bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cerebral Arterial and Venous Contributions to Tissue Oxygenation Index Measured Using Spatially Resolved Spectroscopy in Newborn Lambs
Authors: Wong Flora Y. , Alexiou Theodora , Samarasinghe Thilini , Brodecky Vojta , Walker Adrian M.
Published: November 2010

Background

Bedside assessments of cerebral oxygenation are sought to monitor cerebral injury in patients undergoing intensive care. Spatially resolved spectroscopy measures tissue oxygenation index (TOI, %) which reflects mixed cerebral arterial and venous oxygenations. We aimed to evaluate arterial and venous components of TOI (cerebral arterial to venous volume ratio [A:V ratio]) in the newborn lamb brain using cerebral arterial and venous blood samples, and to investigate the impact of acute hypoxemia on the A:V ratio and TOI.

Method

Nine lambs were ventilated with varied inspired oxygen to generate arterial oxygen saturations between 25% and 100%. Cerebral arterial and venous oxygen saturations analyzed using cooximeter of arterial and superior sagittal sinus blood were used to estimate TOI (TOIcox), assuming cerebral A:V ratio of 25:75. TOIcox was compared with the TOI measured by spatially resolved spectroscopy (TOIsrs). Actual cerebral arterial and venous volume fractions were reestimated using TOIsrs = cerebral arterial volume fraction cerebral arterial oxygen saturation + cerebral venous volume fraction*cerebral venous oxygen saturation.

Results

Median (range) TOIsrs was 48.5% (32.0-64.1%), and TOIcox was 48.4% (13.7-74.4%), and the two were significantly correlated (R = 0.77). The mean difference between TOIsrs and TOIcox was 2.4% (limits of agreement ± 18.1%). The TOIsrs - TOIcox difference varied with oxygen saturations, with TOIsrs higher than TOIcox at low saturations, and lower at high saturations. Cerebral arterial volume fraction was 22.9-27.5% in normoxia and markedly increased in hypoxemia.

Conclusion

TOI corresponds with cerebral oxygenation. The variable agreement of TOIsrs with TOIcox may reflect changes in cerebral A:V ratio due to arterial oxygenation-related vasoreactivity.
Inhalation Anesthesia Increases V/Q Regional Heterogeneity during Spontaneous Breathing in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Nyrén Sven , Radell Peter , Mure Margareta , Petersson Johan , Jacobsson Hans , Lindahl Sten G. E. , Sánchez-Crespo Alejandro
Published: November 2010

Background

The underlying mechanism for the increased alveolar-arterial oxygen tension difference resulting from almost all forms of general anesthesia is unknown. We hypothesized that inhalation anesthesia influences the intrapulmonary distribution of ventilation (V) and perfusion (Q), leading to less advantageous V/Q matching.

Methods

Ten healthy volunteers were studied in supine position on two separate occasions, once awake and once during mild anesthesia (sevoflurane inhalation) with maintained spontaneous breathing. On both occasions, the distribution of V and Q were simultaneously imaged using single photon emission computed tomography. V was tagged with [Tc]-labeled carbon particle aerosol and Q with [In]-labeled macroaggregates of human albumin. Atelectasis formation during anesthesia was prevented using low concentrations of oxygen in inhaled air.

Results

Mean V and Q distributions in the ventral-to-dorsal direction, measured in 20 equally spaced volumes of interest and in three regions of interest of equal volume, did not differ between conditions. Anesthesia, when compared with the awake state, significantly decreased the total heterogeneity of the Q distribution (P = 0.002, effect size 1.16) but did not alter V (P = 0.37, effect size 0.41). The corresponding V/Q total heterogeneity was higher under anesthesia (P = 0.002, effect size 2.64). Compared to the awake state, the V/Q frequency distribution under anesthesia became wider (P = 0.009, 1.76 effect size) with a tendency toward low V/Q ratios.

Conclusion

Inhalation anesthesia alone affects Q but not V, suggesting that anesthesia has a direct effect on the active regulatory mechanism coordinating Q with V, leading to less favorable V/Q matching.
Lipid Emulsion Reverses Bupivacaine-induced Asystole in Isolated Rat Hearts
Authors: Chen Ying , Xia Yun , Liu Le , Shi Tong , Shi Kejian , Wang Quanguang , Chen Limei , Papadimos Thomas J. , Xu Xuzhong
Published: November 2010

Background

The concentration-response and time-response relationships of lipid emulsions used to reverse bupivacaine-induced asystole are poorly defined.

Methods

Concentration response across a range of lipid concentrations (0-16%) to reverse bupivacaine-induced asystole were observed using isolated rat heart Langendorff preparation. Cardiac function parameters were recorded during infusion. Concentrations of bupivacaine in myocardial tissue were measured by liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry at the end of the experiment.

