bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SLATTER v. BRITISH RAILWAYS BOARD
Authors: Sachs J.
Published: January 2010

June 16, 1966. Negligence — Duty of care — Foreseeability — Startling crash — Railway employee examining carriages in shunting area — Exceptionally heavy crash caused by improper shunting practice — Crash startling employee — Whether foreseeable that somebody startled by crash — Employee injured as a result of stumbling — Whether reaction to being startled foreseeable — Negligence of employer.
BULL v. PITNEY‐BOWES LTD. AND OTHERS
Authors: Thesiger J.
Published: January 2010

July 26, 1966 Restraint of trade — Master and Servant — Pension fund — Employees required to join pension fund — Provision that if employee engaged in “activity or occupation… in competition with or detrimental to… interests” of employers committee entitled to cancel rights and benefits — Whether provisions of fund part of terms and conditions of employment of salesman — Whether a covenant in restraint of trade — Whether unreasonable.
The outcome of a rapid hepatitis B vaccination programme in a methadone treatment clinic
Authors: Ramasamy Parameswaran , Lintzeris Nicholas , Sutton Yvonne , Taylor Helen , Day Carolyn A. , Haber Paul S.
Published: January 2010

Aim  Injecting drug users are a high‐risk population for hepatitis B (HBV), but are difficult to engage in vaccination programmes. This study examines the completion rates of a HBV vaccination schedule and seroconversion in a group of patients in methadone maintenance treatment.

Methods  Patients at a public methadone maintenance programme in Sydney, Australia, were screened for viral hepatitis (hepatitis A, B and C) and offered a rapid HBV vaccination schedule (0, 1 and 2 months). Hepatitis B surface antibody (antiHBs) was retested on completion of the vaccination schedule.

Results  A total of 143 patients [71.3% male, mean age 33.1 (standard deviation ± 8.3)] enrolled in the project. Forty‐nine per cent of patients were HAV antibody (Ab) positive, 81.1% hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody (Ab) positive and 38.9% antiHBs positive. Exposure to multiple hepatitis viruses was common, with 24.5% testing positive for all three viruses. Seventy‐three (83%) of the 88 antiHBs negative patients completed the vaccination schedule. Post‐vaccination serology indicated a seroconversion rate of 75.4% (55 of 73) of completors, or 62.5% of eligible participants (55 of 88).

Conclusion  While there was a high rate of completion of the rapid vaccination schedule in this population, a moderate seroconversion rate was achieved. Further work is required to identify an optimal vaccination schedule in opioid substitution patients.
Retraining automatic action‐tendencies to approach alcohol in hazardous drinkers
Authors: Wiers Reinout W. , Rinck Mike , Kordts Robert , Houben Katrijn , Strack Fritz
Published: January 2010

Aims  The main aim of this study was to test whether automatic action‐tendencies to approach alcohol can be modified, and whether this affects drinking behaviour.

Design and participants  Forty‐two hazardous drinkers were assigned randomly to a condition in which they were implicitly trained to avoid or to approach alcohol, using a training variety of the alcohol Approach Avoidance Test (AAT). Participants pushed or pulled a joystick in response to picture‐format (landscape or portrait). The pictures depicted alcoholic or non‐alcoholic drinks. Participants in the avoid‐alcohol condition pushed most alcoholic and pulled most non‐alcoholic drinks. For participants in the approach‐alcohol condition these contingencies were reversed. After the implicit training, participants performed a taste test, including beers and soft drinks. Automatic action tendencies at post‐test were assessed with the AAT, including both trained and untrained pictures, and with a different test (Implicit Association Test, IAT). We further tested effects on subjective craving.

Results  Action tendencies for alcohol changed in accordance with training condition, with the largest effects in the clinically relevant avoid‐alcohol condition. These effects occurred outside subjective awareness and generalized to new pictures in the AAT and to an entirely different test using words, rather than pictures (IAT). In relatively heavy drinking participants who demonstrated changed action tendencies in accordance with their training condition, effects were found on drinking behaviour, with participants in the approach‐alcohol condition drinking more alcohol than participants in the avoid‐alcohol condition. No effect was found on subjective craving.

Conclusions  Retraining automatic processes may help to regain control over addictive impulses, which points to new treatment possibilities.
Addiction research centres and the nurturing of creativity: The Centre for Addictions Research of British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Stockwell Tim , Reist Dan , Macdonald Scott , Benoit Cecilia , Jansson Mikael
Published: January 2010

The Centre for Addictions Research of British Columbia (CARBC) was established as a multi‐campus and multi‐disciplinary research centre administered by the University of Victoria (UVic) in late 2003. Its core funding is provided from interest payments on an endowment of CAD$10.55 million. It is supported by a commitment to seven faculty appointments in various departments at UVic. The Centre has two offices, an administration and research office in Victoria and a knowledge exchange unit in Vancouver. The two offices are collaborating on the implementation of CARBC's first 5‐year plan which seeks to build capacity in British Columbia for integrated multi‐disciplinary research and knowledge exchange in the areas substance use, addictions and harm reduction. Present challenges include losses to the endowment caused by the 2008/2009 economic crisis and difficulties negotiating faculty positions with the university administration. Despite these hurdles, to date each year has seen increased capacity for the Centre in terms of affiliated scientists, funding and staffing as well as output in terms of published reports, electronic resources and impacts on policy and practice. Areas of special research interest include: drug testing in the work‐place, epidemiological monitoring, substance use and injury, pricing and taxation policies, privatization of liquor monopolies, polysubstance use, health determinants of indigenous peoples, street‐involved youth and other vulnerable populations at risk of substance use problems. Further information about the Centre and its activities can be found on http://www.carbc.ca.
Pregabalin, tiapride and lorazepam in alcohol withdrawal syndrome: a multi‐centre, randomized, single‐blind comparison trial
Authors: Martinotti Giovanni , Di Nicola Marco , Frustaci Alessandra , Romanelli Roberto , Tedeschi Daniela , Guglielmo Riccardo , Guerriero Luigi , Bruschi Angelo , De Filippis Rocco , Pozzi Gino , Di Giannantonio Massimo , Bria Pietro , Janiri Luigi
Published: January 2010

Introduction The aim of this trial was to compare lorazepam with non‐benzodiazepine medications such as pregabalin and tiapride in the treatment of alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS). These drugs were chosen for their inhibitorial effects on the hypersecretion of neurotransmitters usually observed in AWS. Craving reduction and improvement of psychiatric symptoms were the secondary end‐points.

