bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enzyme Activity Profiles during Fruit Development in Tomato Cultivars and Solanum pennellii
Authors: Steinhauser Marie-Caroline , Steinhauser Dirk , Koehl Karin , Carrari Fernando , Gibon Yves , Fernie Alisdair R. , Stitt Mark
Published: March 2010

Enzymes interact to generate metabolic networks. The activities of more than 22 enzymes from central metabolism were profiled during the development of fruit of the modern tomato cultivar Solanum lycopersicum ‘M82’ and its wild relative Solanum pennellii (LA0716). In S. pennellii, the mature fruit remains green and contains lower sugar and higher organic acid levels. These genotypes are the parents of a widely used near introgression line population. Enzymes were also profiled in a second cultivar, S. lycopersicum ‘Moneymaker’, for which data sets for the developmental changes of metabolites and transcripts are available. Whereas most enzyme activities declined during fruit development in the modern S. lycopersicum cultivars, they remained high or even increased in S. pennellii, especially enzymes required for organic acid synthesis. The enzyme profiles were sufficiently characteristic to allow stages of development and cultivars and the wild species to be distinguished by principal component analysis and clustering. Many enzymes showed coordinated changes during fruit development of a given genotype. Comparison of the correlation matrices revealed a large overlap between the two modern cultivars and considerable overlap with S. pennellii, indicating that despite the very different development responses, some basic modules are retained. Comparison of enzyme activity, metabolite profiles, and transcript profiles in S. lycopersicum ‘Moneymaker’ revealed remarkably little connectivity between the developmental changes of transcripts and enzymes and even less between enzymes and metabolites. We discuss the concept that the metabolite profile is an emergent property that is generated by complex network interactions.
Structure of PbTe(SiO2)/SiO2multilayers deposited on Si(111)
Authors: Kellermann Guinther , Rodriguez Eugenio , Jimenez Ernesto , Cesar Carlos Lenz , Barbosa Luiz Carlos , Craievich Aldo Felix
Published: March 2010

The structure of thin films composed of a multilayer of PbTe nanocrystals embedded in SiO2, named as PbTe(SiO2), between homogeneous layers of amorphous SiO2deposited on a single-crystal Si(111) substrate was studied by grazing-incidence small-angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS) as a function of PbTe content. PbTe(SiO2)/SiO2multilayers were produced by alternately applying plasma-enhanced chemical vapour deposition and pulsed laser deposition techniques. From the analysis of the experimental GISAXS patterns, the average radius and radius dispersion of PbTe nanocrystals were determined. With increasing deposition dose the size of the PbTe nanocrystals progressively increases while their number density decreases. Analysis of the GISAXS intensity profiles along the normal to the sample surface allowed the determination of the period parameter of the layers and a structure parameter that characterizes the disorder in the distances between PbTe layers.
Cation distribution in spinel (Mn,Co,Cr)3O4at room temperature
Authors: Purwanto A. , Fajar A. , Mugirahardjo H. , Fergus J. W. , Wang K.
Published: March 2010

As part of a study of the long-term operation of solid-oxide fuel cells, three (Mn,Co,Cr)3O4samples have been synthesized and characterized. X-ray and neutron diffraction patterns from the powder samples at room temperature were measured and the data were co-refined. The neutron data were indispensible in locating Mn, Co and Cr within the crystallographic unit cell with their respective atomic occupancies. Two of these samples have been identified as cubic Mn0.76Co0.58Cr1.66O4and Mn1.28Co1.72O4. The third is a two-phase sample containing cubic Mn1.66Co1.34O4and tetragonal Mn2.05Co0.91O4in a 59.1 (6):40.9 (6)% mass fraction ratio. Cr, which might be introduced from reaction with chromia during oxidation of interconnect materials, exhibits a preference for the octahedral site rather than the tetrahedral site. Without Cr, Mn dominates the octahedral site.
Efficacy and safety of liposome‐encapsulated 4‐n‐butylresorcinol 0.1% cream for the treatment of melasma: A randomized controlled split‐face trial
Authors: HUH Sun Young , SHIN Jung‐Won , NA Jung‐Im , HUH Chang‐Hun , YOUN Sang‐Woong , PARK Kyoung‐Chan
Published: March 2010

Melasma is an acquired pigmentary disorder that most commonly occurs in women of child‐bearing age. Melasma is therapeutically challenging, and most commercially available hypopigmenting agents include tyrosinase inhibitors, which regulate the rate‐limiting step of melanogenesis. 4‐n‐Butylresorcinol has received considerable attention as a novel hypopigmenting agent in the last 15 years because it has an inhibitory effect against tyrosinase and tyrosinase‐related protein‐1. However, the hypopigmenting effect of 4‐n‐butylresorcinol in human subjects has only been shown in a few studies. Liposome encapsulation is known to improve stabilization and enhance penetration of the product. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the hypopigmenting efficacy and safety of liposome‐encapsulated 4‐n‐butylresorcinol 0.1% cream in patients with melasma. This was a randomized, double‐blind, vehicle‐controlled and split‐face comparison study. Twenty‐three patients with a clinical diagnosis of melasma were included. 4‐n‐Butylresorcinol 0.1% cream or vehicle was applied to each side of the face twice daily for 8 weeks. Clinical and photographic evaluations, Mexameter measurements and assessment of patient satisfaction and side‐effects were performed at baseline, 4 and 8 weeks. All subjects completed the study. Mexameter measurements demonstrated that the melanin index of the 4‐n‐butylresorcinol‐treated side showed a significant decrease when compared with the vehicle‐treated side after 8 weeks (P = 0.043). No adverse reactions were observed throughout the study. Subjectively, 4‐n‐butylresorcinol was considered to be efficacious in more than 60% of the patients after 8 weeks of treatment. In conclusion, liposome‐encapsulated 4‐n‐butylresorcinol 0.1% cream was well tolerated and showed significant higher efficacy than vehicle alone for the treatment of melasma.
Antibodies against cyclic citrullinated peptide in Japanese psoriatic arthritis patients
Authors: MAEJIMA Hideki , AKI Ryouichi , WATARAI Akira , SHIRAI Kyoumi , HAMADA Yuko , KATSUOKA Kensei
Published: March 2010

