bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of seasonal variation in selective feeding by zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) on phytoplankton community composition
Authors: NADDAFI RAHMAT , PETTERSSON KURT , EKLÖV PETER
Published: February 2007

1. To investigate the impact of zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) on phytoplankton community composition, temporal variability in selective feeding by the mussels was determined from April to November 2005 in a natural lake using Delayed Fluorescence (DF) excitation spectroscopy.

2. Selective grazing by zebra mussels varied in relation to seasonal phytoplankton dynamics; mussels showed a consistent preference for cryptophytes and avoidance of chlorophytes and cyanobacteria. Diatoms, chrysophytes and dinoflagellates responded differentially to zebra mussel grazing depending on their size. Analysis of excreted products of the zebra mussels revealed that in addition to chlorophytes and cyanobacteria, phytoplankton >50 μm and very small phytoplankton (≤7 μm) were largely expelled in pseudofaeces.

3. The zebra mussel is a selective filter‐feeder that alters its feeding behaviour in relation to phytoplankton composition to capture and ingest high quality phytoplankton, especially when phytoplankton occur in preferred size ranges. Flexibility of zebra mussel feeding behaviour and variation in susceptibility among phytoplankton groups to mussel ingestion indicate that invading zebra mussels could alter phytoplankton community composition of lakes and have important ecosystem consequences.
Characterization of two globin genes from the malaria mosquito Anopheles gambiae: Divergent origin of nematoceran haemoglobins
Authors: Burmester Thorsten , Klawitter Sabine , Hankeln Thomas
Published: February 2007

The chironomid midges are the only insects that harbour true haemoglobin in their haemolymph. Here we report the identification of haemoglobin genes in two other nematoceran species. Two paralogous haemoglobin genes (glob1 and glob2) from the malaria mosquito Anopheles gambiae were cloned and sequenced. Furthermore, we identified two orthologous haemoglobin genes in the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti. All four haemoglobins were predicted to be intracellular proteins, with the amino acids required for heme‐ and oxygen‐binding being conserved. In situ‐hybridization studies showed that glob1 and glob2 expression in An. gambiae is mainly associated with the tracheal system. This pattern resembles that of other insect intracellular globins. We also observed expression of glob2 in visceral muscles. Phylogenetic analyses showed that the globins of the mosquitoes and the Chironomidae are not orthologous. The chironomid haemoglobins share a recent common origin with the brachyceran glob1 proteins. The mosquito glob1 and glob2 proteins, which separated by gene duplication around 170 million years ago, form a distinct clade of more ancient evolutionary origin within the insects. The glob1 genes have introns in the ancestral globin positions B12.2 and G7.0. An additional intron was observed in Ae. aegypti glob1 helix position E18.0, providing evidence for a recent intron gain event. Both mosquito glob2 genes have lost the B12.2 intron. This pattern must be interpreted in terms of dynamic intron gain and loss events in the globin gene lineage.
GP35 ANOAL, an abundant acidic glycoprotein of female Anopheles albimanus saliva
Authors: Cázares‐Raga F. E. , González‐Lázaro M. , Montero‐Solís C. , González‐Cerón L. , Zamudio F. , Martínez‐Barnetche J. , Torres‐Monzón J. A. , Ovilla‐Muñoz M. , Aguilar‐Fuentes J. , Rodríguez M. H. , De La Cruz Hernández‐Hernández F.
Published: February 2007

Salivary glands of female mosquitoes produce proteins, not completely described yet, that participate in carbohydrate and blood feeding. Here, we report an acidic glycoprotein of 35 kDa (GP35 ANOAL) secreted in the saliva of the malaria vector mosquito Anopheles albimanus. GP35 ANOAL is produced exclusively in the distal lateral lobes of adult female salivary glands, it has a pI of 4.45 and is negatively stained by regular silver stain. An 888 bp cDNA clone encoding a predicted product of 240 amino acids has a signal peptide, potential post‐translational modification sites, and a disintegrin signature RGD. The GP35 ANOAL sequence depicts high similarities with the 30 kDa saliva allergen of Aedes aegypti, 30 kDa allergen‐like hypothetical proteins, and GE‐rich proteins present in several Anopheles species, as well as in Ae. albopictus and Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus. The function of this protein family is still unknown.
Short‐hairpin RNA expressed from polymerase III promoters mediates RNA interference in mosquito cells
Authors: Konet D. S. , Anderson J. , Piper J. , Akkina R. , Suchman E. , Carlson J.
Published: February 2007

Putative U6snRNA polymerase III (PolIII) promoters were cloned from the Anopheles gambiae and Aedes aegypti genomes. The PolIII promoters were tested for their ability to express short‐hairpin RNA (shRNA) targeted to firefly luciferase and to mediate RNA interference (RNAi) knockdown of a co‐transfected luciferase reporter gene vector in AG‐55 Anopheles gambiae and ATC‐10 Aedes aegypti cells. Promoters capable of silencing expression of the co‐transfected luciferase plasmid by up to 95% in AG‐55 cells and up to 75% in ATC‐10 cells were identified. RNase protection experiments allowed detection of the 19 nt luciferase short‐interfering RNA (siRNA) in transfected cells. These findings indicate that mosquito U6snRNA gene promoters can be used for production of shRNA to induce the RNAi response in mosquito cells.
cDNA cloning of heat shock proteins and their expression in the two phases of the migratory locust
Authors: Wang H.‐S. , Wang X.‐H. , Zhou C.‐S. , Huang L.‐H. , Zhang S.‐F. , Guo W. , Kang L.
Published: February 2007

