bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A successful approach for the detection of Fabry patients in Argentina
Authors: Rozenfeld PA , Tarabuso A , Ebner R , Ramallo G , Fossati CA
Published: March 2006

Fabry disease is an X‐linked lysosomal disorder caused by the deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme α‐galactosidase A (α‐Gal A). In males, the laboratory diagnosis is based on the demonstration of decreased levels of α‐Gal A activity, while in females, the disease is diagnosed by the identification of a mutation in α‐Gal A gene. Fabry disease in Argentina is underdiagnosed. To date, no comprehensive screening study of Fabry disease in our country has been reported. The present study aimed at developing a targeted screening for the detection of Fabry patients from Argentina based on the set of typical signs and symptoms. We received 121 blood samples from probable Fabry patients for enzymatic and genetic assay. We diagnosed six Fabry patients from six unrelated families, representing a yield of detection of 4.96%. The mutations detected in five of the families analysed were missense mutations: p.Leu243Trp, p.Asp155His, p.Leu415Pro, p.Cys94Tyr and p.Leu191Pro. After the detection of a Fabry patient, his/her relatives were also screened. In the course of these family studies, other 64 Fabry patients, 29 males and 35 females, were detected. To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive screening of Fabry disease in Argentina. We detected 70 patients in a period of 2.5 years. The development of targeted protocols and the constitution of interdisciplinary groups for the identification of patients with Fabry disease are recommended to obtain a higher yield in the process.
Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene and susceptibility to breast cancer: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Zintzaras E
Published: March 2006

The methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene polymorphisms have been linked to the risk of developing breast cancer. A meta‐analysis of 18 case–control studies investigating the association between the C677T and the A1298C polymorphisms of the MTHFR gene and breast cancer (BC) was carried out. The meta‐analysis included genotype data on 5467/7336 and 3768/5276 cases/controls for C677T and A1298C, respectively. In the meta‐analysis, the consistency of genetic effects across different ethnicities and the effect of menopausal status for various genetic contrasts were investigated. The overall analysis for investigating the association between the C677T allele T and the risk of developing BC showed significant heterogeneity (p = 0.08, I2 = 34%) and non‐significant association [odds ratio (OR) 1.02; 95% confidence interval (0.95–1.10)]. The allele contrast was not significant in Caucasians (nine studies) and in East Asians (four studies) [OR 1.03 (0.93–1.14) and OR 0.96 (0.81–1.15), respectively] or in pre‐menopausal (five studies) and post‐menopausal (four studies) groups [OR 1.10 (0.94–1.29) and OR 1.06 (0.95–1.18), respectively]. The genotype contrast of the homozygotes (TT vs CC) produced significant results only for pre‐menopausal cases [OR 1.46 (1.05–2.03)]. The recessive model for allele T produced significant association only in pre‐menopausal cases [OR 1.49 (1.09–2.03)]. The dominant model for the effect of allele T produced no significant results, overall and in each subgroup. For the A1298C polymorphism, all genotype contrasts showed lack of association, overall and in Caucasians. In summary, the accumulated evidence supports an association in pre‐menopausal women. BC is a complex disease with multifactorial etiology, and therefore, case–control studies that investigate gene–environment interaction might elucidate further the genetics of the disease.
Hydrogen peroxide is involved in methyl jasmonate‐induced senescence of rice leaves
Authors: Hung Kuo Tung , Hsu Yi Ting , Kao Ching Huei
Published: March 2006

The role of H2O2 in the senescence of detached rice leaves induced by methyl jasmonate (MJ) was investigated. MJ treatment resulted in H2O2 production in detached rice leaves, which was prior to the occurrence of leaf senescence. Dimethylthiourea, a chemical trap of H2O2, was observed to be effective in inhibiting MJ‐induced senescence and MJ‐increased malondialdehyde (MDA) content in detached rice leaves. Diphenyleneiodonium chloride (DPI) and imidazole (IMD), inhibitors of NADPH oxidase, prevented MJ‐induced H2O2 production, suggesting that NADPH oxidase is a H2O2‐generating enzyme in MJ‐treated detached rice leaves. DPI and IMD also inhibited MJ‐promoted senescence and MJ‐increased MDA content in detached rice leaves. Phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase inhibitors wortmannin (WM) or LY 294002 (LY) inhibited MJ‐induced H2O2 production and senescence of detached rice leaves. Exogenous H2O2 reversed the inhibitory effect of WM or LY. In terms of leaf senescence, it was observed that rice seedlings of cultivar Taichung Native 1 (TN1) are jasmonic acid (JA)‐sensitive and those of cultivar Tainung 67 (TNG67) are JA‐insensitive. On treatment with JA, H2O2 accumulated in the leaves of TN1 seedlings but not in the leaves of TNG67. Evidence was also provided to show that MJ‐induced H2O2 production in detached rice leaves is abscisic acid (ABA)‐independent. Ethylene action inhibitor, silver thiosulfate, was observed to inhibit MJ‐ and ABA‐induced H2O2 production and senescence of detached rice leaves, suggesting that the action of MJ and ABA is ethylene‐dependent.
ASR1, a stress‐induced tomato protein, protects yeast from osmotic stress
Authors: Moretti Mariana Bermúdez , Maskin Laura , Gudesblat Gustavo , García Susana Correa , Iusem Norberto D.
Published: March 2006

