bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An experimental study of crust development on chalk downland soils and their impact on runoff and erosion
Authors: Robinson D. A. , Woodun J. K.
Published: March 2008

The sealing of soil surfaces by rainfall, the development of soil crusts and their impact on runoff and erosion was investigated in the laboratory by means of simulated rainfall. The soils investigated were stone‐free samples of chalk soils from southeast England, and soils with a 25% cover of stones. Vertical change to the surface and immediate subsurface of the soils was assessed through the examination of thin sections scanned into a computer and analysed with image processing software. Changes in roughness and microtopography of the soil surface were measured by use of a laser micromapper. Crusting occurred both in the presence and absence of stones and was inversely related to the organic matter content and aggregate stability of the soils. Crusting of stone‐free soils was accompanied by a reduction in roughness of the soil surface, but roughness of the stone‐covered surfaces increased as crusting developed. Increases in the particle density of the crust were related to silt content. Organic‐rich soil from under permanent grass and from a soil recently brought into arable cultivation crusted less than soils used for arable cultivation for longer periods with lower organic content. The inwashing of silt into the pores of the soil during crusting reduces infiltration, and increases runoff and erosion. In the presence of a 25% cover of surface stones, the reduction in infiltration was 25% less than for stone‐free soils and erosion ∼50% less.
Effect of boundary layer on drying mechanisms of beach and desert sand
Authors: Almubarak A. A. , Al‐Saeedi J. N. , Shoukry M.
Published: March 2008

A boundary layer developed over a flat‐plate surface plays a great role in the mechanisms of convective drying. Beds of desert sand, beach sand and glass beads were subjected to forced convective drying in a scaled‐up wind tunnel. The resulting temperature distribution profiles demonstrated clearly the stages of the drying process. A mathematical model is proposed to predict the temperature profile along the surface at various intervals. Good agreement was obtained between predicted and measured temperature profiles throughout the bed. The results showed a significant difference in the temperature along the bed. Surface temperature decreased gradually with increase in the distance from the leading edge. In a bed of 1 m long, the difference in the surface temperature was 11°C for the case of desert sand, and was 8°C for the case of beach sand. The results also revealed that the part of the bed closest to the leading edge dried faster. The reported results give a clear picture for the great role of the boundary layer in the drying mechanisms of the beach and desert sand.
Wetting of agricultural soil measured by a simplified capillary rise technique
Authors: Matthews G. P. , Watts C. W. , Powlson D. S. , Price J. C. , Whalley W. R.
Published: March 2008

We describe the use of a capillary rise method to measure the wettability of 10 samples of agricultural soil from Rothamsted long‐term experimental sites. The samples have very similar clay contents, but organic carbon (C) contents range from 11.5 to 31.2 g kg−1. Their wetting rates were interpreted by an improved method of data analysis, consistent with the Washburn equation, and showed an increase in the effective contact angle between the water meniscus and the soil with increasing C content. This corresponds to a decrease in wettability with increasing C content, and accords with other results reported in the literature. By contrast with water, we found that capillary rise for n‐hexane into soil did not depend on the soil’s bulk density or C content. A priori calculations of the expected wetting rates from fluid properties and an effective hydraulic radius estimated by other methods gave magnitudes and trends that agreed with our experimental data. The results show that estimates of effective hydraulic radius can provide a useful approximation for characterizing soil wetting, but that further modelling should be carried out.
Efficacy of interferon plus ribavirin in the treatment of hepatitis C virus genotype 5
Authors: Antaki N. , Hermes A. , Hadad M. , Ftayeh M. , Antaki F. , Abdo N. , Kebbewar K.
Published: March 2008

Summary.  Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 5 has only been reported in a few countries and treatment response has not been well characterized. Our aim is to present the treatment outcome for HCV genotype 5 patients evaluated at three medical centres in Syria between January 2004 and June 2007. Medical records were reviewed retrospectively. Treatment consisted of ribavirin 1 000–1 200 mg daily plus interferon α‐2a, 3 MU × 3/week or pegylated‐interferon α‐2a, 180 μg/week. Patients were treated for 24 or 48 weeks. Sustained viral response (SVR) was assessed at the end of a 6‐month follow‐up period. Twenty‐six treatment‐naïve patients with HCV genotype 5 have completed the course of anti‐HCV therapy and a 6‐month follow‐up. An SVR was achieved in 54% (47% with standard interferon and 67% with pegylated interferon, P = 0.43). A trend towards better results was observed for younger patients, low viremia and mild fibrosis. SVR was similar for treatment course of 24 or 48 weeks. In summary, treatment of HCV genotype 5 with combination therapy resulted in SVR in 54% of patients. Twenty‐four weeks of treatment might be adequate. Further research should evaluate the ideal duration of treatment.
Hepatitis C virus core protein binding to lipid membranes: the role of domains 1 and 2
Authors: Pérez‐Berná A. J. , Veiga A. S. , Castanho M. A. R. B. , Villalaín J.
Published: March 2008

