bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel role for insulin as an autocrine growth factor for malignant brain tumour cells
Authors: Arcaro Alexandre , Doepfner Kathrin T. , Boller Danielle , Guerreiro Ana S. , Shalaby Tarek , Jackson Shaun P. , Schoenwaelder Simone M. , Delattre Olivier , Grotzer Michael A. , Fischer Barbara
Published: November 2007

AT/RTs (atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumours) of the CNS (central nervous system) are childhood malignancies associated with poor survival rates due to resistance to conventional treatments such as chemotherapy. We characterized a panel of human AT/RT and MRT (malignant rhabdoid tumour) cell lines for expression of RTKs (receptor tyrosine kinases) and their involvement in tumour growth and survival. When compared with normal brain tissue, AT/RT cell lines overexpressed the IR (insulin receptor) and the IGFIR (insulin-like growth factor-I receptor). Moreover, insulin was secreted by AT/RT cells grown in serum-free medium. Insulin potently activated Akt (also called protein kinase B) in AT/RT cells, as compared with other growth factors, such as epidermal growth factor. Pharmacological inhibitors, neutralizing antibodies, or RNAi (RNA interference) targeting the IR impaired the growth of AT/RT cell lines and induced apoptosis. Inhibitors of the PI3K (phosphoinositide 3-kinase)/Akt pathway also impaired basal and insulin-stimulated AT/RT cell proliferation. Experiments using RNAi and isoform-specific pharmacological inhibitors established a key role for the class IA PI3K p110α isoform in AT/RT cell growth and insulin signalling. Taken together, our results reveal a novel role for autocrine signalling by insulin and the IR in growth and survival of malignant human CNS tumour cells via the PI3K/Akt pathway.
A novel murine protein with no effect on iron homoeostasis is homologous with transferrin and is the putative inhibitor of carbonic anhydrase
Authors: Wang Fudi , Lothrop Adam P. , James Nicholas G. , Griffiths Tanya A. M. , Lambert Lisa A. , Leverence Rachael , Kaltashov Igor A. , Andrews Nancy C. , MacGillivray Ross T. A. , Mason Anne B.
Published: November 2007

In a search for genes that modify iron homoeostasis, a gene (1300017J02Rik) was located immediately upstream of the murine TF (transferrin) gene. However, expression of the 1300017J02Rik gene product was not responsive to a number of modulators of iron metabolism. Specifically, expression was not altered in mouse models of iron disorders including mice with deficiencies in the haemochromatosis protein Hfe, the recombination-activating protein, Rag, β2-microglobulin, TF, ceruloplasmin or Hb, or in mice with microcytic anaemia. Additionally, neither lipopolysaccharide nor hypoxia treatment resulted in any significant changes in the 1300017J02Rik expression level. The genomic DNA sequence suggested that the 1300017J02Rik gene product might be a protein equivalent to the pICA {porcine ICA [inhibitor of CA (carbonic anhydrase)]}. The coding region for the murine 1300017J02Rik gene was placed into the pNUT expression vector. Transformed BHK cells (baby-hamster kidney cells) were transfected with this plasmid, resulting in secretion of recombinant mICA (murine ICA) into the tissue culture medium. Following purification to homogeneity, the yield of mICA from the BHK cells was found to be considerably greater (at least 4-fold) than the yield of pICA from a previously reported Pichia pastoris (yeast) expression system. MS showed that the recombinant mICA was a glycoprotein that associated with CA in a 1:1 stoichiometry. Despite its high sequence similarity to TF, titration experiments showed that mICA was unable to bind iron specifically. Although enzymatic assays revealed that mICA was able to inhibit CA, it is unclear if this is its sole or even its major function since, to date, humans and other primates appear to lack functional ICA. Lastly, we note that this member of the TF superfamily is a relatively recent addition resulting from a tandem duplication event.
Controlling cell growth and survival through regulated nutrient transporter expression
Authors: Edinger Aimee L.
Published: November 2007

Although all cells depend upon nutrients they acquire from the extracellular space, surprisingly little is known about how nutrient uptake is regulated in mammalian cells. Most nutrients are brought into cells by means of specific transporter proteins. In yeast, the expression and trafficking of a wide variety of nutrient transporters is controlled by the TOR (target of rapamycin) kinase. Consistent with this, recent studies in mammalian cells have shown that mTOR (mammalian TOR) and the related protein, PI3K (phosphoinositide 3-kinase), play central roles in coupling nutrient transporter expression to the availability of extrinsic trophic and survival signals. In the case of lymphocytes, it has been particularly well established that these extrinsic signals stimulate cell growth and proliferation in part by regulating nutrient transporter expression. The ability of growth factors to control nutrient access may also play an important role in tumour suppression: the non-homoeostatic growth of tumour cells requires that nutrient transporter expression is uncoupled from trophic factor availability. Also supporting a link between nutrient transporter expression levels and oncogenesis, several recent studies demonstrate that nutrient transporter expression drives, rather than simply parallels, cellular metabolism. This review summarizes the evidence that regulated nutrient transporter expression plays a central role in cellular growth control and highlights the implications of these findings for human disease.
Current status of pancreatic islet transplantation
Authors: Merani Shaheed , Shapiro A. M. James
Published: November 2007

