bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heme oxygenase‐1 improves the survival of discordant cardiac xenograft through its anti‐inflammatory and anti‐apoptotic effects
Authors: Zhen‐Wei Xia , Jian‐Le Sun , Qi Qi , Wen‐Wei Zhong , Xue‐Hong Zhang , Zi‐Li Zhang
Published: May 2007

Abstract:  HO‐1 is a rate‐limiting enzyme in hemoglobin metabolism, and exerts anti‐inflammatory as well as anti‐apoptotic effects. Previous studies have shown that expression of HO‐1 can prolong the survival of concordant transplanted organs. However, little is known about the precise effect and mechanism of HO‐1 in discordant xenotransplantation. In this study, we investigated the role of HO‐1 in discordant cardiac xenotransplantation. First, HUVECs were used to assess the effect of HO‐1 on TNF‐α‐induced apoptosis. Results showed that TNF‐α induced apoptosis of HUVECs in a dose‐dependent manner. Moreover, induction of HO‐1 by hemin suppressed TNF‐α‐induced apoptosis. However, the anti‐apoptotic action of HO‐1 was reversed by SnPP. The up‐regulation of HO‐1 by hemin treatment significantly prolonged the survival time of discordant cardiac xenograft, greatly reduced the swelling and apoptosis of myocardial cells, interstitial edema, lymphocyte infiltration, and thrombus formation in small vessels. Furthermore, HO‐1 overexpression significantly attenuated the serum level of xenoantibody IgM, tissue deposition of IgM and complement 3 (C3) in endangium. Finally, HO‐1 mitigated CD40L transcription in the xenograft and recipient spleen. These results indicate that the up‐regulation of HO‐1 can improve the survival of discordant cardiac xenograft by inhibiting apoptosis and alleviating inflammation and thrombosis.
Evidence for disruption in prefrontal cortical functions in juvenile bipolar disorder
Authors: Bearden Carrie E , Glahn David C , Caetano Sheila , Olvera Rene L , Fonseca Manoela , Najt Pablo , Hunter Kristina , Pliszka Steve R , Soares Jair C
Published: May 2007

Objectives:  Systematic parsing of executive function processes is critical for the development of more specific models of neurobiological processes mediating disturbed cognition in youth with bipolar disorder (BPD).

Methods:  A sample of 33 children and adolescents with bipolar I disorder (BPD I) (mean age 12.1 ± 3.0 years, 39% female) and 44 demographically matched healthy participants (mean age 12.9 ± 2.8 years, 50% female) completed a neurocognitive battery including measures aimed at detection of disruption in prefrontal cortical circuitry (i.e., working memory, set shifting, and rule attainment).

Results:  Compared to healthy controls, BPD I children exhibited significant deficits in spatial working memory, visual sequencing and scanning, verbal fluency and abstract problem solving, particularly when a memory component was involved. In our spatial delayed response task, memory set size was parametrically varied; the performance pattern in BPD I children suggested deficits in short‐term memory encoding and/or storage, rather than capacity limitations in spatial working memory. Earlier age at onset of illness and antipsychotic medication usage were associated with poorer performance on speeded information‐processing tasks; however, severity of mood symptomatology and comorbidity with disruptive behavior disorders were not associated with task performance.

Conclusions:  These results suggest impairment in measures of prefrontal cortical function in juvenile BPD I that are similar to those seen in the adult form of the illness, and implicate both the ventral and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex as loci of pathology in juvenile BPD. As these deficits were not associated with clinical state or comorbidity with other disorders, they may reflect trait‐related impairments, a hypothesis that will be pursued further in longitudinal studies.
Abnormal cellular energy and phospholipid metabolism in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex of medication‐free individuals with bipolar disorder: an in vivo1H MRS study
Authors: Frey Benício N , Stanley Jeffrey A , Nery Fabiano G , Serap Monkul E , Nicoletti Mark A , Chen Hua‐Hsuan , Hatch John P , Caetano Sheila C , Ortiz Oswaldo , Kapczinski Flávio , Soares Jair C
Published: May 2007

Objectives:  While the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder (BD) remains to be elucidated, postmortem and neuroimaging studies have suggested that abnormalities in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) are implicated. We compared the levels of specific brain chemicals of interest measured with proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MRS) in medication‐free BD subjects and age‐ and gender‐matched healthy controls. We hypothesized that BD subjects would present abnormal cellular metabolism within the DLPFC, as reflected by lower N‐acetyl‐aspartate (NAA) and creatine + phosphocreatine (Cr + PCr).

Methods:  Thirty‐two medication‐free BD subjects (33.8 ± 10.2 years) and 32 matched controls (33.8 ± 9.0 years) underwent a short echo‐time (TE = 30 ms) 1H MRS. An 8‐cm3 single voxel was placed in the left DLPFC, and individual concentrations of NAA, Cr + PCr, choline‐containing compounds (GPC + PC), myo‐inositol, and glutamate were obtained, using the water signal as an internal reference.

Results:  BD subjects had lower Cr + PCr [F(1,62) = 5.85; p = 0.018; one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA)] and lower GPC + PC [F(1,62) = 5.79; p = 0.019; one‐way ANOVA] levels in the left DLPFC. No significant differences were observed for other brain metabolites.

