bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Embryogenesis – the humble beginnings of plant life
Authors: De Smet Ive , Lau Steffen , Mayer Ulrike , Jürgens Gerd
Published: March 2010

Each plant starts life from the zygote formed by the fusion of an egg and a sperm cell. The zygote gives rise to a multicellular embryo that displays a basic plant body organization and is surrounded by nutritive endosperm and maternal tissue. How the body organization is generated had already been studied before the genome sequence of Arabidopsis thaliana was completed 10 years ago, but several regulatory mechanisms of embryo development have since been discovered or analysed in more detail. Although this progress did not strictly depend on the availability of the genome sequence itself, several advances were considerably facilitated. In this review, we mainly address early embryo development, highlighting general mechanisms and crucial regulators, including phytohormones, that are involved in patterning the embryo and were mainly analysed in the post‐genome decade. We also highlight some unsolved problems, provide a brief outlook on the future of Arabidopsis embryo research, and discuss how the knowledge gained from Arabidopsis could be translated to crop species.
Long‐term reduction in local inflammation by a lipid raft molecule in atopic dermatitis
Authors: Dölle S. , Hoser D. , Rasche C. , Loddenkemper C. , Maurer M. , Zuberbier T. , Worm M.
Published: March 2010

To cite this article: Dölle S, Hoser D, Rasche C, Loddenkemper C, Maurer M, Zuberbier T, Worm M. Long‐term reduction in local inflammation by a lipid raft molecule in atopic dermatitis. Allergy 2010; 65: 1158–1165.

Background:  The complex pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD) is guided by cell surface receptor‐mediated signal transduction regulated in lipid rafts. Miltefosine is a raft‐modulating molecule targeting cell membranes. With this controlled clinical study, the clinical and immunomodulatory efficacy of miltefosine was investigated in patients with AD in comparison with a topical corticosteroid treatment.

Methods:  Sixteen patients with AD were treated topically with miltefosine and hydrocortisone localized on representative AD target lesions for 3 weeks. To assess the clinical efficacy, the three item severity (TIS) score was evaluated before, during and after treatment as well as after 4‐week‐follow‐up period. To study the anti‐inflammatory effect of miltefosine on the cellular T cell pattern, skin biopsies were analysed before and after treatment.

Results:  The TIS score dropped in both groups significantly after treatment. A carry‐over effect was exclusively seen for miltefosine after discontinuing the treatment. These findings were substantiated by thermographic imaging with a significant decrease in the maximum temperature (Tmax) after miltefosine application (P = 0.034, ΔTmax = 1.7°C [2.1–3.9]). Immunohistochemically, a reduction in lesional CD4+‐infiltrating T cells was observed in both treatments. Moreover, increased FoxP3+ cells were present in the skin after miltefosine treatment (before 5.4% [1.9–9.8], after 6.2% [3.5–9.5]).

Conclusion:  We demonstrate that miltefosine is locally active in patients with AD and led to a sustained clinical improvement in local skin inflammation. Moreover, the increased frequency of FoxP3+ cells in the skin of patients with AD suggests its immunomodulatory properties.
Cognitive dysfunction and health‐related quality of life after a cardiac arrest and therapeutic hypothermia
Authors: TORGERSEN J. , STRAND K. , BJELLAND T. W. , KLEPSTAD P. , KVÅLE R. , SØREIDE E. , WENTZEL‐LARSEN T. , FLAATTEN H.
Published: March 2010

Background: Evidence‐based treatment protocols including therapeutic hypothermia have increased hospital survival to over 50% in unconscious out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest survivors. In this study we estimated the incidence of cognitive dysfunctions in a group of cardiac arrest survivors with a high functional outcome treated with therapeutic hypothermia. Secondarily, we assessed the cardiac arrest group's level of cognitive performance in each tested cognitive domain and investigated the relationship between cognitive function and age, time since cardiac arrest and health‐related quality of life (HRQOL).

Methods: We included 26 patients 13–28 months after a cardiac arrest. All patients were scored using the Cerebral Performance Category scale (CPC) and Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE). Twenty‐five of the patients were tested for cognitive function using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB). These patients were tested using four cognitive tests: Motor Screening Test, Delayed Matching to Sample, Stockings of Cambridge and Paired Associate Learning from CANTAB. All patients filled in the Short Form‐36 for the assessment of HRQOL.

Results: Thirteen of 25 (52%) patients were classified as having a cognitive dysfunction. Compared with the reference population, there was no difference in the performance in motor function and delayed memory but there were significant differences in executive function and episodic memory. We found no associations between cognitive function and age, time since cardiac arrest or HRQOL.

Conclusion: Half of the patients had a cognitive dysfunction with reduced performance on executive function and episodic memory, indicating frontal and temporal lobe affection, respectively. Reduced performance did not affect HRQOL.
Pleth variability index predicts hypotension during anesthesia induction
Authors: TSUCHIYA M. , YAMADA T. , ASADA A.
Published: March 2010

Background: The pleth variability index (PVI) is a new algorithm used for automatic estimation of respiratory variations in pulse oximeter waveform amplitude, which might predict fluid responsiveness. Because anesthesia‐induced hypotension may be partly related to patient volume status, we speculated that pre‐anesthesia PVI would be able to identify high‐risk patients for significant blood pressure decrease during anesthesia induction.

