bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biopsychosocial functioning of women after mastectomy
Authors: Skrzypulec Violetta , Tobor Ewa , Drosdzol Agnieszka , Nowosielski Krzysztof
Published: September 2008

Aims.  The aim of this work was to identify the problems of women after total mastectomy and partial mastectomy with regard to various factors and intensity of discomfort which affect the quality of life.

Background.  The loss of the attribute of femininity, maternity and sexuality, as the mammary gland is perceived by patients, is a highly traumatic experience, frequently resulting in re‐evaluation of life and functioning to date.

Design and methods.  The survey encompassed 494 women after operational treatment of breast cancer with varying time since the procedure. The research group consisted of women after radical mastectomy, and the control group consisted of patients after partial mastectomy.

Results.  The intensity of post‐traumatic stress was an important factor affecting the level of depression and anxiety. This correlation appeared to be statistically highly significant in the group of women after total mastectomy. Life satisfaction, the level of depression and anxiety in women after such an operation were dependent on the intensity of post‐traumatic stress and they caused inferior biopsychosocial functioning.

Conclusions.  Women after mastectomy require professional long‐term support; this need should result in the enhancement of services provided in relevant women’s support groups.

Relevance to clinical practice.  When evaluating holistically the life of women after mastectomy, all spheres of everyday functioning should be taken into account: physical, cognitive, emotional and social.
Experiences of living with a malignant fungating wound: a qualitative study
Authors: Lo Shu‐Fen , Hu Wen‐Yu , Hayter Mark , Chang Shu‐Chuan , Hsu Mei‐Yu , Wu Li‐Yue
Published: September 2008

Aims and objectives.  The purpose of this study was to explore the experience of cancer patients living with a malignant fungating wounds.

Background.  Malignant fungating wounds are caused by cancerous cells invading skin tissue. These wounds can then bleed, become malodorous and painful causing physical and psychological distress. However, little is know about how individuals experience these lesions.

Design.  Qualitative.

Methods.  Ten in‐depth interviews were conducted with patients in one medical teaching centre in Taiwan. Data were subject to a thematic analysis informed by elements of grounded theory.

Results.  Five key themes demonstrated an emerging model that offers an insight into how patients experience their wound. Firstly, ‘Declining physical well‐being’ refers to the initial impact of the wound, this is linked to two further themes; ‘Wound related stigma’ and the ‘Need for expert help’. Another theme; ‘Strategies in wound management’ describes the initial, ineffective attempts by participants to manage their wound and the impact of professional help around wound management. This was linked to a fifth theme; ‘Living positively with the wound’ that reflected how patients adjusted to the presence of the wound – significantly influenced by the wound care they received.

Conclusion.  This study contributes to the understanding we have of how patients experience living with such wounds. It sets out the clear need for early use of wound specialists as part of the multi‐disciplinary oncology team.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The results of this study provides a description of patient experiences that can help to guide nursing practice as well as an understanding of what a malignant fungating wound means to cancer patients and how it influences their lives.
Shifting supervision: implications for safe administration of medication by nursing students
Authors: Reid‐Searl Kerry , Moxham Lorna , Walker Sandra , Happell Brenda
Published: September 2008

Background.  Medication errors made unintentionally by nurses continue to be a major concern in hospitals, medical centres and aged care facilities throughout Australia. While there is a plethora of literature available, which has identified factors that contribute to nurses making errors, few studies have reported on factors that may contribute to errors made by nursing students.

Design.  A grounded theory approach.

Methods.  In‐depth interviews with final‐year undergraduate nursing students (n = 28) to explore their experiences of administering medication. Constant comparative analysis was used to identify categories from the data.

Results.  The central category was identified as ‘shifting levels of supervision’. This describes the process of supervision students received when administering medication. Four levels were identified: ‘being with’, ‘being over’, ‘being near’ and ‘being absent’. The findings suggest that nursing students do not always receive the level of supervision that is legally required. Less than satisfactory levels of supervision were identified by participants as leading to medication errors or near misses.

Conclusion.  Apart from ‘Being with’, the levels of supervision described by participants have major implications for the safe administration of medication by nursing students and represent the actual or potential cause of error.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The potential for medication errors pose a major safety issue. Healthcare services have a responsibility to protect patient safety. Appropriate supervision of nursing students when administering education therefore requires urgent attention to ensure best practice is executed.
Inactivation of Ichthyophonus spores using sodium hypochlorite and polyvinyl pyrrolidone iodine
Authors: Hershberger P K , Pacheco C A , Gregg J L
Published: September 2008

Chlorine and iodine solutions were effective at inactivating Ichthyophonus spores in vitro. Inactivation in sea water increased directly with halogen concentration and exposure duration, with significant differences (P < 0.05) from controls occurring at all chlorine concentrations and exposure durations tested (1.5–13.3 ppm for 1–60 min) and at most iodine concentrations and exposure durations tested (1.2 ppm for 60 min and 5.9–10.7 ppm for 1–60 min). However, 10‐fold reductions in spore viability occurred only after exposure to halogen solutions at higher concentrations and/or longer durations (13 ppm total chlorine for 1–60 min, 5.9 ppm total iodine for 60 min, and 10.7 ppm total iodine for 1–60 min). Inactivation efficacy was greater when halogen solutions were prepared in fresh water, presumably because of combined effects of halogen‐induced inactivation and general spore instability in fresh water. The results have practical implications for disinfection and biocontainment in research laboratories and other facilities that handle live Ichthyophonus cultures and/or infected fish.
The effects of water velocity on the Ceratomyxa shasta infectious cycle
Authors: Bjork S J , Bartholomew J L
Published: September 2008

