bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the function of a bathocuproine buffer layer in organic photovoltaic cells
Authors: Vogel M. , Doka S. , Breyer Ch. , Lux-Steiner M. Ch. , Fostiropoulos K.
Published: October 2006

The role of bathocuproine (BCP) buffer layer inserted between active layer and Al contact in photovoltaic cells based on phthalocyanine (Pc) and C60 was investigated. Photoluminescence (PL) experiments show exciton quenching at the C60–Al interface to be strongly reduced by inserting BCP. Current-voltage characteristics of photovoltaic cells with planar geometry front electrode/Pc∕C60∕BCP∕Al show that BCP dramatically improves electron transport out of the C60 film into the Al electrode. The tenfold increase in power conversion efficiency (η) with BCP can mostly be attributed to the latter effect. BCP does not improve η in photovoltaic cells with blend film geometry front electrode/Pc:C60∕Al.
Combined electron and focused ion beam system for improvement of secondary ion yield in secondary ion mass spectrometry instrument
Authors: Ji L. , Ji Q. , Leung K.-N. , Gough R. A.
Published: October 2006

Using a combined electron and focused ion beam system to improve performance of secondary ion mass spectrometry instruments has been investigated experimentally. The secondary ion yield for an Al target has been enhanced to about one order of magnitude higher with the postionization induced by the low energy electrons in the combined beam. It can be further improved with the increase of electron beam current. When the combined beam is applied to insulating targets, sample charging is also eliminated. For Teflon targets, the secondary ion signal is increased by more than a factor of 20.
Scaling behavior of dynamic hysteresis in soft lead zirconate titanate bulk ceramics
Authors: Yimnirun Rattikorn , Laosiritaworn Yongyut , Wongsaenmai Supattra , Ananta Supon
Published: October 2006

The scaling behavior of the dynamic hysteresis of ferroelectric bulk system was investigated. The scaling relation of hysteresis area ⟨A⟩ against frequency f and field amplitude E0 for the saturated loops of the soft lead zirconate titanate bulk ceramic takes the form of ⟨A⟩∝f−1∕4E0, which differs significantly from that of the theoretical prediction and that of the thin film. This indicates that the scaling relation is dimension dependent and that depolarizing effects in the interior must be taken into account to model bulk materials. Additionally, the scaling relation for the minor loops takes the form of ⟨A⟩∝f−1∕3E03, which is identical to that of the thin film as both cases contain similar 180° domain-reversal mechanism.
Two-color upconversion in rare-earth-ion-doped ZrO2 nanocrystals
Authors: Chen G. Y. , Zhang Y. G. , Somesfalean G. , Zhang Z. G. , Sun Q. , Wang F. P.
Published: October 2006

To develop fluorescent labels for multicolor imaging, rare-earth-ion-doped ZrO2 nanocrystals were prepared by a complex precursor method. Laser excitation of 976nm induced single fluorescent bands of green and red upconversion (UC) in ZrO2:Er3+ and ZrO2:Er3++Yb3+ nanocrystals, respectively. A suppression ratio (SR) parameter was introduced, defined as the UC intensity ratio of the main band to all the other detected impurity bands, and SR values in the order of 10–100 were experimentally obtained, demonstrating the excellent monochromaticity of the UC labels. Thus, the two-color UC labels obtained are potentially ideal to be used for biological multicolor imaging.
Size-dependent modifications of the Raman spectrum of rutile TiO2
Authors: Swamy Varghese , Muddle Barry C. , Dai Qing
Published: October 2006

Crystallite-size-dependent variations in the Raman spectrum of rutile TiO2 have been characterized and compared with those of the well-investigated rutile SnO2. For an average crystallite size below ∼25nm, the Raman spectrum of rutile TiO2 nanocrystals displays an additional low-frequency, possibly surface vibrational, mode at ∼105cm−1. The disorder-activated, high-frequency surface modes seen in the Raman spectrum of rutile SnO2 nanocrystals are absent. The Eg and A1g vibrational modes of rutile TiO2 show systematic redshifts, broadening, and intensity reductions with decreasing crystallite size, which are consistent with phonon confinement behavior. A phonon confinement model provides reasonable crystallite size quantification, as in the case of rutile SnO2 and RuO2.
Electrode-molecular semiconductor contacts: Work-function-dependent hole injection barriers versus Fermi-level pinning
Authors: Koch N. , Vollmer A.
Published: October 2006

Contacts between two molecular organic semiconductors [p-sexiphenyl (6P) and pentacene] and conducting polymers (CPs) were investigated with photoemission spectroscopy. The dependence of the hole injection barrier (HIB) at 6P/CP interfaces on substrate work function (ϕ) exhibited a transition from almost Schottky-Mott limit-like behavior to Fermi-level pinning. For pentacene, no significant variation of the HIB as function of ϕ was observed, despite the large range of ϕ spanned by the CPs (4.4–5.9eV). The results on contacts with CPs are compared to those with metals, where none of the two limiting cases for HIBs as a function of ϕ was observed.
Using neutron spin echo to probe space and time correlations in thin films
Authors: Pynn Roger
Published: October 2006

I discuss the possibility of making minor modifications to existing neutron spin echo (NSE) spectrometers to enable the measurement of both the space and time dependence of density fluctuations in thin films mounted on planar substrates. The modifications consist primarily of adding four additional π flippers.
A discussion about inelastic surface scattering
Authors: Lauter H.J. , Lauter-Pasyuk V.
Published: October 2006

