bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Obligate asex in a rotifer and the role of sexual signals
Authors: STELZER C.‐P.
Published: November 2007

Transitions to asexuality have occurred in many animals and plants, yet the biological mechanisms causing such transitions have often remained unclear. Cyclical parthenogens, such as cladocerans, rotifers or aphids often give rise to obligate asexual lineages. In many rotifers, chemical signals that accumulate during population crowding trigger the induction of sexual stages. In this study, I tested two hypotheses on the origin of obligate parthenogenesis in the rotifer Brachionus calyciflorus: (i) that obligate parthenogens have lost the responsiveness to the sexual signal; and (ii) that obligate parthenogens have lost the ability to produce the sexual signal. Pairwise cross‐induction assays among three obligate parthenogenetic strains and two cyclically parthenogenetic (sexual) strains were used to test these hypotheses. I found that obligate parthenogens can induce sexual reproduction in sexual strains, but not vice versa. This demonstrates that obligate parthenogens do still produce the sexual signal, but have lost responsiveness to that signal.
Migration load in plants: role of pollen and seed dispersal in heterogeneous landscapes
Authors: LOPEZ S. , ROUSSET F. , SHAW F. H. , SHAW R. G. , RONCE O.
Published: November 2007

Evolution of local adaptation depends critically on the level of gene flow, which, in plants, can be due to either pollen or seed dispersal. Using analytical predictions and individual‐centred simulations, we investigate the specific influence of seed and pollen dispersal on local adaptation in plant populations growing in patchy heterogeneous landscapes. We study the evolution of a polygenic trait subject to stabilizing selection within populations, but divergent selection between populations. Deviations from linkage equilibrium and Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium make different contributions to genotypic variance depending on the dispersal mode. Local genotypic variance, differentiation between populations and genetic load vary with the rate of gene flow but are similar for seed and pollen dispersal, unless the landscape is very heterogeneous. In this case, genetic load is higher in the case of pollen dispersal, which appears to be due to differences in the distribution of genotypic values before selection.
Gelatinized to non‐gelatinized starch ratio in the diet of Labeo rohita: effect on digestive and metabolic response and on growth
Authors: Kumar V. , Sahu N. P. , Pal A. K. , Kumar S. , Gupta S. K.
Published: November 2007

A 60‐days experiment was conducted to study the optimum gelatinized (G) to non‐gelatinized (NG) starch ratio in the diet of Labeo rohita juveniles with respect to digestive and metabolic response and on growth. Two‐hundred and thirty‐four juveniles (avg. wt 2.53 ± 0.04 g) were randomly distributed in six treatment groups with each of three replicates. Six semipurified diets either containing NG and/or G corn starch viz., T1 (100% NG, 0% G starch), T2 (80% NG, 20% G starch), T3 (60% NG, 40% G starch), T4 (40% NG, 60% G starch), T5 (20% NG, 80% G starch) and T6 (0% NG, 100% G starch) were prepared. The dry matter digestibility and carbohydrate digestibility were highest (p < 0.05) in T6 group and lowest in T3 and T4 groups. The amylase activity in intestine increased as G:NG level increased in the diet. Protease activity in intestine was highest in T6 group and lowest in T1 group. Similar trend was recorded for specific growth rate, protein efficiency ratio and apparent net protein utilization. Liver glycogen, hepatosomatic index and blood glucose level increased linearly with the increasing level of G starch in the experimental diet. The results indicate that higher nutrient digestibility and growth was recorded either at low (20% G starch, T2) or high (100% G starch, T6) G starch fed group. But high G starch fed group (T6) exhibits higher liver glycogen and blood glucose level, which may lead to stress due to long‐term feeding. Hence, it is suggested that 20% G and 80% NG starch is optimum for better nutrient digestibility and growth in L. rohita juveniles.
Digestion and deposition of individual fatty acids in growing‐finishing pigs fed diets containing either beef tallow or sunflower oil
Authors: Mitchaothai J. , Everts H. , Yuangklang C. , Wittayakun S. , Vasupen K. , Wongsuthavas S. , Srenanul P. , Hovenier R. , Beynen A. C.
Published: November 2007

The apparent digestibility and deposition in carcass of individual dietary fatty acids (FA) were determined in growing‐finishing pigs fed diets containing either beef tallow or sunflower oil. The beef tallow was rich in saturated FA (SFA) and the sunflower oil had a high content of polyunsaturated FA (PUFA). A total of 39 barrows was used. The experimental diets contained 5% (w/w) of the variable fat source and were fed ad libitum. The dietary fat type had no effect (p > 0.05) on growth performance, even though the apparent digestibilities of crude fat and crude protein were higher (p < 0.05) in the animals fed sunflower oil. The pigs fed the sunflower oil diet showed higher apparent digestibilities (p < 0.05) of the sum of SFA, monounsaturated FA (MUFA) and PUFA, but had a lower digestibility (p < 0.05) of stearic acid. The intakes of individual digestible FA were derived feed intake data, FA contents of the diets and the digestibility of individual FA. For the entire feeding period of 13 weeks, the ratio of deposition in carcass to intake of digestible FA was increased (p < 0.05) for palmitic and stearic acid in the pigs fed sunflower oil, but the ratios for oleic acid and linoleic acid were decreased (p < 0.001). In the pigs fed sunflower oil instead of beef tallow, the deposition:intake ratio was raised for the SFA (p < 0.001), but diminished for the MUFA (p < 0.05). The calculated minimum de novo synthesis of SFA was increased (p < 0.05) and that of MUFA decreased (p < 0.05) in the pigs fed sunflower oil. It is concluded that the feeding of a diet with sunflower oil instead of beef tallow improved apparent digestibility of SFA, MUFA and PUFA, increased the deposition:digestible intake ratio for SFA, but lowered that for MUFA and PUFA.
The long‐term effect of α‐ketoglutarate, given early in postnatal life, on both growth and various bone parameters in pigs
Authors: Andersen N. K. , Tatara M. R. , Krupski W. , Majcher P. , Harrison A. P.
Published: November 2007

