bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combination of apex locator and endodontic motor for continuous length control during root canal treatment
Authors: Altenburger M. J. , Çenik Y. , Schirrmeister J. F. , Wrbas K.‐T. , Hellwig E.
Published: February 2009

Aim  To compare ex vivo an experimental setup consisting of an electronic apex locator (EAL) and endodontic motor with an established product (Tri Auto ZX) for accuracy of length control during root canal treatment with three different types of files.

Methodology  An experimental setup consisting of porous spongy material and an electrolyte was used. Sixty anterior teeth were randomly assigned to six groups. Access cavities were prepared. During root canal treatment, constant length monitoring was performed either with the Tri Auto ZX or the Raypex®5 apex locator attached to an endodontic motor (Endo IT professional) using ProTaper, Mtwo or FlexMaster files. After root canal preparation the distances between file tip and major apical foramen and file tip and minor apical foramen were measured using a microscope and analysed using two‐way anova to evaluate the accuracy of the two systems.

Results  Distances between the file tip and the major apical foramen were not significantly different between the file systems and the two EALs. In cases treated with FlexMaster significantly larger distances between file tip and minor apical foramen were found compared to Mtwo and ProTaper. No significant differences were observed between the two EALs. After preparation of the root canals with the Tri Auto ZX, multiple minor apical foramina were mechanically widened.

Conclusion  With the limitation of this laboratory study the combination of EAL and endodontic motor was as accurate as the Tri Auto ZX system in terms of length control during root canal preparation.
Effect of osmotic dehydration on the drying kinetics and quality of cashew apple
Authors: Azoubel Patricia Moreira , El‐Aouar Ânoar Abbas , Tonon Renata Valeriano , Kurozawa Louise Emy , Antonio Graziella Colato , Murr Fernanda Elizabeth Xidieh , Park Kil Jin
Published: February 2009

The effect of different osmotic pretreatments on cashew apple drying kinetics and product quality were investigated. The osmotic pretreatment was carried out in an incubator at constant temperature and agitation. The drying process was conducted in a fixed bed dryer at different temperatures and constant air velocity. Experimental data were fitted successfully using the Page and the two‐term exponential models for dried fresh and pretreated fruit, respectively. It was found that drying rates of osmosed fruits decreased owing to the presence of infused solutes. Evaluation of the final product was performed by means of ascorbic acid content, water activity and sensorial test. The osmotic pretreated samples showed the highest vitamin C losses and the lowest water activity. The samples pretreated in sucrose solution had the highest acceptance.
Bran characteristics and wheat performance in whole wheat bread
Authors: Seyer Marie‐Ève , Gélinas Pierre
Published: February 2009

The effect of the composition and physical properties of bran from four wheat samples from different cultivars was determined in whole wheat bread. High specific volume of whole wheat bread was correlated (r2 = 0.8275) with strong mechanical properties (low friability) of the bran of wheat cultivars, as determined by sizing (over 425 μm) of bran particles after grinding with a rotor mill. Fibre content and composition of insoluble fibre (hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin) in the bran fraction had a non‐significant (P > 0.05) effect on the performance of wheat cultivars in whole wheat bread. Water absorption of bran was correlated (r2 = 0.9532) with its insoluble fibre content. Based on data obtained with white flour, it was not possible to estimate the baking potential of wheat cultivars in whole wheat bread.
Antioxidant activity of phytogenous industrial waste and derived extracts for the production of feed and food additives
Authors: Stockhammer Sylvia , Stolze Klaus , Rohr‐Udilova Nataliya , Chizzola Remigius , Zitterl‐Eglseer Karin , Franz Chlodwig
Published: February 2009

Organic wastes as well as their ethanolic, water and heptane extracts and fermented products derived from herbs, fruit and vegetables obtained worldwide from food and pharmaceutical industries were investigated regarding their antioxidant activities using different methods [1.1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl, FeIII‐reduction method and photochemiluminescence (PCL)]. The highest antioxidative activities were exhibited by different products of grape seed wastes (350–830 mg rosmarinic acid equivalent g−1 dried material = rae g−1 dm) followed by ethanolic extracts of blueberry (475 mg rae g−1 dm), larch (219 mg rae g−1 dm), willow (193 mg rae g−1 dm) and sunflower presscake (154 mg rae g−1 dm). Ethanolic extracts of the residues showed comparatively higher activity than water extracts. The least antioxidative capacities were found in heptane extracts of serenoa products (0.4; 0.6 mg rae g−1 dm) and fermented waste of carrots (1.6 mg rae g−1 dm). Correlating different assay methods, the strongest correlation was found between FeIII‐reduction and DPPH‐method (correlation coefficient r2 = 0.99**) and the weakest between FeIII‐reduction and PCL method (r2 = 0.57**) for raw materials.
Usefulness of near infrared spectroscopy to monitor the extent of heat treatment in fish meal
Authors: Cozzolino Daniel , Chree Allison , Murray Ian , Scaife Jeff R.
Published: February 2009

