bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental amoebic gill disease of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L.: further evidence for the primary pathogenic role of Neoparamoeba sp. (Page, 1987)
Authors: Adams M B , Nowak B F
Published: November 2004

Amoebic gill disease (AGD) has been attributed to infection by Neoparamoeba sp. The causal mechanisms for AGD lesion development and the primary pathogenic role of Neoparamoeba sp. require elucidation. Three groups of Atlantic salmon were exposed to viable gill isolated amoebae, to sonicated amoebae, or to sea water containing viable amoebae without direct contact with gill epithelia. Fish were removed 8 days post‐exposure and the gills assessed histologically for AGD. AGD occurred only when fish were exposed to viable trophozoites. Consequently, in an accompanying experiment, infection was evaluated histologically at 12, 24 and 48 h post‐exposure in three groups of salmon, one group being mechanically injured 12 h prior to exposure. A progressive host response and significant increase (P < 0.001) in the numbers of attached amoebae was apparent over the 48‐h duration in undamaged hemibranchs in both treatment groups. There were no significant differences to mucous cell populations. Attachment of Neoparamoeba sp. to damaged gill filaments was significantly reduced (P < 0.05) by 48 h post‐exposure. These data further confirm and describe the primary pathogenic role of Neoparamoeba sp. and the early host response in AGD. Preliminary evidence suggests that lesions resulting from physical gill damage are not preferentially colonized by Neoparamoeba sp.
Influence of individually estimated portion size on the assessment of nutritional risk in colorectal cancer in Portugal
Authors: Paiva I. , Amaral T. , Barros H.
Published: November 2004

We evaluated the influence of individually estimated portion sizes on the estimate of nutrient related risk of colorectal cancer, using data from a Portuguese hospital based case–control study on diet and colorectal cancer. A total of 100 patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma (aged 15–92 years) and 211 controls (aged 36–89 years) were included. Two data sets were created for nutrient analysis, the first one allowed estimates of food intake using data on portion size as collected with visual aids during the interview. The second estimate substituted respondents’ estimate with a standard portion size, as used in the semi‐quantitative (SQ) food frequency approach. The two analytic approaches yielded similar energy and nutrient intakes in cases and controls. The percent range of concordance is acceptable, in the same quartile varying from 44 to 82% (mean: 56%) and very good in the same or adjacent (±1) quartile (mean: 91%, range: 85–97%). The two estimates lead to a similar pattern of multivariate odd's ratio, however the SQ estimates resulted in more significant findings. We conclude that little extra information is gained by including individual portion size information when assessing diet‐related risk of colorectal cancer.
Gastrostomy tube placement in head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy
Authors: Moore R.
Published: November 2004

Background:  In head and neck cancer (HNC) patients, the side effects of radiotherapy (RT) often lead to patients being unable to consume adequate nutrition and fluid (Chencharick and Mossman, 1983). Gastrostomy tube placement prior to RT can reduce incidence of severe weight loss and hospitalization during treatment (Beaver et al., 2001). However, gastrostomy tube usage is dependant upon HNC site and area of RT. The aims of the study were to identify the characteristics of those HNC patients who will require gastrostomy tube feeding during RT and utilize these data to target future patients for prophylactic tube placement prior to commencing RT and to write guidelines for the placement of feeding tubes.

Method:  Data were collected retrospectively regarding diagnosis, surgery and area of RT on all HNC patients who had had a prophylactic gastrostomy placed prior to RT between April 2000 and April 2002. Outcome measurements in terms of utilization of gastrostomy, body weight and nutrition related emergency admissions were recorded.

Results:  Thirty‐five patients had a prophylactic gastrostomy placed [26 male, nine female; mean age 62 (range 26–84) years]. Of these, 26 utilized their tube for feeding or fluids during RT. The sites of radiotherapy were: bilateral RT to the oro‐ or nasopharynx and neck (20 patients), bilateral RT to the neck (five) and RT to the left oropharynx and neck (one). The mean weight loss during RT in patients who utilized their prophylactic gastrostomy was 3.3 (range 0–11.5%) compared to 8 (5.5–12.0%) in patients who did not have a prophylactic gastrostomy. Only one of the patients with a prophylactic gastrostomy had a hospital admission (length of stay 11 days) compared to four patients who did not [mean length of stay 21 days (range 14–29)]. Six of the nine patients who did not utilize their gastrostomy for feeding and were able to maintain their nutrition orally, received bilateral RT to the neck only.

Discussion:  Most of the patients who received bilateral RT to the oro‐ or nasopharynx required gastrostomy feeding during RT, which is consistent with findings of Beaver et al. (2001) who reported the highest incidence of weight loss in patients receiving RT to the nasopharynx or base of the tongue.

Conclusion:  In view of the association between the site of RT and gastrostomy utilization, hospital admissions, length of stay and weight loss, HNC patients with planned bilateral RT to the oro‐ or nasopharynx or with existing dysphagia should be targeted for gastrostomy tube placement prior to starting treatment.

References:  Beaver, M.E., Matheny, K.E., Roberts, D.B. & Myers, J.N.(2001) Predictors of weight loss during radiation therapy. Otolaryngol. Head Neck Surg. 125, 645–648.

