bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selective CCR2-targeted macrophage depletion ameliorates experimental mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis
Authors: McIntosh L M , Barnes J L , Barnes V L , McDonald J R
Published: November 2008

The CCL2/CCR2 chemokine/receptor axis directs the chemotaxis of infiltrating monocytes/macrophages and T cells and plays a pivotal role in tissue damage and fibrosis in kidney diseases. The eradication of the activated leucocytes should diminish the production of inflammatory mediators, limit tissue damage and ameliorate disease. A recombinant fusion protein (OPL-CCL2-LPM) comprised of the human CCL2 (monocyte chemoattractant protein-1) chemokine fused to a truncated form of the enzymatically active A1 domain of Shigella dysenteriae holotoxin (SA1) has been developed. The CCL2 portion binds specifically to CCR2-bearing leucocytes and the fusion protein enters the cells, where the SA1 moiety inhibits protein synthesis resulting in cell death. The compound was tested in a model of anti-thymocyte serum (ATS)-induced mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis (ATS-GN). Male rats were injected with ATS on day 0 and treated intravenously with vehicle, 50 or 100 µg/kg of OPL-CCL2-LPM Q2D from days 2, 4, 6 and 8. Urine and blood were collected on days 0, 5 and 9. Animals were sacrificed on day 9. No treatment-related effects on body weight or signs of clinical toxicity were observed. Urine protein levels were decreased in treated animals. At the highest dose, histopathological analyses of kidney sections revealed maximum reductions of 36, 31, 30 and 24% for macrophage count, glomerular lesions, α-smooth muscle actin and fibronectin respectively. These results indicate a significant protective effect of OPL-CCL2-LPM in this model of nephritis.
Recurrent superantigen exposure in vivo leads to highly suppressive CD4+CD25+ and CD4+CD25- T cells with anergic and suppressive genetic signatures
Authors: Schartner J M , Singh A M , Dahlberg P E , Nettenstrom L , Seroogy C M
Published: November 2008

Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) activates T cells via non-canonical signalling through the T cell receptor and is an established model for T cell unresponsiveness in vivo. In this study, we sought to characterize the suppressive qualities of SEB-exposed CD4+ T cells and correlate this with genetic signatures of anergy and suppression. SEB-exposed CD25+ and CD25-Vβ8+CD4+ T cells expressed forkhead box P3 (FoxP3) at levels comparable to naive CD25+ T regulatory cells and were enriched after exposure in vivo. Gene related to anergy in lymphocytes (GRAIL), an anergy-related E3 ubiquitin ligase, was up-regulated in the SEB-exposed CD25+ and CD25-FoxP3+Vβ8+CD4+ T cells and FoxP3-CD25-Vβ8+CD4+ T cells, suggesting that GRAIL may be important for dominant and recessive tolerance. The SEB-exposed FoxP3+GRAIL+ T cells were highly suppressive and non-proliferative independent of CD25 expression level and via a glucocorticoid-induced tumour necrosis factor R-related protein-independent mechanism, whereas naive T regulatory cells were non-suppressive and partially proliferative with SEB activation in vitro. Lastly, adoptive transfer of conventional T cells revealed that induction of FoxP3+ regulatory cells is not operational in this model system. These data provide a novel paradigm for chronic non-canonical T cell receptor engagement leading to highly suppressive FoxP3+GRAIL+CD4+ T cells.
How do species respond to climate change along an elevation gradient? A case study of the grey‐headed robin (Heteromyias albispecularis)
Authors: LI JIN , HILBERT DAVID W. , PARKER TREVOR , WILLIAMS STEPHEN
Published: November 2008

Climate is predicted to change rapidly in the current century, which may lead to shifts of species' ranges, reduced populations and extinctions. Predicting the responses of species abundance to climate change can provide valuable information to quantify climate change impacts and inform their management and conservation, but most studies have been limited to changes in habitat area due to a lack of abundance data. Here, we use generalized linear model and Bayesian information criteria to develop a predictive model based on the abundance of the grey‐headed robin (GHR) and the data of climatic environmental variables. The model is validated by leave‐one‐out cross‐validation and equivalence tests. The responses of GHR abundance, population size and habitat area by elevation are predicted under the current climate and 15 climate change scenarios. The model predicts that when temperature increases, abundance of GHR displays a positive response at high elevation, but a negative response at low elevation. High precipitation at the higher elevations is a limiting factor to GHR and any reduction in precipitation at high elevation creates a more suitable environment, leading to an increase in abundance of GHR, whereas changes in precipitation have little impact at low elevation. The loss of habitat is much more than would otherwise be assumed in response to climate change. Temperature increase is the predominant factor leading to habitat loss, whereas changes in precipitation play a secondary role. When climate changes, the species not only loses part of its habitat but also suffers a loss in its population size in the remaining habitat. Population size declines more than the habitat area under all considered climate change scenarios, which implies that the species might become extinct long before the complete loss of its habitat. This study suggests that some species might experience much more severe impacts from climate change than predicted from models of habitat area alone. Management policies based on predictions of habitat area decline using occurrence data need to be re‐evaluated and alternative measures need to be developed to conserve species in the face of rapid climate change.
Service quality in hospital wards with different nursing organization: nurses’ ratings
Authors: Sjetne Ingeborg S. , Veenstra Marijke , Ellefsen Bodil , Stavem Knut
Published: November 2008

Title. Service quality in hospital wards with different nursing organization: nurses’ ratings.

