bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A case of lupus erythematosus/lichen planus overlap syndrome
Authors: NAGAO Kyoko , CHEN Ko‐Ron
Published: March 2006

A case of lupus erythematosus/lichen planus overlap syndrome (LE/LP overlap syndrome) was reported. A 53‐year‐old woman developed violaceous erythema around the nostrils and the upper lips and atrophic scaly erythema on the cheeks and neck. Histopathological studies revealed that the patient had distinct discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE), LP, and a lesion with combined features of DLE and LP. Direct immunofluorescent (DIF) studies of the mixed lesion revealed both prominent immunoglobulin (Ig)G deposits in a granular pattern at the basement membrane zone (BMZ) and IgM deposits in the clusters of cytoid bodies; the former are more typical of LE and the latter more of LP. DIF features in combination were unique for LE/LP overlap syndrome. The patient was satisfactorily treated with topical tacrolimus. While reports support the effectiveness of tacrolimus in either LE or LP, this is the first case of LE/LP overlap syndrome treated with topical tacrolimus.
A case of crusted scabies with a bullous pemphigoid‐like eruption and nail involvement
Authors: NAKAMURA Eri , TANIGUCHI Hiroko , OHTAKI Noriko
Published: March 2006

We report a case of a 71‐year‐old man infected at a nursing home who developed a bullous pemphigoid‐like eruption with nail involvement. He was diagnosed by his family doctor as suffering from eczema and was treated with topical corticosteroids, then blisters started appearing. He was next diagnosed as suffering from bullous pemphigoid and treated with oral prednisolone, which worsened his condition. He was finally diagnosed as having crusted scabies with bullous pemphigoid‐like eruptions and nail involvement at our clinic. He was then prescribed oral ivermectin (two doses of 12 mg ivermectin with a 1‐week interval) and topical lindane (1%γ‐BHC in petrolatum) for scabies with 5% salicylic acid in plastibase as an additional treatment for the crusted lesions on his soles. He showed remarkable improvement in 2 weeks, and his nails showed complete recovery after 7 weeks of occlusive dressing treatment with 1%γ‐BHC. One and a half years later, the patient showed no sign of a recurrence of scabies. The histology of a blister taken from this patient was similar to that of bullous pemphigoid. Direct immunofluorescence showed immunoglobulin (Ig)G and C3 deposition at the dermoepidermal junction similar to that of bullous pemphigoid, but indirect immunofluorescence was negative. The bullous symptoms of this patient were considered to be due to the scabies, because the patient recovered completely after receiving treatment for scabies. Indirect immunofluorescent study is important to distinguish between scabies with blister formation and true bullous pemphigoid.
Autoerythrocyte sensitization syndrome associated with grief complications
Authors: GUNDOGAR Duru , YUKSEL BASAK Pınar , BAYSAL AKKAYA Vahide , AKARSU Ozlem
Published: March 2006

The clinical presentation of a patient with autoerythrocyte sensitization syndrome associated with a complicated grief reaction is reported. A 50‐year‐old female patient presented with recurrent episodes of painful ecchymotic bruising on the lower extremities which started in 1995 after the sudden death of her son and exacerbated almost every year at approximately the same time her son died as an anniversary reaction. No pathological findings were detected in the laboratory examinations. The diagnosis was confirmed by induction of similar lesions by i.d. injection of the patient's own washed erythrocytes and whole blood. Psychiatric assessment revealed that the patient was depressed, socially introverted, overly defensive and avoidant in interpersonal relationships. Antidepressant treatment and psychotherapy for major depression and grief complications were started with the patient. Having an awareness of this rare condition will assist in the prevention of unnecessary investigations in such cases and will allow early referral for appropriate psychological counseling.
PHACES syndrome presenting as hemangiomas, sternal clefting and congenital ulcerations on the helices
Authors: DURUSOY Cicek , MIHCI Ercan , TACOY Sukran , OZAYDIN Eda , ALPSOY Erkan
Published: March 2006

Sternal malformation/vascular dysplasia association is a very rare condition comprised of midline defects and hemangiomas of the face and anterior trunk, that can be found as part of the PHACES phenotypic spectrum (posterior fossa malformations, hemangiomas, arterial anomalies, coarctations of the aorta, cardiac defects and eye abnormalities, sternal clefting). Herein, we describe a 6‐month‐old boy with sternal cleft, extensive segmental hemangiomas, and a depigmented scar on the tip of the xyphoid process, corresponding to a sternal malformation/vascular dysplasia association. He also had bilateral cutaneous ulcerations on the helices. Our case report indicates that ulceration of a hemangioma can occur before significant proliferation and may even be present congenitally.
Linkage mapping of gene‐associated SNPs to pig chromosome 11
Authors: Sawera M. , Cirera S. , Jørgensen C. B. , Gorodkin J. , Fredholm M.
Published: March 2006

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were discovered in porcine expressed sequence tags (ESTs) orthologous to genes from human chromosome 13 (HSA13) and predicted to be located on pig chromosome 11 (SSC11). The SNPs were identified as sequence variants in clusters of EST sequences from pig cDNA libraries constructed in the Sino–Danish pig genome project. In total, 312 human gene sequences from HSA13 were used for similarity searches in our pig EST database. Pig ESTs showing significant similarity with HSA13 genes were clustered and candidate SNPs were identified. Allele frequencies for 26 SNPs were estimated in a group of 80 unrelated pigs from Danish commercial pig breeds: Duroc, Hampshire, Landrace and Large White. Eighteen of the 26 SNPs genotyped in the PiGMaP Reference Families were mapped by linkage analysis to SSC11. The EST‐based SNPs published here are new genetic markers useful for linkage and association studies in commercial and experimental pig populations. This study represents the first gene‐associated SNP linkage map of pig chromosome 11 and adds new comparative mapping information between SSC11 and HSA13. Furthermore, our data facilitate future studies aimed at the identification of interesting regions on pig chromosome 11, positional cloning and fine mapping of quantitative trait loci in pig.
Association of polymorphisms in the bovine FASN gene with milk‐fat content
Authors: Roy R. , Ordovas L. , Zaragoza P. , Romero A. , Moreno C. , Altarriba J. , Rodellar C.
Published: March 2006

