bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parity is associated with lower cervical E‐cadherin expression in postmenopausal women
Authors: Sioulas Vasileios , Lambrinoudaki Irene , Politi Ekaterini , Kyroudi Aspasia , Sergentanis Theodoros N. , Panoulis Constantinos , Augoulea Areti , Kaparos George , Creatsa Maria , Koutselini Helen , Papadias Konstantinos
Published: September 2008

Aim:  Epithelial cadherin (E‐cadherin), a transmembrane glycoprotein involved in calcium‐dependent homophilic cell‐cell adhesion, is expressed aberrantly during cervical carcinogenesis. E‐cadherin expression and putatively implicated predictors in healthy women remain a rather under‐investigated area. The objective of this study is to evaluate the possible associations between E‐cadherin expression and reproductive/lifestyle factors in cervical epithelial cells from postmenopausal women.

Methods:  A total of 105 healthy postmenopausal women (aged 45–68 years old) attending a university menopause clinic were enrolled in this cross‐sectional study. Pap smears were derived and E‐cadherin immunostaining was evaluated in squamous, glandular and squamous metaplastic cells, using a semi‐quantitative method (rating scale: 0–3). Reproductive and lifestyle factors were obtained from patients’ chart review.

Results:  In squamous cells, women with a history of 0–1 deliveries presented with a higher score vs women with 2–4 deliveries (P = 0.003). Social drinkers and women drinking alcohol daily exhibited a higher E‐cadherin immunostaining score in squamous cells vs non‐drinkers (0.96 ± 0.72 vs 0.56 ± 0.65, P = 0.004). A higher dietary calcium intake was marginally correlated with a lower staining score in squamous cells (0.94 ± 0.78 for low, 0.71 ± 0.70 for average, 0.45 ± 0.52 for high consumption, P = 0.073).

Conclusions:  E‐cadherin expression seems to be associated with reproductive history and lifestyle habits in squamous cervical cells from healthy postmenopausal women. E‐cadherin might participate in the molecular mechanisms underlying the role of parity as a risk factor for cervical cancer.
Involvement of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) in the pathogenesis of hydrosalpinx induced by Chlamydia trachomatis infection
Authors: Ajonuma Louis Chukwuemeka , Chan Paul Kay Sheung , Ng Ernest Hung Yu , Fok Kin Lam , Wong Connie Hau Yan , Tsang Lai Ling , Tang Xiao Xiao , Ho Lok Sze , Lau Miu Ching , Chung Chin Man , He Qiong , Huang Hong Yi , Yang Dong Zi , Rowlands Dewi Kenneth , Chung Yiu Wa , Chan Hsiao Chang
Published: September 2008

Background:  Genital Chlamydia (C) trachomatis infection has been recognized as the single most common cause of pelvic inflammatory disease leading to severe tubal damage, ectopic pregnancy, infertility and hydrosalpinx. However, the mechanism underlying the formation of hydrosalpinx induced by C. trachomatis infection remains largely unknown. We performed this study to determine the involvement of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), a cAMP‐activated chloride channel that regulates epithelial electrolyte and fluid secretion, in hydrosalpinx fluid formation.

Methods:  Western blot analysis was used to determine CFTR expression in the hydrosalpinges that were seen on the ultrasound scans of infertile assisted reproduction treatment patients. Correlation with C. trachomatis infection was done by testing patients' sera for C. trachomatis immunoglobulin G antibody titer using a Capita enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay based kit. CFTR involvement was further verified in a rat C. trachomatis infection model and confirmed using CFTR mutant (CFTRtm1Unc) mice.

Results:  Here we report on the up‐regulated expression of CFTR in the hydrosalpinx tissues of infertile patients with detectable serum levels of C. trachomatis antibody (immunoglobulin G). In a rat model, increased CFTR expression and fluid accumulation could be observed in the uterine horns infected with C. trachomatis elementary bodies, which was reversed by antibiotics treatment. In C. trachomatis–infected CFTRtm1Unc mice, however, no detectable fluid accumulation was observed.

Conclusion:  These findings suggest the involvement of CFTR in the pathogenesis of hydrosalpinx fluid formation and may provide grounds for a better treatment strategy to improve assisted reproduction treatment outcome in infertile patients with hydrosalpinx.
A case of uterine cervical adenocarcinoma associated with small cell carcinoma
Authors: Kamiya Mahiru , Sato Yukiyasu , Matsumoto Hisanori , Sasaki Hiroe , Takahashi Shugen , Yamada Shigetoshi , Ito Hiroaki , Okagaki Atsuhiko , Iwasa Youko , Ban Chiaki
Published: September 2008

Extrapulmonary small cell carcinomas are often associated with carcinomas of other cell types. Although a hypothesis that extrapulmonary small cell carcinomas arise from a multipotential stem cell could explain this mixed feature, recent molecular evidence supports another possibility that the small cell component may arise as a late‐stage phenomenon in the progression of more organ‐typical carcinomas. Here, we report a case of uterine cervical adenocarcinoma containing 30% of small cell carcinoma. Adenocarcinoma was located in the endometrial side of the tumor that was adjacent to the normal cervical region, while small cell carcinoma was located in the periphery of the tumor. The transition from adenocarcinoma to small cell carcinoma was observed in the boundary area. These findings suggest that cervical small cell carcinoma can be differentiated from pre‐existing adenocarcinoma and offer further support to the hypothesis that the small cell component arises as a late‐stage phenomenon in the progression of more organ‐typical carcinomas.
Low‐dose sublingual misoprostol versus methylergometrine for active management of the third stage of labor
Authors: Chhabra Shakuntala , Tickoo Chandan
Published: September 2008

Objective:  To compare the efficacy and side‐effects of low‐dose sublingual misoprostol and i.v. methylergometrine for active management of the third stage of labor.

