bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Actinoplanes couchii sp. nov.
Authors: Kämpfer Peter , Huber Birgit , Thummes Kathrin , Grün-Wollny Iris , Busse Hans-Jürgen
Published: March 2007

A Gram-positive bacterium, strain GW8-1761T, was isolated from soil close to the Marmore waterfalls, Terni, Italy. 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity studies showed that strain GW8-1761T belonged to the genus Actinoplanes, being most closely related to Actinoplanes italicus JCM 3165T (98.9 %), A. rectilineatus IFO 13941T (98.5 %), A. palleronii JCM 7626T (97.8 %), A. utahensis IFO 13244T (97.6 %) and A. cyaneus DSM 46137T (97.6 %). Strain GW8-1761T could be distinguished from any other Actinoplanes species with validly published names by 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values of less than 97.5 %. Chemotaxonomic data [major menaquinone MK-9(H4); major polar lipids diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylinositol, with phosphatidylcholine and aminoglycolipids absent; major fatty acids C15 : 0, C16 : 0, C16 : 0 iso, C17 : 1
ω8c and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1
ω7c and/or C15 : 0 iso 2-OH)] supported the affiliation of strain GW8-1761T to the genus Actinoplanes. The results of DNA–DNA hybridizations and physiological and biochemical tests allowed genotypic and phenotypic differentiation of strain GW8-1761T from the most closely related species. Strain GW8-1761T therefore merits species status, and we propose the name Actinoplanes couchii sp. nov., with the type strain GW8-1761T (=DSM 45050T=CIP 109316T).
Sulfurospirillum cavolei sp. nov., a facultatively anaerobic sulfur-reducing bacterium isolated from an underground crude oil storage cavity
Authors: Kodama Yumiko , Ha Le Thu , Watanabe Kazuya
Published: March 2007

A novel facultatively anaerobic sulfur-reducing bacterium, designated strain Phe91T, was isolated from petroleum-contaminated groundwater in an underground crude oil storage cavity at Kuji in Iwate, Japan. Cells of strain Phe91T were slightly curved rods with single polar flagella. Optimum growth was observed at pH 7.0 and 30 °C. The novel strain utilized elemental sulfur, thiosulfate, sulfite, dithionite, arsenate, nitrate and DMSO as electron acceptors with lactate as an energy and carbon source, but nitrite was not utilized. Microaerophilic growth was also observed. Fumarate, pyruvate, lactate, malate, succinate, hydrogen (with acetate as a carbon source) and formate (with acetate) could serve as electron donors. Fumarate, pyruvate and malate were fermented. The DNA G+C content was 42.7 mol%. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence phylogeny, strain Phe91T was affiliated with the genus Sulfurospirillum in the class Epsilonproteobacteria and was most closely related to Sulfurospirillum deleyianum (sequence similarity 97 %). However, the DNA–DNA hybridization value between strain Phe91T and S. deleyianum was only 14 %. Based on the physiological and phylogenetic data, Phe91T should be classified as a representative of a novel species in the genus Sulfurospirillum; the name Sulfurospirillum cavolei sp. nov. is proposed, with Phe91T (=JCM 13918T=DSM 18149T) as the type strain.
Pathological features of diseases associated with human T‐cell leukemia virus type I
Authors: Ohshima Koichi
Published: March 2007

In the early 1980s, the first human retrovirus, human T‐cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV‐I), was isolated and its characterization opened up the new field of human viral oncology. Adult T‐cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL), which is associated with HTLV‐I, is characterized clinically by the appearance of characteristic flower cells, a rapid clinical course, occasional skin lesions, lymphadenopathy and hepatosplenomegaly. Severe opportunistic infections are occasionally accompanied. In addition, HTLV‐I infection is associated with autoimmune and reactive disorders, such as HTLV‐I‐associated myelopathy and uveitis, and is also related to immunodeficient infectious diseases. Pathological findings of ATLL in the lymph nodes, skin, liver and other organs have been described. Common histological features are a diffuse proliferation of atypical lymphoid cells that vary in size and shape. In addition to ATLL, non‐neoplastic organopathies have been documented in many organs, such as the central nerve system, lung, skin, lymph nodes and gastrointestinal tract. To clarify the HTLV‐I‐associated diseases, it is important to understand the pathological variations. (Cancer Sci 2007; 98: 772–778)
The diagnostic efficacy of urinary fractionated metanephrines measured by tandem mass spectrometry in detection of pheochromocytoma
Authors: Perry C. G. , Sawka A. M. , Singh R. , Thabane L. , Bajnarek J. , Young W. F.
Published: March 2007

Background  There are limitations to currently available biochemical tests for pheochromocytoma. Our objective was to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of a novel tandem mass spectrometry assay for the measurement of fractionated urinary metanephrines in patients suspected to have a pheochromocytoma. We also developed clinically based cut‐offs for positivity of this measurement.

Methods  We examined the medical records of 506 patients (including 102 patients with a catecholamine‐producing tumour) who underwent measurement of 24‐h urinary fractionated metanephrines using tandem mass spectrometry as well as adrenal imaging at Mayo Clinic, Rochester. The cut‐offs for positivity were defined as follows: total metanephrines (sum of the metanephrine fractions) 5163 nmol/day, normetanephrine fraction 4001 nmol/day, metanephrine fraction 1531 nmol/day. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed.