Methods: We measured the PVI, heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) in 76 adult healthy patients under light sedation with fentanyl to obtain pre‐anesthesia control values. Anesthesia was induced with bolus administrations of 1.8 mg/kg propofol and 0.6 mg/kg rocuronium. During the 3‐min period from the start of propofol administration, HR, SBP, DBP, and MAP were measured at 30‐s intervals.

Results: HR, SBP, DBP, and MAP were significantly decreased after propofol administration by 8.5%, 33%, 23%, and 26%, respectively, as compared with the pre‐anesthesia control values. Linear regression analysis that compared pre‐anesthesia PVI with the decrease in MAP yielded an r value of −0.73. Decreases in SBP and DBP were moderately correlated with pre‐anesthesia PVI, while HR was not. By classifying PVI >15 as positive, a MAP decrease >25 mmHg could be predicted, with sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive, and negative predictive values of 0.79, 0.71, 0.73, and 0.77, respectively.

Conclusion: Pre‐anesthesia PVI can predict a decrease in MAP during anesthesia induction with propofol. Its measurement may be useful to identify high‐risk patients for developing severe hypotension during anesthesia induction.
Long‐term effect of the ICU‐diary concept on quality of life after critical illness
Authors: BÄCKMAN C. G. , ORWELIUS L. , SJÖBERG F. , FREDRIKSON M. , WALTHER S. M.
Published: March 2010

Background: Critically ill patients often spend time in the intensive care unit (ICU) either unconscious or sedated. On recovery, they are often in a state of confusion with memory loss that may be associated with a longstanding reduction in health‐related quality of life (QoL). We hypothesised that the ICU‐diary concept could improve their QoL by filling in their memory gaps.

Methods: A non‐randomised, prospective study in a non‐academic eight‐bedded general ICU. A group of patients (n=38) were selected to receive the ICU‐diary concept (keeping a diary with photos while on the ICU plus a follow‐up meeting) when a long and complicated course was expected. Health‐related QoL at 6, 12, 24 and 36 months was compared with a group that did not receive the ICU‐diary (n=224). The Medical Outcomes Study 36‐Item Short‐Form (SF‐36) was used to measure health‐related QoL. Multiple regression models adjusted for age, sex, illness severity, pre‐existing disease and diagnostic category was used to analyse the effects of the ICU‐diary concept at 6 months, and changes over time were analysed using repeated measures MANOVA.

Results: Crude and adjusted scores for two dimensions of SF‐36 (general health and vitality) and the physical component summary score were significantly higher at 6 months in the ICU‐diary group (P<0.05) and some of the effects remained during the 3‐year follow‐up period (P<0.05).

Conclusion: The ICU‐diary concept was associated with improved health‐related QoL during the 3‐year follow‐up period after a critical illness. The effect of this intervention needs to be confirmed in a larger randomised study.
Transportation of cellular therapy products: report of a survey by the cellular therapies team of the Biomedical Excellence for Safer Transfusion (BEST) collaborative
Authors: Pamphilon D. H. , Selogie E. , Szczepiorkowski Z. M. ,   for the BEST Collaborative Cellular Therapies team
Published: March 2010

Background and Objectives  Most cell therapy products (CTP) are infused or processed shortly after collection but in some cases this may be delayed for up to 48 h. A number of variables such as temperature and cell concentration are of critical importance for the integrity of CTP during this time.

Materials and Methods  We conducted a survey of cellular therapy laboratories to ascertain current practices for CTP transportation.

Results There were 194 respondents of whom 90% shipped or received CTP – 84% allogeneic, 71% autologous and 62% therapeutic cells. Processing facilities shipped or received the following products – hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPC), Marrow 73%; HPC, Apheresis 90%; HPC, Cord Blood 54% and others 14%. Other CTP included donor lymphocytes, mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), natural killer cells, buffy coat neutrophils and virus‐specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL). More than 70% of respondents believed that it was acceptable for CTP to be held for up to 2 h without checking the temperature or cell density and a similar proportion agreed that putting products in containers to control parameters such as temperature within this time period was unnecessary. The majority of centres shipped or received between 1 and 10 CTP annually and 66% received products taking more than 2 h to ship. Of these, 82% specified the conditions for temperature in transit whilst 57% monitored temperature in transit and 74% of these used a data logger. The temperature range most commonly specified was 18–24°C. The majority of processing facilities did not request an adjustment to the cell density even for products taking more than 2 h to reach their facility. More than 90% of respondents tested HPC for CD34+ cells, viability and sterility; 40–48% performed colony‐forming unit–granulocyte macrophage (CFU–GM) analysis. Only viability was thought by > 50% of respondents to be impacted by temperature, cell density and other parameters.

