bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solubilization Effects on Molecular Weights of Amylose and Amylopectins of Normal Maize and Barley Starches
Authors: Bello‐Pérez Luis Arturo , Rodríguez‐Ambriz Sandra L. , Agama‐Acevedo Edith , Sanchez‐Rivera Mirna M.
Published: November 2009

Structural characteristics of starches have been important to determine their physicochemical and functional properties. Solubilization procedures were tested to find a higher solubilization percentage and thereafter to study the structural characteristics of amylose and amylopectin. Size‐exclusion chromatography with refractive index (SEC‐RI) system using a pullulan standard curve was tested to study the amylose molar mass. Also, a microbatch system using a MALLS detector was used to determine the molar mass and gyration radius of starch and amylopectin. Microwave heating produced higher solubility percentages than autoclaving, and there was a difference between both starches. The sample solubilized with microwave heating presented higher molar mass and gyration radius values than autoclave samples, showing that this process for structural studies provided information representative of the initial starch sample. When starch components were separated, amylose showed lower purity than amylopectin. Lower purity was obtained for amylose separated from barley starch, but no difference was obtained for purity of amylopectin separated from both starches. Barley amylopectin had a higher solubility percentage than maize amylopectin. Molar mass of barley amylose was 1.03 × 105 g/mol and for maize of 2.25 × 105 g/mol. Molar mass values of amylopectin separated from both starches were lower than the starch counterparts, although the same solubilization procedure (microwave heating) was used. The difference might be due to depolymerization during separation of starch components.
Bulk Functionality Diversification by Unsupervised Single‐Kernel Near‐Infrared (SKNIR) Sorting of Wheat
Authors: T⊘nning E. , Thybo A. K. , Pedersen L. , Munck L. , Hansen Å. , T⊘gersen F. A. , Engelsen S. B. , N⊘rgaard L.
Published: November 2009

We explored the effects of fractioning heterogeneous bulk wheat by fast unsupervised single‐kernel near‐infrared (SKNIR) sorting according to an internal complex NIR functionality trait using a fast prototype kernel sorter designed for postharvest bulk sorting. Sorting into three functionality fractions was performed on low quality lots from an organic field experiment from two growth years and two locations. Sorted lots were mixtures originally diversified by three different preceding catch crops. The resulting 12 fractions, as well as the 12 original wheat lots were characterized by 20 standard quality variables of grains and flours. The data was analyzed by principal component analysis (PCA) and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Within each year and location/cultivar, the SKNIR fractionation had significant positive effect on bulk grain density, protein, wet gluten content, Zeleny sedimentation volume, farinograph water absorption, farinograph softening, falling number, gelatinization temperature, and hardness index. Using the NIR fingerprint directly for sorting without calibration to a univariate reference showed that the resulting fractions were based on the major variance in the entire physicochemical quality trait within each lot as expressed by NIR. This novel unsupervised approach may become a powerful tool for sorting according to complex functionality traits, thus increasing overall quality, applicability, and value of the sorted crop.
Can disordered radical pair systems provide a basis for a magnetic compass in animals?
Authors: Hill Erin , Ritz Thorsten
Published: November 2009

A proposed mechanism for magnetic compasses in animals is that systems of radical pairs transduce magnetic field information to the nervous system. One can show that perfectly ordered arrays of radical pairs are sensitive to the direction of the external magnetic field and can thus operate, in principle, as a magnetic compass. Here, we investigate how disorder, inherent in biological cells, affects the ability of radical pair systems to provide directional information. We consider biologically inspired geometrical arrangements of ensembles of radical pairs with increasing amounts of disorder and calculate the effect of changing the direction of the external magnetic field on the rate of chemical signal production by radical pair systems. Using a previously established signal transduction model, we estimate the minimum number of receptors necessary to allow for detection of the change in chemical signal owing to changes in magnetic field direction. We quantify the required increase in the number of receptors to compensate for the signal attenuation through increased disorder. We find radical-pair-based compass systems to be relatively robust against disorder, suggesting several scenarios as to how a compass structure can be realized in a biological cell.
On the global stability of two-dimensional, incompressible, elastic bars in uniaxial extension
Authors: Sivaloganathan Jeyabal , Spector Scott J.
Published: November 2009

When a rectangular bar is subjected to uniaxial tension, the bar usually deforms (approximately) homogeneously and isoaxially until a critical load is reached. A bifurcation, such as the formation of shear bands or a neck, may then be observed. One approach is to model such an experiment as the in-plane extension of a two-dimensional, homogeneous, isotropic, incompressible, hyperelastic material in which the length of the bar is prescribed, the ends of the bar are assumed to be free of shear and the sides are left completely free. It is shown that standard constitutive hypotheses on the stored-energy function imply that no such bifurcation is possible in this model due to the fact that the homogeneous isoaxial deformation is the unique absolute minimizer of the elastic energy. Thus, in order for a bifurcation to occur either the material must cease to be elastic or the stored-energy function must violate the standard hypotheses. The fact that no local bifurcations can occur under the assumptions used herein was known previously, since these assumptions prohibit the load on the bar from reaching a maximum value. However, the fact that the homogeneous deformation is the absolute minimizer of the energy appears to be a new result.
The effect of crystal orientation on the indentation response of commercially pure titanium: experiments and simulations
Authors: Britton T. B. , Liang H. , Dunne F. P. E. , Wilkinson A. J.
Published: November 2009