Fatty acid synthase (FASN) is a multifunctional protein that carries out the synthesis of fatty acids so it plays a central role in de novo lipogenesis in mammals. Previously, we defined the genetic structure and expression of the bovine FASN gene. Our mapping studies placed FASN on BTA19 (19q22) where several quantitative trait loci (QTL) affecting milk‐fat content and related traits have been described. This study was conducted to identify polymorphisms in the bovine FASN gene and to study their association with milk‐fat content. The bovine FASN gene was screened for polymorphisms in two cattle breeds. Sequence analysis revealed several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and two of them were analysed: a G>C substitution in the untranslated exon 1 (g.763G>C), altering a potential Sp1 transcription factor‐binding site, and an A>G substitution in exon 34 (g.16009A>G), which determines a non‐conservative substitution of threonine by alanine. Allele‐specific amplification of the SNPs in FASN revealed significant frequency differences for both polymorphisms in Holsteins with high and low breeding values for milk‐fat content. The intragenic haplotypes comprising exon 1 (alleles G and C) and exon 34 (alleles A and G) polymorphisms were studied, and the existence of linkage disequilibrium between these SNPs was found (DCG = 0.048, P < 0.001). Our results suggest that the FASN gene polymorphisms contribute to variation in milk‐fat content. We propose that the bovine FASN gene is a candidate gene for a milk‐fat content QTL.
Overcoming graft rejection in heavily transfused and allo‐immunised patients with bone marrow failure syndromes using fludarabine‐based haematopoietic cell transplantation
Authors: Srinivasan Ramaprasad , Takahashi Yoshiyuki , Philip McCoy J. , Espinoza‐Delgado Igor , Dorrance Colleen , Igarashi Takehito , Lundqvist Andreas , John Barrett A. , Young Neal S , Geller Nancy , Childs Richard W.
Published: March 2006

Allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) can cure a variety of non‐malignant haematological disorders. Although transplant outcomes for selected patients with severe aplastic anaemia (SAA) and paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH) have improved, older age, allo‐immunisation from transfusions, prior immunosuppressive therapy and a prolonged time from diagnosis to transplantation are associated with worse outcome. Because of its potent immunosuppressive effects, we investigated a fludarabine‐based non‐myeloablative conditioning regimen in patients with transfusion‐dependent non‐malignant haematological disorders at increased risk for graft rejection with conventional transplant conditioning. Twenty‐six patients with transfusion dependent/anti‐thymocyte globulin (ATG)‐refractory SAA, PNH or pure red cell aplasia underwent HCT from a human leucocyte antigen (HLA)‐compatible relative. Transplant conditioning consisted of cyclophosphamide (120 mg/kg) and fludarabine (125 mg/m2) with or without ATG. Ciclosporine, alone or combined with mycophenolate mofetil or methotrexate, was used as graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis. All patients achieved durable engraftment and transfusion‐independence. Twenty‐four of 26 patients are alive at a median of 21 months following transplantation. Although a high cumulative incidence of acute (65% grades II–IV, 54% grades III–IV) and chronic GVHD (56%) was observed, only one patient died from transplant‐related causes (cumulative incidence 7%). These data show that HCT following fludarabine‐based non‐myeloablative conditioning results in durable engraftment and excellent survival in SAA and PNH patients at high risk for graft rejection.
Degree and clinical relevance of sensitization to common allergens among adults: a population study in Helsinki, Finland
Authors: Pallasaho P. , Rönmark E. , Haahtela T. , Sovijärvi A. R. A , Lundbäck B.
Published: March 2006

Background
We aimed to assess the prevalence of allergic sensitization and multiple sensitization, risk factors, and the clinical impact of being sensitized in the adult population of Helsinki, Finland.

Methods
As a part of the FinEsS study, a population‐based random sample of 498 adults aged 26–60 years were tested for 15 common aeroallergens with skin prick tests (SPTs) and interviewed on respiratory symptoms and diseases, including respiratory irritants and childhood environment.

Results
The prevalence of at least one positive prick test was 46.9%. A large difference by age was found: 56.8% were sensitized among those aged 26–39 years, 49.2% in the age group 40–49 years, and 35.6% in the age group 50–60 years (P<0.001). Sensitization to multiple allergens was common among young subjects with 42% of the sensitized responding to at least four allergens, while this proportion was only 16% of the sensitized among those aged 50–60 years. The prevalence of physician‐diagnosed asthma, allergic rhinitis (AR) or conjunctivitis, and wheeze increased significantly with increasing number of positive responses to SPTs. Having a family history of AR or conjunctivitis was a significant risk factor for allergic sensitization and for sensitization to any of the pollens. Further, urban living in childhood yielded an increased risk for pollen sensitization.

