bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Methods for reducing lipid oxidation in fish‐oil‐enriched energy bars
Authors: Nielsen Nina Skall , Jacobsen Charlotte
Published: December 2008

Fish oil (FO) enrichment of foods is relevant owing to the beneficial effects of omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on human health. However, the susceptibility of FO to oxidation necessitates careful control to avoid this oxidation. In this study, energy bars were successfully supplemented with 5% FO. Heating of bars during baking did, apparently, not increase oxidation. Energy bars produced with neat FO were oxidatively unstable as measured by peroxide value, secondary volatile oxidation products and sensory analysis. Pre‐emulsification of the FO with sodium caseinate in water offered similar protection towards oxidation as packaging the energy bars in modified atmosphere. These protection methods were although not as efficient as addition of FO as micro‐encapsulated powder. Addition of the metal chelator ethylene diamine tetra‐acetic acid (EDTA) (100–2000 ppm) to emulsified FO decreased the oxidative stability of the energy bars compared with the energy bars with emulsified FO but without EDTA.
Fine‐scale life‐history variation in sociable weavers in relation to colony size
Authors: Spottiswoode Claire N.
Published: December 2008

This study investigates the mechanistic and ecological basis of phenotypic sorting in the sociable weaver Philetairus socius (Latham). In this colonially and communally breeding African bird, morphology, condition, age‐specific survival rates and reproductive investment vary with colony size.

This variation might arise from non‐adaptive constraints imposed by density dependence, or from adaptive life‐history responses to colony size‐dependent selection pressures. To attempt to distinguish these, the environments in which adults made reproductive decisions and in which offspring developed were manipulated.

When food supplementation improved the pre‐breeding environment of adults, they bred earlier but did not change investment in eggs or incubation.

Nestling and subsequent adult phenotypes were unaffected by supplementary feeding, although post‐fledging survival improved. Nestling origin and not rearing environment predicted phenotype in a cross‐fostering experiment between colonies.

Phenotypic differences among colonies hence seemed not to be plastic responses to resource availability. Life‐history differentiation, mediated either genetically or maternally, might have taken place over relatively narrow temporal and spatial scales.

Adaptive variation in reproductive investment could thus mitigate costs of large colony size, by reducing costs of reproduction and hence improving adult survival. If so, then fine‐scale life‐history adjustment could help to maintain stable variation in colony size.
Mitochondrial 16S DNA variation in populations of Triatoma infestans from Argentina
Authors: SEGURA E. L. , TORRES A. G. , FUSCO O. , GARCÍA B. A.
Published: December 2008

Abstract Variation in the mtDNA 16S ribosomal RNA gene in populations of Triatoma infestans (Klug) was surveyed. DNA sequence comparisons yielded 18 haplotypes among 130 individuals from 16 localities that represent a large proportion of the range of T. infestans in Argentina. The most common genotype in all populations was found in 76.9% of individuals and two other haplotypes were shared among different populations. The remaining 15 haplotypes were present exclusively in one of the populations, suggesting currently low levels of genetic exchange. Analysis of mtDNA 16S sequences uncovered substantial genetic variation among T. infestans populations. Haplotype and nucleotide diversities varied among populations, from 0% to 0.84% and 0% to 0.29%, respectively. It appears that this locus has a low mutation rate. Uncorrected pairwise differences of T. infestans haplotypes ranged from 0% to 1.2%. The molecular phylogeny supported the monophyly of T. infestans haplotypes and clustered two different pairs of haplotypes with a moderate degree of bootstrap support (∼ 60%). Mitochondrial DNA phylogeographic differentiation was not evident, suggesting a recent rapid spread of the species. Analysis of molecular variance showed hierarchical structure in the data. Considerably less variation was found among T. infestans populations from the northwest and northeast regions than among those belonging to the central area. Such a lack of variation may be indicative of one or more past population bottlenecks.
Luring houseflies (Musca domestica) to traps: do cuticular hydrocarbons and visual cues increase catch?
Authors: HANLEY M. E. , CRUICKSHANKS K. L. , DUNN D. , STEWART‐JONES A. , GOULSON D.
Published: December 2008

Abstract Houseflies (Musca domestica L.) are a major pest species of livestock units and landfill sites. Insecticide resistance has resulted in an increased emphasis on lure‐and‐kill control methods, but the success of this approach relies on the effective attraction of houseflies with olfactory or visual stimuli. This study examined the efficacy of olfactory (cuticular hydrocarbons) or visual (colours and groups of flies) attractants in a commercial poultry unit. Despite simulating the cuticular hydrocarbon profiles of male and female houseflies, we found no significant increase in the number of individuals lured to traps and no sex‐specific responses were evident. The use of target colours selected to match the three peaks in housefly visual spectral sensitivity yielded no significant increase in the catch rate of traps to which they were applied. This study also demonstrated that male and female flies possess significantly different spectral reflectance (males are brighter at 320–470 nm; females are brighter at 470–670 nm). An experiment incorporating groups of recently killed flies from which cuticular hydrocarbons were either removed by solvent or left intact also failed to show any evidence of olfactory or visual attraction for houseflies of either sex. This study concluded that variations of the most commonly applied methods of luring houseflies to traps in commercial livestock units fail to significantly increase capture rates. These results support commonly observed inconsistencies associated with using olfactory or visual stimuli in lure‐and‐kill systems, possibly because field conditions lessen the attractant properties observed in laboratory experiments.
Field and laboratory studies in a Neotropical population of the spinose ear tick,Otobius megnini
Authors: NAVA S. , MANGOLD A. J. , GUGLIELMONE A. A.
Published: December 2008

