bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Current health issues and management strategies for white pines in the western United States and Canada
Authors: Schwandt J. W. , Lockman I. B. , Kliejunas J. T. , Muir J. A.
Published: September 2010

The introduced pathogenCronartium ribicola, cause of white pine blister rust, has spread across much of western North America and established known infestations within all but one species of white pine endemic to western Canada and the United States. Blister rust damage to severely diseased trees reduces reproduction and survival. Severe losses in white pine populations have resulted in site conversions to other species and seriously impacted resource values for timber, wildlife, watershed, recreation, aesthetic and other ecosystem services. In addition to blister rust, other major forest health threats and challenges to sustaining or restoring white pine populations are infestations of other pathogens, insects, fire, management practices that favour other tree species, and climatic change. Recent, large‐scale outbreaks of mountain pine beetle have raised concerns for the viability of some white pine populations. In the 1960s, forest disease management for western white pine and sugar pine shifted fromRibeseradication to planting seedlings selected for better survival and resistance to blister rust. Seed orchards for producing improved white pines have been established, but deployment of that improved stock is hampered by a lack of planting opportunities. The inheritance and mechanisms of resistance are best known for western white pine and sugar pine; but new work is extending an understanding of genetics to all the western species of white pine. Current management efforts are focused on locating and protecting individual trees resistant to blister rust and assessing their disease resistance and other adaptive traits. In response to the threats from blister rust, the strategic goal is to sustain or restore viable white pine populations in western forest ecosystems. The four action components of the strategy are: (1) conserve genetic resistance toC. ribicola; (2) reduce the risk of adverse impact in stands currently uninfested; (3) restore and maintain white pines where blister rust is causing impacts and (4) assess and monitor the health and management of white pines. Successful implementation requires long‐term support for coordinated efforts of management and research agencies, forest industry and an informed public.
Biology and pathology ofRibesand their implications for management of white pine blister rust
Authors: Zambino P. J.
Published: September 2010

Ribes(currants and gooseberries) are telial hosts for the introduced and invasive white pine blister rust fungus,Cronartium ribicola. Knowledge of wild and introducedRibeshelps us understand the epidemiology of blister rust on its aecial hosts, white pines, and develop disease control and management strategies.Ribesdiffer by species in their contribution to initial establishment and subsequent intensification of blister rust. Their significance to pine infection depends on their inherent capacities to become infected and support spore production, their abundance and environmental interactions.Ribesand white pines are adapted to disturbance and frequently co‐occur in forest and woodland ecosystems. Differences in light and moisture requirements affect how long various species ofRibesoccupy a site. Natural or artificial selection increases rust resistance in white pines,Ribes, and other host genera; but selection also affects virulence and aggressiveness ofC. ribicola. Blister rust pathosystems evolve. Local pathosystems wherein the rust and its hosts coexist with reduced damage could arise by several processes.
Silvicultural management of white pines in western North America
Authors: Zeglen S. , Pronos J. , Merler H.
Published: September 2010

Since the introduction prior to 1915 of white pine blister rust (Cronartium ribicola) into the forests of western North America, many populations of native white pine species have seriously declined. Because western white pine (Pinus monticola) and sugar pine (P. lambertiana) are highly valued timber species, their silviculture under intensive management is well‐documented. The silviculture of other white pine species has received less attention but is no less important. For all western species, silvicultural management is a key component for sustaining and restoring viable white pine populations. This review examines approaches for assessing and reducing blister rust hazard, regenerating white pine stands, and tending established stands to reduce damage and impact from blister rust. Hazard and risk ratings provide means for assessing the potential severity of blister rust infestation and its probable impacts on management. An epidemiological simulation model is available for describing complex pathosystem interactions, their consequences on white pine growth and survival, and likely outcomes of silvicultural activities. Until the 1960s,Ribeseradication was the principal method for blister rust control; it is now rarely used except for high‐value trees. The choices of harvest and site preparation methods are critical for successful white pine regeneration. As host responses to blister rust infection are inherited, regeneration is an opportunity to increase seedling survival and disease resistance. For artificial regeneration, the western genetics programmes provide improved planting stock. For natural regeneration, the selection and retention of well‐adapted white pines as seed sources can enhance stand genetics. Thinning and pruning are common silvicultural activities for tending stands and are readily modified for blister rust‐infested stands. Although biological and chemical agents have been used, their performance has been less than satisfactory. Likewise, genetics and other silvicultural practices have also demonstrated limited success in blister rust control. An alternative, adaptive approach could use both silvicultural and genetic techniques to mitigate impacts and maintain white pines.
Activation of Zona‐Free Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Oocytes by Chemical or Electrical stimulation, and Subsequent Parthenogenetic Embryo Development
Authors: George A , Shah RA , Sharma R , Palta P , Singla SK , Manik RS , Chauhan MS
Published: September 2010

