral LMs are distinctly rare and should be approached with caution. Hormonally influenced oestrogen‐ and progesterone receptor‐positive uterine and extrauterine SMTs in women have unique criteria, including the allowance of higher mitotic activity for the benign LM designation. SMTs of female genital tract can be assessed with criteria similar to uterine tumours. Because of the rarity of these tumours, experience is more limited, and more caution is needed to assess the potential of tumours with mitotic activity and atypia. This review summarizes the current knowledge, guidelines, prognostic data and controversies for the classification of SMTs of soft tissue and most visceral sites.
Postradiation vascular proliferations: an increasing problem
Authors: Brenn T , Fletcher C D M
Published: December 2005

The occurrence of cutaneous vascular lesions is a rare but well‐documented complication of radiation treatment and may be associated with significant morbidity as well as mortality. The overall incidence is low but appears to be rising due to a change in the prevailing treatment of breast carcinoma with increased use of radiation in the setting of breast‐conserving therapy for stage 1 and 2 disease. The spectrum of postradiation vascular lesions is wide and ranges from atypical vascular lesions with reportedly benign clinical behaviour to frank cutaneous angiosarcoma. There is, however, significant clinical as well as histological overlap. It is frequently difficult to classify these postradiation vascular lesions accurately and they create an emerging diagnostic and therapeutic challenge to both pathologists and clinicians. Experience with these vascular lesions is very limited, and this article aims to provide an overview of our current understanding and concept of radiation‐associated vascular lesions with focus on their clinical and histological presentation as well as behaviour and treatment.
PEComa: what do we know so far?
Authors: Hornick J L , Fletcher C D M
Published: December 2005

PEComas (tumours showing perivascular epithelioid cell differentiation) are a family of related mesenchymal neoplasms that include angiomyolipoma, lymphangiomyomatosis, clear cell ‘sugar’ tumour of the lung, and a group of rare, morphologically and immunophenotypically similar lesions arising at a variety of visceral and soft tissue sites. These tumours all share a distinctive cell type, the perivascular epithelioid cell or ‘PEC’ (which has no known normal tissue counterpart). PEComas show a marked female predominance and are composed of nests and sheets of usually epithelioid but occasionally spindled cells with clear to granular eosinophilic cytoplasm and a focal association with blood vessel walls. PEComas appear to arise most commonly at visceral (especially gastrointestinal and uterine), retroperitoneal, and abdominopelvic sites, with a subset occurring in somatic soft tissue and skin. Nearly all PEComas show immunoreactivity for both melanocytic (HMB‐45 and/or melan‐A) and smooth muscle (actin and/or desmin) markers. A subset of PEComas behave in a malignant fashion. This review examines the members of the PEComa family, with an emphasis on lesions arising outside of the kidney, lung and liver, and discusses preliminary evidence for pathological features that might predict malignant behaviour.
Morphogenetic surfactants and their role in the formation of aerial hyphae in Streptomyces coelicolor
Authors: Willey Joanne M. , Willems Andrew , Kodani Shinya , Nodwell Justin R.
Published: December 2005

Withstanding environmental adversity and seeking optimal conditions for reproduction are basic requirements for the survival of all organisms. Filamentous bacteria of the genus Streptomyces produce a remarkable cell type called the aerial hyphae that is central to its ability to meet both of these challenges. Recent advances have brought about a major shift in our understanding of the cell surface proteins that play important roles in the generation of these cells. Here we review our current understanding of one of these groups of proteins, the morphogenetic surfactants, with emphasis on the SapB protein of Streptomyces coelicolor.
Protecting babies: vaccine strategies to prevent foetopathy inNeospora caninum‐infected cattle
Authors: WILLIAMS D. J. L. , TREES A. J.
Published: December 2005