DM (diabetes mellitus) is a metabolic disorder of either absolute or relative insulin deficiency. Optimized insulin injections remain the mainstay life-sustaining therapy for patients with T1DM (Type I DM) in 2006; however, a small subset of patients with T1DM (approx. 10%) are exquisitely sensitive to insulin and lack counter-regulatory measures, putting them at higher risk of neuroglycopenia. One alternative strategy to injected insulin therapy is pancreatic islet transplantation. Islet transplantation came of age when Paul E. Lacy successfully reversed chemical diabetes in rodent models in 1972. In a landmark study published in 2000, Shapiro et al. [A. M. Shapiro, J. R. Lakey, E. A. Ryan, G. S. Korbutt, E. Toth, G. L. Warnock, N. M. Kneteman and R. V. Rajotte (2000) N. Engl. J. Med. 343, 230–238] reported seven consecutive patients treated with islet transplants under the Edmonton protocol, all of whom maintained insulin independence out to 1 year. Substantial progress has occurred in aspects of pancreas procurement, transportation (using the oxygenated two-layer method) and in islet isolation (with controlled enzymatic perfusion and subsequent digestion in the Ricordi chamber). Clinical protocols to optimize islet survival and function post-transplantation improved dramatically with the introduction of the Edmonton protocol, but it is clear that this approach still has potential limitations. Newer pharmacotherapies and interventions designed to promote islet survival, prevent apoptosis, to promote islet growth and to protect islets in the long run from immunological injury are rapidly approaching clinical trials, and it seems likely that clinical outcomes of islet transplantation will continue to improve at the current exponential pace.
Relativistic two-component formulation of time-dependent current-density functional theory: Application to the linear response of solids
Authors: Romaniello P. , de Boeij P. L.
Published: November 2007

In this paper we derive the relativistic two-component formulation of time-dependent current-density-functional theory. To arrive at a two-component current-density formulation we apply a Foldy-Wouthuysen-type transformation to the time-dependent four-component Dirac-Kohn-Sham equations of relativistic density-functional theory. The two-component Hamiltonian is obtained as a regular expansion which is gauge invariant at each order of approximation, and to zeroth order it represents the time-dependent version of the relativistic zeroth order regular Hamiltonian obtained by van Lenthe et al., for the ground state [J. Chem. Phys.99, 4597 (1993)]. The corresponding zeroth order regular expression for the density is unchanged, whereas the current-density operator now comprises a paramagnetic, a diamagnetic, and a spin contribution, similar to the Gordon decomposition of the Dirac four current. The zeroth order current density is directly related to the mean velocity corresponding to the zeroth order Hamiltonian. These density and current density operators satisfy the continuity equation. This zeroth order approximation is therefore consistent and physically realistic. By combining this formalism with the formulation of the linear response of solids within time-dependent current-density functional theory [Romaniello and de Boeij, Phys. Rev. B71, 155108 (2005)], we derive a method that can treat orbital and spin contributions to the response in a unified way. The effect of spin-orbit coupling can now be taken into account. As first test we apply the method to calculate the relativistic effects in the linear response of several metals and nonmetals to a macroscopic electric field. Treatment of spin-orbit coupling yields visible changes in the spectra: a smooth onset of the interband transitions in the absorption spectrum of Au, a sharp onset with peak at about 0.46eV in the absorption spectrum of W, and a low-frequency doublet structure in the absorption spectra of ZnTe, CdTe, and HgTe in agreement with experimental results.
Estimating kinetic rates from accelerated molecular dynamics simulations: Alanine dipeptide in explicit solvent as a case study
Authors: de Oliveira César Augusto F. , Hamelberg Donald , McCammon J. Andrew
Published: November 2007

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation is the standard computational technique used to obtain information on the time evolution of the conformations of proteins and many other molecular systems. However, for most biological systems of interest, the time scale for slow conformational transitions is still inaccessible to standard MD simulations. Several sampling methods have been proposed to address this issue, including the accelerated molecular dynamics method. In this work, we study the extent of sampling of the phi/psi space of alanine dipeptide in explicit water using accelerated molecular dynamics and present a framework to recover the correct kinetic rate constant for the helix to beta-strand transition. We show that the accelerated MD can drastically enhance the sampling of the phi/psi conformational phase space when compared to normal MD. In addition, the free energy density plots of the phi/psi space show that all minima regions are accurately sampled and the canonical distribution is recovered. Moreover, the kinetic rate constant for the helix to beta-strand transition is accurately estimated from these simulations by relating the diffusion coefficient to the local energetic roughness of the energy landscape. Surprisingly, even for such a low barrier transition, it is difficult to obtain enough transitions to accurately estimate the rate constant when one uses normal MD.
Near-infrared high refractive-index three-dimensional inverse woodpile photonic crystals generated by a sol-gel process
Authors: Jia Baohua , Wu Shuhui , Li Jiafang , Gu Min
Published: November 2007

We demonstrate the formation of complete pieces of high refractive-index three-dimensional inverse woodpile photonic crystals by a simple and inexpensive sol-gel process. A mixture of the titanium dioxide precursor and the silica dioxide precursor was infiltrated multiple times into a polymeric template produced by two-photon polymerization to improve the mechanical properties of the inverse structure. After removal of the polymer template, transparent inverse photonic crystals with a refractive index of approximately 2.2 were achieved. The spectroscopic characterization reveals a stop gap in the near-infrared wavelength range, agreeing with the theoretical prediction.
Multiwave interaction formulation of a coaxial Bragg structure and its experimental verification
Authors: Lai Ying-Xin , Zhang Shi-Chang
Published: November 2007