Asr1, a tomato gene induced by abiotic stress, belongs to a family, composed by at least three members, involved in adaptation to dry climates. To understand the mechanism by which proteins of this family seem to protect cells from water loss in plants, we expressed Asr1 in the heterologous expression system Saccharomyces cerevisiae under the control of a galactose‐inducible promoter. In a mutant yeast strain deficient in one component of the stress‐responsive high‐osmolarity glycerol (HOG) pathway, namely the MAP kinase Hog1, the synthesis of ASR1 protein restores growth under osmotic stress conditions such as 0.5 M NaCl and 1.2 M sorbitol. In contrast, the rescuing of this phenotype was less evident using a wild‐type strain or the upstream MAP kinase kinase (Pbs2)‐deficient strain. In both knock‐out strains impaired in glycerol synthesis because of a dysfunctional HOG pathway, but not in wild‐type, ASR1 led to the accumulation of endogenous glycerol in an osmotic stress‐independent and unrestrained manner. These data suggest that ASR1 complements yeast HOG‐deficient phenotypes by inducing downstream components of the HOG pathway. The results are discussed in terms of the function of ASR proteins in planta at the molecular and cellular level.
Modulation of phototropism by phytochrome E and attenuation of gravitropism by phytochromes B and E in inflorescence stems
Authors: Kumar Prem , Kiss John Z.
Published: March 2006

Light is one of the most important environmental parameters for a plant and plays a critical role throughout the life cycle. Plants sense light using the red‐light‐absorbing phytochromes and the blue‐light‐absorbing cryptochromes and phototropins. In this report, we examine the role of phytochromes in phototropism and gravitropism in inflorescence stems of Arabidopsis thaliana. Tropisms and growth responses were assayed in wild‐type (WT) plants, and these responses were compared with those of the mutants phyA, phyB, phyAB, phyD and phyE. After considering growth differences, we found that phototropism of the phyE mutant is significantly less (P < 0.05) and that gravitropism of phyB and phyE is significantly greater (P < 0.05) compared with the WT responses. Interestingly, while phyE plays a positive role in phototropism, this pigment (along with phyB) attenuates gravitropism in inflorescence stems. This study adds to the growing literature demonstrating that phytochromes can play a role in blue‐light‐mediated responses such as phototropism.
Heart transplantation across antibodies against human leukocyte antigens and blood group A1 antigen. Post‐transplant follow‐up of donor reactive antibodies
Authors: Bućin Dragan , Johansson Sune , Lindberg Lars O.
Published: March 2006

Abstract: Background:We have successfully performed heart transplantation despite the most unfavourable risk factors for graft and patient survival: the presence of a high level of antibodies (Abs) against the donor's human leukocyte antigens (HLA) class I/II and blood group A1 antigens. The present study concerns post‐transplant follow‐up and characterization of donor reactive antibodies (DRA).

Methods:Pre‐transplant treatment consisted of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), prednisolone, tacrolimus, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), rituximab, protein‐A immunoadsorption (PAIA) and per‐operative plasma exchange. A standard triple‐drug immunosuppressive protocol was used post‐operatively. Abs were analyzed by the complement dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) test against donor and panel B/T cells and by flow cytometry (FlowPRA™ tests detecting isolated HLA class I/II antigens). Abs against the donor's erythrocytes were analyzed using a standard direct agglutination test for immunoglobulin M (IgM) Abs and a Bio‐Rad AHG gel card test detecting IgG Abs and C3d.

Results:Pre‐transplant treatment reduced Ab titers against the donor's lymphocytes from 128 to 16 and against the donor's blood group A1 antigen from 256 to 0. The patient was emergently transplanted with a heart from a blood group incompatible donor (A1 secretor to O). No hyperacute rejection was seen. DRA were present against all mismatched HLA class I and class II antigens at the time of transplantation; two of these DRA Abs disappeared within the first year post‐transplant (anti‐B62 and anti‐DR4), one showed weakened reactivity (anti‐A24) and one is still strongly reactive (anti‐DQ3). The donor‐specific CDC cross‐match is still positive (titers 2 to 8). The level of panel reactive antibodies (PRA) remained unchanged from 6 months on post‐transplant. Rising anti‐A1 blood group Abs preceded the second rejection and were adsorbed by two blood group specific immunoadsorptions (Glycosorb®‐ABO) and remained at a low level. IgM anti‐A1 blood group Abs disappeared at 1 yr post‐transplant and IgG Abs are still reactive with blood group A1 erythrocytes but at low titers (1 to 2).

Conclusions:The patient is clinically well 2 years after heart transplantation despite the constant persistence of donor reactive IgG Abs against blood group A1 and HLA‐DQ antigens. The reactivity of DRA against other mismatched HLA antigens disappeared or weakened during the follow‐up period.
Adult ABO‐incompatible liver transplantation, using A2 and B donors
Authors: Skogsberg Ulrika , Breimer Michael E. , Friman Styrbjörn , Mjörnstedt Lars , Mölne Johan , Olausson Michael , Rydberg Lennart , Svalander Christian T. , Bäckman Lars
Published: March 2006

Abstract: Background: The longer waiting time for a liver graft in patients with blood group O makes it necessary to expand the donor pool for these patients. This applies in both urgent situations and for elective patients. We report on our experience with ABO‐incompatible liver transplantation using A2 and B non‐secretor donors here.