Results

Although all lipid-treated hearts recovered (cardiac recovery was defined as a rate-pressure product more than 10% baseline), no nonlipid-treated hearts (control group) did so. The ratio of the maximum rate pressure product during recovery to baseline value demonstrated a concentration-dependent relationship among lipid groups, with 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16%. Mean ± SD values for each corresponding group were 22 ± 4, 24 ± 5, 29 ± 6, 52 ± 11, 73 ± 18, 119 ± 22, and 112 ± 10%, respectively (n = 6, P < 0.01). Rate-pressure product in lipid groups with 4-16% concentrations was lower at 15-40 min than at 1 min, showing a decreasing tendency during recovery phase (P < 0.01). The concentration of myocardial bupivacaine in all lipid-treated groups was significantly lower than in the control group (P < 0.01). It was also lower in lipid groups with 2-16% concentrations than in those with concentrations at 0.25-1% (P < 0.05), with the 16% group lower than groups with 2-8% concentrations (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Lipid application in bupivacaine-induced asystole displays a concentration-dependent and time-response relationship in isolated rat hearts.
Spinal Cord Stimulation-induced Analgesia
Authors: Guan Yun , Wacnik Paul W. , Yang Fei , Carteret Alene F. , Chung Chih-Yang , Meyer Richard A. , Raja Srinivasa N.
Published: November 2010

Background

The sites of action and cellular mechanisms by which spinal cord stimulation reduces neuropathic pain remain unclear.

Methods

We examined the effect of bipolar electrical-conditioning stimulation (50 Hz, 0.2 ms, 5 min) of the dorsal column and lumbar dorsal roots on the response properties of spinal wide dynamic range (WDR) neurons in rats after L5 spinal nerve injury. The conditioning stimulation intensity was set at the lowest current that evoked a peak antidromic sciatic Aα/β-compound action potential without inducing an Aδ- or C-compound action potential.

Results

Within 15 min of the dorsal column or root conditioning stimulation, the spontaneous activity rate of WDR neurons was significantly reduced in nerve-injured rats. Conditioning stimulation also significantly attenuated WDR neuronal responses to mechanical stimuli in nerve-injured rats and inhibited the C-component of the neuronal response to graded intracutaneous electrical stimuli applied to the receptive field in nerve-injured and sham-operated rats. It is noteworthy that dorsal column stimulation blocked windup of WDR neuronal response to repetitive intracutaneous electrical stimulation (0.5 Hz) in nerve-injured and sham-operated rats, whereas dorsal root stimulation inhibited windup only in sham-operated rats. Therefore, stimulation of putative spinal substrates at A-fiber intensities with parameters similar to those used by patients with spinal cord stimulators attenuated established WDR neuronal hyperexcitability in the neuropathic condition and counteracted activity-dependent increase in neuronal excitability (i.e., windup).

Conclusions

These results suggest a potential cellular mechanism underlying spinal cord stimulation-induced pain relief. This in vivo model allows the neurophysiologic basis for spinal cord stimulation-induced analgesia to be studied.
Identification of the Epidural Space with Optical Spectroscopy
Authors: Rathmell James P. , Desjardins Adrien E. , van der Voort Marjolein , Hendriks Benno H. W. , Nachabe Rami , Roggeveen Stefan , Babic Drazenko , Söderman Michael , Brynolf Marcus , Holmström Björn
Published: November 2010

Background

Accurate identification of the epidural space is critical for safe and effective epidural anesthesia or treatment of acute lumbar radicular pain with epidural steroid injections. The loss-of-resistance technique is commonly used, but it is known to be unreliable. Even when it is performed in conjunction with two-dimensional fluoroscopic guidance, determining when the needle tip enters the epidural space can be challenging. In this swine study, we investigated whether the epidural space can be identified with optical spectroscopy, using a custom needle with optical fibers integrated into the cannula.

Methods

Insertion of the needle tip into the epidural space was performed with midline and paramedian approaches in a swine. In each insertion, optical spectra were acquired at different insertion depths, and anatomical localization of the needle was determined by three-dimensional imaging with rotational C-arm computed tomography. Optical spectra that included both visible and near-infrared wavelength ranges were processed to derive estimates of the blood and lipid volume fractions.

Results

In all insertions, the transition of the needle tip to the epidural space from an adjacent tissue structure (interspinous ligament or the ligamentum flavum) was found to be associated with an increase in the lipid volume fraction. These increases, which ranged from 1.6- to 3.0-fold, were statistically significant (P = 0.0020). Lipid fractions obtained from the epidural space were 1.9- to 20-fold higher than those obtained from muscle (P = 0.0013). Accidental penetration of an epidural vein during one insertion coincided with a high blood volume fraction.

Conclusions

The spectroscopic information obtained with the optical spinal needle is complementary to fluoroscopic images, and it could potentially allow for reliable identification of the epidural space during needle placement.
Role of two-way airflow owing to temperature difference in severe acute respiratory syndrome transmission: revisiting the largest nosocomial severe acute respiratory syndrome outbreak in Hong Kong
Authors: Chen Chun , Zhao Bin , Yang Xudong , Li Yuguo
Published: November 2010

By revisiting the air distribution and bioaerosol dispersion in Ward 8A where the largest nosocomial severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak occurred in Hong Kong in 2003, we found an interesting phenomenon. Although all the cubicles were in ‘positive pressure’ towards the corridor, the virus-containing bioaerosols generated from the index patient's cubicle were still transmitted to other cubicles, which cannot be explained in a traditional manner. A multi-zone model combining the two-way airflow effect was used to analyse this phenomenon. The multi-zone airflow model was evaluated by our experimental data. Comparing with the previous computational fluid dynamic simulation results, we found that the air exchange owing to the small temperature differences between cubicles played a major role in SARS transmission. Additionally, the validated multi-zone model combining the two-way airflow effect could simulate the pollutant transport with reasonable accuracy but much less computational time. A probable improvement in general ward design was also proposed.
New behavioural trait adopted or rejected by observing heterospecific tutor fitness
Authors: Seppänen Janne-Tuomas , Forsman Jukka T. , Mönkkönen Mikko , Krams Indrikis , Salmi Tuuli
Published: November 2010

