bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical experience with Flebogamma® 5% DIF: a new generation of intravenous immunoglobulins in patients with primary immunodeficiency disease
Authors: Ballow M
Published: June 2009

The development of effective, safe, liquid intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) preparations has represented a major therapeutic advancement in the treatment of patients with antibody deficiencies. Flebogamma® 5% was the first liquid IVIG licensed in Europe that has been widely used in the treatment of immunodeficiency diseases. It has been proven to have an excellent efficacy and safety profile. Flebogamma® 5% dual inactivation and filtration (DIF) is a newly developed IVIG preparation that shares formulation characteristics and identical biochemical and stability profiles with Flebogamma® 5%. In addition to pasteurization, already performed in Flebogamma® 5%, solvent-detergent treatment and sequential nanofiltration through filters with pore sizes of 35 nm followed by 20 nm have been added to further enhance the pathogen safety margin. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics of Flebogamma® 5% DIF for immunoglobulin replacement therapy in patients with primary immunodeficiency diseases (PID). Flebogamma® 5% DIF was administered at seven clinical sites to 46 subjects with well-defined primary immunodeficiency diseases at a dose of 300–600 mg/kg every 21–28 days for 12 months. The serious bacterial infection rate was 0.021/subject/year. The incidence of adverse events considered potentially related to Flebogamma® 5% DIF during or within 72 h after completing an infusion was approximately 10%. The half-life in serum of the administered IgG was around 31 days. In summary, Flebogamma® 5% DIF is efficacious and safe, has good pharmacokinetic properties, is well-tolerated and maintains the profile of Flebogamma® 5% for the treatment of patients with primary humoral immune deficiency diseases.
Psychometric evaluation of a patient‐reported symptom assessment tool for adults with haemophilia (the HAEMO‐SYM)
Authors: RENTZ A. , FLOOD E. , BUTLER R. , CHRISTIE B. , GIANGRANDE P. , McCUSKER P. , WASSERMAN J. , GORINA E.
Published: June 2009

Summary.  In patients with haemophilia, repeated bleeding events result in significant comorbid conditions that can degrade health‐related quality of life. Clinician‐reported symptom measures are available for use in patients with haemophilia A or B; however, there has not been a validated patient‐reported symptom evaluation instrument available for haemophilia to date. The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate a self‐report instrument, the HAEMO‐SYM, for measuring symptom severity in patients with haemophilia. Eighty‐four haemophilic subjects from Canada and the USA were enrolled and completed the HAEMO‐SYM, SF‐36, and Health Assessment Questionnaire‐Functional Disability Index (HAQ‐FDI). Four‐week reproducibility was evaluated in 72 stable subjects. Construct validity was assessed by correlating subscale scores with the SF‐36, HAQ‐FDI, a coping questionnaire and clinical scores. The final 17‐item HAEMO‐SYM has two subscales: pain and bleeds. Internal consistency reliability was good (Cronbach’s alphas, 0.86–0.94) and test–retest reliability was good (Intraclass Correlation Coefficients, 0.75–0.94). HAEMO‐SYM subscale scores were significantly correlated with SF‐36 scores (P < 0.05 for all except HAEMO‐SYM Pain and SF‐36 Mental Health), HAQ‐FDI scores (P < 0.05 for all but HAEMO‐SYM Bleeds with HAQ‐FDI Hygiene and Reach), Gilbert scale (P < 0.01), coping (P < 0.05) and global pain (P < 0.001). Mean HAEMO‐SYM scores varied significantly in groups defined by severity, HIV status and treatment regimen. Greater symptom severity was associated with more severe disease, HIV‐positive status and prophylaxis treatment. The results of this study suggest that the HAEMO‐SYM, a haemophilia‐specific symptom severity instrument, has good reliability and provides evidence that supports construct validity in patients with haemophilia.
Comparison of radiography, CT and MR imaging in detection of arthropathies in patients with haemophilia
Authors: YU W. , LIN Q. , GUERMAZI A. , YU X. , SHANG W. , ZHU H. , MENG W. , XU R. , ZHAO Y.
Published: June 2009

Summary.  To compare magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, computed tomography (CT) and radiography for the detection of arthropathies in patients with haemophilia. Forty‐one symptomatic joints in 14 men with haemophilia, ages 11–24 years (mean age 17.5 ± 3.9 years) were examined with radiography, CT and MR. Images of each joint were acquired on the same day. The precontrast MR examination obtained coronal spin‐echo T1 images and gradient echo with rephasing T2* images, as well as sagittal, axial gradient echo with rephasing T2* images using a low‐field‐strength 0.3‐T MR imager. For the postcontrast MR examination, coronal, sagittal and axial images were acquired using the same precontrast T1 sequence. Thirteen joints were also examined on enhanced MR. The severity of damage was classified using conventional radiographical staging. Severely affected haemophilic arthropathy (HA) patients (stage 5) were excluded. Findings of soft tissue swelling, osteoporosis, epiphyseal overgrowth, joint erosion, cysts, joint space narrowing, bone marrow oedema, joint effusion, haemorrhage, synovial hypertrophy and widened intercondylar notches as well as anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments (for the knee) were used in all imaging comparisons. The joints were classified by radiographical criteria into stage 0 (n = 5), stage 1 (n = 7), stage 2 (n = 6), stage 3 (n = 8) and stage 4 (n = 15). Soft tissue swelling or joint effusion was observed in 33 joints on radiographs, in 34 on both CT and MR; joint erosions were observed in 34 joints on MR, 33 on CT and 20 on radiographs. Joint cysts appeared in 21 joints on MR, 18 on CT and 9 on radiographs. Significant differences in detection of erosion and cysts were found between radiography and CT (P < 0.05) and radiography and MR imaging (P < 0.05), not between CT and MR (P > 0.05). MR was better for detecting foci of both erosion and cysts than CT and radiography, and CT was better than radiography. MR imaging, CT and radiography were equally effective in showing the changes of epiphyseal overgrowth in 26 joints, joint space narrowing in 14 joints and widened intercondylar notches in 20 knee joints. However, only MR imaging detected tears in 17 anterior and 13 posterior cruciate ligaments in the 20 knee joints with widened intercondylar notches. Bone marrow oedema in 14 joints, haemorrhage in 34 joints and synovial hypertrophy in 27 joints were seen on MR images, but not on CT or radiography. MR imaging is superior to CT and conventional radiography for detecting abnormal changes and should be considered the first choice among imaging modalities in evaluating HAs.
Insulin‐like growth factor I messenger RNA and protein are expressed in the human lymph node and distinctly confined to subtypes of macrophages, antigen‐presenting cells, lymphocytes and endothelial cells
Authors: Oberlin Dominique , Fellbaum Christian , Eppler Elisabeth
Published: June 2009