The objective of this study was to explore the use of near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and chemometrics to monitor the degree of heat treatment of fish meal. Six batches of fish meal (approximately 500 g) were split in sub‐samples of 50 g and heated at constant temperature (60 ± 5 °C) for different periods of time (15 and 30 min, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 48 and 72 h) in a force air oven and scanned in the NIR region (1100–2500 nm) in a monochromator instrument in reflectance. Principal component analysis (PCA), stepwise discriminant analysis (SLDA) and partial least square regression (PLS) models were used to interpret, classify and predict the extent to heat treatment in fish meal samples. The SLDA models correctly classified 80% and 100% of fish meal samples belonging to the untreated fish meal and after 4, 5 and 6 h of heat treatment. However, samples heated for 30 min, 1, 2 and 3 h yield poor classification rates (less than 50%). This study demonstrated the potential ability of NIR spectroscopy to predict and classify the extent of heat treatment during the production of fish meal. However, further research must carry out in order to validate the NIR calibrations to predict the degree of heat treatment in fish meal expose to a shorter time.
Preconditioning treatment maintains taste characteristic perception of ripe ‘September Sun’ peach following cold storage
Authors: Infante Rodrigo , Meneses Claudio , Crisosto Carlos H.
Published: February 2009

Preconditioning is a thermal treatment that consists in maintaining stone fruits immediately after harvest and prior to cold storage at 20 °C for 24–48 h in special chambers aimed to extend fruit market life reducing chilling injury symptoms. This work investigates whether preconditioned ‘September Sun’ peaches had better eating quality than control fruit. Commercially harvested peaches were preconditioned and transferred to cold storage for 12, 26 and 40 days and evaluated for sensory characteristic perception after a ripening period at 20 °C. Acceptability of preconditioned fruit was higher than control fruit during this 40‐day cold‐storage period. Preconditioned and control fruit were also segregated into two clusters by PCA analysis; preconditioned fruit clustered together and show association to acceptability, sweetness and juiciness, while the second cluster was associated with flesh texture, acidity and aroma, suggesting the positive effect of preconditioning on final fruit quality. Preconditioned fruit maintained their sensory characteristics longer than control fruit during this 40‐day cold‐storage period.
Antioxidant properties of raw and cooked spears of green asparagus cultivars
Authors: Fanasca Simone , Rouphael Youssef , Venneria Eugenia , Azzini Elena , Durazzo Alessandra , Maiani Giuseppe
Published: February 2009

This study was conducted to evaluate the antioxidant properties, including phenolics, ascorbic acid and carotenoids of four green asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) spears cultivars (UC 157, AM 822, Gijnlim, and Grande) grown under greenhouse conditions and to asses their changes during cooking process. The highest spear production of category ‘extra’ and ‘first’ was recorded on ‘UC 157’, whereas the higher production of “second” class spears was recorded on ‘UC 157’ and ‘Gijnlim’. The Grande cultivar has provided a higher total phenol, quercetin, rutin and lutein + zeaxantin contents in comparison to ‘UC 157’, ‘Gjinlim’ and ‘AM 822’ cultivars. The results also indicate that the effect of cooking process was significant and more pronounced than the effect of cultivars. The cooking process increased the antioxidant activity, total phenols, quercetin, rutin, β‐carotene and lutein + zeaxantin contents by, 16%, 23%, 98%, 32%, 24% and 25%, respectively, but decreased the total ascorbic acid content by 52%.
Non‐lethal entanglement of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in fishing gear in northern Southeast Alaska
Authors: Neilson Janet L. , Straley Janice M. , Gabriele Christine M. , Hills Susan
Published: February 2009

Aim  Entanglement in fishing gear is recognized as a potentially significant source of serious injury and mortality for humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in some parts of their range. In recent years, the number of humpback whales reported to have been entangled in Alaska has increased. In 2003–04 we quantified the prevalence of non‐lethal entanglements of humpback whales in northern Southeast Alaska (SEAK) with the ultimate goal of informing management discussions of the entanglement issue for the Central North Pacific stock of humpback whales.

Location  The near‐shore waters of northern Southeast Alaska.

Methods  We photographed individual humpback whales’ caudal peduncles as they dived and then examined the photographs for scars indicative of a previous entanglement.

Results  The percentage of whales assessed to have been non‐lethally entangled at some time in their lives ranged from 52% (minimal estimate) to 71% (conditional estimate) to 78% (maximal estimate). Of these, the conditional estimate is recommended because it is based solely on unambiguous scars. Eight per cent of the whales in one portion of the study area (Glacier Bay/Icy Strait) acquired new entanglement scars between 2003 and 2004, although the sample size was small. Calves were less likely than older whales to have entanglement scars, and males may be at higher risk than females. Whales with more photographs and/or photographic coverage may be more likely to be assessed as having been entangled than whales with fewer photographs and/or coverage.

Main conclusions  Caudal peduncle scars reveal that the majority of humpback whales in northern SEAK have been entangled. Comparison with statistics on reported entanglements suggests that most whales apparently shed the gear on their own, unless humans are disentangling whales much more often than is reported. While cumulative estimates of the percentage of whales with entanglement scars (e.g. the conditional estimate) provide useful baseline information, future efforts should focus on monitoring the annual rate of entanglement scar acquisition as a more powerful measure of contemporary entanglement rates. Our findings indicate that entanglement of humpback whales in fishing gear in SEAK is a management issue warranting increased attention. A proactive approach is needed to address the problem and to identify and implement preventive measures.
Mediterranean diversification of the grass‐feeding Anisopliina beetles (Scarabaeidae, Rutelinae, Anomalini) as inferred by bootstrap‐averaged dispersal–vicariance analysis
Authors: Micó Estefanía , Sanmartín Isabel , Galante Eduardo
Published: February 2009

Aim  The circum‐Mediterranean region is one of the most complex regions of the Earth in terms of geography and natural history. The Old World species of the beetle subtribe Anisopliina (Scarabaeidae) feed almost exclusively on the pollen of grasses (Poaceae). Within this group, the ‘anisopliine clade’ forms a monophyletic group distributed mainly in the circum‐Mediterranean region. Here, we reconstruct the biogeographical history of the anisopliine beetles in relation to the diversification of grasses, and compare this reconstruction with previous hypotheses concerning the evolution of the Mediterranean fauna and with palaeogeographical accounts of the history of this region.