Animals can acquire behaviours from others, including heterospecifics, but should be discriminating in when and whom to copy. Successful individuals should be preferred as tutors, while adopting traits of poorly performing individuals should be actively avoided. Thus far it is unknown if such adaptive strategies are involved when individuals copy other species. Furthermore, rejection of traits based on tutor characteristics (negative bias) has not been shown in any non-human animal. Here we test whether a choice between two new, neutral behavioural alternatives—breeding-sites with alternative geometric symbols—is affected by observing the choice and fitness of a heterospecific tutor. A field experiment replicated in four different areas shows that the proportion of pied flycatcher females matching the choice of the tit tutor consistently increased with increasing number of offspring in the tit nest, to the extent of nearly complete prevalence in one of the areas when tit fitness was highest. Notably, all four replicates demonstrate rejection of the behaviour of lowest-fitness tutors. The results demonstrate both acquisition and avoidance of heterospecific behavioural traits, based on the perceived (lack of) tutor fitness. This has potential implications for understanding the origin, diversity and local adaptations of behavioural traits, and niche overlap/partitioning and species co-occurrence.
Living with strangers: direct benefits favour non-kin cooperation in a communally nesting bird
Authors: Riehl Christina
Published: November 2010

The greater ani (Crotophaga major), a Neotropical cuckoo, exhibits an unusual breeding system in which several socially monogamous pairs lay eggs in a single nest and contribute care to the communal clutch. Cooperative nesting is costly—females compete for reproduction by ejecting each other's eggs—but the potential direct or indirect fitness benefits that might accrue to group members have not been identified. In this study, I used molecular genotyping to quantify patterns of genetic relatedness and individual reproductive success within social groups in a single colour-banded population. Microsatellite analysis of 122 individuals in 49 groups revealed that group members are not genetic relatives. Group size was strongly correlated with individual reproductive success: solitary pairs were extremely rare and never successful, and nests attended by two pairs were significantly more likely to be depredated than were nests attended by three pairs. Egg loss, a consequence of reproductive competition, was greater in large groups and disproportionately affected females that initiated laying. However, early-laying females compensated for egg losses by laying larger clutches, and female group members switched positions in the laying order across nesting attempts. The greater ani, therefore, appears to be one of the few species in which cooperative breeding among unrelated individuals is favoured by direct, shared benefits that outweigh the substantial costs of reproductive competition.
Friction force reduction triggers feet grooming behaviour in beetles
Authors: Hosoda Naoe , Gorb Stanislav N.
Published: November 2010

In insects, cleaning (grooming) of tarsal attachment devices is essential for maintaining their adhesive ability, necessary for walking on a complex terrain of plant surfaces. How insects obtain information on the degree of contamination of their feet has remained, until recently, unclear. We carried out friction force measurements on walking beetlesGastrophysa viridula(Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae) and counted grooming occurrence on stiff polymer substrata with different degrees of nanoroughness (root mean square: 28–288 nm). Since nanoscopically, rough surfaces strongly reduced friction and adhesion without contaminating feet, we were able to demonstrate, for the first time to our knowledge, that friction force between tarsal attachment pads and the substrate provides an insect with information on the degree of contamination of its attachment structures. We have shown that foot grooming occurrence correlates not only with the degree of contamination but also with the decrease of friction force. This result indicates that insects obtain information about the degree of contamination, not statically but rather dynamically and, presumably, use mechanoreceptors monitoring either tensile/compressive forces in the cuticle or tensile forces between leg segments.
Parasitoidism, not sociality, is associated with the evolution of elaborate mushroom bodies in the brains of hymenopteran insects
Authors: Farris Sarah M. , Schulmeister Susanne
Published: November 2010

The social brain hypothesis posits that the cognitive demands of social behaviour have driven evolutionary expansions in brain size in some vertebrate lineages. In insects, higher brain centres called mushroom bodies are enlarged and morphologically elaborate (having doubled, invaginated and subcompartmentalized calyces that receive visual input) in social species such as the ants, bees and wasps of the aculeate Hymenoptera, suggesting that the social brain hypothesis may also apply to invertebrate animals. In a quantitative and qualitative survey of mushroom body morphology across the Hymenoptera, we demonstrate that large, elaborate mushroom bodies arose concurrent with the acquisition of a parasitoid mode of life at the base of the Euhymenopteran (Orussioidea + Apocrita) lineage, approximately 90 Myr before the evolution of sociality in the Aculeata. Thus, sociality could not have driven mushroom body elaboration in the Hymenoptera. Rather, we propose that the cognitive demands of host-finding behaviour in parasitoids, particularly the capacity for associative and spatial learning, drove the acquisition of this evolutionarily novel mushroom body architecture. These neurobehavioural modifications may have served as pre-adaptations for central place foraging, a spatial learning-intensive behaviour that is widespread across the Aculeata and may have contributed to the multiple acquisitions of sociality in this taxon.
‘A Chance to Stand Back’: Parenting Programmes for Parents of Adolescents
Authors: Clarke Karen , Churchill Harriet
Published: November 2010