Summary.  We have analysed and identified different membrane‐active regions of the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) core protein by observing the effect of 18‐mer core‐derived peptide libraries from two HCV strains on the integrity of different membrane model systems. In addition, we have studied the secondary structure of specific membrane‐interacting peptides from the HCV core protein, both in aqueous solution and in the presence of model membrane systems. Our results show that the HCV core protein region comprising the C‐terminus of domain 1 and the N‐terminus of domain 2 seems to be the most active in membrane interaction, although a role in protein–protein interaction cannot be excluded. Significantly, the secondary structure of nearly all the assayed peptides changes in the presence of model membranes. These sequences most probably play a relevant part in the biological action of HCV in lipid interaction. Furthermore, these membranotropic regions could be envisaged as new possible targets, as inhibition of its interaction with the membrane could potentially lead to new vaccine strategies.
Incidence of anaemia and impact on sustained virological response in HIV/HCV‐coinfected patients treated with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin
Authors: Núñez M. , Ocampo A. , Aguirrebengoa K. , Cervantes M. , Pascual A. , Echeverria S. , Asensi V. , Barreiro P. , Garcia‐Samaniego J. , Soriano V. ,   on behalf of the PRESCO Team
Published: March 2008

Summary.  Ribavirin (RBV) exposure is important for maximizing the response to chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) therapy. However, RBV‐associated haemolytic anaemia may force dose reductions or even treatment discontinuation. The use of zidovudine might further increases the risk of anaemia in HCV/HIV‐coinfected patients. The predictors of anaemia were examined in PRESCO, a large trial conducted in HIV/HCV‐coinfected patients treated with pegylated interferon alpha‐2a 180 μg/week plus RBV 1000–1200 mg/day. Measurements included maximal decrease in haemoglobin (Hb) throughout treatment, drops in Hb to <10 (moderate) or to <8.5 g/dL (severe), and premature RBV discontinuation because of anaemia. Finally, the impact of anaemia on sustained virological response (SVR) was assessed. Moderate or severe anaemia occurred, respectively, in 51 (13%) and 13 (3.3%) of 389 patients included in the study. Lower baseline Hb [RR: 0.14 (95% CI 0.07–0.27); P < 0.0001] and greater Hb drops during the first 4 weeks of therapy [RR: 4.74 (95% CI 2.95–7.60); P < 0.0001] were independent predictors of moderate anaemia at any time point in the multivariate analysis. Mean drops in Hb from baseline to week 4 were significantly greater in patients receiving zidovudine compared with other drugs (−3.09 vs−2.3 g/dL; P < 0.001). Lower baseline Hb [RR: 0.33 (95% CI 0.11–0.95); P = 0.04] and maximal Hb drops during treatment [RR: 2.48 (95% CI 1.33–4.59); P = 0.004] predicted treatment discontinuation because of anaemia. However, maximal Hb drops, development of moderate–severe anaemia and RBV dose reductions were comparable among patients who achieved SVR and those who did not. Lower baseline Hb predicts maximal drops in Hb and development of anaemia in HIV/HCV‐coinfected patients treated with pegylated interferon plus RBV. The use of zidovudine is associated with greater Hb declines at week 4. However, severe anaemia is relatively infrequent and seems not to have much impact on SVR. Given the availability of alternative antiretroviral drugs, it is advised to avoid zidovudine while receiving anti‐HCV treatment.
Modelling hepatitis C virus kinetics during treatment with pegylated interferon α‐2b: errors in the estimation of viral kinetic parameters
Authors: Shudo E. , Ribeiro R. M. , Perelson A. S.
Published: March 2008

Summary.  Neumann et al. [1] developed a widely used model for the analysis of hepatitis C virus (HCV) dynamics after the initiation of interferon therapy that assumes the effectiveness of therapy in blocking virion production, ε, is constant. However, with pegylated interferon α‐2b (PEG‐IFN) given weekly, there are significant changes in drug concentration between doses, leading to changes in drug effectiveness and viral rebounds. To investigate the appropriateness of the constant effectiveness (CE) model [1] for studies involving PEG‐IFN, we simulated PEG‐IFN treatment, using 294 sets of pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) parameters that span observed ranges and fit the simulated data to the CE model. For most combinations of PK/PD parameters, the fits resulted in an infected cell loss rate, δ, that underestimates the true value used in the simulations and yielded over‐estimates of the average effectiveness of PEG‐IFN. In the setting of PEG‐IFN therapy, the use of the CE model of HCV kinetics has to be reevaluated and the validity of its use depends on the amount of HCV RNA rebound observed between doses.
Seasonal distribution and abundance of tsetse flies (Glossina spp.) in the Faro and Deo Division of the Adamaoua Plateau in Cameroon
Authors: MAMOUDOU A. , ZOLI A. , HAMADAMA H. , BOURDANNE  , ABAH S. , GEERTS S. , CLAUSEN P.‐H. , ZESSIN K.‐H. , KYULE M. , VAN DEN BOSSCHE P.
Published: March 2008

