bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selamectin is a potent substrate and inhibitor of human and canine P‐glycoprotein
Authors: GRIFFIN J. , FLETCHER N. , CLEMENCE R. , BLANCHFLOWER S. , BRAYDEN D. J.
Published: June 2005

The transport of the antiparasitic agents, ivermectin, selamectin and moxidectin was studied in human intestinal epithelial cell monolayers (Caco‐2) and canine peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL). Both models expressed the mdr1‐coded 170 kDa ATP‐binding cassette (ABC) transporter P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp). Fluxes of the P‐gp substrate rhodamine‐123 (Rh‐123) across Caco‐2 monolayers showed that ivermectin and selamectin acted as potent P‐gp inhibitors with IC50 values of 0.1 μm. In contrast, moxidectin was a weaker P‐gp inhibitor with an IC50 of 10 μm. The transport of radiolabelled ivermectin, selamectin and moxidectin through Caco‐2 monolayers showed that ivermectin, selamectin and moxidectin were P‐gp substrates with secretory/absorptive ratios of 7.5, 4.7 and 2.6 respectively. Secretory transport of [3H]‐ivermectin and [3H]‐selamectin was blocked by the P‐gp inhibitor, verapamil. Ivermectin and selamectin inhibited the efflux of Rh‐123 from PBL and the concentration of inhibition was similar to that of verapamil. In contrast, moxidectin did not have a significant effect on Rh‐123 efflux from PBL. The data suggest that ivermectin and selamectin are potent P‐gp substrates, while moxidectin is a weak one.
The pharmacokinetics of vedaprofen and its enantiomers in dogs after single and multiple dosing
Authors: HOEIJMAKERS M. , COERT A. , VAN HELDEN H. , HORSPOOL L. J. I.
Published: June 2005

Vedaprofen is a chiral nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug that has been developed as a gel formulation for oral administration to dogs and horses. The pharmacokinetics of vedaprofen and its enantiomers were studied in beagle dogs after single (intravenous solution and oral gel) and multiple (oral gel) dosing at a dosage of 0.5 mg/kg body weight. Plasma concentrations of vedaprofen and its enantiomers were analysed by HPLC. The plasma protein binding of vedaprofen was studied by ultrafiltration. The absorption of vedaprofen was rapid (tmax 0.63 ± 0.14 h) and almost complete after oral administration (bioavailability 86 ± 7%). The terminal half‐lives after intravenous and oral administration, 16.8 ± 2.2 and 12.7 ± 1.7 h respectively, were of the same order of magnitude. Enantioselective analysis showed that the R(−) enantiomer predominated in plasma. The change in the plasma time course of the plasma R(−)/S(+) enantiomer concentration ratio over time was similar after single intravenous and oral dosing, with R(−)/S(+) ratios in the AUC of 1.7 ± 0.5 and 1.9 ± 0.2 respectively. Plasma protein binding of vedaprofen and its enantiomers was high (>99.5%). Vedaprofen is absorbed rapidly from the gastrointestinal tract, has a high bioavailability and does not accumulate in plasma in dogs following repeated oral administration.
Genomics and systems biology – how relevant are the developments to veterinary pharmacology, toxicology and therapeutics?
Authors: WITKAMP R. F.
Published: June 2005

This review discusses some of the recent developments in genomics and its current and future relevance for veterinary pharmacology and toxicology. With the rapid progress made in this field several new approaches in pharmacological and toxicological research have developed and drug discovery and drug development strategies have changed dramatically. In this review, the term genomics is used to encompass the three sub‐disciplines transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics (or metabonomics) to describe the formation and fate of mRNA, proteins and metabolites, respectively. The current status and methods of the technology and some applications are briefly described. Although the DNA sequencing programmes are receiving considerable attention, the real value of genomics for pharmacology and toxicology is brought by the parallel developments in bio‐informatics, bio‐statistics and the integration of biology with mathematics and information technology. The ultimate level of integration is now mostly called systems biology, where mRNA, proteins and metabolites are being analysed in parallel, using a complete arsenal of analytical techniques (DNA‐array, LC‐MS/MS, GC‐MS/MS, NMR, etc.). The information thus collected is analysed, integrated, linked to database information and translated to pathways and systems. This approach offers an enormous potential to study disease mechanisms and find new drug targets. Thus far, genomics and systems biology have not been introduced significantly in typical veterinary pharmacological and toxicological research programmes. The high costs and complexity connected to these large projects often form major obstacles for research groups with limited budgets. In other veterinary areas and disciplines, including infectious diseases, animal production and food‐safety more examples of application are available. Genomics and bio‐informatics provide outstanding opportunities to study pharmacology and toxicology in a more holistic way, taking into account the complexity of biological systems and based on the basic principles of physiology and the concept of homeostasis. Knowledge of biology, in vivo and in vitro models, and comparative pharmacology/toxicology is essential here, creating excellent opportunities for the veterinary trained scientist.
Differential display analysis of Porphyromonas gingivalis gene activation response to heat and oxidative stress
Authors: Shelburne C. E. , Gleason R. M. , Coulter W. A. , Lantz M. S. , Lopatin D. E.
Published: June 2005

Background/aims:  The etiologic relationship between periodontitis and Porphyromonas gingivalis is attributed to the ability of the organism to express a variety of virulence factors, many of which are cell surface components including lipopolysaccharide and arginine‐specific cysteine proteases (Arg‐gingipains, RgpA, and RgpB). P. gingivalis responds to the stress of rapid elevation in temperature by activating a set of genes to produce heat shock proteins that mediate the effects of sudden changes in environmental temperatures by repairing or eliminating cellular proteins denatured by that stress.

