bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intestinal Adaptation Following Massive Ileocecal Resection in 20‐day‐old Weanling Rats
Authors: Yang Qing , Kock Nancy D
Published: December 2009

Objective:

Few infant animal models have been used to study infantile short bowel syndrome (SBS). Most SBS models involve removal of the proximal small bowel followed by jejunoileal anastomosis, which has unclear clinical relevance to human infantile SBS that often results from surgical treatment for necrotizing enterocolitis and involves removal of the ileum, ileocecal valve, and part of or the entire colon. Our objective was to develop a more appropriate SBS model in developing rats.

Materials and Methods:

Twenty‐day‐old weanling rats were divided into 2 surgery groups, ileocecal resection (ICR) and sham groups, and a control group that did not undergo surgery. All were fed a liquid diet ad libitum for 7 days after surgery or for 7 days in the controls, and body weight, food intake, and stool changes were recorded daily. The rats were then euthanized and intestinal lengths and weights were recorded. Samples of intestine from the distal jejunum and proximal colon were collected for histology. Mucosal samples from the middle, distal jejunum, and colon were collected for measurements of mucosal weights, DNA, RNA, and protein levels. Maltase activity was determined in the small intestine.

Results:

Eighty‐five percent of rats survived the ICR with subsequent development of diarrhea, hyperphagia, and poor growth. Adaptive responses to ICR, as compared with sham, were evidenced by increased intestinal and mucosal weights, DNA, RNA, and protein levels, increased maltase activity and villous thickness in distal jejunum, and increased mucosal thickness in the colon.

Conclusions:

This ICR model in weanling rats is appropriate for studying human infantile SBS.
The rheology of suspensions of solid particles
Authors: Mueller S. , Llewellin E. W. , Mader H. M.
Published: December 2009

We present data for the rheology of suspensions of monodisperse particles of varying aspect ratio, from oblate to prolate, and covering particle volume fractions
ϕ
from dilute to highly concentrated. Rheology is characterized by fitting the experimental data to the model of Herschel & Bulkley (Herschel & Bulkley 1926
Kolloid Z.
39
, 291–300 (
doi:10.1007/BF01432034
)) yielding three rheometric parameters: consistency
K
(cognate with viscosity); flow index
n
(a measure of shear-thinning); yield stress
τ
0
. The consistency
K
of suspensions of particles of arbitrary aspect ratio can be accurately predicted by the model of Maron & Pierce (Maron & Pierce 1956
J. Colloid Sci.
11
, 80–95 (
doi:10.1016/0095-8522(56)90023-X
)) with the maximum packing fraction
ϕ
m
as the only fitted parameter. We derive empirical relationships for
ϕ
m
and
n
as a function of average particle aspect ratio
r
p
and for
τ
0
as a function of
ϕ
m
and a fitting parameter
τ
*. These relationships can be used to predict the rheology of suspensions of prolate particles from measured
ϕ
and
r
p
. By recasting our data in terms of the Einstein coefficient, we relate our rheological observations to the underlying particle motions via Jeffery’s (Jeffery 1922
Proc. R. Soc. Lond. A
102
, 161–179 (
doi:10.1098/rspa.1922.0078
)) theory. We extend Jeffery’s work to calculate, numerically, the Einstein coefficient for a suspension of many, initially randomly oriented particles. This provides a physical, microstructural explanation of our observations, including transient oscillations seen during run start-up and changes of rheological regime as
ϕ
increases.
Meixner polynomials of the second kind and quantum algebras representing su(1, 1)
Authors: Hetyei Gábor
Published: December 2009

We show how Viennot’s combinatorial theory of orthogonal polynomials may be used to generalize some recent results of Sukumar and Hodges (Hodges & Sukumar 2007
Proc. R. Soc. A
463
, 2401–2414 (
doi:10.1098/rspa.2007.0001
); Sukumar & Hodges 2007
Proc. R. Soc. A
463
, 2415–2427 (
doi:10.1098/rspa.2007.0003
)) on the matrix entries in powers of certain operators in a representation of su(1, 1). Our results link these calculations to finding the moments and inverse polynomial coefficients of certain Laguerre polynomials and Meixner polynomials of the second kind. As an immediate consequence of results by Koelink, Groenevelt and Van Der Jeugt (Van Der Jeugt 1997
J. Math. Phys.
38
, 2728–2740 (
doi:10.1063/1.531984
); Koelink & Van Der Jeugt 1998
SIAM J. Math. Anal.
29
, 794–822 (
doi:10.1137/S003614109630673X
); Groenevelt & Koelink 2002
J. Phys. A
35
, 65–85 (
doi:10.1088/0305-4470/35/1/306
)), for the related operators, substitutions into essentially the same Laguerre polynomials and Meixner polynomials of the second kind may be used to express their eigenvectors. Our combinatorial approach explains and generalizes this ‘coincidence’.
A photoactivatable green-fluorescent protein from the phylum Ctenophora
Authors: Haddock Steven H. D. , Mastroianni Nadia , Christianson Lynne M.
Published: December 2009