A study is presented in which spin waves were measured in reflection geometry in a supermirror multilayer. The existence of spin waves is proven by the cut-off of spin wave scattering. By analogy with off-specular scattering it is worked out how perturbation theory has to be applied to inelastic surface scattering (ISS). Through interference effects mainly of a multilayer, but also of scattering in the total reflecting region, appreciable intensity can be gained so that we predict that more detailed studies of spin waves will become possible. The encoding of the angle and of the wavelength using Larmor precession will greatly help to separate inelastic scattering from other scattering contributions.
From Artisans to “Factories”: The Interpenetration of Craft and Industry in English Cheese-Making, 1650–1950
Authors: Blundel Richard , Tregear Angela
Published: October 2006

This article traces the uneven development of English cheese-making from its early commercialization to the eventual triumph of the “cheese factory.” The narrative shows how contemporary actors initiated and adapted to changes in technology, distribution, consumption, and regulation. It indicates that artisanal practices have both borrowed from and become integrated with industrial logics and strategies, exemplifying a process that Charles F. Sabel and Jonathan Zeitlin termed the “recombinablility and interpenetration” of different forms of economic organization [World of Possibilities: Flexibility and Mass Production in Western Industrialization (Cambridge, U.K., 1997), 2–3]. International comparisons are introduced to clarify the reasons for England’s halting and idiosyncratic transition to industrial-scale cheese-making.
Recent advances in chemical peeling in Japan
Authors: FURUKAWA Fukumi , YAMAMOTO Yuki
Published: October 2006

Chemical peeling is one of the dermatological treatments available for certain cutaneous diseases and conditions or aesthetic improvement. This treatment consists of the application of one or more chemical agents to the skin. Recently in Japan, chemical peeling has been very popular for medical as well as aesthetic treatment. Because the scientific background and an adequate approach have not been completely established, medical and social problems have been reported. To address these issues, the Japanese Dermatological Association has established standard guidelines for chemical peeling, and the scientific background and validity of chemical peeling has been assessed. In this review, a set of guidelines for chemical peeling is introduced, and we will discuss several clinical and histological studies including the effects of glycolic acid, and the application of deer peeling to skin tumors in our department.
Vitamin D3 upregulated protein 1 (VDUP1) is a regulator for redox signaling and stress‐mediated diseases
Authors: CHUNG Jin Woong , JEON Jun‐Ho , YOON Suk‐Ran , CHOI Inpyo
Published: October 2006

Vitamin D3 upregulated protein 1 (VDUP1) is a 46‐kDa multifunctional protein, initially isolated in HL‐60 cells as a protein of which expression is upregulated by vitamin D3 administration. Subsequently, it was identified independently by investigators from diverse scientific backgrounds as a thioredoxin binding protein that negatively regulates the expression and the activity of thioredoxin, and is thus involved in redox regulation. Further studies have revealed that VDUP1 plays multiple roles in a wide range of cellular processes such as proliferation or apoptosis. Recently, it has been reported that VDUP1 is also involved in the immune system via positive regulation of natural killer development. In addition, VDUP1 has been revealed to be associated with the fatty acid utilization. In the present review, we discuss the novel aspects of VDUP1 function as well as the historical background of VDUP1. Future studies will explore the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of modulating the function of VDUP1 in vivo.
Collagen–poly glycolic acid hybrid matrix with basic fibroblast growth factor accelerated angiogenesis and granulation tissue formation in diabetic mice
Authors: NAGATO Hajime , UMEBAYASHI Yoshihiro , WAKO Masahiko , TABATA Yasuhiko , MANABE Motomu
Published: October 2006

Because poor skin wound healing associated with diabetes is thought to be partly a result from impaired angiogenesis, treatments that improve angiogenesis could have important clinical applications. We herein report the effects of novel developed material, collagen–poly glycolic acid fiber hybrid matrix, being used together with basic fibroblast growth factor to promote wound healing of full‐thickness skin defects on the back of type 2 diabetic Leprdb mice. Our data indicates that this therapeutic approach markedly promotes angiogenesis and granulation tissue formation in comparison with other conditions 14 days after wounding.
Application of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) bioequivalent guidance of topical dermatological corticosteroid in yellow‐skinned Japanese population: Validation study using a chromameter
Authors: KEIDA Tomoko , HAYASHI Nobukazu , KAWASHIMA Makoto
Published: October 2006

The American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) bioequivalent guidance of topical dermatological corticosteroids in 1995 (the Guidance) requires measurement of the skin blanching response with a chromameter for evaluation of cutaneously applied corticosteroid formulations. The Japanese government decided to apply the same guidelines in 2003, despite there having been no reported trial for the yellow‐skinned races. The purpose of this study was to obtain basic data of corticosteroid‐induced skin blanching response measured with a chromameter on yellow‐skinned races. Four studies were performed according to the Japanese version of the Guidance for Industry using a chromameter on the forearms of healthy Japanese volunteers. This involved: (i) a validation study of proper duration of treatment exposure (dose duration); (ii) a comparison study of two dermatological corticosteroid products that represented different potency classes; (iii) inspection of reproducibility using right and left forearms; and (iv) study of seasonal difference. We showed that: (i) the same medication can give different values of ED50 (the dose duration required to achieve 50% of the fitted areas under the effect curves [AUEC]max value) under different dose durations; (ii) ED50 do not always represent the potency of the corticosteroid; (iii) the results of AUEC at maximum duration were similar, but AUEC at an approximate ED50 duration time varied widely; and (iv) the results of AUEC were different according to season. In conclusion the dose duration relationships, determination of the AUECmax, and the ED50 could be obtained on yellow‐skinned races using the FDA method. However, negligible differences were found in our study regarding dose duration, reproducibility and seasonal change.
PIK3CA mutation is an oncogenic aberration at advanced stages of oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Kozaki Ken‐ichi , Imoto Issei , Pimkhaokham Atiphan , Hasegawa Shogo , Tsuda Hitoshi , Omura Ken , Inazawa Johji
Published: October 2006

Phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinases (PI3K) are a group of heterodimeric lipid kinases that regulate many cellular processes. Gene amplification and somatic mutations mainly within the helical (exon 9) and kinase (exon 20) domains of PIK3CA, which encode the 110‐kDa catalytic subunit of PI3K and are mapped to 3q26, have been reported in various human cancers. Herein, 14 human oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cell lines and 108 primary OSCC tumors were investigated for activating mutations at exons 9 and 20 as well as amplifications in PIK3CA. PIK3CA missense mutations in exons 9 and 20 were identified in 21.4% (3/14) of OSCC cell lines and 7.4% (8/108) of OSCC tumors by genomic DNA sequencing. An increase in the copy number of PIK3CA, although small, was detected in 57.1% (8/14) of OSCC lines and 16.7% (18/108) of OSCC tumors using quantitative real‐time PCR. A significant correlation between somatic mutations of PIK3CA and disease stage was observed: the frequency of mutations was higher in stage IV (16.1%, 5/31) than in a subset of early stages (stages I–III) (3.9%, 3/77; P = 0.042, Fisher's extract test). In contrast, the amplification of PIK3CA was observed at a similar frequency among all stages. AKT was highly phosphorylated in OSCC cell lines with PIK3CA mutations compared to those without mutations, despite the amplification. The results suggest that somatic mutations of the PIK3CA gene are likely to occur late in the development of OSCC, and play a crucial role through the PI3K–AKT signaling pathway in cancer progression. (Cancer Sci 2006; 97: 1351–1358)
Review article: chronic constipation and food hypersensitivity – an intriguing relationship
Authors: CARROCCIO A. , IACONO G.
Published: October 2006

Background

Chronic constipation is common in the general population. Some studies have shown that in children cow's milk protein hypersensitivity can cause chronic constipation unresponsive to laxative treatment.

Aims

To review the literature and summarize the data that point to a relationship between refractory chronic constipation and food hypersensitivity, and to discuss the hypothesis that the pathogenesis of constipation due to food hypersensitivity.

Methods

A search in the U.S. National Library of Medicine was performed, matching the key words ‘chronic constipation, food intolerance and allergy’.

Results

Thirty‐three papers were found but only 19 of them were related to the topic of this review. Most of the data indicated a relationship between constipation and food allergy in a subgroup of paediatric patients with ‘idiopathic’ constipation unresponsive to laxative treatment. There was only one study in adults that demonstrated the resolution of chronic constipation on hypoallergenic diet in four patients.

Conclusions

An increasing number of reports suggest a relationship between refractory chronic constipation and food allergy in children. Similar data in adults are scarce and need to be confirmed. Further studies should be performed to obtain firmer evidence for the role of allergy in constipation and clarify the pathogenetic mechanisms involved.
Meta‐analysis: the efficacy of over‐the‐counter gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease therapies
Authors: TRAN T. , LOWRY A. M. , EL‐SERAG H. B.
Published: October 2006

Background

Over‐the‐counter histamine‐2 receptor antagonists, antacids and alginate/antacids are commonly used for gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease.

Aim

To conduct a systematic review and meta‐analysis of related treatment trials.

Methods

We performed a systematic search and abstraction of randomized, placebo‐controlled trials conducted during 1972–2005. Study quality was measured by the Jadad score (0–5). Results were pooled using random effects model.

Results

Ten trials (n = 3442, placebo = 2940; Jadad score 3.5) showed a higher response with histamine‐2 receptor antagonists in regard to complete relief of heartburn, symptomatic improvement, and episodes requiring rescue antacids. The absolute benefit increase was 10–12% and relative benefit increase was 19–41%. Four trials (n = 578, placebo = 577; Jadad score 3.5) showed a trend in favour of antacids in symptomatic improvement (absolute benefit increase 8%, 95% CI: 0–16%; relative benefit increase 0.11) and requirement of rescue antacids (OR 0.70, 95% CI: 0.59–0.84). Four trials (n = 146, placebo = 138; Jadad score 3.8) found alginate/antacid combination superior to placebo in symptomatic improvement (absolute benefit increase 26%, 95% CI: 12%–41%, relative benefit increase 0.60).

Conclusions

Over‐the‐counter medications are effective in treating symptomatic gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease. Compared with the placebo response, which ranged between 37% and 64%, the relative benefit increase was up to 41% with histamine‐2 receptor antagonists, 60% with alginate/antacid combinations, and 11% with antacids.
High prevalence and level of resistance to metronidazole, but lack of resistance to other antimicrobials in Helicobacter pylori, isolated from a multiracial population in Kuwait
Authors: JOHN ALBERT M. , AL‐MEKHAIZEEM K. , NEIL L. , DHAR R. , DHAR P. M. , AL‐ALI M. , AL‐ABKAL H. M. , HARIDAS S.
Published: October 2006

Background

The primary treatment regimen for Helicobacter pylori infection for Kuwaitis does not contain metronidazole, but that for expatriates does. There is also increasing failure of antimicrobial therapy.

