bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential dynamics of amino acid release in the amygdala and olfactory cortex during odor fear acquisition as revealed with simultaneous high temporal resolution microdialysis
Authors: Hegoburu Chloé , Sevelinges Yannick , Thévenet Marc , Gervais Rémi , Parrot Sandrine , Mouly Anne-Marie
Published: October 2009

Although the amygdala seems to be essential to the formation and storage of fear memories, it might store only some aspects of the aversive event and facilitate the storage of more specific sensory aspects in cortical areas. We addressed the time course of amygdala and cortical activation in the context of odor fear conditioning in rats. Using high temporal resolution (1-min sampling) intracerebral microdialysis, we investigated the dynamics of glutamate and GABA fluctuations simultaneously in basolateral amygdala (BLA) and posterior piriform cortex (pPCx) during the course of the acquisition session, which consisted of six odor (conditioned stimulus)–footshock (unconditioned stimulus) pairings. In BLA, we observed a transient increase in amino acid concentrations following the first odor–shock pairing, after which concentrations returned to baseline levels or slightly below. In pPCx, transient increases were seen after each pairing and were also observed after the last odor–shock pairing, corresponding to the predicted times of anticipated trials. Furthermore, we observed that for the first pairing, the increase in BLA occurred earlier than the increase in pPCx. These data suggest that the amygdala is engaged early during acquisition and precedes the activation of the olfactory cortex, which is maintained until the end of the session. In addition, our data raise the challenging idea that the olfactory cortex might store certain aspects of fear conditioning related to the timing of the associations.
Small-angle neutron scattering analysis of a water-based magnetic fluid with charge stabilization: contrast variation and scattering of polarized neutrons
Authors: Avdeev Mikhail V. , Dubois Emmanuelle , Mériguet Guillaume , Wandersman Elie , Garamus Vasil M. , Feoktystov Artem V. , Perzynski Regine
Published: October 2009

Structure analysis of a magnetic fluid (nanoparticles of maghemite dispersed in water with charge stabilization and without surfactant) by means of small-angle neutron scattering is presented. A combination of the contrast variation technique and scattering of polarized neutrons was applied. In the first case, the scattering curves obtained for the unmagnetized fluid with variation of the heavy water content in the carrier are treated in terms of the basic functions approach. The almost homogeneous character of the nanoparticles with respect to the nuclear scattering length density makes it possible to separate information about their characteristic nuclear and magnetic radii. Polarized neutrons are then used to separate and analyze independently the nuclear and magnetic scattering contributions for the fully magnetized fluid. Both methods reveal a significant excess of the apparent nuclear size over the magnetic one, which is explained by a difference in the nonmagnetic and magnetic interactions in the system. The results indicate that from the viewpoint of magnetic interaction the studied fluid behaves under a magnetic field as a purely superparamagnetic system of independent particles. The magnetic scattering length density of the maghemite nanoparticles is found to be ∼25% less than the bulk value, which is in agreement with the data of the magnetization analysis.
Design challenges and performance of nested neutron mirrors for microfocusing on SNAP
Authors: Ice Gene E. , Pang Judy W. L. , Tulk Chris , Molaison Jamie , Choi Jae-Young , Vaughn Cody , Lytle Lauren , Takacs Peter Z. , Andersen Ken H. , Bigault Terry , Khounsary Ali
Published: October 2009

Kirkpatrick–Baez (KB) neutron supermirrors can efficiently focus polychromatic neutron beams to micrometre dimensions. The ultimate size is determined mainly by the perfection of the mirrors and by the size of the beam needed to have sufficient experimental signal. Nested or Montel KB mirrors can collect ∼2.6 times more beam than standard sequential KB optics, but require good figure perfection at the edge of one mirror. This paper describes the characterization of the figure errors over the important reflective portions of the two mirrors needed for a Montel focusing pair. The measurements are placed in context with theoretical predictions and are used to predict mirror focusing performance. Strategies to improve on the focusing of this class of optics are suggested and early results from these mirrors installed on the Spallation Neutrons at Pressure (SNAP) Beamline 3 at the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) at Oak Ridge are presented.
Energy-dispersive Laue diffraction by means of a frame-store pnCCD
Authors: Send Sebastian , von Kozierowski Marc , Panzner Tobias , Gorfman Semen , Nurdan Kivanc , Walenta Albert H. , Pietsch Ullrich , Leitenberger Wolfram , Hartmann Robert , Strüder Lothar
Published: October 2009

A frame-store pn-junction CCD detector was applied to the energy-dispersive X-ray Laue diffraction study of a γ-LiAlO2crystal with white synchrotron radiation. Exploiting the simultaneous spatial and energy resolution of the detector the crystallographic unit cell of γ-LiAlO2could be determined without anya prioriinformation about the sample. The potential for application in X-ray structure analysis is tested by comparing experimental structure factors taken under a single exposure with those calculated from the known crystal structure. After correcting the measured spot intensities by angular and energy-dependent parameters, the agreement between experimental and theoretical kinematical structure factors is better than 10%.
Detection of the standing X-ray wavefield intensity inside a thin crystal using back-diffraction topography and imaging
Authors: Honnicke Marcelo Goncalves , Cusatis Cesar
Published: October 2009

