bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Addition of a total pancreatectomy and pancreas transplantation in a liver transplant recipient with intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas
Authors: Fridell Jonathan A , Vianna Rodrigo , Mangus Richard S , Kazimi Marwan , Hollinger Edward , Joseph Tector A
Published: August 2010

Abstract:  Background:  Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) of the pancreas are increasingly recognized in clinical practice. There are no published data suggesting a management approach for the potential organ transplant recipient with the incidental finding of this pre‐malignant lesion.

Methods:  The recipient was a 65‐yr‐old man with hepatocellular carcinoma in a background of Laennec’s cirrhosis. During evaluation for transplant, he was found to have diffuse IPMN. This patient underwent liver transplantation with a planned simultaneous total native pancreatectomy and pancreas transplant from the same donor.

Results:  The patient has had normal liver function and has been free of diabetes and exocrine insufficiency at 18 months post‐transplant.

Conclusion:  IPMN in the potential transplant recipient should be managed more aggressively than in the general population because these patients will be committed to life‐long immunosuppression. If a total pancreatectomy is contemplated, this is a unique opportunity to replace the pancreas with an allograft at the time of transplantation.
Humoral immunity in renal transplantation: clinical significance and therapeutic approach
Authors: Rowshani Ajda T. , Bemelman Frederieke J. , Lardy Neubury M. , Ten Berge Ineke J.M.
Published: August 2010

Abstract:  Donor‐specific antibodies (DSA) form a significant barrier in solid organ transplantation of highly pre‐sensitized candidates. Although avoiding transplantation over a positive cross‐match test can largely prevent the occurrence of hyperacute antibody‐mediated rejection, transplantation of highly pre‐sensitized candidates is often complicated by the occurrence of acute and chronic antibody‐mediated graft rejection leading to diminished graft function and survival. The pre‐existent HLA and/or non‐HLA‐specific antibodies are without any doubt important contributing factors underlying humoral‐mediated graft injury. Furthermore, increasing evidence underlines the association of newly formed de novo DSA after transplantation with poor graft function and survival. There is still a need to further develop desensitizing therapies not only to make transplantation of highly pre‐sensitized candidates feasible, but also to reduce the new formation of allo‐antibodies. Here, we summarize current views on desensitization therapies and the impact of the presence of DSA on the fate of the kidney graft.
The evolving notion of “senior” kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Shah Tariq , Bunnapradist Suphamai , Hutchinson Ian , Pravica Vera , Cho Yong W. , Mendez Rafael , Mendez Robert , Takemoto Steven K.
Published: August 2010

Abstract: The maximum age of recipients expected to benefit with a kidney transplant has increased in the past three decades. In 1980, patients older than age 50 were not listed for a transplant. In 2004, almost 90% aged 50–60 yr with end‐stage renal disease were listed, and some were even older than age 80. We summarize previous articles to illustrate how the notion of “senior” has evolved for kidney transplantation, and using data reported to the Organ Procurement Transplant Network, describe characteristics, treatments and outcomes in recipients older than 50 yr. Fractions of male, white, non‐obese, unsensitized recipients and use of expanded criteria donors increased in cohorts with increasing recipient age. The percentage of recipients with hypertension or diabetes decreased, but the percentage with cancer increased. The fraction spared steroids increased with increasing age, but other aspects of immunosuppression were not remarkably different. No differences in early outcomes were notable, and elderly recipients likely did not return to dialysis. However, both graft and patient survival rates decreased with increasing age. Although a small fraction was selected, and survival rates were lower, patients older than 80 yr received kidney transplants.
Management of leukopenia in kidney and pancreas transplant recipients
Authors: Hartmann Erica L. , Gatesman Mandy , Roskopf‐Somerville Julie , Stratta Robert , Farney Alan , Sundberg Aimee
Published: August 2010

Abstract: Leukopenia is frequently observed in the setting of solid organ transplantation. The risk factors, natural history, and outcomes associated with leukopenia post‐transplantation have not been well defined. We retrospectively studied 102 adult kidney and/or pancreas transplant recipients over a one‐yr period of time. By defining leukopenia as a white blood cell count ≤3000 cells/mm3and neutropenia as an absolute neutrophil count ≤2000/mm3, the combined incidence of either leukopenia or neutropenia was 58% (59/102); the first episode occurred at a mean of 91 d post‐transplant. A significant increase in the incidence of leukopenia was found in patients who either received alemtuzumab induction (42% with alemtuzumab vs. 9% with rabbit anti‐thymocyte globulin induction, p < 0.05) and/or had rapid steroid withdrawal in the early post‐transplant period (44% with vs. 16% without steroid withdrawal, p < 0.05). The most common intervention performed for leukopenia was reducing the dose of mycophenolate mofetil and/or valganciclovir. When granulocyte stimulating factors were used, a mean of 3.1 doses were needed to successfully manage the leukopenia. Although leukopenia was a common finding in our study of kidney and/or pancreas transplant recipients, there was no difference in the rates of infection or acute rejection in patients with and without leukopenia.
Identification of a novel HLA‐C allele, HLA‐C*03:85, in a Singaporean Chinese
Authors: Shen M. , Chan S. H. , Ren E. C.
Published: August 2010

