bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A longitudinal study of iron status in children at 12, 24 and 36 months
Authors: Freeman VE , Mulder J , van't Hof MA , Hoey HMV , Gibney MJ
Published: August 2005

Objectives:

To assess iron status in a sample of clinically well, Caucasian children and explore the complex factors which contribute to iron deficiency during infancy.

Design:

Infants recruited at birth and followed longitudinally at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 12, 24 and 36 months; feeding practices and socioeconomic data recorded. Iron status assessed using venous blood at 12, 24 and 36 months.

Setting:

Baseline data recorded in the maternity unit. Follow-up visits took place in the infants' homes and blood sampling in a paediatric hospital.

Subjects:

Subjects comprised a mixed socioeconomic group of healthy children (n=121). Blood samples taken from 85, 72 and 67% at 12, 24 and 36 months, respectively.

Results:

Prevalence of anaemia (Hb < 110 gl−1) in the longitudinal sample (n=76) increased from 2.6% at age 12 months to 9.2% at 24 months, and at age 36 months (n=70) was 8%. The most significant finding was that at age 12 months, cows' milk consumption was negatively associated with iron status. Other variables also had an influence. At both 24 and 36 months the most significant predictor of iron status was earlier iron status.

Conclusions:

Infants born to anaemic mothers or mothers who smoke and infants who consume cows' milk during infancy are at increased risk of developing anaemia. Breast milk is the ideal, but for the infant who is not breast fed an iron fortified formula should be used. Advice to mothers should focus on the importance of introducing nutrient dense complementary foods, such as meat, which contains readily absorbable iron.
Relationship between alcohol and nutrient intakes and blood status indices of older people living in the UK: further analysis of data from the National Diet and Nutrition Survey of people aged 65 years and over, 1994/5
Authors: Walmsley CM , Bates CJ , Prentice A , Cole TJ
Published: August 2005

Objective:

To examine the relationships between alcohol consumption and a range of nutrient intakes and blood status indices in older people.

Design:

National Diet and Nutrition Survey: cross-sectional survey of nationally representative sample of people aged 65 years or over.

Setting:

Mainland Britain during 1994/5.

Subjects:

1198 people (623 males, 575 females) aged 65 years or over, of whom 925 were living in private households and 273 were living in institutions.

Results:

Intermediate alcohol consumption (particularly 0.1–14 units week−1; 1 unit = 8g) derived from a 4-day diet diary or a 12-month recall questionnaire, was associated with higher intakes of vitamins C, E, B1, iron, calcium, energy from food, carbohydrate and non-starch polysaccharides than heavy alcohol consumption (28 + units week−1) or abstinence, after adjustment for a number of factors (age, sex, domicile, social class, cigarette smoking, self-reported health, grip strength and total energy intake). Intermediate alcohol consumption was also associated with higher blood concentrations (independent of intake) of vitamin C, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein and calcium, with the lowest concentrations being found in heavy alcohol users. The lowest concentrations of serum ferritin were found in light drinkers and the highest levels in heavier alcohol drinkers. Alcohol consumption ranging from 0.1 to > 28 units week−1 was directly correlated with intakes of B vitamins, total energy and fat, with blood concentrations (independent of intake) of lycopene. high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, plasma pyridoxal phosphate and retinol, and with blood pressure and grip strength.

Conclusions:

Compared with abstinence and heavy drinking, light to moderate alcohol consumption in older people is associated with higher intakes of certain nutrients, and higher blood concentrations (independent of intake) of some micronutrient status indices, including antioxidants. The explanation for the latter associations remains unclear and further investigation is recommended. Heavier alcohol consumption is associated with both beneficial and adverse effects with respect to nutrient intakes and health status.
Effectiveness of a dietary intervention strategy in general practice: effects on blood lipids, health and well-being
Authors: Træden UI , Holm L , Sandström B , Andersen PK , Jarden M
Published: August 2005

Objectives:

To evaluate the effect of a dietary treatment programme on blood cholesterol concentration in hypercholesterolaemic patients in general practice and to analyse subjectively experienced side-effects.

Design:

A 1-year parallel trial comparing a new treatment programme with conventional treatment.

Setting:

General practitioners in Roskilde county, Denmark.

Subjects:

355 men and women, aged 20–60 years, with a persistent blood cholesterol concentration above age- and gender-specific cut-off points (265 in an intervention group and 90 in a control group).

Intervention:

A treatment strategy based on collaboration between doctor and dietitian using individual dietary advice and feedback from measured biological parameters.

Main outcome measures:

Serum lipids, body weight, blood pressure, dietary behaviour, health parameters, quality of life parameters and acceptance by patients and general practitioners.

Results:

Total blood cholesterol concentration decreased by 14% (1.07 mmol l−1, P < 0.0001) in 159 patients in the intervention group, not having any lipid altering drug during treatment, in addition to 3% from screening to start of treatment. In 65 patients in the control group, without any lipid altering drug, the reduction of cholesterol concentration was 4% (0.27 mmol l−1, P < 0.01; intervention vs. control P < 0.001). In the intervention group overweight subjects (body mass index > 30) reduced body weight by 6% (P < 0.0001). Systolic blood pressure was reduced by 11% (P < 0.0001) and diastolic blood pressure by 10% (P < 0.0001) and 19% (P < 0.003) for intervals 90–110 mmHg and > 110 mmHg, respectively. Risk score decreased and self-assessed health, physical and psychological well-being improved.

