bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mitochondrial fusion, division and positioning in plants
Authors: Logan David C.
Published: May 2010

Mitochondria are involved in many fundamental processes underpinning plant growth, development and death. Owing to their multiple roles, as the sites of the tricarboxylic acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation, as harbourers of their own genomes and as sensors of cell redox status, amongst others, mitochondria are in a unique position to act as sentinels of cell physiology. The plant chondriome is typically organized as a population of physically discrete organelles, but visualization of mitochondria in living tissues has shown that the mitochondrial population is highly interactive. Mitochondria are highly motile and movement on the cytoskeleton ensures that the physically discrete organelles come into contact with one another, which allows transient fusion, followed by division of the mitochondrial membranes. This article serves to review our current knowledge of mitochondrial fusion and division, and link this to recent discoveries regarding a putative mitochondrial ‘health-check’ and repair process, whereby non-repairable dysfunctional mitochondria can be removed from the chondriome. It is proposed that the unequal distribution of the multipartite plant mitochondrial genome between discrete organelles provides the driver for transient mitochondrial fusion that, in turn, is dependent on mitochondrial motility, and that both fusion and motility are necessary to maintain a healthy functional chondriome.
Peroxisome biogenesis and positioning
Authors: Baker Alison , Sparkes Imogen A. , Brown Laura-Anne , O'Leary-Steele Catherine , Warriner Stuart L.
Published: May 2010

Plant peroxisomes are extremely dynamic, moving and undergoing changes of shape in response to metabolic and environmental signals. Matrix proteins are imported via one of two import pathways, depending on the targeting signal within the protein. Each pathway has a specific receptor but utilizes common membrane-bound translocation machinery. Current models invoke receptor recycling, which may involve cycles of ubiquitination. Some components of the import machinery may also play a role in proteolytic turnover of matrix proteins, prompting parallels with the endoplasmic-reticulum-associated degradation pathway. Peroxisome membrane proteins, some of which are imported post-translationally, others of which may traffic to peroxisomes via the endoplasmic reticulum, use distinct proteinaceous machinery. The isolation of mutants defective in peroxisome biogenesis has served to emphasize the important role of peroxisomes at all stages of the plant life cycle.
In vivo uptake of a haem analogue Zn protoporphyrin IX by the human malaria parasite P. falciparum‐infected red blood cells
Authors: Sartorello Robson , Budu Alexandre , Bagnaresi Piero , Fernandes Carlos AH , Sato Paloma M. , Bueno Vânia B. , Fontes Marcos RM , Oliveira Pedro L. , Paiva‐Silva Gabriela O. , Alves Simone V. , Netto Luis ES , Catalani Luiz H. , Garcia Celia RS
Published: May 2010

The cellular traffic of haem during the development of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum, through the stages R (ring), T (trophozoite) and S (schizonts), was investigated within RBC (red blood cells). When Plasmodium cultures were incubated with a fluorescent haem analogue, ZnPPIX (Zn protoporphyrin IX) the probe was seen at the cytoplasm (R stage), and the vesicle‐like structure distribution pattern was more evident at T and S stages. The temporal sequence of ZnPPIX uptake byP. falciparum‐infected erythrocytes shows that at R and S stages, a time‐increase acquisition of the porphyrin reaches the maximum fluorescence distribution after 60 min; in contrast, at the T stage, the maximum occurs after 120 min of ZnPPIX uptake. The difference in time‐increase acquisition of the porphyrin is in agreement with a maximum activity of haem uptake at the T stage. To gain insights into haem metabolism, recombinant PfHO (P. falciparum haem oxygenase) was expressed, and the conversion of haem into BV (biliverdin) was detected. These findings point out that, in addition to haemozoin formation, the malaria parasite P. falciparum has evolved two distinct mechanisms for dealing with haem toxicity, namely, the uptake of haem into a cellular compartment where haemozoin is formed and HO activity. However, the low Plasmodium HO activity detected reveals that the enzyme appears to be a very inefficient way to scavenge the haem compared with the Plasmodium ability to uptake the haem analogue ZnPPIX and delivering it to the food vacuole.
Addressing the design of in vitro models for the investigation of microcystins: The essential role of transporter‐mediated uptake
Authors: Monks Noel R. , Moscow Jeffrey A.
Published: May 2010

This article discusses the need for transporter‐mediated uptake for investigations addressing the mechanism of action of microcystins [with reference to the previous article in Cell Biology International by de Souza Votto (2007) 31:1359–1366].
Low value of simple echocardiographic indices of ventricular dyssynchrony in predicting the response to cardiac resynchronization therapy
Authors: Bordachar Pierre , Lafitte Stéphane , Réant Patricia , Reuter Sylvain , Clementy Jacques , Mletzko Ralph‐Uwe , Siegel Robert M. , Goscinska‐Bis Kinga , Bowes Robert , Morgan John , Bénard Sandrine , Leclercq Christophe
Published: May 2010

Aims

A recent study suggested that no single echocardiographic index of cardiac dyssynchrony can reliably identify candidates for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). We examined the value of three simple echocardiographic indices for predicting the 6‐month clinical and echocardiographic responses to CRT.