Ceratomyxa shasta is a myxozoan parasite identified as a contributor to salmon mortality in the Klamath River, USA. The parasite has a complex life cycle involving a freshwater polychaete, Manayunkia speciosa and a salmonid. As part of ongoing research on how environmental parameters influence parasite establishment and replication, we designed a laboratory experiment to examine the effect of water flow (velocity) on completion of the C. shasta infectious cycle. The experiment tested the effect of two water velocities, 0.05 and 0.01 m s−1, on survival and infection of M. speciosa as well as transmission to susceptible rainbow trout and comparatively resistant Klamath River Chinook salmon. The faster water velocity facilitated the greatest polychaete densities, but the lowest polychaete infection prevalence. Rainbow trout became infected in all treatments, but at the slower velocity had a shorter mean day to death, indicating a higher infectious dose. Infection was not detected in Chinook salmon even at a dose estimated to be as high as 80 000 actinospores per fish. The higher water velocity resulted in lower C. shasta infection prevalence in M. speciosa and decreased infection severity in fish. Another outcome of our experiment is the description of a system for maintaining and infecting M. speciosa in the laboratory.
Application of in situ detection techniques to determine the systemic condition of lymphocystis disease virus infection in cultured gilt‐head seabream, Sparus aurata L.
Authors: Cano I , Ferro P , Alonso M C , Sarasquete C , Garcia‐Rosado E , Borrego J J , Castro D
Published: September 2008

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and in situ hybridization (ISH) techniques have been used for the detection of lymphocystis disease virus (LCDV) in formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded tissues from gilt‐head seabream, Sparus aurata L. Diseased and recovered fish from the same population were analysed. IHC was performed with a polyclonal antibody against a 60‐kDa viral protein. A specific digoxigenin‐labelled probe, obtained by PCR amplification of a 270‐bp fragment of the gene coding the LCDV major capsid protein, was used for ISH. LCDV was detected in skin dermis and gill lamellae, as well as in several internal organs such as the intestine, liver, spleen and kidney using both techniques. Fibroblasts, hepatocytes and macrophages seem to be target cells for virus replication. The presence of lymphocystis cells in the dermis of the skin and caudal fin, and necrotic changes in the epithelium of proximal renal tubules were the only histological alterations observed in fish showing signs of the disease.
Water recirculation and good management: potential methods to avoid disease outbreaks with Flavobacterium psychrophilum
Authors: Madsen L , Dalsgaard I
Published: September 2008

Flavobacterium psychrophilum infections cause high mortality among rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, fry in Danish fish farms and hatcheries. Hatcheries based entirely on bore‐hole water recirculation systems have been suggested as a possibility for eliminating F. psychrophilum or at least keeping the amount of this bacterium low. The occurrence of the bacterium in a bore‐hole water recirculation system was compared with a combined bore‐hole water and stream water flow‐through system in a hatchery where outbreaks of rainbow trout fry syndrome caused by F. psychrophilum often occurred. Broodfish, unfertilized and fertilized eggs, eyed eggs and fry, as well as water samples from the tanks/troughs with broodfish/fry, were examined. Suspect yellow bacterial colonies were either confirmed or rejected as F. psychrophilum by growth characteristics and by PCR. As both virulent and less virulent F. psychrophilum isolates are known, isolates were characterized. The isolates were ribotyped and grouped according to ribotyping patterns. Representatives of the groups were serotyped. Fry isolates were very homogeneous whereas isolates from broodfish were heterogeneous, whether the isolates originated from external surfaces of the fish (mucus from skin and gills, haemorrhages and ulcers) or internal organs. Flavobacterium psychrophilum was isolated from broodfish in both water systems; 56% of investigated broodfish from the borehole/flowthrough system and 36% from the recirculation facility harboured the bacterium. In the recirculation system, the bacterium was isolated from fish (ulcers, milt, liver, abdominal cavity) kept in the system for 11 months. Flavobacterium psychrophilum was found in milt and ovarian fluid as well as on the surface of fertilized eggs, but not inside the eggs. Fry also harboured F. psychrophilum, but in the water recirculation system the bacterium was first isolated from the fry after they had been graded. Flavobacterium psychrophilum was found regularly in other parts of the hatchery (outside the recirculation facility), including at the time of grading, suggesting that the occurrence of F. psychrophilum in the fry recirculation facility was due to contamination from the borehole/flowthrough hatchery. It is suggested that the combination of bore‐hole water recirculation systems and good management procedures (including egg disinfection) is a possible method for hatcheries to avoid disease outbreaks due to F. psychrophilum.
Low levels of relatedness on black grouse leks despite male philopatry
Authors: LEBIGRE C , ALATALO R. V , FORSS H. E , SIITARI H
Published: September 2008

