bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polymorphisms in the tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin 1‐beta promoters with possible gene regulatory functions increase the risk of preterm birth
Authors: HOLLEGAARD MADS VILHELM , GROVE JAKOB , THORSEN POUL , WANG XIAOBIN , MANDRUP SUSANNE , CHRISTIANSEN MICHAEL , NORGAARD‐PEDERSEN BENT , WOJDEMANN KAREN R. , TABOR ANN , ATTERMANN JORN , HOUGAARD DAVID MICHAEL
Published: October 2008

Objective. To investigate the relation between 19 selected single nucleotide polymorphisms in three cytokine genes, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFA), interleukin 1‐beta (IL1B) and interleukin 6 (IL6) and preterm birth (<37 weeks’ gestation). Design. Case‐control association study. Sample. A total of 117 singleton pregnant Danish Caucasian women, including 62 preterm birth cases and 55 controls (birth ≥37 weeks). Methods. Genotyping was performed using TaqMan probes and traditional sequencing. Descriptive statistics were carried out with Fisher's exact test and Wilcoxon rank‐sum test. All genetic data were tested for Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium and analyzed using logistic regression, 2×2 proportions or χ2. Haplotypes were estimated for each gene and permutation used for association testing. Results. Women carrying the TNFA −857 C>T rare allele (T) and those homozygous for the IL1B −31 T>C and IL1B −511 C>T rare alleles (C and T) have an increased risk of preterm birth with OR 3.1 (95% CI: 1.0‐10.3) and OR 6.4 (95% CI: 1.3‐60.5), respectively. Two estimated TNFA haplotypes were associated with preterm birth with OR 3.1 (p = 0.037) and OR 2.7 (p = 0.045). Conclusion. Polymorphisms in the cytokine genes TNFA and IL1B may increase the risk of preterm birth, possibly by a dysregulation of the immune system in pregnancy.
Significance of preoperative serum CA‐125 levels in the prediction of lymph node metastasis in epithelial ovarian cancer
Authors: KIM HEE SEUNG , PARK NOH HYUN , CHUNG HYUN HOON , KIM JAE WEON , SONG YONG SANG , KANG SOON BEOM
Published: October 2008

Objective. To investigate preoperative serum CA‐125 levels as a predictive factor for evaluation of lymph node metastasis in epithelial ovarian cancer. Design. Retrospective study. Setting. Medical records at Seoul National University Hospital. Population. Ninety‐nine patients with epithelial ovarian cancer between January 2004 and March 2007. Methods. The significance of the preoperative serum CA‐125 level for the prediction of lymph node metastasis was determined using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, McNemar's test and logistic regression analysis. Clinical prognostic factors affecting survival were evaluated using the Kaplan–Meier analysis with the log‐rank test and Cox's proportional hazard analysis. Results. The ROC curve showed the best cut‐off value (535 U/mL) of the preoperative serum CA‐125 level with regard to sensitivity (70.0%) and specificity (83.1%). Imaging studies combined with the preoperative serum CA‐125 level showed the highest sensitivity (90.0%), whereas imaging studies alone showed the highest specificity (89.8%) for the prediction of lymph node metastasis. FIGO stage III–IV, the preoperative serum CA‐125 level (≥535 U/mL) and lymph node involvement on imaging studies were significant factors for the prediction of lymph node metastasis (p <0.05). Suboptimal debulking surgery and lymph node metastasis were poor prognostic factors for progression‐free survival and overall survival, respectively (p <0.05). Conclusions. The preoperative serum CA‐125 level (≥535 U/mL) may be important for the prediction of lymph node metastasis in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer. Furthermore, it can be helpful in selecting patients who should undergo systemic lymphadenectomy for the detection of hidden lymph node metastasis.
Vascular complication after insertion of a subcutaneous contraceptive implant
Authors: MOURTIALON PASCAL , TIXIER HERVÉ , LOFFROY ROMARIC , MAILLART JEAN‐CHRISTOPHE , CALMELET PASCAL , DELLINGER PATRICK , VANWYMEERSCH SERGE , EL HASSANI RACHID , DOUVIER SERGE , SAGOT PAUL
Published: October 2008

Implanon® is a reliable method of contraception widely used in France and around the world. Cases of difficulties encountered in inserting or removing the implant have been described. We report the first case of an insertion accident that led to occlusion of the right brachial artery and required exploratory vascular surgery.
Subgroups of preterm delivery in the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study
Authors: MORKEN NILS‐HALVDAN , MAGNUS PER , JACOBSSON BO
Published: October 2008

The preterm deliveries in the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort (MoBa) study were divided into subgroups: spontaneous preterm delivery, iatrogenic preterm delivery, multiple pregnancies, congenital malformations and intrauterine fetal deaths (IUFD). Records were linked with the Medical Birth Registry of Norway in order to permit identification of the different subgroups. The first 53,711 included pregnancies in the MoBa study were analyzed. Spontaneous preterm delivery accounted for 42% and iatrogenic preterm delivery for 28% of all preterm deliveries. Other important contributors to preterm delivery were multiple pregnancies (16%), congenital malformations (8.6%) and IUFD (5.2%). In conclusion, the subgroup composition of the preterm population in the MoBa study is similar to previously published data regarding both different and similar populations and is well suited for future studies of this complex obstetric entity.
Para‐aortic lymphadenectomy improves survival in patients with intermediate to high‐risk endometrial carcinoma
Authors: CHANG SUK‐JOON , KIM WOO YOUNG , YOON JONG‐HYUCK , YOO SEUNG‐CHUL , CHANG KI‐HONG , RYU HEE‐SUG
Published: October 2008

