bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic approaches to addiction: genes and alcohol
Authors: Ducci Francesca , Goldman David
Published: April 2008

Aims  Alcoholism is a chronic relapsing disorder with an enormous societal impact. Understanding the genetic basis of alcoholism is crucial to characterize individuals' risk and to develop efficacious prevention and treatment strategies.

Methods  We examined the available scientific literature to provide an overview of different approaches that are being integrated increasingly to advance our knowledge of the genetic bases of alcoholism. Examples of genes that have been shown to influence vulnerability to alcoholism and related phenotypes are also discussed.

Results  Genetic factors account for more than 50% of the variance in alcoholism liability. Susceptibility loci for alcoholism include both alcohol‐specific genes acting either at the pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic levels, as well as loci moderating neuronal pathways such as reward, behavioral control and stress resiliency, that are involved in several psychiatric diseases. In recent years, major progress in gene identification has occurred using intermediate phenotypes such as task‐related brain activation that confer the advantage of increased power and the opportunity of exploring the neuronal mechanisms through which genetic variation is translated into behavior. Fundamental to the detection of gene effects is also the understanding of the interplay between genes as well as genes/environment interactions. Whole Genome Association studies represent a unique opportunity to identify alcohol‐related loci in hypothesis‐free fashion. Finally, genome‐wide analyses of transcripts and chromatin remodeling promise an increase in our understanding of the genome function and of the mechanisms through which gene and environment cause diseases.

Conclusions  Although the genetic bases of alcoholism remain largely unknown, there are reasons to think that more genes will be discovered in the future. Multiple and complementary approaches will be required to piece together the mosaic of causation.
The effect of proactively identifying smokers and offering smoking cessation support in primary care populations: a cluster‐randomized trial
Authors: Murray Rachael L. , Coleman Timothy , Antoniak Marilyn , Stocks Joanne , Fergus Alexia , Britton John , Lewis Sarah A.
Published: April 2008

Aims  To establish whether proactively identifying all smokers in primary care populations and offering smoking cessation support is effective in increasing long‐term abstinence from smoking.

Design  Cluster randomized controlled trial.

Setting  Twenty‐four general practices in Nottinghamshire, randomized by practice to active or control intervention.

Participants  All adult patients registered with the practices who returned a questionnaire confirming that they were current smokers (n = 6856).

Intervention  Participants were offered smoking cessation support by letter and those interested in receiving it were contacted and referred into National Health Service (NHS) stop smoking services if required.

Measurements  Validated abstinence from smoking, use of smoking cessation services and number of quit attempts in continuing smokers at 6 months.

Findings  Smokers in the intervention group were more likely than controls to report that they had used local cessation services during the study period [16.6% and 8.9%, respectively, adjusted odds ratio (OR) 2.09, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.57–2.78], and continuing smokers (in the intervention group) were more likely to have made a quit attempt in the last 6 months (37.4% and 33.3%, respectively, adjusted OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.01–1.51). Validated point prevalence abstinence from smoking at 6 months was higher in the intervention than the control groups (3.5% and 2.5%, respectively) but the difference was not statistically significant (adjusted OR controlling for covariates: 1.64, 95% CI 0.92–2.89).

Conclusions  Proactively identifying smokers who want to quit in primary care populations, and referring them to a cessation service, increased contacts with cessation services and the number of quit attempts. We were unable to detect a significant effect on long‐term cessation rates, but the study was not powered to detect the kind of difference that might be expected.
Methamphetamine suppression and route of administration: precursor regulation impacts on snorting, smoking, swallowing and injecting
Authors: Cunningham James K. , Liu Lon‐Mu , Muramoto Myra
Published: April 2008

Aims  The route of drug administration affects risk for dependence and medical harm. This study examines whether routes used by methamphetamine treatment participants were impacted by a major drug suppression policy—federal regulation of the methamphetamine precursor chemicals ephedrine and pseudoephedrine.

Design  Autoregressive‐integrated moving average (ARIMA) intervention time–series analysis.

Setting  California (1992–2004).

Interventions  Ephedrine single‐ingredient products regulation, implemented August 1995; ephedrine with other active medicinal ingredients regulation, implemented October 1996; pseudoephedrine products regulation, implemented October 1997.

Measurements  Monthly counts of non‐coerced methamphetamine treatment admissions reporting snorting, smoking, swallowing or injecting.

Findings  After rising sharply, snorting, smoking, swallowing and injecting admissions dropped 50%, 43%, 26% and 26%, respectively, when the 1995 regulation was implemented. Snorting also dropped 38% at the time of the 1997 regulation. Snorting, swallowing and injecting remained at lower levels to the end of the study period. Smoking resurged (40%) at the time of the 1996 regulation and continued rising.