Location  The Mediterranean region, including North Africa, the Western Mediterranean, Balkans–Anatolia, Middle East and Caucasus.

Methods  Dispersal–vicariance analysis (diva) was used to reconstruct ancestral distributions based on the morphological phylogeny and to infer the biogeographical processes that have shaped the observed distribution patterns. To account for phylogenetic uncertainty in the biogeographical reconstruction, we ran alternative ancestral distributions derived by diva over a sample of trees obtained by bootstrapping the original data set, reflecting the relative confidence of the ancestral areas on the various clades in the phylogeny.

Results  The Eastern Mediterranean region and the Caucasus are inferred as the ancestral area of most of the anisopliine lineages. The Eastern Mediterranean region is also reconstructed as the source area of the majority of dispersal events, in particular towards North Africa and the Western Mediterranean. The Iberian Peninsula is inferred as part of the ancestral distribution of the anisopliine clade but also as the setting of several independent colonization events via both the North African platform (Anthoplia) and a European dispersal route (Anisoplia).

Main conclusions  Our results confirm the role played by the Eastern Mediterranean as an evolutionary cradle of diversity for Mediterranean lineages. This can be explained by a recent and intense orogenic activity that might have promoted isolation and allopatric speciation within lineages. Both the Anomalini fossil record and the close association of anisopliine beetles with grasses suggest that the anisopliine clade originated in the Late Tertiary and that its spatial and temporal evolution within the Mediterranean Basin coincided with that of its major food source, the Mediterranean Poaceae.
Likelihood ratios of clinical, laboratory and image data of pancreatic cancer: Bayesian approach
Authors: De Icaza Esteban , López‐Cervantes Malaquías , Arredondo Armando , Robles‐Díaz Guillermo
Published: February 2009

Purpose  The diagnosis of pancreatic cancer (PC) is most frequently established in advanced stages. The aim of this study is to estimate the likelihood ratios (LRs) of diagnostic data with regards to PC that could be used to approach an earlier diagnosis.

Methods  A case–control study of 300 patients – 150 histological diagnosed cases of PC and 150 age‐matched controls hospitalized for study of jaundice, abdominal pain, weight loss and/or chronic pancreatitis – was conducted. Bayesian probabilities in the form of LRs were estimated for PC predictions.

Results  Probability of PC was associated with jaundice [odds ratio (OR) 2.89; confidence interval (CI) 1.71–4.85], glycemic disturbance (OR 5.64; CI 2.36–13.46), tobacco index >20 (OR 2.11; CI 1.08–4.09) and tumour marker CA 19‐9 (OR 9.33; CI 1.36–63.95). Computed tomography showed the highest test performance with regards to PC when comparing with other diagnostic tests. LRs for variables relevant to PC were estimated, among the most relevant: jaundice LR + 1.92, CA 19‐9 LR + 5.36 and computed tomography LR + 4.15. The prediction model with an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography at a tertiary referral hospital determined a 67% probability of detecting PC.

Conclusions  Through a Bayesian approach we can combine clinical, laboratory and imaging data to approximate to an earlier diagnosis of PC.
Willingness to pay for a hearing aid: comparing the payment scale and open‐ended question
Authors: Grutters Janneke P. C. , Anteunis Lucien J. C. , Chenault Michelene N. , Joore Manuela A.
Published: February 2009

Rationale & objectives Different question formats elicit different willingness‐to‐pay (WTP) results, but there is no consensus on which method elicits the most valid WTP. In spite of the methodological controversies, WTP is a potentially valuable tool in health economics to value health services. Our general objective was to provide additional evidence on the validity of two WTP elicitation formats: the open‐ended question and the payment scale.

Methods We elicited WTP for a hearing aid among hearing aid users (n = 108), using both a payment scale and an open‐ended question. We compared the results from both formats. We tested criterion validity by comparing both formats with the actual out‐of‐pocket payment. Construct validity was tested by examining whether WTP was consistent with positive income elasticity.

Results The WTP results elicited with the payment scale and open‐ended question were not statistically significantly different. Both formats showed good criterion validity, although the open‐ended question showed a stronger association with the actual out‐of‐pocket payment. The open‐ended format showed better construct validity, as it was influenced by family income.

Conclusion The results of the present study showed that the open‐ended question was more valid than the payment scale question. We, therefore, recommend that in future WTP studies on hearing aids the open‐ended question is used to directly elicit WTP values. The same recommendation may apply to other studies where respondents are familiar with costs or payments for the intervention under evaluation.
Validation of a prioritization tool for patients on the waiting list for total hip and knee replacements
Authors: Escobar Antonio , González Marta , Quintana José Ma , Bilbao Amaia , Ibañez Berta
Published: February 2009

Rationale and aims  Total hip and knee replacements, usually, have long waiting lists. There are several prioritization tools for these kind of patients. A new tool should undergo a standardized validation process. The aim of the present study was to validate a new prioritization tool for primary hip and knee replacements.