Anti‐cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (anti‐CCP) are highly considered to indicate disease severity and be predictive markers in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA patients who are positive for anti‐CCP tend to progress more frequently to joint deformity and functionally deteriorate more than negative patients. A study concerning the presence of anti‐CCP in Japanese patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) has been published. Our aim was to clarify that anti‐CCP could be a potentially useful marker in PsA patients. We herein describe a PsA patient with presence of anti‐CCP. We examined anti‐CCP in 15 patients with PsA, and compared with 18 controls who had other types of psoriasis. Three PsA patients were positive for anti‐CCP, but no controls showed positive. The anti‐CCP‐positive patients had higher counts of radiographic erosion, higher prevalence rates of polyarticular disease, use of disease‐modifying anti‐rheumatic drugs, and the human leukocyte antigen DRB1*04 shared epitope than negative patients. Our study demonstrated that anti‐CCP was potentially both predictive and a severity marker of joint involvement in PsA, the same as in RA.
Phaeohyphomycosis caused by Exophiala jeanselmei in a patient with polymyalgia rheumatica
Authors: ARAKAKI Osao , ASATO Yutaka , YAGI Nobutake , TAIRA Kiyohito , YAMAMOTO Yu‐ichi , NONAKA Kimiko , HOSOKAWA Atsushi , KAYO Susumu , HAGIWARA Keisuke , UEZATO Hiroshi
Published: March 2010

An 87‐year‐old man, a gardener in Okinawa, first noticed a tumor on the dorsum of his right hand in November 2005. He had been taking prednisolone for the treatment of polymyalgia rheumatica since 2000. A nearby dermatologist incised the tumor for pus drainage in February 2006. In April of the same year, the dome‐like tumor reappeared. The same treatment was repeated. Because the culture of the pus revealed fungi at that time, terbinafine hydrochloride and minocycline were administrated under the diagnosis of a deep fungal infection. After a short remission, the tumor recurred in November of the same year and in May and August of 2007 regardless of the repeated incision and pus drainage. He was referred to our hospital on 27 September 2007. His first physical examination at our outpatient office showed a skin‐colored, well‐demarcated, multilocular, cystic subcutaneous tumor on the dorsum of his right hand. Histopathological examination revealed a pseudocyst with fibrous walls of connective tissue. Continuous, bead‐like hyphae, positive with periodic acid‐Schiff stain and Grocott stain, were found within the pseudocyst. Morphological and molecular biological examinations of the separately cultured specimens identified the causative agent as Exophiala jeanselmei. The entire cyst was removed under local anesthesia, and an artificial dermis made of silicon membrane was applied to the wound. Skin graft was performed in November after confirming no recurrence of the fungal infection. Terbinafine hydrochloride 125 mg/day has continued. No recurrence has been observed up to now.
Ciprofloxacin utility as antifibrotic in the skin of patients with scleroderma
Authors: RUBÉN Enríquez‐Casillas , MANUEL Vázquez‐Rodríguez , AGUSTÍN Ochoa‐Ramírez , HUERTA Miguel , ANTONIO Fraga‐Mouret , IVÁN Delgado‐Enciso
Published: March 2010

Scleroderma is an autoimmune connective tissue disorder that is characterized by microvascular injury, excessive fibrosis of the skin, and distinctive visceral changes that can involve the lungs, heart, kidneys and gastrointestinal tract. To date, although several drugs have been used to reduce fibrosis in scleroderma, there exists no effective pharmacological treatment. To determine if oral ciprofloxacin reduces the severity of scleroderma, a controlled, double‐blind randomized clinical trial, with placebo, was conducted on 32 patients with diffuse and limited scleroderma, who received oral ciprofloxacin (250 mg) or placebo every 12 h. Skin induration and thickness of the patients were clinically evaluated using the modified Rodnan skin score at the beginning and once per month during 6 months of treatment with ciprofloxacin. To monitor progression of the disease, a monthly hematological exam and clinical evaluation was done to explore renal and hepatic function for each patient. Thirty patients completed the study; one from the treatment group was excluded when presenting a skin reaction and another from the placebo group abandoned the study due to an exacerbation of disease. At the sixth month of the study, the ciprofloxacin group of patients showed a diminution in the modified Rodnan skin score (58% vs 18%, P = 0.003), showing no significant alterations in the laboratory assays in either groups of patients. Our results suggest that oral administration of ciprofloxacin for 6 months reduces the severity of symptoms affecting the skin of patients with systemic scleroderma, and does so without important secondary effects.
Administration route‐dependent induction of antitumor immunity by interferon‐alpha gene transfer
Authors: Narumi Kenta , Kondoh Atsushi , Udagawa Takeshi , Hara Hidehiko , Goto Naoko , Ikarashi Yoshinori , Ohnami Shumpei , Okada Toshihide , Yamagishi Masakazu , Yoshida Teruhiko , Aoki Kazunori
Published: March 2010

