bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hepcidin treatment in Hfe−/− mice diminishes plasma iron without affecting erythropoiesis
Authors: Morán‐Jiménez María‐Josefa , Méndez Manuel , Santiago Begoña , Rodríguez‐García María‐Elena , Moreno‐Carralero María‐Isabel , Sánchez‐Lucío Ana‐Cristina , Grau Montserrat , Enríquez‐de‐Salamanca Rafael
Published: April 2010

Eur J Clin Invest 2010; 40 (6): 511–517

Background  Iron is essential for mammalian metabolism and its cellular concentration is controlled by regulating its acquisition and storage. Haemochromatosis is a condition involving iron overload that is characterised by increased duodenal iron absorption and a progressive accumulation of iron in vital organs. Hepcidin is the main hormone that regulates iron homoestasis and it is secreted by the liver.

Materials and methods  We have studied how extended hepcidin administration affects the iron load status, plasma and tissue iron concentration, erythropoiesis and the expression of proteins involved on iron homeostasis in haemochromatotic (Hfe−/−) and wild‐type mice.

Results  Hepcidin reverted the high plasma iron concentrations in Hfe−/− mice to normal values. The high concentration of hepatic iron was not altered in the liver of these Hfe−/− mice. Hepcidin administration did not disturb erythropoiesis in either Hfe−/− or wild‐type mice and likewise, hepcidin did not modify the expression of any protein analysed in the liver, duodenum or spleen of Hfe−/− and wild‐type mice. These data confirm that hepcidin administration diminishes plasma iron concentrations.

Conclusion  Treatment with sustained doses of hepcidin diminishes plasma iron concentrations in Hfe−/− mice.
Practical application and clinical impact of the WHO histopathological criteria on bone marrow biopsy for the diagnosis of essential thrombocythemia versus prefibrotic primary myelofibrosis
Authors: Brousseau Maud , Parot‐Schinkel Elsa , Moles Marie‐Pierre , Boyer Françoise , Hunault Mathilde , Rousselet Marie‐Christine
Published: April 2010

Brousseau M, Parot‐Schinkel E, Moles M‐P, Boyer F, Hunault M & Rousselet M‐C (2010) Histopathology56, 758‐767 Practical application and clinical impact of the WHO histopathological criteria on bone marrow biopsy for the diagnosis of essential thrombocythemia versus prefibrotic primary myelofibrosis

Aims:  To evaluate the feasibility of the histopathological diagnosis of prefibrotic–early primary myelofibrosis (PM) as described in the World Health Organization (WHO) classification and to evaluate the clinical implications of prefibrotic–early PM in a series of patients previously diagnosed as having essential thrombocythemia (ET) according to the Polycythemia Vera Study Group criteria.

Methods and results:  WHO criteria were applied to bone marrow biopsy specimens by two pathologists who then reclassified 127 cases as 102 ET (80.3%), 18 prefibrotic–early PM (14.2%) and seven fibrotic PM (5.5%). In 45 cases (35%), the final diagnosis was only reached by consensus. The megakaryocytic criteria that best discriminated between ET and prefibrotic–early PM were an increased nucleo–cytoplasmic ratio, presence of cloudlike nuclei, hyperchromatic‐dysplastic nuclei, paratrabecular megakaryocytes and tight clusters. A histological score discriminated between ET (score ≤3) and PM (score ≥6), but 21 cases showed an intermediate ambiguous score. No significant differences were observed at diagnosis and at follow‐up (median time 93 months) for thrombosis, major haemorrhage, laboratory data, transformation into overt myeloid metaplasia and survival.

Conclusions:  The distinction between ET and prefibrotic–early PM is impaired by subjectivity in pathological practice and is of questionable clinical relevance, at least when considering individual patients.
Fibroblast growth factor (FGF)‐23 and fetuin‐A in calcified carotid atheroma
Authors: Voigt Mathias , Fischer Dagmar‐Christiane , Rimpau Max , Schareck Wolfgang , Haffner Dieter
Published: April 2010

Voigt M, Fischer D‐C, Rimpau M, Schareck W & Haffner D (2010) Histopathology56, 775–788 Fibroblast growth factor (FGF)‐23 and fetuin‐A in calcified carotid atheroma

Aims:  Human atheroma calcification occurs secondary to repetitive injury/remodelling of the vessel wall and might be initiated by adherence of mineral‐loaded fetuin‐A whether or not professional matrix mineralizing cells are present. The aim was to investigate the contribution of fibroblast growth factor (FGF)‐23 to ectopic mineralization.

Methods and results:  Serial sections of formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded human carotid atheroma (n = 54) were investigated with respect to (i) size and distribution of calcific deposits, (ii) indicators of chondrogenic/osteogenic transformation, and (iii) expression of fetuin‐A and FGF‐23. All specimens were calcified and SOX‐9, collagen type II, cathepsin‐K, fetuin‐A and FGF‐23 expression was seen in 46, 53, 53, 54 and 48 specimens, respectively. The intracellular detection of FGF‐23 (45/48) indicates local synthesis. Whereas fetuin‐A expression was seen also within areas of vascular smooth muscle actin‐positive cells adjacent to calcific deposits, FGF‐23 expression was apparently restricted to the mineralization‐prone areas. Both local expression and FGF‐23 serum concentrations were significantly associated with the degree of atheroma calcification.