HLA‐C*03:85 differs from C*03:03:01 by a single nucleotide substitution at position 276, in exon 2.
STEREOCHEMICAL STUDIES ON CYCLIC PEPTIDES IV. CONFORMATIONAL ANALYSIS OF CYCLOPENTAPEPTIDES
Authors: Ramakrishnan C. , Sarathy K. P.
Published: August 2010

A study of the cyclopentapeptides has been made from the conformational point of view, using cyclopentaalanyl and cyclopentaglycyl as model systems. Structures with five‐fold symmetry have been examined using stereochemical criteria and energy considerations. Nonplanarity in the peptide units has been introduced to find out the minimum energy conformation. The conformation (3°, 114°, 64°, 134°) corresponding to (ω, τ, π, φ) has a minimum energy of 7.5 kcal/mole/residue, for the cyclopenta‐L‐alanyl. This conformation is completely free of short contacts. Mixed L and D residues are not as energetically favourable as an all L or all D conformation. For cyclopentaglycyl, the conformation having a minimum energy of 8.6 kcalj mole I residue has the parameters co= 3°, τ– 109.6°, π– 103°, and φ–101°. Cyclopentaalanyl formed by linking three and two peptide units, with a hydrogen bond (N–H…O) of the 4‐→1 type in the three units, lias also been studied, and the results show that conformations of comparable stability to that of symmetrical structure can be obtained in this case also.
An Investigation of the Susceptibility of Arabidopsis thaliana to Isolates of Two Species of Verticillium
Authors: Steventon L. A. , Okori P. , Dixelius C.
Published: August 2010

Eight isolates of Verticillium longisporum and seven of Verticillium dahliae were examined for their pathogenicity to Arabidopsis thaliana. Two‐week‐old seedlings of two A. thaliana ecotypes were inoculated with conidial suspensions (1.6 × 104 conidia/ml) and maintained in sterile conditions on microtitre plates for 25 days. The seedlings were assessed daily for flowering time, height at flowering and mortality. From this data the proportion of plants flowering was calculated and the susceptibility of each ecotype to individual isolate was quantified. The A. thaliana ecotypes were inoculated by several isolates of V. dahliae and V. longisporum with the disease symptoms observed being similar to those characteristic of Verticillium‐infected Brassica napus. Responses to Verticillium isolates varied and for both ecotypes significant dierences (P ≤ 0.05) were recorded in days to flowering between the V. longisporum isolates VD6 and VD12 and the V. dahliae isolate INRA617 and all other isolates. There were no other significant effects correlated with isolate origin or Verticillium species.
Quantification of transgene expression in maize (Zea mays L.) throughout the vegetation period
Authors: Bakó A. , Gell G. , Balázs E.
Published: August 2010