Type I interferon (IFN) protein is a cytokine with pleiotropic biological functions that include induction of apoptosis, inhibition of angiogenesis, and immunomodulation. We have demonstrated that intratumoral injection of an IFN‐α‐expressing adenovirus effectively induces cell death of cancer cells and elicits a systemic tumor‐specific immunity in several animal models. On the other hand, reports demonstrated that an elevation of IFN in the serum following an intramuscular delivery of a vector is able to activate antitumor immunity. In this study, we compared the intratumoral and systemic routes of IFN gene transfer with regard to the effect and safety of the treatment. Intratumoral injection of an IFN‐α adenovirus effectively activated tumor‐responsive lymphocytes and caused tumor suppression not only in the gene‐transduced tumors but also in distant tumors, which was more effective than the intravenous administration of the same vector. The expression of co‐stimulatory molecules on CD11c+ cells isolated from regional lymph nodes was enhanced by IFN gene transfer into the tumors. Systemic toxicity such as an elevation of hepatic enzymes was much lower in mice treated by intratumoral gene transfer than in those treated by systemic gene transfer. Our data suggest that the intratumoral route of the IFN vector is superior to intravenous administration, due to the effective induction of antitumor immunity and the lower toxicity. (Cancer Sci 2010)
Age‐dependent distribution of juvenile southern bluefin tuna (Thunnus maccoyii) on the continental shelf off southwest Australia determined by acoustic monitoring
Authors: HONDA KENTARO , HOBDAY ALISTAIR J. , KAWABE RYO , TOJO NAOKI , FUJIOKA KO , TAKAO YOSHIMI , MIYASHITA KAZUSHI
Published: March 2010

Juvenile southern bluefin tuna (Thunnus maccoyii, SBT) were monitored in nearshore waters off southwest Australia using acoustic tagging and monitoring over five austral summers (2002/2003–2006/2007) to determine patterns in age‐based distribution of SBT. A total of 20–70 receivers were deployed in early December along one to three cross‐shelf transects and at three inshore topographic features (lumps) where SBT are known to occur; and a total of 59–84 juvenile SBT (41–90 cm fork length) were tagged and released each year. After several months, receivers were recovered, and data extracted. In 2002/2003 and 2003/2004, 2‐yr‐old SBT were detected more frequently in nearshore areas than did 1‐yr old fish. Similarly in 2004/2005 and 2006/2007, it was the larger 1‐yr‐old SBT that were detected more frequently at inshore lumps (>85% of detections) while small 1‐yr‐old SBT were detected more widely over the study area. In 2005/2006, although large 1‐yr‐old SBT were still detected more frequently at inshore lumps than small 1‐yr old SBT, the percentage of all detections at lumps was lower at 31.5%, indicating wider distribution of both small and large age‐1 fish. The observed age‐dependent distribution pattern may be enhanced by the distribution of prey, which disperse or concentrate depending on the local oceanography.
Juvenile cod (Gadus morhua) mortality and the importance of bottom sediment type to recruitment on Georges Bank
Authors: LOUGH R. GREGORY
Published: March 2010

The demersal settlement of pelagic juvenile fish has been considered a critical period in which the final adjustment is made to the size of a year class. Distribution patterns of pelagic and recently settled juvenile cod (Gadus morhua) were examined from nine surveys on Georges Bank during the summer over 5 years, 1984–1989, to relate juvenile survival to the sedimentary environment. Pelagic juveniles were widespread across Georges Bank in June, and by mid‐July they occurred on all bottom types from sand to gravel on eastern Georges Bank. However, by late July‐early August they were mostly abundant on the northeastern edge gravel deposit, which with its complex relief, provides abundant prey and refuge from predators. A bank‐wide estimate of pelagic juvenile abundance in 1986 and 1987 was used to assess mortality of the recently settled juveniles and to evaluate the relative importance of survivors from the northeastern edge gravel area to recruitment of the Georges Bank population. Settlement mortality rates over 1–2 months on the northeastern gravel area ranged from 3 to 8% day−1, which compared reasonably with other studies. The seasonal abundance of the pelagic juveniles was almost an order of magnitude higher in 1987 than 1986; however, recruitment at age 1 was similar, indicating that a high mortality of the demersal juveniles occurred in 1987. The limited northeastern gravel area on Georges Bank may represent a survival bottleneck depending on the variability in the distribution and abundance of juvenile cod settlement in relation to that of their predators.
Trade‐offs and habitat constraints in the establishment of epiphytic bryophytes
Authors: Löbel Swantje , Rydin Håkan
Published: March 2010

1. Diversity of patch‐tracking epiphyte metacommunities depends on successful colonization of new habitats. Habitat constraints and critical stages in the establishment have gained little attention in metacommunity studies, but a trade‐off between dispersal ability and establishment rate is often assumed. This assumption remains largely untested, and alternative dispersal and reproductive strategies offer several trade‐offs to be explored.

2. We used in vitro experiments to identify critical stages in the establishment of obligate epiphytic bryophytes with contrasting dispersal strategies [sexual via small (<20 μm) or large (>20 μm) spores, asexual via gemmae or gemmae‐like branchlets], and to identify habitat constraints of diaspore establishment and trade‐offs among species traits.

