bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial variability of satellite visible radiances in dust and dust‐cloud mixed conditions: Implications for dust detection
Authors: Darmenov Anton , Sokolik Irina N.
Published: July 2009

Using data from MODIS for the 2000–2004 time period, we performed a statistical analysis of visible radiances observed in the presence of mineral dust in cloud‐free and cloudy conditions over oceans. Spatial variability of the 555 nm radiances was examined by introducing two different measures: standard deviation (STD) and a local inhomogeneity parameter (LIP). We demonstrate that introducing the probability density function (PDF) of STD offers a new framework for probabilistic dust detection. We show that the probabilistic approach gives more accurate discrimination of dust from clouds compared with the MODIS fixed STD threshold method. Furthermore, the probabilistic approach enables one to determine the confidence level and skill of dust detection. In addition, we examined the capability of the probabilistic detection of dust‐cloud mixed pixels currently not considered by operational algorithms. A low classification skill of dust‐cloud pixels was found. Introducing multivariate PDFs by including multispectral data might help to overcome this problem.
Correlation between scintillation indices and gradient drift wave amplitudes in the northern polar ionosphere
Authors: Burston Robert , Astin Ivan , Mitchell Cathryn , Alfonsi Lucilla , Pedersen Todd , Skone Susan
Published: July 2009

A model is developed of the gradient drift instability growth rate in the north polar cap ionosphere, utilizing a novel approach employing an ionospheric imaging algorithm. The growth rate values calculated by this model are in turn used to estimate how the amplitudes of actual gradient drift waves vary over time as the plasma drifts and the growth rates change with time. Ionospheric imaging is again used in order to determine plasma drift velocities. The final output from the model is in turn used to assess the linear correlation between the scintillation indices S4 and σ recorded by several GPS L1 band scintillation receivers stationed in the north polar cap and mean gradient drift wave amplitudes. Four separate magnetic storm periods, totaling 13 days, are analyzed in this way. The results show weak but significant linear correlations between the mean wave amplitudes calculated and the observed scintillation indices at F layer altitudes.
Assessment of Neck Lumps in Primary Care
Authors: Bajwa Junaid , Vaz F , Haq Imran
Published: July 2009

Lumps in the neck are a common clinical finding, affecting all age groups. Neck lumps may be extremely worrying for both physician and patient, as a wide variety of pathological conditions can present with a lump in the neck. This can therefore result in difficulties in diagnosis.
Coeliac Disease
Authors: Foley Emily
Published: July 2009

Coeliac disease has historically been considered a rare gastro-intestinal disorder with most clinicians expecting to recognize the overt childhood presentation of chronic diarrhoea, malabsorption and failure to thrive. In fact, it is estimated to affect 1% of the general population, often presenting in adulthood with a multitude of intestinal and extra-intestinal manifestations. It is a chronic, permanent, autoimmune condition, which if left untreated, can be potentially life threatening. The only effective treatment is complete, lifelong removal of gluten from the diet with long-term follow-up. Currently, for every adult patient diagnosed, eight cases are estimated to go undetected, indicating a failure in case finding in primary care. This article aims to improve symptom awareness of coeliac disease, highlight common pitfalls in diagnosis and management, discuss common associations and provide guidance in gluten-free prescribing.
Gallbladder Disease
Authors: McDermott Sean
Published: July 2009

The manifestation of gallbladder disease varies widely in terms of symptoms, clinical signs and severity. Gallstones, for example, affect 10–15% of the adult population, equating to more than 5 million people in the UK. Indeed, gallbladder calculi are the most common abdominal problem leading to hospital admission. In addition, the cholecystectomy is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures, with 50 000 per year in the UK. This article aims to summarize gallbladder diseases including congenital gallbladder disorders, gallbladder calculi, their sequelae and gallbladder cancer.
Peptic Ulcer Disease
Authors: Woodland P. J. , Stubbs Ben
Published: July 2009

People in Western populations have a 1 in 10 lifetime risk of developing peptic ulcer disease. Although recent decades have seen major advances in our knowledge and treatment of peptic ulcers, symptoms and complications from peptic ulcers remain a significant problem for primary and secondary care practitioners. Primary care practitioners have a central role in the prevention, recognition and treatment of peptic ulcers. This article summarizes the causes, presentations, investigation and current treatment of peptic ulcer disease.
Acute Leukaemia
Authors: Mehta Milan M. , Kemp Timothy S. , Hardo Faddy
Published: July 2009

A cute leukaemias are malignant disorders that arise from the clonal proliferation of a single haematopoietic stem cell. The morbidity and mortality associated with acute leukaemias are due to the effects of bone marrow failure which arises from the accumulation of abnormal blood cells in the bone marrow.
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation
Authors: Ye Jian , Lichtenstein Samuel V.
Published: July 2009