Methods:  The study subjects were three hundred low‐risk women with term pregnancy and spontaneous onset of labor. These women received either one (100 µg/tablet) or two tablets of misoprostol (200 µg) sublingually or 1 mL (200 µg) of methylergometrine, i.v. injection, after the delivery of the anterior shoulder of the baby. The main outcome measures were the need for additional oxytocic drugs, blood loss ≥500 mL, change in hemoglobin levels and side‐effects.

Results:  Post‐partum hemorrhage (≥500 mL blood loss) did not occur in any of the women, but above‐average bleeding occurred in 2.0% of cases in groups I, II (sublingual misoprostol 100 µg and 200 µg respectively) and III (methylergometrine), despite additional oxytocics used in 5.0%, 4.0% and 3.0% cases in groups I, II and III respectively (P > 0.05). The change in hemoglobin levels at 24 h post‐partum were 0.8%, 0.7% and 0.8% in groups I, II and III respectively (P > 0.05).

Conclusion:  A low dose of sublingual misoprostol appears to be as effective as a low dose of i.v. methylergometrine in the prevention of post‐partum hemorrhage in low‐risk cases. So given the advantages of its stability at room temperature, low cost and easy route of administration, misoprostol appears to be a better choice, and a low dose is enough. However, larger studies in low‐risk as well as high‐risk cases are needed to advocate routine use of a low dose at the primary level.
Comparison of biochemical markers and cervical length for predicting preterm delivery
Authors: Sunagawa Sorahiro , Takagi Kimiyo , Ono Kyoko , Miyachi Keiko , Kikuchi Akihiko
Published: September 2008

Aim:  To examine the clinical utility of several prognostic factors for predicting preterm delivery.

Methods:  One hundred and nineteen patients with a singleton pregnancy admitted to our hospital because of symptoms of preterm labor were included in this study. Maternal serum C‐reactive protein (CRP), transvaginal sonographic measurement of cervical length (CL), granulocyte elastase (EL) in cervical secretions, fetal fibronectin (fFN), alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP), and insulin‐like growth factor binding protein‐1 (IGFBP‐1) in vaginal secretions were examined on admission. EL, fFN, AFP, and IGFBP‐1 were measured by bed‐side test kits. Correlation between each factor and the duration of pregnancy (from admission to delivery) was investigated.

Results:  A significant correlation was found between the duration of pregnancy and CRP (r = −0.37, P < 0.001), but not CL. The duration was significantly shorter in the fFN‐positive group than in the negative group (P = 0.0015). However, no significant difference was observed between the positive group and the negative group for each of CL, EL, AFP and IGFBP‐1.

Conclusion:  Association between the duration of the pregnancy and two biochemical markers (CRP and fFN) was confirmed. As they can be examined quickly and easily, they are quite useful for estimating prognosis of preterm labor.
Clinical significance of cervical length shortening before 31 weeks' gestation assessed by longitudinal observation using transvaginal ultrasonography
Authors: Yoshizato Toshiyuki , Obama Hirotsugu , Nojiri Takeshi , Miyake Yoshihiro , Miyamoto Shingo , Kawarabayashi Tatsuhiko
Published: September 2008

Aim:  To elucidate the clinical significance of progressive cervical length (CL) shortening before 31 weeks' gestation.

Methods:  Transvaginal ultrasonography was used for longitudinal measurements of CL in 114 singletons. CL shortening groups were defined as having a CL of <25 mm at <26 weeks (early shortening group, 20 cases) and <31 weeks (late shortening group, 19 cases). The control group (75 cases) was defined as having a CL of ≥25 mm at <31 weeks. The CL values at 16–20, 21–25, 26–30 and 31–35 weeks, the age‐related CL changes, the treatments for preterm labor, and the outcomes were compared between groups. In 78 cases with spontaneous delivery at ≥36 weeks, we investigated cervical dilatation velocity in the active phase of labor.

Results:  At 16–20 weeks, CL values for the early group were smaller than those of the late and control groups. Rapid CL shortening occurred between 16–20 and 21–25 weeks in the early group and between 21–25 and 26–30 weeks in the late group. In the early group, all cases received cerclage and/or tocolysis or bedrest, and one case delivered prematurely. In the late group, 10 cases required tocolysis or bedrest, and one case delivered prematurely. In nulliparous women, cervical dilatation velocity in the early and late groups was more rapid than in the controls.

Conclusions:  CL shortening to <25 mm before 31 weeks is a risk factor for preterm delivery, as well as for preterm labor in cases who had tocolysis and bedrest, and precipitate delivery.
Protective effect of aprotinin on ischemia–reperfusion injury in rat ovary
Authors: Sahin Figen Kir , Cosar Emine , Koken Gulengul , Toy Hatice , Basarali Kemal , Buyukbas Sadik
Published: September 2008

Aim:  We investigated the effects of aprotinin on reperfusion injury in a controlled experimental rat torsion–detorsion model.

Methods:  Thirty‐two female Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into four groups. Sham operation was performed in group I; in group II only ovarian torsion was performed. In group III, torsion–detorsion was performed, plus 3 mL/kg saline was injected i.v. 30 min before detorsion. In group IV, torsion–detorsion was performed, plus aprotinin (30 000 KIU/kg) was injected 30 min before detorsion. Rats in the torsion group were killed after 360° clockwise adnexial torsion for 3 h, and the ovaries were harvested. After 3 h of adnexial detorsion, the rats in the saline and aprotinin groups were killed and the adnexa were surgically removed.