Methods One hundred and ninety subjects affected by current alcohol dependence were considered consecutively: 111 were enrolled and divided into three groups of 37 subjects each. Within a treatment duration of 14 days, medication was given up to the following maximum doses (pregabalin 450 mg/day; tiapride 800 mg/day; lorazepam 10 mg/day). Withdrawal (CIWA‐Ar), craving [visual analogue scale (VAS); Obsessive and Compulsive Drinking Scale (OCDS)], psychiatric symptoms [Symptom Check List 90 Revised (SCL‐90‐R)] and quality of life (QL‐index) rating scales were applied.

Results On the CIWA‐Ar score, all the groups showed a significant reduction between times (P < 0.001) with a higher reduction for the pregabalin group (P < 0.01) on items regarding headache and orientation. Retention in treatment was lower in the tiapride group (P < 0.05), while the number of subjects remaining alcohol free was higher in the pregabalin group (P < 0.05). Significant reduction between baseline and the end of the treatment was found in all the groups at the OCDS and the VAS for craving, at the SCL‐90‐R and QL‐index (P < 0.001).

Discussion All the medications in the trial showed evidence of safety and efficacy in the treatment of uncomplicated forms of AWS, with some particular differences. The efficacy of pregabalin was superior to that of tiapride, used largely in research trials and, for some measures, to that of the ‘gold standard’, lorazepam. Accordingly, pregabalin may be considered as a potentially useful new drug for treatment of AWS, deserving further investigation.
Does opioid substitution treatment in prisons reduce injecting‐related HIV risk behaviours? A systematic review
Authors: Larney Sarah
Published: January 2010

Objectives  To review systematically the evidence on opioid substitution treatment (OST) in prisons in reducing injecting‐related human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) risk behaviours.

Methods  Systematic review in accordance with guidelines of the Cochrane Collaboration. Electronic databases were searched to identify studies of prison‐based opioid substitution treatment programmes that included assessment of effects of prison OST on injecting drug use, sharing of needles and syringes and HIV incidence. Published data were used to calculate risk ratios for outcomes of interest. Risk ratios were not pooled due to the low number of studies and differences in study designs.

Results  Five studies were included in the review. Poor follow‐up rates were reported in two studies, and representativeness of the sample was uncertain in the remaining three studies. Compared to inmates in control conditions, for treated inmates the risk of injecting drug use was reduced by 55–75% and risk of needle and syringe sharing was reduced by 47–73%. No study reported a direct effect of prison OST on HIV incidence.

Conclusions  There may be a role for OST in preventing HIV transmission in prisons, but methodologically rigorous research addressing this question specifically is required. OST should be implemented in prisons as part of comprehensive HIV prevention programmes that also provide condoms and sterile injecting and tattooing equipment.
Helper component‐proteinase (HC‐Pro) protein of Papaya ringspot virus interacts with papaya calreticulin
Authors: SHEN WENTAO , YAN PU , GAO LE , PAN XUEYING , WU JINYAN , ZHOU PENG
Published: January 2010

Potyviral helper component‐proteinase (HC‐Pro) is a multifunctional protein involved in plant–virus interactions. In this study, we constructed a Carica papaya L. plant cDNA library to investigate the host factors interacting with Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV) HC‐Pro using a Sos recruitment two‐hybrid system (SRS). We confirmed that the full‐length papaya calreticulin, designated PaCRT (GenBank accession no. FJ913889), interacts specifically with PRSV HC‐Pro in yeast, in vitro and in plant cells using SRS, in vitro protein‐binding assay and bimolecular fluorescent complementation assay, respectively. SRS analysis of the interaction between three PaCRT deletion mutants and PRSV HC‐Pro demonstrated that the C‐domain (residues 307–422), with a high Ca2+‐binding capacity, was responsible for binding to PRSV HC‐Pro. In addition, quantitative real‐time reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction assay showed that the expression of PaCRT mRNA was significantly upregulated in the primary stage of PRSV infection, and decreased to near‐basal expression levels in noninoculated (healthy) papaya plants with virus accumulation inside host cells. PaCRT is a new calcium‐binding protein that interacts with potyviral HC‐Pro. It is proposed that the upregulated expression of PaCRT mRNA may be an early defence‐related response to PRSV infection in the host plant, and that interaction between PRSV HC‐Pro and PaCRT may be involved in plant calcium signalling pathways which could interfere with virus infection or host defence.
Recent progress and understanding of the molecular mechanisms of the rice–Magnaporthe oryzae interaction
Authors: LIU JINLING , WANG XUEJUN , MITCHELL THOMAS , HU YAJUN , LIU XIONGLUN , DAI LIANGYING , WANG GUO‐LIANG
Published: January 2010