Insulin‐like growth factor I (IGF‐I) is a potent hormone that stimulates growth and differentiation and inhibits apoptosis in numerous tissues. Preliminary evidence suggests that IGF‐I exerts differentiating, mitogenic and restoring activities in the immune system but the sites of synthesis of local IGF‐I are unknown. Identification of these sites would allow the functional role of local IGF‐I to be clarified. The presence of IGF‐I in non‐immune cells suggests that it acts as a trophic factor, while its occurrence in subtypes of lymphocytes or antigen‐presenting cells indicates paracrine/autocrine direct regulatory involvement of IGF‐I in the human immune response. The present study investigated the location of IGF‐I messenger RNA and protein on archival human lymph node samples by in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry and double immunofluorescence staining using an IGF‐I probe and antisera specific for human IGF‐I and CD3 (T lymphocytes), CD20 (B lymphocytes), CD68 (macrophages), CD21 (follicular dendritic cells), S100 (interdigitating dendritic cells) and podoplanin (fibroblastic reticular cells). Numerous cells within the B‐ and T‐cell compartments expressed the IGF‐I gene, and the majority of these cells were identified as macrophages. Solitary follicular dendritic cells exhibited IGF‐I. A few T lymphocytes, and no B lymphocytes, contained IGF‐I immunoreactive material. Furthermore, IGF‐I immunoreactive cells outside the follicles that did not react with CD3, CD20, S100 or podoplanin markers were identified as high‐endothelial venule (HEV) cells. From this we conclude that the main task of IGF‐I in human non‐tumoral lymph node may be autocrine and paracrine regulation of the differentiation, stimulation and survival of lymphocytes, antigen‐presenting cells and macrophages and the differentiation and maintenance of HEV cells.
Altered peptide ligands of myelin basic protein (MBP87–99) conjugated to reduced mannan modulate immune responses in mice
Authors: Katsara Maria , Yuriev Elizabeth , Ramsland Paul A. , Tselios Theodore , Deraos George , Lourbopoulos Athanasios , Grigoriadis Nikolaos , Matsoukas John , Apostolopoulos Vasso
Published: June 2009

Mutations of peptides to generate altered peptide ligands, capable of switching immune responses from T helper 1 (Th1) to T helper 2 (Th2), are promising candidates for the immunotherapy of autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS). We synthesized two mutant peptides from myelin basic protein 87–99 (MBP87–99), an immunodominant peptide epitope identified in MS. Mutations of residues K91 and P96, known to be critical T‐cell receptor (TCR) contact sites, resulted in the mutant peptides [R91, A96]MBP87–99 and [A91, A96]MBP87–99. Immunization of mice with these altered peptide ligands emulsified in complete Freund’s adjuvant induced both interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) and interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) responses compared with only IFN‐γ responses induced to the native MBP87–99 peptide. It was of interest that [R91, A96]MBP87–99 conjugated to reduced mannan induced 70% less IFN‐γ compared with the native MBP87–99 peptide. However, [A91, A96]MBP87–99 conjugated to reduced mannan did not induce IFN‐γ‐secreting T cells, but elicited very high levels of interleukin‐4 (IL‐4). Furthermore, antibodies generated to [A91, A96]MBP87–99 peptide conjugated to reduced mannan did not cross‐react with the native MBP87–99 peptide. By molecular modelling of the mutant peptides in complex with major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II, I‐As, novel interactions were noted. It is clear that the double‐mutant peptide analogue [A91, A96]MBP87–99 conjugated to reduced mannan is able to divert immune responses from Th1 to Th2 and is a promising mutant peptide analogue for use in studies investigating potential treatments for MS.
Leucocyte‐associated immunoglobulin‐like receptor‐1 is an inhibitory regulator of contact hypersensitivity
Authors: Omiya Ryusuke , Tsushima Fumihiko , Narazaki Hidehiko , Sakoda Yukimi , Kuramasu Atsuo , Kim Youn , Xu Haiying , Tamura Hideto , Zhu Gefeng , Chen Lieping , Tamada Koji
Published: June 2009