AbstractOne ear of each of five cows on a property close to Dean Funes, province of Córdoba, Argentina, was inspected monthly from December 2004 to November 2006 to determine the presence ofOtobius megnini(Dugès) and to ascertain its seasonality. Ticks were collected to study the biological parameters of larvae, nymphs and adult ticks. Groups of nymphs were also maintained at three different photoperiods at 25 °C. The abundance of immature stages was greatest during January–April and August–October in the first and second years of the study, respectively. No larvae successfully moulted. Nymphs weighing < 17 mg also failed to moult, but 89% of heavier nymphs moulted into adults. Nymphs moulting to males weighed less (49.5 ± 16.09 mg) than nymphs moulting to females (98.1 ± 34.08 mg). The pre‐moult period was similar for nymphs moulting to either sex and significantly longer (P < 0.01) for female nymphs maintained at 25 °C compared with nymphs kept at 27 °C. No effect of photoperiod on the pre‐moult periods of nymphs was detected. Female ticks produced a mean of 7.0 ± 1.94 egg batches after a preoviposition period of 16.4 ± 8.41 days for the first batch. The mean oviposition period was 61 ± 20.8 days and the duration of oviposition for each batch varied from 1 to 6 days. The mean number of eggs per batch was 93.1 ± 87.53. The minimum incubation period for the first egg batch was 13.6 ± 2.77 days. The total number of eggs laid by each female was 651.6 ± 288.90. Parthenogenesis was not observed. The reproductive efficiency index (REI) (number of eggs laid/weight of female in mg) was 5.5 ± 1.26. Pearson’s correlations showed a significant direct relationship between the weight of the female and number of eggs laid (P < 0.01) and REI (P < 0.05). Several of the biological values presented above for the tick population from the Neotropical zoogeographic region showed marked differences to equivalent values forO. megninipopulations from the U.S.A. (Nearctic) and India (Oriental). Nevertheless, the only two sequences of 16S rDNA deposited in GenBank from ticks originating in Argentina and allegedly in the U.S.A. indicate that they are conspecific (99.8% agreement). We tentatively consider the biological differences among populations of this tick species to represent adaptations for survival at different conditions.
Mating strategy in Aleochara bilineata: sperm storage and allocation
Authors: LIZÉ ANNE , CORTESERO ANNE MARIE , POINSOT DENIS , BOIVIN GUY
Published: December 2008

Abstract By contrast to females that can maximize reproductive success with only one or a few copulations, males generally increase their fitness with frequency of mating. Sperm storage and allocation is therefore crucial for both male and female fitness. Sperm storage in Aleochara bilineata (Coleoptera; Staphylinidae) is investigated by measuring the number of spermatozoa stored in the female spermatheca after single, double or triple successive copulations with different males. The potential advantages of polyandry are studied in terms of the number of sperm stored by females mated twice with the same male (i.e. repeated copulation), compared with females mated twice with two different virgin males (i.e. polyandry). Level of polygyny is also estimated by measuring sperm allocation when ten successive mates are offered to a virgin male. Aleochara bilineata females store the sperm of the same or different males additively, suggesting no advantage for polyandry in terms of the number of sperm stored. A virgin male is able to inseminate ten different females but the number of sperm transferred decreases linearly. Finally, the latencies and durations of copulations are measured in all experiments to estimate changes according to the male or female status (i.e. virgin or mated). The latency before mating is higher when females are virgin than when females have already mated.
Allochronic taxa as an alternative model to explain circumantarctic disjunctions
Authors: AMORIM DALTON S. , SANTOS CHARLES MORPHY D. , OLIVEIRA SARAH S. DE
Published: December 2008

Abstract Most biogeographical studies propose that southern temperate faunal disjunctions are either the result of vicariance of taxa originated in Gondwana or the result of transoceanic dispersal of taxa originated after the breakup of Gondwana. The aim of this paper is to show that this is a false dichotomy. Antarctica retained a mild climate until mid‐Cenozoic and had lasting connections, notably with southern South America and Australia. Both taxa originally Gondwanan and taxa secondarily on Gondwanan areas were subjected to tectonic‐induced vicariance, and there is no need to invoke ad hoc transoceanic dispersal, even for post‐Gondwanan taxa. These different elements with circumantarctic distributions are here called ‘allochronic taxa’– taxa presently occupying the same area, but whose presence in that area does not belong to the same time period. This model allows accommodation of conflicting sources of evidence now available for many groups with circumantarctic distributions. The fact that the species from both layers are mixed up in the current biodiversity implies the need to use additional sources of evidence – such as biogeographical, palaeontological, geological and molecular – to discriminate which are the original Gondwanan and which are post‐Gondwanan elements in austral landmasses.
The Arabidopsis gene YS1 encoding a DYW protein is required for editing of rpoB transcripts and the rapid development of chloroplasts during early growth
Authors: Zhou Wenbin , Cheng Yuxiang , Yap Aaron , Chateigner‐Boutin Anne‐Laure , Delannoy Etienne , Hammani Kamel , Small Ian , Huang Jirong
Published: December 2008