Results:  Ovarian tissue damage scores were significantly different among groups. Ovarian tissue and serum malondialdehyde levels in group III were significantly higher than those of groups I and IV (P < 0.05). The serum levels of superoxide dismutase in group III were significantly lower than those of groups I and IV (P = 0.01). Tissue and serum xanthine oxidase, nitric oxide, and tissue superoxide dismutase levels were comparable among groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusions:  Aprotinin attenuates ischemia–reperfusion injury in a rat adnexial torsion–detorsion model.
Clinical efficacy of Kampo medicine (Japanese traditional herbal medicine) in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea
Authors: Oya Atsuko , Oikawa Tetsuro , Nakai Akihito , Takeshita Toshiyuki , Hanawa Toshihiko
Published: September 2008

Objective:  We intended to evaluate the clinical efficacy of Kampo medicine, a Japanese traditional herbal medicine, for primary dysmenorrhea which was prescribed according to the Kampo diagnosis, with classification of its severity.

Method:  A retrospective evaluation of Kampo treatment in 176 subjects with dysmenorrhea during the previous 12 years was performed. In order to minimize the subjective discretion of the severity of symptoms, classification of the severity level of abdominal pain during menstruation was applied by considering the requirement for non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and disturbance of daily activities. The following severity levels were used: no abdominal pain (level 0), abdominal pain with no requirement of NSAIDs (level 1), abdominal pain with no daily activity disturbances with use of NSAIDs (level 2), and painful menstruation which required absenteeism even with use of NSAIDs (level 3).

Results:  Severity levels before and after Kampo treatment were defined in 108 subjects. Distribution of the severity levels in 108 subjects was significantly changed by Kampo treatment; the numbers of cases in levels 0, 1, 2, and 3 changed from 0 (0%), 0 (0%), 47 (43.5%), and 61 (56.5%) to 5 (4.6%), 42 (38.9%), 51 (47.2%), and 10 (9.3%), respectively. (P < 0.0001) There were 25 kinds of Kampo formulae prescribed in effective cases.

Conclusion:  Kampo medicine prescribed according to Kampo diagnosis reduced the severity of primary dysmenorrhea and is therefore suggested to be beneficial in improving quality of life.
Clinicopathologic features of ovarian cancer in patients with ovarian endometrioma
Authors: Kawaguchi Ryuji , Tsuji Yoriko , Haruta Shoji , Kanayama Seiji , Sakata Mariko , Yamada Yoshihiko , Fujita Hiroyuki , Saito Hitomi , Tsuneto Keiji , Kobayashi Hiroshi
Published: September 2008

Objective:  The purpose of this study was to describe the clinicopathologic features of malignant transformation in patients with ovarian endometrioma, their treatment and outcome in the Kinki region, Japan.

Patients and Methods:  Patients meeting Sampson and Scott's criteria for cancer associated with endometriosis were identified by chart review and pathology reports. This retrospective survey describes 18 women with a history of ovarian endometrioma. These cases were followed as benign ovarian endometrioma before malignant transformation on the basis of imaging findings by gynecologic oncologists or radiologists.

Results:  Mean age at presentation of malignant transformation was 45.2 years (range, 36–66 years), and 78% (n = 14) were premenopausal women. The pattern of spread was local in 16 (89%), regional in 2 (11%) and distant in 0 (0%). There was a common left‐sided predominance. Characteristic histologic findings were 61% clear cell carcinoma. Endometriosis‐associated malignancies have a favorable prognosis. The patients showed long latency intervals before developing ovarian cancer (mean, 4.5 years; range, 1–16 years). Among them, subjects (n = 10) whose ages are more than 45 years old had shorter latency intervals (mean, 1 year; range, 1–3 years), compared with those (n = 8) aged less than 45 years old (mean, 8.4 years; range, 3–16 years).

Conclusion:  Ovarian endometrioma could be viewed as a neoplastic process, particularly in perimenopausal women.
Fetal pulse oximetry: Correlation with intrapartum fetal heart rate patterns and neonatal outcome
Authors: Tekin Arzu , Özkan Sebiha , Çalışkan Eray , Özeren Semih , Çorakçı Aydın , Yücesoy İzzet
Published: September 2008

Aim:  To determine how fetal pulse oximetry behaves in various cardiotocographic (CTG) tracings and correlates with neonatal outcome.

Patients and Methods:  Pregnant women undergoing active labor with singleton pregnancies of 32–42 weeks were enrolled. CTG recordings were reassuring or nonreassuring (namely variable or persisting late decelerations). Pulse oximetry values during labor and changing throughout deceleration and recovery phases, duration and frequency of pulse oximetry recordings <30%, and neonatal outcome were determined. One‐way anova, Tukey test, χ2‐test and multiple logistic regression model were used for statistical analysis where appropriate.