Abstract.  Ten years after the large‐scale tsetse control campaigns in the important cattle rearing areas of the Faro and Deo Division of the Adamaoua Plateau in Cameroon, the seasonal distribution and abundance of tsetse flies (Glossina spp.) were determined. During a period of 12 consecutive months (January–December 2005), the tsetse population was monitored along four trap transects consisting of a total of 32 traps and two flyround transects traversing the study area, which comprised the tsetse‐infested valley, a buffer zone and the supposedly tsetse‐free plateau. Throughout the study period, a total of 2195 Glossina morsitans submorsitans and 23 Glossina tachinoides were captured in the traps and 1007 G. m. submorsitans (78.8% male flies) were captured along the flyround transects. All G. tachinoides and almost all G. m. submorsitans were captured in the valley. Five G. m. submorsitans were captured in traps located in the buffer zone, whereas no flies were captured in traps located on the plateau. The index of apparent abundance (IAA) of G. m. submorsitans was substantially higher in the areas close to game reserves. In the remaining part of the valley, where wildlife is scarce and cattle are present during transhumance (dry season), the IAA of tsetse was substantially lower. In this part of the valley, the abundance of tsetse seemed to be associated with the presence of cattle, with the highest IAA during transhumance when cattle are present and the lowest apparent abundance during the rainy season when cattle have moved to the plateau. It is concluded that the distribution of tsetse in a large part of the valley undergoes substantial seasonal changes depending on the presence or absence of cattle. The repercussions of those findings for the control of tsetse in the valley and the probability of reinvasion of the plateau are discussed.
Potential impacts of climate change on stable flies, investigated along an altitudinal gradient
Authors: GILLES J. , DAVID J.‐F. , DUVALLET G. , TILLARD E.
Published: March 2008

Abstract Adult populations of stable flies were sampled along an altitudinal transect in Reunion Island to determine whether higher temperatures were associated with: (a) higher numbers of flies; (b) a longer season of infestation, and/or (c) different responses to warming in the cosmopolitan Stomoxys calcitrans (L) and the tropical Stomoxys niger niger Macquart (Diptera: Muscidae). Flies of both species were trapped at seven farms situated at four altitudes (100−1600 m a.s.l.) over a 90‐week period. For both species, there were no relationships between the maximum or mean fly abundance and altitude. Only minimum abundance in winter was significantly higher at lower altitudes. Maximum and mean abundances differed significantly between nearby farms under similar climatic conditions. Seasonal fluctuations in fly abundance changed along the gradient. At lower altitudes, population growth started earlier after the winter but abundance declined earlier in summer, which resulted in a shift of the season of infestation. Seasonal fluctuations of both species were strongly related to climate variables at high altitude, mainly temperature. However, climate variables explained a decreasing proportion of the variations in abundance at lower altitudes. Stomoxys calcitrans was the most abundant species overall, but the proportion of S. n. niger increased significantly at lower altitudes and this species became predominant at 100 m a.s.l. It is concluded that stable fly infestations are unlikely to worsen in response to global warming. Maximum abundance is limited by local factors, possibly larval resources, which suggests that adequate husbandry practices could override the impact of climate change. Because S. n. niger tends to be the predominant pest at elevated temperatures, it is recommended that this species should not be introduced in areas where climate is changing.
The massive star binary fraction in young open clusters – I. NGC 6231 revisited
Authors: Sana H. , Gosset E. , Nazé Y. , Rauw G. , Linder N.
Published: March 2008

We present the results of a long-term high-resolution spectroscopy campaign on the O-type stars in NGC 6231. We revise the spectral classification and multiplicity of these objects and we constrain the fundamental properties of the O-star population. Almost three quarters of the O-type stars in the cluster are members of a binary system. The minimum binary fraction is 0.63, with half the O-type binaries having an orbital period of the order of a few days. The eccentricities of all the short-period binaries are revised downward, and henceforth match a normal period–eccentricity distribution. The mass ratio distribution shows a large preference for O + OB binaries, ruling out the possibility that, in NGC 6231, the companion of an O-type star is randomly drawn from a standard initial mass function. Obtained from a complete and homogeneous population of O-type stars, our conclusions provide interesting observational constraints to be confronted with the formation and early evolution theories of O-stars.
The study of the extended haplotypes of rare HLA‐B*2730 allele using microsatellite loci
Authors: Grubić Z. , Štingl K. , Kerhin‐Brkljačić V. , Žunec R.
Published: March 2008

The aim of the present study was to compare haplotypes of the most frequent B*27 alleles among Croatians (B*2702 and *2705) and the rare B*2730 allele. For this purpose, 37 families with members carrying human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐B27 were selected. All individuals were analysed for eight microsatellites (Msats): D6S2927, short tandem repeat – MHC class I‐related gene (STR_MICA), D6S2793, D6S2811, tumor necrosis factor a (TNFa), tumor necrosis factor d (TNFd), D6S273 and D6S1014, while individuals carrying the HLA‐B27 specificity were subtyped. Of 39 analysed haplotypes, 20 individuals had B*2702, 15 subjects were positive for the B*2705 allele, the B*2730 allele was found in three haplotypes from different families, while one individual carried the B*2703 allele. HLA‐A3 and ‐DRB1*16 were shared by all three B*2730 haplotypes. The DRB1*16 allele was also observed in the majority of B*2702 haplotypes (76.5%), while HLA‐A3 was, after HLA‐A2, the second most frequent HLA‐A specificity in B*2702 haplotypes. No such correlation was found for the B*2705 haplotypes. Msat analysis showed that B*2730 haplotypes also share the same allele at all tested Msats. The D6S2927, D6S2793, MICA and TNFd Msats were not useful in distinguishing B*2702 and B*2705 alleles because D6S2927‐213bp, STR_MICA‐179bp, D6S2793‐206bp, D6S2811‐83bp and TNFd‐130bp were detected in almost all cases. Conversely, for the TNFa, D6S273 and D6S1014 loci, haplotypes carrying B*2702 and B*2730 shared a single Msat allele in the majority of cases (TNFa‐113bp, D6S1014‐134bp and D6S273‐134bp), which was not observed for B*2705 haplotypes. In conclusion, the similarity between B*2702 and B*2730 DNA sequences as well as their sharing of the same haplotypic combinations corroborates the proposed mechanism of B*2730 evolution from B*2702 by interallelic recombination.
Description of two novel HLA‐DPA1 alleles: DPA1*0110 and DPA1*010304
Authors: Lee K. W.
Published: March 2008