Aim. This paper is a report of a study to assess: (1) the relations between nursing organization models in hospital wards and nurses’ perception of the quality of patient care and dimensions of the practice environment, and (2) if these relations were modified by variations in local conditions at the ward level.

Background. Previous literature is inconclusive concerning what model of nursing organization maximizes the quality of nursing services.

Method. A cross‐sectional survey was carried out in a representative sample of Norwegian hospital wards in 2005. Intra‐ward organization models were classified as: (1) Team leader (n = 30), characterized by extensive responsibilities for team leaders, (2) Primary nurse (n = 18), with extensive responsibilities for named nurses, and (3) Hybrid (n = 37), (1) and (2) combined. We prepared multilevel regression models using scales describing quality of patient care, learning climate, job satisfaction, and relationships with physicians as dependent variables. As independent variables, we used variables representing local ward conditions.

Results. Eighty‐seven wards and 1137 nurses (55% response rate) provided complete data. The ward level proportion of variance ranged from 0·10 (job satisfaction) to 0·22 (relationships with physicians). The univariate effect of organization models on quality ratings was not statistically significant. Introducing local ward conditions led to a statistically significant effect of primary nurse organization on relationships with physicians, and to a substantial proportional reduction in ward level variance, ranging from 32% (quality of patient care) to 24% (learning climate).

Conclusion. Caution is needed about using service quality arguments when considering the possible benefits and drawbacks of different organizational models.
Time to eat: measurements of feeding behaviour in a large marine predator, the northern elephant sealMirounga angustirostris
Authors: Kuhn Carey E. , Crocker Daniel E. , Tremblay Yann , Costa Daniel P.
Published: November 2008

The at‐sea behaviour of marine predators is often described based on changes in behavioural states, such as transit, searching, and feeding. However, to distinguish between these behaviours, it is necessary to know the actual functions of the behaviours recorded. Specifically, to understand the foraging behaviour of marine predators, it is necessary to measure prey consumption. Therefore, the at‐sea feeding behaviour of northern elephant seals (N = 13) was examined using satellite transmitters, time‐depth recorders, and stomach temperature recorders. In addition, stomach temperature telemetry allowed for the validation of indirect measures of feeding behaviour used for marine predators, including decreases in transit rate and changes in dive shape.

Feeding data were recorded for the early phase of the migration (2·2–21 days). The first feeding events occurred shortly after animals departed (4·0 ± 1·5 h) and close to the rookery (58·6 ± 21·9 km), but these feedings were followed by extended periods without prey consumption (14·5 ± 2·5 h). Continuous (bout) feeding did not occur until on average 7·5 ± 1·8 days after the females left the rookery. Females showed significant differences in the feeding rate while feeding in a bout (1·3–2·1 feeding events hour−1).

There was a significant negative relationship between interpolated transit rate and feeding events (r2 = 0·62,P < 0·01). Feeding, which was associated with all dive types, occurred most often during the foraging type dive shape (74·2%). Finally, successful feeding only occurred between 18–24% of the time when females displayed the foraging type dive shape suggesting that the use of dive shape alone, while indicative of behaviours associated with foraging (searching and catching prey) overestimates actual feeding behaviour.

This study showed females not only feed extensively during the early migration, but there was individual variation in both foraging locations and foraging success. In addition, by combining direct and indirect measures of feeding, this study has provided support for the use of foraging indicators in marine predators.
Black and white or shades of grey? Detectability of Adélie penguins during shipboard surveys in the Antarctic pack‐ice
Authors: Southwell Colin , Low Matthew
Published: November 2008

Estimates of penguin abundance are important for developing marine ecosystem models and assessing potential competition between penguins and fisheries operations.

Most shipboard surveys of penguins use strip transect (ST) or conventional distance sampling (CDS) methods to estimate abundance, but the assumptions of these methods are largely untested. To test their validity for surveys of Adélie penguins in the Antarctic pack‐ice, we recorded mark–recapture line‐transect data and estimated detectability using a point‐independence (PI) analysis.

Contrary to ST assumptions, detectability declined markedly with distance from the transect line and varied with group size, substrate and observer position. Estimated detection probabilities across a 300‐m strip width, which has frequently been used in shipboard surveys, ranged from 0·09 for single penguins in water to 0·91 for groups of > 5 penguins on ice floes.

Contrary to CDS assumptions, only two‐thirds of detections close to the transect line by one observer team were detected by the second team. Estimated detection probabilities on the transect line ranged from 0·30 for single penguins in water to 0·92 for large groups of penguins on ice.