Methods:  We used restriction fragment differential display (RFDD) to identify and measure the genes expressed by surrogates of environmental stresses, heat and oxidative stress. The results were then confirmed using quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction.

Results:  We selected 16 genes differentially induced from over 800 total expression fragments on the RFDD gels for further characterization. With primers designed from those fragments we found that a + 5°C heat shock caused a statistically significant increase in expression compared 12 of 18 untreated genes tested. The exposure of P. gingivalis to atmospheric oxygen resulted in statistically significant increases in five of the target genes. These genes are likely involved in transport and synthesis of components of the lipopolysaccharide biosynthetic pathway important in anchoring the Arg‐gingipains required for virulence‐related activities.

Conclusion:  These results emphasize the need for studies to measure the coordinated responses of bacteria like P. gingivalis which use a multitude of interrelated metabolic activities to survive the environmental hazards of the infection process.
Acute adenitis in children: Clinical course and factors predictive of surgical drainage
Authors: Luu Thuy Mai , Chevalier Isabelle , Gauthier Marie , Carceller Ana Maria , Bensoussan Arie , Tapiero Bruce
Published: June 2005

Objectives:  To describe clinical course of children hospitalized for a first episode of acute unilateral infectious adenitis and to identify factors predictive of surgical lymph node drainage.

Methods:  We reviewed medical records of children from 0 to 17 years of age discharged from a tertiary care pediatric center with a diagnosis of adenitis between 1 April 1996 and 31 March 2001. Patients were included if they had acute (≤10 days) unilateral lymph node swelling greater or equal to 2.5 cm on initial physical examination. Exclusion criteria were: bilateral adenitis or adenitis at more than one site; prior adenitis; underlying chronic disease.

Results:  Two hundred and eighty‐four patients were included in this study. The mean age was 4.0 years (3.1 SD). Twenty‐three per cent of infected nodes were >5 cm in size and 92.6% were cervical. Thirteen of 252 blood cultures were positive (5.2%), of which one showed Streptococcus pneumoniae and 12 contaminants. Mean length of stay was 4.2 days (2.2 SD). Surgical node drainage was performed in 60 (21.1%) patients. Factors significantly associated with increased risk of surgical drainage were age <1 year (adjusted OR: 14.5; 95% CI: 5.0–42.2) and node involvement >48 h (adjusted OR: 2.9; 95% CI: 1.2–7.2). There were no major complications. Follow‐up was documented in 183 patients, of whom 92.3% achieved complete healing.

Conclusions:  Children hospitalized for a first episode of acute unilateral infectious adenitis generally do well. Younger patients and those with longer duration of node involvement before admission have an increased risk of surgical node drainage.
Establishment and characterization of new cell lines derived from melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy arising in the mandible
Authors: Metwaly Hamdy , Cheng Jun , Maruyama Satoshi , Ohshiro Kazufumi , Suzuki Ichiro , Hoshina Yukiko , Saku Takashi
Published: June 2005

Three cell systems (MINT1/2/3) derived from a melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy (MNTI) arising in the mandible of a 1‐month‐old newborn boy have been established, and their cytological natures have been characterized. The cells had immunopositivities for pan‐keratin, vimentin, neuron‐specific enolase, S‐100 protein and melanoma‐associated antigen (HMB‐45). These immunohistochemical phenotypes were basically the same as those observed in tissue sections, in which, synaptophysin, myelin basic protein, c‐myc gene products, carcinoembryonic antigen, and epithelial membrane antigen were also immunolocalized in tumor cells. Karyotyping analyzes revealed that the chromosome numbers of the three cell systems ranged from 60 to 67 with 3n ploidies, and that there were many structural aberrations, such as del(11)(q13), del(22)(q13), add(2)(p11), add(7)(q22), extra copies for chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 16, 20, and 22, der(9)t(9;13)(p13;q12)add(9)(q34), and der(13;21)(q10;q10), which were shared by the three cell systems, while der(19)t(11;19)(q13;p13) was found in MINT1 and MINT3. When stimulated by endothelin‐3 and vitamin D3, the cells had spinous cell shapes with immunopositivities for HMB‐45, neurofilament protein and glial fibrillary acidic protein, which indicated more neural differentiation. The established cell systems will be useful for further investigation on the molecular and genetic basis of MNTI to understand its pathogenesis, which is largely unknown.
Individual identification by DNA polymorphism using formalin‐fixed placenta with whole genome amplification
Authors: Tie Jian , Serizawa Yuka , Oshida Shigemi , Usami Ron , Yoshida Yasuhiko
Published: June 2005