Contents

Parthenogenetic activation using zona‐free oocytes offers an alternative model that could be applied to develop protocols for the activation of reconstructed embryos for cloning. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of different methods for the activation of zona‐free buffalo oocytes in terms of their effects on the developmental competence of parthenogenetic embryos. The effects of zona removal on parthenogenetic activation and in vitro developmental competence of metaphase II oocytes were also examined. All activation methods were followed by incubation of 2 mm 6‐dimethylaminopurine (6‐DMAP) for 4 h. Out of three different pulse strengths (1.2, 2.1 or 3.3 kV/cm) used, 2.1 kV/cm resulted in the highest blastocyst rate (25.3%). On comparing different chemical agents and electric pulse, highest blastocyst rate was observed for calcium ionophore (CaI) (28.6%) followed by ethanol (25.0%), electric pulse (22.5%) and combined CaI and ethanol treatment (16.7%) although differences among them were not significant. Furthermore, a significantly reduced developmental potential was observed in zona‐free oocytes when compared to zona‐intact ones up to the blastocyst stage (44.3% vs 27.1%). In conclusion, zona‐free buffalo oocytes can be successfully activated for parthenogenetic development using chemical or electrical stimulation. Out of different agents examined, CaI followed by 6‐DMAP resulted in the highest blastocyst rate.
Cough challenge tests involving mechanical stimulation of the cervical trachea in patients with cough as a leading symptom
Authors: KAMIMURA Mitsuhiro , MOURI Atsuto , TAKAYAMA Kazuo , MIZUTANI Tomonori , HAMAMOTO Yoichiro , IIKURA Motoyasu , FURIHATA Kaneyuki
Published: September 2010

Background and objective:  Challenge tests involving chemical stimulation by inhalation of capsaicin or citric acid are currently used to assess cough sensitivity. We investigated the clinical usefulness of cough challenge tests based on mechanical stimulation.

Methods:  A total of 347 patients (126 men and 221 women) were enrolled in the study, including 161 patients with asthma, 116 with cough‐variant asthma, 27 with acute upper respiratory tract viral infections, 25 with acute bronchitis, four with pneumonia, three with chronic bronchitis and 11 with cough of unknown aetiology. Three modes of mechanical stimulation were assessed: the cervical trachea was compressed softly with the fingers several times (tracheal compression test); the trachea was stretched by retroflexion of the neck for 5 s (tracheal stretch test); and a vibrating tuning fork was placed on the cervical trachea for 20 s (tuning fork test). The relationships between phonation‐induced cough and the results of these tests were assessed.

Results:  The cough detection rate was 27.7% with the tracheal compression test, 39.8% with the tracheal stretch test and 36.9% with the tuning fork test. An itchy sensation with or without cough was noted by about 50% of subjects undergoing each of the tests. Provocation of cough and an itchy sensation during each test was significantly more frequent in subjects with phonation‐induced cough. Tests were usually negative after improvement of the cough with treatment.

Conclusions:  Mechanical stimulation of the cervical trachea is a feasible cough challenge test that may be useful for evaluating disease activity.
Updated Japanese Urological Association Guidelines on prostate‐specific antigen‐based screening for prostate cancer in 2010
Authors:   The Committee for Establishment of the Guidelines on Screening for Prostate Cancer,   Japanese Urological Association
Published: September 2010

The exposure rate of screening for prostate cancer using prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) in Japan is still very low compared with that in the USA or western Europe. The mortality rate of prostate cancer will increase in the future and in 2020 it will be 2.8‐fold higher than in 2000. Therefore, there is an urgent need to determine the best available countermeasures to decrease the rate of prostate cancer death. PSA screening, which can reduce the risk of death as a result of prostate cancer, should be offered to all men at risk of developing prostate cancer with fact sheets showing updated benefits and drawbacks of screening for prostate cancer.
Change in habitat resources and structure near urban edges and its influence on the squirrel glider (Petaurus norfolcensis) in southeast Queensland, Australia
Authors: BREARLEY GRANT , BRADLEY ADRIAN , BELL SARAH , MCALPINE CLIVE
Published: September 2010

Urban landscapes often expose wildlife populations to enhanced edge effects where the biotic and abiotic attributes of native ecosystems have been significantly altered. While some species may respond favourably to edges, there are likely to be varying negative consequences for many forest‐dependent species. In particular, marsupial gliders are influenced by changes in forest composition and structure near edges due to highly specific feeding and nesting requirements, and a high reliance on tree cover to traverse a landscape. We addressed this problem using the squirrel glider (Petaurus norfolcensis) in the fragmented urban landscape of southeast Queensland, Australia. Analysis of variance was applied to determine differences in habitat resources and structure in relation to glider presence and trap success rates in forest fragment interiors compared with road (minor & major) and residential edge habitats. We postulate that an increased presence of squirrel gliders in sites adjacent to minor road and residential edges may be due to the availability of additional resources and/or varying dispersal opportunities. Conversely, forest fragment interiors contain a higher abundance of nest hollows and large trees, together with a greater floristic species richness providing more reliable seasonal foraging sources, which may explain the greater trap success rates of squirrel gliders in these sites. We conclude that while forest fragment interiors provide habitat suitable for year‐round use by greater numbers of squirrel gliders, the conservation value of some edge habitats that provide additional resources and dispersal opportunities should not be underestimated for forest‐dependent mammals; however, each edge type must be assessed individually.
Are cloud forest tree structure and environment related in the Venezuelan Andes?
Authors: SCHWARZKOPF TERESA , RIHA SUSAN J. , FAHEY TIMOTHY J. , DEGLORIA STEPHEN
Published: September 2010