The standing X-ray wavefield into a single-crystal bulk is characterized by a combination of the diffracted–reflected h-beams and the diffracted–transmitted o-beam. For different angular positions on the total reflection region, the standing X-ray wavefield has its maximum from the region between the atomic planes (low photoelectric absorption) to the region on the atomic planes (high photoelectric absorption). Historically, the evidence for such a characteristic has come from experiments such as anomalous transmission (Borrmann effect, originally detected in Laue geometry) and fluorescent measurements with a single crystal under diffraction conditions. In the present work, such a characteristic is demonstrated by the direct measurement of the standing X-ray wavefield intensity into a 50 µm-thick single-crystal CCD detector (Si 800) set in back-diffraction geometry.
Grating-based holographic X-ray diffraction: theory and application to confined fluids
Authors: Nygård K. , Satapathy D. K. , Bunk O. , Perret E. , Buitenhuis J. , David C. , van der Veen J. F.
Published: October 2009

A grating-based holographic X-ray diffraction technique has been developed for reconstructing density profiles of nano-scale fluids confined in channel arrays. Within this approach, the reference wave is due to diffraction from the fabricated channel array, whereas the object wave is generated by the confinement-induced ordering of the fluid. The ensemble-averaged density profile of the fluid across the confining channel, which constitutes a weak phase object, is then determined in a model-independent manner from the interference between the reference and object waves by direct Fourier inversion. The validity of the linear holographic approach and its connection to the autocorrelation function, the inclusion of channel tapering, and volume-diffraction effects are discussed in detail.
Efficacy of 308‐nm excimer light for Japanese patients with psoriasis
Authors: NIWA Yusuke , HASEGAWA Toshio , KO Subin , OKUYAMA Yasuhiro , OHTSUKI Akiko , TAKAGI Atsushi , IKEDA Shigaku
Published: October 2009

Ultraviolet irradiation therapy, including psoralen and ultraviolet A therapy and narrow‐band ultraviolet B (310–312 nm) therapy, is a widely used and highly efficient treatment modality for psoriasis. Therapy with 308‐nm excimer light has been reported to be effective for the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris. To evaluate the efficacy of 308‐nm excimer light therapy for Japanese psoriasis patients, seven patients (six men and one woman) with plaque‐type psoriasis were treated with 308‐nm excimer light at 7–14‐day intervals. The Psoriasis Severity Index (PSI) was calculated for individual plaques in order to assess the effectiveness of the therapy. A 74.9% mean improvement in the PSI was observed after 10 treatment sessions. These results suggested that targeted irradiation with 308‐nm excimer light leads to rapid and selective improvement in plaque‐type psoriatic lesions without unnecessary radiation exposure to the surrounding unaffected skin.
Foundations and self‐tanning products: Do they provide any protection from the sun?
Authors: CHOQUENET Benjamin , COUTEAU Céline , PAPARIS Eva , COIFFARD Laurence J. M.
Published: October 2009

As soon as the weather turns sunny, everyone wants a tan. People with skin phototypes III and IV, called melanocompetent, have no problem meeting this fashion requirement. But things are quite different for people with phototypes I and II and so these individuals look for alternative solutions. In essence, light skin burns easily when exposed to the sun. Therefore, light‐skinned people are offered a cosmetic solution through self‐tanning products or foundations. It seemed interesting to us to evaluate the sun protection power of this type of product. To do this, we used an in vitro method to determine the typical indicators related to sunscreen products, such as sun protection factor (SPF), ultraviolet (UV)‐A protection factor (PF‐UVA), UV‐B/UV‐A ratio as well as the critical wavelength because these artificial tanning products could be considered sunscreen products by users. It is important to know whether a self‐tanning product and/or a foundation provide sun protection and whether they meet the standards set for other sunscreen products. Protection which is imbalanced for either UV‐B or UV‐A radiation is potentially harmful for users believing themselves adequately protected. To do this, we assembled the requisite conditions for forming melanoidins in the cosmetic itself. We tested seven amino acids found in the corneal cells of the epidermis. Regardless of the amino acid used, the corresponding SPF was essentially zero (approximately SPF 2). Foundations, on the other hand, proved to be much more interesting because they possess a non‐negligible SPF as well as good photostability making these products safe in terms of their mode of application (applied once daily).
Clinical trial: the safety and short‐term efficacy of recombinant cholera toxin B subunit in the treatment of active Crohn’s disease
Authors: STÅL P. , BEFRITS R. , RÖNNBLOM A. , DANIELSSON Å. , SUHR O. , STÅHLBERG D. , BRINKBERG LAPIDUS A. , LÖFBERG R.
Published: October 2009

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 31, 387–395

Background  The cholera toxin B subunit ameliorates experimentally induced colitis in mice. In humans, cholera toxin B subunit has never been tested in the treatment of Crohn’s disease (CD).

Aim  To evaluate the safety and efficacy of treatment with recombinant cholera toxin B subunit of patients with CD.

Methods  An open‐label, multicentre, nonrandomized trial including 15 patients with mild/moderate CD. Patients received an oral solution of 5 mg recombinant cholera toxin B subunit three times weekly for 2 weeks. Reduction in CD Activity Index (CDAI) with >100 between baseline and days 15, 29, 42 and 70 defined clinical response. Patients with CDAI score ≤150 were defined as being in remission.

Results  A significant decrease in CDAI score was observed. Response rates were 40% in the full analysis set and 42% in the per protocol analysis. Two patients receiving adjuvant treatment after day 29 were excluded, after which 40% were in remission at 4 weeks and 30% at 8 weeks post‐treatment. Mild side effects (arthralgia, headache and pruritus) were seen in 33% of patients.