Conclusion Understanding current practice will help in the design of future studies for CTP storage and transportation.
Benthic responses to organic matter variation in a subtropical coastal area off SE Brazil
Authors: Quintana Cintia O. , Yoshinaga Marcos Y. , Sumida Paulo Y. G.
Published: March 2010

Organic matter quality, expressed as the proportion of chlorophyll a (Chl a) to degraded organic material (i.e. phaeopigments), is known to influence the structure of benthic associations and plays an important role in the functioning of the ecosystem. This study investigates the vertical distribution of microbial biomass, meiofauna and macrofauna with respect to organic matter variation in Ubatuba, Brazil, a southeastern, subtropical coastal area. On three occasions, samples were collected in exposed and sheltered stations, at high and low hydrodynamic conditions. We hypothesize that benthic assemblages will have high meio‐ and macrofaunal densities and high microbial biomass at the sediment surface at the sheltered site, and lower and vertically homogeneous microbial biomass and densities of meio‐ and macrofauna are expected at the exposed site. The accumulation of fresh organic matter at the sediment surface was observed at both stations over the three sampling dates, which contributed to the higher densities of meiofauna in the first layers of the sediment column. Macrofauna followed the same trend only at the exposed station, but changes in the number of species, biodiversity and feeding groups were registered for both stations. Microbial biomass increased at the sheltered station over the three sampling dates, whereas at the exposed station, microbial biomass was nearly constant. Physical exposure did not influence organic matter loading at the sites and therefore did not affect overall structure of benthic assemblages, which negates our original hypothesis. Most of the benthic system components reacted to organic matter quality and quantity, but relationships between different‐sized organisms (i.e. competition and/or predation) may explain the unchanged microbial profiles at the exposed site and homogeneous vertical distribution of macrofauna at the sheltered site. In conclusion, the high quality of organic matter was a crucial factor in sustaining and regulating the benthic system, but coupled results showed that interactions between micro‐, meio‐ and macrofauna can be highly complex.
Predictors of mobile telephone use and exposure analysis in Australian adolescents
Authors: Inyang Imo , Benke Geza , Dimitriadis Christina , Simpson Pamela , McKenzie Ray , Abramson Michael
Published: March 2010

Aim:  Australian adolescents are increasingly using mobile telephones (MP) while the debate on MP safety persists. This group is not generally engaged in full‐time employment, suggesting that their MP use is not work related. We investigated possible predictors of MP use in young people.

Methods:  We assessed exposure to radiofrequency energy from MP by means of a self‐administered questionnaire adapted from INTERPHONE – an international case‐control study of adult brain, head and neck tumours. We investigated possible determinants of MP use in adolescent Australians using self‐reported number of incoming and outgoing voice calls as exposure metric.

Results:  There is a high prevalence of MP use amongst Australian adolescents (94%). Males were significantly younger than females at age of first uptake of MP (P= 0.02). Participants without siblings were significantly younger at age of first uptake. Personality traits were associated with regular MP usage: higher psychoticism scores were associated with regular use (IRR = 1.06, P= 0.03); there was a tendency for students with higher extraversion scores to report more MP use. Parental socio‐economic status was associated with MP use, but parents who expressed moderate/high level concerns about possible health risks of use were more likely to have children who used MP (OR = 4.06, P= 0.05).

Conclusions:  Almost all adolescent Australians use MP, but regular exposure was associated with personality traits. Parental socio‐economic status and perceived health risks of MP use were also associated with use of phones. Longitudinal studies are needed to assess the predictors of mobile phone use in the long term.
Health‐care‐seeking behaviour for childhood illnesses in a resource‐poor setting
Authors: Tinuade Ogunlesi , Iyabo Runsewe‐Abiodun , Durotoye Olanrewaju
Published: March 2010

Aim:  To determine health‐care‐seeking behaviour for childhood illnesses in a resource‐poor setting.

Method:  Cross‐sectional survey was conducted in the children emergency room in a Nigerian tertiary hospital. Socio‐demographic data and details of the place and type of care given to ill children before presentation in the tertiary hospital were obtained.

Results:  A total of 168 mother–child pairs were studied. The leading illnesses were characterised by fever (35.1%), cough (26.2%) and stooling (19.1%). Initial care was sought within homes (57.1%) and after 24 h of onset (61.9%). A significantly higher proportion of the mothers who sought care within 24 h did so within the homes (P < 0.001). Only 38.1% of the mothers felt that the illnesses were severe. Although 66.7% lived close to orthodox health facilities, only 50.6% utilized such orthodox health facilities. Care was mostly sought outside the homes from drug vendors (55.5%) and private clinics (25.0%). Overall, 72.2% of the mothers administered various drugs to their children before presentation. Home care mainly involved the use of drugs (52.1%) and herbal preparations (15.6%). Care was sought within 24 h of onset for children with fever compared with those with cough (P < 0.001) and stooling (P < 0.001). The leading reasons for not utilising orthodox health services at the onset of illnesses included non‐recognition of the severe nature of the illness and poor finances.

Conclusion:  Care‐seeking for childhood illnesses was often delayed beyond 24 h, and most mothers sought care within homes. Health education is required to improve timely seeking of appropriate health care for childhood illnesses.
Electron‐microscopic examination of effects of yokukansan, a traditional Japanese medicine, on degeneration of cerebral cells in thiamine‐deficient rats
Authors: Iizuka Seiichi , Kawakami Zenji , Imamura Sachiko , Yamaguchi Takuji , Sekiguchi Kyoji , Kanno Hitomi , Ueki Toshiyuki , Kase Yoshio , Ikarashi Yasushi
Published: March 2010

