bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lauraceae fossils from a volcanic Palaeocene oceanic island, Ninetyeast Ridge, Indian Ocean: ancient long‐distance dispersal?
Authors: Carpenter Raymond J. , Truswell Elizabeth M. , Harris Wayne K.
Published: March 2010

Aim  Geological and fossil records are critical for historical biogeography studies. A plant fossil assemblage from a small, well‐dated, transient late Palaeocene island was re‐investigated with regard to regional geology and vicariance versus dispersal hypotheses.

Location  Deep Sea Drilling Program Leg 22, Site 214 on the Ninetyeast Ridge (NER) in the mid‐Indian Ocean region.

Methods  Leaf cuticular material was recovered from residues from a previous palynofloral study of Site 214 sediments during the 1970s and identified. The palynoflora was reassessed.

Results  The only leaf cuticular material recovered with stomata can be placed in crown‐group Lauraceae. It is confirmed that the palynoflora reflects the presence of a low‐diversity island flora in the late Palaeocene, comprising ferns and mostly herbaceous angiosperms with readily dispersible propagules, and perhaps austral podocarps. Other pollen taxa of almost certain local origin were arecoid palms and taxa related to Chloranthaceae. The strong overall similarity of the palynoflora to Australo‐Antarctic and New Zealand assemblages is also confirmed.

Main conclusions  Foliar fossils of Lauraceae demonstrate the occurrence of one of the world’s largest, most widely distributed woody plant families on a late Palaeocene island. The presence of plants on this island could be explained by vicariance via a vegetated Upper Cretaceous Kerguelen Plateau, in part because crown‐group Lauraceae may be at least this old. However, there are records of other taxa in the Kerguelen region that are anomalous with vicariance, plus evidence for a catastrophic biotic extinction event centred in the area in the latest Cretaceous. Plants were therefore most likely to have reached the island by means of dispersal. This suggests either the presence of presently unknown vegetated land nearby in the Kerguelen region in the late Palaeocene, or long‐distance dispersal, probably from the Australian region. The dispersal of viable seeds could have been facilitated by birds or perhaps by ocean‐surface drift with or without the assistance of ocean‐going animals. The fossils allow that even small, short‐lived islands could have acted as ‘stepping stones’ for biotic interchange between Australia and Africa, and perhaps other regions.
Foetal Hypothalamic and Pituitary Expression of Gonadotrophin‐Releasing Hormone and Galanin Systems is Disturbed by Exposure to Sewage Sludge Chemicals via Maternal Ingestion
Authors: Bellingham M. , Fowler P. A. , Amezaga M. R. , Whitelaw C. M. , Rhind S. M. , Cotinot C. , Mandon‐Pepin B. , Sharpe R. M. , Evans N. P.
Published: March 2010

Animals and humans are chronically exposed to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that are ubiquitous in the environment. There are strong circumstantial links between environmental EDC exposure and both declining human/wildlife reproductive health and the increasing incidence of reproductive system abnormalities. The verification of such links, however, is difficult and requires animal models exposed to ‘real life’, environmentally relevant concentrations/mixtures of environmental contaminants (ECs), particularly in utero, when sensitivity to EC exposure is high. The present study aimed to determine whether the foetal sheep reproductive neuroendocrine axis, particularly gondotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) and galaninergic systems, were affected by maternal exposure to a complex mixture of chemicals, applied to pasture, in the form of sewage sludge. Sewage sludge contains high concentrations of a spectrum of EDCs and other pollutants, relative to environmental concentrations, but is frequently recycled to land as a fertiliser. We found that foetuses exposed to the EDC mixture in utero through their mothers had lower GnRH mRNA expression in the hypothalamus and lower GnRH receptor (GnRHR) and galanin receptor (GALR) mRNA expression in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. Strikingly, this, treatment had no significant effect on maternal GnRH or GnRHR mRNA expression, although GALR mRNA expression within the maternal hypothalamus and pituitary gland was reduced. The present study clearly demonstrates that the developing foetal neuroendocrine axis is sensitive to real‐world mixtures of environmental chemicals. Given the important role of GnRH and GnRHR in the regulation of reproductive function, its known role programming role in utero, and the role of galanin in the regulation of many physiological/neuroendocrine systems, in utero changes in the activity of these systems are likely to have long‐term consequences in adulthood and represent a novel pathway through which EC mixtures could perturb normal reproductive function.
Role of Prolactin in the Gonadotroph Responsiveness to Gonadotrophin‐Releasing Hormone During the Equine Annual Reproductive Cycle
Authors: Hodson D. J. , Townsend J. , Gregory S. J. , Walters C. , Tortonese D. J.
Published: March 2010