Conclusions:  These findings provide further evidence that the pathophysiology of BD involves impairment in the DLPFC. Our findings can be interpreted as evidence for reduced cellular energy and phospholipid metabolism, consistent with the hypothesis of mitochondrial dysfunction in BD.
Report of the Second International Workshop on molecular blood group genotyping
Authors: Daniels G. , Van Der Schoot C. E. , Olsson M. L.
Published: May 2007

The second International Society of Blood Transfusion and International Council for Standardization in Haematology workshop on molecular blood group genotyping was held in 2006. Forty‐one laboratories participated. Six samples were distributed: two representing DNA from transfusion‐dependent patients for testing for all clinically important polymorphisms; two representing DNA from amniotic fluid for RhD, Rhc, and K testing; and two plasma samples from RhD‐negative pregnant women for fetal RhD testing (only tested by 20 laboratories). Overall, a high level of accuracy was achieved by most of the laboratories, although the error rate caused by RHDΨ was not acceptable and needs to be addressed. With greater care and attention to detail, very high standards could be set for molecular blood group genotyping.
Zygomycosis – a case report and overview of the disease in India
Authors: Diwakar Amit , Dewan R. K. , Chowdhary Anuradha , Randhawa H. S. , Khanna Geetika , Gaur S. N.
Published: May 2007

A case of zygomycosis caused by Rhizopus oryzae in a diabetic patient previously misdiagnosed as invasive pulmonary aspergillosis and an overview of the disease in India are presented. The case was diagnosed by direct microscopy, histopathologic examination and culture. Following surgical resection of pulmonary cavity under cover of amphotericin B administration, the patient recovered completely. Of 461 cases reported to‐date, approximately 70% had been diagnosed at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, in north India. This may be attributed to better awareness, expertise and infrastructural facilities for mycological diagnosis than to any particular regional preponderance of the disease. Rhino‐orbito‐cerebral manifestations were the most common feature of zygomycosis (269 cases), followed by cutaneous disease (66 cases), which is in conformity with the pattern prevalent worldwide. The etiologic agents encountered were Rhizopus oryzae, Apophysomyces elegans, Saksenaea vasiformis, Cunninghamella bertholletiae, Absidia corymbifera, Basidiobolus ranarum and Conidiobolus coronatus. In contrast to cases from the developed world where transplant recipients and patients with haematological malignancies seem to be most vulnerable to zygomycosis, the most common risk factor in India was uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. Amphotericin B was the mainstay of various treatment modalities employed. The relevance of a strong clinical suspicion and early diagnosis of zygomycosis for favourable prognosis can hardly be over‐emphasised.
Scedosporium apiospermum infection after near‐drowning
Authors: Katragkou Aspasia , Dotis John , Kotsiou Maria , Tamiolaki Maria , Roilides Emmanuel
Published: May 2007

Scedosporium apiospermum and its teleomorph (sexual form) Pseudallescheria boydii are ubiquitous saprophytic fungi, which under specific conditions, such as near‐drowning, may cause therapy‐refractory and life‐threatening infections. We reviewed 22 cases (eight children and 14 adults) of S. apiospermum infection after near‐drowning reported in the literature including an additional paediatric case from our institution. Scedosporiosis after near‐drowning was associated with high mortality (16/23, 70%) even in immunocompetent hosts. It affected mainly young (mean age 24 years) and immunocompetent (83% with no apparent immune defect) males (male to female ratio 2.5 : 1). Scedosporiosis after near‐drowning was a slow progressive disease (mean survival time 87 days) involving virtually all body organs. However, central nervous system (CNS) dissemination predominated (21/23, 91%) presenting mainly as multiple brain abscesses (15/23, 65%). All 23 patients showed preceding clinical and/or radiological evidence of lung disease indicating the mode of invasion. Diagnosis was delayed (median time to diagnosis 28 days) and was made by culture (16/23, 69.5%) or culture and tissue examination (7/23, 30.5%). The majority of the patients (20/23, 87%) received antifungal treatment and underwent neurosurgery. While the optimal treatment remains undefined, the most recent reports indicated voriconazole as a potentially effective option. Better knowledge of scedosporiosis after near‐drowning could lead to improved intervention and ultimately to more favourable outcome.
Wheat EST‐SSRs for tracing chromosome segments from a wide range of grass species
Authors: Zhang L. Y. , Bernard M. , Ravel C. , Balfourier F. , Leroy P. , Feuillet C. , Sourdille P.
Published: May 2007