This study combines nanoindentation, electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) and crystal plasticity finite element analysis to examine the anisotropy in the indentation behaviour of individual grains within an α-Ti polycrystal. Nanoindentation is utilized to mechanically probe small volumes of material within grains for which orientations are known from prior EBSD mapping. Both indentation modulus and hardness decrease significantly as the indentation axis is inclined further from the
c
-axis; the plastic response showing the more marked anisotropy. Recently developed high angular resolution EBSD has been utilized to examine selected indents, providing maps of elastic strain variations and lattice rotations. From such maps lower bound solutions for the density of geometrically necessary dislocations (GNDs) have been established. Crystal plasticity modelling showed promise in capturing correctly the orientation dependence of load–displacement response and in lattice rotations local to the indenter, particularly for indentation into a basal plane which generated threefold rotational symmetry about an axis parallel with the indentation direction which was also observed in experiments.
Scaling of swim speed and stroke frequency in geometrically similar penguins: they swim optimally to minimize cost of transport
Authors: Sato Katsufumi , Shiomi Kozue , Watanabe Yuuki , Watanuki Yutaka , Takahashi Akinori , Ponganis Paul J.
Published: November 2009

It has been predicted that geometrically similar animals would swim at the same speed with stroke frequency scaling with mass−1/3. In the present study, morphological and behavioural data obtained from free-ranging penguins (seven species) were compared. Morphological measurements support the geometrical similarity. However, cruising speeds of 1.8–2.3 m s−1were significantly related to mass0.08and stroke frequencies were proportional to mass−0.29. These scaling relationships do not agree with the previous predictions for geometrically similar animals. We propose a theoretical model, considering metabolic cost, work against mechanical forces (drag and buoyancy), pitch angle and dive depth. This new model predicts that: (i) the optimal swim speed, which minimizes the energy cost of transport, is proportional to (basal metabolic rate/drag)1/3independent of buoyancy, pitch angle and dive depth; (ii) the optimal speed is related to mass0.05; and (iii) stroke frequency is proportional to mass−0.28. The observed scaling relationships of penguins support these predictions, which suggest that breath-hold divers swam optimally to minimize the cost of transport, including mechanical and metabolic energy during dive.
The highly efficient holding function of the mollusc ‘catch’ muscle is not based on decelerated myosin head cross-bridge cycles
Authors: Galler Stefan , Litzlbauer Julia , Kröss Markus , Grassberger Herbert
Published: November 2009

Certain smooth muscles are able to reduce energy consumption greatly when holding without shortening. For instance, this is the case with muscles surrounding blood vessels used for regulating blood flow and pressure. The phenomenon is most conspicuous in ‘catch’ muscles of molluscs, which have been used as models for investigating this important physiological property of smooth muscle. When the shells of mussels are held closed, the responsible muscles enter the highly energy-efficient state of catch. According to the traditional view, the state of catch is caused by the slowing down of the force-generating cycles of the molecular motors, the myosin heads. Here, we show that catch can still be induced and maintained when the myosin heads are prevented from generating force. This new evidence proves that the long-held explanation of the state of catch being due to the slowing down of force producing myosin head cycles is not valid and that the highly economic holding state is caused by the formation of a rigid network of inter-myofilament connections based on passive molecular structures.
Varying responses of insect herbivores to altered plant chemistry under organic and conventional treatments
Authors: Staley Joanna T. , Stewart-Jones Alex , Pope Tom W. , Wright Denis J. , Leather Simon R. , Hadley Paul , Rossiter John T. , van Emden Helmut F. , Poppy Guy M.
Published: November 2009

The hypothesis that plants supplied with organic fertilizers are better defended against insect herbivores than those supplied with synthetic fertilizers was tested over two field seasons. Organic and synthetic fertilizer treatments at two nitrogen concentrations were supplied to
Brassica
plants, and their effects on the abundance of herbivore species and plant chemistry were assessed. The organic treatments also differed in fertilizer type: a green manure was used for the low-nitrogen treatment, while the high-nitrogen treatment contained green and animal manures. Two aphid species showed different responses to fertilizers: the
Brassica
specialist
Brevicoryne brassicae
was more abundant on organically fertilized plants, while the generalist
Myzus persicae
had higher populations on synthetically fertilized plants. The diamondback moth
Plutella xylostella
(a crucifer specialist) was more abundant on synthetically fertilized plants and preferred to oviposit on these plants. Glucosinolate concentrations were up to three times greater on plants grown in the organic treatments, while foliar nitrogen was maximized on plants under the higher of the synthetic fertilizer treatments. The varying response of herbivore species to these strong differences in plant chemistry demonstrates that hypotheses on defence in organically grown crops have over-simplified the response of phytophagous insects.
Biochemical and Molecular Analysis of Pink Tomatoes: Deregulated Expression of the Gene Encoding Transcription Factor SlMYB12 Leads to Pink Tomato Fruit Color
Authors: Ballester Ana-Rosa , Molthoff Jos , de Vos Ric , Hekkert Bas te Lintel , Orzaez Diego , Fernaݩndez-Moreno Josefina-Patricia , Tripodi Pasquale , Grandillo Silvana , Martin Cathie , Heldens Jos , Ykema Marieke , Granell Antonio , Bovy Arnaud
Published: November 2009