Conclusions  Precursor regulation was associated with changes in the administration of methamphetamine. Injecting, the route with the greatest health risk, entered a long‐term reduction. So, too, did snorting and swallowing, two routes with lower risk for dependence. In contrast, smoking, which has a relatively high risk for dependence, dropped, then rebounded and entered a long‐term rise. A possible explanation is that injecting, snorting and swallowing were largely linked with US domestic methamphetamine production, which has yet to recover from the regulations. While Mexican production, which was impacted only temporarily by the regulations and has supplanted domestic production, may have helped to diffuse smoking, a route with which it is historically correlated.
Erythrocyte vesiculation: a self‐protective mechanism?
Authors: Willekens Frans L. A. , Werre Jan M. , Groenen‐Döpp Yvonne A. M. , Roerdinkholder‐Stoelwinder Bregt , De Pauw Ben , Bosman Giel J. C. G. M.
Published: April 2008

Previous studies demonstrated that 20% of haemoglobin is lost from circulating erythrocytes during their total lifespan by vesiculation. To study whether removal molecules other than membrane‐bound haemoglobin were present in erythrocyte‐derived vesicles, flow cytometry and immunoblot analysis were employed to examine the presence of phosphatidylserine (PS) and IgG, and senescent cell antigens respectively. It was demonstrated that 67% of glycophorin A‐positive vesicles exposed PS, and that half of these vesicles also contained IgG. Immunoblot analysis revealed the presence of a breakdown product of band 3 that reacted with antibodies directed against senescent erythrocyte antigen‐associated band 3 sequences. In contrast, only the oldest erythrocytes contained senescent cell antigens and IgG, and only 0·1% of erythrocytes, of all ages, exposed PS. It was concluded that vesiculation constitutes a mechanism for the removal of erythrocyte membrane patches containing removal molecules, thereby postponing the untimely elimination of otherwise healthy erythrocytes. Consequently, these same removal molecules mediate the rapid removal of erythrocyte‐derived vesicles from the circulation.
Rapid and sustained clearance of circulating lymphoma cells after chemotherapy plus rituximab: clinical significance of quantitative t(14;18) PCR monitoring in advanced stage follicular lymphoma patients†
Authors: Hirt Carsten , Schüler Frank , Kiefer Thomas , Schwenke Cornelia , Haas Antje , Niederwieser Dietger , Neser Sabine , Aßmann Michael , Srock Stefanie , Rohrberg Robert , Dachselt Klaus , Leithäuser Malte , Rabkin Charles S. , Herold Michael , Dölken Gottfried
Published: April 2008

This study of first‐line treatment in advanced‐stage follicular lymphoma patients analysed the effects of MCP (mitoxantrone, chlorambucil and prednisolone) chemotherapy alone or in combination with rituximab (R‐MCP) on circulating lymphoma cells (CLC) and assessed the prognostic value of a quantitative monitoring of CLC. CLC numbers were determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the t(14;18)‐translocation or by allele‐specific PCR for rearranged immunoglobulin heavy chain genes. We analysed blood samples from 43 patients treated in a randomized trial comparing eight cycles of MCP versus R‐MCP. Clearance of CLC at the end of therapy was achieved in 21/25 patients (84%) treated with R‐MCP compared with 0/18 after MCP alone (P < 0·0001). A ≥2 log CLC reduction was associated with a favourable clinical response (P = 0·0004) and prolonged event‐free survival (P = 0·02). In R‐MCP patients, stable CLC numbers or consistently PCR‐negative blood samples were associated with a continuing clinical remission whereas in two patients a relapse was preceded by a ≥2 log CLC increase. This study demonstrated that R‐MCP led to a rapid and sustained eradication of CLC and a ≥2 log CLC reduction was associated with a superior quality and duration of the clinical response.
Novel role for polycystin‐1 in modulating cell proliferation through calcium oscillations in kidney cells
Authors: Aguiari G. , Trimi V. , Bogo M. , Mangolini A. , Szabadkai G. , Pinton P. , Witzgall R. , Harris P. C. , Borea P. A. , Rizzuto R. , Del Senno L.
Published: April 2008

Abstract.  Objectives: Polycystin‐1 (PC1), a signalling receptor regulating Ca2+‐permeable cation channels, is mutated in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, which is typically characterized by increased cell proliferation. However, the precise mechanisms by which PC1 functions on Ca2+ homeostasis, signalling and cell proliferation remain unclear. Here, we investigated the possible role of PC1 as a modulator of non‐capacitative Ca2+ entry (NCCE) and Ca2+ oscillations, with downstream effects on cell proliferation. Results and discussion: By employing RNA interference, we show that depletion of endogenous PC1 in HEK293 cells leads to an increase in serum‐induced Ca2+ oscillations, triggering nuclear factor of activated T cell activation and leading to cell cycle progression. Consistently, Ca2+ oscillations and cell proliferation are increased in PC1‐mutated kidney cystic cell lines, but both abnormal features are reduced in cells that exogenously express PC1. Notably, blockers of the NCCE pathway, but not of the CCE, blunt abnormal oscillation and cell proliferation. Our study therefore provides the first demonstration that PC1 modulates Ca2+ oscillations and a molecular mechanism to explain the association between abnormal Ca2+ homeostasis and cell proliferation in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease.
Ovalbumin‐sensitized mice are good models for airway hyperresponsiveness but not acute physiological responses to allergen inhalation
Authors: Zosky G. R. , Larcombe A. N. , White O. J. , Burchell J. T. , Janosi T. Z. , Hantos Z. , Holt P. G. , Sly P. D. , Turner D. J.
Published: April 2008

Background
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease that is characterized clinically by airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) to bronchoconstricting agents. The physiological response of the asthmatic lung to inhaled allergen is often characterized by two distinct phases: an early‐phase response (EPR) within the first hour following exposure that subsides and a late‐phase response (LPR) that is more prolonged and may occur several hours later. Mouse models of asthma have become increasingly popular and should be designed to exhibit an EPR, LPR and AHR.