Chencharick, J.D. & Mossman, K.L. (1983) Nutritionalconsequences of the radiotherapy of head and neck cancer. Cancer 51, 811–815.
Factors associated with maintenance of wakefulness test mean sleep latency in patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea and normal subjects
Authors: Banks Siobhan , Barnes Maree , Tarquinio Natalie , Pierce Robert J. , Lack Leon C. , Doug McEvoy R.
Published: November 2004

This study investigated the possible factors related to the Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT) mean sleep latency. A second analysis explored the characteristics of subjects who had discrepant Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and MWT scores. A total of 151 subjects (110 mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) patients and 41 control subjects) were recruited for the study. The subjects completed an overnight Polysomnography (PSG), MWT, cognitive, performance and vigilance tasks and answered self‐report questionnaires on mood and sleepiness. A forward stepwise multiple regression was performed on MWT mean sleep latency. The predictor variables age (r = 0.28), subjective sleep history for 1 week prior to MWT (sleep diary; r = 0.19) and number of >4% SaO2 Dips during the PSG (r = −0.21) best explained the MWT results, but only accounted for 12.8% of the variance in the test. It was found that 33% of subjects had discrepant ESS and MWT scores. A new variable was created to analyse these subjects (MWT/ESS discrepancy score; MED). A forward stepwise multiple regression analysis found that depression, performance errors and sleep disordered breathing explained 13.4% of the variance in MED scores. The MWT is a complex behavioural test whose scores do not seem to have a very robust relationship with potential predictors and co‐correlates. Further comprehensive study is needed if the test is to be used in a diagnostically meaningful way.
Natal homing in juvenile loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta)
Authors: BOWEN BRIAN W. , BASS ANNA L. , CHOW SHAIO‐MEI , BOSTROM MEREDITH , BJORNDAL KAREN A. , BOLTEN ALAN B. , OKUYAMA TOSHINORI , BOLKER BENJAMIN M. , EPPERLY SHERYAN , LACASELLA ERIN , SHAVER DONNA , DODD MARK , HOPKINS‐ MURPHY SALLY R. , MUSICK JOHN A. , SWINGLE MARK , RANKIN‐BARANSKY KAREN , TEAS WENDY , WITZELL WAYNE N. , DUTTON PETER H.
Published: November 2004

Juvenile loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) from West Atlantic nesting beaches occupy oceanic (pelagic) habitats in the eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean, whereas larger juvenile turtles occupy shallow (neritic) habitats along the continental coastline of North America. Hence the switch from oceanic to neritic stage can involve a trans‐oceanic migration. Several researchers have suggested that at the end of the oceanic phase, juveniles are homing to feeding habitats in the vicinity of their natal rookery. To test the hypothesis of juvenile homing behaviour, we surveyed 10 juvenile feeding zones across the eastern USA with mitochondrial DNA control region sequences (N = 1437) and compared these samples to potential source (nesting) populations in the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea (N = 465). The results indicated a shallow, but significant, population structure of neritic juveniles (ΦST = 0.0088, P = 0.016), and haplotype frequency differences were significantly correlated between coastal feeding populations and adjacent nesting populations (Mantel test R2 = 0.52, P = 0.001). Mixed stock analyses (using a Bayesian algorithm) indicated that juveniles occurred at elevated frequency in the vicinity of their natal rookery. Hence, all lines of evidence supported the hypothesis of juvenile homing in loggerhead turtles. While not as precise as the homing of breeding adults, this behaviour nonetheless places juvenile turtles in the vicinity of their natal nesting colonies. Some of the coastal hazards that affect declining nesting populations may also affect the next generation of turtles feeding in nearby habitats.
Mating frequency, within‐colony relatedness and male production in a yellow jacket wasp, Dolichovespula arenaria
Authors: FREIBURGER BRIAN J. , BREED MICHAEL D. , METCALF JESSICA L.
Published: November 2004

We examined the mating frequencies of queens in a social wasp, Dolichovespula arenaria (Vespinae) using DNA microsatellites. Five of the seven colonies supported the hypothesis of single mating by queens. The other two colonies supported two and three matings, with effective paternity of 1.48 and 1.91. Mean worker relatedness was 0.77 ± 0.09. In two of the four male‐containing colonies, all were likely progeny of the queen. In the other two colonies workers produced 8 and 14% of the male wasps. Overall, 94.3% of the male wasps were likely progeny of the queen. These patterns are consistent with published studies of vespine wasps.
Alterations in neurofilament protein(s) in human leprous nerves: morphology, immunohistochemistry and Western immunoblot correlative study
Authors: Save M. P. , Shetty V. P. , Shetty K. T. , Antia N. H.
Published: November 2004

