bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Noninvasive assessment of liver fibrosis in thalassaemia major patients by transient elastography (TE) – lack of interference by iron deposition
Authors: Di Marco Vito , Bronte Fabrizio , Cabibi Daniela , Calvaruso Vincenza , Alaimo Giuseppe , Borsellino Zelia , Gagliardotto Francesco , Almasio Piero Luigi , Capra Marcello , Craxì Antonio
Published: November 2009

The correlation between liver stiffness, measured by transient elastography, liver fibrosis, using the histological METAVIR score, and iron overload, measured by atomic absorption spectrometry was evaluated in 56 homozygous‐β‐thalassaemics. Liver stiffness increased proportionally to liver fibrosis staging (r = 0·70; P > 0·001) independently of liver iron concentration (r = 0·01; P = 0·932). The area under the receiver‐operating characteristic curve for prediction of cirrhosis was 0·997 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0·925–1·000) with cut‐off of 13 kPa with 100% sensitivity (95% CI: 69·0–100·0) and 95% specificity (95% CI: 84·2–99·3). Transient elastography is a reliable non‐invasive tool for diagnosing advanced liver fibrosis in homozygous‐β‐thalassaemics, regardless of the degree of iron overload.
Temperature‐dependent regulation of Thermus thermophilus DnaK/DnaJ chaperones by DafA protein
Authors: Mizutani Tadashi , Nemoto Shohei , Yoshida Masasuke , Watanabe Yo‐hei
Published: November 2009

DafA, a unique 8‐kDa protein found in Thermus thermophilus, assembles the chaperones DnaK and DnaJ to produce a DnaK3–DnaJ3–DafA3 complex (KJA complex). Although, it is known that DafA is denatured irreversibly at nonphysiological 89 °C and the KJA complex dissociates into fully active DnaK and DnaJ, the function of the KJA complex is not fully understood. In this article, we report that the reversible dissociation of the KJA complex occurs in a temperature‐dependent manner even below physiological 75 °C and that excess DafA completely inhibits the chaperone activities of the DnaK system. The inhibited activities are not rescued by supplementing DnaK or DnaJ. The results indicate that DafA inhibits the chaperone activities of both DnaK and DnaJ by forming the KJA complex and can act as a thermosensor under both heat stress and optimal growth conditions.
Spatial scaling of ecosystem C and N in a subtropical savanna landscape
Authors: LIU FENG , BEN WU X. , BAI E. , BOUTTON THOMAS W. , ARCHER STEVEN R.
Published: November 2009

Widely occurred woody encroachment in grass‐dominated ecosystems has the potential to influence soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN) pools at local, regional, and global scales. Evaluation of this potential requires assessment of both pool sizes and their spatial patterns. We quantified SOC and TN, their relationships with soil and vegetation attributes, and their spatial scaling along a catena (hill‐slope) gradient in the southern Great Plains, USA where woody cover has increased substantially over the past 100 years. Quadrat variance analysis revealed spatial variation in SOC and TN at two scales. The larger scale variation (40–45 m) was approximately the distance between centers of woody plant communities and their adjoining herbaceous patches. The smaller scale variation (10 m) appeared to reflect the local influence of shrubs on SOC and TN. Litter, root biomass, shrub, and tree basal area (a proxy for plant age) exhibited not only similar spatial scales, but also strong correlations with SOC and TN, suggesting invasive woody plants alter both the storage and spatial scaling of SOC and TN through ecological processes related primarily to root turnover and, to a lesser extent litter production, as mediated by time of occupancy. Forb and grass biomass were not significantly correlated with SOC and TN suggesting that changes in herbaceous vegetation have not been the driving force for the observed changes in SOC and TN. Because SOC and TN varied at two scales, it would be inappropriate to estimate SOC and TN pools at broad scales by extrapolating from point sampling at fine scales. Sampling designs that capture variation at multiple scales are required to estimate SOC and TN pools at broader scales. Knowledge of spatial scaling and correlations will be necessary to design field sampling protocols to quantify the biogeochemical consequences of woody plant encroachment at broad scales.
Three tetraspanins from Chinese shrimp, Fenneropenaeus chinensis, may play important roles in WSSV infection
Authors: Wang B , Li F , Xiang J , Gui L , Luo Z , Yan H
Published: November 2009

Three members of the tetraspanin/TM4SF superfamily were cloned from Chinese shrimp, Fenneropenaeus chinensis. The deduced amino acid sequences of the three proteins have typical motifs of the tetraspanin/TM4SF superfamily. Phylogenetic analysis of the proteins, together with the known tetraspanins of invertebrates and vertebrates, revealed that they belong to different tetraspanin subfamilies: CD9, CD63 and tetraspanin‐3. The three cloned genes of CD9, CD63 and tetraspanin‐3 showed apparently different tissue distributions. The CD9 gene (FcCD9) was specifically expressed in the hepatopancreas. While for the CD63 gene (FcCD63), the highest expression was detected in nerves, epidermis and heart, with low expression in haemocytes, ovary, gill, hepatopancreas and stomach and no expression in intestine, muscle and lymphoid organ. Compared with FcCD9 and FcCD63, the tetraspanin‐3 gene (FcTetraspanin‐3) was more broadly expressed and its highest expression was detected in the intestine. Its expression in nerves was lower than in the intestine, but was higher than in other tissues. Expression in haemocytes, ovary and muscle was much lower than in other tissues. The expression profiles of FcCD9, FcCD63 and FcTetraspanin‐3 in different tissues, including haemocytes, lymphoid organ and hepatopancreas, were compared by real‐time PCR when shrimp were challenged by live white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) and heat‐inactivated WSSV. All three tetraspanins were markedly up‐regulated in the live WSSV‐challenged shrimp tissues. The data suggested that the three cloned members of TM4SF superfamily in Chinese shrimp may play a key role in the route of WSSV infection.
Dietary and clinical impacts of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy
Authors: Latva‐Pukkila U. , Isolauri E. , Laitinen K.
Published: November 2009