Rice blast, caused by the fungal pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae, is the most devastating disease of rice and severely affects crop stability and sustainability worldwide. This disease has advanced to become one of the premier model fungal pathosystems for host—pathogen interactions because of the depth of comprehensive studies in both species using modern genetic, genomic, proteomic and bioinformatic approaches. Many fungal genes involved in pathogenicity and rice genes involved in effector recognition and defence responses have been identified over the past decade. Specifically, the cloning of a total of nine avirulence (Avr) genes in M. oryzae, 13 rice resistance (R) genes and two rice blast quantitative trait loci (QTLs) has provided new insights into the molecular basis of fungal and plant interactions. In this article, we consider the new findings on the structure and function of the recently cloned R and Avr genes, and provide perspectives for future research directions towards a better understanding of the molecular underpinnings of the rice–M. oryzae interaction.
Rescue of genomic information in adult acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) with normal/failed cytogenetics: a GIMEMA centralized biological study
Authors: Matteucci Caterina , Barba Gianluca , Varasano Emanuela , Vitale Antonella , Mancini Marco , Testoni Nicoletta , Cuneo Antonio , Rege‐Cambrin Giovanna , Elia Loredana , La Starza Roberta , Pierini Valentina , Brandimarte Lucia , Vignetti Marco , Foà Robin , Mecucci Cristina ,   for the GIMEMA Acute Leukaemia Working Party, Italy
Published: January 2010

Metaphase (M‐) and array (A‐) Comparative Genomic Hybridization (CGH) were used to investigate 40 cases of T‐ and 32 of B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) with normal/failed cytogenetics. M‐CGH was performed in all cases and A–CGH in 10/12 T‐ALL cases with uncertain/normal M‐CGH results. M‐CGH was abnormal in 38/72 cases, with a total of 110 imbalances (60 gains, 50 losses). 25/40 patients with T‐ALL (62·5%) showed 77 imbalances, with at least 1 genomic imbalance and a mean of 3 aberrations/patient (range 1–12). 13/32 patients with B‐ALL (40·6%) presented 34 imbalances, with a mean of 2·6 imbalances (range 1–8). A‐CGH detected 4 more T‐ALL cases with genomic imbalances. A‐CGH identified NF1/17q11·2 deletion and interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization provided a 10·8% estimated overall incidence of NF1/17q11·2 deletion in T‐ALL. In all but one case (6/7) with NF1 deletion, denaturing high‐performance liquid chromatography and direct sequencing detected NOTCH1 gene mutations. Three or more imbalances in CGH‐positive cases were significantly associated with resistance to treatment and death during or after induction therapy. We suggest that the work‐up for ALL at diagnosis should include CGH investigations, particularly when cytogenetics is uninformative, because they may provide potentially valuable information with prognostic and therapeutic implications.
Reduced maternal regulatory T cell numbers and increased T helper type 2 cytokine production are associated with elevated levels of immunoglobulin E in cord blood
Authors: Hinz D. , Simon J. C. , Maier‐Simon C. , Milkova L. , Röder S. , Sack U. , Borte M. , Lehmann I. , Herberth G.
Published: January 2010

Background
There is evidence that the basis of an atopic‐skewed immune response is acquired early in life, perhaps at the fetal stage. Thus, we hypothesized that the development of the fetal immune system might be influenced by maternal regulatory T cells (Treg) and maternal T cell cytokine production during pregnancy. The aim of the present study was to assess the influence of maternal Treg and cytokine production during pregnancy on Treg and atopy at birth.

Methods
Within the mother–child study LINA (Lifestyle and Environmental factors and their Influence on Newborns Allergy risk), we determined the frequency and function of Treg and the total IgE concentration in pregnant women in the 34th week of gestation and in corresponding cord bloods at birth (n=24). Furthermore, we assessed how maternal mitogen‐induced T‐helper type 1/T‐helper type 2 and inflammatory cytokines influence the level of cord blood Treg and IgE.

Results
Frequencies of CD4+CD25high T cells were higher (P=0.001), whereas percentages of FOXP3+ T cells were lower (P<0.001) in cord blood cells compared with maternal blood. Reduced maternal CD4+CD25high Treg frequencies correlated with increased total IgE concentrations at the 34th week of gestation (r=−0.32, P=0.028) and with increased IgE concentrations in cord blood (r=−0.50, P<0.001). Elevated maternal mitogen‐induced Th2 cytokine production was related to increased total IgE levels in the serum of corresponding cord bloods (IL‐4, r=0.53; IL‐5, r=0.43; IL‐13, r=0.52).

Conclusions
Because cord blood IgE has been shown to be predictive for allergic diseases in early childhood, our results indicate that reduced maternal Treg numbers and increased Th2 cytokine production during pregnancy might influence the allergy risk of the child.

Cite this as: D. Hinz, J. C. Simon, C. Maier‐Simon, L. Milkova, S. Röder, U. Sack, M. Borte, I. Lehmann and G. Herberth, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2010 (40) 419–426.
Bacterial strain‐specific induction of Foxp3+ T regulatory cells is protective in murine allergy models
Authors: Lyons A. , O'Mahony D. , O'Brien F. , MacSharry J. , Sheil B. , Ceddia M. , Russell W. M. , Forsythe P. , Bienenstock J. , Kiely B. , Shanahan F. , O'Mahony L.
Published: January 2010

Background
The incidence of atopic disease has increased dramatically during recent decades and the potential immunoregulatory influence of the microbiota in these individuals is under investigation.

Objective
The aim of our study was to identify a bacterial strain that is protective in murine allergy models and to determine if microbial induction of T regulatory cells was associated with protection from allergic inflammation.