Parenting interventions were an important feature of New Labour’s policies to combat social exclusion. This paper critically examines parenting programmes for families with adolescents, assessing national and local policy aims against the perspectives of women who took part in a parenting course, which was the subject of a local evaluation. The paper argues that, while there were important positive outcomes for the participants, the high levels of unmet need which women reported reflect important disparities between the aims of the intervention, the level of service provision, and the needs and concerns of mothers and grandmothers.
Interaction of coagulation factors and tumor‐associated macrophages mediates migration and invasion of gastric cancer
Authors: Ma Ying‐Yu , He Xu‐Jun , Wang Hui‐Ju , Xia Ying‐Jie , Wang Sheng‐Li , Ye Zai‐Yuan , Tao Hou‐Quan
Published: November 2010

Abundant macrophage infiltration and increased expression of coagulation factors have been observed in cancer patients. The aim of the present study was to determine how the interaction between activated coagulation factors and monocytes/macrophages contributes to gastric cancer (GC) cell migration and invasion. We assessed cytokine/chemokine production of coagulation‐factor‐treated macrophages by ELISA. The effects of the interaction between coagulation factors and tumor‐associated macrophages (TAM) on GC cell migration and invasion were determined by in vitro migration and invasion assay. In addition, we used an in vitro co‐culture system of GC cells/TAM treated by coagulation factors to evaluate the effect of coagulation factor/TAM interaction on the human umbilical vein endothelial cell line (HUVEC). We found that the M2‐like phenotype of interleukin (IL)‐4high, IL‐10high, transforming growth factor (TGF)‐βhigh, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐αhigh was exhibited when the human monocytic cell line THP‐1 was stimulated by coagulation factors III (TF), VIIa (FVIIa) and XIIa (FXIIa). For the migration assay, the GC cells (BGC‐823 or SGC‐7901) that were co‐cultured with activated coagulation factor/TAM both showed increased migration. For the invasion assay, both BGC‐823 and SGC‐7901 cells co‐cultured with TF/TAM showed increased invasion. We also found that TAM activated by coagulation factors could induce vascular endothelial growth factor/MMP‐9 expression, which could promote invasion of GC cells. The HUVEC co‐cultured with TAM (PMA‐treated THP‐1 macrophages co‐cultured with GC cells) expressed high levels of FXIIa. In conclusion, coagulation factors might facilitate GC cell migration and invasion by transforming macrophages toward TAM‐like cells. Interaction of coagulation factors and TAM mediates migration and invasion of GC. (Cancer Sci 2011; 102: 336–342)
The ‘grass ceiling’: limitations in the literature hinder our understanding of cannabis use and its consequences
Authors: Temple Elizabeth C. , Brown Rhonda F. , Hine Donald W.
Published: November 2010

Aim  To illustrate how limitations in the cannabis literature undermine our ability to understand cannabis‐related harms and problems experienced by users and identify users at increased risk of experiencing adverse outcomes of use.

Method and results  Limitations have been organized into three overarching themes. The first relates to the classification systems employed by researchers to categorize cannabis users, their cannabis use and the assumptions on which these systems are based. The second theme encompasses methodological and reporting issues, including differences between studies, inadequate statistical control of potential confounders, the under‐reporting of effect sizes and the lack of consideration of clinical significance. The final theme covers differing approaches to studying cannabis use, including recruitment methods. Limitations related to the nature of the data collected by researchers are discussed throughout, with a focus on how they affect our understanding of cannabis use and users.

Conclusions  These limitations must be addressed to facilitate the development of effective and appropriately targeted evidence‐based public health campaigns, treatment programmes and preventative, early intervention and harm minimization strategies, and to inform cannabis‐related policy and legislation.
The cucurbit downy mildew pathogen Pseudoperonospora cubensis
Authors: SAVORY ELIZABETH A. , GRANKE LEAH L. , QUESADA‐OCAMPO LINA M. , VARBANOVA MARINA , HAUSBECK MARY K. , DAY BRAD
Published: November 2010

Pseudoperonospora cubensis[(Berkeley & M. A. Curtis) Rostovzev], the causal agent of cucurbit downy mildew, is responsible for devastating losses worldwide of cucumber, cantaloupe, pumpkin, watermelon and squash. Although downy mildew has been a major issue in Europe since the mid‐1980s, in the USA, downy mildew on cucumber has been successfully controlled for many years through host resistance. However, since the 2004 growing season, host resistance has been effective no longer and, as a result, the control of downy mildew on cucurbits now requires an intensive fungicide programme. Chemical control is not always feasible because of the high costs associated with fungicides and their application. Moreover, the presence of pathogen populations resistant to commonly used fungicides limits the long‐term viability of chemical control. This review summarizes the current knowledge of taxonomy, disease development, virulence, pathogenicity and control of Ps. cubensis. In addition, topics for future research that aim to develop both short‐ and long‐term control measures of cucurbit downy mildew are discussed.

Taxonomy: Kingdom Straminipila; Phylum Oomycota; Class Oomycetes; Order Peronosporales; Family Peronosporaceae; Genus Pseudoperonospora; Species Pseudoperonospora cubensis.

Disease symptoms: Angular chlorotic lesions bound by leaf veins on the foliage of cucumber. Symptoms vary on different cucurbit species and varieties, specifically in terms of lesion development, shape and size. Infection of cucurbits by Ps. cubensis impacts fruit yield and overall plant health.