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification using formalin‐fixed material is very limited. In the present study the use of 6 week formalin‐fixed placenta for individual identification was examined based on DNA analyses. The objective of the examination was to prove whether the placenta was from a woman who had just given birth. DNA extraction was carried out from the maternal blood sample and from the formalin‐fixed placental samples composed of three parts: maternal side, infant side and umbilical cord. One minisatellite (D1S80), 12 short tandem repeat (STR) polymorphisms and amelogenin X, Y were investigated. All the polymorphic systems were detected in the maternal blood sample. The majority of the DNA isolated from the placental tissues had molecular weights of approximately 500 bp, and only two to four STR loci were amplified using the DNA. In order to amplify more DNA polymorphic markers from the formalin‐fixed tissues, whole genome amplification was performed. After amplification by degenerate oligonucleotide‐primed PCR (DOP‐PCR), the products contained DNA with increased molecular weight up to >10 kbp. More DNA loci were typed using the DOP‐PCR products. Furthermore, large molecular size fragments were purified from the DOP‐PCR products by agarose electrophoresis, and then the D1S80 locus and 12 STR loci were successfully amplified using these fragments.
Large cell calcifying Sertoli cell tumor of the testis: Comparative immunohistochemical study with Leydig cell tumor
Authors: Sato Katsuaki , Ueda Yoshimichi , Sakurai Aya , Ishikawa Yoshimaro , Okamoto Shin‐ya , Ikawa Hiromichi , Katsuda Shogo
Published: June 2005

Large cell calcifying Sertoli cell tumor is a rare type of testicular  tumor.  Reported  herein  is  a  Japanese  patient with this tumor not associated with Carney's complex. An 11‐year‐old boy was admitted to hospital because of left testicular enlargement, and radical orchiectomy was performed. Macroscopically, the tumor was well circumscribed and had a maximum diameter of approximately 2 cm. The cut surface showed a yellow‐white solid mass. Histologically, the tumor was composed of large neoplastic cells with abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm with a tubular, trabecular, and solid arrangement and loose myxoid stroma with irregularly shaped calcification. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were positive for vimentin, S‐100 protein, calretinin, inhibin‐α, melan‐A, and CD10, and type IV collagen and laminin were observed in the extracellular matrix around the tumor cells. The distributions of melan‐A, CD10, and mitochondria were characteristically patchy; in contrast, they were diffusely distributed in the cytoplasm in a control case of Leydig cell tumor. The differences in immunostaining patterns for melan‐A, CD10, and mitochondria as well as positivity for S‐100 protein‐β might be useful diagnostic hallmarks of large cell calcifying Sertoli cell tumor for discrimination from Leydig cell tumor.
Aspergillus pacemaker endocarditis presenting as pulmonary embolism
Authors: MATEOS‐COLINO A. , GOLPE R. , GONZÁLEZ‐RODRÍGUEZ A. , GONZÁLEZ‐JUANATEY C. , LEGARRA J. J. , BLANCO M.
Published: June 2005

Abstract:  Pacemaker endocarditis (PME) is a rare but severe complication of endocardial pacemaker implantation. Fungal PME is extremely uncommon. The case of a 66‐year‐old female patient who was diagnosed as having a pulmonary embolus based upon the patient's clinical presentation and computed tomography angiography findings is presented. Transthoracic echocardiography demonstrated a huge vegetation attached to the pacemaker wire. The pacemaker system was removed surgically during cardiovascular bypass. The vegetation was cultured, the results of which were positive for Aspergillus spp. No risk factors for Aspergillus infection were found in the patient. She was treated with liposomal amphotericin B for 3 weeks, followed by itraconazole for 40 weeks. At 1 year later, the patient remains asymptomatic.
Factors related to recurrence of spontaneous pneumothorax
Authors: GUO Yubiao , XIE Canmao , RODRIGUEZ R. Michael , LIGHT Richard W.
Published: June 2005

Objectives:  The purpose of this retrospective study was to identify factors associated with recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax (SP) in southern China, and to compare the therapeutic effectiveness of different procedures.

Methods:  A total of 182 consecutive patients (89.0% male; mean age, 38.9 years), admitted with their first episode of pneumothorax, were reviewed retrospectively. Follow up was available in 138 patients (75.8%), including 68 treated by chemical pleurodesis and 70 by chest tube drainage alone. The cumulative recurrence rates with different therapeutic procedures and different chemical sclerosing agents were compared, and the factors that influenced the recurrence rate were analysed using Cox's proportional hazard model.

Results:  The most common pre‐existing lung disease responsible for pneumothorax was COPD (69.7%), followed by tuberculosis (16.5%). Recurrence was significantly more common in taller patients, patients with lower weight, and patients with secondary spontaneous pneumothorax. The cumulative recurrence rates in the pleurodesis therapy group after 6 months, 1 and 3 years were 13, 16 and 27%, respectively, whereas in the chest tube drainage group the recurrence rates were 26, 33 and 50%, respectively (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the recurrence rate for those receiving tetracycline compared with those who received gentamicin.