Objective. Surgical staging of endometrial carcinoma is practiced to identify the true extent of disease. The impact of para‐aortic lymphadenectomy (PALD) on survival is unproven. The purpose of this study was to determine if a staging procedure that includes PALD is associated with improved survival in endometrial carcinoma patients who had been surgically staged. Design. Retrospective review of patients’ records. Setting. Ajou University Hospital, a tertiary care hospital in South Korea. Population. One hundred and sixty patients with endometrial carcinoma. Methods. We retrospectively analyzed a total of 160 FIGO stage I–III endometrial carcinoma patients without grossly metastatic para‐aortic lymph nodes, who underwent surgery between 1994 and 2007. Exclusion criteria included presurgical radiation, stage IV disease and sarcomas. Two groups were identified: patients who underwent pelvic lymphadenectomy (PLD) and PALD (n = 85) versus those who underwent PLD alone (n = 75). Survival was analyzed using Kaplan–Meier method and Cox proportional hazards model. Main outcome measures. Disease‐free and overall survival. Results. Overall, patients who underwent PALD demonstrated improved 5‐year disease‐free survival (81.0 vs 91.2%) and overall survival (85.8 vs 96.2%) compared to those who underwent PLD alone (p = 0.019 and p = 0.039, respectively). After multivariate analysis, patients’ age (p = 0.028), FIGO stage (p<0.001) and lymphadenectomy (p = 0.014) were independent prognostic factors. The type of lymphadenectomy did not affect survival of low‐risk patients. In intermediate to high‐risk patients, PALD improved disease‐free survival and showed a trend toward improvement of overall survival. Conclusion. These data demonstrate that PALD has a potentially therapeutic benefit on survival in surgically staged patients with intermediate to high‐risk endometrial carcinoma.
Prognostic factors for recurrence and survival in primary vulvar squamous cell cancer
Authors: AYHAN ALI , VELIPASAOGLU MELIH , SALMAN MEHMET C. , GUVEN SULEYMAN , GULTEKIN MURAT , BAYRAKTAR ONUR
Published: October 2008

Objective. To evaluate survival estimates and clinico‐pathological variables in women with primary vulvar squamous cancer. Design. Retrospective observational study. Setting. University hospital in Turkey. Population or sample. Patients treated for primary vulvar squamous cancer. Methods. Retrospective evaluation of demographic, pathologic and follow‐up data of 91 patients obtained from hospital records and private gynecologic oncology files. Main outcome measures. Recurrence rate and survival estimates. Results. The mean age at the time of diagnosis was 62 years. Of the women, 62% had early stage disease (stages I–II), while 39% had advanced stages (stages III–IV) at diagnosis. The overall recurrence rate was 13%. Recurrence rates were significantly higher in the presence of local wide‐deep excision as an initial treatment, larger initial tumor size, positive lymph node involvement, advanced stage, presence of ulcerative lesions and adjuvant radiotherapy. The overall and 5‐year survival estimates were 92 and 83%, respectively. Conclusion. Lymph node invasion, stage, having ulcerative lesion, receiving adjuvant therapy, tumor diameter larger than 10 mm and having local excision as primary surgery may increase the risk of recurrent disease.
Does RFID improve inventory accuracy? A preliminary analysis
Authors: Hardgrave Bill C. , Aloysius John , Goyal Sandeep
Published: October 2008

For the adoption of radio frequency identification (RFID) to continue at or beyond its current pace, it is important to investigate the business value created by the technology. In previous studies, we have shown how RFID can improve in-stock position. Other studies have shown the benefit of RFID for promotional items. In this vein of continuing to prove the business case for RFID, we examine RFID’s impact on inventory accuracy. Inventory accuracy is one of the keys to an efficient and effective supply chain, yet is often referred to as the ‘missing link’ in retail execution. Forecasting, ordering, and replenishment use inventory records as input, and the quality of these functions is impacted by inventory accuracy. To study the impact of RFID on inventory accuracy, Wal-Mart commissioned a study to examine the store-level influence of RFID on perpetual inventory. For 23 weeks, a single category of product (air fresheners) was inventoried daily in eight test stores equipped with a new RFID-based perpetual inventory adjustment tool and eight matching control stores (without RFID). Preliminary results presented in this paper indicate that RFID does reduce inventory inaccuracy in the presence of normal business processes for on-hand adjustments (i.e. RFID as a supplement to existing manual adjustment processes).
The impact of RFID technology and EPC system on stock-out of promotional items
Authors: Bottani Eleonora , Montanari Roberto , Rizzi Antonio
Published: October 2008

This paper examines the impact of radio frequency identification (RFID) and EPC Network on out-of-stocks of promotional items during a sales promotion in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) context. A mathematical model is developed to estimate savings achievable by reducing the main causes of unavailability of promotional items. In particular, the model compares the current performance of sales promotion of FMCG retail stores, in terms of stock-out occurrence and related duration, with a re-engineered situation where RFID and EPC are exploited in the store to reduce stock-out causes. The model has been applied to a retail store of a major Italian distributor of FMCG. Results of the application suggest that RFID and EPC have the potential to substantially reduce economical losses due to unavailability of promotional items, thus proving the economical profitability of their implementation in the FMCG field.
Needlestick Injuries in Nursing Homes: The Prominent Role of Insulin Pens
Authors: Kiss Philippe , Meester Marc De , Braeckman Lutgart
Published: October 2008