DPA1*0110 was identical to DPA1*010301 except for a single‐nucleotide substitution at codon 43 (TGG→TGT) resulting in an amino acid change from Trp to Cys. DPA1*010304 was identical to DPA1*010301 except for a single silent substitution at codon 58 encoding Gly (GGC→GGT).
A new HLA‐A allele identified in a leukemic patient attending hematopoietic cell transplantation: A*2318
Authors: Aureli A. , Del Beato T. , Papola F. , Adorno D. , Piancatelli D.
Published: March 2008

Sequence‐based typing procedure (SBT) procedure permitted us to identify a new human leukocyte antigen‐A allele in a patient attending hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
Nitrogen stress and the expression of asparagine synthetase in roots and nodules of soybean (Glycine max)
Authors: Antunes Flávia , Aguilar Miguel , Pineda Manuel , Sodek Ladaslav
Published: March 2008

The difficulty of assaying asparagine synthetase (AS) (EC 6.3.5.4) activity in roots of soybean has been circumvented by measuring expression of the AS genes. Expression of three soybean asparagine synthetase (SAS) genes (SAS1, SAS2 and SAS3) was observed in roots of non‐nodulated soybean plants cultivated on nitrate. Expression of these genes was reduced to very low levels within days after submitting the plants to a N‐free medium. The subsequent return to a complete medium (containing nitrate) restored expression of all three AS genes. Roots of nodulated plants, where symbiotic nitrogen fixation was the exclusive source of N (no nitrate present), showed very weak expression of all three AS genes, but on transfer to a nitrate‐containing medium, strong expression of these genes was observed within 24 h. In nodules, all three genes were expressed in the absence of nitrate. Under conditions that impair nitrogen fixation (nodules submerged in aerated hydroponics), only SAS1 expression was reduced. However, in the presence of nitrate, an inhibitor of N2 fixation, SAS1 expression was maintained. High and low expressions of AS genes in the roots were associated with high and low ratios of Asn/Asp transported to the shoot through xylem. It is concluded that nitrate (or one of its assimilatory products) leads to the induction of AS in roots of soybean and that this underlies the variations found in xylem sap Asn/Asp ratios. Regulation of nodule AS expression is quite different from that of the root, but nodule SAS1, at least, appears to involve a product of N assimilation rather than nitrate itself.
Molecular phylogeny and divergence dates for Australasian elapids and sea snakes (hydrophiinae): evidence from seven genes for rapid evolutionary radiations
Authors: SANDERS K. L. , LEE M. S. Y. , LEYS R. , FOSTER R. , SCOTT KEOGH J.
Published: March 2008

One of the most prolific radiations of venomous snakes, the Australo‐Melanesian Hydrophiinae includes ∼100 species of Australasian terrestrial elapids plus all ∼60 species of viviparous sea snakes. Here, we estimate hydrophiine relationships based on a large data set comprising 5800 bp drawn from seven genes (mitochondrial: ND4, cytb, 12S, 16S; nuclear: rag1, cmos, myh). These data were analysed using parsimony, likelihood and Bayesian methods to better resolve hydrophiine phylogeny and provide a timescale for the terrestrial and marine radiations. Among oviparous forms,Cacophis, FurinaandDemansiaare basal to other Australian elapids (core oxyuranines). The MelanesianToxicocalamusandAspidomorphusgroup withDemansia, indicating multiple dispersal events between New Guinea and Australia.OxyuranusandPseudonajaform a robust clade. The small burrowing taxa form two separate clades, one consisting ofVermicellaandNeelaps calanotus, and the other includingSimoselaps,BrachyurophisandNeelaps bimaculatus. The viviparous terrestrial elapids form three separate groups:Acanthophis, theRhinoplocephalusgroup and theNotechis–Hemiaspisgroup. True sea snakes (Hydrophiini) are robustly united with theNotechis–Hemiaspisgroup. Many of the retrieved groupings are consistent with previous molecular and morphological analyses, but the polyphyly of the viviparous and burrowing groups, and ofNeelaps, are novel results. Bayesian relaxed clock analyses indicate very recent divergences: the ∼160 species of the core Australian radiation (including sea snakes) arose within the last 10 Myr, with most inter‐generic splits dating to between 10 and 6 Ma. TheHydrophissea snake lineage is an exceptionally rapid radiation, with > 40 species evolving within the last 5 Myr.
The effects of warming methods on temperature, cardiac function and cytokines in plateletpheresis donors
Authors: Kim H. J. , Kim N. C. , Park C. W.
Published: March 2008

Background and Objectives  Plateletpheresis is the most frequent type of apheresis, with demand for these products continuously increasing. Hypothermia is a common side‐effect of apheresis, which may have an effect on the donor's body functions. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of warming methods on plateletpheresis donors’ temperature, cardiac function and cytokines.