The long‐term effect of α‐ketoglutarate (AKG) given for 21–24 days post‐partum, on the skeleton of commercial pigs, was investigated. In experiment A, 12 pigs were given AKG [0.1 g/kg of body weight (b.w.) per day per os], while 12 controls were administered vehicle. At day 169, the left and right femur, humerus and sixth ribs were analysed for mechanical and geometrical properties and quantitative computed tomography. In experiment B, 32 piglets were divided equally into an AKG group (0.3 g/kg of b.w. per day) or a control group. Blood, taken at days 24 and 53 was analysed for plasma 17 β‐oestradiol. The main bone effect of AKG was to increase bone length in the sixth rib (7.3%, p < 0.01), ultimate strength (23%, p < 0.05), Young´s modulus (52%, p < 0.001) and maximum elastic strength (31%, p = 0.056) compared with controls. In both experiments, AKG preferentially increased the growth of female piglets, whilst for male piglets AKG had the opposite effect. In addition, AKG elevated plasma 17 β‐oestradiol levels compared to those of controls at the end of the period of treatment (20%, p = 0.002). It is concluded that AKG has long‐term effects on rib properties when given early in postnatal life whilst it elevates plasma 17 β‐oestradiol levels only so long as it is being administered.
Dietary amino acids fed in free form or as protein do differently affect amino acid absorption in a rat everted sac model
Authors: Nolles J. A. , Peeters I. G. S. , Bremer B. I. , Moorman R. , Koopmanschap R. E. , Verstegen M. W. A. , Schreurs V. V. A. M.
Published: November 2007

In the present study, the effect of free amino acid (FAA) diets on the intestinal absorption rate of methionine and leucine was studied ‘ex vivo’ with rats adapted for different periods of time to the diets, using the everted sac method. The adaptation period to the 21% FAA diet with an amino acid content based on casein was either, 0 (no adaptation, N‐ADA), 5 (short‐term adaptation, ST‐ADA), or 26–33 days (long‐term adaptation, LT‐ADA). Within the ST‐ADA and the LT‐ADA groups, three different levels of methionine were included: 50%, 100% and 200% of the level normally present in casein. All diets were iso‐nitrogenous and iso‐caloric. After the adaptation period (0, 5, or 26–33 days), intestinal everted sacs were prepared. Methionine or leucine was added to the medium as transport substrate. The methionine absorption rate of the rats of the LT‐ADA groups was higher than that of the N‐ADA groups. Furthermore, adaptation to 200% dietary methionine levels caused a significantly slower leucine absorption compared to the 100%, and 50% group. Methionine absorption was similar in the 100% and 200% groups, but the absorption of methionine in the 50% group was enhanced in the distal part of the intestines. We concluded that in response diets with 21% FAAs as only amino acid source, amino acid absorption is decreased to avoid toxic effects of high levels of methionine in the circulation.
The effect of weight loss by energy restriction on metabolic profile and glucose tolerance in ponies
Authors: Van Weyenberg S. , Hesta M. , Buyse J. , Janssens G. P. J.
Published: November 2007

In nine initially obese ponies, a weekly weight loss according to 1% of their ideal body weight was evaluated for its impact on insulin sensitivity and metabolic profile. Weight loss was obtained solely through energy restriction, initially at 70% of maintenance energy requirements, but to maintain constant weight loss, feed amount had to be decreased to 50% and 35% of maintenance energy requirement during the course of the trial. An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed at weeks 0, 10 and 17. Fasted blood samples were taken on weeks 0, 3, 10, 17 for analysis of triglycerides (TG), non‐esterified fatty acids (NEFA), creatine phosphokinase (CPK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), T3, T4and leptin. Total average weight loss was 18.2%. When the OGTT was performed at weeks 0, 10 and 17, ponies had lost 0.22%, 9.9% and 16.3% of their initial weight respectively. Weight loss was associated with a decreased AUC for glucose and insulin. Moreover, greater % weight loss was associated with a significantly lower glucose peak and a lower area under the curve (AUC glucose). The lower glucose response after an OGTT in lean ponies was not the result of an increased insulin secretion, but an improved insulin sensitivity. Restricted feeding led to mobilization of TG and NEFA and to a reduced basal metabolism, with lower LDH, CPK, T3and leptin. In conclusion: in obese Shetland ponies, weight loss at a rate of 1% of ideal body weight per week through restricted energy intake, ameliorated insulin sensitivity.
Effect of housefly maggot meal (magmeal) diets on the performance, concentration of plasma glucose, cortisol and blood characteristics of Oreochromis niloticus fingerlings
Authors: Ogunji J. O. , Kloas W. , Wirth M. , Neumann N. , Pietsch C.
Published: November 2007

