bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of the removal of gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum) on nutrient cycles in Lake Apopka, Florida
Authors: SCHAUS M. H. , GODWIN W. , BATTOE L. , COVENEY M. , LOWE E. , ROTH R. , HAWKINS C. , VINDIGNI M. , WEINBERG C. , ZIMMERMAN A.
Published: June 2010

1. The St. Johns River Water Management District removed over 5.4 million kg of gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum) from Lake Apopka, FL during 1993–2005, as a means of reducing lake phosphorus and phytoplankton concentrations and improving water clarity. Other steps included reduction of external nutrient inputs and operation of a treatment wetland. We measured nutrient excretion by Lake Apopka gizzard shad to quantify the nutrient effect of this biomanipulation.

2. Both N and P excretion were significantly affected by fish body mass and temperature. Larger fish had lower mass‐specific rates of excretion than smaller fish.

3. High water temperature increased P excretion to a much greater extent than N, resulting in a low N : P of nutrient excretion in midsummer. The N : P of excretion was lower than has been observed in other systems, probably because of higher water temperature.

4. Removal of gizzard shad >200 g prevented the annual release of 45 800 kg N year−1 (3.46 kg N ha−1 year−1) and 7700 kg P year−1 (0.62 kg P ha−1 year−1) on average. The actual impact on the P cycle varied substantially from year to year (range 7900–78 800 kg N year−1; 1200–14 800 kg P year−1), primarily because of fluctuations in the catch.

5. On an annual basis, the P directly removed in fish tissues was similar to that removed by the treatment wetland. The P excretion prevented by the removal of fish was approximately 20% of the reduction in external P loading achieved during 1993–2005.

6. In the short term, most of the P demand of planktonic primary producers is met through recycling of P, which greatly exceeds external P loading. Depending on population biomass, phosphorus excretion by the resident gizzard shad population was similar in magnitude to the P release by diffusive flux from the sediments.
Effects of retrogressive permafrost thaw slumping on sediment chemistry and submerged macrophytes in Arctic tundra lakes
Authors: MESQUITA PATRÍCIA S. , WRONA FREDERICK J. , PROWSE TERRY D.
Published: June 2010

1. Global warming is predicted to cause changes in permafrost cover and stability in the Arctic. Zones of high ion concentration in regions of ice‐rich permafrost are a reservoir of chemicals that can potentially be transferred to fresh waters during thawing. Consequently, input of enriched runoff from the thaw and sediment and vegetation from the landscape could alter lakes by affecting their geochemistry and biological production.

2. Three undisturbed lakes and five lakes disturbed by retrogressive permafrost thaw slumps were sampled during late summer of 2006 to assess the potential effects of thermokarst shoreline slumping on water and sediment chemistry, the underwater light regime, and benthic macrophyte biomass and community structure.

3. Undisturbed lakes had sediments rich in organic material and selected micronutrients, while disturbed lakes had sediments richer in calcium, magnesium and strontium, greater transparency of the water column, and a well‐developed submerged macrophyte community.

4. It is postulated that enriched runoff chemistry may alter nutrient availability at the sediment–water interface and also the degradation of organic material, thus affecting lake transparency and submerged macrophytes. The results suggest that retrogressive permafrost slumping can significantly affect food webs in arctic tundra lakes through an increase in macrophyte biomass and development of a more complex benthic habitat.
Community structures of ammonia‐oxidising archaea and bacteria in high‐altitude lakes on the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: HU ANYI , YAO TANDONG , JIAO NIANZHI , LIU YONGQIN , YANG ZAO , LIU XIAOBO
Published: June 2010

1. Community structures of planktonic ammonia‐oxidising archaea (AOA) and bacteria (AOB) were investigated for five high‐altitude Tibetan lakes, which could be classified as freshwater, oligosaline or mesosaline, to develop a general view of the AOA and AOB in lakes on the Tibetan Plateau.

2. Based on PCR screening of the ammonia monooxygenase α‐subunit (amoA) gene, AOA were present in 14 out of 17 samples, whereas AOB were detected in only four samples. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that the AOB communities were dominated by a unique monophylogenetic lineage within Nitrosomonas, which may represent a novel cluster of AOB. AOA, on the other hand, were distinct among lakes with different salinities.

3. Multivariate statistical analyses indicated a heterogeneous distribution of the AOA communities among lakes largely caused by lake salinity, whereas the uniform chemical properties within lakes and their geographical isolation may favour relatively homogeneous AOA communities within lakes.

4. Our results suggest a wide occurrence of AOA in Tibetan lakes and provide the first evidence of salinity‐related differentiation of AOA community composition as well as potential geographical isolation of AOA in inland aquatic environments.
Temperature‐induced plasticity in egg size and resistance of eggs to temperature stress in a soil arthropod
Authors: Liefting Maartje , Weerenbeck Maarten , Van Dooremalen Coby , Ellers Jacintha
Published: June 2010

1. Temperature is considered one of the most important mediators of phenotypic plasticity in ectotherms, resulting in predictable changes in egg size. However, the fitness consequences of temperature‐induced plasticity in egg size are not well understood and are often assessed at mild temperatures, whereas in the field, extreme temperatures will occur.

2. In this study we investigated egg size plasticity and fitness‐linked traits of eggs in response to temperature in the springtailOrchesella cincta. Eggs were oviposited at two temperatures (16 and 20 °C), and transplanted to 10, 15 and 20 °C for rearing, or exposed to temperature shock (−6 and 38 °C) to measure survival, development rate and growth.