Objective
To determine whether a common model of asthma is capable of demonstrating an EPR, LPR and AHR.

Methods
BALB/c mice were sensitized to ovalbumin (OVA) and challenged with one or three OVA aerosols. Changes in lung mechanics in response to allergen inhalation were assessed using a modification of the low‐frequency forced oscillation technique (LFOT). In order to assess AHR, changes in lung mechanics in response to aerosolized methacholine were assessed using LFOT. Inflammatory cell infiltration into the lung was measured via bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). ELISAs were used to measure inflammatory cytokines in the BAL and levels of IgE in the serum.

Results
An EPR was only detectable after three OVA aerosols in approximately half of the mice studied. There was no evidence of an LPR despite a clear increase in cellular infiltration 6 h post‐allergen challenge. AHR was present after a single OVA aerosol but not after three OVA aerosols.

Conclusions
The lack of an LPR, limited EPR and the absence of a link between the LPR and AHR highlight the limitations of this mouse model as a complete model of the lung dysfunction associated with asthma.
Anti tumour necrosis‐α therapy increases the number of FOXP3+ regulatory T cells in children affected by Crohn’s disease
Authors: Ricciardelli Ida , Lindley Keith J. , Londei Marco , Quaratino Sonia
Published: April 2008

Crohn’s disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract. Its pathogenesis is not completely understood, though the prevailing model is that the intestinal flora drives a strong intestinal T helper 1 (Th1)/Th17 type immune response and inflammation in the genetically susceptible host. This leads to overly aggressive T‐cell responses to normal bacteria causing tissue damage. Intestinal homeostasis and maintenance of tolerance to harmless antigens in the intestine has been shown to be maintained by CD4+ CD25+ T regulatory cells (Treg) in animal models of inflammatory bowel diseases. Here we investigated whether Infliximab, a chimeric monoclonal antibody directed against tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α shown to be highly effective in the treatment of CD, has any effect on mucosal CD4+ CD25+ (FOXP3+) Tregs. Colonic mucosal biopsies from children with active Crohn’s disease treated in vivo with Infliximab and controls were analysed to determine FOXP3 expression by immunofluorescence and reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction. We observed that FOXP3+ T cells were significantly reduced in mucosa of CD patients with active disease compared with controls and restored to normal following Infliximab treatment. The frequency of FOXP3+ cells and mRNA expression was significantly increased in CD mucosa from patients treated in vivo with Infliximab compared with CD patients treated with conventional therapies. In conclusion, we show that Infliximab treatment does not solely neutralize soluble TNF‐α, but also affects activation and possibly expansion of mucosal regulatory T cells. We suggest that anti TNF‐α immunotherapy can also restore mucosal homeostasis in Crohn’s disease.
The adoption behaviour of information technology industry in increasing business‐to‐business integration sophistication
Authors: Wang William Y C , Heng Michael S H , Chau Patrick Y K
Published: April 2008

A supply chain is not a linear type of inter‐firm structure but is often considered as a network. Business networks are underpinned by the firms' resources, social legitimacy and associated power, which are also seen in the adoption theories of business‐to‐business integration (B2Bi) in the supply chain. However, there appears to be scarcity of the discussion on the theoretical relationship between them. This paper aims to enrich the previous findings of technology adoption theories in a business‐to‐business context by proposing a structural model and using Structural Equation Modelling approach to test it. It focuses on the integrated supply chain to test, analyse and extend the adoption factors to the use of computer‐based information systems (IS). The survey data were collected in the Taiwanese Information Technology Industry. The path analyses indicate the answers for three issues raised from the research framework and confirm the associations between a firm's existing system support readiness and the network determinants outside organizational boundaries. Further, it identifies the interrelationships among these factors and indicates that some of them mediate the enterprises' behaviour on investments to increase current IS for B2Bi purposes.
Preservation and shelf‐life extension of shrimps and clams by high hydrostatic pressure
Authors: Büyükcan Mehmet , Bozoglu Faruk , Alpas Hami
Published: April 2008

Clam (Venus gallina) and shrimp (Parapenaeus longirostris) samples were high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) treated at 200, 220 and 250 MPa at 25, 30, 40 and 50 °C for 10 and 20 min. Based on the results of microbial reduction, the best combinations of HHP treatments were determined as 250 MPa, 50 °C, 10 min for shrimps and 220 MPa, 50 °C, 10 min for clams. HHP‐treated samples stored at 25 °C (room tempertur) and 4 °C (refrigeration temperature) were analysed. According to the results evaluated, shelf‐life of shrimps was found to be 12 and 16 days for storage at room and refrigeration temperatures, respectively, as compared with 4 days for non‐HHP‐treated samples at 4 °C. Similarly shelf‐life for the clam samples was found to be 12 days for storage at room temperature and 18 days for storage at refrigeration temperature as compared with 4 days for non‐HHP‐treated samples at 4 °C.
The effect of killing conditions on the structural changes in vanilla (Vanilla planifolia, Andrews) pods during the curing process
Authors: Mariezcurrena Maria D. , Zavaleta Hilda A. , Waliszewski Krzysztof N. , Sánchez Victor
Published: April 2008