In lekking species, males cluster on specific areas for display (the leks) and females generally prefer to copulate with males on large aggregations. The maintenance of leks in which only a few males reproduce might be explained if subordinate males gain indirect fitness benefits. By joining a lek on which relatives are displaying, subordinates might attract more females to the lek thereby increasing the mating opportunities of their kin. In black grouse, a genetic structure among leks has previously been found suggesting that relatives could display together. Using 11 microsatellite loci, we extended this result by testing for the presence of kin structures in nine black grouse leks (101 males). The genetic differentiation among flocks was higher in males than in females, suggesting female‐biased dispersal and male philopatry. Because of this genetic structure, males were more related within than among leks. However, the mean relatedness within each lek hardly differed from zero. The lekking males were not more related than random assortments of males from the winter flocks and there were no kin clusters within leks. Thus, black grouse males do not choose to display with and close to relatives. Male philopatry alone was not sufficient to induce elevated levels of relatedness on the leks either because of male partial dispersal or a rapid turnover of the successful males. The indirect fitness benefits associated with males’ settlement decision are probably limited compared to the direct benefits of joining large aggregations such as increased current and future mating opportunities.
Abnormal prion protein is associated with changes of plasma membranes and endocytosis in bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE)‐affected cattle brains
Authors: Ersdal C. , Goodsir C. M. , Simmons M. M. , McGovern G. , Jeffrey M.
Published: September 2008

Aims: Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) or prion diseases are fatal neurodegenerative diseases of man and animals characterized by vacuolation and gliosis of neuropil and the accumulation of abnormal isoforms of a host protein known as prion protein (PrP). It is widely assumed that the abnormal isoforms of PrP (PrPd, disease‐specific form of PrP) are the proximate cause of neurodegeneration. Methods: To determine the nature of subcellular changes and their association with PrPd we perfusion‐fixed brains of eight bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE)‐affected cows and three control cattle for immunogold electron microscopy at two different neuroanatomical sites. Results: All affected cattle presented plasma membrane alterations of dendrites and astrocytes that were labelled for PrPd. PrPd on membranes of dendrites and occasionally of neuronal perikarya was associated with abnormal endocytotic events, including bizarre coated pits and invagination of the plasma membrane. BSE‐affected cattle also presented excess and abnormal multivesicular bodies, sometimes associated to the plasma membrane perturbations. In contrast, two TSE‐specific lesions, vacuolation and rare tubulovesicular bodies, were not labelled for PrPd as were a number of other nonspecific lesions, such as autophagy and dystrophic neurites. At least two different morphological pathways to vacuoles were recognized. Conclusions: When compared with other TSEs, these changes are common to those of sheep and rodent scrapie and shows that there are consistent membrane toxicity properties of PrPd. This toxicity involves an aberration of endocytosis. However, it is by no means clear that the lesions are of sufficient severity to result in clinical deficits.
Photoperiodic and temperature control of nymphal development and induction of reproductive diapause in two predatory Orius bugs: interspecific and geographic differences
Authors: MUSOLIN DMITRY L. , ITO KIYOMITSU
Published: September 2008

Abstract The effects of day‐length and temperature on pre‐adult growth and induction of reproductive diapause are studied in Orius sauteri and Orius minutus (Heteroptera: Anthocoridae) from northern (43.0°N, 141.4°E) and central (36.1°N, 140.1°E) Japan. In the north, at 20 °C, pre‐adult growth is slower under an LD 14 : 10 h photoperiod than under shorter or longer photophases. At 24 and 28 °C, the longer photophases result in shorter pre‐adult periods. Acceleration of nymphal growth by short days in autumn appears to be adaptive. In the central region, this response is less pronounced, suggesting that timing of adult emergence is less critical than in the north. Day length also influences the thermal requirements for pre‐adult development. The slope of the regression line representing temperature dependence of pre‐adult development is significantly smaller and the lower development threshold (LDT) is significantly lower under an LD 12 : 12 h photoperiod than under long‐day conditions. The weaker dependence of nymphal growth on temperature and the lower LDT in autumn might be adaptive. In the north, increased temperature shifts the critical day length of diapause induction and suppresses the photoperiodic response in O. sauteri but not in O. minutus. Further south, the incidence of diapause in both species is low even under short‐day conditions but the same interspecific difference is observed (i.e. increase of temperature affects the response in O. sauteri but not in O. minutus). This suggests seasonally earlier diapause induction with weaker temperature dependence in O. minutus than in O. sauteri.
Importance of multiple mating to female reproductive output in Diaphorina citri
Authors: WENNINGER ERIK J. , HALL DAVID G.
Published: September 2008