Infection process: Sporulation on the underside of leaves results in the production of sporangia that are dispersed by wind. On arrival on a susceptible host, sporangia germinate in free water on the leaf surface, producing biflagellate zoospores that swim to and encyst on stomata, where they form germ tubes. An appressorium is produced and forms a penetration hypha, which enters the leaf tissue through the stomata. Hyphae grow through the mesophyll and establish haustoria, specialized structures for the transfer of nutrients and signals between host and pathogen.

Control: Management of downy mildew in Europe requires the use of tolerant cucurbit cultivars in conjunction with fungicide applications. In the USA, an aggressive fungicide programme, with sprays every 5–7 days for cucumber and every 7–10 days for other cucurbits, has been necessary to control outbreaks and to prevent crop loss.

Useful websites: http://www.daylab.plp.msu.edu/pseudoperonospora‐cubensis/ (Day Laboratory website with research advances in downy mildew); http://veggies.msu.edu/ (Hausbeck Laboratory website with downy mildew news for growers); http://cdm.ipmpipe.org/ (Cucurbit downy mildew forecasting homepage); http://ipm.msu.edu/downymildew.htm (Downy mildew information for Michigan's vegetable growers).
A polygalacturonase‐inhibiting protein with a role in pea defence against the cyst nematode Heterodera goettingiana
Authors: VERONICO PASQUA , MELILLO M. TERESA , SAPONARO CONCETTA , LEONETTI PAOLA , PICARDI ERNESTO , JONES JOHN T.
Published: November 2010

A cDNA of 312 bp, similar to polygalacturonase‐inhibiting proteins (PGIPs), was isolated by cDNA‐amplified fragment length polymorphism (cDNA‐AFLP) from pea roots infected with the cyst nematode Heterodera goettingiana. The deduced amino acid sequence obtained from the complete Pspgip1 coding sequence was very similar to PGIPs described from several other plant species, and was identical in both MG103738 and Progress 9 genotypes, resistant and susceptible to H. goettingiana, respectively. Reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) expression analysis revealed the differential regulation of the Pspgip1 gene in the two genotypes in response to wounding and nematode challenge. Mechanical wounding induced Pspgip1 expression in MG103738 within 8 h, but this response was delayed in Progress 9. In contrast, the response to nematode infection was more complex. The transcription of Pspgip1 was triggered rapidly in both genotypes, but the expression level returned to levels observed in uninfected plants more quickly in susceptible than in resistant roots. In addition, in situ hybridization showed that Pspgip1 was expressed in the cortical cells damaged as a result of nematode invasion in both genotypes. However, it was specifically localized in the cells bordering the nematode‐induced syncytia in resistant roots. This suggests a role for this gene in counteracting nematode establishment inside the root.
Validation of a paternally imprinted QTL affecting pH24h distinct fromPRKAG3on SSC15
Authors: Qiao R. M. , Ma J. W. , Guo Y. M. , Duan Y. Y. , Zhou L. H. , Huang L. S.
Published: November 2010

We previously performed a genome scan in a White Duroc × Erhualian F2population and identified a QTL on SSC15 with strong effect on pH24h in M. Longissimus dorsi and M. Semimembranous muscle tissue. At that time, the mode of inheritance of this QTL was not clarified, and it was also unclear whether the observed QTL effect was completely or partially caused by mutations in thePRKAG3gene, which is the only major gene on SSC15 so far known to influence pH24h. In this study, effects of thePRKAG3gene on meat quality traits were estimated by association analyses. Two substitutions inPRKAG3, p.Ile199Val (p.I199V) and p.Thr30Asn (p.T30N), were found to be segregating in the F2population and to significantly affect pH24h and total glycogen in meat, respectively. However, we excludedPRKAG3as a causative gene for the detected QTL based on the following reasons: (i) the gene was located outside of the QTL confidence interval; (ii) when thePRKAG3substitution was included as a fixed effect in the QTL model, theF‐ratio for the QTL increased rather than decreased; (iii) favourable alleles for pH24h at the QTL and at thePRKAG3p.I199V locus originated from Erhualian and White Duroc founders, respectively; (iv) more importantly, this QTL showed exclusive maternal expression, differing from the Mendelian expression ofPRKAG3. In conclusion, this study is the first to report a maternally‐expressed QTL for pH24h on SSC15, which is distinct fromPRKAG3.
End‐of‐life care policies in Flemish residential care facilities accommodating persons with intellectual disabilities
Authors: D'Haene I. , Pasman H. R. W. , Deliens L. , Bilsen J. , Mortier F. , Vander Stichele R.
Published: November 2010

Objective  This article aims to describe the presence, content and implementation strategies of written policies on end‐of‐life decisions in Flemish residential care facilities (RCFs) accommodating persons with intellectual disabilities (ID), and to describe training, education and quality assessments of end‐of‐life care.

Methods  A cross‐sectional mail survey was conducted among general directors of all RCFs accommodating persons with ID (n = 140) in Flanders, Belgium. Institutions were asked to provide us with a copy of their end‐of‐life care policy documents for content analysis.

Results  Of the 140 institutions, 84 (60%) completed the questionnaire and 25 institutions provided 45 policy documents. Presence of policies on specific end‐of‐life decisions with a possible life‐shortening effect lay between 18% (palliative sedation) and 26% (withdrawing or withholding of life‐prolonging treatment). The content analysis showed that the focus in the majority of these policy documents is on palliative care, while end‐of‐life decisions with a possible life‐shortening effect are mentioned but rarely elaborated on. Furthermore, few documents incorporate the distinctive features and needs of persons with ID regarding end‐of‐life care. On the other hand, half of the institutions trained and educated their professional care providers in some aspects of end‐of‐life care while one‐third assessed the satisfaction of residents and families on several of these aspects. However, more than half reported explicitly that they have no plans for such assessments.