Results  The diagnostic efficacy was as follows: normetanephrine fraction sensitivity 87·3% [(95% confidence interval (CI) 79·4–92·4%], specificity 95·0% (92·5–96·8); metanephrine fraction sensitivity 56·9% (47·2–66·1), specificity 95·0% (92·5–96·8); elevation of either normetanephrine or metanephrine fraction sensitivity 97·1% (91·7–99·0) and specificity 91·1% (87·9–93·5). Areas under the ROC curves (AUCs) were 0·972 (95% CI 0·955–0·990) for the normetanephrine fraction, 0·800 (0·741–0·858) for the metanephrine fraction, 0·991 (0·985–0·996) for total metanephrines, and 0·991 (0·985–0·996) for a regression‐derived ROC curve incorporating both the metanephrine and normetanephrine fractions.

Conclusion  Measurement of 24‐h urinary fractionated metanephrines by a tandem mass spectrometry assay appears to be an effective biochemical technique in the investigation of pheochromocytoma.
A novel MEN1 intronic mutation associated with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1
Authors: Lemos Manuel C. , Harding Brian , Shalet Stephen M. , Thakker Rajesh V.
Published: March 2007

Objective  To investigate a family with an unusual combination of multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN1) and the McCune–Albright syndrome for MEN1 mutations and activating GNAS1 mutations at codons Arg201 and Gln227.

Methods  DNA sequences analyses were performed of the MEN1 gene and codons Arg201 and Gln227 of the GNAS1 gene, using leucocyte and endocrine tissue DNA.

Results  A c→g transversion at position −9 bp in intron 9 of the MEN1 gene was identified. This resulted in the generation of a BmrI restriction endonuclease site, and its presence and segregation with MEN1 in the family was demonstrated by restriction endonuclease analysis. The c→g transversion was shown to result in the generation of a novel acceptor splice site (ccag) using reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and ribonucleic acid (RNA) obtained from Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV)‐transformed lymphoblasts. Utilization of this splice site resulted in an abnormal messenger RNA (mRNA) transcript that contained an additional eight bases. This predicted a frameshift that would result in nine missense amino acids followed by a premature termination signal. GNAS1 mutations were not detected in the patient with McCune–Albright syndrome.

Conclusions  The occurrence of MEN1 and the McCune–Albright syndrome in this family are coincidental findings and not due to a common genetic aetiology. However, our results have identified a novel MEN1 mutation that occurs in intron 9 and generates a novel acceptor splice site. Such splicing‐affecting genomic variants (SpaGVs) are increasingly being recognized as a cause of human disease, and are likely to be of significance in the 10% of MEN1 patients who do not have coding region mutations.
Growth hormone excess with onset in adolescence: clinical appearance and long‐term treatment outcome
Authors: Colao Annamaria , Pivonello Rosario , Di Somma Carolina , Tauchmanovà Libuse , Savastano Silvia , Lombardi Gaetano
Published: March 2007

Background  Limited data are available on clinical presentation and treatment strategy in patients with GH‐secreting adenomas with onset in adolescence.

Objective  To report results of diagnosis and treatment in adolescents with GH and IGF‐I excess.

Design  Analytical, observational, retrospective.

Subjects  Thirteen patients (five females and eight males, age 15–20 years) all with macroadenoma (two extrasellar, 11 invasive).

Main outcome measures  Height, body mass index (BMI), GH and IGF‐I levels, tumour volume at diagnosis and after treatment.

Interventions  Transsphenoidal surgery, octreotide subcutaneous (OCT, 0·3–0·8 mg/day), octreotide‐LAR i.m. (LAR, 20–30 mg/q28 days), lanreotide i.m. (LAN, 60–90 mg/q28 days), bromocriptine (BRC, 5 mg/day), cabergoline (CAB, 1–2 mg/week).

Results  Concomitant hyperprolactinaemia was found in eight patients (61·5%). All girls presented with amenorrhoea, which was associated with galactorrhoea in two patients; all boys presented with symptoms of tumour mass compression such as visual disturbance or headache; two girls also had these symptoms. Height at diagnosis was above the 97th centile in four of five girls and in six of eight boys. None of the patients had altered lipid profile while homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR; 2·8 ± 0·9) and β‐cell function (HOMA‐β, 207·6 ± 98·1%) were higher than predicted (1% and 100%, respectively). First‐line treatment was surgery in two patients and somatostatin analogues associated with dopaminergic drugs in 11 patients. None of the patients operated on were cured while six of 11 patients receiving pharmacotherapy (6–24 months) were controlled. In these six, tumour volume was reduced by 51·0 ± 25·2% (median 51·5%). As second‐line treatment, all the 11 patients treated with somatostatin analogues underwent surgical removal of their tumours. Surgery was successful in four patients and second‐line pharmacotherapy in six patients. One patient was lost at follow‐up and two patients maintained active acromegaly despite different treatment schedules; both patients were then treated with radiotherapy. At the last follow‐up, there was a significant decrease in insulin levels, HOMA‐IR and HOMA‐β without any change in lipid profile.