A combined suppressive effect of prolactin (PRL) and dopamine on the secretion of luteinising hormone (LH) at the level of the pituitary gland has been identified in sheep, a short‐day breeder. However, little is known about the role of PRL in the intra‐pituitary regulation of the gonadotrophic axis in long‐day breeders. In the present study, we investigated the effects of PRL on LH and follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) secretion during the equine annual reproductive cycle. Horse pituitaries were obtained during the breeding season (BS) and nonbreeding season (NBS). Cells were dispersed, plated to monolayer cultures and assigned to one of the following specific treatments: (i) medium (Control); (ii) rat PRL (rPRL); (iii) thyrotrophin‐releasing hormone (TRH); (iv) bromocriptine (Br); and (v) Br + rPRL. Gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) dose‐dependently stimulated LH release during the BS and NBS. During the BS, neither rPRL nor TRH affected the LH response to GnRH, but Br significantly (P < 0.01) enhanced both basal and GnRH‐stimulated LH release through a mechanism that did not involve alterations in the concentrations of PRL. However, rPRL prevented the Br‐induced increase in basal and GnRH‐stimulated LH output, and suppressed LH below basal values (P < 0.05). Conversely, during the NBS, no significant effects of treatments were observed. Interestingly, at this time of year, the incidence of pituitary gap junctions within the pars distalis decreased by 50% (P < 0.01). By contrast to the effects on LH, no treatment effects were detected on the FSH response to GnRH, which was only apparent during the NBS. These results reveal no direct effects of PRL but an interaction between PRL and dopamine in the inhibitory regulation of LH, but not FSH, release at the level of the pituitary in the horse, and a modulatory role of season/photoperiod associated with alterations in folliculostellate cell‐derived gap junctions.
In Vitro Ageing of Porcine Oocytes: Changes in Phosphorylation of the Mitogen‐Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) and Parthenogenetic Activability
Authors: Ebeling S , Labudda A , Meinecke B
Published: March 2010

Contents

The role of mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) was investigated during ageing of porcine oocytes following in vitro maturation (IVM). Oocytes exhibiting an extruded first polar body after IVM for 46 h (79.3% metaphase II, M II) were used for the experiments. Nuclear maturation stages were not visibly altered after a further 12 h of ageing. Proportion of M II stages (42.9%) decreased significantly whereas fragmentation and degeneration of oocytes increased after an ageing time of 26 h. In vitro ageing for 12 and 26 h led to a significant reduction of MAPK phosphorylation (i.e. activation) compared to oocytes matured for 46 h. When MAPK was inhibited by U0126 in M II oocytes, 30.9% (12 h) and 39.7% (26 h) of oocytes, respectively, left metaphase II arrest and proceeded to early anaphase II. Pronuclear stages or fragmentation could be observed only sporadically (2.6–3.6%). After parthenogenetic activation of oocytes by ethanol/cycloheximide, cleavage stages were reached with rates of 51.9% (46 h IVM), 42.0% (12 h ageing) and 40.3% (26 h ageing), respectively. Furthermore, a significant higher proportion of long‐term aged oocytes (26 h) showed pronuclear formation (8.6%) and fragmentation (7.9%) compared to non‐aged oocytes (each 1.9%). It is concluded that both MAPK phosphorylation and cleavage rate after parthenogenetic activation decreased before alterations of nuclear stages could be detected during in vitro ageing of M II oocytes. A premature MAPK dephosphorylation of M II oocytes caused early anaphase II stages, but cleaved stages could not be achieved.
Increased incidence of autoantibodies to interleukin‐1α in rheumatoid arthritis with interstitial lung disease
Authors: Maniwa Koji , Ogushi Fumitaka , Tani Kenji , Ohmoto Yasukazu , Muraguchi Masahiro , Sone Saburo
Published: March 2010

Objective:

To clarify the clinical significance of autoantibodies (auto‐Ab) to interleukin‐1α (IL‐1α) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with interstitial lung disease (ILD), we examined the IL‐1α auto‐Ab level in serum of patients with RA with/without ILD.

Methodology:

We investigated the level of IL‐1α auto‐Ab in serum of 70 patients with RA with/without ILD and 40 control patients (CP). Levels of IL‐1α auto‐Ab were measured by radioimmunoassay, and serum was regarded as IL‐1α auto‐Ab positive at an auto‐Ab level of more than 5 ng/mL.

Results:

Interleukin‐1α auto‐Ab was detected in the serum of 30 out of 70 RA patients (42.9%), and six out of 40 CP (15%) (P < 0.05). Interleukin‐1α auto‐Ab were detected in the serum of 18 out of 32 patients with RA with ILD (56.2%) and 12 out of 38 patients with RA without ILD (31.5%). The positive rate of these autoantibodies in RA with ILD was significantly higher than that in RA without ILD (P < 0.05). Although C‐reactive protein, immunoglobulin G, rheumatoid factor and rheumatoid arthritis particle agglutination levels in serum from patients with RA with ILD were not significantly different between the IL‐1α auto‐Ab‐positive and ‐negative groups, the lactate dehydrogenase level (LDH) and AaDO2 in the IL‐1α auto‐Ab‐positive group were significantly higher than those in the negative group (LDH: P < 0.001, AaDO2: P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

These results suggest that IL‐1α auto‐Ab are generated in response to the immuno‐inflammatory process of ILD in RA, and these autoantibodies may neutralize and regulate the IL‐1α activity.
The role of cytokine‐induced neutrophil chemoattractant‐1 in neutrophil‐mediated remote lung injury after intestinal ischaemia/reperfusion in rats
Authors: Ishii Hisao , Ishibashi Masayoshi , Takayama Masanori , Nishida Tomiaki , Yoshida Minoru
Published: March 2010

Objective:

Remote lung injury is induced by ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) of the gastrointestinal tract and the liver following hypovolaemic shock. In the present study, the role of cytokine‐induced neutrophil chemoattractant (CINC), a member of the interleukin (IL)‐8 family, in neutrophil‐mediated remote lung injury following intestinal I/R was investigated in anaesthetized rats.