A multiwave interaction formulation of coaxial Bragg structure with either one or both of the conductors sinusoidally corrugated is presented to describe all the forward and backward waves of various propagating modes within the structure. The validity of the formulation is examined in terms of the reported experiments, and good agreement of the theoretical results with the experimental measurements is demonstrated. Comparison of the present formulation with the previous two-wave interaction treatment shows substantial difference, and confirms the significance of the multiwave interaction formulation presented in this paper. Based on the multiwave interaction formulation, interesting information is revealed that a higher-order mode (such as TE6,1) operation at a frequency of hundreds of gigahertz in a coaxial Bragg reflector can be achieved due to the suppression of spurious modes. This peculiarity provides potential application in constructing a high-Q coaxial Bragg resonator for a high-power cyclotron autoresonance maser or a free-electron laser oscillator in the millimeter and submillimeter wave ranges.
High-resolution synchrotron x-ray diffraction study of Zr-rich compositions of Pb(ZrxTi1−x)O3 (0.525⩽x⩽0.60): Evidence for the absence of the rhombohedral phase
Authors: Singh Akhilesh Kumar , Pandey Dhananjai , Yoon Songhak , Baik Sunggi , Shin Namsoo
Published: November 2007

Results of Rietveld analysis of the synchrotron x-ray diffraction data on Pb(ZrxTi1−x)O3 (PZT) for 0.525⩽x⩽0.60 are presented to show the absence of rhombohedral phase on the Zr-rich side of the morphotropic phase boundary. Our results reveal that the structure of PZT is monoclinic in the Cm space group for 0.525⩽x⩽0.60. The nature of the monoclinic distortion changes from pseudotetragonal for 0.525⩽x⩽0.54 to pseudo-rhombohedral for x>0.54.
A diffraction-compensating –25ns free space terahertz delay line for coherent quantum control
Authors: Allen D. G. , Sherwin M. S. , Takahashi S. , Ramian G. , Persechini L.
Published: November 2007

Free space delay lines provide pulses of variable time spacing for optical experiments such as pump-probe spectroscopy and coherent quantum control, including spin and photon echo techniques. However, in the terahertz region of the spectrum, beam divergence due to diffraction limits the useful length of traditional free space delay lines. We present a novel double-folded variable delay line for light in the frequency range 0.24–1.2THz, which incorporates a symmetric arrangement of lenses whose spacing can be adjusted to compensate for diffraction at each delay. Scalable for use in other wavelength regimes, the design relays an input Gaussian beam waist to the output with up to 25ns (∼8m) total delay and is enclosed in a desiccated volume of <0.5m3. The delay line can deliver two or three pulses with relative amplitudes controlled via variable spacing silicon étalon beam splitters. Profiles of a 0.24THz beam show good agreement with calculations at long delays, with insertion loss per delay stage of ∼3dB.
Effect of charge modulation in (LaVO3)m(SrVO3)n superlattices on the insulator-metal transition
Authors: Sheets W. C. , Mercey B. , Prellier W.
Published: November 2007

A series of epitaxial (LaVO3)6m(SrVO3)m superlattices having the same nominal composition as La6∕7Sr1∕7VO3, a Mott-Hubbard insulator, was grown with pulsed-laser deposition on [001]-oriented SrTiO3 substrates, and their superlattice period was varied. When m=1, the insulating resistivity of bulklike La6∕7Sr1∕7VO3 is obtained; however, an increase in the periodicity (m⩾2) results in metallic samples. Comparison of the superlattice periodicity with the coherence length of charge carriers in perovskite oxide heterostructures is used to understand these observations. A filling-controlled insulator-metal transition was induced by placing a single dopant layer of SrVO3 within LaVO3 layers of varying thickness.
Density Functional Theory Study of Structure and Electronic Properties of MgBen(n=212) Clusters
Authors: Ge Gui-xian , Yan Yu-li , Ren Feng-zhu , Lei Xue-ling , Yang Zhi , Zhao Wen-jie , Wang Qin-lin , Luo You-hua
Published: November 2007

Determinations of the lowest energy structures and electronic properties of MgBen (n=2-12) clusters were carried out by using density-functional theory. It was found that MgBe3 and MgBe9 clusters with higher binding energy and larger HOMO-LUMO gap are more stable than the neighboring clusters. The electronic properties from van der Waals to covalent and bulk metallic behavior in MgBen (n=2-12) clusters are discussed with the evolution of the size, and the data indicates Magnesium-doped Beryllium clusters already early appear some metallic-like features than host Ben clusters. By analyzing electronic properties of MgBen (n=2-12) clusters, it can be concluded that Mg-doped reduces the stabilities of Be clusters.
Relative importance of host tree species and environmental gradients for epiphytic species composition, exemplified by pyrenomycetes s. lat. (Ascomycota) on Salix in central north Scandinavia
Authors: Mathiassen Geir , Halvorsen Økland Rune
Published: November 2007