Conclusions  The clinical presentation of GH‐secreting adenomas in adolescent girls is associated with menstrual disturbances and in boys with symptoms of mass effects; tall stature is characteristic in both. First‐line treatment with depot somatostatin analogues followed by surgery and then by a second course of somatostatin analogues was successful and safe in 11 of 13 patients.
Withdrawal of somatostatin analogue therapy in patients with acromegaly is associated with an increased risk of acute biliary problems
Authors: Paisley A. N. , Roberts M. E. , Trainer P. J.
Published: March 2007

Background  The prevalence of gallstones (GS) is increased in acromegaly and further increased by somatostatin analogue (SA) therapy. The incidence is reported at 10–63%, but they are often asymptomatic and rarely require definitive management. Evidence suggests discontinuation of SA may precipitate acute biliary problems.

Objective  To determine the frequency of symptomatic gallstones in patients treated with SA.

Design  Retrospective analysis of prospectively followed patients in our centre.

Results  Fifty patients (30 male, mean age 54 ± 16 years) were on treatment with SA on 1 January 2003. Fifteen (11 male, mean age 50 ± 17 years) have since discontinued SA with three proceeding to develop acute cholecystitis and two, biliary colic necessitating cholecystectomy. Three of the five had abnormal liver enzymes at or within 3 months of symptomatic presentation. Two of the remaining 35 patients experienced biliary colic necessitating cholecystectomy. These data indicate a highly significant increase in acute biliary problems on discontinuing SA (5 in 27·67 patient ‘off‐treatment’ years vs. 2 in 299 patient treatment years, χ2, P < 0·0001). All seven patients experiencing problems were male (P = 0·01).

Conclusion  This analysis demonstrates the high incidence of symptomatic GS following SA withdrawal, particularly in men. Although liver enzymes were raised no common abnormality was evident to aid as a predictor of future symptoms. We recommend all patients due to stop SA be forewarned of the risk of acute biliary problems. Further work is required to confirm if there is a gender‐related difference in the incidence of acute biliary problems on discontinuing SA therapy.
Ischaemia and reperfusion effects on skeletal muscle tissue: morphological and histochemical studies
Authors: Carmo‐Araújo Edna Maria , Dal‐Pai‐Silva Maeli , Dal‐Pai Vitalino , Cecchini Rubens , Anjos Ferreira Ana Lucia
Published: March 2007

This was a study on the oxidative stress due to ischaemia (I) and reperfusion (R) in skeletal muscle tissue. Using a tourniquet, groups of rats were submitted to ischaemia for 4 h, followed by different reperfusion periods. The animals were divided in four groups: control; 4 h of ischaemia (IR); 4 h of ischaemia plus 1 h reperfusion (IR‐1 h); 4 h of ischaemia plus 24 h reperfusion (IR‐24 h); and 4 h of ischaemia plus 72 h reperfusion (IR‐72 h). At the end of the procedures, samples of soleus muscle were collected and frozen in n‐hexane at −70 °C. Cryostat sections were submitted to haematoxylin–eosin, succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide‐tetrazolium reductase (NADH‐TR) stains. An additional muscle sample was processed for electron microscopy. No alterations were found in control animals. IR group showed fibres had normal aspect besides some round, acidophilic and hypertrophic fibres. There were several fibres with angular outlines and smaller diameters in this group compared with control group. NADH‐TR/SDH reaction was moderately intense in most fibres. In some fibres, cytoplasm showed areas without activity and other fibres had very intense reactivity. IR‐1 h group showed oedema hypercontracted fibres with disorganized myofibrils, mitochondria with focal lesions and dilated sarcoplasmic reticulum. NADH‐TR/SDH reaction was moderate to weak. IR‐24 h showed intense inflammatory infiltrate in the endomysium and perimysium. NADH‐TR/SDH reaction was similar to IR‐1 h. IR‐72 h showed necrotic fibres, areas with inflammatory infiltrate, reduced muscle fibres at different stages of necrosis and phagocytosis, and many small round and basophilic fibres characterizing a regeneration process. NADH‐TR/SDH reaction was weak to negative. Our results suggest that ischaemia and the subsequent 1‐, 24‐ and 72‐h reperfusions induced progressive histological damage. Although progressive, it may be reversible because there were ultrastructural signs of recovery after 72‐h reperfusion. This recovery could in part be due to the low oxidative stress identified by the morphological and histochemical analysis.
Rhythmic Dependent Light Induction of Gonadotrophin‐Releasing Hormone‐I Expression and Activation of Dopaminergic Neurones within the Premammillary Nucleus of the Turkey Hypothalamus
Authors: Thayananuphat A. , Kang S. W. , Bakken T. , Millam J. R. , El Halawani M. E.
Published: March 2007

Our previous studies using turkey hens have demonstrated that c‐fos mRNA (a marker of neuronal activation) is expressed in gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone‐I (GnRH‐I), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and dopamine (DA) neurones following electrical stimulation in the preoptic area. DA has been shown to have both stimulatory and inhibitory effects on the GnRH‐I/luteinising hormone (LH), follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) and VIP/prolactin (PRL) systems. To identify the DA neurones that mediate the stimulatory influences of photoperiod on the reproductive system, we examined c‐fos mRNA induction in DA, GnRH‐I, and VIP neurones in the turkey hypothalamus using a dark‐interruption experimental design. A 30‐min light period was provided to short day (6L : 18D) photosensitive turkeys at times when birds were responsive to light (14 h after first light) and at times when birds were unresponsive to light (8 h and 20 h after first light). The only area where DA neurones were activated when the birds were provided with light was in the nucleus premammillaris (PMM). The number of activated DA neurones was significantly greater when light was provided at 14 h (during the photoinducible phase) than at 8 h or 20 h. At 14 h, there was also an increase in the number of GnRH‐I neurones activated in the area of the nucleus commissura pallii (nCPa), as well as an up‐regulation of GnRH‐I mRNA expression. No expression of c‐fos mRNA was observed in VIP neurones in the nucleus infundibularis or up‐regulation of VIP mRNA expression in any of the experimental light treatments. These results are the first evidence to demonstrate a relationship between the dopaminergic system in the PMM and the GnRH‐I system in the nCPa during the photoinduction of avian reproductive activity.
Evaluation of the adverse effects of oral firocoxib in healthy dogs
Authors: STEAGALL P. V. M. , MANTOVANI F. B. , FERREIRA T. H. , SALCEDO E. S. , MOUTINHO F. Q. , LUNA S. P. L.
Published: March 2007