Conclusions  The presence of end‐of‐life care policies is low in Flemish RCFs and their content is not very specific for persons with ID.
Serum lipids and their associations with viral levels and liver disease severity in a treatment‐naïve chronic hepatitis C type 1‐infected cohort
Authors: Ramcharran D. , Wahed A. S. , Conjeevaram H. S. , Evans R. W. , Wang T. , Belle S. H. , Yee L. J.
Published: November 2010

Summary.  In patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, steatosis and fibrosis have been shown to be inversely associated with total cholesterol (TC) and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol. Steatosis and fibrosis have also been found to be associated with triglyceride (TG) levels; though, the direction of the relationship is inconsistent across studies. The objective of this study was to assess whether viral level and histological factors are associated with the serum lipid profile in a treatment‐naïve cohort with chronic HCV genotype 1 infection. Participants were from the prospective Study of Viral Resistance to Antiviral Therapy (Virahep‐C). Fasting lipid profiles were analysed for 160 African Americans and 170 Caucasian Americans. Linear regression was used to evaluate associations of each lipid with viral load and liver disease. TG levels were significantly and directly associated with HCV levels (P = 0.0034) and steatosis (P < 0.0001). Other lipid parameters were significantly lower in those with fibrosis [HDLc (P = 0.001) and TC levels (P = 0.004)] than in those without fibrosis. In patients with HCV genotype 1 infection, more severe liver disease was associated with lower lipid levels, with the exception of TG levels that were directly related to steatosis. The direct relationship between viral load and TG levels is consistent with proposed the mechanisms of very low density lipoprotein/HCV particle secretion. In contrast, the direct relationship between TG level and steatosis is inconsistent with posited mechanisms of HCV‐induced steatosis, a possible reflection of HCV genotype 1 infection and a metabolic aetiology of steatosis.
The effect of bacterially‐dense environments on the development and immune defences of the blowflyLucilia sericata
Authors: BARNES KATHERINE M. , GENNARD DOROTHY E.
Published: November 2010

Competitive interactions between insects and microbes and the associated cost of development in bacterially‐dense environments are investigated using the blowflyLucilia sericata(Meigen) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) as a model. The effects of developing in a bacterially‐dense environment are measured by assessing the fitness consequences of competition using the pathogenStaphylococcus aureus.Fitness is quantified in terms of larval survival, puparial development and adult emergence.The influence of bacteria on larval immune defences is investigated using optical density to assess whether antibacterial potency of the larval excretion/secretion changes in response to the degree of contamination of the larval environment. The results obtained demonstrate that bacterial presence has no detrimental effect on survival ofL. sericatafrom egg to adult eclosion, or on puparial size. Additionally, the level of microbial contamination of larvae has no effect on the antibacterial potency of the larval excretion/secretion. These findings confirm that larval antibacterial activity is not induced by the presence of environmental bacteria but is produced constitutively.
Microbiological quality and antibiotic residues in informally marketed raw cow milk within the coastal savannah zone of Ghana
Authors: Addo K. K. , Mensah G. I. , Aning K. G. , Nartey N. , Nipah G. K. , Bonsu C. , Akyeh M. L. , Smits H. L.
Published: November 2010

Objectives  To investigate the microbiological quality and the presence of antibiotic residues in raw cow milk and in some indigenous milk products produced and marketed by the informal sector in the coastal savannah zone of Ghana.

Methods  Milk samples were aseptically collected from 224 kraals and samples of 26 indigenous milk products were purchased from processors and retailers. Total plate counts, total coliform counts and the presence of Escherichia coli and E. coli O157:H7 were determined in all 250 samples. Milk samples were also tested for antibiotic residues.

Results  Total plate counts exceeded 105 CFU/ml in 45.2% of the samples while coliforms exceeded 103 CFU/ml in 66.0% and E. coli was detected in 11.2%. E. coli was present in raw cow milk but not in the indigenous products and all E. coli isolates were negative for E. coli O157:H7. Antibiotic residues were detected in 3.1% of the raw cow milk samples.

Conclusion  Bulk milk contains unacceptable levels of hygiene indicators and antibiotic residues and is a potential source of milk‐borne infections. The detection of E. coli and antibiotic residues raises public health concerns about the safety of fresh unpasteurized cow milk in the coastal savannah zone of Ghana and calls for improved farm hygiene, the need for milk pasteurization and the sensible use of antibiotics in the milk industry.
Costs and outcomes of VCT delivery models in the context of scaling up services in Indonesia
Authors: Siregar Adiatma Y. M. , Komarudin Dindin , Wisaksana Rudi , van Crevel Reinout , Baltussen Rob
Published: November 2010

Objective To evaluate costs and outcomes of voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) service delivery models in urban Indonesia.

Methods We collected primary data on utilization, costs and outcomes of VCT services in a hospital clinic (568 clients), HIV community clinic (28 clients), sexually transmitted infection (STI) community clinic (784 clients) and prison clinic (574 clients) in Bandung, Indonesia, in the period January 2008–April 2009.