Results:  A total of 156 pregnant subjects were divided into three groups: reassuring fetal heart rate (FHR) patterns (group 1, n = 78 [50%]), late decelerations (group 2, n = 16 [10.3%]) and variable decelerations (group 3, n = 62 [39.7%]). The initial and final pulse oximetry readings, pulse values in first stage of labor, the duration and the frequency of pulse oximetry recordings <30% were significantly different between groups (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P = 0.001, P < 0.001). Fetal acidosis was significantly more frequent with late decelerations (23.1%, P = 0.004). A multiple logistic regression model demonstrated that the initial pulse oximetry value during active labor was the most predictive variable of neonatal well‐being (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:  Decreased fetal pulse oximetry values, especially prolonged and recurrent recordings <30% are well‐correlated with abnormal FHR patterns, indicating an association with fetal compromise and metabolic acidosis. Going through active labor with a lower initial value of FSpO2 more frequently leads to an altered FHR pattern and subsequent adverse fetal outcome.
Outcome of pregnancy after laser conization: Implications for infection as a causal link with preterm birth
Authors: Masamoto Hitoshi , Nagai Yutaka , Inamine Morihiko , Hirakawa Makoto , Okubo Eiko , Ishisoko Aki , Sakumoto Kaoru , Aoki Yoichi
Published: September 2008

Objective:  To investigate a causal link between infection and preterm birth in women with a shortened cervix induced by prior laser conization.

Methods:  We conducted a retrospective review of the outcomes of 47 singleton pregnancies with a history of laser conization. Cervical length was measured between 17 and 23 weeks of gestation. Receiver‐operating characteristic curves were used to determine the best cut‐off point for the cervical length for predicting spontaneous preterm birth. We measured infectious markers in 12 women who had experienced preterm labor.

Results:  Nine women had had premature labors and three had had late abortions. The mean ± SD cervical length was 33.1 ± 9.1 mm. The optimal cut‐off for predicting preterm delivery was 25 mm with a sensitivity and specificity of 75.0% and 97.1%, respectively. Concentrations of granulocyte elastase were positive in five of the six samples determined. The white blood cell count and C‐reactive protein levels were elevated in four out of the six patients. Sixty‐seven percent of the vaginal cultures were positive for bacteria. Chorioamnionitis was present in seven women.

Conclusions:  For the prediction of preterm birth in patients with a history of conization, it is helpful to look for signs of local infection when the cervical length is less than 25 mm.
Non‐cirrhotic portal hypertension and pregnancy outcome
Authors: Sumana Gurunath , Dadhwal Vatsla , Deka Deepika , Mittal Suneeta
Published: September 2008

Objective:  Non‐cirrhotic portal hypertension (NCPH) is a common cause of portal hypertension in developing countries, especially Asia. Recent data have shown near‐normal reproductive function and good pregnancy outcome for NCPH compared with cirrhosis. The aim of the present study was to evaluate complications during pregnancy and pregnancy outcome in women with NCPH.

Methods:  Twelve pregnancies in five patients with NCPH were evaluated.

Results:  In the present study, 20% of patients had hematemesis during pregnancy that was managed successfully. Four patients (80%) had severe anemia (hemoglobin 6–7 g%) and three (60%) had thrombocytopenia. There were no preterm births. Of a total of nine live births, six were vaginal deliveries and three were delivered by Cesarean section (performed for obstetric indications). Four babies (44%) were small for gestational age (SGA).

Conclusions:  The results show that patients with NCPH have normal fertility, no apparent increase in the incidence of hematemesis during pregnancy, an increased incidence of SGA babies and no indication for elective Cesarean delivery.
Transplantation of the uterus in sheep: Methodology and early reperfusion events
Authors: Dahm‐Kähler Pernilla , Wranning Caiza , Lundmark Cecilia , Enskog Anders , Mölne Johan , Marcickiewicz Janusz , El‐Akouri Randa Racho , McCracken John , Brännström Mats
Published: September 2008

Aim:  Uterine transplantation is developing into a clinical treatment for uterine factor infertility. An animal model with a similar uterus size and vessels to humans and with pregnancy extending over several months would be beneficial for research on uterine transplantation. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate autotransplantation of the sheep uterus to an orthotopic position in the pelvis.

Methods:  Female sheep (n = 7) were subjected to laparotomy with the uterus and its vascular supply and drainage being surgically isolated. The excised uterus was kept ex vivo at +4°C for 60 min and then autotransplanted with vascular end‐to‐side anastomoses to the external iliac vessels. The effects of uterine blood‐reperfusion were assessed by measurements of pCO2, pO2, lactate and pH in uterine venous blood. Uterine contractility and histology was assessed after 3 h of reperfusion.

Results:  Reperfusion of blood was observed in five out of seven transplanted uteri. The pCO2/pO2‐ratio and the lactate level were initially elevated but decreased and became normal after 60 min. After 3 h of reperfusion there was a visible tissue blood flow and spontaneous uterine contractions were seen. Histological analysis revealed a mild inflammation, but no edema or stasis.

Conclusions:  This study demonstrates that the sheep uterus can successfully be autotransplanted to an orthotopic position with novel vascular connections. This model is suitable for future experiments studying long‐term results concerning uterine viability and pregnancy using a transplanted uterus of similar size to the human uterus.
Increased arterial stiffness in female‐to‐male transsexuals treated with androgen
Authors: Emi Yayoi , Adachi Miwa , Sasaki Aiko , Nakamura Yoshio , Nakatsuka Mikiya
Published: September 2008

Aim:  Female‐to‐male (FTM) transsexuals are treated with long‐term and high‐dose androgen. Although androgen is known to affect the cardiovascular system, vascular function in FTM transsexuals has not been fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the arterial stiffness in FTM transsexuals treated with androgen.

Methods:  We evaluated the arterial stiffness in 111 FTM transsexuals (63 untreated FTM transsexuals and 48 FTM transsexuals treated with androgen) using a volume‐plethysmographic apparatus equipped with a multi‐element applanation tonometry sensor.

