bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Basement membrane remodeling is essential for
Drosophila
disc eversion and tumor invasion
Authors: Srivastava Ajay , Pastor-Pareja Jose Carlos , Igaki Tatsushi , Pagliarini Raymond , Xu Tian
Published: February 2007

Organ and tissue integrity is often maintained in animals by a specialized extracellular matrix structure called the basement membrane (BM). Accumulated evidence indicates that BM remodeling occurs during development and tumor invasion. Although the BM organizes and functions at the organ level, most past studies have explored its biochemical and
in vitro
properties. In this study, we monitor the BM
in vivo
during developmental tissue invasion for disc eversion and tumor invasion in
Drosophila
and modulate BM integrity with genetic alterations affecting either the whole organism or the targeted discs or tumors. We observe that the degradation of BM by the discs or the tumors is an early event during invasion processes and that preventing BM degradation completely blocks both tissue and tumor invasion, indicating that modulation of BM is essential for developmental and tumor invasion. Furthermore, elements of the invasion machinery, including JNK-induced matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression, are shared by both disc eversion and tumor invasion processes. Moreover, we show that although expression of MMP inhibitor, TIMP, is sufficient to halt developmental invasion, inhibition of proteases by both TIMP and RECK are required to block tumor invasion. These data suggest that tumor cells have a more robust invasion mechanism and could acquire metastatic behavior by co-opting developmental invasion programs. This type of co-option may be a general feature contributing to the progression of tumors. Finally, although past efforts using MMP inhibitors have not yielded much success, our results strongly argue that BM modulation could be a critical target for cancer therapy.
A stochastic model for infectious salmon anemia (ISA) in Atlantic salmon farming
Authors: Scheel Ida , Aldrin Magne , Frigessi Arnoldo , Jansen Peder A
Published: February 2007

Infectious salmon anemia (ISA) is one of the main infectious diseases in Atlantic salmon farming with major economical implications. Despite the strong regulatory interventions, the ISA epidemic is not under control, worldwide. We study the data covering salmon farming in Norway from 2002 to 2005 and propose a stochastic space-time model for the transmission of the virus. We model seaway transmission between farm sites, transmission through shared management and infrastructure, biomass effects and other potential pathways within the farming industry. We find that biomass has an effect on infectiousness, the local contact network and seaway distance of 5 km represent similar risks, but a large component of risk originates from other sources, among which are possibly infected salmon smolt and boat traffic.
Kin-mediated reconciliation substitutes for direct reconciliation in female baboons
Authors: Wittig Roman M , Crockford Catherine , Wikberg Eva , Seyfarth Robert M , Cheney Dorothy L
Published: February 2007

It has been hypothesized that group-living mammals engage in reconciliation (post-conflict affiliation between former opponents) to reduce the disruptive costs of aggression and restore opponents' tolerance to baseline levels. Recipients of aggression are sometimes reluctant to tolerate the proximity of a recent opponent, however, in apparent fear that aggression will be renewed. In such cases, reconciliatory behaviour by the aggressor's close kin may substitute for direct reconciliation. We describe a playback experiment with free-ranging baboons (Papio hamadryas ursinus) that examines whether friendly behaviour by the aggressor's kin can substitute for direct reconciliation by the aggressor herself. In the test condition, female subjects who had recently been threatened heard the friendly grunt of one of their aggressor's relatives, mimicking kin-mediated vocal reconciliation. In the control condition, subjects heard the grunt of a dominant female from a different matriline. Subjects responded significantly more strongly in test than in control trials. Moreover, in the next hour they were significantly more likely to tolerate the proximity of both their aggressor and the relative whose grunt they had heard. In contrast, subjects' behaviour towards both control females and other members of their aggressor's matriline was unaffected. We conclude that kin-mediated vocal reconciliation can substitute for direct reconciliation in baboons.
An investigation into the genetic background of coat colour dilution in a Charolais × German Holstein F2 resource population
Authors: Kühn Ch. , Weikard R.
Published: February 2007

The molecular background of many loci affecting coat colour inheritance in cattle is still incompletely characterized, although it is known that coat colour results from the joint effects of several loci, e.g. agouti, extension and dilution. Dilution alleles are responsible for a dilution effect on the original coat colour of an individual, which is determined by the agouti and extension loci. Different loci affecting dilution of pigment are suggested in Charolais (Dc) and Simmental (Ds). To enable chromosomal mapping of the Dc mutation, 133 animals from an F2 full‐sib resource population generated from a cross of Charolais and German Holstein were scored for the coat colour dilution phenotype. Linkage analysis covering all autosomes revealed a significant linkage of the dilution phenotype with microsatellite markers on bovine chromosome 5. No recombination was observed between marker ETH10 and the Dc locus. Positional and functional information identified the bovine silver homolog (SILV) gene as a candidate for the Dc mutation. Results from comparative sequencing of the SILV gene in individuals with different dilution coat colour phenotypes confirmed the presence of a c.64G>A non‐synonymous mutation, which had previously been identified in the Charolais breed. The alleles at this locus were associated with coat colour dilution in this study. However, further investigation of colour inheritance within the F2 resource population indicated that a single diallelic mutation in the SILV gene cannot explain the total observed variation of coat colour dilution.
Epistemological and theoretical challenges for studying power and politics in information systems
Authors: Silva Leiser
Published: February 2007