According to the continuum concept of vegetation, variation in species composition is primarily determined by complex environmental gradients. Species‐gradient relationships of ground‐dwelling, independent organisms are studied at scales ranging from centimetres to continents. In this study we use a balanced data set for pyrenomycetes on Salix to address if how the current species‐gradient paradigm needs to be modified to apply to assemblages of organisms that are dependent on other organisms for their existence. The data from a transect across central‐north Scandinavia included variation along climatic gradients in oceanicity (from oceanic to continental vegetation sections), and temperatures (from south boreal to alpine vegetation zones) and among five common and widely distributed Salix host species (Salix caprea agg., S. glauca ssp. glauca, S. lapponum, S. myrsinifolia agg. and S. pentandra). Ten individuals of each Salix host species were selected and carefully examined for pyrenomycetes within each combination of section and zone. Data for 28 species in the 28 combinations of section, zone and host were subjected to ordination and constrained ordination analyses. Host species was the most important source of variation in species composition, followed by zone and section which are the same major regional gradients that are important to plants. We use examples to discuss the contribution of local ecological and substrate gradients to the high variation explained by host species, concluding that host specificity per se occurs for these partly parasitic fungi. We therefore suggest that in order to account for variation in composition of species assemblages with strong degree of host dependence, general rules for species‐gradient relationships need to be extended by inclusion of host specificity as separate factor.
Predictive modelling of tree species distributions on the Iberian Peninsula during the Last Glacial Maximum and Mid‐Holocene
Authors: Benito Garzón Marta , Sánchez de Dios Rut , Sáinz Ollero Helios
Published: November 2007

This paper reports a bioclimatic envelope model study of the potential distribution of 19 tree species in the Iberian Peninsula during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM; 21 000 yr BP) and the Mid‐Holocene (6000 yr BP). Current patterns of tree species richness and distributions are believed to have been strongly influenced by the climate during these periods. The modelling employed novel machine learning techniques, and its accuracy was evaluated using a threshold‐independent method. Two atmospheric general circulation models, UGAMP and ECHAM3 (generated by the Palaeoclimate Modelling Intercomparison Project, PMIP), were used to provide climate scenarios under which the distributions of the 19 tree species were modelled. The results obtained for these scenarios were assessed by agreement measure analysis; they differed significantly for the LGM, but were more similar for the Mid‐Holocene.

The results for the LGM support the inferred importance of pines in the Iberian Peninsula at this time, and the presence of evergreen Quercus in the south. Important differences in the altitude at which the modelled species grew were also predicted. During the LGM, some normally higher mountain species potentially became re‐established in the foothills of the Pyrenees. The warm Mid‐Holocene climate is clearly reflected in the predicted expansion of broad‐leaved forests during this period, including the colonization of the northern part of the Iberian Peninsula by evergreen Quercus species.
Seabird predation by great skuas Stercorarius skua– intra‐specific competition for food?
Authors: Votier Stephen C. , Bearhop Stuart , Crane Jonathan E. , Manuel Arcos José , Furness Robert W.
Published: November 2007

Competition for food is widely cited as an important cost of coloniality among birds and much of the evidence in support of this hypothesis comes from studies of colonial piscivorous seabirds. However, for generalist seabirds able to switch between different prey types, the role of food availability in relation to colony size is unclear. Here we investigate patterns of the consumption of seabird prey in relation to colony size in a generalist seabird, the great skua Stercorarius skua, in Shetland, UK. At the population level skuas feed mainly on sandeels Ammodytes marinus and fishery discards, but respond to declines in fish availability to facultatively prey on other seabirds. By comparing the consumption of seabirds among seven different sized colonies, including one colony with artificially reduced numbers of skuas (Fair Isle), we investigate whether consumption of seabird prey is influenced by skua population size, while simultaneously measuring seabird prey availability. Data from five years also enables us to investigate the influence of annual variation in environmental conditions on seabird consumption. Using measures of body condition and reproductive performance we investigate the consequences of living in different sized colonies, which may provide insight into ultimate costs of nesting at high population density. Skua diets varied among colonies and the proportion of seabird prey in the diet was inversely related to skua colony size, despite similar per capita numbers of seabirds across colonies. At the colony where their numbers were artificially suppressed, skuas consumed a greater proportion of seabirds per capita. Highly significant year effects in seabird predation were observed but the pattern among colonies remained consistent over time. Two measures of adult body condition (pectoral muscle index and mean corpuscular volume) revealed that adult great skuas were in poorer condition at the largest colony (Foula), but reproductive performance did not alter significantly among colonies. This study provides evidence that intra‐specific competition among skuas may limit opportunities for obtaining seabird prey, which may be particularly important during periods of poor availability of sandeels and fishery discards, and has implications for assessing the impact of skuas on seabird populations.
Diving in shallow water: the foraging ecology of darters (Aves: Anhingidae)
Authors: Ryan Peter G.
Published: November 2007

Diving birds have to overcome buoyancy, especially when diving in shallow water. Darters and anhingas (Anhingidae) are specialist shallow‐water divers, with adaptations for reducing their buoyancy. Compared to closely‐related cormorants (Phalacrocoracidae), darters have fully wettable plumage, smaller air sacs and denser bones. A previous study of darter diving behaviour reported no relationship between dive duration and water depth, contrary to optimal dive models. In this study I provide more extensive observations of African darters Anhinga melanogaster rufa diving in water<5 m deep at two sites. Dive duration increases with water depth at both sites, but the relationship is weak. Dives were longer than dives by cormorants in water of similar depth (max 108 s in water 2.5 m deep), with dives of up to 68 s observed in water<0.5 m deep. Initial dives in a bout were shorter than expected, possibly because their plumage was not fully saturated. Dive efficiency (dive:rest ratio) was 5–6, greater than cormorants (2.7±0.4 for 18 species) and other families of diving birds (average 0.2–4.3). Post‐dive recovery periods increased with dive duration, but only slowly, resulting in a strong increase in efficiency with dive duration. All dives are likely to fall within the theoretical anaerobic dive limit. Foraging bouts were short (17.8±4.3 min) compared to cormorants, with birds spending 80±5% of time underwater. Darters take advantage of their low buoyancy to forage efficiently in shallow water, and their slow, stealthy dives are qualitatively different from those of other diving birds. However, they are forced to limit the duration of foraging bouts by increased thermoregulatory costs associated with wettable plumage.
Outcome following admission to UK intensive care units after cardiac arrest: a secondary analysis of the ICNARC Case Mix Programme Database*
Authors: Nolan J. P. , Laver S. R. , Welch C. A. , Harrison D. A. , Gupta V. , Rowan K.
Published: November 2007