Methods
Three microbes (Bifidobacterium breve AH1205, B. longum AH1206 and Lactobacillus salivarius AH102) of human origin were fed to newborn, adult and germ‐free animals. Induction of Foxp3+ T regulatory cells was assessed by flow cytometry. Gene array analysis was performed on Peyer's patches. Strains were also examined for their protective effects in the ovalbumin (OVA) respiratory allergy model and the OVA‐cholera toxin dietary allergy model.

Results
Bifidobacterium longum AH1206 consumption resulted in increased numbers of Foxp3+ T regulatory cells in infant, adult and germ‐free animals. B. breve AH1205 induced Foxp3+ T regulatory cell expansion only in infant mice while L. salivarius AH102 did not alter T regulatory cell numbers in any animal model tested. B. longum AH1206 reduced the Peyer's patch gene expression associated with antigen presentation, TLR signalling and cytokine production while increasing the expression of genes associated with retinoic acid metabolism. B. longum AH1206 protected against airway inflammation in OVA‐sensitized animals and B. longum AH1206 blocked the induction of IgE to orally administered OVA. Neither B. breve AH1205 nor L. salivarius AH102 had a protective effect in either model.

Conclusion
Bacterial strain‐specific induction of Foxp3+ T regulatory cells in vivo is associated with protection from respiratory and oral allergy.

Cite this as: A. Lyons, D. O'Mahony, F. O'Brien, J. MacSharry, B. Sheil, M. Ceddia, W. M.Russell, P. ForsytheJ. Bienenstock, B. Kiely, F. Shanahan and L. O'Mahony, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2010 (40) 811–819.
The role of LTA4H and ALOX5AP genes in the risk for asthma in Latinos
Authors: Via M. , De Giacomo A. , Corvol H. , Eng C. , Seibold M. A. , Gillett C. , Galanter J. , Sen S. , Tcheurekdjian H. , Chapela R. , Rodríguez‐Santana J. R. , Rodríguez‐Cintrón W. , Thyne S. , Avila P. C. , Choudhry S. , González Burchard E. ,   on behalf of the Genetics of Asthma in Latino Americans (GALA) Study
Published: January 2010

Background
Leukotrienes play an important role in allergic and inflammatory diseases, but reports on the involvement of arachidonate 5‐lipoxygenase‐activating protein (ALOX5AP) and leukotriene A4 hydrolase (LTA4H) in asthma have been inconclusive.

Objective
To determine whether polymorphisms in ALOX5AP and LTA4H genes are risk factors for asthma in two different Latino groups: Mexicans and Puerto Ricans.

Methods
The LTA4H gene was sequenced in individuals from both groups to identify novel polymorphisms. Single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the ALOX5AP and LTA4H genes were analysed for associations with asthma and asthma‐related phenotypes in 687 parent–child trios of Mexican and Puerto Rican origin.

Results
In LTA4H, five previously unknown polymorphisms were identified. Two SNPs within LTA4H (rs17525488 and rs2540493) were protective for asthma in Latinos (P=0.007 and 0.05, respectively). Among the Mexican patients, LTA4H polymorphisms were associated with baseline lung function and IgE levels. For ALOX5AP, the minor allele at SNP rs10507391 was associated with protection from asthma (odds ratio=0.78, P=0.02) and baseline lung function (P=0.018) in Puerto Ricans. A gene–gene interaction was identified between LTA4H (rs17525488) and ALOX5AP (rs10507391), (P=0.003, in the combined sample).

Conclusion
Our results support the role of LTA4H and ALOX5AP variants as risk factors for asthma in Latino populations.

Cite this as: M. Via, A. De Giacomo, H. Corvol, C. Eng, M. A. Seibold, C. Gillett, J. Galanter, S. Sen, H. Tcheurekdjian, R. Chapela, J. R. Rodríguez‐Santana, W. Rodríguez‐Cintrón, S. Thyne, P. C. Avila, S. Choudhry and E. González Burchard on behalf of the Genetics of Asthma in Latino Americans (GALA) Study, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2010 (40) 582–589.
Toll‐like receptor 6 drives interleukin‐17A expression during experimental hypersensitivity pneumonitis
Authors: Fong Daniel J. , Hogaboam Cory M. , Matsuno Yosuke , Akira Shizuo , Uematsu Satoshi , Joshi Amrita D.
Published: January 2010

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is a T‐cell‐driven disease that is histologically characterized by diffuse mononuclear cell infiltrates and loosely formed granulomas in the lungs. We have previously reported that interleukin‐17A (IL‐17A) contributes to the development of experimental HP, and that the pattern recognition receptor Toll‐like receptor 6 (TLR6) might be a factor in the initiation of this response. Using a well‐established murine model ofSaccharopolyspora rectivirgula‐induced HP, we investigated the role of TLR6 in the immunopathogenesis of this disease. In the absence of TLR6 signalling, mice that received multiple challenges withS. rectivirgula‐antigen (SR‐Ag) had significantly less lung inflammation compared with C57BL/6 mice (wild‐type; WT) similarly challenged with SR‐Ag. Flow cytometric analysis of whole lung samples from SR‐Ag‐challenged mice showed that TLR6−/−mice had a decreased CD4+ : CD8+T‐cell ratio compared with WT mice. Cytokine analysis at various days after the final SR‐Ag challenge revealed that whole lungs from TLR6−/−mice contained significantly less IL‐17A than lungs from WT mice with HP. The IL‐17A‐driving cytokines IL‐21 and IL‐23 were also expressed at lower levels in SR‐Ag‐challenged TLR6−/−mice, when compared with SR‐Ag‐challenged WT mice. Other pro‐inflammatory cytokines, namely interferon‐γ and RANTES, were also found to be regulated by TLR6 signalling. Anti‐TLR6 neutralizing antibody treatment of dispersed lung cells significantly impaired SR‐Ag‐induced IL‐17A and IL‐6 generation. Together, these results indicate that TLR6 plays a pivotal role in the development and severity of HP via its role in IL‐17A production.
Expression and regulation of interleukin‐33 in human monocytes
Authors: Nile Christopher J. , Barksby Emma , Jitprasertwong Paiboon , Preshaw Philip M. , Taylor John J.
Published: January 2010