3. Across all stages of the establishment process, large asexual diaspores performed better than small sexual ones. Asexual species also had a higher ability to establish from fragments than sexual species. Germination of all diaspore types was limited by pH with highest germination rates at intermediate pH. Large moss spores showed a higher desiccation tolerance than small ones, but lower germination and protonemal growth rates. Liverwort spores had the lowest desiccation tolerance, germination and protonemal growth rates, but rapidly developed gametophytic shoots once they had germinated.

4. Combining the results with earlier studies on dispersal distances in epiphytes, our study demonstrated a trade‐off between dispersal distance and establishment ability, which may be central for the evolution of asexual dispersal in epiphytes. The evolution of spore size may additionally involve trade‐offs between high germination and protonemal growth rates, desiccation tolerance, and a rapid development from protonema to shoots. We suggest that trade‐offs in epiphytes are shaped by conflicting selection pressures imposed by habitat patchiness, landscape dynamics and irregular water supply.
A salivary serine protease of the haematophagous reduviid Panstrongylus megistus: sequence characterization, expression pattern and characterization of proteolytic activity
Authors: Meiser C. K. , Piechura H. , Meyer H. E. , Warscheid B. , Schaub G. A. , Balczun C.
Published: March 2010

A cDNA encoding a trypsin‐like protease from the salivary glands of the haematophagous reduviid Panstrongylus megistus was cloned and sequenced. The deduced protein sequence showed similarities to serine proteases of other hemipterans but with substitutions in the catalytic triad and the substrate binding site. The expression of the gene increased more than sixfold after feeding. Saliva showed the highest proteolytic activity at neutral to slightly basic pH. Substrate and inhibitor profiles and zymography indicated the presence of a trypsin‐like protease with preference for Arg and Lys at P1. Using chromatography, a fibrinolytic enzyme was purified whose sequence was identified by tandem mass spectrometry as that encoded by the cDNA.
Shear‐enhanced binding of intestinal colonization factor antigen I of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli
Authors: Tchesnokova Veronika , McVeigh Annette L. , Kidd Brian , Yakovenko Olga , Thomas Wendy E. , Sokurenko Evgeni V. , Savarino Stephen J.
Published: March 2010

In the intestine, enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli works against peristaltic forces, adhering to the epithelium via the colonization factor antigen I (CFA/I) fimbrial adhesin CfaE. The CfaE adhesin is similar in localization and tertiary (but not primary) structure to FimH, the type 1 fimbrial adhesin of uropathogenic E. coli, which shows shear‐dependent binding to epithelial receptors by an allosteric catch‐bond mechanism. Thus, we speculated that CfaE is also capable of shear‐enhanced binding. Indeed, bovine erythrocytes coursing over immobilized CFA/I fimbriae in flow chambers exhibited low accumulation levels and fast rolling at low shear, but an 80‐fold increase in accumulation and threefold decrease in rolling velocity at elevated shear. This effect was reversible and abolished by pre‐incubation of fimbriae with anti‐CfaE antibody. Erythrocytes bound to whole CfaE in the same shear‐enhanced manner, but to CfaE adhesin domain in a shear‐inhibitable fashion. Residue replacements designed to disrupt CfaE interdomain interaction decreased the shear dependency of adhesion and increased binding under static conditions to human intestinal epithelial cells. These findings indicate that close interaction between adhesive and anchoring pilin domains of CfaE keeps the former in a low‐affinity state that toggles into a high‐affinity state upon separation of two domains, all consistent with an allosteric catch‐bond mechanism of CfaE binding.
Overexpression of a single Leishmania major gene enhances parasite infectivity in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Reiling Linda , Chrobak Mareike , Schmetz Christel , Clos Joachim
Published: March 2010

We identified a Leishmania major‐specific gene that can partly compensate for the loss of virulence observed for L. major HSP100 null mutants. The gene, encoding a 46 kD protein of unknown function and lineage, also enhances the virulence of wild type L. major upon overexpression. Surprisingly, the approximately sixfold overexpression of this protein also extends the host range of L. major to normally resistant C57BL/6 mice, causing persisting lesions in this strain, even while eliciting a strong cellular immune response. This enhanced virulence in vivo is mirrored in vitro by increased parasite burden inside bone marrow‐derived macrophages. The localization of the protein in the macrophage cytoplasm suggests that it may modulate the macrophage effector mechanisms. In summary, our data show that even minor changes of gene expression in L. major may alter the outcome of an infection, regardless of the host's genetic predisposition.
The management of the allergic child at school: EAACI/GA2LEN Task Force on the allergic child at school
Authors: Muraro A. , Clark A. , Beyer K. , Borrego L. M. , Borres M. , Lødrup Carlsen K. C. , Carrer P. , Mazon A. , Rancè F. , Valovirta E. , Wickman M. , Zanchetti M.
Published: March 2010

To cite this article: Muraro A, Clark A, Beyer K, Borrego LM, Borres M, Lødrup Carlsen KC, Carrer P, Mazon A, Rancè F, Valovirta E, Wickman M, Zanchetti M. The management of the allergic child at school: EAACI/GA2LEN Task Force on the allergic child at school. Allergy 2010; 65: 681–689.