With 3 figures and 1 table

Evaluation of transgenic plants during their development is of major importance for breeders. To facilitate this evaluation, we applied a real‐time, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction method to maize tissues that allows quantitative expression profiling of transgenes. To obtain consistent results, sampling, transport, storage and extraction protocols were standardized for a wide range of samples (leaves, stems, roots, pollen and kernels) and phenological stages (from the 4–6 leaves stage to physiological maturity). RNA integrity was monitored by Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer to ensure that decomposed RNA samples were excluded from further study. A simple and effective SYBR Green methodology was applied for relative quantification of transgene expression. Several endogenous controls were tested to achieve the best possible results. Quantitave results presented illustrate the application of our protocol to the quantification of cry3Bb1 (encoding corn root worm resistance) expression in MON88017 event derived transgenic maize lines. The methodology described here can be routinely performed for the quantification of gene expression in maize.
PATTERNS OF USE OF COMPLEMENTARY HEALTH SERVICES IN THE SOUTH‐WEST OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Authors: Sherwood Patricia
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT: The objective of this research was to identify patterns of complementary health service usage by rural Western Australians in the south‐west of the State. Complementary health providers identified by health users included homeopaths, chiropractors, naturopaths, acupuncturists, faith healers, herbalists, reiki or energy workers, counsellors, physiotherapists, osteopaths, podiatrists and reflexologists. More than half of the health provider usage in the region was with complementary therapists and the remainder with medical doctors. The main reason identified for using complementary therapists was their level of skills and the main reason identified for not using them was a lack of knowledge about what their services could provide.
STRUCTURES OF PREVENTION: A SAFE‐SEX/SAFE‐INJECTING AUDIT OF MOUNT ALEXANDER SHIRE, A METHODOLOGICAL PILOT
Authors: Mischewski Anton , Smith Anthony M. A. , Wyldbore Jean , Stewart‐Stevens Helen
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT: This paper reports the findings of a methodological pilot project that examined the availability of safe‐sex and safe‐injecting products in a rural shire in central Victoria. The study mapped the distribution and audited the availability of condoms, water‐based lubricants, needles/syringes and needle disposal units to provide baseline data on access to and the availability of products that are directly related to the prevention of the human immunodeficiency virus, sexually transmissible infections and blood‐borne viruses. Clear disparities were observed in the availability and pricing of safe sex/safe use materials between regional centres and outlying areas in the Shire. The findings make it clear that an emphasis on overcoming structural impediments to the adoption of safe sex/safe injecting practices is required.
MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES FOR RURAL AND REMOTE AUSTRALIA
Authors: Judd Fiona K. , Humphreys John S.
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT: The burden of mental health problems and disorders is high and rising both in Australia and globally. In response, the Commonwealth Government has moved to implement a national mental health strategy as the basis for a coordinated national approach to underpin initiatives designed to promote mental wellbeing and address mental ill health. This article outlines the nature and extent of mental health problems, provides an overview of changes in mental health policy and service delivery in Australia over the past decade, highlights issues in these areas of particular relevance for rural and remote Australia and calls for the development of a National Rural Mental Health Strategy.
WHITHER RURAL HEALTH? REVIEWING A DECADE OF PROGRESS IN RURAL HEALTH
Authors: Humphreys John , Hegney Desley , Lipscombe Joan , Gregory Gordon , Chater Bruce
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT: The problems associated with rural and remote health have been widely recognised by health workers, rural communities and health professions for some time. Yet it has only been in the past decade that any concerted effort has been made to address rural health issues. Today the state of health in rural Australia remains less than optimal. The tenth anniversary of the Australian Journal of Rural Health provides the opportunity to reflect on what progress has been achieved over the past decade, to recognise those factors that have contributed most to the implementation of policies designed to address the health needs of rural and remote Australians, and to discuss outstanding impediments and barriers to resolving rural health issues.
USING VIDEOCONFERENCING TO DELIVER A HEALTH EDUCATION PROGRAM TO WOMEN HEALTH CONSUMERS IN RURAL AND REMOTE QUEENSLAND: AN EARLY ATTEMPT AND FUTURE PLANS
Authors: Faulkne Kathryn , McClelland Linda
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT: Women's Health Queensland Wide, a non‐government education and information organisation funded by Queensland Health, used videoconferencing to present a public education seminar on menopausal health to women health consumers across south‐west Queensland. A panel of speakers addressed a live audience in a provincial city, with a further 10 sites participating remotely via videoconferencing, each with a local health worker supporting the seminar. Both local and remote audience members were given opportunities to ask questions of the speakers. Audience members were asked to complete feedback forms and their responses are presented. Overall, audience members were very positive about both the content of the event and its method of delivery. They also provided comments relating to the structure of the program, the difficulties of running a live and distant seminar and the needs of remote audiences. Based on this information, Women's Health Queensland Wide has adapted future videoconference seminars to better meet the needs of rural and remote women.
THE MATERNITY EXPERIENCES OF INDIGENOUS WOMEN ADMITTED TO AN ACUTE CARE SETTING
Authors: Watson Jennifer , Hodson Katrina , Johnson Rhona , Kemp Kath
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT: This is the report of stage two of a three‐stage project. The aim of the project is to develop educational resources through information and experiences provided by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and health care professionals. The objectives were to optimise collaboration and participation by Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander women in sharing their maternity experiences about the birthing of their babies either in hospital, or out of hospital before arrival. The descriptive research of stage two explores issues that existed for twelve Indigenous women during and after their birthing experiences in an acute care setting. The results will inform patient and professional educational programs and policy in order to enhance the experiences for Indigenous women admitted to the acute care setting before or following birth. The results show broad variation in responses related to antenatal care, preparation for hospital and for birth, coming into town, accommodation, family support, experiences while in hospital, relationship with hospital staff and being away from home. Miscommunication and lack of cultural and spiritual understanding by health care professionals generally is a constant theme. The need for preparation of Indigenous women generally, prior to admission to an acute care setting, is confirmed.
OPINIONS OF HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS REGARDING THE MATERNITY EXPERIENCES OF INDIGENOUS WOMEN IN AN ACUTE CARE SETTING
Authors: Watson Jennifer , Hodson Katrina , Johnson Rhona , Kemp Kath , May Jessica
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT: This is the report of stage three of a three stage project. The aims of the overall project were to seek advice from expert Indigenous women on how to gather information from birthing Indigenous women while in hospital. Information was gathered from Indigenous women who gave birth in hospital or were admitted after the birth of their baby. The opinions of healthcare professionals on the care of these women were investigated. This paper describes the opinions and concerns of healthcare professionals regarding identified cultural, social and economical issues for Indigenous women at a large acute care hospital in the Northern Territory, Australia. The opinions of healthcare professionals are vital if the needs and concerns of Indigenous women are to be considered within the hospital setting.

Stages one and two of this project have been presented previously. Stage three, reported here, describes a survey of 18 non‐Indigenous and one Indigenous healthcare professionals regarding their opinions of the maternity experiences of Indigenous women admitted to an acute care setting. The consultative process for designing the questionnaire and reflections on issues raised by Indigenous women during their interviews in the previous two stages is presented. The methodology of the survey, demographics and perceptions of healthcare professionals who participated in the project are examined and the similarities and differences between the issues raised by the healthcare professionals and the Indigenous women in stage two of the project are discussed. Suggestions made by the healthcare professionals regarding improving quality of care for Indigenous women when admitted to an acute healthcare setting are presented.
UNDERGRADUATE NURSING STUDENTS‘ CLINICAL EXPERIENCES IN RURAL AND REMOTE AREAS: RECRUITMENT IMPLICATIONS
Authors: Neill Jane , Taylor Kerry
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT: Providing rural and remote clinical experiences for undergraduate nursing students could help address future recruitment in these areas, but adequate financial support for students during clinical placements is also necessary. Strategies to address nursing shortages to date have emphasised funding for rural re‐entry programs, or supporting students from rural backgrounds to attend university courses. Assisting current undergraduate nursing students, especially those from urban backgrounds, to experience living and working in rural areas has been overlooked as a potential recruitment strategy. Ongoing qualitative evaluation of a clinical placement program shows students respond positively and with increased interest in returning to rural nursing after graduation. Unfortunately, many are disadvantaged financially by the added expense of their rural clinical rotation. Finding ways to support students from both urban and non‐urban backgrounds to undertake rural and remote clinical placements should be an important strategic and funding priority.
PATIENT VIEWS ON THE MANAGEMENT OF RHEUMATIC FEVER AND RHEUMATIC HEART DISEASE IN THE KIMBERLEY: A QUALITATIVE STUDY
Authors: Mincham Christine M. , Toussaint Sandy , Mak Donna B. , Plant Aileen J.
Published: August 2010