Methods and results

We analysed data from 75 CRT‐D system recipients. Standard echocardiography was used to measure aortic pre‐ejection delay (APED), interventricular mechanical delay (IVMD), and delayed activation of the left ventricular (LV) infero‐lateral wall (OVERLAP). Clinical responders were defined as patients who had an improved status, based on rehospitalization for heart failure, NYHA class, and peak oxygen consumption. Echocardiographic responders had a ≥10% decrease in LV end‐systolic volume. During the study, one patient died and five were lost to follow‐up. Of the remaining 69 analysable patients, 50 (72.5%) were classed as clinical responders and 41 (59.4%) as echocardiographic responders to CRT. Before CRT implantation, APED, IVMD, and OVERLAP were similar in responders and non‐responders. The value of these indices of dyssynchrony as single or combined predictors of the clinical or echocardiographic response to CRT was low, with sensitivities ranging between 4 and 63%, and specificities between 37 and 100%.

Conclusion

Simple echocardiographic indices of dyssynchrony were poor predictors of response to CRT.
Systematic review: the role of self‐expanding plastic stents for benign oesophageal strictures
Authors: REPICI A. , HASSAN C. , SHARMA P. , CONIO M. , SIERSEMA P.
Published: May 2010

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 31, 1268–1275

Background  Treatment of refractory or recurrent benign oesophageal strictures is demanding and surgery may be the only available option. The role of self‐expanding plastic stents (SEPS) in the treatment of these strictures is still controversial because of the conflicting results of various studies.

Aim  To analyse with regard to SEPS: technical and clinical success, factors associated with outcome, and safety.

Methods  Pooled‐data analysis of a systematic review of the literature. Clinical success was defined as no need for further endoscopic or surgical treatment after SEPS removal.

Results  Data of 10 studies with 130 treated patients were included. SEPS insertion was technically successful in 128 of 130 patients (98%, 95% CI = 96–100%). Clinical success was achieved in 68 patients (52%, 95% CI = 44–61%) and this was found to be lower in those with a cervical localization of the stricture (33% vs. 54%; P < 0.05). Early (<4 weeks) migration of the stent was reported in 19 (24%, 95% CI = 14–32%) cases, while post‐insertion endoscopic re‐intervention was required in 25 (21%, 95% CI = 14–28%). Major clinical complications occurred in 12 patients (9%, 95% CI = 4–14%), resulting in death of one (0.8%) patient.

Conclusions  Our pooled‐data analysis showed a favourable risk/benefit ratio when SEPS are applied in patients with recurrent or refractory benign oesophageal strictures. This supports the use of SEPS before referring patients to surgery, and they are a valuable alternative to repeat endoscopic dilation.
Nationwide linkage analysis in Scotland implicates age as the critical overall determinant of mortality in ulcerative colitis
Authors: NICHOLLS R. J. , CLARK D. N. , KELSO L. , CROWE A. M. , KNIGHT A. D. , HODGKINS P. , SATSANGI J.
Published: May 2010

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 31, 1310–1321

Background  Recent data associated higher mortality with medical rather than surgical intervention in patients with ulcerative colitis who require hospitalization.

Aim  To examine factors influencing UC‐related mortality in Scotland.

Method  Using the national record linkage database 1998–2000, 3‐year mortality was determined after four admission types: colectomy‐elective or emergency; no colectomy‐elective or emergency.

Results  Of 1078 patients, crude 3‐year mortality rates were: colectomy elective 5.6% (n = 177) and emergency 9.0% (100); no colectomy elective 9.8% (244) and emergency 16.0% (557). Using elective colectomy as reference, multivariate analysis [OR (95% CI)] showed that admission age >50 years [OR 5.46 (2.29–11.95)], male gender [OR 1.92 (1.23–3.02)], comorbidity [OR 2.2 (1.38–3.51)], length of stay >15 days [OR 2.04 (1.08–3.84)] and prior IBD admission [OR 1.66 (1.06–2.61)] were independently related to mortality. Age was the strongest determinant. No patient <30 years died. Mortality of patients aged <50 years [10/587 (1.7%)] was significantly lower than mortality of those aged 50–64 years [26/246 (10.6%)] (χ2 = 32.91; P < 0.0000001) and >65 [96/245 (39.2%)] (χ2 = 218.2; P < 0.0000001). For those patients aged more than 65 years, mortality in the four groups was 29.4%, 33.3%, 28.1% and 44.7%– all greater than expected in the Scottish population on assessment of standardized mortality ratios.

Conclusion  Hospital admission in UC patients >65 is associated with high mortality. Management strategies should consider this by treatment in specialist units, early investigation, focused medical treatment and earlier surgical referral.
Adalimumab sustains clinical remission and overall clinical benefit after 2 years of therapy for Crohn’s disease
Authors: PANACCIONE R. , COLOMBEL J.‐F. , SANDBORN W. J. , RUTGEERTS P. , D’HAENS G. R. , ROBINSON A. M. , CHAO J. , MULANI P. M. , POLLACK P. F.
Published: May 2010

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 31, 1296–1309

Background  In the randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled CHARM trial, adalimumab was more effective than placebo in maintaining clinical remission for patients with moderate‐to‐severe Crohn’s disease (CD) through 56 weeks.

Aim  To substantiate the long‐term safety and clinical benefits of adalimumab through 2 years of therapy in CHARM and its open‐label extension (ADHERE).