Conclusions  Treatment with recombinant cholera toxin B subunit was safe. Approximately 40% of patients with active CD responded to treatment. Randomized studies are needed to establish the clinical efficacy of recombinant cholera toxin B subunit.
Autoimmune liver diseases in a paediatric population with coeliac disease – a 10‐year single‐centre experience
Authors: DI BIASE A. R. , COLECCHIA A. , SCAIOLI E. , BERRI R. , VIOLA L. , VESTITO A. , BALLI F. , FESTI D.
Published: October 2009

Backgroud  Coeliac disease (CD) can be associated with liver disease. Gluten‐free diet (GFD) normalizes cryptogenic forms, but most likely not autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). For this condition, immunosuppressants represent the treatment. However, when these are stopped, AIH generally relapses.

Aim  To determine in CD children liver test abnormality frequency, the effect of GFD alone, or plus prolonged immunosuppressants on AIH course.

Methods  Coeliac disease patients with abnormal transaminases were selected; if transaminases <5 × UNL (upper normal limits), GFD alone was administered; if >5 × UNL, liver examinations and biopsy were performed. In AIH, immunosuppressants were administered (5 years). Treatment was stopped only if patients remained in remission during the entire maintenance period and normalized liver histology.

Results  A total of 140 out of 350 CD children had hypertransaminaemia: 133 cryptogenic disease, 7 AIH. GFD normalized only cryptogenic hepatitis. During treatment, all AIH persistently normalized clinical and biochemical parameters; after withdrawal, six patients maintained a sustained remission (follow‐up range: 12–63 months), while one relapsed.

Conclusions  In CD children with AIH, only GFD plus immunosuppressants determines a high remission rate. When clinical remission is reached, a prolonged immunosuppressive regimen induces a high sustained remission rate after treatment withdrawal, indicating that this regimen may prevent early relapse.

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 31, 253–260
Laboratory correlates for a phase II trial of romidepsin in cutaneous and peripheral T‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Bates Susan E. , Zhan Zhirong , Steadman Kenneth , Obrzut Tomasz , Luchenko Victoria , Frye Robin , Robey Robert W. , Turner Maria , Gardner Erin R. , Figg William D. , Steinberg Seth M. , Ling Alex , Fojo Tito , To Kin Wah , Piekarz Richard L.
Published: October 2009

Romidepsin has shown promise in the treatment of T‐cell lymphomas, and so we evaluated molecular endpoints gathered from 61 patients enrolled on a phase II trial of romidepsin in cutaneous and peripheral T‐cell lymphoma at the National Institutes of Health. The endpoints included histone H3 acetylation andABCB1gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs);ABCB1gene expression in tumour biopsy samples; and blood fetal haemoglobin levels (HbF), all of which were increased following romidepsin treatment. The fold increase in histone acetylation in PBMCs at 24 h was weakly to moderately well correlated with the pharmacokinetic parametersCmaxand area under the curve (AUC)last(ρ = 0·37,P = 0·03 and ρ = 0·36,P = 0·03 respectively) and inversely associated with clearance (ρ = −0·44;P = 0·03). Histone acetylation in PBMCs at 24 h was associated with response (P = 0·026) as was the increase in fetal haemoglobin (P = 0·014); this latter association may be due to the longer on‐study duration for patients with disease response. Together, these results suggest that pharmacokinetics may be an important determinant of response to histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDIs) – the association with histone acetylation in PBMCs at 24 h is consistent with a hypothesis that potent HDIs are needed for a critical threshold of drug exposure and durable activity.
Saliva DHEA and cortisol responses following short‐term corticosteroid intake
Authors: Jollin L. , Thomasson R. , Le Panse B. , Baillot A. , Vibarel‐Rebot N. , Lecoq A. M. , Amiot V. , De Ceaurriz J. , Collomp K.
Published: October 2009

Eur J Clin Invest 2010; 40 (2): 183–186

Background  Given the high correlation between the serum and saliva hormone values demonstrated at rest, saliva provides a convenient non‐invasive way to determine dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and cortisol concentrations. However, to our knowledge, pituitary adrenal recovery following short‐term suppression with corticosteroids has never been investigated in saliva. The aim of this study was therefore to examine how steroid hormone concentrations in saliva are influenced by short‐term corticosteroid administration.

Materials and methods  We studied saliva DHEA and cortisol concentrations before, during (day 1–day 7) and following (day 8–day 16) the administration of oral therapeutic doses of prednisone (50 mg daily for 1 week) in 11 healthy recreationally trained women.

Results  Mean saliva DHEA and cortisol concentrations decreased immediately after the start of prednisone treatment (P < 0·05). Three days after concluding prednisone administration, both saliva DHEA and cortisol had returned to pretreatment levels.

