bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of RpoS in Stress Tolerance and Environmental Fitness of the Phyllosphere Bacterium Pseudomonas fluorescens Strain 122
Authors: Stockwell Virginia O. , Hockett Kevin , Loper Joyce E.
Published: May 2009

Bacteria living epiphytically on aerial plant surfaces encounter severe and rapidly fluctuating environmental conditions, and their capacity to withstand environmental stress contributes to epiphytic fitness. The stationary phase sigma factor RpoS is a key determinant in stress response of gram-negative bacteria, including Pseudomonas spp. This study focused on the role of RpoS in stress response and epiphytic fitness of Pseudomonas fluorescens strain 122 on aerial plant surfaces. RpoS had a significant role in the response of the phyllosphere bacterium P. fluorescens 122 to stresses imposed by desiccation, UV irradiation, starvation, and an oxidative environment. While significant, the difference in stress response between an rpoS mutant and the parental strain was less for strain 122 than for the rhizosphere bacterium P. fluorescens Pf-5. No consistent influence of RpoS on epiphytic population size of strain 122 on pear or apple flowers or leaves was observed in field trials. These data may indicate that P. fluorescens occupies protected microsites on aerial plant surfaces where the bacteria escape exposure to environmental stress, or that redundant stress-response mechanisms are operating in this bacterium, thereby obscuring the role of RpoS in epiphytic fitness of the bacterium.
Incorporating nucleosomes into thermodynamic models of transcription regulation
Authors: Raveh-Sadka Tali , Levo Michal , Segal Eran
Published: May 2009

Transcriptional control is central to many cellular processes, and, consequently, much effort has been devoted to understanding its underlying mechanisms. The organization of nucleosomes along promoter regions is important for this process, since most transcription factors cannot bind nucleosomal sequences and thus compete with nucleosomes for DNA access. This competition is governed by the relative concentrations of nucleosomes and transcription factors and by their respective sequence binding preferences. However, despite its importance, a mechanistic understanding of the quantitative effects that the competition between nucleosomes and factors has on transcription is still missing. Here we use a thermodynamic framework based on fundamental principles of statistical mechanics to explore theoretically the effect that different nucleosome organizations along promoters have on the activation dynamics of promoters in response to varying concentrations of the regulating factors. We show that even simple landscapes of nucleosome organization reproduce experimental results regarding the effect of nucleosomes as general repressors and as generators of obligate binding cooperativity between factors. Our modeling framework also allows us to characterize the effects that various sequence elements of promoters have on the induction threshold and on the shape of the promoter activation curves. Finally, we show that using only sequence preferences for nucleosomes and transcription factors, our model can also predict expression behavior of real promoter sequences, thereby underscoring the importance of the interplay between nucleosomes and factors in determining expression kinetics.
Racemic calcium tartrate tetrahydrate [form (II)] in rat urinary stones
Authors: Le Bail A. , Bazin D. , Daudon M. , Brochot A. , Robbez-Masson V. , Maisonneuve V.
Published: May 2009

The title compound, [Ca(C4H4O6)]·4H2O, calcium tartrate tetrahydrate, is a new triclinic centrosymmetric form identified in rat kidney calculus. The crystal structure was determined from powder and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The four water molecules belong to one square face of the Ca-atom coordination (a square antiprism), the four O atoms of the second square face coming from two tartrate anions, building infinite chains alternating Ca atom polyhedra and tartrate anions along a, with the chains cross-linked by a network of hydrogen bonds.
Characterization of the pressure-induced second-order phase transition in the mixed-valence vanadate BaV6O11
Authors: Friese Karen , Kanke Yasushi , Grzechnik Andrzej
Published: May 2009

The pressure dependence of the structure of the mixed-valence vanadate BaV6O11 was studied with single-crystal X-ray diffraction in a diamond–anvil cell. The compressibility data could be fitted with a Murnaghan equation of state with the zero-pressure bulk modulus B
0 = 161 (7) GPa and the unit-cell volume at ambient pressure = 387.1 (3) Å^3 (B′ = 4.00). A phase transition involving a symmetry reduction from P63/mmc to P63
mc can be reliably detected in the high-pressure data. The estimated transition pressure lies in the range 1.18 < P
c < 3.09 GPa. The transition leads to a breaking of the regular Kagomé net formed by part of the V ions. While in the ambient pressure structure all V—V distances in the Kagomé net are equal, they split into inter-trimer and intra-trimer distances in the high-pressure phase. In general, these changes are comparable to those observed in the corresponding low-temperature transition. However, the pressure-induced transition takes place at a lower unit-cell volume compared with the temperature-induced transition. Furthermore, overall trends for inter-trimer and intra-trimer V—V distances as a function of the unit-cell volume are clearly different for datapoints obtained by variation of pressure and temperature. The behavior of BaV6O11 is compared with that of NaV6O11. While in the latter compound the transition can be explained as a pure volume effect, in BaV6O11 an additional degree of freedom related to the valence distribution among the symmetrically independent vanadium sites has to be taken into account.
A non-mathematical introduction to the superspace description of modulated structures
Authors: Wagner Trixie , Schönleber Andreas
Published: May 2009