Patients and methods: Between 1996 and 2005, 12 adult blood group O recipients (seven male/five female) received ABO‐incompatible cadaveric liver grafts (10 A2 donors, two B non‐secretor donors). The indications were either rapid deterioration of liver function or hepatocellular cancer, in blood group O recipients, where an ABO‐identical/compatible graft was not available. Mean recipient age was 54±8 (mean±SD) yr. All pre‐operative CDC crossmatches were negative. The initial immunosuppression was induction therapy with antithymocyte globulin (n=3), interleukin 2 receptor antagonists (n=3) or anti‐CD20 antibody (rituximab) (n=1), followed by a tacrolimus‐based protocol. Three patients underwent plasmapheresis post‐transplantation. Baseline biopsies were taken before or immediately after reperfusion of the graft and after grafting when clinically indicated. No pre‐operative plasmapheresis, immunoadsorption or splenectomies were performed.

Results: Patient and graft survival was 10/12 (83%) and 8/12 (67%), respectively, with a 6.5‐month median follow‐up (range 10 days to 109 months). Two patients (B non‐secretor grafts) died of multiorgan failure probably because of a poor condition before transplantation. Three patients were retransplanted. Causes of graft loss were bacterial arteritis (n=1), death with a functioning graft (n=1) and portal vein thrombosis (n=2). In one of the patients with portal vein thrombosis, an anti‐A titer increase occurred concomitantly, and ABO incompatibility as the cause of the thrombosis cannot be excluded. Seven acute rejections occurred in five patients and all were reversed by steroids or increased tacrolimus dosage. The pre‐transplant anti‐A titers tested against A1 red blood cells were 1 to 128 (NaCl technique) and 4 to 1024 (indirect antiglobulin technique, IAT); the maximum postoperative titers were 16 to 2048 (NaCl) and 256 to 32 000 (IAT).

Conclusion: The favorable outcome of A2 to O grafting, with a patient survival of 10/10 and a graft survival of 8/10, makes it possible to also consider this blood group combination in non‐urgent situations. The use of non‐secretor donor grafts is interesting but has to be further documented. There was no hyperacute rejection or increased rate of rejection. Anti‐A/B titer changes seem not to play a significant role in the monitoring of ABO‐incompatible liver transplantation.
Structural characterization of blood group A glycolipids in blood group A1 liver tissue in situ perfused with O blood: the dominating presence of type 1 core chain A antigens
Authors: Samuelsson Bo E. , Magnusson Stefan , Rydberg Lennart , Scherstén Tore , Breimer Michael E
Published: March 2006

Abstract: Background: Biochemical studies of organ blood group antigen expression show a mixed pattern originating from both the organ tissue and remaining blood cells trapped in the organ despite in vitro perfusion of the vascular tree. The blood group A glycolipid expression was studied in a unique case in which a human liver had been in situ perfused by recipient blood.

Case history: A blood group O recipient was re‐transplanted with an ABO incompatible A1Le (a−b+) liver. Because of discrepancy in size, liver segments II and III were removed 2 h after re‐vascularization. Thereafter, the removed A1 liver segment was physiologically in situ perfused with O blood, eliminating a major part of the donor blood cells/plasma.

Experimental: Total neutral glycolipids were isolated from the liver tissue and separated by high‐performance liquid chromatography. Purified glycolipid fractions were stained with anti‐A monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and structurally characterized by mass spectrometry and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy.

Results: Two blood group A reactive glycolipid compounds were isolated. One component had a thin‐layer chromatography (TLC) mobility as a six‐sugar glycolipid and reacted with mAbs specific for A type 1 mono‐fucosyl structures. The second glycolipid fraction migrated as seven‐sugar components and reacted with mAbs specific for type 1 difucosyl (ALeb) as well as Leb determinants. Mass spectrometry of the six‐sugar component showed a structure similar to a blood group A hexaglycosylceramide with one fucose. Mass spectrometry and proton NMR spectroscopy of the seven‐sugar fraction revealed a mixture of blood group Leb hexa‐ and ALeb hepta‐glycosylceramides, respectively. All fractions were non‐reactive with antibodies specific for A antigens based on types 3 and 4 core chain structures. In addition, TLC immunostaining of glycolipids isolated from blood group A livers, harvested for organ transplantation but discarded for various reasons, revealed trace amounts of several A glycolipids with a complex pattern.

Conclusion: The in situ perfused liver tissue contains blood group A glycolipids based exclusively on type 1 core chains. The secretor gene (Se) codes for a fucosyltransferase acting on all core chain precursors while the H‐gene fucosyltransferase only utilizes the type 2 chain precursor. Whether this explains that only A type 1 chain compounds were found has to be established.
ABO‐incompatible kidney transplantation with anti‐CD20 monoclonal antibodies, intravenous immunoglobulin and plasmapheresis without splenectomy: a case report
Authors: Imamura Ryoichi , Ishiguro Shin , Shi Yi , Namba Yukiomi , Ichimaru Naotsugu , Isaka Yoshitaka , Takahara Shiro , Okuyama Akihiko
Published: March 2006