Synthesis and applications. Most shipboard surveys have not accounted for incomplete detection, potentially resulting in large negative biases that may vary between surveys. Recent theoretical improvements provide the potential for these biases to be addressed, but this requires application of more sophisticated and rigorous survey protocols. Application of PI analysis to mark–recapture line transect data demonstrated that substantial improvement to abundance estimates could be achieved for penguins compared with previously used methods. The protocols required for PI estimation can be applied to shipboard surveys of slow‐moving species such as penguins and seals, but may be difficult to apply to species moving faster than the survey platform, such as flying seabirds. The benefits of multiple observers are maximized only if they operate independently. For multi‐species surveys, it would be beneficial to have multiple teams of observers, each focussing on a species group. Improved estimation of marine predator abundance will facilitate the development of more realistic ecosystem models and allow improved management of the impact of fisheries operations on non‐target species.
Hydrogen storage properties of MgH2‐diatomite composites obtained by high‐energy ball milling
Authors: MILOVANOVIĆ S. , MATOVIĆ L. , DRVENDŽIJA M. , NOVAKOVIĆ J.G.
Published: November 2008

To investigate the effects of specific porous microstructure of diatomite on the hydrogen storage properties of MgH2, a two‐step preparation was carried out. The first step was decrepitation of MgH2 particle size during 10 h of milling. The second step was additional 1 h of milling with diatomite. The microstructure and phase composition of materials was characterized by X‐ray diffraction, whereas the powder morphology and degree of additive dispersion were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. The hydrogen desorption behaviour of nanocomposites was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry. The results show that addition of porous diatomite structure leads to decrease in desorption temperature, since there was no other effect that can have an influence on kinetics, such as formation of the metastable γ‐phase, reduction of oxides to the native metal and/or homogeneous dispersion of the catalyst. This indicates that the microstructure of added material plays the main role in the enhancement of desorption properties of composites.
Maternal dexamethasone treatment reduces ovarian follicle number in neonatal rat offspring
Authors: RISTIĆ N. , NESTOROVIĆ N. , MANOJLOVIĆ‐STOJANOSKI M. , FILIPOVIĆ B. , ŠOŠIĆ‐JURJEVIĆ B. , MILOŠEVIĆ V. , SEKULIĆ M.
Published: November 2008

Elevated glucocorticoid levels in the gravid female circulation affect a number of endocrine functions in the fetuses and neonates. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of maternal dexamethasone (Dx) administration during late pregnancy on the ovaries of neonatal offspring. On the 16th day of pregnancy, experimental dams received subcutaneously 1.0 mg Dx/kg b.w., followed by 0.5 mg Dx/kg b.w./day on the 17th and 18th days of gestation. The control gravid females received the same volume of saline vehicle. Left ovaries from 5‐day‐old female pups were stereologically analyzed. The ovary volumes were estimated using Cavalieri's principle. The number of healthy and atretic primordial and primary follicles was estimated using a fractionator–physical disector method. The number of secondary follicles was determined by exact counts of every fourth section encompassing whole cross‐sections of the ovary. The ovary volume was significantly decreased (by 44.4%; P < 0.05) in the group of female pups from Dx‐treated mothers comparing to the controls. The numbers of healthy primordial and atretic follicles were 38.8% (P < 0.05) and 50.9% (P < 0.05), respectively, reduced in the ovaries of pups from the Dx‐treated mothers, when compared with the control values. There were 53.4% (P < 0.05) fewer healthy primary and 41.8% (P < 0.05) fewer healthy secondary follicles as well. The numbers of atretic primary and secondary follicles were reduced by 60.0% (P < 0.05) and 61.7% (P < 0.05), respectively. It can be concluded that fetal exposure to glucocorticoids decreased the pool of non‐growing follicles in the neonatal ovary, whereas the processes of folliculogenesis and atresia remained unaffected.
Photothermal microscopy: a step from thermal wave visualization to spatially localized thermal analysis
Authors: GALOVIĆ S. , STOJANOVIĆ Z. , ČEVIZOVIĆ D. , POPOVIĆ M.
Published: November 2008

The calculation of photothermal response detected by a photothermal microscope is presented. By using a technique based on Green's functions and integral transforms, a model for laser‐induced temperature distribution functions has been derived. The mathematical method for solution of inverse problem is proposed. It suggests that photothermal microscopy, besides imaging subsurface of solids, has the potential for quantitative thermal analysis of varioussamples.
Surface roughness of ultra‐thin silver films sputter depositedon a glass
Authors: RAKOCEVIC Z. , PETROVIC R. , STRBAC S.
Published: November 2008

Silver was sputter deposited on a glass with a thin film thickness ranging from 10 to 80 nm. Scanning tunnelling microscopy was used to study the morphology of the obtained Ag–glass surfaces and to estimate the surface roughness. An equation for the surface roughness of the thin film was evaluated using parameters related to the thin film features: the surface roughness of the substrate, the compressibility of the thin film and the film thickness. The experimental results were fitted using the evaluated equation, and the conditions favouring lower or higher surface roughness were analyzed.
Transition temperature and fracture mode of as‐castand austempered ductile iron
Authors: RAJNOVIC D. , ERIC O. , SIDJANIN L.
Published: November 2008

The ductile to brittle transition temperature is a very important criterion that is used for selection of materials in some applications, especially in low‐temperature conditions. For that reason, in this paper transition temperature of as‐cast and austempered copper and copper–nickel alloyed ductile iron (DI) in the temperature interval from −196 to +150°C have been investigated. The microstructures of DIs and ADIs were examined by light microscope, whereas the fractured surfaces were observed by scanning electron microscope. The ADI materials have higher impact energies compared with DIs in an as−cast condition. In addition, the transition curves for ADIs are shifted towards lower temperatures. The fracture mode of Dls is influenced by a dominantly pearlitic matrix, exhibiting mostly brittle fracture through all temperatures of testing. By contrast, with decrease of temperature, the fracture mode for ADI materials changes gradually from fully ductile to fully brittle.
Ex vivo characterization of human atherosclerotic iliac plaque components using cryo‐imaging
Authors: NGUYEN M.S. , SALVADO O. , ROY D. , STEYER G. , STONE M.E. , HOFFMAN R.D. , WILSON D.L.
Published: November 2008