Virescence, a phenotype in which leaves green more slowly than usual, is recognized to play a role in protection from photo‐oxidative damage before healthy chloroplasts are developed. The elucidation of the molecular mechanisms underlying virescence will provide insights into how the development of chloroplasts is controlled. In this study, we find that knockout alleles of Yellow Seedlings 1 (YS1) in Arabidopsis lead to a virescent phenotype, which disappears by 3 weeks after germination. The ys1 mutation resulted in marked decreases in photosynthetic capacity and photosynthetic pigment complexes, and disturbed ultrastructure of thylakoid membranes in 8‐day‐old seedlings. However, cotyledons of ys1 seedlings pre‐treated in the dark for 5 days turn green almost as fast as the wild type in light, revealing that the developmental defects in ys1 are limited to the first few days after germination. Inspection of all known plastid RNA editing and splicing events revealed that YS1 is absolutely required for editing of site 25992 in rpoB transcripts encoding the beta subunit of the plastid‐encoded RNA polymerase (PEP). YS1 is a nuclear‐encoded chloroplast‐localized pentatricopeptide repeat protein differing from previously described editing factors in that it has a C‐terminal DYW motif. A defect in PEP activity is consistent with the changes in plastid transcript patterns observed in ys1 seedlings. We conclude that the activity of PEP containing RpoB translated from unedited transcripts is insufficient to support rapid chloroplast differentiation.
Genetic variation in phytosterol content of winter rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) and development of NIRS calibration equations
Authors: Amar S. , Becker H. C. , Möllers C.
Published: December 2008

Rapeseed oil is one of the richest natural sources of phytosterols, known to reduce the LDL‐cholesterol levels, one of the major cardiovascular disease risk factors. Increasing the phytosterol content in rapeseed could give an added value to the oil and derived products. Our objective was to analyse the genetic variation of phytosterol content in modern winter rapeseed cultivars and resynthesized lines following field experiments and to develop a near‐infrared reflectance spectroscopic (NIRS) calibration for high throughput estimation of phytosterol content. Phytosterol content as analysed by gas–liquid chromatography ranged from 3565 to 4800 mg/kg seed for modern cultivars and from 2079 to 4329 mg/kg seed for resynthesized lines. The NIRS calibration showed a high fraction of explained variance in cross‐validation of 0.81 for total phytosterol content and the standard error of cross‐validation was 241 mg/kg. The results show that the cultivars contain already high phytosterol contents. The NIRS calibrations developed for total phytosterol content should be useful for germplasm screening and in breeding programmes aimed at increasing the phytosterol content in rapeseed.
Inheritance of very high glucosinolate content in Ethiopian mustard seeds
Authors: Márquez‐Lema A. , Fernández‐Martínez J. M. , Pérez‐Vich B. , Velasco L.
Published: December 2008

Seed meal amendments rich in glucosinolates are of interest for soil pest and disease control. The Ethiopian mustard (Brassica carinata A. Braun) line N2‐6215, with very high levels of seed glucosinolates (160 μmol/g), was developed from the line C‐101 (116 μmol/g) following mutagenesis. The objective of this research was to study the inheritance of very high seed glucosinolate content. Plants of N2‐6215 were reciprocally crossed with plants of the line C‐101. The F1, F2, and BC1F1 plant generations were evaluated in two environments and seeds from individual plants were analysed for total glucosinolate content. The very high glucosinolate content in N2‐6215 seeds was largely subject to maternal control. No cytoplasmic effects were detected. The trait was found to be oligogenic and determined by at least two or three genes. The estimates of broad‐sense heritability were 0.45 and 0.58 in both environments, whereas the estimates of narrow‐sense heritability were 0.35 and 0.50. The moderate heritability and oligogenic control of the trait suggest the feasibility of breeding for increased seed glucosinolate content in Ethiopian mustard.
Changes in the expression of claudins in active ulcerative colitis
Authors: Oshima Tadayuki , Miwa Hiroto , Joh Takashi
Published: December 2008

Background and Aim:  Epithelial barrier function is impaired in ulcerative colitis (UC), but the pathophysiological mechanisms leading to this barrier defect are still far from clear. Because epithelial barrier function is primarily regulated by the most apical intercellular junction, referred to as the tight junction (TJ), we investigated the expression of TJ proteins on rectal epithelial mucosa in UC.

Methods:  Biopsies from the rectum of patients with active UC and of controls were studied. Tight‐junction proteins were dual stained using specific antibodies (claudin‐1, ‐2, ‐3, ‐4, and ‐7) as primary antibodies, and Cy‐3 conjugated anti‐rabbit IgG and Alexa488‐conjugated anti‐mouse IgG as secondary antibodies. Samples were analyzed by immunofluorescence microscopy. Immunoblotting and real‐time polymerase chain reaction were performed to quantify TJ proteins and mRNA, respectively.

Results:  At TJ, claudin‐4 and ‐7 staining was down‐regulated in active UC, whereas claudin‐2 staining was up‐regulated. Claudin‐4 and ‐7 proteins were down‐regulated on immunoblotting, whereas claudin‐2 protein was up‐regulated in active UC. Claudin‐1 and ‐3 expression levels were unchanged in controls and active UC. In active UC claudin‐2 mRNA was increased, whereas claudin‐4 and ‐7 mRNA were decreased.