Allergy affects at least one‐quarter of European schoolchildren, it reduces quality of life and may impair school performance; there is a risk of severe reactions and, in rare cases, death. Allergy is a multi‐system disorder, and children often have several co‐existing diseases, i.e. allergic rhinitis, asthma, eczema and food allergy. Severe food allergy reactions may occur for the first time at school, and overall 20% of food allergy reactions occur in schools. Up to two‐thirds of schools have at least one child at risk of anaphylaxis but many are poorly prepared. A cooperative partnership between doctors, community and school nurses, school staff, parents and the child is necessary to ensure allergic children are protected. Schools and doctors should adopt a comprehensive approach to allergy training, ensuring that all staff can prevent, recognize and initiate treatment of allergic reactions.
Impact of obsessive‐compulsive disorder on the antimanic response to olanzapine therapy in youth with bipolar disorder
Authors: Joshi Gagan , Mick Eric , Wozniak Janet , Geller Daniel , Park Jennifer , Strauss Samara , Biederman Joseph
Published: March 2010

Joshi G, Mick E, Wozniak J, Geller D, Park J, Strauss S, Biederman J. Impact of obsessive‐compulsive disorder on the antimanic response to olanzapine therapy in youth with bipolar disorder. Bipolar Disord 2010: 12: 196–204. © 2010 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Objective:  To compare antimanic response to olanzapine therapy in youth with bipolar disorder (BPD) based on the status of comorbidity with obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD).

Methods:  Secondary analysis of identically designed 8‐week open‐label trials of olanzapine therapy in youth with BPD. Severity of mania assessed with the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) and Clinical Global Impression (CGI) scales.

Results:  Of the 52 BPD subjects (mean age 8.4 ± 3.1 years) enrolled in the olanzapine trials (mean dose 8.5 ± 4.3 mg/day), 39% (n = 20) met criteria for comorbid OCD. Antimanic response in BPD subjects was significantly worse in the presence of comorbid OCD (YMRS mean reduction:  −5.9 ± 13.1 versus  −13.7 ± 18.8, p = 0.04; ≥ 30% reduction: 25% versus 63%, p = 0.008; CGI‐Improvement score ≤ 2: 25% versus 68%, p = 0.003). There was no difference in the rate of dropouts (50% versus 29%, p = 0.2) or adverse effects in BPD subjects with or without comorbid OCD.

Conclusions:  Less than expected antimanic response to olanzapine therapy in the presence of comorbidity with OCD suggests that OCD is an important functionally impairing psychiatric comorbidity that may impact the efficacy of antimanic agents in youth with BPD. This study is limited by its design of secondary analysis of data from trials of an uncontrolled nature. Further prospective controlled trials are warranted.
Liquid risperidone in the treatment of rages in psychiatrically hospitalized children with possible bipolar disorder
Authors: Carlson Gabrielle A , Potegal Michael , Margulies David , Basile Joann , Gutkovich Zinoviy
Published: March 2010

Carlson GA, Potegal M, Margulies D, Basile J, Gutkovich Z. Liquid risperidone in the treatment of rages in psychiatrically hospitalized children with possible bipolar disorder. Bipolar Disord 2010: 12: 205–212. © 2010 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Objective:  To examine the safety and efficacy of liquid risperidone to reduce duration of rages in children with severe mood dysregulation (SMD) or possible bipolar disorder (BP).

Method:  The sample included 151 consecutive admissions of 5–12 year old children to a psychiatric inpatient unit. Diagnostic information and history of prior rage outbursts were obtained at admission. In hospital, a first rage was treated with seclusion. If a second rage occurred, the child was offered liquid risperidone to help him/her regain control. Durations of unmedicated and last medicated rage were compared. Rage frequency in children with SMD and several definitions of BP were compared.

Results:  Although 82 of 151 admissions were prompted by rages, rages occurred during only 49 hospitalizations and occurred more than once in only 24. In 16 multiply medicated children, duration of rages dropped from a baseline of 44.4 ± 20.2 min to 25.6 ± 12.5 min at the child’s last dose. Neither SMD nor any definition of BP influenced rage response in this small sample. The average liquid risperidone dose was 0.02 mg/kg. All but two children also took atypical antipsychotics daily. In the evaluation of medicated rage episodes with standard rating scales, no extrapyramidal side effects, akathisia, or abnormal involuntary movements were observed, and the rate of sedation/sleepiness (7/67 = 10.4%) was similar and not significantly different from that observed during nonmedicated episodes (8/46 = 17.4%).

Conclusions:  Liquid risperidone may be a safe and effective way to shorten the duration of rage episodes regardless of diagnosis. However, definitive conclusions cannot be drawn in the absence of a placebo control as children were also receiving other behavioral and psychopharmacologic treatments.
Parallel amino acid replacements in the rhodopsins of the rockfishes (Sebastes spp.) associated with shifts in habitat depth
Authors: SIVASUNDAR A. , PALUMBI S. R.
Published: March 2010

Among various groups of fishes, a shift in peak wavelength sensitivity has been correlated with changes in their photic environments. The genus Sebastes is a radiation of marine fish species that inhabit a wide range of depths from intertidal to over 600 m. We examined 32 species of Sebastes for evidence of adaptive amino acid substitution at the rhodopsin gene. Fourteen amino acid positions were variable among these species. Maximum likelihood analyses identify several of these to be targets of positive selection. None of these correspond to previously identified critical amino acid sites, yet they may in fact be functionally important. The occurrence of independent parallel changes at certain amino acid positions reinforces this idea. Reconstruction of habitat depths of ancestral nodes in the phylogeny suggests that shallow habitats have been colonized independently in different lineages. The evolution of rhodopsin appears to be associated with changes in depth, with accelerated evolution in lineages that have had large changes in depth.
Origins of cheating and loss of symbiosis in wildBradyrhizobium
Authors: SACHS J. L. , EHINGER M. O. , SIMMS E. L.
Published: March 2010