Abstract: A 24‐yr‐old man was admitted to our hospital for ABO‐incompatible kidney transplantation. His blood type was O, and the donor's (his father's) blood type was B. The recipient had pancytopenia, splenomegaly, splenorenal shunts and esophageal varices due to congenital hepatic fibrosis. Therefore, if splenorectomy was performed, the blood pressure of the portal vein and the growth of esophageal varices were predicted. Eventually, in return for splenectomy, anti‐CD20 monoclonal antibodies (rituximab), intravenous immunoglobulin and plasmapheresis was performed for additional immunosuppression. Because of progression of pancytopenia, we had to decrease the dose of mycophenolate mofetil and gave up on using deoxyspagalin. Nevertheless the serum creatinine level decreased and remained in the 1.6 to 1.8 mg/dl range.
Determination of the Maximum Tolerated Dose and the Safety Index of an Experimental Fasciolicide in Cattle
Authors: Vera Y. , Ibarra F. , Cantó G. J. , Soria O. , Castillo R. , Hernández A.
Published: March 2006

The aim of the present study was to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and the safety index (SI) of 5‐chloro‐2‐methylthio‐6‐(1‐napthyloxy)1H‐benzimidazole, called compound alpha, in cattle. In addition, to search for possible adverse effects after treatment, the measurement of some biochemical, haematological and physiological parameters were also analysed. Eighteen crossbred heifers were divided into six groups of three animals each. Groups 1–5 received a single oral dose of 12, 36, 60, 120 and 180 mg/kg of body weight (bw) of compound alpha. Group 6 served as an untreated control. To determine the biochemical, haematological and enzymatic parameters, sera and blood samples were individually taken at 0, 4, 8, 16, 32, 128, and 720 h after treatment. Physiological parameters such as rectal temperature, heart rate (HR), respiration rate (RR) and ruminal motility were measured at the time intervals mentioned above. Estimation of the MTD and SI was obtained by using the formula reported by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the results showing an MTD of 180 mg/kg/bw and an SI of 15 times the recommended clinical dose. Some statistical differences were observed in a few of the biochemical, haematological and enzymatic parameters, the adverse effects being not highly representative. Alterations on HR and RR were statistically different (P < 0.05) only in heifers treated with 180 mg.
Erosive Stomatitis in a White Pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus) Caused by Piagetiella titan (Mallophaga: Menoponidae)
Authors: Dik B.
Published: March 2006

Two white pelicans at the garden of a restaurant in Beyşehir, a county of Konya province were examined for the presence of ectoparasites. Nine lice were collected from the oral cavity of one of them. They were identified as Piagetiella titan. Diffuse erosions, erosive ulcers covered by dried yellowish‐brown exudate and petechial haemorrhages were observed in oral mucosa.
Vertebral collapse in an 8‐year‐old girl
Authors: Walls Tony , Bate Jessica , Moshal Karyn
Published: March 2006

Abstract:  We present a case of an 8‐year‐old girl with collapse of her T6 and T7 vertebrae secondary to chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis. She presented with chronic abdominal pain and was found to have multiple bony lesions involving her spine, clavicle and mandible. Extensive investigations, including tissue biopsy, were unable to identify an infective cause and there was no response to a prolonged course of intravenous antibiotics. She made a good response to regular non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory medication.
Evidence for a causal association between oral polio vaccine and transverse myelitis: A case history and review of the Literature
Authors: Kelly Heath
Published: March 2006

Abstract:  A 6‐month‐old boy developed transverse myelitis 7 days after the receipt of oral polio vaccine (OPV). A paediatric neurologist confirmed the diagnosis when the boy was aged 9 years. The boy had received his first scheduled OPV at the age of 4 months and had developed immunity to serotypes 1 and 2 but not to serotype 3. A poliovirus type 3 was isolated from stool and throat specimens collected from the boy in the first 2 days after symptom onset. This was shown, in a World Health Organization accredited laboratory, to be a vaccine strain by nucleic acid probe hybridiztion and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The boy subsequently developed immunity to poliovirus serotype 3. It is accepted that poliovirus infection can present occasionally as transverse myelitis. This is estimated to occur in 1:125–1:800 cases. It is also accepted that OPV can cause vaccine‐associated paralytic polio with a frequency of approximately one case per 2.5 million doses of OPV distributed. It seems feasible therefore that OPV could cause transverse myelitis with a frequency of 1 in 300 million to one in two billion doses distributed. In a 1993 report from the Institute of Medicine of the National Acadamies of the United States pertaining to vaccine safety, theoretical criteria were advanced for the establishment of a causal relationship between a vaccine and a clinical outcome. The clinical history and laboratory results in this case satisfy these criteria, providing plausible evidence for the causal link between OPV and transverse myelitis.
Peripheral blood lymphocytes P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp, gp‐170) expression in allogeneic kidney transplant patients
Authors: KOTRYCH KATARZYNA , MASIUK MAREK , DOMAŃSKI LESZEK , RÓŻAŃSKI JACEK , DROŹDZIK MAREK
Published: March 2006

Aim and Methods:  P‐glycoprotein (gp‐170, P‐gp) is a transmembrane transporter involved in drug, for example cyclosporine A, efflux from the cells thus limiting their intracellular concentration. Expression of the transporter on the surface of immune competent cells may be associated with poor prognosis in kidney transplant patients. The aim of the present study was to evaluate P‐gp expression on the surface of CD4+, CD8+, CD19+ and CD56+ cells in kidney transplant patients treated with cyclosporine A as a main immunosuppressant, using flow cytometry.