We previously demonstrated that yokukansan ameliorated not only learning disturbance but also behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia‐like behaviors (anxiety, aggressiveness) and neurological symptoms (opisthotonus) induced in rats by dietary thiamine deficiency (TD). In the present study, the effects of yokukansan on degeneration of cerebral cells were further examined electron‐microscopically during pre‐symptomatic and symptomatic stages in TD rats. In the pre‐symptomatic TD stage, which appeared as increase in aggressive behaviors on the 21st and 28th days of TD diet‐feeding, severe edematous degeneration of astrocytes was detected by electron microscopy, although the changes were not observed by light microscopy. In the symptomatic TD stage (the 34th day) characterized by development of neurological symptoms, severe sponge‐like degeneration and multiple hemorrhages in the parenchyma were obvious by light microscopy. The electron‐microscopic examination showed degeneration in neurons, oligodendroglias, and myelin sheaths in addition to astrocytes. TD rats, which exhibited multiple hemorrhages light microscopically, showed severe edematous changes and hypertrophy of the foot processes of astrocytes surrounding blood vessels. Administration of yokukansan ameliorated not only the TD‐induced aggressive behavior and neurological symptoms but also degeneration of the cerebral cells. These results suggest that the inhibitory effect of yokukansan on degeneration in various brain cells might be closely related to the amelioration of aggression and neurological symptoms in TD rats.
Detection of measles virus RNA on SYBR green real‐time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction
Authors: Ito Masahiro , Suga Tomoko , Akiyoshi Kyoko , Nukuzuma Souichi , Kon‐no Mayumi , Umegaki Yasuhiro , Kohdera Urara , Ihara Toshiaki
Published: March 2010

Background:  As the coverage rate of the measles vaccine increases, not all patients present the typical symptoms of measles after exposure to the measles virus (MV). The virus loads in clinical specimens from patients with vaccine‐modified non‐typical measles are expected to be low compared with those of primary MV infection. A rapid and sensitive laboratory procedure is required for diagnosis of measles.

Methods:  SYBR Green (TaKaRa) and TaqMan (ABI) real‐time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) assays were developed to detect MV‐RNA. For the real‐time RT‐PCR, primer sets were designed from a region of the MV H gene of the Edmonston strain (genotype A). A TaqMan probe specific for the H gene of genotype D MV was used. The minimum detectable level of MV‐RNA in the SYBR Green and TaqMan real‐time RT‐PCR assays was evaluated using synthetic MV‐RNA. The sensitivity of real‐time RT‐PCR was compared with that of nested RT‐PCR and the virus isolation method using throat swabs and peripheral blood samples from patients with measles.

Results:  The minimum detectable level of RNA was 10 and 102 copies for SYBR Green RT‐PCR and TaqMan RT‐PCR, respectively. Ten–106 copies of standard RNA were linearly detected on SYBR Green RT‐PCR. The sensitivity of SYBR Green RT‐PCR was equal to that of nested RT‐PCR. MV‐RNA was detected in virus isolation‐negative throat swabs on SYBR Green RT‐PCR.

Conclusion:  SYBR Green RT‐PCR is a highly sensitive, rapid, and useful diagnostic procedure for the detection of MV.
Effects of early enteral feeding on fecal elastase 1 and plasma secretin
Authors: Kaneko Noritsugu , Hisata Ken , Shoji Hiromichi , Tanaka Kyoko , Nakazawa Tomoyuki , Shimizu Toshiaki
Published: March 2010

Background:  Enteral feeding is known to be effective on the development of gut hormone secretion and pancreatic exocrine function. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of extremely early enteral feedings on the development in very low‐birthweight (VLBW) infants.

Methods:  Fecal elastase 1 and plasma secretin concentrations were measured at four different periods during the first 28 days of life in VLBW infants, with extremely early enteral feeding starting within 24 h of birth, as well as in control infants.

Results:  Fecal concentrations of elastase 1 at 7, 14 and 28 days after birth were significantly higher than those at 1 or 2 days in both the early feeding and control groups. Fecal elastase 1 levels in the early feeding group were significantly higher than those in the control group at 7 and 14 days after birth. The plasma concentration of secretin at 14 days after birth was significantly higher than that at 1 or 2 days and 7 days after birth in the early feeding group. No significant differences in plasma secretin levels were detected between the early feeding and control groups at 1 or 2 days, 7 days and 28 days after birth, but a significant difference in secretin level was observed between the two groups at 14 days after birth.

Conclusions:  Extremely early enteral feedings may play an important role in the development of pancreatic exocrine function and secretin secretion in the early period of life in VLBW infants.
Itraconazole for invasive fungal infection with pediatric malignancies
Authors: Kobayashi Ryoji , Suzuki Daisuke , Yasuda Kazue , Kobayashi Kunihiko
Published: March 2010

Background:  Invasive fungal infection (IFI) is an increasingly common and often fatal infection in children with hematological malignancies and solid tumor. Prophylactic therapy with anti‐fungal agents is very important for these patients, because the early diagnosis of IFI is very difficult.

Procedure:  A total of 0.5 mL/kg per day of itraconazole oral solution (ITCZ‐OS) was administered in twice‐daily doses to 22 children with hematological malignancies who had received chemotherapy, and its usefulness and safety regarding the prevention of IFI were examined.

Result:  Prophylactic therapy with ITCZ‐OS was completed in 18 (81.8%) of the 22 children. Of these, IFI was not strongly suspected in any child. Side‐effects included non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis in two children, syndrome of inappropriate anti‐diuretic hormone secretion in one, and liver dysfunction in one. The administration of ITCZ‐OS was discontinued in these cases. These four children had received vincristine sulfate (VCR) or irinotecan hydrochloride, which were reported to interact with ITCZ. In most children the plasma levels of ITCZ were satisfactory. The plasma levels, however, were slightly increased in VCR‐treated children; ITCZ should be carefully administered.