We characterized atherosclerotic plaque components with a novel cryo‐imaging system in lieu of standard histological methods commonly used for imaging validation and research endpoints. We aim to accurately identify plaque tissue types from fresh cadaver specimens rapidly (less than 5 h) in three dimensions for large specimens (up to 4 cm vessel segments). A single‐blind validation study was designed to determine sensitivity, specificity and inter‐rater agreement (Fleiss' Kappa) of cryo‐imaging tissue types with histology as the gold standard. Six naïve human raters identified 344 tissue type samples in 36 cryo‐image sets after being trained. Tissue type sensitivities are as follows: greater than 90% for adventitia, media‐related, smooth muscle cell ingrowth, external elastic lamina, internal elastic lamina, fibrosis, dense calcification and haemorrhage; greater than 80% for lipid and light calcification; and greater than 50% for cholesterol clefts. Specificities were greater than 95% for all tissue types. The results demonstrate convincingly that cryo‐imaging can be used to accurately identify most tissue types. If the cryo‐imaging data are entered into visualization software, three‐dimensional renderings of the plaque can be generated to visualize and quantify plaque components.
Morphology of the fertilizable mature egg in the Acanthopagrus latus, A. schlegeli and Sparus sarba (Teleostei: perciformes: sparidae)
Authors: GWO H.‐H.
Published: November 2008

Through appropriate scanning electron microscope (SEM) processing, the shape and the surface structures of just‐mature eggs are preserved integrally for observation and measuring to guarantee accurate comparison and prediction on the phylogenetic relationships among three species of teleost, i.e. Acanthopagrus latus, Acanthopagrus schlegeli and Sparus sarba of Sparidae. Eggs in all three species can be categorized as type III eggs. Specifically, a regular pattern is found in the arrangement of micropyle and its surrounding pore canals from the inspected surface structures of the mature eggs in three species. Other than these similarities in egg surface structures, several differences in micropyle structures, micropyle region and size of pore canals are also observed in eggs of respective species. Comprehension and accurate data are statistically computed and analyzed through hierarchical cluster analysis to provide solid species‐specific evidences and standardized empirical reference for accurate species identification and phylogeny determination.
Morphological characteristics and mycelial compatibilityof different Mycogone perniciosa isolates
Authors: GLAMOČLIJA J. , SOKOVIĆ M. , LJALJEVIĆ‐GRBIĆ M. , VUKOJEVIĆ J. , MILENKOVIĆ I. , VAN GRIENSVEN L.
Published: November 2008

The major disease of the cultivated mushroom Agaricus bisporus Lange (Imb) in Serbian mushroom farms is wet bubble caused by the fungus Mycogone perniciosa (Magnus) Delacr. In this study we report the morpho‐physiological characteristics and inter‐relationships between colonies of five isolates of M. perniciosa. The results suggest that mycelial compatibility could serve as an additional parameter for a more reliable determination of different pathotypes of M. perniciosa.
Combined FTIR and SEM‐EDS study of Bi2O3 doped ZnO–SnO2 ceramics
Authors: IVETIĆ T. , NIKOLIĆ M.V. , PARASKEVOPOULOS K.M. , PAVLIDOU E. , ZORBA T.T. , NIKOLIĆ P.M. , RISTIĆ M.M.
Published: November 2008

The effects of Bi2O3 addition on the phase composition, microstructure and optical properties of ZnO–SnO2 ceramics were investigated. Starting powders of ZnO and SnO2 were mixed in the molar ratio 2:1. After adding Bi2O3 (1.0 mol.%) this mixture was mechanically activated for 10 min in a planetary ball mill, uniaxially pressed and sintered at 1300°C for 2 h. Far‐infrared reflection spectra were measured (100–1000 cm–1). To investigate the occurred differences in FTIR spectra, the Bi2O3‐doped sample was examined more carefully with a Perkin–Elmer FTIR spectrometer (Perkin Elmer, Waltham, MA, USA) connected with a Perkin–Elmer FTIR microscope and itemized points of interest were also studied with SEM‐EDS.
Antibiotics potentially used in response to bioterrorism and the risk of major congenital malformations
Authors: Cooper William O. , Hernandez‐Diaz Sonia , Arbogast Patrick G. , Dudley Judith A. , Dyer Shannon M. , Gideon Patricia S. , Hall Kathleen S. , Kaltenbach Lisa A. , Ray Wayne A.
Published: November 2008

This study was designed to assess the association between pregnancy‐related exposures to antibiotics recommended for use in the event of a bioterrorism attack and major congenital malformations. A retrospective cohort study included 30 049 infants from Tennessee Medicaid born between 1985 and 2000 identified from computerised state databases. Infants with fetal exposures to ciprofloxacin, azithromycin, doxycycline and amoxicillin (antibiotics recommended for potential bioterrorism attacks) (n = 24 521) and erythromycin (included as a positive control) (n = 2128) were compared with infants with no fetal exposure to any antibiotics (n = 3400). Major congenital malformations identified from computerised records were confirmed through medical record review.