Genes for the family of green-fluorescent proteins (GFPs) have been found in more than 100 species of animals, with some species containing six or more copies producing a variety of colours. Thus far, however, these species have all been within three phyla: Cnidaria, Arthropoda and Chordata. We have discovered GFP-type fluorescent proteins in the phylum Ctenophora, the comb jellies. The ctenophore proteins share the
x
YG chromophore motif of all other characterized GFP-type proteins. These proteins exhibit the uncommon property of reversible photoactivation, in which fluorescent emission becomes brighter upon exposure to light, then gradually decays to a non-fluorescent state. In addition to providing potentially useful optical probes with novel properties, finding a fluorescent protein in one of the earliest diverging metazoans adds further support to the possibility that these genes are likely to occur throughout animals.
Transverse stresses and modes of failure in tree branches and other beams
Authors: Ennos A. R. , van Casteren A.
Published: December 2009

The longitudinal stresses in beams subjected to bending also set up transverse stresses within them; they compress the cross section when the beam's curvature is being increased and stretch it when its curvature is being reduced. Analysis shows that transverse stresses rise to a maximum at the neutral axis and increase with both the bending moment applied and the curvature of the beam. These stresses can qualitatively explain the fracture behaviour of tree branches. Curved ‘hazard beams’ that are being straightened split down the middle because of the low transverse tensile strength of wood. By contrast, straight branches of light wood buckle when they are bent because of its low transverse
compressive
strength. Branches of denser wood break, but the low transverse tensile strength diverts the crack longitudinally when the fracture has only run half-way across the beam, to produce their characteristic ‘greenstick fracture’. The bones of young mammals and uniaxially reinforced composite beams may also be prone to greenstick fracture because of their lower transverse tensile strength.
Sex-specific and lineage-specific alternative splicing in primates
Authors: Blekhman Ran , Marioni John C. , Zumbo Paul , Stephens Matthew , Gilad Yoav
Published: December 2009

Comparative studies of gene regulation suggest an important role for natural selection in shaping gene expression patterns within and between species. Most of these studies, however, estimated gene expression levels using microarray probes designed to hybridize to only a small proportion of each gene. Here, we used recently developed RNA sequencing protocols, which sidestep this limitation, to assess intra- and interspecies variation in gene regulatory processes in considerably more detail than was previously possible. Specifically, we used RNA-seq to study transcript levels in humans, chimpanzees, and rhesus macaques, using liver RNA samples from three males and three females from each species. Our approach allowed us to identify a large number of genes whose expression levels likely evolve under natural selection in primates. These include a subset of genes with conserved sexually dimorphic expression patterns across the three species, which we found to be enriched for genes involved in lipid metabolism. Our data also suggest that while alternative splicing is tightly regulated within and between species, sex-specific and lineage-specific changes in the expression of different splice forms are also frequent. Intriguingly, among genes in which a change in exon usage occurred exclusively in the human lineage, we found an enrichment of genes involved in anatomical structure and morphogenesis, raising the possibility that differences in the regulation of alternative splicing have been an important force in human evolution.
The Laforin-Like Dual-Specificity Phosphatase SEX4 from Arabidopsis Hydrolyzes Both C6- and C3-Phosphate Esters Introduced by Starch-Related Dikinases and Thereby Affects Phase Transition of α-Glucans
Authors: Hejazi Mahdi , Fettke Joerg , Koݶtting Oliver , Zeeman Samuel C. , Steup Martin
Published: December 2009

The biochemical function of the Laforin-like dual-specific phosphatase AtSEX4 (EC 3.1.3.48) has been studied. Crystalline maltodextrins representing the A- or the B-type allomorph were prephosphorylated using recombinant glucan, water dikinase (StGWD) or the successive action of both plastidial dikinases (StGWD and AtPWD). AtSEX4 hydrolyzed carbon 6-phosphate esters from both the prephosphorylated A- and B-type allomorphs and the kinetic constants are similar. The phosphatase also acted on prelabeled carbon-3 esters from both crystalline maltodextrins. Similarly, native starch granules prelabeled in either the carbon-6 or carbon-3 position were also dephosphorylated by AtSEX4. The phosphatase did also hydrolyze phosphate esters of both prephosphorylated maltodextrins when the (phospho)glucans had been solubilized by heat treatment. Submillimolar concentrations of nonphosphorylated maltodextrins inhibited AtSEX4 provided they possessed a minimum of length and had been solubilized. As opposed to the soluble phosphomaltodextrins, the AtSEX4-mediated dephosphorylation of the insoluble substrates was incomplete and at least 50% of the phosphate esters were retained in the pelletable (phospho)glucans. The partial dephosphorylation of the insoluble glucans also strongly reduced the release of nonphosphorylated chains into solution. Presumably, this effect reflects fast structural changes that following dephosphorylation occur near the surface of the maltodextrin particles. A model is proposed defining distinct stages within the phosphorylation/dephosphorylation-dependent transition of α-glucans from the insoluble to the soluble state.
Predator‐inspection behaviour in female three‐spined sticklebacks Gasterosteus aculeatus is associated with status of gravidity
Authors: Frommen J. G. , Mehlis M. , Bakker T. C. M.
Published: December 2009