Abstract. The study of the role of power in managing information systems (IS) still offers a major epistemological challenge to researchers in the field. Although significant work has been done, there is yet to emerge a research approach that permits a penetrating study of the phenomenon of power by virtue of adopting a Machiavellian stance. This paper proposes such an approach in the form of an interpretivist position combined with a theoretical framework whose origin lies in political science and the sociology of technology. In developing its philosophical argument, the paper compares three meta‐theories that have been applied to study IS: Phenomenology, Critical Theory and Structuration Theory. All three are compared in terms of their epistemological position regarding the relationship between power and IS. We argue that, although enlightening, those meta‐theories fail to unravel the hidden and strategic nature of power. The paper concludes by proposing a particular theoretical formulation that, rather than censoring power and politics, will provide the epistemological means for unravelling them.
Epistemological perspectives on IS research: a framework for analysing and systematizing epistemological assumptions
Authors: Becker Jörg , Niehaves Björn
Published: February 2007

Abstract.  Over the last three decades, a methodological pluralism has developed within information systems (IS) research. Various disciplines and many research communities as well, contribute to this discussion. However, working on the same research topic or studying the same phenomenon does not necessarily ensure mutual understanding. Especially within this multidisciplinary and international context, the epistemological assumptions made by different researchers may vary fundamentally. These assumptions exert a substantial impact on how concepts like validity, reliability, quality and rigour of research are understood. Thus, the extensive publication of epistemological assumptions is, in effect, almost mandatory. Hence, the aim of this paper is to develop an epistemological framework which can be used for systematically analysing the epistemological assumptions in IS research. Rather than attempting to identify and classify IS research paradigms, this research aims at a comprehensive discussion of epistemology within the context of IS. It seeks to contribute to building the basis for identifying similarities as well as differences between distinct IS approaches and methods. In order to demonstrate the epistemological framework, the consensus‐oriented interpretivist approach to conceptual modelling is used as an example.
The current provision of specialist health services to people with learning disabilities in England and Wales
Authors: Bailey N. M. , Cooper S.‐A
Published: February 2007

Considerable change has taken place in the provision of specialist health services to people with learning disabilities with the move away from institutions and an emphasis on care in the community. There is diversity between services in different parts of the country, but no existing source of information by which NHS Trusts can benchmark their own services against the national norm. This project was undertaken in order to ascertain the current provision of specialist health services in England and Wales. A questionnaire was returned by 83.9% of 161 NHS Trusts, who quantified their service in terms of in‐patient and community resources. Results were analysed and presented where possible as cumulative frequencies, to facilitate benchmarking.
The natural history of dementia in ageing people with intellectual disability
Authors: Evenhuis H. M.
Published: February 2007

In a retrospective follow‐up study over 11 years, the incidence and natural history of dementia was assessed in an institutionalized group of 144 people, aged 60 years and over, with mild to profound intellectual disability resulting from causes other than Down's syndrome. Age‐related incidences, age at onset, duration and symptoms of dementia were comparable to those in the general population. The frequent and invalidating physical comorbidity (11 /11) hampered the diagnostic process in this group. The high prevalence of episodes of delirium (9/11) and depressive symptoms (8/11) as the first manifestations of dementia and/or during dementia might reflect increased vulnerability as compared to other ageing people.
Intellectual disability and ageing: ecological perspectives from recent research1
Authors: Hogg J.
Published: February 2007

Ageing in people with intellectual disabilities has become a central concern of service providers and research workers during the past 20 years. Their emergence as an identifiable population of older people with intellectual disabilities reflects, in part, improvements in medical and social service provision. However, interest in this group is primarily a reflection of the fact that, despite services developed in the light of principles of normalization, they remain readily identifiable as people in receipt of specialist intellectual disability services, in consequence typically clearly differentiated from the mainstream of older people generally. Analysis of this situation and other factors impacting on older people with intellectual disabilities can be undertaken through the use of ecological models conceptualized in terms of interacting, nested ecologies. The emergence of research on the impact of cultural influences on family carers and service provision is addressed within the framework of the ecological model, and methodological cautions are offered. The enduring the role of family carers and their motivation to continue caring is described.
A randomized control trial of an opportunistic health screening tool in primary care for people with intellectual disability
Authors: Jones R. G. , Kerr M. P.
Published: February 2007

People with intellectual disability have an increased variety of health care problems compared with the general population. The transition of care for such people from institutions into the community places them in a primary care system already facing increasing demands for their services. There is a consensus that health screening is at its most useful in identifying functional disabilities. Therefore, an intervention which helps the general practitioner (GP) towards opportunistically checking those areas of health most often deficient in people with intellectual disability would appear of considerable benefit (especially if information directing the GP towards appropriate secondary care services is also provided). The present study was designed to evaluate the impact of such an intervention.
The importance of smoking education and preventative health strategies for people with intellectual disability
Authors: Tracy J. , Hosken R.
Published: February 2007