There has been significant improvement in device designs, operative techniques, and early clinical outcomes in <5 years. Presently, there are two catheter-based bioprostheses (balloon expandable or self-expandable), which have been widely used in humans and are undergoing clinical investigations. Three approaches, including transvenous, transarterial, and transapical have been used for delivery of the catheter-based bioprostheses, and transarterial and transapical approaches have been adopted by cardiologists and cardiac surgeons worldwide. The most recent clinical results have been very encouraging and promising. With experience, 30-day operative mortality with either balloon-expandable or self-expandable bioprosthesis was reduced significantly to approximately 10% in high-risk patients. In vivo long-term durability of catheter-based bioprostheses remains unknown, and presently transcatheter procedure is limited to the cohort of high-risk patients. Expanding this new technology to low-risk patients should be done with extreme caution because conventional aortic valve replacement still provides the best long-term outcome with minimal operative mortality and morbidity in low-risk patients. Ongoing clinical trials will address many unanswered questions, such as patient selection, long-term in vivo durability, preoperative assessment, and the role of the procedures in management of valvular diseases.
Paracardioscopy Provides Endoscopic Visualization of the Heart
Authors: Kiser Andy C.
Published: July 2009

Paracardioscopy provides totally endoscopic access to the heart via a transabdominal, transdiaphragmatic approach. Structures such as the pulmonary veins, inferior vena cava, left and right atrial appendage, and posterior left atrium can be visualized. Epicardial cardiac procedures, such as ablation procedures for atrial fibrillation, can be successfully performed using this development. This report describes paracardioscopy.
The Effect of the Cryosurgical Cox-Maze Procedure on Pulmonary Veins Diameter and Left Atrial Size
Authors: Bogot Naama R. , Elami Amir , Shaham Dorith , Berman Philip M. , Sosna Jacob , Ad Niv
Published: July 2009

Objective

The Cox-Maze procedure using cryoablation results in transmural lesions, which follow the lesion pattern of the cut-and-sew Cox-Maze procedure. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the effect of the Cox-Maze procedure on left atrial and pulmonary vein size using computed tomography angiogram (CTA). An additional aim was to evaluate pulmonary vein anatomic variability.

Methods

Six patients (four women and two men; ages 39–63 years, mean age 54.3) underwent chest CTA 1 day before and 38 to 104 days (mean 62.6 days) after the cryosurgical Cox-Maze procedure. Measurements of pulmonary vein ostia and left atrial cranio-caudal, left-to-right and anterior-posterior diameters were derived by consensus. The change in diameters after therapy was compared using the Wilcoxon nonparametric test for paired measurements. Four patients (1 woman and 3 men; age 57–73 years; mean age 59) were evaluated with postoperative CTA alone 296–530 days (mean 447) after surgery, for the development of postoperative pulmonary vein stenosis. A single patient underwent preoperative CTA, but surgery was not performed. Pulmonary venous anatomy was recorded in all 11 patients.

Results

Sinus rhythm was restored in all operated patients. No focal ostial stenosis of the pulmonary veins was observed. The quantitative assessment in the six patients with preoperative and postoperative studies disclosed only slight changes in pulmonary vein diameter with either reduction or dilatation of no more than 20% from baseline (P > 0.05). There was a consistent trend toward decrease in left atrial dimensions, which did not reach statistical significance. Six patients (55%) had standard pulmonary venous anatomy and five patients (45%) had at least one variation in their pulmonary vein anatomy.

Conclusions

In this study, we found that a very intensive cryoablation protocol around the pulmonary veins did not result in pulmonary vein stenosis. In addition, a relatively high incidence of anatomic variations of the pulmonary veins was documented.
Beyond networks: opinion formation in triplet-based populations
Authors: Zanette Damián H.
Published: July 2009

We study a process of opinion formation in a population of agents whose interaction pattern is defined on the basis of randomly distributed groups of three agents (triplets), in contrast to networks, which are defined on the basis of agent pairs. Results for the time needed to reach full consensus are compared between a triplet-based structure with a given number of triplets and a random network with the same number of triangles. The full-consensus time in the triplet structure is systematically lower than in the network. This discrepancy can be ascribed to differences in the shape of the probability distribution for the number of triplets and triangles per agent in each interaction pattern.
Entropic transport: a test bed for the Fick–Jacobs approximation
Authors: Burada P. Sekhar , Schmid Gerhard , Hänggi Peter
Published: July 2009

Biased diffusive transport of Brownian particles through irregularly shaped, narrow confining quasi-one-dimensional structures is investigated. The complexity of the higher dimensional diffusive dynamics is reduced by means of the so-called Fick–Jacobs approximation, yielding an effective one-dimensional stochastic dynamics. Accordingly, the elimination of transverse, equilibrated degrees of freedom stemming from geometrical confinements and/or bottlenecks causes entropic potential barriers that the particles have to overcome when moving forward noisily. The applicability and the validity of the reduced kinetic description are tested by comparing the approximation with Brownian dynamics simulations in full configuration space. This non-equilibrium transport in such quasi-one-dimensional irregular structures implies, for moderate-to-strong bias, a characteristic violation of the Sutherland–Einstein fluctuation–dissipation relation.
Thermal conductivity, relaxation and low-frequency vibrational mode anomalies in glasses: a model using the Fermi–Pasta–Ulam nonlinear Hamiltonian
Authors: Romero-Arias J. R. , Salazar F. , Naumis G. G. , Fernandez-Anaya G.
Published: July 2009