Transferability of 116 common wheat expressed sequence tag–simple sequence repeats (EST‐SSR) markers was investigated on 168 accessions representing 18 grass species to identify new alleles useful for wheat improvement. Transferability among the Triticeae ranged from 73.7% for Aegilops longissima to 100% for wheat subspecies (Triticum compactum) but was also good for less related species such as rye (72.8%) or maize (40.4%). On average, the number of alleles/locus detected by EST‐SSR markers was 3.1 for hexaploid wheat. The polymorphism information content (PIC) values simultaneously estimated for Triticum aestivum and Triticum durum were similar for the two species (0.40 and 0.39, respectively). The allelic diversity within allogamous species was higher (0.352–0.423) compared with that of T. aestivum and T. durum (0.108 and 0.093, respectively). T. aestivum and T. durum shared the largest number of alleles (74.6%) while among the three ancestral diploid species of bread wheat, Aegilops tauschii had the highest percentage of alleles with T. aestivum (57.4%). These results indicate that grass orphan species can be studied using wheat EST‐SSRs and can serve as a source of new alleles for wheat genetic improvement.
Simultaneous selection for early maturity, increased grain yield and elevated grain protein content in spring wheat
Authors: Iqbal M. , Navabi A. , Salmon D. F. , Yang R.‐C. , Spaner D.
Published: May 2007

High grain yield and grain protein content, and early maturity are important traits in global bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)‐breeding programmes. Improving these three traits simultaneously is difficult due to the negative association between grain yield and grain protein content and the positive association between maturity and grain yield. We investigated the genetic relationship between maturity, grain yield and grain protein content in a population of 130 early maturing spring wheat lines in a high latitude (52–53°N) wheat‐growing region of Canada. Grain protein content exhibited negative genetic correlation with maturity (−0.87), grain fill duration (−0.78), grain fill rate (−0.49), grain yield (−0.93) and harvest index (−0.71). Grain yield exhibited positive genetic correlation with maturity (0.69), rate (0.78) and duration (0.49) of grain fill, and harvest index (0.55). Despite the positive association between maturity and grain yield, and negative association between grain yield and grain protein content, higher yielding lines with medium maturity and higher grain protein content were identified. Broad‐sense heritabilities were low (<0.40) for rate and duration of grain fill, grain protein content, spike per m2, grains per spike, harvest index and grain yield, and medium to high (>0.40) for grain weight, days to anthesis and maturity, and plant height. Selection for longer preanthesis and shorter grain fill periods may help circumvent the negative association between grain yield and grain protein content. Selection for shorter grain fill periods and higher grain fill rate may be a useful strategy for developing early maturing cultivars with acceptable grain yields in northern wheat‐growing regions.
A CAPS marker TAO1902 diagnostic for the I‐2 gene conferring resistance to Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici race 2 in tomato
Authors: Staniaszek M. , Kozik E. U. , Marczewski W.
Published: May 2007

Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici inhabits most tomato‐growing regions worldwide, causing tomato production yield losses. A molecular marker linked to resistance would be useful for tomato improvement programmes. Thus, a cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence (CAPS) marker TAO1902 was developed to identify tomato genotypes possessing the I‐2 gene, which confers resistance to F. o. lycopersici race 2. The RsaI or FokI restriction fragments corresponded to the presence or absence of the I‐2 allele in a segregating 100 F2 progeny, tomato cultivars, 16 resistant and 20 susceptible to Fusarium wilt, respectively, lines and F1 hybrids, representing various tomato gene pools. TAO1902 may be helpful for selection of F. o. lycopersici‐resistant tomato germplasm.
Changing concepts of bladder regeneration
Authors: Kanematsu Akihiro , Yamamoto Shingo , Ogawa Osamu
Published: May 2007

Abstract:  During the last decade, there has been a dramatic increase in studies aimed at regeneration of the urinary bladder. Many studies employed animal‐derived or synthetic materials as grafts for experimental bladder augmentation models, with or without additional measures to promote regeneration, such as autologous cell transplantation or growth factor loading. However, in spite of encouraging results in several reports, few methodologies have shown proven definitive clinical utility. One major problem in these studies is the lack of a clear distinction between native and regenerated bladder in total bladder function after augmentation. Another crucial problem is the absorption and shrinkage of larger grafts, which may result from insufficient vascular supply and smooth muscle regeneration. In contrast, researchers have recently attempted to establish alternative regenerative strategies for treating bladder diseases, and have employed far more diverse approaches according to the various pathological conditions to be treated. For total replacement of the bladder after cystectomy for invasive bladder cancer, urothelium‐covered neobladder with non‐urinary tract backbone remains a viable choice. In addition, functional bladder diseases such as urinary incontinence, weak detrusor, or non‐compliant fibrotic bladder have also been major targets for many leading research groups in this field. These conditions are studied much more from different therapeutic standpoints, aiming at the prevention or reversal of pathological conditions in muscle remodeling or neural control. Such altered research direction would inevitably lead to less surgically based basic biological research, and also would include a far wider spectrum of adult and pediatric bladder diseases, from overactive bladder to dysfunctional voiding.
Epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate and bicalutamide cause growth arrest and apoptosis in NRP‐152 and NRP‐154 prostate epithelial cells
Authors: Morrissey Colm , Brown Mark , O'Sullivan Jacintha , Weathered Natalie , Watson R. William G. , Tenniswood Martin
Published: May 2007

Aim:  A number of epidemiological studies have suggested that consumption of green tea reduces the risk of prostate cancer. The aim of this study was to elucidate the effects of epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG), one of the major constituents of green tea, on growth inhibition and apoptosis in prostate epithelial cell lines with and without bicalutamide.

Methods:  The effects of EGCG and bicalutamide alone and in combination were examined on NRP‐152 and NRP‐154 cells derived from the dorso‐lateral prostate of the Lobund‐Wistar rat. Following treatments, cell number and levels of apoptosis were assessed.