Conclusions:  Down‐regulation of claudin‐4 and claudin‐7, and up‐regulation of claudin‐2, might lead to altered TJ structure and be related to the impaired epithelial function in active UC.
Sonic hedgehog and CDX2 expression in the stomach
Authors: Shiotani Akiko , Kamada Tomoari , Yamanaka Yoshiyuki , Manabe Noriaki , Kusunoki Hiroaki , Hata Jiro , Haruma Ken
Published: December 2008

Sonic hedgehog (Shh) is an essential regulator of patterning processes throughout development, and CDX proteins act as the master regulators for intestinal development and differentiation. Shh and CDX2 seem to be interdependently linked with cellular differentiation through different signal cascades. We have recently shown that the loss of Shh and aberrant expression of CDX2 in Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)–associated atrophic gastritis can be modified by H. pylori eradication prior to incomplete intestinal metaplasia. On the other hand, abnormal signaling of the hedgehog pathway has been reported in gastric cancer, especially diffuse‐type cancer and advanced gastric cancer, and Shh acts as a proliferation factor in both the normal mucosa and malignant lesions. CDX2 expressed in the early stage of gastric carcinogenesis is associated with the intestinal phenotypic region and thus with a better outcome. However, it remains unclear how Shh and CDX2 are involved with intestinal transformation and further carcinogenesis.
Tailored eradication therapy based on fecalHelicobacter pyloriclarithromycin sensitivities
Authors: Kawai Takashi , Yamagishi Tetsuya , Yagi Kenji , Kataoka Mikinori , Kawakami Kohei , Sofuni Atsushi , Itoi Takao , Sakai Yoshihiro , Moriyasu Fuminori , Osaka Yoshiaki , Takagi Yu , Aoki Tatsuya , Rimbara Emiko , Noguchi Norihisa , Sasatsu Masanori
Published: December 2008

Background and Aim: Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori) eradication rates using the PPI/AC regimen (proton pump inhibitor + amoxicillin + clarithromycin) are declining. We trialed tailoring eradication regimens according to clarithromycin (CAM) susceptibility.

Methods: The subjects were 70H. pyloripositive adults. They were randomly allocated to a tailored group and a control group. In the tailored group, subjects with CAM‐sensitive strains were given PPI/AC eradication therapy, and those with CAM‐resistant strains were given PPI/AM (metronidazole instead of clarithromycin) therapy. The control group were all given PPI/AC therapy. CAM sensitivity was measured by collecting fecal specimens, and extracting the DNA. The 23S rRNA domain, associated with CAM susceptibility inH. pylori, was amplified using a nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and DNA sequencing was used to detect point mutations at A2143G and A2144G.

Results: Eradication rates were 94.3% in the tailored group and 71.4% in the control group. In particular, the eradication rate was 100% for CAM‐resistant strains in the tailored group.

Conclusions: In Japan, where CAM‐resistantH. pyloristrains are expected to continue to increase, tailored eradication therapy according to CAM sensitivity will be of benefit.
The spectra of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID) in a Japanese hospital outpatient department according to the ROME II Integrative Questionnaire
Authors: Nakajima Shigemi
Published: December 2008

Background and Aim:  To investigate the spectra of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID) in outpatients in Japan, FGID were diagnosed and classified using ROME II.

Methods:  Patients who visited Social Insurance Shiga Hospital with symptoms lasting >12 weeks over a 12‐month period without organic diseases were enrolled. A total of 61 patients answered the ROME II Integrative Questionnaire. The answers were analyzed automatically by a computer program according to the Codes for Rome II Integrative Questionnaire. Age‐adjusted ratios of FGID patients were investigated.

Results:  Of 61 patients, 54 were diagnosed as having FGID. The ratio of male/female was 29/25, and the age was distributed from 26 to 92 years (mean, 57.8 years). There was no significant difference in age between the sexes. The adjusted ratio of FGID patients increased with age with significant correlation (P = 0.00385). Of the 54 patients, 23 (42.6%) had overlapping FGID. A total of 85 FGID were diagnosed in 54 patients (including 15 cases of unspecified functional bowel disorder, 14 of irritable bowel syndrome [IBS], 13 of functional fecal incontinence, 12 of functional abdominal bloating, and eight of functional dyspepsia [FD]). The adjusted ratio of patients was significantly correlated to age in cases of unspecified functional bowel disorder, functional fecal incontinence, and functional abdominal bloating, but not in IBS or FD.

Conclusions:  The ROME II Integrative Questionnaire and automatic analyzer were useful tools in diagnosing and classifying FGID. Approximately 40% FGID patients had overlapping conditions. The adjusted ratio of patients in some FGID was significantly correlated with age.
Evaluation of EORTC QLQ‐C30 questionnaire in patients undergoing in‐hospital chemotherapy for gastrointestinal cancer in Japan
Authors: Kato Junko , Nagahara Akihito , Iijima Katsuyori , Yoshimura Miho , Osada Taro , Yoshizawa Takashi , Watanabe Sumio
Published: December 2008

Background and Aim:  There have been few studies in Japan of the utility of quality of life (QOL) questionnaires as an evaluation of chemotherapy for gastrointestinal (GI) cancer. The present study investigated whether QOL can be an indicator of the clinical benefit of chemotherapy, by analyzing the changes in the QOL scores of patients who underwent in‐hospital chemotherapy for GI cancer.

Methods:  From August 2004 to August 2006, 75 patients with GI cancer who were scheduled to undergo in‐hospital chemotherapy were studied. The QOL score was measured with a questionnaire, the European Organization for Research Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ‐C30 (version 3.0, Japanese version), before chemotherapy, and at 2 weeks and 1 month after the initiation of chemotherapy. Patients were divided into three groups according to the clinical response to chemotherapy (partial response [PR], no change [NC], and progressive disease [PD]).