Causes and circumstances related to 162 needlestick injuries in nursing homes were analyzed. In addition to nurses, geriatrics helpers were found to be an important occupational group at risk. Insulin pens were the most frequent cause of needlestick injuries among nursing personnel. Insulin pens are a major instrument involved with unsafe needle-handling practices.
Assessment of the Activity of a Novel Light-Activated Antimicrobial Coating in a Clinical Environment
Authors: Decraene Valérie , Pratten Jonathan , Wilson Michael
Published: October 2008

Cellulose acetate coatings containing the light-activated antimicrobial agents toluidine blue O and rose bengal have previously been shown to be successful in killing a range of microorganisms. Here, we report on the ability of these coatings to achieve reductions in the microbial load on surfaces in a clinical environment.
Exploring the effect of Marine Protected Areas on the dynamics of fish communities in the southern Benguela: an individual-based modelling approach
Authors: Yemane Dawit , Shin Yunne-Jai , Field John G.
Published: October 2008

Yemane, D., Shin, Y-J., and Field, J. G. 2009. Exploring the effect of Marine Protected Areas on the dynamics of fish communities in the southern Benguela: an individual-based modelling approach. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 66: 378–387. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) have been suggested as a tool that can achieve some of the goals of an Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries (EAF), e.g. prevention of overexploitation, biodiversity conservation, recovery of overexploited population, but the consequences of their establishment on the dynamics of protected components are often unclear. Spatial and multispecies models can be used to investigate the effects of their introduction. An individual-based, spatially explicit, size-structured, multispecies model (known as OSMOSE) is used to investigate the likely consequences of the introduction of three MPAs off the coast of South Africa, individually or in combination. The simultaneous introduction of the MPAs affected varying proportions of the distribution of the modelled species (5–17%) and 12% of the distribution of the whole community. In general, the introduction of the MPAs in the different scenarios resulted in a relative increase in the biomass of large predatory fish and a decrease in the biomass of small pelagic fish. The simulation demonstrates that consideration of trophic interactions is necessary when introducing MPAs, with indirect effects that may be detrimental to some (mainly smaller prey) species.
Repeated independent evolution of obligate pollination mutualism in the Phyllantheae–
Epicephala
association
Authors: Kawakita Atsushi , Kato Makoto
Published: October 2008

The well-known fig–fig wasp and yucca–yucca moth mutualisms are classic examples of obligate mutualisms that have been shaped by millions of years of coevolution. Pollination systems involving obligate seed parasites are only expected to evolve under rare circumstances where their positive effects are not swamped by abundant co-pollinators and heavy costs resulting from seed destruction. Here, we show that, in Phyllantheae, specialization to pollination by
Epicephala
moths evolved at least five times, involving more than 500 Phyllantheae species in this obligate association. Active pollination behaviour evolved once in
Epicephala
, 10–20 Myr after the initial divergence of their host plants. The pollinating
Epicephala
moths thus radiated on an already-diverged host lineage and successively colonized new Phyllantheae hosts, thereby giving rise to repeated independent evolution of the specialized pollination system in Phyllantheae. The present evolutionary success of this association rests entirely upon active pollination by
Epicephala
, making this a distinct example of an evolutionary key innovation. Overall, our findings provide a clear empirical demonstration of how a combination of evolutionary innovation and partner shifts facilitates the spread of mutualism in a coevolving species interaction.
A comparativein situRietveld refinement study: thermal decomposition and transformation of CoAl and CoZnAl layered double hydroxides
Authors: Johnsen Rune E. , Norby Poul
Published: October 2008

Rietveld refinement based onin situX-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) data was combined with thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and mass spectrometry (MS) to study and compare the phase transformations, thermal stability, microstructural and structural changes of two cobalt-containing nitrate-based layered double hydroxides (LDHs) upon heating in a controlled inert atmosphere of nitrogen. The XRPD data were collected, using synchrotron X-ray radiation, with a time resolution of 107 s, which made it possible to carry out detailed structural studies of the initial layered double hydroxides as well as their decomposition products: spinel for a CoAl–NO3LDH and spinel/zincite for a CoZnAl–NO3LDH. Correlating these data with those from the TGA–MS analyses gives us information about the transformation mechanisms. Rietveld refinements of the two spinel phases reveal remarkable differences. Theaaxis of the spinel formed by decomposition of the CoAl–NO3LDH increases almost linearly from approximately 598 to 1163 K, mainly due to the dominating thermal expansion, whereas theaaxis of the spinel formed by decomposition of the CoZnAl–NO3shows a more complex temperature dependency. Between approximately 698 and 1073 K, theaaxis is almost constant due to pronounced chemical interaction with an additional amorphous phase and the zincite phase, whereas from 1073 up to 1163 K it increases linearly. Calculations, based on the results of the Rietveld refinements, of the size of the octahedral and tetrahedral coordination polyhedra in the spinel show that the octahedra shrink and the tetrahedra expand with increasing temperature. The unusual thermal behaviour of the octahedra is discussed and attributed to the low formation temperature of the cobalt aluminium spinel phase. Finally, the intensity of a low-angle scattering (LAS) signal observed in the XRPD patterns was correlated with the decomposition of the LDH, and determination of the specific surface areas gave the temperature-dependent BET surface areas.
Benefits of two-dimensional detectors for synchrotron X-ray diffraction studies of thin film mechanical behavior
Authors: Geandier Guillaume , Renault Pierre-Olivier , Teat Simon , Le Bourhis Eric , Lamongie Bruno , Goudeau Philippe
Published: October 2008