Results:  After treatment with EGCG, both cell lines displayed a dose‐dependent decrease in cell number; this effect was more pronounced in NRP‐154 cells. This decrease in cell number was caused by growth arrest in NRP‐152 cells and apoptosis in NRP‐154 cells. The apoptotic events in the NRP‐154 cells were concurrent with a loss of manganese superoxide dismutase expression. Androgen ablation was achieved by androgen withdrawal using charcoal stripped serum or treatment with bicalutamide. Bicalutamide decreased cell number and induced apoptosis in a dose‐dependent manner in both cell lines; however, androgen withdrawal did not. There was a loss of androgen receptor expression in NRP‐152 cells with bicalutamide treatment. However, as the NRP‐154 cells are androgen receptor negative, the loss in cell number and increased apoptotic events in these cells cannot be attributed to the anti‐androgenic activity of bicalutamide. Cells treated with a combination of bicalutamide and EGCG also demonstrated a dose‐dependent decrease in cell number that was significantly greater than bicalutamide alone.

Conclusions:  This study demonstrates the potential use of EGCG and other antioxidants as therapeutic candidates for prostate cancer.
Spatial ecology of a root parasite – from pattern to process
Authors: WATSON DAVID M. , ROSHIER DAVID A. , WIEGAND THORSTEN
Published: May 2007

Abstract  Occurrence patterns of parasitic plants are constrained by the distribution of suitable hosts and movement patterns of seed vectors and, accordingly, represent a simplified system to study many aspects of spatial ecology and determinants of distribution. Previous work has focused on the aerially hemiparasitic mistletoes, and it is unclear whether root parasites are affected by similar factors. Here, we evaluate spatial patterns in the root parasitic Santalum lanceolatum in an arid shrubland in north‐western New South Wales, central Australia. In this region, the principal host is a long‐lived nitrogen fixing shrub Acacia tetragonophylla closely associated with ephemeral creek‐lines. The location of 765 individuals of both species was mapped along a 250‐m section of creek‐line using a total survey station, and occurrence patterns of the root parasite related to host distribution and landscape context. We used Ripley's K‐function and the O‐ring statistic to determine whether the distribution of S. lanceolatum was random, aggregated or regular; the spatial scales at which these patterns occurred; and to quantify any spatial associations between the parasite and its host, A. tetragonophylla. While acacias were closely associated with the creek‐line, S. lanceolatum plants were more tightly clustered, displaying significant clustering at two spatial scales (1.2 m and 8.8 m). We suggest that host quality may act as an important constraint, with only those acacias growing in or near the creek‐line being physiologically capable of supporting a parasite to maturity. Insights gained from spatial analysis are used to guide ongoing research in this system, and highlight the utility of the O‐ring statistic for understanding patterns of distribution affected by multiple processes operating at critical scales.
Determinants of savanna vegetation structure: Insights from Colophospermum mopane
Authors: HEMPSON GARETH P. , FEBRUARY EDMUND C. , VERBOOM G. ANTHONY
Published: May 2007

Abstract  Savannas are structurally heterogeneous at the local, community‐level scale due to fine‐scale floristic heterogeneity as well as the responses of individual species to underlying environmental variation. The structure of mopane woodland, an arid savanna of southern Africa, is dictated largely by local variation in the relative dominance of tall, single‐stemmed and shorter, multi‐stemmed forms of the dominant tree species, Colophospermum mopane (Kirk ex Benth) Léonhard. Here we evaluate the hypothesis that the existence of these alternative forms of C. mopane, as well as the factors that dictate their distribution at a local scale, are driven by fine‐scale environmental variability in available water. We surveyed trees at four sites in the Kruger National Park of South Africa, in each instance surveying both forms of the species, from both riparian and non‐riparian zones. A survey of genetic variation across our sample (n = 80 individuals), using inter‐simple sequence repeat (ISSR) amplification profiles, indicates that the two forms are not genetically distinct, instead being environmentally determined. While measurements of xylem pressure potentials, determined using a Scholander pressure chamber, show a significant difference between riparian and non‐riparian zones, there is no significant difference between the two growth forms. Although this seems paradoxical in view of the prevalence of tree and shrub form mopane at riparian and non‐riparian sites, respectively, we speculate that such a pattern may emerge through the interaction of moisture stress and top‐down controls, such as those imposed by large mammal browsing and fire.
Expert panel assessment of attributes for natural variability benchmarks for biodiversity
Authors: OLIVER IAN , JONES HUGH , SCHMOLDT DANIEL L.
Published: May 2007