Background:  Nutrition during pregnancy is important for the health of both mother and infant. Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (NVP) may alter food intake but the dietary and clinical consequences of NVP are poorly understood. The present study aimed to identify the differences in dietary intakes and clinical characteristics of women with NVP compared with those without.

Methods:  Women with (n = 134) or without (n = 53) NVP were studied in each trimester of pregnancy. The babies were studied at birth, and at 1 and 6 months. The presence of nausea and vomiting was established by interviews using standard questions. Daily intakes of foods and nutrients were assessed from 3‐day food diaries. Weight gain during pregnancy and weights and lengths of the infants at birth and at 1 and 6 months of age were recorded.

Results:  In the first trimester, intake of meat products and thus protein in women with NVP was lower both quantitatively (P = 0.007) and as a proportion of energy (16.4E% [interquartile range (IQR) 14.9–18.4]) compared to non‐NVP [18.3E% (IQR 16.3–19.8), P = 0.003]. The proportional intakes of carbohydrates were higher in NVP subjects [50.1E% (IQR 46.7–53.6)] than in non‐NVP [46.8E% (IQR 43.6–51.9), P = 0.008]. Dietary and total intakes of vitamin B12, total intake of magnesium and dietary intake of zinc were lower in women with NVP. Changes in diet remained throughout pregnancy. Women with NVP had shorter pregnancies [39.9 (95% CI 39.6–40.1)] compared with those without [40.4 (95% CI 40.1–40.8) weeks, P = 0.018], but neither pregnancy weight gain nor infants’ weight and length differed.

Conclusions:  Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy modified dietary intake and has potential clinical impacts as suggested by the altered pregnancy duration. In view of the programming effect of early nutrition, these alterations may carry long‐term health consequences.
Microstructure and high temperature transport properties of Ca‐doped nickel oxide
Authors: CIENIEK L. , KUSIŃSKI J. , PETOT‐ERVAS G. , PETOT C.
Published: November 2009

The high temperature microstructure of Ca‐doped NiO single crystals was analysed to clear the experimental data on electrical conductivity, Seebeck's effect, diffusion and kinetic demixing. Combined transmission light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy examinations coupled with EDS analyses revealed the presence of CaO precipitates in localized (eutectic‐like) zones for a wide range of analysed oxygen partial pressure. Their presence in the structure was confirmed for equilibrium (air) conditions in NiO‐CaO system at about 1700°C (∼42 mol% CaO), according to phase diagrams (Smith et al., 1969). For the wide range of oxygen partial pressure and high temperature (1000 ÷ 1200°C) the spinel phase was not observed, which is opposite to our previous results obtained for Ca‐doped CoO single crystals (Kusinski et al., 2006). The chemical diffusion and electrical field kinetic demixing experiments have been combined to prove that the presence of Ca leads to an increase of the chemical diffusion coefficient of NiO. This unexpected result (DCa > DNi), confirmed during electrical conductivity experiment, indicates that correlation effects between Ni and Ca cations play a decisive role in diffusion processes in (Ni,Ca)O.
Advantages of aberration correction for HRTEM investigation of complex layer compounds
Authors: SPIECKER E. , GARBRECHT M. , JÄGER W. , TILLMANN K.
Published: November 2009

Aberration‐corrected high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) has been applied to resolve the atomic structure of a complex layered crystal, (PbS)1.14NbS2, which comprises a high density of incommensurate interfaces. The strong suppression of image delocalization and the favourable contrast transfer under negative Cs imaging (NCSI) conditions have been exploited for obtaining HRTEM images which directly reveal the projected crystal structure and allow to study lattice imperfections, like stacking disorder and layer undulations, with atomic scale resolution. The advantages of aberration‐corrected HRTEM over conventional HRTEM are demonstrated by direct comparison of experimental images and computer simulations.
Na+ transport in glycophytic plants: what we know and would like to know
Authors: CRAIG PLETT DARREN , MØLLER INGE SKRUMSAGER
Published: November 2009

Soil salinity decreases the growth rate of plants and can severely limit the productivity of crop plants. The ability to tolerate salinity stress differs widely between species of plants as well as within species. As an important component of salinity tolerance, a better understanding of the mechanisms of Na+ transport will assist in the development of plants with improved salinity tolerance and, importantly, might lead to increased yields from crop plants growing in challenging environments. This review summarizes the current understanding of the components of Na+ transport in glycophytic plants, including those at the soil to root interface, transport of Na+ to the xylem, control of Na+ loading in the stele and partitioning of the accumulated Na+ within the shoot and individual cells. Using this knowledge, strategies to modify Na+ transport and engineer plant salinity tolerance, as well as areas of research which merit particular attention in order to further improve the understanding of salinity tolerance in plants, are discussed.
The role of seeds and airborne inoculum in the initiation of leaf blotch (Rhynchosporium secalis) epidemics in winter barley
Authors: Fountaine J. M. , Shaw M. W. , Ward E. , Fraaije B. A.
Published: November 2009