Conclusions:

The treatment strategy tested proved to be efficient, without side-effects and well accepted by patients and general practitioners. The results strongly suggest that hypercholesterolaemia can efficiently be treated non-pharmacologically in general practice.
The Loewner differential equation and slit mappings
Authors: Marshall Donald , Rohde Steffen
Published: August 2005

We show that the Loewner equation generates slits if the driving term is Hölder continuous with exponent 1/2 and small norm and that this is best possible.
Boundary rigidity and stability for generic simple metrics
Authors: Stefanov Plamen , Uhlmann Gunther
Published: August 2005

We study the boundary rigidity problem for compact Riemannian manifolds with boundary

(
M
,
g
)

(M,g)

: is the Riemannian metric

g
g

uniquely determined, up to an action of diffeomorphism fixing the boundary, by the distance function

ρ
g

(
x
,
y
)

\rho _g(x,y)

known for all boundary points

x
x

and

y
y

? We prove in this paper local and global uniqueness and stability for the boundary rigidity problem for generic simple metrics. More specifically, we show that there exists a generic set

G

\mathcal {G}

of simple Riemannian metrics such that for any

g
0

∈

G

g_0\in \mathcal {G}

, any two Riemannian metrics in some neighborhood of

g
0

g_0

having the same distance function, must be isometric. Similarly, there is a generic set of pairs of simple metrics with the same property. We also prove Hölder type stability estimates for this problem for metrics which are close to a given one in

G

\mathcal {G}

.
Shrimps remove ectoparasites from fishes in temperate waters
Authors: Östlund-Nilsson Sara , Becker Justine H.A , Nilsson Göran E
Published: August 2005

We have found that two very common species of North Atlantic shallow water shrimp,
Palaemon adspersus
and
Palaemon elegans
, remove and feed on ectoparasites on plaice (
Pleuronectes platessa
L.). The relationship could be mutualistic, as we did not observe any attempts by the fishes to feed on the shrimps. The ectoparasites removed included monogenean worms (
Gyrodactylus
sp.) and sea lice (
Lepeophtheirus pectoralis
). An experiment showed that there were 65% more
Gyrodactylus
parasites on the fishes that had been apart from compared with those that had been together with shrimps for 48 h. Shrimps on coral reefs are known for cleaning fishes, but that shrimps in temperate waters show parasite-cleaning behaviour is, to our knowledge, a new observation.
Yeast system as a model to study Moloney murine leukemia virus integrase: expression, mutagenesis and search for eukaryotic partners
Authors: Vera Jorge , Parissi Vincent , García Andrea , Zúñiga Roberto , Andreola Marie-Line , Caumont-Sarcos Anne , Tarrago-Litvak Laura , Leon Oscar
Published: August 2005

Moloney murine leukemia virus (M-MuLV) integrase (IN) catalyses the insertion of the viral genome into the host chromosomal DNA. The limited solubility of the recombinant protein produced inEscherichia coliled the authors to explore the use ofSaccharomyces cerevisiaefor expression of M-MuLV IN. IN was expressed in yeast and purified by chromatography on nickel–NTA agarose. IN migrated as a single band in SDS-PAGE and did not contain IN degradation products. The enzyme was about twofold more active than the enzyme purified fromE. coliand was free of nucleases. Using the yeast system, the substitution of the putative catalytic amino acid Asp184 by alanine was also analysed. The mutated enzyme was inactive in thein vitroassays. This is the first direct demonstration that mutation of Asp184 inactivates M-MuLV IN. Finally,S. cerevisiaewas used as a model to assess the ability of M-MuLV IN to interact with eukaryotic protein partners. The expression of an active M-MuLV IN in yeast strains deficient in RAD52 induced a lethal effect. This phenotype could be attributed to cellular damage, as suggested by the viability of cells expressing inactive D184A IN. Furthermore, when active IN was expressed in a yeast strain lacking the ySNF5 transcription factor, the lethal effect was abolished, suggesting the involvement of ySNF5 in the cellular damage induced by IN. These results indicate thatS. cerevisiaecould be a useful model to study the interaction of IN with cellular components in order to identify potential counterparts of the natural host.
Stable trimerization of recombinant rabies virus glycoprotein ectodomain is required for interaction with the p75NTR receptor
Authors: Sissoëff Ludmilla , Mousli Mohamed , England Patrick , Tuffereau Christine
Published: August 2005

Native rabies virus glycoprotein (RVGvir) is a trimeric, membrane-anchored protein that has been shown to interact with the p75NTRneurotrophin receptor. In order to determine if the RVG trimeric oligomerization state is required for its binding with p75NTR, different soluble recombinant molecules containing the entire RVG ectodomain (RVGect) were expressed alone or fused at its C terminus to the trimerization domain of the bacteriophage T4 fibritin, termed ‘foldon’. The oligomerization status of recombinant RVG was investigated using sedimentation in sucrose gradient and p75NTRbinding assays. It was found that, in the absence of the fibritin foldon, recombinant RVGect forms unstable trimers that dissociate into monomers in a concentration-dependent manner. C-terminal fusion with the foldon induces stable RVG trimerization, which is concentration-independent. Furthermore, the fibritin foldon maintains the native antigenic structure of the carboxy part of RVGect. Cell binding experiments showed that RVG trimerization is required for efficient interaction with p75NTR. However, the exact mode of trimerization appears unimportant, as trimeric recombinant RVGect (fused to the fibritin foldon) and RVGvir both recognize p75NTRwith similar nanomolar affinities, as shown by surface plasmon resonance experiments. Altogether, these results show that the C-terminal fusion of the RVG ectodomain with the fibritin foldon is a powerful way to obtain a recombinant trimeric native-like structure of the p75NTRbinding domain of RVG.
Reduced immune responses after vaccination with a recombinant herpes simplex virus type 1 vector in the presence of antiviral immunity
Authors: Lauterbach Henning , Ried Christine , Epstein Alberto L. , Marconi Peggy , Brocker Thomas
Published: August 2005