The high population density of insects is often a stress factor. Insects synthesize heat shock proteins (Hsps) in response to the impacts of stress through molecular chaperone activity. Locust solitary and gregarious phases occur at low and high population density, respectively. In this study, we compare the expression profiles of the Hsp genes in the two phases of the migratory locust in an attempt to examine the role of Hsps in adaptation to high density populations. The full length cDNAs of Hsp20.5, 20.6, 20.7, 40, 70 and Hsp90 of the migratory locust were cloned and sequenced. The expressional differentiation of the six Hsps in mRNA levels between solitary and gregarious locusts was observed. Results from real‐time PCR indicate that the six Hsps are expressed throughout all developmental stages except in the early stage embryo. The expression levels of the six Hsps were significantly upregulated in gregarious locusts. The expressional variations among certain organs, such as the head, thorax and leg of fifth instar nymphs in gregarious locusts were also higher than those in solitary ones. These observations suggest that population density may be an important factor in determining Hsp expression in the locust.
The transformer gene in Bactrocera oleae: the genetic switch that determines its sex fate
Authors: Lagos D. , Koukidou M. , Savakis C. , Komitopoulou K.
Published: February 2007

Transformer (tra) is the second gene of a regulatory cascade based on RNA splicing that determines sex in Drosophila melanogaster. Splicing of tra transcripts is regulated by the master gene Sex lethal and tra itself regulates splicing of the transcriptional regulator doublesex (dsx). We present the isolation and characterization of Botra, the olive fruit fly Bactrocera oleae orthologue to the Drosophila gene transformer. As in Drosophila, Botra transcripts are spliced in a sex‐specific manner so that only females encode a functional polypeptide of 422 amino acids, whereas males encode presumably nonfunctional peptide(s). The identification of multiple TRA/TRA‐2 binding sites within the Botra male‐specific exons, suggests an autoregulation mechanism of tra, through TRA/TRA2 activities. The fundamental role of the TRA protein in sex determination of Bactrocera was investigated by RNA interference, where the introduction of Botra dsRNA into embryos resulted in complete transformation of XX flies into fertile males.
Molecular cloning of the precursor polypeptide of mastoparan B and its putative processing enzyme, dipeptidyl peptidase IV, from the black‐bellied hornet, Vespa basalis
Authors: Lee V. S. Y. , Tu W.‐C. , Jinn T.‐R. , Peng C.‐C. , Lin L.‐J. , Tzen J. T. C.
Published: February 2007

Mastoparan B, a cationic toxin, is the major peptide component in the venom of Vespa basalis. Molecular cloning of its cDNA fragment revealed that this toxin was initially synthesized as a precursor polypeptide, containing an N‐terminal signal sequence, a prosequence, the mature toxin, and an appendix glycine at C‐terminus. Sequence alignment between precursors of mastoparan B and melittin from honeybee venom showed a significant conservation in prosequence. Alternate positions existing in both prosequences were either proline or alanine known as the potential cleaving sites for dipeptidyl peptidase IV. Subsequently, a putative dipeptidyl peptidase IV cDNA fragment was cloned from Vespa basalis venom gland. The prosequence may possibly be removed via sequential liberation of dipeptides during the processing of mastoparan B.
Characterization of core promoter elements for ecdysone receptor isoforms of the silkworm, Bombyx mori
Authors: Shirai H. , Kamimura M. , Fujiwara H.
Published: February 2007

Two ecdysone receptor (EcR) isoforms, EcR‐A and EcR‐B1, are expressed in a tissue‐ and stage‐specific manner, although the details of their transcription mechanisms are unknown. We determined the transcription start sites of EcR‐A and EcR‐B1 isoforms of Bombyx mori and found that both core promoter regions consist of initiator (Inr) and downstream promoter elements (DPE) but not TATA boxes. Promoter truncation analysis performed using the luciferase reporter assays and BmN cells showed that, in both isoforms, the regions −296 to −74 for BmEcR‐B1, −104 to −61 for BmEcR‐A and downstream regions of +1 are essential for basal transcriptional activity. Mutation experiments revealed that both DPE and its 5′‐flanking CGCGCG sequence are crucial but DPE of BmEcR‐B1 is not important for BmEcR‐A transcription. These results indicate that the basal promoter activities differ between the two BmEcR isoforms.
Palaeoenvironments associated with caddisfly‐dominated microbial‐carbonate mounds from the Tipton Shale Member of the Green River Formation: Eocene Lake Gosiute
Authors: LEGGITT V. LEROY , BIAGGI ROBERTO E. , BUCHHEIM H. PAUL
Published: February 2007