The effect of seven methods of killing vanilla (Vanilla planifolia, Andrews) pods on disassembly of the cell wall was studied. The following methods of plant killing were considered in this study: pod immersions in hot water under three conditions (65 °C for 3 min, 70 °C for 2 min, 80 °C for 10 s each of three times in 30 s intervals), pod immersions in 1% NaOH at 22 °C or 65 °C for 3 min, pod immersions in 95% ethanol at 22 °C for 60 min, and freezing at −10 °C for 24 h. Two procedures of vanilla pod killing, pod freezing at −10 °C for 24 h or pod immersions in hot water at 80 °C for 10 s each of three times in 30 s intervals, provoked the deepest and fastest disassembly of the cell wall structure and the successive cell content blending of the vanilla pod during the 8 days after curing.
Importance: an overlooked concept in plant interaction research
Authors: Brooker Rob W. , Kikvidze Zaal
Published: April 2008

Numerous approaches have been taken to analysing the relationship between plant interactions and environmental severity. Considerable debate surrounds this relationship and its implications for the evolution of plant strategies and traits. This debate is commonly associated with the names of two of its main protagonists: Grime and Tilman.

However, because researchers often fail to make explicit the distinction between two concepts – the importance and intensity of competition – they perpetuate this debate. To illustrate this point we discuss a new approach to examining plant interactions across gradients proposed by Wilson.

We support the main thrust of Wilson's work – improving the information provided by interaction indices. However, we highlight what we believe to be an oversight in Wilson's Discussion: the proposal that his new indices can shed light on the Grime–Tilman debate. We argue that this is not possible as Wilson's indices measure competition intensity (competition's absolute impact), whereas Grime's theories relate to competition importance (competition's relative impact).

We support our argument through re‐analysis of the data explored by Wilson, demonstrating that the relationships between competition importance, competition intensity, Wilson's new indices and biomass (a surrogate of productivity) are both complex and variable.

Wilson's discussion is part of a body of literature that overlooks the distinction between competition importance and intensity. We examine a number of other well‐known studies, demonstrating how this oversight and associated confusion are widespread, may have originated with the concept's original source, and unnecessarily perpetuate debate.

Synthesis. The concepts of competition intensity and importance are central to resolving key ecological debates, but are still overlooked in contemporary research. Their uptake and careful application would greatly aid advances in plant ecology.
Plant functional types do not predict biomass responses to removal and fertilization in Alaskan tussock tundra
Authors: Bret‐Harte M. Syndonia , Mack Michelle C. , Goldsmith Gregory R. , Sloan Daniel B. , DeMarco Jennie , Shaver Gaius R. , Ray Peter M. , Biesinger Zy , Chapin F. Stuart
Published: April 2008

Plant communities in natural ecosystems are changing and species are being lost due to anthropogenic impacts including global warming and increasing nitrogen (N) deposition. We removed dominant species, combinations of species and entire functional types from Alaskan tussock tundra, in the presence and absence of fertilization, to examine the effects of non‐random species loss on plant interactions and ecosystem functioning.

After 6 years, growth of remaining species had compensated for biomass loss due to removal in all treatments except the combined removal of moss, Betula nana and Ledum palustre (MBL), which removed the most biomass. Total vascular plant production returned to control levels in all removal treatments, including MBL. Inorganic soil nutrient availability, as indexed by resins, returned to control levels in all unfertilized removal treatments, except MBL.

Although biomass compensation occurred, the species that provided most of the compensating biomass in any given treatment were not from the same functional type (growth form) as the removed species. This provides empirical evidence that functional types based on effect traits are not the same as functional types based on response to perturbation. Calculations based on redistributing N from the removed species to the remaining species suggested that dominant species from other functional types contributed most of the compensatory biomass.

Fertilization did not increase total plant community biomass, because increases in graminoid and deciduous shrub biomass were offset by decreases in evergreen shrub, moss and lichen biomass. Fertilization greatly increased inorganic soil nutrient availability.

In fertilized removal treatments, deciduous shrubs and graminoids grew more than expected based on their performance in the fertilized intact community, while evergreen shrubs, mosses and lichens all grew less than expected. Deciduous shrubs performed better than graminoids when B. nana was present, but not when it had been removed.

Synthesis. Terrestrial ecosystem response to warmer temperatures and greater nutrient availability in the Arctic may result in vegetative stable‐states dominated by either deciduous shrubs or graminoids. The current relative abundance of these dominant growth forms may serve as a predictor for future vegetation composition.
Women with intellectual disability at risk of adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes
Authors: McConnell D. , Mayes R. , Llewellyn G.
Published: April 2008

Background  An increasing number of women with intellectual disability (ID) have children. Cross‐sectional, clinical population data suggest that these women face an increased risk of delivering preterm and/or low birthweight babies. The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence of poor pregnancy and birth outcomes in women with ID and/or self‐reported learning difficulties in an antenatal population.