Due to the continuous need for new vaccines, viral vaccine vectors have become increasingly attractive. In particular, herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1)-based vectors offer many advantages, such as broad cellular tropism, large DNA-packaging capacity and the induction of pro-inflammatory responses. However, despite promising results obtained with HSV-1-derived vectors, the question of whether pre-existing virus-specific host immunity affects vaccine efficacy remains controversial. For this reason, the influence of pre-existing HSV-1-specific immunity on the immune response induced with a replication-defective, recombinant HSV-1 vaccine was investigatedin vivo. It was shown that humoral as well as cellular immune responses against a model antigen encoded by the vaccine were strongly diminished in HSV-1-seropositive mice. This inhibition could be observed in mice infected with wild-type HSV-1 or with a replication-defective vector. Although these data clearly indicate that pre-existing antiviral host immunity impairs the efficacy of HSV-1-derived vaccine vectors, they also show that vaccination under these constraints might still be feasible.
Functional analysis of FP25K of Helicoverpa armigera single nucleocapsid nucleopolyhedrovirus
Authors: Wu Dong , Deng Fei , Sun Xiulian , Wang Hualin , Yuan Li , Vlak Just M. , Hu Zhihong
Published: August 2005

The fp25k gene of Helicoverpa armigera single nucleocapsid nucleopolyhedrovirus (HearNPV) was studied. HearNPV fp25k gene transcription was found starting from about 18 h post-infection, and protein could be detected from the same time with antiserum against FP25K. To study the function of HearNPV fp25k, a recombinant HearNPV (HaBacWD11) with an enhanced green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene replacing the fp25k was constructed using HaBacHZ8, a bacmid of HearNPV that lacks the polyhedrin gene. Growth curve analysis showed that HaBacWD11 produced higher titres of budded viruses (BVs) than its wild-type counterpart HaBacHZ8–GFP. Electron microscopic analysis indicated that at the late stage of infection, the number of intranuclear enveloped nucleocapsids in HaBacWD11-infected cells was much less than that of HaBacHZ8–GFP. A rescue recombinant virus HaBacWD14 was constructed by reintroducing fp25k gene into HaBacWD11. The growth curve and electron microscopic analysis of the rescued recombinant confirmed that the increase of BV yield and the decrease of the virion production in infected cells were the result of fp25k deletion. The expression of membrane fusion protein (Ha133) and ODV-E66 were studied using the FP25K mutants HaBacWD11 and HaBacHZ8–GFP. Unlike FP25K mutants in Autographa californica multicapsid NPV (AcMNPV), which caused an increase in the expression of membrane fusion protein GP64 and a decrease of ODV-E66, no obvious changes at the expression level of Ha133 and ODV-E66 were observed in HearNPV FP25K mutant.
Pelvic floor dysfunction after Burch colposuspension – a comprehensive study. Part I
Authors: Kjølhede Preben , Wahlström Johan , Wingren Gun
Published: August 2005

Objective.  To evaluate the occurrence of voiding dysfunction and symptoms of genital prolapse at long‐term follow‐up after Burch colposuspension (Bc) in relation to the occurrence of the symptoms in an age‐matched normal population.

Materials and methods.  A follow‐up study of the 190 patients who underwent Bc in 1980–88 and 305 age‐matched control women randomly selected from the general population. The participants answered a questionnaire in 1998 with detailed questions about the pelvic floor function. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed.

Results.  The prevalence and frequency of urinary incontinence were significantly higher in the patient group compared with those in the control group as were urge incontinence, difficulty to start voiding, time needed at the toilet for voiding, the need to return to the toilet for emptying the bladder, feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder, and limitation of social life because of the leakage. The symptoms of genital prolapse were significantly more common in the patient group in spite of a significantly larger proportion of genital prolapse surgery in this group. Parity, high body mass index, heavy lifting work, chronic pulmonary diseases, hiatus hernias, and hysterectomy were significantly more common in the patient group than among the controls.

Conclusions.  At long‐term follow‐up, patients exhibit substantial symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) concerning voiding dysfunction and symptoms of genital prolapse compared with a normal population. This highlights the importance and need of treating pelvic floor disorders in a comprehensive way. Scientific works with comprehensive studies of PFD are needed.
Genetic polymorphisms of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase and aldehyde dehydrogenase 2, alcohol use and risk of colorectal adenomas: Self‐Defense Forces Health Study
Authors: Hirose Maho , Kono Suminori , Tabata Shinji , Ogawa Shinsaku , Yamaguchi Keizo , Mineshita Masamichi , Hagiwara Tomoko , Yin Guang , Lee Kyong‐Yeon , Tsuji Akiko , Ikeda Noriaki
Published: August 2005