Caddisfly‐dominated microbial‐carbonate mounds and avian eggshell fragments are common in a nearshore, oolite facies of the Tipton Shale Member of the Eocene Green River Formation. The fossils occur in a 9 m thick carbonate sequence exposed on the south‐west flank of Essex Mountain, Sweetwater County, Wyoming. The eggshell was determined to be of avian origin by examination of the radial eggshell microstructure by scanning electron microscopy and polarized light microscopy. Common allochems in the limestone include: ooids, pisoids, oncoids, ostracods, gastropods, intraclasts, caddisfly larval/pupal cases, fish bones, avian bones and avian eggshell fragments. Carbonate mineralogy varies between 95% calcite and 95% dolomite. Oxygen stable isotopes vary between −10·1 and −1·3‰ (V‐PDB). Carbon and oxygen stable isotopes co‐vary. Co‐variance of oxygen and carbon stable isotopes indicates that Lake Gosiute was hydrologically closed during the formation of this oolite sequence. Positive excursions of oxygen stable isotope values are correlated with dolomite, caddisfly cases and avian eggshell fragments. These factors are probably associated with lake regression and more saline conditions. Negative excursions of oxygen stable isotope values are correlated with calcite, gastropods and intraclasts. These factors are probably associated with lake transgression and lake freshening. In the 9 m oolite sequence studied there are at least two inferred transgressions, three regressions and two storm events. The caddisfly cases and avian eggshell fragments occur in sediments formed only during low‐stands of the lake as determined by other lake level proxies (dolomites and more positive oxygen stable isotope values). As avian eggshell fragments were formed under subaerial conditions, the avian eggshell fragments independently confirm lake regression. In addition, the occurrence of avian eggshell fragments during saline phases of the lake may indicate that the birds which produced the eggshell preferred saline conditions (or that their food preferred saline lake water).
RETRACTION: Numerical simulation of a wind‐sand flow under different conditions of atmospheric stability
Authors: PING LÜ , DONG ZHIBAO , CARLING PAUL
Published: February 2007

A theoretical model for wind‐sand flow is developed by considering the coupling between wind flow and sand particle motion, the latter subject to the Magnus effect, under different atmospheric stability conditions. Using this model, the characteristics of the wind‐sand flow are discussed in detail. The results show that the atmospheric stability and the Magnus effect both have a strong influence on wind profiles and on the trajectories of sand particles. This approach produces results with characteristics that differ from those previously reported; the latter only applying to atmospheric conditions of neutral stability. The saltating sand reaches a greater height under non‐neutral stability than under neutral stability, while the maximum horizontal distance is greater under unstable conditions and is smaller under stable conditions than under conditions of neutral stability.
Identification of four new HLA‐Cw alleles in the Sudanese population
Authors: Elamin N. E. , Elbashir M. I. , Elkhidir I. M. , Elghazali G. , Blasczyk R. , Horn P. A.
Published: February 2007

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is the most polymorphic region of the human genome. Human leukocyte antigen‐C (HLA‐C) genes are located in the class I region of MHC. Most polymorphisms of HLA class I antigens are present in exons 2 and 3, which encode the α1 and α2 domains of the HLA‐A heavy chain, involved in both peptide binding and HLA‐restricted recognition by the T‐cell receptor. Four new HLA‐Cw alleles were identified in the Sudanese population during HLA class I and class II sequencing‐based typing at the HLA‐C locus of case–control study of Sudanese HIV patients, in individuals from different ethnic background. Based on the localization of the affected amino acid positions in an outer loop of the α‐helix forming the side of the peptide‐binding groove, we do not expect the replacement mutations to have an effect on peptide binding or T‐cell receptor interaction.
Lack of association between LTA and LGALS2 polymorphisms and myocardial infarction in Japanese and Korean populations
Authors: Kimura A. , Takahashi M. , Choi B. Y. , Bae S. W. , Hohta S. , Sasaoka T. , Nakahara K.‐i. , Chida K. , Sawabe M. , Yasunami M. , Naruse T. , Izumi T. , Park J.‐E.
Published: February 2007

To investigate the recently reported associations of polymorphisms in lymphotoxin‐α (LTA) and galectin‐2 (LGALS2) with myocardial infarction (MI), we analyzed a single nucleotide polymorphism of LTA (LTA 252A>G in LTA intron 1) and that of LGALS2 (LGALS2 3279C>T in LGALS2 intron 1) in Japanese and Korean populations. Although significant associations with MI were not observed in either population, we found that LTA 252GG was significantly associated with the severity of the disease for both the Japanese and Korean populations (P= 0.017 and P= 0.001, respectively). On the other hand, the polymorphism of LGALS2 was not associated with the severity of coronary atherosclerosis. These observations showed that, while the LTA 252GG genotype might modify the development of coronary atherosclerosis, the relation of LTA and LGALS2 to MI itself remained much less certain.
The evolution of sperm morphometry in pheasants
Authors: IMMLER S. , SAINT‐JALME M. , LESOBRE L. , SORCI G. , ROMAN Y. , BIRKHEAD T. R.
Published: February 2007

Post‐copulatory sexual selection is thought to be a potent evolutionary force driving the diversification of sperm shape and function across species. In birds, insemination and fertilization are separated in time and sperm storage increases the duration of sperm–female interaction and hence the opportunity for sperm competition and cryptic female choice. We performed a comparative study of 24 pheasant species (Phasianidae, Galliformes) to establish the relative importance of sperm competition and the duration of sperm storage for the evolution of sperm morphometry (i.e. size of different sperm traits). We found that sperm size traits were negatively associated with the duration of sperm storage but were independent of the risk of sperm competition estimated from relative testis mass. Our study emphasizes the importance of female reproductive biology for the evolution of sperm morphometry particularly in sperm‐storing taxa.
Parallel evolution of lake whitefish dwarf ecotypes in association with limnological features of their adaptive landscape
Authors: LANDRY L. , VINCENT W. F. , BERNATCHEZ L.
Published: February 2007