Cloud forest vegetation structure and composition were studied in the Venezuelan Andes at three sites in Mérida State. Although the sites are within 10 to 30 km of each other, climatic, geologic and topographic differences are remarkable. The main purpose of the study was to determine the relationship of specific environmental variables to forest vegetation characteristics, including basal area, tree height, density and diversity, and leaf area index (LAI). At 51 plots, all trees' diameter at breast height >10 cm were recorded and identified. Although the environment at the three sites is distinctive, the tree species composition of the most abundant species was very similar. None of the measured environment variables were significantly correlated with the measured vegetation structure variables, except LAI, which was correlated with slope orientation; LAI showed higher values at south‐facing plots. Tree height was relatively uniform, while basal area was highly variable and reached very high values. Stem densities were in the range reported elsewhere in cloud forests. Multivariate analysis using structure or composition data shows segregation of the plots by site. Principal component analyses by site indicate a minor impact of environmental factors on forest variables. At each site, a particular group of species are correlated with the ordination axes. We conclude that species pools and forest dynamics add to the complexity of the structure of the studied cloud forests.
Strongyloides stercoralis: a cause of morbidity and mortality for indigenous people in Central Australia
Authors: Einsiedel L. , Fernandes L.
Published: September 2010

Background:  Strongyloides stercoralis may cause a complicated infection in immunocompromised patients, which has a high case fatality rate. Death generally results from sepsis with enteric pathogens. Globally, infection with the human T‐cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV‐1) is a major risk factor for this syndrome. Both S. stercoralis and HTLV‐1 are endemic to Central Australia.

Aims:  The aim of the study was to determine whether complicated strongyloidiasis occurs in association with HTLV‐1 infection in Central Australia.

Methods:  A retrospective audit of all cases of complicated strongyloidiasis presenting to Alice Springs Hospital between January 2000 and December 2006 was carried out. Diagnosis was defined as definite or probable according to whether diagnosis was made by faecal studies or serology respectively. The medical records, investigations and outcomes of patients who met predetermined criteria for a diagnosis of complicated strongyloidiasis were reviewed.

Results:  Eighteen indigenous patients met the criteria for complicated strongyloidiasis (definite 9, probable 9). Seven of 11 patients tested were HTLV‐1 seropositive. At diagnosis, no treatment was documented for nine patients (definite 4, probable 5), three received a single dose of ivermectin and one a single dose of albendazole. Fifteen patients (83%) died because of sepsis (definite 7, probable 8). Pathogens isolated and their foci of infection included Klebsiella pneumoniae pneumonia (4), bloodstream infection with Enterococcus spp. (2), K. pneumoniae peritonitis (1) and streptococcal meningitis (1).

Conclusion:  Complicated strongyloidiasis occurs in association with HTLV‐1 infection in central Australia. This finding has significant implications for the management of S. stercoralis in the region.
Acetyl‐l‐carnitine improves aged brain function
Authors: Kobayashi Satoru , Iwamoto Machiko , Kon Kazuo , Waki Hatsue , Ando Susumu , Tanaka Yasukazu
Published: September 2010

The effects of acetyl‐l‐carnitine (ALCAR), an acetyl derivative ofl‐carnitine, on memory and learning capacity and on brain synaptic functions of aged rats were examined. Male Fischer 344 rats were given ALCAR (100 mg/kg bodyweight) per os for 3 months and were subjected to the Hebb–Williams tasks and AKON‐1 task to assess their learning capacity. Cholinergic activities were determined with synaptosomes isolated from brain cortices of the rats. Choline parameters, the high‐affinity choline uptake, acetylcholine (ACh) synthesis and depolarization‐evoked ACh release were all enhanced in the ALCAR group. An increment of depolarization‐induced calcium ion influx into synaptosomes was also evident in rats given ALCAR. Electrophysiological studies using hippocampus slices indicated that the excitatory postsynaptic potential slope and population spike size were both increased in ALCAR‐treated rats. These results indicate that ALCAR increases synaptic neurotransmission in the brain and consequently improves learning capacity in aging rats.Geriatr Gerontol Int 2010; 10 (Suppl. 1): S99–S106.
Abortion in Four Asian Countries* Patient Characteristics, Morbidity and Contraceptive Acceptance
Authors: Brenner William E. , Chi Cheng , Bernard Roger P. , Brinton Louise A.
Published: September 2010

To determine the characteristics, complications, and post operative contraceptive acceptance among patients undergoing abortion in Asia, the data on 5, 951 patients from nine Asian centers were analyzed. Patients with pre‐existing medical conditions (PEMC), most of whom had incomplete or inevitable abortions, were analyzed separately from patients artificially aborted and having no pre‐existing medical conditions (NPEMC). Most of the patients with NPEMC were married, multiparous, of urban residence, and ranging in median age from 29–32 years. Their rate of potentially serious complications was higher with second trimester procedures than with first trimester procedures (and highest with hysterotomy), and higher in India where increased artificial abortion has recently been initiated than in Singapore where the data were collected at least 2 years after the law was changed to increase the indications for abortion. Complication rates in patients with NPEMC were highest in patients less than 20 years of age, nulliparous, and more than 12 weeks' gestation. Concurrent sterilization appeared to increase the complication rate. There appeared to be no benefit to hospitalizing patients after first trimester abortion with dilatation and suction curetlage (Suction), unless complications were suspected. Abortion during the second trimester with intra‐amniotic saline and hysterotomy was not only associated with higher complication rates, but with longer operative and hospitalization times than those associated with first trimester abortions with D&C and Suction. Not only did the frequency of women using contraceptives increase, but the use of more effective methods increased after artificial abortion in India and Singapore. Patients with PEMC had different frequencies of specific patient characteristics, different management, and generally higher complication rates than patients with NPEMC. These results imply that in order to decrease the morbidity associated with artificial abortion:

Every effort must be made to abort pregnancies in the first trimester.