Both airborne spores of Rhynchosporium secalis and seed infection have been implied as major sources of primary inoculum for barley leaf blotch (scald) epidemics in fields without previous history of barley cropping. However, little is known about their relative importance in the onset of disease. Results from both quantitative real‐time PCR and visual assessments indicated that seed infection was the main source of inoculum in the field trial conducted in this study. Glasshouse studies established that the pathogen can be transmitted from infected seeds into roots, shoots and leaves without causing symptoms. Plants in the field trial remained symptomless for approximately four months before symptoms were observed in the crop. Covering the crop during part of the growing season was shown to prevent pathogen growth, despite the use of infected seed, indicating that changes in the physiological condition of the plant and/or environmental conditions may trigger disease development. However, once the disease appeared in the field it quickly became uniform throughout the cropping area. Only small amounts of R. secalis DNA were measured in 24 h spore‐trap tape samples using PCR. Inoculum levels equivalent to spore concentrations between 30 and 60 spores per m3 of air were only detected on three occasions during the growing season. The temporal pattern and level of detection of R. secalis DNA in spore tape samples indicated that airborne inoculum was limited and most likely represented rain‐splashed conidia rather than putative ascospores.
Olive fruit fly [Bactrocera (Dacus) oleae (Rossi) (Diptera: Tephritidae)] adult rearing diet without antibiotic
Authors: Dimou I. , Rempoulakis P. , Economopoulos A. P.
Published: November 2009

The olive fruit fly [Bactrocera (Dacus) oleae (Rossi) (Diptera: Tephritidae)] adult diet since its development in the 1960’s regularly incorporates antibiotic. Considering recent findings on the importance and function of the indigenous microbial flora of insects, the effects of antibiotic removal were measured on the survival and egg laying of wild flies derived from McPhail trappings and from field infested olive fruits. In the first case wild flies fed no antibiotic laid significantly greater numbers of eggs for two generations (in 5 out of 10 and 2 out of 10 counting dates for G1 and G2 respectively), while there were no significant differences in survival in either test (P = 0.221 for P generation, P = 0.988 for G1 generation from McPhail traps, P = 0.056 for flies from infested fruits). Percent egg–pupa recovery and adult emergence were not significantly affected by lack of antibiotic. An antibiotic‐free strain has been maintained for eight generations, showing acceptable performance when compared to the long‐reared standard ‘Laboratory’ strain. Overall results suggest the feasibility of an adult diet free of antibiotic without negative effects on colony survival and performance.
The Sequence of the Genome of an Isolate of Hydrangea Ringspot Virus from the Czech Republic
Authors: Gadiou Sebastien , ČErvena Gabriela , Kundu Jiban Kumar
Published: November 2009

An isolate of Hydrangea ringspot virus (HdRSV) was obtained in 2008 from infected Hydrangea spp. in the Czech Republic. The isolate (HydCZ) induced chlorotic to mildly necrotic local lesions or chlorotic systemic symptoms, respectively, in Chenopodium quinoa and Nicotiana benthamiana. The genome of HydCZ (6185 nt) was fully sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that isolate HydCZ shares high nucleotide sequence identity (96.6%) with an isolate (PD109) from the Netherlands. This is the first report of the sequence of an isolate of HdRSV from the Czech Republic and is the second full genome sequence of the virus.
Role of proteinuria in defining pre‐eclampsia: Clinical outcomes for women and babies
Authors: Thornton Charlene E , Makris Angela , Ogle Robert F , Tooher Jane M , Hennessy Annemarie
Published: November 2009

1. The presence of proteinuria is not essential to the diagnosis of pre‐eclampsia under many diagnostic consensus statements. The aim of the present study was to assess maternal and perinatal outcomes after proteinuric pre‐eclampsia compared with other non‐proteinuric disease presentations.

2. An individual patient data review (n = 670) was undertaken for 2003–2006 at a tertiary referral centre in Sydney (NSW, Australia). Women were diagnosed in accordance with the Australasian Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy Consensus Statement. Data were analysed with the Chi‐squared test, t‐tests and non‐parametric tests. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.

3. The proteinuric cohort had higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure recordings than the non‐proteinuric cohort (160/102 and 149/94 mmHg, respectively; P < 0.001), and were also administered magnesium sulphate more frequently (44 vs 22%, respectively; P < 0.001), delivered at earlier gestation (37 vs 38 weeks, respectively; P < 0.001), required operative delivery more frequently (63 vs 48%, respectively; P < 0.001) and received more antihypertensive medications during the antenatal period (72 vs 57%, respectively; P < 0.001). Acute renal failure and acute pulmonary oedema were rare. Four cases of eclampsia all occurred in non‐proteinuric women. The perinatal mortality rate was lower for the offspring of women with proteinuric pre‐eclampsia compared with offspring of non‐proteinuric women (13/1000 and 31/1000, respectively; P = 0.006).