Results:  There were no significant differences in age, body mass index and heart rate between the untreated FTM transsexuals and those treated with androgen. The systolic and diastolic blood pressures in FTM transsexuals treated with androgen were significantly higher than those in untreated FTM transsexuals. The level of brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity in FTM transsexuals treated with androgen (1202.8 ± 138.2 cm/s) was significantly higher than that in untreated FTM transsexuals (1080.2 ± 113.7 cm/s) while there was no significant difference in the carotid augmentation index between untreated FTM transsexuals and those treated with androgen.

Conclusions:  Long‐term and high‐dose administration of androgen is likely to cause increased arterial stiffness in FTM transsexuals. To prevent atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events, a periodic checkup and pharmacological therapies for hypertension should be tailored on an individual basis.
Interstitial pregnancy in a woman with congenital afibrinogenemia
Authors: Matsushita Ikue , Uchida Soko , Yamaguchi Akiko , Tanaka Yoshihiro , Ogawa Shinji , Kato Kiyoko , Tsukimori Kiyomi , Wake Norio
Published: September 2008

Without fibrinogen replacement, pregnancies in patients with congenital afibrinogenemia end in miscarriage between 6 and 8 weeks of gestation. Studies in animal models suggest that disturbance of the embryo's decidual attachment contributes to miscarriage in afibrinogenemia. Ectopic pregnancy in human congenital afibrinogenemia has not been previously documented. We present a case of right interstitial pregnancy in a woman with congenital afibrinogenemia, who had not received the recommended fibrinogen replacement for the first 6 weeks of pregnancy. The pregnancy followed a right salpingo‐oophorectomy for ovarian hemorrhage. Therefore the embryo most likely entered the uterine cavity via the left tube only to move upstream into the lumen of the interstitial portion of the right tube. Our experience suggests that disturbance of the embryo's decidual attachment may have contributed to the development of an ectopic pregnancy. Therefore, fibrinogen replacement early in the first trimester is of utmost importance.
Successful management of uterine arteriovenous malformation by ligation of feeding artery after unsuccessful uterine artery embolization
Authors: Yokomine Daisaku , Yoshinaga Mitsuhiro , Baba Yasutaka , Matsuo Takashi , Iguro Yoshifumi , Nakajo Masayuki , Douchi Tsutomu
Published: September 2008

Uterine arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a rare and potentially life‐threatening disease. The present report describes a postmenopausal patient with uterine AVM manifesting recurrent, massive genital bleeding. Uterine artery embolization (UAE) was scheduled before hysterectomy, but UAE was unsuccessful due to the dilated, tortuous internal iliac arteries, and extremely rapid arterial blood flow. Hysterectomy appeared to carry a potential risk of massive blood loss due to multiple dilated vessels around the uterine corpus and cervix. Therefore, six arteries feeding the uterus were surgically ligated. At 10 months after the operation there have been no episodes of atypical genital bleeding.
Detection of human papilloma virus subtypes 16 and P16ink4a in invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the fallopian tube and concomitant squamous cell carcinoma in situ of the cervix
Authors: Wang Zhiqin , Dong Jianli , Eyzaguirre Eduardo J. , Tang Wendell W. , Eltorky Mahmoud A. , Qiu Suimin
Published: September 2008

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the fallopian tube is rare and often diagnosed postoperatively. Cervical cancer is considered as a long‐term sequaele, resulting from sexual transmitted infection with certain common high‐risk human papilloma virus (HPV) types. The role of human papilloma virus in the development of the tubal SCC is unknown. We report an unusual case of SCC of the fallopian tube, synchronously occurring with cervical SCC in situ in a 49‐year‐old patient. Histological examination of the entire endometrium revealed no involvement. Both tubal and cervical lesions showed the presence of high risk HPV 16 by PCR and increased expression of p16INK4a protein. Both SCC of the fallopian tube and cervical SCC in situ were positive for p63, while the non‐involved tubal epithelium was positive for WT‐1, but negative for p63. In conclusion, the concomitant occurrence of fallopian tube and cervical SCC can be explained by: (i) the ‘field effect’ of HPV infection resulting in the concomitant development of primary SCC in various sites of the female genital tract; (ii) the primary fallopian tube SSC metastasizing to the uterine cervix; or (iii) primary cervical SCC metastasizing to the fallopian tube. The detection of HPV 16 and p16INK4a in both the fallopian tube and cervical SCCs strengthens the hypothesis of the ‘field effect’ of HPV infection.
Maternity waiting homes in Southern Lao PDR: The unique ‘silk home’
Authors: Eckermann Elizabeth , Deodato Giovanni
Published: September 2008

The concept of maternity waiting homes (MWH) has a long history spanning over 100 years. The research reported here was conducted in the Thateng District of Sekong Province in southern Lao People's Democratic Republic (PDR) to establish whether the MWH concept would be affordable, accessible, and most importantly acceptable, as a strategy to improve maternal outcomes in the remote communities of Thateng with a high proportion of the population from ethnic minority groups. The research suggested that there were major barriers to minority ethnic groups using existing maternal health services (reflected in very low usage of trained birth attendants and hospitals and clinics) in Thateng. Unless MWH are adapted to overcome these potential barriers, such initiatives will suffer the same fate as existing maternal facilities. Consequently, the Lao iteration of the concept, as operationalized in the Silk Homes project in southern Lao PDR is unique in combining maternal and infant health services with opportunities for micro credit and income generating activities and allowing non‐harmful traditional practices to co‐exist alongside modern medical protocols. These innovative approaches to the MWH concept address the major economic, social and cultural barriers to usage of safe birthing options in remote communities of southern Lao PDR.
Behavioural responses of the seven‐spot ladybird Coccinella septempunctata to plant headspace chemicals collected from four crop Brassicas and Arabidopsis thaliana, infested with Myzus persicae
Authors: Girling R. D. , Hassall M.
Published: September 2008

1 Insects using olfactory stimuli to forage for prey/hosts are proposed to encounter a ‘reliability–detectability problem’, where the usability of a stimulus depends on its reliability as an indicator of herbivore presence and its detectability.