Results:  In total, 65 patients were included in the analysis. Global QOL and physical functioning scores worsened significantly at 2 weeks. Pain and constipation scores improved significantly at 1 month. Nausea and vomiting, appetite loss, and diarrhea scores worsened significantly at 2 weeks. The global QOL score improved significantly after chemotherapy in the PR group. The pain score improved significantly in the PR and NC groups after chemotherapy. QOL scores improved in the NC group to almost the same level as in the PR group, whereas QOL worsened in the PD group.

Conclusions:  Measurement of QOL score is a meaningful marker of the benefit of chemotherapy, other than tumor reduction. The NC group could be considered to have responded with improved QOL.
Extracellular HSP70 blocks CD40L‐induced apoptosis and tubular formation in endothelial cells
Authors: Futagami Seiji , Hiratsuka Tetsuro , Shindo Tomotaka , Hamamoto Tatsuhiko , Horie Akane , Ueki Nobue , Kusunoki Masafumi , Gudis Katya , Miyake Kazumasa , Tsukui Taku , Sakamoto Choitsu
Published: December 2008

Background:  Recent studies have shown that CD40, a key player in angiogenesis and tubular formation, is an extracellular receptor of the heat shock protein 70 (HSP70)–peptide complex in endothelial cells. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of extracellular HSP70 treatment on CD40L‐suppressed apoptosis and CD40L‐induced tubular formation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC).

Methods:  The apoptotic index of CD40L‐stimulated HUVEC with or without recombinant human HSP70 was evaluated using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase biotin‐dUTP nick end labeling assay analysis. Binding of HSP70‐peptide complex to CD40 on HUVEC was determined by double‐labeling immunofluorescence methods. To evaluate the biological activity of CD40 engagement pretreated with rhHSP70 (0.5, 1 and 3 ng/mL), the extent of new capillary‐like networking structure (tubular formation) formation in HUVEC was counted using an Olympus digital camera. Vascular invasion into MNK‐28 cell clusters was assessed by counting the number of tubular structures extending from the HUVEC into growth factor‐depleted Matrigel. Scores for CD34, HSP70 and CD40L expression levels in gastric cancer tissues were determined by immunostaining.

Results:  CD40L stimulation inhibited vincristine‐induced apoptosis of HUVEC in a dose‐dependent manner. Extracellular HSP70 treatment significantly blocked the inhibition of apoptosis by CD40L in HUVEC exposed to vincristine. HSP70–peptide complex bound to CD40 on HUVEC. Extracellular HSP70 treatment also significantly reduced CD40L‐induced tubular formation in a dose‐dependent manner. HSP70 treatment also suppressed invasive tubular formation into MKN‐28 cells clusters by CD40L‐activated HUVEC. There was a significant relationship between CD40L expression levels and microvessel density; however, the relationship between HSP70 expression level and microvessel density in gastric cancer tissues was not significant.

Conclusions:  Extracellular HSP70 treatment blocks CD40L inhibition of apoptosis and CD40L induction of tubular formation in HUVEC.
Involvement of bone marrow‐derived stromal cells in gastrointestinal cancer development and metastasis
Authors: Ishii Shuji , Tsuji Shingo , Tsujii Masahiko , Kanazawa Yoshiyuki , Nishida Tsutomu , Iijima Hideki , Yasumaru Masakazu , Irie Takanobu , Yamamoto Katsumi , Tsutsui Shusaku , Eguchi Hiroshi , Kawano Sunao , Hayashi Norio
Published: December 2008

Background:  The involvement of bone marrow (BM) in tumor‐stroma reactions or tumor development has not been examined in a cancer allograft, which has otherwise been appropriate for assessing therapeutic modalities. We investigated the fate of BM‐derived cells in colon cancer allografts and liver metastases in mice.

Methods:  C57BL/6 mice were irradiated and rescued by BM transplantation from green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐transgenic mice. MC38 colon cancer cells were stably transfected with the pDsRed gene in order to identify tumor cells by fluorescence. These were inoculated into the mice to generate subcutaneous allografted tumors or liver metastases. The tumors were observed under confocal microscopy and fluorescent immunohistochemistry to determine the fate of tumor versus BM‐derived cells.

Results:  GFP‐positive (GFP+) cells were consistently identified as vimentin+, α‐smooth muscle actin (αSMA)+, spindle‐shaped stromal cells in both the subcutaneous tumors and the liver metastases. GFP+ cells of leukocyte lineage also infiltrated the tumors. Neither GFP+ CD31+ endothelial cells nor GFP+ DsRed+ cells were detected in the tumor.

Conclusions:  BM‐derived cells frequently and consistently infiltrated the tumor allografts and metastases as interstitial cells and leukocytes. Cells derived from the fusion of BM cells and tumor cells were not observed. This model may be appropriate for the clarification of the effects of anticancer therapies and the study of BM‐derived cells in tumor–host interactions.
Normalization of pH level and gastric mucosa after eradication of H. pylori in the remnant stomach
Authors: Kato Shunji , Matsukura Norio , Matsuda Noriko , Tsuchiya Shinichi , Naito Zenya , Tajiri Takashi
Published: December 2008

Background:  The Updated Sydney System (USS) is used to evaluate chronic gastritis and chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) due to H. pylori infection. Here, we investigated USS scores and gastric juice pH levels in H. pylori infection‐positive or ‐eradicated patients with remnant stomach after surgery.