Interleukin‐33 (IL‐33) is an IL‐1 family cytokine that has a role in regulating T helper type 2 cytokines and mast cell development. Expression of IL‐33 is also associated with chronic inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. However, there is little information regarding IL‐33 in myeloid cell immune responses, which are important in immunity and inflammation. We therefore investigated the expression, intracellular location and regulation of myeloid cell IL‐33 by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Escherichia coli and the periodontal pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis. We detected IL‐33 messenger RNA in the human promonocytic cell line THP‐1, in monocytes derived from these cells and in primary human monocytes. However, IL‐33 was not expressed in primary monocyte‐derived dendritic cells. Stimulation of monocytes with E. coli LPS (Toll‐like receptor 4 agonist) and LPS from P. gingivalis (Toll‐like receptor 2 agonist) up‐regulated IL‐33 at both the messenger RNA and protein levels but IL‐1β and tumour necrosis factor‐α had no effect. The IL‐33 protein was mainly found in the cytoplasm of monocytes with no evidence of nuclear translocation in stimulated cells. Furthermore, no IL‐33 secretion was detected after stimulation with LPS and/or ATP. These data indicate that the function, if any, of IL‐33 in activated monocytes is primarily intracellular. Interestingly, immunofluorescence analysis indicated that IL‐33 was sequestered in the nucleus of monocytes undergoing apoptosis but released into the extracellular milieu by LPS‐stimulated cells in which necrosis had been induced by freeze–thawing. Therefore, this endorses the view that IL‐33 may function as an ‘alarmin’ and have a role in signalling cellular damage and inflammatory disease pathogenesis through release from damaged or necrotic cells.
Facilitating an importance index
Authors: Seifan Merav , Seifan Tal , Ariza Clara , Tielbörger Katja
Published: January 2010

1. An unresolved question in plant ecology is how the balance between positive and negative interactions changes with environmental conditions. Recently, the debate has been expanded by Brooker & Kikvidze (2008), reintroducing the importance, rather than the intensity, of interactions as the appropriate concept for empirical studies. Importance is the difference in performance with interactions relative to all affecting factors.

2. Positive interactions among plants (facilitation) are common in nature. However, the advocated importance indices fail to address facilitation and can thus not be applied to studying shifts in the balance between positive and negative interactions. The deficiencies of the current importance indices are both conceptual as well as mathematical. In particular, their maximum performance estimator is based on the assumption that it can only be attained in the absence of neighbours.

3. We suggest two major improvements. First, we use the target’s overall maximum performance as a surrogate for the plant optimum, i.e. we allow the possibility of higher performance with neighbours (i.e. facilitation). Second, we propose an alternative approach to treat the factors affecting measured performance. The new index is limited in its range [−1, 1], is symmetrical for competition and facilitation, and it preserves the intuitive nature of the original index by Brooker & Kikvidze (2008).

4.
Synthesis. The concept of interaction importance is useful for studying interactions along environmental gradients. In contrast to previous indices, our index accommodates facilitative interactions and thus offers a significant conceptual and methodological advancement. We advocate its use in future empirical studies.
Profound cardiac conduction delay predicts mortality in myotonic dystrophy type 1
Authors: Mörner S. , Lindqvist P. , Mellberg C. , Olofsson B.‐O. , Backman C. , Henein M. , Lundblad D. , Forsberg H.
Published: January 2010

Abstract. Mörner S, Lindqvist P, Mellberg C, Olofsson B‐O, Backman C, Henein M, Lundblad D, Forsberg H (Umeå University Hospital, Umeå; Umeå University, Umeå; Sunderby Hospital, Luleå; Sweden). Profound cardiac conduction delay predicts mortality in myotonic dystrophy type 1.J Intern Med2010;268:59–65.

Background. Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is known to affect mainly the musculoskeletal system. Early mortality is related to respiratory disease and possibly additional cardiovascular complications.

Aims. To identify possible cardiovascular disturbances that could predict survival of DM1 patients.

Methods. We studied 30 DM1 patients (mean age 41 ± 13.5 years, range 16–71, 15 women) who were cardiovascularly stable and compared them with 29 controls (mean age 55 ± 7.8 years, range 42–66, 14 women) using electrocardiography (ECG) and conventional transthoracic echocardiography. The subgroup that survived a follow‐up period of 17 years was re‐examined using the same protocol.

Results. Of the 30 patients, 10 died of a documented respiratory cause and three of acute myocardial incidents. Compared with controls, left ventricular cavity size, corrected to body surface area, was slightly enlarged at end systole (P < 0.05) and hence fractional shortening was reduced (P < 0.01). Nine patients had first‐degree heart block and 15 had a QRS duration >90 ms. Of all ECG and echocardiographic measurements, the sum of QRS duration + PR interval was the best predictor of mortality as shown by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 85%, sensitivity of 70% and specificity of 84%.