Conclusion:  Although the number of subjects was small in the present study, the plasma concentrations of ITCZ‐OS favorably increased in the children with hematological malignancies, suggesting that this agent exhibits prophylactic effects on IFI. It must be considered, however, that some combined agents cause side‐effects via their interactions with ITCZ.
Current therapy of acute uncomplicated cystitis
Authors: Yamamoto Shingo , Higuchi Yoshihide , Nojima Michio
Published: March 2010

Acute uncomplicated cystitis (AUC) is one of the most common bacterial urinary tract infections. AUC frequently occurs in young sexually active, as well as postmenopausal, women. According to the guidelines published by the Infectious Diseases Society of America in 1999, the standard antimicrobial regimen for treatment of AUC is 3 days with trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX); however, today the most popular antibiotics are the fluoroquinolones because of the emergence of uropathogens that are resistant to TMP/SMX. Fluoroquinolone resistance is also increasing worldwide, although the resistance rates have not been as high as those for TMP/SMX. Extended‐spectrum β‐lactamase (ESBL)‐producing strains are another problem because most nosocomial ESBL producers are also resistant to non‐β‐lactams, such as the fluoroquinolones. Under such circumstances, 3 days of therapy with fluoroquinolones or 7 days with β‐lactams is recommended for empirical therapy, although these regimens should be re‐evaluated in the next decade. Low‐dose fluoroquinolones should no longer be used because of the potential for emergence of resistance.
Association of circulating tumor cells with tumor‐related methylated DNA in patients with hormone‐refractory prostate cancer
Authors: Okegawa Takatsugu , Nutahara Kikuo , Higashihara Eiji
Published: March 2010

Objectives:  To assess whether circulating tumor cells with tumor‐related methylated DNA can be used to predict survival in patients with hormone‐refractory prostate cancer.

Methods:  Blood samples from 76 patients with hormone‐refractory prostate cancer were analyzed. Circulating tumor cells were enumerated with the CellSearch System in whole blood. This system was developed using an epithelial cell adhesion molecule antibody‐based immunomagnetic capture and automated staining methodology. Hypermethylation at adenomatosis polyposis coli, glutathione‐S‐transferase‐π, prostaglandin‐endoperoxide synthase 2, multidrug resistance 1 and Ras association domain family 1 isoform A was analyzed using a sensitive SYBR green methylation‐specific polymerase chain reaction. Patient charts were retrospectively examined.

Results:  Median overall survival time was 19.3 months (range 11–48). Of the 76 patients, 47 (62%) had five or more circulating tumor cells, with a median overall survival of 12.0 months compared with 26.0 months for patients with fewer than five circulating tumor cells (P < 0.001). Circulating tumor cells were detected in 36 of 39 (92%) patients with tumor‐related methylated DNA but only 11 of 37 (30%) patients without methylated DNA (P < 0.001). Thirty‐nine (51%) patients had one or more methylated marker. Their median overall survival time was 12.0 months compared with 48.0 months or more for patients without methylated DNA (P < 0.001). Prostate‐specific antigen‐doubling time, circulating tumor cells and methylated DNA were independent predictors of overall survival time.

Conclusions:  Hormone refractory prostate cancer patients with circulating tumor cells and/or tumor‐related methylated DNA show a significantly poorer outcome than those without these blood markers.
The evolution of floral scent and insect chemical communication
Authors: Schiestl Florian P.
Published: March 2010

Ecology Letters(2010) 13: 643–656

Plants have evolved a range of strategies to manipulate the behaviour of their insect partners. One powerful strategy is to produce signals that already have a role in the animals’ own communication systems. To investigate to what extent the evolution of floral scents is correlated with chemical communication in insects, I analyse the occurrence, commonness, and evolutionary patterns of the 71 most common ‘floral’ volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in 96 plant families and 87 insect families. I found an overlap of 87% in VOCs produced by plants and insects. ‘Floral’ monoterpenes showed strong positive correlation in commonness between plants (both gymnosperms and angiosperms) and herbivores, whereas the commonness of ‘floral’ aromatics was positively correlated between angiosperms and both pollinators and herbivores. According to a multivariate regression analysis the commonness of ‘floral’ aromatics was best explained by their commonness in pollinators, whereas monoterpenes were best explained by herbivores. Among pollinator orders, aromatics were significantly more common in Lepidoptera than in Hymenoptera, whereas monoterpenes showed no difference among the two orders. Collectively, these patterns suggest that plants and insects converge in overall patterns of volatile production, both for attraction and defence. Monoterpenes seem to have evolved primarily for defence under selection by herbivores, whereas aromatics evolved signalling functions in angiosperms, primarily for pollinator attraction.
Volvulus of the sigmoid colon
Authors: Raveenthiran V. , Madiba T. E. , Atamanalp S. S. , De U.
Published: March 2010

Aims The current status of sigmoid volvulus (SV) was reviewed to assess trends in management and to assess the literature.