Differences in predator‐inspection behaviour between gravid and non‐gravid female as well as between male and female three‐spined sticklebacks Gasterosteus aculeatus were investigated. Gravid females confronted with a live rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss showed bolder inspection behaviour than non‐gravid ones. The behaviour of gravid females was comparable with that of males, maybe because both face a high risk of predation. The results indicate that antipredator behaviour in female G. aculeatus is not fixed but adjusted to their reproductive state.
Along the speciation continuum in sticklebacks
Authors: Hendry A. P. , Bolnick D. I. , Berner D. , Peichel C. L.
Published: December 2009

Speciation can be viewed as a continuum, potentially divisible into several states: (1) continuous variation within panmictic populations, (2) partially discontinuous variation with minor reproductive isolation, (3) strongly discontinuous variation with strong but reversible reproductive isolation and (4) complete and irreversible reproductive isolation. Research on sticklebacks (Gasterosteidae) reveals factors that influence progress back and forth along this continuum, as well as transitions between the states. Most populations exist in state 1, even though some of these show evidence of disruptive selection and positive assortative mating. Transitions to state 2 seem to usually involve strong divergent selection coupled with at least a bit of geographic separation, such as parapatry (e.g. lake and stream pairs and mud and lava pairs) or allopatry (e.g. different lakes). Transitions to state 3 can occur when allopatric or parapatric populations that evolved under strong divergent selection come into secondary contact (most obviously the sympatric benthic and limnetic pairs), but might also occur between populations that remained in parapatry or allopatry. Transitions to state 4 might be decoupled from these selective processes, because the known situations of complete, or nearly complete, reproductive isolation (Japan Sea and Pacific Ocean pair and the recognized gasterosteid species) are always associated with chromosomal rearrangements and environment‐independent genetic incompatibilities. Research on sticklebacks has thus revealed complex and shifting interactions between selection, adaptation, mutation and geography during the course of speciation.
Structural insight into the membrane insertion of tail‐anchored proteins by Get3
Authors: Yamagata Atsushi , Mimura Hisatoshi , Sato Yusuke , Yamashita Masami , Yoshikawa Azusa , Fukai Shuya
Published: December 2009

Tail anchored (TA) proteins, which are important for numerous cellular processes, are defined by a single transmembrane domain (TMD) near the C‐terminus. The membrane insertion of TA proteins is mediated by the highly conserved ATPase Get3. Here we report the crystal structures of Get3 in ADP‐bound and nucleotide‐free forms at 3.0 Å and 2.8 Å resolutions, respectively. Get3 consists of a nucleotide binding domain and a helical domain. Both structures exhibit a Zn2+‐mediated homodimer in a head‐to‐head orientation, representing an open dimer conformation. Our cross‐link experiments indicated the closed dimer‐stimulating ATP hydrolysis, which might be coupled with TA‐protein release. Further, our coexpression‐based binding assays using a model TA protein Sec22p revealed the direct interaction between the helical domain of Get3 and the Sec22p TMD. This interaction is independent of ATP and dimer formation. Finally, we propose a structural mechanism that links ATP hydrolysis with the TA‐protein insertion mediated by the conserved DTAPTGH motif.
A comparison of inhalation sedation agents in the management of children receiving dental treatment: a randomized, controlled, cross‐over pilot trial
Authors: SOLDANI FRANCESCA , MANTON SARAH , STIRRUPS DAVID R. , CUMMING CRAIG , FOLEY JENNIFER
Published: December 2009

Aims.  First, to compare the relative effectiveness of inhalation sedation using (A) nitrous oxide and oxygen with (B) nitrous oxide, sevoflurane, and oxygen in the management of children receiving dental extractions. Secondly, to determine patient and guardian preference between the two sedation techniques.

Materials and methods.  A randomized, controlled, double‐blinded, cross‐over, pilot clinical trial was undertaken. Thirty patients aged 6–15 years, ASA category I or II, who required two identical dental extractions with inhalation sedation were recruited. At the first session, patients were randomly allocated to receiving treatment with sedation Method A or B. At the second session, the alternative sedation protocol was employed.

Results.  Overall, 80% of patients successfully completed treatment at both appointments. There was no statistically significant difference between either the success rate of the two methods or in guardian preference between the two modes of sedation. There was a statistically significant difference in patient preference in favour of Method B.

Conclusions.  The results from this pilot study would suggest no increased benefit, in terms of treatment completion, from the additional use of sevoflurane in combination with nitrous oxide and oxygen. There was, however, a small but significant patient preference in favour of nitrous oxide with sevoflurane and oxygen.
The longevity of different restorations in primary teeth
Authors: QVIST VIBEKE , POULSEN AGNETA , TEGLERS POUL THORPEN , MJÖR IVAR A.
Published: December 2009

Background and aim.  This paper reviews three published papers and adds results from a fourth study which aimed to determine which restorative material would be the best alternative(s) to amalgam (AM) in primary teeth.

Design.  All studies had a practice‐based design and were part of the routine treatment of children and adolescents. The clinicians were assigned which materials to use in a randomised matter in the first three studies which lasted for 7–8 years. In the fourth study conducted 4 years after the initial studies, the clinicians were free to select the restorative materials.