Physicians must be trained to perform artificial abortion, and not to rely on their past training in managing patients with incomplete and inevitable abortions.

Improved abortion techniques, especially in the second trimester, and sterilization techniques concurrent to abortion must be devised tested, evaluated and implemented.
Intra‐Amniotic Prostaglandin F2α Administration for the Termination of Second Trimester Pregnancies
Authors: Korda A. R. , Lyneham R. C. , Shearman R. P. , Smith I. D.
Published: September 2010

Three hundred and fifteen pregnancies in the second trimester were terminated by intra‐amniotic administration of prostaglandin F2α‐The method of administration, dosage, side effects and results are discussed.
Hemicardiac Monster with a Normal Co‐Twin a Case Report
Authors: Rao K. Padma R.
Published: September 2010

This case reported was a variety of Hemicardiac, Paracephetic monster presenting by breech as the first twin colliding with the vertex of the normal second twin. Brief description of the monster and its aetiological factors are discussed.
Antenatal Localization of Placenta by Ultrasonic Doppler Technique
Authors: Merchant Rohinee , Daftary Sumant
Published: September 2010

A simple, safe and accurate method of localizing placenta by ultrasound is described. The accuracy of this technique is verified by anatomical comparison with the standara procedures. A method is suggested for diagrammatically charting the data collected on Doppler placentography. The study revealed that the ultrasonic Dopplei technique has a uniform reliability of 88.5% in experienced hands. The technique has specific advantages, particularly its simplicity and reproducibility which is superior to most available methods that are more sophisticated and hazardous.
Study of Cervical Mucus, Vaginal Cytology and Endometrial Biopsy as Diagnostic Aids to Determine Ovulation
Authors: Rao Uma , Saraiya Usha
Published: September 2010

Detection of ovulation was studied in 60 sterility cases attending the outpatient's department at a teaching Hospital in Bombay. 30 cases were studied for 3 successive cycles and all the three methods viz. endometrial biopsy, cervical mucus and vaginal cytology were employed. 24 cases were studied for 2 cycles only and the cervical mucus and endometrial biopsy were compared. Remaining 6 cases were studied also for 2 cycles only and the cervical mucus and the vaginal cytology were compared. Relevant literature on the subject reviewed and the present series compared with the reports of some of the workers in the field.
THE INDUCTION OF THERAPEUTIC ABORTION USING INTRAVENOUS PROSTAGLANDIN E2* IN CHINESE PATIENTS
Authors: PANG J. C. K.
Published: September 2010

The result of induction of abortion in 33 healthy multiparous Chinese patients has been reported, using intravenous infusion of prostaglandin E1 at the dosage rare of 5 μg. per minute for 24 hours. The overall success rate of this method of induction of abortion was 49 per cent with 9 per cent complete abortion rate. The correlation between the success rate and the period of gestation, and the side effects were studied.
A Thanatophoric Foetus Causing Difficult Labour
Authors: Sivanesaratnam V. , Kwi Ng King
Published: September 2010

An abnormal foetus causing dystocia in labour is rare. A case of a thanatophoric foetus causing obstructed labour is described. Until recently this form of short‐limb dwarfism has been misinterpreted as a severe immature form of achondroplastic dwarfism. The typical features of this foetal abnormality are detailed and the literature on the subject is briefly reviewed. The importance of recognising the condition for purposes of genetic counseling is stressed.
The association between the spatial QRS‐T angle with cardiac autonomic neuropathy in subjects with Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Voulgari C. , Moyssakis I. , Perrea D. , Kyriaki D. , Katsilambros N. , Tentolouris N.
Published: September 2010

Diabet. Med. 27, 1420–1429 (2010)

Aims  To examine differences in the spatial QRS‐T angle in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus with and without cardiac autonomic neuropathy.

Methods  Two hundred and thirty‐two patients with diabetes mellitus (105 with cardiac autonomic neuropathy and 127 without cardiac autonomic neuropathy) and 232 control subjects, matched by gender and age, were studied. Diagnosis of cardiac autonomic neuropathy was based on the classic autonomic function tests. All subjects underwent a digital electrocardiographic recording. Electrocardiographic parameters were measured using the Modular Electrocardiographic Analysis (MEANS) program. Left ventricular mass index (LVMi) and global myocardial performance index (Tei index) of the left ventricle were assessed by ultrasonography.