A 56‐day feeding trial was conducted to access the effect of housefly maggot meal (magmeal) diets on the performance, concentration of plasma glucose, cortisol and blood characteristics of Oreochromis niloticus fingerlings. Seven feeds formulated to contain 36% protein and 20 kJ g−1 gross energy (dry matter basis), were prepared by replacing fish meal with magmeal. Fifteen fingerlings (initial average weight 2.0 ± 0.1 g) stocked per experimental tank were fed in triplicates at 5% body weight in two portions per day (a level previously established). Growth and food conversion ratio were adequate and comparable without any significant differences (p < 0.5) between feeding groups. Mean values for haematocrit and plasma glucose were not significantly different (p < 0.05) among the feeding groups. Fish group fed control diet (containing highest inclusion level of fish meal and without magmeal) gave the lowest haemoglobin concentration (5.96 ± 0.22 g dl−1). This value was significantly different from other feeding groups. Stressful conditions in fish and in mammals are associated with decreased growth, haematocrit (packed cell volume) and haemoglobin values, increased whole blood glucose (hyperglycaemia) and plasma cortisol concentrations. No such physiological changes were observed in this study. Results suggest that feeding O. niloticus fingerling with magmeal diets did not cause any form of physiological stress. Magmeal can be used as a good alternative protein source in tilapia diets.
Liver colourations as well as performance and digestive tract characteristics of broilers may change as influenced by stage and schedule of feed restriction
Authors: Ocak N. , Sivri F.
Published: November 2007

To investigate the changes in characteristics (CIE L*, a* and b*) of liver colour as well as growth, carcass and digestive tract of broilers as influenced by stage and schedule of feed restriction, 400 two‐week‐old broilers (Ross 308) were randomly assigned to 20 floor pens. Four replicate pens of 20 equally mixed sex birds per pen were randomly allotted each of the five treatments. Birds in control were fed ad libitum. Birds in QFRM and QFRL were restricted 75% of ad libitum intake (quantitative feed restriction, QFR) for 10 days. Birds in FTRM and FTRL were fed ad libitum for 7 days per a period of 10 days with third, fifth and seventh days of feed withdrawal (feeding time restriction, FTR). The restrictions in the QFRM and FTRM started on day 14 (at middle age, M) while the restrictions in the QFRL and FTRL started on day 31 (at late age, L). The restricted broilers consumed less feed than the full‐fed birds (p < 0.05). The QFRM and FTRM birds consumed less feed than QFRL and FTRL birds (p < 0.05). The body weight gain decreased by the QFRL and FTRL, the feed efficiency increased by the QFRM and FTRM compared to other treatments (p < 0.05). The QFRL and FTRL increased a* and b* values of liver and the relative weights of gut and liver, and the FTRL increased the L* value of liver compared to other treatments (p < 0.05). The QFRL and FTRL decreased the relative weight of abdominal fat compared to the control (p < 0.05). In conclusion, (i) the restricted feeding at middle stage improved feed efficiency; (ii) the restricted feeding at later stage decreased growth rate and abdominal fat; and (iii) limited‐time feeding during later period caused a measurable variation in the liver colour.
Effect of feeding sorghum ergot (Claviceps africana) to sows during mid‐lactation on plasma prolactin and litter performance
Authors: Kopinski J. S. , Blaney B. J. , Murray S.‐A. , Downing J. A.
Published: November 2007

Diets containing 3% sorghum ergot (16 mg alkaloids/kg, including 14 mg dihydroergosine/kg) were fed to 12 sows from 14 days post‐farrowing until weaning 14 days later, and their performance was compared with that of 10 control sows. Ergot‐fed sows displayed a smaller weight loss during lactation of 24 kg/head vs. 29 kg/head in control sows (p > 0.05) despite feed consumption being less (61 kg/head total feed intake vs. 73 kg/head by control sows; p < 0.05). Ergot‐fed sows had poorer weight gain of litters over the 14‐day period (16.6 kg/litter vs. 28.3 kg/litter for controls; p < 0.05) despite an increase in consumption of creep feed by the piglets from the ergot‐fed sows (1.9 kg/litter compared with 1.1 kg/litter by the control; p > 0.05). Sow plasma prolactin was reduced with ergot feeding after 7 days to 4.8 μg/l compared with 15.1 μg/l in the control sows (p < 0.01) and then at weaning was 4.9 μg/l compared with 8.0 μg/l (p < 0.01) in the control sows. Two sows fed ergot ceased lactation early, and the above sow feed intakes, body weight losses with litter weight gains and creep consumption indirectly indicate an ergot effect on milk production.
Subacute hepatic failure due to hepatitis E
Authors: Ramachandran Jeyamani , Ramakrishna Banumathi , Eapen Chundamannil Eapen , Abraham Priya , Zachariah Uday George , Jayram Aruna , Mathews Manoj , Kurian George , Mukopadhya Ashis , Chandy George
Published: November 2007

Background and Aim:  The data available on subacute hepatic failure due to hepatitis E virus is scarce. The aim of this study is to analyze the clinical spectrum and outcome of this condition.