Materials and Methods  Fifty plateletpheresis donors were randomly assigned to a control group (n = 25) or a warming group (n = 25), with air and blood warmers during plateletpheresis. The effects of the treatment were examined by comparing body temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, Holter EKG pattern, serum interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), interleukin‐2 (IL‐2), tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) concentration, the white blood count, the white blood fraction, and the platelet count at a point in time between the two groups.

Results  In the control group, the tympanic temperature decreased more during apheresis compared to the warming group (P = 0·014). The decrease of diastolic blood pressure was significantly greater in the control group compared to the warming group (P = 0·010). As for cardiac function, the frequency of abnormal beats was generally higher in the control group, but the difference was not significant. IL‐2 and TNF‐α decreased significantly after plateletpheresis in the control group only, while there was no change in the warming group.

Conclusion  The decrease of temperature during plateletpheresis resulted in changes in haemodynamics and cytokines. The warming methods used in this study can prevent the decrease of temperature in donors, and may be helpful in maintaining the haemodynamic and cytokine balance.
Use of gene profiling to evaluate the effects of a feed additive on immune function in periparturient dairy cattle
Authors: Wang Y.‐Q. , Puntenney S. B. , Burton J. L. , Forsberg N. E.
Published: March 2008

Objectives were to investigate mechanisms by which a nutritional supplement alters immunity in dairy cattle. Our hypothesis was that feeding this product to dairy cattle altered neutrophil gene expression. Eight periparturient Jersey cattle were randomly assigned to one of two treatments: control and treated. Control animals were fed a dry cow ration for 1 month prior to calving. The treated cows were fed the same ration supplemented with OmniGen‐AF. Following calving, blood samples were taken and neutrophils were prepared after which RNA was extracted. Gene expression in neutrophils of treated versus control‐fed animals was then assessed using bovine‐total leukocyte (BOTL‐5) arrays. Eighteen genes were differentially regulated in the experimental group and of these, twice as many were up‐regulated as down‐regulated. Patterns of changes indicated that the additive might alter neutrophil apoptosis, signaling and sensitivity. Two of the regulated genes [interleukin‐1β converting enzyme (ICE) and interleukin‐4 receptor (IL‐4R)] were investigated in more detail using quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (QRT‐PCR). Each was found to be elevated by the feeding of experimental product. Increased expression of ICE indicates potential for enhanced neutrophil expression of interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), a cytokine which plays roles in the inflammatory response and which stimulates adaptive immunity following innate immune activation. Altered expression of IL‐4R indicates potential for changes in neutrophil apoptosis. The experiment identified mechanisms by which the additive altered neutrophil gene expression. While many nutrients support the immune system, we have shown that a non‐traditional nutritional approach may also have utility in modulating immune function.
Attraction of Planococcus ficus males to racemic and chiral pheromone baits: flight activity and bait longevity
Authors: Zada A. , Dunkelblum E. , Assael F. , Franco J. C. , Silva E. B. da , Protasov A. , Mendel Z.
Published: March 2008

The vine mealybug (VM), Planococcus ficus (Signoret), is a worldwide pest and affects mainly grapevine and figs. In Israel, (S)‐lavandulyl senecioate [(S)‐LS] and (S)‐lavandulyl isovalerate [(S)‐LI] were identified from VM reared for several generations on potato sprouts, when compared with the identification of only (S)‐LS from feral females. Racemic lavandulyl senecioate (LS) can be used for fieldwork because the unnatural enantiomer is benign and does not affect the activity of the pheromone. Lures loaded with 200 μg of LS remained active for 24 weeks but it is recommended to replace lures after 12 weeks to preserve constant and high attractiveness. Delta sticky traps, baited with 50 or 200 μg of LS were used to determine the daily flight pattern and the seasonal flight activity including vine plant infestation. A positive correlation between peak mealybug density and male capture was observed strengthening the usefulness of the pheromone traps for monitoring the pest. Addition of racemic or the two enantiomers of lavandulyl isovalerate (LI) to LS decreased the capture of VM males. The level of inhibition varied during 2003–2004. Both enantiomers of LI displayed the same antagonistic activity. Addition of (S)‐lavandulol to the pheromone resulted in shut‐down of the traps. Inhibition by the antipode, (R)‐lavandulol, was moderate indicating a certain degree of chiral discrimination.
Pseudomonas fluorescens enhances resistance and natural enemy population in rice plants against leaffolder pest
Authors: Saravanakumar D. , Lavanya N. , Muthumeena B. , Raguchander T. , Suresh S. , Samiyappan R.
Published: March 2008

Plant growth promoting fluorescent pseudomonad strains Pf1, TDK1 and PY15 were evaluated for their efficacy against leaffolder (Cnaphalocrocis medinalis) pest in rice plants under field conditions individually and in combinations. Application of mixtures of Pseudomonas fluorescens strains Pf1, TDK1 and PY15 significantly reduced the leaffolder damage in rice plants compared with untreated control. Interestingly, natural enemy population in plots treated with P. fluorescens was greater than the chemical and untreated controls. Further, support for these results was gathered by assaying activities of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and lipoxygenase (LOX) under glasshouse conditions. The results showed the higher activity of PPO and LOX in plants treated with P. fluorescens mixtures (Pf1 + TDK1 + PY15) than the plants treated with individual strains, chemical and untreated controls. Further, fluorescent pseudomonad mixtures increased the rice yield compared with individual strain and non‐bacterized treatments. The present study reveals that in addition to plant growth promotion, plant growth‐promoting rhizobacterial (PGPR) strains‐mediated induction of PPO and LOX in rice plants could be involved in enhanced natural enemy populations and resistance mechanisms against leaffolder attack.
Evidence of a major genetic factor conditioning freezing sensitivity in winter wheat
Authors: Skinner D. Z. , Garland‐Campbell K. A.
Published: March 2008