Method The literature on SV was retrieved using PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Pakmedinet, African Journals online (AJOL), Indmed and Google scholar. These databases were searched for text words including ‘sigmoid’, ‘colon’ and ‘volvulus’. Relevant nonindexed surgical journals published from endemic countries were also manually searched. We focused on original articles published within the last 10 years; but classical references prior to this period were also included. Seminal papers published in non‐English languages were also included.

Results Sigmoid volvulus is a leading cause of acute colonic obstruction in South America, Africa, Eastern Europe and Asia. It is rare in developed countries such as USA, UK, Japan and Australia. Characteristic geographic variations in the incidence, clinical features, prognosis and comorbidity of SV justify recognition of endemic and sporadic subtypes. Controversy on aetiologic agents can be minimized by classifying them into ‘predisposing’ and ‘precipitating’ factors. Modern imaging systems, although more effective than plain radiographs, are yet to gain popularity. Emergency endoscopic reduction is the treatment of choice in uncomplicated patients. But it is only a temporizing procedure, and it should be followed in most cases by elective definitive surgery. Resection of the redundant sigmoid colon is the gold standard operation. The role of newer nonresective alternatives is yet to be ascertained. Although emergency resection with primary anastomosis (ERPA) has been controversial in the past, it is now increasingly accepted as a safe option with superior results. Management in elderly debilitated patients is extremely difficult. Paediatric SV significantly differs from that in adults. SV is frequently associated with neuropsychiatric diseases, diabetes mellitus and Chagas disease. The overall mortality in recent studies is < 5%.

Conclusion There are almost no randomised controlled studies. According to the grading system of Oxford Center for Evidence Based Medicine (CEVM), available published evidence is at level 4. The recommendations resulting form this review are of ‘C’ grade.
Eating up the food web
Authors: Levin Phillip S , Dufault Aaron
Published: March 2010

Crafting effective responses to problems faced by the world’s oceans requires that we grasp the social drivers compelling harmful patterns of ocean use. One of the disquieting consequences of fishing is reduction in the mean trophic level of commercially captured species (fishing down the food web). While the trophic level of fisheries catch has declined in nearly two‐thirds of the world’s ecosystems, the social drivers underpinning this have been assumed or asserted, not quantified. Here, we examine patterns in seafood cookbooks as a means to gain insight into the social drivers underlying the changes observed in the trophic level of capture fisheries. We searched libraries in Washington and Oregon, U.S. for seafood cookbooks published within the U.S. Pacific Northwest. We uncovered 3092 recipes published between 1885 and 2007 that met our criteria. We found large increases in average trophic level of recipes over time (‘eating up the food web’). This occurred largely because low trophic level invertebrates decreased in their frequency, while the representation of high‐trophic level rockfish (Sebastes spp.), increased. We contend that cookbooks reveal much about the societal value of high trophic level species. Ultimately, sustainability of fisheries and marine ecosystems is not solely a biophysical problem – sustainability must also include the viability of socially shaped relationships between people and the sea. Knowledge of the drivers underlying the pattern of ‘eating up the food web’ should aide in developing policies that move beyond managing pressures (fishing), but also deal with the social drivers that generate those pressures.
Dentofacial characteristics as indicator of obstructive sleep apnoea‐hypopnoea syndrome in patients with severe obesity
Authors: Maciel Santos M. E. S. , Laureano Filho J. R. , Campos J. M. , Ferraz E. M.
Published: March 2010

Obstructive sleep apnoea‐hypopnoea syndrome (OSAHS) is a complex disease with a multifactor aetiology. OSAHS is strongly associated with obesity, but there are many other clinical risk factors, such as the dentofacial characteristics of hard and soft tissues, hyoid bone position, neck circumference, upper airway spaces and nasal respiration. A descriptive cross‐sectional study was carried out involving 13 patients (one man and 12 women) with severe obesity in order to evaluate specific physical dentofacial characteristics through a cephalometric examination. Cephalometry was analysed using 29 measurements of the hard and soft tissues of the craniofacial structures and dimensions of the upper airways. The demographic data revealed a mean body mass index of 48 ± 6.26 kg m−2 and cervical circumference of 43 ± 3.69 cm. No patient exhibited important facial asymmetry and facial types 1 (normal) and 3 (mandible forward) were the most prevalent. Septal deviation was observed in 46% of patients. The most prevalent modified Mallampati index score was between 3 and 4, while grade 1 was the most prevalent tonsillar hypertrophy index score (46%). Cephalometry revealed angular and linear measurements with normally acceptable values for the hard tissues. Obese patients seem to have a normal craniofacial structure and the risk of developing OSAHS is especially related to obesity.
RICE‐PAPER PLANT –TETRAPANAX PAPYRIFER
Authors: Nesbitt Mark , Prosser Ruth , Williams Ifan
Published: March 2010

From the 1820s pith became a familiar material in Europe, under the name of rice‐paper, as a raw material for artificial flowers, and as a medium for export paintings from China. The structure of pith sheets was early recognised as different to that of paper, but it was not until 1852 that William Jackson Hooker was able to describe the source plant, as Aralia papyrifera Hook., now Tetrapanax papyrifer (Hook.) K. Koch. Using his consular contacts, Hooker was able to build up a remarkable collection of pith, as raw materials, artificial flowers and Chinese paintings. Many are described and illustrated in this article, in the context of recent work on the history and conservation of pith paintings.
667. HEMIPOGON ABIETOIDES
Authors: Rapini Alessandro , Ribeiro Patrícia Luz , Soares e Silva Uiara Catharina
Published: March 2010