Results and conclusions.  Resin modified glass ionomer (RMGI) and compomer (COM) restorations showed similar longevity compared with AM, whereas conventional GI restorations showed significantly shorter longevity. The studies indicated that the ‘new and improved’ materials based on in vitro tests did not always show enhanced clinical properties. In the last study, where clinicians freely selected the restorative materials they used in their practices, seven used COM, one used conventional GI materials and one used a combination of the two types of material.
Fatigue and its related factors in patients with chronic heart failure
Authors: Tang Woung‐Ru , Yu Chiung‐Yao , Yeh San‐Jou
Published: December 2009

Aims and objectives.  To understand fatigue in chronic heart failure patients and its related factors.

Background.  Fatigue is a common symptom in patients with chronic heart failure, but little is known about this phenomenon.

Design.  Correlational study.

Methods.  This correlational study sampled 107 chronic heart failure patients from a medical centre in northern Taiwan. Data were collected on objective outcomes (ejection fraction, EF; New York Heart Association classification, NYHA; beta‐blocker use and haemoglobin, Hb) and subjective outcomes (depression and fatigue). Since the main outcome variable, fatigue, is multidimensional, it was measured by two scales: Lee’s Fatigue Visual Analog Scale and a researcher‐developed scale, the Tang Fatigue Rating Scale.

Results.  Subjects experienced a medium level of fatigue. Fatigue was significantly higher (p < 0·05) in females (226·6 SD 49·1) than males (203·0 SD 52·2) and in patients who took beta‐blockers than those who did not (p < 0·01). Depression, EF and NYHA as a set explained 73% of the variance in subjects’ fatigue. Subjects with greater depression, lower EF and worse NYHA experienced significantly higher fatigue (F = 76·50, p < 0·001).

Conclusions.  Fatigue for this sample of chronic heart failure patients was significantly predicted by depression, EF and NYHA. Additional research is needed to explore patterns of fatigue and its related factors over time.

Relevance to clinical practice.  In nursing care, psychological factors are as important as physiological factors to patients’ well‐being. Health care providers should therefore pay more attention to the psychological status of patients with chronic heart failure, thus helping them control their fatigue and improve their well‐being.
Direct MinE–membrane interaction contributes to the proper localization of MinDE in E. coli
Authors: Hsieh Cheng‐Wei , Lin Ti‐Yu , Lai Hsin‐Mei , Lin Chu‐Chi , Hsieh Ting‐Sung , Shih Yu‐Ling
Published: December 2009

Dynamic oscillation of the Min system in Escherichia coli determines the placement of the division plane at the midcell. In addition to stimulating MinD ATPase activity, we report here that MinE can directly interact with the membrane and this interaction contributes to the proper MinDE localization and dynamics. The N‐terminal domain of MinE is involved in direct contact between MinE and the membranes that may subsequently be stabilized by the C‐terminal domain of MinE. In an in vitro system, MinE caused liposome deformation into membrane tubules, a property similar to that previously reported for MinD. We isolated a mutant MinE containing residue substitutions in R10, K11 and K12 that was fully capable of stimulating MinD ATPase activity, but was deficient in membrane binding. Importantly, this mutant was unable to support normal MinDE localization and oscillation, suggesting that direct MinE interaction with the membrane is critical for the dynamic behavior of the Min system.
Presence of Bartonella species and Rickettsia species DNA in the blood, oral cavity, skin and claw beds of cats in the United States
Authors: Lappin Michael R. , Hawley Jennifer
Published: December 2009

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of Bartonella species and Rickettsia species DNA in the blood, oral cavity, skin and claw beds of feral cats without evidence of skin disease that were housed in Alabama (n = 24), Florida (n = 27) and Colorado (n = 32). Samples were assessed by use of polymerase chain reaction assays. The Bartonella species IgG prevalence was also determined. While Bartonella species DNA was not amplified from any sample from Colorado cats, it was commonly amplified from blood (56.9%), skin (31.4%), claws (17.6%) and gingiva (17.6%) of the 51 cats housed in Alabama and Florida. All 10 flea groups assessed in this study were infected with a Bartonella species or R. felis. Bartonella species IgG titres did not accurately predict bacteraemia (positive predictive value = 57.1%; negative predictive value = 82.1%). Bartonella species DNA was amplified from blood of cats with and without C. felis. Rickettsia felis DNA was only detected in or on the skin of one cat and the gingiva of an additional cat. It was concluded that cats can be an occupational health risk for veterinarians, particularly in areas with high prevalence of Ctenocephalides felis. Further study is required to determine whether Bartonella species or Rickettsia species infections of cats are associated with dermatological disease. The combination of Bartonella species serological test results with Bartonella species PCR or culture is likely to give the most accurate information concerning the current infection status of individual cats.
Treatment of canine‐generalized demodicosis: a blind, randomized clinical trial comparing the efficacy of Advocate®(Bayer Animal Health) with ivermectin
Authors: Paterson Tara E. , Halliwell Richard E. , Fields Paul J. , Louw Marta Lanza , Louw Jakobus P. , Ball Geoff S. , Pinckney Rhonda D. , McKibben John S.
Published: December 2009