Tobacco smoking is a major health problem within our community. To date, little attention has been focused on determining the prevalence of smoking in people with disabilities or in developing appropriate strategies to assist them to stop smoking. Funding from the Victorian Health Promotion Foundation enabled the Developmental Disability Unit at Monash University, Box Hill, Victoria, Australia, to undertake a project investigating smoking in a population of people with intellectual disability. In the first part of the project, the smoking rate among a geographically defined group of people with mild intellectual disability was investigated. A smoking prevalence of 36% was found within the sample group, as compared to a prevalence of 26% within the general Victorian adult population. An association was found between the motivation to quite and the recall of advice to stop smoking. The second part of the project comprised the development and piloting of a smoking education course for people with intellectual disability. The pilot sample was small, but the results were encouraging. Fifty‐five per cent of the group either quit smoking or cut down their intake significantly. Seventy‐three per cent expressed a desire to stop smoking at the completion of the course, and all participants expressed an increased concern and knowledge about the effects of smoking on their health after completing the course.
Donor strand complementation governs intersubunit interaction of fimbriae of the alternate chaperone pathway
Authors: Poole Steven T. , McVeigh Annette L. , Anantha Ravi P. , Lee Lanfong H. , Akay Yasemin M. , Pontzer Emily A. , Scott Daniel A. , Bullitt Esther , Savarino Stephen J.
Published: February 2007

Fimbrial filaments assembled by distinct chaperone pathways share a common mechanism of intersubunit interaction, as elucidated for colonization factor antigen I (CFA/I), archetype of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) Class 5 fimbriae. We postulated that a highly conserved β‐strand at the major subunit N‐terminus represents the donor strand, analogous to interactions within Class I pili. We show here that CFA/I fimbriae utilize donor strand complementation to promote proper folding of and interactions between CFA/I subunits. We constructed a series of genetic variants of CfaE, the CFA/I adhesin, incorporating a C‐terminal extension comprising a flexible linker and 10–19 of the N‐terminal residues of CfaB, the major subunit. Variants with a donor strand complement (dsc) of ≥ 12 residues were recoverable from periplasmic fractions. Genetic disruption of the donor β‐strand reduced CfaE recovery. A hexahistidine‐tagged variant of dsc19CfaE formed soluble monomers, folded into β‐sheet conformation, displayed adhesion characteristic of CFA/I, and elicited antibodies that inhibited mannose‐resistant haemagglutination by ETEC expressing CFA/I, CS4 and CS14 fimbriae. Immunoelectron microscopy indicated that CfaE was confined to the distal fimbrial tip. Our findings provide the basis to elucidate structure and function of this class of fimbrial adhesins and assess the feasibility of an adhesin‐based vaccine.
Properties of debris flow deposits and source materials compared: implications for debris flow characterization
Authors: BARDOU ERIC , BOIVIN PASCAL , PFEIFER HANS‐RUDOLF
Published: February 2007

In the Alps, debris flow deposits generally contain <5% clay‐size particles, and the role of the surface‐charged <2 μm particles is often neglected, although these particles may have a significant impact on the rheological properties of the interstitial fluid. The objective of this study was to compare debris flow deposits and parent materials from two neighbouring catchments of the Swiss Alps, with special emphasis on the colloidal constituents. The catchments are small in area (4 km2), 2·5 km long, similar in morphology, but different in geology. The average slopes are 35–40%. The catchments were monitored for debris flow events and mapped for surface aspect and erosion activity. Debris flow deposits and parent materials were sampled, the clay and silt fractions extracted and the bulk density, <2 mm fraction bulk density, particle size distribution, chemical composition, cation exchange capacity (CEC) and mineralogy analysed. The results show that the deposits are similar to the parent screes in terms of chemical composition, but differ in terms of: (i) particle size distribution; and (ii) mineralogy, reactivity and density of the <2 mm fraction. In this fraction, compared with the parent materials the deposits show dense materials enriched in coarse monocrystalline particles, of which the smallest and more reactive particles were leached. The results suggest that deposit samples should not be considered as representative of source or flow materials, particularly with respect to their physical properties.
Why Does the Frequency of Nest Parasitism by the Cuckoo Differ Considerably Between Two Populations of Warblers Living in the Same Habitat?
Authors: Dyrcz Andrzej , Halupka Konrad
Published: February 2007

The rate of nest parasitism is a product of two interacting phenomena: host selection by cuckoos and defence by hosts. In our study area the rate of nest parasitism by cuckoos is significantly lower in the great reed warbler (GRW; Acrocephalus arundinaceus) than in the reed warbler (RW; A. scirpaceus), even though they breed in the same habitat and their reproductive biology is similar. We hypothesized that the difference in the proportion of parasitized nests may reflect a narrow selection of host by cuckoos (they prefer RW nests) or/and the relatively better alien egg discrimination in the GRW. In the egg discrimination experiment the GRW rejected the higher proportion of alien eggs than the RW. However, in both species the discriminative ability considerably varied in time, both within the day and within the breeding cycle. A logistic regression model suggests that the GRW would be a frequent host if only nest parasites could exploit the period of its lowest sensitivity to alien eggs. We conclude that the relatively low rate of nest parasitism in the GRW may reflect both its good discriminative ability and the low number of cuckoos that are specialized in dumping eggs to nests of this warbler. The adaptation of cuckoos to the particular host species may involve not only production of mimetic eggs, but also adjusting activity to temporal changes in sensitivity to alien eggs in the host.
Kin discrimination in sticklebacks is mediated by social learning rather than innate recognition
Authors: Frommen Joachim G. , Luz Corinna , Bakker Theo C. M.
Published: February 2007