Methods:  This is a retrospective hospital‐based study of patients with acute hepatitis E and subacute hepatic failure from January 2001 to June 2006.

Results:  We encountered 12 patients with this condition during the study period. There were four females and eight males (age 39 ± 16). Jaundice and ascites were present in all. The model for end stage liver disease (MELD) score was 25 ± 8. All of them had normal‐sized liver on ultrasonogram. Transjugular liver biopsies were done in nine patients and revealed extensive bridging, submassive necrosis and cholestasis. Complications included spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (four) and urinary tract infections (two), renal failure (three) and encephalopathy (three). The in‐hospital mortality was 25% (3/12). The remaining nine patients left the hospital alive with normalization of liver functions in eight of them over the next few months.

Conclusion:  Subacute hepatic failure caused by hepatitis E is a distinct entity with a better prognosis compared with the previously published series of subacute hepatic failure. Liver biopsy is useful to differentiate from hepatitis E virus superinfection on underlying chronic disease. Poor prognostic factors were female sex, younger age, encephalopathy and persistent renal failure. These patients should be considered for liver transplantation.
Pancreatic stellate cells: New target in the treatment of chronic pancreatitis
Authors: Talukdar Rupjyoti , Tandon Rakesh K
Published: November 2007

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is characterized by progressive fibrosis, pain and/or loss of exocrine and endocrine functions. Recent in vitro and in vivo experiments have proven objectively the role of activated pancreatic stellate cells (PSC) in fibrogenesis in CP. Molecular mediators shown to regulate the pathogenesis include transforming growth factor beta (TGF‐β), platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF), and pro‐inflammatory cytokines such as IL‐1, IL‐6 and TNF‐α. Furthermore, molecular pathways involving mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPK), phosphatidyl inositol 3‐kinase (PI3K), Ras superfamily G proteins, serine threonine protein kinase Raf‐1 and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPAR‐γ) have been elucidated. Understanding of the pathogenesis has led to identification of novel molecular targets and development of potential newer therapeutic agents. Those found to retard the progression of experimental CP and fibrosis in animal models include interferon (IFN) β and IFN‐γ; a Japanese herbal medicine called Saiko‐keishi‐to (TJ‐10); curcumin; PPAR‐γ ligand (troglitazone); antioxidants (vitamin A, vitamin E, DA 9601 and epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate); a protease inhibitor (camostat mesilate) and hydroxymethylglutaryl‐CoA inhibitor (lovastatin). This review summarizes the current literature addressing the role of different pharmacological agents aimed at reducing or preventing inflammation and the consequent fibrogenesis in CP.
Visceral adipose tissue area is an independent risk factor for hepatic steatosis
Authors: Park Bum J , Kim Yoon J , Kim Dong H , Kim Won , Jung Yong J , Yoon Jung H , Kim Chung Y , Cho Young M , Kim Se H , Lee Kyoung B , Jang Ja J , Lee Hyo S
Published: November 2007

Background and Aim: Recent data indicate that hepatic steatosis is associated with insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and obesity (especially central body fat distribution). There have been few studies on the correlation between biopsy‐proven hepatic steatosis and the above factors in a disease‐free population. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relation between hepatic steatosis assessed by biopsy and clinical characteristics including regional fat distribution measured by computed tomography (CT) in living liver donors.

Methods: Laboratory data, liver/spleen Hounsfield ratio (L/S ratio), regional fat distribution by CT and liver status by biopsy were evaluated retrospectively in a total of 177 living liver donors without a history of alcohol intake.

Results: The unpairedt‐test showed that age, triglycerides (TG), high density lipoprotein, total cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase, body mass index, L/S ratio, visceral adipose tissue area (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue area (SAT) were associated with hepatic steatosis. In the multiple logistic regression analysis, VAT (odds ratio 1.031, 95% CI 1.013–1.048,P < 0.01) and TG (odds ratio 1.012, 95% CI 1.004–1.020,P < 0.01) were independent risk factors of hepatic steatosis. Subgroup analysis also showed that VAT was an independent risk factor in men (odds ratio 1.022, 95% CI 1.003–1.041,P < 0.05) and women (odds ratio 1.086, 95% CI 1.010–1.168,P < 0.05).

Conclusion: Our results suggest that visceral abdominal adiposity is correlated with hepatic steatosis in healthy living liver donors.
Efficacy and safety of epirubicin and etoposide combination chemotherapy in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Lee Jae‐Lyun , Ryu Min‐Hee , Chang Heung M , Kim Tae‐Won , Lee Sung S , Sym Sun J , Kim Min K , Kim Kang M , Lee Jung S , Kang Yoon‐Koo
Published: November 2007

Background and Aim:  Systemic treatments of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (AHCC) have offered marginal clinical benefits. Recently, Italian investigators reported that etoposide and epirubicin combination (EE) chemotherapy was highly active against AHCC, with a response rate of 39% and a median overall survival (OS) of 10 months. We report our efficacy and safety results of EE in clinical practice.