Results  The spatial QRS‐T angle was higher in the patients with diabetes in comparison with the control subjects (24.5 ± 10.7 vs. 9.7 ± 4.5°, P < 0.001) and in the patients with diabetes and cardiac autonomic neuropathy than in those without cardiac autonomic neuropathy (30.1 ± 11.3 vs. 19.5 ± 7.1, P < 0.001). No differences were found in the QT interval between the studied groups. Multivariate linear regression analysis in subjects with diabetes after controlling for age, gender, BMI, blood pressure, diabetes duration, HbA1c, lipids, microalbuminuria and insulin resistance, demonstrated significant and independent associations between the spatial QRS‐T angle with presence and severity of cardiac autonomic neuropathy, all parameters of heart rate variability, LVMi and Tei index.

Conclusions  The spatial QRS‐T angle is increased in patients with Type 2 diabetes who have cardiac autonomic neuropathy, suggesting increased ventricular arrhythmogenicity, and is associated with the structural and functional properties of the myocardium. Further research is warranted to evaluate its role in cardiovascular risk stratification of patients with diabetes.
Belongingness as a Core Personality Trait: How Social Exclusion Influences Social Functioning and Personality Expression
Authors: DeWall C. Nathan , Deckman Timothy , Pond Richard S. , Bonser Ian
Published: September 2010

People have a fundamental need for positive and lasting relationships. This need to belong is rooted in evolutionary history and gave rise to the development of traits that enable individuals to gain acceptance and to avoid rejection. Because belongingness is a core component of human functioning, social exclusion should influence many cognitive, emotional, and behavioral outcomes and personality expression. This article summarizes recent evidence that social exclusion causes an assortment of outcomes, many of which depend on whether the excluded can gain acceptance or forestall possible distress. It highlights common overlap in physical and social pain systems and how a physical painkiller can reduce the pain of social exclusion. Finally, it shows how social exclusion moderates the effects of traits on cognition, emotion, and behavior. To appreciate personality processes in social contexts, scientists should consider how people respond to social exclusion and how the need to belong influences personality expression.
Hydrogen sulphide induces mouse paw oedema through activation of phospholipase A2
Authors: di Villa Bianca Roberta d'Emmanuele , Coletta Ciro , Mitidieri Emma , De Dominicis Gianfranco , Rossi Antonietta , Sautebin Lidia , Cirino Giuseppe , Bucci Mariarosaria , Sorrentino Raffaella
Published: September 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Hydrogen sulphide (H2S), considered as a novel gas transmitter, is produced endogenously in mammalian tissue from L‐cysteine by two enzymes, cystathionine β‐synthase and cystathionine γ‐lyase. Recently, it has been reported that H2S contributes to the local and systemic inflammation in several experimental animal models. We conducted this study to investigate on the signalling involved in H2S‐induced inflammation.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH L‐cysteine or sodium hydrogen sulphide (NaHS) was injected into the mouse hind paw and oedema formation was evaluated for 60 min. In order to investigate H2S‐induced oedema formation, we used 5‐HT and histamine receptor antagonists, and inhibitors of KATP channels or arachidonic acid cascade. Prostaglandin levels were determined in hind paw exudates by radioimmunoassay. Paws injected with L‐cysteine or NaHS were examined by histological methods.

KEY RESULTS Both NaHS and L‐cysteine caused oedema characterized by a fast onset which peaked at 30 min. This oedematogenic action was not associated with histamine or 5‐HT release or KATP channel activation. However, oedema formation was significantly inhibited by the inhibition of cyclooxygenases and selective inhibition of phospholipase A2. Prostaglandin levels were significantly increased in exudates of hind paw injected with NaHS or L‐cysteine. The histological examination clearly showed an inflammatory state with a loss of tissue organization following NaHS or L‐cysteine injection.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Phospholipase A2 and prostaglandin production are involved in pro‐inflammatory effects of H2S in mouse hind paws. The present study contributes to the understanding of the role of L‐cysteine/H2S pathway in inflammatory disease.
Methylglyoxal scavengers attenuate endothelial dysfunction induced by methylglyoxal and high concentrations of glucose
Authors: Dhar Arti , Dhar Indu , Desai Kaushik M , Wu Lingyun
Published: September 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEEndothelial dysfunction is a feature of hypertension and diabetes. Methylglyoxal (MG) is a reactive dicarbonyl metabolite of glucose and its levels are elevated in spontaneously hypertensive rats and in diabetic patients. We investigated if MG induces endothelial dysfunction and whether MG scavengers can prevent endothelial dysfunction induced by MG and high glucose concentrations.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHEndothelium‐dependent relaxation was studied in aortic rings from Sprague‐Dawley rats. We also used cultured rat aortic and human umbilical vein endothelial cells. The MG was measured by HPLC and Western blotting and assay kits were used.