Abstract The importance of multiple mating to female reproductive output in Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) is evaluated by grouping individual females with one or three males for 24 h (short duration) or 2 weeks (long duration) and examining oviposition over 18–19 days. For the short‐duration treatments, females lay more eggs per day when grouped with multiple males, whereas females in the long‐duration treatments lay more eggs when paired with one male. When held for 24 h with one or three males, females show a decline in fecundity beginning 10 and 15 days after mating, respectively. Total fecundity is relatively high for females paired with one male for 2 weeks, but fecundity is low and mortality high when females are held with three males for 2 weeks. In treatments in which females are held with males for 2 weeks, oviposition increases dramatically in the days after removal of males. For females paired with a male for 24 h and re‐paired for 24 h, 9 days later, fecundity remains high throughout the 18–19‐day observation period. Egg fertility does not differ among treatments, but varies over time in a manner that is similar among treatments. The present study demonstrates that, in D. citri, females require multiple matings over time to achieve high reproductive output, but oviposition is constrained by the presence of males.
Age‐dependent changes in tolerance to cold and accumulation of cryoprotectants in overwintering and non‐overwintering larvae of European corn borer Ostrinia nubilalis
Authors: ANDREADIS STEFANOS S. , VRYZAS ZISIS , PAPADOPOULOU‐MOURKIDOU EUPHEMIA , SAVOPOULOU‐SOULTANI MATILDA
Published: September 2008

Abstract The age‐dependent cold hardiness profile of Ostrinia nubilalis is compared between nondiapausing and diapausing larvae, as well as with field‐collected larvae. The results suggest that both cold tolerance and accumulation of cryoprotectants depends upon the age of O. nubilalis larva. Late fifth‐instar nondiapausing larvae are more cold tolerant than younger fifth‐instars because they show enhanced ability to withstand sub‐zero temperatures. No appreciable difference is observed between the experimental groups of diapausing larvae as far as their supercooling ability and tolerance at sub‐zero temperatures above the supercooling point. In general, both field‐collected and diapausing larvae are more cold tolerant than nondiapausing larvae, indicating a direct link between diapause and cold hardiness. The age of diapausing larvae affects the ability to accumulate glycerol. Glycerol levels of 45‐day‐old diapausing larvae are significantly higher (2.7‐fold) compared with 90‐day‐old diapausing larvae. Moreover, diapausing larvae display a five‐ to 13‐fold higher glycerol content compared with nondiapausing larvae. There is a trend for an age‐dependent cold hardiness profile in O. nubilalis and further tests that could demonstrate a causal relationship between age and cold tolerance are needed.
The Monoclonal Antibody 6B9 Recognizes CD44 and Not Cell Surface Transglutaminase 2
Authors: Stamnaes J. , Fleckenstein B. , Lund‐Johansen F. , Sollid L. M.
Published: September 2008

The multifunctional enzyme transglutaminase 2 (TG2) can be located intracellularly, in the extracellular matrix (ECM) and on the cell surface. Cell surface TG2 (csTG2) is poorly recognized both by most TG2‐specific commercial antibodies and celiac disease‐associated anti‐TG2 autoantibodies. The recent characterization of a csTG2‐specific monoclonal antibody (mAb), which did not recognize ECM‐associated TG2, suggested major conformational differences between csTG2 and TG2 found in the ECM. Subsequent findings based on this antibody indicated ubiquitous abundance and novel roles of csTG2 in innate immune responses. We wished to identify the epitope of 6B9 so as to shed light on the disparate antibody binding properties of csTG2‐ and ECM‐associated TG2. Surprisingly, and despite thorough effort, we were unable to isolate TG2 as the antigen of 6B9. We found that 6B9 does not react with recombinant human TG2. In immunoprecipitation experiments, 6B9 pulled down an 85 kDa protein which was identified as CD44 by mass spectrometry. Several flow cytometry experiments including the testing of CD44s transfectants indicated that CD44, and not csTG2, is the antigen of 6B9. We conclude that 6B9 does not recognize csTG2 but rather the cell surface glycoprotein CD44. Thus, recent knowledge of csTG2 gained through the use of 6B9 should be reevaluated.
Overexpression of class 1 plant hemoglobin genes enhances symbiotic nitrogen fixation activity between Mesorhizobium loti and Lotus japonicus
Authors: Shimoda Yoshikazu , Shimoda‐Sasakura Fuyuko , Kucho Ken‐ichi , Kanamori Norihito , Nagata Maki , Suzuki Akihiro , Abe Mikiko , Higashi Shiro , Uchiumi Toshiki
Published: September 2008

Plant hemoglobins (Hbs) have been divided into three groups: class 1, class 2, and truncated Hbs. The various physiological functions of class 1 Hb include its role as a modulator of nitric oxide (NO) levels in plants. To gain more insight into the functions of class 1 Hbs, we investigated the physical properties of LjHb1 and AfHb1, class 1 Hbs of a model legume Lotus japonicus and an actinorhizal plant Alnus firma, respectively. Spectrophotometric analysis showed that the recombinant form of the LjHb1 and AfHb1 proteins reacted with NO. The localization of LjHb1 expression was correlated with the site of NO production. Overexpression of LjHb1 and AfHb1 by transformed hairy roots caused changes in symbiosis with rhizobia. The number of nodules formed on hairy roots overexpressing LjHb1 or AfHb1 increased compared with that on untransformed hairy roots. Furthermore, nitrogenase activity as acetylene‐reduction activity (ARA) of LjHb1‐ or AfHb1‐overexpressing nodules was higher than that of the vector control nodules. Microscopic observation with a NO‐specific fluorescent dye suggested that the NO level in LjHb1‐ and AfHb1‐overexpressing nodules was lower than that of control nodules. Exogenous application of a NO scavenger enhanced ARA in L. japonicus nodules, whereas a NO donor inhibited ARA. These results suggest that the basal level of NO in nodules inhibits nitrogen fixation, and overexpression of class 1 Hbs enhances symbiotic nitrogen fixation activity by removing NO as an inhibitor of nitrogenase.
Clinical and laboratory features that distinguish dengue from other febrile illnesses in endemic populations
Authors: Potts James A. , Rothman Alan L.
Published: September 2008