The color of tomato fruit is mainly determined by carotenoids and flavonoids. Phenotypic analysis of an introgression line (IL) population derived from a cross between Solanum lycopersicum ‘Moneyberg’ and the wild species Solanum chmielewskii revealed three ILs with a pink fruit color. These lines had a homozygous S. chmielewskii introgression on the short arm of chromosome 1, consistent with the position of the y (yellow) mutation known to result in colorless epidermis, and hence pink-colored fruit, when combined with a red flesh. Metabolic analysis showed that pink fruit lack the ripening-dependent accumulation of the yellow-colored flavonoid naringenin chalcone in the fruit peel, while carotenoid levels are not affected. The expression of all genes encoding biosynthetic enzymes involved in the production of the flavonol rutin from naringenin chalcone was down-regulated in pink fruit, suggesting that the candidate gene underlying the pink phenotype encodes a regulatory protein such as a transcription factor rather than a biosynthetic enzyme. Of 26 MYB and basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors putatively involved in regulating transcription of genes in the phenylpropanoid and/or flavonoid pathway, only the expression level of the MYB12 gene correlated well with the decrease in the expression of structural flavonoid genes in peel samples of pink- and red-fruited genotypes during ripening. Genetic mapping and segregation analysis showed that MYB12 is located on chromosome 1 and segregates perfectly with the characteristic pink fruit color. Virus-induced gene silencing of SlMYB12 resulted in a decrease in the accumulation of naringenin chalcone, a phenotype consistent with the pink-colored tomato fruit of IL1b. In conclusion, biochemical and molecular data, gene mapping, segregation analysis, and virus-induced gene silencing experiments demonstrate that the MYB12 transcription factor plays an important role in regulating the flavonoid pathway in tomato fruit and suggest strongly that SlMYB12 is a likely candidate for the y mutation.
Large-Scale Reverse Genetics in Arabidopsis: Case Studies from the Chloroplast 2010 Project
Authors: Ajjawi Imad , Lu Yan , Savage Linda J. , Bell Shannon M. , Last Robert L.
Published: November 2009

Traditionally, phenotype-driven forward genetic plant mutant studies have been among the most successful approaches to revealing the roles of genes and their products and elucidating biochemical, developmental, and signaling pathways. A limitation is that it is time consuming, and sometimes technically challenging, to discover the gene responsible for a phenotype by map-based cloning or discovery of the insertion element. Reverse genetics is also an excellent way to associate genes with phenotypes, although an absence of detectable phenotypes often results when screening a small number of mutants with a limited range of phenotypic assays. The Arabidopsis Chloroplast 2010 Project (www.plastid.msu.edu) seeks synergy between forward and reverse genetics by screening thousands of sequence-indexed Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) T-DNA insertion mutants for a diverse set of phenotypes. Results from this project are discussed that highlight the strengths and limitations of the approach. We describe the discovery of altered fatty acid desaturation phenotypes associated with mutants of At1g10310, previously described as a pterin aldehyde reductase in folate metabolism. Data are presented to show that growth, fatty acid, and chlorophyll fluorescence defects previously associated with antisense inhibition of synthesis of the family of acyl carrier proteins can be attributed to a single gene insertion in Acyl Carrier Protein4 (At4g25050). A variety of cautionary examples associated with the use of sequence-indexed T-DNA mutants are described, including the need to genotype all lines chosen for analysis (even when they number in the thousands) and the presence of tagged and untagged secondary mutations that can lead to the observed phenotypes.
Developmental Stage Specificity and the Role of Mitochondrial Metabolism in the Response of Arabidopsis Leaves to Prolonged Mild Osmotic Stress
Authors: Skirycz Aleksandra , De Bodt Stefanie , Obata Toshihiro , De Clercq Inge , Claeys Hannes , De Rycke Riet , Andriankaja Megan , Van Aken Olivier , Van Breusegem Frank , Fernie Alisdair R. , Inzeݩ Dirk
Published: November 2009

When subjected to stress, plants reprogram their growth by largely unknown mechanisms. To provide insights into this process, the growth of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) leaves that develop under mild osmotic stress was studied. Early during leaf development, cell number and size were reduced by stress, but growth was remarkably adaptable, as division and expansion rates were identical to controls within a few days of leaf initiation. To investigate the molecular basis of the observed adaptability, leaves with only proliferating, exclusively expanding, and mature cells were analyzed by transcriptomics and targeted metabolomics. The stress response measured in growing and mature leaves was largely distinct; several hundred transcripts and multiple metabolites responded exclusively in the proliferating and/or expanding leaves. Only a few genes were differentially expressed across the three stages. Data analysis showed that proliferation and expansion were regulated by common regulatory circuits, involving ethylene and gibberellins but not abscisic acid. The role of ethylene was supported by the analysis of ethylene-insensitive mutants. Exclusively in proliferating cells, stress induced genes of the so-called “mitochondrial dysfunction regulon,” comprising alternative oxidase. Up-regulation for eight of these genes was confirmed with promoter:β-glucuronidase reporter lines. Furthermore, mitochondria of stress-treated dividing cells were morphologically distinct from control ones, and growth of plants overexpressing the alternative oxidase gene was more tolerant to osmotic and drought stresses. Taken together, our data underline the value of analyzing stress responses in development and demonstrate the importance of mitochondrial respiration for sustaining cell proliferation under osmotic stress conditions.
Characteristic mutations in hepatitis C virus core gene related to the occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Hu Zhongjie , Muroyama Ryosuke , Kowatari Norie , Chang Jinhai , Omata Masao , Kato Naoya
Published: November 2009