Methods  We carried out a prospective study. Consecutive patients placed on the waiting list were eligible for the study. Patients included were mailed a questionnaire which included, among other questions, the seven items of the priority tool and the Western Ontario and McMasters Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) specific questionnaire. The priority tool gives a score from 0 to 100 points, and three categories (urgent, preferent and ordinary). We studied the content and construct validity. We used Student's t‐test or one‐way analysis of variance. Correlational analysis was used to evaluate convergent and discriminate validity.

Results  The sample consisted of 838 patients (62.3% were female), with mean age of 70.2 years (SD 8.4). A total of 55.5% patients underwent knee replacement. Given that the tool was elaborated by patients and orthopaedic surgeons, it shows a good content validity. The priority score was statistically different (P < 0.001) among the three urgency categories created. The scores of the three WOMAC dimensions showed differences (P < 0.001) by the three urgency categories created. The correlations between the priority score and WOMAC dimensions were 0.79 (function), 0.69 (pain) and 0.51 (stiffness). The correlations between WOMAC items and items from priority tool were greater (0.47–0.69) between items measuring similar constructs than those measuring different constructs (0.27–0.49). These data are similar in both joints.

Conclusions  Results support the validity of the prioritization tool to be used with patients waiting for hip or knee replacement.
Chronic kidney disease: appropriateness of therapeutic management and associated factors in the AVENIR study
Authors: Thilly Nathalie , Boini Stéphanie , Kessler Michèle , Briançon Serge , Frimat Luc
Published: February 2009

Rationale, aims and objectives  The nephrology literature contains little information about the global patterns of medication used in the management of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study aims to evaluate the appropriateness of nephrological therapeutic management of CKD patients compared with current guidelines and to investigate associations between patient characteristics and the quality of therapeutic management.

Methods  All adult CKD patients who were starting dialysis in Lorraine (France) between 1 January 2005 and 31 December 2006 and who had been referred to a nephrologist no less than 1 month previously were enrolled. Demographic, clinical, biological and therapeutic data were collected retrospectively from medical records covering the period from the first nephrology consultation to initiation of dialysis. Outcomes of interest were the appropriateness of the therapeutic management of five aspects of CKD: hypertension/proteinuria, anaemia, bone disease, metabolic acidosis and dyslipidemia. Therapeutic care was given a global rating (high, moderate or poor), depending on the number of aspects being managed appropriately. Relationships between the global rating and demographic and clinical characteristics of patients were explored.

Results  During predialysis nephrology follow‐up, 93.1% of the 420 patients enrolled were receiving antihypertensive therapy; 67.1% were taking a renin‐angiotensin system inhibitor. Other prescriptions included: erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents (67.4%), iron (48.3%), phosphate binders (38.1%), vitamin D (21.1%), bicarbonates (15.5%) and statins (36.2%). Hypertension/proteinuria was managed appropriately in 72.4% of cases, anaemia in 56.2%, bone disease in 16.7%, metabolic acidosis in 60.2% and dyslipidemia in 61.4%. The global quality of care was high in 22.1% of cases, moderate in 65.7% and poor in 12.2%. After adjustment, the more nephrology consultations a patient had before dialysis, the higher the quality of his or her care.

Conclusion  The quality of therapeutic care delivered to CKD patients in nephrology setting was suboptimal when assessed in terms of adherence to guidelines.
Expanding roles in orthopaedic care: a comparison of physiotherapist and orthopaedic surgeon recommendations for triage
Authors: MacKay Crystal , Davis Aileen M , Mahomed Nizar , Badley Elizabeth M
Published: February 2009

Rationale, aims and objectives  Innovative service delivery models are emerging using physiotherapists in the assessment and management of patients referred for orthopaedic consultation. The primary objective of this study was to compare the clinical recommendations of specially trained physiotherapists with those of an orthopaedic surgeon on: (1) appropriateness to be seen by an orthopaedic surgeon; and (2) candidacy and willingness to undergo total joint replacement (TJR) for patients with hip or knee problems. A secondary objective was to examine their recommendations for non‐surgical management and agreement on clinical diagnosis.

Methods  Physiotherapists and orthopaedic surgeons independently assessed patients with hip and knee problems referred for consideration for TJR and completed a standardized form on treatment recommendations. Agreement between providers was determined using the kappa coefficient and per cent agreement.

Results  Two physiotherapists and three orthopaedic surgeons participated in the study that included 45 and 17 patients with knee and hip problems respectively. In 91.8% (56/61) of cases, physiotherapists and orthopaedic surgeons agreed on the recommendation of appropriateness for the patient to see a surgeon (kappa 0.69). In discordant cases, the physiotherapists tended to refer for consultation. There was 85.5% (53/62) agreement on whether a patient was a candidate and willing to have TJR (kappa 0.70). The physiotherapists commonly recommended exercise and education for non‐surgical patients. Orthopaedic surgeons most commonly referred patients to rehabilitation services.

Conclusions  Patients with hip or knee pain referred to orthopaedic surgeons can be appropriately referred for orthopaedic consultation by physiotherapists working in extended roles. Further research is required to evaluate the value‐added and the most appropriate use of extended role physiotherapists.
Fluoxetine and imipramine: are there differences in cost‐utility for depression in primary care?
Authors: Serrano‐Blanco Antoni , Suárez David , Pinto‐Meza Alejandra , Peñarrubia Maria T. , Haro Josep Maria ,   DAPGA Group (Depressió en Atenció Primària de Gavà)
Published: February 2009

Rationale Depressive disorders generate severe personal burden and high economic costs. Cost‐utility analyses of the different therapeutical options are crucial to policy‐makers and clinicians. Previous cost‐utility studies, comparing selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants, have used modelling techniques or have not included indirect costs in the economic analyses.