Conclusions:  Spontaneous pneumothorax patients who are taller, weigh less or have secondary spontaneous pneumothorax are more likely to have recurrences. The risk of recurrence is reduced in patients who undergo chemical pleurodesis. Since there was no significant difference between intrapleural tetracycline and gentamicin, gentamicin should be considered as a potential chemical sclerosing agent.
The efficacy of incentive spirometry in patients with COPD
Authors: BASOGLU Ozen Kacmaz , ATASEVER Alev , BACAKOGLU Feza
Published: June 2005

Objective:  Although incentive spirometry (IS) is frequently used to prevent postoperative pulmonary complications, its efficacy in patients with COPD has not been documented. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of IS on pulmonary function tests, arterial blood gases, dyspnoea and health‐related quality of life in patients hospitalized for COPD.

Methodology:  A total of 27 consecutive patients (mean age, 68.4 ± 7.9 years; 26 males) admitted for COPD exacerbations were recruited for the study. In total, 15 (IS treatment group) used IS for 2 months, together with medical treatment. The remaining 12 (medical treatment group) were given only medical treatment. Pulmonary function and blood gases were measured. Assessment of dyspnoea by visual analogue scale (VAS) and quality of life using the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) were performed at admission and after 2 months of treatment.

Results:  The activity, impact and total scores for the SGRQ improved (all P ≤ 0.0001), PaCO2 values decreased (P = 0.02), PaO2 and PAO2 values increased (P = 0.02 and P = 0.01, respectively) in the IS treatment group. However, there were no significant differences between the measurements made pretreatment and after 2 months of medical therapy in the medical treatment group, with regards to pulmonary function, blood gases, SGRQ scores and VAS.

Conclusion:  The use of IS appears to improve arterial blood gases and health‐related quality of life in patients with COPD exacerbations, although it does not alter pulmonary function parameters.
Comparison of existing symptom‐based questionnaires for identifying COPD in the general practice setting
Authors: VAN SCHAYCK Constant P. , HALBERT Ronald J. , NORDYKE Robert J. , ISONAKA Sharon , MARONI Jaman , NONIKOV Dmitry
Published: June 2005

Objective:  Underdiagnosis of COPD is widespread, at least in part due to underuse of spirometry. Symptom‐based questionnaires may be helpful as an adjunct to spirometry. The aim of this study was to determine which types of questions might aid in identifying COPD.

Methodology:  Questionnaires were identified by literature review and input from a multinational advisory board of primary care providers. Questions were placed into groups and evaluated with respect to their ability to perform in two scenarios: (i) to identify persons with COPD from a general population (Case‐finding scenario); and (ii) to distinguish persons with COPD from those with asthma (Differential Diagnosis scenario). Questions were retrospectively validated using the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data. Potential predictive ability was examined in bivariate and multivariate frameworks.

Results:  Four published question sets and six additional documents were included. There was agreement in the use of smoking and symptom‐based questions, but important differences in the use of demographic, personal history and other information. Most question types had significant bivariate relationships with airway obstruction. In multivariate analysis, age, BMI, smoking status and pack‐years, symptoms (cough, phlegm, dyspnoea, wheeze), and prior diagnosis consistent with asthma or COPD all showed significant ability to discriminate between persons with and without obstruction in a general population.

Conclusion:  Simple self‐administered questionnaires can be used to identify persons for whom spirometric testing may be especially appropriate. Development of such questionnaires will require additional study, including prospective validation of items in an appropriate clinical setting and policy recommendations on the use of these tools.
Disturbance processes and spatial patterns of two emergent conifers in New Caledonia
Authors: RIGG LESLEY S.
Published: June 2005

Abstract Araucaria laubenfelsiiCorbasson andAraucaria montanaBrongn et Gris are emergent conifers in maquis and forest communities which are subjected to a combination of fire and cyclonic disturbances. Both species are able to survive fire once stems reach a critical size, but most seedlings and saplings are killed. Both species were found to be clumped at most spatial scales for both saplings and trees in maquis, probably resulting from a combination of patchy fire and a limited ability to disperse seeds. Comparisons of burned and unburnedA. montanasites suggest that clumping increases only slightly after fire. The degree of clumping in theA. laubenfelsiisites, suggested that fire disturbances may occur relatively frequently in the region. Cyclonic disturbances are infrequent but may result in blow‐down of large individuals within both maquis and forest. All of the individuals blown‐down during the study had been previously fire‐scarred. Around tree blow‐downs, seedling and sapling densities can be high. This likely reflects both the low dispersability ofAraucariaseeds and enhanced moisture from the shading of the adult, when it was alive. Disturbance by fire and wind play an important role in the regeneration dynamics and spatial pattern of these species in maquis in New Caledonia.
Early fate of Myristica hypargyraea seeds dispersed by Ducula pacifica in Tonga, Western Polynesia
Authors: MEEHAN HAYLEY J. , MCCONKEY KIM R. , DRAKE DONALD R.
Published: June 2005