This study evaluated the adverse effects of oral firocoxib in dogs. Six dogs (20.2 ± 6.3 kg) were studied. Values for complete blood count (CBC), serum urea, creatinine, alanine transaminase, alanine phosphatase,γ‐glutamyl transferase, occult blood in feces, platelet aggregation, and buccal mucosal bleeding time were measured before and 7, 14, 21, and 29 days after SID treatment with firocoxib 5.3 ± 0.34 mg/kg (FG) or lactose 1 mg/kg (LG) for 28 days, in a randomized crossover study. Gastrointestinal (GI) tract endoscopy was performed before treatment began and at 29 days. Lesions were scored from grade 0 to 6. Data were analyzed usinganovaand pairedt‐tests (P < 0.05). None of the dogs presented adverse clinical effects. There were no significant changes in CBC, biochemical profiles within groups, or differences between groups. Pretreatment mean ± SD bleeding time (LG, 70.7 ± 32.1 sec; FG, 75.8 ± 38.1 sec) and platelet aggregation (LG, 86.4 ± 10.2%; FG, 85.6 ± 9.2%) were not significantly different from readings at 29 days (LG, 95.2 ± 25 sec; FG, 91.7 ± 24 sec and LG, 73.2 ± 15.1%; FG, 84 ± 10.3%) nor the groups were different. None of the dogs had positive fecal occult blood tests, and endoscopic lesion scores were grade 0 both before treatment and at 29 days. Administration of firocoxib did not cause any adverse effects on GI, or hematological or serum biochemical variables and appears to have been well tolerated by dogs.
Evolution of Quaternary alluvial fans and terraces in the intramontane Pinjaur Dun, Sub‐Himalaya, NW India: interaction between tectonics and climate change
Authors: SURESH NARAYANAPANICKER , BAGATI TRILOKI N. , KUMAR ROHTASH , THAKUR VIKRAM C.
Published: March 2007

Quaternary alluvial fans in the tectonically active Pinjaur Dun, an intramontane valley in the Sub‐Himalaya, were deposited in front of the Nalagarh Thrust and were influenced both by tectonics and glacial climate fluctuations. The surface morphology indicates that an earlier set of first‐order fans (Qf1) became entrenched and onlapped by a series of second‐order fans (Qf2). The younger fan segments were then cut by a pair of terraces (T1 and T2). Quartz optically stimulated luminescence dating establishes that the Qf1 aggradational phase was initiated before 96·5 ± 25·3 ka and terminated after 83·7 ± 16·3 ka. This was followed by a period of incision, before Qf2 fan deposition started at 72·4 ± 13·4 ka and continued until 24·5 ± 4·9 ka. Sediment was deposited on the T1 (upper) and T2 (lower) terraces at 16·3 ± 2·1 and 4·5 ka, respectively, recording a return to overall degradation punctuated by minor deposition on terraces. The period of incision separating the younger and older fan deposits coincided with enhanced SW monsoon precipitation. The subsequent development of the Qf2 fans and their progradation until 20 ka suggest erosional unloading of the thrust hangingwall during a tectonically quiescent phase. Toe cutting, deposition of axial river and lacustrine facies, and retreat of Qf2 around 45 ka, indicate fanward shift of the axial river due to tilting of the valley towards the NE in response to reactivation of the Nalagarh Thrust. The cessation of Qf2 deposition around 20 ka and the onset of through‐fan entrenchment suggest reduced sediment supply but relatively high stream power during the last glacial maxima (LGM). The prolonged stream incision since the cessation of Qf2 deposition, with only minor depositional phases at 16·3 ± 2·1 and 4·5 ka, resulted from high water discharge and low sediment input during intensification of the SW monsoon and vegetation changes in the hinterland.
Turbidite bed thickness distributions: methods and pitfalls of analysis and modelling
Authors: SYLVESTER ZOLTÁN
Published: March 2007