Objective  Clinicians in resource‐poor countries need to identify patients with dengue using readily‐available data. The objective of this systematic review was to identify clinical and laboratory features that differentiate dengue fever (DF) and/or dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) from other febrile illnesses (OFI) in dengue–endemic populations.

Method  Systematic review of the literature from 1990 to 30 October 2007 including English publications comparing dengue and OFI.

Results  Among 49 studies reviewed, 34 did not meet our criteria for inclusion. Of the 15 studies included, 10 were prospective cohort studies and five were case–control studies. Seven studies assessed all ages, four assessed children only, and four assessed adults only. Patients with dengue had significantly lower platelet, white blood cell (WBC) and neutrophil counts, and a higher frequency of petechiae than OFI patients. Higher frequencies of myalgia, rash, haemorrhagic signs, lethargy/prostration, and arthralgia/joint pain and higher haematocrits were reported in adult patients with dengue but not in children. Most multivariable models included platelet count, WBC, rash, and signs of liver damage; however, none had high statistical validity and none considered changes in clinical features over the course of illness.

Conclusions  Several individual clinical and laboratory variables distinguish dengue from OFI; however, some variables may be dependent on age. No published multivariable model has been validated. Study design, populations, diagnostic criteria, and data collection methods differed widely across studies, and the majority of studies did not identify specific aetiologies of OFIs. More prospective studies are needed to construct a valid and generalizable algorithm to guide the differential diagnosis of dengue in endemic countries.
Apoptosis and anti‐apoptotic heat shock proteins in canine cutaneous infundibular keratinizing acanthomas and squamous cell carcinomas
Authors: Bongiovanni Laura , Romanucci Mariarita , Fant Pierluigi , Lagadic Marie , Della Salda Leonardo
Published: September 2008

Cell stress and death are linked in the neoplastic process, and heat shock proteins appear to play an important role by inhibiting apoptotic pathways. The apoptotic rates in 9 canine infundibular keratinizing acanthomas (IKAs) and 17 canine squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) were correlated with the immunohistochemical expression of caspase‐3 and the antiapoptotic heat shock proteins Hsp27, 72 and 73. Apoptosis was evaluated using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase biotin‐dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) method.

The absence of a correlation between the TUNEL index and active‐caspase‐3 expression, a paucity of active‐caspase‐3‐positive cells and Hsp72 over‐expression were considered to be indicative of inhibition of apoptosis, and suggestive that inhibition of cell death plays a key role in oncogenesis and tumour growth of some canine skin neoplasms.
Carriage of Malassezia spp. yeasts in Cornish Rex, Devon Rex and Domestic short‐haired cats: a cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Bond R. , Stevens K. , Perrins N. , Åhman S.
Published: September 2008

Carriage of Malassezia spp. yeasts in healthy Cornish Rex cats (CRC) was compared with that in Devon Rex (DRC) and Domestic short‐haired (DSH) cats. Samples obtained from the left external ear canal, anus and claw fold of digit III of the left fore foot by swabbing, and the axilla and groin using contact plates, were incubated for yeasts on modified Dixon's agar at 32 °C for 7 days. Malassezia species were isolated from 90% of the DRC, but from only 39% of the CRC and 50% of the DSH cats. M. pachydermatis accounted for 121 of 141 Malassezia spp. isolates. Five CRC were colonized by M. pachydermatis alone, one CRC yielded only M. nana, and one cat yielded only M. slooffiae, whereas five CRC were colonized by both M. pachydermatis and M. nana and another yielded M. pachydermatis, M. slooffiae and M. nana. M. nana was primarily isolated from the ear canal, whereas M. slooffiae was most often isolated from the claw. Both the frequencies of isolation and the population sizes of M. pachydermatis at all sites sampled in the CRC were comparable to those of 10 healthy DSH cats. Populations of M. pachydermatis in the left axilla and left and right groin in the CRC were significantly lower when compared with counts in a group of 21 healthy DRC, a breed with very similar coat characteristics but prone to seborrheic dermatitis caused by M. pachydermatis.
DNA damage in children with asthma bronchiale and its association with oxidative and antioxidative measurements
Authors: Zeyrek Dost , Cakmak Alpay , Atas Ali , Kocyigit Abdurrahim , Erel Ozcan
Published: September 2008