Abstract  Although pigeons from the genus Ducula are considered among the best avian dispersers of large seeds in Asia and the Pacific, little has been documented on their role. The early fate of dispersed and undispersed seeds of the large‐seeded tree Myristica hypargyraea A. Gray was studied in order to understand the advantage of seed dispersal by the Pacific Pigeon, Ducula pacifica Gmelin in Tonga. Frequency of visits by frugivores to fruiting trees and dispersal distance of seeds were measured. Pre‐dispersal vertebrate seed predation was assessed, then post‐dispersal predation was measured over 160 days. Overall, pre‐dispersal seed predation by parrots was low but variable among trees sampled. Most seeds (54.7%) in the study area were estimated to be dispersed by D. pacifica; 79.7% of those ingested were expelled directly beneath conspecific fruiting crowns, 20% were dispersed locally and < 0.3% were dispersed more than 300 m into a different forest type. Flying foxes (Pteropus tonganus Quoy and Gaimard) dispersed very few seeds (0.7%) and all were dropped below fruiting crowns. Between 4% and 39% of dispersed and undispersed seeds were still viable, or had established seedlings after 160 days. Most seeds had been removed or killed by rats, and seed survival was highest for locally dispersed seeds (approx. 20 m from source trees and within the M. hypargyraea forest). Although D. pacifica was the only frugivore observed to disperse seeds into this higher zone of survival, overall they did not confer a great advantage to seed survival since significant numbers of seeds/seedlings also persisted under fruiting crowns (27% under crowns compared with 39% locally dispersed). Nevertheless, D. pacifica was the only vector by which seeds were regularly moved within the M. hypargyraea forest and over longer distances, and hence, D. pacifica still plays a significant role in the regeneration of M. hypargyraea.
Interactive response of herbivores, soils and vegetation to annual burning in a South African savanna
Authors: MILLS A. J. , FEY M. V.
Published: June 2005

Abstract Despite decades of research, the primary factors determining savanna structure remain elusive – a conundrum termed ‘the savanna problem’. After 47 years of annual burning inTerminaliawoodland andAcacia/Combretumsavanna on sandy, granite‐derived soils in the southern Kruger National Park, South Africa, a dense cover of trees and shrubs persists on some burnt plots and is largely absent from others. We postulated that intense browsing pressure by antelope and other herbivores prevents recruitment of trees in burnt plots and that herbivores concentrate on plots that are richest in nutrients. Herbivore abundance did not show a relationship with soil macronutrients and we consequently investigated micronutrient status. The reduction in tree cover as a result of annual burning was positively correlated with mass of herbivores (15–1500 kg) (r 2 = 0.61,n = 8). This index of herbivore abundance was in turn positively correlated with total Zn (r 2 = 0.64,n = 8). Other indices of herbivore abundance showed significant relationships with total clay content and total Mn. We suggest that herbivores concentrate on sites with greater clay content (possibly due to a greater availability of micronutrients), and that tree cover can remain relatively dense under a regime of annual burning if browsing pressure is not intense. The long‐term burn experiments in the Kruger National Park savanna provide a platform for unravelling the savanna problem. Determining possible interactions between soil properties, herbivory and fire is a step in this direction.
Concerning invasive species: Reply to Brown and Sax
Authors: CASSEY PHILLIP , BLACKBURN TIM M. , DUNCAN RICHARD P. , CHOWN STEVEN L.
Published: June 2005

Abstract Biological invasions have commonly occurred, and to a lesser degree continue to do so, without human assistance. It is, however, a combination of the rate and magnitude, as well as the distances and agency involved, that separates human‐driven invasion processes from self‐perpetuated colonization events. Exotic species are a pervasive and major component of human‐induced global change. Decisions to manage invasive species will require judgements to be communicated from scientists to policy makers, because scientists may often be the only ones in the position to make them.
NEWLY DEVELOPED AUTOFLUORESCENCE IMAGING VIDEOSCOPE SYSTEM FOR THE DETECTION OF COLONIC NEOPLASMS
Authors: Nakaniwa Noritomo , Namihisa Akihiro , Ogihara Tatsuo , Ohkawa Akimitsu , Abe Satoshi , Nagahara Akihito , Kobayashi Osamu , Sasaki Jun , Sato Nobuhiro
Published: June 2005

Background:  Previously, we reported that most gastrointestinal tumors could be distinguished with the Light‐Induced Fluorescence Endoscopy for GastroIntestine system (LIFE‐GI system) using a fiberscope. However, the quality of the fiberscopic images was inferior compared with videoscopic images. Therefore, we developed a new Auto‐Fluorescence Imaging (AFI) videoscope system (manufactured by Olympus Corp.).

Methods:  We evaluated the clinical usefulness of the AFI videoscope system for the detection of colonic neoplasms. Using this system, we observed 168 colonic polyps.

Results:  Images obtained by AFI provided better brightness than autofluorescence fiberscopic images and lesion margins were clearly evident. It demonstrated excellent recognition capability to a small lesion that was difficult to be detected by conventional observation. Sensitivity was 89% and specificity 81%, with specificity higher than that of the autofluorescence fiberscopic images.

Conclusions:  This newly developed AFI videoscope system will be useful for the detection of colonic neoplasms.
COLONIC TUBERCULOSIS MIMICKING A DIMINUTIVE SESSILE POLYP
Authors: Ong Wai Choung , Cheemalakonda Ramji , Sekaran Anuradha , Reddy Nageshwar
Published: June 2005

A 47‐year‐old male patient presented with abdominal discomfort and loose stools. Colonoscopic examination revealed a diminutive sessile polyp on the hepatic flexure. Histological assessment revealed a caseating granuloma with giant epitheloid cell formation consistent with tuberculosis. Early diagnosis and treatment with antitubercular treatment circumvents the morbidity of the disease.
ENDOSCOPIC PROCEDURE UNDER IRRIGATION
Authors: Kume Keiichiro , Yamasaki Masahiro , Kanda Kikuo , Yoshikawa Ichiro , Otsuki Makoto
Published: June 2005

Background:  Endoscopic therapy is often difficult to achieve particularly when the field of view of the lesion is poor due to contamination of mucus and blood. We developed five different types of end hoods that facilitate endoscopic procedures by simultaneously allowing various treatments and irrigation of the site.