Abstract  The aim of this study was to identify a practical and defensible set of ecosystem attributes to form the basis of natural variability benchmarks for natural resource managers needing to determine the status of patch‐scale species‐level biodiversity within woodland and forest ecosystems. We used a form of multicriteria analysis (the analytic hierarchy process, AHP) to record and analyse the knowledge and opinions of 31 Australian ecologists on those ecosystem attributes considered most important as biodiversity surrogates, and those that were considered most feasible to assess. From a pool of 13 landscape context attributes and 62 vegetation condition attributes, practical and defensible attribute sets were identified based on AHP importance and feasibility weights and associated statistical analyses. Experts considered that, on average, landscape context attributes should contribute approximately one‐third (0.36) to an assessment of within‐vegetation‐type species‐level biodiversity status, and vegetation condition attributes should contribute the remaining two‐thirds (0.64). Our analyses did, however, find a correlation between these importance weights and the spatial scales at which experts worked. The landscape context attributes: patch size, distance to nearest large patch, and connectivity were considered significantly more important than other attributes; however, connectivity received a significantly lower feasibility weight. A minimum set of 11 compositional, structural and functional vegetation condition attributes were identified: richness of native trees; cover of native trees, shrubs and perennial grasses; cover of exotic shrubs, perennial grasses, legumes and forbs; cover of organic litter; recruitment of native tree/shrub saplings; native tree health; and evidence of grazing. We compare our minimum sets of attributes with other published sets, and briefly discuss the issues surrounding the incorporation of attributes into natural variability benchmarks from which indices of terrestrial species‐level biodiversity status of woodland and forest patches can be determined.
MECHANICAL COMPRESSION IN THE PROPHYLAXIS OF VENOUS THROMBOEMBOLISM
Authors: MacLellan Donald G. , Fletcher John P.
Published: May 2007

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in a substantial number of the Australian community. There exists a considerable range of potential prophylactic measures aimed at reducing the risk of VTE. These antithrombotic regimens include pharmacological interventions and mechanical techniques to counteract venous stasis including graduated compression stockings and intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) devices. This review particularly concentrates on evidence for the use of mechanical prophylaxis and the interrelationship with pharmacological methods of VTE prophylaxis. Mechanical and pharmacological methods of VTE prophylaxis are both effective and when used in combination have synergistic effects. Although there are a number of different IPC systems, little evidence is available at present that differentiates these on the basis of VTE prevention. Compliance and patient acceptance of IPC as a preventative measure has improved with miniaturization and device weight reduction. IPC should be used according to recommended guidelines. In moderate‐risk patients when pharmacological prophylaxis is contraindicated, IPC can be used as an alternative. High‐risk patients should receive both mechanical and pharmacological prophylaxis to reduce their relative risk. Until further evidence becomes available, the specific type of IPC unit chosen will generally be determined by ease of use, availability and cost.
PERIPROSTHETIC FEMORAL FRACTURES AFTER TOTAL HIP ARTHROPLASTY
Authors: Young Simon W. , Pandit Salil , Munro Jacob T. , Pitto Rocco P.
Published: May 2007

Background:  The management of periprosthetic fracture following a total hip arthroplasty is difficult, requiring expertise in both trauma and revision surgery. With rising numbers of patients in the population living with hip prostheses in situ, the frequency of these fractures is increasing, and controversy remains over their ideal management. The objective of this study was to review all periprosthetic fractures at a single institution to identify injury and treatment patterns and their associated clinical outcomes.

Methods:  Fifty‐four periprosthetic fractures in 50 patients were reviewed to determine the relative frequency of fracture types, their complication rates and the clinical outcomes. Patient data were obtained through review of the clinical notes and individual patient follow up. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Oxford Hip Score and Harris Hip Score.

Results:  The 54 fractures were classified using the Vancouver system, most of which were type B1 (20) or type B2 (10). The mean time to union for all fracture types was 4.6 months. A high non‐union rate was seen among fractures fixed operatively. Fifteen per cent of fractures went on to develop loosening following treatment, suggesting an underrecognition at the time of injury. The average Harris Hip Score was 73.1 and Oxford Hip Score 30.3 for all fracture types at a mean follow up of 3.3 years. In the 15 patients treated with revision surgery, the most common complication was dislocation (27%).

Conclusion:  Treatment of patients with periprosthetic fractures requires recognition of the challenging nature of these injuries, the associated poor prognosis and the high complication rate.
PREOPERATIVE BETA‐BLOCKER USE REDUCES ATRIAL FIBRILLATION IN OFF‐PUMP CORONARY BYPASS SURGERY
Authors: Imren Yildirim , Benson Ariel A. , Zor Hakan , Tasoglu Irfan , Ereren Emrah , Sinci Volkan , Gokgoz Levent , Halit Velit
Published: May 2007

Background:  Atrial fibrillation (AF) after coronary artery bypass graft surgery constitutes the most common sustained arrhythmia and results in many complications. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of prophylactic use of beta‐blockers against atrial fibrillation in off‐pump surgery patients in the early postoperative period.

Methods:  From 2002 to 2005, 78 patients were enrolled and 41 patients received 50 mg metoprolol succinate daily, which was initiated minimum four days before surgery. Preoperative beta‐blocking therapy was continued until the morning of surgery. Thirty‐seven patients were free of beta‐blocker therapy. Esmolol was used within same range of doses in both groups during operations. Both groups recieved metoprolol succinate following operations. The frequency of AF occurrence was analysed from the operation time to the sixth postoperative day.