Turbidite bed thickness distributions are often interpreted in terms of power laws, even when there are significant departures from a single straight line on a log–log exceedence probability plot. Alternatively, these distributions have been described by a lognormal mixture model. Statistical methods used to analyse and distinguish the two models (power law and lognormal mixture) are presented here. In addition, the shortcomings of some frequently applied techniques are discussed, using a new data set from the Tarcău Sandstone of the East Carpathians, Romania, and published data from the Marnoso‐Arenacea Formation of Italy. Log–log exceedence plots and least squares fitting by themselves are inappropriate tools for the analysis of bed thickness distributions; they must be accompanied by the assessment of other types of diagrams (cumulative probability, histogram of log‐transformed values, q–q plots) and the use of a measure of goodness‐of‐fit other thanR2, such as the chi‐square or the Kolmogorov–Smirnov statistics. When interpreting data that do not follow a single straight line on a log–log exceedence plot, it is important to take into account that ‘segmented’ power laws are not simple mixtures of power law populations with arbitrary parameters. Although a simple model of flow confinement does result in segmented plots at the centre of a basin, the segmented shape of the exceedence curve breaks down as the sampling location moves away from the basin centre. The lognormal mixture model is a sedimentologically intuitive alternative to the power law distribution. The expectation–maximization algorithm can be used to estimate the parameters and thus to model lognormal bed thickness mixtures. Taking into account these observations, the bed thickness data from the Tarcău Sandstone are best described by a lognormal mixture model with two components. Compared with the Marnoso‐Arenacea Formation, in which bed thicknesses of thin beds have a larger variability than thicknesses of the thicker beds, the thinner‐bedded population of the Tarcău Sandstone has a lower variability than the thicker‐bedded population. Such differences might reflect contrasting depositional settings, such as the difference between channel levées and basin plains.
Photosynthesis responses to ozone in young trees of three species with different sensitivities, in a 2‐year open‐top chamber experiment (Curno, Italy)
Authors: Bussotti Filippo , Desotgiu Rosanna , Cascio Chiara , Strasser Reto J. , Gerosa Giacomo , Marzuoli Riccardo
Published: March 2007

This paper reports the findings of an open‐top chamber experiment carried out in northern Italy (Forest nursery at Curno), during the 2004 and 2005 growth seasons, on Fagus sylvatica and Quercus robur seedlings and on Populus nigra cuttings, in order to test their photosynthesis response to ambient ozone. The experimental protocols were non‐filtered air (NF), charcoal‐filtered air (CF) and open air (OA). Tests performed included morphological features of leaves; development of foliar symptoms; chlorophyll content, determined by non‐destructive means; chlorophyll fluorescence (direct fluorescence and JIP test) and gas exchanges and net photosynthesis (PN). Main findings were as follows: (1) symptoms occurred early and were extensive in P. nigra, and they occurred later in F. sylvatica, whereas early degeneration of chlorophyll occurred in late summer in Q. robur; (2) in conditions of ozone exposure, the three species all presented a decline in photosynthesis efficiency and a decrease in PN, regardless of the symptomatology they displayed; (3) leaf traits are predictors of species‐specific sensitivity to ozone—the high density of Q. robur foliar tissues prevents this species from developing visible symptoms and reduces the extent of physiological responses and (4) physiological responses varied from year to year in the same species—responses were lower in the second year of the experiment, when plants had become better acclimatized to plot conditions.
Shared or Unshared Parental Care in Overwintering Brent Geese (Branta bernicla hrota)
Authors: Tinkler Evelynne , Ian Montgomery W. , Elwood Robert W.
Published: March 2007

We examine brood size effects on the behaviour of wintering parent and juvenile brent geese (Branta bernicla hrota) to test predictions of shared and unshared parental care models. The behaviour of both parents and offspring appear to be influenced by declining food availability over the winter. Parental vigilance increased with brood size and may be explained by vigilance having functions in addition to antipredator behaviour where the benefits are shared among the brood. There was no increase in parental aggression with brood size and this does not fit the prediction of shared care. Nevertheless, large families are able to monopolize better feeding areas compared with smaller families and large families static feed more but walk feed less than do small families, the former apparently being the preferred mode. The presence of additional young, rather than increasing the amount of parental aggression, seems to enhance the family's competitive ability. Because parents with large broods benefit from enhanced access to resources there is likely to be no additional significant cost in the parental care of larger broods (sensuTrivers 1972).
Discoloured and non‐conductive sapwood among six Fagaceae species inoculated with Raffaelea quercivora
Authors: Murata M. , Yamada T. , Matsuda Y. , Ito S.
Published: March 2007

Mass mortality of oak trees has been occurring in Japan since the late 1980s. The fungus Raffaelea quercivora has been frequently isolated from discoloured sapwood in dead or wilting trees and inoculation experiments have shown it to be capable of causing wilting and xylem discoloration in several oak species, notably Quercus crispula and Q. serrata. In this study, we inoculated seedlings of six Fagaceae species with R. quercivora and, after 56 days, measured the vertical length of the discoloration and the areas of discoloured and non‐conducting sapwood on stem cross‐sections. The sapwood discoloration and the water non‐conduction areas were larger in Q. crispula and Q. serrata than in the other species.
Pathogenic wood‐decaying fungi in China
Authors: Dai Y. C. , Cui B. K. , Yuan H. S. , Li B. D.
Published: March 2007

Wood‐decaying fungi on living trees in China were surveyed over the last 12 years. In all, 102 potentially pathogenic Basidiomycetes were found in natural forests, forest plantations, parks and gardens, and among them 20 species were recorded for the first time on living trees in China. The host(s), occurrence, type of damage, type of decay and distribution of each species in China are given. Most of these wood‐destroying fungi are polypores in the Aphyllophorales, and the majority were found in temperate and boreal forests. Of all the species detected, 88 species are known to cause white rot, and 14 cause brown rot; 25 species are considered as common, 44 occasional, and 33 rare.
Molecular and serological diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis: new answers to old questions?
Authors: Hummel Margit , Buchheidt Dieter
Published: March 2007