Results The hospital clinic diagnosed the highest proportion and absolute number of HIV infections, but with the lowest average CD4 cell count and with the highest associated travelling and waiting time. The prison clinic detected fewer cases, but at an earlier stage, and all enrolled in HIV care. The community clinics detected the smallest number of cases, and only 0–8% enrolled in HIV care. The unit cost per VCT was highest in the hospital clinic (US$74), followed by the STI community clinic (US$65), the HIV community clinic (US$39) and the prison (US$23).

Conclusion We propose a reorientation of the delivery models for VCT and related HIV/AIDS treatment in this setting. We call for the scaling up of community clinics for VCT to improve access, promote earlier detection and to perform (early) treatment activities. This would reduce the burden of the hospital clinic to orient itself towards the treatment of AIDS patients. This is one of very few studies addressing this issue in Asia and the first of its kind in Indonesia, which has a rapidly growing HIV epidemic. The conceptual framework and overall conclusions may be relevant to other low‐income settings.
ERK1/2 protein and mRNA levels in human blood are linked to smoking behavior
Authors: Lenz Bernd , Klafki Hans‐Wolfgang , Hillemacher Thomas , Frieling Helge , Clepce Marion , Gossler Andrea , Thuerauf Norbert , Winterer Georg , Kornhuber Johannes , Bleich Stefan
Published: November 2010

From studies in cultured cells and animal models, nicotine and alcohol are known to regulate extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2). Alterations of ERK1/2 are thought to contribute to the drugs' rewarding effects. Accumulating evidence supports the importance of ERK1/2 in the molecular pathophysiology of depression and affective regulation in the hippocampus. We recently showed that the expression and phosphorylation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element (CRE)‐binding protein (CREB) in human buffy coat were associated with smoking behavior. Because ERK1/2 is known to effect phosphorylation of CREB, the aim of the present study was to further elucidate whether cigarette smoking leads to alterations in terms of ERK1/2 in human buffy coat as well. In a comparison of 53 smokers with 146 non‐smoking controls, we found significantly higher levels of ERK1/2 protein (P = 0.004). In contrast, phospho‐ERK1/2, phospho‐/total‐ERK1/2 ratio, mRNA‐ERK1 and mRNA‐ERK2 were not significantly different. Multiple regression analysis revealed a significant relation among the number of cigarettes smoked daily (R2 = 0.266, P = 0.003), the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence score (R2 = 0.149, P = 0.032) and the mRNA expression of ERK1. Moreover, our analysis suggests that the mRNA expression of ERK2 might be linked to mood (model summary: R2 = 0.087, P = 0.019; mRNA‐ERK2: P = 0.026). Given that the ERK1/2 signaling pathway plays an important role in the physiology and pathophysiology of affective and addictive behavior, our findings provide a rationale basis for additional mechanistic studies that may lead to the development of novel signaling pathway selective therapeutics in humans.
White matter microstructure in opiate addiction
Authors: Bora Emre , Yücel Murat , Fornito Alex , Pantelis Christos , Harrison Ben J. , Cocchi Luca , Pell Gaby , Lubman Dan I.
Published: November 2010

Heroin addiction has been associated with impaired neuronal connectivity and cognitive deficits. One mechanism that potentially explains these findings is alterations in white matter connectivity secondary to chronic opiate use. However, few studies have quantitavely examined white matter deficits in opiate addiction (OA). Here, we investigated white matter microstructure in OA using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). We performed voxel‐wise analysis of fractional anisotropy (FA) in 24 participants with OA and 29 healthy controls. The OA group showed reduced FA in multiple pathways including the corpus callosum, thalamic radiation and inferior longitudinal fasciculus. This FA reduction was mainly the result of increased radial diffusivity (λ⊥), indicative of myelin pathology. Longer duration of OA was also associated with axonal diffusivity (λ1), most robustly in superior longitudinal fasciculi and right frontal white matter suggesting axonal injury in long‐term users. Together, the findings indicate that chronic OA use has widespread and diverse effects on neuronal connectivity and function.
Diversity of antiviral‐resistant human cytomegalovirus in heart and lung transplant recipients
Authors: Iwasenko J.M. , Scott G.M. , Naing Z. , Glanville A.R. , Rawlinson W.D.
Published: November 2010

J.M. Iwasenko, G.M. Scott, Z. Naing, A.R. Glanville, W.D. Rawlinson. Diversity of antiviral‐resistant human cytomegalovirus in heart and lung transplant recipients. Transpl Infect Dis 2011: 13: 145–153. All rights reserved

Abstract: Immunocompromised transplant recipients are at high risk for human cytomegalovirus (CMV)‐related infection and disease. Antiviral prophylaxis and treatment have reduced CMV morbidity and mortality, but at times promote development of antiviral‐resistant CMV strains that can significantly contribute to adverse clinical outcomes in transplant recipients. We have investigated CMV genotypes in transplant recipients (bone marrow, stem cell, kidney, heart, lung, and liver) receiving antiviral prophylaxis or preemptive therapy or treatment, to determine the viral characteristics and clinical impact of antiviral‐resistant CMV in these different groups. Antiviral‐resistant CMV strains were detected by polymerase chain reaction sequencing of the CMV protein kinase (UL97) and viral DNA polymerase (UL54) genes from clinical specimens. A trend toward more frequent detection of multidrug resistance and co‐circulation of multiple resistant strains was seen in heart and lung transplant recipients compared with other transplantation types. A greater diversity and number of UL97 and UL54 mutations were observed in heart and lung transplant recipients; whereas antiviral‐resistant CMV infections in other transplant recipients were predominantly the result of a single mutant genotype. Furthermore, 43% (6/14) of CMV‐positive heart and lung transplant recipients were infected with CMV strains containing UL54 mutations conferring multidrug resistance compared with only 6% (1/18) of CMV‐positive recipients of other transplanted organs or stem cells. Emergence of CMV strains containing previously unrecognized UL54 mutations (F412S and D485N) also occurred in 1 lung and 1 heart transplant recipient. The development of these mutations under antiviral selective pressure, and clinical outcome of infection suggests these mutations are likely to confer antiviral resistance. Emergence of CMV antiviral resistance remains a significant issue in immunocompromised patients treated with antiviral agents, and emphasizes the relevance of regular antiviral resistance testing when designing optimal patient‐management strategies.
Fishing with a Bait or Lure: A Brief Review of the Cognitive Issues
Authors: Ruxton Graeme D. , Hansell Michael H.
Published: November 2010

