bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical factors influencing the sensitivity to warfarin when restarted after surgery
Authors: Schulman S. , El Bouazzaoui B. , Eikelboom J. W. , Zondag M.
Published: March 2008

Background and objective.  Resumption of oral anticoagulation after surgery may result in a different maintenance dose of warfarin than before the procedure. Knowledge of the clinical determinants of postoperative response could help avoid excessive anticoagulation in sensitive patients or avoid extended delays in achieving a therapeutic level in resistant patients.

Design.  Retrospective review.

Subjects.  Two hundred warfarin‐treated patients who were managed by our clinic for surgery.

Outcome.  Two independent adjudicators classified the postoperative response to warfarin as Resistant, Normal or Sensitive, based on previous maintenance dose, international normalized ratio (INR) on the day of resumption, number of days until INR of >1.9 and doses of warfarin given. A third adjudicator resolved disagreements. Clinical data were extracted from the patient records and correlated with the response.

Results.  Interobserver agreement for classification of postoperative response was moderate (weighted kappa 0.46) with 37 (18.5%) considered resistant, 135 (67.5%) normal, 27 (13.5%) sensitive and one patient was not classifiable. The main type of surgery was cardiac. In univariable analysis only addition of amiodarone after surgery was associated with a sensitive response (P = 0.04). After adjustment for all other factors with an ordered categorical response, amiodarone remained as the sole independent risk factor (P = 0.02) for a sensitive response, odds ratio 0.41 (95% confidence interval 0.19–0.89) for Normal instead of Sensitive or for Resistant instead of Normal.

Conclusion.  Altered sensitivity to warfarin occurs in about one‐third of patients after surgery and can be predicted by the introduction of concomitant amiodarone therapy but not by patient factors or the nature of the procedure. Changes in concomitant medications after surgery should alert doctors of the potential for increased sensitivity to warfarin.
High circulating levels of RBP4 and mRNA levels of aP2, PGC‐1α and UCP‐2 predict improvement in insulin sensitivity following pioglitazone treatment of drug‐naïve type 2 diabetic subjects
Authors: Hammarstedt A. , Pihlajamäki J. , Graham T. E. , Kainulainen S. , Kahn B. B. , Laakso M. , Smith U.
Published: March 2008

Context.  High levels of circulating retinol‐binding protein 4 (RBP4) and baseline expression of adipogenic genes correlate with subsequent improvement in insulin sensitivity following Thiazolidinedione (TZD) treatment.

Objective.  The aim was to identify baseline characteristics and early changes related to TZD treatment that could predict a good treatment response.

Design.  Subjects were examined with oral glucose tolerance test, intravenous glucose tolerance test, hyperinsulinaemic euglycaemic clamp, body composition and standard blood sampling at baseline and after 4 and 12 weeks treatment. Subcutaneous adipose tissue biopsies were taken from the abdominal region at baseline, after 3 days and 4 weeks treatment to examine the gene expression profile.

Setting.  Research laboratory in a University hospital.

Participants.  Ten newly diagnosed and previously untreated type 2 diabetic subjects were treated with pioglitazone for 3 months.

Main outcome measures.  Baseline characteristics and early changes related to TZD treatment that could predict the response after 3 months.

Results.  Pioglitazone improved insulin sensitivity after 4 weeks combined with lower glucose and insulin levels without any change in BMI. It was accompanied by lower circulating resistin and plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 levels rapidly increased levels of circulating total and high molecular weight adiponectin as well as adiponectin and adipocyte fatty acid‐binding protein (aP2) mRNA expression in the adipose tissue. High levels of circulating RBP4 at baseline and adipose tissue expression of aP2, proliferator‐activated receptor‐gamma coactivator 1 alpha (PGC‐1α) and uncoupling protein 2 (UCP‐2) predicted a good treatment response measured as improvement in insulin‐stimulated whole‐body glucose uptake after 3 months.

Conclusions.  Circulating levels of RBP4 as an index of insulin sensitivity and mRNA levels of adipogenic genes correlate with the subsequent improvement in insulin sensitivity following TZD treatment.
Essential role of choline for pneumococcal virulence in an experimental model of meningitis
Authors: Gehre F. , Leib S. L. , Grandgirard D. , Kummer J. , Bühlmann A. , Simon F. , Gäumann R. , Kharat A. S. , Täuber M. G. , Tomasz A.
Published: March 2008

Objectives:  The goal of the present study was to elucidate the contribution of the newly recognized virulence factor choline to the pathogenesis of Streptococcus pneumoniae in an animal model of meningitis.

Results:  The choline containing strain D39Cho– and its isogenic choline‐free derivative D39Cho–licA64 –each expressing the capsule polysaccharide 2 – were introduced intracisternally at an inoculum size of 103 CFU into 11 days old Wistar rats. During the first 8 h post infection both strains multiplied and stimulated a similar immune response that involved expression of high levels of proinflammatory cytokines, the matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP‐9), IL‐10, and the influx of white blood cells into the CSF. Virtually identical immune response was also elicited by intracisternal inoculation of 107 CFU equivalents of either choline‐containing or choline‐free cell walls. At sampling times past 8 h strain D39Cho– continued to replicate accompanied by an intense inflammatory response and strong granulocytic pleiocytosis. Animals infected with D39Cho– died within 20 h and histopathology revealed brain damage in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. In contrast, the initial immune response generated by the choline‐free strain D39Cho–licA64 began to decline after the first 8 h accompanied by elimination of the bacteria from the CSF in parallel with a strong WBC response peaking at 8 h after infection. All animals survived and there was no evidence for brain damage.