Using a specific antibody (SMI 31), the state of phosphorylation of high and medium molecular weight neurofilaments (NF‐H and NF‐M) was studied in 22 leprous and four nonleprous human peripheral nerves by means of immunohistochemistry, sodium dodecyl sulfate‐poly acrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) and Western immunoblot (WB). The results thus obtained were compared with morphological changes in the respective nerves studied through light and electron microscopy. Many of the leprous nerves showing minimal pathology revealed lack of or weak staining with SMI 31, denoting dephosphorylation. Remyelinated fibres stained intensely with SMI 31 antibody. The WB analysis of Triton X‐100 insoluble cytoskeletal preparation showed absence of regular SMI 31 reactive bands corresponding to 200 and 150 kDa molecular weight (NF‐H and NF‐M, respectively) in 10 nerves. Three of the 10 nerves revealed presence of NF protein bands in SDS‐PAGE but not in WB. Presence of additional protein band (following NF‐M) was seen in four nerves. Two nerves revealed NF‐H band but not NF‐M band and one nerve showed trace positivity. In the remaining five nerves presence of all the three NF bands was seen. Thus, 77.3% (17/22) of human leprous nerves studied showed abnormal phosphorylation of NF protein(s). The ultrastructural study showed abnormal compaction and arraying of NF at the periphery of the axons in the fibres with altered axon to myelin thickness ratio (atrophied fibres) as well as at the Schmidt‐Lantermann (S‐L) cleft region. Such NF changes were more pronounced in the severely atrophied axons suggesting a direct correlation. The observed well‐spaced NF in the remyelinated fibres under ultrastructural study was in keeping with both intense SMI 31 staining and presence of NF triplet bands seen in WBs in four of leprous nerves that showed a large number of regenerating fibres suggesting reversal of changes with regeneration. Findings in the present study suggest that atrophy, that is, the reduction in axonal calibre and paranodal demyelination, seen in leprous nerves may result from dephosphorylation of NF‐H and NF‐M proteins.
There is no evidence of an association in children and teenagers between the apolipoprotein E ɛ4 allele and post‐traumatic brain swelling
Authors: Quinn T. J. , Smith C. , Murray L. , Stewart J. , Nicoll J. A. R. , Graham D. I.
Published: November 2004

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an important cause of mortality and disability in children and teenagers. A particular feature of the neuropathology at post‐mortem is brain swelling. The cause of the swelling in some cases is not known, while in others it is associated with traumatic axonal injury or hypoxia. Apolipoprotein E (APOE) ɛ4 allele is known to be an important genetic determinant of outcome in children after TBI. We hypothesized a relationship between possession of APOEɛ4 and diffuse traumatic brain swelling. A total of 165 cases aged between 2 and 19 years were identified from the department's tissue archive. APOE genotype was determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in 106 cases. Bilateral swelling was present in 44 cases (11 with APOEɛ4), unilateral swelling in 25 cases (7 with APOEɛ4) and in 36 cases (9 with APOEɛ4) there was no evidence of brain swelling. There was no significant relationship between possession of APOEɛ4 and the presence of cerebral swelling (χ2 = 0.09, df = 2, P = 0.96). The 95% confidence interval for difference in proportions with swelling  in  those  with  and  without  the APOE ɛ4  is −19%  to 22%. Thus, a significant relationship was not found between diffuse brain swelling and possession of APOEɛ4, and in this cohort of patients there was an identifying cause of the brain swelling in all cases.
Up‐regulation of a growth arrest and DNA damage protein (GADD34) in the ischaemic human brain: implications for protein synthesis regulation and DNA repair
Authors: White F. , McCaig D. , Brown S. M. , Graham D. I. , Harland J. , Macrae I. M.
Published: November 2004

GADD34 is a growth arrest and DNA damage inducible gene up‐regulated in response to DNA damage, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. It is thought that GADD34 may play a crucial role in cell survival in ischaemia. GADD34 expression was assessed immunohistochemically in post‐mortem human hippocampal tissue obtained from patients surviving for defined periods (0–24 h; 24 h−7 days) after a cardiac arrest and in age‐matched control subjects. In control brain, cytoplasm staining in GADD34 immunopositive cells was faint but present throughout the hippocampus and cortex. There was minimal change in GADD34 expression in the group surviving 0–24 h after cardiac arrest. However GADD34 immunostaining was markedly increased in selectively vulnerable regions in the 24 h−7 day survival group. Increased GADD34 staining was present in ischaemic neurones and in some morphologically normal neurones after cardiac arrest. Extensive ischaemic damage was found to correlate with elevated GADD34 immunostaining in the CA1 layer of the hippocampus (**P < 0.0016). In addition, GADD34 was found to colocalize with proliferating cell nuclear antigen in some neurones. The up‐regulation of GADD34 in response to global ischaemia in the human brain plus its influence on protein synthesis and DNA repair suggests that this protein may have the potential to influence cell survival.
Acceptance of contraceptives among women who had an unsafe abortion in Dar es Salaam
Authors: Rasch Vibeke , Massawe Siriel , Yambesi Fortunata , Bergstrom Staffan
Published: November 2004

Objective  To assess the need for post‐abortion contraception and to determine if women who had an unsafe abortion will use a contraceptive method to avoid repeated unwanted pregnancies and STDs/HIV.

Method  Women attending Temeke Municipal Hospital, Dar es Salaam, after an unsafe abortion or an induced abortion performed at the hospital (n = 788) were counselled about contraception and the risk of contracting STDs/HIV. A free ward‐based contraceptive service was offered and the women were asked to return for follow‐up.

Results  Participants (90%) accepted the post‐abortion contraceptive service. Of these, 86% stated they were still using contraception 1–6 months after discharge. Initially, 55% of the women accepted to use condoms either alone or as part of double protection. After 1–6 months this proportion had dropped to 18%. Single women were significantly more likely to use condoms.