3. Eggs oviposited at 16 °C had a greater volume and dry weight than eggs oviposited at 20 °C but had similar lipid content. Eggs oviposited at 16 °C had high survival at all rearing temperatures, whereas survival of eggs oviposited at 20 °C declined at lower rearing temperatures and was significantly lower than survival of large eggs when reared at 10 and 15 °C. No difference in egg development rate was found between oviposition temperatures, although development rate increased with rearing temperature. Juveniles were 5–10% larger when hatching from eggs oviposited at 16 °C, independent of the temperature at which the eggs were reared.

4. Eggs oviposited at 16 °C were more resistant to thermal stress, as their survival after exposure to cold or heat shock was higher than survival of eggs oviposited at 20 °C. However, egg development rate of the eggs that survived temperature shock was not different from the control, independent of egg oviposition temperature.

5. Our results show that temperature‐induced plasticity inO. cinctaaffects fitness‐linked traits of offspring through increased hatchling size and increased thermal tolerance of eggs produced at lower temperatures.

6. The increased resistance to thermal stress ofO. cinctaeggs oviposited at lower temperatures may provide a protective strategy in uncertain thermal environments.
Patterns of NPP, GPP, respiration, and NEP during boreal forest succession
Authors: GOULDEN M. L. , MCMILLAN A. M. S. , WINSTON G. C. , ROCHA A. V. , MANIES K. L. , HARDEN J. W. , BOND‐LAMBERTY B. P.
Published: June 2010

We combined year‐round eddy covariance with biometry and biomass harvests along a chronosequence of boreal forest stands that were 1, 6, 15, 23, 40, ∼74, and ∼154 years old to understand how ecosystem production and carbon stocks change during recovery from stand‐replacing crown fire. Live biomass (Clive) was low in the 1‐ and 6‐year‐old stands, and increased following a logistic pattern to high levels in the 74‐ and 154‐year‐old stands. Carbon stocks in the forest floor (Cforest floor) and coarse woody debris (CCWD) were comparatively high in the 1‐year‐old stand, reduced in the 6‐ through 40‐year‐old stands, and highest in the 74‐ and 154‐year‐old stands. Total net primary production (TNPP) was reduced in the 1‐ and 6‐year‐old stands, highest in the 23‐ through 74‐year‐old stands and somewhat reduced in the 154‐year‐old stand. The NPP decline at the 154‐year‐old stand was related to increased autotrophic respiration rather than decreased gross primary production (GPP). Net ecosystem production (NEP), calculated by integrated eddy covariance, indicated the 1‐ and 6‐year‐old stands were losing carbon, the 15‐year‐old stand was gaining a small amount of carbon, the 23‐ and 74‐year‐old stands were gaining considerable carbon, and the 40‐ and 154‐year‐old stands were gaining modest amounts of carbon. The recovery from fire was rapid; a linear fit through the NEP observations at the 6‐ and 15‐year‐old stands indicated the transition from carbon source to sink occurred within 11–12 years. The NEP decline at the 154‐year‐old stand appears related to increased losses from Clive by tree mortality and possibly from Cforest floor by decomposition. Our findings support the idea that NPP, carbon production efficiency (NPP/GPP), NEP, and carbon storage efficiency (NEP/TNPP) all decrease in old boreal stands.
Lactobacillus acidophilus induces virus immune defence genes in murine dendritic cells by a Toll‐like receptor‐2‐dependent mechanism
Authors: Weiss Gudrun , Rasmussen Simon , Zeuthen Louise Hjerrild , Nielsen Birgit Nøhr , Jarmer Hanne , Jespersen Lene , Frøkiær Hanne
Published: June 2010

Lactobacilli are probiotics that, among other health‐promoting effects, have been ascribed immunostimulating and virus‐preventive properties. Certain Lactobacillus spp. have been shown to possess strong interleukin‐12 (IL‐12) ‐inducing properties. As IL‐12 production depends on the up‐regulation of type I interferons (IFNs), we hypothesized that the strong IL‐12‐inducing capacity of Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM in murine bone‐marrow‐derived dendritic cells (DCs) is caused by an up‐regulation of IFN‐β, which subsequently induces IL‐12 and the double‐stranded RNA binding Toll‐like receptor‐3 (TLR‐3). The expression of the genes encoding IFN‐β, TLR‐3, IL‐12 and IL‐10 in DCs upon stimulation with L. acidophilus NCFM was determined. Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM induced a much stronger expression of Ifn‐β, Il‐12 and Il‐10 compared with the synthetic double‐stranded RNA ligand Poly I:C, whereas the levels of expressed Tlr‐3 were similar. Whole genome microarray gene expression analysis revealed that other genes related to viral defence were significantly up‐regulated and among the strongest induced genes in DCs stimulated with L. acidophilus NCFM. The ability to induce IFN‐β was also detected in another L. acidophilus strain (X37), but was not a property of other probiotic strains tested, i.e. Bifidobacterium bifidum Z9 and Escherichia coli Nissle 1917. The IFN‐β expression was markedly reduced in TLR‐2−/− DCs, dependent on endocytosis, and the major cause of the induction of Il‐12 and Tlr‐3 in DCs stimulated with L. acidophilus NCFM. Collectively, our results reveal that certain lactobacilli trigger the expression of viral defence genes in DCs in a TLR‐2 manner dependent on IFN‐β.
In vivo astaxanthin treatment partially prevents antioxidant alterations in dental pulp from alloxan‐induced diabetic rats
Authors: Leite M. F. , De Lima A. , Massuyama M. M. , Otton R.
Published: June 2010

Leite MF, de Lima A, Massuyama MM, Otton R.
In vivo astaxanthin treatment partially prevents antioxidant alterations in dental pulp from alloxan‐induced diabetic rats. International Endodontic Journal, 43, 959–967, 2010.