Results:  It was found that P‐gp expression in kidney transplant patients with acute rejection did not differ significantly from transplanted patients without rejection studied in the same period after transplantation, as well as from the healthy controls. Administration of 3‐day course of 1000 mg/24 h methylprednisolone did not affect the expression of P‐gp in the studied cells, except for significant elevation in CD56+ cells, which disappeared at 2 weeks after cessation of steroid administration.

Conclusion:  Based on the results from the present study it can be concluded that P‐gp expression is not a prognostic factor of acute kidney graft rejection.
Myoepithelial carcinoma arising in an adenomyoepithelioma of the breast: Case report with immunohistochemical and mutational analysis
Authors: Han Bo , Mori Ichiro , Nakamura Misa , Wang Xiaojuan , Ozaki Takashi , Nakamura Yasushi , Kakudo Kennichi
Published: March 2006

Adenomyoepithelioma (AME) of the breast is an uncommon tumor characterized by biphasic proliferation of both epithelial and myoepithelial cells. In rare instances, the epithelial, the myoepithelial or both components of an AME may become malignant. Described herein is the case of a 69‐year‐old woman who presented with myoepithelial carcinoma of the breast in an AME. Malignancy of myoepithelial component (MEC) was evidenced by the presence of cytological atypia, high mitotic rate, necrosis and local invasion. Immunohistochemical study demonstrated strong expression of P53 and phosphorylated extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 in MEC. Laser capture microdissection technique and mutational analysis further revealed point mutation of the p53 gene (T→G transversion at codon 270) in this population, but not in glandular epithelial cells or adjacent normal ductal epithelium. No mutations in exons 1 and 2 of the K‐, H‐, and N‐ras genes were identified in any of the neoplastic component. To the authors’ knowledge this is the first report of a mutation in the p53 gene in a malignant AME of the breast.
Combined hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma with components of mucinous carcinoma arising in a cirrhotic liver
Authors: Morita Daisaku , Kagata Yutaka , Ogata Sho , Tsuda Hitoshi , Hatsuse Kazuo , Mochizuki Hidetaka , Matsubara Osamu
Published: March 2006

A rare autopsy case of combined hepatocellular and cholangiocarcinoma, occurring in a 54‐year‐old man with liver cirrhosis, is presented. Initial laboratory data included CEA 52.1 ng/mL, DUPAN‐2 1600 U/mL, AFP 2 ng/mL, and negativity for hepatitis B surface antigen, hepatitis B early antigen and hepatitis B core antibody. Ultrasonography and CT scan showed a large tumor node in the liver with ringed enhancement, swelling of several para‐aortic lymph nodes, and ascites. Clinically, it was not possible to determine whether the hepatic tumor was an intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma or a metastatic carcinoma. Histologically, the primary lesion was composed solely of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with a trabecular pattern, and the intrahepatic metastases consisted of a variable admixture of HCC and cholangiocarcinoma (CC) with excessive mucin production. Interestingly, the tumor cell cluster showing a trabecular growth pattern produced mucin and had immunohistochemical expression of hepatocyte, cytokeratins 7 and 8. It is concluded that these hepatic tumor cells had both HCC and CC characters.
Anesthesia in a child with fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva
Authors: VASHISHT RITA , PROSSER DYLAN
Published: March 2006

We describe the anesthesia management of a 12‐year‐old girl, diagnosed with fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP), who presented with a submandibular abscess. FOP is a rare, inherited disorder with heterotopic bone formation and progressive musculoskeletal disability. This disability ultimately confines patients to a wheelchair. Minor trauma following dental treatment may lead to ankylosis of the jaw. Subsequent to this disability, which resulted in poor dental hygiene, our patient developed a dental abscess. This spread along the mandibular margin and under the tongue. She presented with an impending airway compromise in an already difficult situation. The options for airway management in a child with limited mouth opening are discussed.
A cohort study of the incidence and risk factors for negative behavior changes in children after general anesthesia
Authors: STARGATT ROBYN , DAVIDSON ANDREW J. , HUANG GRACE H , CZARNECKI CAROLINE , GIBSON MARGARET A , STEWART STEPHANIE A , JAMSEN KRIS
Published: March 2006

Background:  Hospitalization and anesthesia can have a substantial psychological impact on children, which may be manifested by negative behavioral change. The primary aims of this study were to estimate the incidence of negative behavior change postanesthesia in a large cohort of children, and to identify the possible risk factors.

Methods:  One thousand two hundred and fifty children aged from 3 to 12 years scheduled for anesthesia for a variety of procedures were enrolled. The absolute version of the Vernon Post Hospitalization Behavior Questionnaire (PHBQ) was used to assess behavior change at 3 and 30 days postanesthesia. Deterioration in seven or more items of behavior was defined to be a significant negative behavior change. Demographic data, anesthesia details, type and extent of preparation, details of procedure and length of hospitalization were recorded. Child temperament, child anxiety and parental anxiety were also measured.