Methods:  The end‐hood pieces were fabricated by drilling a side hole in the cap portion of conventional transparent hoods, then the irrigation tube was glued to the exterior surface of the hole. The fabricated transparent hood was placed at the tip of the endoscope.

Results:  Types 1 and 2 were useful for upper‐gastrointestinal (GI) hemorrhage, type 3 for lower‐GI hemorrhage, type 4 for endoscopic submucosal dissection and type 5 for endoscopic mucosal resection.

Conclusions:  With this method, endoscopic procedure is easy and economical, as therapeutic procedures can be performed under irrigation using a conventional endoscopy.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ENDOSCOPIC FINDINGS OF THE POUCH AND BOWEL FREQUENCY AFTER RESTORATIVE PROCTOCOLECTOMY IN ULCERATIVE COLITIS
Authors: Shinozaki Masaru , Koganei Kazutaka , Fukushima Tsuneo
Published: June 2005

Background and aim:  Pouchitis is one of the late complications of restorative proctocolectomy in ulcerative colitis (UC) and is associated with increased bowel frequency. The present study aimed to clarify the endoscopic findings that are associated with bowel frequency.

Patients and methods:  The macroscopic and microscopic features in the ileum proximal to the pouch, the pouch, and the remnant short rectum in 100 endoscopies on 63 patients were studied retrospectively.

Results:  Four of 28 (14%) patients had inflammatory changes in the proximal ileum. Sixty‐seven percent of patients showed an abnormal appearance of the pouch. Granularity, friability, presence of mucus, erythema, and erosions were significantly related to bowel frequency. ‘Endoscopic pouch activity index’ (EPAI), which is the number of positive findings of diffuse erythema, mucus, friability, ulcer, erosion, and granularity, was strongly associated with bowel frequency (P < 0.0001). Patients without macroscopic inflammation in the rectum had significantly lower bowel frequency than those with mild or moderately active inflammation (P = 0.0294 and 0.0183, respectively). Multivariate analysis revealed that ‘endoscopic pouch activity index’ and histological grade of pouch inflammation were significant factors (P = 0.0004 and P = 0.0429, respectively) influencing bowel frequency. Time–course study demonstrated that changes in EPAI and macroscopic grade of the rectum were significantly related to alteration in bowel frequency (P = 0.0120 and 0.0244, respectively).

Conclusion:  Erythema, mucus discharge and granularity were significantly related to bowel frequency. EPAI may be useful to evaluate endoscopic pouch inflammation.
GASTRIC LIPOMA SUCCESSFULLY REMOVED BY LAPAROSCOPIC INTRAGASTRIC SURGERY
Authors: Imasato Mitsunobu , Yano Hiroshi , Takiguchi Shuji , Monden Takushi
Published: June 2005

Lipomas are found very rarely in the stomach, where they account for only 3% of benign gastric tumors. Here, we report a case of large gastric lipoma removed successfully by laparoscopic intragastric surgery. A 45‐year‐old woman with no symptoms was incidentally diagnosed with a yellowish submucosal gastric tumor, about 3 cm in diameter, in the prepyloric antrum by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Pathological findings of biopsy specimens showed no evidence of malignancy. Computed tomography showed an ovoid and well‐circumscribed intramural mass, measuring 35 mm, which was of fat density. These findings suggested that the tumor was a lipoma that we felt should be treated, because large lipomas can give rise to gastrointestinal bleeding. We performed a laparoscopic intragastric enucleation for this tumor. Postoperatively, the tumor was confirmed pathologically to be a lipoma of the stomach. This laparoscopic procedure for benign non‐epithelial gastric tumors, such as lipomas, presented here is technically feasible, safe, and less stressful for the patient than gastrectomy.
BENEFICIAL EFFECT OF ORAL MESALAZINE POWDER ADMINISTRATION ON GASTRIC INVOLVEMENT OF BEHÇET's DISEASE
Authors: Kunisaki Reiko , Kawai Takako , Shiozawa Makiko , Suzaki Fumio , Naitoh Masaru , Tominaga Shizuo , Fujino Masayuki A , Tanaka Masanori
Published: June 2005

Behçet's disease (BD) is a multisystem immune‐mediated inflammatory disorder that involves the gastrointestinal tract. Although intestinal BD chiefly affects the ileocecum and colon, it may involve the entire alimentary tract. Upper gastrointestinal involvements of BD are not common, and its treatment has been rarely reported. Mesalazine is known to be an effective anti‐inflammatory agent for treatment of distal intestinal lesions of inflammatory bowel disease by its delayed drug release system. Here we show a case of chronic active, steroid‐dependent BD involving the upper gastrointestinal tract who was treated with ground mesalazine powder. Endoscopy performed 8 weeks after the treatment showed marked improvement of the gastric ulcers. This is the first report of intestinal BD treated with oral administration of mesalazine powder, and our results suggest that it may be a beneficial and effective new therapy for the upper gastrointestinal lesion of BD.
The sprawling thicket: Knowledge and specialisation in forensic social work
Authors: Green Gail , Thorpe Joanne , Traupmann Myrean
Published: June 2005