Aim  To evaluate the effect of astaxanthin on antioxidant parameters of dental pulp from diabetic rats. The hypothesis tested was that supplementation of diabetic rats with astaxanthin might eliminate, or at least attenuate, the defect in their antioxidative status.

Methodology  Wistar rats (n = 32) were divided into four groups: untreated control, treated control, untreated diabetic and treated diabetic rats. A prophylactic dose of astaxanthin (20 mg kg−1 body weight) was administered daily by gavage for 30 days. On day 23, diabetes was induced by injection of alloxan (60 mg kg−1 body weight). After 7 days of diabetes induction, the rats were killed, and pulp tissue from incisor teeth removed. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and reductase activities were determined. Data were compared by anova and the Newman–Keuls test (P < 0.05).

Results  Diabetes caused a reduction in SOD, GPx and reductase activity in dental pulp tissue. Astaxanthin had no effect on SOD and catalase activities; however, it stimulated GPx in control and diabetic rats.

Conclusions  Diabetes altered the antioxidant system in dental pulp tissue; astaxanthin partially improved the diabetic complications.
Efficacy of syringe irrigation, RinsEndo® and passive ultrasonic irrigation in removing debris from irregularities in root canals with different apical sizes
Authors: Rödig T. , Sedghi M. , Konietschke F. , Lange K. , Ziebolz D. , Hülsmann M.
Published: June 2010

Rödig T, Sedghi M, Konietschke F, Lange K, Ziebolz D, Hülsmann M. Efficacy of syringe irrigation, RinsEndo® and passive ultrasonic irrigation in removing debris from irregularities in root canals with different apical sizes. International Endodontic Journal, 43, 581–589, 2010.

Aim  To compare of the efficacy of syringe irrigation, RinsEndo® (Dürr Dental, Bietigheim, Germany) and passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) in the removal of dentinal debris from simulated irregularities in root canals with different apical sizes.

Methodology  Thirty extracted human pre‐molars were randomly divided into three groups (n = 10) followed by root canal preparation with rotary FlexMaster® NiTi instruments (VDW, Munich, Germany) to size 30, 0.02 taper (group 1), size 40, 0.02 taper (group 2) or size 50, 0.02 taper (group 3). The teeth were split longitudinally, and a standard groove and three hemispherical‐shaped cavities were cut into the root canal halves. Grooves and cavities were filled with dentinal debris before each irrigation procedure and the root halves were reassembled. In all groups three different irrigation procedures were performed with 30 mL NaOCl (1%) and (i) syringe, (ii) RinsEndo® and (iii) PUI. The amount of remaining debris was evaluated under a microscope with 30× magnification and a four score system. The data were analysed with a non‐parametric analysis of covariance and multiple comparisons using the Tukey adjustment (P = 0.05).

Results  Passive ultrasonic irrigation removed debris significantly better from the artificial canal irregularities than RinsEndo® and syringe irrigation irrespective of the root canal diameter. Only in group 1 (30, 0.02 taper) the difference between PUI and RinsEndo® was not statistically significant (P = 0.99). RinsEndo® demonstrated significantly better results than syringe irrigation in all groups (P < 0.001).

Conclusions  Ultrasonic irrigation is more effective than syringe irrigation or RinsEndo® in removing debris from artificial extensions in straight root canals.
Panbiogeography of New Caledonia: a response to Heads (2008)
Authors: Murienne Jérôme
Published: June 2010

The definition of areas of endemism is one of the most important steps for historical biogeography. Here I review the dataset used by Heads (Journal of Biogeography, 2008, 35, 2153–2175) for his panbiogeographical analysis of the New Caledonian biota. I highlight that some of the distribution data appear dubious (some localities should have been included while some others should have been deleted) when compared with current databases. In addition, some conclusions are not supported by the data themselves.
New Caledonian biogeography: a reply to Murienne
Authors: Heads Michael
Published: June 2010

This note replies to criticisms raised by Murienne (Journal of Biogeography, 2010, doi:10.1111/j.1365‐2699.2010.02321.x). Herein it is argued that assuming distributions in New Caledonia are caused by current environmental factors overlooks the possible importance of regional tectonic history for the biogeography.
The accumulation of genetic diversity within a canopy‐stored seed bank
Authors: AYRE DAVID , O’BRIEN ELEANOR , OTTEWELL KYM , WHELAN ROB
Published: June 2010

Many plants regenerate after fire from a canopy‐stored seed bank, in which seed are housed in fire resistant confructescences (cones) that remain on maternal plants. This strategy would be favoured if plants accumulate a sufficiently large and genetically diverse seed bank during interfire intervals. We use a 16‐year demographic study and surveys of microsatellite variation to quantify and explain the rate of accumulation of genetic diversity within the canopy seed bank of the shrub Banksia spinulosa. Flowering and fruit set were highly variable. An initial sample in 1991 of 354 reproductively mature plants generated 426 cones over 16 years, of which only 55 cones from 40 maternal plants persisted until 2005. By genotyping seed from these 55 cones we demonstrated that genetic diversity accumulated rapidly within the seed bank. Resampling revealed that diversity was determined by the number, not the age, of cones. Cones were widely distributed among plants, outcrossing rates were high (mean tm = 1.00 ± 0.04) and biparental inbreeding low. Adults displayed little evidence of isolation by distance and the genotypic diversity of seed cohorts was independent of the density of neighbouring potential sires. We therefore estimate that within at least 13 individual years the number of cones produced per year (14–63) would have contained 100% of the adult genetic diversity. We conclude that a highly outcrossed mating system and relatively widespread pollen dispersal ensure the rapid development of a genetically diverse and spatially and temporally homogeneous seed bank.
Contrasted responses of Botrytis cinerea isolates developing on tomato plants grown under different nitrogen nutrition regimes
Authors: Lecompte F. , Abro M. A. , Nicot P. C.
Published: June 2010