Conclusions:  Besides the induction of bone islets and subsequent mineral deposition, severe remodelling of the vessel wall is sufficient to create a mineralizable fetuin‐A‐attracting microenvironment. FGF‐23 might contribute to the formation of proper mineral, i.e. control local phosphate concentration.
Genomic and immunophenotypical differences between hepatocellular carcinoma with and without cirrhosis
Authors: Tretiakova Maria S , Shabani‐Rad Meer T , Guggisberg Kelly , Hart John , Anders Robert A , Gao Zu‐hua
Published: April 2010

Tretiakova M S, Shabani‐Rad M T, Guggisberg K, Hart J, Anders R A & Gao Z‐h (2010) Histopathology 56, 683–693 Genomic and immunophenotypical differences between hepatocellular carcinoma with and without cirrhosis

Aims:  To compare the expression of genes involved in p53, Wnt/β‐catenin, and retinoblastoma (Rb) 1 pathways between cirrhosis‐associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC‐C) and hepatocellular carcinoma arising in non‐cirrhotic liver (HCC‐NC).

Methods and results:  The gene expression profile was analysed using oligo‐DNA arrays, and then validated at protein level in a tissue microarray using immunohistochemistry. Compared with their background non‐neoplastic liver tissue, HCC‐C showed a significantly higher rate of p53, β‐catenin (protein only) and cyclin D1 expression, whereas HCC‐NC showed a significantly higher rate of p21Waf1/cip1 and p27Kip1 expression. HCC‐C had a significantly higher rate of p53 expression and a significantly lower rate of p21waf1/cip1 expression than HCC‐NC. There was no statistically significant association between the expression of genetic markers and tumour histological grade, underlying aetiology, or lymphovascular invasion. Aberrant β‐catenin expression was more commonly seen in single tumours in comparison with multiple tumours. Increased p16INK4 and p21waf1/cip1 expression was more commonly observed in large‐sized tumours (>50 mm) than small‐sized tumours.

Conclusions:  Alteration of the p53 pathway plays a more important role in the pathogenesis of HCC‐C, whereas alterations in cell cycle regulators p21waf1/cip1 and p27Kip1 play a more important role in the pathogenesis of HCC‐NC.
Maximal heat dissipation capacity and hyperthermia risk: neglected key factors in the ecology of endotherms
Authors: Speakman John R. , Król Elżbieta
Published: April 2010

1. The role of energy in ecological processes has hitherto been considered primarily from the standpoint that energy supply is limited. That is, traditional resource‐based ecological and evolutionary theories and the recent ‘metabolic theory of ecology’ (MTE) all assume that energetic constraints operate on the supply side of the energy balance equation.

2. For endothermic animals, we provide evidence suggesting that an upper boundary on total energy expenditure is imposed by the maximal capacity to dissipate body heat and therefore avoid the detrimental consequences of hyperthermia – the heat dissipation limit (HDL) theory. We contend that the HDL is a major constraint operating on the expenditure side of the energy balance equation, and that processes that generate heat compete and trade‐off within a total boundary defined by heat dissipation capacity, rather than competing for limited energy supply.

3. The HDL theory predicts that daily energy expenditure should scale in relation to body mass (Mb) with an exponent of about 0·63. This contrasts the prediction of the MTE of an exponent of 0·75.

4. We compiled empirical data on field metabolic rate (FMR) measured by the doubly‐labelled water method, and found that they scale toMbwith exponents of 0·647 in mammals and 0·658 in birds, not significantly different from the HDL prediction (P > 0·05) but lower than predicted by the MTE (P < 0·001). The same statistical result was obtained using phylogenetically independent contrasts analysis. Quantitative predictions of the model matched the empirical data for both mammals and birds. There was no indication of curvature in the relationship between LogeFMR and LogeMb.

5. Together, these data provide strong support for the HDL theory and allow us to reject the MTE, at least when applied to endothermic animals.

6. The HDL theory provides a novel conceptual framework that demands a reframing of our views of the interplay between energy and the environment in endothermic animals, and provides many new interpretations of ecological and evolutionary phenomena.
Functional changes induced by psychological stress are not enough to cause intestinal inflammation in Sprague–Dawley rats
Authors: Jorge E. , Fernández J. A. , Torres R. , Vergara P. , Martin M. T.
Published: April 2010

Background It is well known that stress contributes to the perpetuation of several gastrointestinal diseases. However, its role as a trigger of the inflammatory process in absence of other putative contributing factors remains controversial. Our aim was to elucidate whether stressper secan induce a primary gut inflammation in non‐predisposed rats.

Methods Male Sprague–Dawley rats were divided in sham and stress groups. Chronic stress was induced by subjecting animals 1 h day−1to wrap restraint or water avoidance stress alternatively for five consecutive days, as a model of ongoing life stress.

Key Results Chronic stress induced a significant decrease in body weight gain without changes in food intake and an increase in frequency of defecation. Electromiografic (EMG) study showed that the duration of the migrating motor cycles (MMCs), but not its frequency, was shortened in stressed animals compared with non‐stress conditions. Moreover, stressful stimulus caused mucosal mast cell hyperplasia and a decrease of iNOS mRNA expression. Bacterial translocation observed in stressed animals was not related to changes in epithelial barrier function and was not enough to induce intestinal inflammation.