Methods:  Between December 1999 and October 2005, 35 patients with AHCC and fitting the preset eligibility criteria were treated with EE. Twenty‐eight patients (80%) had liver disease associated with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and 26 (74%) had a prior history of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) using cisplatin. The EE chemotherapy consisted of epirubicin 40 mg/m2 on day 1 and etoposide 120 mg/m2 on days 1, 3 and 5 every 4 weeks.

Results:  A total of 102 chemotherapy cycles were administered, with a median of two cycles per patient (range one to eight cycles). Two patients had a partial response and nine had stable disease, with a tumor control rate of 32% (95% CI 17–48). The median progression‐free survival (PFS) was 2.1 months (95% CI 1.8–2.4) and the median OS was 6.4 months (95% CI 4.4–8.5). There was a tendency toward improved PFS in patients seronegative for HBsAg and peritoneal seeding (P = 0.06 and P = 0.054, respectively). Overall survival was significantly better in patients without HBsAg and Cancer Liver Italian Program (CLIP) score 0–1 (P = 0.024 and P = 0.033, respectively). The main toxicities were hematological events, including grade 3/4 neutropenia in 29% and febrile neutropenia in 11% of patients.

Conclusion:  Treatment with EE showed minimal antitumor activity with acceptable toxicity in HBV‐associated AHCC, especially in patients pretreated with TACE.
School urinalysis screening in Korea
Authors: CHO BYOUNG‐SOO , KIM SUNG‐DO
Published: November 2007

SUMMARY:  Since 1998, by law, all school children in Korea must have an annual urinalysis. The first early morning urine specimen is examined by a simple dipstick method for the detection of proteinuria, haematuria and glucose. If a urine test is positive, a second test is performed by paediatric nephrologists. We analysed urinalysis data of school urinalysis screening. We also analysed the results of clinical data and the renal biopsy findings of patients referred to our medical centre due to abnormal urinalysis result. To date, about five million students have been screened since annual school urinalysis started in January 1998. Among them, isolated proteinuria was about 0.2%, occult blood was about 0.8%, and glucosuria was about 0.07% from January 1998 to December 2004. Among referred patients, renal biopsy was taken in 63.1% of isolated haematuria, 10.5% of isolated proteinuria and 69.9% of haematuria combined with proteinuria. Histopathological findings are IgA nephropathy in 43.8%, mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis in 38.4%, Henoch–Schönlein nephritis in 2.7%, membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis in 1.6% and lupus nephritis in 0.5%. Alport disease showed 0.6% as a hereditary disease. In conclusion, the school urinalysis screening could detect chronic renal disease in its early stage. Early detection using school urinalysis screening and confirmatory diagnosis by renal biopsy seems to be helpful for assessment of prognosis and intervention of chronic renal disease progression.
Pathogenesis of oedema in nephrotic syndrome: Role of epithelial sodium channel
Authors: KIM SOO WAN , FRØKIÆR JØRGEN , NIELSEN SØREN
Published: November 2007

SUMMARY:  Nephrotic syndrome is associated with avid sodium retention, leading to the development of oedema and ascites. Studies in experimental animals suggest that sodium retention in nephotic syndrome is due to increased sodium re‐absorption in the collecting duct, which is also the action site of vasoregulatory hormones. However, the mechanisms underlying sodium retention in nephrotic syndrome are incompletely understood and the molecular basis remains undefined. This review summarizes recent insight into the role of epithelial sodium channels (ENaC) in animal models of nephrotic syndrome induced by puromycin aminonucleoside – or HgCl2 treatment. The sodium retention associated with nephrotic syndrome is caused by increased sodium re‐absorption in the aldosterone‐sensitive distal nephron segments including the connecting tubule and collecting duct, in which an increased apical targeting of ENaC subunits also plays an important role in the development of sodium retention in nephrotic syndrome.
Pathophysiology of minimal change nephrotic syndrome and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis
Authors: CHO MIN HYUN , HONG EUN HEE , LEE TAE HO , KO CHEOL WOO
Published: November 2007