Conclusion:  Choline in the cell wall is essential for pneumococci to remain highly virulent and survive within the host and establish pneumococcal meningitis.
Combination therapy in the management of mixed dyslipidaemia
Authors: Cannon C. P.
Published: March 2008

Whilst statin monotherapy is often sufficient to reach LDL‐C goals, treatment may not reach all lipid goals in individuals with mixed dyslipidaemia typically associated with metabolic syndrome or type 2 diabetes. Double or triple combination therapy, which provides the opportunity to address multiple lipid abnormalities simultaneously, may be required to achieve targets in some patients. Addition of fenofibrate or niacin (nicotinic acid) to statin therapy is likely to be the first option, as recommended by national treatment guidelines; omega‐3 fatty acids may also be useful. Careful monitoring is required when adding additional agents given the increased potential for drug interactions and side effects.
Effects of implant surface roughness and stiffness of grafted bone on an immediately loaded maxillary implant: a 3D numerical analysis
Authors: HUANG H.‐L. , FUH L.‐J. , HSU J.‐T. , TU M.‐G. , SHEN Y.‐W. , WU C.‐L.
Published: March 2008

summary  This study investigated the effects of the stiffness of a maxillary sinus graft and the surface roughness of an immediately loaded implant using a non‐linear three‐dimensional finite element (FE) analysis (3D). Six FE models were created, including two stiffness values of grafted bone (345 and 3450 MPa of elastic modulus) and three conditions of implant–bone interfaces (Frictional coefficient of 0·3 for machined surface, 0·45 for rough implant surface and a bonded implant–bone interface for an osseointegrated implant). Computer tomographic images of a human skull were used to construct a posterior maxillary model. All implants were designed via the computer aided design software with a spiral threaded configuration. Three loading scenarios were investigated for each of the six models; axial loading and lateral loadings at 30° and 60°. The results showed that a 60° lateral loading has scored the highest level of bone stresses among the three loading conditions. Immediately loaded implants with 0·3 frictional coefficient have suffered the highest bone stresses which were higher than those with bonded interface by about 57%. Increasing the frictional coeffecient to 0·45, however, did not show any benefits in reducing the peak bone stress. Raising the stiffness of grafted bone diminished the bone stress by about 10% in both the immediately loaded and the osseointegrated implants. It was also noted that increasing graft stiffness and implant surface roughness reduced the sliding at the implant‐bone interface which may improve the implant stability and long‐term survival.
Small‐scale spatial genetic structure in the Central African rainforest tree species Aucoumea klaineana: a stepwise approach to infer the impact of limited gene dispersal, population history and habitat fragmentation
Authors: BORN CÉLINE , HARDY OLIVIER J. , CHEVALLIER MARIE‐HÉLÈNE , OSSARI SIMON , ATTÉKÉ CHRISTIANE , WICKINGS E. JEAN , HOSSAERT‐MCKEY MARTINE
Published: March 2008

Under the isolation‐by‐distance model, the strength of spatial genetic structure (SGS) depends on seed and pollen dispersal and genetic drift, which in turn depends on local demographic structure. SGS can also be influenced by historical events such as admixture of differentiated gene pools. We analysed the fine‐scale SGS in six populations of a pioneer tree species endemic to Central Africa, Aucoumea klaineana. To infer the impacts of limited gene dispersal, population history and habitat fragmentation on isolation by distance, we followed a stepwise approach consisting of a Bayesian clustering method to detect differentiated gene pools followed by the analysis of kinship‐distance curves. Interestingly, despite considerable variation in density, the five populations situated under continuous forest cover displayed very similar extent of SGS. This is likely due to an increase in dispersal distance with decreased tree density. Admixture between two gene pools was detected in one of these five populations creating a distinctive pattern of SGS. In the last population sampled in open habitat, the genetic diversity was in the same range as in the other populations despite a recent habitat fragmentation. This result may due to the increase of gene dispersal compensating the effect of the disturbance as suggested by the reduced extent of SGS estimated in this population. Thus, in A. klaineana, the balance between drift and dispersal may facilitate the maintenance of genetic diversity. Finally, from the strength of the SGS and population density, an indirect estimate of gene dispersal distances was obtained for one site: the quadratic mean parent–offspring distance, σg, ranged between 210 m and 570 m.
Bleaching and stress in coral reef ecosystems: hsp70 expression by the giant barrel sponge Xestospongia muta
Authors: LÓPEZ‐LEGENTIL SUSANNA , SONG BONGKEUN , MCMURRAY STEVEN E. , PAWLIK JOSEPH R.
Published: March 2008