Leucocyte‐associated immunoglobulin‐like receptor‐1 (LAIR‐1) is a membrane receptor of the immunoglobulin (Ig) superfamily that is expressed on most types of haematopoietic cells, and delivers inhibitory signals through interacting with collagens. In order to elucidate the immunological functions of LAIR‐1 in vivo, we established transgenic mice expressing a chimeric protein composed of the extracellular domain of LAIR‐1 fused with an Ig tag (LAIR‐1–Ig), which acts as a decoy by competing with endogenous LAIR‐1. The transgenic mice showed an increased susceptibility for development of contact hypersensitivity (CHS), an experimental model of allergic contact dermatitis, in association with enhanced hapten‐specific T‐cell responses. When T cells from the hapten‐sensitized donor mice were transferred into non‐sensitized recipients, treatment of either donor mice or recipient mice with LAIR‐1–Ig protein accelerated CHS, suggesting a potentially negative role of LAIR‐1 in both the sensitization and the elicitation of hapten‐reactive T cells. In vitro assays revealed that LAIR‐1 decreased the production of interleukin‐6 and interleukin‐12 in dendritic cells, and inhibited the proliferation and cytokine production of naïve and memory T cells along with G0/G1 cell cycle arrest. Collectively, our findings suggest that LAIR‐1 plays a crucial inhibitory role in CHS by regulating antigen‐presenting cell and T‐cell functions.
Overuse of mammography during the first round of an organized breast cancer screening programme
Authors: Chamot Eric , Charvet Agathe , Perneger Thomas V.
Published: June 2009

Objectives  We examined the frequency of mammography screening among women who had had a screening mammogram recently and therefore generally did not need to repeat the examination.

Methods  A population‐based sample of 50‐ to 69‐year‐old women were surveyed immediately before and 8 months after they received an invitation to participate in the first round of screening of the newly organized mammography screening programme in Geneva, Switzerland. These women also received a booklet that included the recommendation to have screening mammograms at 2‐year intervals.

Results  The baseline survey identified 660 women who had had a mammogram within the previous 12 months. Of these, 23.2% [95% confidence interval (CI), 20.0–26.6] had an opportunistic mammogram and 4.1% (95% CI, 2.7–5.9) had an organized mammogram during follow‐up. Women who had had their last mammogram 6–12 months prior to baseline (vs. more recently), intended to have a mammogram within the next 6 months, wished to receive more information on mammography screening, and had a history of surgical breast biopsy were more likely to have an unnecessary screening mammogram (either organized or opportunistic) during follow‐up. Compared with women who had an opportunistic mammogram, women who had an organized mammogram were more likely to be of lower socioeconomic status, to have made their own screening decision and to have anticipated the date of their next mammogram by no more than a few months.

Conclusions  Opportunistic mammography screening in excess of recommendation is common, and persists despite explicit advice about recommended screening frequency.
Development and analysis of a nationwide cost database of acute‐care hospitals in Japan
Authors: Hayashida Kenshi , Imanaka Yuichi , Otsubo Tetsuya , Kuwabara Kazuaki , Ishikawa Kohicih B , Fushimi Kiyohide , Hashimoto Hideki , Yasunaga Hideo , Horiguchi Hiromasa , Anan Makoto , Fujimori Kenji , Ikeda Shunya , Matsuda Shinya
Published: June 2009

Objectives  Understanding of hospital cost is crucial to achieve an ideal balance between the assurance and improvement of patient safety and quality, and efficient use of finite resources. However, neither a standardized calculation methodology nor a large‐scale database of costs in acute‐care hospitals exists in Japan. This study aims to develop a standardized methodology, construct a nationwide cost database in Japan, analyse the characteristics of the database and examine the relationship between the cost and the charge from the viewpoint of an appropriate reflection of the cost to the price.

Method  We designed the costing framework, gathered the data for patients discharged from 139 acute‐care hospitals in Japan between July 2004 and October 2004 and constructed a database containing information on 284 730 patients. The characteristics of the database and the relationship between the cost and the charge were investigated.

Results  In the nationwide database we constructed, a wide range in the average cost per hospitalization and average cost per diem was observed. A wide variation of cost components was seen across major diagnostic categories. Moreover, there was a high correlation between the cost and the charge (Correlation coefficient = 0.94).

Conclusions  After designing a costing framework, a nationwide database comprised of individual case‐level costs with components for acute‐care hospitals in Japan was successfully developed. We hope this study contributes to appropriate decision making and helps motivate further research geared towards efficient hospital management and a rational payment system in Japan.
Coping mechanisms used by women in an attempt to avoid symptoms of chronic radiation enteritis
Authors: Abayomi J. C. , Kirwan J. , Hackett A. F.
Published: June 2009

Background:  Approximately 12 000 individuals undergo pelvic radiotherapy in the UK every year and up to 50% may develop symptoms of chronic radiation enteritis (CRE). Health professionals often give inappropriate dietary advice to patients in an attempt to avoid CRE symptoms, such as avoiding fibre, despite a lack of evidence to support this.

Methods:  The present study aimed to explore dietary advice and changes made to the diet by women treated with pelvic radiotherapy. A questionnaire was distributed to 117 women attending Liverpool Women’s Hospital, exploring symptoms of CRE and asking questions about diet and medication advice received, as well as changes made to the diet.