Neospora caninumis an apicomplexan protozoan parasite that is a significant infectious abortifacient agent in cattle. Despite the fact that it is a member of a well described taxonomic group, it is a relatively newly discovered parasite and its biology is not yet fully understood. Cattle become infected either congenitally via transplacental transmission or post‐natally by ingesting oocysts derived from the definitive host; dogs and coyotes are the only definitive hosts that have been described to date. It is not known which of these two forms of transmission occurs most frequently and which is the most likely to result in abortion; there are no drugs available to treat infected cattle, so current control strategies rely on prevention of infection by management methods and strict hygiene; an effective vaccine would be a great advantage in its control.Neospora caninumis an economically important veterinary pathogen, but we can also draw analogies between its foetopathic effects and those of human pathogens such asToxoplasma gondii,Chlamydophila abortusandPlasmodium falciparum. Understanding the immune response and the materno–foetal relationship inN. caninum‐infected cattle may help us to design vaccination strategies, not only for neosporosis but also for other foetopathic agents.
Evaluation of IFN‐γ production by CD8+ T lymphocytes in response to the K1 peptide from KMP‐11 protein in patients infected with Trypanosoma cruzi
Authors: DIEZ H. , LÓPEZ M. C. , DEL CARMEN THOMAS M. , GUZMÁN F. , ROSAS F. , VELAZCO V. , GONZÁLEZ J. M. , PUERTA C.
Published: December 2005

The cellular response mediated by MHC class I restricted CD8

+

T cells has been shown to be crucial in the control of Chagas disease. The K1 peptide derived from T. cruzi KMP‐11 protein has a high binding affinity to the HLA‐A*0201 molecule. Nevertheless, it is not known whether this peptide is processed and displayed as an MHC class I epitope during natural infection by T. cruzi. The aim of this study was to evaluate, by ELISPOT assay, the ability of K1 peptide to activate CD8+T lymphocytes to produce IFN‐γ. Therefore, CD8+T lymphocytes from 22 HLA‐A*0201+individuals, 12 chronic chagasic patients and 10 uninfected controls, were analysed. The results revealed that two of the chagasic patients had IFN‐γ‐secreting CD8+T cells that were able to respond to K1 peptide with a relative frequency of 110 and 230 per million CD8+T cells. In contrast, none of HLA‐A*0201+uninfected controls responded to K1 peptide. Responses to HLA‐A*0201 restricted peptide from the influenza matrix protein were found in six chagasic patients and four uninfected controls with an average frequency of 175 and 111 cells per million CD8+T cells, respectively. Moreover, a flow cytometric assay for degranulation showed that chagasic responders had K1‐specific cytotoxic CD8+ T cells. It is shown here for the first time that the K1 peptide is efficiently processed, presented and recognized by CD8+T lymphocytes during the natural course of Chagas disease.
Antisense repression reveals a crucial role of the plastidic 2‐oxoglutarate/malate translocator DiT1 at the interface between carbon and nitrogen metabolism
Authors: Schneidereit Jörg , Häusler Rainer E. , Fiene Gabi , Kaiser Werner M. , Weber Andreas P.M.
Published: December 2005

Ammonia assimilation by the plastidic glutamine synthetase/glutamate synthase system requires 2‐oxoglutarate (2‐OG) as a carbon precursor. Plastids depend on 2‐OG import from the cytosol. A plastidic dicarboxylate translocator 1‐[2‐OG/malate translocator (DiT1)] has been identified and its substrate specificity and kinetic constants have been analyzed in vitro. However, the role of DiT1 in intact plants and its significance for ammonia assimilation remained uncertain. Here, to study the role of DiT1 in intact plants, its expression was antisense‐repressed in transgenic tobacco plants. This resulted in a reduced transport capacity for 2‐OG across the plastid envelope membrane. In consequence, allocation of carbon precursors to amino acid synthesis was impaired, organic acids accumulated and protein content, photosynthetic capacity and sugar pools in leaves were strongly decreased. The phenotype was consistent with a role of DIT1 in both, primary ammonia assimilation and the re‐assimilation of ammonia resulting from the photorespiratory carbon cycle. Unexpectedly, the in situ rate of nitrate reduction was extremely low in α‐DiT1 leaves, although nitrate reductase (NR) expression and activity remained high. We hypothesize that this discrepancy between extractable NR activity and in situ nitrate reduction is due to substrate limitation of NR. These findings and the severe phenotype of the antisense plants point to a crucial role of DiT1 at the interface between carbon and nitrogen metabolism.
Improving compatibility between blood packs and transfusion sets
Authors: Nightingale M. J.
Published: December 2005