Results:  Sixteen patients developed AF with an overall incidence of 22.5%. Four patients from the study group and three patients from the control group were excluded from the study because of transfer to on‐pump surgery. There was no difference with regard to the number of grafts carried out, duration of operations and ventilation, intensive care unit stay and inotropic need among groups. Length of hospital stay did not differ among groups either. There was a higher incidence of postoperative AF in patients without beta‐blocker prophylaxis (11.7–32.4% P = 0.049).

Conclusion:  Low‐dose postoperative beta‐adrenergic blockade is valuable for patients who receive these medications before off‐pump coronary artery bypass grafting procedures and may be beneficial against AF in all patients.
INDUCTION OF BONE MARROW CD34+ CELLS AND ENDOTHELIALIZATION OF POLYTETRAFLUOROETHYLENE PROSTHESES
Authors: Zhang Nan , Zhang Hongkun , Han Shiping , Feng Hua , Li Jiahui , Jin Wei , Wang Zhonggao
Published: May 2007

Background:  The aim of the study was to investigate the endothelialization of prostheses with bone marrow CD34+ cells.

Methods:  CD34+ cells were isolated from the canine bone marrow by an immune magnetic cell sorting system and induced into endothelial cells (EC) with vascular endothelial growth factor. Cells were seeded to polytetrafluoroethylene prostheses, which were implanted into the abdominal aorta artery and inferior vena cava.

Results:  The isolated cells derived from bone marrow were CD34+ cells by flow cytometery, which could differentiate into EC when induced by vascular endothelial growth factor. The neointima on control prostheses was significantly thicker than that on prostheses seeded with EC at the anastomosis and the centre where the prosthesis interposed to aorta. All control prostheses (4/4) interposed to veins were occlusive and two seeded prostheses (2/8) interposed to veins were already occluded. The overall occlusion rate of prostheses interposed to veins in seeded prostheses and control prostheses were 25 and 100%, respectively. However, the neointima on seeded prostheses was significantly thicker in the vein than that in the aorta.

Conclusion:  Bone marrow CD34+ cells can be induced into EC by vascular endothelial growth factor in vitro. Polytetrafluoroethylene prostheses seeded with CD34+ cells have the ideal endothelialization and patency.
Circuit breakers for addiction
Authors: Foy A.
Published: May 2007

The phenomenon of addiction is complex, although its expression clinically is relatively straightforward. There is a series of neurophysiological changes that mediate changes in the mesolimbic and mesocortical systems which in turn lead to disturbances in reward mechanisms. These then act to perpetuate the cycle of intoxication and reinforcement, withdrawal, craving and compulsive use. As our understanding of the pathophysiology of this process has improved, new pharmalogical agents have been developed with the potential to moderate or even reverse it. This article briefly reviews the treatment of addiction with particular reference to emerging pharmaceutical agents.
Is right heart thromboemboli another indication for thrombolysis?
Authors: Agarwal R. , Aggarwal A. N. , Gupta D.
Published: May 2007

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common and a potentially life‐threatening disease. Diagnosis is challenging because the signs and symptoms are non‐specific. Moreover treatment of PE is shrouded in controversy. Even at presentation the role of thrombolysis in managing patients with PE remains unclear. In those patients with right heart thromboemboli, thrombolysis is usually suggested, but the evidence remains unclear. We report a 34‐year‐old man who was diagnosed with right heart thromboemboli on echocardiography and was successfully managed with thrombolysis and anticoagulation. We also review the current published work on the management of patients with right heart thromboemboli.
The influence of surrounding environment on the fatigue properties for a high pressure die cast AlSi9Cu3 alloy
Authors: LINDER J.
Published: May 2007

The influence of mechanical strength for aluminium castings is often correlated in the literature to the occurrence of cast defects like porosity. However, because aluminium castings in the automotive industry are often used without surface treatment such as painting etc., the influence of corrosion and its effect on fatigue properties are required. Basically a surrounding environment can affect fatigue strength either by enhancing initiation or by increasing fatigue crack propagation properties. In this study, the influence of pre‐exposure prior to fatigue testing has been evaluated. This implies that environmental enhancement of fatigue initiation due to corrosion has been studied.

Two different environments [seawater acidified test (SWAAT) and Volvo Indoor Corrosion Test (VICT)] often employed for assessment of corrosive properties in the automotive industry have been used for pre‐exposure of specimens. Based on experimental results, it is shown that fatigue strength is reduced by approximately 50% for specimens pre‐exposed to SWAAT environment, while insignificant influence was found for specimens pre‐exposed to VICT environment. The degradation of fatigue strength was found to be due to localized corrosive attacks. Propagation of these corrosive attacks takes place preferably in the eutectic phase and especially at the borderline between primary aluminium dendrites and the eutectic phase.
Clarifying the TNM staging of rectal cancer in the context of modern imaging and neo‐adjuvant treatment: ‘y’‘u’ and ‘p’ need ‘mr’ and ‘ct’
Authors: Moran B. , Brown G. , Cunningham D. , Daniels I. , Heald R. , Quirke P. , Sebag‐Montefiore D.
Published: May 2007