Aim

To determine the susceptibility of H. pylori from upper gastrointestinal biopsies of Kuwaitis and non‐Kuwaitis to find out if differences existed in the susceptibilities of the isolates from the two different populations.

Methods

The susceptibilities of 96 H. pylori isolates were tested against metronidazole, amoxicillin, clarithromycin and tetracycline by the E test. The rdxA gene was analysed from selected metronidazole‐susceptible and metronidazole‐resistant strains to find out polymorphism and the basis of metronidazole resistance.

Results

Approximately, 70% of isolates from both populations were metronidazole resistant with 65% isolates showing high minimum inhibitory concentration values of >256 μg/mL. No resistance to the other three antimicrobials was found. There were novel nonsense and missense mutations with no deletion in the rdxA gene by insertion of mini‐IS605.

Conclusions

The prevalence and level of metronidazole resistance in H. pylori in the two populations was high with no difference, in spite of different treatment regimens. Metronidazole resistance in this transitional country appeared to be independent of prior metronidazole use for treatment of H. pylori infection.
The role of magnesium as an adjuvant during general anaesthesia
Authors: Gupta K. , Vohra V. , Sood J.
Published: October 2006

Magnesium sulphate is used extensively in the treatment of eclampsia, and is also used to treat refractory arrhythmias, asthma, myocardial ischaemia and acute respiratory failure. We studied the interaction between magnesium sulphate and the anaesthetic agents propofol, rocuronium bromide and fentanyl citrate. This randomised, double blind study was conducted in 50 patients. The magnesium group A (n = 25) received 30 mg.kg−1 magnesium sulphate before induction of anaesthesia and 10 mg.kg−1 continuously intra‐operatively until the end of surgery. Group B (n = 25) received the same volume of isotonic saline. Propofol, rocuronium and fentanyl infusions were started and the patients lungs' were ventilated with 33% oxygen in nitrous oxide. Anaesthetic depth was maintained at a bispectral index value of between 40 and 60. Muscle relaxation was maintained at a train‐of‐four count of 1 throughout surgery using neuromuscular monitoring. The fentanyl infusion was titrated to haemodynamic variables: heart rate and blood pressure. We concluded that magnesium sulphate has anaesthetic, analgesic and muscle relaxation effects and significantly reduces the drug requirements of propofol, rocuronium and fentanyl during anaesthesia.
A comparison of tracheal intubation using the Airtraq® or the Macintosh laryngoscope in routine airway management: a randomised, controlled clinical trial
Authors: Maharaj C. H. , O'Croinin D. , Curley G. , Harte B. H. , Laffey J. G.
Published: October 2006

The Airtraq® laryngoscope is a novel single use tracheal intubation device. We compared the Airtraq® with the Macintosh laryngoscope in patients deemed at low risk for difficult intubation in a randomised, controlled clinical trial. Sixty consenting patients presenting for surgery requiring tracheal intubation were randomly allocated to undergo intubation using a Macintosh (n = 30) or Airtraq® (n = 30) laryngoscope. All patients were intubated by one of four anaesthetists experienced in the use of both laryngoscopes. No significant differences in demographic or airway variables were observed between the groups. All but one patient, in the Macintosh group, was successfully intubated on the first attempt. There was no difference between groups in the duration of intubation attempts. In comparison to the Macintosh laryngoscope, the Airtraq® resulted in modest improvements in the intubation difficulty score, and in ease of use. Tracheal intubation with the Airtraq® resulted in less alterations in heart rate. These findings demonstrate the utility of the Airtraq® laryngoscope for tracheal intubation in low risk patients.
Hearing impairment and low bone mineral density increase the risk of bone fractures in women with Turner's syndrome
Authors: Han Thang S. , Cadge Barbara , Conway Gerard S.
Published: October 2006

Aims  To assess factors associated with excess rates of fractures in women with Turner's syndrome (TS).

Outcome measures  History of bone fracture and treatment with oestrogen, growth hormone (GH), oxandrolone and thyroxine, anthropometry, blood measurements of calcium, vitamin D (25‐hydroxycholecalciferol), parathyroid hormone and karyotype, pure tone audiometry and spinal bone mineral density (BMD).

Results  One hundred and seventy‐seven consecutive women with TS, aged 19–60 years, were interviewed with respect to bone fracture history. BMD and hearing information were recorded from the medical notes. Karyotype was available in 94% of patients (55% monosomy 45X, 45% other X chromosome defects and mosaicism). Subjects had a mean (SD) height of 1·47 (0·07) m and BMI 25·8 (5·2) kg/m2. The prevalence of fractures was 32% and hearing impairment 84% (18% conductive and 67% sensorineual, of whom 32% and 16%, respectively, used hearing aids). BMD T score was < −1 in 55% of women and < −2·5 in 9%. Fracture rates were higher in subjects with a combination of low BMD and hearing impairment (44% in conductive and 35% in sensorineural) than those with high BMD and normal hearing (25%) (P < 0·05). The duration of oestrogen deficiency was also longer in the former groups (P < 0·05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis (adjusted for age and karyotype) showed that increased risk of fracture was independently associated with low BMD (OR 3·2, 95% CI: 1·0 to10·5) and hearing impairment (conductive: OR 4·8, 95% CI: 1·2 to18·9, sensorineural: OR 3·6, 95% CI: 1·1 to11·8). Subgroup analysis showed that hearing impairment was associated with fractures only in those with low BMD (OR 9·0, 95% CI: 1·1–73·4). Further adjustments for weight, height, BMI, calcium levels, vitamin D concentrations, thyroxine use and oestrogen deficiency, previous use of oxandrolone or GH did not alter these relationships.