Conclusions. These findings suggest that silent cardiac dysfunction in DM1 patients may cause significant disturbances that over time result in serious complications. Regular follow‐up of such patients with detailed electrical and mechanical cardiac assessment may suggest a need for early intervention that may avoid early mortality in some.
Spine micromorphology of normal and hyperhydric Mammillaria gracilis Pfeiff. (Cactaceae) shoots
Authors: PEHAREC P. , POSILOVIĆ H. , BALEN B. , KRSNIK‐RASOL M.
Published: January 2010

Artificial conditions of tissue culture affect growth and physiology of crassulacean acid metabolism plants which often results in formation of hyperhydric shoots. In in vitro conditions Mammillaria gracilis Pfeiff. (Cactaceae) growth switches from organized to unorganized way, producing a habituated organogenic callus which simultaneously regenerates morphologically normal as well as altered hyperhydric shoots. In this study, influence of tissue culture conditions on morphology of cactus spines of normal and hyperhydric shoots was investigated. Spines of pot‐grown Mammillaria plants and of in vitro regenerated shoots were examined with stereo microscope and scanning electron microscope. The pot‐grown plants had 16–17 spines per areole. In vitro grown normal shoots, even though they kept typical shoot morphology, had lower number of spines (11–12) and altered spine morphology. This difference was even more pronounced in spine number (six to seven) and morphology of the hyperhydric shoots. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed remarkable differences in micromorphology of spine surface between pot‐grown and in vitro grown shoots. Spines of in vitro grown normal shoots showed numerous long trichomes, which were more elongated on spines of the hyperhydric shoots; the corresponding structures on spine surface of pot‐grown plants were noticed only as small protrusions. Scanning electron microscopy morphometric studies showed that the spines of pot‐grown plants were significantly longer compared to the spines of shoots grown in tissue culture. Moreover, transverse section shape varies from elliptical in pot‐grown plants to circular in normal and hyperhydric shoots grown in vitro. Cluster and correspondence analyses performed on the scanning electron microscope obtained results suggest great variability among spines of pot‐grown plants. Spines of in vitro grown normal and hyperhydric shoots showed low level of morphological variation among themselves despite the significant difference in shoot morphology.
A clinical assessment of mycophenolate drug monitoring after liver transplantation
Authors: Hwang Shin , Lee Sung‐Gyu , Ahn Chul‐Soo , Kim Ki‐Hun , Moon Deok‐Bog , Ha Tae‐Yong , Song Gi‐Won , Jung Dong‐Hwan , Choi Nam‐Kyu , Kim Kwan‐Woo , Yu Young‐Dong , Park Gil‐Chun , Park Pyoung‐Jae , Choi Young‐Il
Published: January 2010

Hwang S, Lee S‐G, Ahn C‐S, Kim K‐H, Moon D‐B, Ha T‐Y, Song G‐W, Jung D‐H, Choi N‐K, Kim K‐W, Yu Y‐D, Park G‐C, Park P‐J, Choi Y‐I. A clinical assessment of mycophenolate drug monitoring after liver transplantation. Clin Transplant 2010 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399‐0012.2009.01166.x © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract: Background:  Recent findings have suggested the clinical utility of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) in patients treated with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF).

Aim:  To assess whether routine mycophenolic acid (MPA) TDM is beneficial and how to utilize it.

Methods:  A series of short‐term prospective studies on TDM for MPA and/or tacrolimus was performed at a large‐volume center.

Results:  The 673 adult liver transplants were divided into four groups based on immunosuppressive regimens as tacrolimus monotherapy (n = 369), tacrolimus–MMF therapy (n = 270), MMF‐minimal tacrolimus therapy (n = 17), and MMF monotherapy (n = 17). There was a significant difference of tacrolimus concentration between the groups receiving tacrolimus monotherapy and tacrolimus–MMF therapy during the first two yr (at two yr: 8.4 ± 2.7 vs. 6.3 ± 2.6 ng/mL; p ≤ 0.002). MMF‐minimal tacrolimus therapy and MMF monotherapy were applied after first three months and MPA levels ranged from 1.8 to 5.3 μg/mL. Correlation between MMF dosage and MPA concentration showed wide interindividual variations (n = 304, r2 = 0.271, p < 0.001), in which r2 was fluctuating from 0.056 to 0.213 according to the post‐transplant period over five yr; wide intraindividual variation was also observed during the first two months (n = 12, r2 < 0.2, p > 0.195). About 10% of patients were classified as poor MMF absorber and excluded from MMF usage. Mean MPA level leading to successful MMF monotherapy or MMF‐minimal tacrolimus therapy was ≥1.0 μg/mL in 87% and >2.0 μg/mL in 56.5%.

Conclusion:  MPA TDM‐based MMF dosage adjustment enabled us to administer MMF more confidently than categorical dosing. MPA TDM appears to be a useful tool to cope with the wide pharmacokinetic variability of MMF after liver transplantation.
Immunohistochemical Characterization of Neurones in the Hypoglossal Nucleus of the Pig
Authors: Sienkiewicz W. , Dudek A. , Kaleczyc J. , Chrószcz A.
Published: January 2010

With 4 figures and 1 table

In this study, the presence of several neurotransmitters and transmitter synthesizing enzymes was studied in hypoglossal nucleus (HN) of the juvenile (4 months old) female pigs (n = 3). Double‐labeling immunofluorescence revealed neurones expressing cholinacetyltranspherase (ChAT), calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP), nitric oxide synthase (NOS), and somatostatin (SOM). Nerve fibers within HN were ChAT, CGRP, NOS, SOM, substance P (SP), Leu‐5‐enkephalin (Leu‐5‐Enk), ß‐dopamine hydroxylase (DßH), neuropeptide Y (NPY) positive. Virtually all the perikarya contained ChAT, whereas CGRP was present in 47% of the neurones. Nerve cell bodies containing NOS or SOM were only occasionally observed. Immunoreactive nerve fibers were found in a close vicinity of the perikarya, often forming baskets around nerve cell bodies. The results obtained were compared with similar data obtained in other species. The presence of immunoreactive structures, origin of the nerve fibers, and functional significance of the findings are discussed.
Evaluation of damage to satsuma mandarin (Citrus unshiu) by the leaffooted bug, Leptoglossus zonatus (Hemiptera: Coreidae)
Authors: Xiao Y. F. , Fadamiro H. Y.
Published: January 2010