Theory predicts several advantages for animals to recognize kin. These include inbreeding avoidance and an increase in inclusive fitness. In shoaling species, kin recognition may lead to an increased amount of altruism among shoal members. Adult, non‐reproductive three‐spined sticklebacks,Gasterosteus aculeatus, prefer to shoal with kin. This preference was shown for familiar as well as for unfamiliar individuals. However, whether it is based on learned cues of familiar individuals or on innate mechanisms like self‐referent phenotype matching or ‘true’ kin recognition through recognition alleles remains unknown. In our experiments, juvenile fish were given the choice between shoals that differed in relatedness and familiarity. The number of testfish who joined each group indicated that sticklebacks prefer to shoal with familiar kin when the alternative shoal was composed of unfamiliar non‐kin. When one shoal consisted of familiar kin while the second consisted of familiar non‐kin testfish did not show any preference. Kin recognition in sticklebacks is thus most likely mediated by social learning.
Maternal Investment of the Virunga Mountain Gorillas
Authors: Robbins Andrew M , Robbins Martha M , Fawcett Katie
Published: February 2007

The Trivers & Willard hypothesis (TWH) predicts that females with more resources should bias their maternal investment toward offspring of the sex that is most likely to benefit from those additional resources. This paper examines the sex allocation of 61 female mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) of the Virunga volcanoes, Rwanda from 1967 to 2004. Like most highly dimorphic, polygynous mammals, mountain gorillas are expected to show greater variance in reproductive success among males than females, so mothers in good condition should bias their investment toward sons. Using dominance rank as the indicator of maternal condition, the TWH was tentatively supported by our results with interbirth intervals (IBI). Dominant mothers had longer IBI following the birth of sons, relative to the longer IBI that subordinate mothers had with daughters. In contrast, maternal condition did not have a significant effect on birth sex ratios. We also found no significant relationships with other variables that might influence birth sex ratios (e.g., maternal age, parity, or group size), and the overall birth sex ratio was not significantly different from a 50:50 split. Collectively, our results suggest that female mountain gorillas do not control the sex ratio of their offspring at birth, but they may adjust their subsequent maternal investment. This conclusion is consistent with recurring questions about whether any adjustments in birth sex ratios occur in primates.
Age‐Dependent Expression of Song in the Collared Flycatcher, Ficedula albicollis
Authors: Garamszegi László Z. , Török János , Hegyi Gergely , Szöllõsi Eszter , Rosivall Balázs , Eens Marcel
Published: February 2007

Theory suggests that male ornaments should be reliable signals of age, with more elaborated ornaments reflecting superior quality in terms of experience and/or viability. Bird song is immensely involved in sexual selection, thus not‐surprisingly, it usually shows age‐dependent variation. Although the collared flycatcher Ficedula albicollis has been intensively studied for its sexual traits, and female preference for male age is expected to be strong, there is no quantitative information on age‐dependent expression of song in this species. Here, we fill this gap and, based on phenotypic correlations, we report the relationship between age and several song features. Repertoire size was consistently smaller in yearlings than in older males, but it also tended to increase after the second year of breeding. In a meta‐analysis of effect sizes using data from the literature, we found that the strength of the relationship between age and repertoire size in the collared flycatcher is similar to patterns observed in other passerines. Song rate was inversely related to age, as yearlings sang at higher rates than older males. Generally, effect sizes for the relationship between age and other song traits were of medium level on average, and had broad confidence intervals. Song traits covaried with survival in a direction suggesting that differences in song between age categories are unlikely to result from phenotype dependent survival. Our results generally support the hypothesis that song holds the potential to function as a reliable indicator of male age in the collared flycatcher. However, it seems that not all song traits are unambiguously more expressed in older males than in yearlings.
Evaluation of Endotoxaemia in the Prognosis and Treatment of Scouring Merino Lambs
Authors: Jiménez A. , Sánchez J. , Andrés S. , Alonso J. M. , Gómez L. , López F. , Rey J.
Published: February 2007