Over the recent years, novel molecular and serological methods have been developed to improve diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis (IA) in patients at high risk for fungal infections, especially patients with malignant haematological diseases undergoing intensive chemotherapy. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in the management of fungal infections. However, diagnosis often remains difficult as most of the diagnostic tools in clinical use at present either lack specificity or acceptable sensitivity in the early phase of the infection. The clinical value, advantages and problems of current molecular and serological approaches to diagnose IA are reviewed.
Caspofungin as salvage monotherapy for invasive aspergillosis in patients with haematological malignancies or following allogeneic stem cell transplantation: efficacy and concomitant cyclosporin A
Authors: Morrissey C. O. , Slavin M. A. , O'Reilly M. A. , Daffy J. R. , Seymour J. F. , Schwarer A. P. , Szer J.
Published: March 2007

Caspofungin (CAS) has shown efficacy as salvage monotherapy for invasive aspergillosis (IA) in two open label non‐comparative trials. The association between hepatotoxicity and concomitant use of CAS and cyclosporin A (CsA) has not been fully elucidated. We report results on CAS efficacy in the first cohort from outside Europe and USA and the interaction between CAS and CsA. We retrospectively reviewed the charts of all patients with haematological malignancies or postallogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) who received ≥1 dose of CAS as salvage monotherapy for IA as part of the Australian Special Access Scheme (4/2001‐8/2002). Outcomes were assessed at the end of CAS therapy. Favourable response (FR) was defined as >50% clinical and radiological improvement. Risk factors for elevation of liver transaminases (LTs) were examined using multivariate models. 54 patients were included in the analysis with 47 neutropenic at study entry. Proven or probable IA occurred in 11 and refractory IA in 28. An FR occurred in 26 (48.1%) and predictors for a poor response to CAS were allogeneic HSCT, graft vs. host disease and treatment with CAS for <14 days. Concomitant CAS and CsA for >7 days was an independent risk factor for laboratory hepatoxicity. The CAS efficacy results from the Australian cohort confirm those of previous studies. Close monitoring of LTs is necessary on concomitant CAS and CsA but clinically relevant hepatotoxicity is rare.
Treatment options in candidaemia
Authors: Karthaus Meinolf , Cornely Oliver A.
Published: March 2007

Candida spp. are the fourth leading cause of bloodstream infections. Mortality in candidaemia remains substantial. In recent years Candida non‐albicans species are increasing. Inadequate and delayed antifungal treatment for candidaemia is associated with increased hospital mortality. While fluconazole has been shown to be safe and effective in Candida albicans, amphotericin B deoxycholate has substantial adverse events although being effective in most patients with candidaemia caused by non‐albicans species. With the advent of new antifungals the efficacy and safety of antifungal treatment have been improved substantially. This review summarises the new treatment options in candidaemia.
AUSTRALIAN ENDOCRINE SURGEONS GUIDELINES AES06/01. POSTOPERATIVE PARATHYROID HORMONE MEASUREMENT AND EARLY DISCHARGE AFTER TOTAL THYROIDECTOMY: ANALYSIS OF AUSTRALIAN DATA AND MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
Authors:   AES Guidelines 06/01 Group
Published: March 2007

Background:  The risk of hypocalcaemia after thyroidectomy has traditionally mandated inpatient monitoring for signs and symptoms as well as frequent measurement of serum calcium levels. In recent years there has been much interest in the published work about the use of intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) to better predict hypocalcaemia after thyroidectomy. Although generally accurate, the use of intact parathyroid hormone in Australia has not become widespread. On behalf of the Australian Endocrine Surgeons an analysis of Australian data on the use of PTH levels to predict hypocalcaemia after thyroidectomy was carried out. The data were analysed with a view to making recommendations about the use of this test in clinical practice and the feasibility of achieving safe early discharge for patients.

Methods:  Four recently published or presented Australian studies on the use of early postoperative PTH levels after total or completion thyroidectomy to predict post‐thyroidectomy hypocalcaemia were analysed. Patients were stratified into either normal or low PTH groups as defined by the normal ranges set by each laboratory and rates of hypocalcaemia were analysed.

Results:  A total of 458 patients were examined. Seventy‐six per cent of the patients had PTH in the normal range and hypocalcaemia (serum‐corrected calcium cCa2+ < 2.00 mmol/L) occurred in 17.9% of patients. Sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive values of a normal postoperative PTH level as a predictor of normocalcaemia are 92.6, 70.7 and 92.3%, respectively. Low PTH as a predictor of hypocalcaemia is poor. The overall sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive values are 70.7, 92.6 and 71.6%, respectively.

Conclusion:  Normal postoperative PTH levels accurately predict normocalcaemia after total or completion thyroidectomy. PTH levels should ideally be drawn 4 h postoperatively and patients with PTH in the normal range can be safely discharged on the first postoperative day. Use of oral calcium supplements, either as needed or routinely, will avoid mild symptoms that may develop in 7% without treatment.
UNICOMPARTMENTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY FOR THE TREATMENT OF UNICOMPARTMENTAL OSTEOARTHRITIS: A SYSTEMATIC STUDY
Authors: Griffin Tabatha , Rowden Neville , Morgan David , Atkinson Robert , Woodruff Peter , Maddern Guy
Published: March 2007

Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA), total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and high tibial osteotomy (HTO) may all be used to treat unicompartmental osteoarthritis, but they are often used for different patient groups. However, there is considerable overlap in indications for all three options. The aim of this review was to assess the safety and efficacy of UKA compared with TKA and HTO in unicompartmental osteoarthritis. Studies that compared UKA with either TKA or HTO were identified and included for review. For knee function and postoperative pain, UKA appeared similar to TKA and HTO at 5 years follow up. Range of motion was better in UKA compared with TKA. Complication rates after UKA and TKA appeared similar, although deep vein thrombosis was reported more often after TKA. There were more complications after HTO than UKA. Survival of UKA prostheses was approximately 85–95%, compared with at least 90% for TKA at 10 years follow up. Survivorship for HTO appeared to be less than 85%. It was not clear whether there were more revisions after UKA than TKA, but there appeared to be fewer revisions in UKA compared with HTO. UKA is considered at least as safe as TKA and HTO. For function, UKA appears to be at least as efficacious as TKA and HTO. The survival of UKA compared with TKA and HTO cannot be determined based on the available evidence.
IS EXPLORATION MANDATORY IN PENETRATING ZONE II NECK INJURIES?
Authors: Insull Phillip , Adams Dave , Segar Anand , Ng Alex , Civil Ian
Published: March 2007

Background:  A policy of mandatory neck exploration for zone II injuries deep to platysma was promoted in the 1950s and was associated with a reduction in mortality when compared with expectant or delayed exploration. Recently many trauma centres have been practising selective neck exploration using physical examination and imaging to stratify patients to different management strategies. In the Auckland region, patients with penetrating zone II injury deep to platysma have been managed with mandatory neck exploration. As penetrating injuries in the Auckland region are caused by a range of sharp objects, with gunshot wounds rare, outcomes of management of zone II neck injuries in this population warrant investigation. The aim of this study was to determine the rate of therapeutic neck exploration in patients with penetrating zone II neck injury in the Auckland region and to suggest optimum management strategies for such injuries.

Methods:  Retrospective audit of all patients presenting to Auckland and Middlemore Hospitals, Auckland, New Zealand, between 1995 and 2005 was carried out. Review of electronic clinical records and operation notes was also carried out.

Results:  An overall positive neck exploration rate of 25% was obtained (87% for patients with hard signs on physical examination). Physical examination had a sensitivity of 93% and a positive predictive value of 87% in this case series. Neck exploration was not associated with known complications or missed injuries.

Conclusion:  In the Auckland setting, physical examination would appear to be a safe and reliable method for the stratification of patients for either operative or conservative management.
SCORING SYSTEMS DO NOT ACCURATELY PREDICT OUTCOME FOLLOWING ABDOMINAL AORTIC ANEURYSM REPAIR
Authors: Sandford Rebecca M. , Bown Matthew J. , Sayers Robert D.
Published: March 2007

Background:  Abdominal aortic aneurysm repair is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. This study aims to evaluate the efficiency of scoring systems in a group of patients undergoing abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

Methods:  A prospective study of 152 patients undergoing aneurysm repair was conducted. Each patient was scored according to the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II, Physiological and Operative Severity Score for the enUmeration of Mortality and Morbidity and Simplified Acute Physiology Score II systems. The predicted mortality for each patient was calculated. χ2 analysis was carried out to determine the accuracy of mortality predictions. Receiver–operator curves were drawn to compare scoring systems in terms of sensitivity and specificity.

Results:  In the elective aneurysm repair group, all scoring systems tended to overestimate mortality. Receiver–operator curves showed inaccuracies in identifying patients who were at high risk from surgery. In contrast, predicted mortalities underestimated the true death rate among the ruptured aneurysm group. Receiver–operator curves showed better efficiency of scoring systems in the ruptured aneurysm group than in the elective repair group. There was no significant correlation between predicted and observed mortalities in either group.

Conclusion:  In this study, all systems showed significant errors when predicting mortality. Therefore, although useful as an audit tool, scoring systems should not be used on an individual basis to guide treatment and assess prognosis after surgery.
Wegener’s granulomatosis in New Zealand: evidence for a latitude‐dependent incidence gradient
Authors: O’Donnell J. L. , Stevanovic V. R. , Frampton C. , Stamp L. K. , Chapman P. T.
Published: March 2007

Background: The aim of the study was to determine whether there was evidence for a geographic gradient in the incidence of Wegener’s granulomatosis (WG) and WG‐like disease in New Zealand (NZ).

Methods: The National Minimum Dataset of the Ministry of Health, NZ was searched for individual patient discharges coded by the International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision, Australian Modification as either M301 (polyarteritis with lung involvement, including Churg Strauss and allergic granulomatous angiitis) or M313 (WG, necrotizing respiratory granulomatosis) for the period 1 January 1999 to 31 December 2003. Data were standardized using the 2001 NZ census.

Results: One hundred and ninety‐five patients (95 men) were given a first‐time discharge code of either M301 (40 patients) or M313 (155 patients). No gender bias was seen. The rate among Europeans was twice that of NZ Maoris or Asians. The rate of disease peaked in the age band 70–79 years and during winter months. A significant positive north–south geographic gradient was present for M313. No difference in the rate of readmission or time to relapse between geographic regions was found for M313.