Methods  Patients entering ADHERE on blinded therapy received adalimumab 40 mg every other week (eow). Patients who had already moved to open‐label adalimumab eow or weekly in CHARM continued their regimens. Data were analysed by originally randomized treatment group at CHARM baseline (adalimumab 40 mg eow, adalimumab 40 mg weekly, or placebo), regardless of whether patients entered ADHERE or received open‐label adalimumab (eow or weekly).

Results  After up to 2 years of therapy, 37.6%, 41.9% and 49.8% of patients originally randomized to placebo, adalimumab eow and adalimumab weekly, respectively, were in clinical remission. All groups experienced sustained improvements on the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire. Decreasing hazard rates for both all‐cause and CD‐related hospitalizations were observed over time. Over a 2‐year period, the rates of serious adverse events and malignancies (33.3 and 1.1 events/100‐patient‐years respectively) were similar to those observed during the overall adalimumab CD clinical development programme.

Conclusions  Adalimumab demonstrated sustained maintenance of clinical remission, improvements in quality of life and reductions in hospitalization during long‐term treatment for CD, with no new safety concerns identified.
Cost‐utility analysis of proton pump inhibitors and other gastro‐protective agents for prevention of gastrointestinal complications in elderly patients taking nonselective nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory agents
Authors: CAMERON C. , VAN ZANTEN S. V. , SKEDGEL C. , FLOWERDEW G. , MOAYYEDI P. , SKETRIS I.
Published: May 2010

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 31, 1354–1364

Background The use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) among elderly patients using nonselective nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (nsNSAIDs) has increased; the price of PPIs is higher than that of majority of alternative treatment strategies.

Aim To evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of nsNSAIDS + PPIs relative to alternative gastroprotective regimens in the prevention of GI complications among elderly patients (aged ≥65 years).

Methods An incremental cost‐utility analysis, comparing PPIs with alternative gastroprotective regimens was conducted using a decision analytical model. Clinical outcomes, costs and utilities were derived from recently published studies. Probabilistic and deterministic sensitivity analyses were performed to test the robustness of the results to variation in model inputs and assumptions.

Results The incremental cost‐utility ratio (ICUR) of PPIs, relative to nsNSAID alone, was $206 315 per QALY gained or were more costly and less effective. Other co‐prescribed treatment options had higher costs per QALY gained. In patients with a history of a complicated or uncomplicated ulcer, PPIs had ICURs of $24 277 and $40 876, respectively.

Conclusions Use of PPIs in all elderly patients taking nsNSAIDs is unlikely to represent an efficient use of finite healthcare resources. Co‐prescribing PPIs, however, to elderly patients taking nsNSAIDs who have a history of complicated or uncomplicated ulcers appears to be economically attractive.
Sabotaging behaviour and minimal latex of Asclepias curassavica incur no cost for larvae of the southern monarch butterfly Danaus erippus
Authors: RODRIGUES DANIELA , MAIA PEDRO H. S. , TRIGO JOSÉ R.
Published: May 2010

1. The southern monarch, Danaus erippus, uses mainly Asclepias curassavica as its host in the Neotropics, a plant species bearing articulated anastomosing laticifers. When artificially severed, A. curassavica has been shown to release significantly less latex than other Asclepias species.

2. The present study tested the hypothesis that sabotaging behaviour changes during the ontogeny of D. erippus and recorded latex outflow of A. curassavica during sabotaging and feeding. Larvae displayed vein‐cutting behaviour, which was initially observed in the second instar, became more pronounced in the third and fourth instars, and less frequent in the fifth instar. When present, latex outflow was never more than 1 µl at a time during either vein cutting or feeding, regardless of the instar.

3. Mandibular and midrib morphometrics revealed that larvae selected thicker midrib sites for severing as instars progressed; however, no correlation between mandibular size and midrib size severed was found within instars.

4. Costs of sabotaging behaviour and the effects of A. curassavica latex outflow on D. erippus larvae were also examined. Sabotaging behaviour did not incur growth costs for larvae, and only latex exudation volumes at least 10‐fold greater than those observed due to D. erippus sabotaging or feeding, caused significantly higher larval mortality than controls.

5. Since latex outflow is minimal or non‐existent in A. curassavica, sabotaging behaviour in D. erippus is mostly limited by morphological constraints and is probably driven by chemical stimulants rather than latex defence. In turn, latex does not constitute a major defence of A. curassavica against D. erippus.
Dynamically honest displays: courtship locomotor performance indicates survival in guppies
Authors: O’Steen Shyril , Eby Stephanie L. , Bunce John A.
Published: May 2010

1. The indicator theory of sexual selection suggests that mating displays honestly signal aspects of fitness. While rarely studied, kinematic (locomotor) performance is an excellent candidate for an honest indicator, as mating displays of many animals include rapid or extended locomotion that may be physiologically correlated with performance traits that impact survival.

2. We investigate the indicator value of display locomotion of wild‐caught male guppies, Poecilia reticulata, by examining relationships between mating display kinematic traits, anti‐predator kinematic traits, and survival during a subsequent staged encounter with a natural predator, the pike cichlid Crenicichla alta.