Overall, 869 (2.9%) of infants in the cohort had a confirmed major congenital malformation, with major malformations ranging from 2.5% to 3.0% among the antibiotic‐specific exposure groups. No increased risk was present in multivariable analyses for any malformations and for malformations of specific organ systems. In conclusion, these data suggest that ciprofloxacin, azithromycin, doxycycline or amoxicillin use by pregnant women should not result in a greater incidence of overall major congenital malformations in infants whose mothers take these medications, though a large increase in risk cannot be ruled out.
Genetic variation among lentil (Lens culinaris Medik) landraces from Southeast Turkey
Authors: Toklu F. , Karaköy T. , Haklı E. , Bicer T. , Brandolini A. , Kilian B. , ÖZkan H.
Published: November 2008

The molecular characterization of cultivated plant genepools is of foremost importance for germplasm utilization in plant breeding. However, no comprehensive genetic fingerprinting of Turkish lentil landraces existed so far. To overcome this gap, 38 lentil landraces from southeast Turkey, together with six commercial varieties, were molecularly characterized using inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) molecular markers. The ISSR analysis, performed with 14 primers, yielded 105 polymorphic bands and the AFLP analysis, carried out with six primer combinations, amplified 119 polymorphic fragments. Even though the AFLP produced more bands per primer combinations, the ISSR detected more polymorphisms. Unweighted pair‐group method with arithmetic means dendrograms based on Jaccard similarities obtained from three data sets: (i) ISSR, (ii) AFLP and (iii) combined ISSR and AFLP data, were similar and separated the landraces into two main groups. Turkish lentil landraces exhibited considerable genetic diversity. One landrace from Karacadag/Diyarbakir region was significantly different from the rest of the germplasm analysed. Jaccard distances highlighted sharp differences among landraces over short geographic distances. The knowledge of regional differentiation has practical utility in the management of germplasm and in breeding programmes.
Long‐term follow up of gallbladder polyps
Authors: Park Jeong Youp , Hong Sung Pil , Kim Yoon Jae , Kim Hong Jeoung , Kim Hee Man , Cho Jae Hee , Park Seung Woo , Song Si Young , Chung Jae Bock , Bang Seungmin
Published: November 2008

Background and Aim:  The management of gallbladder polyps (GBP) is directly linked to the early diagnosis of gallbladder cancer (GBC). This study aimed to evaluate the malignant risk of GBP.

Methods:  In total, 1558 patients diagnosed with GBP were followed. Neoplastic polyps were defined as GBC and its premalignant lesions. The risk for malignancy was estimated with the cumulative detection rate of neoplastic polyps.

Results:  Thirty‐three cases (2.1%) were diagnosed with neoplastic polyps. The cumulative detection rates of neoplastic polyps were 1.7% at 1 year, 2.8% at 5 years, and 4% at 8 years after diagnosis. The size of GBP and the presence of gallstones were risk factors for neoplastic polyps. Polyps ≥ 10 mm had a 24.2 times greater risk of malignancy than polyps < 10 mm. However, 15 of 33 neoplastic polyps (45.5%) were < 10 mm at the time of diagnosis of GBP. During follow up in 36 (3.5%) of 1027 cases, an increase in size was detected; of these, nine (25%) had neoplastic polyps.

Conclusion:  Even small polyps have a risk of malignancy, and careful long‐term follow up of GBP will help detect and treat early GBC.
Gastroduodenal opportunistic infections and dyspepsia in HIV‐infected patients in the era of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Werneck‐Silva Ana Luiza , Prado Ivete Bedin
Published: November 2008

Background and Aim: Dyspeptic symptoms are frequently reported by human immunodefficiency virus (HIV)‐infected patients under highly active antiretroviral therapy. Whether opportunistic infections are a cause of dyspepsia is still unknown. In this study we prospectively compare the prevalence of gastrointestinal opportunistic infections in dyspeptic versus non‐dyspeptic HIV‐infected patients with advanced immunodeficiency.

Patients and Methods: Six hundred and ninety HIV‐infected patients under highly active antiretroviral therapy underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy with mucosal biopsies from the stomach and duodenum. Group 1: 500 patients (161 women, 339 men; mean age 38.8 years; mean CD4 count 154.3 cells/mm3with dyspeptic symptoms such as epigastric pain, nausea, vomiting and fullness. Group 2: 190 patients (169 men, 21 women; mean age 40.7 years; mean CD4 count 171.6 cell/mm3) with no dyspeptic symptoms.

Results: Group 1: Gastrointestinal opportunistic infections were observed in eight (1.6%), and non‐opportunistic parasites in two (0.4%), patients. They were: Cytomegalovirus (four patients),Cryptosporidium sp.(two patients),Schistosoma mansoni sp.(one patient),Strongyloides stercoralis(one patient) andGiardia sp.(two patients). In five patients esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed no mucosal lesions. Group 2:Giardia sp.was detected in two patients (1.1%:P = 0.07947).