Rhizobial bacteria nodulate legume roots and fix nitrogen in exchange for photosynthates. These symbionts are infectiously acquired from the environment and in such cases selection models predict evolutionary spread of uncooperative mutants. Uncooperative rhizobia – including nonfixing and non‐nodulating strains – appear common in agriculture, yet their population biology and origins remain unknown in natural soils. Here, a phylogenetically broad sample of 62 wild‐collected rhizobial isolates was experimentally inoculated ontoLotus strigosusto assess their nodulation ability and effects on host growth. A cheater strain was discovered that proliferated in host tissue while offering no benefit; its fitness was superior to that of beneficial strains. Phylogenetic reconstruction ofBradyrhizobiumrDNA and transmissible symbiosis‐island loci suggest that the cheater evolved via symbiotic gene transfer. Many strains were also identified that failed to nodulateL. strigosus, and it appears that nodulation ability on this host has been recurrently lost in the symbiont population. This is the first study to reveal the adaptive nature of rhizobial cheating and to trace the evolutionary origins of uncooperative rhizobial mutants.
Statistical and Prosodic Cues for Song Segmentation Learning by Bengalese Finches (Lonchura striata var. domestica)
Authors: Takahasi Miki , Yamada Hiroko , Okanoya Kazuo
Published: March 2010

Juvenile songbirds learn their songs from adults. Birds do not simply learn songs verbatim but they sometimes learn parts of songs from multiple tutors and recombine these into one song sequence. How they segment a particular part and select that as a chunk and how these chunks are recombined are interesting questions to ask, because such segmentation and chunking is also considered to be a basic mechanism in human language acquisition. The song of the Bengalese finch has a complex syntax with variable note‐to‐note transition probabilities and could thus be suitable for the study of segmentation and chunking in birdsong. Thirty‐two male Bengalese finch chicks were reared in a large aviary where 11 adult tutors and 10 adult females were breeding freely. In this environment most male chicks learned songs from several tutors. The song note‐chunks that juveniles copied had higher transition probabilities and shorter silent intervals than did the boundaries of the chunks, suggesting that Bengalese finches segment songs using both statistical and prosodic cues. Thus, the Bengalese finch could prove to be an excellent model in which to study neural and behavioral mechanism for sound segmentation.
Assessing Acoustic Signal Variability and the Potential for Sexual Selection and Social Recognition in Boreal Chorus Frogs (Pseudacris maculata)
Authors: Bee Mark A. , Cook Jenna M. , Love Elliot K. , O’Bryan Lisa R. , Pettitt Beth A. , Schrode Katrina , Vélez Alejandro
Published: March 2010

An important and necessary step in the analysis of any communication system involves quantitative descriptions of how signals vary at multiple levels of organization (e.g., species, populations, individuals). Such descriptions provide a basis for generating testable predictions about the functions of signals and their specific physical properties in different behavioral contexts. Here, we report results from acoustical and statistical analyses of the advertisement calls of the boreal chorus frog, Pseudacris maculata. In addition to characterizing measures of central tendency and dispersion for our study population, we assess how calls encode potentially relevant information in the contexts of sexual selection and social recognition. Specifically, we describe the relationships between call properties and both body size and condition, and relate these findings to predictions about female mate choice and male‐male competition. We also make predictions about the shapes of female preference functions based on analyses of the patterns of within‐individual variation in call properties. Findings from multivariate analyses of advertisement calls are used to generate testable predictions about the potential for these signals to function in social recognition. We also discuss our results in relation to wildlife conservation and relevant studies of geographic variation.
Charting the future course of rural health and remote health in Australia: Why we need theory
Authors: Bourke Lisa , Humphreys John S. , Wakerman John , Taylor Judy
Published: March 2010

Objective:  This paper argues that rural and remote health is in need of theoretical development.

Design:  Based on the authors’ discussions, reflections and critical analyses of literature, this paper proposes key reasons why rural and remote health warrants the development of theoretical frameworks.

Results:  The paper cites five reasons why theory is needed: (i) theory provides an approach for how a topic is studied; (ii) theory articulates key assumptions in knowledge development; (iii) theory systematises knowledge, enabling it to be transferable; (iv) theory provides predictability; and (v) theory enables comprehensive understanding.

Conclusion:  This paper concludes with a call for theoretical development in both rural and remote health to expand its knowledge and be more relevant to improving health care for rural Australians.
Availability of antidotes for the treatment of acute poisoning in Queensland public hospitals
Authors: Nissen Lisa M. , Wong Kai Hang , Jones Anthea , Roberts Darren M.
Published: March 2010

Objective:  To determine the sufficiency of stock levels of 13 antidotes in Queensland hospitals.

Design:  A self‐report survey was sent to 128 Queensland hospitals with acute care facilities. The stock level of the following antidotes was determined: acetylcysteine, anti‐digoxin Fab antibodies (digibind), atropine, calcium gluconate, cyanokit, desferrioxamine, flumazenil, glucagon, intravenous ethanol, methylene blue, naloxone, pralidoxime and pyridoxine. Other factors sampled were bed capacity, rural, remote and metropolitan areas classification, use of formal stock reviews by pharmacists or nurses, existence of formal borrowing agreements with other facilities for non‐stocked antidotes, distance to the nearest referral hospital and time taken to transfer antidotes from another hospital.

Participants:  Pharmacists or nurses responsible for maintaining antidote stocks in Queensland hospitals.