We present a nonlinear model that allows exploration of the relationship between energy relaxation, thermal conductivity and the excess of low-frequency vibrational modes (LFVMs) that are present in glasses. The model is a chain of the Fermi–Pasta–Ulam (FPU) type, with nonlinear second neighbour springs added at random. We show that the time for relaxation is increased as LFVMs are removed, while the thermal conductivity diminishes. These results are important in order to understand the role of the cooling speed and thermal conductivity during glass transition. Also, the model provides evidence for the fundamental importance of LFVMs in the FPU problem.
Transition from pulses to fronts in the cubic–quintic complex Ginzburg–Landau equation
Authors: Gutiérrez Pablo , Escaff Daniel , Descalzi Orazio
Published: July 2009

The cubic–quintic complex Ginzburg–Landau is the amplitude equation for systems in the vicinity of an oscillatory sub-critical bifurcation (Andronov–Hopf), and it shows different localized structures. For pulse-type localized structures, we review an approximation scheme that enables us to compute some properties of the structures, like their existence range. From that scheme, we obtain conditions for the existence of pulses in the upper limit of a control parameter. When we study the width of pulses in that limit, the analytical expression shows that it is related to the transition between pulses and fronts. This fact is consistent with numerical simulations.
Where is the love? The social aspects of mimicry
Authors: van Baaren Rick , Janssen Loes , Chartrand Tanya L. , Dijksterhuis Ap
Published: July 2009

One striking characteristic of human social interactions is unconscious mimicry; people have a tendency to take over each other's posture, mannerisms and behaviours without awareness. Our goal is to make the case that unconscious mimicry plays an important role in human social interaction and to show that mimicry is closely related to and moderated by our connectedness to others. First we will position human unconscious mimicry in relation to types of imitation used in cognitive psychology and cognitive neuroscience. Then we will provide support for social moderation of mimicry. Characteristics of both the mimicker and the mimickee influence the degree of mimicry in a social interaction. Next, we turn to the positive social consequences of this unconscious mimicry and we will present data showing how being imitated makes people more assimilative in general. In the final section, we discuss what these findings imply for theorizing on the mechanisms of imitation and point out several issues that need to be resolved before a start can be made to integrate this field in the broader context of research on imitation.
Human respiratory syncytial virus A2 strain replicates and induces innate immune responses by respiratory epithelia of neonatal lambs
Authors: Olivier Alicia , Gallup Jack , De Macedo Marcia M.M.A. , Varga Steven M. , Ackermann Mark
Published: July 2009

Human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) is a pneumovirus that causes significant respiratory disease in premature and full‐term infants. It was our hypothesis that a common strain of RSV, strain A2, would infect, cause pulmonary pathology, and alter respiratory epithelial innate immune responses in neonatal lambs similarly to RSV infection in human neonates. Newborn lambs between 2 and 3 days of age were inoculated intrabronchially with RSV strain A2. The lambs were sacrificed at days 3, 6, and 14 days postinoculation. Pulmonary lesions in the 6‐day postinoculation group were typical of RSV infection including bronchiolitis with neutrophils and mild peribronchiolar interstitial pneumonia. RSV mRNA and antigen were detected by qPCR and immunohistochemistry, respectively with peak mRNA levels and antigen at day 6. Expression of surfactant proteins A and D, sheep beta‐defensin‐1 and thyroid transcription factor‐1 mRNA were also assessed by real‐time qPCR. There was a significant increase in surfactant A and D mRNA expression in RSV‐infected animals at day 6 postinoculation. There were no significant changes in sheep beta‐defensin‐1 and thyroid transcription factor‐1 mRNA expression. This study shows that neonatal lambs can be infected with RSV strain A2 and the pulmonary pathology mimics that of RSV infection in human infants thereby making the neonatal lamb a useful animal model to study disease pathogenesis and therapeutics. RSV infection induces increased expression of surfactant proteins A and D in lambs, which may also be an important feature of infection in newborn infants.
Experimental mouse models for hepatocellular carcinoma research
Authors: Heindryckx Femke , Colle Isabelle , Van Vlierberghe Hans
Published: July 2009

Every year almost 500,000 new patients are diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a primary malignancy of the liver that is associated with a poor prognosis. Numerous experimental models have been developed to define the pathogenesis of HCC and to test novel drug candidates. This review analyses several mouse models useful for HCC research and points out their advantages and weaknesses. Chemically induced HCC mice models mimic the injury‐fibrosis‐malignancy cycle by administration of a genotoxic compound alone or, if necessary, followed by a promoting agent. Xenograft models develop HCC by implanting hepatoma cell lines in mice, either ectopically or orthotopically; these models are suitable for drug screening, although extrapolation should be considered with caution as multiple cell lines must always be used. The hollow fibre assay offers a solution for limiting the number of test animals in xenograft research because of the ability for implanting multiple cell lines in one mouse. There is also a broad range of genetically modified mice engineered to investigate the pathophysiology of HCC. Transgenic mice expressing viral genes, oncogenes and/or growth factors allow the identification of pathways involved in hepatocarcinogenesis.
Proteolytic processing of Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) and biochemical characterisation of hydrolysates
Authors: Beaulieu Lucie , Thibodeau Jacinthe , Bryl Piotr , Carbonneau Marie‐Élise
Published: July 2009