Conclusions  Women with TS who have low BMD and hearing impairment, particularly a conductive type, are at increased risk of bone fractures.
Getting the biodiversity intactness index right: the importance of habitat degradation data
Authors: ROUGET MATHIEU , COWLING R. M. , VLOK JAN , THOMPSON MARK , BALMFORD ANDREW
Published: October 2006

Given high‐level commitments to reducing the rate of biodiversity loss by 2010, there is a pressing need to develop simple and practical indicators to monitor progress. In this context, a biodiversity intactness index (BII) was recently proposed, which provides an overall indicator suitable for policy makers. The index links data on land use with expert assessments of how this impacts the population densities of well‐understood taxonomic groups to estimate current population sizes relative to premodern times. However, when calculated for southern Africa, the resulting BII of 84% suggests a far more positive picture of the state of wild nature than do other large‐scale estimates. Here, we argue that this discrepancy is in part an artefact of the coarseness of the land degradation data used to calculate the BII, and that the overall BII for southern Africa is probably much lower than 84%. In particular, based on two relatively inexpensive, ground‐truthed studies of areas not generally regarded as exceptional in terms of their degradation status, we demonstrate that Scholes and Biggs might have seriously underestimated the extent of land degradation. These differences have substantial bearing on BII scores. Urgent attention should be given to the further development of cost‐effective ground‐truthing methods for quantifying the extent of land degradation in order to provide reliable estimates of biodiversity loss, both in southern Africa and more widely.
Spatial heterogeneity in soil nutrient supply modulates nutrient and biomass responses to multiple global change drivers in model grassland communities
Authors: MAESTRE FERNANDO T. , REYNOLDS JAMES F.
Published: October 2006

Changes in the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide ([CO2]), nutrient availability and biotic diversity are three major drivers of the ongoing global change impacting terrestrial ecosystems worldwide. While it is well established that soil nutrient heterogeneity exerts a strong influence on the development of plant individuals and communities, it is virtually unknown how nutrient heterogeneity and global change drivers interact to affect plant performance and ecosystem functioning. We conducted a microcosm experiment to evaluate the effect of simultaneous changes in [CO2], nutrient heterogeneity (NH), nutrient availability (NA) and species evenness on the biomass and nutrient uptake patterns of assemblages formed byLolium perenne,Plantago lanceolataandHolcus lanatus. When the nutrients were heterogeneously supplied, assemblages exhibited precise root foraging patterns, and had higher above‐ and belowground biomass (average increases of 32% and 29% for above‐ and belowground biomass, respectively). Nutrient heterogeneity also modulated the effects of NA on biomass production, complementarity in nitrogen uptake and below: aboveground ratio, as well as those of [CO2] on the nutrient use efficiency at the assemblage level. Our results show that nutrient heterogeneity has the potential to influence the response of plant assemblages to simultaneous changes in [CO2], nutrient availability and biotic diversity, and suggest that it is an important environmental factor to interpret and assess plant assemblage responses to global change.
Natural killer cell and hepatic cell interaction via NKG2A leads to dendritic cell‐mediated induction of CD4+ CD25+ T cells with PD‐1‐dependent regulatory activities
Authors: Jinushi Masahisa , Takehara Tetsuo , Tatsumi Tomohide , Yamaguchi Shinjiro , Sakamori Ryotaro , Hiramatsu Naoki , Kanto Tatsuya , Ohkawa Kazuyoshi , Hayashi Norio
Published: October 2006

Summary Natural killer (NK) cells have the ability to control dendritic cell (DC)‐mediated T cell responses. However, the precise mechanisms by which NK receptor‐mediated regulation of NK cells determines the magnitude and direction of DC‐mediated T cell responses remain unclear. In the present study, we applied an in vitro co‐culture system to examine the impact of NK cells cultured with hepatic cells on DC induction of regulatory T cells. We found that interaction of NK cells and non‐transformed hepatocytes (which express HLA‐E) via the NKG2A inhibitory receptor resulted in priming of DCs to induce CD4+ CD25+ T cells with regulatory properties. NKG2A triggering led to characteristic changes of the cytokine milieu of co‐cultured cells; an increase in the transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β involved in the generation of this specific type of DC, and a decrease in the tumour necrosis factor‐α capable of antagonizing the effect of TGF‐β. The regulatory cells induced by NK cell‐primed DCs exert their suppressive actions through a negative costimulator programmed death‐1 (PD‐1) mediated pathway, which differs from freshly isolated CD4+ CD25+ T cells. These findings provide new insight into the role of NK receptor signals in the DC‐mediated induction of regulatory T cells.
Rules and resources: a structuration approach to understanding the coordination of children's inpatient health care
Authors: Beringer Antonia J. , Fletcher Margaret E. , Taket Ann R.
Published: October 2006

Aim.  This paper presents findings from a multi‐method study exploring the process of care coordination in children's inpatient health care.

Background.  Existing work on care coordination is typified by ‘black‐box’ type studies that measure inputs to and outcomes of care coordination roles and practices, without addressing the process of coordination.