3. We first compared guppy display kinematics with subsequent survival, and found that display body angle and angular speed positively predicted survival. We next compared anti‐predator kinematic and tactical traits with survival, to identify traits that might link mating displays to survival. We measured anti‐predator traits in two tests, first in response to a standardized stimulus (fast start test), and second in response to the live predator (encounter test). Guppy fast start speed and encounter speed, time in refuges, and approach distance (response distance) all positively predicted survival, while encounter swim duration negatively predicted survival. These data provided our final hypothesis, that these particular anti‐predator traits would be correlated with mating display kinematics. However, we detected only one of eight predicted correlations, a negative relationship between display body angle and encounter swim duration that may reflect an energy trade‐off.

4. We conclude that courtship locomotor performance can be an honest survival indicator in guppies, and that the mechanism linking courtship to survival merits further study. These results suggest that courtship locomotion may contribute to viability impacts on the evolution of animal mate choice, and support others in suggesting that these traits may reward greater attention in sexual and natural selection studies.
Identifying attitudes, beliefs and reported practices of nurses and doctors as immunization providers
Authors: Pielak Karen L. , McIntyre Cheryl C. , Tu Andrew W. , Remple Valencia P. , Halperin Beth , Buxton Jane A.
Published: May 2010

pielak k.l., mcintyre c.c., tu a.w., remple v.p., halperin b. & buxton j.a. (2010) Identifying attitudes, beliefs and reported practices of nurses and doctors as immunization providers. Journal of Advanced Nursing 66(7), 1602–1611.

Title.  Identifying attitudes, beliefs and reported practices of nurses and doctors as immunization providers.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study conducted to examine the attitudes, beliefs, behavioural intentions and self‐reported behaviour of nurses and physicians relating to key immunization behaviours and compare the findings for nurses and physicians.

Background.  Immunization is an important and effective public health intervention. Understanding immunization providers’ attitudes and beliefs toward immunization has the potential to improve educational efforts and lead to behavioural change.

Method.  A postal survey was conducted with all immunization providers in British Columbia, Canada, in 2005. The survey elicited data on demographics, practice characteristics, attitudes, perceived social norms and perceived behavioural control related to key immunization behaviours.

Results.  Responses were received from 344 nurses and 349 physicians. The response rate was 67% for nurses and 22% for physicians. More nurses than physicians thought that administering all recommended vaccines at one visit was important (89·2% vs. 63·2%P < 0·001); nurses felt more pressure from parents to administer all recommended vaccines (82·4% vs. 48·7%P < 0·001), and nurses were also more likely to intend to give all recommended vaccines at one visit (98·8% vs. 73·8%P < 0·001). Both nurses and physicians thought that their own receipt of influenza vaccine each year was important (88·9%, 87·1% respectively P = 0·65).

Conclusion.  The foundational work done to develop the survey tool can be used to modify it so that survey findings can be validated according to the Theory of Planned Behaviour. The results could inform the development of behavioural change interventions targeting the identified determinants of immunization provider behaviour.
Spiritual health, clinical practice stress, depressive tendency and health‐promoting behaviours among nursing students
Authors: Hsiao Ya‐Chu , Chien Li‐Yu , Wu Li‐Yu , Chiang Chih‐Ming , Huang Song‐Yuan
Published: May 2010

hsiao y.‐c., chien l.‐y., wu l.‐y., chiang c.‐m. & huang s.‐y. (2010) Spiritual health, clinical practice stress, depressive tendency and health‐promoting behaviours among nursing students. Journal of Advanced Nursing 66(7), 1612–1622.

Title.  Spiritual health, clinical practice stress, depressive tendency and health‐promoting behaviours among nursing students.

Aim.  This paper is a report of an exploration of the association of spiritual health with clinical practice stress, depressive tendency and health‐promoting behaviours among nursing students.

Background.  Several studies in western countries have demonstrated an association between spirituality and health. Spirituality‐related research in eastern countries, however, is still in its infancy.

Methods.  A cross‐sectional design was adopted and structured questionnaires were used for data collection. We adopted the Probability Proportional to Size cluster sampling method to recruit nursing students in senior grades. Data were collected in 2005 using the Spiritual Health Scale, Perceived Clinical Practice Stress Scale, Beck Depression Inventory‐II and Health Promotion Behaviours Scale.

Results.  A total of 1276 nursing students with an average age of 20·1 years (sd = 1·6 years) participated in the study. Spiritual health was negatively associated with clinical practice stress (r = −0·211, P < 0·001) and depressive tendency (r = −0·324, P < 0·001) and positively associated with health‐promoting behaviours (r = 0·611, P < 0·001). Using hierarchical regression analysis to control for demographic factors, spiritual health was found to be an important predictive factor for clinical practice stress, depressive tendency and health‐promoting behaviours.

Conclusion.  These results are consistent with research findings from western countries. Educators should develop strategies to address nursing students’ spiritual health. This may help nursing students to manage their stress, to reduce depressive symptoms and to enhance health‐promoting behaviours.
The incidence of low back problems among nursing students in Hong Kong
Authors: Cheung Kin
Published: May 2010

Aims.  To determine the cumulative incidence (CI) of and risk factors for musculoskeletal problems among nursing students in Hong Kong.

Background.  Although low back problems have been identified internationally as one of the major work‐related hazards among nursing personnel, only a few studies have examined the problem among nursing students.