The inheritance of freezing tolerance in F2‐derived F4 populations from all possible crosses of winter wheat cultivars ‘Kestrel’, ‘Eltan’, ‘Tiber’, ‘Froid’ and germplasm line Oregon Feed Wheat #5 (ORFW) was investigated. When frozen to a temperature equal to the LT50 of the least freezing tolerant parent (ORFW), survival frequency distributions were skewed to greater survival in six of the 10 crosses, however, very few of the progeny from the four crosses to ORFW survived. The inheritance of this freezing sensitivity was investigated with freezing of F2:4 populations from the crosses of ORFW to ‘Eltan’ or ‘Tiber’ to the LT50 of the hardier parent. Very few of the F2:4 populations survived as well as ‘Eltan’ or ‘Tiber’, indicating a small number of strongly dominant genetic factors in ORFW that conditioned freezing sensitivity. Molecular analysis indicated these factors were not spring‐type vernalization alleles.
Combining ability and heterosis under pest epidemics in a broad‐based global wheat‐breeding population
Authors: Ortiz R. , Wagoire W. W. , Stølen O. , Alvarado G. , Crossa J.
Published: March 2008

Wheat breeders rarely apply population improvement schemes or select parental sources according to combining ability and heterotic patterns. They rely on pedigree selection methods for breeding new cultivars. This experiment was undertaken to assess the advantages of using diallel crosses to define combining ability and understand heterosis in a broad‐based wheat‐breeding population across different environments affected by yellow rust. Sixty‐four genotypes derived from a full diallel mating scheme were assessed for grain yield in two contrasting growing seasons at two locations for two consecutive years. Parental genotypes showed significant combining ability for grain yield that was affected by yellow rust and genotype‐by‐environment (GE) interactions, both of which affected heterosis for grain yield. Significant GE interactions suggested that decentralized selection for specific environments could maximize the use of this wheat germplasm. Cultivar effects and specific heterosis were the most important factors influencing grain yield. Some crosses capitalized on additive genetic variation for grain yield. This research shows the power of available quantitative breeding tools to help breeders choose parental sources in a population improvement programme.
Psychological profile of Taiwanese interstitial cystitis patients
Authors: Fan Yu‐Hua , Lin Alex TL , Wu Hsiu‐Mei , Hong Chen‐Jee , Chen Kuang‐Kuo
Published: March 2008

Objectives:  The correlation between anxiety and interstitial cystitis has, as best we know, not yet been reported on. The present study investigated the psychological profile, including anxiety and depression, of patients suffering from interstitial cystitis (IC).

Methods:  A total of 47 IC patients, all of whom met National Institute of Arthritis, Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) criteria, plus a group of 31 age‐matched, asymptomatic women received a structured interview on depression (Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression) and also on anxiety symptoms (Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety). IC patients also completed questionnaires relating to IC symptom severity, including urgency and frequency (visual analog scale) and O'Leary Sant index.

Results:  A total of 85% of our IC patients featured significant affective symptoms. The average depression scores were 16.6. Fifteen patients (31.9%) featured mild depressive symptoms, five (10.6%) had mild to moderate and 20 (42.6%) had moderate to severe depression symptoms. The mean anxiety score was 21.0, with 21 (44.7%), nine (19.1%) and 17 (36.2%) patients revealing mild, mild to moderate, and moderate to severe anxiety symptoms, respectively. Further, IC patients reported a significantly greater extent of depression and anxiety than was the case for controls. Pain scale and O'Leary Sant index were significantly correlated to anxiety and depression score.

Conclusions:  Most of our IC patients feature significant depression and anxiety. The extent of affective symptoms would appear to correlate well with IC symptom severity.
MANAGING DEEP STERNAL WOUND INFECTIONS WITH VACUUM‐ASSISTED CLOSURE
Authors: Chen Yi , Almeida Aubrey A. , Mitnovetski Sergei , Goldstein Jacob , Lowe Cassie , Smith Julian A.
Published: March 2008

Deep sternal wound infection is an uncommon but serious complication of cardiac surgery. Currently, there is no consensus on the optimal management. Vacuum‐assisted closure (VAC) has been increasingly used to facilitate wound healing. We aim to review the management of deep sternal wound infections using VAC dressing at our hospital. A retrospective review of consecutive cases of deep sternal wound infections was carried out. Median sternotomies were carried out in 2665 patients between July 2001 and June 2006. Thirty‐one patients developed deep sternal wound infections (1.2%). In 26 of these patients, VAC dressing was used either as a stand‐alone therapy or as an adjunct to late sternal reconstruction. Deep sternal wound infections were diagnosed on average 13 days from initial surgery. Of the patients treated with VAC dressing, 17 (65%) had stand‐alone VAC therapy and 9 had VAC therapy followed by sternal reconstruction. The average duration of VAC dressing in the two groups were 21 and 13 days respectively. There were seven in‐hospital deaths, six in the stand‐alone VAC group and one death from a reconstructive patient who did not have VAC therapy. The length of hospital stay was similar in two VAC groups (37 vs 45 days). Median follow up was 17 months. No late relapse was found in the stand‐alone group. In the intermediate therapy group, two patients had chronic wound sinuses and one patient had a wound collection. Vacuum‐assisted closure dressing may be used both as a stand‐alone and as an intermediate therapy for deep sternal wound infection. Reconstructive surgery may be avoided in a significant proportion of patients. No late relapse has been associated with VAC use.
LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY IN CIRRHOTIC PATIENTS WITH SYMPTOMATIC GALLSTONE DISEASE
Authors: Leandros Emmanuel , Albanopoulos Konstandinos , Tsigris Christos , Archontovasilis Fotios , Panoussopoulos Sotirios G. , Skalistira Maria , Bramis Costas , Konstandoulakis Manousos M. , Giannopoulos Athanasios
Published: March 2008