Performing a completein situmechanical property analysis of polycrystalline thin films using X-ray diffraction is time consuming with most standard diffraction beamlines at synchrotron facilities and not realistic with laboratory diffractometers. Two-dimensional detection is shown to enable relatively fast and reliable X-ray strain measurements duringin situtensile testing of gold films deposited on polyimide substrates. Advantages and drawbacks in the use of two-dimensional detectors for this type of analysis are discussed for two commonly used geometries: reflection and transmission.
ExtSym: a program to aid space-group determination from powder diffraction data
Authors: Markvardsen Anders J. , Shankland Kenneth , David William I. F. , Johnston John C. , Ibberson Richard M. , Tucker Matt , Nowell Harriott , Griffin Tom
Published: October 2008

Once unit-cell dimensions have been determined from a powder diffraction data set and therefore the crystal system is known (e.g.orthorhombic), the method presented by Markvardsen, David, Johnson & Shankland [Acta Cryst.(2001), A57, 47–54] can be used to generate a table ranking the extinction symbols of the given crystal system according to probability. Markvardsenet al.tested a computer program (ExtSym) implementing the method against Pawley refinement outputs generated using theTF12LSprogram [David, Ibberson & Matthewman (1992). Report RAL-92-032. Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Chilton, Didcot, Oxon, UK]. Here, it is shown thatExtSymcan be used successfully with many well known powder diffraction analysis packages, namelyDASH[David, Shankland, van de Streek, Pidcock, Motherwell & Cole (2006).J. Appl. Cryst.39, 910–915],FullProf[Rodriguez-Carvajal (1993).Physica B,192, 55–69],GSAS[Larson & Von Dreele (1994). Report LAUR 86-748. Los Alamos National Laboratory, New Mexico, USA],PRODD[Wright (2004).Z. Kristallogr.219, 1–11] andTOPAS[Coelho (2003). Bruker AXS GmbH, Karlsruhe, Germany]. In addition, a precise description of the optimal input forExtSymis given to enable other software packages to interface withExtSymand to allow the improvement/modification of existing interfacing scripts.ExtSymtakes as input the powder data in the form of integrated intensities and error estimates for these intensities. The output returned byExtSymis demonstrated to be strongly dependent on the accuracy of these error estimates and the reason for this is explained.ExtSymis tested against a wide range of data sets, confirming the algorithm to be very successful at ranking the published extinction symbol as the most likely.
Development and Testing of the Hill‐Bone Compliance to High Blood Pressure Therapy Scale
Authors: Kim Miyong T. , Hill Martha N. , Bone Lee R. , Levine David M.
Published: October 2008

The Hill‐Bone Compliance to High Blood Pressure Therapy Scale assesses patient behaviors for three important behavioral domains of high blood pressure treatment: 1) reduced sodium intake; 2) appointment keeping; and 3) medication taking. This scale is comprised of 14 items in three subscales. Each item is a four point Likert type scale. The content validity of the scale was assessed by a relevant literature review and an expert panel, which focused on cultural sensitivity and appropriateness of the instrument for low literacy. Internal consistency reliability and predictive validity of the scale were evaluated using two community based samples of hypertensive adults enrolled in clinical trials of high blood pressure care and control. The standardized a for the total scale were 0.74 and 0.84, and the average interitem correlations of the 14 items were 0.18 and 0.28, respectively. The construct and predictive validity of the scale was assessed by factor analysis and by testing of theoretically derived hypotheses regarding whether the scale demonstrated consistent and expected relationships with related variables. In this study, high compliance scale scores predicted significantly lower levels of blood pressure and blood pressure control. Moreover, high compliance scale scores at the baseline were significantly associated with blood pressure control at both baseline and at follow up in the two independent samples. This brief instrument provides a simple method for clinicians in various settings to use to assess patients' self reported compliance levels and to plan appropriate interventions.
Regulation of Microtubule Dynamics by Reaction Cascades Around Chromosomes
Authors: Athale Chaitanya A. , Dinarina Ana , Mora-Coral Maria , Pugieux Céline , Nedelec Francois , Karsenti Eric
Published: October 2008

During spindle assembly, chromosomes generate gradients of microtubule stabilization through a reaction-diffusion process, but how this is achieved is not well understood. We measured the spatial distribution of microtubule aster asymmetry around chromosomes by incubating centrosomes and micropatterned chromatin patches in frog egg extracts. We then screened for microtubule stabilization gradient shapes that would generate such spatial distributions with the use of computer simulations. Only a long-range, sharply decaying microtubule stabilization gradient could generate aster asymmetries fitting the experimental data. We propose a reaction-diffusion model that combines the chromosome generated Ran–guanosine triphosphate–Importin reaction network to a secondary phosphorylation network as a potential mechanism for the generation of such gradients.
Variation in Evolutionary Patterns Across the Geographic Range of a Fossil Bivalve
Authors: Grey Melissa , Haggart James W. , Smith Paul L.
Published: October 2008