Design.  Two‐year prospective cohort study; data collected at baseline and 2 (T1), 12 (T2) and 26 (T3) months after baseline.

Methods.  Three cohorts [i.e. two full‐time (FT) and one part‐time (PT) cohorts] of nursing students were recruited from one of the universities in Hong Kong. They were invited to complete a baseline and three follow‐up questionnaires. CIs of low back problems among the three cohorts were calculated and tested for their association. The multivariate logistic regression was also used to identify the risk factors for low back problems.

Results.  Initially, the seven‐day, 30‐day and 12‐month prevalence in baseline as well as the T1 (64%) and T2 (94%) CIs of low back problems for the PT cohort were significantly higher than those of the two FT cohorts (their CIs ranged from 45–67%). However, the CIs for the FT cohorts were increased from 45% at T1–83% at T3, while the CIs for the PT cohort was only increased from 64–80%, respectively. At T3, the CIs for both FT cohorts caught up with the CI for the PT cohort (χ2 = 0·068, p = 0·07). As expected, the risk factors for low back problems were multifactorial, i.e. personal, psychosocial and physical.

Conclusion.  Nursing students had similar CI of low back problems as registered nurses 26 months after baseline, i.e. during their nursing training and before becoming a registered nurse.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The results of this study, for the first time, identified that low back problems were developed during the period of nursing school training rather than after nurses enter the workforce. These findings have crucial implications for reducing low back problems among nursing personnel. There is a need to evaluate nursing students’ experience in their nursing study and provide appropriate support to them to reduce their personal, physical and psychosocial stress. The ability of nursing students to deliver high quality patient care depends in part on their ability to conserve their own health and well‐being.
A simple method for rapid community assessment of tungiasis
Authors: Ariza L. , Wilcke T. , Jackson A. , Gomide M. , Ugbomoiko U. S. , Feldmeier H. , Heukelbach J.
Published: May 2010

Objective  To evaluate a rapid assessment method to estimate the overall prevalence of tungiasis and severity of disease in endemic communities.

Methods  We analysed data from 10 population‐based surveys on tungiasis, performed in five endemic communities in Brazil and Nigeria between 2001 and 2008. To assess the association between occurrence of tungiasis on six defined topographic areas of the feet and the true prevalence/prevalence of severe disease, linear regression analyses were performed. Estimated prevalences were calculated for each of the 10 surveys and compared to true prevalences. We then selected the most useful topographic localization to define a rapid assessment method, based on the strength of association and operational aspects.

Results  In total, 7121 individuals of the five communities were examined. Prevalence of tungiasis varied between 21.1% and 54.4%. The presence of periungual lesions on the toes was identified as the most useful rapid assessment to estimate the prevalence of tungiasis (absolute errors: −4% to +3.6%; R2 = 96%; P < 0.0001). Prevalence of severe tungiasis (>20 lesions) was also estimated by the method (absolute errors: −3.1% to +2.5%; R2 = 76%; P = 0.001).

Conclusion  Prevalence of tungiasis and prevalence of severe disease can be reliably estimated in communities with distinct cultural and geographical characteristics, by applying a simple and rapid epidemiological method. This approach will help to detect high‐risk communities and to monitor control measures aimed at the reduction of tungiasis.
Sleeping sickness diagnosis: use of buffy coats improves the sensitivity of the mini anion exchange centrifugation test
Authors: Camara Mamadou , Camara Oumou , Ilboudo Hamidou , Sakande Hassan , Kaboré Jacques , N’Dri Louis , Jamonneau Vincent , Bucheton Bruno
Published: May 2010

Objectives  To evaluate a modification of the mini anion exchange centrifugation test (mAECT) for the diagnosis of Trypanosoma brucei (T.b.) gambiense human African trypanosomiasis (HAT). To increase its sensitivity, this test uses 350 μl of buffy coat withdrawn from 5 ml of blood instead of blood.

Methods  The new protocol was first tested experimentally on serial dilution of trypanosomes and was then further evaluated under field conditions on 57 patients with HAT diagnosed during a medical survey in Guinea.

Results  Experimentally, the use of buffy coats improved mAECT sensitivity at least five fold and enabled to consistently detect parasites in blood at a concentration of 10 trypanosomes/ml. During the field evaluation, more patients tested positive by mAECT‐bc (96.5%) than by mAECT‐blood (78.9%, χ2 = 6.93, P = 0.008) and lymph juice examination (77.2%, χ2 = 7.67, P = 0.005). Furthermore, the number of parasites per collectors was significantly higher (7.2 vs. 2.6, P = 0.001) when buffy coats were used instead of blood.