The leaffooted bug, Leptoglossus zonatus (Dallas) (Hemiptera: Coreidae) is a key direct pest of satsuma mandarin (Citrus unshiu Marcovitch) in much of the Gulf Coast region of the United States. The injury and amount of damage to satsuma fruit caused by L. zonatus adults and nymphs at various insect densities (0–3 individuals per fruit) and feeding durations (0–14 days after infestation) were assessed in laboratory and field experiments. The parameters evaluated included fruit damage symptoms, fruit colour, premature fruit abortion (PFA), fruit weight loss (FWL), percentage of damaged sections (PDS), and soluble solids content (SSC) of the fruits. Feeding by L. zonatus on satsuma produced typical damage symptoms including the presence of green spots and dark spots on the outer rind and the collapsing and drying out of the juice vesicles in the inner rind. Insect density and feeding duration had significant effects on most damage parameters. Fruit weight loss and PDS increased with insect density and feeding duration. Soluble solids content decreased with both factors, and was also negatively correlated to PDS. Premature fruit ripening (yellowing) was recorded at densities of 1 or more insects per fruit. Premature fruit abortion was significantly higher in fruits infested by L. zonatus than in uninfested fruits, but insect density may not fully explain the PFA data. Leptoglossus zonatus female and male produced similar amounts of damage, which were slightly more than the damage produced by the nymphs. In general, the results were fairly consistent between laboratory and field experiments, although some minor differences were recorded. The data suggest an economic injury level of 1–2 L. zonatus per satsuma fruit. The results are discussed in relation to the ecology and management of L. zonatus on satsuma.
Silicon Suppresses Phytophthora Blight Development on Bell Pepper
Authors: French‐Monar Ronald D. , Rodrigues Fabrício Avila , Korndörfer Gaspar Henrique , Datnoff Lawrence Elliot
Published: January 2010

The application of silicon (Si) reduces the intensity of diseases in several economically important crops. This study aimed at determining the potential of this element to decrease the symptoms of Phytophthora blight development on bell pepper, caused by Phytophthora capsici. Bell pepper plants (Sakata Hybrid X pp6115) were initially grown in plastic pots with substrate composed of 1 : 1 mixture of sterile fine sand and Fafard No. 2 peat mix amended with calcium silicate (+Si) or calcium carbonate (−Si). Six weeks later, plants were transplanted to new pots that contained the same +Si and −Si substrate but were infested with finely ground wheat grains (1‐ to 2‐mm diameter) colonized by two isolates of P. capsici, Cp30 (compatibility type A1) and Cp32 (compatibility type A2). At the end of the experiment, roots and stems from plants of each treatment were collected to determine Si concentration. The presence of lesions on crowns and stems and wilting of plants were monitored up to 9 days after transplanting (DAT). Data obtained were used to calculate the area under diseased plants progress curve (AUDPPC) and area under wilting plants progress curve (AUWPPC). Relative lesion extension (RLE) was obtained as the ratio of vertical lesion extension to stem length at 9 DAT. There was a 40% increase in the concentration of Si in the roots but not in the stems of bell pepper plants in the +Si treatment compared to the −Si treatment. When comparing +Si to −Si treatments, the AUDPPC was reduced by 15.4 and 37.5%, while AUWPPC was reduced by 29.1 and 33.3% in experiments 1 and 2, respectively. RLE values were reduced by 35% in the +Si treatment. Dry root weights increased by 23.7%, and stem weights were increased by 10.2% in the +Si treatment. Supplying Si to bell peppers roots can potentially reduce the severity of Phytophthora blight while enhancing plant development.
Time Course ofIn VitroMaturation of Compact Cumulus Horse Oocytes after Roscovitine‐Induced Meiotic Inhibition: Effects on the Coordination Between Nuclear and Cytoplasmic Maturation
Authors: Consiglio A Lange , Arrighi S , Cremonesi F
Published: January 2010

Contents

This study was carried out to evaluate the usefulness of a pre‐maturation step in improving the coordination between cytoplasmic and nuclear maturation of horse compact cumulus oocytes by the addition of roscovitine (ROSC). Oocytes were collected by scraping and pre‐cultured for 18 h in a maturation medium TCM199 supplemented with pyruvate, LH, FSH, insulin growth factor (IGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), insulin, transferrin and selenium (IVM‐ROSC) or in a simple medium (M199‐ROSC). After pre‐maturation, oocytes from both the groups were in part denuded and fixed‐stained and in partin vitromatured to assess the kinetic ofin vitromaturation (IVM). The nuclear progression and the cytoskeletal organization of microfilaments and cortical granules (CG) of treated and untreated oocytes were assessed by fluorescent probes. Oocytes immediately fixed after recovery and oocytes pre‐cultured in M199‐ROSC for 18 h did not show metaphase II (MII) plates, whereas in IVM‐ROSC group, 6/69 oocytes (8.7%) showed MII plates. After inhibition, during maturation kinetics at 11, 18 and 29 h, maturation rate of M199‐ROSC group progressively increased and at 29 h of IVM, reached the maturation rate of control group (13/66, 19.7% vs 31/125, 24.8%). No statistically significant differences in cytoplasmic maturation were found. The number of MII plates after 29 h of IVM, was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in IVM‐ROSC group (34/90) compared with M199‐ROSC (13/66) and control groups (31/125) as well as the number of oocytes with microfilaments and CG distributed in cortical region (25/34 vs 3/13 and 7/31 respectively). Our results showed that pre‐culturing in the presence of Roscovitine in a fully supplemented maturation medium containing gonadotropins and growth factors partially suppressed the meiotic maturation, but established a more suitable environment for improving cytoplasmic maturation of horse compact cumulus oocytes as defined by microfilaments and CG configuration.
Seasonal variation in the incidence of spontaneous pneumothorax and its association with climate: A nationwide population‐based study
Authors: CHEN Chao‐Hung , KOU Yu Ru , CHEN Chin‐Shyan , LIN Herng‐Ching
Published: January 2010