Sponges are a prominent component of coral reef ecosystems. Like reef‐building corals, some sponges have been reported to bleach and die. The giant barrel sponge Xestospongia muta is one of the largest and most important components of Caribbean coral reef communities. Tissues of X. muta contain cyanobacterial symbionts of the Synechococcus group. Two types of bleaching have been described: cyclic bleaching, from which sponges recover, and fatal bleaching, which usually results in sponge death. We quantified hsp70 gene expression as an indicator of stress in X. muta undergoing cyclic and fatal bleaching and in response to thermal and salinity variability in both field and laboratory settings. Chlorophyll a content of sponge tissue was estimated to determine whether hsp70 expression was related to cyanobacterial abundance. We found that fatally bleached sponge tissue presented significantly higher hsp70 gene expression, but cyclically bleached tissue did not, yet both cyclic and fatally bleached tissues had lower chlorophyll a concentrations than nonbleached tissue. These results corroborate field observations suggesting that cyclic bleaching is a temporary, nonstressful state, while fatal bleaching causes significant levels of stress, leading to mortality. Our results support the hypothesis that Synechococcus symbionts are commensals that provide no clear advantage to their sponge host. In laboratory experiments, sponge pieces incubated at 30 °C exhibited significantly higher hsp70 expression than control pieces after 1.5 h, with sponge mortality after less than 15 h. In contrast, sponges at different salinities were not significantly stressed after the same period of time. Stress associated with increasing seawater temperatures may result in declining sponge populations in coral reef ecosystems.
Heat shock protein 101 effects in A. thaliana: genetic variation, fitness and pleiotropy in controlled temperature conditions
Authors: TONSOR S. J. , SCOTT C. , BOUMAZA I. , LISS T. R. , BRODSKY J. L. , VIERLING E.
Published: March 2008

The Hsp100/ClpB heat shock protein family is ancient and required for high temperature survival, but natural variation in expression and its phenotypic effects is unexplored in plants. In controlled environment experiments, we examined the effects of variation in the Arabidopsis cytosolic AtHsp101 (hereafter Hsp101). Ten wild‐collected ecotypes differed in Hsp101 expression responses across a 22 to 40 °C gradient. Genotypes from low latitudes expressed the least Hsp101. We tested fitness and pleiotropic consequences of varying Hsp101 expression in ‘control’ vs. mild thermal stress treatments (15/25 °C D/N vs. 15/25° D/N plus 3 h at 35 °C 3 days/week). Comparing wild type and null mutants, wt Columbia (Col) produced ~33% more fruits compared to its Hsp101 homozygous null mutant. There was no difference between Landsberg erecta null mutant NIL (Ler) and wt Ler; wt Ler showed very low Hsp101 expression. In an assay of six genotypes, fecundity was a saturating function of Hsp101 content, in both experimental treatments. Thus, in addition to its essential role in acquired thermal tolerance, Hsp101 provides a substantial fitness benefit under normal growth conditions. Knocking out Hsp101 decreased fruit production, days to germination and days to bolting, total dry mass, and number of inflorescences; it increased transpiration rate and allocation to root mass. Root : total mass ratio decayed exponentially with Hsp101 content. This study shows that Hsp101 expression is evolvable in natural populations. Our results further suggest that Hsp101 is primarily an emergency high‐temperature tolerance mechanism, since expression levels are lower in low‐latitude populations from warmer climates. Hsp101 expression appears to carry an important trade‐off in reduced root growth. This trade‐off may select for suppressed expression under chronically high temperatures.
The landscape genetics of yellow perch (Perca flavescens) in a large fluvial ecosystem
Authors: LECLERC ÉMILIE , MAILHOT YVES , MINGELBIER MARC , BERNATCHEZ LOUIS
Published: March 2008

Landscape genetics is being increasingly applied to elucidate the role of environmental features on the population structure of terrestrial organisms. However, the potential of this framework has been little explored in aquatic ecosystems such as large rivers. Here, we used a landscape genetics approach in order to (i) document the population structure of the yellow perch (Perca flavescens) by means of genetic variation at microsatellite markers, (ii) assess to what extent the structure was explained by landscape heterogeneity, and (iii) interpret the relevance of interactions between genetics and landscape for management and conservation. Analysis of the genetic variation among 1715 individuals from 16 localities and distributed over 310 km in the freshwater section of the Saint Lawrence River (Québec, Canada) revealed a relatively modest level of genetic structuring (FST = 0.039). Application of the Monmonier's algorithm combining geographical and genetic information identified three zones of restricted gene flow defining four distinct populations. Physical barriers played a more important role on gene flow and genetic structure than waterway geographical distance. We found correlations between genetic differentiation and presence of distinct water masses in the sector of Lake Saint‐Louis (r = 0.7177,P = 0.0340) and with fragmentation of spawning habitats in the sector of Lake Saint‐Pierre (r = 0.8578,P = 0.0095). Our results support the treatment of four distinct biological units, which is in contrast with the current basis for yellow perch management. Finally, this study showed that landscape genetics is a powerful means to identify environmental barriers to gene flow causing genetic discontinuities in apparently highly connected aquatic landscapes.
To be or not to be a hamlet pair in sympatry
Authors: SALZBURGER WALTER
Published: March 2008

Recent adaptive radiations, such as the fringillid finches on the Galapagos archipelago or the cichlid fishes in the East African Great Lakes, are invaluable model systems for evolutionary and ecological research. Pueblaet al., in this issue ofMolecular Ecology, have established a group of colourful coral reef fishes from the Caribbean sea for studying the early phases of species formation in a marine adaptive radiation. It appears that local evolutionary processes are important in this system, which might have even triggeredin situspeciation.
Genetic manipulation of African trypanosomes as a tool to dissect the immunobiology of infection
Authors: MANSFIELD J. M. , PAULNOCK D. M.
Published: March 2008