Conclusion  The use of the mAECT‐bc protocol enabled a significant improvement of HAT parasitological diagnosis in Guinea, without any additional costs. It would deserve to be tested in other T.b. gambiense endemic areas.
Detection and Identification of a Phytoplasma Related to the 16SrV Group Infecting Chinese Pink in China
Authors: Zhang Chunping , Min Hong , Li Zhengnan , Wu Zhanmin , Yang Yang , Wu Yunfeng
Published: May 2010

Using universal phytoplasma primer pairs R16mF2/R16mR1 and R16F2n/R16R2, nested polymerase chain reactions were used for phytoplasma detection in Chinese pink with white leaves and stunt symptoms. Sequencing results and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of the 1248‐bp R16F2n/R16R2 products revealed the phytoplasma belongs to group 16SrV. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the phytoplasma had a close relation to Jujube Witches‐broom phytoplasma. This is the first report of a 16SrV‐related phytoplasma infecting Chinese pink in China.
Incidence of hypertrophic pulmonary osteoarthropathy associated with primary lung cancer
Authors: IZUMI Miiru , TAKAYAMA Koichi , YABUUCHI Hidetake , ABE Koichiro , NAKANISHI Yoichi
Published: May 2010

Background and objective:  Although the association of hypertrophic pulmonary osteoarthropathy (HPO) with lung cancer was investigated in the 1960s, the recent incidence of clinically apparent HPO is not known. Data from a large series of patients with lung cancer were analysed, in order to assess the incidence of possible HPO, based on bone scintigraphy, as well as the incidence of clinically confirmed HPO. The clinical features of confirmed HPO were also evaluated.

Methods:  The medical records of patients admitted with lung cancer between January 1986 and August 2004 were reviewed. Bone scintigraphy showing symmetrical, abnormally high uptake in joints and/or long bones was considered to be suggestive of HPO. Patients who also had finger clubbing and joint pain were considered to have a confirmed diagnosis of HPO. Clinical histories and hormone levels were then investigated in these patients, to identify possible causal factors.

Results:  Among the 1226 lung cancer patients, 55 (4.5%) demonstrated abnormally high uptake on bone scintigraphy, suggesting possible HPO. Ten (0.8%) patients had clubbed fingers and joint pain and were eventually confirmed as having HPO. Serum hormone concentrations were abnormally high in the patients with confirmed HPO.

Conclusions:  This retrospective study indicated that 4.5% of lung cancer patients showed findings suggestive of HPO, a frequency similar to that reported previously. However, patients with HPO rarely showed the complete triad of signs. Although increased hormone concentrations may have caused the HPO, further investigation is required to confirm this.
Determining corneal power using Pentacam after myopic photorefractive keratectomy
Authors: Falavarjani Khalil Ghasemi , Hashemi Masih , Joshaghani Mahmoud , Azadi Pejvak , Ghaempanah Mohammad J , Aghai Gholam H
Published: May 2010

Abstract

Purpose:  To assess the accuracy of Pentacam Scheimpflug camera for corneal power measurement in eyes with previous photorefractive keratectomy for myopia.

Methods:  In this comparative interventional case series, 35 eyes of 35 patients who had myopic photorefractive keratectomy were studied. Corneal power was measured by conventional topography and Pentacam Scheimpflug camera, and equivalent keratometry readings (EKR) in different central corneal rings (0.5 to 4.5 mm), true net power and simulated keratometry (K) measurements as well as those obtained using Shammas no‐history, Koch‐Maloney and Haigis methods were compared with clinical history method.

Results:  All corneal power measurements except for the topography simulated K and true net power values were statistically similar to the clinical history values. Simulated keratometry and 4.5‐mm EKR values were more closely correlated with clinical history method. Shammas formula, Pentacam simulated K and 3‐, 4‐ and 4.5‐mm EKR provided a 95% confidence interval within ±0.50 D of the mean clinical history method value, among these, the width of the 95% limits of agreement (LoA) was narrower for Shammas and Pentacam simulated K and 4.5‐mm EKR values; however, considerably large 95% LoA were found between each of these values and those obtained with the clinical history method. Estimated preoperative keratometry was statistically similar to the preoperative measurement; however, estimated refractive change was different from actual value.

Conclusions:  The Pentacam 4.5‐mm EKR and simulated keratometry may be used as an alternative to clinical history method to predict corneal power when pre‐keratorefractive surgery data are unavailable; however, wide LoA should be considered in the calculations.
Valuing Loss Firms: What Can Be Learned From Analysts' Forecasts?
Authors: IÑIGUEZ RAUL , POVEDA FRANCISCO , VAZQUEZ PABLO J.
Published: May 2010

Prior research documents an anomalous negative price–earnings relation when a simple earnings capitalization model is estimated for loss‐making firms. Collins et al. (1999) suggest that the model is misspecified due to the omission of book value of equity. However, results from previous studies are confusing. We try to enrich prior literature by focusing on analysts' forecasts. In particular, we assess the role of earnings and book value in valuing loss firms using several measures based on the information provided by analysts. We hypothesize that the role of accounting figures depends on whether the loss firm is supported or not by investors. According to this argument, we construct several measures of investor support based on analysts' forecasts, and then test the value relevance of accounting information depending on the degree of support. Our results confirm the usefulness of the notion of ‘investor support’. For those loss firms that are expected to liquidate, we find that the inclusion of book value of equity in the model removes the negative sign on the earnings coefficient. However, for those loss firms that are expected to reverse current losses, we find that the coefficient on earnings remains negative despite the inclusion of book value.
Safety assessment of nonbrowning potatoes: opening the discussion about the relevance of substantial equivalence on next generation biotech crops
Authors: Llorente Briardo , Alonso Guillermo D. , Bravo‐Almonacid Fernando , Rodríguez Vanina , López Mariana G. , Carrari Fernando , Torres Héctor N. , Flawiá Mirtha M.
Published: May 2010