Advocate®(moxidectin 2.5% + imidacloprid 10%) is a multiparasiticidal agent authorized for treating canine demodicosis in many countries. This blind, randomized clinical trial assessed the efficacy of Advocate®at varying treatment intervals and compared it with that of oral ivermectin. Fifty dogs with generalized demodicosis were randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups: oral ivermectin (500 μg/kg once daily), Advocate®applied at the authorized dose monthly (ADV1), every 2 weeks (ADV2) or weekly (ADV4). Each dog was evaluated every 4 weeks for 4 months or until negative scrapings at all sites resulted on two successive evaluations (parasitological cure). Miticidal efficacy was determined through deep skin scrapings taken from the same three sites on each occasion. Total numbers of live and dead adult mites, juveniles and eggs were determined. Thirty‐five dogs completed the 4‐month trial. Parasiticidal efficacy was assessed using several parameters including reduction in live adult mite counts.ancovaanalysis for this parameter confirmed that there were differences in efficacy among the treatment groups (P < 0.002). Tukey–Kramer all pairwise multiple comparison tests revealed that ADV4 was more effective than ADV1 (P = 0.016). Ivermectin was more effective than ADV1 (P = 0.003). Both ivermectin and ADV4 showed clinically substantial reductions in adult mite counts (89% for ADV4 and 98% for ivermectin). In conclusion, the efficacy of Advocate®increased with the rate of application and weekly application may represent a new approach to the treatment of caninegeneralized demodicosis.
An open study to evaluate topical treatment of equine chorioptic mange with shampooing and lime sulphur solution
Authors: Paterson S. , Coumbe K.
Published: December 2009

Chorioptic mange caused by Chorioptes bovis is a common pruritic skin condition of the horse. This surface‐browsing parasite usually affects the lower legs (leg mange) but can present as a generalized skin disease. Numerous anecdotal reports exist in the literature about the benefit of lime sulphur as a treatment for surface ectoparasites in the horse. This report studies the use of lime sulphur when applied as a 5% solution, some with and some without prior shampooing and clipping, to treat confirmed cases of chorioptic mange in 22 horses. Horses included in the trial had clinical signs indicative of chorioptic mange and positive identification of chorioptic mites on skin scrapings and tape preparations. Each horse was treated with sulphurated lime dip solution four times at 7‐day intervals. Most horses were clipped and/or shampooed prior to treatment. Animals were assigned a score based on a scale of 1–10 to assess the severity of their lesions and degree of behavioural signs. The horses were again scored and examined for mites after four treatments. All animals showed a reduction in scores at the end of the trial and mites were not demonstrated from any animal.
New concepts in antimicrobial susceptibility testing: the mutant prevention concentration and mutant selection window approach
Authors: Blondeau Joseph M.
Published: December 2009

Current measurements of antimicrobial susceptibility or resistance utilize a standardized bacterial inoculum (105 cfu/mL) exposed to varying drug concentrations in a test tube. Following incubation under ideal conditions, the lowest drug concentration inhibiting growth is the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). When the MIC exceeds the amount of drug that can be safely achieved in the body, we call these microorganisms resistant; established breakpoints for various ‘bug‐drug’ combinations are used to categorize microorganisms as susceptible, intermediate or resistant. MIC testing has been used for decades to guide antimicrobial therapy and remains an important measurement for infectious diseases. More recently, the mutant prevention concentration (MPC) has been described as a novel measurement of in vitro susceptibility or resistance and is based on the testing of larger bacterial inocula, i.e. ≥109 cfu/mL – such as those associated with some infections in humans and animals. MPC defines the lowest drug concentration required to block the growth of the least susceptible cell present in high density bacterial populations. MPC testing applies to microorganisms considered susceptible to the drug by MIC testing. The mutant selection window (MSW) defines the ‘danger zone’ for therapeutic drug concentrations. Minimizing the length of time the drug concentration remains in the MSW may reduce the likelihood for resistance selection during therapy. The MSW is bordered by the MIC and MPC values and the drug concentration range between the measured MIC and MPC values defines the MSW. MPC values, when considered with drug pharmacology, may allow prediction on the probability of resistance selection when bacteria are exposed to antimicrobial agents during therapy for infectious diseases. In today’s environment, resistance prevention should be a goal of antimicrobial therapy.
Expression of estrogen, androgen, and glucocorticoid receptors in recent striae distensae
Authors: Cordeiro Raquel Cristina Tancsik , Zecchin Karina Gotardello , De Moraes Aparecida Machado
Published: December 2009

Background  Stretch marks or striae distensae (SD) can be considered a common skin disorder, but their physiopathogenic mechanisms have not been totally clarified. Although it is considered an esthetic complaint, it may have serious psychosocial consequences besides the local and systemic alterations of the conjunctive tissue. This study aims at assessing and quantifying the estrogen, androgen and glucocorticoid receptors in skin samples with striae and comparing with normal skin.

Methods  Skin samples for biopsy were obtained from eight patients with SD and eight patients without lesions. The samples were frozen at −80 °C and underwent processing to obtain proteic extract to quantify the estrogen, androgen and glucocorticoid receptors with the Western Blot method.

Results  When the estrogen receptor in the skin with SD was compared with healthy skin, it was observed to have increased twice as much (P = 0.00001). The androgen and glucocorticoid receptors in the SD skin had also increased (P = 0.00015 and P = 0.00083, respectively).