Objective: To describe, from a patient perspective, factors leading to suboptimal management of individuals with rheumatic fever (RF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) among members of the Kimberley population.

Method: Qualitative in‐depth semistructured and repeated interviews of seven Kimberley patients, or parents of children, with rheumatic fever and/or rheumatic heart disease, during 1998.

Results: Participants showed variable levels of understanding about RF/RHD, often relating to the need for secondary prophylaxis. Compliance with medication was closely linked with positive patient–staff interactions. From the perspective of health care, living in a remote location was frequently described as a negative influence. Participants desire more accessible and culturally appropriate opportunities for learning about their disease.

Conclusions: Participants focused on issues closely related to effective and ineffective management of RF/RHD. The lessons learned are indicators for health staff attempting to improve the quality of management that people receive.
IS RURAL MEDICINE A SEPARATE DISCIPLINE?
Authors: Smith Janie , Hays Richard
Published: August 2010

Background: The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine was established in 1997 to meet what rural doctors perceived as their unmet educational and professional needs. However, the issue of just how different rural practice is from urban practice remains a topic of debate.

Methods: This paper explores the scope of rural medical practice, through the use of clinical scenarios and a synthesis of the research literature, to determine if rural medical practice is emerging as a distinct discipline in Australia.

Conclusion: Rural and remote medical practice is different, and additional, to urban practice, in the context, content and process of care. Three of the four criteria for determining rural medical practice as a distinct discipline exist in Australia. The fourth criteria: sufficient external recognition of rural medicine as a distinct discipline, awaits resolution.
Rural temperament and character: A new perspective on retention of rural doctors
Authors: Eley Diann , Young Louise , Shrapnel Marilyn
Published: August 2010

Objective:  This exploratory study serves as a starting point to establish a psychobiological profile for rural GPs. The overall aim is to describe how individual levels and combinations of temperament (mildly heritable) and character (influenced by sociocultural learning) traits allow GPs to flourish or fail in rural medicine.

Design:  In a mixed‐method study, 13 rural GPs (rural and remote metropolitan areas 5–7, minimum 7 years of experience) from Central/Southern Queensland, Australia completed the Temperament and Character Inventory‐R140 to identify the intensity of the seven basic dimensions of temperament and character. These are novelty seeking, harm avoidance, reward dependence, persistence, self‐directedness, cooperativenes and self‐transcendence. Semistructured interviews provided in‐depth information on what brought them to and kept them in rural practice.

Results:  Preliminary results show that our sample of rural GPs are highly self directed, caring, cooperative, objective and persistent. Individual variations occur in the temperament dimensions of harm avoidance, novelty seeking and reward dependence. In particular, GPs who intended to leave rural practice due to dissatisfaction had significantly higher harm avoidance (F = 23.74; P < 0.01) than those GPs intent on staying.

Conclusion:  Although preliminary, triangulation of the data sources provides insight into individual GP profiles regarding which particular combination of traits is most conducive to maintaining a rural career, and might provide a greater understanding of rural doctors. This information could provide a basis for counselling of students with an interest in rural medicine and for informing policy on appropriate initiatives for rural GPs and the communities they serve.
DOES NITRIC OXIDE MODULATE TRANSMITTER RELEASE AT THE MAMMALIAN NEUROMUSCULAR JUNCTION?
Authors: Nickels Travis J , Reed Grant W , Drummond Justin T , Blevins Dustin E , Lutz Megan C , Wilson David F
Published: August 2010

Application of the nitric oxide (NO) donor, sodium nitrite and the NO synthase substratel‐arginine had no effect on nerve‐evoked transmitter release in the rat isolated phrenic nerve/hemidiaphragm preparation; however, when adenosine A1receptors were blocked with the adenosine A1receptor antagonist 1,3‐dipropyl‐8‐cyclopentylxanthine (DPCPX) prior to application of sodium nitrate orl‐arginine, a significant increase in transmitter release was observed. In addition, the NO donors‐nitroso‐N‐acetylpenicillamine (SNAP) significantly increased transmitter release in the presence of DPCPX. In the present study, we have made the assumption that these NO donors elevate the level of NO in the tissue. Future studies should test other NO‐donating compounds and also monitor the NO concentrations in the tissue to ensure that these effects are, in fact, NO induced.

Elevation of cGMP in this preparation with the guanylyl cyclase activator 3‐(5′‐hydroxymethyl‐2′‐furyl)‐1‐benzyl indazole (YC‐1) significantly enhanced transmitter release. In the presence of DPCPX and the selective guanylyl cyclase inhibitor 1H‐[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3‐a]quinoxalin‐1‐one (ODQ), which blocks the production of cGMP, the excitatory effects of sodium nitrite andl‐arginine were abolished.