Conclusions  These data are consistent with previous studies on blood samples and suggest that non‐invasive saliva samples may offer a practical approach to assessing pituitary‐adrenal function continuously during and after short‐term corticosteroid therapy.
Making the most of bone marrow trephine biopsy
Authors: Wilkins Bridget S , Clark David M
Published: October 2009

Bone marrow trephine biopsy is an integral component of the diagnosis, staging and follow‐up of many haematological diseases. Adequate size and integrity of the initial specimen are crucial, although data defining what constitutes an adequate sample in different clinical contexts are limited. The requirement for decalcification or plastic embedding during tissue processing poses additional challenges for histological quality and successful application of essential techniques, including immunohistochemistry, DNA/RNA in situ hybridization and polymerase chain reaction. These challenges, however, can be addressed by careful attention to technical methods, some of which require modification from standard methods applied to other tissues in histopathology laboratories. Individuals reporting bone marrow trephine specimens must have sufficient understanding of haematopoietic and stromal components, and how these are affected by a wide range of diseases, to extract maximum information to support clinical decisions. This includes recognition of the need to consider results from peripheral blood, aspirated bone marrow and imaging studies, in the context of full clinical details, when assessing bone marrow histology. In different organizational settings, histopathologists or haematologists appropriately take primary responsibility for bone marrow trephine reporting or work conjointly: there is no area of clinical pathology in which an integrated, multidisciplinary approach is more important or rewarding.
Zoning: focused support: a trust wide implementation project
Authors: GAMBLE C. , DODD G. , GRELLIER J. , HEVER M. , O'CONNER C. , CLARKE T. , CHIPERE R. , MELLOR M. , NESS M.
Published: October 2009

Accessible summary

Applying pragmatic risk management procedures to facilitate the sharing of clinical knowledge in and across mental health teams.

Zoning: focused support is pragmatic risk management support procedure that enhances adherence to operational policies, provides a forum in which staff can receive support and visually facilitates the sharing of clinical knowledge. This paper presents a 3‐year multi‐method management project that sought to introduce zoning principles into all teams of an inner city Mental Health NHS Trust. By changing the language and culture of the organization findings indicate that there has been a positive attitudinal shift in how the approach is perceived. It is considered to be of value to staff, service users and their families and 73% of teams are now using it routinely.
Statistical methods in spatial genetics
Authors: GUILLOT GILLES , LEBLOIS RAPHAËL , COULON AURÉLIE , FRANTZ ALAIN C.
Published: October 2009

The joint analysis of spatial and genetic data is rapidly becoming the norm in population genetics. More and more studies explicitly describe and quantify the spatial organization of genetic variation and try to relate it to underlying ecological processes. As it has become increasingly difficult to keep abreast with the latest methodological developments, we review the statistical toolbox available to analyse population genetic data in a spatially explicit framework. We mostly focus on statistical concepts but also discuss practical aspects of the analytical methods, highlighting not only the potential of various approaches but also methodological pitfalls.
A cryptochrome‐like protein is involved in the regulation of photosynthesis genes in Rhodobacter sphaeroides
Authors: Hendrischk Anne‐Kathrin , Frühwirth Sebastian Walter , Moldt Julia , Pokorny Richard , Metz Sebastian , Kaiser Gebhard , Jäger Andreas , Batschauer Alfred , Klug Gabriele
Published: October 2009

Blue light receptors belonging to the cryptochrome/photolyase family are found in all kingdoms of life. The functions of photolyases in repair of UV‐damaged DNA as well as of cryptochromes in the light‐dependent regulation of photomorphogenetic processes and in the circadian clock in plants and animals are well analysed. In prokaryotes, the only role of members of this protein family that could be demonstrated is DNA repair. Recently, we identified a gene for a cryptochrome‐like protein (CryB) in the α‐proteobacterium Rhodobacter sphaeroides. The protein lacks the typical C‐terminal extension of cryptochromes, and is not related to the Cry DASH family. Here we demonstrate that CryB binds flavin adenine dinucleotide that can be photoreduced by blue light. CryB binds single‐stranded DNA with very high affinity (Kd∼10−8 M) but double‐stranded DNA and single‐stranded RNA with far lower affinity (Kd∼10−6 M). Despite of that, no in vitro repair activity for pyrimidine dimers in single‐stranded DNA could be detected. However, we show that CryB clearly affects the expression of genes for pigment‐binding proteins and consequently the amount of photosynthetic complexes in R. sphaeroides. Thus, for the first time a role of a bacterial cryptochrome in gene regulation together with a biological function is demonstrated.
GENETIC STUDY: 5‐HTTLPR polymorphism, mood disorders and MDMA use in a 3‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Martín‐Santos Rocío , Torrens Marta , Poudevida Sandra , Langohr Klaus , Cuyás Elisabet , Pacifici Roberta , Farré Magí , Pichini Simona , De La Torre Rafael
Published: October 2009

A 3‐year longitudinal prospective study was conducted to compare the incidence of substance use disorders (SUD) and non‐substance use disorders (NSUD) among ecstasy users and two control groups: one of cannabis users and the other of non‐drug users. The 5‐HTTLPR polymorphism related to NSUD was also studied. A total of 94 subjects were included: 37 ecstasy users, 23 cannabis users and 34 non‐drug users. SUD and NSUD disorders were diagnosed according to the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders criteria using the Psychiatric Research Interview for Substance and Mental Disorders. Incidence Rates (IR) are presented. The 5‐HTTLPR polymorphism was analyzed. Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium was studied. The results of the study showed that the highest IR of SUD was cannabis abuse/dependence in both the ecstasy (IR: 48.6/100 person–year) and cannabis (IR: 2.5/100 person–year) groups. There were no new cases of SUD in non‐drug users at follow‐up. The highest IR of NSUD was primary mood disorder in both the ecstasy (IR: 4.2/100 person–year) and in the non‐drug (IR: 1.3/100 person–year) groups (P < 0.282). There were no new cases of NSUD in the cannabis group at follow‐up. 5‐HTTLPR polymorphism was associated with lifetime of primary mood disorders in ecstasy group (P = 0.018). Ecstasy use was associated with a higher rate of cannabis abuse/dependence disorders and mood disorders than cannabis use. In the ecstasy users, 5‐HTTLPR polymorphism may result in a high vulnerability to primary mood disorders.
Chest physiotherapy with positive expiratory pressure breathing after abdominal and thoracic surgery: a systematic review
Authors: ÖRMAN J. , WESTERDAHL E.
Published: October 2009