Conclusions  These findings indicate that under certain conditions there is an increase in hormonal receptor expression, suggesting that regions that undergo greater mechanical stretching of the skin may express greater hormonal receptor activity. This activity may influence the metabolism of the extracellular matrix, causing the formation of SD. Alterations in hormone receptors occur within a well‐defined time period during the formation of SD; however, there are differences in the functionality of hormone receptors during different stages in the development of the lesions. The preliminary results appear to be relevant and represent aninitial step towards an understanding of the pathophysiology of SD.
Influence of isotretinoin on nasal mucociliary clearance and lung function in patients with acne vulgaris
Authors: Gorpelioglu Canan , Ozol Duygu , Sarifakioglu Evren
Published: December 2009

Retinoids are widely used to treat acne in patients with underlying systemic diseases. We evaluated the effect of 13‐cis‐retinoic acid (isotretinoin) on nasal mucociliary clearance and pulmonary function tests (PFTs) in patients with severe acne vulgaris. Each side effect was scored using a 4‐point scale. Mucociliary clearance was evaluated by the saccharin test (ST). ST and PFTs were performed on all patients before and during the third month of treatment. A total of 40 acne patients (88% female, mean age 25 ± 7 years) were included. The most common side effects were dryness, chapped lips, and xerosis. Mild epistaxis occurred in 13 patients; only two patients reported bleeding more than 10cc. There was no difference before and during the third month of treatment in forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), FEV1/FVC ratio, forced expiratory flow rate between 25% and 75% of FVC (FEF25–75), and their predicted percentage ratios. Mean nasal mucociliary clearance time was 12.6 ± 4.1 min before and 15.9 ± 5.7 after treatment (P < 0.001). We found that nasal clearance was significantly prolonged with treatment, and there was significant correlation between drug dose and mucociliary clearance time. Isotretinoin caused signs and symptoms of dry nose and disturbed mucociliary clearance without affecting PFTs. Nasal complications generally are not serious, especially when isotretinoin is taken in low doses.
Fish tank granuloma: misdiagnosed as cutaneous leishmaniasis
Authors: AlKhodair Rayan , Al‐Khenaizan Sultan
Published: December 2009

Mycobacterium marinum is an atypical mycobacterium that causes a skin infection known as fish tank granuloma or swimming pool granuloma affecting people who are exposed to aquatic environments. In general, it is managed medically with antimicrobials and variable treatment protocols. Here, we report a Saudi gentleman who acquired this infection in Thailand and was misdiagnosed as cutaneous leishmaniasis. After establishing the correct diagnosis, treatment with minocycline and trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole resulted in rapid healing.
Atypical anti‐psychotics in Delusional Parasitosis: a retrospective case series of 20 patients
Authors: Kenchaiah Basanth Kumar , Kumar Sebind , Tharyan Prathap
Published: December 2009

Background  Delusional Parasitosis (DP) is a relatively uncommon condition wherein there is a fixed belief that one is infested with living organisms despite a lack of medical evidence of such infestation. Pimozide has been mooted as specific for the treatment of this condition. Atypical anti‐psychotics have received attention in recent years.

Methods  We describe the clinical features and treatment responses in a retrospective review of 20 cases treated at this department over a 5 year period, and selectively review the literature.

Results  The majority were treated with atypical anti‐psychotics and all subjects who followed up showed varying degrees of clinical improvement irrespective of the anti‐psychotic used.

Conclusion  The evidence for pimozide as first line drug in DP is limited to one small, non‐randomized placebo‐controlled trial. DP responds well to most anti‐psychotics. Prospective randomized trials are needed to clarify optimal treatment of this relatively rare but debilitating condition.
Improvement of the sterile insect technique for codling moth Cydia pomonella (Linnaeus) (Lepidoptera Tortricidae) to facilitate expansion of field application
Authors: Vreysen M. J. B. , Carpenter J. E. , Marec F.
Published: December 2009

The codling moth Cydia pomonella (L.) (Lepidoptera Tortricidae) is a key pest of pome fruit (apple, pear and quince) and walnut orchards in most temperate regions of the world. Efforts to control the codling moth in the past mostly relied on the use of broad spectrum insecticide sprays, which has resulted in the development of insecticide resistance, and the disruption of the control of secondary pests. In addition, the frequent reliance and use of these insecticides are a constant threat to the environment and human health. Consequently, there have been increased demands from the growers for the development of codling moth control tactics that are not only effective but also friendly to the environment. In that respect, the sterile insect technique (SIT) and its derivative, inherited sterility (IS), are, together with mating disruption and granulosis virus, among the options that offer great potential as cost‐effective additions to available control tactics for integration in area‐wide integrated pest‐management approaches. In support of the further development of the SIT/IS for codling moth control, the Joint FAO/IAEA Programme of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture implemented a 5‐year Coordinated Research Project (CRP) entitled ‘Improvement of codling moth SIT to facilitate expansion of field application’. Research focussed on sterile codling moth quality and management (e.g. mobility and life‐history traits in relation to rearing strategy, dispersal, flight ability, radiosensitivity and mating compatibility) and a better understanding of the basic genetics of codling moth to assist the development of genetic sexing strains (e.g. cytogenetics, the development of dominant conditional lethal mutations, molecular characterization of the sex chromosomes, sex identification in embryos and cytogenetic markers). The results of the CRP are presented in this special issue.
Asking the right question and finding the right answers
Authors: CROSS NICHOLAS B , CRAIG JONATHAN C , WEBSTER ANGELA C
Published: December 2009