2 We investigated this theory using the responses of female seven‐spot ladybirds Coccinella septempunctata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) to plant headspace chemicals collected from the peach‐potato aphid Myzus persicae and four commercially available Brassica cultivars; Brassica rapa L. cultivar ‘turnip purple top’, Brassica juncea L. cultivar ‘red giant mustard’, Brassica napus L. cultivar ‘Apex’, Brassica napus L. cultivar ‘Courage’ and Arabidopsis thaliana. For each cultivar/species, responses to plants that were undamaged, previously infested by M. persicae and infested with M. persicae, were investigated using dual‐choice Petri dish bioassays and circular arenas.

3 There was no evidence that ladybirds responded to headspace chemicals from aphids alone. Ladybirds significantly preferred headspace chemicals from B. napus cv. Apex that were undamaged compared with those from plants infested with aphids. For the other four species/cultivars, there was a consistent trend of the predators being recorded more often in the half of the Petri dish containing plant headspace chemicals from previously damaged and infested plants compared with those from undamaged ones. Furthermore, the mean distance ladybirds walked to reach aphid‐infested A. thaliana was significantly shorter than to reach undamaged plants. These results suggest that aphid‐induced plant chemicals could act as an arrestment or possibly an attractant stimulus to C. septempunctata. However, it is also possible that C. septempunctata could have been responding to aphid products, such as honeydew, transferred to the previously damaged and infested plants.

4 The results provide evidence to support the ‘reliability–detectability’ theory and suggest that the effectiveness of C. septempunctata as a natural enemy of aphids may be strongly affected by which species and cultivar of Brassica are being grown.
Attraction of ambrosia and bark beetles to coast live oaks infected by Phytophthora ramorum
Authors: McPherson Brice A. , Erbilgin Nadir , Wood David L. , Svihra Pavel , Storer Andrew J. , Standiford Richard B.
Published: September 2008

1 Sudden oak death is caused by the apparently introduced oomycete, Phytophthora ramorum. We investigated the role of bark and ambrosia beetles in disease progression in coast live oaks Quercus agrifolia.

2 In two Marin County, California sites, 80 trees were inoculated in July 2002 with P. ramorum and 40 were wounded without inoculation. Half of the trees in each group were sprayed with the insecticide permethrin [cyclopropanecarboxylic acid, 3‐(2,2‐dichloroethenyl)‐2,2‐dimethyl‐(3‐phenoxyphenyl) methyl ester] to prevent ambrosia and bark beetle attacks, and then were sprayed twice per year thereafter. After each treatment, sticky traps were placed on only the permethrin‐treated trees. Beetles were collected periodically in 2003.

3 Inoculated trees accounted for 95% of all beetles trapped. The ambrosia beetles Monarthrum scutellare and Xyleborinus saxeseni and the western oak bark beetle Pseudopityophthorus pubipennis were the most abundant of the seven species trapped.

4 Permethrin treatment delayed initiation of beetle attacks and significantly reduced the mean number of attacks per tree. Beetles did not attack any wounded or noncankered inoculated trees.

5 Trees with larger cankers trapped more beetles early in the disease. Once permethrin lost effectiveness, the number of beetle entrance tunnels was a more reliable predictor of subsequent trap catch than was canker size.

6 Beetles were initially attracted to P. ramorum cankers in response to kairomones generated in the host‐pathogen interaction. After beetles attacked the permethrin‐treated trees, aggregation pheromones most probably were the principal factor in beetle colonization behaviour.
Efficacy and mode of action of female‐equivalent dispensers of pheromone for mating disruption of codling moth
Authors: Stelinski L. L. , McGhee P. , Grieshop M. , Brunner J. , Gut L. J.
Published: September 2008

1 We evaluated the efficacy and mode of action of commercially available female‐equivalent dispensers of pheromone for mating disruption of codling moth Cydia pomonella (L.) (Lepidoptera Tortricidae).

2 Scentry fibres, but not Hercon flakes, were consistently as or more effective than Isomate C Plus dispensers when applied by hand at 50 dispensers per tree.

3 Individual Scentry fibres were slightly more attractive to male codling moth than Hercon flakes.

4 Efficacy of aerially applied Scentry fibres was equivalent to that of Isomate dispensers in disrupting male codling moth in 4‐ha commercial apple plots.

5 Initial deposition and retention of aerially applied fibres were inefficient with approximately 44% formulation loss at application, poor rainfastness and a gradual loss of dispensers from tree canopies after application.

6 Male codling moths were captured in traps baited with lures containing 0.1 mg of pheromone and mated with tethered virgin females that were surrounded by eight fibres placed 30 cm away or 16 fibres placed 45 cm away in untreated plots and plots treated with a background of 50 Isomate dispensers per hectare.