Objective To determine the cost‐utility of fluoxetine compared with imipramine for treating depressive disorders in primary care.

Methods A 6‐month randomized prospective naturalistic study comparing fluoxetine with imipramine was conducted in three primary care centres in Spain. One hundred and three patients requiring antidepressant treatment for a DSM‐IV depressive disorder were included in the study. Patients were randomized either to fluoxetine (53 patients) or to imipramine (50 patients) treatment. Patients were treated with antidepressants according to their general practitioner's usual clinical practice. Outcome measures were the quality of life tariff of the European Quality of Life Questionnaire: EuroQoL‐5D (five domains), direct costs, indirect costs and total costs. Subjects were evaluated at the beginning of treatment and after 1, 3 and 6 months. Incremental cost‐utility ratios (ICUR) were obtained. To address uncertainty in the ICUR's sampling distribution, non‐parametric bootstrapping was carried out.

Results Taking into account adjusted total costs and incremental quality of life gained, imipramine dominated fluoxetine with 81.5% of the bootstrap replications in the dominance quadrant.

Conclusion Imipramine seems to be a better cost‐utility antidepressant option for treating depressive disorders in primary care.
The Manitoba arthroplasty waiting list: impact on health‐related quality of life and initiatives to remedy the problem
Authors: Mascarenhas Randy
Published: February 2009

Rationale  With the aging population, arthritis of the hip and knee is increasing exponentially. While total joint replacement of the hip and knee have been proven to provide excellent outcomes for this debilitating clinical entity, the demand in Canada has grown to such an extent that there are thousands of people suffering on wait lists across the country. There have been numerous recent studies focusing on the effects that waiting have on patient post‐operative subjective and objective clinical outcomes.

Aims and Objectives  This commentary attempts to provide a review of the relevant data on the impact that waiting has on the health related quality of life of these patients. Additionally, the hip and knee arthroplasty wait list in Manitoba is illustrated to provide an example of interventions that have helped to combat a potential crisis situation in the province.

Methods  The literature on the impact of waiting times on health‐related quality of life in hip and knee arthroplasty patients is reviewed. The example of the Manitoba arthroplasty waiting list is then provided to illustrate potential measures that can be implemented to decrease waiting times.

Results  The literature shows that health‐related quality of life declines as patients wait for surgery. The interventions that the province of Manitoba has implemented in the last seven years seem to be reducing waiting times and the number of patients on the waiting list.

Conclusions  The framework used in Manitoba may serve as an example for other provinces and potentially countries that find themselves faced with the same problem. However, more measures are required to build on the positive results encountered with these initial successes.
Comprehensive longitudinal analysis of hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐specific T cell responses during acute HCV infection in the presence of existing HIV‐1 infection
Authors: Van Den Berg C. H. S. B. , Ruys T. A. , Nanlohy N. M. , Geerlings S. E. , Van Der Meer J. T. , Mulder J.‐W. , Lange J. A. , Van Baarle D.
Published: February 2009

Summary.  The aim of this study was to study the development of HCV‐specific T cell immunity during acute HCV infection in the presence of an existing HIV‐1 infection in four HIV‐1 infected men having sex with men. A comprehensive analysis of HCV‐specific T cell responses was performed at two time points during acute HCV infection using a T cell expansion assay with overlapping peptide pools spanning the entire HCV genome Three patients with (near) normal CD4+ T cell counts (range 400–970 × 106/L) either resolved (n = 1) or temporary suppressed HCV RNA. In contrast, one patient with low CD4+ T cell counts (330 × 106/L), had sustained high HCV RNA levels. All four patients had low HCV‐specific CD8+ T cell responses, and similar magnitudes of CD4+ T cell responses. Interestingly, individuals with resolved infection or temporary suppression of HCV‐RNA had HCV‐specific CD4+ T cell responses predominantly against nonstructural (NS) proteins. While the individual with high HCV RNA plasma concentrations had CD4+ T cell responses predominantly directed against Core. Our data show that an acute HCV infection in an HIV‐1 infected person can be suppressed in the presence of HCV‐specific CD4+ T cell response targeting non‐structural proteins. However further research is needed in a larger group of patients to evaluate the role of HIV‐1 on HCV‐specific T cell responses in relation to outcome of acute HCV infection.
Regulatory T cells and viral liver disease
Authors: Alatrakchi Nadia , Koziel Margaret
Published: February 2009