Background and objective:  While links between meteorological conditions and the incidence of spontaneous pneumothorax (SP) have been postulated, the findings are controversial. In this first large‐scale, nationwide, population‐based study, seasonal variation in the incidence of SP among young adults aged 15–44 years was investigated, in order to identify possible associations with meteorological parameters (rainfall, ambient temperature, relative humidity, atmospheric pressure, hours of sunshine) in a subtropical Asian climate.

Methods:  Data (2001–2005) from the National Health Insurance Research Database were used to identify a total of 8575 patients who had been hospitalized with a principal diagnosis of SP. The autoregressive integrated moving average method was used to evaluate the effects of seasonality and monthly climatic factors on the incidence of SP.

Results:  The incidence of SP was not significantly associated with either particular months of the year or seasons. After adjusting for seasonality, month and time trends, relative humidity was positively associated with the monthly incidence of SP among men, while ambient temperature and rainfall were significantly associated with SP events among women. However, changes in monthly atmospheric pressure did not appear to influence the monthly risk of SP.

Conclusions:  These results do not support the premise that seasonal factors are involved in precipitating SP, although certain climatic parameters showed weak associations with the incidence of SP. Future studies should investigate other combinations of weather phenomena and potential triggering factors, in order to shed light on the occurrence of SP in various regions and climatic conditions, and among both men and women.
Spontaneous uterine rupture caused by placenta percreta at 18 weeks' gestation after in vitro fertilization
Authors: Medel Jorge Martínez , Mateo Sergio Castán , Conde César Rodrigo , Cabistany Esqué Ana Cristina , Ríos Mitchell María José
Published: January 2010

We report a case of spontaneous uterine rupture caused by placenta percreta at 18 weeks' gestation after in vitro fertilization. Spontaneous uterine rupture is an extremely infrequent obstetric complication that may compromise the lives of the fetus and the mother. We describe the case of a pregnant woman at 18 weeks' gestation who presented with sudden abdominal pain and severe hemoperitoneum. We noticed a uterine rupture and carried out an urgent obstetric hysterectomy. The patient died due to hypovolemic shock and severe generalized coagulopathy. The pregnancy had been obtained via in vitro fertilization techniques. The patient did not have any risk factor or antecedent. The anatomopathological study showed a fundus uterine rupture caused by placenta percreta.
Vaginal yolk sac (endodermal sinus) tumors in infancy presenting persistent vaginal bleeding
Authors: Watanabe Noriko , Okita Hajime , Matsuoka Kentaro , Kiyotani Chikako , Fujii Eriko , Kumagai Masaaki , Nakagawa Atsuko
Published: January 2010

Vaginal yolk sac (endodermal sinus) tumors were diagnosed in two girls (ages 12 and 46 months). In both, the only manifestation was persistent vaginal bleeding. Pelvic ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging revealed solitary vaginal masses (diameter, 5 and 2 cm, respectively). Serum α‐fetoprotein was highly elevated in one patient and normal in the other. Biopsy was performed in the first patient, and a tumor excision, in the second. Combination chemotherapy with cisplatin, etoposide, and bleomycin or carboplatin was administered to the first patient, and shortly thereafter, the tumor size decreased by more than half; serum α‐fetoprotein was normalized after four chemotherapy cycles. After chemotherapy, magnetic resonance imaging revealed a small residual lesion, however the second biopsy revealed no viable tumor cells. In the second patient, no visible tumor was observed after chemotherapy by vaginoscopy. Both patients are well at 19 and 14 months after diagnosis, respectively.
Changes in 13, 14‐dihydro‐15‐keto‐prostaglandin F2α levels in saliva during pregnancy, labor and the postpartum period
Authors: Nakayama Kae , Haruna Megumi , Matsuzaki Masayo , Sekine Kyouichi , Murashima Sachiyo
Published: January 2010

Aims:  To examine changes in the levels of 13, 14‐dihydro‐15‐keto‐prostaglandin F2α (PGFM) in saliva during pregnancy, labor and the postpartum period, and to evaluate the relationship between cervical dilatation or contraction interval and salivary PGFM levels during labor.

Methods:  This longitudinal study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics in a hospital in Japan that has approximately 500 deliveries per year. Maternal and neonatal data were obtained from medical records. Saliva samples were collected during pregnancy (from 35 to 36 weeks gestation), labor and the postpartum period.

Results:  Sixty‐four healthy pregnant women were recruited and data from 30 subjects were analyzed. Salivary PGFM levels were almost constant during pregnancy, increased as labor progressed and decreased after delivery. Salivary PGFM levels during contraction intervals of 1–2 min were significantly higher than those when contraction intervals were 7–8, 5–6 or 3–4 min.

Conclusions:  PGFM levels in saliva significantly increased with labor progression, remained at the highest level until delivery of the placenta, and decreased after delivery. Salivary PGFM levels are related not to cervical dilatation but to contraction interval. It was found that salivary PGFM levels reflected the contraction status of the uterus as delivery progressed.