Methodology:

The I/R group was subjected to 60 min of occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery with laparotomy, followed by 240 min of intestinal reperfusion. The sham‐operated (sham) group was subjected to the same procedures with the exception of intestinal I/R.

Results:

In the I/R group, the permeability index of the lung, the neutrophil count in pulmonary vascular lavage fluid and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), lung myeloperoxidase activity and neutrophil oxidative production were all significantly greater than those in the sham group. Cytokine‐induced neutrophil chemoattractant‐1 levels in blood and BALF were significantly increased at 240 min after intestinal reperfusion. There was a significant relationship between neutrophils in BALF and CINC‐1 level in BALF.

Conclusion:

These findings suggest that intestinal reperfusion was associated with activation and accumulation of neutrophils in the lung and resulted in remote lung injury with increased microvascular permeability. Thus, CINC‐1 in BALF may induce neutrophil migration from the pulmonary vessels to the interstitium and alveolar spaces in remote lung injury after intestinal I/R.
A comparative analysis of the biochemical parameters used to distinguish between pleural exudates and transudates
Authors: Yilmaz Adnan , Tunaboyu Ïlknur Kiliç , Akkaya Esen , Bayramgürler Birol
Published: March 2010

Objective:

The aim of the present study was to compare the various parameters used to identify exudates.

Methodology:

The study included 255 patients with pleural effusions. According to aetiological diagnosis, 105 pleural effusions were labelled as transudates and 150 were labelled as exudates.

Results:

Using the criteria of Light et al., 94.5% of the effusions were correctly classified, yielding a sensitivity and specificity of 99.3% and 87.6%, respectively. Use of the pleural fluid/serum bilirubin ratio produced results of 92.9%, 90.7%, and 96.2%, respectively. Using pleural fluid cholesterol level yielded results of 95.7%, 95.3%, and 96.2%, respectively. When the combination of pleural fluid cholesterol level and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level was used, the specificity and accuracy were found to be higher than that using the criteria of Light et al. We found that there was no significant difference among the parameters with respect to accuracy.

Conclusion:

When the accuracy and cost are considered, differentiation of pleural exudates and transudates can be achieved only by pleural fluid cholesterol level or LDH level; and when two parameters were used together, the accuracy and specificity were higher than that using the criteria of Light et al.
Tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica
Authors: Karlikaya Celal , Yüksel Mahmut , Kiliçli Sahin , Candan Latife
Published: March 2010

Tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica (TO) is a rare disorder with unknown aetiology. We report one case of TO in a patient with non‐Hodgkin pulmonary lymphoma and benign epidermal and trichylemmal cysts on the periorbital region and scalp. To the authors' knowledge, the coincidence of these processes has never been described before. The case was evaluated with conventional X‐ray, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, fibre‐optic bronchoscopy with 2 months interval, histopathological evaluation, Tc‐99 m MDP bone scintigraphy and microbiological studies including PCR testing of bronchial biopsy and lavage specimens for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Additionally, case reports of TO in the Turkish literature are summarized.
A case of pulmonary arteritis with stenosis of the main pulmonary arteries with positive myeloperoxidase‐antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies
Authors: Nakayama Hiroyuki , Uchida Kou , Sim Jae Joon , Yoshida Kanako , Shimizu Kunihiko , Watanabe Yoshinori , Koyama Nobuya , Tsujimoto Shiro
Published: March 2010

A 53‐year‐old woman was referred to our hospital with the main symptoms of productive cough, fever and exertional dyspnoea. Chest X‐ray revealed enlargement of the left hilar shadow and cavitary infiltration in the right upper lobe. 99mTechnetium‐macroaggregated albumin (99mTc‐MAA) perfusion scintigram showed complete hypoperfusion through the entire right lung. A pulmonary angiogram revealed stenotic lesions in the right and left main pulmonary arteries. Right cardiac catheterization showed an elevated right ventricular systolic pressure. There was no evidence of systemic arterial lesions nor vasculitis. The patient was positive for myeloperoxidase (MPO)antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies (ANCA) (168 EU). The Mycobacterium avium complex sputum culture was positive. The pulmonary stenotic lesions were surgically resected. The resected pulmonary arterial lesions were pathologically diagnosed as non‐specific vasculitis. The cavitary lesion disappeared 6 months after the surgery. Two years after the surgery, although the MPO‐ANCA level had decreased to 12 EU, stenosis of the pulmonary arteries reappeared. It is suggested that the patient became positive for MPO‐ANCA in association with the Mycobacterium avium complex infection, and that the presence of MPO‐ANCA may not be related to the development of pulmonary stenosis of the main pulmonary arteries.
Unexpected reactions following highly active anti‐retroviral therapy in patients with HIV‐1 infection and tuberculosis
Authors: Oka S.
Published: March 2010

Purpose:

Highly active anti‐retroviral therapy (HAART) dramatically improves the prognosis of AIDS patients. However, some patients with opportunistic infections suffer from the hyperreactive inflammation (HRI) following HAART, which sometimes interferes with the continuation of HAART. In order to clarify the mechanism of HRI, we investigated the clinical course of these cases and performed in vitro and in vivo analyses.

Materials and methods:

AIDS patients with active opportunistic infections including miliary tuberculosis, Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) bacteraemia, Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP), disseminated cryptococcosis were included in the present study. We started HAART after treatment of these opportunistic infections. Blood and clinical samples were obtained from infective sites to make the definitive diagnosis and to prove HRI. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) obtained and stored sequentially during lymphadenitis due to Mycobacterium tuberculosis were stimulated with purified protein derivative (PPD) in vitro and measured lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine production.