Summary.  Important questions remain on the role of T cells in progression of hepatitis virus‐mediated liver pathogenesis: are T cells ‘Good or Bad’? How could one maintain a beneficial balance, in which regulatory T‐cell (Treg) populations might play an important role? Treg are a heterogeneous population of cells, including the classical CD4+CD25+ subset expressing the transcription factor Foxp3, CD4 T cells secreting IL‐10 (Tr1) or TGF‐β (Th3), but also some CD8 T cells, double negative T cells and γδ T cells. The role of Treg in viral hepatitis, particularly HBV and HCV, seems to range from suppressing T‐cell responses directed against hepatitis viruses to down‐regulating the immune responses causing the liver damage. Questions also remain unresolved on which Treg populations are important and how to establish a beneficial balance, mostly due to the difficulties in studying the heterogeneous Treg populations but also due to the problem accessing liver, the principal target of hepatitis viruses. Here, we will review progress to date on understanding Treg populations in regard to viral hepatitis.
Competence of the housefly,Musca domestica, as a vector ofMicrosporum canisunder experimental conditions
Authors: CAFARCHIA C. , LIA R. P. , ROMITO D. , OTRANTO D.
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe role ofMusca domesticaLinnaeus as a vector of the dermatophyteMicrosporum caniswas investigated under experimental laboratory conditions. About 400 4‐day‐oldM. domesticaflies were divided into two groups. Group A consisted of about 200 infected flies and group B comprised about 200 uninfected flies that were used as controls. Each trial was run three times. Flies from group A were fed for 24 h with a solution of ultra‐high temperature‐treated (UHT) milk containing about 106colony‐forming units (CFU) per mL ofM. canis(infected milk inoculum [IMI]). The control group (group B) was fed with only UHT milk spiked with a teaspoon of honey.Microsporum canis was detected from faeces, vomitus, external surfaces and internal organs of 20 adult flies, eggs, first‐, second‐ and third‐stage (L1, L2, L3) larvae and pupae of each group, as well from 20 adult newly emerged flies (NEFs; from infected generations only). Samples were collected at 2, 4, 6 and 24 h post‐infection (p.i.) (i.e. the times at which IMI was available) and on 2, 5, 7 and 8 days p.i. from adult flies, faeces and vomitus. Eggs, L1, L2, L3 and pupae were processed as soon as they appeared. Equivalent samples were taken from group B. All the samples were individually cultured.Microsporum caniswas not isolated from the control group, from eggs, larvae, pupae or NEFs, or from faeces and vomitus, although it was detected on the body surface (26.2%) and internal organs (26.9%) of adult flies. The highest positivity forM. caniswas detected on flies within the first 6 h p.i. (i.e. 57.2% on the body surface and 71.6% in the internal organs). NoM. caniswas isolated at 24 h p.i., but it was isolated from the body surface only at 2 and 5 days p.i. The results presented provide evidence thatM. domesticatransmitsM. canismechanically with its outer body surface for up to 5 days p.i., but does not do so through its vomitus and faeces or transovarially. The role played byM. domesticain the epidemiology of human and animal dermatophytoses is discussed.
The auditory system of last instars in Gryllus bimaculatus DeGeer
Authors: STAUDACHER ERICH M.
Published: February 2009

Abstract Aspects of the auditory development of Gryllus bimaculatus are compared with those of other Orthopterans and Mantodea. Auditory receptor cell branching patterns and first‐order auditory interneurones of last‐instar crickets are morphologically very similar to adult cells; auditory thresholds are 30–45 dB higher in last instars than in adults; the ears of most ultimate nymphs lack directionality; and the tympana of last instars are not set apart clearly from the surrounding cuticle, are still thick, backed by a thick layer of epithelium, and lack microtrichia. Thus, the development of the auditory system from last‐instar to adult shows close similarities between G. bimaculatus and Teleogryllus commodus but not to other Orthopteran or Mantid species. This supports the hypothesis that the pattern of post‐embryonic development of the auditory system in crickets differs significantly from that in other Orthopterans and in Mantodea.
Prolamellar bodies formed by cyanobacterial protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase in Arabidopsis
Authors: Masuda Shinji , Ikeda Rei , Masuda Tatsuru , Hashimoto Haruki , Tsuchiya Tohru , Kojima Hiroko , Nomata Jiro , Fujita Yuichi , Mimuro Mamoru , Ohta Hiroyuki , Takamiya Ken‐ichiro
Published: February 2009

In angiosperms, chlorophyll biosynthesis is light dependent. A key factor in this process is protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase (POR), which requires light to catalyze the reduction of protochlorophyllide to chlorophyllide. It is believed that this protein originated from an ancient cyanobacterial enzyme that was introduced into proto‐plant cells during the primary symbiosis. Here we report that PORs from the cyanobacteria Gloeobacter violaceus PCC7421 and Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 function in plastids. First, we found that the G. violaceus POR shows a higher affinity to its substrate protochlorophyllide than the Synechocystis POR but a similar affinity to plant PORs. Secondly, the reduced size of prolamellar bodies caused by a knockdown mutation of one of the POR genes, PORA, in Arabidopsis could be complemented by heterologous expression of the cyanobacterial PORs. Photoactive protochlorophyllide in the etioplasts of the complementing lines, however, was retained at a low level as in the parent PORA knockdown mutant, indicating that the observed formation of prolamellar bodies was irrelevant to the assembly of photoactive protochlorophyllide. This work reveals a new view on the formation of prolamellar bodies and provides new clues about the function of POR in the etioplast–chloroplast transition.
Stress‐induced changes in the Arabidopsis thaliana transcriptome analyzed using whole‐genome tiling arrays
Authors: Zeller Georg , Henz Stefan R. , Widmer Christian K. , Sachsenberg Timo , Rätsch Gunnar , Weigel Detlef , Laubinger Sascha
Published: February 2009