SUMMARY:  Minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS) is the most common cause of the nephrotic syndrome in children, accounting for 90% of cases under the age of 10 years and more than 50% in older children. It has been proposed that MCNS reflects a disorder of T‐lymphocytes. These T cells are thought to release a cytokine – so‐called permeability factor – that injures the glomerular epithelial cells. The identity of this permeability factor is still uncertain. Epithelial cell damage may lead to albuminuria in MCNS by altering the metabolism of polyanions, such as heparan sulphates, that constitute most of the normal charge barrier to the glomerular filtration of macromolecules such as albumin. In contrast, in focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) the proteinuria is primarily due to an increased number of large pores in the glomerular basement membrane, leading to an impairment in size selectivity. It has been documented by repeated renal biopsies that some patients with apparent MCNS at the initial biopsy progress to FSGS. Morphological signs which have been proposed to identify the high‐risk subset of MCNS include widespread IgM deposits (IgM nephropathy) and diffuse mesangial hypercellularity. It has been also documented that the initial biopsy of paediatric patients who subsequently showed FSGS had larger glomeruli from children with MCNS and healthy controls. Therefore, the presence of glomerular hypertrophy in biopsies of apparent MCNS appeared to be a high specific indicator of increased risk for progression to FSGS. In comparison with MCNS, a higher proportion of patients with mild mesangial hypercellularity are initial non‐responder. More severe degree of mesangial hypercellularity, as seen in patients with diffuse mesangial hypercellularity, was associated with an even poorer initial response to steroid. Accordingly, it appears that mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis is a more severe form of MCNS in which the initial injury is greater, leading to mesangial dysfunction and a slower rate of recovery, and this disorder is a part of the MCNS‐FSGS spectrum. In this viewpoint, it can also be said that FSGS is the most severe form of MCNS in which the initial injury is the greatest, so the majority of patients with FSGS are non‐responders to steroid and progress to chronic renal failure. In summary, documents define the risk for progressive renal disease based on the presence of mesangial hypercellularity and glomerular hypertrophy in renal biopsies of patients with MCNS, thus directing vigilant follow up and more aggressive treatment of high‐risk patients.
Pathology of glomerular deposition diseases and fibrillary glomerulopathies associated with paraproteinemia and haematopoietic disorder
Authors: JOH KENSUKE
Published: November 2007

SUMMARY:  The primary glomerulopathies with a deposit of ultrastructural fibrillary structure, which are negative for Congo‐red stain but positive for immunoglobulins, include fibrillary glomerulonephritis and immunotactoid glomerulopathy. Several paraproteinemias, including cryoglobulinemia, monoclonal gammopathy and light chain deposition disease as well as haematopoietic disorders including plasmacytoma, plasma cell dyscrasia and B cell lymphoproliferative disorders involve glomerulopathy with an ultrastructural fibrillary structure. A rare glomerulopathy with fibrillary structure showing negative stain for Congo‐red and for immunoglobulins has been also reported. The pathological diagnoses of these glomerulopathies with ultrastructural fibrillary deposits can include either glomerular diseases, or paraproteinemic diseases, or haematopoietic diseases. The terminology is still confusing when glomerular diseases can be combined with paraproteinemic diseases and/or haematopoietic diseases. Therefore, the generic term, ‘glomerular deposition disease’, has been proposed by pathologists with a requirement for clinicians to detect autoantibodies, paraproteins and to carry out a bone marrow check. An attempt has been made to elucidate the correlation among the glomerular deposition disease, paraproteinemia and haematopoietic disorder.
Effects of therapeutic agents on the inflammatory and fibrogenic factors in IgA nephropathy
Authors: IHM CHUN‐GYOO , JEONG KYUNG WHAN , LEE SANG HO , LEE TAE WON , PARK JAE KYUNG
Published: November 2007

SUMMARY:  It is desirable in the treatment of IgA nephropathy (IgAN) to prevent the downstream events after the immune response has involved the glomerulus. We and others observed that IgA itself could directly activate mesangial cells to produce monocyte chemotactic peptide‐1 (MCP‐1), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) and this was suppressed by the treatment with steroid or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB). It was shown in mesangial cells that the increased expression of TGF‐β and plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 induced by angiotensin II was suppressed by the treatment with ARB, calcium channel blocker (CCB), spironolactone or peroxisome proliferator‐activated‐receptor‐γ (PPAR‐γ) agonist. It was well known in the patients with IgAN that renal or intraglomerular TGF‐β1 gene expression was increased. Interestingly, treatment with angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors induced significantly lower renal TGF‐β1 gene expression in patients with IgAN. It was reported in several studies that urinary levels of IL‐6, IL‐8, MCP‐1 or TGF‐β were increased in patients with IgAN. The increase was suppressed by the treatment with steroid, ARB or ACE inhibitor. More effective agents are necessary to ameliorate pathogenetic abnormalities and so to prevent the progression of IgAN.
Myoepithelium of the Human Iris: A Stereoscopic Scanning Electron Microscopic Study
Authors: Lowe Ronald P. , Carroll Nanette
Published: November 2007

Summary

The dilator pupillæ of postmortem human eyes was examined by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The results are reviewed in association with reports in the literature. The dilator pupilæ forms a dense layer with both muscular and epithelial functions (myoepithelium). During muscular activity the myoepithelial cells undergo marked intracellular rearrangement from long and fusiform in miosis, to columnar in wide mydriasis. During contraction of the dilator the myoepithelial cells change in a manner vastly different from mesodermal, visceral, smooth muscle cells.
Urgent Therapeutic Keratoplasty
Authors: Robinson Lyon P.
Published: November 2007

Summary

Fifty‐five patients required urgent therapeutic keratoplasties (hot grafts) in the 10 year period 1965 to 1974 inclusive, at Sydney Bye Hospital. These patients suffered extensive corneal diseases including corneal abscesses, widespread keratitis, severe ulceration and perforations or threatened perforations.
Giant Retinal Tears
Authors: Hunyor A. B. L.
Published: November 2007