Background:  The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome in patients with liver cirrhosis who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for symptomatic gallstone disease.

Methods:  Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of 34 patients operated between March 1998 and April 2006.

Results:  There were 19 male and 15 female patients with a median age of 62 years. Cirrhosis aetiology was viral hepatitis in 25 patients, alcohol in 6, primary biliary cirrhosis in 2 and in 1 patient the cause was not identified. Twenty‐three were classified as Child–Pugh–Turcotte stage A and 11 as Child–Pugh–Turcotte stage B. The median Model For End‐Stage Liver Disease score was 12. Median operating time was 96 min. In three patients there was conversion to open cholecystectomy. Postoperatively, one patient died and six more patients had complications. Median postoperative stay was 3 days. Patients with acute cholecystitis did not have increased morbidity, but had significantly longer hospital stay.

Conclusion:  Laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be carried out with acceptable morbidity in selected patients with well‐compensated Child A and B stages liver cirrhosis. Patients with evidence of significant portal hypertension and severe coagulopathy should avoid surgery.
HAEMORRHOIDECTOMY WITH ELECTROCAUTERY OR ULTRASHEARS AND STAPLED HAEMORRHOIDOPEXY
Authors: Leventoğlu Sezai , Menteş B. Bülent , Akin Murat , Oğuz Mehmet
Published: March 2008

Background:  This study evaluated in a randomized, prospective manner the possible differences in operative time, postoperative pain and analgesic requirement, early complications, time off‐work and patient satisfaction between patients undergoing haemorrhoidectomy using the electrocautery (ECH), UltraShears (ultrasonically activated scalpel; USH) or stapled haemorrhoidopexy (SH).

Methods:  Patients with symptomatic third‐degree or fourth‐degree haemorrhoids were randomized into one of the three groups: ECH, SH (PPH stapler; Ethicon Endo‐Surgery, Cincinnati, OH, USA) or USH groups. The operative times and complications, if any, were recorded. An identical anaesthetic technique was used for all patients, and postoperative analgesia was also standardized according to the pain scores. Pain was evaluated preoperatively and at 8 and 24 h and 2, 7, 14 and 28 days, postoperatively, by means of a visual analogue scale. The numbers of narcotic and non‐narcotic analgesics used, the time required for full return to daily activities and the incontinence scores at 4 months postoperatively were evaluated, as well as patient satisfaction.

Results:  No significant differences with respect to age or sex existed between the three groups, each consisting of 20 patients. USH was significantly faster than both ECH and SH (P < 0.0001 for both comparisons) in operation time, and SH was faster than ECH (P < 0.0001). Comparing any two groups, the mean pain scores in the ECH group were significantly higher than in the SH and USH groups at postoperative 8 and 24 h, and day 2, but the groups reached comparable pain scores at day 7, 14 and 28. The numbers of narcotic and non‐narcotic analgesics used in the ECH group were significantly higher than in the SH and USH groups (P < 0.0001 for all comparisons). The early postoperative complication rate was higher in the ECH group (25%), compared with the SH (P = 0.017) and USH (P < 0.0001) groups. Only 12 patients (60%) in the ECH group could be discharged within the first postoperative 24 h, whereas all of the patients (100%) in the SH and 17 patients (85%) in the USH groups could be treated as day cases. The time required for full return to daily activities was similar in the SH and USH groups (P = 0.841), but it was significantly longer in the ECH group (P < 0.0001 for both comparisons). The 70% patient satisfaction rate in the ECH group was significantly lower than in the SH (95%; P = 0.008) and the USH (100%, P = 0.002) groups.

Conclusion:  Our short‐term results have shown that SH and ultrasonic dissector haemorrhoidectomies were superior to ECH haemorrhoidectomy, in terms of surgical utility, postoperative pain, analgesic intake, time off‐work and patient satisfaction. Some advantages of USH over SH also appeared.
WARM SITZ BATH DOES NOT REDUCE SYMPTOMS IN POSTHAEMORRHOIDECTOMY PERIOD: A RANDOMIZED, CONTROLLED STUDY
Authors: Gupta Pravin J.
Published: March 2008

Background:  Warm water sitz bath is routinely recommended after anal surgery. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of sitz bath with regards to pain scores, analgesic requirements and patient satisfaction ratings after haemorrhoidectomy.

Methods:  Fifty patients were randomly assigned to receive antibiotics and analgesics alone (control patients) or a twice‐daily sitz bath along with identical antibiotics and analgesics (sitz bath group). Weekly pain score and patient satisfaction score were evaluated on visual analogue scores. The number of analgesic tablets consumed in each week was also assessed.