This exploratory study uses a post‐modern framework to investigate and map aspects of the (re)emerging occupational area of forensic social work, broadly defined as practice, which in any manner may be related to legal issues and litigation, both criminal and civil. The study is the result of each author asking questions about the nature of our professional experience in the field and then testing our thoughts against those of other social workers in the field. Our aim was to initiate discussion about the nature of forensic social work and to question whether our work called upon skills and knowledge that differed from those of social workers in other (specialised) fields. We used a cooperative inquiry method and significant themes and issues were raised with agreement for much of the discussion. The most lively dialogue centred upon the benefit or disadvantage of specialisation, with tensions evident around the perceived elitism some participants attached to the specialist title. The initial investigation raised several issues for further investigation.
To die destitute today: What are the implications for social work?
Authors: Fox Mim
Published: June 2005

The link between the public hospital and the destitute funeral has a long historical background with hospitals today continuing to retain their delegation over the fates of those who die destitute within them. This qualitative study evaluates the roles and skills of social workers when assessing the need for a destitute funeral in the public hospital system. Social workers located in two public hospitals within the same Area Health Service participated in interviews to evaluate the roles and responsibilities of social workers when working with destitute funeral recipients and their significant others. Emergent from these interviews are the social workers’ candid perception of the importance of the destitute death. The analysis is structured according to the priority that the social workers themselves accorded: the importance of the destitute death to the organisation, the family and friends of the destitute person, the social workers themselves and to society as a whole. The implication for social work practice is that this study informs policy locally within the hospital social work department, and public health policy within the hospital system. In addition, it is a springboard for practice reflection and advanced clinical practice by social workers in the field of destitute funerals.
Bioaugmentation for bioremediation: the challenge of strain selection
Authors: Thompson Ian P. , Van Der Gast Christopher J. , Ciric Lena , Singer Andrew C.
Published: June 2005

Despite its long‐term use in bioremediation, bioaugmentation of contaminated sites with microbial cells continues to be a source of controversy within environmental microbiology. This largely results from its notoriously unreliable performance record. In this article, we argue that the unpredictable nature of the approach comes from the initial strain selection step. Up until now, this has been dictated by the search for catabolically competent microorganisms, with little or no consideration given to other essential features that are required to be functionally active and persistent in target habitats. We describe how technical advances in molecular biology and analytical chemistry, now enable assessments of the functional diversity and spatial distribution of microbial communities to be made in situ. These advances now enable microbial populations, targeted for exploitation, to be differentiated to the cell level, an advance that is bound to improve microbial selection and exploitation. We argue that this information‐based approach is already proving to be more effective than the traditional ‘black‐box’ approach of strain selection. The future perspectives and opportunities for improving selection of effective microbial strains for bioaugmentation are also discussed.
Evaluating the Effect of Education on Earnings: Models, Methods and Results from the National Child Development Survey
Authors: Blundell Richard , Dearden Lorraine , Sianesi Barbara
Published: June 2005

Regression, matching, control function and instrumental variables methods for recovering the effect of education on individual earnings are reviewed for single treatments and sequential multiple treatments with and without heterogeneous returns. The sensitivity of the estimates once applied to a common data set is then explored. We show the importance of correcting for detailed test score and family background differences and of allowing for (observable) heterogeneity in returns. We find an average return of 27% for those completing higher education versus anything less. Compared with stopping at 16 years of age without qualifications, we find an average return to O-levels of 18%, to A-levels of 24% and to higher education of 48%.
Exploring the Economic and Social Determinants of Psychological Well-Being and Perceived Social Support in England
Authors: Shields Michael A. , Price Stephen Wheatley
Published: June 2005

A fundamental focus of Government concern is to enhance well-being. Recently, policy makers in the UK and elsewhere have recognized the importance of the community and society to the well-being of the nation as a whole. We explore the extent to which economic and social factors influence the psychological well-being of individuals and their perceptions of the social support that they receive, using Health Survey for England data. We employ a random-effects ordered probit modelling approach and find that unobserved intrahousehold characteristics help to explain the variation in our dependent variables, particularly for co-resident females. Our results indicate that individuals with acute and chronic physical illness, who are female, unemployed or inactive in the labour market and who live in poor households or areas of multiple deprivation report lower levels of psychological well-being. Reduced perceptions of social support are associated with being male, single or post marriage, from an ethnic minority, having low educational attainment and living in a poor household, but are not statistically related to area deprivation measures. These findings may help to inform the contemporary policy debate surrounding the promotion of individual well-being and community, through the alleviation of social exclusion.
Factor Analysis for Ranked Data with Application to a Job Selection Attitude Survey
Authors: Yu Philip L. H. , Lam K. F. , Lo S. M.
Published: June 2005