Bait fishing is a behaviour described in only 12 species of birds, seven of which belong to the family Ardeidae (herons), the remaining five are scattered among four other bird families. This behaviour is defined as having the following characteristics: (1) Objects placed by the bait fisher on the water are buoyant and within a radius at which the fisher can strike at prey. (2) The objects attract or distract the fisher’s prey, with the effect that the fisher enhances its chances of prey capture. A review of the literature indicates that bait items are both selected from and placed within the environment to achieve enhanced prey capture success. It is concluded that bait fishing is a real and distinctive behaviour. The evolutionary route to bait fishing has most likely been through an association between particular floating objects and the occurrence of fish prey. The repositioning of these floating objects and the collection of objects of similar character would have then been sufficient to achieve the bait fishing behaviour now seen. Bait fishing falls within a commonly used definition of tool use. However, it is argued that, as with tool use and tool making in general, this does not necessarily imply special cognitive ability. The rare occurrence of bait fishing both within and across species as could be an indication of cognitive constraint; but this remains undemonstrated. Alternatively, this rarity could be explained if fishing is rarely more profitable than alternative foraging tactics.
Does antiviral therapy for hepatitis B and C prevent hepatocellular carcinoma?
Authors: Lok Anna Suk‐Fong
Published: November 2010

Approximately 75% to 80% of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) worldwide are attributed to chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) and chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Thus, effective prevention of HBV and HCV infection and progression from acute HBV and HCV infection to chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and HCC might prevent as many as 450 000 deaths from HCC each year. The most effective approach to preventing HCC is to prevent HBV and HCV infection through vaccination. Indeed HBV vaccine is the first vaccine demonstrated to prevent cancers. However, a vaccine for HCV is not available and for persons who are chronically infected with HBV or HCV, antiviral therapy is the only option for preventing HCC. Direct evidence supporting a benefit of antiviral therapy on the prevention of HCC has been shown in a few randomized controlled trials. There is abundant evidence that antiviral therapy, in patients with long‐term virological response, can improve liver histology, providing indirect support that antiviral therapy may prevent HCC by slowing progression of liver disease and possibly even reversing liver damage. Nevertheless, the risk of HCC remains in patients with chronic HBV or chronic HCV infection if treatment is initiated after cirrhosis is established. These data indicate that treatment might be of greater benefit if instituted earlier in the course of chronic hepatitis B or C. Safer, more effective, and more affordable antiviral therapies are needed for both hepatitis B and hepatitis C so more patients can benefit from treatment and more HCCs can be prevented.
Anti‐adenoviral effect of interferon‐β and interferon‐γ in serotypes that cause acute keratoconjunctivitis
Authors: Uchio Eiichi , Inoue Hirotoshi , Fuchigami Aki , Kadonosono Kazuaki
Published: November 2010

Abstract

Background:  Interferons are currently used for hepatitis B and C virus infection; the effect of interferons against adenovirus has not been elucidated. It has been reported that interferon‐β and interferon‐γ were effective against adenovirus serotype 3. We investigated the anti‐adenoviral effect of interferon‐β and interferon‐γ in serotypes that cause acute keratoconjunctivitis, using quantitative polymerase chain reaction in vitro.

Design:  Experimental study carried out in a university.

Samples:  Five strains of different serotypes of adenovirus, types 3 (AdV3; species B), 4 (species E), 8, 19a and 37 (species D) and interferon‐β and interferon‐γ for in vitro assay.

Methods:  After pretreatment of A549 with serial dilution of interferons for 24 h, adenovirus was cultivated for 7 days, and adenoviral DNA was quantitatively measured by real‐time polymerase chain reaction.

Main Outcome Measures:  Number of virus copies after treatment and the 50% effective concentration (EC50).

Results:  Interferon‐β showed a dose‐dependent inhibitory effect on all serotypes. EC50 of interferon‐β ranged between 211 and 843 IU/mL. A similar tendency was observed with interferon‐γ. EC50 of interferon‐γ ranged between 133 and 9130 IU/mL. Among the serotypes, interferon‐γ exhibited the greatest inhibitory effect on AdV37. In contrast, AdV4 showed the lowest sensitivity to interferon‐γ. Statistically significant dose dependency for both interferon‐β and interferon‐γ was observed in several serotypes.

Conclusions:  These results suggest that both interferon‐β and interferon‐γ have anti‐adenoviral activity in vitro. Interferons have the potential to be used for local treatment of adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis, although further evaluation in animal models and clinical trials is necessary.