It is expected that the next generation of biotech crops displaying enhanced quality traits with benefits to both farmers and consumers will have a better acceptance than first generation biotech crops and will improve public perception of genetic engineering. This will only be true if they are proven to be as safe as traditionally bred crops. In contrast with the first generation of biotech crops where only a single trait is modified, the next generation of biotech crops will add a new level of complexity inherent to the mechanisms underlying their output traits. In this study, a comprehensive evaluation of the comparative safety approach on a quality‐improved biotech crop with metabolic modifications is presented. Three genetically engineered potato lines with silenced polyphenol oxidase (Ppo) transcripts and reduced tuber browning were characterized at both physiological and molecular levels and showed to be equivalent to wild‐type (WT) plants when yield‐associated traits and photosynthesis were evaluated. Analysis of the primary metabolism revealed several unintended metabolic modifications in the engineered tubers, providing evidence for potential compositional inequivalence between transgenic lines and WT controls. The silencing construct sequence was in silico analysed for potential allergenic cross‐reactivity, and no similarities to known allergenic proteins were identified. Moreover, in vivo intake safety evaluation showed no adverse effects in physiological parameters. Taken together, these results provide the first evidence supporting that the safety of next generation biotech crops can be properly assessed following the current evaluation criterion, even if the transgenic and WT crops are not substantially equivalent.
Sex‐dimorphic changes in neuroactive steroid levels after chronic experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Authors: Caruso Donatella , D’Intino Giulia , Giatti Silvia , Maschi Omar , Pesaresi Marzia , Calabrese Donato , Garcia‐Segura Luis‐Miguel , Calza Laura , Melcangi Roberto C.
Published: May 2010

J. Neurochem.(2010)114, 921–932.

Our previous observations have shown that neuroactive steroid levels in the brain are affected by acute experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) with sex and regional specificity (Giattiet al.2010). To better understand the effect of EAE on neuroactive steroids, we have here assessed the levels of pregnenolone, progesterone and its derivatives (i.e. dihydroprogesterone, tetrahydroprogesterone and isopregnanolone), testosterone and its derivatives (dihydrotestosterone and 5α‐androstane‐3α, 17β‐diol) in different CNS regions of male and female rats affected by chronic EAE. Data obtained by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry revealed that chronic EAE results in sex and regional specific alterations in the levels of neuroactive steroids in the brain, which are in many cases different to those produced by acute EAE. The specific changes in neuroactive steroid levels after chronic EAE may be of relevance to design new possible therapeutic strategies for the disease.
Genetic and historical evidence disagree on likely sources of the Atlantic amethyst gem clam Gemma gemma (Totten, 1834) in California
Authors: Hoos Phillip M. , Whitman Miller A. , Ruiz Gregory M. , Vrijenhoek Robert C. , Geller Jonathan B.
Published: May 2010

Aim  Historical information about source populations of invasive species is often limited; therefore, genetic analyses are used. We compared inference about source populations from historical and genetic data for the oyster‐associated clam, Gemma gemma that invaded California from the USA Atlantic coast.

Location  Mid‐Atlantic (North Carolina, Maryland), Northeastern (New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts) and the California coasts (Elkhorn Slough, San Francisco Bay, Bolinas Lagoon, Tomales Bay, Bodega Harbor).

Methods  The documented history of transplantation of Eastern oysters to California was reviewed. Cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences from recent and archived clams were examined in a haplotype network. We used AMOVA to detect geographic genetic structure and a permutation test for significant reductions in diversity.

Results  Chesapeake Bay oysters were transplanted to New York prior to shipment to San Francisco Bay and from there to peripheral bays. Gemma in the Northeastern and Mid‐Atlantic regions were genetically differentiated. In California, populations in Bodega Harbor and Tomales Bay were genetically similar to those in the Mid‐Atlantic area while clams in San Francisco Bay, Elkhorn Slough and Bolinas Lagoon resembled populations in the Northeastern region. In California, genetic variation was not highest in San Francisco Bay despite greater magnitude of oyster plantings. Haplotypes varied over time in native and introduced populations.

Main Conclusions  Historical records and inferences from genetics agree that both Northeastern and Mid‐Atlantic regions were sources for Gemma in California. Only complex genetic hypotheses reconcile the strong segregation of haplotypes in California to the historical evidence of mixing in their proximate source (New York). These hypotheses include sorting of mixtures of haplotypes or selection in non‐native areas. Haplotype turnover in San Francisco and Massachusetts samples over time suggests that the sorting hypothesis is plausible. We suggest, however, that Gemma was introduced independently and recently to Tomales Bay and Bodega Harbor.
New public policy proposal for the management of industrial toxic substances in São Paulo State, Brazil
Authors: De Miranda Ribeiro Flávio , Kuno Rúbia
Published: May 2010