The fossil record is the only direct source of data for studying modes (patterns) and rates of morphological change over long periods of time. Determining modes and rates is important for understanding macroevolutionary processes, but just how modes and rates vary within a taxon, and why, remain largely unaddressed. We examined patterns of morphological change in the shell of the Mesozoic marine bivalve genus
Buchia
over its geographic and temporal range. Most modes conformed to either random walks or stasis, and both modes and rates showed variability between locations. For example, stasis was more common in deeper marine environments, whereas random walks occurred more often at the highest paleolatitudes studied. These results indicate that the environment can play an important role in shaping patterns of evolution.
Lack of Exposed Ice Inside Lunar South Pole Shackleton Crater
Authors: Haruyama Junichi , Ohtake Makiko , Matsunaga Tsuneo , Morota Tomokatsu , Honda Chikatoshi , Yokota Yasuhiro , Pieters Carle M. , Hara Seiichi , Hioki Kazuyuki , Saiki Kazuto , Miyamoto Hideaki , Iwasaki Akira , Abe Masanao , Ogawa Yoshiko , Takeda Hiroshi , Shirao Motomaro , Yamaji Atsushi , Josset Jean-Luc
Published: October 2008

The inside of Shackleton Crater at the lunar south pole is permanently shadowed; it has been inferred to hold water-ice deposits. The Terrain Camera (TC), a 10-meter-resolution stereo camera onboard the Selenological and Engineering Explorer (SELENE) spacecraft, succeeded in imaging the inside of the crater, which was faintly lit by sunlight scattered from the upper inner wall near the rim. The estimated temperature of the crater floor, based on the crater shape model derived from the TC data, is less than â¼90 kelvin, cold enough to hold water-ice. However, at the TC's spatial resolution, the derived albedo indicates that exposed relatively pure water-ice deposits are not on the crater floor. Water-ice may be disseminated and mixed with soil over a small percentage of the area or may not exist at all.
The role of the bronchial provocation challenge tests in the diagnosis of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in elite swimmers: Table 1
Authors: Castricum A , Holzer K , Brukner P , Irving L
Published: October 2008

Background

The International Olympic Committee–Medical Commission (IOC-MC) accepts a number of bronchial provocation tests for the diagnosis of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) in elite athletes, none of which have been studied in elite swimmers. With the suggestion of a different pathogenesis involved in the development of EIB in swimmers, there is a possibility that the recommended test for EIB in elite athletes, the eucapnic voluntary hyperpnoea (EVH) challenge, may be missing the diagnosis in elite swimmers.

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of the EVH challenge, the field swim challenge and the laboratory cycle challenge in the diagnosis of EIB in elite swimmers.

Design

33 elite swimmers were evaluated on separate days for the presence of EIB using 3 different bronchial provocation challenge tests: an 8 minute field swim challenge, a 6 minute laboratory EVH challenge, and an 8 minute laboratory cycle challenge.

Main outcome measurements

Change in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) pre and post test protocol. A fall in FEV1from baseline of ≥10% post challenge was diagnostic of EIB.

Results

Only 1 of the 33 subjects (3%) had a positive field swim challenge with a fall in FEV1of 16% from baseline. 18 of the 33 subjects (55%) had a positive EVH challenge, with a mean fall in FEV1of 20.4 (SD 11.7)% from baseline. 4 of the subjects (12%) had a positive laboratory cycle challenge, with a mean fall in FEV1of 14.8 (4.7)% from baseline. Only 1 of the 33 subjects was positive to all 3 challenges.

Conclusions

These results suggest that the EVH challenge is a highly sensitive challenge for identifying EIB in elite swimmers, in contrast to the laboratory and field-based exercise challenge tests, which significantly underdiagnose the condition. The EVH challenge, a well-established and standardised test for EIB in elite winter and summer land-based athletes, should thus be used for the diagnosis of EIB in elite swimmers, as recommended by the IOC-MC.
Biomechanical variables associated with Achilles tendinopathy in runners
Authors: Azevedo L B , Lambert M I , Vaughan C L , O’Connor C M , Schwellnus M P
Published: October 2008

Objective:

The aim of this study was to investigate the kinetics, kinematics and muscle activity in runners with Achilles tendinopathy.

Design:

Case–control study.

Setting:

Biomechanics laboratory.

Participants:

21 runners free from injury and 21 runners with Achilles tendinopathy performed 10 running trials with standardised running shoes. Injured runners were diagnosed clinically according to established diagnostic criteria. Uninjured runners had been injury-free for at least 2 years.

Main outcome measurements:

During each trial, kinetic and lower limb kinematic data were measured using a strain gauge force plate and six infrared cameras respectively. Electromyographic (EMG) data from six muscles (tibialis anterior (TA), peroneus longus (PE), lateral gastrocnemius (LG), rectus femoris (RF), biceps femoris (BF) and gluteus medius (GM)) were measured with a telemetric EMG system.

Results:

Knee range of motion (heel strike to midstance) was significantly lower in injured runners than in uninjured runners. Similarly, preactivation (integrated EMG (IEMG) in 100 ms before heel strike) of TA was lower for injured runners than uninjured runners. RF and GM IEMG activity 100 ms after heel strike was also lower in the injured group. However, impact forces were not different between the two groups.