The nutritional status of a plant is known to influence its susceptibility to pathogens. In the case of Botrytis cinerea, the role of nitrogen fertilization of various host plants on disease development appears to be variable. This study was carried out to characterize possible variability associated with isolates and inoculum density of B. cinerea in its ability to infect leaf‐pruning wounds and to develop stem lesions on tomato plants, as affected by the nitrogen input. Six isolates differing in their aggressiveness to tomato were compared. They all had similar reaction patterns in vitro in response to differential nitrogen levels. In tests on plants grown with contrasted regimes of nitrate fertilization, overall disease severity was lower for all isolates on plants with higher nitrogen inputs, regardless of inoculum concentration. However, differences among isolates were observed in the effect of plant nitrogen nutrition on infection and on lesion expansion. Disease onset was delayed on all plants with higher nitrogen inputs, but the response was greater for isolates with lower aggressiveness on tomato. The highest contrast among isolates was observed with the colonization of stems. The daily rate of stem lesion expansion decreased with increasing nitrogen fertilization levels for the more aggressive isolates, while it increased for the less aggressive isolate. Hypotheses to explain these results are discussed in light of the possible physiological effects of nitrogen fertilization on nutrient availability for the pathogen in the host tissue and of possible production of defence metabolites by the plant.
Morphological Quality of Oocytes and Blood Plasma Metabolites in Repeat Breeding and Early Lactation Dairy Cows
Authors: Kurykin J , Waldmann A , Tiirats T , Kaart T , Jaakma Ü
Published: June 2010

Contents

The objectives of the study were to evaluate the morphological quality of oocytes in repeat breeder and early lactation cows and to determine the possible associations between the quality of oocytes and a range of blood metabolites. Oocyte quality and a range of metabolites were compared between 29 repeat breeder and 13 early lactation cows. The yield of oocytes from the repeat breeders was lower than that from the early lactation cows (4.4 ± 0.2 vs 5.4 ± 0.6, p < 0.05). Percentages of abnormal oocytes for the repeat breeders and the early lactation cows were 52.5% and 37.9%, respectively (p < 0.001). An excess of abnormal oocytes to normal was found in 55.2% of the studied repeat breeders (65.8% vs 34.2%, p < 0.05). Total protein, glucose and aspartate aminotransferase did not differ (p > 0.05) between the repeat breeders with an excess of abnormal oocytes (81 ± 1.0 g/l, 3.5 ± 1.0 mmol/l and 68.5 ± 3.7 U/l), those with the prevalence of normal oocytes (84 ± 1.0 g/l, 3.6 ± 0.1 mmol/l and 73.2 ± 3.5 U/l) and the early lactation cows (83 ± 2.0 g/l, 3.7 ± 0.1 mmol/l and 74.5 ± 3.6 U/I). The repeat breeders with an excess of abnormal oocytes had higher (p < 0.05) urea (5.2 ± 0.2 mmol/l) level than in those with the prevalence of normal oocytes (4.8 ± 0.2 mmol/l) and the early lactation cows (4.7 ± 0.2 mmol/l). A trend for higher total cholesterol and lactate dehydrogenase activity was found in the repeat breeders with an excess of abnormal oocytes. In conclusion, it is suggested that possible causes of repeat breeding in dairy cows may include impaired oocytes. An excess of abnormal oocytes in the repeat breeder cows was associated with elevated blood plasma levels of urea.
Assessment of neonatal resuscitation performance using video recording in a perinatal centre
Authors: Gelbart Ben , Hiscock Richard , Barfield Charles
Published: June 2010

Aim:  To assess the quality of neonatal resuscitation using video recordings in a perinatal centre.

Methods:  Video recording was performed during high‐risk deliveries between August 2007 and January 2008. Video recordings of neonatal resuscitations were assessed using a scoring tool previously used to assess resuscitation performance. Qualitative assessments and observations of team function and technical aspects of management were also recorded. Apgar scores documented in the Medical History and those derived from the video record were compared.

Results:  Twenty video recordings of neonatal resuscitations were assessed. Of the assessed domains; invasive ventilation and administration of surfactant were performed best with median scores of 100%. Performed least well were preparation and initial steps as well as the assessment and communication of heart rate (HR); 69% and 75%, respectively. Apgar scores were overestimated by a median value of 2 points at both 1 and 5 min (P < 0.001). Errors during resuscitation included inadequate oropharyngeal suction, aggressive stimulation, poor communication of heart rate and inadequate non‐invasive ventilation. Failure to detect deterioration was also observed.

Conclusion:  Video recording identified strengths and weaknesses in the performance of neonatal resuscitation and can facilitate targeted education and quality assurance programmes.
Antibiotic susceptibility patterns of Staphylococcus aureus isolates from Australian children
Authors: Wolf Joshua , Daley Andrew J , Tilse Martyn H , Nimmo Graeme R , Bell Sydney , Howell Alison J , Keil Anthony D , Lawrence Andrew , Curtis Nigel
Published: June 2010

Aim:  Staphylococcus aureus is an important cause of serious illness in children. Antibiotic resistance is an international problem and affects initial antibiotic choice. We aimed to describe susceptibility patterns of S. aureus isolates from Australian children to inform optimal empiric treatment of staphylococcal infections in this population.