These results suggest that NO serves to enhance transmitter release at the rat neuromuscular junction (NMJ) via a cGMP pathway and this facilitation of transmitter release can be blocked with adenosine. Previously, we demonstrated that adenosine inhibits N‐type calcium channels. Because NO only affects transmitter release when adenosine A1receptors are blocked, we suggest that NO enhances transmitter release by enhancing calcium influx via N‐type calcium channels. Further studies are needed to confirm that NO alters transmitter release via cGMP and that this action involves the N‐type calcium channel.

The results of the present study are consistent with a model of NO neuromodulation that has been proposed for the mammalian vagal–atrial junction. This model suggests that NO acts on NO‐sensitive guanylyl cyclase to increase the intracellular levels of cGMP. In turn, cGMP inhibits phosphodiesterase‐3, increasing levels of cAMP, which then acts on the N‐type calcium channels to enhance calcium influx, leading to an increase in transmitter release. Our only modification to this model for the NMJ is that adenosine serves to block the modulation of transmitter release by NO.
IDENTIFICATION OF LIGANDS BINDING SPECIFICALLY TO INFLAMMATORY INTESTINAL MUCOSA USING PHAGE DISPLAY
Authors: Takagi Tamaki , Arisawa Tomiyasu , Yamamoto Kazumasa , Hirata Ichiro , Nakano Hiroshi , Sawada Makoto
Published: August 2010

Even though current treatments for inflammatory bowel disease are effective, adverse reactions remain a problem. With the intention of developing a new drug delivery system, we attempted to identify molecules that are selectively adsorbed to inflamed bowel.

The PhD‐C7C phage display peptide library was used for biopanning against mouse isolated bowel, either untreated (control) or with inflammation caused by ischaemia–reperfusion injury. One hundred clones were selected from among those obtained by two biopanning procedures and the amino acid sequences of these clones were identified by determination of the base sequences.

Then, 20 clones were selected by an alignment process, after which the three clones with the highest affinity for inflammatory bowel were identified. One of these three clones had significantly higher affinity for inflammatory bowel than for normal bowel.

In conclusion, biopanning against isolated bowel samples identified an amino acid sequence (SQSHPRH) with a specific high affinity for inflammatory bowel.
AGE‐RELATED CHANGES IN THE STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION OF SKELETAL MUSCLES
Authors: Faulkner John A , Larkin Lisa M , Claflin Dennis R , Brooks Susan V
Published: August 2010

For animals of all ages, during activation of skeletal muscles and the subsequent contraction, the balance between the force developed by the muscle and the external load determines whether the muscle shortens, remains at fixed length (isometric) or is lengthened. With maximum activation, the force developed is least during shortening, intermediate when muscle length is fixed and greatest during lengthening contractions. During lengthening contractions, when force is high, muscles may be injured by the contractions.

‘Frailty’ and ‘failure to thrive’ are most frequently observed in elderly, physically inactive people. A ‘frail’ person is defined as one of small stature, with muscles that are atrophied, weak and easily fatigued. The condition of ‘failure to thrive’ is typified by a lack of response to well‐designed programmes of nutrition and physical activity.

With ageing, skeletal muscle atrophy in humans appears to be inevitable. A gradual loss of muscle fibres begins at approximately 50 years of age and continues such that by 80 years of age, approximately 50% of the fibres are lost from the limb muscles that have been studied. For both humans and rats, the observation that the timing and magnitude of the loss of motor units is similar to that for muscle fibres suggests that the mechanism responsible for the loss of fibres and the loss of whole motor units is the same. The degree of atrophy of the fibres that remain is largely dependent on the habitual level of physical activity of the individual.

‘Master athletes’ maintain a high level of fitness throughout their lifespan. Even among master athletes, performance of marathon runners and weight lifters declines after approximately 40 years of age, with peak levels of performance decreased by approximately 50% by 80 years of age. The success of the master athletes and of previously sedentary elderly who undertake well‐designed, carefully administered training programmes provide dramatic evidence that age‐associated atrophy, weakness and fatigability can be slowed, but not halted.
EARLY RENAL DENERVATION PREVENTS DEVELOPMENT OF HYPERTENSION IN GROWTH‐RESTRICTED OFFSPRING
Authors: Ojeda Norma B , Johnson W Russell , Dwyer Terry M , Alexander Barbara T
Published: August 2010

Low birth weight is associated with an increased risk for the development of hypertension. Our laboratory uses a model of reduced uterine perfusion in the pregnant rat that results in intrauterine growth‐restricted (IUGR) offspring that develop hypertension at a prepubertal age. Although hypertension develops in both prepubertal male and female IUGR offspring, only male IUGR offspring remain hypertensive after puberty. We reported previously that bilateral renal denervation abolishes hypertension in adult male IUGR offspring, indicating an important role for the renal nerves in the maintenance of established IUGR‐induced hypertension. We also reported that angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibition abolishes hypertension in adult male IUGR offspring. However, activation of the renin–angiotensin system does not occur in male IUGR offspring until after puberty, or after the development of established IUGR‐induced hypertension. Therefore, the mechanisms involved in the development of IUGR‐induced hypertension may differ from those involved in the maintenance of established IUGR‐induced hypertension. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to determine whether the renal nerves play a causative role in the early development of IUGR‐induced hypertension in prepubertal IUGR offspring.