Method.  Using questionnaires, interviews and observation to collect data in multiple sites in the United Kingdom and Denmark between 1999 and 2005, the study gathered the perceptions of staff and compared these with observed practice. Giddens’ structuration theory was used to provide an analytical and explanatory framework.

Findings.  Current care coordination practice is diverse and inconsistent. It involves a wide range of clinical and non‐clinical staff, many of whom perceive a lack of clarity about who should perform specific coordination activities. Staff draw upon a wide range of different material and non‐material resources in coordinating care, the use of which is governed by largely tacit and informal rules.

Conclusions.  Care coordination can be usefully conceptualized as a ‘structurated’ process – one that is continually produced and reproduced by staff using rules and resources to ‘instantiate’ or bring about care coordination through action. Potentially negative implications of this are manifested in diversity and inconsistency in care coordination practice. However, positive aspects such as the opportunity this provides to tailor care to the needs of the individual patient can be realized.
Contrasting patterns of historical colonization in white oaks (Quercusspp.) in California and Europe
Authors: GRIVET DELPHINE , DEGUILLOUX MARIE‐FRANCE , PETIT REMY J. , SORK VICTORIA L.
Published: October 2006

Phylogeography allows the inference of evolutionary processes that have shaped the current distribution of genealogical lineages across a landscape. In this perspective, comparative phylogeographical analyses are useful in detecting common historical patterns by either comparing different species within the same area within a continent or by comparing similar species in different areas. Here, we analyse one taxon (the white oak, genusQuercus, subgenusQuercus, sectionQuercus) that is widespread worldwide, and we evaluate its phylogeographical pattern on two different continents: western North America and Western Europe. The goals of the present study are: (i) to compare the chloroplast genetic diversity found in one California oak species vs. that found in the extensively studied European oak species (in France and the Iberian Peninsula); (ii) to contrast the geographical structure of haplotypes between these two taxa and test for a phylogeographical structure for the California species. For this purpose, we used the same six maternally inherited chloroplast microsatellite markers and a similar sampling strategy. The haplotype diversity within site as well as the differentiation among sites was alike in both taxa, but the Californian species has higher allelic richness with a greater number of haplotypes (39 vs. 11 in the European white oak complex). Furthermore, in California these 39 haplotypes are distributed locally in patches while in the European oaks haplotypes are distributed into lineages partitioned longitudinally. These contrasted patterns could indicate that gene movement in California oak populations have been more stable in response to past climatic and geological events, in contrast to their European counterparts.
Clonal diversity of the marine trematode Maritrema novaezealandensis within intermediate hosts: the molecular ecology of parasite life cycles
Authors: KEENEY DEVON B. , WATERS JONATHAN M. , POULIN ROBERT
Published: October 2006

We quantified the clonal diversity of the New Zealand marine trematode Maritrema novaezealandensis (n = 1250) within Zeacumantus subcarinatus snail (n = 25) and Macrophthalmus hirtipes crab (n = 25) intermediate hosts using four to six microsatellite loci, and investigated the potential biological and physical factors responsible for the observed genetic patterns. Individual snails harboured one to five trematode genotypes and 48% of snails were infected by multiple parasite genotypes. Overall, the number of parasite genotypes did not increase with snail size, but was highest in intermediate‐sized snails. Significantly larger numbers of parasite genotypes were detected in crabs (relative to snails; P < 0.001), with 16–25 genotypes recovered from individual crabs. Although crabs are typically infected by small numbers of cercariae sourced from many snails, they are occasionally infected by large numbers of cercariae sourced from single snails. The latter cases explain the significant genetic differentiation of trematode populations detected among their crab hosts (FST = 0.009, P < 0.001). Our results suggest that the timing of infection and/or intraspecific competition among parasite clones within snails determine(s) the diversity of parasite clones that snails harbour. The presence of a large number of infected snails and tidal mixing of cercariae prior to infection results in crabs potentially harbouring hundreds of parasite genotypes despite the crabs’ territorial behaviour.
The MprF protein is required for lysinylation of phospholipids in listerial membranes and confers resistance to cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAMPs) on Listeria monocytogenes
Authors: Thedieck Kathrin , Hain Torsten , Mohamed Walid , Tindall Brian J. , Nimtz Manfred , Chakraborty Trinad , Wehland Jürgen , Jänsch Lothar
Published: October 2006

Pathogenic bacteria have to cope with defence mechanisms mediated by adaptive and innate immunity of the host cells. Cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAMPs) represent one of the most effective components of the host innate immune response. Here we establish the function of Lmo1695, a member of the VirR‐dependent virulence regulon, recently identified in Listeria monocytogenes. Lmo1695 encodes a membrane protein of 98 kDa with strong homology to the multiple peptide resistance factor (MprF) of Staphylococcus aureus. Like staphylococcal MprF, we found that Lmo1695 is involved in the synthesis of the membrane phospholipid lysylphosphatidylglycerol (L‐PG). In addition, Lmo1695 is also essential for lysinylation of diphosphatidylglycerol (DPG), another phospholipid widely distributed in bacterial membranes. A Δlmo1695 mutant lacking the lysinylated phospholipids was particularly susceptible to CAMPs of human and bacterial origin. The mutant strain infected both epithelial cells and macrophages only poorly and was attenuated for virulence when tested in a mouse model of infection. Lmo1695 is a member of a growing list of survival factors which enable growth of L. monocytogenes in different environments.
Maternal health during pregnancy and perinatal mortality in Bangladesh: evidence from a large‐scale community‐based clinical trial
Authors: Mamun Abdullah Al , Padmadas Sabu S. , Khatun Mohsina
Published: October 2006

Perinatal mortality is very high in Bangladesh. In this setting, few community‐level studies have assessed the influence of underlying maternal health factors on perinatal outcomes. We used the data from a community‐based clinical controlled trial conducted between 1994 and 1997 in the catchment areas of a large MCH/FP hospital located in Mirpur, a suburban area of Dhaka in Bangladesh, to investigate the levels of perinatal mortality and its associated maternal health factors during pregnancy.