Results:  There was no significant difference in age, gender distribution and the number of excised haemorrhoid piles between the two groups. No significant difference in postoperative mean pain score between groups (P = 0.234) was noticed. Likewise, no relevant differences in analgesic requirements between sitz bath and no sitz bath group (P = 0.435) were seen. The satisfaction score was higher in the sitz bath group when compared with the control group; however, it did not reach a statistically significant level.

Conclusions:  This study shows that sitz bath does not offer pain relief, wound healing or reduction in consumption of analgesics and thus there is no evidence to prescribe sitz bath in the post‐haemorrhoidectomy period.
EMERGENCE OF ‘RETROPRO’ STUDIES IN THE SURGICAL LITERATURE
Authors: Hall John C. , Hall Jane L.
Published: March 2008

Background:  The surgical published work now contains several studies that involve retrospective evaluations of prospectively collected data. These types of studies – that are referred to as ‘RetroPro’ studies – have the potential to be a valuable source of information about the care of surgical patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of RetroPro studies in the surgical published work.

Methods:  Original articles from 21 surgical journals were selected for study. Rejected from study were case reports, short communications, editorials, and surgical narratives (history, opinions and orations). Each original article was evaluated to determine the source of the study, the topic under evaluation, the sample size, the study design and the use of statistics.

Results:  Retrospective studies accounted for 34% of the 1386 original articles. The other main components were single‐group prospective studies (20%), non‐clinical experimental studies (13%), RetroPro studies (10%), review articles (9%) and clinical trials (5%). Almost one‐third of the RetroPro studies evaluated more than 1000 patients and 58% of them included some form of multivariable regression or an analysis of survival; that is, they attempted to model the outcome of surgical patients.

Conclusion:  RetroPro studies are now an important source of information about the outcome of surgical patients. They should be recognized as a specific form of clinical investigation.
Statistical inference is overemphasized in cluster investigations: the case of the cluster of breast cancers at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation studios in Brisbane, Australia
Authors: Coory M.
Published: March 2008

The aim of statistical analyses in cluster investigations is to estimate the probability that the aggregation of cases could be due to chance. As a result of several statistical problems – including the post‐hoc nature of the analysis and the subjective nature of implied multiple comparisons – this cannot be carried out with any certainty. In cluster investigations, expert opinion should carry much more weight than P‐values, which are exceedingly difficult to interpret.
Consensus guidelines for ‘rainy day’ autologous stem cell harvests in New South Wales
Authors: Trotman J. , Presgrave P. , Kwan Y. , Tiley C. , Estell J. , Watson A. M. , O’Brien T. A. , Peters D.
Published: March 2008

Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) has a well‐established role in the treatment of haematological malignancies. Stem cells are commonly collected following salvage chemotherapy although there may be advantages in collecting earlier in the disease course. A ’rainy day’ harvest (RDH) refers to the collection of autologous haemopoietic stem cells for long‐term storage. Although there are few data to support RDH, there is increasing evidence that such harvests are being carried out, creating storage pressures in stem cell laboratories across New South Wales. The Bone Marrow Transplant Network New South Wales conducted a three‐staged exercise to develop consensus‐based RDH guidelines. Using available evidence, guidelines were developed supporting RDH for specific patients with acute and chronic myeloid leukaemias, follicular and other lymphomas, and multiple myeloma. Physician agreement with these disease‐specific guidelines ranged between 58 and 100%. These consensus guidelines will improve equity of access to appropriate RDH and assist the planning of future storage requirements in New South Wales.
X‐ray fractography of a diesel engine crankshaft
Authors: PARIENTE I. FERNÁNDEZ , GUAGLIANO M.
Published: March 2008

X‐ray (XR) diffraction is a well‐known experimental technique used for measuring residual stresses in metallic materials. If we apply the XRD technique to the fracture surface of a broken part, it becomes a fractographical technique, that is to say that it is possible to relate the results of the measurement to the loading condition that lead a component to fail. However, in the past this technique was mainly used to analyse standard specimens and not mechanical components and there are few experimental investigations concerning the possibility of using this technique to investigate the cause of fatigue failures. In this paper, after a brief introduction to the technique, XRD fractography is applied to a diesel engine crankshaft that failed under known fatigue loading. It was possible to determine the load that lead the crankshaft to fail and to evidence some original aspects about the application of this technique to real machine parts. Comparison with finite element results served to confirm that XRD can be used as complementary tool to scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation or as a substitute to SEM observation, in the case of damaged fracture surface.
Improving fatigue life for aluminium cruciform joints by weld toe grinding
Authors: YE N. , MOAN T.
Published: March 2008

The increase of fatigue life in aluminium cruciform joints by weld toe grinding was the focus of the current study. The test data are presented by both a nominal stress range approach and by the more refined structural and notch stress range approaches. The influence of the weld toe angle, weld leg length and weld toe radius on the structural and notch stress concentration factor (SCF) was systematically studied by means of finite element analysis. Experimental data based on 18 pieces of as‐welded and 13 pieces of weld toe‐ground specimens made of 12 mm thick plates showed a significant improvement in fatigue life in aluminium by grinding the weld toe and confirmed the permitted improvement in fatigue life by design codes.