A variety of chest physiotherapy techniques are used following abdominal and thoracic surgery to prevent or reduce post‐operative complications. Breathing techniques with a positive expiratory pressure (PEP) are used to increase airway pressure and improve pulmonary function. No systematic review of the effects of PEP in surgery patients has been performed previously. The purpose of this systematic review was to determine the effect of PEP breathing after an open upper abdominal or thoracic surgery. A literature search of randomised‐controlled trials (RCT) was performed in five databases. The trials included were systematically reviewed by two independent observers and critically assessed for methodological quality. We selected six RCT evaluating the PEP technique performed with a mechanical device in spontaneously breathing adult patients after abdominal or thoracic surgery via thoracotomy. The methodological quality score varied between 4 and 6 on the Physiotherapy Evidence Database score. The studies were published between 1979 and 1993. Only one of the included trials showed any positive effects of PEP compared to other breathing techniques. Today, there is scarce scientific evidence that PEP treatment is better than other physiotherapy breathing techniques in patients undergoing abdominal or thoracic surgery. There is a lack of studies investigating the effect of PEP over placebo or no physiotherapy treatment.
Detecting positive selection in the budding yeast genome
Authors: LI Y.‐D. , LIANG H. , GU Z. , LIN Z. , GUAN W. , ZHOU L. , LI Y.‐Q. , LI W.‐H.
Published: October 2009

Available abundant genomic data allows us to study the evolution of the yeast genome at a fine scale. In this study, we examined the adaptive evolution of coding and promoter regions in three Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains. First, using a maximum‐likelihood approach, we identified 76 positively selected genes (PSG) whose coding regions likely have undergone positive selection in the recent past. These genes show significant bias in terms of biological function and they show over‐representation of charged amino acids at positively selected sites. Next, using recent data on yeast transcription‐start sites to define core‐promoter regions, we identified 31 positively selected promoters, and their corresponding genes are significantly enriched in transmembrane transporter function. We found PSG show no correlation with promoter adaption or expression variation, suggesting that positive selection on coding regions and positive selection on promoter regions are not coupled. Together, our study provides insights into the evolution of S. cerevisiae strains from different environments.
Sib‐mating in the ant Plagiolepis pygmaea: adaptative inbreeding?
Authors: THURIN N. , ARON S.
Published: October 2009

Multiple functional queens in a colony (polygyny) and multiple mating by queens (polyandry) in social insects challenge kin selection, because they dilute inclusive fitness benefits from helping. Colonies of the ant Plagiolepis pygmaea brash contain several hundreds of multiply mated queens. Yet, within‐colony relatedness remains unexpectedly high. This stems from low male dispersal, extensive mating among relatives and adoption of young queens in the natal colony. We investigated whether inbreeding results from workers expelling foreign males, and/or from preferential mating between related partners. Our data show that workers actively repel unrelated males entering their colony, and that queens preferentially mate with related males. These results are consistent with inclusive fitness being a driving force for inbreeding: by preventing outbreeding, workers reduce erosion of relatedness within colonies due to polygyny and polyandry. That virgin queens mate preferentially with related males could result from a long history of inbreeding, which is expected to reduce depression in species with regular sibmating.
A comparison of diagnostic efficacies among different reagent strips and automated cell count in spontaneous bacterial peritonitis
Authors: Rerknimitr Rungsun , Limmathurotsakul Danai , Bhokaisawan Narudee , Kongkam Pradermchai , Treeprasertsuk Sombat , Kullavanijaya Pinit
Published: October 2009

Background:  Currently, decision to give antibiotics in spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) suspected patient depends mainly on the result of manual cell count, which requires significant waiting period. Recently, many reports on the efficacies of reagent strips and a few reports of automated cell count are available but there has been no direct comparison study.

Aims:  This prospective study was to assess the diagnostic efficacies of different reagent strips (Aution, Multistix, Combur) and automated cell count.

Methods and Results:  A total of 250 paracenteses were performed. There were 40 specimens obtained from patients with clinical suspicion for SBP, the rest were obtained from non SBP suspected patients. Thirty specimens from 250 samples (12%) were diagnosed as SBP by manual cell count. Automated system provided higher value for SBP diagnosis in all parameters (sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy; 87.5–99.1%) whereas the strip tests provided lower number in all parameters (80–98.6%). Multistix provided the lowest sensitivity (80%). The false negative rates by Aution, Multistix, Combur tests and automated cell count were 10%, 20%, 10% and 3.3%, respectively. By lowering the cut off for SBP diagnosis with the automated system to 200 cells/mm3, there was no false negative.