Conclusions
The prevalence of allergic sensitization was high in the urban adult population of Helsinki. More than half of those aged 26–39 years was sensitized and 24% was sensitized to at least four allergens. Sensitization to multiple allergens was associated with a high prevalence of asthma, AR or conjunctivitis, and wheeze.
In contrast to specific B cells, human basophils are unaffected by the toxic activity of an allergen toxin due to lack of internalization of immunoglobulin E‐bound allergen
Authors: Wicklein D. , Stöcker M. , Klockenbring T. , Huhn M. , Wodrich M. , Haas H. , Becker W.‐M. , Barth S. , Petersen A.
Published: March 2006

Background
Specific immunotherapy is the only curative therapy for type I allergies and the alarming increase in allergy prevalence emphasizes the need for additional/alternative strategies for curative treatment. Allergen toxins (AT), fusion products of an allergen with an apoptosis inducing cytotoxin, are a new kind of immunotoxin.

Objective
AT should allow allergen‐specific targeting and elimination of allergy‐relevant cells, with B cells being the primary target. An important question is the fate of the effector cells, e.g. mast cells and basophils, which carry allergen‐specific IgE: the immunotoxin might even prove to be harmful.

Methods
We established a reliable in vitro B cell model (using two mouse hybridoma cell lines) for testing specificity and toxicity of P5‐ETA′, a fusion protein of the major timothy grass pollen allergen Phl p 5b and truncated Pseudomonas Exotoxin A. In a second step, we investigated the impact of the AT on human basophils.

Results
P5‐ETA′ reliably eliminated Phl p 5‐specific cells in the in vitro B cell model, leaving unspecific B cells unharmed. Human basophils of grass pollen allergic donors specifically bound P5‐ETA′, released IL‐4 and up‐regulated the activation marker CD203c, but were not subject to the toxic effect because of lack of internalization of IgE‐bound allergen.

Conclusion
According to our data, basophils are pure effector cells in the context of IgE‐bound allergen and not involved in classical antigen presentation.
Too clean, or not too clean: the Hygiene Hypothesis and home hygiene
Authors: Bloomfield S. F. , Stanwell‐Smith R. , Crevel R. W. R. , Pickup J.
Published: March 2006

The ‘hygiene hypothesis’ as originally formulated by Strachan, proposes that a cause of the recent rapid rise in atopic disorders could be a lower incidence of infection in early childhood, transmitted by unhygienic contact with older siblings. Use of the term ‘hygiene hypothesis’ has led to several interpretations, some of which are not supported by a broader survey of the evidence. The increase in allergic disorders does not correlate with the decrease in infection with pathogenic organisms, nor can it be explained by changes in domestic hygiene. A consensus is beginning to develop round the view that more fundamental changes in lifestyle have led to decreased exposure to certain microbial or other species, such as helminths, that are important for the development of immunoregulatory mechanisms. Although this review concludes that the relationship of the hypothesis to hygiene practice is not proven, it lends strong support to initiatives seeking to improve hygiene practice. It would however be helpful if the hypothesis were renamed, e.g. as the ‘microbial exposure’ hypothesis, or ‘microbial deprivation’ hypothesis, as proposed for instance by Bjorksten. Avoiding the term ‘hygiene’ would help focus attention on determining the true impact of microbes on atopic diseases, while minimizing risks of discouraging good hygiene practice.
Competition enzyme‐linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) can be a sensitive method for the specific detection of small quantities of allergen in a complex mixture
Authors: Dobrovolskaia E. , Gam A. , Slater J. E.
Published: March 2006

Rationale
The competition ELISA assay is used to determine the potency of US standardized allergen extracts. We have been concerned that the competition ELISA is not sensitive to changes in individual allergen levels. This study was designed to determine the sensitivity of the competition ELISA to detect the specific loss of Bla g 1 and Bla g 2 in cockroach extracts.

Methods
German cockroach extract E3Cg was made from defatted German cockroaches. New Zealand White rabbits were immunized with rBla g 1 or rBla g 2. Optimal dilutions of anti‐Bla g 1 and anti‐Bla g 2 sera were established by ELISA. E3Cg was selectively depleted of Bla g 1 or Bla g 2 by immunoabsorption with anti‐Bla g 1 or anti‐Bla g 2 attached to Protein G agarose beads. Competition ELISA using pooled human sera, or mixed anti‐Bla g 1 and anti‐Bla g 2 serum, was performed on the depleted extracts, and on depleted extracts reconstituted with rBla g 1 or rBla g 2.

Results
Unlike pooled human‐allergic IgE sera, anti‐Bla g 1 and anti‐Bla g 2 IgG – in dilutions as low as 10−6, could be used in the competition ELISA to measure the loss of allergen in depleted E3Cg. As little as 0.001 μg/mL of added rBla g 1 and 0.1 μg/mL of added rBla g 2, could be detected.

Conclusion
The competition ELISA can be highly sensitive to compositional differences in complex allergen mixtures, even when the specific detecting antibody is present in relatively small amounts.
Effects of a reversible β‐tryptase and trypsin inhibitor (RWJ‐58643) on nasal allergic responses
Authors: Erin E. M. , Leaker B. R. , Zacharasiewicz A. , Higgins L. A. , Nicholson G. C. , Boyce M. J. , de Boer P. , Jones R. C. , Durham S. R. , Barnes P. J. , Hansel T. T.
Published: March 2006

Background
β‐Tryptase is a multifunctional mast cell serine protease released during mast cell degranulation and tryptase/trypsin inhibitors are a novel potential therapeutic approach for allergic inflammatory diseases.

Objectives
This study was performed to assess the effects of RWJ‐58643 on nasal symptoms, eosinophil influx, and cytokine and chemokine release following nasal allergen challenge (NAC).