Clinical consultations generate questions that can be informed by published (and unpublished) evidence. This is the basis for evidence‐based practice. Finding answers involves searching available electronic databases. We describe a method for rephrasing or ‘framing’ clinical questions into population, intervention, comparator and outcome terms that helps to determine the best type of study to search for, and aids in the design of search strategies.
REGIONAL DISPARITIES AND INVESTMENT–CASH FLOW SENSITIVITY: EVIDENCE FROM CHINESE LISTED FIRMS
Authors: Sun Jianjun , Yamori Nobuyoshi
Published: December 2009

In China, regional disparities are significant. We find that firms in inland regions rely more on their internal funds in terms of their investment activities than those in coastal regions, and that the sensitivity gap between inland and coastal firms widened in the recent contractionary monetary policy period. This suggests that firms in inland regions find it harder to obtain outside funds due to the unfavourable social and economic environments they face. Our findings suggest that capital markets in China respond rationally to the potential impact of regional disparities on a firm's performance.
Efficacy of amorolfine nail lacquer for the prophylaxis of onychomycosis over 3 years
Authors: Sigurgeirsson B , Olafsson JH , Steinsson JT , Kerrouche N , Sidou F
Published: December 2009

Background  Standard treatment for onychomycosis often results in less than half of subjects achieving disease‐free nails. Onychomycosis is even more challenging to treat as relapses and re‐infections are common.

Objective  To determine if a prophylactic effect exists when a treatment with amorolfine nail lacquer (ANL), with half the frequency of the standard regimen, is instituted following successful treatment of dermatophytic toenail onychomycosis with matrix involvement.

Methods  Efficacy and safety of a group treated with ANL (once every 2 weeks) were compared with that of an untreated group in a 36‐month (3 years), single‐centre, randomized, open‐label, comparison study. Subjects to be included in the study were required to be cured of confirmed onychomycosis with matrix involvement after an initial treatment with either ANL + oral terbinafine or oral terbinafine alone in a previous study. Prophylaxis of onychomycosis was assessed by global recurrence rate, confirmed onychomycosis, clinical recurrence and mycological recurrence.

Results  A total of 52 subjects were enrolled (26 in each group) in the study. Throughout the study, recurrences occurred more quickly in the untreated group compared with that in the ANL group. Statistically significant differences were observed at month 12 (ANL, 8.3%; untreated, 31.8%; P = 0.047). At endpoint, 70.8% of the subjects treated with ANL remained cured compared to 50% in the untreated group (P = 0.153). Recurrence was delayed by nearly 200 days for the ANL group compared with that of the untreated group. Amorolfine was safe and well tolerated during the study, with no treatment‐related adverse events.

Conclusion  These results suggest that amorolfine nail lacquer may be effective and is safe for use as a prophylactic treatment for the recurrence of onychomycosis.
Preliminary application of processed electroencephalogram monitoring to differentiate senile dementia from depression
Authors: OSHIMA Norihito , CHINZEI Mieko , KIKUCHI Etsuko , HAYASHIDA Masakazu
Published: December 2009

Background:  It is difficult, but important, to distinguish between dementia and depression in old age because senile depression has atypical symptoms, including cognitive impairment and memory disorder. Now brain computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, single photon emission computed tomography, and positron emission tomography can be used to differentiate between these two conditions. However, these methods are expensive and not always available. In the present case series, we assessed the potential of monitoring the bispectral index to distinguish between dementia and depression.

Methods:  A processed electroencephalogram monitor (bispectral index (BSI) monitor) was used to assess brain activity during relaxed wakefulness in 12 participants (seven with Alzheimer's disease (AD), three with depression, and two healthy volunteers). Each recording lasted 5 min and four variables (i.e. BSI, 95% spectral edge frequency, electromyogram activity, and signal quality index) were monitored.

Results:  The BSI was significantly smaller in AD patients than in patients with depression (P < 0.05) and the 95% spectral edge frequency tended to be lower in AD patients than in patients with depression (P = 0.26). Slow waves were found in patients with AD and beta waves were predominant in patients with depression and healthy volunteers.