Conclusions:  Comparing to reagent strips, automated cell count is a better screening tool for SBP diagnosis because it provides higher validity scores and a lower false negative rate. However, the discrepancy of cell count reading may occur, we suggest using a lower cut off for SBP diagnosis by the automated system.
Development of novel 5‐fluorouracil carrier erythrocyte with pharmacokinetics and potent antitumor activity in mice bearing malignant ascites
Authors: Wang Guo‐Ping , Guan Yong‐Song , Jin Xin‐Rong , Jiang Sha‐Sha , Lu Ze‐Jun , Wu Yang , Li Yang , Li Mei , Luo Feng
Published: October 2009

Background:  To investigate pharmacokinetics and potency of antitumor activity of a novel 5‐fluorouracil carrier erythrocyte (RBC‐FU) in mice bearing malignant ascites.

Methods:  RBC‐FU was synthesized with a hyperosmotic technique. The entrapment efficiency of targeted carrier erythrocytes was determined by reverse dialysis method with high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for analyzing the quantity of 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU). After a H22 hepatocarcinoma malignant ascites model was established in Kunming mice, 5‐FU encapsulated by carrier erythrocytes (for Group A) and 5‐FU solution (for Group B) at 20 mg per kg were injected into the peritoneal cavity of the mice, respectively. Blood and ascites samples were collected at different times to detect 5‐FU quantity by HPLC. Body weight and survival time of mice were recorded in Group A, B and the Control Group in which mice were injected with normal saline only.

Results:  5‐FU was effectively encapsulated into erythrocytes, with an encapsulating effect as 55 ± 0.50%. In Group A, the maximum concentration (Cmax) and the area under curve (AUC) in peritoneal exudates were significantly higher than those of Group B (P < 0.05). On the other hand, 5‐FU level in serum was significantly lower than that in peritoneal exudates of Group A and B (P < 0.05). High drug levels in the abdominal cavity in Group A were maintained longer than those in Group B. Compared with that in Group B and the control, the quantity of malignant ascites in Group A had significant regression and the survival time was prolonged.

Conclusion:  The hyperosmotic method described here could be suitable for producing this novel RBC‐FU as a liposomal drug of potential value for treating malignant ascites by intraperitoneal administration.
High volume naked DNA tail‐vein injection restores liver function in Fah‐knock out mice
Authors: Eggenhofer Elke , Doenecke Axel , Renner Philipp , Slowik Przemyslaw , Piso Pompiliu , Geissler Edward K. , Schlitt Hans J. , Dahlke Marc H. , Popp Felix C.
Published: October 2009

Background:  Despite pharmaceutical treatment with NTBC (2‐2‐nitro‐4‐fluoromethylbenzoyl‐1,3‐cyclohexanedione), a high incidence of liver malignancies occur in humans and mice suffering from hereditary tyrosinemia type 1 (HT1) caused by mutation of the fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase (fah) gene.

Methods:  To evaluate the efficacy of a definitive treatment for HT1, we transfected fah knockout mice with naked plasmid DNA using high volume tail‐vein injection. This approach was chosen to reduce the occurrence of insertional mutagenesis that is frequently observed when using other (retro‐)viral vectors. To prolong gene expression, the fah gene was cloned between adeno‐associated virus (AAV)‐specific inverted terminal repeats (ITRs).

Results:  All animals treated with high volume plasmid DNA injections could be successfully weaned off NTBC and survived in the long term without any further pharmacological support. Up to 50% fah positive hepatocytes were detected in livers of naked plasmid DNA‐treated animals and serum liver function tests approximated those of wild‐type controls.

Conclusions:  Naked plasmid DNA transfection offers a promising alternative treatment for HT1. Minimizing side‐effects makes this approach especially appealing.
Pythium insidiosum keratitis in an Australian child
Authors: Badenoch Paul R , Mills Richard AD , Chang John H , Sadlon Tania A , Klebe Sonja , Coster Douglas J
Published: October 2009

Abstract

A 3‐year‐old girl from the Northern Territory developed suppurative keratitis after swimming in pools. A mycelial organism suspected to be Pythium insidiosum was cultured. Treatment with polyhexamethylene biguanide and voriconazole for 5 days was unsuccessful, and a corneal graft was performed. The infection was cleared and when last seen 14 months after surgery the patient had a stable graft and useful vision. The identification of the organism was confirmed by rRNA gene sequencing. P. insidiosum is an oomycete, an organism more closely related to kelp than to fungi. Masses of hyphae were seen in sections and, for the first time, the ultrastructure of P. insidiosum in human tissue is described. The staining characteristics of cultured hyphae were assessed; lactofuchsin and acridine orange were found to be the most useful methods. Although the diagnosis of P. insidiosum keratitis is not difficult, and the organism is susceptible in vitro to a number of antimicrobial agents, early corneal transplantation remains the treatment of choice.
Ancient Egypt to modern ophthalmology: via Otago, New Zealand
Authors: Coster Douglas J
Published: October 2009

Abstract

The purpose of this report is to document the contribution of two New Zealanders, Barrie Jones and Rowland Wilson, to the development of modern ophthalmology. Their related contribution was made over a period of 80 years; it began in Egypt with Wilson, developed when they worked together in Dunedin and where they created the foundations for the brilliant career that Jones was to go on to in London. Their story emphasizes the impact of teaching and mentorship. It highlights the extended reach of teaching and the power of continuity in research.
Initial Australasian experience with portal‐enteric drainage in simultaneous pancreas–kidney transplantation
Authors: Kave Ben , Yii Ming , Bell Roger , Kanellis John , Scott David , Saunder Alan
Published: October 2009

Background: Pancreas–kidney transplantation is currently the most effective method to re‐establish euglycaemia in insulin‐dependent diabetics with associated renal failure. The standard technique employed has been bladder drainage of exocrine secretions coupled with systemic venous drainage (‘systemic‐bladder’ (SB) drainage). The more physiological technique, enteric exocrine with portal venous drainage (‘portal‐enteric’ (PE) drainage), has been utilized sparingly in the past as a result of fears of technical complications. This paper compares the Monash Medical Centre experience with both techniques.