Results:  Ninety‐five (87.2%) women completed the questionnaire and 47% had changed their diet. No significant relationship was observed between receiving dietary advice and making changes to the diet (P > 0.05), although those advised by a dietitian were more likely to be taking regular anti‐diarrhoeal medication (P < 0.05) and those taking regular medication found that it helped most/all of the time (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:  CRE sufferers should be dissuaded from unnecessarily restricting their diet, which may result in malnutrition. Regular follow‐up screening should lead to the identification of sufferers and the offer of individual advice if necessary.
Death comes early: apoptosis observed in ENS precursors
Authors: Enomoto H.
Published: June 2009

Abstract  Cell death is a physiological and fundamental process in normal organogenesis. During the development of the nervous system, cell death or apoptosis occurs in early and late developmental time periods, affecting neural precursors and neurons respectively. In the development of the enteric nervous system (ENS), however, apoptosis of neurons has not been detected, a feature unique to enteric neurons. In this issue of Neurogastroenterology and Motility, Wallace et al. focused on an early phase of ENS development and identified apoptotic cell death in vagal neural crest cells, the primary cellular source for the ENS. Introduction of an antiapoptotic molecule in the vagal neural crest and its derivatives resulted in the overproduction of neurons in the foregut. Thus, unlike the neurons themselves, ENS precursors do undergo apoptosis, which may, by regulating the size of the ENS precursor pool, be a crucial factor in determining the final cell number in the ENS.
Transfer of nitrogen from a tropical legume tree to an associated fodder grass via root exudation and common mycelial networks
Authors: JALONEN RIINA , NYGREN PEKKA , SIERRA JORGE
Published: June 2009

Symbiotic dinitrogen fixation by legume trees represents a substantial N input in agroforestry systems, which may benefit the associated crops. Applying 15N labelling, we studied N transfer via common mycelial networks (CMN) and root exudation from the legume tree Gliricidia sepium to the associated fodder grass Dichantium aristatum. The plants were grown in greenhouse in shared pots in full interaction (treatment FI) or with their root systems separated with a fine mesh that allowed N transfer via CMN only (treatment MY). Tree root exudation was measured separately with hydroponics. Nitrogen transfer estimates were based on the isotopic signature of N (δ15N) transferred from the donor. We obtained a range for estimates by calculating transfer with δ15N of tree roots and exudates. Nitrogen transfer was 3.7–14.0 and 0.7–2.5% of grass total N in treatments FI and MY, respectively. Root δ15N gave the lower and exudate δ15N the higher estimates. Transfer in FI probably occurred mainly via root exudation. Transfer in MY correlated negatively with grass root N concentration, implying that it was driven by source‐sink relationships between the plants. The range of transfer estimates, depending on source δ15N applied, indicates the need of understanding the transfer mechanisms as a basis for reliable estimates.
Molecular identification of weedy glyphosate‐resistant Lolium (Poaceae) in California
Authors: SHERWOOD A M , JASIENIUK M
Published: June 2009

The origins of invasive weed populations can involve multiple species, introductions and genotypes. In California, USA, self‐incompatible (SI) Lolium species are highly successful agricultural weeds. During the last decade, resistance to glyphosate has evolved in California populations of Lolium. However, the species identity of glyphosate‐resistant populations is unclear. Occurrence of three SI species, L. multiflorum, L. rigidum and L. perenne, and the lack of reproductive barriers between them, suggests that any or all species may be contributing to resistant populations. To elucidate the identity and evolutionary history of resistant Lolium, we assessed genetic variation of known species and unknown California individuals using five simple sequence repeat loci, a nuclear DNA sequence and a chloroplast DNA sequence. Employing two analytical approaches, we identified three major genetic groups within the accessions of SI species that were similar, but not identical, to the taxonomic species identities. California glyphosate‐resistant and susceptible plants were most closely related to the L. multiflorum group. However, a few glyphosate‐resistant plants and a third of the glyphosate‐susceptible plants also identified with L. rigidum and L. perenne. While L. rigidum and L. perenne contribute to invasive populations within California, the majority of glyphosate‐resistant individuals tested were L. multiflorum.
PRECLINICAL STUDY: Amphetamine‐ and nicotine‐induced cross‐sensitization in adolescent rats persists until adulthood
Authors: Santos Gabriela C. , Marin Marcelo T. , Cruz Fábio C. , DeLucia Roberto , Planeta Cleopatra S.
Published: June 2009

Nicotine and psychostimulants are often abused in combination and drug abuse often begins during adolescence and can have long‐term consequences. Behavioral sensitization has been suggested as an animal model of neuroplasticity implicated in the development of drug addiction. We evaluated whether the pretreatment with nicotine (0.4 mg/kg; s.c.) or amphetamine (5.0 mg/kg; i.p.) in adolescent rats [from postnatal day (P) 28 to P34] could induce cross‐sensitization to nicotine and amphetamine when animals were challenged during both adolescence (P37) and adulthood (P70), in separate groups of animals. Adolescent animals pretreated with amphetamine displayed behavioral sensitization to nicotine, which persisted until adulthood. Moreover, adolescent animals pretreated with nicotine showed sensitized locomotor response to amphetamine in the adulthood. These data suggest that adolescents who abuse nicotine may be particularly susceptible to the effects of amphetamine and vice versa. Moreover, this increased vulnerability may persist through their development until adulthood.
PRECLINICAL STUDY: Modulation of MDMA‐induced behavioral and transcriptional effects by the delta opioid antagonist naltrindole in mice
Authors: Belkaï Emilie , Scherrmann Jean‐Michel , Noble Florence , Marie‐Claire Cynthia
Published: June 2009