Methods:  We analysed susceptibility data for all S. aureus isolates from children at Australian tertiary paediatric hospitals in 2006. Susceptibility rates were compared between hospitals and states, and with published studies of S. aureus isolates from Australian adults.

Results:  Overall, the proportion of methicillin‐resistant S. aureus (MRSA) in Australian children was low (9.8%), and in each state it was less than for the comparable adult population. There were significant differences in susceptibility patterns between different states. Most MRSA isolates were susceptible to clindamycin (73%) and all isolates were reported as susceptible to vancomycin. Susceptibility patterns for isolates from bacteraemic patients were similar to those for isolates from all patients.

Conclusions:  These data support current Australian recommendations for the use of flucloxacillin or a first‐generation cephalosporin as initial treatment of non‐life‐threatening staphylococcal infections. However, broad spectrum antibiotic therapy including agents that are effective against MRSA should be considered for more serious infections. Appropriate specimens should be collected for susceptibility testing to enable directed treatment for MRSA and other resistant organisms. This study highlights the importance of using local, age‐specific data in planning antibiotic treatment guidelines, as results vary substantially from city to city and between adults and children.
Content analysis of food advertising in Turkish television
Authors: Guran Tulay , Turan Serap , Akcay Teoman , Degirmenci Fatih , Avci Okan , Asan Abdulkerim , Erdil Emre , Majid Abdulaziz , Bereket Abdullah
Published: June 2010

Aim:  Television (TV) viewing has been implicated in children's weight gain. We aimed to conduct a comprehensive content analysis of TV food advertising in Turkey.

Methods:  TV advertisements (ads) in the four most popular national free to air Turkish TV channels, were assessed on two weekdays and two weekend days at four time periods of the day; 0800–1200,1200–1600,1600–2000 and 2000–2400 h for each TV channel (64 h assessed for each TV channel), making a total of 256 h. Each ad was analysed for food and drink content, duration and audiovisual properties.

Results:  There were 8853 TV ads and 2848 of these were related to food (32.1%). A majority of food ads included high‐calorie, high‐fat, high‐sugar food and drink rather than core/healthy foods (81%). Chocolate and chocolate bars were the most frequently advertised food/drink product, followed by cakes, coffee, tea, candies, gum, fast food, chips, juices/carbonated beverages, margarine and ice‐cream formed the highest rate of food products advertised in decreasing order. Thirty per cent of all obesogenic/unhealthy ads targeted childhood by using audiovisual techniques. The proportion of total advertisements which were for food or drink, and the proportion of food advertisements that were for unhealthy foods were both much higher at the weekend (33% vs. 30% and 84% vs. 78%, respectively). The time period between 1600 and 2000 h was the most concentrated time slot (33%) for food advertising.

Conclusions:  This study provides data for the first time on the high levels of obesogenic food advertising on Turkish TV. This should alarm policy‐makers to set limits on food advertising targeted towards children especially in countries like Turkey in which childhood obesity is emerging as an important public health issue.
Assessing development of urban Aboriginal infants
Authors: Bennett Beverley , McDonald Jenny , Knight Jennifer , Comino Elizabeth , Henry Richard
Published: June 2010

Aims:  To determine the appropriateness of using the Griffiths' Mental Developmental Scales (birth – 2 years) to assess development in a cohort of urban Aboriginal children at 12 months of age.

Methods:  The Gudaga study is a prospective longitudinal cohort study assessing the health, development and service use of urban Aboriginal infants residing in south west Sydney. All infants receive a full heath and development assessment (including the Griffiths' Mental Developmental Scales) when they are 12 months of age. This study analyses the results of the first 55 infants.

Results:  The distribution of the General Quotient for the first 55 Gudaga infants is normal with a mean of 98.5 (SD 10.5). There is no significant difference between the Gudaga cohort and the Griffiths' standardisation sample for locomotor, personal‐social, hearing and language, and eye and hand coordination sub‐quotient scores.

Conclusion:  The Griffiths' Mental Developmental Scales may be an appropriate tool to use for the assessment of development in urban Aboriginal infants.
A case of vaginal clear cell adenocarcinoma complicated with congenital anomalies of the genitourinary tract and metanephric remnant without prenatal diethylstilbestrol exposure
Authors: Uehara Takashi , Onda Takashi , Sasajima Yuko , Sawada Morio , Kasamatsu Takahiro
Published: June 2010

Vaginal clear cell adenocarcinoma (CCA) is well known to be associated with prenatal diethylstilbestrol exposure. We present a vaginal CCA with congenital anomalies of the genitourinary tract without prenatal diethylstilbestrol exposure. A 54‐year‐old woman complained of a 3‐month history of genital bleeding. The examination revealed CCA at the anterior vagina and congenital anomalies. An anterior pelvic exenteration was performed. Macroscopically, bicornuate uterus, vaginal septum and left ureteral agenesis were found. Microscopically, vaginal CCA coexisted with adenosis and both metanephric and mesonephric remnants. The vaginal CCA was supposed to derive from coexisting adenosis. The adenosis was also supposed to occur as a congenital basis, together with genitourinary tract anomalies. Relations between congenital anomalies of the genitourinary tract and vaginal adenocarcinoma were suspected, resultantly.
Neovagina constructed with the peritoneum of the anterior abdominal wall
Authors: Gu Yongzhong , Zhang Xiangning , Kong Beihua , Yu Yunhai
Published: June 2010

Objective:  To describe the successful construction of a neovagina with the peritoneum from the anterior abdominal wall for six hypermicrosomic patients diagnosed with Rokitansky syndrome.