Methods:  Gastric juice pH levels were measured using pH test‐tape in 197 patients (112 H. pylori‐positive and 85 H. pylori‐negative after eradication) who had undergone distal gastrectomy and conventional H. pylori eradication therapy.

Results:  In H. pylori infection‐positive remnant stomach cases, gastric juice pH showed a reverse correlation with pepsinogen I/II ratio, and H. pylori infection‐negative patients following eradication showed associations with the degree of atrophy and intestinal metaplasia at both the anastomosis and in the corpus. Further, pH levels in these patients were normalized time depending after the eradication in the remnant stomach.

Conclusions:  Eradication therapy for the remnant stomach contributes to the possible improvement of stomach conditions by controlling the pH level of gastric juice. This effect will be protective against the risk of secondary stomach carcinogenesis in the remnant stomach.
Impact of transnasal ultrathin esophagogastroduodenoscopy (UT‐EGD) in the evaluation of esophageal peristaltic function
Authors: Kawai Takashi , Yamagishi Tetsuya , Yagi Kenji , Kataoka Mikinori , Kawakami Kohei , Sofuni Atsushi , Itoi Takao , Sakai Yoshihiro , Moriyasu Fuminori , Osaka Yoshiaki , Takagi Yu , Aoki Tatsuya
Published: December 2008

Background:  We used transnasal ultrathin esophagogastroduodenoscopy (UT‐EGD) to simultaneously perform realtime esophageal manometry and observe esophageal peristalsis.

Methods:  The subjects were 22 healthy volunteers and 10 patients with proton‐pump inhibitor (PPI) dependent gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). We induced the primary peristaltic wave associated with swallowing and observed it endoscopically in the lower esophagus, at the same time measuring the intraesophageal pressure using a manometry catheter.

Results:  The mean primary peristaltic amplitude associated with swallowing was 65.6 ± 47.4 mmHg in the volunteer group, and 28.0 ± 25.6 mmHg in the GERD group. Although peristalsis was observed endoscopically in the GERD group, in some cases incomplete peristalsis left a small but definite lumen and in these subjects, the primary peristaltic wave was almost flat.

Conclusions:  The use of an ultrathin transnasal endoscope makes possible simultaneous manometry and endoscopic observation of the esophagus. This combination should prove useful in the evaluation of esophageal peristaltic function, such as in the diagnosing of GERD.
Taishotoyama Symposium Barriers to colorectal cancer screening: Economics, capacity and adherence
Authors: Inadomi John M
Published: December 2008

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States (U.S.). Fecal occult blood testing has been shown in randomized controlled trials to decrease mortality from colorectal cancer. The incidence and mortality associated with colorectal cancer has also been illustrated to be decreased with sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy through case‐control and prospective cohort studies. Current research focuses on determining which screening strategy is optimal, and how we may improve implementation. Primary screening colonoscopy may be most effective; however, this strategy would require up to 2.6 procedures per patient over their lifetime. Based on the U.S. census this equates to 7.5 million procedures annually; the current capacity in the U.S. is insufficient to provide this strategy for all eligible persons. Computed tomographic or magnetic resonance colonography (virtual colonoscopy) may be an attractive alternative, but capacity is also insufficient for implementation. Moreover, since virtual colonoscopy is a diagnostic but not therapeutic test, economic analysis has illustrated that this strategy will not be cost‐effective compared to conventional colonoscopy unless it becomes much less expensive or is associated with greater adherence. Fecal DNA testing is a promising technology but current biomarkers are insufficiently sensitive to constitute a viable strategy. Newer tests such as self‐propelled, self‐guided endoscopes (Aer‐O‐Scope), ‘active’ endoscopes that decrease looping (Neoguide) and colon capsule endoscopy require formal evaluation through clinical trials prior to endorsement for colorectal cancer screening. Less than half of all eligible persons in the U.S. adhere to screening recommendations. Factors associated with screening adherence include the patient's level of education, income, access to health care, a family history of colon cancer, male gender and recommendation from the primary care physician. Conversely, non‐adherence is associated with concern over the bowel preparation and fear of discomfort and embarrassment with the procedure. Moreover, it appears that the presence of multiple strategies may be the cause of non‐adherence in many cases. Patients who are given a choice of several strategies are less likely to adhere to any strategy than patients who are recommended a single strategy. To increase adherence to colorectal cancer screening it is recommended that the patient be instructed to undergo the test to which they are most likely to adhere. Future research should focus on interventions to improve patient adherence to screening, and on developing accurate tests that will achieve high levels of adherence.
Proton pump inhibitors and recurrent bleeding in peptic ulcer disease
Authors: Tajima Akihiro , Koizumi Kazuhito , Suzuki Kazuyoshi , Higashi Naoko , Takahashi Morio , Shimada Tadahito , Terano Akira , Hiraishi Hideyuki , Kuwayama Hajime
Published: December 2008

Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is one of the main lesions responsible for upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, as well as esophageal varices and Mallory–Weiss tear. Helicobacter pylori and non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)/aspirin are the major responsible causes. In cases of upper GI bleeding, urgent endoscopy is performed after stabilization of vital signs. There are several modalities for controlling bleeding in PUD, such as ethanol injection or hypertonic saline with epinephrine. Recurrent bleeding occurs in 20% of patients after endoscopic therapy. The combination of endoscopic intervention and a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) is necessary to achieve hemostasis of active bleeding. It has been reported that high‐dose omeprazole (80 mg bolus injection, then 8 mg/h continuous infusion for 72 h, then 40 mg/day orally for 1 week) can reduce recurrent bleeding, the need for surgery and mortality from hemorrhagic shock in patients with high‐risk peptic ulcer bleeding, as compared with standard‐dose omeprazole. The metabolism of PPIs is dependent upon P450 2C19 genotypes and the clinical usefulness of genotypic analysis remains to be determined.
Confocal endomicroscopy in patients with ulcerative colitis
Authors: Watanabe Osamu , Ando Takafumi , Maeda Osamu , Hasegawa Motofusa , Ishikawa Daisuke , Ishiguro Kazuhiro , Ohmiya Naoki , Niwa Yasumasa , Goto Hidemi
Published: December 2008

Background:  Confocal endomicroscopy is a new technology that provides microscopic images of cellular morphology in the gastrointestinal tract in vivo. In particular, confocal microendoscopy allows histological diagnosis during the endoscopic examination. We examined patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) using confocal endoscopy and investigated the features of confocal endomicroscopic images of inflamed and non‐inflamed rectal mucosa.

Methods:  Seventeen patients with UC, 12 in the active phase and 5 in the non‐active phase, and 14 non‐UC control patients who had colon polyps or colon cancer underwent colonoscopy, during which fluorescence images of the rectal mucosa were obtained with confocal endomicroscopy. Histological findings of rectal biopsy specimens were compared with the microendoscopic images.

Results:  Confocal microendoscopy allowed observation of cellular and subcellular structures. The crypts of normal colonic mucosa were small, round and regularly arranged, and the crypt lumens of the colonic glands were small and round. The crypts of colonic mucosa in non‐active UC were small, round and slightly irregular in arrangement and the crypt lumens of the colonic glands were small and round. Inflammatory cells and capillaries were visible in the lamina propria. The crypts of colonic mucosa in active UC were large, variously shaped and irregular in arrangement. The crypt lumens of the colonic glands were large and the crypt structure could not be recognized in some areas. Numerous inflammatory cells and capillaries were visible in the lamina propria.

Conclusions:  Images taken with the confocal microendoscope provided information that was equivalent to conventional histology, and improve our understanding of the differences in rectal tissues (crypts, capillaries and inflammatory cells) between normal controls and active and non‐active UC patients during ongoing endoscopy.
Development and evaluation of the quality of life instrument in chronic liver disease patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy
Authors: Zhou Ying‐qun , Chen Shi‐yao , Jiang Lin‐di , Guo Chuan‐yong , Shen Zhen‐yu , Huang Pei‐xing , Wang Ji‐yao
Published: December 2008

Objectives:  The objective was to develop a valid and reliable health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) assessment tool to measure the functional and health status of patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy (mHE).

Methods:  Items potentially affecting the HRQOL of these patients were identified, based on the responses from 53 patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy, from seven liver experts, four epidemiologists and from a PubMed search of the literature. Results were explored using factor analysis and redundant questions were eliminated. The final stated questionnaire was used in 178 patients with mHE to evaluate its reliability and validity.

Results:  Thirty‐five items proved to be important for 32 respondents in the item reduction sample. The final instrument included five domains (30 items) which were shown as follows: physical functioning (8 items), psychological well‐being (7 items), symptoms/side effects (7 items), social functioning (4 items) and general‐health (4 items). An inter‐item correlation for each of the five domains ranged from 0.220 to 0.776, with a mean of 0.280. Cronbach's alpha for above five domains was 0.8775, 0.8446, 0.8360, 0.7087 and 0.7016 respectively. The test‐retest coefficients for the five domains were 0.94, 0.93, 0.96, 0.82 and 0.83 respectively. Factor analysis showed preservation of five components structure. Cumulative variance of principal components was 63.12%. Patients with more advanced disease seemed to have more impairment of their well‐being, especially in the symptoms/side effects domain.

Conclusions:  The instrument is short, easy to administer and is of good validity and reliability in patients with mHE.
Validation of structured scoring using the LA classification for esophagitis and endoscopically suspected Barrett's esophagus in a tertiary Asian endoscopy center
Authors: Wong Reuben‐KM , Yeoh Khay‐Guan , Gwee Kok‐Ann , Tay Hui‐Wen , Ho Khek‐Yu
Published: December 2008

Aim:  To determine the inter‐observer agreement and validity of the LA Classification in scoring the severity of esophagitis in Asian patients.

Methods:  Video endoscopy clips were selected from 45 consecutive patients participating in reflux studies. The videos were viewed by endoscopists who then independently scored the presence, severity and distribution of esophagitis, including endoscopically suspected Barrett's esophagus (ESBE). Each video was discussed and a consensus on findings reached. Kappa (k) correlation was calculated to describe inter‐observer agreement.

Results:  Thirty‐five clips were scored (no esophagitis 20%, grade‐A 54%, grade‐B 23%, grade‐C 3%, respectively and 10 clips were excluded for poor imaging). Excellent agreement was noted on the presence of esophagitis (mean k = 0.79, range 0.77–0.82). Fifteen patients (42%) had ESBE with a mean k of 0.48 (range 0.39–0.60). Inter‐observer agreement on the LA grade was good (mean k = 0.58, range 0.55–0.63), whilst in agreement between endoscopists and consensus grading, the mean kappa rose to 0.77 (range 0.73–0.81). There was a trend of increasing agreement as viewings progressed, with superior kappa correlation after 16 cases. Evaluation of the extent of esophagitis showed good k values using the alternative approach of grouping by circumferential extent (mean k = 0.64, range 0.60–0.67) at the lower categories of severity.