Conclusion  High‐quality contraceptive service counselling can induce women to use contraception after having had an unsafe abortion. The results of our study are encouraging and should be used to convince policy makers of the need to implement such services at municipal level to reduce the number of repeated unsafe abortions.
Exposure to Schistosoma mansoni infection in a rural area in Brazil. Part III: household aggregation of water‐contact behaviour
Authors: Bethony Jeffrey , Williams Jeff T. , Brooker Simon , Gazzinelli Andrea , Gazzinelli Maria F. , LoVerde Philip T. , Corrêa‐Oliveira Rodrigo , Kloos Helmut
Published: November 2004

Much research points to the importance of the household in the study of water‐borne diseases such as schistosomiasis. An important aspect of the household is the clustering of domestic activities associated with water collection, storage and usage. Such activities can result in the sharing of water‐contact sites and water‐contact behaviour, which expose household members to similar risks of infection. In previous studies, we determined that shared residence accounted for 28% of the variance in Schistosoma faecal egg excretion rates. We now quantify the effect of shared residence on the variation in water‐related health behaviours. We found that shared residence accounted for 30% of the variation in total water contacts per week. It also accounted for a large proportion of the variation in individual water‐contact behaviour: e.g. agricultural contacts (63%), washing limbs (56%) or bathing (41%). These results implicate the household as an important composite measure of the complex relationships between socioeconomic, environmental and behavioural factors that influence water‐contact behaviour and, therefore, the transmission of schistosomiasis. Our results also support a focus on the household in the implementation of schistosomiasis prevention and control efforts.
Education and role modelling for clinical decisions with female cancer patients
Authors: Brown Rhonda F. , Butow Phyllis N. , Sharrock Merin Anne , Henman Michael , Boyle Fran , Goldstein David , Tattersall Martin H. N.
Published: November 2004

Background  Patients vary widely in their preferences and capacity for participating in treatment decision‐making. There are few interventions targeting patient understanding of how doctors make decisions and shared decision‐making. This randomized trial investigates the effects of providing cancer patients with a package designed to facilitate shared decision‐making prior to seeing their oncologist.

Patients and methods  Sixty‐five female cancer patients were randomized to receive either the package (booklet and 15‐min video) or a booklet on living with cancer, before their initial consultation. Participants completed questionnaires prior to the intervention, immediately after the oncology consultation, and 2 weeks and 6 months later. The first consultation with the oncologist was audio‐taped and transcribed.

Results  Patients receiving the package were more likely than controls to declare their information and treatment preferences in the consultation, and their perspectives on the costs, side‐effects and benefits of treatment. Doctors introduced considerably more new themes in the consultations with intervention subjects than they did with controls; no other differences in doctor behaviour were noted.

Conclusions  This short intervention successfully shifted patient and doctor behaviour closer to the shared decision‐making model, although it did not alter patients’ preferences for information or involvement.
A randomized trial among women with heavy menstruation – impact of a decision aid on treatment outcomes and costs
Authors: Vuorma Sirkku , Teperi Juha , Aalto Anna‐Mari , Hurskainen Ritva , Kujansuu Erkki , Rissanen Pekka
Published: November 2004

Objective  To evaluate the effects of a decision aid for menorrhagia on treatment outcomes and costs over a 12‐month follow‐up.

Design  Randomized trial and pre‐trial prospective cohort study.

Setting and participants  Gynaecology outpatient clinics in 14 Finnish hospitals, 363 (randomized trial) plus 206 (cohort study) patients with menorrhagia.

Intervention  A decision aid booklet explaining menorrhagia and treatment options, mailed to patients before their first clinic appointment.

Main outcome measures  Health related quality of life, psychological well‐being, menstrual symptoms, satisfaction with treatment outcome, use and cost of health care services.

Results  All study groups experienced overall improvement in health‐related quality of life, anxiety, and psychosomatic and menstrual symptoms, but not in sexual life. Treatment in the intervention group was more active than in the control group, with more frequent course of medication and less undecided treatments. However, there were no marked disparities in health outcomes, satisfaction with treatment outcome and costs. Total costs (including productivity loss) per woman because of menorrhagia over the 12‐month follow‐up were 2760€ and 3094€ in the intervention and control group, respectively (P = 0.1). The pre‐trial group also had a significantly lower rate of uterus saving surgery compared with the control group, but no difference in costs because of menorrhagia treatment.

Conclusion  Despite some differences in treatment courses, a decision aid for menorrhagia in booklet form did not increase the use of health services or treatment costs, nor had it impact on health outcomes or satisfaction with outcome of treatment.
Linear basic peptides for targeting interferon‐γ–glycosaminoglycan interactions: synthesis and inhibitory properties
Authors: Fernandez‐Botran R. , Romanovskis P. , Sun X. , Spatola A.F.
Published: November 2004