Results and conclusions:

Hyperreactive inflammation occurred 3 weeks on average after starting HAART in most patients who had these opportunistic infections. Discrimination between HRI and deterioration of the infection was sometimes very difficult. If we were able diagnose HRI, we treated the patients with corticosteroid to mitigate HRI. Two‐thirds of the patients continued HAART, but the remaining cases had to have HAART suspended due to severe reactions including fever (> 40°C) and pain of lymphadenitis. In vitro study with the PPD stimulation revealed that proliferating lymphocytes existed in peripheral blood and γ‐interferon was produced from such PBMC. These results might support the fact that the infective site must have the much stronger reaction to the opportunistic pathogen. If it was true, use of steroids makes sense to control the reaction. Actually, treatment with the steroid to HRI is successful. However, how to use the steroid (e.g. how much dose and how long) is to be elucidated from future clinical observations.

Acknowledgements:

The following doctors are acknowledged for their contribution to this study: M. Tanaka, C. Yasuoka, Y. Takahashi, S. Ida, N. Tachikawa, Y. Kikuchi, A. Yasuoka, and Y. Hirabayashi. This study was supported by a grant for AIDS Research from the Ministry of Health and Welfare of Japan.
Complications of laparoscopic renal surgery
Authors: Elsamra Sammy , Pareek Gyan
Published: March 2010

This review will summarize reported complications of laparoscopic renal surgery (LRS) and provide a concise summary and clinical pathway to prevent, identify and manage complications associated with LRS. Complications are not reported in a uniform manner and we strongly encourage the use of the Clavien or other classification systems to facilitate future comparison. Comorbidities, body mass index, renal function, renal anomalies, and lack of surgeon proficiency may adversely affect outcomes whereas age does not. Trocar access, pneumoperitoneum, and patient positioning reflect aspects unique to laparoscopy that may present specific challenges to the urologist. Articles pertaining to complications in LRS are examined and discussed. Major and minor complication rates for LRS have reportedly ranged from 1–6% and 6–17%, respectively. Vascular, bowel, and ureteral injuries are reported as the most commonly encountered intraoperative complications. An appreciation for the data presented may allow the urologist to better avert complications in LRS.
Effect of the hsp90 inhibitor geldanamycin on androgen response of prostate cancer under hypoxic conditions
Authors: Suzuki Yasutomo , Kondo Yukihiro , Hara Shuntaro , Kimata Ryouji , Nishimura Taiji
Published: March 2010

Objectives:  To investigate the androgen response of hormone‐dependent prostate cancer cells under hypoxia and to examine the effect of geldanamycin (GA), a heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90)‐specific inhibitor, on the androgen response.

Methods:  LNCaP cells were cultured with or without GA under normoxic or hypoxic conditions. Cell viability was examined in response to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Luciferase reporter gene assay was used to measure androgen response element (ARE)‐ and hypoxia response element (HRE)‐mediated transcriptional activities. Western blot was used to analyze the protein levels of androgen receptor (AR), hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) and Hsp90.

Results:  The DHT‐dependent growth and ARE‐mediated transcriptional activities of LNCaP cells were depressed under hypoxic conditions. However, these effects were recovered after incubation with GA. In contrast, hypoxia‐induced HRE‐mediated transcriptional activity, which was dose‐dependently increased by DHT, was suppressed by GA. The expression of AR, HIF‐1α and Hsp90 proteins were decreased under hypoxic conditions by adding GA.

Conclusions:  Geldanamycin increases the androgen response regardless of AR protein in hormone‐dependent prostate cancer cells under hypoxic conditions.
Laparoendoscopic single‐site urological surgery: Initial experience in Japan
Authors: Kawauchi Akihiro , Kamoi Kazumi , Soh Jintetsu , Naitoh Yasuyuki , Okihara Koji , Miki Tsuneharu
Published: March 2010

The objective of this paper is to report our initial experience in laparoendoscopic single‐site surgery (LESS). One patient underwent LESS varicocelectomy and another patient underwent LESS pyeloplasty. The Triport was inserted into the abdomen through the umbilical incision. In the varicocelectomy, testicular vessels were coagulated by a vessel‐sealing system, and transected. In the pyeloplasty, a 2‐mm needlescopic port was added to facilitate the procedure, and a dismembered procedure was performed. Total operative duration was 60 min for the varicocelectomy and 240 min for the pyeloplasty. Blood loss was minimal and no perioperative complications occurred. At the 3‐month follow up, no postoperative complications were observed and there was no complaint of pain. LESS varicocelectomy and pyeloplasty were successfully performed with excellent cosmetic results and no complications.
Current status and future perspectives in laparoendoscopic single‐site and natural orifice transluminal endoscopic urological surgery
Authors: Autorino Riccardo , Stein Robert J , Lima Estevão , Damiano Rocco , Khanna Rakesh , Haber Georges‐Pascal , White Michael A , Kaouk Jihad H
Published: March 2010

Objective of this study is to provide an evidence‐based analysis of the current status and future perspectives of scarless urological surgery. A PubMed search has been performed for all relevant urological literature regarding natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) and laparoendoscopic single‐site surgery (LESS). In addition, experience with LESS and NOTES at our own institution has been considered. All clinical and investigative reports for LESS and NOTES procedures in the urological literature have been considered. A wide variety of clinical procedures in urology have been succesfully completed by using LESS techniques. Thus far, experience with NOTES has largely been investigational, although early clinical reports are emerging. Further development of instrumentation and platforms is necessary for both techniques to become more widely adopted throughout the urological community.
Differences between Goldmann Applanation Tonometry and Dynamic Contour Tonometry in pseudoexfoliation syndrome
Authors: Grammenandi Emilia , Detorakis Efstathios T , Pallikaris Ioannis G , Tsilimbaris Miltiadis K
Published: March 2010

Abstract

Purpose:  To evaluate differences between Goldmann Applanation Tonometry (GAT) and Dynamic Controur Tonometry (DCT) in eyes with pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX).