Recent developments in cross‐sectional imaging, particularly computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging have provided increasingly accurate noninvasive preoperative staging, especially for rectal cancer. Image‐based TNM staging, by definition a pathological system, has entered both the literature and everyday usage with no universal agreement as to the exact terminology. Clarification of the current terminology and suggestions to reflect recent developments are outlined to facilitate multidisciplinary team decision processes and objective stratification for entry to, and monitoring of, future clinical trials in rectal cancer.
Glucose homeostasis and the gastrointestinal tract: insights into the treatment of diabetes
Authors: Maggs D. , MacDonald I. , Nauck M. A.
Published: May 2007

The gastrointestinal tract is increasingly viewed as a critical organ in glucose metabolism because of its role in delivering glucose to the circulation and in secreting multiple glucoregulatory hormones that, in concert with insulin and glucagon, regulate glucose homeostasis. Under normal conditions, a complex interplay of these hormones acts to maintain plasma glucose within a narrow range despite large variations in the availability of glucose, particularly during transition from the fasting to fed state. In the fed state, the rate at which nutrients are passed from the stomach to the duodenum, termed gastric emptying rate, is a key determinant of postprandial glucose flux. In patients with diabetes, the regulation of glucose metabolism is disrupted resulting in fasting and postprandial hyperglycaemia. Elucidation of the role of the gastrointestinal tract, gut‐derived glucoregulatory peptides and gastric emptying rate offers a new perspective on glucose homeostasis and the respective importance of these factors in the diabetes state. This review will highlight the importance of the gastrointestinal tract in playing a key role in glucose homeostasis, particularly in the postprandial period, and the role of established or new therapies that either leverage or modify gastrointestinal function to improve glycaemic state.
A falsificationist perspective on the usage of process frequencies in phylogenetics
Authors: Vogt Lars
Published: May 2007

By referring to Popperian falsificationism, proponents of cladistic parsimony claim the superiority of parsimony over likelihood. They conclude that likelihood as a statistical approach is inconsistent with falsificationism, and base their argumentation on four claims: (1) congruence tests cladograms against observational evidence and represents the most important test in phylogenetics, in which minimum‐step trees represent most corroborated trees; (2) frequency probabilities cannot be used for evaluating degree of corroboration; (3) phylogeny represents a unique process and thus frequencies cannot be applied as they require statistical reference classes that are necessarily general; (4) likelihood is a verificationist approach. After discussing the deficiencies of the cladistic phylogeneticists’ conceptualisation of the congruence test and the presentation of an alternative conceptualisation, it is shown that these four claims cannot be sustained within a falsificationist framework, and that the weighting of characters is a necessity. A differentiation between the theoretical concept of apomorphy and the epistemological concept of character weight is proposed. While apomorphies have to be independent from each other, the weighting of characters is interdependent due to human inability to distinguish organismic traits that are structurally identical though they do not share a common evolutionary origin. The possibility of this epistemological interdependence can best be dealt with by the application of process frequencies. The importance of process frequencies of specific transformation classes is exemplified in reference to Popper's formula for the measure of degree of corroboration and its consistency is shown. Therefore, the application of statistical methods is reasonable. As a consequence, the question whether likelihood or parsimony methods represent the best approaches in phylogenetics remains a genuinely empirical question that cannot be decided only in reference to Popper's falsificationism.
A molecular phylogenetic approach to the phylum Cycliophora provides further evidence for cryptic speciation in Symbion americanus
Authors: Baker Jessica M. , Giribet Gonzalo
Published: May 2007

Cryptic speciation is a phenomenon that has been reported in a wide range of marine invertebrates, including the American cycliophoran Symbion americanus. Although cryptic speciation is often proposed based on phylogeographical analyses, here we demonstrate the utility of multilocus molecular phylogenetic approaches in identifying cryptic lineages within the phylum Cycliophora. Thirteen individuals from three putative cryptic lineages of S. americanus, as well as two individuals each from the European species S. pandora and a new species of Symbion living on Homarus gammarus, were sequenced for up to 4.8 kb of genomic DNA over four loci (COI, 16S rRNA, 18S rRNA and 28S rRNA). Phylogenetic analyses of individual loci as well as combined data clearly support a division between American and European cycliophorans. Moreover, the American cycliophorans consistently form three well‐supported clades, which is congruent with the presence of three putative reproductively isolated lineages in a species complex. Further studies are necessary to more precisely describe the evolution of reproductive isolation within S. americanus.
Body composition in young female adults with Type 1 diabetes mellitus. A prospective case‐control study
Authors: Särnblad S. , Ingberg C.M. , Åman J. , Schvarcz E.
Published: May 2007

Aims  Overweight is common during late puberty in female patients with Type 1 diabetes. The aim of this study was to examine the change in body composition from late puberty to early adulthood in such female patients in comparison with age‐matched control subjects.

Methods  Eighteen females with Type 1 diabetes and 19 healthy female control subjects were recruited for a case‐control study at the age of 16–19 years (baseline). Six years later, 16 of the diabetic females and 17 of the control subjects were re‐examined (follow‐up). Body composition was assessed by dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry.