Using a retrospective analysis of the Intensive Care National Audit and Research Centre Case Mix Programme Database (ICNARC CMPD), we have summarised the characteristics and outcomes for mechanically ventilated patients admitted to UK intensive care units (ICUs) after cardiac arrest. Descriptive statistics on case mix, physiology, treatment, service delivery, outcome and activity were described separately for community cardiac arrest, in‐hospital cardiac arrest (peri‐operative) and in‐hospital cardiac arrest (not peri‐operative). The impact on outcome of several patient characteristics and physiological values were analysed using multivariable logistic regression. Mechanically ventilated survivors of cardiac arrest accounted for 24 132 (5.8%) of all admissions to the 174 ICUs in the ICNARC CMP. Of these, 10 347 (42.9%) survived to leave the ICU and 6778 (28.6%) survived to acute hospital discharge. The ICNARC model gives much better discrimination than APACHE II for predicting hospital mortality after admission to ICU following cardiac arrest: the predicted hospital mortality based on the APACHE II and ICNARC model was 41.9% and 79.7%, respectively.
Chronic relapsing experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (CREAE) in plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 knockout mice: the effect of fibrinolysis during neuroinflammation
Authors: East E. , Gverić D. , Baker D. , Pryce G. , Lijnen H. R. , Cuzner M. L.
Published: November 2007

During neuroinflammation in multiple sclerosis (MS) fibrinogen, not normally present in the brain or spinal cord, enters the central nervous system through a compromised blood–brain barrier. Fibrin deposited on axons is ineffectively removed by tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), a key contributory factor being the upregulation of plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1). Aims: This study investigated the role of PAI‐1 during experimental neuroinflammatory disease. Methods: Chronic relapsing experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (CREAE), a model of MS, was induced with spinal cord homogenate in PAI‐1 knockout (PAI‐1−/−) and wild type (WT) mice, backcrossed onto the Biozzi background. Results: Disease incidence and clinical severity were reduced in PAI‐1−/− mice, with animals developing clinical signs significantly later than WTs. Clinical relapses were absent in PAI‐1−/− mice and the subsequent reduction in neuroinflammation was coupled with a higher capacity for fibrinolysis in spinal cord samples from PAI‐1−/− mice, in association with increased tPA activity. Axonal damage was less apparent in PAI‐1−/− mice than in WTs, implicating fibrin in both inflammatory and degenerative events during CREAE. Conclusions: PAI‐1 is a potential target for therapy in neuroinflammatory degenerative diseases, allowing effective fibrin removal and potentially reducing relapse rate and axonal damage.
The efficacy of a commercial shampoo and whirlpooling in the treatment of canine pruritus – a double‐blinded, randomized, placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Löflath A. , Von Voigts‐Rhetz A. , Jaeger K. , Schmid M. , Kuechenhoff H. , Mueller R. S.
Published: November 2007

Twenty‐two dogs with a history of at least 4 weeks pruritus were studied to determine the effect of whirlpool use on the efficacy of topical therapy with an antipruritic shampoo (Allermyl®, Virbac; Bad Oldesloe, Germany). Dogs in group 1 received initially topical therapy with conventional shampooing (2 mL shampoo per kilogram bodyweight) once weekly for 4 weeks. Dogs in group 2 received the same therapy using a whirlpool (Sanwhirl, Peter Aschauer GmbH; Gräfelfing, Germany). The treatments were crossed between the groups resulting in each dog in groups 1 and 2 receiving both therapies. Group 3 was the control group and was treated once weekly in the whirlpool without any shampoo during the 8 weeks of study. Prior to each therapy, dogs were evaluated by a clinician not aware of the type of treatment using a clinical scoring system (Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index – CADESI). Owners evaluated the pruritus daily on a visual analogue scale. There was a significant difference in pruritus scores but not CADESI scores after therapy between the control treatment and the conventional shampoo therapy or shampoo treatment in the whirlpool. These results provide evidence for the short‐term benefit of shampoo therapy for canine pruritus.
Identity of naturalised exotic Wisteria (Fabaceae) in the south‐eastern United States
Authors: TRUSTY J L , LOCKABY B G , ZIPPERER W C , GOERTZEN L R
Published: November 2007

Exotic Wisteria are increasingly serious invasive plants of watersheds and managed forests throughout the south‐eastern United States. Naturalised individuals are frequently identified as either Wisteria floribunda or W. sinensis, but may differ significantly from the original descriptions of either of those species. Here, we use data from the nuclear and chloroplast genomes to determine the species classification or hybrid status of naturalised plants collected in five south‐eastern states. Twenty‐four of twenty‐five collections (96%) were identified as hybrids between W. floribunda and W. sinensis. Haplotype analyses show that naturalised hybrid Wisteria is genetically diverse and that no relationship between haplotype and collection location exists. Morphological characters that clearly differentiate the introduced species cannot be used to reliably identify naturalised individuals. These data, along with observations of the continued spread of Wisteria in the south‐eastern United States, suggest that hybridisation may be playing a key role in the ongoing invasion of this taxon.
Resequencing of the human major histocompatibility complex in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and healthy controls in Alaska Natives of Southeast Alaska
Authors: Yan Z. , Ferucci E. D. , Geraghty D. E. , Yang Y. , Lanier A. P. , Smith W. P. , Zhao L. P. , Hansen J. A. , Nelson J. L.
Published: November 2007