The variant surface glycoprotein (VSG) coat of African trypanosomes exhibits immunobiological functions distinct from its prominent role as a variant surface antigen. In order to address questions regarding immune stealth effects of VSG switch‐variant coats, and the innate immune system activating effects of shed VSG substituents, several groups have genetically modified the ability of trypanosomes to express or release VSG during infection of the mammalian host. The role of mosaic surface coats expressed by VSG switch‐variants (VSG double‐expressors) in escaping early immune detection, and the role of VSG glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor substituents in regulating host immunity have been revealed, respectively, by stable co‐expression of an exogenous VSG gene in trypanosomes expressing an endogenous VSG gene, and by knocking out the genetic locus for GPI‐phospholipase C (PLC) that releases VSG from the membrane. Both approaches to genetic modification of African trypanosomes have suggested interesting and unexpected immunobiological effects associated with surface coat molecules.
Reverse genetics and the study of the immune response to schistosomes
Authors: PEARCE E. J. , FREITAS T. C.
Published: March 2008

The sequencing of the schistosome genome and the establishment of techniques for RNAi and transient transfection in these parasites have opened the door for a reverse genetics approach to studying schistosomes. One of the most intriguing aspects of schistosome biology is the interaction of these parasites with the immune system. The immune response underlies the ability of the host to survive while infected and to eventually develop resistance to further infection. However, it is also instrumental in the development of disease due to its role orchestrating granuloma formation around tissue‐trapped parasite eggs. While schistosomes have clearly evolved mechanisms for evading host immune responses, their normal development is, paradoxically, also dependent upon the presence of a normal immune system. This article will review recent advances in the development of tools for studying gene function in schistosomes, and discuss how these new tools may be exploited to investigate issues of key importance in the interaction of schistosomes with the host immune system.
Large‐scale insertional mutagenesis using the Tnt1 retrotransposon in the model legume Medicago truncatula
Authors: Tadege Million , Wen Jiangqi , He Ji , Tu Haidi , Kwak Younsig , Eschstruth Alexis , Cayrel Anne , Endre Gabriella , Zhao Patrick X. , Chabaud Mireille , Ratet Pascal , Mysore Kirankumar S.
Published: March 2008

Medicago truncatula is a fast‐emerging model for the study of legume functional biology. We used the tobacco retrotransposon Tnt1 to tag the Medicago genome and generated over 7600 independent lines representing an estimated 190 000 insertion events. Tnt1 inserted on average at 25 different locations per genome during tissue culture, and insertions were stable during subsequent generations in soil. Analysis of 2461 Tnt1 flanking sequence tags (FSTs) revealed that Tnt1 appears to prefer gene‐rich regions. The proportion of Tnt1 insertion in coding sequences was 34.1%, compared to the expected 15.9% if random insertions were to occur. However, Tnt1 showed neither unique target site specificity nor strong insertion hot spots, although some genes were more frequently tagged than others. Forward‐genetic screening of 3237 R1 lines resulted in identification of visible mutant phenotypes in approximately 30% of the regenerated lines. Tagging efficiency appears to be high, as all of the 20 mutants examined so far were found to be tagged. Taking the properties of Tnt1 into account and assuming 1.7 kb for the average M. truncatula gene size, we estimate that approximately 14 000–16 000 lines would be sufficient for 90% gene tagging coverage in M. truncatula. This is in contrast to more than 500 000 lines required to achieve the same saturation level using T‐DNA tagging. Our data demonstrate that Tnt1 is an efficient insertional mutagen in M. truncatula, and could be a primary choice for other plant species with large genomes.
A proteomic study showing differential regulation of stress, redox regulation and peroxidase proteins by iron supply and the transcription factor FER
Authors: Brumbarova Tzvetina , Matros Andrea , Mock Hans‐Peter , Bauer Petra
Published: March 2008

Plants need to mobilize iron in the soil, and the basic helix‐loop‐helix transcription factor FER is a central regulator of iron acquisition in tomato roots. FER activity is controlled by iron supply. To analyse to what extent FER influences Fe‐regulated protein expression, we investigated the root proteome of wild‐type tomato, the fer mutant and a transgenic FER overexpression line under low‐iron conditions versus sufficient and generous iron supply. The root proteomes were analysed by two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis with three technical and three biological replicates. Statistical analysis identified 39 protein spots that were differentially regulated in selected pairwise comparisons of experimental conditions. Of these, 24 were correlated with expression clusters revealed by principal component analysis. The 39 protein spots were analysed by MALDI‐TOF and nanoLC‐MS/MS to deduce their possible functions. We investigated the functional representation in the identified expression clusters, and found that loss of FER function in iron‐cultured plants mimicked an iron‐deficiency status. The largest identified protein expression cluster was upregulated by iron deficiency and in the fer mutant. Two iron‐regulated proteins required FER activity for induction by iron deficiency. Few proteins were suppressed by iron deficiency. The differentially expressed proteins belonged predominantly to the functional categories ‘stress’, ‘redox regulation’ and ‘miscellaneous peroxidases’. Hence, we were able to identify distinct expression clusters of proteins with distinct functions.
Associations between Pityogenes bidentatus and fungi in young managed Scots pine stands in Poland
Authors: Jankowiak R. , Rossa R.
Published: March 2008