Sympatric fish populations observed in many north temperate lakes are among the best models to study the processes of population divergence and adaptive radiation. Despite considerable research on such systems, little is known about the associations between ecological conditions and the extent of ecotypic divergence. In this study, we examined the biotic and abiotic properties of postglacial lakes in which lake whitefish,Coregonus clupeaformis, occur as a derived dwarf ecotype in sympatry with an ancestral normal ecotype. We compared 19 limnological variables between two groups of lakes known from previous studies to harbour sympatric dwarf and normal ecotypes with high and low levels of phenotypic and genetic differentiation respectively. We found clear environmental differences between the two lake groups. Namely, oxygen was the most discriminant variable, where lakes harbouring the most divergent populations were characterized by the greatest hypolimnetic oxygen depletion. These lakes also had lower zooplankton densities and a narrower distribution of zooplantonic prey length. These results suggest that the highest differentiation between sympatric ecotypes occurs in lakes with reduced habitat and prey availability that could increase competition for resources. This in turns supports the hypothesis that parallelism in the extent of phenotypic divergence among sympatric whitefish ecotypes is associated with parallelism in adaptive landscape in terms of differences in limnological characteristics, as well as availability and structure of the zooplanktonic community.
A fungal epizootic in mussels at a deep‐sea hydrothermal vent
Authors: Van Dover Cindy Lee , Ward Megan E. , Scott Joseph L. , Underdown Jamie , Anderson Brooke , Gustafson Christina , Whalen Matthew , Carnegie Ryan B.
Published: February 2007

Mass mortalities due to disease are important determinants of population and community structure in marine ecosystems, but the speed at which an epizootic may sweep through a population, combined with rapid selection for disease‐resistant stocks, can mask the ecological impact of disease in all but the most closely monitored populations. We document an emergent epizootic event in the deep sea that is occurring in mussels (Bathymodiolus brevior) at the Mussel Hill hydrothermal vent in Fiji Basin and we identify the causal agent as a black yeast (order Chaetothyriales) that elicits a pronounced host immune response and is associated with tissue deterioration. The yeast was not observed in other invertebrate taxa (the gastropods Ifremeria nautilei, Alviniconcha aff. hessleri; the limpets Lepetodrilus schrolli, Symmetromphalus aff. hageni; the polychaetes Branchipolynoe pettiboneae, Amphisamytha cf. galapagensis) associated with the mussel bed, nor in mussels (Bathymodiolus brevior) collected from adjacent Lau Basin mussel beds. Massive mussel mortality resulting from the fungal infection is anticipated at the Mussel Hill site in Fiji Basin; we expect that epizootic outbreaks in dense invertebrate communities have the potential to be major determinants of community structure in deep‐sea chemosynthetic ecosystems. The possibility that submersible assets may serve as vectors for transport of the fungus warrants further attention.
Polar lipid fatty acids as indicators of trophic associations in a deep‐sea vent system community
Authors: Colaço Ana , Desbruyères Daniel , Guezennec Jean
Published: February 2007

The polar lipid fatty acid (PLFA) profiles of invertebrates living in chemosynthetic communities can indicate the degree to which these animals depend on specific types of bacteria. To identify the nutritional sources of various species from deep‐sea hydrothermal vents of the Mid‐Atlantic Ridge, a Principal Component Analysis was performed using individual PLFA profiles as descriptors. Two associations representing different feeding groups were identified: (i) mussels, commensal polychaetes and gastropods, (ii) shrimps and crabs. The first association relies more on sulphide‐oxidizing bacteria, while the second one has more anaerobic sulphate‐reducing bacteria biomarkers. Other small invertebrates reveal different diets. The polychaete Amathys lutzi shows the most diversified bacterial diet, with fatty acid biomarkers from both S‐oxidizing and S‐reducing bacteria.
Adaptation of the antioxidant defence system in hydrothermal‐vent mussels (Bathymodiolus azoricus) transplanted between two Mid‐Atlantic Ridge sites
Authors: Company Rui , Serafim Angela , Cosson Richard , Fiala‐Médioni Aline , Dixon David R. , Bebianno Maria João
Published: February 2007

The vent mussel Bathymodiolus azoricus is the dominant member of the Northern Mid‐Atlantic Ridge (MAR) hydrothermal megafauna, and lives in an environment characterized by temporal and spatial variations in the levels of heavy metals, methane and hydrogen sulphide, substances which are known to increase reactive oxygen species levels in the tissues of exposed organisms. To evaluate the effects of two contrasting hydrothermal environments on the antioxidant defence system of this vent mussel species, a 2‐week transplant experiment was carried out involving mussels collected from the relatively deep (2300 m), and chemical rich, Rainbow vent field. These were transplanted to the shallower (1700 m), and relatively less toxic, Lucky Strike vent field. To achieve this objective, levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase (CAT), total glutathione peroxidase (GPx), selenium‐dependent glutathione peroxidase and lipid peroxidation (LPO) were measured in the gills and mantle tissues of resident and transplant mussels before and after the transplant experiment. With the exception of CAT, the gills of the transplanted mussels had significantly higher antioxidant enzyme activity compared with the basal levels in the donor (Rainbow) and recipient (Lucky Strike) populations; whereas the antioxidant enzyme levels in the mantle tissues of the transplants reflected the baseline levels of activity in the native Lucky Strike mussels after 2 weeks. In contrast, LPO levels were significantly higher in both tissue types in the transplants than in either the source or the recipient populations, which suggested a response to hydrostatic pressure change (note, the transplant animals were brought to the surface for transportation between the two vent fields). The fact that the Rainbow mussels survived the transplant experience indicates that B. azoricus has a very robust constitution, which enables it to cope behaviourally, physiologically and genetically with the extreme conditions found in its naturally contaminated deep‐sea environment.
Agitation and weight loss in an autistic boy
Authors: Conyers Rachel , Efron Daryl
Published: February 2007