Results:  Twenty‐four percent of children had significant negative behavior change at day 3 and 16% at day 30. After logistic regression, factors associated with significant negative behavior change at 3 days were increased parental state anxiety, younger age, overnight admission, lower birth order and preparation via having a discussion with the anesthetist. At day 30, longer hospitalization, younger age, reading the anesthesia preparation book and a previous difficult anesthesia experience were associated with significant negative behavior change. Also at day 30, reading the anesthesia preparation book was strongly associated with negative behavior change in children having short procedures, but not longer procedures. However, at both 3 and 30 days, the amount of variability explained by factors included in the models was low.

Conclusions:  Significant negative behavior change can occur in children after anesthesia. It is difficult to precisely predict in which children this will occur, however, some individual, family and procedural variables are associated with significant negative behavior change. If used, preparation should be considered according to level of surgical complexity.
Distraction with a hand‐held video game reduces pediatric preoperative anxiety
Authors: PATEL ANURADHA , SCHIEBLE THOMAS , DAVIDSON MELISSA , TRAN MINH C. J. , SCHOENBERG CATHERINE , DELPHIN ELLISE , BENNETT HENRY
Published: March 2006

Background: Video games have received widespread application in health care for distraction and behavior modification therapy. Studies on the effect of cognitive distraction during the preoperative period are lacking. We evaluated the efficacy of an interactive distraction, a hand‐held video game (VG) in reducing preoperative anxiety in children.

Methods: In a randomized, prospective study of 112 children aged 4–12 years undergoing outpatient surgery, anxiety was assessed after admission and again at mask induction of anesthesia, using the modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale (mYPAS). Postoperative behavior changes were assessed with the Posthospital Behavior Questionnaire (PHBQ). Patients were randomly assigned to three groups: parent presence (PP), PP + a hand‐held VG, and PP + 0.5 mg·kg−1oral midazolam (M) given >20 min prior to entering the operating room.

Results: There was a statistically significant increase in anxiety (P < 0.01) in groups M and PP at induction of anesthesia compared with baseline, but not in VG group. VG patients demonstrated a decrease in anxiety from baseline (median change in mYPAS −3), the difference compared with PP (+11.8) was significant (P = 0.04). The change in anxiety in the M group (+7.3) was not statistically different from other groups. Sixty‐three percent of patients in VG group had no change or decrease in anxiety after treatment, compared with 26% in M group and 28% in PP group (P = 0.01). There was no difference in anxiety changes between female and male patients.

Conclusions: A hand‐held VG can be offered to most children as a low cost, easy to implement, portable, and effective method to reduce anxiety in the preoperative area and during induction of anesthesia. Distraction in a pleasurable and familiar activity provides anxiety relief, probably through cognitive and motor absorption.
The use of the Framingham equation to predict myocardial infarctions in HIV‐infected patients: comparison with observed events in the D:A:D Study
Authors: Law MG , Friis‐Møller N , El‐Sadr WM , Weber R , Reiss P , D'Arminio Monforte A , Thiébaut R , Morfeldt L , De Wit S , Pradier C , Calvo G , Kirk O , Sabin CA , Phillips AN , Lundgren JD ,   for the D:A:D Study Group
Published: March 2006

Background

The D:A:D (Data Collection on Adverse Events of Anti‐HIV Drugs) Study, a prospective observational study on a cohort of 23 468 patients with HIV infection, indicated that the incidence of myocardial infarction (MI) increased by 26% per year of exposure to combination antiretroviral treatment (CART). However, it remains unclear whether the observed increase in the rate of MI in this population can be attributed to changes in conventional cardiovascular risk factors.

Objective

To compare the number of MIs observed among participants in the D:A:D Study with the number predicted by assuming that conventional cardiovascular risk equations apply to patients with HIV infection.

Methods

The Framingham equation, a conventional cardiovascular risk algorithm, was applied to individual patient data in the D:A:D Study to predict rates of MI by duration of CART. A series of sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the effect of model and data assumptions. Predictions were extrapolated to provide 10‐year risk estimates, and various scenarios were modelled to assess the expected effect of different interventions.

Results

In patients receiving CART, the observed numbers of MIs during D:A:D follow up were similar to or somewhat higher than predicted numbers: 9 observed vs 5.5 events predicted, 14 vs 9.8, 22 vs 14.9, 31 vs 23.2 and 47 vs 37.0 for<1 year, 1–2 years, 2–3 years, 3–4 years and >4 years CART exposure, respectively. In patients who had not received CART, the observed number of MIs was fewer than predicted (3 observed vs 7.6 predicted). Nine per cent of the study population have a predicted 10‐year risk of MI above 10%, a level usually associated with initiation of intervention on risk factors.

Conclusions

A consistent feature of all analyses was that observed and predicted rates of MI increased in a parallel fashion with increased CART duration, suggesting that the observed increase in risk of MI may at least in part be explained by CART‐induced changes in conventional risk factors. These findings provide guidance in terms of choosing lifestyle or therapeutic interventions to decrease those risk factors in much the same way as in persons without HIV infection.
HIV testing practices in Jamaica
Authors: Norman LR
Published: March 2006

Objectives

Prevention programmes often promote HIV testing as one possible strategy for combating the spread of the disease. The objectives of the present study were to examine levels of HIV testing practices in a large sample of Jamaicans and the relationships among HIV testing, sociodemographic variables and HIV‐related behaviours.