Abstract:  Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) play an important role in inflammatory responses due to their ability to interact with cytokines and chemokines, resulting in the localization of these mediators to specific anatomical sites, where they function to direct leukocyte recruitment and activation. Targeting GAG–cytokine/chemokine interactions might may thus have therapeutic applications as anti‐inflammatory or immunomodulatory therapy in vivo. Peptides that mimic the heparin‐binding domains of cytokines may have a potential use as inhibitors of GAG–cytokine interactions. A linear octapeptide (MC‐2) derived from the conserved heparin‐binding region of interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) was synthesized along with four analogs featuring a substitution of Phe for Leu in position 1 and varying number of positive charges on the octapeptide molecule. The relative abilities of the synthesized peptides to inhibit the interactions between IFN‐γ and GAGs were compared. From the results, it follows that the inhibitory potency of the octapeptide analogs was related to the number of positive charges in the molecule, while increased hydrophobicity had no significant effect.
New tools for the control of peptide conformation: the helicogenic Cα‐methyl, Cα‐cyclohexylglycine*
Authors: Formaggio F. , Moretto V. , Crisma M. , Toniolo C. , Kaptein B. , Broxterman Q.B.
Published: November 2004

Abstract:  The novel Cα‐tetrasubstituted α‐amino acid Cα‐methyl, Cα‐cyclohexylglycine was prepared by hydrogenation of its Cα‐methyl, Cα‐phenylglycine precursor. Terminally protected homodi‐, homotri‐, and homotetrapeptides from Cα‐methyl, Cα‐cyclohexylglycine and co‐oligopeptides to the pentamer level in combination with Gly or α‐aminoisobutyric acid residues were prepared by solution methods and fully characterized. The results of a conformational analysis, performed by use of Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectrophotomet absorption, 1H NMR, and X‐ray diffraction techniques, support the contention that this Cα‐methylated, Cβ‐trisubstituted aliphatic α‐amino acid is an effective β‐turn and 310‐helix inducer in tri‐ and longer peptides as its Cα‐methyl valine parent compound, but partially divergent from the corresponding aromatic Cα‐methyl, Cα‐diphenylmethylglycine residue, known to promote folded and fully extended structures to a significant extent in these oligomers.
Isolation and partial characterization of Galα‐containing polyglycosylceramides from porcine tissues
Authors: Leonardsson Irene , Miller‐Podraza Halina , Teneberg Susann , Breimer Michael E.
Published: November 2004

Abstract:  Mammalian cell surface carbohydrate antigens are present both as glycoproteins and glycolipids. Of the glycolipids, polyglycosylceramides (PGC) have very long carbohydrate chains extending out from the cell surface. Hereto, Galα‐terminating xenoantigens in pig tissues have been identified in glycoproteins and short chain glycolipids but no studies of the complex PGC have been performed. In this communication, we describe the isolation and partial characterization of PGC from pig erythrocytes, small intestinal mucosa, kidney and liver. The mucosa, kidney and liver PGC fractions contained a complex pattern of Galα antigens as shown by immunostaining using the Griffonia Simplicifolia isolectin B4 while no reactivity was found with the erythrocyte PGC fractions. The mucosa PGC fractions stained strongly for blood group A antigens while the erythrocyte PGC fractions were negative. The presence of Galα‐terminating PGC compounds in porcine tissue adds further complexity to the distribution of this xenoantigen. Due to the long carbohydrate chains, PGC will be important targets for the Galα xenoantibodies in pig to human xenotransplantation.
Galα1,3Gal expression on porcine pancreatic islets, testis, spleen, and thymus
Authors: Dor F. J. M. F. , Cheng J. , Alt A. , Cooper D. K. C. , Schuurman H‐J.
Published: November 2004

Abstract:  Galα1,3Gal (Gal) is the first target in antibody‐mediated rejection of pig‐to‐non‐human primate xenograft. Its expression may vary between organs and constituents of organs. Gal expression was studied in pancreas, testis, spleen and thymus of 22 pigs, with ages ranging from 1 to 22 months. The immunoperoxidase technique using the biotinylated lectin, Griffonia simplicifolia (IB4), was used. In the pancreas, neither endocrine (islet cells) nor exocrine cells expressed Gal. The Sertoli cells in the testis were negative. The spleen capsule and trabeculae did not stain for Gal, although both splenic T and B lymphocytes expressed Gal (B > T). Thymocytes were weakly positive, whereas thymic epithelial cells were negative for Gal. No age‐related differences were seen in any tissues. Porcine islets of Langerhans, Sertoli cells, and the splenic and thymic structural frameworks did not express Gal, and therefore, should be relatively resistant to anti‐Gal antibody‐mediated rejection. The availability of pigs deficient in Gal as a source of islets may therefore not be beneficial in extending islet graft survival in non‐human primate models.
A collaborative approach to the treatment alliance in bipolar disorder
Authors: Berk Michael , Berk Lesley , Castle David
Published: November 2004

Objectives:  The treatment alliance is the arena in which psychopharmacological and other therapeutic interventions occur. The nature and quality of the treatment alliance may affect adherence to treatment and the realization of the benefits of effective pharmacological treatment in clinical practice. It is an area that has attracted little systematic study, despite the available evidence suggesting that it plays a measurable role in clinical outcomes.

Methods:  A literature search was undertaken using Medline, Ovid, Psychinfo and Science Direct from 1975 to 2004. The following key words were used: bipolar disorder, patient adherence, non‐adherence to medication, compliance, doctor–patient relationship, doctor–patient communication, treatment alliance, therapeutic alliance, chronic illness management, collaborative care, self‐management, health beliefs, self‐efficacy, self‐determination, autonomy support, motivational interviewing.

Results:  Psychosocial interventions have demonstrated positive effects on adherence problems. Studies of the impact of the treatment alliance on outcomes in mental illness highlight the possibilities of fruitful research in this area in bipolar disorder. Different theoretical models of changing health related behaviour may inform approaches to the treatment alliance.