Methods
Male patients with grass pollen allergic rhinitis (n=16) out of season received single doses of RWJ‐58643 (100, 300, 600 μg) or matched placebo given 30 min before NAC in a double‐blind, randomized crossover design. A single dose of 200 μg budesonide was studied in an open‐label extension phase. NAC was performed with Timothy grass pollen (ALK) via a nasal device, and nasal lavage was performed at times 0 (pre‐drug, pre‐allergen), 0.5 (30 min post‐drug, pre‐NAC) 1.5, 2.5, 4.5, 6.5, 8.5, and 24 h after drug administration. Nasal lavage mediators were analysed using a sensitive multiplexed bead immunoassay system.

Results
Low‐dose RWJ‐58643 (100 μg) and budesonide (200 μg) significantly reduced symptoms, eosinophils and levels of IL‐5 following NAC. However, higher doses of RWJ‐58643 (300 and 600 μg) caused a late eosinophilia and preceding increases in IL‐5 compared with placebo.

Conclusions
This study suggests that combined β‐tryptase and trypsin inhibition has therapeutic potential in allergic inflammation, however, this property is dose responsive and higher doses are ineffective and may cause eosinophilia.
A stable model of cirrhotic portal hypertension in the rat: thioacetamide revisited
Authors: Laleman W. , Elst I. Vander , Zeegers M. , Servaes R. , Libbrecht L. , Roskams T. , Fevery J. , Nevens F.
Published: March 2006

Background  Cirrhotic animal models are vital to investigate complications of chronic liver disease. We chronologically characterized the effect of thioacetamide, administrated orally and adapted weekly to weight changes, focusing on the optimal moment to obtain all typical features of portal hypertension and cirrhosis.

Materials and methods  Male Wistar rats, 200–250 g, were intoxicated for 6, 12 or 18 weeks (n = 8 per group), respectively, and compared with age‐matched controls (n = 4 per group). An in‐situ perfusion model was used to evaluate intrahepatic resistance and endothelial function. Splanchnic blood flow and portosystemic shunting were assessed by a perivascular flow probe.

Results  Rats intoxicated for 6 or 12 weeks had no mortality and histologically showed hepatitis and advanced fibrosis, respectively. At 18 weeks, mortality was 16% (on a total of 56 animals) and only at that moment all animals showed homogenous macronodular cirrhosis with signs of high‐grade hepatocellular dysplasia. Portal hypertension was present at 12 weeks (11 ± 0·4 vs. 5·9 ± 0·4 mmHg, P < 0·001), but was not associated with the hyperdynamic state until 18 weeks (12·1 ± 0·8 vs. 5·6 ± 0·5 mmHg, P < 0·001). At this latter time‐point, we also observed increased intrahepatic resistance associated with endothelial dysfunction, hyperresponsiveness to vasoconstrictors, splanchnic hyperaemia and portosystemic shunting. These alterations were associated with increased systemic levels of nitrate/nitrite and thromboxane A2.

Conclusion  Thioacetamide, adapted to weekly weight changes, leads to a homogenous, reproducible model of cirrhosis in the rat in 18 weeks, which is associated with all the typical characteristics of portal hypertension, including endothelial dysfunction.
Interaction between cigarette, alcohol and betel nut use on esophageal cancer risk in Taiwan
Authors: Wu I. C. , Lu C. Y. , Kuo F. C. , Tsai S. M. , Lee K. W. , Kuo W. R. , Cheng Y. J. , Kao E. L. , Yang M. S. , Ko Y. C.
Published: March 2006

Objective  In 2003 esophageal cancer was the sixth leading cause of death among men in Taiwan, but it is the fastest increasing (70%) alimentary tract cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of different habits of betel nut chewing on esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and its interaction with cigarette use and alcohol consumption.

Materials and methods  All 165 cases were pathologically proven esophageal SCC patients (all male, mean age = 56·0, range = 35–92 years) diagnosed by biopsy during gastroendoscopic examinations. The control group comprised 255 subjects (all male, mean age = 54·8, range = 40–92 years) selected from patients who had visited the Otolaryngology Outpatient or Inpatient Department of KMUH owing to a benign lesion over this field. All were interviewed to collect demographic and substance use information by a trained interviewer using a standardized questionnaire.

Results  Smoking (aOR = 5·4, 95% CI = 2·4–12·9, PAR = 72%), alcoholic beverage drinking (aOR = 17·6, 95% CI = 9·3–35·2, PAR = 76%) and low education level are independent risk factors for esophageal cancer. Although betel nut chewers only had a borderline significant higher risk than nonchewers (aOR = 1·7; 95% CI = 0·8–3·1), those who chewed with a piece of betel inflorescence (aOR = 4·2, 95% CI = 1·4–16·0) and swallow betel‐quid juice (aOR = 3·3, 95% CI = 1·3–9·3) had a significant higher risk. Significant dose–response effects were found in daily quantity of drinking and smoking. There is a synergistic effect of these three substances on the development of esophageal cancer.

Conclusion  Betel nut chewing plays a relevant role in the development of esophageal SCC but adds to the carcinogenetic effect of smoking and alcohol drinking. Direct mucosal contact of betel juice may contribute to its carcinogenesis
Effects of atorvastatin on high‐density lipoprotein apolipoprotein A‐I metabolism in dogs
Authors: Briand F. , Magot T. , Krempf M. , Nguyen P. , Ouguerram K.
Published: March 2006

Background  The mechanisms involved in the decline of high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) levels at a higher dose of atorvastatin have not yet been elucidated. We investigated the effects of atorvastatin on HDL‐apolipoprotein (apo) A‐I metabolism in dogs, a species lacking cholesteryl ester transfer protein activity.