Conclusions & Inferences Decreased MMC duration, mast cell hyperplasia and decreased mRNA iNOS expression, but not altered epithelial barrier function, could be factors implicated in bacterial translocation‐induced by chronic stress. However, these changes are not sufficient to induce intestinal inflammation in stress non‐susceptible strain of rats.
Differentiation of metallicolous and non‐metallicolous Salix caprea populations based on phenotypic characteristics and nuclear microsatellite (SSR) markers
Authors: PUSCHENREITER MARKUS , TÜRKTAŞ MINE , SOMMER PETER , WIESHAMMER GERLINDE , LAAHA GREGOR , WENZEL WALTER W. , HAUSER MARIE‐THERES
Published: April 2010

The Salicaceae family comprises a large number of high‐biomass species with remarkable genetic variability and adaptation to ecological niches. Salix caprea survives in heavy metal contaminated areas, translocates and accumulates Zn/Cd in leaves. To reveal potential selective effects of long‐term heavy metal contaminations on the genetic structure and Zn/Cd accumulation capacity, 170 S. caprea isolates of four metal‐contaminated and three non‐contaminated middle European sites were analysed with microsatellite markers using Wright's F statistics. The differentiation of populations North of the Alps are more pronounced compared to the Southern ones. By grouping the isolates based on their contamination status, a weak but significant differentiation was calculated between Northern metallicolous and non‐metallicolous populations. To quantify if the contamination and genetic status of the populations correlate with Zn/Cd tolerance and the accumulation capacity, the S. caprea isolates were exposed to elevated Cd/Zn concentrations in perlite‐based cultures. Consistent with the genetic data nested anova analyses for the physiological traits find a significant difference in the Cd accumulation capacity between the Northern and Southern populations. Our data suggest that natural populations are a profitable source to uncover genetic mechanisms of heavy metal accumulation and biomass production, traits that are essential for improving phytoextraction strategies.
Rosiglitazone attenuates hypoxia‐induced pulmonary arterial hypertension in rats
Authors: KIM Eun Kyung , LEE Ji‐Hyun , OH Yeon‐Mock , LEE Yun‐Song , LEE Sang‐Do
Published: April 2010

Background and objective:  Expression of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) is decreased in the lungs of patients with pulmonary hypertension, and PPARγ ligands have been associated with the release of vasoactive substances from vascular endothelial cells and prevention of vascular remodelling. We hypothesized that PPARγ may play a critical role in the development of pulmonary hypertension induced by chronic hypoxia.

Methods:  Male adult Sprague‐Dawley rats were exposed to normoxia, normoxia and rosiglitazone (8 mg/kg orally, 5 days/week), hypoxia (12% inspired O2 fraction), or hypoxia and rosiglitazone for 4 weeks. On the last day of the fourth week, pulmonary arterial pressure was measured and morphological changes in pulmonary vessels were assessed. The expression of PPARγ, endothelin (ET)‐1 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was also analysed.

Results:  Rosiglitazone inhibited the development of pulmonary hypertension, and pulmonary vascular remodelling induced by chronic hypoxia. PPARγ expression was decreased and expression of ET‐1 and VEGF was increased in lung tissues of the hypoxia group. Rosiglitazone treatment prevented the hypoxia‐induced reduction in PPARγ expression, and restored ET‐1 and VEGF expression almost to the levels of the normoxia group.

Conclusions:  Rosiglitazone inhibited the development of pulmonary hypertension induced by chronic hypoxia, perhaps by reversing the changes in PPARγ, ET‐1 and VEGF expression induced by hypoxia. These findings indicate that rosiglitazone may be beneficial in the treatment of chronic hypoxic pulmonary hypertension.
Probable role of β2‐adrenergic receptor gene haplotype in high‐altitude pulmonary oedema
Authors: STOBDAN Tsering , KUMAR Ram , MOHAMMAD Ghulam , THINLAS Tashi , NORBOO Tsering , IQBAL Mohammad , PASHA M.A. Qadar
Published: April 2010

Background and objective:  The role of β2‐adrenergic receptor (ADRB2) in pulmonary oxygenation has been ascertained during altitude acclimatization, physical performance and lung fluid clearance, but little is known about its association with high‐altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPE), a non‐cardiogenic pulmonary oedema.

Methods:  In a case–control study, 110 unrelated HAPE patients (HAPE‐p) and 143 unrelated HAPE‐resistant (HAPE‐r) controls matched on age and ethnicity were used to examine the association between eight single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) and disease. The eight SNP including three tag‐SNP were genotyped from promoter and exonic regions of ADRB2. Robust methods for predicting geneotype–phenotype interactions, for example, multidimensional reduction (MDR) and moving‐window haplotype analysis were applied.

Results:  The haplotypes from 46A/G and 79C/G SNP of ADRB2 were associated with HAPE. The MDR model depicting disease association through genotype–genotype and genotype–phenotype interaction included SNP 46A/G, 79C/G and 523C/A. Its haplotype 46G_79C_523C was significantly overrepresented in HAPE‐r (P = 0.0001; χ2 = 14.95; OR = 4.52; 95% CI: 1.98–10.3). The global haplotype test showed significant association with HAPE (LRχ2 = 86.69, P < 0.0001). A moving‐window analysis revealed that haplotype –367C/T_46A/G_79C/G differed significantly between HAPE‐p and HAPE‐r (LRχ2 = 22.5, P = 0.002). The MDR model depicted SNP 46A/G, 79C/G and 523C/A as the best combination predicting disease.