Intrauterine growth‐restricted and control offspring were subjected to either bilateral renal denervation or sham denervation, respectively, at 4 weeks of age. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) was determined at 6 weeks of age in conscious, chronically instrumented animals. Adequacy of renal denervation was verified by renal noradrenaline content.

Whereas renal denervation had no effect on MAP in control offspring (103 ± 2 vs 102 ± 3 mmHg for sham vs denervated, respectively), it reduced blood pressure in growth‐restricted offspring (114 ± 3 vs 104 ± 1 mmHg for sham vs denervated, respectively; P < 0.01). Renal noradrenaline content was significantly reduced in denervated animals relative to sham operated rats.

Thus, the data indicate a role for the renal nerves in the aetiology of IUGR‐induced hypertension and suggest that the renal nerves may participate in the early development of hypertension in IUGR offspring in addition to established hypertension observed in adult male IUGR offspring.
Induction of initial heart α‐actin, smooth muscle α‐actin, in chick pregastrula epiblast: The role of hypoblast and fibroblast growth factor‐8
Authors: Matsui Hiroko , Sakabe Masahide , Sakata Hirokazu , Yanagawa Nariaki , Ikeda Kazuo , Yamagishi Toshiyuki , Nakajima Yuji
Published: August 2010

During heart development at the gastrula stage, inhibition of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) activity affects the heart specification but does not impair the expression of smooth muscle α‐actin (SMA), which is first expressed in the heart mesoderm and recruited into initial heart myofibrils. Interaction of tissues between posterior epiblast and hypoblast at the early blastula stage is necessary to induce the expression of SMA, in which Nodal and Chordin are thought to be involved. Here we investigated the role of fibroblast growth factor‐8 (FGF8) in the expression of SMA. In situ hybridization and reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction showed that Fgf8b is expressed predominantly in the nascent hypoblast. Anti‐FGF8b antibody inhibited the expression of SMA, cTNT, and Tbx5, which are BMP‐independent heart mesoderm/early cardiomyocyte genes, but not Brachyury in cultured posterior blastoderm, and combined FGF8b and Nodal, but neither factor alone induced the expression of SMA in association with heart specific markers in cultured epiblast. Although FGF8b did not induce the upregulation of phospho‐Smad2, anti‐FGF8b properties suppressed phospho‐Smad2 in cultured blastoderm. FGF8b was able to reverse the BMP‐induced inhibition of cardiomyogenesis. The results suggest that FGF8b acts on the epiblast synergistically with Nodal at the pregastrula stage and may play a role in the expression of SMA during early cardiogenesis.
Mitochondrial behavior during oogenesis in zebrafish: A confocal microscopy analysis
Authors: Zhang Yong‐Zhong , Ouyang Ying‐Chun , Hou Yi , Schatten Heide , Chen Da‐Yuan , Sun Qing‐Yuan
Published: August 2010

The behavior of mitochondria during early oogenesis remains largely unknown in zebrafish. We used three mitochondrial probes (Mito Tracker Red CMXRos, Mito Tracker Green FM, and JC‐1) to stain early zebrafish oocyte mitochondria, and confocal microscopy to analyze mitochondrial aggregation and distribution. By using fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP), we traced mitochondrial movement. The microtubule assembly inhibitor nocodazole and microfilament inhibitor cytochalasin B (CB) were used to analyze the role of microtubules and microfilaments on mitochondrial movement. By using the dual emission probe, JC‐1, and oxidative phosphorylation uncoupler, carbonyl cyanide 4‐(trifluoromethoxy) phenylhydrazone (FCCP), we determined the distribution of active and inactive (low‐active) mitochondria. Green/red fluorescence ratios of different sublocations in different oocyte groups stained by JC‐1 were detected in merged (green and red) images. Our results showed that mitochondria exhibited a unique distribution pattern in early zebrafish oocytes. They tended to aggregate into large clusters in early stage I oocytes, but in a threadlike state in latter stage I oocytes. We detected a lower density mitochondrial area and a higher density mitochondrial area on opposite sides of the germinal vesicle. The green/red fluorescence ratios in different sublocations in normal oocytes were about 1:1. This implies that active mitochondria were distributed in all sublocations. FCCP treatment caused significant increases in the ratios. CB and nocodazole treatment caused an increase of the ratios in clusters and mitochondrial cloud, but not in dispersed areas. Mitochondria in different sublocations underwent fast dynamic movement. Inhibition or disruption of microtubules or microfilaments resulted in even faster mitochondrial free movement.
VegT, eFGF and Xbra cause overall posteriorization while Xwnt8 causes eye‐level restricted posteriorization in synergy with chordin in early Xenopus development
Authors: Fujii Hidefumi , Sakai Masao , Nishimatsu Shin‐ichiro , Nohno Tsutomu , Mochii Makoto , Orii Hidefumi , Watanabe Kenji
Published: August 2010