The X-ray analysis of (6R,7aS)-6-(tert-butyl-dimethylsilanyloxy)-1-hydroxy-2-phenyl-5,6,7,7a-tetrahydropyrrolizin-3-one, C19H27NO3Si, revealed a diffraction pattern which is typical for modulated structures: strong Bragg peaks surrounded by weaker reflections which cannot be indexed with the same three reciprocal lattice vectors that are used to describe the strong peaks. For this class of crystal structures the concept of superspace has been developed which, however, for many crystallographers still constitutes a Gordian Knot. As a possible tool to cut this knot the crystal structure of the above-mentioned tetrahydropyrrolizinone derivative is presented as an illustrative example for handling and describing the modulated structure of a typical pharmaceutical (i.e. molecular) compound. Having established a working knowledge of the concepts and terminology of the superspace approach a concise and detailed description of the complete process of peak indexing, data processing, structure solution and structure interpretation is presented for the incommensurately modulated crystal structure of the above-mentioned compound. The superspace symmetry applied is P21(α0γ)0; the (incommensurate) q vector components at 100 K are α = 0.1422 (2) and γ = 0.3839 (8).
Single-crystal diffuse scattering studies on polymorphs of molecular crystals. I. The room-temperature polymorphs of the drug benzocaine
Authors: Chan E. J. , Welberry T. R. , Goossens D. J. , Heerdegen A. P. , Beasley A. G. , Chupas P. J.
Published: May 2009

The drug benzocaine (ethyl 4-aminobenzoate), commonly used as a local anaesthetic, is a bimorphic solid at room temperature. Form (I) is monoclinic P21/c, while the metastable form (II) is orthorhombic P212121. Three-dimensional diffuse X-ray scattering data have been collected for the two forms on the 11-ID-B beamline at the Advanced Photon Source (APS). Both forms show strong and highly structured diffuse scattering. The data have been interpreted and analysed using Monte Carlo (MC) modelling on the basis that the scattering is purely thermal in origin and indicates the presence of highly correlated molecular motions. In both forms (I) and (II) broad diffuse streaks are observed in the 0kl section which indicate strong longitudinal displacement correlations between molecules in the 〈031〉 directions, extending over distances of up to 50 Å. Streaks extending between Bragg peaks in the hk0 section normal to [100] correspond to correlated motions of chains of molecules extending along a that are linked by N—H...O=C hydrogen bonds and which occur together as coplanar ribbon pairs. The main difference between the two forms is in the dynamical behaviour of the ribbon pairs and in particular how they are able to slide relative to each other. While for form (I) a model involving harmonic springs is able to describe the motion satisfactorily, as simple excursions away from the average structure, there is evidence in form (II) of anharmonic effects that are precursors of a phase transition to a new low-temperature phase, form (III), that was subsequently found.
BRCA1 promoter methylation associated with poor survival in Chinese patients with sporadic breast cancer
Authors: Chen Yanglin , Zhou Jing , Xu Ye , Li Zhaosheng , Wen Xianzi , Yao Lihua , Xie Yuntao , Deng Dajun
Published: May 2009

Transcriptional inactivation of breast cancer gene 1 (BRCA1) by DNA methylation is a frequent event in sporadic breast cancers. To investigate whether BRCA1 methylation is associated with survival in Chinese patients with sporadic breast cancer, BRCA1 methylation was determined using methylation specific PCR in 536 sporadic breast cancers. Survival curves for patients with methylated and unmethylated BRCA1 were compared using the log‐rank tests. Twenty‐six percent (139/536) of patients exhibited BRCA1 methylation in their tumors. The degree of BRCA1 methylation was correlated with clinical stages of breast cancer, but was not significant. Patients with BRCA1 methylated tumors had a significantly worse 5‐year disease‐free survival (DFS) and 5‐year disease‐specific survival (DSS) than did patients with unmethylated tumors (DFS: 73.2%vs 82.6%, P = 0.045; DSS 80.5%vs 87%, P = 0.038, two‐sided). In conclusions, BRCA1 methylation is a frequent event in breast cancer and is associated with poor clinical outcome in Chinese women with breast cancer. (Cancer Sci 2009; 100: 1663–1667)
Autosomal recessive inherited phosphofructokinase deficiency in English springer spaniel dogs
Authors: GIGER U. , REILLY M. P. , ASAKURA T. , BALDWIN C. J. , HARVEY J. W.
Published: May 2009

Summary Three families of English springer spaniel dogs with phosphofructokinase (PFK) deficiency causing haemolysis were studied. Four male dogs and one female dog with chronic haemolysis and haemolytic crises were found to have markedly reduced PFK activity in erythrocytes (8–20% of control English springer spaniels). PFK‐deficient erythrocytes exhibited an extreme alkaline and sucrose lysis. The oxygen dissociation curve of erythrocyte suspensions was shifted to the left with a 50% saturation of haemoglobin at a partial oxygen pressure of 16–17 mmHg (normal 26–31 mmHg). Muscle wasting and mildly increased serum creatine phosphokinase activity were also noted. Six clinically normal first degree relatives of affected dogs had erythrocyte PFK activities that were 38–51% of controls. In these family members, there was an erythrocytosis and mild reticulocytosis probably due to a mildly enhanced haemoglobin‐oxygen affinity but no increase in serum creatine phosphokinase. These studies confirm the familial nature of muscle‐type PFK deficiency in English springer spaniels and support the conclusion that this animal model of the human glycogen storage disease type VII is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait.
Genetic linkage between loci for a red cell alloantigen (U) and serum protease inhibitor (Pi) in the horse
Authors: BOWLING A. T.
Published: May 2009