Material & Methods:  A neovagina was created using peritoneum from the anterior abdominal wall.

Results:  The mean depth of the neovaginas was 11 cm and the diameter was 2.5 cm. The mucosa of the neovaginas was pinkish and had a moist surface. No intraoperative or postoperative complications were observed. The patients enjoyed sexual activity after the operation.

Conclusions:  The application of the peritoneum from the anterior abdominal wall for the hypermicrosomic patient diagnosed with Rokitansky syndrome has the advantage of providing sufficient length for the creation of a neovagina.
Ultrasonographic evaluation of endometrial changes using computer assisted image analysis
Authors: Chou Szu‐Yuan , Chen Chih‐Yen , Chow Pui‐Ki , Hsu Chun‐Sen , Hsu Ming‐I , Chiang Huihua Kenny
Published: June 2010

Aim: To examine the usefulness of a gray scale histogram and computer assisted image analysis software in assessing physiologic states of the endometrium with ultrasonography.

Methods: Seventy patients at the Taipei Medical University‐Wan Fang Hospital who matched eligibility criteria were categorized into one of three groups: (i) normal menstrual cycle, (ii) postmenopausal, and (iii) post incomplete abortion. Ultrasonography of the uterus was performed on each patient and the endometrium was analyzed with ImageJ image analysis software.

Results: A statistically significant difference in signal intensity scores of the gray level histogram, represented asmj, was found between the groups.

Conclusion: Ultrasonographic images analyzed using computer assisted image analysis software and gray level histogram are useful in assessing the physiological state of the endometrium.
Four‐dimensional volume‐rendered imaging of the fetal ventricular outflow tracts and great arteries using inversion mode for detection of congenital heart disease
Authors: Hata Toshiyuki , Tanaka Hirokazu , Noguchi Junko , Dai Shu‐Yan , Yamaguchi Mika , Yanagihara Toshihiro
Published: June 2010

Aim:  Using four‐dimensional (4D) sonography with an inversion mode, we evaluated fetal ventricular outflow tracts and great vessels for the detection of congenital heart disease.

Methods:  Volume datasets of the fetal heart were acquired with spatiotemporal image correlation (STIC), which uses automated transverse and longitudinal sweeps of the anterior chest wall. A total of 12 normal fetuses and seven fetuses with congenital heart disease (one case of double‐outlet right ventricle, one case of tetralogy of Fallot, one case of transposition of the great arteries, one case of hypoplastic pulmonary artery with a large ventricular septal defect, and three cases of hypoplastic left heart syndrome) at 16–37 weeks of gestation were studied using transabdominal 4D sonography with an inversion mode. 4D inversion mode images of great arteries were evaluated.

Results:  4D ultrasound with an inversion mode demonstrated real‐time 3D angiographic features of fetal cardiac outflow tracts in both normal and abnormal fetal hearts. This modality facilitated visualization of the relationships, size, and course of the outflow tracts, thus helping the examiner to more effectively understand the spatial relationships between the vessels. In normal fetal hearts, it was clearly shown that the pulmonary artery crosses in front of the aorta. In the three cases of hypoplastic left heart syndrome, an extremely small ascending aorta was evident. In the one case of tetralogy of Fallot, a relatively small pulmonary artery was noted. In the one case of hypoplastic pulmonary artery with a large ventricular septal defect, a markedly small main pulmonary artery was depicted. In the case of transposition of the great arteries, the vessels left the ventricles parallel to each other. In the case of double‐outlet right ventricle, great arteries leaving the right ventricle in parallel were shown.

Conclusion:  4D ultrasound in the inversion mode provides a means of evaluating fetal cardiac outflow tracts in 3D in real time. This technique may assist in the evaluation of spatial relationships between the great vessels and both ventricles, and the difference in the size of great vessels. Moreover, the inversion mode images should be more readily discernible than those obtained by conventional ultrasonography. 4D ultrasound in the inversion mode may be an important modality in future fetal cardiac research and in the evaluation of fetal congenital heart disease.
Correlation of p53 and Ki‐67 (MIB‐1) expressions with clinicopathological features and prognosis of early stage cervical squamous cell carcinomas
Authors: Hanprasertpong Jitti , Tungsinmunkong Kobkul , Chichareon Saibua , Wootipoom Virach , Geater Alan , Buhachat Rakchai , Boonyapipat Sathana
Published: June 2010

Aim:  To evaluate the prognostic significance of the expression of p53 and Ki‐67, and their correlation with various clinicopathological factors in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix treated by radical hysterectomy.

Methods:  Two hundred and thirty five patients diagnosed between 1987 and 2004 were investigated for p53 and Ki‐67 expression by immunohistochemistry. The relationship of these proteins and other potential prognostic factors with recurrence‐free survival (RFS) was evaluated.