summary.  Significant variation between manufacturers exists in the force required to insert transfusion set spikes (closure‐piercing device) into blood pack ports. This potential source of difficulty can impact directly on patient and staff safety (delayed transfusion, contamination of blood components, wastage, blood spillage and staff injury) and is not predicted or prevented by conformance of these medical devices to relevant International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards. A quantitative, objective measurement of insertion force is described together with an assessment of factors affecting compatibility between the port and spike. Several advantageous and disadvantageous design features are identified and are being addressed through ISO Technical Committee 76 Work Group 1.
Role of parenteral iron in transfusion requirements after total hip replacement. A pilot study
Authors: Muñoz M. , Naveira E. , Seara J. , Palmer J. H. , Cuenca J. , García‐Erce J. A.
Published: December 2005

summary.  An important percentage of patients undergoing total hip replacement (THR) receive allogeneic blood transfusion (ABT) to avoid the risks of acute anaemia. However, concerns about the risks of ABT have led to the search for alternatives, such as stimulation of erythropoiesis.

We prospectively investigated the effect of postoperative administration of 300 mg of intravenous iron sucrose on ABT requirements in THR patients (group 2; n = 24). A previous series of 22 THR patients served as the control group (group 1). All patients were operated on by the same surgeon, using the same implant, and a set of clinical data was gathered.

No adverse reactions to iron administration were observed. The group‐given iron showed a trend to a lower transfusion rate (46 vs. 73%; P = 0·067) and lower transfusion index (0·96 vs. 1·68 units/patient; P = 0·038). Moreover, amongst the non‐transfused patients, admission haemoglobin levels were lower in those coming from the iron group than those from the control group (12·7 ± 0·9 vs. 14·0 ± 1·2 g dL−1, respectively; P = 0·017).

Postoperative parenteral iron administration could be a safe and effective way to reduce ABT requirements in the THR patients. A large, randomized controlled trial to confirm these results is warranted.
Angiokeratoma circumscriptum: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Mittal Rachna , Aggarwal Asok , Srivastava Govind
Published: December 2005

The term “angiokeratoma” is applied to several distinct conditions with vascular skin lesions, the histology of which shows superficial vascular ectasia and overlying hyperkeratosis.1 The angiokeratomas should be regarded as capillary vascular malformation rather than hemangiomas.1 Apart from angiokeratoma corporis diffusum (Fabry), which is a disorder of phospholipid metabolism, at least four types of purely cutaneous angiokeratoma are known: the Mibelli type, the Fordyce type, angiokeratoma circumscriptum and “solitary and multiple angiokeratoma” (Imperial and Helwig). We present here a case of angiokeratoma circumscriptum and a brief review of the literature.
Secondary extension of Hodgkin's disease to the skin with positive staining for EBV‐encoded latent membrane protein
Authors: Ruiz‐Genao D. P. , Daudén‐Tello E. , G‐F‐Villalta M. J. , Fraga J. , García‐Díez A.
Published: December 2005

Cutaneous involvement with Hodgkin's disease in HIV‐positive patients is infrequent. Although the large majority of these cases are pathogenetically linked to Epstein‐Barr virus, demonstration of viral oncogenes in skin involvement of Hodgkin's disease has rarely been performed. We report an HIV‐positive male with aggressive Hodgkin's disease and specific cutaneous involvement. The presence of Epstein‐Barr virus in cutaneous and lymph node samples could be demonstrated by a positive reaction to the Epstein‐Barr virus latent‐encoded membrane protein.
Familial gigantic melanocytosis
Authors: El‐Darouti Mohammad A. , Fawzi Soheir A. , Marzook Salonas A. , El‐Eishi Nermine H. , Abdel‐Halim Mona R. E. , Soliman Shereen A.
Published: December 2005

Background  Familial gigantic melanocytosis (FGM) is a rare disorder first described in 1984 and termed “familial melanopathy with gigantic melanocytes”. The cause of the disorder is still unknown. Melanocytes in both hyper‐ and hypopigmented skin seem to be unable to deliver melanin to the surrounding keratinocytes.

Objective  In this study, we report four new cases of FGM. Electron microscopic examination was performed in a trial to shed more light on the underlying defect in this disorder.

Patients and methods  Patients were examined clinically and biopsies were taken from both hyperpigmented and hypopigmented areas, and divided into two parts; one part was processed for routine microscopic examination with hematoxylin and eosin and Masson Fontana stains. The other portion of the biopsy was fixed in glutraldhyde 3% and processed for electron microscopic (EM) examination.