A total of 2007 women were followed after recruitment up to delivery, maternal death, or until they dropped out of the study. Of these, 1584 who gave birth formed our study subjects. The stillbirth rate was 39.1 per 1000 births [95% confidence interval (CI) 39.0, 39.3] and the perinatal mortality rate (up to 3 days) was 54.3 per 1000 births [95% CI 54.0, 54.6] among the study population. In the fully adjusted logistic regression model, the risk of perinatal mortality was as high as 2.7 times [95% CI 1.5, 4.9] more likely for women with hypertensive disorders, 5.0 times [95% CI 2.3, 10.8] as high for women who had antepartum haemorrhage and 2.6 times [95% CI 1.2, 5.8] as high for women who had higher haemoglobin levels in pregnancy when compared with their counterparts. The inclusion of potential confounding variables such as poor obstetric history, sociodemographic characteristics and preterm delivery influenced only marginally the net effect of important maternal health factors associated with perinatal mortality.

Perinatal mortality in the study setting was significantly associated with poor maternal health conditions during pregnancy. The results of this study point towards the urgent need for monitoring complications in high‐risk pregnancies, calling for the specific components of the safe motherhood programme interventions that are designed to manage these complications of pregnancy.
Increased incidence of apparently life‐threatening events due to supine position
Authors: Maggio Albane B. R. , Schäppi Michela G. , Benkebil Faiza , Posfay‐Barbe Klara M. , Belli Dominique C.
Published: October 2006

Gastro‐oesophageal reflux (GOR) has a high prevalence in infancy. The supine position is among numerous aggravating factors. The exact relationship between GOR and apparently life‐threatening events (ALTE) is not clear, although it has been repeatedly investigated. In 1992 the worldwide Back to Sleep campaign was implemented, which had a dramatic effect on the incidence of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) with a drop of 50%. Although the vast majority of children now sleep on their back, the effect of this position on ALTE has not been studied. In this retrospective study, we aim to define the potential association between GOR and ALTE. We hypothesise that the incidence of ALTE has increased since the 1992 recommendation.

No bias in the population’s selection was introduced, as our centre is the only one for paediatric emergencies in the county. A total of 107 children presenting with ALTE were identified during the study period (1987–99). A pH study was performed in the 75 patients presenting with ALTE in the last 6 years of the study (1994–99). Neither morbidity nor mortality was noted in a long‐term 4‐year follow‐up. Our present results show that the frequency of ALTE increased sevenfold (P < 0.005) between 1992 and 1999. The ALTE episodes took place significantly more often in the post‐prandial period. The prevalence of GOR was much higher in patients presenting with ALTE (nearly 75%) when compared with the general population. Furthermore, on medical treatment for GOR, very few patients presented with a second episode of ALTE. Consequently it is thought that GOR and ALTE are linked and that ALTE patients would benefit from GOR treatment. The worldwide marked decrease in SIDS since the implementation of the supine position possibly masks the negative effect of an increase in ALTE.
Correlates of suicide attempt history in bipolar disorder: a stress‐diathesis perspective
Authors: Grunebaum Michael F , Ramsay Sarah R , Galfalvy Hanga C , Ellis Steven P , Burke Ainsley K , Sher Leo , Printz David J , Kahn David A , John Mann J , Oquendo Maria A
Published: October 2006

Objectives:  Distinguishing clinical characteristics of bipolar patients who have made a suicide attempt may help to identify at‐risk individuals. We sought to identify such factors and to consider them within a stress‐diathesis model of suicidal behavior.

Methods:  Patients with bipolar disorder (N = 96) were compared with respect to the presence or absence at baseline evaluation of a history of suicide attempt. We used multiple logistic regression analysis to assess the unique associations of independent variables to history of a past suicide attempt.

Results:  The regression analysis showed that a history of suicide attempt in bipolar disorder was associated with greater recent suicidal ideation, more psychiatric hospitalizations, lifetime aggressive traits and an earlier age at onset of a first mood episode.

Conclusions:  Aggressive traits and early treatment of mood disorders, especially major depressive episodes, are potential targets for suicide prevention in bipolar disorder.
A prospective study of the association of cerebrospinal fluid monoamine metabolite levels with lethality of suicide attempts in patients with bipolar disorder
Authors: Sher Leo , Carballo Juan J , Grunebaum Michael F , Burke Ainsley K , Zalsman Gil , Huang Yung‐yu , John Mann J , Oquendo Maria A
Published: October 2006

Objectives:  Bipolar disorder is a severe illness that is associated with suicidal behavior. A biological predictor of highly lethal suicide attempts in patients with bipolar disorder would be valuable. We hypothesized that cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) monoamine metabolite levels are related to lethality of suicide attempts in bipolar patients and examined the relation between CSF 5‐hydroxyindolacetic acid (5‐HIAA), homovanillic acid (HVA), and 3‐methoxy‐4‐hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG) levels and maximum lethality of suicide attempts at baseline and during a 2‐year follow up.