Conclusion:

Altered knee kinematics and reduced muscle activity are associated with Achilles tendinopathy in runners. Rehabilitation exercises or other mechanisms (e.g. footwear) that affect kinematics and muscle activity may therefore be beneficial in the treatment of runners with Achilles tendinopathy.
Physical activity interventions for cancer survivors: Figure 1
Authors: Irwin M L
Published: October 2008

Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle are highly prevalent in cancer survivors, and a growing number of publications have shown statistically and clinically significant associations between low levels of physical activity, obesity and cancer recurrence and death. Adoption and maintenance of physical activity is a difficult challenge for healthy adults, and is likely to be even more difficult after a cancer diagnosis. More effective strategies to increase physical activity in cancer survivors should be explored. The purpose of this paper is to (1) provide a rationale for physical activity interventions and programmes for cancer survivors, and (2) discuss successful approaches to adopting and maintaining physical activity to meet evidence based recommendations and ultimately improve cancer survival and overall survival. Since a majority of cancer survivors are not currently participating in recommended levels of physical activity, resulting in greater disease risk and health care costs, targeted exercise therapy has the potential to benefit a large number of cancer survivors. Cancer survivors should seek out the opportunities that exist towards being physically active, and oncologists should also become aware of the benefits of exercise, assist their patients by endorsing existing physical activity guidelines, and refer their patients to certified cancer exercise trainers.
Comparing the effects of entertainment media and tobacco marketing on youth smoking
Authors: Sargent J D , Gibson J , Heatherton T F
Published: October 2008

Objectives:

To examine the concurrent effects of exposure to movie smoking and tobacco marketing receptivity on adolescent smoking onset and progression.

Methods:

Cross-sectional study of 4524 northern New England adolescents aged 10–14 in 1999 with longitudinal follow-up of 2603 baseline never-smokers. Cross-sectional outcomes included ever tried smoking and higher level of lifetime smoking among 784 experimenters. The longitudinal outcome was onset of smoking among baseline never-smokers two years later. Movie smoking exposure was modelled as four population quartiles, tobacco marketing receptivity included two levels—having a favourite tobacco advert and wanting/owning tobacco promotional items. All analyses controlled for sociodemographics, other social influences, personality characteristics of the adolescent and parenting style.

Results:

In the full cross-sectional sample, 17.5% had tried smoking; both exposure to movie smoking and receptivity to tobacco marketing were associated with having tried smoking. Among experimental smokers, the majority (64%) were receptive to tobacco marketing, which had a multivariate association with higher level of lifetime smoking (movie smoking did not). In the longitudinal study 9.5% of baseline never-smokers tried smoking at follow-up. Fewer never-smokers (18.5%) were receptive to tobacco marketing. Movie smoking had a multivariate association with trying smoking (receptivity to tobacco marketing did not).

Conclusions:

The results suggest separate roles for entertainment media and tobacco marketing on adolescent smoking. Both exposures deserve equal emphasis from a policy standpoint.
Developing smokeless tobacco products for smokers: an examination of tobacco industry documents
Authors: Carpenter C M , Connolly G N , Ayo-Yusuf O A , Wayne G Ferris
Published: October 2008

Objective:

To investigate whether development of smokeless tobacco products (SLT) is intended to target current smokers.

Methods:

This study analysed internal tobacco industry documents to describe research related to the smokeless tobacco market. Relevant documents included those detailing the development and targeting of SLT products with a particular emphasis on moist snuff.

Results:

Cigarette and SLT manufacturers recognised that shifting demographics of SLT users, as well as indoor smoking restrictions, health concerns and reduced social acceptability of smoking could impact the growth of the SLT market. Manufacturers developed new SLT products to target cigarette smokers promoting dual cigarette and SLT use.

Conclusions:

Heavy marketing of new SLT products may encourage dual use and result in unknown public health effects. SLT products have been designed to augment cigarette use and offset regulatory strategies such as clean indoor air laws. In the United States, the SLT strategy may provide cigarette companies with a diversified range of products under the prospect of federal regulation. These products may pose significant challenges to efforts by federal agencies to reduce harm caused by tobacco use.
Mycorrhizae and mycorrhizal fungi of boreal species of Platanthera and Coeloglossum (Orchidaceae)
Authors: Currah R. S. , Smreciu E. A. , Hambleton S.
Published: October 2008

The seasonal development and mycorrhizal fungi of the mycorrhizae of Platanthera hyperborea, Platanthera obtusata, Platanthera orbiculata, and Coeloglossum viride are described. Fungal endophytes belonging to the following taxa were identified: Leptodontidium orchidicola, Epulorhiza repens, Epulorhiza anaticula comb, nov., and Ceratorhiza goodyerae-repentis. In addition, anamorphic material of a species tentatively identified as Sebacina sp. was found solely in the mycorrhizae of P. orbiculata. A series of isolates bearing distinctive, clamped monilioid cells and belonging to an unidentified species of Sistotrema was found in P. obtusata. This is the first report of a Sistotrema species from orchid mycorrhizae. An isolate from C. viride, with broad hyphae, large globose monilioid cells, and dark brown mycelium, resembles Burgeff's 1936 description of Rhizoctonia anomala nom.inval. This taxon is validated, redescribed, and presented as the new species Moniliopsis anomala.
Comparison of photosynthetic carbon reduction (Kranz) cells having different ontogenetic origins in the C4 NADP – malic enzyme grass Arundinella hirta
Authors: Dengler Nancy G. , Dengler Ronald E. , Grenville Douglas J.
Published: October 2008