Conclusions:  The haplotypes of ADRB2 consisting of the SNP, 46A/G and 79C/G, have a greater power for predicting HAPE.
The Strategic Nexus of Offshoring and Outsourcing Decisions
Authors: Mudambi Ram , Venzin Markus
Published: April 2010

abstract

One important effect of the increasing integration of the world economy is the rising importance of possibilities to offshore and outsource value‐creating activities. In many industries, firms are able to disaggregate their value chains into smaller parts. This process allows for a less path‐dependent approach to the firm's ideal location profile (through offshoring and relocation) and control strategies (through outsourcing). This article argues that optimal decisions regarding individual processes recognize the linkages of these processes with the firm's entire value chain. The article explores the magnitude, sequence, and dynamics of interdependent decisions regarding the location and control of various parts of the value chain. By using case illustrations from the mobile handset and financial services industries, this article provides a novel perspective on the disintegration, mobility, and reintegration of value chain activities in a global context.
The secret of my succession: dynasty and crisis in Vandal North Africa
Authors: Merrills A.H.
Published: April 2010

The system of royal succession in the Vandal kingdom of North Africa has long been regarded as idiosyncratic within the early medieval west, but its fullest implications have rarely been investigated closely. The present article examines the origins of succession by agnatic seniority under the strong rule of King Geiseric, and argues that it was one of several innovations intended to establish the emergent Hasding royal house against other aristocratic challenges. The article goes on to explore the consequences of this law in the two major dynastic crises of the Vandal kingdom: under Huneric in c.481 and under Hilderic in 530. In both cases, the standard narratives of events are challenged, and with them assumptions about the ‘constitutional’ status of Geiseric's law of succession.
Does Urban Concentration/Dispersion Affect Immigrants' Professional Opportunities? The case of the Porto Metropolitan Area
Authors: REBELO EMÍLIA MALCATA
Published: April 2010

This article aims to test the hypothesis that urban concentration/dispersion characteristics exert an influence on the social and professional attainment levels reached by different immigrant groups in northern Portugal. I propose a theoretical and empirical methodology for analysing the impact that concentrated or dispersed neighbourhoods exert on immigrants' social and professional opportunities. The latter are assessed in terms of professional success, and a relationship is established between the professional levels reached by different immigrant groups and the territorial characteristics inherent to each group, as well as current concentration/dispersion patterns of land use. I also design an integrated information system to monitor the access of different population groups to professional opportunities, and to support municipal decisions in matters of immigrants' social, economic and cultural integration. Then I discuss how joint territorial planning policies, urbanization processes, ethnic features, the labour and housing markets and sociological assimilation networks have performed in Portugal's northern region in general, and the Porto metropolitan area in particular, both in launching local strategic economic development and in successfully integrating immigrants within the professional socio‐economic fabric.

Cet article teste l'hypothèse selon laquelle les caractéristiques de la concentration‐dispersion urbaine exercent une influence sur les niveaux sociaux et professionnels atteints par différents groupes d'immigrants dans le nord du Portugal. Une méthodologie théorique et empirique est proposée pour analyser l'impact des quartiers, selon leur concentration ou dispersion, sur les opportunités sociales et professionnelles des immigrants. Ces dernières sont évaluées en termes de réussite professionnelle, et un lien est établi entre les niveaux professionnels atteints par différents groupes d'immigrants et les caractéristiques territoriales propres à chaque groupe, ainsi que les schémas d'occupation des sols en termes de concentration‐dispersion. De plus, un système d'information intégré est créé pour suivre l'accès des différents groupes de population aux opportunités professionnelles, et accompagner les décisions municipales en matière d'intégration sociale, économique et culturelle des immigrants. Est ensuite analysée la manière dont les politiques conjointes d'aménagement territorial, les processus d'urbanisation, les caractères ethniques, les marchés du travail et du logement, et les réseaux d'assimilation sociologique ont fonctionné dans la région nord du Portugal en général, et dans la zone métropolitaine de Porto en particulier, à la fois en insufflant un développement économique stratégique local et en réussissant à intégrer les immigrants dans le tissu socio‐économique professionnel.
Exposure to potentially traumatic events in early childhood: differential links to emergent psychopathology
Authors: Briggs‐Gowan Margaret J. , Carter Alice S. , Clark Roseanne , Augustyn Marilyn , McCarthy Kimberly J. , Ford Julian D.
Published: April 2010

Objective:  To examine associations between exposure to potentially traumatic events (PTEs) and clinical patterns of symptoms and disorders in preschool children.

Method:  Two hundred and thirteen referred and non‐referred children, ages 24 to 48 months (MN = 34.9, SD = 6.7 months) were studied. Lifetime exposure to PTEs (family violence and non‐interpersonal events) and recent stressful life events were assessed with the Preschool Age Psychiatric Assessment (PAPA) and Child Life Events Scale. Child psychiatric symptoms and disorders were assessed with parent‐reports in the PAPA, a comprehensive, developmentally sensitive interview. Sociodemographic risk, parental anxiety and depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression, Beck Anxiety Inventory), and child developmental level (Mullen Scales of Early Learning) also were assessed.

Results:  Violence exposure was broadly associated with psychiatric status in the areas of depression, separation anxiety, posttraumatic stress, and conduct problems, whereas potentially traumatic non‐interpersonal exposure was associated with phobic anxiety. The majority of the associations between violence exposure and preschoolers’ symptoms were significant even when other key factors, including economic disadvantage and parental mood and anxiety symptoms, were controlled statistically. However, parental depressive/anxious symptoms may have partially or fully mediated the relationships between violence exposure and depressive and conduct symptoms.