Research on fish composition has demonstrated that they constitute a promising source of molecules with health benefits. In the present study, Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) was processed using Protamex® and the distribution of nutrients in various fractions obtained following membrane filtration was analysed. The fish starting material was approximately 84% water and the dry matter contained 42.7% proteins, 45.2% lipids and 5.6% minerals. The recovery of fish dry matter in the liquid hydrolysate was 77.8%. Most of the fractions were protein‐enriched and characterised by a well‐balanced amino acid composition, notably in terms of the most essential amino acids and by molecules of relatively low molecular weight (≤42 kDa). Even before process optimising, the biochemical and nutritional analyses indicate that the Atlantic mackerel may provide high‐value products for future applications in the health and food sectors.
The effect of mincing method on the quality of refrigerated whiting burgers
Authors: Köse Sevim , Balaban Murat O. , Boran Muhammet , Boran Gökhan
Published: July 2009

Different mincing methods in the preparation of refrigerated whiting burgers had a significant effect on the products’ quality during storage (P < 0.05). The burgers containing pre‐cooked mince products (PCMP) had the lowest microbial load with longest sensory shelf life (10 days). Oven drying of dry ingredients with subsequent hygienic practices markedly decreased microbial load in final products, from 5.30 to <1.47 log CFU g−1 for PCMP, 5.80–2.45 log CFU g−1 for washed mince products (WMP), 5.65–2.14 log CFU g−1 for unwashed mince products. The lowest trimethylamine and total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB‐N) were observed with WMP reaching 14.7 and 42.03 mg per 100 g, respectively, at the end of storage. The differences in average surface colours of samples with different preparations and different additives were significant after mincing, but decreased after addition of ingredients, and after cooking. This study indicates the possibility of using pre‐cooking as a method for formulated fish mince‐based products as it had the highest consumer acceptance as well as longer sensory shelf life despite its higher values of trimethylamine and TVB‐N compared with WMP.
A test of life‐history theories of immune defence in two ecotypes of the garter snake, Thamnophis elegans
Authors: Sparkman Amanda Marie , Palacios Maria Gabriela
Published: July 2009

1. Life‐history theorists have long observed that fast growth and high reproduction tend to be associated with short life span, suggesting that greater investment in such traits may trade off with self‐maintenance. The immune system plays an integral role in self‐maintenance and has been proposed as a mediator of life‐history trade‐offs.

2. Ecoimmunologists have predicted that fast‐living organisms should rely more heavily on constitutive innate immunity than slow‐living organisms, as constitutive innate defences are thought to be relatively inexpensive to develop and can provide a rapid, general response to pathogens.

3. We present the first study to examine this hypothesis in an ectothermic vertebrate, by testing for differences in three aspects of constitutive innate immunity in replicate populations of two life‐history ecotypes of the garter snake Thamnophis elegans, one fast‐living and one slow‐living.

4. As predicted, free‐ranging snakes from the fast‐living ecotype had higher levels of all three measures of constitutive innate immunity than the slow‐living ecotype. These differences in immunity were not explained by parasite loads measured. Furthermore, both ecotypes exhibited a positive relationship between innate immunity and body size/age, which we discuss in the context of ectotherm physiology and ecotype differences in developmental rates.
Reciprocal phenotypic plasticity can lead to stable predator–prey interaction
Authors: Mougi Akihiko , Kishida Osamu
Published: July 2009

1. Inducible defences of prey and inducible offences of predators are prevalent strategies in trophic interactions with temporal variation. Due to the inducible properties of the functional traits themselves, which drive the dynamic predator–prey relationship on an ecological time‐scale, predator and prey may reciprocally interact through their inducible traits (i.e. reciprocal phenotypic plasticity).

2. Although overwhelming evidence of the stabilizing effect of inducible traits in either species on community dynamics forcefully suggests a critical ecological role for reciprocal plasticity in predator–prey population dynamics, our understanding of its ecological consequences is very limited.

3. Within a mathematical modelling framework, we investigated how reciprocal plasticity influences the stability of predator–prey systems.

4. By assuming two types of phenotypic shift, a density‐dependent shift and an adaptive phenotypic shift, we examined two interaction scenarios with reciprocal plasticity: (i) an arms‐race‐like relationship, in which the defensive prey phenotype is more protective against both predator phenotypes (i.e. normal and offensive) than the normal prey phenotype, and the offensive predator is a more efficient consumer, preying upon both prey phenotypes (i.e. normal and defensive), than the normal predator and (ii) a matching response‐like relationship, in which the offensive predator consumes more defensive prey and fewer normal prey than the normal predator.

5. Results of both phenotypic shift models consistently suggest that given the used set of parameter values, the arms‐race‐like reciprocal plasticity scenario has the largest stability area, when compared with the other scenarios. In particular, higher stability is achieved when the prey exhibits a high‐performance inducible defence. Furthermore, this stabilization is so strong that the destabilizing effects of enrichment may be eliminated, even though the higher flexibility of plasticity does not always stabilize a system.