Conclusion: Gastrointestinal opportunistic infections were shown in a small number of HIV‐infected patients under highly active antiretroviral therapy with advanced immunodeficiency. Although gastrointestinal opportunistic infections were detected exclusively in the dyspeptic patient group, they could not be related to these symptoms, since the number of infected patients was not statistically significant. To correctly diagnose opportunistic infections, multiple biopsy specimens may be necessary even from normal‐appearing mucosa.
Evaluation of Model for End Stage Liver Disease (MELD)‐based systems as prognostic index for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Limquiaco Jenny L , Wong Grace LH , Wong Vincent WS , Lai Paul BS , Chan Henry LY
Published: November 2008

Background:  The Cancer of Liver Italian Program (CLIP) and Japan Integrated Scoring System (JIS) used the Child‐Turcotte‐Pugh (CTP) score to evaluate the liver function.

Aim:  We aimed to evaluate the performance of Model for End Stage Liver Disease (MELD) based CLIP and JIS to predict the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods:  Consecutive patients with HCC who presented to our Hepatoma Clinic from January 2003 to April 2005 were studied. MELD‐based CLIP and JIS were generated by replacing the original CTP score with MELD score at three categories (<10, 10–14 and >14).

Results:  Among 471 HCC patients (85.1% males; aged 58.8 ± 12.2 years), 73% had chronic hepatitis B, 37.4% had >1 nodule, 84.1% had tumor size >2 cm, 55.0% had Child's B cirrhosis, 12.7% underwent tumor resection and 20.6% received locoregional therapy. The cumulative survival at 3 and 6 months were 67% and 55%, respectively. For 3‐month survival, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC) of MELD‐CLIP (0.69) and MELD‐JIS (0.69) were superior to the original systems (0.64, P = 0.004 and 0.64, P = 0.0018, respectively). For 6‐month survival, AUC of MELD‐CLIP (0.64) and MELD‐JIS (0.62) were also superior to the original systems (0.54, P = 0.003 and 0.59, P = 0.002, respectively). The MELD‐based systems performed best among patients who received locoregional therapy to HCC. Advanced cirrhosis (hypoalbuminemia, hyperbilirubinemia, ascites, coagulopathy and elevated creatinine), and cancer (portal vein thrombosis, elevated alpha‐fetoprotein, large and multiple tumors) were associated with higher mortality.

Conclusions:  MELD‐based systems performed better than Child‐Pugh based systems as prognostic indexes for HCC.
Effect of body mass index on prostate‐specific antigen and percentage free prostate‐specific antigen: Results from a prostate cancer screening cohort of 1490 men
Authors: Capitanio Umberto , Perrotte Paul , Hutterer Georg C , Suardi Nazareno , Jeldres Claudio , Shariat Shahrokh F , Duclos Alain , Arjane Philippe , Montorsi Francesco , Karakiewicz Pierre I
Published: November 2008

Objectives:  Several studies have reported an effect of obesity, defined as elevated body mass index (BMI), on prostate cancer biology. We examined the relationship between BMI and total prostate‐specific antigen (tPSA) as well as percent free tPSA (%f/tPSA) in a large prostate cancer screening cohort.

Methods:  Height, weight, tPSA and %f/tPSA were assessed in 1490 consecutively screened Canadian men without known prostate cancer. Continuously coded and categorized BMI were studied. Statistical analyses consisted of anova, linear regression and bivariate correlations, which adjusted for the effect of age.

Results:  Median tPSA was 1.06 ng/mL and median %f/tPSA was 27. Median BMI was 26.17 kg/m2. Increasing BMI was weakly, albeit statistically significantly, associated with decreasing %f/tPSA values (correlation coefficient = −0.06, P = 0.01). However, when the World Health Organization BMI categories were considered, there were no statistically significant differences between %f/tPSA values according to categories (anovaP = 0.2). tPSA failed to demonstrate any statistically significant association with either continuously coded (correlation coefficient = −0.03, P = 0.2) or categorized BMI (anovaP = 0.5).

Conclusions:  Body mass index is not a confounder of either tPSA or %f/tPSA in Canadian men without known prostate cancer.
Quality of life after radical prostatectomy in Japanese men: A 5‐Year follow up study
Authors: Namiki Shunichi , Ishidoya Shigeto , Ito Akihiro , Kawamura Sadafumu , Tochigi Tatsuo , Saito Seiichi , Arai Yoichi
Published: November 2008

Objectives:  To measure health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) after radical prostatectomy (RP) in Japanese men with localized prostate cancer.

Methods:  A total of 154 patients who underwent RP were included in this 5‐year longitudinal survey. The Short Form 36‐Item Health Survey, the University of California, Los Angeles, Prostate Cancer Index and the International Prostate Symptom Score questionnaires were administered at diagnosis and nine times afterwards.

Results:  Patients undergoing RP showed problems in some physical domains of general HRQOL, but these problems diminished over time. Mental health and social functions significantly improved during the follow‐up period. The urinary function substantially declined at 3 months and continued to recover gradually but never returned to baseline. Most patients (95%) recovered to their baseline urinary bother score within 60 months. The overall mean total International Prostate Symptom Score progressively improved with time. On the other hand, at 60 months after RP, only 34% of subjects had fully returned to baseline sexual function. By 5 years postoperatively, 78% of the men had reached baseline sexual bother and the mean recovery time was 8.6 months. Adverse effects of RP on sexual function and bother were mitigated by bilateral nerve‐sparing procedures up to 5 years after the operation.