Main outcome measures:  Proportions of hospitals with sufficient antidote stock to treat a 70‐kg adult for four or more hours using previously published guidelines.

Results:  Survey response rate was 73.4%. No hospital had sufficient stock of all 13 antidotes. The proportion of hospitals with sufficient stocks varied from 0% (pyridoxine) to 68.1% (acetylcysteine). Larger hospitals had a higher frequency of sufficient antidote stocks. Only 16% of hospitals claimed to be able to acquire an antidote from another facility within 30 min.

Conclusions:  Most Queensland hospitals stocked some important antidotes, but few had sufficient stock to treat a 70‐kg patient or acquire an antidote within the recommended time frame of 30 min. Specific antidote stocking guidelines might be required for Queensland hospitals. A formalised program for stock rotation with rural facilities should be explored.
Isolated congenital mitral valve regurgitation presenting in the first year of life
Authors: Ganeshalingham Anusha , Finucane Kirsten , Hornung Tim
Published: March 2010

Aim:  Isolated congenital mitral regurgitation is rare and, when presenting in infancy, reflects severity of the malformation. The natural history is often fatal, and management during the first year of life remains a therapeutic challenge. These infants are poorly understood largely because of an absence of reporting in the medical literature and limited experience in each institution. We reviewed our own experience in order to add to the understanding of this condition.

Methods:  A retrospective review was performed on seven infants with significant isolated congenital mitral regurgitation. An associated patent ductus arteriosus was present in two. Mean age at referral was 17.7 weeks (1 day to 47 weeks) and mean weight was 6.8 kg (3.7–12.5 kg).

Results:  Two infants were managed conservatively, and one underwent surgical ligation of a patent ductus arteriosus. Following spontaneous and surgical duct closure, no further intervention was required in two infants. The remaining four infants underwent three valve repairs and three valve replacements. The in‐hospital mortality was 29%, occurring in those under 1 year of age undergoing emergency valve surgery. Two reoperations followed mitral valve repair in the first year of life. No significant complications or late deaths occurred.

Conclusions:  Our experience suggests closure of a patent ductus arteriosus should be undertaken prior to mitral valve surgery. There may be a poorer prognosis in those under one year of age requiring emergency mitral valve surgery. Those who can be managed conservatively or undergo mitral valve surgery as an elective procedure tend to have a better outcome.
Results of laparoscopic bile duct exploration via choledochotomy
Authors: Kelly Michael D.
Published: March 2010

Background:  Laparoscopic bile duct exploration (LBDE) is well established although the results via choledochotomy are relatively poorly documented. This report evaluates the results achieved by a single surgeon operating in one institution on an unselected group of patients using modern instrumentation.

Methods:  Over a 3‐year period, 56 consecutive patients underwent LBDE via choledochotomy utilizing flexible choledochoscopy.

Results:  The median age was 61 years (range 20–90) and the mean body mass index was 29 (21–47). There were 15 patients (27%) who had emergency operations for jaundice with a mean preoperative bilirubin level of 108 umol/L (41–248). Fourteen patients (25%) had undergone failed preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Contact electrohydraulic lithotripsy was used in 8 patients (14%) and t‐tubes were inserted in 6 patients (11%) with the remainder having primary closure. There was major morbidity in 6 patients (11%) including conversion to open surgery in 1 and relaparoscopy in 3. Three patients had positive t‐tube cholangiograms giving a laparoscopic clearance rate of 93% (52 patients). The median postoperative length of stay was 2.5 days (1–15). The median follow‐up was 56.1 weeks (interquartile range 23.4–110.7) with no recurrent stones, strictures or late gallstone abscess.

Conclusions:  LBDE via choledochotomy is safe and effective but there is a definite morbidity rate. It requires significant investment in equipment, and skill with flexible endoscopy and laparoscopic suturing.
Role of nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia
Authors: Matsubara Keiichi , Matsubara Yuko , Hyodo Shinji , Katayama Tomihiro , Ito Masaharu
Published: March 2010

Aim:  Preeclampsia is characterized by a disruption of general vascular dilatation, which is mainly mediated by nitric oxide (NO) and disturbed by reactive oxygen species (ROS). The present study investigated the roles of NO and ROS in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.

Methods:  Serum samples were obtained prospectively. Serum levels of NO2/NO3 (NOx) and creatol (CTL), the oxidized metabolite of creatine, and flow‐mediated dilatation (FMD) of brachial artery were measured in normal pregnant women and preeclamptic patients. To evaluate the effect of circulating factors that control vascular function NO synthase (NOS) and NAD(P)H oxidase mRNA expression was evaluated in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction.

Results:  Serum NOx concentration was decreased and CTL concentration was increased in preeclamptic patients relative to healthy controls during the first trimester of pregnancy. Further, preeclamptic patients exhibited disrupted FMD, which was regulated in part by NO. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated strong expression of nitrotyrosine in the vasculature of preeclamptic placentas. Treatment with sera derived from preeclamptic patients increased endothelial expression of inducible NOS (iNOS) mRNA, and this increase was inhibited by angiotensin II (Ang II) receptor type 2 (AT2) blocker. Endothelial NAD(P)H oxidase subunit gp91phox expression was increased by treatment with sera from preeclamptic patients and this increase was attenuated by Ang II receptor type 1 (AT1) blocker.