Materials and methods  Seven ovariectomized normolipidaemic female Beagle dogs underwent a primed constant infusion of [5,5,5‐2H3] leucine to determine HDL‐apo A‐I kinetics before and after atorvastatin treatment (5 mg kg−1 d−1 for 6 weeks). Plasma lipoprotein profiles, activity of HDL‐modifying enzymes involved in reverse cholesterol transport and hepatic scavenger receptor class B type I (SR‐BI) expression were also studied.

Results  Atorvastatin treatment decreased HDL‐cholesterol levels (3·56 ± 0·24 vs. 2·64 ± 0·15 mmol L−1, P < 0·05). HDL‐triglycerides were not affected. HDL‐phospholipids levels were decreased (4·28 ± 0·13 vs. 3·29 ± 0·13 mmol L−1, P < 0·05), as well as phospholipids transfer protein (PLTP) activity (0·83 ± 0·05 vs. 0·60 ± 0·05 pmol µL−1 min−1, P < 0·05). Activity of lecithin: cholesterol acyl transferase (LCAT), hepatic lipase (HL) and SR‐BI expression did not change. HDL‐apo A‐I absolute production rate (APR) was higher after treatment (twofold, P < 0·05) as well as fractional catabolic rate (FCR) (threefold, P < 0·05). This resulted in lower HDL‐apo A‐I levels (2·36 ± 0·03 vs. 1·55 ± 0·04 g l−1, P < 0·05). Plasma lipoprotein profiles showed a decrease in large HDL1 levels, with lower apo A‐I and higher apo E levels in this subfraction.

Conclusions  Although a high dose of atorvastatin up‐regulated HDL‐apo A‐I production, this drug also increased HDL‐apo A‐I FCR in dogs. This effect could be explained by a higher uptake of apo E‐enriched HDL1 by hepatic lipoprotein receptors.
Insulin secretion and sensitivity as determinants of HbA1c in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Monnier L. , Colette C. , Thuan J‐F. , Lapinski H.
Published: March 2006

Background  Defects in insulin secretion and sensitivity, two major determinants of glycaemic control, can occur and progress or not in parallel. The present study was designed to compare the respective roles of both determinants on HbA1c, in type 2 diabetic patients, according to whether or not residual beta‐cell function was stimulated with insulin secretagogues.

Materials and methods  Insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity were both estimated using the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA). HbA1c, insulin sensitivity (HOMA2%S) and insulin secretion (HOMA2%B) were determined in 289 noninsulin‐using type 2 diabetic patients who were further divided into two groups according to treatment: metformin alone (group I, n = 57) or metformin and glyburide (group II, n = 232). The patients of both groups were further divided into three subsets in order to test the dependence of HbA1c on HOMA2%B and HOMA2%S.

Results  In group I mean HbA1c were greater (8·4%) in patients with HOMA2%B < 50% than in the two subsets with HOMA2%B ≥ 50%: 7·2 and 6·8% (P = 0·0013). In group II mean values of stimulated‐insulin secretion (HOMA2%B) were lesser (40·7 and 30·1%) in the two subsets of patients with HbA1c ≥ 8% than in patients with HbA1c < 8%: 55·1% (P < 0·0001). By contrast, we found no differences in both groups with HOMA2%S. A stepwise multiple regression showed that HOMA2%B contributed to HbA1c more than HOMA2%S both in groups I (33·5% vs. 23·4%) and II (22·7% vs. 8%).

Conclusions  Although the role of insulin sensitivity is not negligible, insulin secretion appears to be the major determinant of diabetic control in overt type 2 diabetic patients who are treated with metformin alone or with a two‐drug therapy combining metformin and glyburide.
Increased coronary sinus blood temperature: correlation with systemic inflammation
Authors: Toutouzas K. , Drakopoulou M. , Markou V. , Stougianos P. , Tsiamis E. , Tousoulis D. , Stefanadis C.
Published: March 2006

Background  Recent studies have shown that patients with single vessel coronary artery disease (CAD) suffering from acute coronary syndromes (ACS) have increased coronary sinus (CS) blood temperature compared with the right atrium (RA). The aim of this study was to investigate whether there is a correlation between systemic inflammatory indexes and CS temperature and whether there is a difference in CS temperature between patients with single vs. multivessel disease.

Materials and methods  We included consecutive patients scheduled for coronary angiography for recent‐onset chest pain evaluation. We measured C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels in the study population. Coronary sinus and RA blood temperature measurements were performed by a 7F thermography catheter. ΔΤ was calculated by subtracting the RA from the CS blood temperature.

Results  The study population comprised 53 patients with ACS, 25 patients with stable angina (SA) and 22 subjects without CAD (control group). ΔΤ was greater in patients with ACS and with SA compared with the control group (0·22 ± 0·10 °C, 0·18 ± 0·04 °C vs. 0·14 ± 0·07 °C, P < 0·01 for both comparisons). The ACS group had greater ΔΤ compared with the SA group, although the difference did not reach statistical significance (P = 0·09). Eighteen (39·1%) out of 46 patients with multivessel disease had three‐vessel disease and 28 (60·8%) had two‐vessel disease. ΔΤ between patients with multivessel and single vessel disease was similar (0·22 ± 0·01 °C, 0·19 ± 0·01 °C, P = 0·17). The levels of CRP were well correlated with ΔΤ (R = 0·35b, P < 0·01).