Conclusion:  In conclusion, the BSI and 95% spectral edge frequency were slightly smaller in dementia patients than in patients with depression. Paroxysmal slow waves may account for the low bispectral index. Thus, BSI monitoring may become a useful tool with which to distinguish AD from depression.
Expression of neprilysin, somatostatin and the somatostatin sst5 receptor in the hippocampal formation of brains from Alzheimer's disease patients
Authors: SEKIGUCHI Hirotaka , HABUCHI Chikako , IRITANI Shuji , ARAI Tetsuaki , OZAKI Norio
Published: December 2009

Background:  In Alzheimer's disease (AD), the accumulation of amyloid β (Aβ) in the brain is thought to be the primary pathogenic agent in the AD cascade. The following have been proposed as potential therapeutic strategies in AD: (i) protease inhibitors, including β secretase and γ secretase; (ii) Aβ vaccination; and (iii) inhibitors of Aβ agglutination. However, as yet there are no studies demonstrating successful suppression of Aβ accumulation in AD brains. Neprilysin (NEP), a neutral endopeptidase, is a major Aβ‐degrading enzyme that is activated by somatostatin (SST). It is thought that NEP may be a therapeutic agent against AD, but the role of SST in AD brains has not been sufficiently elucidated to date. Thus, in the present study, we compared the expression of SST, the sst5 receptor, and NEP in the hippocampal formation in brains from both AD patients and normal controls using immunohistochemical techniques.

Methods:  Twelve human brains (six control brains and six AD brains) were used in the present study. The diagnosis of AD was made according to the Braak stage. Control brains were selected from cases with no cognitive impairment clinically that were classified as being at Braak neurofibrillary tangle (NFT) Stage II. The AD brains were selected from cases classified as greater than Braak NFT Stage IV.

Results:  In the present study, SST and sst5 receptor‐like immunoreactivity was significantly reduced in AD brains compared with normal brains. Although NEP‐like immunoreactivity was also significantly reduced in AD brains compared with normal brains, in the CA4 region NEP was preserved in the hippocampal formation of AD brains.

Conclusion:  These results suggest that the origin of the Aβ accumulated may be correlated with the reduction of the SST neuronal network in AD brains. Activating intrinsic NEP through the SST neuronal system may contribute to a reduction in the risk of AD. Further investigations into the role SST receptors may provide new pharmacotherapeutic strategies for the treatment of AD.
The role of psychostimulants in psychogeriatrics: a New Zealand survey
Authors: NG Bradley
Published: December 2009

Background:  Psychostimulants, including dexamphetamine, methylphenidate and modafinil, have been in use to varying degrees in general psychiatry for over 70 years, especially in psychogeriatrics. While there is some evidence for their clinical effectiveness in depression, they are not considered standard treatments in major depression or other affective disorders. This objective of this study was to ascertain the current prescribing practices of psychostimulants by psychogeriatricians in New Zealand.

Methods:  An anonymous survey was sent electronically to all psychogeriatricians in New Zealand, covering the following areas: (1) career demographics; (2) frequency of prescription of psychostimulants for depression; (3) types of psychostimulants, dosages and scheduling; (4) target symptoms; (5) the use of psychostimulants as a monotherapy or an augmentation agent; (6) trial duration and clinical response; and (7) side effects.

Results:  Thirty‐six surveys were returned, giving an overall response rate of 84%. Two‐thirds of clinicians had prescribed psychostimulants for depression at one point in their practice, dropping to 44% in the past 2 years (44%). Overall, the practice was infrequent and there were no difference in years of practice between those who had prescribed and those who had not prescribed psychostimulants. Methylphenidate was almost exclusively used, either as a monotherapy or as an augmentation agent with standard antidepressants. The length of treatment with a psychostimulant was variable and clinical side effects were infrequent, and included agitation/anxiety, insomnia and confusion.

Conclusions:  The prescribing of psychostimulants for depression by New Zealand psychogeriatricians is infrequent and the response rates and side effects observed were both consistent with the published literature. Their use was generally limited to treatment‐resistant depression, when standard antidepressants were intolerable, or in complex clinical situations. While not a prominent biological treatment in psychogeriatrics, this class of medication remains a therapeutic option for the frail, the medically ill or those in palliative care situations.
Disruptions in Functional Network Connectivity During Alcohol Intoxicated Driving
Authors: Rzepecki‐Smith Catherine I. , Meda Shashwath A. , Calhoun Vince D. , Stevens Michael C. , Jafri Madiha J. , Astur Robert S. , Pearlson Godfrey D.
Published: December 2009

Background: Driving while under the influence of alcohol is a major public health problem whose neural basis is not well understood. In a recently published functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study (Meda et al., 2009), our group identified 5, independent critical driving‐associated brain circuits whose inter‐regional connectivity was disrupted by alcohol intoxication. However, the functional connectivity between these circuits has not yet been explored in order to determine how these networks communicate with each other during sober and alcohol‐intoxicated states.

Methods: In the current study, we explored such differences in connections between the above brain circuits and driving behavior, under the influence of alcohol versus placebo. Forty social drinkers who drove regularly underwent fMRI scans during virtual reality driving simulations following 2 alcohol doses, placebo and an individualized dose producing blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) of 0.10%.

Results: At the active dose, we found specific disruptions of functional network connectivity between the frontal‐temporal‐basal ganglia and the cerebellar circuits. The temporal connectivity between these 2 circuits was found to be less correlated (p < 0.05) when driving under the influence of alcohol. This disconnection was also associated with an abnormal driving behavior (unstable motor vehicle steering).

Conclusions: Connections between frontal‐temporal‐basal ganglia and cerebellum have recently been explored; these may be responsible in part for maintaining normal motor behavior by integrating their overlapping motor control functions. These connections appear to be disrupted by alcohol intoxication, in turn associated with an explicit type of impaired driving behavior.