Methods  A total of 878 pregnant women attending their first antenatal clinic visit were ‘screened’ for ID. Pregnancy and birth outcomes data were extracted from medical records post‐partum. These data included pregnancy‐related health conditions, including pre‐eclampsia and gestational diabetes, and birth outcomes, including gestational age, birthweight, Apgar score and admission to neonatal intensive care and/or special care nursery.

Results  A total of 57 (6.5%) pregnant women with ID and/or self‐reported learning difficulties were identified. These women experienced an unusually high rate of pre‐eclampsia (odds ratio = 2.85). Their children more often had low birthweights (odds ratio = 3.08), and they were more frequently admitted to neonatal intensive care or special care nursery (odds ratio = 2.51).

Conclusion  Further research is needed to understand the reasons for the adverse findings of this study and identify potentially changeable factors contributing to adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes for women with ID and/or self‐reported learning difficulties and their children. To ensure quality antenatal care, health professionals may need to consider innovations such as extended consultation times, communication aids and audio‐taping consultations.
Sequence analyses of Wheat dwarf virus isolates from different hosts reveal low genetic diversity within the wheat strain
Authors: Ramsell J. N. E. , Lemmetty A. , Jonasson J. , Andersson A. , Sigvald R. , Kvarnheden A.
Published: April 2008

Wheat dwarf virus (WDV) causes disease in wheat (Triticum aestivum) and barley (Hordeum vulgare) in many parts of Europe. The host range also includes many species of the family Poaceae. WDV is only transmitted by the leafhopper Psammotettix alienus. During a five‐year period (2001–2005), grass samples were collected in central Sweden in the vicinity of fields with WDV‐infected winter wheat. Screening with ELISA and PCR identified WDV in a low number of samples (8/1098) from only three grass species: Apera spica‐venti, Avena fatua and Poa pratensis. In addition, triticale was found to be positive. Fourteen WDV isolates from Avena fatua, Apera spica‐venti, Triticum aestivum, Lolium multiflorum, Poa pratensis, triticale and the insect vector Psammotettix alienus, were partially sequenced (ca. 1200 nucleotides), providing the first published WDV sequences from the insect vector. All isolates belonged to the wheat strain of WDV and the genetic diversity was low. Phylogenetic analyses showed no clear grouping according to geographical location or host species. The results suggest that the same WDV genotypes are infecting both wheat and grasses in Sweden. Interestingly, one group of isolates (subtype B) formed a distinct clade in the phylogenetic tree. Subtype B was always found in mixed infection with the main genotype. Complete sequencing of a subtype B isolate showed that it was 98·6% identical to a typical wheat isolate from the same plant.
PRECLINICAL STUDY: Modulation of rat cerebellum oxidative status by prolonged red wine consumption
Authors: Assunção Marco , Santos‐Marques Maria João , De Freitas Victor , Paula‐Barbosa Manuel Maria , Carvalho Félix
Published: April 2008

A number of studies support the view that wine polyphenols can reinforce the endogenous antioxidant system by reducing ethanol (EtOH)‐induced neuronal oxidative damage. Herein, we have investigated the effects of prolonged red wine (RW) consumption on several biomarkers of redox status in the cerebellum, a brain region highly vulnerable to the noxious effects of EtOH. Adult male Wistar rats were given RW with an EtOH concentration adjusted to 20% for 6 months, and the results were compared with those obtained in EtOH‐treated (20%) and pair‐fed control (PFC) animals. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione levels, and the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST) and selenium‐dependent glutathione peroxidase (Se‐GPX) were estimated in cerebellum homogenates. Chronic RW ingestion resulted in diminished MDA and reduced glutathione levels in cerebellar tissue. Moreover, RW‐treated rats had a significant decrease in SOD, GR and GST activities but presented an increase in the activity of Se‐GPX compared with animals from EtOH and PFC groups. In contrast, CAT activity was not altered by RW and EtOH intakes. Taken together, these findings show that prolonged consumption of RW markedly modifies cerebellum redox status probably due to its high content of polyphenols.
Metabolic fingerprinting allows discrimination between Ulmus pumila and U. minor, and between U. minor clones of different susceptibility to Dutch elm disease
Authors: Martin J. A. , Solla A. , Coimbra M. A. , Gil L.
Published: April 2008

Experiments were conducted to test whether Fourier transform‐infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy, coupled with chemometric methods, can distinguish healthy xylem tissues collected from elms known to differ significantly in their susceptibility to Ophiostoma novo‐ulmi Brasier. Twig samples from resistant Ulmus pumila L., susceptible U. minor Mill. and resistant U. minor clones were harvested on 1 May, 15 May, 1 June, 1 July and 1 September 2004, and subjected to FT‐IR analysis. The application of principal component analysis to the spectral data, followed by discriminant function analysis, discriminated between the three groups of samples in all harvesting dates. The examination of the DF‐loading plots allowed the identification of key regions within the spectra for the separation between clusters. The chemical assignments of these key regions allowed the following interpretations to be made: (i) U. pumila tissues contained enhanced levels of starch, cellulose and lignin with respect to U. minor tissues and (ii) resistant U. minor tissues contained enhanced levels of starch, cellulose and pectic polysaccharides with respect to susceptible U. minor tissues. The possible roles of the compositional differences in disease resistance, as well as the potential use of FT‐IR spectroscopy and chemometrics as a tool for screening resistant elms are discussed.
Identification of cherry incompatibility alleles by microarray
Authors: Pasquer F. , Frey B. , Frey J. E.
Published: April 2008