High prevalence and severity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with an early age of onset have previously been described in Alaska Native and American Indian (AN/AI) populations. The contribution of HLA‐DRB1 alleles encoding a similar amino acid sequence, referred to as the shared epitope (SE), to RA risk is well recognized in multiple populations worldwide. DRB1*1402 allele is the major SE‐encoding allele in AN/AI populations. However, DRB1*1402 is highly prevalent in healthy Alaska Natives of Southeast Alaska (AN), with no significant difference from RA patients, indicating this allele alone is not informative for defining genetic risk and non‐human leukocyte antigen (non‐HLA) genes are likely important in AN. We sought to deep resequence the human major histocompatibility complex (MHC) to characterize the single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) haplotypes within this region in RA cases and controls in AN. Approximately 99 kb of the MHC was resequenced with 95 amplicons throughout this region. Thirty‐four cases and 74 controls were examined. A total of 696 SNPs were discovered from 85 of the selected 95 amplicons. Disease association signals were detected for nine of the 95 amplicons analyzed. Increased risk of RA was associated with five amplicons in the class I, class II or class III region and resistance to disease with four amplicons in the class I region. Our results indicate that non‐HLA MHC genes and/or unknown exogenous factors likely modulate risk of RA in the AN population.
HMGB1 release in co‐cultures of porcine endothelial and human T cells
Authors: Kawahara Ko‐ichi , Setoyama Kentaro , Kikuchi Kiyoshi , Biswas Kamal Krishna , Kamimura Ryozo , Iwata Masahiro , Ito Takashi , Morimoto Yoko , Hashiguchi Teruto , Takao Sonshin , Maruyama Ikuro
Published: November 2007

Abstract:  High mobility group box‐1 (HMGB1) protein, primarily from the nucleus, is released into the extracellular milieu either passively by necrotic or damaged cells, or actively by secretion from monocytes/macrophages. Extracellular HMGB1 acts as a potent inflammatory stimulator by promoting cytokine (for example, tumor necrosis factor‐α) production, and also has pro‐coagulant activity. The signaling pathway initiated by receptor for advanced glycation end‐product (RAGE), which is the HMGB1 receptor, also induces complement activation. Recent studies have implicated HMGB1 in acute cardiac allograft rejection, and have identified infiltrating T cells and other damaged cells as its main sources. HMGB1 blockade using the anti‐HMGB1 antibody HMGB1 box‐A (amino‐terminal region) and soluble RAGE rescues mice from acute rejection. We therefore studied the release of HMGB1 in co‐cultures of porcine aortic endothelial cells (PAEC) and human leukocytes. Human T cells, but not B cells, monocytes or neutrophils, stimulated significant HMGB1 release in culture with PAEC; this activity required cell–cell contact and was dose‐dependent, as determined by Western blotting. The released HMGB1 originated from both cell types, as immunofluorescent microscopy showed that it was present in the cytosol of PAEC in contact with T cells, and had disappeared from the T‐cell nuclei. These results demonstrate that direct interactions between PAEC and T cells might be a key factor in triggering HMGB1 release, which suggests that HMGB1 is associated with graft rejection in the early phase.
Glycoproteins in the Epithelium of Lips and Associated Structures of a Hill Stream Fish Garra lamta (Cyprinidae, Cypriniformes): A Histochemical Investigation
Authors: Pinky  , Mittal S. , Mittal A. K.
Published: November 2007

A series of histochemical procedures were employed to localize and characterize glycoprotein (GP) classes elaborated in the epithelia of the upper and lower lips and associated structures, namely the rostral cap, the adhesive pad, the horny upper and lower jaw sheaths and the folds of skin between them, of a hill stream fish Garra lamta. The epithelia of the lips, the folds of skin and the major portions of the rostral cap and the adhesive pad are mucogenic. The epithelia of the horny jaw sheaths and parts of the rostral cap and the adhesive pad are keratinized. Based on the histochemical characterization of GPs, the cells involved in the secretions in the epithelia at the mucogenic regions of the rostral cap and the adhesive pad comprise the epithelial cells, the type A mucous cells and the club cells. In the lips and the folds of skin, in contrast, the club cells are absent and most mucous cells belong to the type B category. Type A mucous cells are few. GPs elaborated by cellular components of the mucogenic epithelia include GPs with oxidizable vicinal diols, GPs with O‐sulphate esters, GPs with sialic acid residues without O‐acyl substitution or with O‐acyl substitution at C7, C8 or C9 and GPs with O‐acyl sugars. The different types of cells show significant differences in the classes as well as in the concentrations of the GPs elaborated by them. GPs have also been identified in the subcorneal space between the unculi and the epithelial cells in the replacement layer in the epithelia at the keratinized regions. Elaboration of more than one type of GPs suggests a basis for functional discrimination in their role in the mucous secretions at the surface as an adaptation to the feeding ecology and the environment inhabited by the fish.
Pseudosection analysis for talc‐Na pyroxene‐bearing piemontite‐quartz schist in the Sanbagawa Belt, Japan
Authors: Ubukawa Taro , Hatanaka Akiko , Matsumoto Keisaku , Hirajima Takao
Published: November 2007