Increased production of reactive oxygen species leading to an imbalance between the oxidative forces and the antioxidant defense systems favoring an oxidative injury has been implicated in the pathogenesis of asthma. The aim of the study was to investigate the peripheral DNA damage, and its association with oxidative and antioxidative measurements in children with asthma bronchiale. The study population contained 42 children with asthma bronchiale and 32 healthy controls. DNA damage was assessed by alkaline comet assay in peripheral lymphocytes. Plasma levels of total antioxidant status (TAS), total peroxide concentration (LOOHs), and total oxidant status (TOS) were determined. In asthma bronchiale patients, DNA damage was significantly higher than in controls (17.9 ± 11.8 AU vs. 1.2 ± 2.0 AU, p < 0.001). Plasma TOS and LOOHs were higher in patients than in healthy controls (13.4 ± 7.0 vs. 9.0 ± 3.5, p = 0.002; 9.9 ± 3.4 vs. 4.4 ± 1.5, p < 0.001, respectively). Plasma TAS level in patients was higher than in healthy controls (5.5 ± 2.5 vs. 1.0 ± 0.6, p < 0.001). DNA damage was correlated with TOS (r = 0,616, p < 0.001). The findings indicated that lymphocyte DNA damage level increases in children with asthma bronchiale. Elevated DNA damage may be related to increased oxidative stress. However, the mechanism of this association, and whether it is direct or indirect, remains to be explored.
Acute effect of low‐flux hemodialysis process on the results of the interferon‐gamma‐based QuantiFERON®–TB Gold In‐Tube test in end‐stage renal disease patients
Authors: Hursitoglu M. , Cikrikcioglu M.A. , Tukek T. , Beycan I. , Ahmedova N. , Karacuha S. , Sansal M. , Ozkan O. , Celik V.
Published: September 2008

Abstract: Background. Screening for latent tuberculosis infection before solid organ transplantation is mandatory, but this is not so easy in uremic patients on hemodialysis (HD) treatment. The newly developed interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ)‐based QuantiFERON®–TB Gold In‐Tube test (QFT‐G) seems to be superior to the other available tests.

Objective. To investigate the acute effect of the low‐flux HD process on the results of the QFT‐G assay.

Methods. A total of 56 HD patients participated in this prospective study. They were dialyzed under low‐flux HD for at least 1 month before blood sampling for QFT‐G assay. This assay was performed before and after the 4‐h low‐flux HD session.

Results. Compared with the pre‐dialysis level, there was an obvious reduction in the IFN‐γ production level (in response to the TB‐antigen cocktails) after the HD process (P=0.00). The pre‐dialysis test result was negative in 21 (37.5%), positive in 33 (58.9%), and indeterminate in 2 (3.6%) patients. One pre‐dialysis negative result changed to positive after the HD process. On the other hand, 7 pre‐dialysis positive and 2 indeterminate results become negative after HD (P=0.012).

Conclusion. In order to maintain the sensitivity of QFT‐G assay in chronic renal failure patients on low‐flux HD treatment, it is better to perform the test immediately before (not after) the HD process.
Gross and Microscopic Anatomy of the Pineal Gland in Nasua nasua– Coati (Linnaeus, 1766)
Authors: Favaron P. O. , Mançanares C. A. F. , De Carvalho A. F. , Ambrósio C. E. , Leiser R. , Miglino M. A.
Published: September 2008

Nasua nasua, coati, is a mammal of the Carnivora order and Procyonidae family. It lives in bands composed of females and young males. The pineal gland or epiphysis of brain is endocrine, producing the melatonin. Its function is the control of the cycle of light environment, characteristic of day and night. For this research, five adult coatis were used, originating from CECRIMPAS‐UNIfeob (Proc. IBAMA 02027.003731/04‐76), Brazil. The animals were killed and perfusion‐fixed in 10% formaldehyde. Pineals were measured and a medium size was found to be 2.3‐mm‐long and 1.3‐mm‐wide. Pineal gland was located in the habenular commissure in the most caudal portion of the third ventricular roof, lying in a dorso‐caudal position from the base to the apex. Pinealocytes were predominantly found in the glandular parenchyma. Distinct and heterogeneous arrangements of these cells throughout the three pineal portions were observed as follows: linear cords at the apex, circular cords at the base of the gland, whereas at the body a transition arrangement was found. Calcareous concretions could be observed in the apex. The pineal gland was classified as subcallosal type [Rec. Méd. Vét.1, 36 (1956)] and as AB type [Prog. Brain Res. 42, 25 (1979); The Pineal Organ, Berlin/Heidelberg: Springer‐Verlag (1981)].
Relationship between Carbon Isotope Discrimination and Mineral Content in Wheat Grown under Three Different Water Regimes
Authors: Zhu L. , Liang Z. S. , Xu X. , Li S. H.
Published: September 2008