Conclusions:  Results suggest the usefulness of a collaborative approach to the treatment alliance. Attention needs to be given to developing intervention models that target modifiable risk factors for non‐adherence and address patient, clinician and illness related variables to enhance medication adherence in the treatment alliance. Refinement of these models through controlled evaluation in real world settings may lead to integration in health care delivery systems.
Rapid cycling bipolar disorder: historical overview and focus on emerging treatments
Authors: Mackin Paul , Young Allan H
Published: November 2004

Objective:  Rapid cycling bipolar disorder presents a significant challenge with respect to treatment. The cyclical nature of bipolar disorder has been well recognised for over a century, and following Dunner and Fieve's landmark paper in 1974, investigators have increasingly turned their attention to issues such as the definition of rapid cycling, demographic characterisation, treatment response and pharmacologic intervention.

Methods:  A literature search using Medline was performed, and selected articles which consider important developments in the definition, demographics and course of rapid cycling are reviewed. In addition, a systematic review of the literature published during the past 5 years (1999–2004) relating to treatment was conducted.

Results:  Relevant articles are reviewed.

Conclusions:  This review highlights the important developments in our understanding of rapid cycling bipolar disorder, and focuses particularly on the recent literature regarding treatment.
Foraging for Work and Age‐Based Polyethism: The Roles of Age and Previous Experience on Task Choice in Ants
Authors: Tripet Frederic , Nonacs Peter
Published: November 2004

In social insects, colonies commonly show temporal polyethism in worker behavior, such that a worker follows a predictable pattern of changes between tasks as it ages. This pattern usually leads from workers first doing a safe task like brood care, to ending their lives doing the most dangerous tasks like foraging. Two mechanisms could potentially underlie this pattern: (1) age‐based task allocation, where the aging process itself predisposes workers to switch to more dangerous tasks; and (2) foraging for work, where ants switch to tasks that need doing from tasks which have too many associated workers. We tested the relative influence of these mechanisms by establishing nests of Camponotus floridanus with predetermined combinations of workers of known age and previous task specialization. The results supported both mechanisms. Nests composed of entirely brood‐tending workers had the oldest workers preferentially switching to foraging. However, in nests initially composed entirely of foragers, the final distribution of tenders and foragers was not different from random task‐switching and therefore supportive of foraging for work. Thus, it appears that in C. floridanus there is directionality to the mechanisms of task allocation. Switching to more dangerous tasks is age‐influenced, but switching to less dangerous tasks is age‐independent. The results also suggest that older workers are more flexible in their task choice behavior. Younger workers are more biased towards choosing within‐nest tasks. Finally, there are effects of previous experience that tend to keep ants in familiar tasks. Task allocation based on several mechanisms may balance between: (1) concentrating the most worn workers into the most dangerous tasks; (2) increasing task performance levels; and (3) maintaining behavioral flexibility to respond to demographic perturbations. The degree to which behavior is flexible may correlate to the frequency of such perturbations in a species.
A Test of the Multi‐Predator Hypothesis: Rapid Loss of Antipredator Behavior after 130 years of Isolation
Authors: Blumstein Daniel T. , Daniel Janice C. , Springett Brian P.
Published: November 2004

Many species find themselves isolated from the predators with which they evolved. Isolation often leads to the loss of costly antipredator behavior, which may have adverse consequences if the population should later come into contact with predators. An understanding of both the mechanism (i.e. the degree to which antipredator behavior depends on experience), and of the time course of loss is important to be able to predict how a population will respond to future contact. We studied ‘group‐size effects’– the way in which animals change the time they allocate to antipredator vigilance as a function of group size – and visual and acoustic predator recognition in a population of tammar wallabies (Macropus eugenii), a cat‐sized (6–10 kg) macropodid marsupial. To study group size effects we observed wallabies foraging in four populations – three with some sort of predator and a New Zealand population that was isolated from all predators for about 130 yr. To study predator recognition, we observed the response of New Zealand wallabies to the presentation of a model or taxidermic mount of mammalian predators, and to the broadcast sounds of mammalian and avian predators. We compare these predator recognition experiments with results from a previous study of Kangaroo Island (South Australia) tammars. Complete isolation from all predators for as few as 130 yr led to the loss of group size effects and a rapid breakdown in visual predator recognition abilities. Our results are consistent with a key prediction of the multi‐predator hypothesis – namely, that the isolation from all predators may lead to a rapid loss of antipredator behavior.
Lipoic acid is 10 times more toxic in cats than reported in humans, dogs or rats
Authors: Hill A. S. , Werner J. A. , Rogers Q. R. , O'Neill S. L. , Christopher M. M.
Published: November 2004

The antioxidant lipoic acid (LA) is administered to humans and pets. We described acute toxicity and maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of LA in cats. In progression, 10 healthy adult male cats received orally 60 (high), 30 (low), or 0 mg LA/kg (control). Serum enzyme activities and concentrations of bile acids, ammonia, amino acids (AA), LA and dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA) were measured, and tissues examined microscopically. Significant clinical toxicity with changes in ammonia and AA concentrations occurred in all high‐dose cats. Oral LA produced hepatocellular toxicity and MTD was <30 mg/kg in cats.
Insulin resistance and changes in plasma concentration of TNFα, IGF1, and NEFA in dogs during weight gain and obesity
Authors: Gayet C. , Bailhache E. , Dumon H. , Martin L. , Siliart B. , Nguyen P.
Published: November 2004