6. Recent empirical studies support our model predictions. Clear‐cut examples of reciprocal phenotypic plasticity show an arms‐race‐like relationship in which prey species exhibit induced high‐performance defences. We may need to re‐examine reported predator–prey interactions in which predator or prey exhibits inducible plasticity to determine whether arms‐race‐like reciprocal plasticity is a general ecological phenomenon.
Comparison of two skin examination methods for grade 1 pressure ulcers
Authors: Kottner Jan , Dassen Theo , Lahmann Nils
Published: July 2009

Aims and objectives.  The purpose of this study was to find out whether the application of a transparent device for diagnosing grade 1 pressure ulcers influences grade 1 pressure ulcer prevalence rates and the total number of observed grade 1 pressure ulcers.

Background.  It is assumed that the accuracy of visual grade 1 pressure ulcer diagnosis is enhanced if a transparent device is used.

Design.  Quasi‐experimental.

Method.  Within a pressure ulcer prevalence study participating institutions were divided into groups at random. Data collecting nurses of the intervention group (n = 4667) applied a transparent disc. Data collecting nurses of the control group (n = 5095) conducted skin inspection using the ‘finger‐method’. Group comparisons were conducted. Relations between skin assessment methods and grade 1 pressure ulcer prevalence was analysed by logistic regressions.

Results.  Both groups were comparable regarding demographic characteristics. Grade 1 pressure ulcer prevalence in the intervention group was 3·9% and 7·1% in the control group (p<0·001). The total number of observed grade 1 pressure ulcers was 282 (intervention group) and 555 (control group). The chance to identify at least one grade 1 pressure ulcer increased when the ‘finger method’ was used (p<0·001).

Conclusions.  The use of a transparent disc influences the grade 1 pressure ulcer prevalence rates and the total number of observed grade 1 pressure ulcers.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Accurate identification of grade 1 pressure ulcers is important, because the development of those skin alterations indicate an urgent need for preventive measures. As the diagnosis of grade 1 pressure ulcers seems to be affected by the observation method, it is unknown which method is the more accurate. A study of diagnostic accuracy is needed to answer this question. It is recommended to report pressure ulcer prevalence rates including and excluding grade 1.
Children and young people’s strategies to access information during a family member’s critical illness
Authors: Kean Susanne
Published: July 2009

Background. Including children and young people in family research increases study complexity and as a consequence they are excluded from most studies and little is known about their experiences with critical illness in their families.

Aim. The overall study aimed at exploring families’ experiences with critical illness in intensive care and nurses’ perception of families. This article presents findings in relation to one specific aspect, namely how children accessed information while a family member was in ICU.

Design. Constructivist grounded theory.

Method. Focus groups with families and nurses. The study was organised in two phases (1) family group interviews and (2) focus groups with nurses. Reported data originate from nine family interviews (12 adults, 12 children/ young people). Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and imported into NVivo for data management and analysis. The principal approach in grounded theory, the constant comparative method, was followed.

Results. The findings suggest that the themes ‘adults controlling information’, ‘keeping normality in life’ and ‘fishing for information’ reflected the children and young people's experiences in accessing information during a critical illness in their families. The activities children and young people described, which constructed these themes appeared to result directly from issues of clinical and functional uncertainty. The strategies children and young people developed to access information about their family member’s critical illness emerged in the context of power asymmetries in families.

Conclusion. It is suggested that including young people in critical illness situations is crucial to supporting them through a time of uncertainty. Being able to visit their loved one in ICU was an important means to access information for young people in this study.

Relevance to clinical practice. Parents and nurses need to reflect on young people’s ability and right to participate by being open and honest with children of all ages.
Modulation of inhibitory neurotransmission in brainstem vagal circuits by NPY and PYY is controlled by cAMP levels
Authors: Browning K. N. , Travagli R. A.
Published: July 2009

Abstract Pancreatic polypeptides such as neuropeptide Y (NPY) and peptide YY (PYY) exert profound, vagally mediated effects on gastrointestinal (GI) motility. Vagal efferent outflow to the GI tract is determined principally by tonic GABAergic synaptic inputs onto dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV) neurons, yet neither peptide modulates GABAergic transmission. We showed recently that opioid peptides appear similarly ineffective because of the low resting cAMP levels. Using whole cell recordings from identified DMV neurons, we aimed to correlate the influence of brainstem cAMP levels with the ability of pancreatic polypeptides to modulate GABAergic synaptic transmission. Neither NPY, PYY, nor the Y1 or Y2 receptor selective agonists [Leu,Pro]NPY or NPY(3‐36) respectively, inhibited evoked inhibitory postsynaptic current (eIPSC) amplitude unless cAMP levels were elevated by forskolin or 8‐bromo‐cAMP, by exposure to adenylate cyclase‐coupled modulators such as cholecystokinin octapeptide (sulfated) (CCK‐8s) or thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH), or by vagal deafferentation. The inhibition of eIPSC amplitude by [Leu,Pro]NPY or NPY(3‐36) was stable for approximately 30 min following the initial increase in cAMP levels. Thereafter, the inhibition declined gradually until the agonists were again ineffective after 60 min. Analysis of spontaneous and miniature currents revealed that such inhibitory effects were due to actions at presynaptic Y1 and Y2 receptors. These results suggest that, similar to opioid peptides, the effects of pancreatic polypeptides on GABAergic transmission depend upon the levels of cAMP within gastric inhibitory vagal circuits.
The North American cranberry fruit rot fungal community: a systematic overview using morphological and phylogenetic affinities
Authors: Polashock J. J. , Caruso F. L. , Oudemans P. V. , McManus P. S. , Crouch J. A.
Published: July 2009