4. The results of the present study indicate that the presence of proteinuria denotes a group of women who have higher antenatal blood pressure, who deliver at earlier gestation and require operative delivery more commonly, although it is not an indicator of other markers of maternal morbidity or perinatal mortality.
Effects of exogenous urotensin II on vascular remodelling after balloon injury
Authors: Zhang Li‐Fang , Ding Wen‐Hui , Shi Li‐Bin , Li Kang , Haom Yan‐Jie , Ke Yuan‐Nan , Tang Zhao‐Shu
Published: November 2009

1. Urotensin II (U‐II) is a powerful vasoconstrictor peptide that stimulates cell proliferation. However, the systemic effects of U‐II on cellular and extracellular matrix responses of vessel walls have not been investigated. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of exogenous U‐II on arterial neointimal hyperplasia after balloon injury.

2. A stenosis model of the thoracic aorta after balloon injury was established in male Wistar rats. Rats were divided into three groups (n = 5 in each): (i) uninjured; (ii) injured for 21 days; and (iii) injured and then treated with U‐II (1 nmol/kg per h) via an osmotic minipump for 21 days. Another group of rats were killed on Days 7 and 14 after balloon injury for the analysis ofin vitrocollagen synthesis and secretion with U‐II treated by [3H]‐proline incorporation and determination of [3H]‐hydroxyproline radioactivity, respectively.

3. Urotensin II immunoreactivity was 1.74‐fold higher in vessels injured for 21 days than in uninjured vessels and mRNA levels of the urotensin UT receptor were upregulated by 55% following injury. After U‐II treatment, the mRNA levels of the UT receptor were further upregulated (by 40%). In addition, U‐II treatment increased the intimal area of injured aortas (13 ± 5vs7 ± 2% in group iii and ii, respectively), as well as increasing collagen content and cell proliferation. Protein levels of matrix metalloproteinase 1 were decreased in U‐II‐treated rats.In vitro, U‐II treatment increased collagen synthesis and secretion in uninjured vessels in a concentration‐dependent manner (10−10, 10−9and 10−8 mol/L U‐II), especially in injured aortas on Day 7 after injury.

4. In conclusion, exogenous U‐II may upregulate mRNA levels of the UT receptor, as well as increase collagen and cell proliferation, all of which would contribute to intimal hyperplasia after angioplasty.
Does a small biopsied gastric specimen limit the usage of two directional transnasal esophagogastroduodenoscopy?
Authors: Rhee Kyoung Hoon , Han Hye Seung , Lee Sun‐Young , Seo Tae Ho , Ko Soon‐Young , Kim Byung Kook , Sung In‐Kyung , Jin Choon‐Jo , Min Young Il
Published: November 2009

Background and Aims:  It is difficult to approach certain gastric regions due to the limited bending ability of transnasal esophagogastroduodenoscopy (TN‐EGD). We analyzed the TN‐EGD biopsied specimens according to where they were obtained inside the stomach.

Methods:  Two hundred and eighty‐nine gastric biopsy specimens were obtained during diagnostic TN‐EGD. The gastric biopsied specimens were quantified according to their diameter and depth in micrometers, and depth in layers (superficial mucosa, deep mucosa, muscularis mucosa and submucosa). The quality was measured by the degrees of anatomical orientation (good, intermediate and poor), presence of crush artifact (none to minimal, mild and moderate) and overall diagnostic adequacy (adequate, suboptimal and inadequate).

Results:  Poor orientation, presence of crush and overall diagnostic inadequacy were present in 33 (11.4%), 26 (9.0%) and 37 (12.8%) of the 289 specimens, respectively. Deep mucosa was present in 211 specimens (73.0%), while muscularis mucosa was present in only 75 specimens (26.0%). Specimens taken from the posterior aspect of the cardia exhibited the shallowest depth (P = 0.011), poorest orientation (P < 0.001) and poorest diagnostic adequacy (P < 0.001). Fluoroscopic findings demonstrated that the posterior aspect of the cardia was difficult to approach closely and perpendicularly because of the anatomical configuration of the stomach in nature.

Conclusion:  TN‐EGD biopsied specimens obtained from the posterior aspect of the cardia exhibit limitations in both quality and quantity. When performing a biopsy using two directional TN‐EGD, special attention should be paid to gastric lesions located on the posterior aspect of the cardia.
Electrogastrographic characteristics in subjects with stomach remnant
Authors: Lee Hsing‐Feng , Chang Full‐Young , Lu Ching‐Liang , Luo Jiing‐Chyuan , Chen Chih‐Yen , Wu Han‐Chang
Published: November 2009

Background and Aims:  Slow wave (SW) is an essential component in mediating stomach motility. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the SW characteristics in subjects with stomach remnant.

Methods:  We consecutively enrolled 58 distal radical subtotal gastrectomy (RSG) patients (male/female: 44/14, age: 33–79 years) to receive an electrogastrographic (EGG) measurement. Their Helicobacter pylori status and dyspeptic score were simultaneously assessed. In addition, EGG data of 58 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy subjects were compared. Based on power spectral analysis, the following EGG parameters were derived: dominant frequency (DF)/power (DP), percentage of normal rhythm (2–4 cpm), power ratio (PR) referring the postprandial power change, etc.

Results:  Visual analysis occasionally found a short period of ∼11 cpm myoelectricity‐like rhythm. Distal RSG patients had lower fasting (1.90 ± 0.69 vs 2.97 ± 0.58 cpm, P < 0.001) and postprandial (2.03 ± 0.72 vs 3.35 ± 0.27 cpm, P < 0.001) DF values, while their fasting (36.2 ± 22.3% vs 67.1 ± 23.4%, P < 0.001) and postprandial (33.4 ± 19.9% vs 82.2 ± 16.7%, P < 0.001) percentages of normal rhythms were diminished. In contrast, fasting DP, its meal response and PR (2.99 ± 2.40 vs 2.45 ± 2.63, NS) were comparable to those of controls. Neither gender, age, type of gastroenterostomy, Helicobacter pylori colonization, dyspeptic score nor elapsed time after surgery had an obvious influence on EGG parameters.