Methods

A total of 1800 persons, aged 15–49 years, were surveyed between May and August 2004 using a household‐level, interviewer‐administered questionnaire. The questionnaire included HIV‐related knowledge, attitudinal and behavioural items. For the present analyses, data from 1558 sexually experienced persons were examined.

Results

Approximately 38% of the sexually experienced sample reported a history of HIV testing. Hierarchical logistic regression analyses revealed that adults, females, persons with post‐high school education and married persons were more likely to report previous HIV testing. Also, those who had attended an HIV/AIDS education workshop or discussion and those who reported knowing persons living with HIV/AIDS were more likely to report previous testing. However, HIV testing was not associated with condom use or with the number of sexual partners.

Conclusions

The lack of significant findings establishing a relationship between testing and risky sexual behaviours should not negate the importance of HIV testing. Being informed regarding personal HIV serostatus is one of the first steps in self‐protection. Effective messages and programmes promoting HIV testing need to be developed and implemented in Jamaica, in order to educate people about how to assess their level of risk with respect to contracting HIV infection.
Poly‐l‐lactic acid: consultation on the injection techniques
Authors: Vleggaar D
Published: March 2006

Objectives  When poly‐l‐lactic acid (PLLA) was first introduced (marketed as New‐Fill™), incorrect injection technique was largely responsible for the manifestation of device‐related adverse events in the form of subcutaneous papules and areas of induration. Now marketed as Sculptra®, widespread clinical experience with injectable PLLA has resulted in a wealth of information on product reconstitution and correct injection technique. The injection techniques for the optimal use of injectable PLLA are detailed here.

Results  When injecting PLLA it is important to adhere to the product guidelines in terms of injection volume, depth and placement. As the material provides a gradual restoration of volume, PLLA should be injected conservatively, avoiding the possibility of overcorrection. Injections should be sufficiently deep to avoid areas of induration in the superficial layers of the dermis. Areas above hypermobile muscles should also be avoided to prevent localized coalescence of injected material. While utilization of a specific injection technique depends on the position and severity of the volume deficiency, all injections use a 26‐gauge needle and are separated by 0.5–1.0 cm. In the lower face a ‘criss‐cross’ and ‘tunnelling’ technique should be employed, depositing the material into the deep dermis at the junction with the hypodermis, followed by massage every 3–4 injections. Massage should be continued by the patient for at least a week following the treatment session. The ‘criss‐cross’ and ‘tunnelling’ procedures involve the deposition of 0.1–0.2 mL of PLLA per injection. Material injected into the temple area should be deposited deep next to the bone with a ‘depot’ technique. Injections around the orbits or perioral region are possible, but should not be attempted without sufficient training.

Conclusion  Adhering to the correct injection technique enables the physician to provide durable, natural‐looking volume restoration with a very low incidence of device‐related adverse events.
Gender‐role attitude and psychological well‐being of middle‐aged men: Focusing on employment patterns of their wives
Authors: SAGARA JUNKO , ITO YUKO , IKEDA MASAKO
Published: March 2006

Abstract:  In this study, the relationships between husbands’ attitudes towards gender roles and their psychological well‐being were examined in 244 middle‐aged men who had a working wife. Employment patterns of the wives were separated into full‐time employment and part‐time employment, and a model showing relationships among factors, such as attitudes towards gender roles, workplace satisfaction, and subjective well‐being of the husbands, was created and analyzed using a structural equation model. Attitudes towards gender roles comprised gender conception and the view on gender‐based division of work. Husbands with a wife employed part‐time that held a stronger gender conception had a lower subjective well‐being, mediated by their lower workplace satisfaction. However, the view of husbands with a wife employed full‐time on gender‐based division of work was directly related to subjective well‐being. That is, the husband's subjective well‐being was lower when support of gender‐based division of work was stronger.
Transfer from “edible” categorization training to feeding behavior in pigeons (Columba livia)1
Authors: AWAZU SHUNJI , FUJITA KAZUO
Published: March 2006

Abstract:  We investigated a transfer from an operant experimental situation to a feeding situation in pigeons using real objects as stimuli. Four pigeons were trained in an operant box to categorize familiar edible items as positives and inedible items as negatives with a go/no‐go procedure. Next, two pairs of unfamiliar edible items were added as stimuli. One of the paired stimuli was arbitrarily assigned as positive and the other as negative. We tested the subjects in their home cages to see whether they would feed on the items they were trained to categorize as positives. In three of the six cases in which categorization training was successful, they continued to peck the positive items. This result suggests that the pigeons transfer what they learned in the operant training situation to the feeding situation.
How can we use animations to help preschoolers to obtain more efficient distribution strategies?
Authors: YAMANA YUKO , INOUE TOMOYOSHI
Published: March 2006

Abstract:  The purpose of the present study was to investigate the influences of animations on the performances of preschoolers’ distribution strategies. In Experiment 1, 96 preschoolers were given a certain number of chips and were asked to equally distribute them. Between the two sessions of their distribution tasks, the participants viewed a set of animations. Half of the participants viewed the animations that illustrated an efficient strategy, whereas the rest of the participants viewed the irrelevant animations. The results showed that older children performed better regardless of what kind of animations they viewed. In Experiment 2, another group heard the verbal description during the viewing animation period. The results of this experiment showed that the efficient strategy was used by the participants more often than when there were no verbal descriptions. It was suggested that animations might influence the performances only when children could identify the elements and understand the relationships between their required tasks and what would happen in the animations.
Temporal organization of an anuran acoustic community in a Taiwanese subtropical forest
Authors: Hsu M.‐Y. , Kam Y.‐C. , Fellers G. M.
Published: March 2006