Conclusions:  Evidence of robust associations between violence exposure and early childhood internalizing and externalizing disorders and symptoms highlights the need for longitudinal prospective research concerning neurodevelopmental mechanisms and pathways. Findings underscore the relevance of assessing trauma exposure, particularly interpersonal violence, to identify young children at risk.
Global methane emission estimates from ultraviolet irradiation of terrestrial plant foliage
Authors: Bloom A. Anthony , Lee‐Taylor Julia , Madronich Sasha , Messenger David J. , Palmer Paul I. , Reay David S. , McLeod Andy R.
Published: April 2010

Commentary p 263
A sequence‐tagged genetic map for the brown alga Ectocarpus siliculosus provides large‐scale assembly of the genome sequence
Authors: Heesch Svenja , Cho Ga Youn , Peters Akira F. , Le Corguillé Gildas , Falentin Cyril , Boutet Gilles , Coëdel Solène , Jubin Claire , Samson Gaelle , Corre Erwan , Coelho Susana M. , Mark Cock J.
Published: April 2010

Featured paper: See Commentary p1
A longitudinal study of the relationship between maternal cardiac output measured by impedance cardiography and uterine artery blood flow in the second half of pregnancy
Authors: Flo K , Wilsgaard T , Vårtun Å , Acharya G
Published: April 2010

Please cite this paper as: Flo K, Wilsgaard T, Vårtun Å, Acharya G. A longitudinal study of the relationship between maternal cardiac output measured by impedance cardiography and uterine artery blood flow in the second half of pregnancy. BJOG 2010;117:837–844.

Objective  To study serial changes in maternal systemic and uterine artery haemodynamics and establish reference ranges for the second half of pregnancy.

Design  Prospective longitudinal observational study.

Setting  University hospital in Norway.

Population  Low‐risk pregnant women.

Methods  Fifty‐three low‐risk pregnancies were evaluated at approximately 4‐weekly intervals. Maternal systemic haemodynamics was assessed with impedance cardiography. Uterine artery blood velocity and diameter were measured using Doppler ultrasonography and uterine artery volume blood flow (Quta) was calculated as the product of mean velocity and cross‐sectional area of the uterine artery. The fraction of cardiac output (CO) distributed to the uterine circulation was calculated as: Quta/CO × 100.

Main outcome measures  CO, Quta, uterine vascular resistance (Ruta) and the fraction of CO distributed to the uterine circulation.

Results  The CO increased (P = 0.0063) until 34 weeks and remained stable until term. Total Quta increased from 299 to 673 ml/minute and Ruta halved from 0.26 to 0.13 mmHg/ml/minute (P < 0.0001). The fraction of CO distributed to the uterine circulation increased from 5.6% to 11.7% (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion  During the second half of pregnancy, Quta and the fraction of maternal CO distributed to the uterine circulation increase approximately two‐fold, mainly as a result of decrease in Ruta.
The plasma levels of the endocannabinoid, anandamide, increase with the induction of labour
Authors: Nallendran V , Lam PMW , Marczylo TH , Bankart MJG , Taylor AH , Taylor DJ , Konje JC
Published: April 2010

Please cite this paper as: Nallendran V, Lam P, Marczylo T, Bankart M, Taylor A, Taylor D, Konje J. The plasma levels of the endocannabinoid, anandamide, increase with the induction of labour. BJOG 2010;117:863–869.

Objective  Plasma anandamide (AEA) levels have previously been shown to be elevated in labour and defective cannabinoid receptor type 1 signalling in mice has been shown to be associated with elevation of corticotrophin‐releasing hormone and spontaneous onset of preterm labour. We measured plasma AEA levels in women undergoing induction of labour to define the changes during the transition from the nonlabouring to labouring state.

Design  A longitudinal observational study.

Setting  A large UK teaching hospital.

Population  Term pregnant women undergoing induction of labour.

Methods  Blood was collected from women before induction of labour and again when they were in active labour. Plasma AEA was extracted and measured using ultraperformance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry.

Main outcome measures  The primary outcome variable was change in plasma AEA levels from the nonlabouring to the labouring state. The secondary outcome was induction‐to‐delivery interval.

Results  There was a 1.5‐fold increase in mean plasma AEA levels from 1.20 ± 0.57 nm in the nonlabouring state to 1.82 ± 0.87 nm in the labouring state (P < 0.0001). Induction‐to‐delivery interval was predicted by both Bishop’s score (P < 0.0001) and percentage change in plasma AEA levels (P < 0.0001). There was a negative correlation between the percentage change in plasma AEA level and the induction‐to‐delivery interval (r = – 0.28; P = 0.0481). This means that the greater the rise in the plasma AEA levels the shorter the duration of labour.

Conclusions  Plasma AEA levels increase with active labour and the negative correlations between percentage change in plasma AEA levels and induction‐to‐delivery interval suggest that AEA is likely to be involved in the physiological mechanisms of labour. Whether this increase is essential for myometrial contraction is unclear and needs further investigation.
High fever following postpartum administration of sublingual misoprostol
Authors: Durocher J , Bynum J , León W , Barrera G , Winikoff B
Published: April 2010

Please cite this paper as: Durocher J, Bynum J, León W, Barrera G, Winikoff B. High fever following postpartum administration of sublingual misoprostol. BJOG 2010;117:845–852.

Objective  To explore what triggers an elevated body temperature of ≥40.0°C in some women given misoprostol, a prostaglandin E1 analogue, for postpartum haemorrhage (PPH).

Design  Post hoc analysis.

Setting  One tertiary‐level hospital in Quito, Ecuador.

Population  A cohort of 58 women with a fever of above 40°C following treatment with sublingual misoprostol (800 micrograms) for PPH.