The association between Pityogenes bidentatus and fungi was studied in young, managed Pinus sylvestris stands in Poland. Fungi were isolated from emerged adults and their galleries collected from four populations. In total, 2089 fungal isolates including 42 species, were obtained. Penicillium sp. 1 and Geosmithia sp. 1 were the most commonly isolated fungi from beetles (49% and 41% of beetles respectively). Geosmithia sp. 1 species was the dominant species in P. bidentatus galleries with a frequency of occurrence of 57.9%. Hormonema dematioides was the second most abundant fungus in gallery systems (17.1% of wood samples). Two of the isolated Geosmithia species were previously undescribed. Pityogenes bidentatus also vectored three ophiostomatoid species: Ophiostoma minus, O. piceae and Graphium sp. ‘W’. These species were occasionally isolated from beetles and their galleries, suggesting a non‐specific relationship.
Effects of Feeding Level During Lactation on FSH and LH Secretion Patterns, and Follicular Development in Primiparous Sows
Authors: Kauffold J , Gottschalk J , Schneider F , Beynon N , Wähner M
Published: March 2008

Contents

In the primiparous lactating sow undernutrition affects LH, but the effect on FSH is less clear. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of ad libitum (AL; n = 5) and restricted (RE; 70% of the AL feed; n = 5) feeding on the secretion patterns of FSH and LH, and on follicular development in primiparous lactating sows. Body side fat thickness (BSFT) was measured prior to farrowing and at weaning on day 21 postpartum (pp). Sows had an intravenous catheter fitted on day 6 or 7 pp. Blood samples were taken on days 12, 15 and 18 pp, every 15 min starting at 0700 h for 11 h, and plasma analysed for FSH and LH by radioimmunoassay (RIA). Daily transcutaneous ultrasonography of the ovaries was performed between days 10 and 20 pp to monitor follicular growth. Reduction in BSFT was higher in RE than in AL sows (p < 0.05). Mean and basal LH were significantly higher in AL than in RE sows on days 12 and 15 pp. (p < 0.05), and LH pulse frequency tended to be higher (p < 0.1). Mean FSH was higher in AL than in RE sows on days 15 and 18 (p < 0.05), and had a tendency to be higher on day 12 (p = 0.1). Follicle size increased in AL sows between days 10 and 20 of lactation (p < 0.05; r = 0.71), but remained unaffected in RE sows. In conclusion, the study demonstrates that feed restriction of primiparous sows during lactation affects not only LH, but also FSH, as well as lactational follicular growth. An association between those events is suggested.
Genotyping of the cagA gene of Helicobacter pylori on immunohistochemistry with East Asian CagA‐specific antibody
Authors: Kanada Ryoko , Uchida Tomohisa , Tsukamoto Yoshiyuki , Nguyen Lam Tung , Hijiya Naoki , Matsuura Keiko , Kodama Masaaki , Okimoto Tadayoshi , Murakami Kazunari , Fujioka Toshio , Yanagisawa Shigetaka , Moriyama Masatsugu
Published: March 2008

The cytotoxin‐associated antigen A (CagA) of Helicobacter pylori prevalent in East Asian countries, where the mortality rate due to gastric cancer is high, has been reported to be structurally different from that in Western countries, where the gastric cancer mortality rate is relatively low. Based on the structural features of the EPIYA motifs located at the carboxyl terminal of the protein, CagA was subdivided into two types: East Asian CagA and Western CagA. A recent study suggested that immunohistochemistry with anti‐East Asian‐specific antibody (α‐EAS Ab), which was specifically immunoreactive with East Asian CagA but not with Western CagA, may be useful for diagnosis of the cagA genotype. To further evaluate the value of this diagnostic method in terms of sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy, 143 gastric biopsy specimens with α‐EAS Ab were analyzed on immunohistochemistry and compared with the sequencing of the cagA gene. It was found that diagnosis of the cagA genotype of H. pylori on immunohistochemistry using the α‐EAS Ab was highly sensitive (sensitivity 93.2%) and specific (specificity 72.7%), suggesting that immunohistochemical diagnosis of the cagA genotype is useful for diagnosis of the cagA genotype.
Significance of GLUT1 expression in adenocarcinoma and adenoma of the ampulla of Vater
Authors: Kim Su Jin , Lee Hyoun Wook , Kim Dae Cheol , Rha Seo Hee , Hong Sook Hee , Jeong Jin Sook
Published: March 2008

The expression of glucose transporter protein 1 (GLUT1) in malignant tumors is increased due to the higher metabolic needs of the proliferating cell populations. Aberrant GLUT1 expression is exhibited in a wide spectrum of epithelial malignancies and their precursors, which occur with low frequency and intensity; aberrant GLUT1 expression does not occur in normal epithelial cells. The expression of GLUT1 in tumors of the ampulla of Vater was evaluated on immunohistochemistry, and the relationships of GLUT1 expression to histological parameters and p53 expression were analyzed. Twenty‐one (58.3%) of 36 adenocarcinomas and three (17.6%) of 17 adenomas had GLUT1 immunoreactivity. None of the regenerating or normal epithelia had any immunoreactivity. No significant relationships were found between GLUT1 expression and histological parameters or p53 expression. It was found that histological subtypes originated from different epithelium were strongly related to different macroscopic types. In the ampulla of Vater, GLUT1 expression was associated with malignant change, and might be a useful marker of malignancy.
INTRADUCTAL ULTRASONOGRAPHY BEFORE BILIARY DRAINAGE AND TRANSPAPILLARY BIOPSY IN ASSESSMENT OF THE LONGITUDINAL EXTENT OF BILE DUCT CANCER
Authors: Noda Yutaka , Fujita Naotaka , Kobayashi Go , Ito Kei , Horaguchi Jun , Takazawa Osamu , Obana Takashi , Nakahara Kazuari , Ishida Kazuhiko , Suzuki Takashi , Hirasawa Dai , Sugawara Toshiki , Ohira Tetsuya , Onochi Kengo , Harada Yoshihiro , Tsuchiya Takashi , Sawai Takashi , Uzuki Miwa , Kariya Yoshiyuki
Published: March 2008

Aim:  We evaluated the diagnostic efficacy of transpapillary intraductal ultrasonography before biliary drainage (IDUS‐BD) and transpapillary biopsy (TPB) for the assessment of the longitudinal extent of bile duct cancer.