Cranberry fruit rot (CFR) is caused by many species of fungi, with the contribution of any given species to the disease complex varying among plantings of Vaccinium macrocarpon within a site, sites within regions, and among regions and years. This study assessed the morphological and molecular variability of five widespread CFR‐causing fungi: Phyllosticta vaccinii, Coleophoma empetri, Colletotrichum acutatum, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and Physalospora vaccinii. Although the majority of isolates had morphological characteristics consistent with published descriptions, some were atypical. For example, non‐chromogenic isolates of C. acutatum were recovered from British Columbia and white isolates of Physalospora vaccinii were recovered in addition to the more common dark isolates. On the basis of sequence analysis of the ITS and large subunit rDNA (LSU), it appears that Phyllosticta vaccinii, C. empetri, C. gloeosporioides and C. acutatum are genetically uniform on cranberry in North America. This suggests the possibility that these fungal species were introduced to cultivated cranberries and concomitantly moved with planting material to new locations. In contrast, white isolates of Physalospora had ITS and LSU sequences distinct from those of their dark counterparts, with phylogenetic analyses suggesting that these isolates represent either different species or distinct members of highly divergent populations. Taxonomic placement of all species based on phylogenetic relationships was consistent with morphological placement, with the exception of Physalospora vaccinii. Unlike other Physalospora species, CFR isolates of Physalospora vaccinii were not allied with the Xylariomycetidae; instead, these fungi were members of the Sordariomycetidae. A deeper taxonomic analysis is needed to resolve this inconsistency in familial affiliation.
Biphasic haustorial differentiation of coffee rust (Hemileia vastatrix race II) associated with defence responses in resistant and susceptible coffee cultivars
Authors: Ramiro D. A. , Escoute J. , Petitot A.‐S. , Nicole M. , Maluf M. P. , Fernandez D.
Published: July 2009

The objective of this study was to assess whether defence responses in coffee (Coffea arabica) were linked to a specific developmental stage of the rust fungus Hemileia vastatrix. Histological observations in compatible and incompatible high‐yielding Brazilian coffee cultivars showed that the fungus produced ‘pioneer’ haustoria in adjacent and subsidiary stomatal cells soon after entering the stomata, followed by later developed ‘secondary haustoria’ which invade mesophyll cells. In the incompatible interaction between Race II and cv. Tupi, a strong and transient H2O2 generation at infection sites was detected at 39 h post inoculation (hpi) during secondary haustoria formation. In addition, clear‐cut differences in defence gene expression between compatible and incompatible interactions were only observed during the secondary haustoria formation. Transcripts of the pathogenesis‐related (PR) genes CaPR1b and CaPR10 accumulated to maximal levels at 39 hpi (38‐ and 86‐fold, respectively) in the incompatible interaction, but stayed at low levels in the compatible interaction. In contrast, the CaWRKY1 gene and the CaRLK gene were only induced in the susceptible cultivar. These results indicated that the specific resistance of cv. Tupi was expressed after differentiation of the H. vastatrix secondary haustoria. Analysis showed no evidence of specific recognition of coffee rust at the pioneer haustoria stage, suggesting that haustoria components are not recognized by, or not secreted into, the subsidiary and adjacent cells of the stomata. Additionally, the present study provides new insights into the colonization process of the coffee rust fungus.
Treatment of Old World cutaneous leishmaniasis with dapsone, itraconazole, cryotherapy, and imiquimod, alone and in combination
Authors: Al‐Mutairi Nawaf , Alshiltawy Mazen , Khalawany Mohamed El , Joshi Arun , Eassa Bayoumy Ibrahim , Manchanda Yashpal , Gomaa Samir , Darwish Ibrahim , Rijhwani Manish
Published: July 2009

Background  Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a major public health problem. The currently available therapies are expensive, not freely available, toxic, and not always curative. A simple, effective, noninvasive therapeutic approach is required for the treatment of CL.

Aims  To determine the clinical patterns of CL and to report our experience in the management of CL.

Methods  One hundred and ten patients with CL seen between January 2005 and December 2007 were included in this study. The diagnosis was based on clinical features, parasitologic diagnosis, histopathology, and culture. Each patient was treated according to disease severity with either topical (cryotherapy or imiquimod) or systemic (itraconazole or dapsone) monotherapy, or a combination of these modalities.