7 A plausible explanation for mating disruption of codling moth by female‐equivalent dispensers is competitive attraction without associated habituation and thus improving the effectiveness of these technologies will depend on maximizing the attractiveness of individual dispensers as well as the application density of dispensers per area of crop.
Evaluation of Fopius arisanus as a biological control agent for the olive fruit fly in California
Authors: Sime K. R. , Daane K. M. , Wang X. G. , Johnson M. W. , Messing R. H.
Published: September 2008

1 The egg‐prepupal parasitoid Fopius arisanus (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) was evaluated in quarantine facilities as a potential biological control agent for the olive fruit fly Bactrocera oleae (Diptera: Tephritidae) in California, U.S.A.

2 Nontarget testing of two weed biological control agents confirmed that F. arisanus will not attack Tephritidae that feed in inflorescences or galls. It may, however, pose risks to native Tephritidae that feed in fruit.

3 Females preferentially oviposited in eggs, although first‐instar B. oleae were also attacked. Low lifetime reproductive potential and high rates of direct mortality inflicted on host eggs indicate that rearing on B. oleae may prove difficult.

4 In multiparasitized B. oleae, F. arisanus prevailed in competition against two species of larval–pupal parasitoids, Diachasmimorpha kraussii and Psyttalia concolor (both Hymenoptera: Braconidae).

5 The broad host‐range of F. arisanus with respect to fruit‐feeding Tephritidae may preclude its introduction to California, as may its low fecundity and its intrinsic competitive superiority over larva l–pupal parasitoids, which include specialists on B. oleae that are currently being introduced to California. High rates of direct mortality, however, point to potential uses in augmentative biological control. Whether or not F. arisanus is released in California, its biology as a parasitoid of B. oleae has been little studied to date and the results herein may be applied in other regions worldwide where B. oleae is a problem.
The enemy of my enemy is still my enemy: competitors add to predator load of a tree‐killing bark beetle
Authors: Boone Celia K. , Six Diana L. , Raffa Kenneth F.
Published: September 2008

1 The mountain pine beetle Dendroctonus ponderosae is a major tree‐killing bark beetle in North America. We evaluated how the subsequent arrival of a competing bark beetle Ips pini influences the arrival of predators and their impact on both species.

2 The predators Temnochila chlorodia and Enoclerus sphegeus were strongly attracted to pheromones of D. ponderosae. By contrast, Enoclerus lecontei was mostly attracted to I. pini pheromones. The host compound myrcene synergized attraction of both D. ponderosae and E. sphegeus to the pheromone of D. ponderosae. However, it inhibited attraction of both I. pini and E. lecontei to I. pini’s pheromone.

3 Dendroctonus ponderosae were more attracted to trees than logs treated with its pheromones, whereas I. pini were more attracted to logs than trees treated with its pheromones. Some 78% of T. chlorodia were captured at hosts baited with D. ponderosae pheromones, whereas 83% of E. lecontei were captured at hosts baited with I. pini pheromones. We characterized the sequence of arrival to live trees baited with pheromones of D. ponderosae as: D. ponderosae, T. chlorodia, E. sphegeus, I. pini, E. lecontei.

4 Various combinations of I. pini and predators were added to logs colonized by D. ponderosae in the above sequence of arrival observed in live trees baited with D. ponderosae aggregation pheromones. Ips pini reduced D. ponderosae adult brood production. However, the combination of I. pini and E. lecontei did not raise D. ponderosae brood production above that observed with only I. pini present. Similarly, the combination of I. pini and T. chlorodia did not reduce D. ponderosae brood production below that observed with I. pini alone. By contrast, the combination of I. pini, T. chlorodia and E. lecontei caused more brood loss to D. ponderosae than I. pini alone.

5 Enoclerus lecontei did not reduce brood production by T. chlorodia, whereas T. chlorodia substantially reduced brood production by E. lecontei.

6 Secondary bark beetles that exploit the resource created by primary tree‐killing species exert negative effects through both competition and increased predator load. Implications to the population dynamics, ecology and evolution of tree‐killing bark beetles are discussed.
Evolution of an octahaem cytochrome c protein family that is key to aerobic and anaerobic ammonia oxidation by bacteria
Authors: Klotz Martin G. , Schmid Markus C. , Strous Marc , Op Den Camp Huub J. M. , Jetten Mike S. M. , Hooper Alan B.
Published: September 2008

The biogeochemical nitrogen cycle is mediated by many groups of microorganisms that harbour octahaem cytochromes c (OCC). In this study molecular evolutionary analyses and the conservation of predicted functional residues and secondary structure were employed to investigate the descent of OCC proteins related to hydroxylamine oxidoreductase (HAO) and hydrazine oxidoreductase (HZO) from pentahaem cytochrome c nitrite reductase (NrfA). An octahaem cytochrome cnitrite reductase (ONR) was shown to be a possible intermediate in the process. Analysis of genomic neighbourhoods of OCC protein‐encoding genes revealed adjacent conserved genes whose products, together with HAO, provide a path of electron transfer to quinone and constitute a functional catabolic module. The latter has evolved more than once under a variety of functional pressures on the catabolic lifestyles of their bacterial hosts. Structurally, the archetypical long helices in the large C‐terminal domain of the proteins as well as the distal axial ligands to most haems were highly conserved in NrfA and all descendents. Residues known to be involved in the nitrite reductase activity of NrfA including the ‘CxxCK’ motif at the catalytic haem, the substrate and Ca binding sites, and the nitrite and ammonium channels were conserved in the eight representatives of ONR. In the latter, a unique cysteine has been inserted above the active site. The 64 other OCC proteins differed from ONR by the absence of the ‘CxxCK’ motif, the channel residues and most of the Ca‐binding residues and the conserved presence of an ‘Asp–His’ pair inserted above the active site as well as the tyrosine that forms an intersubunit cross‐link to the catalytic haem of HAO. Our proposed scenario of evolution of OCC proteins in the HAO family from NrfA is supported by (i) homology based on sequence and structure, (ii) its wide distribution among bacterial taxa, (iii) the dedicated interaction with specific proteins, and it is (iv) congruent with geological history.
A temperature‐controlled amplicon system derived from Plum pox potyvirus
Authors: Dujovny Gabriela , Valli Adrián , Calvo María , García Juan Antonio
Published: September 2008