The C4 grass Arundinella hirta is characterized by unusual leaf blade anatomy: photosynthetic carbon reduction takes place both within the chlorenchymatous bundle sheath cells of the longitudinal veins and within longitudinal strands of "distinctive cells" that form part of the leaf mesophyll and are often completely isolated from vascular tissue. Although they are equivalent physiologically, these two cell types have different ontogenetic origins: bundle sheath cells are delimited from procambium early in leaf development, whereas distinctive cells differentiate from ground meristem at a later developmental stage. Although the two cell types share numerous cytological features (large chloroplasts with reduced grana, thick cell walls with a suberin lamella), we also found significant differences in cell lengths, length to width ratios, cell cross-sectional areas, organelle numbers per cell cross section, phenol content of the cell walls, and numbers of pit fields in the longitudinal cell walls. The size and shape of bundle sheath cells are likely a direct consequence of procambial origin. The thicker walls of bundle sheath cells (in major veins) and their greater lignification may reflect the inductive effect of cell differentiation in the proximity of sclerenchyma and vascular tissues. Differences between major and minor vein bundle sheath cells may reflect differences in the timing of initiation of procambial strands. Our analysis of cell wall characteristics has also shown the presence of numerous primary pit fields in the transverse walls between adjacent distinctive cells in a file; plasmodesmata in these pit fields form a pathway for longitudinal symplastic transport not previously known to exist.
Effect of the ectomycorrhizal fungus Hebeloma hiemale on adventitious root formation in derooted Pinus halepensis shoot hypocotyls
Authors: Gay Gilles
Published: October 2008

The effect of the ectomycorrhizal fungus Hebeloma hiemale and of its culture filtrate on in vitro rooting of Pinus halepensis derooted shoot hypocotyls was studied in an attempt to determine if ectomycorrhizal fungi could enhance adventitious root formation in gymnosperms. Pinus halepensis hypocotyls did not root in the absence of hormonal treatment, whereas the rooting percentage was 87.3% in the presence of 5 μM indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). In the presence of tryptophan, which is a precursor of IAA, H. hiemale strongly enhanced rooting of hypocotyls cultivated in the absence of any hormonal treatment. In the presence of 0.1 mM tryptophan, the rooting percentage of the inoculated hypocotyls was 96.6%, whereas it was only 7.6% in the absence of the fungus. Hebeloma hiemale culture filtrate obtained in the absence of tryptophan did not contain IAA and did not stimulate rooting of the hypocotyls. In contrast, a culture filtrate obtained in the presence of tryptophan contained IAA; an ethyl acetate extract from this filtrate allowed 100% rooting. Different fractions were isolated by preparative thin-layer chromatography from the IAA-containing filtrate and studied for their effect on rooting. It was demonstrated that IAA was responsible for the rhizogenic activity of H. hiemale. These results suggest that ectomycorrhizal fungi which rapidly metabolize exogenously supplied tryptophan to IAA could be a suitable tool to enhance in vitro rooting of micropropagated gymnosperms. Key words: ectomycorrhizal fungus, indole-3-acetic acid, rooting, shoot hypocotyl, Hebeloma hiemale, Pinus halepensis.
An ultrastructural study of the tuber strands of Balanophora (Balanophoraceae)
Authors: Gedalovich-Shedletzky Esther , Kuijt Job
Published: October 2008

The chimaeral tuber strands of the holoparasite Balanophora (Balanophoraceae), each consisting of a harmoniously integrated system of cells derived from both the parasite and its host, are characterized ultrastructurally. The most important findings relate to the previously undescribed system of wall labyrinths in the large-celled Balanophora filaments in the core of the tuber strands, indicating a major transfer function of these cells. Additional cytological features tend to confirm this interpretation. These transfer cells adjoin cells of the host xylem and seem to develop simultaneously with them. Plasmodesmata connecting host and parasite cells across the interface are documented. Host sieve elements, although not common, are present in the tuber strands.
A unidirectional water flux model of fruit growth
Authors: Lee D. R.
Published: October 2008

A mathematical model of fruit growth has been developed based upon a unidirectional flux of solution into the fruit. The model relies entirely upon the physical process of diffusion and water evaporation driven by radiant energy and does not invoke any requirement for metabolic inputs by the developing fruit. The model will "grow" fruit of different varieties of different species to the correct size in the correct time. Key words: Lycopersicon esculentum, tomato, Prunus avium, cherry, fruit growth, phloem, translocation, transpiration, model.
Physiological aspects of CO2 and HCO3− transport by cyanobacteria: a review
Authors: Miller Anthony G. , Espie George S. , Canvin David T.
Published: October 2008