Conclusions:  Distal RSG patients may have decreased SW frequency and less meal ingestion changed EGG parameters in terms of SW frequency, normality and stability, whereas their EGG power remained unchanged irrespective of meal ingestion.
Use of over‐the‐counter medicines for young children in Australia
Authors: Trajanovska Misel , Manias Elizabeth , Cranswick Noel , Johnston Linda
Published: November 2009

Aim:  To describe over‐the‐counter (OTC) medicine use by Australian parents for children aged birth to 24 months; types of medicines used and indications for use.

Methods:  A cross‐sectional survey of parents was conducted using a self‐administered over‐the‐counter medicine use questionnaire. A total of 640 questionnaires were distributed to parents of children who attended a hospital outpatient clinic, maternal and child health centre, or a childcare service in Melbourne, Australia.

Results:  A total of 325 questionnaires were completed (50.1%). Of these, 98.2% of parents had reportedly purchased at least one OTC medicine for their child in the previous 12 months. The most commonly purchased medicines were: paracetamol (acetaminophen) (95.9%), choline salicylate (47.3%), ibuprofen (36.4%), and cough and cold products (46.7%). Paracetamol was commonly used for a high temperature (82.4%) and non‐specific pain (62.3%). Over 40% of parents had used cough and cold products to treat cold and flu symptoms. Nineteen (6.1%) parents had used OTC medicines to induce sleep or settle their child.

Conclusions:  Most parents had used at least one OTC medicine to manage childhood symptoms. Of concern is that over 40% of parents had used cough and cold products for their young child, despite a lack of evidence surrounding their efficacy. In order to minimise risks associated with OTC medicine use, particularly cough and cold products, health‐care providers need to continue the provision of current evidence‐based information to parents regarding safe and appropriate use of medicines for their child.
Neonatal pain: A comparison of the beliefs and practices of junior doctors and current best evidence
Authors: Schultz Meleesa , Loughran‐Fowlds Alison , Spence Kaye
Published: November 2009

Aim:  To obtain information on the practices and beliefs of junior doctors regarding neonatal pain and to compare this with best evidence.

Methods:  A survey was distributed to junior doctors in five tertiary neonatal intensive care units in Sydney. Questions investigated the doctors' knowledge and treatment of pain in neonates, specifically regarding the perception and effects of pain, pain assessment tools, and the safety and efficacy of treatments for both procedural and long‐term pain.

Results:  The survey was completed by 33 junior doctors (77% response rate). Respondents generally had adequate knowledge about the effects of pain in neonates; however, a low proportion of respondents acknowledged the difference in long‐term effects between neonates and older children. Less experienced doctors were especially unaware of this. Pain assessment tools were not perceived to be reliable, valid or routinely used, especially by less experienced doctors. Respondents were appropriately unsupportive of the use of topical anaesthetic agents. Participants acknowledged the efficacy breastfeeding and oral sucrose during short‐term procedures but skin‐to‐skin contact and massage were less recognised as useful. Mixed opinions were noted on the benefits and risks of use of opioid analgesics, morphine infusions and midazolam but most agreed that sedation does not necessarily provide adequate pain relief. Disturbingly, doctors who were aware of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians Guidelines were more likely to agree with the routine use of midazolam in neonates.

Conclusions:  Increased educational programmes should be developed to improve the knowledge of junior doctors regarding neonatal pain.
Differences in the clinical characteristics of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia in immunocompromized patients with and without HIV infection
Authors: ENOMOTO Tatsuji , AZUMA Arata , KOHNO Ayumi , KANEKO Kazuyo , SAITO Hitoshi , KAMETAKA Minako , USUKI Jiro , GEMMA Akihiko , KUDOH Shoji , NAKAMURA Seiichi
Published: November 2009

Background and objective:  The incidence of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) in patients with predisposing immunodeficiencies other than AIDS is growing. Knowing the different characteristics and outcomes of PCP according to HIV status would help physicians manage and treat patients with PCP.

Methods:  The medical charts of all patients with a proven first episode of PCP, diagnosed between 1997 and 2007 were retrospectively reviewed, and clinical and laboratory data abstracted.

Results:  Of the 35 patients with PCP, 18 were HIV‐positive and 17 were HIV‐negative with other immunosuppressive conditions. HIV‐negative patients were significantly older than HIV‐positive patients. The WCC (10 952 ± 5669 vs 9750 ± 3133/µL; P = 0.015), neutrophil counts (9631 ± 5421 vs 5680 ± 2628/µL; P = 0.01) and CD4+ lymphocyte counts (329 ± 502 vs 47 ± 50/µL; P < 0.001) were significantly higher in HIV‐negative patients. Six of the 17 HIV‐negative patients had a CD4+ lymphocyte count >300/µL. Serum IgG levels were lower in HIV‐negative patients (943 ± 379 vs 1635 ± 657 mg/dL; P = 0.017). Mortality was higher in HIV‐negative (52.9%) than in HIV‐positive patients (0%). On univariate analysis, risk factors for mortality from PCP were the presence of underlying pulmonary disease (odds ratio 4.000, 95% CI: 1.501–10.658) and HIV‐negative status (odds ratio 2.125, 95% CI: 1.283–3.518).