Methods:  Between November 1999 and January 2005, we performed IDUS‐BD and TPB preoperatively in 27 patients with carcinoma of the extrahepatic bile duct. Following IDUS‐BD, TPB was performed under fluoroscopic guidance immediately after endoscopic sphincterotomy. The diagnostic efficacy of IDUS‐BD and TPB for the longitudinal extent of the cancer and the complications which accompanied the procedure were evaluated.

Results:  The overall success rate of sampling and the diagnostic accuracy of bile duct cancer by TPB were 85.3% (192/225) and 85% (23/27), respectively. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the assessment of the longitudinal extent of cancer on the hepatic and duodenal sides by IDUS‐BD were 82%, 70%, 78% and 85%, 43%, 70%, respectively. Those by a combination of IDUS‐BD and TPB were 88%, 80%, 85% and 77%, 86%, 80%, respectively. Overestimation of the longitudinal extent of BD cancer by IDUS‐BD was mainly due to inflammation and obscure images, especially resulting from collapse of the bile duct on the duodenal side of the tumor, and was corrected by TPB in four of five patients. No serious complications occurred following the combination of IDUS‐BD and TPB.

Conclusions:  TPB is useful for preoperative histological diagnosis of bile duct cancer. The combination of IDUS‐BD and TPB is practical for evaluation of its longitudinal extent; basically, IDUS‐BD is sufficient on the hepatic side of the tumor, but concomitant TPB is recommended on the duodenal side.
ENDOSONOGRAPHY‐GUIDED BILIARY DRAINAGE
Authors: Fujita Naotaka , Noda Yutaka , Kobayashi Go , Ito Kei , Horaguchi Jun , Takasawa Osamu , Nakahara Kazunari
Published: March 2008

Endoscopic biliary drainage (e.g. endoscopic biliary stenting [EBS]) is the treatment of choice in the management of obstructive jaundice due not only because of its lesser invasiveness and greater safety as compared with surgical drainage or percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD), but also due to its ability to maintain the physiological flow of bile. EBS, however, is not always possible, and surgical drainage or PTBD have been performed in such cases with difficult cannulation of the bile duct or difficult intubation of the duodenum with a duodenoscope during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Recently, the role of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS), or endosonography (ES), has expanded from simply obtaining cross‐sectional images of the gut wall or surrounding organs and tissue samples by fine‐needle aspiration cytology/biopsy to therapeutic applications. Endosonography‐guided biliary drainage (ESBD) is one of such therapeutic applications of ES and reports on this procedure are increasing. In the present article, technical aspects and the current status of ESBD are discussed. As in EBS, ESBD makes it possible to recover physiological bile flow without pain following the procedure. Therefore, ESBD is expected to soon be widely accepted as a new option for difficult cases of not only EBS but also PTBD with obstructive jaundice, and may become the treatment of choice in selected cases. Development of relevant devices will expand its indications and accelerate its spread.
THE SAFETY OF ENDOSCOPIC DAY SURGERY FOR COLORECTAL POLYPS
Authors: Oki Teruki , Oki Keiichi
Published: March 2008

The removal of colorectal adenomas by endoscopy is considered effective for preventing colorectal cancer. However, postpolypectomy hemorrhage remains a common and serious complication. In general, endoscopic resection of colorectal polyps is performed with hospitalization, but it is unclear if this reduces the risks of complications during polypectomy. We routinely remove all the colorectal adenomas of outpatients without hospitalization during a single colonoscopy and term this endoscopic day surgery of the colon. In this paper, we detail the rate of complication of this procedure in our unit. We reviewed the records of patients who underwent endoscopic resection of the colon at our unit between April 2003 and March 2006. We recorded polyp size, location, gross morphology and the presence or absence of complications. The frequency of complications was analyzed using Fisher's two sided exact test.: Two thousand, seven hundred and fifty‐six colorectal polyps were resected from 1410 patients at our unit. Postpolypectomy hemorrhages occurred in only five lesions among five patients (i.e., 0.2% of 2756 lesions in 0.4% of patients). No patient required a blood transfusion or surgical treatment. No perforation was found during the study period. The frequency of postpolypectomy complication was low, even though EDS was used to resect all colorectal polyps regardless of their size, number and gross morphology.
What Motivates the Gatekeepers? Explaining Governing Party Preferences on Immigration
Authors: BREUNIG CHRISTIAN , LUEDTKE ADAM
Published: March 2008

Most scholarship on immigration politics is made up of isolated case studies or cross‐disciplinary work that does not build on existing political science theory. This study attempts to remedy this shortcoming in three ways: (1) we derive theories from the growing body of immigration literature, to hypothesize about why political parties would be more or less open to immigration; (2) we link these theories to the broader political science literature on parties and institutions; and (3) we construct a data set on the determinants of immigration politics, covering 18 developed countries from 1987 to 1999. Our primary hypothesis is that political institutions shape immigration politics by facilitating or constraining majoritarian sentiment (which is generally opposed to liberalizing immigration). Our analysis finds that in political systems where majoritarianism is constrained by institutional “checks,” governing parties support immigration more strongly, even when controlling for a broad range of alternative explanations.
Risk factors and outcome of seizures after spontaneous aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Lin Y.‐J. , Chang W.‐N. , Chang H.‐W. , Ho J.‐T. , Lee T.‐C. , Wang H.‐C. , Tsai N.‐W. , Tsai M.‐H. , Lu C.‐H.
Published: March 2008

Background and purpose:  Seizures are important neurologic complications of spontaneous aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). A better understanding of the risk factors of seizures following aneurysmal SAH is needed to predict those who will require treatment.