Obesity‐induced insulin resistance (IR) is a common problem in humans as well as domestic dogs. It is well‐known that this syndrome is associated with many modifications but it is still unclear if the changes are alterations or adaptations. The purpose of this study was to develop obesity‐induced IR in dogs, through a long‐term overfeeding period, and to explore hormonal and metabolic disturbances associated with the development of this syndrome. Dogs were overfed for 7 months. Body weight increased by 43 ± 5%, and insulin sensitivity decreased by 44 ± 5%. Plasma insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF1), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), and non‐esterified fatty acids (NEFA) concentrations progressively increased during the overfeeding period (IGF1: 111 ± 13 to 266 ± 32 ng/ml, p < 0.001; TNFα: 5 ± 5 to 134 ± 41 pg/ml; NEFA: 0.974 ± 0.094 to 1.590 ± 0.127 mmol/l, p < 0.05). These metabolic and hormonal impairments are associated with IR, in obese dogs, and could explain, at least in part, the outbreak of this syndrome.
Blood serum branched chain amino acids and tryptophan modifications in horses competing in long‐distance rides of different length
Authors: Assenza A. , Bergero D. , Tarantola M. , Piccione G. , Caola G.
Published: November 2004

During long‐distance exercise, branched‐chain amino acid (BCAA) catabolism could lead to an increase in the blood tryptophan/BCAA ratio and an early onset of ‘central fatigue’. Based on these considerations, we studied the modifications of blood serum BCAA and tryptophan (Try) levels in 30 endurance horses competing in rides varying in distance from 20 to 72 km. From all horses, blood samples were drawn just before and just after the end of the ride. Samples were analysed for their leucine (Leu), valine (Val), isoleucine (Iso) and Try levels. Data were processed by anova, using sampling moment and ride as factors, and by LSD post hoc test. Significant differences were recorded among the different distance rides for Leu, Val, Iso, Try, Try/BCAA ratio; the same trend was recorded between samples taken at the start and the end of the race for Val and Leu. The main effect observed was an increase of BCAA levels for all rides, except the 72‐km ride; for Try, a significant increase was present in all races, except the 50‐km ride. The Try/BCAA ratio decreased in 20‐ and 50‐km races and increased in the others. These data confirm that long‐distance exercise involves a mobilization of BCAA. The utilization of BCAA seems to be important in prolonged exercise: in the 72‐km ride, we observed a decrease in BCAA blood serum levels, while a major role of Try was indicated by its increase, resulting in a rise of the Try/BCAA ratio.
Accelerated Binding of Autoantibody to Red Blood Cells with Increasing Anaemia in Cattle Experimentally Infected with Theileria sergenti
Authors: Shiono H. , Yagi Y. , Kumar A. , Yamanaka M. , Chikayama Y.
Published: November 2004

Anaemia is the most important clinical manifestation in cattle infected with Theileria sergenti. In order to determine the mechanism of red blood cells (RBC) destruction in anaemic cattle, we studied the binding of autoantibody (IgG) to RBC during the development of anaemia in T. sergenti infection. The low levels of IgG‐bound RBC before the development of anaemia were triggered in proportion with the progression of anaemia and parasitaemia. Our results suggest an accelerated destruction of RBC in anaemic cattle by IgG‐dependent phagocytosis.
Construction of a genetic linkage map for witloof (Cichorium intybus L. var. foliosum Hegi)
Authors: Van Stallen N. , Vandenbussche B. , Verdoodt V. , De Proft M.
Published: November 2004

A genetic linkage map based on an intraspecific cross between two inbred lines of witloof‐chicory (Cichorium intybus L. var. foliosum Hegi) has been constructed. In total, 129 RAPD markers were scored in 565 F2 plants. Grouping of these markers at a LOD of threshold 4.0 resulted in nine linkage groups, which is equal to the chicory haploid genome. The nine linkage groups covered 609.6 cM. All 129 RAPD markers were linked to one of the nine groups. Three RAPD markers could not be mapped. Out of the 126 remaining RAPD markers, 18 showed segregation distortion with significance value of P < 0.01.
A rapid chromatographic method for determining the glucosinolate content in crambe seed
Authors: Leoni O. , Cinti S. , Aliano N. , Tittonel E. D.
Published: November 2004

Crambe abyssinica is becoming a reliable source of industrial oil with good technical characteristics because of its high erucic acid content. The possibility of using the industrial defatted meal of crambe as a feed could further promote the interest in this crop, but is prevented by the high glucosinolate content (70‐150 μmol/g). Therefore the possibility of reducing this parameter by selection was evaluated and a search for a new quick analytical procedure begun. When hydrolysed by myrosinase (thioglucoside glucohydrolase EC 3.2.3.1.), at pH 6.5 or higher, epiprogoitrin, the main glucosinolate in crambe seed (>90% of total glucosinolates), gives (5R)‐5‐vinyl‐1,3‐oxazolidine‐2‐thione quantitatively. The latter can be easily estimated by high‐performance liquid chromatography. This is the background of the proposed analytical procedure that permits rapid analysis of about 100 samples per day using about 25 mg of crambe meal (five seeds) for assay. The method can also be used to select for glucosinolate content in rapeseed and, probably with some adjustment, all crops that have a 2‐hydroxy‐glucosinolate as the main glucosinolate.
Inheritance of growth vigour and its association with other characters in chickpea
Authors: Sabaghpour S. H. , Kumar J. , Rao T. N.
Published: November 2004