Abstract:  An 11 year old boy with autism presented with a 2‐month history of agitated behaviour with associated weight loss. On examination he was wasted and distressed. He had severe hypoalbuminaemia. Gastrointestinal imaging revealed a gastric bezoar. At operation a large phytobezoar extending into the jejunum was identified and removed. Postoperatively he required intensive nutritional resuscitation and support, including treatment of multiple micronutrient deficiencies. Malnutrition is common in children with developmental disabilities, with a number of possible contributing factors. Gastric bezoar is a rare cause, which should be considered in mobile children who may engage in pica.
Nasal polyps and the severity of asthma
Authors: CEYLAN Erkan , GENCER Mehmet , SAN Imran
Published: February 2007

Background and objectives:  Upper airway pathologies often accompany asthma. Because this represents a single airway, the diagnosis, follow up and treatment of both upper and lower respiratory diseases is essential. Samter Syndrome (SS) is known to be associated with more severe asthma. The presence of nasal polyps (NPs) is also associated with asthma. However, the incidence of NPs in asthma and the effect of NPs on asthma severity are not well documented.

Methods:  Three hundred and forty‐two asthma patients were evaluated by endoscopic nasal examination, pulmonary function test, skin prick tests and paranasal sinus tomography.

Results:  Three hundred and eleven patients with asthma without NP, 19 asthma patients with NP and 12 patients with SS were included. It was found that 54.3% of patients without NPs, 63.2% with NP and 66.7% with SS were at step 3 on the Global Initiative for Asthma scale of severity, and 1.9%, 15.8% and 33.3% were at step 4, respectively.

Conclusions:  The presence of NPs in asthma patients is associated with an increase in asthma severity. In patients with asthma, the possibility of NPs should be investigated and treatment planned accordingly.
Bacterial infection and risk factors in outpatients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A 2‐year prospective study
Authors: ALAMOUDI Omer S.
Published: February 2007

Background and objectives:  Acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD) are commonly observed in community‐based patients worldwide. The factors causing exacerbation are largely unknown. This study was undertaken to determine the predominant bacterial pathogens cultured from sputum in community‐based patients with AECOPD, to assess the risk factors associated with exacerbations and to compare these findings with published studies.

Methods:  Forty‐five patients with stable COPD were prospectively followed in the outpatients’ clinic of King Abdulaziz University Hospital. At the first visit, personal data, CXR and measurement of baseline PEF were obtained from each patient. In the subsequent visits, sputum culture and CXR were carried out during exacerbations.

Results:  Over a period of 24 months, patients made a total of 139 visits for exacerbations, and 69.8% had a positive sputum culture for a single pathogen. Moraxella catarrhalis (25.2%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (12.2%) and Haemophilus influenzae (11.5%) were the most common isolated organisms. Patients with a lower level of baseline PEF had a significantly increased frequency of exacerbations (r = 0.337, P = 0.024). However, there was a weak correlation between exacerbation frequency and duration of COPD and exposure to cigarette smoking.

Conclusion  There was a higher incidence of Moraxella catarrhalis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa than reported in previous studies. These findings should influence antibiotic selection for exacerbations. COPD patients with a low baseline PEF are at a higher risk of having repeated exacerbations and gram‐negative pathogens.
Asthma management and outcomes in Australia: A nation‐wide telephone interview survey*
Authors: MARKS Guy B. , ABRAMSON Michael J. , JENKINS Christine R. , KENNY Peter , MELLIS Craig M. , RUFFIN Richard E. , STOSIC Rod , TOELLE Brett G. , WILSON David H. , XUAN Wei
Published: February 2007

Background and objective:  Asthma is a high‐burden disease for which effective treatment is available. In Australia, there has been a public health campaign directed at increasing the implementation of effective management with the aim of improving asthma outcomes. The aim of this study was to assess the burden of asthma and describe current asthma management in Australia.

Methods:  A computer‐assisted telephone interview survey was conducted in 2003/04 among randomly selected participants. Current asthma was defined as self‐reported asthma, confirmed by doctor, which was still present and/or associated with symptoms in the last 12 months.

Results:  From 46 855 eligible telephone numbers dialled there were 14 271 (30.5%) responses to the screening questionnaire. Among 1734 respondents with current asthma, 1205 (69.5%) completed the detailed questionnaire. Among these, 24.2% of adults and 14.3% children had symptoms during the day or night on most days; 11.3% of adults and 6.0% of children avoided exercise because of asthma symptoms during exercise and 19.4% of adults and 29.7% of children had sought urgent medical care because of an exacerbation of asthma during the preceding year. Among adults with asthma, only 35.6% with daily symptoms and 41.4% with symptoms on most days were taking inhaled steroids. Only 31.1% of adults with daily symptoms had a written asthma action plan.