SummaryPreliminary evidence for the fifth autosomal linkage group in the horse, comprised of the loci for a red cell alloantigen (U) and serum protease inhibitor (Pi), was demonstrated by means of paternal half‐sib groups in thoroughbred, standard‐bred and Arabian breeds. Recombination frequency in males was estimated to be 0–125 ± 0–019.
Zebrafish modelling of leukaemias
Authors: Payne Elspeth , Look Thomas
Published: May 2009

The use of animal models has revealed important mechanisms relevant to the development and treatment of human cancer. In recent years the zebrafish has emerged as an exciting new organism in which to model leukaemogenesis. The zebrafish model has distinct advantages over other animal models, most notably a capacity for forward genetic studies and rapid small molecule screens which can be used to dissect novel genetic pathways contributing to the development of leukaemia. Additionally, the high fecundity and optical clarity of the zebrafish make it an attractive organism in which to directly visualize the localization and development of normal and abnormal haematopoiesis in vivo. Until recently, targeting mutations to specific genes was technically difficult in the zebrafish, but new technology using chimeric zinc fingers to create targeted gene knockouts has made reverse genetic modelling possible and promises to deliver many new and exciting models. This review summarizes the benefits of using the zebrafish to study leukaemogenesis, reviews current zebrafish models of specific leukaemias, and gives an overview of future direction for the zebrafish in the study of cancer.
Rituximab in non‐haematological disorders of adults and its mode of action
Authors: McDonald Vickie , Leandro Maria
Published: May 2009

Rituximab is currently licenced for the treatment of CD20 positive lymphoma and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), however, it is increasingly being used off‐label in a wide variety of non‐haematological conditions. Although there are limited numbers of randomised controlled trials, there is a growing body of evidence for its efficacy in rheumatology, renal disease, solid organ transplantation, neuromuscular disorders, skin and endocrine disorders. The mechanism of action of rituximab in these conditions is not always clear and is likely to be via modification of both B and T cell function. Rituximab appears to be well tolerated in most groups of patients but certain side effects may be more prominent in particular conditions. This review examines the evidence base behind the use of rituximab in non‐haematological conditions in adults and any special considerations that need to be taken into account when treating particular disease groups.
Diagnostic management of clinically suspected acute deep vein thrombosis
Authors: Tan Melanie , Van Rooden Cornelis J. , Westerbeek Robin E. , Huisman Menno V.
Published: May 2009

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a common disease that may lead to potentially fatal complications, such as pulmonary embolism. In the past decades several diagnostic tools and algorithms for DVT have been studied. Currently the combination of a clinical decision rule, D‐dimer testing and compression ultrasonography has proved to be safe and effective for the diagnosis of DVT in the lower extremities. Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) can be useful as additional or secondary imaging modalities. This review will discuss the elements currently used in making the clinical diagnosis of DVT. These elements include clinical decision rules and D‐dimer testing, different imaging investigations and the appropriate use of these within diagnostic algorithms in patients with clinically suspected DVT. Although current knowledge of the options available to diagnose DVT of the lower extremities is well established, there are still unresolved issues, including the optimal diagnosis of recurrent DVT and distal DVT. Furthermore, the diagnosis of DVT of the upper extremities will be discussed, including the different imaging modalities and the limitations of these techniques.
Ecologically heterogeneous populations of the invasive ant Wasmannia auropunctata within its native and introduced ranges
Authors: ORIVEL JÉRÔME , GRANGIER JULIEN , FOUCAUD JULIEN , LE BRETON JULIEN , ANDRÈS FRANÇOIS‐XAVIER , JOURDAN HERVÉ , DELABIE JACQUES H. C. , FOURNIER DENIS , CERDAN PHILIPPE , FACON BENOIT , ESTOUP ARNAUD , DEJEAN ALAIN
Published: May 2009

Abstract 1. The biology of most invasive species in their native geographical areas remains largely unknown. Such studies are, however, crucial in shedding light on the ecological and evolutionary processes underlying biological invasions.

2. The present study focuses on the little fire ant Wasmannia auropunctata, a species native to Central and South America that has been widely introduced and which has become invasive throughout the tropics. We characterise and compare several ecological traits of native populations in French Guiana with those in one of its introduced ranges, New Caledonia.

3. We found ecologically heterogeneous populations of W. auropunctata coexisting in the species’ native geographical area. First, we found populations restricted to naturally perturbed areas (particularly floodplains) within the primary forest, and absent from the surrounding forest areas. These populations were characterised by low nest and worker densities. Second, we found dominant populations in recent anthropogenic areas (e.g. secondary forest or forest edge along road) characterised by high nest and worker densities, and associated with low ant species richness. The local dominance of W. auropunctata in such areas can be due to the displacement of other species (cause) or the filling‐up of empty habitats unsuitable to other ants (effect). With respect to their demographic features and ant species richness, the populations of native anthropogenic habitats were to a large extent similar to the invasive populations introduced into remote areas.