Methods  Side effects were documented for 163 Ecuadorian women given sublingual misoprostol to treat their PPH. Women’s body temperatures were measured, and if they had a fever of ≥40.0°C, measurements were taken hourly until the fever subsided. Temperature trends were analysed, and the possible physiological mechanisms by which postpartum misoprostol produces a high fever were explored.

Main outcome measures  The onset, duration, peak temperatures, and treatments administered for cases with a high fever.

Results  Fifty‐eight of 163 women (35.6%) treated with misoprostol experienced a fever of ≥40.0°C. High fevers followed a predictable pattern, often preceded by moderate/severe shivering within 20 minutes of treatment. Body temperatures peaked 1–2 hours post‐treatment, and gradually declined over 3 hours. Fevers were transient and did not lead to any hospitalisation. Baseline characteristics were comparable among women who did and did not develop a high fever, except for known previous PPH and time to placental expulsion.

Conclusions  An unexpectedly high rate of elevated body temperature of ≥40.0°C was documented in Ecuador following sublingually administered misoprostol. It is unclear why temperatures ≥40.0°C occurred with a greater frequency in Ecuador than in other study populations using similar treatment regimens for PPH. Pharmacogenetic studies may shed further light on variations in individuals’ responses to misoprostol.
Apolipoprotein E mRNA is transported to dendrites and may have a role in synaptic structural plasticity
Authors: Oh Jun‐Young , Nam Yeon‐Ju , Jo Anna , Cheon Hyo‐Soon , Rhee Sang‐Myung , Park Joong‐Ki , Lee Jin‐A , Kim Hyong Kyu
Published: April 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 114, 685–696.

Although the dendritic localization and translation of a subset of mRNAs plays a pivotal role in synaptic plasticity, the dendritic mRNAs and their functions have been only minimally characterized thus far. In this study, we isolated mRNAs from Staufen2‐containing ribonucleoprotein complexes, which function as modules for the transport of mRNA to the dendrites, and then constructed a cDNA library. Apolipoprotein E gene (APOE) mRNA was isolated from the dendritic mRNA‐specific cDNA library. The specific localization of APOE mRNA was evaluated via in situ hybridization. The specific regions involved in the dendritic transport of APOE mRNA were determined using a visualization system employing green fluorescent protein‐tagged bacteriophage MS2 RNA‐binding protein. As a result, the proximal N‐terminal or C‐terminal regions of the ApoE‐coding sequences were determined to be sufficient for dendritic transport. The level of dendritic APOE mRNA was significantly increased by depolarization‐induced neuronal activity, but was reduced in the cell body regions. We assessed the functions of neuronal ApoE. The reduction of ganglioside GM1 by cholesterol depletion was completely blocked by ApoE over‐expression. In addition, ApoE over‐expression increased the immunoreactivity of the post‐synaptic density 95 kDa antibody in the dendrites. These findings indicate that neuronal ApoE may be relevant to lipid rafts or synaptic structural plasticity.
Combining Stated and Revealed Preferences on Typical Food Products: The Case of Dry‐Cured Ham in Spain
Authors: Resano‐Ezcaray Helena , Sanjuán‐López Ana Isabel , Albisu‐Aguado Luis Miguel
Published: April 2010

An extensive body of research concerns the valuation of EU certification schemes of quality based on the origin of food products. This literature focuses mainly on stated preferences (SPs) and reported behaviours by the consumers. We combine consumers’ SPs, obtained through a conjoint ranking experiment, with revealed preferences (RP), obtained through a retail scanner database. We evaluate SPs as predictors of RP, and investigate whether SPs and RPs are consistent. Dry‐cured ham in Spain is chosen as the anchor product, mainly because of its broad customer base and long history of origin certification. A ‘trick’ nested logit model with non‐identical and identical samples of consumers is estimated to answer each of the objectives. Results show that, irrespective of the analysed samples, SP can predict general market trends and choices but not accurately predict market shares, and that consumers’ actual behaviour is partly consistent with their SPs. We find that consumers prefer ham produced in Teruel, compared with unspecified Spanish origin. Quality Certification and a Distributor’s Brand are preferred over the alternatives of no quality label or identified with a brand owned by the producer. Interestingly, SPs for the Quality Certification and the distributor’s brand lead to an over‐ and under‐estimation, respectively, of the market share.
Nanomanipulation‐Coupled Nanospray Mass Spectrometry Applied to the Extraction and Analysis of Trace Analytes Found on Fibers*
Authors: Ledbetter Nicole L. , Walton Barbara L. , Davila Pedro , Hoffmann William D. , Ernest Richard N. , Verbeck Guido F.
Published: April 2010

Abstract:  This article presents the novel instrumentation of nanomanipulation coupled to nanospray ionization‐mass spectrometry, which is used to directly probe trace analytes found on individual fibers. The low detection limits and sample volumes associated with nanospray ionization‐mass spectrometry make it the ideal instrument to implement for trace analysis. Nanospray ionization‐mass spectrometry, coupled with the nanomanipulator, allows for the direct probing of trace particulates on fibers. The technique is demonstrated by dissolving an electrostatic particle of cocaine from a fiber, collecting the analyte solution in a nanospray tip, and transferring the tip directly to the mass spectrometer to complete analysis. The utility of this technique is evident through the minimal sample preparation and short analysis time. The use of nanomanipulation coupled to nanospray ionization‐mass spectrometry could improve on current trace particulate analysis by reducing both detection limits and sample size required to complete analysis.
A Catathymic Infanticide
Authors: Meloy J. Reid
Published: April 2010