This study looked at measurement of endotoxaemia as a tool in determining prognosis and probable response to treatment in scouring lambs. One hundred eighty‐three lambs in the first 15–20 days of life, from eight Merino sheep farms located in the region of La Serena, south‐west Spain, were used in this experiment. Scouring and normal/control lambs were selected following a clinical examination, the scouring group was further divided into subgroups, specifically those that did or did not survive 72 h following treatment. At the time of the clinical examination, faecal and blood samples were taken. Faecal culture and commercial faecal antigen tests for detection of enteropathogens in faeces and serum endotoxin measurement using chromogenic lymulus amoebocyte lysate (LAL) were carried out. Scouring lambs received 0.07 mg/kg liveweight halofuginone once a day for 3 days, a single oral dose of 0.20 mg/kg liveweight of spectinomycin and oral rehydration fluid. The pathogens isolated were Cryptosporidium spp. and Escherichia coli. The case fatality rate was 51% in the scouring lambs. Postmortem findings were consistent with enterotoxigenic E. coli infection. The concentration of endotoxin was 0.18 ± 0.12 ng/ml in the control group, 0.35 ± 0.17 ng/ml in the surviving lambs and 0.46 ± 0.14 ng/ml in the non‐surviving lambs. Significant differences between groups were found. Case fatality rate of the scouring lambs with endotoxaemia below 0.30 ng/ml was 0%, while it was 100% above 0.50 ng/ml. These results may be utilized as a prognostic indicator in lambs affected by E. coli and Cryptosporidium that will help aid in decision‐making as to whether to treat a lamb or not based on its chances of survival.
Synovial Fluid Analysis and Bacterial Findings in Arthritic Joints of Juvenile Male Camel (Camelus dromedarius) Calves
Authors: Bani Ismail Z. , Al‐Rukibat R. , Al‐Tarazi Y. , Al‐Zghoul M. B.
Published: February 2007

Eighteen synovial fluid samples from 11 male dromedarian calves, 9–12 month old, were analysed cytologically and bacteriologically. Calves were lame and all joints were grossly swollen. The mean ± SD of total nucleated cell count was 7970 ± 5000 cells/μl (range 2800–20 000 cells/μl). Polymorphonuclear (PMN) leucocytes were the predominant cell type. The mean ± SD of absolute and percentages of each cell type were as follows: PMN leucocytes 5518 ± 3600 cells/μl and 68 ± 19%, monocytes/macrophages 1600 ± 1120 cells/μl and 26 ± 17%, lymphocytes 830 ± 140 cells/μl and 8 ± 7%, and red blood cell 350 ± 130 cells/μl. The mean ± SD of total protein concentration was 3.5 ± 1 g/dl (range 2.5–5 g/dl). The most commonly isolated bacteria were non‐haemolytic streptococci spp., followed byArcanobacterium pyogenesandStaphylococcus aureus. No bacterial growth was obtained in eight samples and non‐revealedMycoplasmaspp.
Blood Biochemical Profiles of Thai Indigenous and Simmental × Brahman Crossbred Cattle in the Central Thailand
Authors: Boonprong S. , Sribhen C. , Choothesa A. , Parvizi N. , Vajrabukka C.
Published: February 2007

Plasma biochemical profiles were studied in 112 mature (3 to 5‐year‐old) healthy cattle comprised of 61 Thai indigenous and 51 Simmental × Brahman crossbred male and cyclic female cattle at Nongkwang (Central Thailand) Livestock Research and Breeding Center, Thailand. Data were analysed for the effect of breed and sex. The results showed that the plasma glucose and gamma‐glutamyl transferase (GGT) in the two breeds were significantly (P < 0.05) different. Furthermore, the urea, creatinine, albumin, total protein, aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels in Thai indigenous were significantly (P < 0.01) higher than in crossbred cattle. However, creatine kinase did not significantly differ in crossbred and indigenous animals. A sex difference was found in glucose level with male Thai indigenous having significantly higher levels (P < 0.05) than the other three groups. Plasma urea concentration in male crossbred cattle was lower than in the other groups (P < 0.05). Female crossbred cattle had significantly (P < 0.05) lower plasma creatinine levels than the other animals. Furthermore, levels of albumin in male and total protein in female crossbred were the lowest (P < 0.05) among the groups. The AST, ALT, ALP and GGT levels were significantly (P < 0.05) different between male and female. Female crossbred cattle had the lowest (P < 0.05) AST and GGT levels, whereas lowest (P < 0.05) ALT and ALP concentration was determined in male individuals of these breeds.
Expression of a cDNA encoding palmitoyl‐acyl carrier protein desaturase from cat's claw (Doxantha unguis‐cati L.) in Arabidopsis thaliana and Brassica napus leads to accumulation of unusual unsaturated fatty acids and increased stearic acid content in the seed oil
Authors: Bondaruk M. , Johnson S. , Degafu A. , Boora P. , Bilodeau P. , Morris J. , Wiehler W. , Foroud N. , Weselake R. , Shah S.
Published: February 2007