4. The results point to the need for greater research efforts to better understand the ecological and demographic features of invasive species within their native ranges.
Assessing the consistency of response metrics of the invertebrate benthos: a comparison of trait‐ and identity‐based measures
Authors: POLLARD A. I. , YUAN L. L.
Published: May 2009

1. The use of species traits to interpret biological changes in invertebrate assemblages across environmental gradients has been suggested as a method to improve discrimination over existing species composition methods. One reason for greater potential discrimination and predictive ability is the assumed universality of traits across a range of spatial and temporal scales. We explore this assumption by comparing the consistency of stressor–response relationships of a trait characteristic (percent clinging taxa) and a common taxonomy‐based metric [percent Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera (EPT)] over a stressor gradient of increasing benthic fine sediment.

2. We use invertebrate assemblage and environmental data from three large‐scale surveys that cover the western United States, eastern United States and the Mid‐Atlantic Highlands of the US. These three datasets allow us to compare stressor–response relationships in terms of geographic position (west versus east) and spatial scale (entire east versus a sub‐region of the east). We compare the slopes and intercepts of the two measures of assemblage response.

3. Trait characteristics exhibited more consistent stressor–response relationships than identity characteristics. Stressor–response relationships generated for clinging invertebrate richness had statistically similar slopes over sediment gradients, regardless of spatial scale or geographic location. In contrast, slopes were significantly different for relationships generated with EPT richness over sediment gradients.

4. Results of this study support the hypothesis that trait‐based measures have a more consistent response to a stressor gradient than identity‐based assemblage measures. Choosing consistent measures of community response will facilitate comparisons among assemblages across large spatial scales.
Cortical locations of maximal spindle activity: magnetoencephalography (MEG) study
Authors: GUMENYUK VALENTINA , ROTH THOMAS , MORAN JOHN E. , JEFFERSON CATHERINE , BOWYER SUSAN M. , TEPLEY NORMAN , DRAKE CHRISTOPHER L.
Published: May 2009

The aim of this study was to determine the main cortical regions related to maximal spindle activity of sleep stage 2 in healthy individual subjects during a brief morning nap using magnetoencephalography (MEG). Eight volunteers (mean age: 26.1 ± 8.7, six women) all right handed, free of any medical psychiatric or sleep disorders were studied. Whole‐head 148‐channel MEG and a conventional polysomnography montage (EEG; C3, C4, O1 and O2 scalp electrodes and EOG, EMG and ECG electrodes) were used for data collection. Sleep MEG/EEG spindles were visually identified during 15 min of stage 2 sleep for each participant. The distribution of brain activity corresponding to each spindle was calculated using a combination of independent component analysis and a current source density technique superimposed upon individual MRIs. The absolute maximum of spindle activation was localized to frontal, temporal and parietal lobes. However, the most common cortical regions for maximal source spindle activity were precentral and/or postcentral areas across all individuals. The present study suggests that maximal spindle activity localized to these two regions may represent a single event for two types of spindle frequency: slow (at 12 Hz) and fast (at 14 Hz) within global thalamocortical coherence.
Benefits of napping in healthy adults: impact of nap length, time of day, age, and experience with napping
Authors: MILNER CATHERINE E. , COTE KIMBERLY A.
Published: May 2009

Napping is a cross‐cultural phenomenon which occurs across the lifespan. People vary widely in the frequency with which they nap as well as the improvements in alertness and well‐being experienced. The systematic study of daytime napping is important to understand the benefits in alertness and performance that may be accrued from napping. This review paper investigates factors that affect the benefits of napping such as duration and temporal placement of the nap. In addition, the influence of subject characteristics such as age and experience with napping is examined. The focus of the review is on benefits for healthy individuals with regular sleep/wake schedules rather than for people with sleep or medical disorders. The goal of the review is to summarize the type of performance improvements that result from napping, critique the existing studies, and make recommendations for future research.
Circadian rhythm in handwriting
Authors: JASPER ISABELLE , HÄUßLER ANDREAS , MARQUARDT CHRISTIAN , HERMSDÖRFER JOACHIM
Published: May 2009

The aim of the present study was to determine whether the motor process of handwriting is influenced by a circadian rhythm. Nine healthy young male subjects underwent a 40‐h sleep deprivation protocol under constant routine conditions. Starting at 09:00 hours, subjects performed every 3 h two handwriting tasks of different complexity. Handwriting performance was evaluated by writing speed, writing fluency and script size. The frequency of handwriting, as a measure of movement speed, revealed a circadian rhythm, validated by harmonic regression, with a slowing at the time of the onset of melatonin secretion (22:17 hours) and a trough in the very early morning at around 03:30 hours. In the temporal variability of handwriting an effect of task complexity was suggested in the direction of circadian variations in parallel with speed only for the sentence. Despite deficits of speed and temporal variability, writing fluency did not change significantly across sessions indicating that the basic automation of handwriting was preserved at any time. On the second day, daytime levels of the kinematics of handwriting did not reflect impaired performance after sleep deprivation. Our results show for the first time a clear circadian rhythm for the production of handwriting.
Error correction maintains post‐error adjustments after one night of total sleep deprivation
Authors: HSIEH SHULAN , TSAI CHENG‐YIN , TSAI LING‐LING
Published: May 2009