Conclusions  Systemic inflammation is well correlated with CS temperature; thus, an inflammatory process could be the underlying mechanism for increased heat production from the myocardium.
C and N availability affects the 15N natural abundance of the soil microbial biomass across a cattle manure gradient
Authors: Dijkstra P. , Menyailo O. V. , Doucett R. R. , Hart S. C. , Schwartz E. , Hungate B. A.
Published: March 2006

The availability of C and N to the soil microbial biomass is an important determinant of the rates of soil N transformations. Here, we present evidence that changes in C and N availability affect the 15N natural abundance of the microbial biomass relative to other soil N pools. We analysed the 15N natural abundance signature of the chloroform‐labile, extractable, NO3–, NH4+ and soil total N pools across a cattle manure gradient associated with a water reservoir in semiarid, high‐desert grassland. High levels of C and N in soil total, extractable, NO3–, NH4+ and chloroform‐labile fractions were found close to the reservoir. The δ15N value of chloroform‐labile N was similar to that of extractable (organic + inorganic) N and NO3– at greater C availability close to the reservoir, but was 15N‐enriched relative to these N‐pools at lesser C availability farther away. Possible mechanisms for this variable 15N‐enrichment include isotope fractionation during N assimilation and dissimilation, and changes in substrate use from a less to a more 15N‐enriched substrate with decreasing C availability.
Decrease in thermal conductivity with increasing temperature in nearly dry sandy soil
Authors: Sakaguchi I. , Momose T. , Kasubuchi T.
Published: March 2006

To clarify the role of the water bridges between soil particles on the transfer of heat we studied the dependence of thermal conductivity (λ) and electrical conductivity (E) on temperature between 278 and 338 K of sand and sand mixed with kaolin in the nearly dry state. The thermal conductivity decreased as temperature increased in the sand at volumetric water contents less than 0.07 m3 m−3, but it increased in the sand–kaolin mixture over the measured range of water content. In the sand, the ratio of E in the soil solution to the electrical conductivity of pure water increased gradually with increasing water content at the water contents less than 0.05 m3 m−3 and was almost constant at larger water contents. The ratio of E of the sand–kaolin mixture increased with increasing water content, particularly at the lower temperature. For both samples the ratio of E decreased as temperature increased, which suggested that the conduction of heat decreased through the decrease in the water bridges as temperature increased. Because the decrease in λwith increasing temperature could not be explained by the transfer of latent heat transfer, we considered that the temperature dependence of λwas due not only to the transfer of latent heat but also to the thermal bridge of water. We conclude that the condensation, conduction and evaporation in series involved in the latent heat transfer take place mainly through the water films. Our experimental results will help to understand the mechanism of the latent heat transfer in soil with the water films surrounding the soil particles.
Lignin turnover in an agricultural field: from plant residues to soil‐protected fractions
Authors: Rasse D. P. , Dignac M.‐F. , Bahri H. , Rumpel C. , Mariotti A. , Chenu C.
Published: March 2006

Lignin has long been suspected to be a major source of stable carbon in soils, notably because of the recalcitrant nature of its polyphenolic structure relative to other families of plant molecules. However, lignin turnover studies have produced conflicting results, most of them suggesting that large proportions of plant‐residue lignin decompose within a year of incorporation into soils. Here, we propose a two‐reservoir model where lignin in undecomposed plant residue (Lp) can either reach soil fractions where it is somewhat protected from further decomposition (Ls) or is transformed to non‐lignin products. Model calibration data were obtained through compound‐specific 13C isotopic analyses conducted in a zero‐ to 9‐year chronosequence of maize monoculture after wheat in a temperate loam soil of the Paris basin. Lignin was quantified by CuO oxidation as VSC‐lignin, i.e. the sum of vanillil‐ (V), syringyl‐ (S) and coumaryl‐type (C) phenols. Model calibrations indicate that Lp has a turnover rate faster than 1 year and that 92% is mineralized as CO2 or transformed into other non‐lignin products, while only 8% reaches the Ls fraction. Estimated turnover rate of the Ls fraction was 0.05 years−1. The model also suggested that about half of Lp was not measured because it had been excluded from the samples in the process of sieving at 5 mm. In conclusion, the model indicates that chemical recalcitrance alone is not sufficient to explain VSC‐lignin turnover in soils, and that, functionally, the most relevant mechanism appears to be the transfer of VSC‐lignin molecules and fragments from decomposing plant tissues to soil‐protected fractions.
Trading safety for food: evidence from gut contents in roach and bleak captured at different distances offshore from their daytime littoral refuge
Authors: MACIEJ GLIWICZ Z. , SLON JAROSLAW , SZYNKARCZYK IWONA
Published: March 2006

1. Regular diel habitat shifts in roach were detected by hydro‐acoustics in five moderately eutrophic, stratifying (maximum depth 24–27 m) and approximately circular lakes (of surface area 15, 75, 125, 300 and 900 ha and diameters 250, 600, 1000, 1700 and 2600 m) in north‐eastern Poland in the years 1998–2000, when the lakes were free of smelt and other typical offshore planktivores, and their offshore areas were completely free of fish during the day.

2. The diel change in roach distribution was shown to assume a similar pattern in each lake: fish migrated from a daytime littoral refuge towards the centre of the lake at dusk, and returned to the littoral refuge at dawn. After sunset, fish gradually dispersed offshore until they covered the entire lake area in each of the three smaller lakes. In each of the two larger lakes, only small numbers of fish were seen in the central area at night, implying that the centre of the lake retained high food availability throughout the summer.

3. Inshore–offshore gradients in zooplankton prey density, body size, and numbers of eggs per clutch were weak or undetectable in the two smallest lakes, but strong and persistent in the three larger lakes, with Daphnia densities 5–30 times as high and body length 1.2–1.5 times as great in the central area as inshore.