Abstract  Various modes of occurrence of talc were identified in piemontite‐quartz schists collected from schist and eclogite units in the Kotsu area of the Sanbagawa Belt, eastern Shikoku, Japan. They can be classified into the following types: (A) matrix and (B) pull‐apart talc. The matrix talc is associated with aegirineaugite or glaucophane in the eclogite unit and with albite or chlorite in the schist unit. The pull‐apart talc is developed at the pull‐apart of microboudin structures of Na‐amphibole, along with albite or chlorite in samples from both units, suggesting that the pull‐apart talc was formed by Na‐amphibole consuming reactions in both units. The talc–aegirineaugite–phengite association is found in a thin layer (a few millimetres thick), with higher Na2O/(Na2O + Al2O3 + MgO) ratio in the ANM (Al2O3–Na2O–MgO) diagram projected from phengite, epidote and other minerals, in the eclogite unit. Crystals of aegirineaugite have decreased jadeite content [= 100 × Al/(Na + Ca)] and increased aegirine content [= 100 × (Na – Al)/(Na + Ca)] from the core (ca Jd40Aeg40Di20) to the rim (ca Jd23Aeg53Di24), and are replaced by winchite and albite in varying degrees at the crystal margins. Na‐amphibole is glaucophane/crossite, commonly rimmed by Al‐poor crossite or winchite at the margin in the eclogite unit, although it is relatively homogeneous crossite in the schist unit. These textures suggest that the talc‐phengite‐(aegirineaugite or glaucophane) assemblage equilibrated during an early stage of metamorphism and the pull‐apart talc was formed at a later stage in the eclogite unit. A plausible petrogenetic grid in the NCKFe3+MASH system with excess piemontite (regarded as epidote), hematite, quartz and water, pseudosection analysis for the aegirineaugite‐bearing layer and the observed mineral assemblages suggest that the talc‐aegirineaugite‐phengite assemblage is stable under high pressure conditions (ca 560–580°C and 18–20 kbar). The pull‐apart talc was formed at ca 565–580°C and 9.5–10.5 kbar by the reaction of glaucophane/crossite + paragonite = talc + albite during the decompression stage, suggesting that the piemontite‐quartz schist in the eclogite unit experienced high‐pressure metamorphism at ca 50–60 km depth and was then exhumed to ca 30 km depth under nearly adiabatic conditions.
Malignant Melanoma of the Choroid in Young People
Authors: White J. McBride
Published: November 2007

Summary

The subject of malignant melanoma of the choroid in young people is reviewed and a report of five patients out of thirteen recorded in Australian hospitals.
Polyglycolic Acid Sutures in Strabismus Surgery
Authors: Walker Thqmas D.
Published: November 2007

Summary

The trial of 1·5 metric (4/0) polyglycolic acid suture was conducted in extra‐ocular muscle surgery using the patient as his own control in 25 cases. It is suitable for this purpose and has some advantages over the currently available sutures with little disadvantage.
Pterygium: Intensity and Frequency of Activity
Authors: Saad Ronald S.
Published: November 2007

Summary

A review of the literature on prevalence studies, a specific study in 1965–1966 on veterans seen in Sydney, a review of clinical records dating back to 1939 and a follow‐up study from 1962 to 1975 on the rate of pterygium removal operations performed in the Repatriation General Hospital, Sydney, against the background of the veteran population of N.S.W. showed that the highest incidence of pterygium was in early middle‐age and the lowest incidence in late middle‐age (excluding childhood when pterygium was rare).

Pterygium activity has been classified according to its frequency and intensity. Frequency of activity is a new concept and means the percentage of eyes (not subjects) affected with active pterygia in a given population. This includes newly developed pterygia and pterygia which had developed in an earlier age group but which were still active. Frequency of activity was found to be low in youth, very high in early middle‐age, very low in late middle‐age and high in senility. Intensity of activity, on the other hand, was found to be high in youth and low in middle‐age and thereafter.
CONGENITAL PIGMENTED NAEVI
Authors: Rogers Peter A. , Rogers Maureen
Published: November 2007

Congenital pigmented naevi (C.P.N.) are discussed from the viewpoints of incidence, clinical and histopathological features, and development of malignancy. The management of four such naevi involving the eyelids is discussed.
TAENIA SOLIUM IN THE ANTERIOR CHAMBER
Authors: Welsh N. H. , Proctor E. M.
Published: November 2007

A case of the cestode, Taenia Solium, occurring in the anterior chamber, is presented. The usual presentation is that of the cystic stage, cysticercus cellulosa, occurring in the retina or vitreous. This case is particularly interesting since anterior chamber occurrence is rare and in addition, the cystic stage has been circumvented and the worm itself has developed, a condition which is excessively rare, if not unique.
OPHTHALMIC GOUT
Authors: Serpell Geoffrey
Published: November 2007

The paper presents a reminder of the importance of gout in ocular disorders. A summary of the ophthalmic aspects of gout encountered in 24 years of private and public hospital practice is presented. These aspects are not common but this metabolic disorder should always be remembered in cases of ocular inflammation.
CLINDAMYCIN IN HUMAN OCULAR TOXOPLASMOSIS: A PRELIMINARY REPORT
Authors: Chandra Jay , F.R.A.C.O. E.J. Donaldson.
Published: November 2007