The responses of plants to abiotic stresses are accompanied by massive changes in transcriptome composition. To provide a comprehensive view of stress‐induced changes in the Arabidopsis thaliana transcriptome, we have used whole‐genome tiling arrays to analyze the effects of salt, osmotic, cold and heat stress as well as application of the hormone abscisic acid (ABA), an important mediator of stress responses. Among annotated genes in the reference strain Columbia we have found many stress‐responsive genes, including several transcription factor genes as well as pseudogenes and transposons that have been missed in previous analyses with standard expression arrays. In addition, we report hundreds of newly identified, stress‐induced transcribed regions. These often overlap with known, annotated genes. The results are accessible through the Arabidopsis thaliana Tiling Array Express (At‐TAX) homepage, which provides convenient tools for displaying expression values of annotated genes, as well as visualization of unannotated transcribed regions along each chromosome.
TRPV1‐mediated itch in seasonal allergic rhinitis
Authors: Alenmyr L. , Högestätt E. D. , Zygmunt P. M. , Greiff L.
Published: February 2009

Background:  Patients with allergic rhinitis may be abnormally sensitive to stimulation of the ion channel transient receptor potential vanilloid‐1 (TRPV1).

Aim of the study:  To examine effects of various TRP ion channel activators on sensory symptoms in allergic rhinitis prior to and during seasonal allergen exposure.

Methods:  Nasal challenges were carried out with the TRPV1‐activators capsaicin, anandamide and olvanil. Moreover, challenges were performed with mustard oil (allylisothiocyanate) and cinnamaldehyde as well as menthol, activators of TRPA1 and TRPM8, respectively. Nasal symptoms were monitored after each challenge and compared with symptoms reported following corresponding sham challenges. Symptoms recorded after challenge prior to pollen season were also compared with challenge‐induced symptoms during pollen season.

Results:  The TRPV1, TRPA1 and TRPM8‐activators produced sensory symptoms dominated by pain and smart. During seasonal allergen exposure, but not prior to season, TRPV1‐activators also induced itch. Furthermore, the seasonal challenge to the TRPV1‐activator olvanil was associated with rhinorrhoea.

Conclusion:  Patients with allergic rhinitis feature an increased itch response to TRPV1 stimulation at seasonal allergen exposure. We suggest that this reflects part of the hyperresponsiveness that characterizes on‐going allergic rhinitis. Intervention with the TRPV1‐signalling pathway may offer potential treatments of this condition.
Increased metal allergy in patients with failed metal‐on‐metal hip arthroplasty and peri‐implant T‐lymphocytic inflammation
Authors: Thomas P. , Braathen L. R. , Dörig M. , Auböck J. , Nestle F. , Werfel T. , Willert H. G.
Published: February 2009

Background:  In 16 patients with revised metal‐on‐metal arthroplasty and peri‐implant lymphocytic inflammation, we verified the role of metal hypersensitivity by patch testing (PT) and lymphocyte transformation test (LTT).

Methods:  In the 16 patients with lymphocyte dominated periprosthetic inflammation, allergy history was obtained by a questionnaire, specific serum IgE to aeroallergens was measured to assess atopy, PT to standard and metal series was performed and metal sensitivity was further assessed by LTT using blood mononuclear cells.

Results:  Revision surgery was performed because of pain (8/16), osteolysis (4/16), dislocation (3/16) and loosening of the stem (1/16). Histological examination showed perivascular infiltrates of T lymphocytes, high endothelial venules, fibrin exudation and accumulation of macrophages with drop‐like inclusions. Five patients had a history of cutaneous metal allergy and atopy was found in 25% of the patients. In 13/16 patients (81%), systemic metal sensitivity was found based on PT and/or LTT. Patch test reactions were seen in 11/16 patients (69%; partly multiple reactions/patient): 7/16 to Cobalt (Co), 7/16 to Chromium (Cr), 4/16 to Nickel (Ni), and one each to Molybdenum (Mo) and Manganese (Mn). Ten of 16 patients (62%) showed enhanced LTT reactivity to metals: 7/16 to Ni, 7/16 to Co, 5/16 to Cr, 5/16 to Mo and 4/16 to Mn.

Conclusions:  The lymphocyte dominated peri‐implant inflammation may well reflect an allergic hyper‐reactivity in these patients, given the high rate of concomitantly found metal allergy. Despite the overall incidence of metal implant allergy being low, allergic reactions should be included as differential diagnosis in failed metal‐on‐metal arthroplasty.
Intractable ascites without mechanical vascular obstruction after orthotopic liver transplantation: etiology and clinical outcome of sinusoidal obstruction syndrome
Authors: Kitajima Kumiko , Vaillant Jean‐Christophe , Charlotte Frédéric , Eyraud Daniel , Hannoun Laurent
Published: February 2009

Kitajima K, Vaillant J‐C, Charlotte F, Eyraud D, Hannoun L. Intractable ascites without mechanical vascular obstruction after orthotopic liver transplantation: etiology and clinical outcome of sinusoidal obstruction syndrome. Clin Transplant 2010: 24: 139–148. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract: Intractable ascites after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is a relatively rare complication. However, it often takes a life threatening course, which requires re‐transplantation. In previous studies, several reports gave hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS) as one of the causes of refractory ascites. However, the detailed etiology of SOS after OLT and its association with clinical consequences remain unclear because there have been few studies to date. We report two recent cases with rapidly progressive refractory ascites associated with SOS, following completely different clinical courses. In case 1, the first episode of acute allograft rejection triggered SOS and subsequent intractable ascites, while the second acute rejection worsened his clinical status. A transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent‐shunt (TIPS) was placed and this procedure resulted in complete disappearance of ascites and of renal dysfunction. In contrast, refractory ascites in case 2, who had neither rejection nor mechanical outlet obstruction, worsened despite TIPS stent placement, and re‐transplantation was necessary. We speculate that the pre‐existing diseased liver of the cadaver donor caused this serious complication, necessitating a second graft.
Procedure‐related pain among adult patients with hematologic malignancies
Authors: LIDÉN Y. , LANDGREN O. , ARNÉR S. , SJÖLUND K.‐F. , JOHANSSON E.
Published: February 2009

Background: Cancer patients undergo numerous invasive diagnostic procedures. However, there are only sparse data on the characteristics and determinants for procedure‐related pain among adult cancer patients.