The control of replication can facilitate a viral amplicon to reach high expression levels by enabling the virus to escape host defence mechanisms and reducing the deleterious effects of viral infection. We have developed a novel system to regulate amplicon expression by controlling the temperature of plant growth. Nicotiana benthamiana plants were transformed at two different temperatures with a cDNA copy of the Plum pox potyvirus genome harbouring the open reading frame 2 of Porcine circovirus 2 between the nuclear inclusion protein b and coat protein coding sequences. Although transformation at 27 °C mainly yielded nonexpressing amplicons, lines with a tight control of amplicon expression were obtained. Viral replication was not detected in these plants when germinated at 28 °C, but was observed when the plants were shifted to 20 °C. In lines transformed at 24 °C, although the amplicon was expressed at 28 °C, viral accumulation was low and caused only minor growing defects. Viral replication was enhanced in these plants by shifting the temperature to 20 °C; under such conditions, the amplicon reached higher and more persistent expression levels than in plants transformed at 27 °C. These results demonstrate the utility of temperature regulation to control viral amplicon expression.
Battles in Seattle Redux: Transnational Resistance to a Neoliberal Trade Agreement
Authors: Wainwright Joel , Kim Sook‐Jin
Published: September 2008

Abstract:  This paper examines the possibilities and complexities of transnationalism through an analysis of political protests organized in Seattle against the Korea–US Free Trade Agreement, arguably the most significant bilateral trade negotiations involving the US state today. By studying the political practices of the Korean farmers' movement through participant research in Seattle from 4 to 9 September 2006, and revisiting the analysis of the 1999 “battles of Seattle” in recent work by Hardt and Negri, we argue that the concept “transnationalism” is potentially applicable to activists and subaltern social groups as much as states and elites, although these groups do not transnationalize through the same practices or in the same spaces. Our analysis of the protests aims to clarify the essentially spatial nature of political articulation (in Laclau's sense) that make the transnationalization of social movements possible.
Privatizing Social Reproduction: The Primitive Accumulation of Water in an Era of Neoliberalism
Authors: Roberts Adrienne
Published: September 2008

Abstract:  Recent years have witnessed a resurgence of critical works seeking to extend Karl Marx's radical understanding of “primitive accumulation” in order to describe the increasing penetration of capital into new spaces and social relations in the contemporary era of neoliberal globalization. This paper will argue that the intensification of the commodification of water may be understood as an ongoing mechanism of primitive accumulation and that this process generates contradictions and tensions not solely for capitalist relations of production, but more crucially, for relations of social reproduction. Further, while recent years have witnessed the emergence of a new discourse on water governance that advocates a more active role for governments in the water sector and for the incorporation of the “voices” of women and the poor in the development of sustainable and equitable water policies, this new discourse ultimately remains informed by neoliberalism's individualist ontology and its material and discursive dedication to economic growth above broader social considerations.
Undoing Nature: The John Muir Trust's “Journey for the Wild”, the UK, Summer 2006
Authors: Mackenzie A. Fiona D.
Published: September 2008

Abstract:  I take as a point of departure for a discussion of the idea of nature the John Muir Trust's much publicised Journey for the Wild which took place in the UK during the summer of 2006. My objective is to explore how, at the same time that the “wild” was performed as a political category through the Journey, replicating the binary nature/society, prevalent norms of nature that depend on that binary, including, ironically, those of John Muir himself, were “undone”. I work with Judith Butler's (2004, Undoing Gender) ideas of “doing” and “undoing” gender and what counts as human, and her link between the articulation of gender and the human on the one hand and, on the other, a politics of new possibilities. Taking her argument “elsewhere”—unravelling what is performed as “wild” and what counts as “nature”—and using as evidence the art of Eoin Cox, the actions of journeyers, extracts from their diaries and from Messages for the Wild delivered to the Scottish Parliament, I suggest that the idea of a working wild points towards more socially just political possibilities than a politics of nature defined through a binary.
Scaling Post‐Industrial Forestry: The Complex Implementation of National Forestry Regimes in the Southern Valleys of Wales
Authors: Milbourne Paul , Marsden Terry , Kitchen Lawrence
Published: September 2008

Abstract:  Recent years have witnessed increased geographical interest in the changing nature of forestry in the UK. Critical attention has been given to a transition from a previously dominant regime of industrial forestry, primarily concerned with the mass production of timber, to a post‐industrial regime, within which timber production sits alongside a broader range of social, economic and environmental objectives. Investigations of this transition, however, have been largely restricted to analyses of national policy discourse, with relatively little attention given to the implementation of post‐industrial forestry in regional and local spaces. In this paper, we argue that the emergence of this new forestry regime has been associated with a great deal of spatial complexity. Drawing on findings from recent research in the southern valleys of Wales, we highlight the complex geographies bound up with the implementation of national regimes of forestry in the UK, and the significant roles played by the local socio‐natural context in facilitating and resisting the implementation of new forestry regimes in particular spaces.