Methods: A total of 68 simultaneous pancreas–kidney transplantations were performed at Monash Medical Centre from 1991 until 2004. The first 37 received SB drainage. Since March 2001, 27 have received PE drainage. This retrospective study compared the SB group (n= 37) with the PE group (n= 27), with a 2‐year follow‐up, examining a number of surgical outcomes.

Results: Two‐year patient (94.3 versus 96.0%), kidney (89.2 versus 85.2%), pancreas (77.9 versus 71.4%) and event‐free (73.0 versus 67.7%) survivals were all similar between the SB and PE groups, respectively. Although surgery took longer in PE subjects (4 h : 47 min ± 0:48 versus 5 h : 16 min ± 1:00;P= 0.045), less intraoperative transfusions were required (1.3 ± 1.43 versus 0.52 ± 0.90;P= 0.024). Length of hospital stay and time to insulin independence were similar. Pancreas graft thrombosis rates were similar (10.8% SB versus 7.4% PE,P= 0.497).

Conclusions: PE drainage is a safe and viable method for pancreas transplantation, which can be performed with excellent outcomes. An increased rate of complications with PE drainage has not been demonstrated in this series.
Metagenome and mRNA expression analyses of anaerobic methanotrophic archaea of the ANME‐1 group
Authors: Meyerdierks Anke , Kube Michael , Kostadinov Ivaylo , Teeling Hanno , Glöckner Frank Oliver , Reinhardt Richard , Amann Rudolf
Published: October 2009

Microbial consortia mediating the anaerobic oxidation of methane with sulfate are composed of methanotrophic Archaea (ANME) and Bacteria related to sulfate‐reducing Deltaproteobacteria. Cultured representatives are not available for any of the three ANME clades. Therefore, a metagenomic approach was applied to assess the genetic potential of ANME‐1 archaea. In total, 3.4 Mbp sequence information was generated based on metagenomic fosmid libraries constructed directly from a methanotrophic microbial mat in the Black Sea. These sequence data represent, in 30 contigs, about 82–90% of a composite ANME‐1 genome. The dataset supports the hypothesis of a reversal of the methanogenesis pathway. Indications for an assimilatory, but not for a dissimilatory sulfate reduction pathway in ANME‐1, were found. Draft genome and expression analyses are consistent with acetate and formate as putative electron shuttles. Moreover, the dataset points towards downstream electron‐accepting redox components different from the ones known from methanogenic archaea. Whereas catalytic subunits of [NiFe]‐hydrogenases are lacking in the dataset, genes for an [FeFe]‐hydrogenase homologue were identified, not yet described to be present in methanogenic archaea. Clustered genes annotated as secreted multiheme c‐type cytochromes were identified, which have not yet been correlated with methanogenesis‐related steps. The genes were shown to be expressed, suggesting direct electron transfer as an additional possible mode to shuttle electrons from ANME‐1 to the bacterial sulfate‐reducing partner.
Harnessing the weight‐regulating properties of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 in the treatment of type 2 diabetes
Authors: Sesti G.
Published: October 2009

Obesity is associated with increased insulin resistance and is a well‐recognized factor for the development of type 2 diabetes. Unfortunately, most diabetes therapies are associated with further weight gain, a most unwelcome characteristic, given the association of weight gain with deteriorating metabolic control, worsening cardiovascular profiles and decreased adherence to treatment. Therapies that effectively control glycaemia without weight gain or with concomitant weight loss are needed. The aim of this article was to review the existing preclinical and clinical evidences, showing that the family of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1)–based therapies fulfils these criteria by harnessing the beneficial properties of GLP‐1, a naturally occurring incretin hormone with a strong blood glucose–lowering action and the ability to induce weight loss.
The effects of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 on the beta cell
Authors: Vilsbøll T.
Published: October 2009

Type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease characterized by insulin resistance and impaired beta‐cell function. Treatments that prevent further beta‐cell decline are therefore essential for the management of type 2 diabetes. Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) is an incretin hormone that is known to stimulate glucose‐dependent insulin secretion. Furthermore, GLP‐1 appears to have multiple positive effects on beta cells. However, GLP‐1 is rapidly degraded by dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4), which limits the clinical relevance of GLP‐1 for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Two main classes of GLP‐1‐based therapies have now been developed: DPP‐4 inhibitors and GLP‐1 receptor agonists. Liraglutide and exenatide are examples of GLP‐1 receptor agonists that have been developed to mimic the insulinotropic characteristics of endogenous GLP‐1. Both have demonstrated improved beta‐cell function in patients with type 2 diabetes, as assessed by homoeostasis model assessment‐B analysis and proinsulin : insulin ratio. Additionally, liraglutide and exenatide are able to enhance first‐ and second‐phase insulin secretion and are able to restore beta‐cell sensitivity to glucose. Preclinical studies have shown that both liraglutide and exenatide treatment can increase beta‐cell mass, stimulate beta‐cell proliferation, increase beta‐cell neogenesis and inhibit beta‐cell apoptosis. Clinical studies are needed to confirm these findings in humans. Replication of these data in humans could have important clinical implications for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
PROSPECTS FOR ‘CLOSING THE GAP’ IN SOCIOECONOMIC OUTCOMES FOR INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIANS?
Authors: Altman Jon C. , Biddle Nicholas , Hunter Boyd H.
Published: October 2009