Methods: In this prospective study, we evaluated the characteristics and determinants of procedure‐related pain in 235 consecutive hematologic patients (M/F:126/109; median age 62 years, range 20–89 years) undergoing a bone marrow aspiration/biopsy (BMA) under local anesthesia. Questionnaires were used to assess patients before‐, 10 min and 1–7 days post BMA. Using logistic regression models, we calculated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results: 165/235 (70%) patients reported pain during BMA; 92 (56%), 53 (32%) and 5 (3%) of these indicated moderate [visual analogue scale (VAS)≥30 mm], severe (VAS>54 mm) and worst possible pain (VAS=100 mm), respectively. On multivariate analyses, pre‐existing pain (OR=2.60 95% CI 1.26–5.36), anxiety about the diagnostic outcome of BMA (OR=3.17 95% CI 1.54–6.52), anxiety about needle‐insertion (OR=2.49 95% CI 1.22–5.10) and low employment status (sick‐leave/unemployed) (OR=3.14 95% CI 1.31–7.55) were independently associated with an increased risk of pain during BMA. At follow‐up 10 min after BMA, 40/235 (17%) patients reported pain. At 1, 3, 6 and 7 days post BMA, pain was present in 137 (64%), 90 (42%), 43 (20%) and 25 (12%) patients, respectively.

Conclusions: We found that 3/4 of hematologic patients who underwent BMA reported procedural pain; one third of these patients indicated severe pain. Pre‐existing pain, anxiety about the diagnostic outcome of BMA or needle‐insertion, and low employment status were independent risk factors.
Hemodynamic changes during vaginal delivery in a parturient with no labor pain
Authors: LANGESÆTER E.
Published: February 2009

This is the case of a 35‐year‐old woman who had an induction for vaginal delivery because of severe pre‐eclampsia. This case demonstrates the hemodynamic changes during the second stage of labor in a patient with epidural analgesia and complete pain relief during delivery.
Intracerebral monitoring in comatose patients treated with hypothermia after a cardiac arrest
Authors: NORDMARK J. , RUBERTSSON S. , MÖRTBERG E. , NILSSON P. , ENBLAD P.
Published: February 2009

Background: Induced mild hypothermia (32–34 °C) has proven to reduce ischemic brain injury and improve outcome after a cardiac arrest (CA). The aim of this investigation was to study the occurrence of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) and neurochemical metabolic changes indicating cerebral ischemia, after CA and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), when induced hypothermia was applied.

Methods: ICP, brain chemistry and brain temperature were monitored during induced hypothermia and re‐warming in four adult unconscious patients with restoration of spontaneous circulation after CA and CPR.

Results: ICP was occasionally above 20 mmHg. Neurochemical changes indicating cerebral ischemia (increased lactate/pyruvate ratio) and excitoxicity (increased glutamate) were found after CA, and signs of ischemia were also observed during the re‐warming phase. A biphasic increase in glycerol was seen, which may have been a result of both membrane degradation and overspill from the general circulation.

Conclusions: Intracerebral microdialysis and ICP monitoring may be used in selected patients not requiring anticoagulants and PCI to obtain information regarding the common disturbances of intracranial dynamics after CA. The results of this study underline the importance of inducing hypothermia quickly after CA and emphasize the need for developing tools for guidance of the re‐warming.
Four new species of Rhodophyceae from Fiji, Polynesia and Vanuatu, South Pacific
Authors: N'Yeurt Antoine D. R. , Payri Claude E.
Published: February 2009

Four new species of Rhodophyceae are described from the South Pacific, with type localities in Fiji, French Polynesia and Vanuatu. Chondria bullata from the Tuamotus (French Polynesia), Vanuatu, Palmerston Atoll (Cook Islands) and Fiji is unique owing to its non‐constricted axes with markedly protruding, bubble‐like cortical cells. Halymenia nukuhivensis, from the Marquesas Islands in French Polynesia, is distinguished from others in the genus by its dichotomous, papery blades issued from a strap‐shaped basal region, and the equal proportion of anti‐clinal, periclinal and oblique filaments in its medullary layer. Jania articulata, so far known only from the Tuamotus in French Polynesia and Manihiki in the Northern Cook Islands, superficially resembles the genus Amphiroa with its articulated branches with numerous genicula between successive dichotomies, and its large axis diameter. Meristotheca peltata from the Fiji Islands is unique among the genus by its distinctly peltate, erect habit. The recent high number of newly described species from the South Pacific region emphasizes the need for more in‐depth surveys, particularly in deeper outer reef slope habitats, which remain for the most part unexplored and could yield particularly interesting new taxa or distributional records.