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase is a key enzyme in folate metabolism, which affects DNA synthesis and methylation and is possibly linked to colorectal carcinogenesis. Alcohol and acetaldehyde have an adverse effect on folate metabolism. This study investigated the relationship of functional MTHFR C677T and ALDH2 polymorphisms to colorectal adenomas with reference to alcohol consumption in a case‐control study of male officials in the Self‐Defense Forces (SDF) who received a preretirement health examination at two SDF hospitals. The study subjects were 452 cases of colorectal adenoma and 1050 controls with no polyp who underwent total colonoscopy. Genotypes were determined by the PCR‐RFLP method using genomic DNA extracted from the buffy coat. Statistical adjustment was made for age, hospital, rank in the SDF, body mass index, cigarette‐years and alcohol intake. Neither MTHFR C677T nor ALDH2 showed a measurable association with colorectal adenoma. While high alcohol consumption was associated with a moderately increased risk of colorectal adenoma, neither of the two polymorphisms showed a significant effect on the association between alcohol and colorectal adenoma. Individuals with the variant alleles ALDH2*2 and MTHFR 677T had a decreased risk of colorectal adenomas, showing adjusted odds ratios of 0.70 (95% confidence interval 0.49–1.00) for all adenomas and 0.57 (0.34–0.95) for large adenomas (≥ 5 mm), as compared to individuals with ALDH2*1/1 and MTHFR 677CC genotypes combined. The findings may be interpreted as suggesting that folate inhibits the growth of colorectal adenomas, but further confirmation is needed. (Cancer Sci 2005; 96: 513 –518)
Possible origin of adult T‐cell leukemia/lymphoma cells from human T lymphotropic virus type‐1‐infected regulatory T cells
Authors: Kohno Tomoko , Yamada Yasuaki , Akamatsu Norihiko , Kamihira Simeru , Imaizumi Yoshitaka , Tomonaga Masao , Matsuyama Toshifumi
Published: August 2005

Adult T‐cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) is a lymphoproliferative disorder caused by human T lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV‐I). Although ATLL cells display an activated helper/inducer T‐cell phenotype, CD4+ and CD25+, they are known to exhibit strong immunosuppressive activity. As regulatory T cells (Treg cells) express CD4+ and CD25+ molecules and possess potent immune response suppressive activity, we investigated a possible link between ATLL cells and Treg cells. In primary ATLL cells, the expression levels of the Treg cell marker molecules Foxp3 and glucocorticoid‐induced tumor necrosis factor receptor family related protein (GITR) were significantly higher than in those from healthy adults. Furthermore, ATLL cells are unresponsive in vitro to concanavalin A stimulation and suppress the proliferation of normal T cells. GITR mRNA expression was induced by the HTLV‐I transactivator Tax, and GITR promoter analyses revealed that this induction depends on the κB site from −431 bp to −444 bp upstream of the putative transcription site. Taken together, ATLL cells may originate from HTLV‐I‐infected Treg cells, and GITR seems to be involved in the progression to ATLL. (Cancer Sci 2005; 96: 527–533)
Upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage associated with low‐dose aspirin and anti‐thrombotic drugs – a 6‐year analysis and comparison with non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs
Authors: TAHA A. S. , ANGERSON W. J. , KNILL‐JONES R. P. , BLATCHFORD O.
Published: August 2005

Background:  Low‐dose aspirin and other anti‐thrombotic therapy has been increasingly used for vascular protection.

Aim:  To assess the possibility that the incidence of upper gastrointestinal blood loss has changed in subjects using these agents in comparison with non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs.

Methods:  We studied the characteristics of all patients with acute upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage and attending a single hospital at 3 points over a 6‐year period: 1996 (n = 204), 1999 (n = 224) and in 2002 (n = 252).

Results:  The incidence of haemorrhage in subjects taking low‐dose aspirin rose from 15 per 100 000 of the population per annum in 1996, to 18 in 1999 and 27 in 2002 (P = 0.004). The respective incidence in subjects taking other anti‐thrombotic drugs was 4, 8, and 12 (P < 0.001). No significant change was detected in non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug users. However, acute myocardial infarction mortality was 216 per 100 000 in 1996, 221 in 1999 and fell to 169 in 2002 (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:  The incidence of upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage in users of low‐dose aspirin and other anti‐thrombotic drugs has been steadily rising. This has been paralleled by a fall in cardiac mortality.
Cell proliferation rates in an artificial tissue‐engineered environment
Authors: Sarraf C. E. , Harris A. B. , McCulloch A. D. , Eastwood M.
Published: August 2005

Abstract.  Worldwide, and particularly in Europe, Japan and the USA, cardiovascular disease is a major killer. It can be treated using tissue or organ transplant surgery, but donor organs may be scarce. Tissue engineering is the integration of engineering principles and biology to produce satisfactory synthetic replacement body parts, using viable cells in a suitable matrix, for regenerative medicine. The aim of this study was to measure and compare cell proliferation kinetics after different time intervals of myofibroblasts in a synthetic matrix, thus to be able to deduce the period that a transplanted‐cell population can be expected to survive in a tissue‐engineered environment. Porcine aortic wall cells were grown in a porous sponge scaffold, that later could be fashioned into aortic or heart valve substitutes. Freshly acquired cells were seeded on identical sponges and were grown under normal culture conditions for a period of 4 weeks. Seeding concentration was a million cells per sponge. Cells progressively populated the sponges, both covering the surface and infiltrating the depth of the matrix, via sponge pores. Samples were taken at 1 week and at 4 weeks, and the rate of cell proliferation was determined by the metaphase arrest technique. Specimens were also taken for light and electron microscopy to determine whether these transplanted cells were capable of synthesizing their own extracellular matrix.
Future trends of HCV‐related cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma under the currently available treatments
Authors: Sypsa V. , Touloumi G. , Papatheodoridis G. V. , Tassopoulos N. C. , Ketikoglou I. , Vafiadis I. , Hatzis G. , Tsantoulas D. , Akriviadis E. , Koutsounas S. , Hatzakis A.
Published: August 2005