Conclusion: A north–south gradient in the rate of patient discharges given a diagnostic code of M313 (WG, necrotizing respiratory granulomatosis) was present in NZ. This finding supports the hypothesis that there is a latitude‐dependent risk factor(s) for WG possibly common to both global hemispheres.
Prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV infection in Pacific countries
Authors: Rupali P. , Condon R. , Roberts S. , Wilkinson L. , Voss L. , Thomas M. G.
Published: March 2007

Introduction: A generalized epidemic of HIV infection has been evolving in Papua New Guinea over the last decade, whereas in other Pacific Island countries and territories (PICT) HIV transmission has generally been less widespread. Programmes to detect HIV infection in pregnant women and to prevent mother to child transmission (MTCT) during either delivery or breast‐feeding can decrease the incidence of infection in infants. The limited health infrastructure present in some PICT may delay the implementation of effective programmes to decrease MTCT of HIV.

Methods: We used a standardized questionnaire to survey health‐care providers in 22 PICT for information on the epidemiology of HIV infection and strategies used during 2004 to prevent MTCT of HIV infection in their country. We supplemented these survey responses with data obtained from regional organizations supporting national responses to HIV.

Results: We obtained responses from 21 PICT. The reported prevalence of known HIV infection was >150 per 100 000 persons in Papua New Guinea, approximately 100 per 100 000 persons in French Polynesia, Guam, New Caledonia and Tuvalu and <50 per 100 000 persons in the remaining 14 PICT. Other than in Papua New Guinea, where an estimated 500 pregnant women had HIV infection diagnosed in 2004, reported HIV infection among pregnant women was rare. Ten PICT reported that an HIV antibody test was offered as a routine component of antenatal care and 11 reported that antiretroviral medications were available for the prevention of MTCT of HIV infection.

Conclusion: The prevalence of HIV infection differs greatly between PICT with a varying risk of MTCT of HIV infection. Successful prevention of MTCT of HIV infection throughout the PICT will require improved uptake of antenatal HIV antibody testing and better access to antiretroviral medications.
Health effects of war are devastating: pre‐emptive war demands pre‐emptive criticism by the medical profession
Authors: Huggan P. J.
Published: March 2007

The negative health effects of the 2003 invasion of Iraq should act as a watershed in the medical profession’s approach to violent conflict.
Transforming to Teach: Teaching Religion to Today's Black College Student
Authors: Coleman Monica A.
Published: March 2007

Abstract.  Emerging from the particular experiences of the marginalized, postmodern pedagogies (bell hooks, Paolo Freire, feminist pedagogies) argue that education is more than conveying information from teacher to student. Rather education should encompass the transformative process of shaping character, values, and politics through the dynamic interaction among the teacher, the students' experiences, and the content of the instructional material. These perspectives argue that educators should reject “the banking model” of education, and teach to transform.

However, religious studies with today's black college student tests the mettle of these approaches. On the one hand, historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have long practiced transformative education through a commitment to shaping both the minds and characters of their students. On the other hand, many of today's black college students are less receptive to transformation, particularly in the academic study of religion. This resistance to transformation is a reflection of (1) the socio‐economic reality of the current student, and (2) a new black religiosity that portrays the world in binary terms. These economic and religious realities present a teaching context for which few religious scholars are prepared.

This essay discusses the particularities of teaching religion to today's black college student by sharing the challenges, failures, successes, and joys of teaching religion at a small church‐related, historically black women's college in the south. I will discuss the techniques that fail, and the way in which this unique context causes me to transform the way I teach religion. In the midst of a commitment to postmodern pedagogies, I feel a need to return to the banking model's establishment of authority and emphasis on content. As I negotiate with this method, I find ways to stealthily infuse transformative pedagogical techniques. I also discuss the way such a dramatic shift in pedagogy has transformed me, the teacher.
On the Neutrality of Redistribution in a General Equilibrium Model with Public Goods
Authors: VILLANACCI ANTONIO , ZENGINOBUZ ÜNAL
Published: March 2007

Models on private provision of public goods typically involve a single private good and linear production technology for the public good. We study a model with several private goods and nonlinear (strictly concave) production technology. We revisit the question of „neutrality” of government interventions on equilibrium outcomes and show that relative price effects that are absent with a single private good and linear production technology become a powerful channel of redistribution in this case. Contrary to previous results, redistributing endowments in favor of contributors is shown to be neither necessary nor sufficient for increasing the equilibrium level of public good.
Aggregative Public Good Games
Authors: CORNES RICHARD , HARTLEY ROGER
Published: March 2007

We exploit the aggregative structure of the public good model to provide a simple analysis of the voluntary contribution game. In contrast to the best response function approach, ours avoids the proliferation of dimensions as the number of players is increased, and can readily analyze games involving many heterogeneous players. We demonstrate the approach at work on the standard pure public good model and show how it can analyze extensions of the basic model.
Wages in a growing Russia
Authors: Kazakova Elena
Published: March 2007

The robust Russian economic recovery after the 1998 financial crisis raised the economic standing of the population, especially for lowly paid workers, most of whom are women. In this paper I use the Russian Longitudinal Monitoring Survey from 1996 through 2002 to ask whether this helped to reduce the gender wage gap. I first focus on those whose wages are paid in full. Next, I ask about the gender composition of wage arrears as the overall extent of wage arrears dropped from 60 to 20 per cent after the 1998 crisis. I show that a temporary widening of the overall gender wage gap in 2000 is due to low‐wage women becoming more likely to receive their wages in full than low‐wage men. Except for this effect, the male–female pay difference in Russia exhibits a stable pattern.