Growth vigour plays an important role in the establishment of a normal crop. The F2 population of a cross between high‐ and low‐growth vigour varieties of chickpea segregated into 15 high : 1 low growth vigour. The results for recombinant inbred lines and BC1P2 showed a good fit to the expected 3 : 1 ratio. The results indicated that growth vigour is controlled by two genes with duplicate dominant epistasis. No gene has so far been identified for growth vigour in chickpea. Correlation between growth vigour and other characters showed that high growth vigour had significant negative correlation with days to first flower, days to 50% flowering, days to first pod and days to maturity.
Thymalfasin: an immune system enhancer for the treatment of liver disease
Authors: SJOGREN MARIA H
Published: November 2004

Abstract  Thymalfasin (thymosin‐alpha 1) is an immunomodulating agent able to enhance the Th1 immune response. It has been evaluated for its immunomodulatory activities and related therapeutic potential in several diseases, including chronic hepatitis B and C, AIDS, primary immunodeficiency diseases, depressed response to vaccination and cancer. The basis for effectiveness in these conditions is primarily through modulation of immunological responsiveness, as thymalfasin has been shown to have beneficial effects on numerous immune system parameters and to increase T‐cell differentiation and maturation.

Thymalfasin is responsible for reconstitution of immune function when thymic tissue is given back to thymectomized animals. In addition, thymalfasin has been shown to have efficacy in multiple experimental models of immune dysfunction, mainly, infectious diseases such as hepatitis (woodchuck) and influenza (mouse), and cancer such as melanoma (mouse) and colorectal carcinoma (rat) where thymalfasin has shown antitumor effects.

© 2004 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd
Hypoxia‐inducible factor‐2α is involved in enhanced apoptosis in the placenta from pregnancies with fetal growth restriction
Authors: Dai Shu‐Yan , Kanenishi Kenji , Ueno Masaki , Sakamoto Haruhiko , Hata Toshiyuki
Published: November 2004

The aim of the present study is to investigate whether hypoxia‐inducible factors (HIF‐1α, HIF‐2α, HIF‐1β) are involved in enhanced apoptosis in the human placenta from pregnancies with fetal growth restriction (FGR). Placental samples were obtained from women with normal term pregnancy (n = 18) or from pregnancy with FGR (n = 12). Placenta apoptosis was assessed by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase deoxy‐UTP‐nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining. The expressions of HIF‐1α, HIF‐2α, and HIF‐1β were examined by immunohistochemical analysis. Enhanced apoptosis was observed in the placenta from pregnancies with FGR compared with normal term placenta. The apoptosis index in FGR group (1.45 ± 1.26%) was significantly higher than that in the normal control group (0.18 ± 0.16%; P < 0.01). There were no significant differences in the intensity of the staining for HIF‐1α and HIF‐1β expressions between two groups, while HIF‐2α was overexpressed in the placenta from pregnancies with FGR group (P < 0.05). The upregulation of HIF‐2α protein expression in the placenta from pregnancies with FGR may, at least in part, be involved in the increased placental apoptosis.
Higher frequency of p53 gene mutations in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma with MALT component
Authors: Tai Yan‐Chin , Tan Jin‐Ai Mary Anne , Peh Suat‐Cheng
Published: November 2004

p53 gene mutation is not a frequent event in the tumorigenesis of lymphomas and the expression of p53 protein is independent of p53 gene mutations. The present study aimed to investigate mutations in the p53 gene in a series of extranodal B‐cell lymphomas, and its association with p53 protein expression. A total of 52 cases were graded histologically into Grade 1, Grade 2 and Grade 3 tumors and p53 protein expression was detected using immunohistochemistry. Mutations in the p53 gene were analyzed using polymerase chain reaction single‐strand conformation polymorphism (PCR‐SSCP) and mobility shifts were confirmed by direct sequencing. The tumors comprised 26 (50%) Grade 1, 9 (17%) Grade 2 and 15 (29%) Grade 3. A high proportion of Grade 2 (25%) tumors expressed p53 protein (P = 0.051) and carried p53 gene mutation (33%) (P = 0.218). However, p53 protein expression was not associated with p53 gene mutations (P = 0.057). Transversion mutations (88%) were more frequently detected than transition mutations (12%). The present study revealed that p53 gene mutations and p53 protein expression occurred in higher frequencies in Grade 2 tumors, which may be of pathogenetic importance. The high frequency of transversion mutations may reflect the influence of an etiological agent in the tumorigenesis of mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue (MALT lymphoma).
Appendix II: How to use antibacterial agents in the elderly
Authors:   The committee for The Japanese Respiratory Society guidelines in management of respiratory infections
Published: November 2004

Appendix II: How to use antibacterial agents in the elderly

The committee for The Japanese Respiratory Society guidelines in management of respiratory infections. Respirology 2004; 9: S56–S59