An illustration and a complete description of Hemipogon abietoides E. Fourn. are provided. Until recently this species was known only from the type, collected in 1825 by Riedel, during the first part of Baron Langsdorff's legendary expedition. Now rediscovered after more than 180 years, Hemipogon abietoides is a beautiful example of how a combination of micro‐endemism and uneven collecting effort may distort our perception of the distribution of species and their conservation status. The importance of conserving particular areas of high endemism is emphasised.
Therapeutic and experimental therapeutic studies on acupuncture and itch: review of the literature
Authors: Carlsson CP , Wallengren J
Published: March 2010

Itch accompanies most inflammatory skin diseases but may occur as a solitary sensation in otherwise normal skin. Chronic itch often requires combined treatments but some cases remain therapy resistant. Complementary medicine is becoming increasingly popular among patients. Acupuncture is the oldest and most well‐studied alternative option with evidence‐based effect on pain. This article summarizes the rational for the use of acupuncture in treatment of itch and reviews therapeutic and experimental therapeutic studies on acupuncture and itch.
The epidemiology of adolescent acne in North East China
Authors: Wei B , Pang Y , Zhu H , Qu L , Xiao T , Wei H‐C , Chen H‐D , He C‐D
Published: March 2010

Background  Adolescent acne impacts self‐esteem and quality of life in adolescents and its aetiology is not fully clarified.

Objective  The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological features of adolescent acne in North East China and determine the impact of genetic and environmental factors on the pathogenesis of acne.

Methods  Data were collected from 5696 undergraduates (2920 patients and 2776 controls) using questionnaire. The survey data were analysed using spss version 13.0 and heritability of adolescent acne was calculated using Falconer’s method.

Results  Total prevalence of adolescent acne was 51.30% (52.74% in males, 49.65% in females). The difference between genders was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Adolescents with a family history of acne had earlier age of onset (P < 0.001). The prevalence of acne in first‐ and second‐degree relatives of acne patients was 22.5% and 7.19%, respectively, significantly higher than in controls (P < 0.001). Heritability of adolescent acne was 78.47 ± 2.05% in first‐degree relatives and 75.05 ± 3.18% in second‐degree relatives. Risk factors to the acne suffers include (in descending order of occurrence), acne family history, mental stress, menstrual disorder, frequent insomnia, high fat diet, being male, dysmenorrhoea, anxiety, sleeping < 8 h per day, depression, fried food, study pressure, spicy food, oily skin and mixed type skin. Protective factors include (presented in descending order of occurrence) dry skin, neutral skin, frequent fruit consumption and computer access time < 2 h daily.

Conclusion  Adolescent acne includes a familial genetic predisposition. Additional environmental factors of psychological stress, skin oiliness and high caloric diets may also contribute to the onset of acne in Chinese adolescents.
Successful treatment of ulcerated haemangioma with propranolol
Authors: Naouri M , Schill T , Maruani A , Bross F , Lorette G , Rossler J
Published: March 2010

Background  Ulceration is a frequent complication of proliferating haemangioma.

Methods  Four patients with ulcerated hemangioma aged 2, 4, 5 months and 5 weeks were treated with 2 mg/kg KG propranolol.

Results  Efficacy and safety of propranolol were excellent in all four cases.

Conclusions  Propranolol may be the first‐choice therapy for ulcerated haemangioma.
Complications of ambulatory major dermatological surgery in patients older than 85 years
Authors: Paradela S , Pita‐Fernández S , Peña C , Fernández‐Jorge B , García‐Silva J , Mazaira M , Fonseca E
Published: March 2010

Background  During the last decades, the progressive ageing of the population has resulted in a rising skin cancer incidence. Although previous studies detected no higher morbidity for dermatological surgery in senior patients, their exclusion from optimal surgical treatment remains as a common clinical practice.

Objective  The aim of this study was to determine the diseases treated with ambulatory major dermatological surgery, the surgical morbidity and the associated variables in ≥85 year‐old patients.

Patients/methods  This is an observational study on 247 successive patients older than 85 years of age who underwent dermatological surgery in a single Ambulatory Mayor Surgery unit. Studied variables were age, gender, tobacco‐alcohol exposure, co‐morbid medical conditions, blood‐thinning medication, antibiotic prophylaxis, number of lesions, location, histopathological diagnosis, area of skin removed, surgical technique, type of flap, length of surgery, entrance order, suture thread, surgical complications and need of post‐operative admission.

Results  The most common site was head and neck (82.7%). The most frequent tumour was basal cell carcinoma (45.1%), followed by squamous cell carcinoma (38.7%) and melanoma (8.3%). Direct closure was the most frequent procedure (55.6%). Of the total number of patients, 7.9% of patients suffered complications; necrosis followed by cellulitis were the most frequent. Length of surgical procedure, area of skin removed and reconstruction with skin‐graft were significantly related to higher risk of post‐operative complications.