Carbon isotope discrimination (Δ) has been proposed as an indirect selection criterion for transpiration efficiency and grain yield in wheat. However, because of the high cost for Δ analysis, attempts have been carried out to identify alternative screening criteria. Ash content (ma) has been proposed as an alternative criterion for Δ in wheat and barley. A pot experiment was conducted to analyse the relationship between Δ and ma in flag leaf and grain. Plants of 10 genotypes were cultivated under three different water regimes corresponding to moderate, intermediate and severe drought stress obtained by maintaining soil humidity at 75 %, 55 % and 45 % of the humidity at field capacity, respectively. Δ and ma in flag leaf and grain showed significant differences between the moderate, intermediate and severe drought stress levels. Significant correlations were found among genotypes for Δ and ma in flag leaf under severe drought stress, and for Δ and ma in grain under intermediate and moderate drought stress. In flag leaf at anthesis, Δ was negatively associated to K content and positively to Mg content. At maturity, Δ in grain was negatively correlated with Mg and Ca contents in flag leaf and grain, respectively. These results suggested that these traits may be potentially useful traits, which could be surrogates for Δ.
Exogenous Application of Abscisic Acid Improves Cold Tolerance in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)
Authors: Kumar S. , Kaur G. , Nayyar H.
Published: September 2008

Chickpea suffers cold stress (<10 °C) damage especially during reproductive phase resulting in the abortion of flowers and pods, poor pod set, and reduction in seed yield and seed quality. One of the ways in modifying cold tolerance involves exogenous treatment of the plants with chemicals having established role in cold tolerance. In the present study, the chickpea plants growing under optimum temperature conditions (28/12 °C, as average maximum and minimum temperature) were subjected to cold conditions of the field (10–12/2–4 °C; day/night as average maximum and minimum temperature) at the bud stage. Prior to exposure, these plants were treated exogenously with 10 μm abscisic acid (ABA) and thereafter again after 1 week of exposure. The stress injury measured in terms of increase in electrolyte leakage, decrease in 2,3,5‐triphenyl tetrazolium chloride reduction %, relative leaf water content and chlorophyll content was observed to be significantly mitigated in ABA‐applied plants. A greater pollen viability, pollen germination, flower retention and pod set were noticed in ABA‐treated plants compared with stressed plants. The seed yield showed considerable improvement in the plants treated with ABA relative to the stressed plants that was attributed to the increase in seed weight, greater number of single seeded pods and reduction in number of infertile pods. The oxidative damage measured as thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances was lesser in ABA‐treated plants that was associated with greater activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, ascorbic acid, glutathione and proline in these plants. It was concluded that cold stress effects were partly overcome by ABA treatment because of the improvement in water status of the leaves as well as the reduction in oxidative damage.
Oxidative stress in ecology and evolution: lessons from avian studies
Authors: Costantini David
Published: September 2008

Although oxidative stress is a central topic in biochemical and medical research, the number of reports on its relevance in life‐history studies of non‐human animals is still low. Information about oxidative stress in wild birds may help describe functional interactions among the components of life‐history traits. Currently available evidence suggests that oxidative stress may impart an important physiological cost on longevity, reproduction, immune response or intense physical activity. Given the gaps in our present knowledge, it is still premature to attempt to draw definitive conclusions and basic questions (e.g. how is oxidative stress generated and how do organisms cope with it?) have yet to be fully explored under natural conditions. Therefore, caution is needed in developing hypotheses or drawing general conclusions until additional data become available to perform more rigorous comparative analyses.
Pan‐oceanic distribution of new highly diverse clades of deep‐sea diplonemids
Authors: Lara Enrique , Moreira David , Vereshchaka Alexander , López‐García Purificación
Published: September 2008

Molecular rRNA gene surveys reveal a considerable diversity of microbial eukaryotes in different environments. Even within a single clade, the number of distinct phylotypes retrieved often goes beyond previous expectations. Here, we have used specific 18S rRNA PCR primers to investigate the diversity of diplonemids, a poorly known group of flagellates with only a few described species. We analysed surface and deep‐sea plankton samples from different oceanic regions, including the water‐column in the Marmara Sea. We retrieved a large diversity of diplonemid phylotypes, most of which formed two novel distinct clades without cultured representatives. Although most marine diplonemid phylotypes appeared to be cosmopolitan, they showed a marked stratified distribution through the water column, being very scarce or absent in surface waters. The small and specific diplonemid diversity found in surface samples and the fact that most sequences of uncultured diplonemids found in other studies came from deep‐sea environments suggest that the two major uncultured diplonemid clades group species preferentially inhabit the deep ocean.
Oxygen sensing drives predictable migrations in a microbial community
Authors: Finlay Bland J. , Esteban Genoveva F.
Published: September 2008

Oxygen sensing is widely practised by aerobic organisms ranging from bacteria to vertebrates, and a dominant oxygen‐sensing mechanism may persist among all aerobes. We traced population migrations of 10 species of the larger aerobic ciliated protozoa living in lake sediment, and in the 15 m water column of Esthwaite Water in the English Lake District (UK). In so doing, we discovered that the character and dynamics of the lake sediment and water column were remarkably predictable in performance over a continuous period of almost 2 years. Increasing warming of the lake sediment, coupled with low oxygen tension, resulted in the emergence of aerobic ciliates out of the sediment and their migration into the water column. And with the annual collapse of thermal stratification in the water column, the whole annual cycle was repeated. In an unusual discovery, we found that particular ciliate species seemed to be ‘linked’ to other (functionally different) ciliate species partners via the ambient oxygen tension. The favoured hypothesis is that all ciliate species in a particular body‐size range seek out a particular, preferred oxygen tension. If that is the case, the ‘cement’ providing the cohesion of the ciliate community might actually be the preferred oxygen tension. The principal aim of our study is to clarify the microbial migration itself, not the response of the different ciliate species to oxygen gradients once they have established themselves in the water column. The latter happens once the organisms have migrated out of the sediment together, driven by the ambient oxygen tension.
Cloaca‐like deformity with faecal incontinence after severe obstetric injury – technique and functional outcome of ano‐vaginal and perineal reconstruction with X‐flaps and sphincteroplasty
Authors: Kaiser A. M.
Published: September 2008

Objective  Surgical technique and outcomes report.