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection often results in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Previous studies have shown that there might be some characteristic mutations in the core region of HCV related to HCC. Thus, we downloaded and analyzed HCV genotype 1b core gene sequences from HCV databases online to identify them. Based on the information of the sequences, 63 from patients with HCC and 188 from non‐HCC were enrolled into our analysis. Then, the nucleotides at each position were compared by χ2‐test between the two groups, and 24 polymorphisms were found to be associated with HCC. Further analysis of these 24 polymorphisms by logistic regression indicated that eight were significantly related to the increased HCC risk: A028C, G209A, C219U/A, U264C, A271C/U, C378U/A, G435A/C, and G481A. Moreover, U303C/A was associated with the decreased HCC risk. These mutations could bring about four amino acid substitutions: K10Q, R70Q, M91L, and G161S. In conclusion, eight characteristic mutations in the HCV‐1b core gene related to the occurrence of HCC were identified. The structural and functional alterations of core protein due to these mutations and the relationship with the occurrence of HCC need to be further studied. (Cancer Sci 2009; 100: 2465–2468)
Epidural analgesia and breastfeeding: a randomised controlled trial of epidural techniques with and without fentanyl and a non‐epidural comparison group
Authors: Wilson M. J. A. , MacArthur C. , Cooper G. M. , Bick D. , Moore P. A. S. , Shennan A. ,   on behalf of the COMET Study Group UK
Published: November 2009

We compared breastfeeding initiation and duration in 1054 nulliaparae randomised to bupivacaine Control epidural, Combined Spinal Epidural or Low Dose Infusion and 351 matched non‐epidural comparisons. Women were interviewed after delivery and completed a postal questionnaire at 12 months. Regression analysis determined factors which independently predicted breastfeeding initiation. Breastfeeding duration was subjected to Kaplan–Meier analysis. A similar proportion of women in each epidural group initiated breastfeeding. Women with no epidural did not report a higher initiation rate relative to epidural groups and those who received pethidine reported a lower initiation rate than control epidural (p = 0.002). Older age groups (p < 0.001) and non‐white ethnicity (p < 0.026) were predictive of breastfeeding. Epidural fentanyl dose, delivery mode and trial group were not predictive. Mean duration for breastfeeding was similar across epidural groups (Control 13.3, Combined Spinal Epidural 15.5, Low Dose Infusion 15.0 weeks). Our data do not support an effect of epidural fentanyl on breastfeeding initiation.
Application of multiplexed immunoglobulin E determination on a chip in component‐resolved diagnostics in allergy
Authors: Knol E. F. , Knulst A. C.
Published: November 2009

Cite this as: E. F. Knol and A. C. Knulst, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2010 (40) 190–192.
15‐Lipoxygenase‐2 is expressed in macrophages in human carotid plaques and regulated by hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α
Authors: Hultén L. M. , Olson F. J. , Åberg H. , Carlsson J. , Karlström L. , Borén J. , Fagerberg B. , Wiklund O.
Published: November 2009

Eur J Clin Invest 2010; 40 (1): 11–17

Background  Macrophages are prominent in hypoxic areas of atherosclerotic lesions and their secreted cytokines, growth factors and activity of enzymes are involved in atherogenesis. Previously, we showed that 15‐lipoxygenase (LOX)‐2 is expressed in human monocyte‐derived macrophages and that hypoxia increases 15‐LOX‐2 expression and secretion of pro‐inflammatory molecules. Here we investigated whether human carotid plaque macrophages express 15‐LOX‐2 and whether its expression in macrophages is regulated by hypoxia through hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α (HIF‐1α).

Materials and methods  Carotid plaques from 47 patients with high‐grade symptomatic carotid artery stenosis were analysed using immunohistochemistry, and stained areas were quantified by digital image analysis. Carotid plaque macrophages were isolated with anti‐CD14 immunobeads using an immunomagnetic bead technique. Primary macrophages were transfected with HIF‐1α siRNA or control siRNA before extraction of RNA and medium analysis.

Results  In paired tissue sections, the extent of staining for CD68 correlated with staining for 15‐LOX‐2 but not for 15‐LOX‐1. In carotid plaque macrophages isolated with anti‐CD14 immunobeads, 15‐LOX‐2 mRNA was expressed at high levels. In primary macrophages, 15‐LOX‐2 expression was significantly increased by incubation with the HIF‐1α stabilizer dimethyloxalylglycine. Knockdown of HIF‐1α significantly decreased production of the 15‐LOX‐2 enzyme products 12‐ and 15‐hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid. In carotid plaques, HIF‐1α staining correlated with staining for 15‐LOX‐2.

Conclusions  These results demonstrate that 15‐LOX‐2 is highly expressed in human plaques and is correlated with the presence of macrophages and HIF‐1α. 15‐LOX‐2 enzyme activity can be modulated by HIF‐1α. Thus, increased expression of 15‐LOX‐2 in macrophages in hypoxic atherosclerotic plaque may enhance inflammation and the recruitment of inflammatory cells.
Home orthostatic training in chronic fatigue syndrome – a randomized, placebo‐controlled feasibility study
Authors: Sutcliffe K. , Gray J. , Tan M. P. , Pairman J. , Wilton K. , Parry S. W. , Newton J. L.
Published: November 2009

Eur J Clin Invest 2010; 40 (1): 18–24

Background  Orthostatic (Tilt)‐training is an effective treatment for neurally mediated hypotension (NMH). NMH is a frequent finding in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). We evaluated home orthostatic training (HOT) in CFS in a randomized placebo‐controlled feasibility study.