Previous behavioral and electrophysiologic evidence indicates that one night of total sleep deprivation (TSD) impairs error monitoring, including error detection, error correction, and posterror adjustments (PEAs). This study examined the hypothesis that error correction, manifesting as an overtly expressed self‐generated performance feedback to errors, can effectively prevent TSD‐induced impairment in the PEAs. Sixteen healthy right‐handed adults (seven women and nine men) aged 19–23 years were instructed to respond to a target arrow flanked by four distracted arrows and to correct their errors immediately after committing errors. Task performance and electroencephalogram (EEG) data were collected after normal sleep (NS) and after one night of TSD in a counterbalanced repeated‐measures design. With the demand of error correction, the participants maintained the same level of PEAs in reducing the error rate for trial N + 1 after TSD as after NS. Corrective behavior further affected the PEAs for trial N + 1 in the omission rate and response speed, which decreased and speeded up following corrected errors, particularly after TSD. These results show that error correction effectively maintains posterror reduction in both committed and omitted errors after TSD. A cerebral mechanism might be involved in the effect of error correction as EEG beta (17–24 Hz) activity was increased after erroneous responses compared to after correct responses. The practical application of error correction to increasing work safety, which can be jeopardized by repeated errors, is suggested for workers who are involved in monotonous but attention‐demanding monitoring tasks.
Sleep duration and mortality: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: GALLICCHIO LISA , KALESAN BINDU
Published: May 2009

Epidemiologic studies have shown that sleep duration is associated with overall mortality. We conducted a systematic review of the associations between sleep duration and all‐cause and cause‐specific mortality. PubMed was systematically searched up to January, 2008 to identify studies examining the association between sleep duration and mortality (both all‐cause and cause‐specific) among adults. Data were abstracted serially in a standardized manner by two reviewers and analyzed using random‐effects meta‐analysis. Twenty‐three studies assessing the associations between sleep duration and mortality were identified. All examined sleep duration measured using participant self‐report. Among the 16 studies which had similar reference categories and reported sufficient data on short sleep and mortality for meta‐analyses, the pooled relative risk (RR) for all‐cause mortality for short sleep duration was 1.10 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.06, 1.15]. For cardiovascular‐related and cancer‐related mortality, the RRs associated with short sleep were 1.06 (95% CI: 0.94, 1.18) and 0.99 (95% CI: 0.88, 1.13), respectively. Similarly, among the 17 studies reporting data on long sleep duration and mortality, the pooled RRs comparing the long sleepers with medium sleepers were 1.23 (95% CI: 1.17, 1.30) for all‐cause mortality, 1.38 (95% CI: 1.13, 1.69) for cardiovascular‐related mortality, and 1.21 (95% CI: 1.11, 1.32) for cancer‐related mortality. Our findings indicate that both short sleepers and long sleepers are at increased risk of all‐cause mortality. Further research using objective measures of sleep duration is needed to fully characterize these associations.
Support for a metapopulation structure among mammals
Authors: OLIVIER PIETER I. , VAN AARDE RUDI J. , FERREIRA SAM M.
Published: May 2009

The metapopulation metaphor is increasingly used to explain the spatial dynamics of animal populations. However, metapopulation structure is difficult to identify in long‐lived species that are widely distributed in stochastic environments, where they can resist extinctions. The literature on mammals may not provide supporting evidence for classic metapopulation dynamics, which call for the availability of discrete habitat patches, asynchrony in local population dynamics, evidence for extinction and colonization processes, and dispersal between local populations.

Empirical evidence for metapopulation structure among mammals may exist when applying more lenient criteria. To meet these criteria, mammals should live in landscapes as discrete local breeding populations, and their demography should be asynchronous.

We examined the literature for empirical evidence in support of the classical criteria set byHanski (1999), and for the more lenient subset of criteria proposed byElmhagen & Angerbjörn (2001). We suggest circumstances where metapopulation theory could be important in understanding population processes in mammals of different body sizes.

The patchy distribution of large (>100 kg) mammals and dispersal often motivate inferences in support of a metapopulation structure. Published studies seldom address the full suite of classical criteria. However, studies on small mammals are more likely to record classic metapopulation criteria than those on large mammals. The slow turnover rate that is typical for medium‐sized and large mammals apparently makes it difficult to identify a metapopulation structure during studies of short duration.