A cDNA encoding palmitoyl‐acyl carrier protein (ACP)‐desaturase from cat's claw (Doxantha unguis‐cati L.) was expressed in Arabidopsis thaliana and Brassica napus L. with the goal of decreasing the saturated fatty acid (FA) content of the seed oil. In general, transformation of Arabidopsis resulted in a greater change in the FA composition of the seed oil than for B. napus. An increase in palmitoleic acid (16:1cisΔ9) was obtained in transgenic lines, suggesting that the 16:0‐ACP‐desaturase cDNA was expressed in the manner originally intended. Other effects on lipid metabolism, however, were observed in the seed of transgenic plants. In Arabidopsis, there was a large increase in the proportions of cis‐vaccenic acid (18:1cisΔ11) and cis‐13‐eicosenoic acid (20:1cisΔ13), possibly generated through elongation of 16:1cisΔ9. Elongation of 18:1cisΔ11 to 20:1cisΔ13, however, was not observed in B. napus indicating that certain aspects of lipid metabolism in the model plant, Arabidopsis, may not apply to B. napus. As well, the appearance of 18:1cisΔ11 was accompanied by a decrease in the proportion of oleic acid (18:1cisΔ9). Although the introduced ACP‐desaturase resulted in synthesis of some unsaturated FAs, the overall saturated FA content was maintained at similar levels to the control or was enhanced. Increased levels of saturation were mainly associated with an increase in stearic acid, which unlike 16:0, is considered non‐atherogenic. The results suggest that a mechanism exists further downstream in oil biosynthesis to counteract the decrease in saturation brought about by the 16:0‐ACP‐desaturase action.
Effectiveness of a nurse‐led management programme for paediatric asthma in Taiwan
Authors: Weng Hui‐Ching , Yuan Ben‐Chih , Su Yu‐Tsun , Perng Daw‐Shyong , Chen Wen‐Hsu , Lin Li‐Jen , Chi Shu‐Ching , Chou Chao‐Hung
Published: February 2007

Aim:  The aim of this study was to carry out a preliminary analysis of the impact of a government‐sponsored disease management programme for paediatric asthma on economic outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Methods:  Of the 398 patients who participated in the programme, 249 (62.56%) who had at least two medical care encounters with an ICD‐9 code of 493 were classified as ‘already diagnosed cases’; and 129 (34.12%) who had a single or no medical care encounter with an ICD‐9 code of 493 were classified as ‘newly diagnosed cases’. A retrospective 1:4 (intervention vs. control group) matched cohort study design was conducted, with the control group randomly drawn from 236 637 paediatric asthmatics who were not enrolled the programme. Questionnaires were collected from 105 (26.3%) of the patients.

Results:  Comparison results of 1 year pre/post tests of utilisations of health care resources indicated that the intervention group of already diagnosed cases had 77.97% fewer emergency department visits, 80.77% fewer inpatient visits, and 75.65% fewer stays of significant length. For the newly diagnosed group, the intervention group had 35.11% fewer emergency department visits than the control group. The majority of the patients had substantial adherence to physicians’ suggestions, more accurate knowledge and better self‐care skills concerning asthma.

Conclusion:  A nurse‐led management programme has proved useful in managing paediatric asthma in Taiwan. Simplification of paperwork, some reorganisation of the practitioner’s daily responsibilities and provision of a fail‐safe information system may make the programme even more beneficial.
Hospitalisations due to pertussis in New Zealand in the pre‐immunisation and mass immunisation eras
Authors: Somerville Rebecca L , Grant Cameron C , Scragg Robert K , Thomas Mark G
Published: February 2007

Aim:  Pertussis disease burden in New Zealand in recent decades has been large compared with other developed countries. However, these comparisons use data from relatively short time periods given the long epidemic cycle of pertussis. To better understand the current disease burden, this study examined pertussis hospitalisation data in New Zealand in both the pre‐immunisation and mass immunisation eras.

Methods:  Hospital discharge data and population data from 1873 to 2004 were used to estimate average pertussis hospital discharge rates per decade. Rates were compared using relative risks and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results:  Average annual pertussis hospitalisation rates per 100 000 were less than two from 1873 to 1919, increased to 12 in the 1940s, decreased to less than four in the 1960s and have increased since then with the rate in the current decade being 5.8. Compared with the 1960s (3.8 per 100 000) the average annual rate has been significantly greater in the 1980s (RR = 1.11, 95% CI 1.03, 1.21), 1990s (RR = 1.33, 95% CI 1.23, 1.44) and 2000s (RR = 1.55, 95% CI 1.42, 1.68). Since 1960 hospitalisation rates have increased for those less than one year old, one to four years old and five years and older. The increases have been most marked for infants (RR 2000s vs. 1960s = 2.87, 95% CI 2.59, 3.18).

Conclusion:  After an initial decline following mass immunisation, pertussis hospitalisation rates in New Zealand have subsequently increased steadily. To reduce pertussis disease burden improved immunisation coverage and timeliness is required and consideration given to spreading the pertussis vaccine schedule over a wider age range.
Large pleural effusion necessitates chest tube drainage in a patient with Kawasaki disease
Authors: Yavuz Taner , Nisli Kemal , Yilmaz Ceren , Dindar Aygun
Published: February 2007

Abstract:  An 11‐month‐old Turkish boy was hospitalised with clinical and roentgen graphic evidence of large pleural effusion on the third day of fever and misdiagnosed as parapneumonic effusion. Due to worsening respiratory distress chest tube drainage was performed. Four days later the classic signs of Kawasaki disease appeared. His clinical condition improved gradually and fever subsided after intravenous gammaglobulin and aspirin treatment. A mild transient dilatation of the right coronary artery was seen and returned to the normal diameter within a few weeks. To our knowledge, large pleural effusion in a case of Kawasaki disease, in which chest tube drainage was needed, has not been reported. We describe here a patient with complete Kawasaki disease whose initial presentation mimicked a parapneumonic effusion.
KARYDAKIS FLAP REPAIR FOR SACROCOCCYGEAL PILONIDAL SINUS DISEASE: HOW IMPORTANT IS TECHNIQUE?
Authors: Keshava Anil , Young Christopher J. , Rickard Matthew J. F. X , Sinclair Gael
Published: February 2007