Conclusions:  The characteristics and outcomes of PCP differ significantly depending on HIV status. The existence of underlying pulmonary diseases may be associated with the prognosis of HIV‐negative patients with PCP.
Creating inspiration: The role of the arts in creating empathy for ecological restoration
Authors: Curtis David J.
Published: November 2009

Summary  Australia’s natural areas have long been a source of inspiration for artists. Some of this art is a response to the natural environment or represents it in some way, and some is exhibited or performed in the natural environment itself. The objectives of this article are to: investigate the relationship between art and the artists who create it and people who make a living in extension, landcare or on the land; and, develop an understanding of whether the arts can encourage an emotional affinity with the natural environment. Eighty‐nine key informant interviews were conducted in Australia, the UK, USA, Canada and Norway, including people working in the arts and people working in natural resources management. Those in the latter group were people who either (i) worked in an extension (outreach) or community facilitation capacity, or (ii) people who played a voluntary role with community on‐ground restoration projects or who showed exemplary behaviour towards the environment. All the people working in natural resources management cited examples of visual or performing arts that they had found inspiring, that encapsulated or defined their attitudes towards the natural environment, or which reinforced their attitudes towards the natural environment. From these interviews, the idea of ‘chains of inspiration’ emerged. Each of the ‘chains’ began with people who worked directly on the environment. These people were in turn influenced or inspired by particular art from which they gained an emotional affinity towards the environment. The chains then progressed to the artists who created the art. All of the chains ended up with the natural environment from which the artists drew their inspiration. The paper concludes that by providing an emotional affinity or empathy for the natural environment, art can have a major role in influencing pro‐environmental attitudes.
Fungus diversity in revegetated paddocks compared with remnant woodland in a south‐eastern Australian agricultural landscape
Authors: Barrett Geoff , Trappe James M. , Drew Alex , Stol Jacqui , Freudenberger David
Published: November 2009

Summary Despite the importance of fungi for restoration, their presence in revegetated sites has received little attention. We compared the diversity and composition of macrofungi (i.e. those that form fleshy mushrooms and truffles) in 12 sites where 3‐to‐6‐year‐old native trees and shrubs had been planted (woodland restoration sites), with that in six woodland remnants. All sites were within an agricultural landscape near Holbrook in New South Wales. Of 58 fungal genera recorded, 57% occurred in woodland restoration sites and 83% in nearby patches of remnant woodland. Of the genera found in restoration sites, 70% were also found in the woodland remnants. The dominance of early successional genera such asLacceriaandSclerodermain restoration sites suggests windblown colonisation by fungi. The reduced proportion of hypogeous genera (truffles) that rely on mammal vectors, which are less likely to occur in the restoration sites, also supports the view that most fungi occurred in restoration through colonisation rather than being generated from soil spores. Greatest overall fungal diversity occurred in large remnants that had greater structural complexity. Across all sites, epigeous genera (mushrooms) were most common (78% of all taxa collected across 46 genera) and of the nutritional modes, mycorrhizal genera (forming symbiotic associations with plants) were the most common (206 collections, 71%, 25 genera). Both hypogeous and mycorrhizal fungi were positively associated with the diversity of native forb species (wildflowers), suggesting that lower fungal diversity in restoration sites is likely to be a consequence of long‐term agricultural practices, particularly fertilizer use.
Insect diversity and trophic structure differ on native and non‐indigenous congeneric rushes in coastal salt marshes
Authors: HARVEY KERINNE J. , BRITTON DAVID R. , MINCHINTON TODD E.
Published: November 2009

Displacement of native plant species by non‐indigenous congeners may affect associated faunal assemblages. In endangered salt marshes of south‐east Australia, the non‐indigenous rush Juncus acutus is currently displacing the native rush Juncus kraussii, which is a dominant habitat‐forming species along the upper border of coastal salt marshes. We sampled insect assemblages on multiple plants of these congeneric rushes in coastal salt marshes in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, and compared the abundance, richness, diversity, composition and trophic structure between: (i) J. acutus and J. kraussii at invaded locations; and (ii) J. kraussii at locations either invaded or not invaded by J. acutus. Although J. acutus supported a diverse suite of insects, species richness and diversity were significantly greater on the native J. kraussii. Moreover, insect assemblages associated with J. kraussii at sites invaded by J. acutus were significantly different from, and more variable than, those on J. kraussii at non‐invaded sites. The trophic structure of the insect assemblages was also different, including the abundance and richness of predators and herbivores, suggesting that J. acutus may be altering consumer interactions, and may be spreading in part because of a reduction in herbivory. This strongly suggests that J. acutus is not playing a functionally similar role to J. kraussii with respect to the plant‐associated insect species assemblages. Consequently, at sites where this non‐indigenous species successfully displaces the native congener, this may have important ecological consequences for community composition and functioning of these endangered coastal salt marshes.
The cAMP response element‐binding protein in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis modulates the formalin‐induced pain behavior in the female rat
Authors: Hagiwara Hiroko , Ishida Maho , Arita Jun , Mitsushima Dai , Takahashi Takuya , Kimura Fukuko , Funabashi Toshiya
Published: November 2009