An initial clinical impression on the therapeutic effectiveness of clindamycin in human ocular toxoplasmosis is reported. Fourteen patients have been treated with clindamycin, a chemical analogue of lincomycin. All patients responded satisfactorily to therapy, with 71.4% of the patients responding within the first week of treatment. In most cases normal to near normal visual acuities were restored. No serious gastro‐intestinal side effects were seen. One patient developed rashes.
A STUDY OF THE INTRAOCULAR PRESSURE LOWERING EFFECT OF TIMOLOL AND DIPIVALYL EPINEPHRINE
Authors: FRUMAR K. D. , McGUINNESS R.
Published: November 2007

A double masked cross‐over study was carried out to compare the intraocular pressure lowering effect of Timolol maleate 0.25% and Dipivalyl epinephrine (DPE) 0.1% eye drops. Timolol showed a greater effect in reducing intraocular pressure, with a mean reduction of 8.0 mm/Hg than did DPE, with a mean reduction of intraocular pressure of 4.3 mm/Hg.
OXYGEN INDUCED RETINOPATHY: THE KITTEN MODEL RE–EXAMINED
Authors: GOLE G. A. , GANNON B. J. , GOODGER A. M.
Published: November 2007

Abstract

We have studied the kitten model of oxygen induced retinopathy by the technique of corrosion vascular casting/scanning electron microscopy. The predominant morphological features of the kitten model are preretinal and intraretinal neovascularization with a minor component of arteriovenous shunting. This is contrasted with the active phase of the blinding disease in the human neonate which is characterised predominantly by so called ‘mesenchymal arterio‐venous shunting’. A failure to appreciate fundamental differences in the nature of oxygen induced retinopathy between the human infant and its kitten mode! we believe has led to erroneous conclusions about pathogenesis in the human neonate.
BLUNT OCULAR TRAUMA AND HYPHAEMA
Authors: LITTLEWOOD K. R.
Published: November 2007

Abstract

138 consecutive cases of traumatic hyphaema treated at Royal Perth Hospital were studied retrospectively. 47% of cases were caused by sporting injuries; 21% by squash alone. 105 cases were available for follow‐up examination at 6 weeks. Using x2 distribution the finding of worse than 6/12 vision at follow‐up was significantly related to the occurrence of major associated ocular injury, and also to the occurrence of secondary haemorrhage. The benefit of hospital admission is doubtful when compared to the cost. Modern therapeutic modalities including anti‐fibrinolytics have improved the prognosis of secondary haemorrhage.
RURAL OPHTHALMOLOGY IN WEST AFRICA
Authors: DOWN BRENDA
Published: November 2007

Abstract

Eye disease is common in Africa where it causes much suffering and loss of valuable man‐power. Simple measures can provide immense relief at little cost The majority of the population is not wealthy and lives in rural areas. The Royal Commonwealth Society for the Blind (RCSB) has established mobile eye units as a cost‐effective means of treatment and prevention of blindness, and for training national personnel to continue the good work. Ophthalmologists prepared to give a period of service are urgently needed.
IMMUNOLOGICAL FEATURES OF HLA‐B27 ANTERIOR UVEITIS
Authors: FRACP DENIS WAKEFIELD , BSc JOAN EASTER , MSC PAUL ROBINSON , DSC RONALD PENNY
Published: November 2007

Analysis ol the immunological features of anterior Uveitis (AU) revealed a dichotomy of abnormalities defined in terms of the HLA‐B27 status of the patient. HLA‐B27‐positive AU was characterised by the occurrence of ins autoantibodies and an absolute T cell lymphopenia during active disease which returned to normal with recovery. This phenomenon was not observed in HLA‐B27‐negative AU or in controls and could not be attributed to antilymphocyte antibodies as these were not detected. Furthermore, there were no changes in T‐cell subsets (helper and suppressor T lymphocytes). Compared with HLA‐B27‐positive AU patients, the HLA‐B27‐negative group demonstrated elevated lgE levels and increased prevalence of smooth muscle autoantibodies. Key words: anterior Uveitis, HLA‐B27, immunological abnormalities, T lymphocytes, autoantibodies.
ANGIOID STREAKS
Authors: FRACO Edgar J. Donaldson
Published: November 2007

Angioid streaks were first described by Doyne in 1889. Gronblad proposed in 1929 that they followed disruption of the elastic layer of Bruch's membrane, having noted the association between angioid streaks and pseudoxanthoma elasticum.

Several other diseases have been associated with angioid streaks, including Paget's disease and sickle cell disease.

Angioid streaks are found predominantly in the 20 to 50 year age‐group and may be associated with minimal visual loss, but the problem is the high risk of rapid development of subretinal neovascularisation at the macula with resultant haemorrhage and scarring.

Prophylactic light coagulation along the angioid streaks to prevent subretinal neovascularisation is not recommended. However, light coagulation treatment to foci of subretinal neovascularisation is possible if the network is not too close to fixation. As recurrence of neovascularisation is to be expected, very careful follow‐up is necessary.
SOME SKIN CONDITIONS OF SIGNIFICANCE TO THE OPHTHALMOLOGIST
Authors: Rogers Maureen
Published: November 2007

Some skin conditions of significance to the ophthalmologist are discussed. These include various forms of dermatitis, rosacea, some blistering diseases and papular lesions on the eyelids.