The delta opioid system is involved in the behavioral effects of various drugs of abuse. However, only a few studies have focused on the possible interactions between the opioid system and the effects of 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). In order to examine the possible role of the delta opioid system in MDMA‐induced behaviors in mice, locomotor activity and conditioned place preference (CPP) were investigated in the presence of naltrindole (NTI), a selective delta opioid antagonist. Moreover, the consequences of acute and chronic MDMA administration on pro‐enkephalin (Penk) and pro‐opiomelanocortin (Pomc) gene expression were assessed by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (QPCR). The results showed that, after acute MDMA administration (9 mg/kg; i.p.), NTI (5 mg/kg, s.c.) was able to totally block MDMA‐induced hyperlocomotion.Penkgene expression was not modulated by acute MDMA, but a decrease ofPomcgene expression was observed, which was not antagonized by NTI. Administration of the antagonist prevented the acquisition of MDMA‐induced CPP, suggesting an implication of the delta opioid receptors in this behavior. Following chronic MDMA treatment, only the level ofPomcwas modulated. The observed increase was totally blocked by NTI pre‐treatment. All these results confirm the interactions between the delta opioid system (receptors and peptides) and the effects of MDMA.
‘Liberal’ vs. ‘restrictive’ perioperative fluid therapy – a critical assessment of the evidence
Authors: BUNDGAARD‐NIELSEN M. , SECHER N. H. , KEHLET H.
Published: June 2009

Background: Several studies have assessed the effect of a ‘liberal’ vs. a ‘restrictive’ perioperative fluid regimen on post‐operative outcome. The literature was reviewed in order to provide recommendations regarding perioperative fluid regimens.

Methods: A PubMed search identified randomized clinical trials and cited studies, comparing two different fixed fluid volumes on post‐operative clinical outcome in major surgery. Studies were assessed for the type of surgery, primary and secondary outcome endpoints, the type and volume of administered fluid and the definition of the perioperative period. Also, information regarding perioperative care and type of anaesthesia was assessed.

Results: In the seven randomized studies identified, the range of the liberal intraoperative fluid regimen was from 2750 to 5388 ml compared with 998 to 2740 ml for the restrictive fluid regimen. The period for fluid therapy and outcome endpoints were inconsistently defined and only two studies reported perioperative care principles and discharge criteria. Three studies found an improved outcome (morbidity/hospital stay) with a restrictive fluid regimen whereas two studies found no difference and two studies found differences in the selected outcome parameters.

Conclusion: Liberal vs. restrictive fixed‐volume regimens are not well defined in the literature regarding the definition, methodology and results, and lack the use of or information on evidence‐based standardized perioperative care‐principles (fast‐track surgery), thereby precluding evidence‐based guidelines for procedure‐specific perioperative fixed‐volume regimens. Optimization of perioperative fluid management may include a combination of fixed crystalloid administration to replace extra‐vascular losses and avoiding fluid excess, together with individualized goal‐directed colloid administration to maintain a maximal stroke volume.
A simple floral fragrance and unusual osmophore structure in Cyclopogon elatus (Orchidaceae)
Authors: Wiemer A. P. , Moré M. , Benitez‐Vieyra S. , Cocucci A. A. , Raguso R. A. , Sérsic A. N.
Published: June 2009

We studied gland morphology, anatomy and the chemical composition of the floral fragrance in the sweat bee‐pollinated orchid Cyclopogon elatus. This is apparently the first such analysis for any Cyclopogon species, and one of very few studies in which both odour and osmophore are characterised in a nectar‐rewarding orchid. Structures responsible for floral scent production were localised with neutral red staining and histochemical assays for lipids and starch. Their morphology and anatomy were studied with scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy thin sections, respectively. Fragrance samples were collected using SPME fibres and analysed with GC‐MS. Anatomical evidence suggests that two parallel oval‐shaped patches of unicellular trichomes on the abaxial surface of the labellum are osmophores. These are rich in stored lipids, while the parenchyma surrounding the vascular bundles contains starch. Only freshly opened flowers produced odours, while buds and withered flowers lacked scent. The chemical composition of the odour was dominated (>99.8%) by a single compound, trans‐4,8‐dimethyl‐nona‐1,3,7‐triene (DMNT). Gland anatomy and position on the outside of the perianth are unusual for scent glands in general. The presence of DMNT, a nearly ubiquitous compound in herbivore‐induced vegetative emissions and one of the major floral volatiles of Yucca, is not surprising in view of hypotheses on the evolutionary origin of flower scents, suggesting that wound volatiles are utilised as kairomonal attractants by florivores whose activities result in pollination.
Reissner’s Fibre Proteins and p73 Variations in the Cerebrospinal Fluid and Subcommissural Organ of Hydrocephalic Rat
Authors: Carmona‐Calero E. M. , González‐Marrero I. , González‐Toledo J. M. , Castañeyra‐Ruiz A. , De Paz‐Carmona H. , Castañeyra‐Ruiz L. , Fernández‐Rodriguez P. , Ruiz‐Mayor M. L. , Castañeyra‐Perdomo A.
Published: June 2009