Conclusion:  Compared with similar international studies, this study revealed a lower prevalence of frequent asthma symptoms and a higher prevalence of use of inhaled steroids among people with asthma. However, there remains ample scope for improvement in management of patients with frequent symptoms.
Imaging in the diagnosis and treatment of non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: HICKS Rodney J. , LAU Eddie , ALAM Naveed Z. , CHEN Robert Y.
Published: February 2007

Abstract:  The available tools for diagnosing and staging lung cancer patients can be broadly categorized into non‐invasive, minimally invasive and invasive (surgical) modalities. Non‐invasive modalities include CT and PET. Minimally invasive modalities are endoscopic approaches, including endoscopic ultrasound, endobronchial ultrasound and transbronchial fine needle aspiration without ultrasound guidance. This review focuses on the non‐invasive and minimally invasive techniques involving imaging. Application of Bayesian principles indicates that tests with a high sensitivity and specificity for detection of both systemic metastases and mediastinal nodal involvement are required for treatment selection and planning in patients with non‐small cell lung cancer who would be considered for treatment with curative intent. Combined PET/CT using the glucose analogue fluorine‐18 fluorodeoxyglucose currently provides the best diagnostic performance for this purpose and should now be considered the standard of care for staging non‐small cell lung cancer. Endoscopic ultrasound and endobronchial ultrasound have important complementary roles to allow further evaluation of equivocal nodal abnormalities on PET or CT and to allow pathological samples to be obtained. Diagnostic CT has an important role in defining tumour relations for patients deemed suitable for surgical resection and as the initial investigation for patients with potential symptoms of lung cancer or proven lung cancer that would not be considered for curative treatment on medical grounds.
Costs of investigating and managing non‐residents with possible tuberculosis: New Zealand experience of an international problem
Authors: BURNS Andrew D. , HARRISON Adrian C.
Published: February 2007

Background and objective:  This study’s aims were to identify the diagnoses, the public hospital costs and payments for non‐New Zealand (non‐NZ) patients referred because of possible tuberculosis (TB). There have been no previous financial studies in this area. Funding arrangements for these patients were also reviewed.

Methods:  A systematic, retrospective review was performed to identify the costs of investigating and managing non‐NZ patients referred to the adult TB unit of a large, teaching hospital in Auckland, NZ. Patients were enrolled between 1 July 2002 and 30 June 2003.

Results:  Forty‐five non‐NZ patients were studied. The mean age was 33.8 (±13.4) years. Thirty‐four (75.5%) were managed under compulsion through Section 9 of the NZ TB Act. Thirty‐two (71%) patients received TB treatment: 11 (24%) had infectious pulmonary TB and four had active extra‐pulmonary TB. There were no multi‐drug‐resistant isolates. Three TB cases accounted for 250 (39%) inpatient days. One patient with rifampicin‐resistant TB was responsible for 117 (29%) day‐patient ward visits. Four (13%) infectious TB cases were managed as inpatients for more than 6 weeks. The total cost of services ($US) for the 45 patients was $350 236. The cost range was $544–43 513 per patient. Four patients incurred costs over $25 000.

Conclusions:  TB in non‐residents is a costly problem in NZ. Current policy applying to this area and the ability to determine its cost‐effectiveness are in need of review.
Decreased invasiveness via two methods of thoracoscopic lobectomy for lung cancer, compared with open thoracotomy
Authors: TAJIRI Michihiko , MAEHARA Takamitsu , NAKAYAMA Haruhiko , SAKAMOTO Kazuhiro
Published: February 2007

Background and objective:  Video‐assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) lobectomy for primary lung cancer is considered minimally invasive. However, different procedures may be used for the VATS lobectomy, from complete videoscopic (CV) surgery to a technique similar to the muscle‐sparing thoracotomy. We divided patients into two groups based on the surgical approach and analysed the outcomes.

Methods:  Two hundred and thirty‐one patients were treated using one of two VATS procedures: the video‐supported method (VS, n = 63) and the CV method (n = 168). Patients treated by posterolateral thoracotomy (PL, n = 61) were also evaluated for certain postoperative parameters and pulmonary function. The CV method is the standard VATS lobectomy procedure in our institution, but the VS method is used when the CV method becomes difficult because of severe adhesion around the pulmonary artery, or for other reasons.

Results:  Creatinine phosphokinase and CRP levels, and blood loss were lower in the VS and CV groups than in the PL group. Blood loss during CV was lower than that during VS. Postoperative VC after CV was higher than that after PL. Analgesic requirements in both VATS groups were lower than that in the PL group. The visual analogue scale pain score was lower in both VATS groups than in the PL group.