We recorded anuran vocalizations in each of four habitats at Lien Hua Chih Field Station, Taiwan, between July 2000 and July 2001. For each 27 biweekly sample, eight recorders taped calls for 1 min out of every 11 between the hours of 17:00 and 07:00. We obtained 11 481 recordings with calls, and identified 21 503 frogs or groups of frogs. These included 20 species, with an average of 10.4±3.5 species calling each night. Some species called year round, others called in the spring and summer, and a third group called only in the fall and winter. The number of species calling and the maximum calling intensity were correlated with both rainfall and air temperature. The nightly pattern of calling varied among species. Most species called continuously throughout the night, whereas some had a peak right after dusk. A few species had different nightly calling patterns in different habitats. Both Rana limnocharis and Rana kuhlii changed their calling pattern in the presence of large choruses of other anuran species.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellites in giant freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii
Authors: CHAROENTAWEE KANCEE , POOMPUANG SUPAWADEE , NA‐NAKORN UTHAIRAT
Published: March 2006

Microsatellite loci were characterized in a freshwater prawn from enriched genomic library using six biotinylated probes: (AG)10, (TG)10, (CAA)10, (CAG)10, (GAT)10 and (TAC)10. Primers for DNA amplification were designed and synthesized for 20 loci. Ten loci were polymorphic with the number of alleles ranging from five to 17 alleles per locus and the observed heterozygosity ranging from 0.27 to 0.83 per locus. Developed microsatellite primers should prove useful for selective breeding programs and population genetic studies of freshwater prawn.
Controls on marine animal biomass through geological time
Authors: PAYNE J. L. , FINNEGAN S.
Published: March 2006

Total animal biomass depends on four factors: (1) food supply, (2) the efficiency with which animals consume available food, (3) the efficiency with which animals convert consumed food into biomass, and (4) the rate at which animals lose biomass to the environment through respiration or death. Each of these factors may change through geological time because each is a function of animal ecology and physiology. Animal ecology and physiology, in turn, are products of interacting evolutionary and environmental factors. The direction of change in animal biomass through time may be predicted given knowledge of environmental and ecological change. At a finer level, physiological differences among phyla or other higher taxa suggest that they would have had differential responses to specific environmental changes. Physiological features shared by all of life, such as the dependence of metabolic rate on ambient temperature, suggest that even a coarse time‐series of relative changes in animal biomass may enrich understanding of biogeochemical cycling among all organisms, including phytoplankton and microbes. Changes in the abundance of skeletal material in shallow marine deposits through geological time indicate that the biomass of benthic skeletal invertebrates has fluctuated significantly on timescales from millions to hundreds of millions of years. During the Ordovician radiation, increase in the complexity of animal food webs and increase in the efficiency of animal communities in removing available food from the water column and sediment appear most likely to account for a secular increase in animal biomass. Decrease in animal biomass after the end‐Permian extinction appears to have been driven by a combination of factors but particularly decreased aggregate growth efficiency and consumption efficiency. Comparing biomass and diversity trends through other major transitions in the history of animal life has the potential to shed light on the relationship between physical environmental change and ecosystems evolution.
In situ ecological development of a bacteriogenic iron oxide‐producing microbial community from a subsurface granitic rock environment
Authors: ANDERSON C. R. , JAMES R. E. , FRU E. C. , KENNEDY C. B. , PEDERSEN K.
Published: March 2006

The initial development and diversity of an in situ subsurface microbial community producing bacteriogenic iron oxides (BIOS) were investigated at the initiation of biofilm growth (2‐month period) and after a 1‐year period of undisturbed growth. Water chemistry data, samples of iron encrusted biofilm material and groundwater were collected from BRIC (BIOS reactor, in situ, continuous flow) apparatuses installed 297 m below sea level at the Äspö Hard Rock Laboratory (HRL) in south eastern Sweden. Comparisons between the BIOS BRIC system and an anaerobic control (AC) BRIC revealed that water mixing at the inflow leads to profuse development of BIOS related to a slightly elevated level of O2 (up to 0.3 mg L−1 at the transition zone between BIOS development and non‐development) and elevated Eh (>120 mV) in the first 70 mm of water depth. Decreases in dissolved and particulate iron were connected to the visible appearance of BIOS biofilms. The basic phylogenetic diversity of this site was evaluated using amplified ribosomal DNA restriction enzyme analysis (ARDRA), denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and partial sequencing of 16S rDNA. From 67 clones that were positive for 16S rDNA inserts, a total of 42 different ARDRA profiles were recognized, representing four bacterial phyla and 14 different metabolic lifestyles. DGGE profiles indicated that there are differences in the representative bacteria when considering either BIOS biofilms or groundwater. DGGE also indicated that the DNA extraction protocols and any polymerase chain reaction biases were consistent. Bacterial metabolic groups associated with indirect metal adsorption and reduction along with bacteria utilizing many alternative electron acceptors were strongly represented within the clones. This study indicates that the microbial diversity of BIOS is greater than previously thought.