4. The likely increase in the potential predation risk with distance from the littoral daytime refuge was found to be compensated by increased food gains in those fish which moved offshore at dusk to feed within a short time window, when light intensity was lower to make the risk reduced, but still high enough to see zooplankton prey. The benefit because of increased prey acquisition was greatest in the centre of the largest lake (at 1300 m from the shore), as revealed from gut inspections of roach and bleak trawl‐sampled at different distances from the edge of the reed belt, and seen as a gradual, order‐of‐magnitude increase in the volume of food in the foregut, The food volume against distance‐from‐shore regression was highly significant on each of the four sampling dates in the largest lake, in spite of the wide variability of food volume in individual fish.
Trophic fractionation of carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes in Chironomus riparius reared on food of aquatic and terrestrial origin
Authors: GOEDKOOP WILLEM , ÅKERBLOM NINA , DEMANDT MARNIE H.
Published: March 2006

1. Trophic fractionation was studied in short‐term laboratory feeding experiments with larvae of the deposit‐feeding midge Chironomus riparius. Larvae were fed food of terrestrial (oats, peat) and aquatic origin (Spirulina, Tetraphyll®).

2. By analysing both whole larvae and isolated gut contents we were able to distinguish between the isotopic signature of recently ingested food and that of assimilated carbon and nitrogen in body tissue. Additionally we studied the effects of microbial conditioning, i.e. the colonisation and growth on food particles of microbes, on the isotopic signal of food resources.

3. Nitrogen fractionation for the different food types ranged from 0.67‰ to 2.68‰ between consumer and diet and showed that isotopic fractionation can be much lower than the value of 3.4‰ that is commonly assumed.

4. Microbial degradation of food particles resulted in an approximate doubling of the δ15N in 8 days, from 6.24 ± 0.05‰ to 11.36 ± 0.56‰. Values for δ13C increased only marginally, from −20.66 ± 0.11‰ to −20.34 ± 0.12‰. These results show that microbial conditioning of food may affect dietary isotope signatures (in particular N) and, unless accounted for, could introduce an error in measures of trophic fractionation. Microbial conditioning could well account for some of the variation in fractionation reported in the literature.
Assessing the importance of a self‐generated detachment process in river biofilm models
Authors: BOULÊTREAU STÉPHANIE , GARABÉTIAN FRÉDÉRIC , SAUVAGE SABINE , SÁNCHEZ‐PÉREZ JOSÉ‐MIGUEL
Published: March 2006

1. Epilithic biofilm biomass was measured for 14 months in two sites, located up‐ and downstream of the city of Toulouse in the Garonne River (south‐west France). Periodical sampling provided a biomass data set to compare with simulations from the model of Uehlinger, Bürher and Reichert (1996: Freshwater Biology, 36, 249–263.), in order to evaluate the impact of hydraulic disturbance.

2. Despite differences in application conditions (e.g. river size, discharge, frequency of disturbance), the base equation satisfactorily predicted biomass between low and high water periods of the year, suggesting that the flood disturbance regime may be considered a universal mechanism controlling periphyton biomass.

3. However modelling gave no agreement with biomass dynamics during the 7‐month long low water period that the river experienced. The influence of other biomass‐regulating factors (temperature, light and soluble reactive phosphorus) on temporal biomass dynamics was weak.

4. Implementing a supplementary mechanism corresponding to a temperature‐dependent self‐generated loss because of heterotrophic processes allowed us to accurately reproduce the observed pattern: a succession of two peaks. This case study suggests that during typical summer low water periods (flow stability and favourable temperature) river biofilm modelling requires self‐generated detachment to be considered.
The evidence for shrub expansion in Northern Alaska and the Pan‐Arctic
Authors: TAPE KEN , STURM MATTHEW , RACINE CHARLES
Published: March 2006

One expected response to climate warming in the Arctic is an increase in the abundance and extent of shrubs in tundra areas. Repeat photography shows that there has been an increase in shrub cover over the past 50 years in northern Alaska. Using 202 pairs of old and new oblique aerial photographs, we have found that across this region spanning 620 km east to west and 350 km north to south, alder, willow, and dwarf birch have been increasing, with the change most easily detected on hill slopes and valley bottoms. Plot and remote sensing studies from the same region using the normalized difference vegetation index are consistent with the photographic results and indicate that the smaller shrubs between valleys are also increasing. In Canada, Scandinavia, and parts of Russia, there is both plot and remote sensing evidence for shrub expansion. Combined with the Alaskan results, the evidence suggests that a pan‐Arctic vegetation transition is underway. If continued, this transition will alter the fundamental architecture and function of this ecosystem with important ramifications for the climate, the biota, and humans.
Desertification in the Sahel: a reinterpretation
Authors: HEIN LARS , DE RIDDER NICO
Published: March 2006