Methods:  Thirty‐eight patients (38 eyes) with PEX in both eyes (pseudoexfoliative group, PG) as well as 19 patients (19 eyes) without PEX in either eye (control group, CG), were included. All eyes were phakic. GAT, DCT, the central corneal thickness (CCT) and the axial length of the eyeball (AL) were measured and the difference between GAT and DCT (dIOP) was calculated. Differences in dIOP between CG and PG and correlations of dIOP with CCT and AL were examined.

Results:  dIOP was significantly (P = 0.02) higher in PG (mean value 3.69 mmHg), compared with CG (mean value 2.15 mmHg). In PG (but not in CG), dIOP was also significantly correlated with AL but not with CCT.

Conclusion:  The fact that dIOP was significantly higher in PG than in CG implies that PEX may affect ocular biomechanical properties. The significant association of dIOP with AL but not with CCT is in agreement with previous reports and complies with the fact that pseudoexfoliative material is not deposited in corneal stroma.
Perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis during phaco‐emulsification and intraocular lens implantation: national survey of smaller eye units in England
Authors: Nanavaty Mayank A , Wearne Michael J
Published: March 2010

Abstract

Purpose:  To evaluate the commonest routinely used perioperative antibiotic, the preferred route of administration and the choice of antibiotic in ‘penicillin allergy’ by consultant ophthalmic surgeons in England.

Methods:  A postal survey was conducted, between December 2008 and April 2009, among consultant ophthalmic surgeons working in smaller National Health Service Ophthalmic departments in England. Smaller units were defined by having a maximum of eight consultant surgeons and tend to be based in district general hospitals. The questionnaires were sent to all consultant ophthalmic surgeons irrespective of special interests. The three questions asked were: (i) Which antibiotic(s) do you use routinely for phaco‐emulsification and intraocular lens implantation? (ii) What is your usual route of administration? and (iii) Which antibiotic(s) do you use when the patient states that they have ‘penicillin allergy’?

Results:  The questionnaire was sent to 401 consultant ophthalmic surgeons and 262 consultants (65.34%) replied. Further analysis showed, 44.7% used only intracameral cefuroxime, 31.7% used only subconjunctival cefuroxime, 2.3% used only subconjunctival gentamicin, 6.9% used subconjunctival gentamicin or cefuroxime, 0.4% used subconjunctival cefotaxime, 0.4% used subconjunctival ceftazidime and 0.8% used no antibiotic prophylaxis. One hundred and three (37%) used cefuroxime in patients allergic to penicillin and 47% switched to gentamicin in this situation.

Conclusion:  Routine phaco‐emulsification and intraocular lens implantation is the commonest elective surgical procedure undertaken in the National Health Service and yet there is a wide variation in the use of prophylactic antibiotics in patients with or without ‘penicillin allergy’ despite The European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons recommendations in 2007. Less than half of the surgeons working in smaller ophthalmic units routinely used intracameral cefuroxime and in ‘penicillin allergy’ only one‐third used cefuroxime. This survey highlights the reluctance of using cefuroxime in patients allergic to penicillin despite evidence to the contrary.
Identification of a novel deletion in the OA1 gene: report of the first Spanish family with X‐linked ocular albinism
Authors: Martinez‐Garcia Monica , Riveiro‐Alvarez Rosa , Villaverde‐Montero Cristina , Cantalapiedra Diego , Garcia‐Sandoval Blanca , Ayuso Carmen , Trujillo‐Tiebas Maria Jose
Published: March 2010

Abstract

Background:  This study was undertaken to analyse the OA1 gene (GPR143) and its involvement in a Spanish family presenting with nystagmus, a common symptom of X‐linked ocular albinism (XLOA).

Methods:  DNA samples from the index case and eight relatives were analysed by multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MLPA). Sequence analysis and restriction assay were used to confirm the results. In addition, an analysis of a STR located in intron 1 of the OA1 gene (OA‐CA) was performed.

Results:  The father of the proband presented with nystagmus, a feature consistent with XLOA. Mutation screening by multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification and sequence analysis of the exon 2 of the OA1 gene led to the identification of the novel p.Glu129fsX35 (g.5815delA) mutation in two affected males and four carrier females. Three relatives were found to be non‐mutated. The deletion detected resulted in a truncated protein 35 codons downstream and generated a new restriction site for the XcmI endonuclease. Additionally, microsatellite analysis showed co‐segregation with the disease in the family.