Conclusions:  Despite reported problems with sexuality and urinary continence, general HRQOL was mostly unaffected by RP after 6 months in our survey with functional outcomes remaining relatively stable in the majority of patients.
Effects of annealing and quenching on fatigue behaviour in type 444 ferritic stainless steel
Authors: AKITA M. , NAKAJIMA M. , UEMATSU Y. , TOKAJI K.
Published: November 2008

In order to understand the effects of annealing and quenching on fatigue behaviour in type 444 stainless steel, fully reversed axial fatigue tests have been performed using smooth specimens of heat‐treated materials in laboratory air and 3%NaCl aqueous solution. Three materials subjected to different heat treatments, annealing at 960 and 1000 °C, and water‐cooling at 960 °C, were prepared. In laboratory air, the fatigue limit of the annealed specimens was lower than that of the as‐received specimen and decreased with increasing annealing temperature. The subsequent grain coarsening from the heat treatments was primarily responsible for the lower fatigue strength in the annealed specimens. The fatigue strength of the water‐cooled specimen was lower than that of the corresponding annealed specimen. In the annealed specimens, cracks were generated within ferritic grains, while in the water‐cooled specimen, at or near grain boundaries. In 3%NaCl solution, the fatigue strengths of all specimens decreased compared with those in laboratory air. Only in the water‐cooled specimens, crack initiation at grain boundary and intergranular crack growth were observed, indicating the most sensitive to corrosion environment.
Pro: pediatric anesthesia training in developing countries is best achieved by selective out of country scholarships
Authors: GATHUYA ZIPPORAH N.
Published: November 2008

Pediatric anesthesia training in developing countries is best achieved by out of country scholarships rather than structured outreach visits by teams of specialists from the developed world. Although this may seem an expensive option with slow return, it is the only sustainable way to train future generations of specialized pediatric anesthetists in developing countries.
Algorithm for Spatial Clustering of Pavement Segments
Authors: Yang Chientai , Tsai Yichang (James) , Wang Zhaohua
Published: November 2008

Abstract: An algorithm is developed to enable the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) to determine pavement preservation project termini by analyzing segment‐level pavement condition rating. This article formulates a new spatial search model for determining appropriate pavement preservation project termini. A spatial clustering algorithm using fuzzy c‐mean clustering is developed to minimize the rating variation in each cluster (project) of pavement segments while considering minimal project scope (i.e., length) and cost, initial setup cost, and barriers, such as bridges. A case study using the actual roadway and pavement condition data in fiscal year 2005 on Georgia State Route 10 shows that the proposed algorithm can identify more appropriate segment clustering scheme, than the historical project termini. The benefits of using the developed algorithm are summarized, and recommendations for future research are discussed.
Sir William Petty, Ireland, and the making of a political economist, 1653–871
Authors: FOX ADAM
Published: November 2008

This paper offers a reassessment of the origins and derivation of many of Sir William Petty's economic ideas, based on an analysis of his unpublished papers. Petty's archive makes clear what a large part Ireland played in his writings, and it is suggested that this preoccupation is essential to an appreciation of him as an economist. It also demonstrates the point that Petty was not principally a theorist but rather a practical political economist whose schemes for the enrichment of the king's dominions were inspired by the underdevelopment which he experienced at first hand in Ireland.
Effect of Investor Category Trading Imbalances on Stock Returns*
Authors: COLWELL DAVID , HENKER JULIA , WALTER TERRY
Published: November 2008

Trading is the mechanism of the economist's ‘invisible hand,’ the means by which price discovery occurs. We use daily shareholdings data from the Australian equities clearinghouse to investigate the impact of the trading imbalances of investor categories on stock returns. Our evidence does not contradict the behavioral finance assumption that the trading of individual investors contributes to price discovery. Furthermore, we find that, while the trading of all investor categories Granger‐causes returns, returns Granger‐cause trading only for the individual investor category. That is, in the short term of up to 1 month, only individual investors engage in feedback trading.
The extra‐limital spread of an invasive species via ‘stowaway’ dispersal: toad to nowhere?
Authors: White A. W. , Shine R.
Published: November 2008

The mechanisms by which invasive species spread through new areas can influence the spatial scale of their impact. Although previous research has focused on ‘natural’ dispersal rates following initial introductions, human‐aided inadvertent dispersal by ‘stowaways’ on commercial and domestic transport is thought to be a major contributor to long‐distance dispersal. Few data exist to support this assumption. Cane toads Bufo marinus were introduced to north‐eastern Australia in 1935, and have since dispersed rapidly through the tropics. Based on information accumulated by community groups in Sydney, 400 km south of the cane toads' current Australian distribution, we document high rates of translocation (at least 50 toads arriving in Sydney per year). Most toads were translocated on commercial truck transport carrying landscaping and building materials from the current range of the cane toads in New South Wales and Queensland, and resulted in highly clumped locations of toad arrival reflecting primary truck transport destinations. Most introductions involved single toads (68 of 102 translocation events), but some introductions involved two to 19 animals. Adults of both sexes were represented equally but juveniles were rarely detected. High rates of translocation of adult toads of both sexes suggest that the eventual distribution of cane toads in Australia may be limited by the animals' bioclimatic tolerances rather than by an inability to reach suitable habitats, even in areas far distant from the toads' current range.
Parasites, democratization, and the liberalization of values across contemporary countries
Authors: Thornhill Randy , Fincher Corey L. , Aran Devaraj
Published: November 2008