Methods:  Twenty‐seven bipolar depressed patients participated in the study. Demographic and clinical parameters were examined and recorded. Lumbar punctures were performed and CSF 5‐HIAA, HVA, and MHPG were assayed by high‐performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. Following discharge, patients were evaluated after 3 months, 1 year, and 2 years. Each follow‐up interview included an in‐depth assessment of suicidal behavior during the intervening time period.

Results:  Six subjects made suicide attempts during the 2‐year follow‐up. Bipolar patients who attempted suicide during the follow‐up period had higher aggression and hostility scale scores compared to bipolar subjects who did not make a suicide attempt during the follow‐up period. CSF 5‐HIAA, HVA, and MHPG levels were negatively correlated with the maximum lethality of suicide attempts during the 2‐year follow‐up period.

Conclusions:  Our finding is the first observation that CSF monoamine metabolite levels may be predictors of lethality of suicide attempts in patients with bipolar disorder. Further studies are necessary to answer the question whether CSF monoamine metabolite levels are clinically useful biochemical predictors of highly lethal suicide attempts or completed suicides.
Prospective study of risk factors for attempted suicide among patients with bipolar disorder
Authors: Valtonen Hanna M , Suominen Kirsi , Mantere Outi , Leppämäki Sami , Arvilommi Petri , Isometsä Erkki T
Published: October 2006

Objective:

There are few prospective studies on risk factors for attempted suicide among representative samples of psychiatric patients with bipolar I and II disorders. We conducted a prospective study to investigate risk for suicide attempts among a secondary‐level sample of psychiatric in‐ and outpatients with bipolar disorder (BD).

Methods:  In the Jorvi Bipolar Study (JoBS), 1,630 psychiatric in‐ and outpatients from three Finnish cities were screened for BDs with the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ). Using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐IV Disorders (SCID)‐I and ‐II, 191 patients were diagnosed with BDs (90 bipolar I and 101 bipolar II). Information on suicide attempts during the follow‐up was obtained for 176 patients (92%) at the 6‐month follow‐up and for 160 patients (84%) at the 18‐month follow‐up.

Results:  During the 18‐month follow‐up 20% of patients (35/176) attempted suicide. In a Cox regression model, baseline previous suicide attempts (OR 3.8, 95% CI 1.7–8.8; p = 0.001), hopelessness (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.1–1.3; p < 0.001), depressive phase at index episode (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.1–5.3; p = 0.03) and younger age at intake (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.91–0.97; p < 0.001) were independent risk factors for suicide attempts during follow‐up, whereas factors such as bipolar I or II, or comorbidity did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusions:  During a medium‐term follow‐up, as many as one‐fifth of random psychiatric patients with BD attempted suicide, which highlights the public health importance of suicidal behavior in BD. Previous suicide attempts, hopelessness and depressive phase were the key indicators of risk.
Placebo‐level incidence of extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) with quetiapine in controlled studies of patients with bipolar mania
Authors: Nasrallah Henry A , Brecher Martin , Paulsson Björn
Published: October 2006

Objectives:  To evaluate extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), including akathisia, with quetiapine in patients with bipolar mania.

Methods:  Data were analyzed from four similarly designed, randomized, double‐blind, 3‐ to 12‐week studies. Two studies evaluated quetiapine monotherapy (up to 800 mg/day) (n = 209) versus placebo (n = 198), with lithium or haloperidol monotherapy as respective active controls. Two studies evaluated quetiapine (up to 800 mg/day) in combination with a mood stabilizer (lithium or divalproex, QTP + Li/DVP) (n = 196) compared to placebo and mood stabilizer (PBO + Li/DVP) (n = 203). Extrapyramidal symptoms were evaluated using the Simpson–Angus Scale (SAS), the Barnes Akathisia Rating Scale (BARS), adverse event reports and anticholinergic drug usage.

Results:  The incidence of EPS‐related adverse events, including akathisia, was no different with quetiapine monotherapy (12.9%) than with placebo (13.1%). Similarly, EPS‐related adverse events with QTP + Li/DVP (21.4%) were no different than with PBO + Li/DVP (19.2%). Adverse events related to EPS occurred in 59.6% of patients treated with haloperidol (n = 99) monotherapy, whereas 26.5% of patients treated with lithium (n = 98) monotherapy experienced adverse events related to EPS. The incidence of akathisia was low and similar with quetiapine monotherapy (3.3%) and placebo (6.1%), and with QTP + Li/DVP (3.6%) and PBO + Li/DVP (4.9%). Lithium was associated with a significantly higher incidence (p < 0.05) of tremor (18.4%) than quetiapine (5.6%); cerebellar tremor, which is a known adverse effect of lithium, may have contributed to the elevated rate of tremor in patients receiving lithium therapy. Haloperidol induced a significantly higher incidence (p < 0.001) of akathisia (33.3% versus 5.9%), tremor (30.3% versus 7.8%), and extrapyramidal syndrome (35.4% versus 5.9%) than quetiapine. No significant differences were observed between quetiapine and placebo on SAS and BARS scores. Anticholinergic use was low and similar with quetiapine or placebo.

Conclusions:  In bipolar mania, the incidence of EPS, including akathisia, with quetiapine therapy is similar to that with placebo.