Summary background data  Three to eight per cent of vaginal deliveries are complicated by third‐ or fourth‐ degree perineal lacerations, resulting in a cloaca‐like deformity in up to 0.3%. These three‐dimensional defects result in often debilitating incontinence and symptoms similar to a rectovaginal fistula because of the lack of the distal rectovaginal septum.

Method  Between 2001 and 2006, 12 women (median age 37, range 20–57) with faecal incontinence and a postobstetric‐injury‐associated cloaca‐like deformity underwent an ano‐vaginal and perineal reconstruction with X‐flaps and sphincteroplasty without primary faecal diversion.

Results  The patients presented 13.0 ± 2.9 years (range 0.5–29 years) after the obstetric injury. The median Cleveland Clinic Florida faecal incontinence score was 16 (range 12–19). In addition, one patient complained of vaginal discharge, another of dyspareunia. All patients had an open rectovaginal communication with a large anterior sphincter defects (mean 160.2 ± 22.8 degrees, range 113–180). Resting/squeeze pressures were 28.0 ± 4.4/63.2 ± 8.1 mmHg, respectively. Pudendal neuropathy was present in five patients. The median length of hospital stay after surgery was 5.3 ± 0.7 days. Three patients experienced a postoperative rectovaginal fistula, two of which closed spontaneously, whereas the third required faecal diversion and a bulbocavernosus flap. After surgical follow‐up of 9.8.3 ± 2.8 months and long‐term follow‐up of 38.9.0 ± 6.9 months, all the patients were satisfied with regards to overall function, continence and cosmetic result.

Conclusion  Cloaca‐like deformity resulting from severe obstetric injury is often not given appropriate attention. Reconstruction of the original anatomy is complex but achieves good results and does not require a prophylactic faecal diversion.
Morbidity related to the use of a protective stoma in anterior resection for rectal cancer
Authors: Mala T. , Nesbakken A.
Published: September 2008

Objective  To evaluate morbidity related to the use of a protective stoma in rectal resection for cancer.

Method  Seventy‐two patients undergoing anterior rectal resection for cancer combined with a protective stoma (1993–2005) were included. Loop ileostomy was applied in 61 patients, loop colostomy in 10, and end ileostomy in one. Data regarding the primary operation were recorded prospectively, and stoma complications retrospectively.

Results  Five patients (7%) developed stoma complications immediately after the primary operation, and 14/70 (20%) following hospital discharge. The stoma was closed in 62 (86%) patients after median 4 (range 1–11) months. Five patients (8%) developed complications in hospital after closure. Two patients (3%) died, one of ileal anastomotic leak and one of myocardial infarction. Five patients (8%) had late complications after closure. A total of 19 patients (26%) developed stoma related complications. Eight (11%) of these were reoperated. Premature stoma closure was necessary in two additional patients. Nine patients (13%) ended up with a permanent stoma. Fourteen (19%) patients developed signs of rectal anastomotic failure, six (8%) of whom needed reoperation. One died.

Conclusion  Significant morbidity is related to the use of defunctioning stomas. A protective stoma cannot always prevent serious complications of a rectal anastomotic leak, and a proportion of the patients will not have the stoma closed.
An evaluation of treatment decisions at a colorectal cancer multi‐disciplinary team
Authors: Wood J. J. , Metcalfe C. , Paes A. , Sylvester P. , Durdey P. , Thomas M. G. , Blazeby J. M.
Published: September 2008

Objective  It is mandatory for treatment decisions for patients with colorectal cancer to be made within the context of a multi‐disciplinary team (MDT) meeting. It is currently uncertain, however, how to best evaluate the quality of MDT decision‐making. This study examined MDT decision‐making by studying whether MDT treatment decisions were implemented and investigated the reasons why some decisions changed after the meeting.

Method  Consecutive MDT treatment decisions were prospectively recorded. Implementation of decisions was studied by examining hospital records. Reasons for changes in MDT decisions were identified.

Results  In all, 201 consecutive treatment decisions were analysed, concerning 157 patients. Twenty decisions (10.0%, 95% confidence interval 6.3–15.2%) were not implemented. Looking at the reasons for nonimplementation, nine (40%) related to co‐morbidity, seven (35%) to patient choice, two changed in light of new clinical information, one doctor changed a decision and for one changed decision, no reason was apparent. When decisions changed, the final treatment was always more conservative than was originally planned and decisions were more likely to change for colon rather than rectal cancer (P = 0.024).

Conclusion  The vast majority of colorectal MDT decisions were implemented and when decisions changed, it mostly related to patient factors that had not been taken into account. Analysis of the implementation of team decisions is an informative process to monitor the quality of MDT decision‐making.