We have developed a microarray for identification of sweet cherry incompatibility alleles. Using intron sequence information of the S‐RNase gene, we have created a microarray chip that allows the specific recognition of the incompatibility alleles present in a cultivar. Most of the probes designed showed high specificity towards their alleles. In the original set of probes, cross‐hybridization was observed between a few alleles with high sequence similarity. As our identification system is based on the combined hybridization information from both introns, we were able to identify false positive and unspecific probes which could be eliminated from our microarray. The optimized microarray was tested on cultivars with known alleles. The chip correctly identified all alleles tested. Furthermore, it was also possible to identify alleles in other cultivars where, so far, only one allele has been determined and also to determine in sour cherry the alleles originating from the sweet cherry parent. Our results demonstrate the great promise of microarray technology for this novel application.
Plaque‐like dermatofibroma: A distinct and rare benign neoplasm?
Authors: Leow Liang Joo , Sinclair Peter A , Horton Jeremy J
Published: April 2008

Unusual large dermatofibromata are reported in a 40‐year‐old man and a 48‐year‐old man, who both presented with plaques on a lower limb. The largest plaque in each case was well‐defined, reddish brown, indurated and measured 50 mm × 30 mm and 70 mm × 40 mm, respectively. Several satellite lesions were present around the large plaques. Dermoscopic examination showed diffuse homogenous pigmentation in the absence of other diagnostic criteria for dermatofibroma. Light microscopy of biopsies from each patient displayed similar features. There was a dermal proliferation of fibrohistiocytic cells that entrapped intervening thickened collagen fibres. The overlying epidermis was acanthotic, and in some instances this showed basal hyperpigmentation. There was no evidence of malignancy. Immunohistochemical staining was positive for Factor XIIIa and negative for CD34. Based on the histological findings, a diagnosis of dermatofibroma was made for each of these cases. Fewer than 20 adult cases of large dermatofibroma of this scale, designated giant dermatofibroma, have been reported to date; and only two have shown a plaque‐like appearance, the remainder being pedunculated. The authors propose plaque‐like dermatofibroma as a variety of large dermatofibroma distinct to pedunculated giant dermatofibroma.
Bullous systemic lupus erythematosus responding to dapsone
Authors: Ludgate Mathew W , Greig Deborah E
Published: April 2008

A 29‐year‐old woman with a 4‐week history of systemic lupus erythematosus presented acutely with a severe generalized tense vesicular and bullous eruption with involvement of mucosal surfaces. At the time of her initial diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus, she had declined treatment, preferring to explore complementary medical therapies. Skin biopsy showed subepidermal blister formation with inflammation at the dermoepidermal junction. Direct immunofluorescence revealed strongly positive linear deposition of IgG and IgM, and positive linear granular deposition of IgA along the basement membrane zone. Electron microscopy showed that the level of the basement membrane split was below the lamina densa. A diagnosis of bullous systemic lupus erythematosus was made and dapsone was commenced, with a dramatic improvement in her skin eruption. The patient again declined further treatment of her systemic disease and sought complementary therapies, and subsequently presented with cerebral involvement.
Cutaneous chancroid in a visitor from Vanuatu
Authors: McBride William JH , Hannah Rory CS , Le Cornec Genevera M , Bletchly Cheryl
Published: April 2008

A 23‐year‐old woman from Vanuatu presented to an Australian hospital with a 3‐week history of a non‐healing ulcer on the lower leg. A swab was submitted for a multiplex polymerase chain reaction designed to investigate genital ulcerative conditions. Haemophilus ducreyi was detected and the gene product was subsequently sequenced, confirming the diagnosis of cutaneous chancroid. The lesion responded to intramuscular benzathine penicillin. This report adds further evidence that cutaneous chancroid should be considered in the evaluation of skin ulcers in the south Pacific.
Prospective study of patch testing in patients with vulval pruritus
Authors: Haverhoek Emma , Reid Catherine , Gordon Lynne , Marshman Gillian , Wood Jane , Selva‐Nayagam Priya
Published: April 2008

Forty‐three patients with the primary complaint of vulval pruritus were recruited to take part in this prospective patch‐testing study. A detailed questionnaire was administered to each and patch testing to an extended battery of allergens was undertaken. This included the European standard series, preservatives, corticosteroids and a battery of common over‐the‐counter topical vulval treatments. Analysis of demographic data and prior treatments used, and various other parameters, were studied in the context of patch‐test results. This prospective study reports a very high rate of contact sensitivity in patients presenting with vulval pruritus, with 81.4% of those tested having at least one contact allergen detected. One or more clinically relevant allergens were found in 44% of the subjects patch tested. The variables found to predict a greater likelihood of a contact allergy were a biopsy diagnosis of vulval dermatitis, the use of multiple topical treatments, sexual inactivity and patients with severe pruritus on a self‐reported scale. Most importantly, many clinically relevant allergens these patients reacted to were outside the European standard series. This highlights the need for an extended series in this patient population.
Tertiary paediatric obesity services in Australia
Authors: Spilchak Pamela J , Denney‐Wilson Elizabeth , King Lesley , Baur Louise A
Published: April 2008

Aim:  To examine the nature and availability of paediatric obesity services in tertiary care settings across the states/territories of Australia.