Conclusions:  Scoring using the LA classification for esophagitis and the concurrence on the presence of ESBE showed moderate to strong agreement amongst Asian endoscopists. Our results also suggested that an alternative method of scoring esophagitis based on proportion of circumferential involvement was reliable. A learning effect was observed and reliable scoring was achieved after 16 patients.
Interferon‐induced thyroid dysfunction in chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Jamil Khaleel M , Leedman Peter J , Kontorinis Nickolas , Tarquinio Lorenzo , Nazareth Saroja , McInerney Marion , Connelly Crystal , Flexman James , Burke Valerie , Metcalf Cecily , Cheng Wendy
Published: December 2008

Background:  Treatment of chronic hepatitis C with interferon is known to be associated with thyroid dysfunction (TD) in 5–14% of patients. We studied the incidence, types, outcome and risk factors predictive of thyroid dysfunction.

Methods:  A retrospective analysis was performed on all patients treated with interferon alpha (IFN) or pegylated interferon alpha (PEG‐IFN) ± ribavirin (RBV), who developed abnormal thyroid function tests (TFTs). These cases were compared with treatment‐matched controls to identify factors predictive of thyroid dysfunction. Statistical methods consisted of: χ2 test, Fischer's exact test, Welch's t‐test, and multivariate analysis.

Results:  From a total of 511 patients, 45 cases with TD were identified (8.8%). Pegylated interferon alpha was associated with higher rates of TD than IFN (14.1% vs 6.0%, P = 0.0029). Female sex (OR 5.6, 95% CI 1.1–7) and Asian ethnicity (OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.4–22) were independent predictors of developing TD. Cytology was obtained in 13 patients: benign follicular pattern (8); thyroiditis (3); and normal (2). Thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies (P = 0.004) and earlier onset of dysfunction (P = 0.03) were associated with need for treatment. Sixteen patients had persistent TD by the end of the follow‐up period, predicted by female sex, non‐Asian ethnicity, prior history of TD and TPO antibodies.

Conclusions:  Pegylated interferon alpha, female sex and Asian ethnicity are independent risk factors for TD. Thyroid peroxidase antibodies and earlier TD within the course of IFN are associated with the requirement for treatment. Thyroid function tests should be monitored during and after IFN‐based therapy. The most common cytological finding is a benign follicular pattern.
Iron status and cardiovascular risk factors in patients with haemodialysis versus patients with ischaemic heart disease
Authors: CHENG YI‐CHANG , KUO WEI‐WEN , WU CHIEH‐HSI , SHU WEN‐TONG , KUO CHIA‐HUA , HWANG JIN‐MING , HSU HSI‐HSIEN , CHEN LI‐MING , HUANG CHIH‐YANG , LEE SHIN‐DA
Published: December 2008

Aim:  The study aimed to investigate whether imbalanced iron status in patients with haemodialysis coexisted with abnormal lipid profile, higher inflammatory status and altered growth hormone–insulin‐like growth factor (GH–IGF)‐I axis and to compare these biochemical markers with patients with ischaemic heart disease.

Methods:  Serum samples for biochemical and immunological analyses were collected from 74 normal subjects, 138 patients with ischaemic heart disease (IHD) and 115 patients on haemodialysis (HD).

Results:  Compared with normal subjects, lower serum iron, lower total iron‐binding capacity (TIBC) and higher ferritin in HD patients coexisted with decreases in high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and total bilirubin as well as increases in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), interleukin (IL)‐6, C‐reactive protein (CRP) and IL‐10. Decreased IGF‐I and increased GH were found in HD patients whereas unchanged GH–IGF axis were found in IHD patients. Compared with IHD, much higher ferritin, lower TIBC, lower bilirubin and higher LDH levels were found in HD patients.

Conclusion:  Imbalanced iron status in patients on HD coexisted with abnormal lipid profiles, increased anaerobic activity and higher inflammatory status, which suggests that imbalanced iron status in HD patients may play a deleterious role in cardiovascular pathophysiology. Altered GH–IGF axis found in HD patients was more obvious than in IHD patients. This may imply that the GH–IGF axis system is modulated or adapted by HD.
Disturbed circadian motor activity patterns in postcardiotomy delirium
Authors: Osse Robert Jan , Tulen Joke H. M. , Bogers Ad J. J. C. , Hengeveld Michiel W.
Published: December 2008

Aims:  More than 20% of patients of 65 years or older may develop a delirium after cardiac surgery. Patients with delirium frequently show a disturbed 24‐hr motor activity pattern, but objective and quantitative data are scarce. Our aim was to quantify motor activity patterns in elderly patients with or without a postcardiotomy delirium after elective cardiac surgery.

Methods:  Wrist‐actigraphy was used to quantify 24‐hr motor activity patterns for a 5‐day period following cardiac surgery in 79 patients of 65 years or older. Clinical state was monitored daily by means of the Confusion Assessment Method‐Intensive Care Unit and the Delirium Rating Scale‐Revised 98.

Results:  The activity Amplitude, and the daytime Activity/minute and Restlessness index were significantly higher and the daytime number of Immobility minutes significantly lower for the patients without delirium or with short delirium episodes, as compared to patients with a sustained delirium (>3 days).

Conclusions:  Actigraphy proves to be a valuable instrument for evaluating motor activity patterns in relation to clinical state in patients with a postcardiotomy delirium.