Results  By light microscopy, the patients’ skin showed areas of hyperpigmented basal cells alternating with poorly pigmented areas. Hair follicles in the scalp biopsies showed the same pathology. By EM, pigmented areas showed gigantic melanocytes and heavily pigmented keratinocytes. Nonpigmented areas showed poorly pigmented keratinocytes and fewer, but also gigantic melanocytes.

Conclusions  The raindrop‐like hypopigmentation in this disorder can be explained by a failure of melanocytes to deliver melanin to their surrounding keratinocytes. The cause of the presence of heavily pigmented keratinocytes in the hyperpigmented zones could not be determined. There is a strong possibility of a more widespread abnormality affecting not just the melanocytes.
Comparative Macroanatomical Study of the Neurocranium in some Carnivora
Authors: Karan M. , Tımurkaan S. , ÖZdemır D. , ÜNsaldi E.
Published: December 2005

This study was carried out to investigate the specific anatomical features of the neurocranium of the skull of the dog, cat, badger, marten and otter. Twenty‐five animals (five from each species) were used without sexual distinction. The neurocranium consists of os occipitale, os sphenoidale, os pterygoideum, os ethmoidale, vomer, os temporale, os parietale and os frontale. The processus paracondylaris is projected ventrally in the cat, dog, marten and badger, and caudally in the otter. Two foramina were found laterally on each side of the protuberantia occipitalis externa in the otter, and one foramen was found near the protuberantia occipitalis externa in the badger. Foramen was not seen in other species. Paired ossa parietalia joined each other at the midline, forming the sutura sagittalis in the badger, dog, otter and cat while it was separated by the linea temporalis in the marten. The os frontale was small in otters, narrow and long in martens, and quite wide in cats and dogs. The bulla tympanica was rounded in the marten, dog, cat and badger, dorsoventral compressed in otter, and it was very large in all species examined. These observations represented interspecies differences in the neurocranium of marten, otter, badger, cat and dog.
Mixed Mesodermal and Mesenchymal Origin of Myotomal Muscles in Pike (Esox lucius: Teleostei)
Authors: Kacperczyk A. , Daczewska M.
Published: December 2005

During the myotomal myogenesis in pike (Esox lucius) two phases of muscle differentiation can be distinguished. In the first phase, the somite cells‐derived stock, the primary myoblasts (of mesodermal origin), fuse to form multinucleate myotubes. Participation of myotomal cells of mesodermal origin is insufficient for further muscle development. In the second stage mesenchymal cells migrate, via myosepts, into the myotome between myotubes. Immunocytochemical detection of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (marker of S phase of cell cycle) showed their mitotic activity. Transmission electron microscope analysis revealed that the differentiation of these cells depends on their position. Cells remaining in the myosepts develop into fibroblasts and produce collagen fibres, while those that have migrated into the myotomes transform into secondary myoblasts. Mesenchymal cells in the studied species are believed to participate in hypertrophy and hyperplasy of muscle fibres. Thus the muscle fibres in pike (E. lucius) are of mesodermal‐mesenchymal origin.
Effects of glitazones on blood pressure and vascular structure in mesenteric resistance arteries and basilar artery from genetically hypertensive rats
Authors: Ledingham Janet M , Laverty Richard
Published: December 2005

1. The effects of two of the glitazone (thiazolidinedione) class of drugs, namely rosiglitazone and pioglitazone, on blood pressure and vascular remodelling in the New Zealand genetically hypertensive (GH) rat model were investigated.

2. In the first study, a GH group given rosiglitazone (5 mg/kg per day) from the age of 7 to 12 weeks was compared with a GH control group. In the second study, GH rats were given either pioglitazone, simvastatin, valsartan or combinations of pioglitazone with simvastatin or valsartan (all drugs at a dose of 10 mg/kg per day).

3. Tail‐cuff systolic blood pressure was measured weekly. At the end of the experiment, blood vessels were fixed by perfusion and samples of mesenteric resistance arteries (MRA), second‐order branches and basilar artery were embedded in Technovit and serial sections were cut and stained with Giemsa for stereological analysis. Media width, medial cross‐sectional area and lumen diameter were determined and the ratio of media width/lumen diameter was calculated.

4. Rosiglitazone significantly reduced blood pressure in GH rats.

5. In MRA, rosiglitazone had a hypotrophic effect on media, reduced lumen diameter and reduced media/lumen ratio (P < 0.001).

6. In basilar artery, there was also a hypotrophic effect of rosiglitazone on media and reduced media/lumen ratio (P < 0.001).