Methods:  Surveys were sent to all clinicians identified as offering obesity services to children and adolescents. Respondents were asked to identify other service providers in their area, who were also asked to complete the survey.

Results:  Sixteen clinicians responded to the survey, from 20 requests. The clinicians who responded identified nine services in three of the eight states/territories of Australia. Existing services are limited to children and adolescents with severe obesity, with an average of 12 new referrals per service each month and an average waiting time of 5 months for an appointment. Most services involve a multidisciplinary approach, although the mix of staff varies considerably and emphasises nutrition rather than physical activity approaches.

Conclusions:  Despite the public attention devoted to paediatric obesity, tertiary services in Australia are inadequate to meet the increasing incidence and prevalence of this complex condition. The development of tertiary services as part of service delivery arrangements for paediatric obesity and its associated morbidities must become a priority within the health system.
Single versus bihemispheric amplitude‐integrated electroencephalography in relation to cerebral injury and outcome in the term encephalopathic infant
Authors: Lavery Shelly , Shah Divyen K , Hunt Rodney W , Filan Peter M , Doyle Lex W , Inder Terrie E
Published: April 2008

Background:  The demand for early diagnosis and prognostication of cerebral injury in the encephalopathic term infant is increasing to facilitate appropriate management. The single‐channel amplitude‐integrated electroencephalogram (S‐aEEG) has been shown to have predictive utility for the severely encephalopathic infant. New bedside aEEG devices with more channels are entering the neonatal environment. Little data are available to compare the utility of two channels (B‐aEEG) with that of an S‐aEEG recording.

Aim:  To compare the utility of the S‐aEEG and the B‐aEEG in the prediction of cerebral injury, as determined by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and neurodevelopmental outcome in the term encephalopathic infant.

Methods:  Term encephalopathic infants, with or without seizures, admitted to a level III NICU were included in this study. These infants had simultaneous S‐aEEG and B‐aEEG recordings. MRI was undertaken during the clinical course and classified as to the extent of cerebral injury. Neurological outcome was assessed at 2 years of age.

Results:  Twenty‐eight encephalopathic term infants were included in the study. There was high level of agreement between both brain monitors (Kappa = 0.68, P < 0.001), but there was disagreement in the classification in four cases where the S‐aEEG was normal when the B‐aEEG was severely abnormal (McNemar's test P = 0.046). Of note in these four cases, all had a severely abnormal MRI and poor neurodevelopmental outcome at 2 years.

Conclusion:  Amplitude measurements by the B‐aEEG appear more sensitive in detecting cerebral injury in comparison with the S‐aEEG, particularly in the setting of unilateral injury.
Ethical issues for parents of extremely premature infants
Authors: Schroeder Judith
Published: April 2008

Abstract:  Evidence suggests that NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) parents with an baby born at the threshold of viability do not always receive sufficient counselling during an emergency admission and as a consequence, are not well‐informed to accept withdrawal of treatment or quality of life decisions. As prospective parents are not educated earlier in pregnancy about extreme premature delivery, crucial information and counselling explaining neonatal issues is only offered to labouring women during their emergency admission. As a result, most have difficulty understanding the risks and benefits of baby's treatment and therefore rely heavily on the perinatal physician to take responsibility for the initial treatment. However, this lack of understanding often leaves parents disadvantaged, as many are left unprepared to participate objectively in quality of life decisions. According to recent research, morbidity figures remain relatively high with one in five survivors at risk of a long‐term disability. This shows that some parents will still be confronted by ethical decision of whether or not to continue treatment, and this may not be apparent until days after treatment has been established. As recent research has shown, parents do, in fact, want increased involvement in the decision‐making process regarding their child's treatment. Therefore, it has been argued, that parents should be provided with information earlier in pregnancy to familiarise themselves with quality of life issues which they may encounter as the NICU parents of an extremely premature infant.
Diagnostic value of carcinoembryonic antigen in malignant pleural effusion: A meta‐analysis
Authors: SHI Huan‐Zhong , LIANG Qiu‐Li , JIANG Jing , QIN Xue‐Jun , YANG Hai‐Bo
Published: April 2008

Background and objective:  Conventional tests are not always helpful in making a diagnosis of malignant pleural effusion (MPE). Many studies have investigated the utility of pleural carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in the early diagnosis of MPE. The present meta‐analysis determined the accuracy of CEA measurement in the diagnosis of MPE.

Methods:  A systematic review of English language studies was conducted and data on the accuracy of pleural CEA concentrations in the diagnosis of MPE were pooled using random effects models. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to summarize the overall test performance.

Results:  Forty‐five studies met the inclusion criteria for the meta‐analysis. The summary estimates for CEA in the diagnosis of MPE were: sensitivity 0.54 (95% CI: 0.52–0.55), specificity 0.94 (95% CI: 0.93–0.95), positive likelihood ratio 9.52 (95% CI: 6.97–13.01), negative likelihood ratio 0.49 (95% CI: 0.44–0.54) and diagnostic odds ratio 22.5 (95% CI: 15.6–32.5). Analysis of a subset of 11 studies which examined the value of pleural CEA in ruling out a diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma found that the sensitivity and specificity of a CEA level exceeding cut‐off values were 0.97 (95% CI: 0.93–0.99) and 0.60 (95% CI: 0.55–0.65), respectively.