Methods  Thirty‐eight patients with CFS (Fukuda Criteria) were randomly allocated to daily tilt training (n = 19) or sham training (n = 19) for 6 months. Haemodynamic responses to standing were performed in all subjects using continuous technology (Taskforce) at enrolment, week 1, 4 and 24. Symptom response and compliance were assessed using diaries.

Results  Two patients (one from each arm) withdrew from the study. Fourteen patients in each group complied completely or partially, and patients found the training manageable and achievable. Compared to the sham group, blood pressure while standing dropped to 8·0 mmHg less in the HOT group at 4 weeks (95% CI: 1·0 to 15·0, P = 0·03). At 4 weeks, the HOT group had higher total peripheral resistance compared to the sham group; mean difference 70·2, 95% CI: −371·4 to 511·8. Changes were maintained at 6 months. There was no significant difference in fatigue between groups at 4 weeks (mean difference 1·4, 95% CI: −13·5 to 16·2), but there was a trend towards improvement in fatigue at 6 months. Compliers had lower fatigue compared to non‐compliers.

Conclusions  A placebo‐controlled study of HOT in CFS is feasible. HOT is well tolerated and generally complied with. A likely physiological rationale for HOT in CFS is related to reductions in orthostatic intolerance. An adequately powered study including strategies to enhance compliance is warranted.
Influence of European sculpin, Cottus gobio, on Atlantic salmon Salmo salar, recruitment and the effect of gravel size on egg predation – implications for spawning habitat restoration
Authors: PALM D. , LINDBERG M. , BRÄNNÄS E. , LUNDQVIST H. , ÖSTERGREN J. , CARLSSON U.
Published: November 2009

Abstract  The study examined if recruitment of juvenile Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., was influenced by the presence of European sculpin, Cottus gobio L., and if the spawning substrate size used by salmon influences sculpin predation on salmon eggs. A combination of information on spawning site selection by female salmon and associated densities of juvenile salmon indicated that recruitment of juvenile salmon was 10 times lower in areas where sculpin was present than areas without sculpin. Predation rate on salmon eggs was found to be dependent on substrate size in artificial redds created in stream aquaria using four different sizes of substrate (13, 23, 37 and 62 mm). Predation rate averaged 83% in the aquaria with the largest substrate size, whereas a rate of only 2–3% was observed using smaller substrate sizes. Sculpin may thus be an important factor influencing the recruitment of juvenile salmon. Selecting small enough gravel sizes during restoration of salmon spawning habitat could therefore be important to minimise egg predation.
Host response to the chondracanthid copepod Chondracanthus goldsmidi, a gill parasite of the striped trumpeter, Latris lineata (Forster), in Tasmania
Authors: Andrews M , Battaglene S , Cobcroft J , Adams M , Noga E , Nowak B
Published: November 2009

The chondracanthid copepod, Chondracanthus goldsmidi is an ectoparasite of gills, inner opercula and nasal cavities of cultured striped trumpeter, Latris lineata (Forster). Whilst often present in high numbers (up to 60 parasites per host), little is known about its effect on striped trumpeter. In this study C. goldsmidi was associated with extensive epithelial hyperplasia and necrosis. Pathological changes were most pronounced near the parasite’s attachment site, with papilloma‐like growths surrounding the entire parasite resulting in deformation of the filament. The number of mucous cells increased near the parasite attachment sites on both the opercula and gills. Mast cells were absent in healthy gills; in contrast numerous mast cells were identified in the papilloma‐like growths. Immunostaining identified piscidin‐positive mast cells in the papilloma‐like growths, presenting the first evidence of piscidin in the family Latridae.
Is the prevalence of asthma declining? Systematic review of epidemiological studies
Authors: Anandan C. , Nurmatov U. , Van Schayck O. C. P. , Sheikh A.
Published: November 2009

To cite this article: Anandan C, Nurmatov U, van Schayck OCP, Sheikh A. Is the prevalence of asthma declining? Systematic review of epidemiological studies. Allergy 2010; 65: 152–167.

Asthma prevalence has increased very considerably in recent decades such that it is now one of the commonest chronic disorders in the world. Recent evidence from epidemiological studies, however, suggests that the prevalence of asthma may now be declining in many parts of the world, which, if true is important for health service planning and also because this offers the possibility of generating and testing new aetiological hypotheses. Our objective was to determine whether the prevalence of asthma is declining worldwide. We undertook a systematic search of EMBASE, Medline, Web of Science and Google Scholar, for high quality reports of cohort studies, repeat cross‐sectional studies and analyses of routine healthcare datasets to examine international trends in asthma prevalence in children and adults for the period 1990–2008. There were 48 full reports of studies that satisfied our inclusion criteria. The large volume of data identified clearly indicate that there are, at present, no overall signs of a declining trend in asthma prevalence; on the contrary, asthma prevalence is in many parts of the world still increasing. The reductions in emergency healthcare utilization being reported in some economically developed countries most probably reflect improvements in quality of care. There remain major gaps in the literature on asthma trends in relation to Africa and parts of Asia. There is no overall global downward trend in the prevalence of asthma. Healthcare planners will for the foreseeable future, therefore, need to continue with high levels of anticipated expenditure in relation to provision of asthma care.
Histological Structure of the Adrenal Gland of the Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) and the Striped Dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) from the Adriatic Sea
Authors: Vuković S. , Lucić H. , Živković A. , Đuras Gomerčić M. , Gomerčić T. , Galov A.
Published: November 2009