Factor analysis is a powerful tool to identify the common characteristics among a set of variables that are measured on a continuous scale. In the context of factor analysis for non-continuous-type data, most applications are restricted to item response data only. We extend the factor model to accommodate ranked data. The Monte Carlo expectation–maximization algorithm is used for parameter estimation at which the E-step is implemented via the Gibbs sampler. An analysis based on both complete and incomplete ranked data (e.g. rank the top q out of k items) is considered. Estimation of the factor scores is also discussed. The method proposed is applied to analyse a set of incomplete ranked data that were obtained from a survey that was carried out in GuangZhou, a major city in mainland China, to investigate the factors affecting people's attitude towards choosing jobs.
The Significance of Marriage: Contrasts between White British and Ethnic Minority Groups in England
Authors: MACLEAN MAVIS , EEKELAAR JOHN
Published: June 2005

It is widely believed that the institution of marriage enhances communal wellbeing, and governments in the United States and the United Kingdom have expressly adopted policies designed to “promote” marriage. These policies, however, are little informed by evidence about how people who marry are using the institution, or how entering or not entering marriage affects people's ideas about the rights and obligations they owe within intimate partnerships. An Oxford study has sought to explore these issues. The study allowed special attention to be paid to the way individuals with differing ethnic backgrounds responded to the investigation, and the current article reveals the results. They show that marriage is used in a variety of ways, and that these uses may vary between ethnic groups. The evidence suggests that the usefulness which people find in marriage may depend on cultural and individual factors that are independent of the goals that government policies seek to promote.
Transcript profiling of Eucalyptus xylem genes during tension wood formation
Authors: Paux Etienne , Carocha Víctor , Marques Cristina , Mendes de Sousa António , Borralho Nuno , Sivadon Pierre , Grima‐Pettenati Jacqueline
Published: June 2005

Tension wood formed in response to gravitational force is a striking example of the plasticity of angiosperm wood. In this study our goal was to characterize the early changes in gene expression during tension wood formation in Eucalyptus.

Using cDNA array technology, transcript profiling of 231 genes preferentially expressed in differentiating Eucalyptus xylem was followed from 6 h to 1 wk of a tension time course of artificially bent Eucalyptus trees.

196 genes were differentially regulated between control and bent trees, some exhibiting distinctive expression patterns related to changes in secondary cell wall structure and composition. For instance, expression of a cellulose synthase gene was well correlated with the appearance of the G‐layers. Cluster correlation analysis revealed differential regulation of lignin biosynthetic genes and may also be used to help infer the function of unknown gene products.

Eucalyptus wood transcriptome analysis during tension wood formation not only provided new clues into the transcriptional regulatory network of genes preferentially expressed in xylem, but also highlighted candidate genes responsible for the genetic and environmentally induced variation of wood quality traits.
Short‐term physiological and developmental responses to nitrogen availability in hybrid poplar
Authors: Cooke Janice E. K. , Martin Timothy A. , Davis John M.
Published: June 2005

Nitrogen fertilization induces dramatic changes in the growth and development of plants, including forest trees. In this study we examined short‐term responses of hybrid poplar, Populus balsamifera ssp. trichocarpa × deltoides, to N fertilization.

Glasshouse‐grown saplings subjected to limiting, intermediate, and luxuriant levels of ammonium nitrate over a 28 d time course demonstrated rapid changes to whole‐plant architecture and biomass accumulation. Nitrogen‐associated shifts in allocation occurred in temporally distinct stages. Nitrogen availability modulated parameters that affect carbon gain, including light‐saturated net photosynthesis and leaf area. These parameters were affected by N‐induced changes to leaf maturation and senescence. Leaf area was also affected by N‐induced sylleptic branch development.

Genes encoding vegetative storage proteins and starch biosynthetic enzymes exhibited contrasting patterns of expression under differential N availability. A gene encoding a previously uncharacterized putative pectin methylesterase inhibitor displayed expression patterns comparable to the starch biosynthetic genes.

The results of this study illustrate the phenotypic plasticity that P. balsamifera ssp. trichocarpa × deltoides exhibits in response to differential N availability.
The transcriptome of Populus in elevated CO2
Authors: Taylor Gail , Street Nathaniel R. , Tricker Penny J. , Sjödin Andreas , Graham Laura , Skogström Oskar , Calfapietra Carlo , Scarascia‐Mugnozza Giuseppe , Jansson Stefan
Published: June 2005

The consequences of increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide for long‐term adaptation of forest ecosystems remain uncertain, with virtually no studies undertaken at the genetic level. A global analysis using cDNA microarrays was conducted following 6 yr exposure of Populus × euramericana (clone I‐214) to elevated [CO2] in a FACE (free‐air CO2 enrichment) experiment.

Gene expression was sensitive to elevated [CO2] but the response depended on the developmental age of the leaves, and < 50 transcripts differed significantly between different CO2 environments. For young leaves most differentially expressed genes were upregulated in elevated [CO2], while in semimature leaves most were downregulated in elevated [CO2].

For transcripts related only to the small subunit of Rubisco, upregulation in LPI 3 and downregulation in LPI 6 leaves in elevated CO2 was confirmed by anova. Similar patterns of gene expression for young leaves were also confirmed independently across year 3 and year 6 microarray data, and using real‐time RT–PCR.

This study provides the first clues to the long‐term genetic expression changes that may occur during long‐term plant response to elevated CO2.