Summary. The epidemic of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major public health issue. We conducted a comprehensive analysis to estimate future HCV‐related morbidity and mortality, using a model which is the first to take into account currently available treatments. We reconstructed the incident infections per year in the past that progressed to chronic hepatitis C (CHC) in Greece. Then, the natural history of the disease was simulated in subcohorts of newly infected subjects in the presence or absence of treatment using yearly estimates of the number of treated patients obtained from national databases. Annual estimates of the incidence and prevalence of CHC by fibrosis stage, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and mortality were obtained up to 2030. The current proportion of naïve CHC patients receiving treatment in Greece is 1.2% per year. Treatment of 1.2–10% of naïve CHC patients per year would reduce the cumulative number of incident cirrhosis and HCC cases from 2002 to 2030 by 10.8–39.4% and 12.8–39.8%, respectively and decrease the number of prevalent cirrhosis and HCC cases in 2030 by approximately 17–48% compared with the number estimated under the assumption of no treatment. Approximately 17 cirrhosis cases or six HCC cases or 10 premature deaths would be prevented for every 100 treated patients. However, the prevalent cirrhotic/HCC cases because of HCV and HCV‐related deaths would not plateau until 2030. Despite the introduction of effective treatment, HCV‐related morbidity and mortality will likely increase during the next 20–30 years in Greece. Intensive primary prevention efforts coupled with increased access to the currently available treatments are necessary to control the chronic consequences of HCV epidemic.
Changes in epidemiological patterns of HCV infection and their impact on liver disease over the last 20 years in Greece
Authors: Savvas S. P. , Koskinas J. , Sinani C. , Hadziyannis A. , Spanou F. , Hadziyannis S. J.
Published: August 2005

Summary.  The aim of this study was to investigate the relative frequency of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes in Greek patients with chronic infection as well as possible secular changes in their distribution in relation to modes of transmission, age and time at acquisition of the infection and other variables. We evaluated 434 unselected patients, 241 males and 193 females with a median age of 46.2 years (18–75), with chronic HCV infection presenting during the period 1996–2000. HCV infection was confirmed by the detection of HCV‐RNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), while HCV genotyping was performed by the Inno‐LiPA assay. Liver biopsies were evaluated according to Ishak's scoring system. Of 434 patients, 167 had a history of blood transfusion [post‐transfusion hepatitis (PTH)], 80 were i.v. drug users and in 187 the route of infection remained unknown. The overall distribution of HCV genotypes 1, 2, 3 and 4 was 47, 8.3, 27 and 15.2%, respectively. Genotype 3 was common in younger adults and i.v. drug users, whereas genotype 1 predominated in older people and PTH patients (P < 0.001 for both). Infection acquired before 1981 (group A) was related to transfusion and genotype 1, while after 1981 (group B) with i.v. drug use and genotype 3 (P < 0.01). Biopsy was available in 369 (85%) patients, of whom 22.5% had cirrhosis; 29.8% in group A and 9.9% in group B. In a multivariate analysis, cirrhosis was strongly associated with the duration of infection (P = 0.013). Our study revealed a change of HCV genotype distribution in the last 20 years among Greek patients with chronic HCV infection as a result of epidemiological changes in HCV transmission. The presence of cirrhosis was associated only with the duration of infection. These observations have impact both on prevention and treatment.
Isocyanates, polyurethane and childhood asthma
Authors: Krone Cheryl A. , Klingner Tom D.
Published: August 2005

Isocyanates are the most prominent and well‐studied cause of occupational asthma. Over the decades, airborne isocyanates have been regulated to extremely low levels in the workplace, some of the lowest for any organic compound. Yet the incidence of isocyanate‐induced occupational asthma remains high and the role of dermal exposure in disease etiology is only slowly being recognized. Almost completely overlooked is the potential relationship between isocyanates in consumer products and increasing prevalence of asthma in the general population, especially children. The steady rise in asthma over the past decades points strongly to a potential role of environmental exposures in its development. Imbalances in the immune system favoring respiratory diseases have been linked to biological and chemical stressor exposures early in life. Evidence for the presence of isocyanates in many polyurethane‐containing materials, especially polyurethane foams, is presented as a possible contributor to the increase in asthma. Polyurethane foam is ubiquitous in western societies and used in bedding, furniture, automobile seats, footwear, etc., and numerous medical materials. Theoretical, epidemiologic, experimental and clinical evidence of a role for isocyanates and polyurethanes in the genesis of non‐occupational allergy and respiratory disease are reviewed. These data all point to the urgent need for additional research on the links between isocyanates, polyurethanes and the role of the skin in non‐occupational asthma.
Biopsy of potential cadaveric renal allografts at the time of retrieval
Authors: VERRAN DEBORAH , SHERIDAN ADRIAN , BARNWELL ALISON , BERRIMAN MARNIE , CHAPMAN JEREMY
Published: August 2005

SUMMARY:  Biopsy of cadaver renal allografts may aid in the assessment of marginal allografts. However, the use of this approach is not clear. This study presents the outcome of institution of a protocol for back table biopsy of renal allografts during organ procurement.

Methods:  Data from Lifelink Organ Donation Network records and the ANZDATA registry were analysed.