Differences in male and female responses to pain are widely recognized in many species, including humans, but the cerebral mechanisms that generate these responses are unknown. Using the formalin test, we confirmed that proestrus female rats showed nociceptive behavior, modulated by estrogen that was distinct from male rats, particularly during the interphase period. We then explored the brain areas, which were involved in the female pattern of nociceptive behavior. We found that, after a formalin injection and at the time corresponding to the behavioral interphase, the number of phosphorylated cAMP response element‐binding protein (pCREB)‐immunoreactive neurons observed by immunocytochemistry increased in the dorsolateral division of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BSTLD) in female but not male rats. There were no significant sex differences in pCREB expression following formalin in any region other than the BSTLD. The increased pCREB in female rats was eliminated after an ovariectomy and restored with 17β‐estradiol treatment. Neither an orchidectomy nor 17β‐estradiol treatment affected the pCREB response in male rats. The increase in pCREB expression in the BSTLD in female rats after formalin injection was confirmed with immunoblotting. To determine the role of CREB in the BSTLD, adenovirus‐mediated expression of a dominant‐negative form of CREB (mCREB) was carried out. The nociceptive behavior during interphase was significantly attenuated by injection of virus carrying mCREB into the BSTLD in female rats but not in male rats. These results suggest a novel role for CREB in the BSTLD as a modulator of the pain response in a female‐specific, estrogen‐dependent manner.
The effect of a target controlled infusion of propofol on predictability of recovery from anesthesia in children
Authors: McCORMACK JON , MEHTA DISHA , PEIRIS KAWSHALA , DUMONT GUY , FUNG PARRY , LIM JOANNE , ANSERMINO J. MARK
Published: November 2009

Background:  Emergence following termination of a general anesthetic depends on the effect site concentration (Ce) of the drug declining to an awakening value (Ce‐awake). Ce‐awake has been described in adults, but is unknown in children.

Objectives:  To determine Ce‐awake in children following a target‐controlled infusion (TCI) of propofol and to assess a Ce‐driven TCI system’s ability to predict times to emergence from anesthesia.

Methods:  Subjects undergoing elective surgery, aged 3 months to <10 years were recruited into three age‐stratified groups. A target Ce of 3–4 μg·ml−1 was selected for induction and subsequently titrated to patient response and surgical stimulus. Preoperative acetaminophen, a remifentanil infusion and regional anesthesia were permitted for supplemental analgesia. State Entropy (SE) was monitored from induction to emergence. Emergence was defined as the time of first purposeful spontaneous movement (PSM). Time zero was defined as the end of propofol infusion. Based on a pilot study, a Ce‐awake of 1.9 μg·ml−1 was chosen as the wake‐up threshold used by the software to predict emergence times.

Results:  Data was collected for 90 of 104 recruited patients. PSM occurred at a mean (sd) Ce of 2.0 (0.5) μg·ml−1 and an SE of 79 (11). There were no differences between age groups. A wide variation in emergence time was observed, with a mean (sd) of 16.9 (7) min, and a trend to more rapid emergence in older subjects.

Conclusion:  A predicted Ce‐awake of 2.0 μg·ml−1 in children aged 3 months to <10 years was identified with the selected model. For expert users of propofol in children, during shorter surgical procedures, TCI predicted emergence times do not offer significant clinical advantages.
Avoidance by grazers facilitates spread of an invasive hybrid plant
Authors: Grosholz E.
Published: November 2009

Ecology Letters (2010) 13: 145–153

Biological invasions greatly increase the potential for hybridization among native and non‐native species. Hybridization may influence the palatability of novel hybrids to consumers potentially influencing invasion success; however, the palatability of non‐native hybrids relative to the parent species is poorly known. In contrast, studies of native‐only hybrids find they are nearly always more palatable to consumers than the parent species. Here, I experimentally demonstrate that an invasive hybrid cordgrass (Spartina) is dramatically less palatable to grazing geese than the native parent species. Using field and aviary experiments, I show that grazing geese ignore the hybrid cordgrass and preferentially consume native Spartina. I also experimentally demonstrate that reduced herbivory of the invasive hybrid may contribute to faster spread in a California estuary. These results suggest that biological invasions may increase future opportunities for creating novel hybrids that may pose a greater risk to natural systems than the parent species.
Response of the Pseudomonas host chromosomal transcriptome to carriage of the IncP‐7 plasmid pCAR1
Authors: Shintani Masaki , Takahashi Yurika , Tokumaru Hiroki , Kadota Koji , Hara Hirofumi , Miyakoshi Masatoshi , Naito Kunihiko , Yamane Hisakazu , Nishida Hiromi , Nojiri Hideaki
Published: November 2009

Plasmid carriage requires appropriate expression of the genes on the plasmid or host chromosome through cooperative transcriptional regulation. To clarify the impact of plasmid carriage on the host chromosome, we compared the chromosomal RNA maps of plasmid‐free and plasmid‐containing host strains using the incompatibility group P‐7 archetype plasmid pCAR1, which is involved in carbazole degradation, and three distinct Pseudomonas strains. The possession of pCAR1 altered gene expression related to the iron acquisition systems in each host. Expression of the major siderophore pyoverdine was greater in plasmid‐containing P. putida KT2440 and P. aeruginosa PAO1 than in the plasmid‐free host strains, in part due to the expression of carbazole‐degradative genes on pCAR1. The mexEFoprN operon encoding an efflux pump of the resistance‐nodulation‐cell division family was specifically upregulated by the carriage of pCAR1 in P. putida KT2440, whereas the expression of orthologous genes in the other species remained unaltered. Induction of the mexEFoprN genes increased the resistance of pCAR1‐containing KT2440 to chloramphenicol compared with pCAR1‐free KT2440. Our findings indicate that the possession of pCAR1 altered the growth rate of the host via the expression of genes on pCAR1 and the host chromosomes.
Colonoscopy and computerized tomography scan are not sufficient to localize right‐sided colonic lesions accurately
Authors: Solon J. G. , Al‐Azawi D. , Hill A. , Deasy J. , McNamara D. A.
Published: November 2009