Practical reconciliation’ and more recently ‘closing the gap’ have been put forward as frameworks on which to base and evaluate policies to address Indigenous disadvantage. This paper analyses national‐level census‐based data to examine trends in Indigenous wellbeing since 1971. There has been steady improvement in most socioeconomic outcomes in the last 35 years; a finding at odds with the current discourse of failure. Evidence of convergence between Indigenous and non‐Indigenous outcomes, however, is not consistent. For some outcomes, relatively rapid convergence is predicted (within 25 years), but for the majority of outcomes, convergence is unlikely to occur within a generation, if at all.
HIDDEN DISCIPLINES IN MALAYSIA: THE ROLE OF BUSINESS HISTORY IN A MULTI‐DISCIPLINARY FRAMEWORK
Authors: Yacob Shakila
Published: October 2009

Business history plays a crucial role in the understanding of the history and socioeconomic development of Malaysia. This paper analyses that role through an assessment of the most relevant colonial, post‐colonial, and contemporary literature. Malaysian business history adopts a multidisciplinary approach, which has the potential to propel the discipline to address potentially sensitive political issues in Malaysia, though in the past business history's assimilation into other disciplines has discouraged, with notable exceptions, its potential to explore sensitive topics. In conclusion, the paper outlines the challenges faced by Malaysian business history academics and argues for extending the discipline's boundaries.
Structure and function of bordered pits: new discoveries and impacts on whole‐plant hydraulic function
Authors: Choat Brendan , Cobb Alexander R. , Jansen Steven
Published: October 2009

Bordered pits are cavities in the lignified cell walls of xylem conduits (vessels and tracheids) that are essential components in the water‐transport system of higher plants. The pit membrane, which lies in the center of each pit, allows water to pass between xylem conduits but limits the spread of embolism and vascular pathogens in the xylem. Averaged across a wide range of species, pits account for > 50% of total xylem hydraulic resistance, indicating that they are an important factor in the overall hydraulic efficiency of plants. The structure of pits varies dramatically across species, with large differences evident in the porosity and thickness of pit membranes. Because greater porosity reduces hydraulic resistance but increases vulnerability to embolism, differences in pit structure are expected to correlate with trade‐offs between efficiency and safety of water transport. However, trade‐offs in hydraulic function are influenced both by pit‐level differences in structure (e.g. average porosity of pit membranes) and by tissue‐level changes in conduit allometry (average length, diameter) and the total surface area of pit membranes that connects vessels. In this review we address the impact of variation in pit structure on water transport in plants from the level of individual pits to the whole plant.

Contents

Summary
1

I.
Introduction
2

II.
The basic structures
2

III.
Safety of transport ‐ pits as safety valves
5

IV.
Hydraulic resistance of pits and pit membranes ‐ the cost of safety
9

V.
Impacts of pit function on whole‐plant hydraulics
14

VI.
Future directions
15

Acknowledgements
15

References
15
Potential link between plant and fungal distributions in a dipterocarp rainforest: community and phylogenetic structure of tropical ectomycorrhizal fungi across a plant and soil ecotone
Authors: Peay Kabir G. , Kennedy Peter G. , Davies Stuart J. , Tan Sylvester , Bruns Thomas D.
Published: October 2009

Commentary p351
In AβPP‐overexpressing cultured human muscle fibers proteasome inhibition enhances phosphorylation of AβPP751 and GSK3β activation: effects mitigated by lithium and apparently relevant to sporadic inclusion‐body myositis
Authors: Terracciano Chiara , Nogalska Anna , Engel W. King , Askanas Valerie
Published: October 2009

Muscle fiber degeneration in sporadic inclusion‐body myositis (s‐IBM) is characterized by accumulation of multiprotein aggregates, including aggregated amyloid‐β (Aβ)‐precursor protein 751 (AβPP751), Aβ, phosphorylated tau, and other ‘Alzheimer‐characteristic’ proteins. Proteasome inhibition is an important component of the s‐IBM pathogenesis. In brains of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients and AD transgenic‐mouse models, phosphorylation of neuronal AβPP695 (p‐AβPP) on Thr668 (equivalent to T724 of AβPP751) is considered detrimental because it increases generation of cytotoxic Aβ and induces tau phosphorylation. Activated glycogen synthase kinase3β (GSK3β) is involved in phosphorylation of both AβPP and tau. Lithium, an inhibitor of GSK3β, was reported to reduce levels of both the total AβPP and p‐AβPP in AD animal models. In relation to s‐IBM, we now show for the first time that (1) In AβPP‐overexpressing cultured human muscle fibers (human muscle culture IBM model: (a) proteasome inhibition significantly increases GSK3β activity and AβPP phosphorylation, (b) treatment with lithium decreases (i) phosphorylated‐AβPP, (ii) total amount of AβPP, (iii) Aβ oligomers, and (iv) GSK3β activity; and (c) lithium improves proteasome function. (2) In biopsied s‐IBM muscle fibers, GSK3β is significantly activated and AβPP is phosphorylated on Thr724. Accordingly, treatment with lithium, or other GSK3β inhibitors, might benefit s‐IBM patients.