In order to find out an alternative to traditional environmental policies in the State of São Paulo (Brazil), which have been mainly focused on legal standard compliance for air and water emissions, as well as in soil contamination, the Environmental Agency of São Paulo State — CETESB — launched a research project entitled Industrial Toxic Substances Use Reduction Programme. The project was launched in 2006 with funding from the United States Trade and Development Agency. Its aim was to propose new policies and strategies to reduce industrial releases of toxic compounds to the environment. Its general steps were the identification of an initial toxic chemical targets list; a review of successful programmes in the United States; the development of key elements and the establishment of alternative combinations of those elements for the implementation of an indigenous programme. Since project completion, CETESB has been discussing the possibility of implementing the results through a pilot project being developed jointly with industry representatives. This pilot project will serve as a model for a broader industrial toxic substances reduction programme to be implemented in São Paulo State.
A Thermoreversible Polymer Mediates Controlled Release of Glial Cell Line‐Derived Neurotrophic Factor to Enhance Kidney Regeneration
Authors: Gheisari Yousof , Yokoo Takashi , Matsumoto Kei , Fukui Akira , Sugimoto Naomi , Ohashi Toya , Kawamura Tetsuya , Hosoya Tatsuo , Kobayashi Eiji
Published: May 2010

Previously, we reported that human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) that were cultivated in growing embryos differentiated in an appropriate developmental milieu, thereby facilitating the development of a functional renal unit. However, this approach required transfection with an adenovirus that expressed glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) to enhance the development of hMSC‐derived renal tissue, and safety issues restrict the clinical use of such viral vectors. To circumvent this problem, we tested an artificial polymer as a means to diffuse GDNF. This GDNF‐polymer, which exists in liquid form at 4°C but becomes a hydrogel upon heating to 37°C, was used as a thermoreversible switch, allowing the injection of hMSCs at low viscosity using a mouth pipette, with subsequent slow diffusion of GDNF as it solidified. The polymer, which was dissolved in a solution of GDNF at 4°C and then maintained at 37°C, acted as a diffuser of GDNF for more than 48 h. LacZ‐transfected hMSCs and the GDNF‐polymer (at 4°C) were placed in the nephrogenic sites of growing rat embryos that were maintained at 37°C. Forty‐eight hours later, the resultant kidney anlagen were dissected out and allowed to continue developing for 6 days in vitro. Whole‐organ X‐Gal staining and fluorescence activated cell sorter analysis showed that the number of hMSC‐derived cells was significantly increased in developed anlagen that have been generated from hMSCs plus GDNF‐polymer compared with those from hMSCs plus GDNF‐containing medium and was comparable to those from adenovirus‐transfected hMSCs. These findings suggest that the GDNF‐polymer can be used as a diffuser of GDNF for kidney organogenesis.
Exercise Training During Hemodialysis Reduces Blood Pressure and Increases Physical Functioning and Quality of Life
Authors: De Moura Reboredo Maycon , Henrique Diane Michela Nery , De Souza Faria Ruiter , Chaoubah Alfredo , Bastos Marcus Gomes , De Paula Rogério Baumgratz
Published: May 2010

Hypertension and cardiovascular diseases are highly prevalent in hemodialysis patients and are associated with the reduction of physical functioning and quality of life. We evaluated the effects of supervised aerobic exercise training on physical functioning, blood pressure, quality of life, and laboratory data in hemodialysis patients. Fourteen patients were evaluated at the beginning and after 12 weeks of stretching exercises (control phase) and at the end of 12 weeks of aerobic exercise training performed during hemodialysis sessions (intervention phase). Patients underwent a 6‐min walking test (6MWT), 24‐h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, a Medical Outcomes Study 36—Item Short‐Form Health Survey (SF‐36) quality of life questionnaire, and blood sample collections. After the intervention phase, the 6MWT distance increased from 508.7 ± 91.9 m to 554.9 ± 105.8 m (P = 0.001), systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased respectively from 150.6 ± 18.4 mm Hg to 143.5 ± 14.7 mm Hg and from 94.6 ± 10.5 mm Hg to 91.4 ± 9.7 mm Hg (P < 0.05), while hemoglobin levels increased from 10.8 ± 1.2 g/dL to 11.6 ± 0.8 g/dL (P < 0.05). Moreover, there was a significant increase in the physical functioning, social functioning, and mental health dimensions of the SF‐36. Aerobic exercise training during hemodialysis increased physical functioning, reduced blood pressure levels, and improved the control of anemia and quality of life in patients with end‐stage renal disease.
Cryopreservation of Fibroblasts Immobilized Within a Porous Scaffold: Effects of Preculture and Collagen Coating of Scaffold on Performance of Three‐Dimensional Cryopreservation
Authors: Miyoshi Hirotoshi , Ehashi Tomo , Ohshima Norio , Jagawa Akari
Published: May 2010

As a preliminary investigation to establish a cryopreservation method suited for bioartificial livers (BALs), three‐dimensional (3‐D) cryopreservation experiments with fibroblasts were performed, in which the cells were firstly seeded into a porous scaffold, and the scaffold containing the cells was then cryopreserved. After thawing, 65% of the initially applied cells were still attached to the scaffold, and this efficiency was significantly higher than that in the control experiments (39%), in which fibroblasts cryopreserved in a suspension were seeded into the scaffold. This higher efficiency was mainly caused by higher immobilization efficiency at the time of cell seeding (83%) than in the controls (54%). Collagen coating of the scaffold in the 3‐D cryopreservation enhanced immobilization efficiency at the time of cell seeding, and 1‐day precultures before the 3‐D cryopreservation considerably improved cell growth after thawing. From these favorable results, this 3‐D cryopreservation method may become useful for developing BALs.