Abstract:  A case of infanticide committed by a 37‐year‐old married man, the father of three sons, is reported. Clinically depressed since adolescence, and also diagnosed with obsessive‐compulsive disorder and a dependent personality, the subject began to worry about killing someone a decade before the homicide. Increasingly disabled by his major depression, unable to work, and confined in his home, the idea that his only recourse was to kill one of his sons became fixed and frequent. Following his fourth psychiatric hospitalization, he took his 13‐month‐old son home from day care and drowned him in the bathtub. He then called the police and reported his crime. This sudden act of intentional killing was followed by a period of emotional relief and calmness, clearly illustrating the three stages of chronic catathymic homicide.
Variability of the Entire Mitochondrial DNA Control Region in a Human Isolate from the Pas Valley (Northern Spain)
Authors: Cardoso Sergio , Zarrabeitia María T. , Valverde Laura , Odriozola Adrian , Alfonso‐Sánchez Miguel Á. , De Pancorbo Marian M.
Published: April 2010

Abstract:  In this study, we analyzed the entire mtDNA control region in 61 unrelated individuals from the Pas Valley (Cantabria), a human isolate from northern Spain, to evaluate the suitability of this analysis to increase the power of discrimination of this locus for forensic purposes in human isolates. Low values obtained for the diversity parameters confirmed the relative isolation of this human group. The main findings of this study indicated that even the analysis of the entire mtDNA control region may have important limitations for use in forensic casework when dealing with human isolates: none of the 44 individuals who exhibited identical HVI‐HVII haplotypes could be further differentiated by analysis of segment HVIII. Nevertheless, analysis of the entire mtDNA control region proved to be useful to determine the ancestry of the samples examined, by contributing to the confirmation, and, on occasion, even to the refinement of the haplogroup assignment.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Tetraparesis resembling acute transverse myelitis in a captive chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes): long‐term care and recovery
Authors: Miyabe‐Nishiwaki T. , Kaneko A. , Nishiwaki K. , Watanabe A. , Watanabe S. , Maeda N. , Kumazaki K. , Morimoto M. , Hirokawa R. , Suzuki J. , Ito Y. , Hayashi M. , Tanaka M. , Tomonaga M. , Matsuzawa T.
Published: April 2010

Background A 24‐year‐old, male chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) developed acute tetraparesis. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a diffuse T2‐weighted hyperintensive lesion, indicating inflammation at the C1–2 level. All infective, autoimmune, and vascular investigations were unremarkable.

Results and Conclusions The chimpanzee’s condition most resembled acute transverse myelitis (ATM) in humans. The chimpanzee was in severe incapacitated neurological condition with bedridden status and required 24‐hour attention for 2 months followed by special care for over a year. Initially, corticosteroid therapy was performed, and his neurological symptoms improved to some extent; however, the general condition of the chimpanzee deteriorated in the first 6 months after onset. Pressure ulcers had developed at various areas on the animal’s body, as the bedridden status was protracted. Supportive therapy was continued, and the general condition, appetite, mobility, and pressure ulcers have slowly but synergistically recovered over the course of 2 years.
Parents underestimate their child`s overweight
Authors: Vuorela Nina , Saha Marja‐Terttu , Salo Matti K.
Published: April 2010

Aim:  The aim of this study was to evaluate parents’ ability to perceive the weight status of their children.

Methods:  This cross‐sectional study was performed on 5 (n = 310) and 11‐year‐old (n = 296) children. The height, weight and waist circumference were measured. Body mass index (BMI, kg/m²) was calculated. The International Obesity Task Force criteria and the British cut‐off points were used to classify BMI and waist circumference. Parents filled out a questionnaire concerning their perception of the weight class of their child. The parents and the 11‐year‐old children estimated their own weight class. For analysis, the measured and perceived weight classes were divided into two categories; normal weight (including underweight) and overweight or obese. To measure the agreement cross‐tabulation with Cohen’s Kappa was used. Explanatory variables associated with misclassification of overweight children as normal weight were examined by logistic regression modelling.

Results:  The prevalence of overweight (including obese) was 17.4% and 21.6% in 5‐ and 11‐year‐old children in this study. Only a few parents misclassified their normal weight children as overweight. By contrast, a majority of parents to the 5‐year‐old children and about half of the parents to the 11‐year‐old children misclassified them as normal weight. Using waist circumference for body size classification did not improve parents’ performance. Mothers performed best when estimating own weight class.

Conclusion:  A majority of parents fail to recognize overweight or obesity in their 5‐ and 11‐year‐old children. The underestimation of overweight may impair the motivation of the parents to adopt weight control.
APPLICATION OF A CHECK‐ALL‐THAT‐APPLY QUESTION TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF CHOCOLATE MILK DESSERTS
Authors: ARES GASTÓN , BARREIRO CECILIA , DELIZA ROSIRES , GIMÉNEZ ANA , GÁMBARO ADRIANA
Published: April 2010