Results  Body mass index (BMI) and fat mass index (total fat mass/height2) were significantly higher at baseline in the diabetic patients than in the control subjects (26.4 ± 2.6 vs. 23.9 ± 3.7 kg/m2, P < 0.05, and 10.0 ± 2.4 vs. 8.0 ± 2.8 kg/m2, P = 0.04, respectively). At follow‐up, these parameters still tended to be higher in the diabetic group (27.8 ± 4.9 vs. 24.6 ± 5.7 kg/m2, P = 0.09, and 11.8 ± 5.6 vs. 8.7 ± 4.9 kg/m2, P = 0.05, respectively). BMI at baseline was strongly correlated to BMI at follow‐up in both diabetic patients (r = 0.60; P < 0.05) and control subjects (r = 0.83; P < 0.01).

Conclusions  Increased fat mass in pubertal girls with Type 1 diabetes seems to persist in young adulthood. This study emphasizes the need for new strategies to prevent the development of overweight during puberty in diabetic girls.
AN EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS OF THE “CROWDING OUT” EFFECT OF FISCAL POLICY IN THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA
Authors: Cebula* Richard J.
Published: May 2007

This paper uses both single‐equation and multi‐equation systems to examine whether fiscal policy ‘crowds out’ private investment. It is found that, for both the United States and Canada, this is in fact the case. In addition, it is shown that this crowding out leads to long term inflation.
Researching and Theorizing the Processes of Professional Identity Formation
Authors: Sommerlad Hilary
Published: May 2007

This paper is concerned with professional identity formation, at both the individual and organizational levels, and the dialectic between individual processes and the social trajectory of organizational reproduction. The research project on which the paper is based was stimulated by the growing concern of United Kingdom legal education institutions and professional bodies with how new entrants to an increasingly diverse profession negotiate the changing demands of a complex stratified and segmented labour market. The paper will give a brief outline of the first stage of a longitudinal study of two cohorts of part‐time and full‐time students on the Legal Practice Course at a new university in England, (some of whom are now in training with firms) and representatives of the local legal employment market. A report of the research results to date will be set in the context of an exploration of some key theoretical perspectives which inform the field of the profession and of identity development, such as theories of symbolic, linguistic, and cultural capital.
EFFECTS OF COUNTERTRADE‐DIVERGENT PERCEPTIONS BETWEEN PRACTITIONERS AND NON‐PARTICIPANTS[1]
Authors: Neale C. W. , Shipley David
Published: May 2007

This article provides a theoretical discussion of countertrade benefits and problems. It then comments on data collected in a 1985 study of large British firms which demonstrate that actual countertrades have perceptions of the effects of this practice which differ markedly from the perceptions of companies that do not countertrade. Throughout, the findings on benefits and problems are compared as between international and domestic cotmtertraders and non‐countertraders. It is concluded that many more UK firms could benefit from participation in countertrade.
THE IMPACT OF OWNERSHIP AND CAPITAL STRUCTURE ON MANAGERIAL MOTIVATION AND STRATEGY IN MANAGEMENT BUY‐OUTS: A CULTURAL ANALYSIS
Authors: Green Sebastian
Published: May 2007

This study examines, from a cultural perspective, owner‐managers’and other stakeholders’interpretations of the partial fusion of ownership and control through high leverage in eight UK management buy‐outs (MBOs). Owner‐control and debt‐control are interpreted as having positive effects on managerial motivation, organizational decision‐making processes and implementation of cost reduction strategies and negative ones on fundamental changes in strategy and acquisition. These interpretations accord broadly with agency theory propositions but show that owner‐managers place less emphasis on wealth incentive effects and more emphasis on the enabling and facilitating roles of collective ownership and the freedom it gives from inappropriate corporate control.
Cultural differences related to positive and negative valence
Authors: Noguchi Kenji , Gohm Carol L. , Dalsky David J. , Sakamoto Shinji
Published: May 2007

Differences between North American and East Asian cultures were examined in terms of the valence of psychological constructs. Americans were more likely than Japanese to focus on positive things. In contrast, Japanese (vs Americans) were more likely to attend to negative information of the self, but not more or less likely to focus on negative things about others. Based on within‐culture analyses, the Americans' data were better described by their tendency to focus on positive things over negative things than by their tendency for self‐enhancement. In contrast, the Japanese data were better described by their self‐critical tendency. This result was replicated in a second study. In addition, correlations between constructs with opposite valences were negative in the USA, but positive or absent in Japan.
Predicting emotional reactions after being harmed by another
Authors: Lee Yat‐Yee , Kam Chester Chun‐Seng , Bond Michael H.
Published: May 2007

Being harmed by others is a frequent and disturbing experience in normal social life, resulting in the arousal of two emotional complexes, anger and worry. The present research developed a model to predict these two dimensions of emotional response to being harmed. It was argued that in addition to being driven by judgments of blame, anger is also enhanced by assessments that one's social face has been damaged. The victim's judgment of this face loss also contributes to feelings of worry, as one's social credibility has been compromised in the eyes of others by being harmed. Worry is further augmented by the victim's concern about the damage done to his or her relationship with the perpetrator by the harm‐doing. As hypothesized, both perceived image loss and blame judgments were found to predict the emotional complex of anger, while image loss and the perceived harm to the relationship predicted the emotional complex of worry. This research supplemented the well‐researched Western construct of blame in response to harm by incorporating the more salient collectivist concerns of image loss and relationship damage, pushing our models of social processes to be more comprehensive and ultimately universal in their scope.