Methods:  A total of 137 adult patients were enrolled in this two‐year retrospective study. Baseline prognostic variables were analyzed based on Cox’s proportional hazards model after a minimum of one‐year follow‐up.

Results:  Seizures occurred in 21 patients who had SAH, including acute symptomatic seizures in 11.7% (16/137) and unprovoked seizures in 3.6% (5/137). None progressed to status epilepticus during hospitalization. After a minimum of one‐year follow‐up, the mean Glasgow Outcome Score was 3.5 ± 1.4 for patients with seizures and 3.1 ± 1.1 for those without.

Conclusions:  Higher mean World Federation of Neurological Societies grade on presentation was predictive of seizure, but seizure itself was not a significant prognostic predictor after a minimum of one‐year follow‐up. Regarding potential side effects of anti‐epileptic drugs, anti‐epileptic therapy should be carefully administered to patients with seizures after aneurysmal SAH.
Cytidine‐5′‐diphosphocholine (Citicoline): a pilot study in patients with non‐arteritic ischaemic optic neuropathy
Authors: Parisi V. , Coppola G. , Ziccardi L. , Gallinaro G. , Falsini B.
Published: March 2008

Background and purpose:  Our work evaluates visual function before and after treatment with cytidine‐5‐diphosphocholine (Citicoline) in patients with non‐arteritic ischaemic optic neuropathy (NION).

Methods:  Twenty‐six patients in which at least 6 months elapsed from NION, were randomly divided into two age‐similar groups: 14 patients had Citicoline (Cebrolux‐Tubilux, Italy, 1600 mg/diem for 60 days, followed by a 120‐day period of wash out, days 60–180) (T‐NION); 12 patients had no treatment during the same period (NT‐NION). At day 180, in T‐NION a second period of treatment (days 181–240) followed by a wash‐out (days 241–360) was performed. Fourteen age‐matched healthy subjects provided normative data. In all patients, pattern‐electroretinogram (PERG), visual evoked potentials (VEPs) and visual acuity (VA) measurements were performed at baseline and at days 60 and 180. In T‐NION, further measurements were achieved at days 240 and 360.

Results:  At baseline, NT‐NION and T‐NION patients showed abnormal PERGs and VEPs, and reduced VA, compared to controls. At the end of treatment (days 60 and 240), T‐NION patients showed improvement (P < 0.01) of PERGs, VEPs parameters and VA, compared to pre‐treatment values. After wash out, functional improvements persisted compared to baseline. No changes in NT‐NION patients were observed.

Conclusions:  Our results suggest a beneficial effect of oral Citicoline in NION.
Comparison of botulinum toxin injection and neurotomy in patients with distal lower limb spasticity
Authors: Rousseaux M. , Buisset N. , Daveluy W. , Kozlowski O. , Blond S.
Published: March 2008

Background and purpose:  We compared the efficacy of botulinum toxin injection (BTI) and tibial nerve neurotomy (TNN) in an open‐label study of 34 post‐stroke hemiplegic patients with distal lower limb deformation.

Methods:  The dose of BT was 300 U (Botox). TNN was performed with a 6–12 month delay on the motor branches of the tibial nerve. Muscles to be treated were selected according to the distal deformity (equinus, varus and clawing toes). Patients were assessed following each treatment for spasticity, motor control, range of movements, balance, gait and the Rivermead Motor Assessment.

Results:  TNN (M3, M6 and Y1) resulted in a more significant effect than BTI (D15, M2 and M5) on most of the measures: ankle plantar flexor spasticity, range of movement in dorsiflexion and eversion, foot position in upright situation, Functional Ambulation Categories (barefoot), RMA, gait velocity (comfortable condition), subjective benefit and use of walking aids. Patients treated for tibialis posterior or flexor digitorum longus spasticity often complained of subjective sensory disorders at the plantar sole over a period of 4–6 weeks.

Conclusion:  In conclusion, TNN is more effective than BTI on most of the functional parameters. The interest of BTI lies in the preliminary testing of the efficacy of a technique for reducing spasticity on lower limb function.
Life in the fast lane? Towards a sociology of technology and time
Authors: Wajcman Judy
Published: March 2008

Assumptions about the pace of life speeding up abound in contemporary social theory. While many factors are contributing to this phenomenon, information and communication technologies are seen as the main drivers. This article considers the way social theorists analyse the concepts of time and speed and then examines how these claims might be assessed in the light of empirical research. Such research shows that time compression has multiple dimensions, and that the effect of digital devices like the mobile phone is not simply one of acceleration. In particular, I suggest that the social studies of technology offers a richer analysis of the reciprocal relationship between technological innovation and changing time practices. My argument is that while the hitherto neglected temporal dimension in sociological theory is now being addressed, there is an urgent need for increased dialogue to connect social theory with detailed empirical studies. Without this, we will continue to have difficulty distinguishing social science from science fiction.
Exploring commonality and difference in in‐depth interviewing: a case‐study of researching British Asian women
Authors: Ramji Hasmita
Published: March 2008