Cyanobacteria grown at air levels of CO2, or lower, have a very high photosynthetic affinity for CO2. For ceils grown in carbon-limited chemostats at pH 9.6, the K0.5 (CO2) for whole cell CO2 fixation is about 3 nM. This is in spite of a K0.5 (CO2) for cyanobacterial ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase of about 200 μM. It is now clear that cyanobacteria can photosynthesize at very low CO2 concentrations because they raise the CO2 concentration dramatically around the carboxylase. This rise in the intracellular CO2 concentration involves the active transport of HCO3− and CO2, perhaps by separate transport systems. The transport of HCO3− often requires millimolar levels of Na+, and this provides a ready means of initiating HCO3− transport. The active transport of CO2 requires only micromolar levels of Na+. In the rather dense cell suspensions used in transport studies the extent of CO2 uptake is often limited by the rate at which CO2 can be formed from the HCO3− in the medium. The addition of carbonic anhydrase relieves this kinetic limitation on CO2 transport. The active transport of CO2 can be selectively inhibited by the structural analog carbon oxysulfide (COS). When HCO3− transport is allowed in the presence of COS there is a substantial net leakage of CO2 from the cells. This leaked CO2 results from the intracellular dehydration of the accumulated HCO3−. This CO2 is normally scavenged by the active CO2 pump. If cells are allowed to transport H13C18O18O18O− for 5 s and if CO2 transport is suddenly quenched by the addition of COS, then a rapid leakage of 13C16O16O occurs. If the rapidly released CO2 was actually present in the cells before the addition of the COS, then the intracellular CO2 concentration would have been about 0.6 mM. Not only is this a high concentration, but since the leaked CO2 was completely depleted of the initial 18O, it must have been in rapid equilibrium with the total dissolved inorganic carbon within the cells. Cells grown on high levels of inorganic carbon, either as CO2 or HCO3−, lack the active HCO3− system but still retain a capacity, albeit reduced, for CO2 transport. Cyanobacteria seem to adjust their complement of inorganic carbon transport systems so that the K0.5 for transport is close to the inorganic carbon concentration of the growth medium.
Analysis of high CO2 requiring mutants indicates a central role for the 5′ flanking region of rbc and for the carboxysomes in cyanobacterial photosynthesis
Authors: Kaplan Aaron
Published: October 2008

The mutants E1 and O221, isolated from Synechococcus sp. PCC7942, exhibit a very low apparent photosynthetic affinity for both extracellular and intracellular inorganic carbon and hence require high CO2 concentrations for growth. These mutants possess defective carboxysomes, but the activity of ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase is normal. The mutations in these mutants have been mapped to the 5′-flanking region of rbc, and two open reading frames, the functions of which are not yet known, have been identified in this region. Insertional inactivation (by inserting a kanamycin-resistance cartridge) of one of these open reading frames, where the mutation in O221 is located, resulted in a new high CO2 requiring phenotype. This mutant contains defective carboxysomes similar to those of O221. The role of the rbc and its 5′-flanking region in the photosynthetic performance of cyanobacteria and the structural organization of the carboxysomes are discussed in view of our recently proposed quantitative model for inorganic carbon transport and photosynthesis in cyanobacteria.
Late Quaternary vegetation of the Aleutian Islands, southwestern Alaska
Authors: Heusser Calvin J.
Published: October 2008

Late Quaternary vegetational history of the Aleutian Islands is interpreted from fossil pollen and spore stratigraphy and radiocarbon chronology of sections of mires on the islands of Attu, Adak, Atka, and Umnak. Mires postdate the withdrawal of ice-age glaciers between approximately 12 000 and 10 000 years ago with the exception of the mire on Attu Island, where deglaciation apparently began as late as 7000 years ago. No uniform pattern of change in Pacific coastal tundra communities is evident in the fossil assemblages. Pollen assemblages, consisting variably of Gramineae, Cyperaceae, Empetrum, Umbelliferae, Salix, Ranunculaceae, Compositae, Polypodiaceae, and Lycopodium, reflect conditions in effect in different sectors of the Aleutian chain. Climate, soil, topography, volcanism, and seismic activity are noteworthy parameters influencing vegetation composition and distribution. Volcanism has been of major importance, as shown by thickness, distribution, and frequency of tephra layers that number 5 on Attu, 24 on Adak, 17 on Atka, and 5 on Umnak. A repeated condition of patch dynamics, created in the main by recurrent volcanic eruptions with widespread accompanying ashfalls, has apparently overprinted the effects of climatic change. Key words: Aleutian Islands, Quaternary, vegetation, fossil pollen, volcanism.
Pollen morphology of the Rosaceae of western Canada. III. Geum
Authors: Hebda R. J. , Chinnappa C. C.
Published: October 2008

Pollen grains of eight species of Geum (Rosaceae) from western Canada were studied in the light microscope and the scanning electron microscope. The taxa included Geum aleppicum, Geum calthifolium, Geum glaciale, Geum macrophyllum, Geum rivale, Geum rossii, Geum schofieldii, and Geum triflorum. All taxa produce pollen grains in monads that are isopolar, radially symmetrical, and predominantly tricolporate. Tetracolporate grains occur especially in Geum rossii and Geum calthifolium. Grains are subspheroidal to subprolate with a circular to subtriangular amb. All taxa exhibit a well-developed chambered aperture formed by overarching pore flaps. Flaps extend over the aperture but do not join to form an equatorial bridge. The chamber of Geum schofieldii is distinct and complex, often extending equatorially along a sinuous path to the adjacent aperture. Exine is tectate, microperforate, with a thin nexine. Sculpturing is striate or occasionally rugulate and consists of ridges and valleys with microperforations on valley floors. Ridges and valleys are oriented predominantly parallel to the colpus but occasionally curve or loop near the poles. Sculpturing of Geum schofieldii pollen, is predominantly striate but exhibits a unique verrucate to rugulate pattern along the equator caused by elaboration of the sexine. Polar diameter varies from ca. 20 μm in Geum macrophyllum to 33 μm in Geum schofieldii. The distinctness of Geum schofieldii pollen supports specific status.