Summary

the results of operation on 38 of 47 consecutive retinal detachments associated with giant retinal tears are presented. Giant tears can be grouped into four types. The first three are fairly specific, the last a heterogeneous group excluding the first three types and comprising somewhat more than half of the total number.
Reduction in Anterior Chamber Depth Following Scleral Buckling Procedures
Authors: Coster D. J.
Published: November 2007

Summary

A reduction in anterior chamber depth was observed in 10 of 25 patients in whom scleral buckling was performed as a surgical treatment for retinal detachment. In one case this reduction was enough to precipitate angle closure glaucoma. Pre‐operative assessment of the drainage angle and the anterior chamber depth is necessary for the recognition of predisposed individuals.
Simplified Dacrocystorhinostomy
Authors: Harrison Mark
Published: November 2007

Summary

A simplified dacrocystorhinostomy using Hegar's cervical dilators and taking less than half an hour to perform, has a low failure rate even in the hands of the infrequent operator. It is the operation of choice for recurrent acute dacrocystitis, but is equally successful in chronic dacrocystitis.
The Treatment of Branch Central Retinal Vein Occlusion
Authors: Herbstein Amos. U.
Published: November 2007

Summary

The treatments of branch retinal vein occlusion are reviewed and discussed.

In the early stages, the loss of visual acuity is the result of the retinal arterial spasm induced by the thrombotic process. In the later stages the loss of vision is the result of the retinal osdema, the impaired blood supply, the increase in cell population and the leakage from deep capillaries.
The Treatment of Two Macula Disorders with the Argon Laser
Authors: McGuinness R. , Kennedy I. , Beaumont P. , Hollows F. C.
Published: November 2007

Summary

The argon laser has been successfully used to treat central serous retinopathy without complications. The use of the laser to treat some cases of senile disciform degeneration is discussed and the need for further study of such therapy is stressed.
Nurses with mental illness: Their workplace experiences
Authors: Joyce Terry , Hazelton Michael , McMillan Margaret
Published: November 2007

ABSTRACT:  This qualitative study explored the workplace experiences of nurses who have a mental illness. The ultimate goal of the study was to gain insights that would lead to the development of more supportive environments for these nurses. Interviews were conducted with 29 nurses in New South Wales, Australia. The interview transcripts were subjected to discourse analysis. One significant finding was the theme ‘Crossing the boundary – from nurse to patient’. This encompassed three sub‐themes: ‘Developing a mental illness’, ‘Hospital admission’, and ‘Being managed’. For most of the participants, being a nurse with a mental illness was largely a negative experience. Often, nurses without a mental illness actively sought to reform the participants' behaviour to enforce what was seen as appropriate conduct for a professional nurse. This paper shows how nurses in this study dealt with the early concerns associated with mental illness.
The experience of caring for a person with a mental illness: A grounded theory study
Authors: Wynaden Dianne
Published: November 2007

ABSTRACT:  A substantive theory that explained the experience of caring for a person with a mental illness was developed using grounded theory methodology. When participants began caring, they were overwhelmed by the role and consumed by what was happening to the ill family member, to themselves, and to their family. This state was conceptualized as a social psychological problem called being consumed. In managing the experience of being consumed, all carers engaged in a social psychological process, call seeking balance. During this process, carers moved to a state where their commitment to the ill family member was more balanced and proportionate to other areas of their lives. The implications of this research include the need for increased collaboration between health professionals, policy makers, and carers along with the recognition that mental illness impacts on the individual, their family, and the community at many levels. The findings also provide health professionals with a valuable insight into caring. The need to decrease the stigma directed towards people with a mental illness is important to facilitate the person's integration into the community and sustain a cohesive level of family life. To support this, the general population requires increased education to be better prepared at a community level to effectively support the ill person and their family.
Exploring the scope of the Emergency Department mental health nurse practitioner role
Authors: Wand Timothy , White Kathryn
Published: November 2007

ABSTRACT:  The mental health nurse practitioner (MHNP) role in the Emergency Department is focused on assessing and intervening to assist people in mental distress. The skills and expertise associated with this role are also compatible with the provision of short‐term outpatient care. This scoping study investigated the potential for a MHNP outpatient service for patients presenting through the Emergency Department with a range of undifferentiated mental health concerns. The specific aim of this study was to explore the feasibility, structure, and potential outcome measures that may be used to evaluate a MHNP outpatient service. Data for the study were gathered via an extensive literature review and two separate focus group interviews. A series of semistructured interviews conducted with key informants were also undertaken to incorporate a range of clinical, academic, health manager, consumer, and carer perspectives. Findings from the study including prospective benefits and barriers associated with the implementation of this new service are highlighted and discussed. These findings indicate that a structured and formalized MHNP outpatient service has the potential to address a current deficit in the health‐care system by providing timely, accessible, primary prevention, and early intervention mental health care that better meets the needs of the public and is consistent with the Australian National Mental Health Plan (2003–2008). A MHNP outpatient service also provides an important opportunity to explore, expand, and more clearly define the unique and valuable contribution of advanced mental health nursing practice to contemporary health care.
The development and use of mental health triage scales in Australia
Authors: Broadbent Marc , Moxham Lorna , Dwyer Trudy
Published: November 2007