Results  CL was more common in adult expatriate men, with the upper limbs as the most commonly affected site. Noduloulcerative CL was the most common presentation (84.6%). Atypical CL was found in 18 patients. Skin biopsy was the most common diagnostic technique (66.6%). Monotherapy showed an overall success rate of 56.41%, whereas combination therapy was successful in 69.56% of cases. Cryotherapy alone was successful in 68.18% of cases. Imiquimod alone was ineffective.

Conclusion  A stepwise approach represents a rational and practical way of confirming CL. A combination of itraconazole/dapsone and topically applied imiquimod is safe, simple, and effective for the treatment of CL. More studies are needed to establish the role of such an approach. Cryotherapy is also safe, simple and effective for the treatment of CL.
Serum mucosa‐associated epithelial chemokine (MEC/CCL28) in atopic dermatitis: a specific marker for severity
Authors: Ezzat Mohamed Hesham Mohamed , Sallam Mohamed Abdelnaeem , Shaheen Kareem Yehia Ali
Published: July 2009

Background  Mucosa‐associated epithelial chemokine (MEC; CCL28) is considered to be pivotal in mediating the migration of CC chemokine receptor 3‐ and 10‐ (CCR3‐ and CCR10)‐expressing, skin‐homing, memory, cutaneous lymphocyte‐associated antigen‐positive (CLA+) T cells. CCL28 is selectively and continuously expressed by epidermal keratinocytes, but highly upregulated in inflammatory skin diseases, such as atopic dermatitis (AD).

Aim  This controlled longitudinal study was designed to evaluate the expression of CCL28 in serum in childhood AD and bronchial asthma (BA), and its possible relationship to disease severity and activity.

Methods  Serum CCL28 levels were measured in 36 children with AD, 23 with BA, 14 with both conditions, and 21 healthy age‐ and sex‐matched controls. Sixteen patients in the AD group were followed up and resampled for serum CCL28 after clinical remission. Serum CCL28 levels were correlated with some AD disease activity and severity variables.

Results  Serum CCL28 levels in AD, whether during flare [median, 1530 pg/mL; mean ± standard deviation (SD) = 1590.4 ± 724.3 pg/mL] or quiescence (median, 1477 pg/mL; mean ± SD = 1575.2 ± 522.1 pg/mL), were significantly higher than those in healthy children (median, 301 pg/mL; mean ± SD = 189.6 ± 92.8 pg/mL); however, the levels during flare and quiescence were statistically comparable. The serum levels in BA (median, 340 pg/mL; mean ± SD = 201.6 ± 109.5 pg/mL) were significantly lower than those in the AD group, and comparable with those in healthy controls. Serum CCL28 levels in severe AD were significantly higher than those in mild and moderate cases, and correlated positively with the calculated severity scores [Leicester Sign Score (LSS) and Scoring Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD)]. CCL28 levels during the exacerbation of AD were positively correlated with the corresponding values during remission, the peripheral absolute eosinophil counts, and serum lactate dehydrogenase levels. Serum CCL28 levels were not correlated with the serum total immunoglobulin E values in AD.

Conclusions  Our data reinforce the concept that CCL28 might contribute to the pathogenesis of AD, probably through the selective migration and infiltration of effector/memory T‐helper‐2 cells in the skin. CCL28 may also represent an objective prognostic marker for disease severity. Further studies may pave the way for CCL28 antagonism among adjuvant therapeutic strategies.
High‐resolution color Doppler ultrasound of a caliber‐persistent artery of the lip, a simulator variant of dermatologic disease: case report and sonographic findings
Authors: Wortsman Ximena , Calderón Perla , Arellano Javier , Orellana Yessenia
Published: July 2009

Background  Caliber‐persistent labial artery (CPLA) is a vascular anomaly in which a primary artery penetrates the submucosa without caliber loss. It presents as an asymptomatic papular lesion, usually on the lower lip, which may be misdiagnosed as a malignant skin tumor and can cause severe bleeding during biopsy or surgery. Development of new high‐resolution ultrasound equipment has improved its observation.

Aim  This study was undertaken to assess the scope of ultrasound for the diagnosis of CPLA.

Methods  We report a case of a 65‐year‐old woman with a nodule involving the lower lip, initially misdiagnosed as a malignant skin tumor. Diagnosis was confirmed by high‐resolution color Doppler ultrasound using a compact linear probe that generates frequencies of 7–15 MHz.

Results  The clinical presentation of the lesion, ultrasound technique, and sonographic findings are described. A current literature review of CPLA diagnosis was performed. Clinical and sonographic images are given as examples.