We examined several candidate posterior/mesodermal inducing molecules using permanent blastula‐type embryos (PBEs) as an assay system. Candidate molecules were injected individually or in combination with the organizer factor chordin mRNA. Injection of chordin alone resulted in a white hemispherical neural tissue surrounded by a large circular cement gland, together with anterior neural gene expression and thus the development of the anterior‐most parts of the embryo, without mesodermal tissues. When VegT, eFGF or Xbra mRNAs were injected into a different blastomere of the chordin‐injected PBEs, the embryos elongated and formed eye, muscle and pigment cells, and expressed mesodermal and posterior neural genes. These embryos formed the full spectrum of the anteroposterior embryonic axis. In contrast, injection of CSKA‐Xwnt8 DNA into PBEs injected with chordin resulted in eye formation and expression of En2, a midbrain/hindbrain marker, and Xnot, a notochord marker, but neither elongation, muscle formation nor more posterior gene expression. Injection of chordin and posteriorizing molecules into the same cell did not result in elongation of the embryo. Thus, by using PBEs as the host test system we show that (i) overall anteroposterior neural development, mesoderm (muscle) formation, together with embryo elongation can occur through the synergistic effect(s) of the organizer molecule chordin, and each of the ‘overall posteriorizing molecules’eFGF, VegT and Xbra; (ii) Xwnt8‐mediated posteriorization is restricted to the eye level and is independent of mesoderm formation; and (iii) proper anteroposterior patterning requires a separation of the dorsalizing and posteriorizing gene expression domains.
Identification and characterization of nucleoplasmin 3 as a histone‐binding protein in embryonic stem cells
Authors: Motoi Natsuki , Suzuki Ken‐ichi , Hirota Ryuichi , Johnson Penny , Oofusa Ken , Kikuchi Yutaka , Yoshizato Katsutoshi
Published: August 2010

Embryonic stem (ES) cells are thought to have unique chromatin structures responsible for their capacity for self‐renewal and pluripotency. To examine this possibility, we sought nuclear proteins in mouse ES cells that specifically bind to histones using a pull‐down assay with synthetic peptides of histone H3 and H4 tail domain as baits. Nuclear proteins preferentially bound to the latter. We identified 45 proteins associated with the histone H4 tail and grouped them into four categories: 10 chromatin remodeling proteins, five histone chaperones, two histone modification‐related proteins, and 28 other proteins. mRNA expression levels of 20 proteins selected from these 45 proteins were compared between undifferentiated and retinoic acid (RA)‐induced differentiated ES cells. All of the genes were similarly expressed in both states of ES cells, except nucleoplasmin 3 (NPM3) that was expressed at a higher level in the undifferentiated cells. NPM3 proteins were localized in the nucleoli and nuclei of the cells and expression was decreased during RA‐induced differentiation. When transfected with NPM3 gene, ES cells significantly increased their proliferation compared with control cells. The present study strongly suggests that NPM3 is a chromatin remodeling protein responsible for the unique chromatin structure and replicative capacity of ES cells.
Dictyostelium kinase DPYK3 negatively regulates STATc signaling in cell fate decision
Authors: Lee Nam‐Sihk , Rodriguez Marbelys , Kim Bohye , Kim Leung
Published: August 2010

DPYK3, a member of the Dictyostelium TKL (tyrosine kinase like) kinase family, was ablated by homologous recombination. dpyk3− cells displayed aberrant pattern formation during development. The prestalk O zone was not properly formed and, instead, the prespore zone was expanded in dpyk3− slugs. During development, the transcription factor STATc (signal transducers and activators of transcription c) was persistently phosphorylated and ecmAO expression level was kept low in dpyk3− cells. Furthermore, in response to differentiation inducing factor‐1 (DIF‐1) in suspension culture, dpyk3− cells displayed persistent STATc phosphorylation and reintroduction of DPYK3 in dpyk3− cells restored transient STATc phosphorylation similarly to wild type cells. In contrast to the positive STAT regulation by Janus Kinase in metazoans, Dictyostelium DPYK3 negatively regulates STATc during development in response to DIF‐1 signaling.
Evolution of Mount Fuji, Japan: Inference from drilling into the subaerial oldest volcano, pre‐Komitake
Authors: Yoshimoto Mitsuhiro , Fujii Toshitsugu , Kaneko Takayuki , Yasuda Atsushi , Nakada Setsuya , Matsumoto Akikazu
Published: August 2010

A buried, old volcanic body (pre‐Komitake Volcano) was discovered during drilling into the northeastern flank of Mount Fuji. The pre‐Komitake Volcano is characterized by hornblende‐bearing andesite and dacite, in contrast to the porphyritic basaltic rocks of Komitake Volcano and to the olivine‐bearing basaltic rocks of Fuji Volcano. K‐Ar age determinations and geological analysis of drilling cores suggest that the pre‐Komitake Volcano began with effusion of basaltic lava flows around 260 ka and ended with explosive eruptions of basaltic andesite and dacite magma around 160 ka. After deposition of a thin soil layer on the pre‐Komitake volcanic rocks, successive effusions of lava flows occurred at Komitake Volcano until 100 ka. Explosive eruptions of Fuji Volcano followed shortly after the activity of Komitake. The long‐term eruption rate of about 3 km3/ka or more for Fuji Volcano is much higher than that estimated for pre‐Komitake and Komitake. The chemical variation within Fuji Volcano, represented by an increase in incompatible elements at nearly constant SiO2, differs from that within pre‐Komitake and other volcanoes in the northern Izu‐Bonin arc, where incompatible elements increase with increasing SiO2. These changes in the volcanism in Mount Fuji may have occurred due to a change in regional tectonics around 150 ka, although this remains unproven.
Temporal variations in channel patterns and facies architecture in a gravelly fluvial system: The Paleogene Iwaki Formation on the Joban Coalfield, a forearc basin in Northeast Japan
Authors: Shibata Kenichiro , Ito Makoto , Nemoto Nagayuki , O'Hara Sakae
Published: August 2010