Results:  The mean age of the patients was 43.9 years (range, 27–68). There were 28 cases with stage IA2 (11.9%) and 207 cases with stage IB1 (88.1%). The overall 5‐year RFS was 91.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] 86.0, 94.4). p53 and Ki‐67 expressions were seen in 33.6% and 81.3% of cases, respectively. p53 expression was significantly associated only with parametrial or marginal involvement (P = 0.005), while Ki‐67 expression significantly correlated only with larger tumor (P = 0.011) and parametrial or marginal involvement (P = 0.024). There was significant correlation between the expression of p53 and Ki‐67 (P = 0.021). In multivariate analysis, Ki‐67 expression (hazard ratio for ≥3rd vs 1st tertile [≥30% vs <20% expression] = 16.0, 95%CI 2.1–124.5; P = 0.0015) appeared to be an independent prognostic factor for RFS, while no prognostic significance of p53 expression was found.

Conclusion:  Ki‐67 expression is an independent prognostic parameter for RFS in patients with early stage squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix. Ki‐67 expression at or above the cut‐off point of 30.0% had significantly poorer RFS.
Evaluation of intravaginal misoprostol for medical management of pregnancies less than 20 weeks of gestation with absent cardiac activity
Authors: Kochhar Puneet K. , Gandhi Gauri , Batra Swaraj , Zutshi Vijay
Published: June 2010

Aim:  To assess the efficacy and side‐effects of misoprostol (800 µg used intravaginally) for terminating non‐viable pregnancies up to 20 weeks of gestation.

Methods:  Sixty five patients with non‐viable pregnancies up to 20 weeks of gestation were given 800 µg misoprostol intravaginally on day 1. A second dose of 800 µg was repeated after 24 h if complete abortion was not attained with one dose. Primary outcome measure was success (defined as complete abortion in 48 h without surgical intervention). Duration and amount of blood loss, fall in hemoglobin, and other side‐effects (pain, vomiting, diarrhea, fever and chills) were studied as secondary outcome measures.

Results:  73.8% of our patients had a gestational age ≤12 weeks (group A) and 26.2% had a gestational age between 12 and 20 weeks (group B). Success rate after one dose was 66.1% and rose to 84.6% after the second dose. Success rate was higher with increasing gestation (81.2% in group A vs 94.1% in group B). Mean induction abortion interval was 18.8 ± 11.6 h in group A and 10.8 ± 6.2 h in group B. Mean duration of bleeding was 9.4 ± 2.3 days. Average blood loss was 134.9 ± 113.2 mL. No patient required blood transfusion. Mean fall in hemoglobin was 0.56 ± 0.48 g/dL. Most patients had mild pain. Only 6.2% had severe pain requiring injectable narcotic analgesics. Other side‐effects were minimal. Patients who failed to abort completely with misoprostol underwent surgical evacuation.

Conclusion:  800 µg vaginal misoprostol is an effective regimen for termination of non‐viable pregnancies <20 weeks of gestation. It has minimal side‐effects and avoids surgical intervention.
Recurrent urinary stress incontinence: An overview
Authors: Ashok Kiran , Wang Alex
Published: June 2010

Aim:  We review the literature regarding recurrent urinary stress incontinence (USI) following various anti‐incontinence procedures and analyze possible risk factors for failure of different anti‐incontinence procedures. Management options for recurrent USI and future trends are also covered.

Methods:  A PubMed search was undertaken for English language literature using the MeSH terms ‘stress urinary incontinence’, ‘recurrence’, ‘treatment’, and ‘failure’. Literature from the year 2001 to 2010 was selected. We only selected those studies including randomized control trials, meta‐analysis, and prospective and retrospective cohort studies for this review. Studies are analyzed on the basis of their methodical quality and time of follow‐up.

Results:  In spite of the wide spectrum of options available, treatment of USI fails in 10–20% of patients. Management of such recurrent USI is technically challenging to the surgeon and a frustrating problem for the patient.

Conclusion:  TVT may be used as a high priority in patients with recurrent USI with encouraging success. For refractory USI, more advanced procedures, like periurethral bulking agents, adjustable continence therapy system, spiral sling systems remain a viable option.
Reliability analysis of universal joint of a compliant platform
Authors: ZAHEER M. M. , ISLAM N.
Published: June 2010

The paper describes a methodology for computation of fatigue reliability of universal joint in an articulated offshore tower. Failure criteria were formulated using the conventional Palmgren‐Miner rule (S‐N curve approach) and the fracture mechanics (F‐M) principle. The dynamic analysis of double hinged articulated tower under wind and waves is carried out in time domain. The response histories of hinge shear stresses are employed for the reliability analysis. Advanced first‐order reliability method and Monte Carlo simulation method were used to estimate the reliability. Various parametric studies were carried out, which yield important information for the reliability based design. The S‐N curve approach yields a significantly conservative estimate of probability of failure when compared to the F‐M approach.
Parasitic growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in co‐culture with the chitinolytic bacterium Aeromonas hydrophila
Authors: Jagmann Nina , Brachvogel Hans‐Philipp , Philipp Bodo
Published: June 2010

Polymer‐degrading bacteria face exploitation by opportunistic bacteria that grow with the degradation products without investing energy into production of extracellular hydrolytic enzymes. This scenario was investigated with a co‐culture of Aeromonas hydrophila and Pseudomonas aeruginosa with chitin as carbon, nitrogen and energy source. In single cultures, A. hydrophila could grow with chitin, while P. aeruginosa could not. Co‐cultures with both strains had a biphasic course. In the first phase, P. aeruginosa grew along with A. hydrophila without affecting it. The second phase was initiated by a rapid inactivation of and a massive acetate release by A. hydrophila. Both processes coincided and were dependent on quorum sensing‐regulated production of secondary metabolites by P. aeruginosa. Among these the redox‐active phenazine compound pyocyanin caused the release of acetate by A. hydrophila by blocking the citric acid cycle through inhibition of aconitase. Thus, A. hydrophila was forced into an incomplete oxidation of chitin with acetate as end‐product, which supported substantial growth of P. aeruginosa in the second phase of the co‐culture. In conclusion, P. aeruginosa could profit from a substrate that was originally not bioavailable to it by influencing the metabolism and viability of A. hydrophila in a parasitic way.
Genetic investigation in an Italian child with an unusual association of atrial septal defect, attributable to a new familial GATA4 gene mutation, and neonatal diabetes due to pancreatic agenesis
Authors: D’Amato E. , Giacopelli F. , Giannattasio A. , D’Annunzio G. , Bocciardi R. , Musso M. , Lorini R. , Ravazzolo R.
Published: June 2010