Conclusions  High‐resolution color Doppler ultrasound is a reliable noninvasive technique for CPLA diagnosis. It allows direct visualization of this vascular variant in real time without the use of an intravenous contrast agent. It may avoid surgical complications and help in the differential diagnosis. Newer high‐resolution equipment allows a clear definition of the cutaneous and muscular layers, as well as the vascularity of the lips.
Effects of catalase on the accumulation of H2O2 in rice cells inoculated with rice blast fungus, Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Tanabe Shigeru , Nishizawa Yoko , Minami Eiichi
Published: July 2009

Roles of H2O2 in the infection process of Magnaporthe oryzae on rice were investigated. In a leaf sheath assay for up to 48 h post‐inoculation, the absence or presence of catalase in the conidia suspension was correlated with the level of accumulated H2O2 in infected leaf cells, as observed by staining with 3′,3‐diaminobenzidine tetrahydrochloride. In the incompatible interaction, the appearance of autofluorescence or frequency of cell death characterized by granulation (symptoms characteristic of hypersensitive responses) was not significantly affected by the presence of catalase in the conidia suspension. In the leaf blade assay, inoculation of compatible conidia in the presence of catalase produced more severe symptoms than that of conidia in the absence of catalase at 6 days post‐inoculation. These results suggest that, in this host–parasite interaction, the primary role of host‐produced H2O2 is in limiting hyphal growth after penetration through toxic action. Furthermore, in incompatible interactions, H2O2 is implied not to be a major mediator of hypersensitive cell death.
Homoplastic evolution of external colouration in Asian stout newts (Pachytriton) inferred from molecular phylogeny
Authors: Wu Yunke , Wang Yuezhao , Jiang Ke , Chen Xin , Hanken James
Published: July 2009

Wu, Y., Wang, Y., Jiang, K., Chen, X. & Hanken, J. (2009). Homoplastic evolution of external colouration in Asian stout newts (Pachytriton) inferred from molecular phylogeny.—Zoologica Scripta, 39, 9–22.

The Asian stout newts of the genus Pachytriton (Salamandridae) inhabit montane streams in south‐eastern China. Despite their abundance in the pet trade, the phylogeny and systematics of this genus are poorly understood. Colouration is often used to delimit species under the assumption that consistent chromatic differences characterize independent evolutionary lineages. We present the first phylogenetic study of Pachytriton that incorporates 2.35 kb of mitochondrial DNA (ND2, cytb) and 1.2 kb of nuclear sequence data (RAG‐1) along with morphometric characters to infer evolutionary relationships and patterns of colour evolution among the three described species: Pachytriton brevipes, Pachytriton labiatus and Pachytriton archospotus. Our results support the monophyly of Pachytriton and recover P. archospotus as the sister taxon to P. brevipes. Monophyly of P. labiatus is significantly rejected: south‐western populations are sister to the group of P. brevipes plus P. archospotus, whereas north‐eastern populations nest with P. brevipes. The two geographic units are further separated by multivariate morphological analyses. South‐western P. labiatus is the type species; misidentification of north‐eastern populations as P. labiatus results from their similar colouration. An unspotted, dark brown dorsum is the likely ancestral state for the genus, whereas black‐spotted colouration characterized the common ancestor of P. brevipes, P. archospotus, and north‐eastern P. labiatus and was secondarily lost in the latter group. Homoplastic evolution and intraspecific variation render colour pattern in Pachytriton an unreliable character for delimiting species boundaries. North‐eastern populations of P. labiatus are declining as the result of human collection and habitat destruction and are in urgent need of conservation protection.
Does diabetes mellitus modify the association between 17q12 risk variant and prostate cancer aggressiveness?
Authors: Loeb Stacy , Helfand Brian T. , Kan Donghui , Isaacs William B. , Catalona William J.
Published: July 2009

OBJECTIVE

To examine further the relationship between diabetes mellitus (DM), genotype and prostate cancer aggressiveness. Specifically, we sought to evaluate for effect modification between DM, a newly discovered prostate cancer susceptibility locus on chromosome 17q12 (single nucleotide polymorphism rs4430796) and prostate cancer features.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In 593 genotyped men treated with radical prostatectomy (RP), we examined RP features stratified by DM and rs4430796 carrier status.

RESULTS

Despite a significantly higher body mass index among patients with DM, individual pathological features were similar between men with and without DM. Using a dominant model, 17q12 carriers were less likely to have DM and more likely to have a RP Gleason score of ≥7. However, the presence or absence of DM did not modify the relationship between 17q12 susceptibility alleles and pathological features.

CONCLUSION

Among 17q12 risk allele carriers, there was no significant relationship between DM and adverse tumour features. However, there were relatively few men with DM (7%) in our RP cohort, particularly compared with its 21% prevalence in the USA population aged >60 years. It is unclear whether this reflects selection bias, genetic protection from prostate cancer among patients with DM, or both. Despite these limitations, the present data suggest that DM alone does not appear to modify any association between 17q12 risk alleles with prostate cancer features.
Using computer‐aided instruction to support the systematic practice of phonological skills in beginning readers
Authors: Wild Mary
Published: July 2009

The paper reports the results of a randomised control trial investigating the use of computer‐aided instruction (CAI) for practising phonological awareness skills with beginning readers. Two intervention groups followed the same phonological awareness programme: one group undertook practice exercises using a computer and the other group undertook practice exercises using a paper‐based format. A third, control group, experienced a practical maths programme, with no explicit literacy or CAI components. Children in all three groups were pre‐ and post‐tested on phonological skills and their ability to apply those skills. Statistical analysis indicated a significant learning advantage accruing to children in the computer‐based group compared with the other groups, particularly in relation to phonological awareness with a modest but significant effect size detected. The advantage was apparent but less strong for the orthographic application of their phonological skills. Analysis by gender indicated that girls in the computer group made more progress than boys.