Conclusions:  A novel deletion in the OA1 gene was identified in a Spanish family with ocular albinism. The mutation detected is likely a loss‐of‐function alteration. To the best of our knowledge, we describe the first Spanish family known to present with XLOA due to mutations in the OA1 gene.
Insertion of the levator aponeurosis and Müller's muscle on the tarsus: a cadaveric study in caucasians
Authors: Kakizaki Hirohiko , Madge Simon N , Selva Dinesh
Published: March 2010

Abstract

Purpose:  To elucidate the insertion of the levator aponeurosis and Müller's muscle on the upper eyelid of Caucasians through cadaveric study.

Methods:  Sagittal full thickness sections of 11 cadaveric upper eyelids in Caucasian (7 right and 4 left; age range, 78–101 years old at death; age average, 87.7 years old) were prepared and stained with Masson's trichrome. The specimens were examined microscopically to discern the configuration of the levator aponeurosis, Müller's muscle and tarsus. Main outcome measures were the position of insertion of the levator aponeurosis and Müller's muscle onto tarsus.

Results:  In all 11 specimens, the levator aponeurosis inserted onto the distal tarsal plate, reaching the level of the marginal arterial arcade. The extension of Müller's muscle in 4/11 specimens (36.4%) surpassed the superior margin of the tarsal plates, but did not reach any further down the tarsus than its upper third; in the remaining seven specimens (63.6%), Müller's muscle attached to the superior aspect of the tarsal plate.

Conclusions:  This study from Caucasian cadavers suggests that fibres from the levator apponeurosis extends down to the distal portion of upper eyelid tarsus, with majority of Müller's muscle insertion being onto the superior aspect of the tarsal plate.
Non‐native Chinese language learners' attitudes towards online vision‐based motion games
Authors: Hao Yungwei , Hong Jon‐Chao , Jong Jyh‐Tsorng , Hwang Ming‐Yueh , Su Chao‐Ya , Yang Jin‐Shin
Published: March 2010

Learning to write Chinese characters is often thought to be a very challenging and laborious task. However, new learning tools are being designed that might reduce learners' tedium. This study explores one such tool, an online program in which learners can learn Chinese characters through vision‐based motion games. The learner's gestures are detected by a computer webcam, which sends the message back to the online program, and the corresponding strokes appear on the computer screen. In this way, the learner practises the correct Chinese stroke order by gesturing. For this study, nine non‐native Chinese‐language learners used this program to practise writing characters, and their learning strategies and attitudes towards the online program were observed. Data were collected from two self‐reported surveys and interviews. The results of the study are reported here, and implications for instructional design and future development of the gestural recognition program are discussed.
When cloud computing meets with Semantic Web: A new design for e‐portfolio systems in the social media era
Authors: Kim Paul , Ng Chen Kee , Lim Gloria
Published: February 2010

The need, use, benefit and potential of e‐portfolios have been analysed and discussed by a substantial body of researchers in the education community. However, the development and implementation approaches of e‐portfolios to date have faced with various challenges and limitations. This paper presents a new approach of an e‐portfolio system design based on Private–Public (PrPl) data index system, which integrates cloud computing applications and storages with Semantic Web architecture, making semantic web‐based visualisation and advanced intelligent search possible. It also discusses how the distinctive attributes of the PrPl‐based digital asset management system can serve as a large‐scale robust e‐portfolio system that can address issues with scalability, sustainability, adoptability and interoperability. With such a new distinctive design, a large‐scale deployment at a state or national level becomes possible at a very cost‐effective manner and also such large‐scale deployment with intelligent digital asset management and search features create numerous opportunities in education.
tPA treatment for acute ischaemic stroke in patients with leukoaraiosis
Authors: Ariës M. J. H. , Uyttenboogaart M. , Vroomen P. C. , De Keyser J. , Luijckx G. J.
Published: March 2010

Background and Purpose:  Whether leukoaraiosis on baseline CT is associated with an increased risk of symptomatic intracerebral haemorrhage (sICH) or poor outcome following tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) treatment for acute ischaemic stroke is still a matter of debate.

Objective:  To investigate the relationship between the presence and severity of leukoaraiosis on baseline CT and the risk of sICH and functional outcome after tPA treatment for acute ischaemic stroke.

Methods:  A single‐center observational cohort study with a retrospective analysis on consecutive patients with ischaemic stroke treated with tPA in the period 2002–2008. Outcome measures were the occurrence of sICH and functional outcome at 3 months.

Results:  Of the 400 patients, 24% had leukoaraiosis on their baseline CT. Eleven patients (11%) with leukoaraiosis versus thirteen (4%) patients without leukoaraiosis had a sICH [odds ratio (OR) 2.85 95%‐CI 1.23–6.60, P = 0.02]. Multivariate analysis showed a non‐significant trend towards an association of leukoaraiosis and sICH (OR 1.9, 95%‐CI 0.78–4.68, P = 0.16). Leukoaraiosis was independently associated with poor functional outcome (OR 2.39, 95%‐CI 1.21–4.72, P = 0.01). No difference was observed in the outcome measures amongst patients with moderate or severe leukoaraiosis.

Conclusion:  Our study demonstrates that patients treated with tPA and leukoaraiosis on their baseline CT are at greater risk of sICH and have a worse functional outcome compared to patients without leukoaraiosis. It is important to note that these results should not lead to exclusion of patients with leukoaraiosis for tPA treatment.
Dopamine receptor 3(DRD3) polymorphism and risk for migraine
Authors: García‐Martín E. , Martínez C. , Serrador M. , Alonso‐Navarro H. , Navacerrada F. , Agúndez J. A. G. , Jiménez‐Jiménez F. J.
Published: March 2010

Background/objectives:  Dopamine has been implicated in the pathogenesis of migraine. We investigated the possible association between the polymorphism 312G>A (rs6280) in the DRD3 gene(essential tremor 1‐ETM1‐ locus, chromosome 3q13) and the risk for migraine and for triggering migraine attacks by alcohol.