KEY RESULTSIncubation of aortic rings with MG (30 µM) or high glucose (25 mM) attenuated endothelium‐dependent, acetylcholine‐induced relaxation, which was restored by two different MG scavengers, aminoguanidine (100 µM) and N‐acetyl cysteine (NAC) (600 µM). Treatment of cultured endothelial cells with MG or high glucose increased cellular MG levels, effects prevented by aminoguanidine and NAC. In cultured endothelial cells, MG and high glucose reduced basal and bradykinin‐stimulated nitric oxide (NO) production, cGMP levels, and serine‐1177 phosphorylation and activity of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS), without affecting threonine‐495 and Akt phosphorylation or total eNOS protein. These effects of MG and high glucose were attenuated by aminoguanidine or NAC.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONSOur results show for the first time that MG reduced serine‐1177 phosphorylation, activity of eNOS and NO production. MG caused endothelial dysfunction similar to that induced by high glucose. Specific and safe MG scavengers have potential to prevent endothelial dysfunction induced by MG and high glucose concentrations.
Nausea and vomiting in health‐related quality of life among Chinese pregnant women
Authors: CHAN Oi Ka , SAHOTA Daljit S. , LEUNG Tak Yeung , CHAN Lin Wai , FUNG Tak Yuen , LAU Tze Kin
Published: September 2010

Background:  Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (NVP) is the most common pregnancy complication affecting women during the first trimester of pregnancy. The cause of NVP remains unknown and factors associated with the occurrence of NVP are contradictory. There is currently little information on its effects of NVP in general and specifically in the Chinese population.

Aims:  To assess the prevalence of NVP with different degree of severity and identify their relationship with health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) and to determine its association with the sociodemographic and obstetric factors.

Methods:  In a prospective cross‐sectional study, 396 women who attended the antenatal clinic between 10 and 14 weeks of gestation were invited to complete a structured questionnaire covering maternal characteristics, severity of NVP and their HRQoL. The status of NVP and HRQoL was measured by the frequency of symptoms and the Medical Outcomes Study Short‐Form‐36 (SF‐36) respectively. Logistic regression analysis was performed to delineate the factors associated with NVP.

Results:  The prevalence of NVP was 90.9%. Almost all domains and dimensions of SF‐36 were affected by the presence of NVP and its severity. Factors associated with the presence and severity of NVP were non‐smoking, younger age and history of NVP in previous pregnancy.

Conclusions:  The various degrees of severity of NVP significantly impair both physical and mental HRQoL in Hong Kong Chinese women. Awareness and care should be given to women with symptoms of nausea or retching alone, as well as vomiting.
The Insufficiency of Response to Intervention in Identifying Gifted Students with Learning Disabilities
Authors: McKenzie Robert G.
Published: September 2010

Many states are implementing response‐to‐intervention (RTI)–based assessment as the sole means of identifying students with specific learning disabilities (SLDs). Although RTI is often hailed as an improved model of identification, concern for the possibility of this model elevating false positives has been examined. The risk of RTI producing a second form of diagnostic error, however, has received relatively little attention, namely, false negatives. The widespread implementation of RTI necessitates an analysis of its ability to identify students who are most vulnerable to be inaccurately judged as responsive to instruction, namely, students with coexisting intellectual talent and SLDs.
Improved detection methods for infected hip joint prostheses
Authors: HØGDALL DAN , HVOLRIS JØRGEN JESPER , CHRISTENSEN LISE
Published: September 2010

Høgdall D, Hvolris JJ, Christensen L. Improved detection methods for infected hip joint prostheses. APMIS 2010; 118: 815–23.

Awareness of the role of bacterial biofilm in the pathogenesis of low‐grade or chronic infections diagnosed in hip arthroplasty has been on the rise in recent years. The importance of bacterial biofilm for the development of prosthesis failure is probably underestimated, and terms like aseptic loosening, sterile pus and aseptic necrosis are up for revision. The diagnosis of biofilm has been, and still is, difficult, but new molecular biological techniques, alone or in combination with older established ones, have further helped us to uncover lesions, where biofilm is part of the pathology. This article based on a literature search and own observations is primarily focused on newer methods that help us identify the pathology behind infection‐based prosthesis failure. We suggest that the fluorescence in situ hybridization technique on carefully selected biopsy material is used in the future to identify live as well as dead bacteria within their environment. The method is quick and sensitive and provides a reliable result with optimal detection rate.
Distribution of viral RNA, sialic acid receptor, and pathology in H5N1 avian influenza patients
Authors: PIWPANKAEW YOTTHACHAI , MONTEERARAT YUWARAT , SUPTAWIWAT ORNPREYA , PUTHAVATHANA PILAIPAN , UIPRESERTKUL MONGKOL , AUEWARAKUL PRASERT
Published: September 2010

Piwpankaew Y, Monteerarat Y, Suptawiwat O, Puthavathana P, Uipresertkul M, Auewarakul P. Distribution of viral RNA, sialic acid receptor, and pathology in H5N1 avian influenza patients. APMIS 2010; 118: 895–902.