Results:  The biopsy rate of renal allografts increased from 0.8% to 15.6% (P = 0.01). The discardment rate of potential renal allografts increased slightly with 1.9% being discarded based on the biopsy result and 3.8% being discarded for other reasons. Under the biopsy protocol, 28/40 (70%) of donors with renal allograft biopsies had <20% glomerulosclerosis. The incidence of both delayed graft function and non‐function was higher (P = 0.014 and P = 0.033, respectively) for the protocol biopsied allografts compared with the other non‐biopsied allografts. One‐year renal allograft survival was not significantly different between the protocol biopsied allografts versus the other non‐biopsied allografts.

Conclusions:  A biopsy protocol for marginal potential renal allografts leads to acceptable allograft outcomes without significantly increasing allograft discardment.
Relationship between sleep complaints and proinflammatory cytokines in haemodialysis patients
Authors: ERTEN YASEMIN , KOKTURK OGUZ , YUKSEL AYDAN , ELBEG SEHRI , CIFTCI TANSU ULUKAVAK , PASAOGLU HATICE , OZKAN SECIL , BALI MUSA , ARINSOI TURGAY , SINDEL SÜKRÜ
Published: August 2005

Background:  Sleep complaints are common in end‐stage renal disease. We aimed to investigate the relationship between sleep‐related complaints and inflammatory cytokines in haemodialysis (HD) patients, and also the effects of HD on sleep patterns and cytokine levels.

Methods:  Predialysis serum interleukin‐1beta (IL‐1β), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) levels in nine patients with sleep complaints were compared with those of nine patients without sleep complaints and nine healthy controls. Patients with sleep complaints underwent polysomnography the night after HD and the following night.

Results:  Patients with sleep complaints had significantly higher predialysis IL‐1β levels compared with those without and healthy controls (P = 0.004 and P = 0.000, respectively). They also had higher predialysis IL‐6 and TNF‐α levels than those without sleep complaints; however, the difference was not significant. Patients without sleep complaints had higher mean IL‐6 and TNF‐α and similar mean IL‐1β levels compared with healthy controls (P = 0.001, P = 0.024, P = 0.26, respectively). Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) was found in six out of nine (66%) patients with sleep complaints. Sleep architecture and cytokine levels did not differ between the two nights. The mean serum IL‐1β, IL‐6 and TNF‐α levels did not differ in the pre‐ and post‐polysomnographic samples. There was no correlation between IL‐1β, IL‐6 or TNF‐α levels and the apnoea‐hypopnoea index.

Conclusions:  Proinflammatory cytokines, IL‐1β in particular, might be associated with sleep complaints in HD patients. OSAS is not uncommon in HD patients with sleep‐related complaints and sleep architecture does not appear to be effected by the HD procedure itself.
Efficacy and safety of oral versus intravenous ascorbic acid for anaemia in haemodialysis patients
Authors: CHAN DORIS , IRISH ASHLEY , DOGRA GURSHARAN
Published: August 2005

Background:  Intravenous (i.v.) ascorbic acid (AA) improves anaemia in iron‐overloaded, erythropoietin (rEPO) hyporesponsive haemodialysis patients. While oral AA is readily attainable, the efficacy and safety of oral versus i.v. AA has not been examined.

Methods:  We conducted an open‐label randomised parallel study on the effects of 8 weeks of 250 mg oral AA (n = 10) compared with 250 mg i.v. AA (n = 11) 3×/week on haemoglobin (Hb), ferritin and rEPO dose in 21 iron‐overloaded haemodialysis patients. We also examined the effect of 3 months of 500 mg oral AA 3×/week (n = 70) compared with no treatment (n = 83) on Hb, ferritin and rEPO dose in 153 haemodialysis patients.

Results:  Patients had severe AA deficiency (mean 2.2 ± SE 0.4 mg/L; normal range, 4.0–14.0). Following treatment, the plasma AA level increased (P < 0.001), but was not significantly different between the groups. There was no change in Hb, iron availability and rEPO dose with oral or i.v. AA. There was a significant increase in serum oxalate but no significant changes in left ventricular function or renal calculi formation. In the second study, oral AA had no effect on Hb, rEPO dose and ferritin in the whole group and a subgroup of 30 with anaemia.

Conclusion:  Haemoglobin and iron availability did not improve following oral or i.v. AA in this select small group of iron‐overloaded haemodialysis patients or in a larger population of haemodialysis patients given oral AA at a higher dose and for a longer duration. AA supplementation may still be warranted in view of severe AA deficiency in haemodialysis patients.
Huge renal angiomyolipomas in tuberous sclerosis complex
Authors: CHAN SY , CHAN WKY
Published: August 2005

SUMMARY:  Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominance disorder with variable penetrance. Renal angiomyolipoma (AML) is one of the commonest urological manifestations. These lesions may cause significant morbidity and mortality. We report two patients with multiple and huge renal angiomyolipomas presenting with gross haematuria. They subsequently underwent unilateral nephrectomy. The difficulty in diagnosis and controversies in management will be briefly discussed.
Polymorphisms of the angiotensin converting enzyme and angiotensin II type 1 receptor genes and renal scarring in non‐uropathic children with recurrent urinary tract infection
Authors: ECE AYDIN , TEKES SELAHATTIN , GÜRKAN FUAT , BILICI MEKI , BUDAK TURGAY
Published: August 2005

Aim:  The aim of this study was to investigate whether the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) and angiotensin II type 1 receptor (A1166C) gene polymorphisms were associated with the renal scar formation secondary to recurrent urinary tract infection in children without uropathy.