Reissner’s fibre (RF) is formed by the polymerization of the glycoprotein secreted by the subcommissural organ (SCO). The SCO also secretes soluble glycoprotein into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF); variations in RF and SCO have been reported in hydrocephalus. On the other hand, hydrocephalus and other brain alterations have been described in p73 mutant mice. The p73 belongs to the tumour suppressor p53 protein family and has two isoforms: the TAp73 with apoptotic activity and ΔNp73 with anti‐apoptotic function. Moreover, the TAp73 isoform is glycosylated and secreted into the CSF. In the present work, we analysed the variations in RF and p73 proteins in the CSF and SCO of spontaneously hydrocephalic rats. Brains from control rats and spontaneously hydrocephalic rats of 12 months of age were used. The SCO sections were immunohistochemically processed with anti‐TAp73 and anti‐Reissner fibre (AFRU). The spontaneous hydrocephalus presents a decrease in the AFRU immunoreactive material in the SCO and an absence of RF. The anti‐TAp73 was also present, slightly decreased, in the hydrocephalic SCO. AFRU and p73 bands were also detected in the CSF by western blot and six AFRU and p73 protein bands of a similar molecular weight were found in the CSF of the control rats. The number of AFRU and p73 bands was lower in the hydrocephalic rats than in the control rats. In conclusion, hydrocephalus produces a decrease in the secretions of the SCO and an absence of RF and a decrease in p73 and RF proteins in the CSF.
MHC Class II+ (HLA‐DP‐like) Cells in the Cow Reproductive Tract: II. Immunolocalization of MHC Class II+ Cells in Oviduct and Vagina
Authors: Eren U. , Kum S. , Sandıkçı M. , Eren V. , Ilhan F.
Published: June 2009

The aim of this study was to determine and examine the distribution of major frequency MHC II+ cells in the oviduct and vagina of cows during the oestrous and dioestrus phases. Right oviduct (ampulla, isthmus) and vaginal samples taken from a total of twenty seven multiparous cows were used. Tissue samples were processed to obtain both cryostat and paraffin sections. Sections were stained immunocytochemically using StreptABC method using a specific monoclonal antibody to MHC II+ cell population. Intra‐epithelial and subepithelial areas along with lamina propria, muscularis mucosae and serosa of both ampulla and isthmus and intra‐epithelial/subepithelial areas and mucosae of vagina were examined for the presence of MHC II+ cells. The density of immune positive cells was determined using a subjective scoring system. MHC II+ cells were demonstrated in all areas examined in both oestrus and dioestrus. In oestrus, the density of MHC II+ cells decreased in subepithelial areas (in between the epithelial cells and the basal membrane) of isthmus, whereas the density of immune positive cells was increased in muscularis mucosae of isthmus (P < 0.05), lamina propria and muscularis mucosae of ampulla (P < 0.05) as well as in the mucosae of vagina (P ≤ 0.005). This study indicates that the density of MHC II+ cells observed in the oviduct and vagina increases in the majority of areas examined due to the effect of oestrogen.
Three‐Dimensional Anatomy of the Temporal Bone in Normal Mice
Authors: Lee J. H. , Park K. , Kang T. C. , Choung Y. H.
Published: June 2009

This study was performed to determine the three‐dimensional (3D) structure of the murine temporal bone and to provide a survey atlas of the temporal bone structures in mice. The temporal bones of adult BALB/c mice were examined and 3D high‐resolution reconstructions of the temporal bone were obtained using a micro‐CT system. Using the system described here, the bony labyrinth and membranous labyrinth could be investigated in a non‐destructive manner. The turning rate of the cochlea was two (human rate: two and a half). The shapes of the superior and posterior semicircular canals were more flexed than those in humans. The malleus manubrium was directed anteriorly and was thin and fan‐shaped like a Persian sword. The size of the incus relative to the malleus was smaller than that in the human ossicles. The 3D reconstruction of murine temporal bone described in this study provides anatomical information that will be useful in future studies using mouse model.
Alterations in Photochemical and Physiological Activities of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Cultivars under Drought Stress
Authors: Kalefetoğlu Macar T. , Ekmekçi Y.
Published: June 2009

In this study, some morphological, physiological and biochemical parameters of two chickpea cultivars, cv. Gökçe and Canıtez, were analysed to understand their tolerance to drought stress. Twenty‐day‐old plants were subjected to three different regimes of drought stress by withholding water for 3, 5 or 7 days, and then rewatering for 2 days after the initial 7 days of drought stress. Drought treatments only reduced shoot elongation in the Canıtez cultivar. Leaf production and fresh biomass decreased in both cultivars under all drought treatments, however to a greater extent in Canıtez. In both cultivars, malondialdehyde, proline and anthocyanin accumulation increased significantly, whereas relative water content declined under drought stress. The total chlorophyll and carotenoid contents of Gökçe were not affected by drought stress, whereas the chlorophyll content of Canıtez increased greatly at the end of the treatments. Using chlorophyll a fluorescence measurements, we found that extended drought treatment caused photoinhibition of PSII activity in both cultivars. However, this was greater in Canıtez, especially under severe drought stress. Although Canıtez recovered quickly from drought stress and exhibited a good ability to overcome drought stress, via activation of many protection mechanisms such as increasing antioxidant enzymes and proline and anthocyanin accumulation during vegetative stage, our results show that Canıtez is less drought tolerant than Gökçe.
Effects of Elevated Ultraviolet‐B Radiation on Productive Tillers, Spikelet Sterility and Grain Characteristics of Southern US Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Cultivars
Authors: Mohammed A. R. , Tarpley L.
Published: June 2009

Depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer is leading to an increase in ultraviolet‐B (UVB) radiation (280–320 nm) reaching the Earth’s surface, which can alter crop productivity. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of elevated UVB radiation on rice production with special emphasis on grain characteristics in southern US rice cultivars (six inbred cultivars and three hybrids). Due to the spectral characteristics of the greenhouse glass, plants received no natural UVB radiation; hence, plants were provided with supplemental UVB lighting. Plants were exposed to UVB radiation of 0, 8 (ambient) or 16 (twice ambient) kJ m−2 day−1. There was no significant effect of elevated UVB radiation on the number of productive tillers in any cultivar except ‘Sierra’. All the cultivars except ‘Sierra’ showed increased spikelet sterility with an increase in UVB radiation. There were decreases in main‐stem panicle length, number of primary branches per panicle, and grain width with an increase in UVB radiation in most of the inbred cultivars. Elevated UVB radiation decreased plant grain yield in all the cultivars, however the per cent decrease in plant grain yield varied among the cultivars (31–79 %). The hybrid ‘Clearfield XL729’ performed best among the selected southern US rice cultivars under an elevated UVB environment.
Development of Gossypium hirsutum lines with cytoplasmic bollworm tolerance from Gossypium arboreum and Gossypium tomentosum
Authors: Ahuja S. L. , Banerjee S. K. , Singh J. , Singh P. , Singh V. V. , Monga D. , Tuteja O. P.
Published: June 2009

American cotton [Gossypium hirsutum (L.)] grown in India belongs to the race Latifolium. It is prone to bollworms [Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner), Erias vitella (Fabricius), Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders)] infestation which causes considerable crop loss. Two breeding lines ‘Bikaneri (BN)‐arboreum (ARB)‐16’ and ‘BN‐tomentosum (TOM)‐277’ are cytoplasmic diverse genetic stocks. They were developed by crossing experimental lines ‘Delta Branch Experiment Station (DES)‐ARB16’ and ‘DES‐TOM277’ (non‐recurrent parents) with G. hirsutum‘BN’ (recurrent parent). Compared with BN these stocks possessed higher amount of gossypol, flavonol and phenol contents in leaves, stem and square. Plants were tolerant to bollworms and inherited comparable agronomic properties (yield, boll weight, plant height, number of monopods and sympods and fibre quality). Cotton breeders can use these lines for breeding cotton resistant to bollworm.
Practical Experience with the Treatment of Recipient Mares with a Non‐Steroidal Anti‐Inflammatory Drug in an Equine Embryo Transfer Programme
Authors: Koblischke P , Budik S , Müller J , Aurich C
Published: June 2009

Contents

As part of a commercial embryo transfer programme, 20 embryos were transferred to spontaneously synchronous or synchronized recipient mares. In 14 cases, embryo recipients were treated with non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAID), receiving flunixin meglumine i.v. at the time of transfer and vedaprofen orally twice a day on the 3 days after embryo transfer, while six embryos were transferred to untreated mares that served as controls. Out of the 14 recipient mares treated with NSAID, 11 (79%) were pregnant at 6–8 days after transfer and in 10 mares, the pregnancy was continued. From the six untreated recipients, only one became pregnant but underwent early embryonic death between day 14 and 35 after ovulation. In conclusion, pregnancy rate in NSAID‐treated recipients is higher than that in untreated recipients and above reported average values, indicating that treatment of recipient mares with NSAID helps to increase pregnancy rates after transcervical transfer and can be recommended for equine embryo transfer.
Neuroprotective effects of pramipexole against tunicamycin‐induced cell death in PC12 cells
Authors: Nakayama Hitoshi , Zhao Jing , EI‐FAKhrany Amany , Isosaki Minoru , Satoh Hiroyasu , Kyotani Yoji , Yoshizumi Masanori
Published: June 2009

Pramipexole (PPX), a dopamine D2 and D3 receptor agonist, exerts neuroprotective effects via both dopamine receptor‐mediated and non‐dopaminergic mechanisms. In the present study, we demonstrate that PPX reduces the toxicity of tunicamycin, a typical endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stressor, in PC12h cells, a subline of PC12 cells.

The PC12h cells were treated with 300 μmol / L PPX in the presence of 0.5 μmol / L tunicamycin for 24 h. The neuroprotective effects of PPX against tunicamycin‐induced cell death were evaluated using 3‐(4,5‐dimethyl‐2 thiazoyl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐2H‐tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assays, Hoechst 33258 staining and western blot analysis.

Tunicamycin (0.2, 0.3 and 0.5 μg / mL) dose‐dependently decreased MTT activity and increased LDH release from PC12h cells. Treatment with 300 μmol / L PPX rescued the tunicamycin‐induced decrease in cell viability.

Spiperone (10 μmol / L), a dopamine D2 and D4 receptor antagonist, had no effect on PPX neuroprotection against tunicamycin in these cells. Marker proteins of ER stress and apoptosis are known to be upregulated by tunicamycin, but we detected no significant effects of PPX on these factors.