Methods:  We studied the frequency of the DRD3 genotypes and allelic variants in 197 patients with migraine and 282 healthy controls using a polymerase chain reaction and MlsI‐restriction fragment length polymorphisms method.

Results:  The frequencies of the DRD3 genotypes and DRD3Gly9 were similar in patients with migraine and controls and were unrelated to the age of onset of migraine, gender, family history of migraine and triggering of migraine attacks by alcohol. The frequency of the genotype DRD3Gly9Gly9 was significantly higher in patients with migraine with aura when compared with patients with migraine without aura, but not with controls.

Conclusion:  DRD3 genotype and allelic variants were not related to the risk for migraine in Caucasian Spanish people.
The Cultural Production of Locality: Reclaiming the ‘European City’ in Post‐Wall Berlin
Authors: MOLNAR VIRAG
Published: February 2010

Berlin's post‐1989 rebuilding is used to explore the role of cultural professionals, exemplified by architects and urban planners, in the production of locality. Drawing on an analysis of architectural debates, competitions and building projects, the article traces how the model of the ‘European city’ became the dominant paradigm of urban reconstruction in the 1990s and what precisely was understood by the term ‘European city’. In so doing, the analysis demonstrates how the contentious notion of ‘tradition’ was mobilized as the main localizing strategy in response to intense internationalization. It shows how locality came to be constructed in contrast to other spatial‐cultural units (e.g. the ‘American city’) and to particular historical layers of the city (e.g. that of the socialist era). The intense controversies over Berlin's rebuilding lucidly illustrate how the ‘global’ and the ‘local’ are symbolically constructed by actors as relational categories, where the very categories are not fixed but multilayered, value‐laden, historicized, contested, repeatedly redefined and restructured.

La reconstruction du Berlin de l’après‐1989 sert ici à explorer le rôle des milieux culturels, illustrés par les architectes et urbanistes, dans la production de localité. À partir d’une analyse des débats, concours en architecture et projets de construction, l’article établit comment le modèle de ‘ville européenne’ est devenu le paradigme dominant de la reconstruction urbaine dans les années 1990, et ce que l’expression ‘ville européenne’ représentait exactement. En parallèle, l’analyse montre comment la notion contestée de ‘tradition’ a été mobilisée en tant que stratégie principale de localisation en réaction à une intense internationalisation. L’article expose comment la localité a fini par être conçue par opposition à d’autres entités spatio‐culturelles (comme la ‘ville américaine’) et à certaines strates historiques de la ville (comme celle de l’ère socialiste). Les vives controverses à propos de la reconstruction de Berlin illustrent clairement comment les acteurs élaborent, sur le plan symbolique, le ‘global’ et le ‘local’ en tant que catégories relationnelles, ces catégories elles‐mêmes n’étant pas figées mais composées de plusieurs strates, chargées de valeurs, historicisées, contestées, sans cesse redéfinies et restructurées.
Accounting Conservatism and Transitory Earnings in Value and Growth Strategies
Authors: Hamberg Mattias , Novak Jiri
Published: March 2010

Abstract:  The value premium earned on value and growth investment strategies increases after adjusting for transitory earnings and for the accounting conservatism bias in the book value of equity. Simple investment strategies based on earnings‐to‐price (E/P) and book‐to‐market (B/M) performed on the Swedish stock market between 1980 and 2004 generate an annual value premium of 11 to 14%. Adjustments for transitory earnings and for the conservatism bias increase the value premium by 2 to 4 percentage points, and at the same time they improve the consistency of earning it. These results suggest that transitory earnings and accounting conservatism introduce noise into E/P and B/M measures. Adjusting for these accounting characteristics makes the identification based on E/P and B/M more effective.
Corporate Governance and Dividend Policy: Shareholders’ Protection or Expropriation?
Authors: Adjaoud Fodil , Ben‐Amar Walid
Published: March 2010

Abstract:  We investigate the relationship between corporate governance quality and dividend policy in Canada. Based on the agency theory predictions, we consider the effect of two conflicting hypotheses about the effect of corporate governance on dividend payouts: the outcome and substitution hypotheses. The effectiveness of firm‐level governance mechanisms is assessed through the Globe & Mail annual corporate governance index and four sub‐categories scores (board composition, shareholding and compensation issues, shareholder rights issues and corporate governance disclosure policy). Using a sample of 714 firm‐years listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange over the period 2002‐2005, our results show that firms with stronger corporate governance have higher dividend payouts. Among the four components of the corporate governance index, we document that board composition and shareholder rights’ policy are positively related to payout ratios. We also find a positive association between firm size, the level of free cash flows and dividend payouts. Finally, we document a negative relationship between firm risk, US cross‐listing and dividend payouts. Taken together our results are consistent with the outcome model of dividend policy.
Impact of national traumatic events on consumer purchasing
Authors: Dube Leon F. , Black Gregory S.
Published: March 2010