Methods:  The polymorphisms were investigated by polymerase chain reaction in 97 children (81 females, 16 males; age, 2.5–13 years) with recurrent urinary tract infection and 100 healthy controls as a single centre study. Children with vesicoureteral reflux, bladder dysfunction and other uropathies were excluded. The dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) scan performed at least 3 months after a proven urinary tract infection and the result of the last DMSA was taken into consideration.

Results:  Renal scarring was found in 30 patients (30.9%) using DMSA scan. The number of urinary tract infection attacks was significantly higher in patients with renal scarring compared with children without scarring (P < 0.05). The follow‐up period and male/female ratio of patients with or without renal scarring was similar (P > 0.05). Age at the first urinary tract infection was lower in the group with scarring. The ACE insertion/deletion genotype distribution and D allele frequency were similar between patients and controls (P > 0.05), and in patients with renal scarring and those without renal scarring. Also, the angiotensin II type 1 receptor gene polymorphism was not associated with renal parenchymal damage (P > 0.05).

Conclusion:  The results indicated that the ACE insertion/deletion and angiotensin II type 1 receptor gene polymorphisms were not independent risk factors for renal scar formation in recurrent urinary tract infection of paediatric patients without uropathy.
Effects of short‐term alendronate on bone mineral density in haemodialysis patients
Authors: WETMORE JAMES B , BENET LESLIE Z , KLEINSTUCK DANJA , FRASSETTO LYNDA
Published: August 2005

Background:  Low bone mineral density (BMD) is common in dialysis patients. Low BMD predicts the fracture risk in the general population. Bisphosphonate therapy improves BMD and lowers the fracture risk in many populations, but has not been tested in dialysis patients because of concerns about toxicity. In this investigation, the effect of a short course of alendronate on BMD in haemodialysis (HD) patients is evaluated.

Methods:  Thirty‐one healthy HD patients were randomized to placebo versus 40 mg alendronate, taken once a week for 6 weeks. Hip and lumbar spine BMD were measured by dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry at baseline and at 6 months. Osteocalcin, parathyroid hormone, calcium, phosphorous and alkaline phosphatase levels were assayed at baseline and at 1, 3 and 6 months.

Results:  The BMD and T‐scores in specific regions of the hip were stable in the treatment group and decreased in the placebo group (P = 0.05). The lumbar spine density increased minimally in both groups. In the treatment group, osteocalcin levels declined significantly at 1 month (P < 0.05) and remained low. The main side‐effect in the alendronate group was occurrence of gastroesophageal reflux symptoms in three subjects.

Conclusions:  Low‐dose alendronate, administered for a limited duration, appears to be well tolerated in dialysis patients. The BMD and T‐scores declined at certain hip regions in the placebo group over 6 months, while remaining stable in the treatment group, suggesting a bone‐preserving effect of alendronate. Further studies of longer duration, and including examination of bone histology, are needed to assess whether bisphosphonates can be used to preserve BMD in dialysis patients.
Effects of cultivar on oviposition preference, larval feeding and development time of diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), on some Brassica oleracea vegetables in Victoria
Authors: Hamilton Andrew J , Endersby Nancy M , Ridland Peter M , Zhang Jingye , Neal Melissa
Published: August 2005

Abstract We studied oviposition preference of Plutella xylostella for four cultivars of cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower in the field. There were no differences in the number of eggs found on the various cultivars of broccoli or cauliflower. Significantly more eggs were laid on cultivar Savoy King than any of the other cabbage cultivars tested. We then compared the development time and feeding damage of larvae reared on Savoy King and Green Coronet cabbages. Larvae developed more rapidly and fed more and for longer on Green Coronet than Savoy King. Thus, while Savoy King is more attractive to oviposition in the field, net impacts on the crop may be lessened to some degree through lower feeding proficiency of the larvae on that cultivar.
Does the cutting of lucerne (Medicago sativa) encourage the movement of arthropod pests and predators into the adjacent crop?
Authors: Pearce Sarina , Zalucki Myron P
Published: August 2005

Abstract  Lucerne (Medicago sativa) has been suggested as an ideal refuge habitat as part of an integrated pest management (IPM) program because it harbours high numbers of beneficial arthropods. Whether or not cutting of lucerne encourages the movement of these beneficials into adjacent target crops is unknown. Vacuum samples were used to determine the effects of cutting lucerne on arthropod abundance (pests and predators) within lucerne and adjacent soybean (Glycine max) crops. Vacuum‐sample collections of arthropods were conducted before and after lucerne cutting on seven occasions in four fields over two seasons. In the lucerne, 10 m by 1 m strips parallel to the crop interface were sampled at 5, 10, 15, 20 and 30 m from the interface. In the soybean, 10 m of row were sampled at the same distances from the crop interface. The abundance of predators in lucerne was reduced immediately after cutting at all distances from the interface. Predator abundance in soybean did not show any change. The cutting of lucerne significantly reduced pest numbers within the lucerne but had little effect on pest abundance in the adjacent soybean. The temporal pattern in pest and predator abundance was very different for each field sampled. Generally, arthropods decreased in abundance after cutting and gradually increased as the lucerne grew back. In soybeans, arthropod numbers fluctuated regardless of the cutting of the lucerne. Cutting of lucerne alone does not guarantee movement of predators into the adjacent target crop. The presence of lucerne fields within a cropping area may have some impact on regional predator populations, and so still be useful for IPM programs, but this has yet to be tested critically.
Development of a treatment threshold for sucking insects in determinate Bollgard II transgenic cotton grown in winter production areas
Authors: Ward Andrew L
Published: August 2005