The countries of the world vary in their position along the autocracy–democracy continuum of values. Traditionally, scholars explain this variation as based on resource distribution and disparity among nations. We provide a different framework for understanding the autocracy–democracy dimension and related value dimensions, one that is complementary (not alternative) to the research tradition, but more encompassing, involving both evolutionary (ultimate) and proximate causation of the values. We hypothesize that the variation in values pertaining to autocracy–democracy arises fundamentally out of human (Homo sapiens) species‐typical psychological adaptation that manifests contingently, producing values and associated behaviours that functioned adaptively in human evolutionary history to cope with local levels of infectious diseases. We test this parasite hypothesis of democratization using publicly available data measuring democratization, collectivism–individualism, gender egalitarianism, property rights, sexual restrictiveness, and parasite prevalence across many countries of the world. Parasite prevalence across countries is based on a validated index of the severity of 22 important human diseases. We show that, as the hypothesis predicts, collectivism (hence, conservatism), autocracy, women’s subordination relative to men’s status, and women’s sexual restrictiveness are values that positively covary, and that correspond with high prevalence of infectious disease. Apparently, the psychology of xenophobia and ethnocentrism links these values to avoidance and management of parasites. Also as predicted, we show that the antipoles of each of the above values—individualism (hence, liberalism), democracy, and women’s rights, freedom and increased participation in casual sex—are a positively covarying set of values in countries with relatively low parasite stress.

Beyond the cross‐national support for the parasite hypothesis of democratization, it is consistent with the geographic location at high latitudes (and hence reduced parasite stress) of the early democratic transitions in Britain, France and the U.S.A. It, too, is consistent with the marked increase in the liberalization of social values in the West in the 1950s and 1960s (in part, the sexual revolution), regions that, a generation or two earlier, experienced dramatically reduced infectious diseases as a result of antibiotics, vaccinations, food‐ and water‐safety practices, and increased sanitation.

Moreover, we hypothesize that the generation and diffusion of innovations (in thought, action and technology) within and among regions, which is associated positively with democratization, is causally related to parasite stress. Finally, we hypothesize that past selection in the context of morbidity and mortality resulting from parasitic disease crafted many of the aspects of social psychology unique to humans.
CONTEMPORARY MEDICAL ETHICS: AN OVERVIEW FROM IRAN
Authors: LARIJANI BAGHER , ZAHEDI FARZANEH
Published: November 2008

The growing potential of biomedical technologies has increasingly been associated with discussions surrounding the ethical aspects of the new technologies in different societies. Advances in genetics, stem cell research and organ transplantation are some of the medical issues that have raised important ethical and social issues. Special attention has been paid towards moral ethics in Islam and medical and religious professions in Iran have voiced the requirement for an emphasis on ethics. In the last decade, great strides have been made in biomedical ethics, especially in the field of education, research and legislation. In this article, contemporary medical ethics in Iran, and the related moral philosophy, have been reviewed in brief and we have discussed some of the activities in the field of medical ethics that have been carried out in our country within recent years. These activities have included the establishment of the National and Regional Committees for Medical Research Ethics and the production of national codes of ethics in biomedical research in the 1990s and the introduction of a comprehensive strategic plan for medical ethics at the national level in 2002. This paper will discuss these issues, along with the production, in 2005, of the Specific National Ethical Guidelines for Biomedical Research.
Heterogeneous molecular background of the weak C, VS+, hrB–, HrB– phenotype in black persons
Authors: Pham Bach‐Nga , Peyrard Thierry , Juszczak Genevieve , Dubeaux Isabelle , Gien Dominique , Blancher Antoine , Cartron Jean‐Pierre , Rouger Philippe , Le Pennec Pierre‐Yves
Published: November 2008

BACKGROUND:The rare HrB– phenotype is encoded by the(C)ceshaplotype when present at the homozygous state. This haplotype contains two altered genes: a hybridRHD‐CE‐Dsgene segregated with acesallele ofRHCE(733C>G and 1006G>T substitutions in Exon 5 and Exon 7 respectively). The aim of this study was to further investigate the molecular background of the(C)ceshaplotype.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:Twelve individuals with depressed C and/or depressed e phenotype were selected from their genomic DNA analysis showing both 733C>G and 1006G>T substitutions. Phenotypic expression of low‐ and high‐prevalence Rh antigens was studied. Complete sequences ofRHD and RHCEtranscripts were analyzed when obtained.

RESULTS:A new hybridRHD‐CE‐Dsgene (Exons 1 and 2; complete Exon 3; Exons 8, 9, and 10 fromRHD;and Exons 4 through 7 fromRHCE) segregated with acesallele, which genomic organization was almost identical to that of the classical(C)ceshaplotype, is described. The two different(C)ceshaplotypes encoded two different patterns of Rh antigen expression. Although both encoded weak e, VS, and did not produce D, V, hrB, or HrBantigens, the new haplotype encoded a much weaker C antigen and red blood cells lacked expression of Rh42, in contrast to the classic(C)ceshaplotype.

CONCLUSION:The study showed the heterogeneity of the molecular background of the weak C, VS+, hrB–, HrB– phenotype in the black population. The screening of blood donors in this population for hrB– or HrB– phenotype should implement the molecular characterization ofRhgenes.