Conclusion:  The present findings suggest that NO and ROS play important roles in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia and that these roles involve Ang II.
Prenatal detection of full monosomy 21 in a fetus with increased nuchal translucency: Molecular cytogenetic analysis and review of the literature
Authors: Manolakos Emmanouil , Peitsidis Panagiotis , Eleftheriades Makarios , Dedoulis Evaggelos , Ziegler Monika , Orru Sandro , Liehr Thomas , Petersen Michael B.
Published: March 2010

Full monosomy 21 is an extremely rare chromosomal disorder. A 38‐year‐old woman attended a first trimester scan. Ultrasound (U/S) imaging of the fetus at 12 weeks of gestation showed features of increased nuchal translucency measurement (12 mm). Chorionic villi sampling (CVS) was performed after genetic counseling. At 16 weeks of gestation the fetus showed U/S characteristics of severe intrauterine growth restriction, generalized edema and hydrothorax. Cytogenetic examination was performed using quantitative fluorescent polymerase chain reaction analysis, standard Giesma banding and fluorescent in situ hybridization analysis. Non‐mosaic full monosomy 21 was detected and the parents opted to terminate the pregnancy. Microsatellite analysis demonstrated maternal origin of the single chromosome. This case represents one of the few cases of prenatally diagnosed full monosomy 21 confirmed only by CVS, in which the parental origin of the single chromosome was determined.
Influence of dietary intake of dairy products on dysmenorrhea
Authors: Abdul‐Razzak Khalid K. , Ayoub Nehad M. , Abu‐Taleb Ahmed A. , Obeidat Bayan A.
Published: March 2010

Aim:  To determine the frequency of dysmenorrhea and its associated symptoms amongst a number of adolescent female students and to investigate the possible association between daily dairy product intake and dysmenorrhea.

Methods:  A self‐assessment questionnaire was completed by 127 female university students aged between 19 and 24 years. Participants gave information that included demographics, the nature, type, and severity of pain associated with menstruation if any, management used to relieve dysmenorrhea, associated symptoms, and a general assessment of dietary intake of dairy products.

Results:  The prevalence of primary dysmenorrhea in the population studied was 87.4% with the majority of the participants' pain symptoms beginning a few days before and continuing through the first two days of menstruation. Forty‐six percent of students were found to have severe dysmenorrhea. Abdominal bloating was the most frequently expressed symptom associated with dysmenorrhea amongst the population studied. Dysmenorrhea and associated symptoms were found in significantly fewer female students who consumed three or four servings of dairy products per day as compared to participants who consumed no dairy products.

Conclusion:  Primary dysmenorrhea is common in young women. This study helps us to better understand the relationship between low dietary intake of dairy products and the risk of dysmenorrhea.
Proliferation suppression and apoptosis of ovarian carcinoma cells induced by small interfering RNA against vascular endothelial growth factor
Authors: Zhou Jianwei , Gan Ningyue , Zhang Weijiang , Lu Weiguo , Xie Xing
Published: March 2010

Aim:  The aim of this study was to investigate whether RNA interference (RNAi) targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) could inhibit the proliferation and induce apoptosis of ovarian carcinoma cells.

Methods:  Human epithelial ovarian carcinoma cell line CaoV3 was transfected with VEGF‐targeted small interfering RNA (siRNA) for 48 h. The down‐regulation of VEGF expression was determined by real‐time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. The proliferation of CaoV3 cells was detected by a colorimetric BrdU assay. Caspase‐3 activity and TUNEL assay were also detected to study the apoptosis of ovarian carcinoma cells induced by VEGF siRNA. The protein levels of survivin, MMP2 and MMP9 were measured by Western blot.

Results:  mRNA and protein of VEGF were significantly down‐regulated by VEGF siRNA. Down‐regulation of VEGF expression dramatically suppressed the proliferation of CaoV3 cells, and increased the Caspase‐3 activity. Nearly 100% of cells indicated TUNEL‐positive. The expression of anti‐apoptotic protein survivin was decreased, and the invasive related protein MMP2 and MMP9 were also significantly reduced by VEGF siRNA.

Conclusion:  Our study implied that siRNA targeting VEGF could effectively inhibit cell proliferation, induce cell apoptosis, and decrease the cell invasive potential. These findings suggest that the RNAi approach targeting VEGF may be an effective therapeutic strategy for ovarian cancer.
Phylogenetic relationships within Nephtyidae (Polychaeta, Annelida)
Authors: Ravara Ascensão , Wiklund Helena , Cunha Marina R. , Pleijel Fredrik
Published: March 2010

Ravara, A., Wiklund, H., Cunha, M. R. & Pleijel, F. (2010). Phylogenetic relationships within Nephtyidae (Polychaeta, Annelida). —Zoologica Scripta, 39, 394–405.

We present the first phylogeny of nephtyids, a common, soft‐bottom living polychaete family comprising five genera and over 100 species. Characters used to distinguish nephtyid genera are a matter of controversy and considerable confusion remains as to the generic delineations. The phylogeny is estimated with molecular data from the mitochondrial genes cytochrome oxidase I and 16S rDNA, the nuclear genes 18S rDNA and 28S rDNA and morphological data. The results reveal two well‐supported major clades, corresponding in part to the two main genera of the family, Aglaophamus and Nephtys. The species Nephtys pulchra and Nephtys australiensis are transferred to Aglaophamus, and new diagnoses for the genera are provided. Dentinephtys is synonymized with Nephtys, and Nephtys cornuta is sister to the remaining nephtyids and is referred to the new genus Bipalponephtys, together with Nephtys danida and Micronephthys neotena. Micronephthys is sister to Nephtys and Inermonephtys is of uncertain position.