Conclusions:  Two methods of VATS cause less surgical damage than PL. CV, in particular, causes less damage to pulmonary function than PL, and achieves good postoperative quality of life.
Pulmonary arteriovenous malformation of Osler–Weber–Rendu syndrome diagnosed by endobronchial ultrasound
Authors: KUO Chih‐Hsi , WANG Chun‐Hua , KUO Han‐Pin
Published: February 2007

Abstract:  Osler–Weber–Rendu syndrome is a disease of hereditary telangiectasia with involvement of multiple visceral organs. Pulmonary arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a frequent clinical manifestation, that may mimic pulmonary mass. In this report, endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) was used in a 64‐year‐old woman with Osler–Weber–Rendu syndrome who had a solitary pulmonary mass associated with clinical evidence of a right‐to‐left shunt and was able to detect a pulsating hypoechoic mass connected to the right pulmonary artery suggesting of pulmonary AVM. Following magnetic resonance angiogram and chest CT as well as noting multiple telangiectasis on her skin and considering a strong family history, Osler–Weber–Rendu syndrome was confirmed. Exercise intolerance and desaturation improved after surgical resection of the pulmonary AVM. The echoic findings were correlated to the pathological features. EBUS can be used as a good diagnostic tool for determining the nature of peripheral lung lesions such as in this case, and EBUS may be of practical tool to investigate a lung mass when a vascular component is suspected.
Histological diagnosis of spinal chondrosarcoma by endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration
Authors: NAKAJIMA Takahiro , YASUFUKU Kazuhiro , SUZUKI Makoto , SEKINE Yasuo , SHIBUYA Kiyoshi , HIROSHIMA Kenzo , FUJISAWA Takehiko
Published: February 2007

Abstract:  Rare neoplastic diseases including sarcomas can occur in the middle mediastinum. Obtaining a histological specimen is crucial for diagnosis and for establishing a treatment plan. Our research group has recently reported a minimal invasive method of tissue sampling of the mediastinum using direct real‐time endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration. By the use of this new modality, histological cores can be obtained for pathological diagnosis that can be used for immunohistochemistry as well as genetic analysis. A very rare case of spinal chondrosarcoma due to hereditary multiple exostoses successfully diagnosed by endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration and by immunohistochemistry with genetic analysis is reported.
Reattendance at hospital for asthma in two Australian states, 2000–2003
Authors: CORRELL Patricia K. , XUAN Wei , WILLIAMSON Margaret , SUNDARARAJAN Vijaya , RINGLAND Clare , MARKS Guy B.
Published: February 2007

Objective and background:  Reattendance rates at hospitals and emergency departments (ED) can provide a valuable marker of the quality and effectiveness of clinical care. Linked hospital and ED data from New South Wales and Victoria, Australia, were used to examine reattendances for asthma.

Methods:  Hospital and ED data were linked to identify individuals who reattended hospital or ED for asthma within 28 days of an initial attendance. The sociodemographic characteristics that predicted reattendance were examined using logistic regression.

Results:  There were 139 043 attendances for asthma between July 2000 and June 2003 attributed to 95 042 people. Overall, 7.1% of people reattended for asthma within 28 days. There was a significantly higher risk of reattendance among females (odds ratio (OR) 1.09, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03–1.14), people who lived in areas of greater socioeconomic disadvantage (OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.12–1.29) and Indigenous people (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.00–1.32). Reattendance rates differed among age groups (P < 0.001), with the lowest rate being in 5‐ to 14‐year‐olds.

Conclusion:  The availability of linked hospital and ED data has provided a rare opportunity to investigate predictors of reattendance for asthma. Surveillance of trends in reattendances for asthma can be used to monitor the effectiveness of interventions to improve asthma control across the continuum of care, particularly in higher‐risk groups such as Indigenous people, young children and those with greater socioeconomic disadvantage.
Role of pleural viscosity in the differential diagnosis of exudative pleural effusion
Authors: YETKIN Ozkan , TEK Ibrahim , YETKIN Funda , NUMANOGLU Numan
Published: February 2007

Objective and background:  Determining the aetiology of an effusion involves assessing if it is an exudate or a transudate. However, a reliable test for determining the aetiology of a pleural effusion is lacking. Pleural viscosity has a high sensitivity and specificity and a high positive and negative predictive value for discriminating exudative and transudative pleural effusions. The aim of this study was to use pleural fluid viscosity to discriminate between various aetiologies of exudative effusions, namely malignant, parapneumonic and tuberculous.

Methods:  Seventy consecutive patients (24 women, 46 men, mean age = 67 years) with exudative pleural effusion due to pneumoniae in 24 patients, tuberculous pleurisy in 21 and lung cancer in 25 were studied prospectively. Measurements of pleural fluid and plasma viscosity were performed using Brookfield DV‐II viscometer.

Results:  Pleural viscosity and pleural LDH were highest in the tuberculous pleurisy patients and lowest in the lung cancer patients. Pleural viscosity ≥1.57 was found to be indicative of tuberculous pleurisy with a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 95%. Pleural viscosity <1.39 was found to be indicative of lung cancer with a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 94%. Pleural viscosity was significantly correlated with pleural albumin (r = 0.34, P = 0.004), protein (r = 0.40, P = 0.001), LDH (r = 0.70, P < 0.001) and plasma viscosity (r = 0.44, P < 0.001), having the most significant value with pleural LDH.

Conclusion:  The pleural fluid viscosity of patients with parapneumonic, tuberculous and malignant effusions are significantly different from each other. Among these groups, tuberculous effusions had the highest viscosity, and malignant effusions from lung cancer the lowest.
Correlates of erectile dysfunction in moderate‐to‐severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients
Authors: KARADAG Fisun , OZCAN Hatice , KARUL Aslihan B. , CEYLAN Emel , CILDAG Orhan
Published: February 2007

Objective and background:  Erectile dysfunction (ED) has important negative effects on male quality of life and self‐esteem. The aim of this study was to acquire an insight into the sexual status of COPD patients.