Numerous operative and conservative treatments have been described in the published work for the management of sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus; yet there remains considerable debate over its ideal treatment. This report is an audit of our results using the Karydakis flap repair in the management of this condition. We analysed prospective data on 70 patients who had had a Karydakis procedure. The length of follow up ranged from 1 to 79 months (median 36 months). Seventy‐one operations were carried out in 70 patients. This included 12 patients (17%) who had previously undergone between one and four procedures (median 2) for recurrent disease. Superficial wound breakdown occurred in 27 patients (38%) and complete wound breakdown occurred in six patients (8.4%). These wounds were allowed to heal by secondary intent. The median time to complete healing for superficial and complete wound breakdown was 80 and 84 days, respectively. Disease recurrence occurred in three patients (4.2%) – two of whom had recurrent disease at the time of this presentation. Of the three patients who had a recurrence after our surgery, two had a superficial breakdown and one had a complete wound breakdown. Sacrococcygeal pilonidal disease has a low recurrence rate when treated by the Karydakis operation involving flattening of the midline cleft. This procedure avoids the need for more complicated flap repairs.
Androgen receptor functions in male and female reproduction
Authors: MATSUMOTO TAKAHIRO , KAWANO HIROTAKA , SHIINA HIROKO , SATO TAKASHI , KATO SHIGEAKI
Published: February 2007

The androgen receptor (AR) is a ligand‐dependent transcription factor involved in the regulation of many different physiological processes. Dysfunction of AR causes diverse clinical conditions, such as testicular feminization mutation (Tfm) syndrome and prostate cancer. However, the molecular basis of the AR in these disorders largely remains unknown, as a result of a lack of genetic models. Using conditional targeting technique with Cre‐loxP system, we successfully generated null AR mutant (ARKO) mice. The ARKO males grew healthily, but they showed typical Tfm abnormalities. The ARKO males exhibited late onset of obesity with impaired bone metabolism and sexual behaviors. No overt abnormality was found in female ARKO mice, but a premature ovarian failure‐like phenotype was found with impaired folliculogenesis. Thus, andorogen/AR system supports normal reproduction as well as normal female reproduction. (Reprod Med Biol 2007; 6: 11–17)
High incidence of tubal dysfunction is determined by laparoscopy in cases with positive Chlamydia trachomatis antibody despite negative finding in prior hysterosalpingography
Authors: HIROI HISAHIKO , FUJIWARA TOSHIHIRO , NAKAZAWA MANABU , OSUGA YUTAKA , MOMOEDA MIKIO , KUGU KOJI , YANO TETSU , TSUTSUMI OSAMU , TAKETANI YUJI
Published: February 2007

Aim:  Hysterosalpingography (HSG) is one of the most commonly used methods in order to evaluate the condition of fallopian tubes in infertility clinics. In the present paper, we retrospectively compared the findings of HSG and laparoscopy to elucidate the relationship between tubal dysfunction and background factors, such as Chlamydia trachomatis infection, endometriosis and previous surgery.

Methods:  We retrospectively reviewed clinical records of 314 patients who were examined by both HSG and laparoscopy between 1996 and 2001 in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Tokyo.

Results:  When HSG findings were evaluated in reference to those of laparoscopy, sensitivity and specificity for tubal patency were 0.63 and 0.79, respectively, whereas those for peri‐tubal adhesion were 0.65 and 0.61, respectively. We compared the percentage of existence of background factors between the patients who were diagnosed as normal by both HSG and laparoscopy (Group L[+]) and those whose fallopian tubes were observed as patent by HSG, but were not patent by chromopertubation under laparoscopy (Group L[–]). The percentage of patients with positive chlamydial antibodies in Group L(–) (42.9%, 15/35) was significantly higher than that of patients with positive chlamydial antibodies in Group L(+) (22.8%, 44/193, P < 0.05).

Conclusions:  These finding suggested that even if HSG showed normally patent tubes in a patient with positive Chlamydia trachomatis antibodies, the possibility of tubal occulusion still remains high and further examination by laparoscopy is recommended. (Reprod Med Biol 2007; 6: 39–43)
Synchronous high‐voltage spindles in the cortex–basal ganglia network of awake and unrestrained rats
Authors: Dejean Cyril , Gross Christian E. , Bioulac Bernard , Boraud Thomas
Published: February 2007