7. Pioglitazone slowed down the rate of blood pressure increase with age in GH rats and had a greater effect on blood pressure when given in combination with simvastatin.

8. Pioglitazone had a hypotrophic effect on the media of MRA and basilar artery. The hypotrophic effect was enhanced when pioglitazone was given in combination with simvastatin. The media/lumen ratio was reduced by pioglitazone; in MRA, combination treatment with simvastatin reduced the ratio further to normal and, with valsartan, to below normal. In basilar artery, the media/lumen ratio was reduced further by both combination treatments, but was lowest in the pioglitazone–valsartan combination group.

9. The significant effects on MRA and basilar artery structure (and, thus, haemodynamics) seen after rosiglitazone monotherapy and after pioglitazone, given alone and in combination with simvastatin or valsartan, may well indicate a glitazone class effect on vascular structure and, hence, cardiovascular function.
Protective effects of exogenously administered or endogenously produced melatonin on hyperbaric oxygen‐induced oxidative stress in the rat brain
Authors: Dundar Kadir , Topal Turgut , Ay Hakan , Oter Sukru , Korkmaz Ahmet
Published: December 2005

1. Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) is a widely used treatment modality in many diseases. A known side‐effect of HBO is the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Many anti‐oxidants, such as vitamins C and E, riboflavin and selenium, have been used successfully to scavenge the ROS produced by HBO administration.

2. The aim of the present study was to determine whether melatonin, a newly discovered anti‐oxidant, has a protective effect against the overproduction of ROS produced by HBO in rat brain tissue.

3. Seventy male Sprague‐Dawley rats were divided into seven groups as follows: 1, daytime control; 2, daytime HBO; 3, melatonin; 4, daytime HBO plus melatonin; 5, night‐time control; 6, night‐time HBO; and 7, night‐time HBO under light exposure.

4. Hyperbaric oxygen was administered at 303 kPa for 120 min. Melatonin was injected at a dose of 10 mg/kg, i.p. Brain malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels were measured to elucidate oxidant status.

4. The MDA and SOD levels of groups 2 and 7 increased significantly. Exogenous (group 4) and endogenous (group 6) melatonin protected against HBO‐induced lipid peroxidation. Exogenously administered melatonin (groups 3 and 4) had increased levels of the anti‐oxidant enzymes SOD and GPx.

5. In conclusion, HBO caused oxidative stress and melatonin exhibited protective effects. Both endogenously produced and exogenously administered melatonin were found to be effective.
Characterization of two polyclonal peptide antibodies that recognize the carboxy terminus of angiotensin II AT1A and AT1B receptors
Authors: Hoffmann Andrea , Cool David R
Published: December 2005

1. The differential identification of the angiotensin AT1A and AT1B receptor subtypes is impaired by the existing > 96% homology of both receptors. In the present study, we characterized two polyclonal rabbit peptide antibodies, namely α‐AT1A and α‐AT1B, that recognize the C‐terminal region of mouse AT1A and AT1B receptors, respectively.

2. In immunoblotting, both antibodies detected two major AT1 receptor‐specific bands at sizes of 72.5 and 87.6 kDa in mouse tissues and in Neuro‐2a cell lysates. In immunohistochemistry, antibodies demonstrated AT1 receptor‐specific staining in renal proximal and distal tubules, as well as in kidney glomeruli. In addition, both antibodies stained AT1 receptors in Neuro‐2a cells with G‐protein receptor typical distribution. Dot‐blot and ELISA analysis of the α‐AT1A antibody showed 2.5‐ to fourfold higher selectivity for its AT1A receptor target peptide (1A‐PEP) compared with the non‐specific AT1B receptor peptide (1B‐PEP). In contrast, the α‐AT1B antibody showed high binding affinity towards its target peptide 1B‐PEP, but also demonstrated high cross‐reactivity for the non‐specific peptide 1A‐PEP (1.4‐ to twofold in ELISA and dot‐blot analysis). In contrast with the lack of recognition by the α‐AT1B antibody, the α‐AT1A antibody selectively recognized the AT1A receptor fused to red fluorescence protein in transiently transfected Chinese hamster ovary cells.

3. In summary, we have generated two new peptide antibodies to the mouse AT1A and AT1B receptors (α‐AT1A and α‐AT1B), of which the α‐AT1A antibody has the capability to distinguish AT1A receptor types in immunological approaches.