Retraction

The following article from the British Journal of Sociology entitled ‘Exploring Commonality and Difference in in‐depth interviewing: a case study of researching British‐Asian women’ by Hasmita Ramji, published in 59(1) pp. 99–116, and online on Mar 5 2008 (DOI: 10.1111/j.1468‐4446.2007.00184.x) in Wiley InterScience (http://www.interscience.wiley.com), has been retracted by agreement between the Journal's Editor in Chief, the author, and Blackwell Publishing Ltd. The retraction has been agreed due to substantial overlap between this paper and a paper by Miri Song and David Parker, ‘Commonality, difference and the dynamics of disclosure in in‐depth interviewing’, which appeared in Sociology 29(2), pp. 241–56.
Asset Write‐Offs in the Absence of Agency Problems
Authors: Garrod Neil , Kosi Urska , Valentincic Aljosa
Published: March 2008

Abstract:  Using a large sample of small private companies, we show incremental influence of economic incentives over prescriptions from accounting standards by financial statement preparers in a code‐law setting with high alignment between financial and tax reporting and no agency problems. Contrary to predictions from standards, more profitable companies are more likely to write‐off and the write‐off magnitude is greater, reflecting tax minimisation. Larger companies are more likely to write‐off, but the magnitude decreases with size, reflecting increasing political costs due to greater visibility to tax authorities. Previous write‐off patterns and magnitudes are persistent, reflecting institutional learning linked to regulatory changes.
The Influence of Takeover Protection on Earnings Management
Authors: Zhao Yijiang , Chen Kung H.
Published: March 2008

Abstract:  We examine the relationship between takeover protection and earnings management. Existing theories suggest two contradictory effects of takeover protection on opportunistic earnings management: entrenchment theory suggests an exacerbating effect, whereas both alignment theory and quiet life theory posit a mitigating effect. We find that takeover protection is associated with lower levels of abnormal working capital accruals, lower levels of performance‐adjusted abnormal accruals and timelier recognition of losses. Further tests show that takeover protection is associated with lower firm value, which contradicts alignment theory but supports quiet life theory. The results suggest that takeover protection allows managers to enjoy the quiet life and thus mitigates earnings management.
VMAT2 and dopamine neuron loss in a primate model of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Chen Ming‐Kai , Kuwabara Hiroto , Zhou Yun , Adams Robert J. , Brašić James R. , McGlothan Jennifer L. , Verina Tatyana , Burton Neal C. , Alexander Mohab , Kumar Anil , Wong Dean F. , Guilarte Tomás R.
Published: March 2008

We used positron emission tomography (PET) to measure the earliest change in dopaminergic synapses and glial cell markers in a chronic, low‐dose MPTP non‐human primate model of Parkinson’s disease (PD). In vivo levels of dopamine transporters (DAT), vesicular monoamine transporter‐type 2 (VMAT2), amphetamine‐induced dopamine release (AMPH‐DAR), D2‐dopamine receptors (D2R) and translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO) were measured longitudinally in the striatum of MPTP‐treated animals. We report an early (2 months) decrease (46%) of striatal VMAT2 in asymptomatic MPTP animals that preceded changes in DAT, D2R, and AMPH‐DAR and was associated with increased TSPO levels indicative of a glial response. Subsequent PET studies showed progressive loss of all pre‐synaptic dopamine markers in the striatum with expression of parkinsonism. However, glial cell activation did not track disease progression. These findings indicate that decreased VMAT2 is a key pathogenic event that precedes nigrostriatal dopamine neuron degeneration. The loss of VMAT2 may result from an association with α‐synuclein aggregation induced by oxidative stress. Disruption of dopamine sequestration by reducing VMAT2 is an early pathogenic event in the dopamine neuron degeneration that occurs in the MPTP non‐human primate model of PD. Genetic or environmental factors that decrease VMAT2 function may be important determinants of PD.
CSF proteomic analysis reveals persistent iron deficiency‐induced alterations in non‐human primate infants
Authors: Geguchadze Ramaz N. , Coe Christopher L. , Lubach Gabriele R. , Clardy Thomas W. , Beard John L. , Connor James R.
Published: March 2008

Iron deficiency (ID) anemia during infancy results in long‐term neurological consequences, yet the mediating mechanisms remain unclear. Infant monkeys often become naturally anemic during the first 6 months of life, presenting an opportunity to determine the effect of developmental iron deficiency. After weaning, animals were chosen randomly for supplementation with oral iron or, fed a standard commercial chow diet. The control group was never iron deficient. ID anemia was corrected by 12 months in both groups, as indicated by hematological parameters. CSF was collected for proteomic analysis at 12 months of age to assess the impact of developmental ID on the brain. The CSF proteome for both formerly iron deficient groups was similar and revealed 12 proteins with expression levels altered at least twofold. These proteins were identified by matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time‐of‐flight spectrometry and included prostaglandin D synthase, olfactory receptors and glial fibrillary acidic protein. Thus the proteomic analysis reveals a persistent effect of ID and provides insights into reports of disturbed sleep, hypomyelination and other behavioral alterations associated with ID. Furthermore, alterations in the CSF proteome despite normal hematologic parameters indicate that there is a hierarchical system that prioritizes repletion of red cell mass at the expense of the brain.