To identify a metapopulation structure, studies should combine the criteria set byHanski (1999) andElmhagen & Angerbjörn (2001). Mammals frequently live in fragmented landscapes, and processes involved in the maintenance of a metapopulation structure should be considered in conservation planning and management.
Choice of environmental components for a longitudinal birth cohort study
Authors: Golding Jean , Jones Richard , Preece Alan , Bruné Marie‐Noël , Pronczuk Jenny
Published: May 2009

Various aspects of the environment of the mother and child may have major influences on the health and development of the child. Long‐term influences can even affect chronic diseases of adulthood. Here we describe the major psychosocial and physical environmental factors that should be measured in longitudinal birth cohort studies.
Information technology for longitudinal birth cohorts
Authors: Carmichael David
Published: May 2009

Developing computer‐based information systems to manage data in a longitudinal birth survey is a challenging task. There are many elements to such a system and good planning and design is essential to produce a system capable of maintaining and providing information both to manage the study and to facilitate research. There are many options and routes that can be taken. Finding the best can be difficult. The key to a good system is to talk to its users, define the operational parameters and plan as much flexibility as is possible.
The digestive system of human lice: current advances and potential applications
Authors: WANIEK PETER J.
Published: May 2009

Abstract. Haematophagy has evolved independently in different insect groups. This has resulted in the development of different kinds of adaptations (e.g. suitable mouthparts as well as alterations in the gut anatomy and in digestive enzyme composition). At the same time, insects have acquired different levels of adaptation to blood‐sucking habits. One of the most interesting examples is the co‐evolution of sucking lice (Anoplura) with their hosts. Human head and body lice, Pediculus humanus capitis De Geer, 1767 and Pediculus humanus humanus Linnaeus, 1758, are highly host‐ and anatomic‐region‐specific ectoparasites. They spend their entire lives on the host, ingesting small blood meals, several times per day. To date, several genes encoding digestive protease and proteolytic activities have been identified. The blood is stored in the anterior distensible region of the midgut, where genes encoding serine endopeptidases are highly expressed. Likewise, in the narrow posterior region of the midgut, the high‐level expression of genes encoding exopeptidases has been documented. Symbiotic microorganisms inhabiting the mycetome complete the deficient nutrition of human lice. This review focuses on the digestion habits of the best‐investigated taxon of human lice P. h. humanus in relation to other blood‐sucking insects.
Effect of orchiectomy on renal function in control and diabetic rats with chronic inhibition of nitric oxide
Authors: Anderson Sharon , Chapman Justin G , Oyama Terry T , Komers Radko
Published: May 2009

Male gender is associated with higher blood pressure (BP) and more rapid loss of renal function in a spectrum of clinical and experimental renal diseases, including diabetic nephropathy. Consequently, modulation of testosterone levels could exert beneficial effects in the diabetic kidney.

The aim of the present study was to determine whether testosterone deficiency (orchiectomy) could influence BP and renal function in streptozotocin‐diabetic rats, with or without accelerated endothelial dysfunction achieved by chronic inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) synthesis using NG‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester (l‐NAME; 40–100 mg/L in the drinking water for 2 weeks), as well as in age‐matched non‐diabetic rats subjected to the same interventions.

Orchiectomy did not affect l‐NAME‐induced increases in BP in non‐diabetic or diabetic rats. In non‐diabetic rats, orchiectomy prevented l‐NAME‐induced increases in proteinuria. These effects on proteinuria were not observed in diabetic rats. In non‐diabetic rats, orchiectomy had no effect on renal haemodynamics in animals receiving vehicle and did not affect l‐NAME‐induced changes in renal haemodynamics, characterized by reductions in renal plasma flow (RPF) and higher filtration fractions (FF). In intact diabetic rats, l‐NAME treatment resulted in lower RPF. This difference was not observed in diabetic rats subjected to orchiectomy, although l‐NAME‐treated diabetic orchiectomized rats had lower RPF and higher FF compared with vehicle‐treated intact diabetic rats.

In conclusion, we report modest beneficial effects of orchiectomy on proteinuria in normal, but not in diabetic, rats with inhibition of NO production. This suggests that testosterone reduction does not attenuate the deleterious impact of the diabetic metabolic milieu in the kidney.
Placental oxidative stress in malnourished rats and changes in kidney proximal tubule sodium ATPases in offspring
Authors: Vieira‐Filho Leucio D , Lara Lucienne S , Silva Paulo A , Luzardo Ricardo , Einicker‐Lamas Marcelo , Cardoso Henriqueta D , Paixão Ana DO , Vieyra Adalberto
Published: May 2009

Intrauterine malnutrition has been linked to the development of adult cardiovascular and renal diseases, which are related to altered Na+ balance. Here we investigated whether maternal malnutrition increases placental oxidative stress with subsequent impact on renal ATP‐dependent Na+ transporters in the offspring.

Maternal malnutrition was induced in rats during pregnancy by using a basic regional diet available in north‐eastern Brazil. Placental oxidative stress was evaluated by measuring thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances, which were 35–40% higher in malnourished dams (MalN). Na+ pumps were evaluated in control and prenatally malnourished rats (at 25 and 90 days of age).

Identical Na+/K+‐ATPase activity was found in both groups at 25 days (approximately 150 nmol Pi/mg per min). However, although Na+/K+‐ATPase increased by 40% with growth in control rats, it remained constant in pups from MalN.

In juvenile rats, the activity of the ouabain‐insensitive Na+‐ATPase was higher in MalN than in controls (70 vs 25 nmol Pi/mg per min). Nevertheless, activity did not increase with kidney and body growth: at 90 days, it was 50% lower in MalN than in controls. The maximal stimulation of the Na+‐ATPase by angiotensin (Ang) II was 35% lower in MalN than in control rats and was attained only with a much higher concentration of the peptide (10−10 mol/L) than in controls (10−14 mol/L).