Diabet. Med. 27, 1195–1200 (2010)

Aims  Permanent neonatal diabetes is a rare condition affecting 1 in 300 000–400 000 live births; only in 60% of cases it is possible to identify the genetic defect. The condition of pancreatic agenesis is rarer still. Only two genes are known to determine this phenotype: PDX‐1 and PTF1A. Congenital heart defects are among the most common developmental anomalies, affecting 1% of newborns, and the GATA4 gene is less frequently involved in these disorders. An Italian child with pancreatic agenesis and an atrial septal defect was genetically investigated to elucidate whether the association of the two pathologies was casual, or represented a new pancreatic/cardiac syndrome.

Methods  A panel of pancreas development genes, including GCK, Kir6.2, PTF1A, PDX‐1, HNF‐1A, NgN3, SOX17, SOX7, SOX9, INS, HNF1‐B and SUR1 plus the GATA4 gene, were screened for characterization of pancreatic agenesis and cardiac defect.

Results  Screening for genes causing permanent neonatal diabetes was negative. A novel mutation in GATA4 (c1512C>T) was detected and functional characterization confirmed a reduced activity of the protein. In the family members, the GATA4 mutation co‐segregates with a cardiac phenotype, but not with pancreatic agenesis.

Conclusions  We describe the first report of pancretic agenesis with an associated cardiac defect and a mutation in the GATA4 gene. We could not establish that the GATA4 mutation was causative for pancreatic agenesis and further genetic investigation to detect the genetic cause of the pancreas agenesis was unsuccessful. We conclude that, the two pathologies are attributable to two independent events.
The high prevalence of malnutrition in elderly diabetic patients: implications for anti‐diabetic drug treatments
Authors: Vischer U. M. , Perrenoud L. , Genet C. , Ardigo S. , Registe‐Rameau Y. , Herrmann F. R.
Published: June 2010

Diabet. Med. 27, 918–924 (2010)

Background  Type 2 diabetes usually occurs in the context of obesity and associated insulin resistance. Current treatment recommendations are based on lifestyle modifications and incremental drug therapy. However, this approach could lead to inappropriate priorities upon ageing, when diabetes may be compounded by malnutrition and reduced insulin resistance.

Methods  We prospectively evaluated glycaemic and nutritional parameters in 146 consecutive diabetic patients (age 82.5 ± 7.3 years, mean ± sd) admitted to our geriatric service. We also implemented nutritional support therapy and a drug therapy adjustment protocol. Oral hypoglycaemic agent withdrawal was attempted in cases of good glycaemic control (HbA1c < 7.5% (<47mmol/mol) or fasting blood glucose < 7.5 mmol/l).

Results  Mean BMI and HbA1c were 29.6 ± 7.1 kg/m2 and 6.9 ± 1.2% (52 ± 9 mmol/mol), respectively. Of the patients, 51.4% were taking 1–3 oral hypoglycaemic agents, 30.8% were on insulin and 9.6% on were on insulin and oral hypoglycaemic therapy. Low Mini Nutritional Assessment scores and serum marker levels indicated a high prevalence of malnutrition and/or chronic disease, even in obese patients. Mini Nutritional Assessment scores were positively associated with HbA1c values. Among patients treated by oral hypoglycaemic agents, complete drug withdrawal was achieved in 65.8%, much more often than new treatments were added (P = 0.002). Glycaemic control did not worsen after approximately 30 days, despite in‐hospital nutritional therapy. Successful oral hypoglycaemic therapy withdrawal was associated with lower Mini Nutritional Assessment scores.

Conclusions  Malnutrition is highly prevalent in elderly diabetic inpatients and, paradoxically, contributes to ‘good’ glycaemic control. Malnutrition should be screened for in these patients and, when present, should prompt a revision in diet and drug therapy. In particular, the possibility of reducing unnecessary drug therapy should be considered.
Wages, prices, and living standards in China, 1738–1925: in comparison with Europe, Japan, and India
Authors: ALLEN ROBERT C. , BASSINO JEAN‐PASCAL , MA DEBIN , MOLL‐MURATA CHRISTINE , VAN ZANDEN JAN LUITEN
Published: June 2010

This article develops data on the history of wages and prices in Beijing, Canton, and Suzhou/Shanghai in China from the eighteenth century to the twentieth, and compares them with leading cities in Europe, Japan, and India in terms of nominal wages, the cost of living, and the standard of living. In the eighteenth century, the real income of building workers in Asia was similar to that of workers in the backward parts of Europe but far behind that in the leading economies in north‐western Europe. Real wages stagnated in China in the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries and rose slowly in the late nineteenth and early twentieth, with little cumulative change for 200 years. The income disparities of the early twentieth century were due to long‐run stagnation in China combined with industrialization in Japan and Europe.