The purpose of this research is to evaluate differences in consumer perception before and after national traumatic events such as the terrorist attacks that took place on 11 September 2001. The authors found a significant difference in consumer ethnocentrism, patriotism, time management, attitude towards regulation of business and product quality following the terrorist attacks. These differences impact consumer purchase decision processes and become important to businesses that are targeting these consumers with their product offerings. In addition, marketing managers' understanding of change in consumer perceptions and attitude should impact how consumer products are marketed.
A look inside: teacher information search for personal finance instruction
Authors: Loibl Cäzilia
Published: March 2010

Drawing on the information search perspective of the consumer behaviour literature, this study assesses the predictors of teacher information search. Using qualitative and quantitative methods, the case of personal finance instruction is examined. Findings suggest three levels of involvement in information search among personal finance teachers. Participation in continuing education courses, combined with a heightened interest in personal finance, were the strongest predictors of a high‐information strategy. The findings speak to the usefulness of continued teacher training that is sensitive to information acquisition behaviour.
Regulation of Fas receptor/Fas‐asssociated protein with death domain apoptotic complex and associated signalling systems by cannabinoid receptors in the mouse brain
Authors: Álvaro‐Bartolomé M , Esteban S , García‐Gutiérrez MS , Manzanares J , Valverde O , García‐Sevilla JA
Published: March 2010

Background and purpose: Natural and synthetic cannabinoids (CBs) induce deleterious or beneficial actions on neuronal survival. The Fas‐associated protein with death domain (FADD) promotes apoptosis, and its phosphorylated form (p‐FADD) mediates non‐apoptotic actions. The regulation of Fas/FADD, mitochondrial apoptotic proteins and other pathways by CB receptors was investigated in the mouse brain.

Experimental approach: Wild‐type, CB1and CB2receptor knock‐out (KO) mice were used to assess differences in receptor genotypes. CD1 mice were used to evaluate the effects of CB drugs on canonical apoptotic pathways and associated signalling systems. Target proteins were quantified by Western blot analysis.

Key results: In brain regions of CB1receptor KO mice, Fas/FADD was reduced, but p‐Ser191 FADD and the p‐FADD/FADD ratio were increased. In CB2receptor KO mice, Fas/FADD was increased, but the p‐FADD/FADD ratio was not modified. In mutant mice, cleavage of poly(ADP‐ribose)‐polymerase (PARP) did not indicate alterations in brain cell death. In CD1 mice, acute WIN55212‐2 (CB1receptor agonist), but not JWH133 (CB2receptor agonist), inversely modulated brain FADD and p‐FADD. Chronic WIN55212‐2 induced FADD down‐regulation and p‐FADD up‐regulation. Acute and chronic WIN55212‐2 did not alter mitochondrial proteins or PARP cleavage. Acute, but not chronic, WIN55212‐2 stimulated activation of anti‐apoptotic (ERK, Akt) and pro‐apoptotic (JNK, p38 kinase) pathways.

Conclusions and implications: CB1receptors appear to exert a modest tonic activation of Fas/FADD complexes in brain. However, chronic CB1receptor stimulation decreased pro‐apoptotic FADD and increased non‐apoptotic p‐FADD. The multifunctional protein FADD could participate in the mechanisms of neuroprotection induced by CBs.

This article is part of a themed issue on Cannabinoids. To view the editorial for this themed issue visithttp://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476‐5381.2010.00831.x
Microsomal prostaglandin E synthase‐1 contributes to ischaemic excitotoxicity through prostaglandin E2 EP3 receptors
Authors: Ikeda‐Matsuo Y , Tanji H , Ota A , Hirayama Y , Uematsu S , Akira S , Sasaki Y
Published: March 2010

Background and purpose:  Although microsomal prostaglandin E synthase (mPGES)‐1 is known to contribute to stroke injury, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study examines the hypothesis that EP3 receptors contribute to stroke injury as downstream effectors of mPGES‐1 neurotoxicity through Rho kinase activation.

Experimental approach:  We used a glutamate‐induced excitotoxicity model in cultured rat and mouse hippocampal slices and a mouse middle cerebral artery occlusion–reperfusion model. Effects of an EP3 receptor antagonist on neuronal damage in mPGES‐1 knockout (KO) mice was compared with that in wild‐type (WT) mice.

Key results:  In cultures of rat hippocampal slices, the mRNAs of EP1–4 receptors were constitutively expressed and only the EP3 receptor antagonist ONO‐AE3‐240 attenuated and only the EP3 receptor agonist ONO‐AE‐248 augmented glutamate‐induced excitotoxicity in CA1 neurons. Hippocampal slices from mPGES‐1 KO mice showed less excitotoxicity than those from WT mice and the EP3 receptor antagonist did not attenuate the excitotoxicity. In transient focal ischaemia models, injection (i.p.) of an EP3 antagonist reduced infarction, oedema and neurological dysfunction in WT mice, but not in mPGES‐1 KO mice, which showed less injury than WT mice. EP3 receptor agonist‐induced augmentation of excitotoxicity in vitro was ameliorated by the Rho kinase inhibitor Y‐27632 and Pertussis toxin. The Rho kinase inhibitor HA‐1077 also ameliorated stroke injury in vivo.

Conclusion and implications:  Activity of mPGES‐1 exacerbated stroke injury through EP3 receptors and activation of Rho kinase and/or Gi. Thus, mPGES‐1 and EP3 receptors may be valuable therapeutic targets for treatment of human stroke.

This article is commented on by Andreasson, pp. 844–846 of this issue. To view this commentary visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476‐5381.2010.00715.x