Check‐all‐that‐apply (CATA) questions could be a simple alternative to get an insight on consumer perception of a food product. In the present work, CATA questions were used in the development of chocolate milk desserts. Nine chocolate milk desserts were formulated with different sugar and cacao concentration. A consumer study was performed with 70 people, who were asked to score their overall liking and to answer a CATA question that included 18 sensory and hedonic terms. Besides, the samples were evaluated by a trained assessors' panel. Highly significant differences were found in the frequencies in which CATA terms were used for describing the nine desserts, suggesting that this methodology was able to detect differences in consumer perception of the desserts. Sample configuration from consumers' CATA counts and trained assessors data were similar, suggesting a good agreement between both evaluations.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The use of a CATA question resulted in a simple and valid approach to gather information about consumers' perception of the product, including both their sensory and hedonic impression. This methodology enabled the direct identification of drivers of liking for groups of consumers with different preference patterns. Considering results from the present study, the use of CATA questions could be an interesting methodology to obtain a sensory map based only on consumer perception of the products and to perform external preference mapping when a sensory trained panel is not available.
CONSUMER EXPECTATIONS AND PERCEPTION OF CHOCOLATE MILK DESSERTS ENRICHED WITH ANTIOXIDANTS
Authors: ARES GASTÓN , BARREIRO CECILIA , DELIZA ROSIRES , GIMÉNEZ ANA , GÁMBARO ADRIANA
Published: April 2010

A study was carried out to identify consumers' previous expectations of chocolate milk desserts enriched with antioxidants and to determine if these expectations affected product perception. Seventy‐five consumers participated in the study and were asked to complete a word association task before the evaluation. Then, consumers tried six milk desserts with different polyphenolic concentration, scored their overall liking and willingness to purchase and provided up to four words to describe each of the samples. Cluster analysis performed on consumer‐elicited terms in the word association task allowed the identification of three consumer segments with different expectations and motivations toward chocolate milk desserts enriched with antioxidants. These groups also differed in their evaluation of the desserts when tasting them, showing different overall liking, willingness to purchase and sensory description of the samples. This suggests that consumers' prior expectations and motivations significantly affected their response when tasting the desserts.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Word association was used to get an insight on consumer expectations of chocolate milk desserts enriched with antioxidants, proving to be a useful methodology. This approach could be a simple technique to understand consumer expectations before tasting a product, and to study how these expectations affect their response after tasting the product, particularly interesting when novel products are considered. Consumer segmentation based on their previous thoughts about a product could help to assure that a product meets consumer expectations appropriately, leading to a higher satisfaction.
The Origins of C
4
Grasslands: Integrating Evolutionary and Ecosystem Science
Authors: Edwards Erika J. , Osborne Colin P. , Strömberg Caroline A. E. , Smith Stephen A. ,   C Grasses Consortium, Bond William J. , Christin Pascal-Antoine , Cousins Asaph B. , Duvall Melvin R. , Fox David L. , Freckleton Robert P. , Ghannoum Oula , Hartwell James , Huang Yongsong , Janis Christine M. , Keeley Jon E. , Kellogg Elizabeth A. , Knapp Alan K. , Leakey Andrew D. B. , Nelson David M. , Saarela Jeffery M. , Sage Rowan F. , Sala Osvaldo E. , Salamin Nicolas , Still Christopher J. , Tipple Brett
Published: April 2010

Grassland Emergence

The evolution of the C
4
photosynthetic pathway from the ancestral C
3
pathway in grasses led to the establishment of grasslands in warm climates during the Late Miocene (8 to 3 million years ago). This was a major event in plant evolutionary history, and their high rates of foliage production sustained high levels of herbivore consumption. The past decade has seen significant advances in understanding C
4
grassland ecosystem ecology, and now a wealth of data on the geological history of these ecosystems has accumulated and the phylogeny of grasses is much better known.

Edwards
et al.

(p.
587
) review this multidisciplinary research area and attempt to synthesize emerging knowledge about the evolution of grass species within the context of plant and ecosystem ecology.
Light-Induced Structural Changes in a Photosynthetic Reaction Center Caught by Laue Diffraction
Authors: Wöhri Annemarie B. , Katona Gergely , Johansson Linda C. , Fritz Emelie , Malmerberg Erik , Andersson Magnus , Vincent Jonathan , Eklund Mattias , Cammarata Marco , Wulff Michael , Davidsson Jan , Groenhof Gerrit , Neutze Richard
Published: April 2010

Light Structures

Absorption of light by photosynthetic reaction centers causes structural changes and triggers a series of electron transfer reactions, resulting in a transmembrane potential difference that can be used to drive the subsequent chemistry. The initial electron transfer generates a charge-separated state that must be stabilized to prevent dissipation of energy through recombination.

Wöhri
et al.

(p.
630
) have used time-resolved Laue diffraction crystallography to observe light-induced conformational changes that occur within milliseconds of photooxidation of the dimer of bacteriochlorophyll molecules, known as the “special pair,” in the photosynthetic reaction center of
Blastochloris viridis
. Stabilization appears to occur because of the deprotonation of a conserved tyrosine residue that moves closer to the special pair.
The Costs of Innovation
Taming the Beloved Beast
How Medical Technology Costs Are Destroying Our Health Care System

by Daniel Callahan

Princeton University Press, Princeton, NJ, 2009. 279 pp. $29.95, £20.95. ISBN 9780691142364.
Authors: Benderly Beryl Lieff
Published: April 2010

Callahan argues that many new medical technologies produce only marginal benefits and that their high costs are a major factor in the current health care crisis.
Biological Systems Theory
Authors: Gunawardena Jeremy
Published: April 2010

The robustness of a biochemical network can be inferred mathematically from its architecture.
Hidden Growth of Supermassive Black Holes in Galaxy Mergers
Authors: Primack Joel
Published: April 2010

Changes in the fraction of quasars hidden by gas and dust over cosmic time helps confirm models of the evolution and merger rates of galaxies.