Abstract  Little is known about the impact of sucking insects on cotton grown in tropical production areas. To examine this, an experiment was conducted at Katherine in northern Australia to determine the impact of mirids (Creontiades dilutus (Stål) and Creontiades pacificus (Stål), green vegetable bug (Nezara veridula (L.)) and red‐banded shield bug (Piezodorus hybneri (Gmelin)) on the yield and fibre quality of the transgenic cotton variety DP50bx containing genes for the expression of Cry1A(c) and Cry2A(b) δ‐endotoxins of Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner variety kurstaki. The trial examined the impact of sucking insect populations in the range 0.5–2.0/m2. Yields of unsprayed plots were approximately 30% of those obtained in plots sprayed on a threshold of 0.5/m2 which did not differ significantly from plots sprayed regularly to exclude sucking insects. The increase in yield in the low pest density treatments was the result of improved fruit retention in the middle part of the plant. Fibre quality was similar in all treatments. However, damage ratings to individual bolls did differ between treatments. Bolls in the high insect density treatments received more damage than those in the low density treatments. As a result of this study, a tentative treatment threshold of 0.5 sucking insect/m2 is recommended in determinate Bollgard II cotton varieties grown in winter production areas.
Voltage‐gated potassium channels regulate the response of retinal growth cones to axon extension and guidance cues
Authors: Pollock N. S. , Atkinson‐Leadbeater K. , Johnston J. , Larouche M. , Wildering W. C. , McFarlane S.
Published: August 2005

Xenopus retinal ganglion cell growth cones express various voltage‐gated potassium (Kv) channels. We showed previously that 4‐aminopyridine and tetraethylammonium have different effects on the outward currents of embryonic Xenopus retinal ganglion cells. Therefore, we asked whether these Kv channel inhibitors differentially regulate the response of retinal ganglion cell growth cones to extrinsic cues. First, we tested the role of Kv channels in axon extension mediated by a substrate bound cue and found that 4‐aminopyridine blocked, whereas tetraethylammonium enhanced basal extension on laminin. Yet, when the growth cones were stimulated to extend with application of soluble growth factors, both inhibitors resulted in a return to the basal extension rates observed in the presence of laminin alone. Second, we asked if Kv channels modulate the response of retinal ganglion cell growth cones to a guidance cue, the chemorepellent fibroblast growth factor‐2. When presented in a gradient to one side of the growth cone, fibroblast growth factor‐2 repulsed retinal ganglion cell growth cones in the presence of 4‐aminopyridine but not tetraethylammonium. These data argue that tetraethylammonium‐ and 4‐aminopyridine‐sensitive Kv channels differ in the manner by which they regulate the response of retinal ganglion cell axons to extension and guidance cues. Non‐ratiometric calcium imaging indicated that differences in the ability of tetraethylammonium‐ and 4‐aminopyridine‐sensitive Kv channels to regulate calcium activity within the growth cone may underlie their unique modulation of growth cone behaviour.
Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy with a transportable electrohydraulic lithotripter: experience with >300 patients
Authors: Albala David M. , Siddiqui Khurram M. , Fulmer Brant , Alioto Joseph , Frankel Jeffery , Monga Manoj
Published: August 2005

Authors from the USA present a multi‐centre experience using a transportable lithotripter for treating stones in all parts of the urinary tract. They found the lithotripter to be safe and effective, and felt that the Medstone STS‐T represents an advance in the development of transportable lithotripters.

A very large experience of partial nephrectomy for various reasons is presented by German authors. Of 717 patients, 65 had either a solitary kidney, synchronous bilateral tumours, or renal failure in the opposite kidney. They describe their technique using perfusion‐cooling, and found that long‐term dialysis could be avoided.

OBJECTIVE

To review a multicentre experience of using a transportable lithotripter (STS‐T, Medstone, Inc, Aliso Viejo, CA. USA) for treating patients with urolithiasis in all parts of the urinary tract.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In all, 326 patients with a total of 370 stones were treated as outpatients with the STS‐T lithotripter. All patients received a single shock wave lithotripsy treatment and were followed after 4–6 weeks in the outpatient clinic, the primary endpoint being to determine the efficacy (as defined by the stone‐free rate). Secondary objectives included establishing a database of patient demographic information, stone characteristics, stone location, procedural endpoints, and complication rates.

RESULTS

In all there were 370 procedures, with a mean of 2394 shocks administered at an energy level of 24 kV. The mean treatment time was 51 min, excluding anaesthesia‐induction time. The mean stone aggregate size was 8.2 mm; 62% of the stones were in the kidney while 38% were in various locations in the ureter. Of the treated stones, 90% had definite or probable evidence of fragmentation. The overall stone‐free rate after one treatment with the STS‐T was 52.8%. Of patients with residual fragments, most (61%) had fragments of <4 mm in aggregate diameter. The overall complication rate was 3.8%, the most common complication being postoperative pain.

CONCLUSION

The Medstone STS‐T lithotripter was an effective device for treating urolithiasis in all parts of the urinary tract. This system had a high margin of safety, as shown by the low complication rate. With no apparent sacrifice of efficacy compared to first‐generation or fixed (not transportable) second‐generation devices, the Medstone STS‐T represents an important advance in the development of a truly transportable lithotripter.