Protein kinase C activity, which mediates the effects of AngII on Na+‐ATPase was only one‐third of normal values in the MalN group.

These results indicate that placental oxidative stress may contribute to fetal undernutrition, which leads to later disturbances in Na+ pumps from proximal tubule cells.
Curcumin‐loaded poly(ε‐caprolactone) nanofibres: Diabetic wound dressing with anti‐oxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties
Authors: Merrell Jonathan G , McLaughlin Shaun W , Tie Lu , Laurencin Cato T , Chen Alex F , Nair Lakshmi S
Published: May 2009

Curcumin is a naturally occurring poly‐phenolic compound with a broad range of favourable biological functions, including anti‐cancer, anti‐oxidant and anti‐inflammatory activities. The low bioavailability and in vivo stability of curcumin require the development of suitable carrier vehicles to deliver the molecule in a sustained manner at therapeutic levels.

In the present study, we investigated the feasibility and potential of poly(caprolactone) (PCL) nanofibres as a delivery vehicle for curcumin for wound healing applications. By optimizing the electrospinning parameters, bead‐free curcumin‐loaded PCL nanofibres were developed.

The fibres showed sustained release of curcumin for 72 h and could be made to deliver a dose much lower than the reported cytotoxic concentration while remaining bioactive. Human foreskin fibroblast cells (HFF‐1) showed more than 70% viability on curcumin‐loaded nanofibres.

The anti‐oxidant activity of curcumin‐loaded nanofibres was demonstrated using an oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay and by the ability of the fibres to maintain the viability of HFF‐1 cells under conditions of oxidative stress.

The curcumin‐loaded nanofibres also reduced inflammatory induction, as evidenced by low levels of interleukin‐6 release from mouse monocyte–macrophages seeded onto the fibres following stimulation by Escherichia coli‐derived lipopolysaccharide.

The in vivo wound healing capability of the curcumin loaded PCL nanofibres was demonstrated by an increased rate of wound closure in a streptozotocin‐induced diabetic mice model.

These results demonstrate that the curcumin‐loaded PCL nanofibre matrix is bioactive and has potential as a wound dressing with anti‐oxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties.
Preoperative use of inhaled tiotropium in lung cancer patients with untreated COPD
Authors: KOBAYASHI Seiichi , SUZUKI Satoshi , NIIKAWA Hiromichi , SUGAWARA Takafumi , YANAI Masaru
Published: May 2009

Background and objective:  Lung cancer patients with COPD are at high risk during surgery. Tiotropium, a long‐acting bronchodilator, is a preferred maintenance therapy for COPD, but its efficacy in the perioperative period has not been clarified.

Methods:  A retrospective review was performed of the medical records of 102 patients with primary lung cancer and COPD, who underwent scheduled surgery. Twenty‐one lung cancer patients with untreated mild‐to‐severe COPD received tiotropium preoperatively. Spirometry was performed prior to and after 2 weeks of treatment with tiotropium, and at 3 months after surgery.

Results:  Two‐week preoperative treatment with tiotropium significantly improved respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function as reflected by FVC (median 3.43 L pretreatment vs 3.52 L post‐treatment), FEV1 (median 2.06 L vs 2.32 L) and FEV1% (73.2% vs 81.0%) (all P < 0.001). Postoperative FEV1% was significantly increased from a median of 56.0% (interquartile range 51.6–60.3) to 63.4% (60.8–66.0) (P < 0.001). The increase in FEV1 was inversely associated with severity of COPD (r = −0.59, P < 0.005). Lung resections were successfully accomplished without complications. The postoperative FEV1 predicted prior to tiotropium treatment was underestimated (median predicted postoperative FEV1 1.65 L vs median measured postoperative FEV1 1.96 L, P < 0.001).

Conclusions:  Preoperative treatment with tiotropium may facilitate surgical treatment for lung cancer patients with COPD. This is encouraging for COPD patients who may require curative lung resections.
PR18 CANDIDA AND THERMAL INJURY: 10 years EXPERIENCE FROM A SPECIALIST BURNS UNIT
Authors: Moore E. C. , Padiglione A. , Wasiak J. , Paul E. , Cleland H.
Published: May 2009

Sepsis due to Candida is a rare but significant cause of death in burns patients. Indications for prophylaxis against invasive Candida infection are unclear in patients with thermal injury. Consensus statements do not specifically include this cohort.

We conducted a ten year review of burns patients to the Victorian Adult Burns Service, to identify the extent and clinical significance of Candida infection in a specialist burns unit. Our aim was to define predictive factors for Candidaemia, in order to guide protocols for prevention and early treatment.

Between July 1, 1998 and December 31, 2007, 1933 patients were newly admitted with acute burns; of these 143 patients had Candida or Yeast isolated at any site. The most common species was C.albicans. Twelve patients developed 13 episodes of Candidaemia.

Prior colonisation was an important risk factor for Candidaemia, and the risk increased substantially with increased number of colonised sites. Other risk factors for Candidaemia were: higher percent TBSA (total burn surface area); increased number of visits to the operating theatre; colonisation of particular sites and prior treatment with TPN and certain antibiotics.

The attributable mortality of Candidaemia was 15% (n = 2). Initiation of appropriate antifungal therapy was often delayed.