Avian influenza virus H5N1 infects and causes severe disease in humans. Despite the increasing number of fatal cases in 15 countries and the threat of influenza pandemic, detailed pathologic and virologic findings in humans are limited. In this study, we describe histopathologic findings, distributions of viral RNA and the Neu5Acα2‐3Galβ1‐4 sialic acid receptor in human tissues from three fatal avian influenza cases. Many of our findings are in agreement with previously published autopsy studies, that is, viral RNA and receptor were detected in type II pneumocytes, tracheal epithelium, intestinal epithelium, spleen, lymph nodes, and Kupffer’s cells. In addition, we detected the viral RNA in glomeruli and renal tubules. There was a good correlation between viral RNA distribution and the presence of the sialic acid receptor. Despite the wide distribution of viral RNA, tissue damage and inflammation were mainly limited to pulmonary tissue.
Differential B‐lymphocyte regulation by CD40 and its viral mimic, latent membrane protein 1
Authors: Graham John P. , Arcipowski Kelly M. , Bishop Gail A.
Published: September 2010

Summary:  CD40 plays a vital role in humoral immunity, via its potent and multifaceted function as an activating receptor of various immune cells, most notably B lymphocytes. The Epstein‐Barr virus‐encoded transforming protein latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) serves as a functional mimic of CD40 signals to B cells but lacks key regulatory controls that restrain CD40 signaling. This allows LMP1 to activate B cells in an abnormal manner that can contribute to the pathogenesis of human B‐cell lymphoma and autoimmune disease. This review focuses upon a comparative analysis of CD40 versus LMP1 functions and mechanisms of action in B lymphocytes, discussing how this comparison can provide valuable information on both how CD40 signaling is normally regulated and how LMP1 disrupts the normal CD40 pathways, which can provide information of value to therapeutic design.
Molecular underpinning of B‐cell anergy
Authors: Yarkoni Yuval , Getahun Andrew , Cambier John C.
Published: September 2010

Summary:  A byproduct of the largely stochastic generation of a diverse B‐cell specificity repertoire is production of cells that recognize autoantigens. Indeed, recent studies indicate that more than half of the primary repertoire consists of autoreactive B cells that must be silenced to prevent autoimmunity. While this silencing can occur by multiple mechanisms, it appears that most autoreactive B cells are silenced by anergy, wherein they populate peripheral lymphoid organs and continue to express unoccupied antigen receptors yet are unresponsive to antigen stimulation. Here we review molecular mechanisms that appear operative in maintaining the antigen unresponsiveness of anergic B cells. In addition, we present new data indicating that the failure of anergic B cells to mobilize calcium in response to antigen stimulation is not mediated by inactivation of stromal interacting molecule 1, a critical intermediary in intracellular store depletion‐induced calcium influx.
T cells and follicular dendritic cells in germinal center B‐cell formation and selection
Authors: Vinuesa Carola G. , Linterman Michelle A. , Goodnow Chris C. , Randall Katrina L.
Published: September 2010

Summary:  Germinal centers (GCs) are specialized microenvironments formed after infection where activated B cells can mutate their B‐cell receptors to undergo affinity maturation. A stringent process of selection allows high affinity, non‐self‐reactive B cells to become long‐lived memory B cells and plasma cells. While the precise mechanism of selection is still poorly understood, the last decade has advanced our understanding of the role of T cells and follicular dendritic cells (FDCs) in GC B‐cell formation and selection. T cells and non‐T‐cell‐derived CD40 ligands on FDCs are essential for T‐dependent (TD) and T‐independent GC formation, respectively. TD‐GC formation requires Bcl‐6‐expressing T cells capable of signaling through SAP, which promotes formation of stable T:B conjugates. By contrast, differentiation of B blasts along the extrafollicular pathway is less dependent on SAP. T‐follicular helper (Tfh) cell‐derived CD40L, interleukin‐21, and interleukin‐4 play important roles in GC B‐cell proliferation, survival, and affinity maturation. A role for FDC‐derived integrin signals has also emerged: GC B cells capable of forming an immune synapse with FDCs have a survival advantage. This emerges as a powerful mechanism to ensure death of B cells that bind self‐reactive antigen, which would not normally be presented on FDCs.
Highlights from the History of Sexual Medicine
Authors: Schultheiss Dirk , Glina Sidney
Published: September 2010

Introduction

Today, we have a clear concept of sexual medicine and how to define this medical discipline. But historically, the unification of sexuality and medicine was not a given condition. Medicine was mainly focused on human reproduction and how to prevent and treat sexually transmitted diseases. Hardly any other aspect would have met the interest of medical doctors for centuries.

Methods

Historical review that can only highlight developments and milestones of sexual medicine and is not intended to be encyclopedic.

Results

Perhaps, the first true medicalization of sexuality was the dreadful anti-masturbation campaign led by doctors, beginning with Tissot, since the middle of the 18th century. In the 2nd half of the 19th century, first pioneers like the physician Paolo Mantagazza were systematically addressing issues related to human sexuality. This highly developing scientific field and medical community were destroyed after 1933 by the political influence of the national socialists in Europe. After World War II, a new era started with the works of Alfred Kinsey and other sexologists mainly in the United States of America.