The structure of the adrenal gland was studied in 11 bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), and five striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba). These species are legally protected in Croatia. All examined animals died of natural causes and were found stranded along eastern Adriatic coast. In both species the adrenal gland consists of a cortex and a medulla; the cortex is divided into three zones. Whereas in the bottlenose dolphin, there is a zona arcuata which contains columnar cells arranged in the form of arches; in the striped dolphin this zone is replaced by zona glomerulosa containing rounded clusters of polygonal cells. In both species, the zona fasciculata consists of radially oriented cords of polygonal cells, whereas in zona reticularis cells are arranged in branching and anastomosing cords. The adrenal medulla in both species contains dark, epinephrine‐secreting cells and light norepinephrine‐secreting cells. Epinephrine‐secreting cells are localized in the outer part of the medulla, whereas norepinephrine‐secreting cells are found in the inner part, arranged in clusters and surrounded by septa of thin connective tissue. The gland is surrounded by a thick connective‐tissue capsule, from where thick trabeculae extend towards the interior. In the bottlenose dolphin, group of cells resembling both medullar and cortical cells can be seen within the capsule; whereas only groups of cells resembling cortical cells are found within the capsule of the striped dolphin. In the bottlenose dolphin invagination of the adrenal cortex into the medulla is obvious as well as medullary protrusions extending through cortex to the connective tissue capsule.
Macrophages in Langerhans cell histiocytosis are differentiated toward M2 phenotype: Their possible involvement in pathological processes
Authors: Ohnishi Koji , Komohara Yoshihiro , Sakashita Naomi , Iyama Ken‐ichi , Murayama Toshihiko , Takeya Motohiro
Published: November 2009

Although numerous macrophages are found in the lesions of Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH), their activation phenotypes and their roles in the disease process have not been clarified. Paraffin‐embedded LCH samples were examined on immunohistochemistry and it was found that CD163 can be used to distinguish infiltrated macrophages from neoplastic Langerhans cells (LC). The number of CD163‐positve macrophages was positively correlated with the number of multinucleated giant cells (MGC), indicating that most MGC are derived from infiltrated macrophages. A significant number of CD163‐positive macrophages were positive for interleukin (IL)‐10 and phospho‐signal transducer and activator of transcription‐3 (pSTAT3), an IL‐10‐induced signal transduction molecule. This indicates that these macrophages are polarized to anti‐inflammatory macrophages of M2 phenotype. Tumor‐derived macrophage–colony‐stimulating factor (M‐CSF) was considered to responsible for inducing M2 differentiation of infiltrated macrophages. The number of CD163‐positive macrophages in different cases of LCH varied, and interestingly the density of CD163‐positive macrophages was inversely correlated with the Ki‐67‐positivity of LC. Although the underlying mechanism is not fully elucidated, macrophage‐derived IL‐10 was considered to be involved in the suppression of tumor cell proliferation via activation of STAT3.
Optimal duration of preoperative anti‐helminthic therapy for pulmonary hydatid surgery
Authors: Koul Parvaiz A. , Singh Anurag Ambroze , Ahanger Abdul G. , Wahid Abdul , Sofi Bashir A.
Published: November 2009

Background:  The optimal duration of preoperative anti‐helminths for prevention of recurrences in pulmonary hydatidosis is unclear, although 1–3 weeks of therapy is routinely used.

Methods:  Forty‐five patients of pulmonary hydatid disease were randomly assigned into four groups to receive either 0, 2, 4 or 8 weeks of preoperative albendazole (ABZ) and praziquantel (PZQ). Viability of the scolices in the fluid harvested at surgery (methylene blue staining) and ability to produce peritoneal hydatids in mice (intra‐peritoneal inoculation) were compared in different groups.

Results:  The percentage viability of the scolices as a whole was significantly (P < 0.001) lower in the treated cysts (n= 36, mean 43.5 ± 35.69) compared with the untreated cysts (n= 8, mean 94.75 ± 7.21). The viability progressively decreased with increasing durations of chemotherapy (P < 0.001). Mean percentage viability of scolices was 88.72 ± 4.91% in patients treated for 2 weeks (n= 12), 38.09 ± 9.10% after 4 weeks (n= 11) and 8.1 ± 9.23% after 8 weeks (n= 14). Intra‐peritoneal mice inoculation was positive in 90% of the cysts that received therapy for 2 weeks or less and none of the patients who received therapy for 8 weeks had a positive inoculation.

Conclusions:  Preoperative combination therapy with ABZ and PZQ effects a scolicidal response which increases with the increasing duration of the preoperative chemotherapy, and a 4‐week course of the combination chemotherapeutic agents seems to be the minimum required duration for ensuring scolicidal activity enough to prevent spillage‐induced recurrences following pulmonary hydatidosis.
Accuracy of preoperative ultrasound and ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration cytology for axillary staging in breast cancer
Authors: Jung Jinhyang , Park Hoyong , Park Jiyoung , Kim Hyejung
Published: November 2009

Background:  The aims of this study were to evaluate the accuracy of preoperative ultrasound and ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology (US‐FNAC) for detecting axillary metastases, and to assess how often sentinel node biopsy could be avoided.