Conclusions:  Measurement of pleural CEA is likely to be a useful diagnostic tool for confirming MPE, and is also helpful in the differential diagnosis between malignant pleural mesothelioma and metastatic lung cancer. The results of CEA assays should be interpreted in parallel with clinical findings and the results of conventional tests.
Assessing adherence and factors associated with adherence in young children with asthma
Authors: BURGESS Scott W. , SLY Peter D. , MORAWSKA Alina , DEVADASON Sunalene G.
Published: April 2008

Background and objective:  Adherence with preventive asthma medication by young children is an important factor when evaluating a suboptimal response to treatment. However, few data exist regarding the accuracy of subjective measures of adherence and factors associated with adherence in young children.

Methods:  Fifty‐one asthmatic children aged 18 months to 7 years had their use of preventive asthma medication monitored using an electronic monitoring device (Smartinhaler) for 1 month. At a follow‐up visit the child's parent was asked how often medication had been given and they also completed a confidential questionnaire that included questions about medication usage, barriers to optimal adherence and parenting. The treating physician made an estimate of the child's likely use of medication.

Results:  The median use of medication as determined by the Smartinhaler was 70.5% (range 21.4–100%). The parents' verbal reports (85.1%) and questionnaire responses (84.2%) overestimated medication usage. The physician was not able to determine which parents correctly estimated their child's use of medication (P = 0.28). The child's age, level of parental education and annual family income did not influence adherence. Parents reported simply ‘forgetting’ or their child's ‘reaction to being given medication’ as the principal barriers to adherence. There was a significant association between how stressful the parent found parenting and adherence (P = 0.05).

Conclusion:  Adherence with preventive medication, even within the context of a research study, was generally low and highly variable. Subjective measures of adherence were found to overestimate adherence in young asthmatics.
Arterial blood lactate is a useful guide to when rehabilitation should be instigated in COPD
Authors: TANAKA Yosuke , HINO Mitsunori , MORIKAWA Tetsuyuki , TAKEUCHI Koichiro , MIZUNO Kyoichi , KUDOH Shoji
Published: April 2008

Background and objective:  Systemic effects of COPD include skeletal muscle dysfunction; the lactate threshold (LT) is an index of such dysfunction. However, it is not feasible in daily clinical practice to accurately determine the LT in all patients with COPD. There is no simple, practical and non‐invasive index for determining the time at which rehabilitation should start. Previous studies have shown that the LT corresponds to the point at which the blood lactate concentration is 0.5 mmol/L above baseline (LTΔ0.5 mmol/L). The aim of the study was to assess the value of LTΔ0.5 mmol/L as an index of selecting candidates for pulmonary rehabilitation in COPD patients.

Methods:  Eighteen male outpatients with COPD were enrolled. Exercise tolerance based on the 12‐min walk test and treadmill exercise test, lactate concentrations and activities of daily living before and after individual exercise stress testing were assessed.

Results:  There were no significant differences in the 12‐min walk distance or metabolic equivalents between patients with and without a 0.5 mmol/L or more increase in lactate from baseline to post‐walk test. However, significant differences were observed in activities of daily living, as assessed using Fletcher's scale, between those with and without a 0.5 mmol/L or greater increase in lactate from baseline to post‐walk test.

Conclusions:  In daily clinical practice, a 0.5 mmol/L or greater increase in lactate from baseline to post‐12‐min walk test may be utilized as an index to determine when COPD patients should start rehabilitation, or to assess muscle alterations in the lower extremities in COPD patients undergoing rehabilitation.
Laparoscopic decortication of symptomatic renal cysts: Experience from a referral center in Iran
Authors: Abbaszadeh Shahin , Taheri Saeed , Nourbala Mohammad H
Published: April 2008

Objective:  To present our experience with laparoscopic management of symptomatic simple renal cysts.

Methods:  From April 2004 to November 2006, 21 patients (10 men; 11 women) underwent laparoscopic decortication for simple renal cysts at our department and were included in the analysis. All procedures were carried out by one surgeon using a transperitoneal approach. Patients underwent radiological follow‐up with computerized tomography and/or ultrasonography. Procedural success was defined as no recurrence of the cyst and complete pain relief. Symptomatic success was defined as a significant pain decrease.

Results:  All 21 procedures were completed laparoscopically, without major complications or conversion to open surgery. Estimated mean blood loss during surgery was about 50 mL. Patients were hospitalized for a mean of 1.9 ± 1.1 (range: 1–5) days. Age of the patients and size and location of the cysts, had no relationship with the duration of operation as well as the length of hospital stay (P > 0.05). Patients who experienced complete pain relief had significantly larger cyst sizes compared with patients with a partial pain decrease (7.3 ± 1.1 vs 9.1 ± 2.0, respectively; P = 0.023, F = 0.606). All patients had negative cytological and pathological findings for malignancy or any other abnormalities. At 16.6 months of mean follow up, none of the patients reported symptomatic and/or radiologic failure.

Conclusions:  Laparoscopic transperitoneal decortication represents an effective and safe treatment option in the management of symptomatic renal cysts.