In conclusion, we speculate that a combination of several mechanisms may be involved in PPX‐induced neuroprotection.
Cardiac rehabilitation programme for coronary heart disease patients: An integrative literature review
Authors: Eshah Nidal F , Bond A Elaine
Published: June 2009

Previous Western cardiac rehabilitation (CR) purported to improve patients' quality of life and health‐related parameters for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Nursing's role in CR was minimally identified. The purpose of this integrative literature review was to determine the effectiveness of current CR programmes and to determine if nurses are included in multidisciplinary CR teams. An online search of databases for the National Institutes of Health Library, Medline, CINAHL, Blackwell Synergy and PsychINFO electronic databases, with keywords—cardiac rehabilitation, lifestyle modification, secondary prevention, quality of life, effects of rehabilitation—identified 13 articles published 2001–2006 for inclusion. Cardiac rehabilitation programmes provided significant improvement in participants' quality of life, exercise capacity, lipid profile, body mass index, body weight, blood pressure, resting heart rate, survival rate, mortality rate and decreased myocardial infarction (MI) risk factors, although there was limited participation. They also decreased depression and anxiety. Eight studies included Nurses as CR providers, but without clear descriptions of their role. Nurses in developing countries need to participate in CR programmes to improve patients' participation, and to focus on modalities with lower overhead costs, such as home‐based CR, and to clearly articulate their unique contributions.
Conveying caring: Nurse attributes to avert violence in the ED
Authors: Luck Lauretta , Jackson Debra , Usher Kim
Published: June 2009

Violence towards nurses in Emergency Department's is a world wide problem that some contend is increasing in severity and frequency, despite the many strategies implemented to prevent violent events. This paper presents the findings of an instrumental case study in a busy rural Emergency Department. Twenty Registered Nurses participated in the study and data from 16 unstructured interviews, 13 semi‐structured field interviews, and 290 h of participant observation were thematically analysed. In addition, 16 violent events were observed, recorded via a structured observation tool and analysed using frequency counts. Thematically there were five attributes rural emergency nurses were observed to use to avert, reduce and prevent violence. The five attributes were being safe, being available, being respectful, being supportive and being responsive. We argue that these attributes were embodied in the emergency nurses routine practice and their conceptualization of caring.
Feasibility of the ‘see and treat’ approach in management of women with ‘atypical squamous cell, cannot exclude high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion’ smears
Authors: Kietpeerakool Chumnan , Cheewakriangkrai Chalong , Suprasert Prapaporn , Srisomboon Jatupol
Published: June 2009

Aim:  To evaluate the feasibility of the ‘see and treat’ approach in the management of women with ‘atypical squamous cell, cannot exclude high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion’ (ASC‐H) on cervical cytology.

Methods:  All women with ASC‐H, who had undergone the see and treat approach between October 2004 and January 2008 at Chiang Mai University Hospital, were reviewed. Similar cohorts, who had undergone conventional management during the same period, were recruited as a comparative group.

Results:  One‐hundred and eight women with ASC‐H smears were available for review. Fifty‐eight (53.7%) women had undergone see and treat approach and the remaining 50 had undergone conventional management. There was no significant difference in final histological diagnosis between the conventional and the see and treat group (P = 0.32). The time interval from colposcopy to final histological diagnosis in the see and treat group was shorter than that in the conventional group, particularly for women with high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) histology or higher (P = 0.004). Of the 58 women in the see and treat group, 14 had no lesions (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia or cancer) on loop electrosurgical excision procedure histology, for an overtreatment rate of 24.1% on the basis of cytology alone. When stratified by colposcopic findings, the overtreatment rate was 61.1% in women who had low‐grade lesions or lesser on colposcopy, which was significantly higher than that in women who had high‐grade lesions (7.5%, P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that women with low‐grade lesions or lesser on colposcopy had 18.25 times (95% confidence interval (CI) = 3.82–87.23, P < 0.001) greater risk of overtreatment after adjusting for age, parity, menopausal status, contraceptive methods and adequacy of colposcopy.

Conclusion:  Selective use of the see and treat approach in women with ASC‐H smears who have high‐grade lesions on colposcopy is feasible with an acceptable overtreatment rate.
Investigation of β2‐adrenoceptor subtype selectivity and organ specificity for bedoradrine (KUR‐1246), a novel tocolytic beta‐adrenergic receptor stimulant
Authors: Inoue Yoshihito , Yoshizato Toshiyuki , Kawarabayashi Tatsuhiko
Published: June 2009

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the beta‐adrenergic receptor (β‐AR) selectivity, organ specificity and efficacy of delaying the onset of spontaneous delivery of bedoradrine (KUR‐1246), a novel uterine relaxant.

Methods: β‐AR selectivity was evaluated in terms of the amount of cyclic adenosine monophosphate produced by bedoradrine, ritodrine and isoprenaline in Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing human β1‐, β2‐AR or β3‐AR. Inhibition of contractions of the atrium, trachea and proximal colon by bedoradrine were compared with those of the uterus in pregnant rats using an organ bath method. Finally, the delaying effect of bedoradrine on spontaneous labor was evaluated by anin vivostudy using term pregnant rats.

Results: EC50values of bedoradrine for cyclic adenosine monophosphate production in Chinese hamster ovary cells via β1‐, β2‐ and β3‐AR were 2400 ± 30, 2.9 ± 0.10 and 363 ± 3 nmol/L, respectively, indicating that bedoradrine had 832‐ and 126‐fold higher selectivity for β2‐AR than for β1‐ and β3‐AR. EC50values of bedoradrine for the uterus, atrium, trachea and proximal colon were 1.01 ± 0.27, 2300 ± 356, 1610 ± 299 and 219 ± 23.5 nmol/L, respectively. Thus, bedoradrine was 2280‐, 1590‐ and 217‐fold more specific for the uterus than for the atrium, trachea and proximal colon, respectively. Bedoradrine delayed the spontaneous delivery of 21‐day‐pregnant rats in a dose‐dependent manner.

Conclusions: Bedoradrine is a promising drug for the treatment of preterm labor in obstetrical practice because it has better selectivity for β2‐AR and specificity for the uterus than currently used agents and may effectively delay spontaneous delivery.