Methods:  Axillary ultrasound, as a part of routine preoperative staging, was performed in 189 patients with histologically proven breast cancer. US‐FNAC was performed on all lymph nodes (LNs) with features suggestive of metastatic disease on ultrasound characteristics and LNs larger than 1 cm regardless of whether the nodes appear normal or abnormal. The cytologic results were compared with the final histological diagnosis.

Results:  The sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values of the ultrasound alone of axillary LNs for metastatic breast cancer were 54, 91, 75 and 81%, retrospectively. For the US‐FNAC, the respective values were 80, 98, 97 and 84%.

Conclusions:  Preoperative axillary ultrasound in combination with US‐FNAC provides a simple, minimally invasive and reliable approach to the initial determination of the axillary LN status. Those who are US‐FNAC positive can be referred for axillary LN dissection without sentinel LN biopsy.
Asexual endophytes and associated alkaloids alter arthropod community structure and increase herbivore abundances on a native grass
Authors: Jani Andrea J. , Faeth Stanley H. , Gardner Dale
Published: November 2009

Despite their minute biomass, microbial symbionts of plants potentially alter herbivory, diversity and community structure. Infection of grasses by asexual endophytic fungi often decreases herbivore loads and alters arthropod diversity. However, most studies to date have involved agronomic grasses and often consider only infection status (infected vs. uninfected), without explicitly measuring endophyte‐produced alkaloids, which vary among endophyte isolates and may impact consumers. We combined field experiments and population surveys to investigate how endophyte infection and associated alkaloids influence abundances, species richness, evenness and guild structure of arthropod communities on a native grass, Achnatherum robustum (sleepygrass). Surprisingly, we found that endophyte‐produced alkaloids were associated with increased herbivore abundances and species richness. Our results suggest that, unlike what has been found in agronomic grass systems, high alkaloid levels in native grasses may not protect host grasses from arthropod herbivores, and may instead more negatively affect natural enemies of herbivores.

Ecology Letters (2010) 13: 106–117
Minimally invasive percutaneous cystolithotomy: an effective treatment for bladder stones in infants aged <1 year
Authors: Gan Weidong , Guo Hongqian , Yang Rong , Lian Huibo , Yao Linfang
Published: November 2009

Study Type – Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4

OBJECTIVE

To present our experience with minimally invasive percutaneous cystolithotomy (MPCCL) for the treatment of bladder stones in infants aged <1 year.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From 1 January 2003 to 31 October 2008, 15 boys with a mean (range) age of 8.2  (3.0–11.5) months underwent MPCCL. The mean (range) stone diameter was 1.4 (0.9–2.2) cm. Ten infants had a solitary stone while five had more than one stone. MPCCLs were performed under general anaesthesia. A 16 F peel‐away sheath was introduced as a working tract after dilatation with percutaneous nephrolithotomy dilators (8–16 F) under fluoroscopic control. After dilatation, an 8–9.8 F ureteroscope was introduced into the bladder, and the stones were fragmented with a shock wave lithotriptor. After the MPCCL, a 14 F suprapubic catheter was left in situ and fixed to the skin, and removed 1 or 2 days after MPCCL. The urethral catheter was removed 2 or 3 days after MPCCL. The absence of stone fragments on plain X‐ray/ultrasonography was considered as a ‘stone‐free’ status.

RESULTS

All infants were stone‐free after one MPCCL; no recurrent stones developed. The mean MPCCL procedure time was 25 min and intraoperative blood loss was scant. Perioperative complications were few. The mean hospital stay was 2.8 days.

CONCLUSION

MPCCL is a safe and effective treatment option for bladder stones in infants, reducing postoperative complications and shortening hospital stay.
Predictors of discontinuing overactive bladder medications
Authors: Brubaker Linda , Fanning Kristina , Goldberg Erica L. , Benner Joshua S. , Trocio Jeffrey N. , Bavendam Tamara , Jumadilova Zhanna
Published: November 2009

Study Type – Symptom prevalence (prospective cohort) Level of Evidence 1b

OBJECTIVE

To identify predictors of self‐reported discontinuation of overactive bladder (OAB) medication using a three‐phase survey.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In January 2005, a phase 1 survey was sent to 260 000 households in the USA to assess the prevalence of OAB symptom bother, treatment patterns and healthcare consulting behaviour. In July 2005, a detailed phase 2 follow‐up survey was sent to 6577 phase 1 respondents who had used one or more OAB medications within the 12 months before phase 1; the phase 2 survey included questions about respondents’ sociodemographic characteristics, general health status, OAB symptom bother, healthcare consulting behaviour, beliefs about OAB and treatment options, and medication usage. Six months later, a phase 3 survey was sent to 3387 phase‐2 respondents who were persistent with OAB medication or had discontinued within <18 months of phase 2; the phase 3 survey measured the same variables as phase 2. Only phase 3 respondents who were persistent with OAB medication at phase 2 were included in the analyses reported here. Assessed were the proportions of respondents who were still persistent with OAB medication at phase 3 and who discontinued OAB medication between phases 2 and 3. The variables measured during the phase 2 survey were screened as potential predictors of discontinuation at phase 3 using univariate analysis and then assessed using multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS

Among 2838 respondents at phase 3 (84% response rate), 1194 had recently discontinued and 1644 were persistent with medication at phase 2. Among phase‐3 respondents who were persistent at phase 2, 1040 (66%) continued to be persistent at phase 3, 280 (18%) had discontinued between phases 2 and 3, and 261 (17%) had switched medication between phases 2 and 3; 63 respondents had missing prescription information at phase 3. Predictors of discontinuing at phase 3 included smoking (odds ratio 1.80; 95% confidence interval 1.15–2.83; P = 0.010), not knowing whether treating bladder problems requires multiple daily doses of medication (1.71, 1.10–2.67; P = 0.018), believing (2.11, 1.34–3.33; P = 0.001) or not knowing (1.76, 1.23–2.52; P = 0.002) whether adverse effects of OAB medications are often severe, and being bothered ‘quite a bit or more’ by a sudden urge to urinate (1.54, 1.05–2.26; P = 0.028). Respondents taking two or more medications were less likely to discontinue (odds ratio 0.45–0.58; P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Persistence with OAB medications might be improved by addressing predictors of discontinuation in the management of OAB, by proactively informing patients about the severity of antimuscarinic adverse effects, and dosing regimens. Bother associated with the key OAB symptom, urgency, is a predictor of discontinuation of treatment.
Suppressed tumour growth and enhanced chemosensitivity by RNA interference targeting Aurora‐A in the PC3 human prostate cancer model
Authors: Kumano Masafumi , Miyake Hideaki , Terakawa Tomoaki , Furukawa Junya , Fujisawa Masato
Published: November 2009

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the inhibitory effects of Aurora‐A expression in prostate cancer cells on their growth and chemosensitivity.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Aurora‐A expression in radical prostatectomy specimens obtained from 193 patients were evaluated by immunohistochemical staining. We then established PC3 cells in which the expression vector containing short‐hairpin RNA (shRNA) targeting Aurora‐A was introduced (PC3/sh‐A). The growth and the sensitivity to docetaxel in PC3/sh‐A were compared with those in PC3 transfected with control vector alone (PC3/C).

RESULTS

Immunohistochemistry showed that there were various levels of Aurora‐A expression in most prostate cancer tissues, and the expression levels of Aurora‐A in prostate cancer were significantly related to Gleason score. Expression levels of both Aurora‐A mRNA and protein in PC3/sh‐A were ≈20% of those in PC3/C. In vitro growth of PC3/sh‐A was significantly worse than that of PC3/C, and the proportion of PC3/sh‐A in the G2‐M phase was significantly greater than that of PC3/C. The 50% inhibitory concentration of docetaxel in PC3/sh‐A decreased by 67% compared with that in PC3/C. Tumour volume in nude mice injected with PC3/sh‐A was significantly smaller than that with PC3/C. Furthermore, treatment of nude mice bearing PC3/sh‐A tumour with docetaxel (10 mg/kg, once weekly for 4 weeks) achieved a synergistic cytotoxic effect, despite the lack of an enhanced antitumour effect of docetaxel on PC3/C tumours.

CONCLUSIONS

The suppression of Aurora‐A using shRNA could be a useful therapeutic strategy against androgen‐independent prostate cancer, through growth inhibition as well as enhanced chemosensitivity.
Transfer of cysto‐urethroscopy skills from a virtual‐reality simulator to the operating room: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Schout Barbara M.A. , Ananias Hildo J.K. , Bemelmans Bart L.H. , D’Ancona Frank C.H. , Muijtjens Arno M.M. , Dolmans Valerie E.M.G. , Scherpbier Albert J.J.A. , Hendrikx Ad J.M.
Published: November 2009

Study Type – Therapy (RCT)  Level of Evidence 1b

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether real‐time cysto‐urethroscopy (CUS) performance improves by simulator‐based training (criterion or predictive validity), addressing the research question ‘Does practical skills training on the URO Mentor (UM, Simbionix USA Corp., Cleveland, OH, USA) virtual‐reality simulator improve the performance of flexible CUS in patients’.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Participants (71 interns from Catharina Hospital Eindhoven, CHE, and 29 from University Medical Centre Groningen, UMCG) were randomized to carry out CUS in a patient after training on the UM (UM‐trained, 50) or without training on UM (control, 50). The assessment of real‐time performance consisted of scoring on a Global Rating Scale (GRS) by supervisors unaware of training status. Data were analysed using stepwise multiple linear regression. The effect size (ES) indication for correlations was used to interpret the magnitude of a standard regression coefficient (β); an ES of 0.10, 0.30 and 0.50 were considered small, moderate and large, respectively. The study was approved by the Medical Review Ethics Committees of the participating hospitals.

RESULTS

Overall, the group that received training performed significantly better than the controls (P ≤ 0.003, β range 0.30–0.47). There was no effect of training for participants with a specific preference for a surgical speciality in two of five GRS scores. Participants from CHE obtained higher GRS 3 scores than those from UMCG. Significantly more UMCG trainees indicated having had stress than those from CHE (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The results showed that interns who had trained on UM outperformed controls for a CUS procedure in a patient. Training for CUS on the UM is to be recommended for learning to respect tissue, procedural knowledge, flow of procedure and forward planning. Use of the UM to train interns with a specific interest in a surgical speciality in handling instruments, and time and motion, seems to be of limited value.