The impact of human management, in particular livestock grazing, on the vegetation cover of the Sahel is still debated. In a range of studies, satellite images have been used to analyze the development of the Sahelian vegetation cover over time. These studies did not reveal any significant degradation of the Sahel in the last two decades. In this paper, we examine the ecological assumptions underlying the use of satellite imagery to analyze degradation of the Sahel. Specifically, we analyze the variability of the rain‐use efficiency (RUE), which is often used as an indicator for the state of the vegetation cover. We detect a fundamental flaw in the way RUE has been handled in most remote sensing studies; they ignored the relation between annual rainfall variation and RUE. Because of the upward trend in annual rainfall that occurred during the 1980s and 1990s, this leads to a bias in the interpretation of the satellite images. In this paper, we show the importance of the variability in RUE for the analysis of remote sensing imagery of semiarid rangelands. Our analysis also shows that it is likely that there has been anthropogenic degradation of the Sahelian vegetation cover in the last two decades. This has important consequences for the debate on the impacts of grazing on semiarid rangelands. Furthermore, the occurrence of anthropogenic degradation is relevant to explain the magnitude of 20th century Sahelian droughts. The analyses also indicate that the population of the Sahel may be more vulnerable for droughts than currently assumed.
Endemic species and ecosystem sensitivity to climate change in Namibia
Authors: THUILLER WILFRIED , MIDGLEY GUY F. , HUGHES GREG O. , BOMHARD BASTIAN , DREW GILL , RUTHERFORD MICHAEL C. , WOODWARD F. IAN
Published: March 2006

We present a first assessment of the potential impacts of anthropogenic climate change on the endemic flora of Namibia, and on its vegetation structure and function, for a projected climate in ∼2050 and ∼2080. We used both niche‐based models (NBM) to evaluate the sensitivity of 159 endemic species to climate change (of an original 1020 plant species modeled) and a dynamic global vegetation model (DGVM) to assess the impacts of climate change on vegetation structure and ecosystem functioning.

Endemic species modeled by NBM are moderately sensitive to projected climate change. Fewer than 5% are predicted to experience complete range loss by 2080, although more than 47% of the species are expected to be vulnerable (range reduction >30%) by 2080 if they are assumed unable to migrate. Disaggregation of results by life‐form showed distinct patterns. Endemic species of perennial herb, geophyte and tree life‐formsare predicted to be negatively impacted in Namibia, whereas annual herb and succulent endemic species remain relatively stable by 2050 and 2080. Endemic annual herb species are even predicted to extend their range north‐eastward into the tree and shrub savanna with migration, and tolerance of novel substrates. The current protected area network is predicted to meet its mandate by protecting most of the current endemicity in Namibia into the future. Vegetation simulated by DGVM is projected to experience a reduction in cover, net primary productivity and leaf area index throughout much of the country by 2050, with important implications for the faunal component of Namibia's ecosystems, and the agricultural sector. The plant functional type (PFT) composition of the major biomes may be substantially affected by climate change and rising atmospheric CO2– currently widespread deciduous broad leaved trees and C4 PFTs decline, with the C4 PFT particularly negatively affected by rising atmospheric CO2 impacts by ∼2080 and deciduous broad leaved trees more likely directly impacted by drying and warming. The C3 PFT may increase in prominence in the northwestern quadrant of the country by ∼2080 as CO2 concentrations increase. These results suggest that substantial changes in species diversity, vegetation structure and ecosystem functioning can be expected in Namibia with anticipated climate change, although endemic plant richness may persist in the topographically diverse central escarpment region.
A study of Gleason score interpretation in different groups of UK pathologists; techniques for improving reproducibility
Authors: Griffiths D F R , Melia J , McWilliam L J , Ball R Y , Grigor K , Harnden P , Jarmulowicz M , Montironi R , Moseley R , Waller M , Moss S , Parkinson M C ,   in collaboration with the participating pathologists listed
Published: March 2006

Aims:  To test the effectiveness of a teaching resource (a decision tree with diagnostic criteria based on published literature) in improving the proficiency of Gleason grading of prostatic cancer by general pathologists.

Methods:  A decision tree with diagnostic criteria was developed by a panel of urological pathologists during a reproducibility study. Twenty‐four general histopathologists tested this teaching resource. Twenty slides were selected to include a range of Gleason score groups 2–4, 5–6, 7 and 8–10. Interobserver agreement was studied before and after a presentation of the decision tree and criteria. The results were compared with those of the panel of urological pathologists.

Results:  Before the teaching session, 83% of readings agreed within ± 1 of the panel's consensus scores. Interobserver agreement was low (κ = 0.33) compared with that for the panel (κ = 0.62). After the presentation, 90% of readings agreed within ± 1 of the panel's consensus scores and interobserver agreement amongst the pathologists increased to κ = 0.41. Most improvement in agreement was seen for the Gleason score group 5–6.

Conclusions:  The lower level of agreement among general pathologists highlights the need to improve observer reproducibility. Improvement associated with a single training session is likely to be limited. Additional strategies include external quality assurance and second opinion within cancer networks.
The combination of millimetres of cancer and Gleason index in core biopsy is a predictor of extraprostatic disease
Authors: López J I , Etxezarraga C
Published: March 2006

Aims:  The Gleason index (GI) is related to several pathological endpoints in radical prostatectomy (RP) specimens, including the risk of extraprostatic disease (ED). The amount of tumour (TM) in core biopsy (CB) specimens also correlates with staging. The aim was to determine whether the sum of the relative statistical weights of GI and TM in CBs strengthens the prediction of ED in RPs.

Methods and results:  A series of 290 RPs and their previous respective CBs were reviewed. TM and the GI were blindly evaluated in CBs and statistically correlated with ED in RPs. A total of 60 (20.6%) RPs showed ED. The logistic regression model indicated that all cases with > 22 mm of cancer in CB showed ED in RP. All cases with a GI > 7 and > 12 mm of cancer in CB displayed ED. Finally, Pearson's χ2 revealed that 80% of cases with a GI > 7 and ≥ 5 mm of cancer in CB showed ED in RP.

Conclusions:  The combined evaluation of GI and TM in CB is a useful method to strengthen the prediction of ED, is based on two simple morphological criteria and may be used as an additional tool to choose the best treatment modality.