Our results justify early empirical anti‐fungal therapy in septic burns patients who are colonized, before the results of cultures become known. The role of prophylactic antifungals is less clear, but should be strongly considered for high risk patients colonized at multiple sites.
PR36P MERKEL CELL CARCINOMA IN WAIKATO HOSPITAL, NEW ZEALAND
Authors: Mistry Y. N. , Mafi D. , Pandita A. , Alkadhi A.
Published: May 2009

Purpose:   To compare our Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) patients and their respective management with current national and international standards.

Methodology:   Retrospective descriptive audit at Waikato Hospital between the years 2000 and 2008. Patients identified by Hospital's Pathlab database. Data included demographics, speciality involvement, tumour biology, tumour stage, treatment modalities and MDM involvement. All patients placed into the updated Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre (MSKCC) staging system for MCC to aid in analysis of management.

Results:   22 patients identified (∼10% of all reported cases in NZ over this period). Majority were head and neck cases (55%) in elderly European patients. Plastic Surgery was the Primary speciality for 58% of cases. MSKCC stages were 27.3% stage 1; 18.2% stage 2; 45.5% stage 3; 9.1% stage 4. Stage I & 2 patients had variable WLE margins (4 mm–50 mm) and only 50% referred for radiotherapy. Stage 3 patients mainly treated with lymph node dissection (70%), radiotherapy (100%), and occasionally chemotherapy (30%). MDM involvement accounted for 54% of Head and Neck MCC cases and 0% for other anatomical locations of MCC.

Conclusion:   Waikato Hospital lacks consistency in management of patients at all stages for MCC. It is crucial to have clear excision margins, advise minimal margins of 11 mm. All stage 2 and 3 patients should be referred for radiotherapy. Multimodality treatment is required in the vast majority of these cases. Hence a multidisciplinary TEAM approach to management is recommended.
PR04 THE IN‐VIVO ANATOMY OF THE DEEP CIRCUMFLEX ILIAC ARTERY (DCIA) PERFORATORS: DEFINING THE ROLE FOR THE DCIA PERFORATOR FLAP
Authors: Ting J. W. , Rozen W. M. , Grinsell D. , Ashton D. L. STELLA and M. W.
Published: May 2009

The deep circumflex iliac artery (DCIA) provides a dependable option for use as an osteo‐musculo‐cutaneous flap, particularly in mandibular reconstruction. Modifications to flaps based on DCIA perforators have been sought in order to prevent donor site morbidity as a consequence of muscle cuff harvest. Previous studies have been inconsistent in their descriptions of perforator anatomy, and means of assessing these preoperatively have not been widely described. A clinical anatomical study was undertaken, with a cohort of 44 hemi‐abdominal walls in 22 consecutive patients undergoing preoperative computed tomographic angiography (CTA) prior to free flap surgery. The feasibility of CTA and the regional vascular anatomy were both assessed. The use of CTA was shown to demonstrate DCIA perforators with high resolution and to be able to assess vessel size and location. In 44 hemi‐abdominal walls, there were 44 perforators of >0.8 mm diameter. There were no suitable perforators in 40% of sides, with 32% of sides having 1 perforator >0.8 mm diameter, 16% having 2 perforators, <10% had 3 perforators, and only 1 side had over 4 perforators. Perforators emerged from the deep fascia on average 5.1 cm cranial and 3.9 cm posterior to the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS). Of 44 perforators identified, 82% of perforators were located within a 4 cm by 4 cm area, 3 cm superior and 2 cm posterior to the ASIS. The current study has demonstrated the utility of preoperative CTA for identifying DCIA perforators, and for selecting patients who may be suitable for a DCIA perforator flap given the variable perforator anatomy.
SH14 SURGERY DURING WORLD WAR II IN PAPUA NEW GUINEA – THE WAR ON BOUGAINVILLE
Authors: Watters D. A.
Published: May 2009

Rabaul fell to the Japanese in January 1942. This resulted in a communications failure and a controversial, self‐ evacuation of 15 Bougainville residents aboard the MV Bilua. The evacuees included the medical officer AV Price. The only other doctor, the German‐born, Dr Bruno Kroening, remained on the island, though he had not practiced since WWI.

The Japanese did not occupy Bougainville (unopposed) until July 1942 whereupon they established a significant military base at Kieta housing the 17th Division of the 8th Army Corps under Lt Gen Haruyoshi Hyakutake. The 8th Fleet HQ set up at Buin in 1943. Admiral Yamamoto and his Chief of Staff, Admiral Ugaki, were shot down in April 1943 during a visit to boost the morale of the troops. Ugaki was rescued, his severed artery tied, and he lived on to become the last kamikaze pilot of WWII.

On November 1st 1943 the US Marines landed at Cape Torokina and established a beachhead. They held on despite a number of Japanese counter attacks. The 21st Evacuation Hospital (Okalahoma University) managed US casualties. A prospective study of wounds was conducted during February to April 1944 and its major findings will be summarised.

From November 1944 Australian Divisions relieved the Americans and continued the recapture of the island. During this campaign Brigadier Alec Dawkins (FRACS 1935) was DDMS in Bougainville. At the Australian General Hospital, the surgical division was commanded by Lt‐Col J O Smith.