Aim  Accurate preoperative localization of colonic lesions is critical especially in laparoscopic colectomy where tactile localization is absent particularly in screen‐detected tumours. The study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of colonoscopy and double‐contrast computerized tomography (CT) scan to localize lesions treated by right hemicolectomy.

Method  A retrospective chart review was performed of patients treated by right hemicolectomy under the colorectal service between July 2003 and October 2006. Preoperative tumour location determined by CT scan and colonoscopy was compared with the intra‐operative and histopathological findings.

Results  Out of 101 patients, 73 (73%) were for adenoma or cancer, with a final diagnosis of adenocarcinoma in 59 (58%). Preoperative localization was inaccurate in 29% of lesions using both CT and colonoscopy. In the transverse colon, colonoscopy alone was only 37.5% accurate, increasing to 62.5% when information from the CT scan was added.

Conclusion  Preoperative localization of right‐sided colon cancers using colonoscopy and CT scanning is unreliable in at least 29% of cases. Inaccurate localization of transverse colon tumours risks inadequate lymphadenectomy with an adverse cancer outcome. Preoperative abdominal CT scan improves accuracy but endoscopic tattoo localization should be employed routinely especially in patients undergoing laparoscopic resection.
THE INFLUENCE OF ECONOMICS ARTICLES ON BUSINESS RESEARCH: ANALYSIS OF JOURNALS AND TIME TRENDS*
Authors: AZAR OFER H.
Published: November 2009

This article examines the influence of economics on business research using citation data. The share of economics in citations from business is 10.78% until 1995, but only 6.95% for 1996–2003. Four potential explanations for this decline are discussed: interdisciplinary spillover of research is slower than within a discipline; the increasing use of mathematics in economics made economics less useful for business scholars; economics articles are by their nature more long‐lived than business articles; business has grown recently more quickly than economics. The data support the second and fourth explanations. Different research spillover occurs but lasts no more than two years.
THE ROLE OF SUNK COSTS IN THE DECISION TO INVEST IN R&D*
Authors: MÁÑEZ JUAN A. , ROCHINA‐BARRACHINA MARÍA E. , SANCHIS AMPARO , SANCHIS JUAN A.
Published: November 2009

We present a dynamic empirical model of a firm's R&D decisions that is consistent with the existence of sunk R&D costs, taking into account that these costs may differ between small and large firms, and among different technological regimes. We estimate a multivariate dynamic discrete choice model using firm‐level data of Spanish manufacturing for 1990–2000. Conditional on firm heterogeneity and serially correlated unobservable factors, we find that R&D history matters. This true state dependence allows inferring the existence of sunk R&D costs associated with performing R&D. Sunk R&D costs are found to be higher for large, high‐tech firms.
VERTICAL MERGERS AND PRODUCT DIFFERENTIATION*
Authors: MATSUSHIMA NORIAKI
Published: November 2009

This paper presents an equilibrium theory of vertical mergers that incorporates strategic behaviors in the Hotelling‐type location model. This enables one to consider the relationship between downstream firms' strategies for product differentiation and vertical integration. I show that vertical integration enhances the degree of product differentiation of the integrated firm. Under some conditions, partial integration arises in equilibrium, which may increase the profit of the nonintegrated downstream firm. The paper also discusses the welfare implications of vertical integration.
No New Vision: the Gradual Death of British Social Democracy?
Authors: BEECH MATT
Published: November 2009

This article argues that the Labour Party has no new vision for British social democracy. New Labour in Government is intellectually tired and lacks ideological vision. Gordon Brown's leadership is managerial and lacking robust ideological content. These problems exist in a period of severe recession and whereby the Conservatives under David Cameron are in the ascendancy. The argument in this article asserts that revisionism is required in the Labour Party. An ideological revisionism which reconnects the Party with an overt vision of social democratic politics; which reconnects the Labour leadership with activists and supporters; and which inspires the next generation of Labour voters.
The Winter of Discontent in British Politics
Authors: BLACK LAWRENCE , PEMBERTON HUGH
Published: November 2009

Hay's argument that the ‘winter of discontent’ was essentially a manufactured crisis was discussed at the British Academy on the thirtieth anniversary of the 22 January 1979 public sector ‘day of action’. In the edited transcript of that discussion which we publish here, three contemporary actors offer some support for, but also clear rejoinders to Hay. David Lea applauds the credit Hay gives to the efforts of the unions to make pay policy work in the late‐1970s. David Lipsey argues Hay is wrong, it was a real crisis (albeit part of a battle between two very crude political narratives) and one in which the unions essentially betrayed the Labour government's attempts to sustain social democracy. Kenneth Baker also thinks the crisis was real, but he sees it as the inevitable end of Britain's postwar settlement. A number of other distinguished commentators also offer their perspective.