Conclusions  No intra or post‐surgical mortality or life‐threatening local complications were detected. Most post‐surgical local complications appeared after wide excisions and complex reconstruction techniques that prolonged the length of the surgery.
Hydrostratigraphy as a control on subduction zone mechanics through its effects on drainage: an example from the Nankai Margin, SW Japan
Authors: SAFFER D. M.
Published: March 2010

Geofluids (2010) 10, 114–131

At many subduction zones, accretionary complexes form as sediments are offscraped from the subducting plate, and excess pore pressures commonly develop as low‐permeability marine sediments undergo rapid tectonically driven loading. Mechanical models demonstrate that pore pressure controls the overall geometry of these systems by modifying shear strength both within the accretionary wedge and along its base. At the Nankai margin offshore SW Japan, the taper angle of the accretionary wedge varies markedly along‐strike, from ∼4° along an eastern (Muroto) transect, to 8–10°along a western (Ashizuri) transect. Sediment stratigraphy on the subducting plate also varies: along the Ashizuri transect, the lowermost part of the section includes abundant sandy turbidites, whereas along the Muroto transect it is composed of monotonous hemipelagic mudstone. Here, I use a numerical model of fluid flow, together with laboratory measurements that constrain the bulk mudstone permeability, to quantitatively test the hypothesis that the turbidite‐rich section along the Ashizuri transect allows drainage at the base of the accretionary complex, resulting in differences in mechanical strength sufficient to cause the differences in taper angle. My results demonstrate that if the turbidite‐rich units are 2–100 times more permeable than the mudstone units, the variation in stratigraphy can indeed explain the observed taper angles. In contrast, permeability anisotropy within the turbidite‐rich units has only a minor effect; anisotropy ratios of ∼1000:1 would be required to cause the differences in taper angle. Along the Ashizuri transect, simulated pore pressures result in a basal shear strength ranging from a few MPa at the trench to ∼20 MPa by 30 km arcward; along the Muroto transect shear strength is substantially lower, reaching only ∼5 MPa by 30 km. This work shows that lithostratigraphy can strongly influence the mechanical behavior of subduction zone faults, through its control on the distribution and magnitude of excess pore pressure.
The potential for abiotic organic synthesis and biosynthesis at seafloor hydrothermal systems
Authors: SHOCK E. , CANOVAS P.
Published: March 2010

Geofluids (2010) 10, 161–192

Calculations are presented of the extent to which chemical disequilibria are generated when submarine hydrothermal fluids mix with sea water. These calculations involve quantifying the chemical affinity for individual reactions by comparing equilibrium compositions with the compositions of mixtures in which oxidation–reduction reactions are inhibited. The oxidation–reduction reactions that depart from equilibrium in these systems provide energy for chemotrophic microbial metabolism. Methanogenesis is an example of this phenomenon, in which the combination of carbon dioxide, hydrogen and methane induced by fluid mixing is far from equilibrium, which can be approached if more methane is generated. Similarly, the production of other organic compounds is also favorable under the same conditions that permit methanogenesis. Alkanes, alkenes, alcohols, aldehydes, carboxylic acids and amino acids are among the compounds that, if formed, would lower the energetic state of the chemical composition generated in mixed fluids. The resulting positive values of chemical affinity correspond to the thermodynamic drive required for abiotic organic synthesis. It is also possible that energy release accompanies biosynthesis by chemotrophic organisms. In this way, hydrothermal ecosystems differ radically from familiar ecosystems at Earth’s surface. If captured, the energy released may be sufficient to drive biosynthesis of carbohydrates, purines, pyrimidines and other compounds which require energy inputs.
Fluids in the upper continental crust
Authors: BUCHER KURT , STOBER INGRID
Published: March 2010

Geofluids (2010) 10, 241–253

The brittle upper continental crust predominantly consists of granite and gneiss. Fractures form an interconnected network of water‐conducting structures with an appreciable permeability also providing substantial fluid‐saturated fracture porosity. The chemical composition of fluids in the fracture porosity of granite and gneiss changes with depth. Near the surface Ca–Na–HCO3 waters dominate. With increasing depth, water contains increasing amounts of alkalis and sulfate and grade into chloride‐rich waters at greater depth. Total dissolved solids (TDS) of 105 mg l−1 are common at 5‐km depth in most basement rocks. All reported deep fluids from the upper crust contain predominantly NaCl and CaCl2. The brines vary from NaCl‐rich in granites to CaCl2‐rich in mafic reservoir rocks such as amphibolites and gabbros. In regions of the crust with strong topography, fluid flow is important and recharge water may have flushed the basement efficiently, thereby removing old brine components from the granites. Water samples from the new Gotthard Rail Base Tunnel of the Alps represent this type of basement fluid. Analyzed fluids from up to 2.5‐km depth differ from basement fluids from areas with less‐extreme topography in the following ways. Such waters have relatively low TDS of some 100 mg l−1 and are typically of the Na2CO3–Na2SO4 type. pH tends to be high and varies from 9 to more than 10. Low Ca and ultra‐low Mg of such waters result from efficient deposition of secondary Ca–Mg minerals as coatings on fracture walls. Reduction of CO2 to CH4 provides the oxidation capacity for sulfate production from primary rock sulfides. The composition of fluids in fractured continental crust at depths below 1–2 km depends strongly on the topography of the erosion surface. In crust with rugged alpine topography fluids at this depth are low‐TDS high‐pH waters that derive its composition from fluid–rock interaction alone. In crust with low‐to‐moderate topography, basement fluids are normally near neutral high‐TDS Na–Ca chloride brines that derive the solutes not only from the rock matrix but also from external sources.