This paper examined sequence‐stratigraphic features of a gravelly fluvial system of the Iwaki Formation, which developed in a forearc‐basin setting in Northeast Japan during the Eocene through Oligocene. On the basis of three‐dimensional architectural element analysis, we discriminated three major cycles of channel complexes, which contain ten component channel deposits in total in the fluvial succession. Component channel deposits in the uppermost part of each cycle are sandier and associated with overbank muddy deposits and coal beds as compared with those in the lower part of the cycle. Mean clast‐size also decreases upsection in the entire gravelly fluvial deposits. The fluvial succession is interpreted to have been deposited in response to an overall rise in relative sea level that was superimposed by three short‐term relative sea‐level rises on the basis of vertical stacking patterns and component lithofacies features of channel deposits, and of correlation of the fluvial succession with an age‐equivalent marine succession in an area about 50 km offshore. However, geometry and stacking patterns of the channel complexes do not exhibit any distinct temporal variation and amalgamated channel and bar deposits are dominant throughout the transgressive fluvial succession. On the other hand, an overall fining‐upward pattern of the entire Iwaki Formation fluvial deposits in association with three component fining‐upward patterns is distinct, and is interpreted to be consistent with the tenet of the standard fluvial sequence‐stratigraphic models. This indicates that the present example represents one type of variation in the standard fluvial sequence‐stratigraphic models, possibly reflecting the forearc‐basin setting, which is generally represented by higher valley slope, higher shedding of coarse‐grained sediments, and shorter longitudinal profiles to the coastal area as compared with a passive‐continental‐margin setting.
Inundation flow velocity of tsunami on land
Authors: Matsutomi Hideo , Okamoto Kensuke
Published: August 2010

An estimation of tsunami inundation flow velocity is one of the most challenging issues among tsunami research. Based on field data of inundation depth and inundation flow velocity u estimated using Bernoulli's theorem and inundation depth, fundamental characteristics of the relationship between inundation flow velocity and inundation depth are examined. Fundamental characteristics of the velocity coefficient where g is gravitational acceleration, hf and hr are inundation depths at the front and the back of structures such as a rectangular building with vertical walls, respectively) implicitly included in the relationship are examined through hydraulic experiments. As a result, Cv = 0.6 is recommended as its simple and practical value. It is confirmed through these examinations that the Froude number, defined by where , ranges 0.7–2.0, and when Cv = 0.6 is adopted this Froude number ranges 0.42–1.2. By using the relationship and Cv = 0.6, two simple and practical relationships are presented for two cases where inundation flow velocity exerts the largest or the smallest fluid force on structures. These relationships can be used to roughly grasp the practical side of tsunami damage, and estimate fluid force acting on individual structures, moving velocity and collision force of floating objects and sediment transport such as boulder and sand. Fundamental characteristics of the waterline (tsunami trace) distribution around/on the typical object model (square pillar, corn and column) are also examined through steady flow experiments, and it is confirmed that the maximum and the minimum values of hf/h0 in the full type model of the square pillar are almost the same as those of hf/hr obtained by field surveys where h0 is uniform flow depth. It is also confirmed that hr ≅ h0 when the Froude number, defined by where u0 is uniform flow velocity, is much less than 1.0. Using a newly defined velocity coefficient, tsunami inundation flow velocity on land can be estimated practically and would be useful for checking proposed sediment transport models that are now being developed by tsunami geologists.
Stratigraphy of the mid‐ to upper‐Cretaceous System in the Aridagawa area, Wakayama, Southwest Japan
Authors: Misaki Akihiro , Maeda Haruyoshi
Published: August 2010

The litho‐ and biostratigraphy of the mid‐ to upper‐Cretaceous System around the Yagumaike Pond in the Aridagawa area, Wakayama, Southwest Japan, were investigated. Many Middle to Late Albian megafossils were found in the strata of a block bounded by faults. It was also revealed that the Upper Cretaceous System of other blocks ranges from the Middle Turonian to Santonian. The Albian megafossil assemblage contains few benthic organisms, in contrast with the abundance of nektons found (e.g. cephalopods). Sedimentological observations of the mudstone profiles also indicate that scarcely or weakly bioturbated, well‐laminated mudstone is dominant among the Albian deposits. These results suggest deposition of the Albian mudstone under a dysaerobic to anoxic environment. It is comparable to the extended oceanic anoxia (OAEs) in mid‐Cretaceous time. Albian deposits with similar characteristics are also known to exist in Shikoku, Southwest Japan. A wide sedimentary basin that was directly affected by global environmental events, such as OAEs, seemed to be formed on the Chichibu Belt in the Albian. The Upper Cretaceous strata in the study area are extremely thin, similar to the coeval deposits on the Chichibu Belt in Shikoku. It is suggested that the sedimentation rate in the sedimentary basin on the Chichibu Belt was extremely low during early Late Cretaceous time.