ABSTRACT:  In Australian emergency departments, the triage of people with physical illness and injury is well developed and supported by the Australasian Triage Scale. The Australasian Triage Scale contains brief descriptors of mental illness and it is unknown if these provide the same reliability in triage decision‐making for emergency triage nurses assessing people with a mental illness. Specialist mental health triage scales have been developed to cater for this deficit and to aid emergency staff who have lacked training in the assessment and management of people with a mental illness. A review of the development of mental health triage scales and their use in Australia identifies that using a mental health triage scale improves the competence and confidence of emergency department staff in triaging people with mental illness. Despite this, there is no consistent national approach to the emergency triage of people with a mental illness. There is ad hoc use of mental health triage scales and there are few reports of improvements in service provision to this client group as a result of the use of a mental health triage scale. These findings suggest that despite the intentions of the National Mental Health Strategy, a lack of equity remains in emergency departments in the provision of care to people with a mental illness who make up one in five of adult Australians. Consideration should be given to the introduction of a national approach to the use of a mental health triage scale in Australian emergency departments.
Shattered dreams: Parental experiences of adolescent substance abuse
Authors: Usher Kim , Jackson Debra , O'Brien Louise
Published: November 2007

ABSTRACT:  Drug or substance abuse by adolescents continues to have a major impact on the health and well‐being of young people and poses a serious management problem for health workers. While the majority of the problems surrounding adolescent substance abuse rest on the parents, little is actually known about their experiences. This study aimed to describe and construct an interpretation of the lived experiences of parenting an adolescent who abuses illicit substances. A qualitative approach, underpinned by the tenets of phenomenology, was used to conduct in‐depth interviews with 18 parents. Thematic analysis revealed eight themes: confronting the lies, deceit, and suspicion; struggling to set limits; dealing with the consequences; living with the blame and the shame; trying to keep the child safe; grieving the child that was; living with the guilt; and choosing self‐preservation. The results indicate that parents struggle to manage the problem, are left to deal with the consequences of the behaviour with little support, and are constantly looking for answers to the questions raised by the problem.
Egyptian families caring for a relative with mental illness: A hermeneutic study
Authors: Endrawes Gihane , O'Brien Louise , Wilkes Lesley
Published: November 2007

ABSTRACT:  The care of people with mental illness often rests with their families. The way families manage this experience has been explored widely in the literature; however, the added complexity of migration has been given little attention. The difficulty of conducting research with people from non‐English‐speaking backgrounds often precludes their voices and experiences from being heard, further compounding marginalization and misunderstanding of their needs. The aim of this study was to understand the experience of Egyptian families caring for a relative with mental illness in Australia. Seven participants from Egyptian background, caring for a relative with mental illness, were included in this study. A hermeneutic phenomenological approach, informed by the work of Heidegger, was used. Data were collected through in‐depth audio‐taped interviews conducted in the Arabic language, which were then translated and transcribed in English. Data analysis revealed five themes: Why did it happen? How do I protect my loved ones? What has it done to me? What has it done to us? How do I survive? Findings of the study have the potential to raise health‐care professionals' awareness of the needs of Egyptian families, their beliefs, values, and coping with mental illness.
Computerized mental health assessment in integrative health clinics: A cross‐sectional study using structured interview
Authors: Leung Sau Fong , French Peter , Chui Caroline , Arthur David
Published: November 2007

ABSTRACT:  Computerized mental health assessment is gaining popularity. It enables the standardization of assessment of clinical problems, increases the capacity to collect sensitive or confidential information, facilitates personal assessment at one's own pace, and offers rapid screening of mental health status. The use of computer technology to conduct mental health assessment was an initiative proposed for two nurse‐led integrative health clinics affiliated to a University in Hong Kong. It was intended to provide an efficient screening for depression, anxiety, alcohol abuse, and problem gambling common in the primary health‐care settings to facilitate early intervention. This study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of using a computerized health assessment kiosk to perform mental health assessment. The assessment items were derived from an abbreviated World Health Organization Mental Disorders Checklist and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition Criteria for Pathological Gambling. The study involved an opportunity sample of 31 subjects who volunteered to complete the computerized mental health assessment during their waiting time in the clinics. The results showed that most subjects had positive feelings about using a computer to perform a mental health assessment and had increased understanding of their mental health. Suggestions made to improve computerized mental health assessments included touch screen, voice instructions, and enlarged print font size.
Hitting the target! A no tears approach to writing an abstract for a conference presentation
Authors: Happell Brenda
Published: November 2007

ABSTRACT:  From the author's experience in reviewing abstracts for conference presentations, nurses do not find it easy or straightforward to write an abstract, nor do they appear to fully understand its aim and purpose. The aim of this paper is to provide a clear understanding of the role of the abstract in the context of conference presentations and to provide a practical tool to guide nurses through the process of writing an abstract for a conference presentation in terms of both the structure and the content. Tips on what to avoid when writing an abstract are included.