Conclusions

The term sexual medicine was established around 1970, most likely in Europe, and subsequently resulted in a new worldwide academic and clinical speciality.
Deconstructing locomotor networks with experimental injury to define their membership
Authors: Nistri Andrea , Taccola Giuliano , Mladinic Miranda , Margaryan Gayane , Kuzhandaivel Anujaianthi
Published: September 2010

Although spinal injury is a major cause of chronic disability, the mechanisms responsible for the lesion pathophysiology and their dynamic evolution remain poorly understood. Hence, current treatments aimed at blocking damage extension are unsatisfactory. To unravel the acute spinal injury processes, we have developed a model of the neonatal rat spinal cord in vitro subjected to kainate‐evoked excitotoxicity or metabolic perturbation (hypoxia, aglycemia, and free oxygen radicals) or their combination. The study outcome is fictive locomotion one day after the lesion and its relation to histological damage. Excitotoxicity always suppresses locomotor network activity and produces large gray matter damage, while network bursting persists supported by average survival of nearly half premotoneurons and motoneurons. Conversely, metabolic perturbation simply depresses locomotor network activity as damage mainly concerns white rather than gray matter. Coapplication of kainate and metabolic perturbation completely eliminates locomotor network activity. These results indicate distinct cellular targets for excitotoxic versus dysmetabolic damage with differential consequences on locomotor pattern formation. Furthermore, these data enable to estimate the minimal network membership compatible with expression of locomotor activity.
Bone cancer pain
Authors: Jimenez‐Andrade Juan Miguel , Mantyh William G. , Bloom Aaron P. , Ferng Alice S. , Geffre Christopher P. , Mantyh Patrick W.
Published: September 2010

In the United States, cancer is the second most common cause of death and it is expected that about 562,340 Americans will have died of cancer in 2009. Bone cancer pain is common in patients with advanced breast, prostate, and lung cancer as these tumors have a remarkable affinity to metastasize to bone. Once tumors metastasize to bone, they are a major cause of morbidity and mortality as the tumor induces significant skeletal remodeling, fractures, pain, and anemia. Currently, the factors that drive cancer pain are poorly understood. However, several recently introduced models of bone cancer pain, which closely mirror the human condition, are providing insight into the mechanisms that drive bone cancer pain and guide the development of mechanism‐based therapies to treat the cancer pain. Several of these mechanism‐based therapies have now entered human clinical trials. If successful, these therapies have the potential to significantly enlarge the repertoire of modalities that can be used to treat bone cancer pain and improve the quality of life, functional status, and survival of patients with bone cancer.
Presynaptic inhibition of primary afferents by depolarization: observations supporting nontraditional mechanisms
Authors: Hochman Shawn , Shreckengost Jacob , Kimura Hiroshi , Quevedo Jorge
Published: September 2010

Primary afferent neurotransmission is the fundamental first step in the central processing of sensory stimuli and is controlled by pre‐ and postsynaptic inhibitory mechanisms. Presynaptic inhibition (PSI) is probably the more powerful form of inhibitory control in all primary afferent fibers. A major mechanism producing afferent PSI is via a channel‐mediated depolarization of their intraspinal terminals, which can be recorded extracellularly as a dorsal root potential (DRP). Based on measures of DRP latency it has been inferred that this primary afferent depolarization (PAD) of low‐threshold afferents is mediated by minimally trisynaptic pathways with pharmacologically identified GABAergic interneurons forming last‐order axo‐axonic synapses onto afferent terminals. There is still no “squeaky clean” evidence of this organization. This paper describes recent and historical work that supports the existence of PAD occurring by more direct pathways and with a complex pharmacology that questions the proprietary role of GABA and GABAAreceptors in this process. Cholinergic transmission in particular may contribute significantly to PAD, including via direct release from primary afferents.
Permanent reorganization of Ia afferent synapses on motoneurons after peripheral nerve injuries
Authors: Alvarez Francisco J. , Bullinger Katie L. , Titus Haley E. , Nardelli Paul , Cope Timothy C.
Published: September 2010

After peripheral nerve injuries to a motor nerve, the axons of motoneurons and proprioceptors are disconnected from the periphery and monosynaptic connections from group I afferents and motoneurons become diminished in the spinal cord. Following successful reinnervation in the periphery, motor strength, proprioceptive sensory encoding, and Ia afferent synaptic transmission on motoneurons partially recover. Muscle stretch reflexes, however, never recover and motor behaviors remain uncoordinated. In this review, we summarize recent findings that suggest that lingering motor dysfunction might be in part related to decreased connectivity of Ia afferents centrally. First, sensory afferent synapses retract from lamina IX, causing a permanent relocation of the inputs to more distal locations and significant disconnection from motoneurons. Second, peripheral reconnection between proprioceptive afferents and muscle spindles is imperfect. As a result, a proportion of sensory afferents that retain central connections with motoneurons might not reconnect appropriately in the periphery. A hypothetical model is proposed in which the combined effect of peripheral and central reconnection deficits might explain the failure of muscle stretch to initiate or modulate firing of many homonymous motoneurons.
Synaptic pathways and inhibitory gates in the spinal cord dorsal horn
Authors: Takazawa Tomonori , MacDermott Amy B.
Published: September 2010

Disinhibition in the dorsal horn accompanies peripheral nerve injury and causes the development of hypersensitivity to mild stimuli. This demonstrates the critical importance of inhibition in the dorsal horn for maintaining normal sensory signaling. Here we show that disinhibition induces a novel polysynaptic low‐threshold input onto lamina I output neurons, suggesting that inhibition normally suppresses a preexisting pathway that probably contributes to abnormal pain sensations such as allodynia. In addition, we show that a significant proportion of superficial dorsal horn inhibitory neurons are activated by low‐threshold input. These neurons are well situated to contribute to suppressing low‐threshold activation of pain output neurons in lamina I. We further discuss several aspects of inhibition in the dorsal horn that might contribute to suppressing pathological signaling.