Synchronous oscillations in various frequency ranges have been recorded in several nuclei of the basal ganglia (BG) and are thought to be an information processing mechanism. High‐voltage spindles (HVSs) are 5–13 Hz spike‐and‐wave oscillations, which are commonly recorded in rats and which have been reported in some recent studies where their occurrence in the BG has been investigated. We recorded single neurons and local field potentials (LFPs) simultaneously in the motor cortex, striatum and substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr) of the freely moving rat. We took advantage of the high level of synchronization observed during HVSs to study signal transmission in the cortex–BG network in the awake animals. The results show that LFPs are synchronized in the motor cortex, striatum and SNr during HVS episodes and that the latter propagate from the cortex to the SNr via the striatum. Moreover, > 50% of single neurons in each of these structures are triggered by the HVS. Following the discharge of cortical cells, SNr neurons are first inhibited after ∼ 19 ms and then activated after ∼ 45 ms. This response is probably driven by the direct and indirect pathways, respectively, without any involvement of the hyperdirect pathway. Here, it is shown that cortex–BG connectivity can be studied using physiological signals in the freely moving animal as opposed to artificial stimulation under anaesthetized conditions. This opens the door to further studies under various experimental conditions, such as animal models of basal ganglia disorders.
Functional microstates within human REM sleep: first evidence from fMRI of a thalamocortical network specific for phasic REM periods
Authors: Wehrle Renate , Kaufmann Christian , Wetter Thomas C. , Holsboer Florian , Auer Dorothee P. , Pollmächer Thomas , Czisch Michael
Published: February 2007

High thalamocortical neuronal activity characterizes both, wakefulness and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, but apparently this network fulfills other roles than processing external information during REM sleep. To investigate thalamic and cortical reactivity during human REM sleep, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging with simultaneous polysomnographic recordings while applying acoustic stimulation. Our observations indicate two distinct functional substates within general REM sleep. Acoustic stimulation elicited a residual activation of the auditory cortex during tonic REM sleep background without rapid eye movements. By contrast, periods containing bursts of phasic activity such as rapid eye movements appear characterized by a lack of reactivity to sensory stimuli. We report a thalamocortical network including limbic and parahippocampal areas specifically active during phasic REM periods. Thus, REM sleep has to be subdivided into tonic REM sleep with residual alertness, and phasic REM sleep with the brain acting as a functionally isolated and closed intrinsic loop.
Corticospinal control of the thumb–index grip depends on precision of force control: a transcranial magnetic stimulation and functional magnetic resonance imagery study in humans
Authors: Bonnard M. , Galléa C. , De Graaf J. B. , Pailhous J.
Published: February 2007

The corticospinal system (CS) is well known to be of major importance for controlling the thumb–index grip, in particular for force grading. However, for a given force level, the way in which the involvement of this system could vary with increasing demands on precise force control is not well‐known. Using transcranial magnetic stimulation and functional magnetic resonance imagery, the present experiments investigated whether increasing the precision demands while keeping the averaged force level similar during an isometric dynamic low‐force control task, involving the thumb–index grip, does affect the corticospinal excitability to the thumb–index muscles and the activation of the motor cortices, primary and non‐primary (supplementary motor area, dorsal and ventral premotor and in the contralateral area), at the origin of the CS. With transcranial magnetic stimulation, we showed that, when precision demands increased, the CS excitability increased to either the first dorsal interosseus or the opponens pollicis, and never to both, for similar ongoing electromyographic activation patterns of these muscles. With functional magnetic resonance imagery, we demonstrated that, for the same averaged force level, the amplitude of blood oxygen level‐dependent signal increased in relation to the precision demands in the hand area of the contralateral primary motor cortex in the contralateral supplementary motor area, ventral and dorsal premotor area. Together these results show that, during the course of force generation, the CS integrates online top‐down information to precisely fit the motor output to the task's constraints and that its multiple cortical origins are involved in this process, with the ventral premotor area appearing to have a special role.
Screening mouse vision with intrinsic signal optical imaging
Authors: Heimel J. Alexander , Hartman Robin J. , Hermans Josephine M. , Levelt Christiaan N.
Published: February 2007

The introduction of forward genetic screens in the mouse asks for techniques that make rapid screening of visual function possible. Transcranial imaging of intrinsic signal is suitable for this purpose and could detect the effects of retinal degeneration, and the increased predominance of the contralateral eye in albino animals. We quantified visual response properties of the cortex by introducing a normalization method to reduce the impact of biological noise. In addition, the presentation of a ‘reset’‐stimulus shortly after the probing stimulus at a different visual location could reduce the interstimulus time necessary for the decay of the response. Applying these novel methods, we found that acuity of C57Bl/6J mice rises from 0.35 cycles per degree (cpd) at postnatal day 25 to 0.56 cpd in adults. Temporal resolution was lower in adults than in juvenile animals. There was no patchy organization of spatial or temporal frequency preference at the intrinsic signal resolution. Monocular deprivation, a model for amblyopia and critical period plasticity, led to a loss in acuity and a shift towards the nondeprived eye in juvenile animals. Short deprivation did not lead to increased acuity of the nondeprived eye. In adults, a small ocular dominance shift was detectable with urethane anaesthesia. This was not observed when the combination of the opiate fentanyl, fluanisone with a benzodiazepine was used, adding evidence to the hypothesis that enhancing GABAA‐receptor function masks an adult shift. Together, these novel applications confirm that noninvasive screening of many functional properties of the visual cortex is possible.