Methods:  Ninety‐five male patients aged 48–75 years, with moderate‐to‐severe stable COPD, and 30 age‐matched subjects with normal pulmonary function were included. After clinical evaluation and measurement of serum sex hormones and TNF‐α concentration, subjects were asked to answer the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire as a method to diagnose and classify ED.

Results:  Varying degrees of ED were detected in 87% of COPD patients and 83% of controls. Although the total percentages of subjects with various severities of ED seemed similar, moderate and severe ED was 57% in COPD group and 20% in control subjects, suggesting a more severe course of ED in COPD patients. ED score of COPD patients was not correlated with age, smoking burden, duration of COPD, FEV1%, PaO2, PaCO2, serum dehydroepiandrosterone‐sulphate, testosterone or estradiol levels. When patients were subgrouped according to severity of ED, serum TNF‐α concentration, used as a marker of systemic inflammatory status in COPD, was significantly higher in patients with moderate‐to‐severe ED compared with mild‐moderate ED.

Conclusion:  The present study showed that ED is frequent and more severe in COPD patients than age‐matched controls. Chronic systemic inflammation is likely to play a role in ED in COPD; the role of TNF‐α should be evaluated further. Patients with COPD need comprehensive management including a detailed sexual evaluation.
Respirology year‐in‐review 2006: Basic science
Authors: THOMPSON Philip J. , CHUNG Fan
Published: February 2007

Abstract:  The year 2006 was a good year for basic science publications in Respirology with a lot of the studies being relevant to clinical practice. In this respect many of the publications focused on biomarkers of disease and so much so that these have been discussed at the end of this review. The majority of manuscripts are related to airway diseases, respiratory infections, interstitial lung diseases and lung cancers, and are discussed under these headings.
British‐born Chinese teenagers: The influence of Chinese ethnicity on their attitudes towards sexual behavior
Authors: Yu Juping
Published: February 2007

Abstract  This paper explores the influence of ethnicity on attitudes towards sexual behavior of British‐born Chinese teenagers. Using an ethnographic approach and snowball sampling, data were collected through in‐depth interviews with 20 British‐born Chinese teenagers and 20 Chinese‐born parents. The parents highlighted the influence of Chinese culture and religion on their sexual values and wanted to convey these values to their children. Although direct communication about sex‐related topics was rare within these families because of a number of barriers, the parents used other strategies to pass on their values. The paper concludes that sexual values within families and the influence of culture need to be considered in order to provide culturally competent health services. Chinese parents need extra support and help to discuss sex‐related topics and pass on their values, which encourage teenage sexual abstinence. Considering the fundamental influence of the parents, this support will be crucial.
Reconsidering the transfer of patients from the intensive care unit to the ward: A case study approach
Authors: Wu Chiung‐Jung (Jo) , Coyer Fiona
Published: February 2007

Abstract  Evidence indicates that the poorly managed transfer of a patient from the intensive care unit (ICU) to the ward can lead to physical and psychological complications for the patient, and often require ICU readmission and rehospitalization. Reviewing this patient transfer process to improve the quality of care would be a positive step towards enhancing patients’ recovery and providing skills to staff. The aim of this paper is to review case studies of transferring ICU patients to general wards in order to identify the shortcomings of this process. A literature review was conducted to evaluate current practices in the ICU transfer process. The results of this paper have clinical implications, suggest approaches to improve support for patients and their carers, and provide strategies to improve the transfer procedure.
Understanding proteomics
Authors: Pierce Janet D. , Fakhari Mahtab , Works Kathryn V. , Pierce J. Thomas , Clancy Richard L.
Published: February 2007

Abstract  The purpose of this article is to describe proteomics, to discuss the importance of proteomics, to review different methods for protein measurement, and to illustrate how knowledge of proteomics might improve patient care. Among common laboratory determinations are those involving enzymatic (protein) function. Although the presence or activity of proteins may be seen clinically as incidental, proteins represent the engines through which critical life processes ensue. A selected review of the literature is presented to define and explain proteomics and to review the various techniques to measure proteins. A case‐study approach is used to illustrate how proteomics can be utilized for detecting and monitoring disease. The human genome has been completely sequenced and proteomics has emerged as a way to unravel the biochemical and physiological mechanisms of diseases at the functional level. This review includes the recent discoveries regarding proteomics and its importance in the detection and treatment of disease.
Addressing the issue of e‐learning and online genetics for health professionals
Authors: Gresty Karen , Skirton Heather , Evenden Andrew
Published: February 2007

Abstract  Health‐care professionals need an appropriate genetics knowledge base to care for patients and their families. However, studies have indicated that nurses and midwives lack the requisite genetics knowledge to practice effectively and safely, with a paucity of resources to address their educational needs. This paper describes an action research study aimed at developing an online genetics resource for students and practitioners in a range of health professions. A literature review of current health‐care genetics education was undertaken. In the first phase of the action cycle, a sample of nurses and midwives were surveyed using a questionnaire to discover their perceived learning needs and the acceptability of an e‐learning approach. Using the findings, an online resource for health professionals was developed, by means of a life stage structure to expedite accessibility. The developmental process leading to the construction of clinical case studies in this resource (including theory, ethical, and practical issues) and the evaluation strategy are discussed.