bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Methadone and perinatal outcomes: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Cleary Brian J. , Eogan Maeve , O'Connell Michael P. , Fahey Tom , Gallagher Paul J. , Clarke Tom , White Martin J. , McDermott Christine , O'Sullivan Anne , Carmody Deirdre , Gleeson Justin , Murphy Deirdre J.
Published: February 2012

Aims  Methadone use in pregnancy has been associated with adverse perinatal outcomes and neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). This study aimed to examine perinatal outcomes and NAS in relation to (i) concomitant drug use and (ii) methadone dose.

Design  Prospective cohort study.

Setting  Two tertiary care maternity hospitals.

Participants  A total of 117 pregnant women on methadone maintenance treatment recruited between July 2009 and July 2010.

Measurements  Information on concomitant drug use was recorded with the Addiction Severity Index. Perinatal outcomes included pre‐term birth (<37 weeks' gestation), small‐for‐gestational‐age (<10th centile) and neonatal unit admission. NAS outcomes included: incidence of medically treated NAS, peak Finnegan score, cumulative dose of NAS treatment and duration of hospitalization.

Findings  Of the 114 liveborn infants 11 (9.6%) were born pre‐term, 49 (42.9%) were small‐for‐gestational‐age, 56 (49.1%) had a neonatal unit admission and 29 (25.4%) were treated medically for NAS. Neonates exposed to methadone‐only had a shorter hospitalization than those exposed to methadone and concomitant drugs (median 5.0 days versus 6.0 days, P = 0.03). Neonates exposed to methadone doses ≥80 mg required higher cumulative doses of morphine treatment for NAS (median 13.2 mg versus 19.3 mg, P = 0.03). The incidence and duration of NAS did not differ between the two dosage groups.

Conclusions  The incidence and duration of the neonatal abstinence syndrome is not associated with maternal methadone dose, but maternal opiate, benzodiazepine or cocaine use is associated with longer neonatal hospitalization.
Epitope-specific anti-nuclear antibodies are expressed in a mouse model of primary biliary cirrhosis and are cytokine-dependent
Authors: Yang C-Y , Leung P S C , Yang G-X , Kenny T P , Zhang W , Coppel R , Norman G L , Ansari A A , Mackay I R , Worman H J , Gershwin M E
Published: February 2012

Although the hallmark of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is the presence of anti-mitochondrial antibodies (AMA), a significant number of patients have anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) directed primarily against two nuclear proteins, gp210 and sp100. In PBC, there are considerable data on the specificity of these anti-nuclear antibodies as well as suggestive evidence that antibodies to gp210 predict a poor outcome. However, a further understanding of the significance of these autoantibodies has been hampered by limitations in accessing human subjects in a preclinical or early asymptomatic stage. To overcome this limitation, we have taken advantage of transgenic mice with abrogated transforming growth factor-β signalling in T cells (dnTGF-βRII) that develop histological features of PBC as well as the same AMA specificity. We studied these mice for serum ANA, including specific autoantibodies against gp210 and sp100. We further examined sera from dnTGF-βRII mice with concurrent deletions of the genes encoding interleukin (IL)-12p35, IL-12p40, IL-23p19, IL-17, IL-6, interferon (IFN)-γ or tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Sera from all the dnTGF-βRII mouse lines contained antibodies against gp210 and sp100. Of significance, mice with germline deletions of the genes encoding IL-12p40, IL-23p19, IL-17, IL-6 and TNF-α had significantly lower titres of anti-gp210 antibodies. These results provide a platform to dissect the mechanisms of gp210 and sp100 autoantibody production in dnTGF-βRII mice as well as to study the possible role of ANA in the pathophysiology of PBC.
Elevated summer temperatures delay spawning and reduce redd construction for resident brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis)
Authors: Warren Dana R. , Robinson Jason M. , Josephson Daniel C. , Sheldon Daniel R. , Kraft Clifford E.
Published: February 2012

Redd (nest) surveys for resident brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) were conducted annually in a mountain lake in northern New York for 11 years with multiple surveys conducted during the spawning season in eight of those years. Repeated surveys throughout the spawning season allowed us to fit an individually based parametric model and estimate the day of year on which spawning was initiated, reached its midpoint, and ended during each year. Spawning phenology was then assessed relative to (1) mean of maximum daily air temperature and (2) mean of maximum daily water temperature at the lake bottom during summer in each year using a linear model. Elevated temperatures in summer were correlated with a delay in spawning and a reduction in the total number of redds constructed. Increasing the summer mean of maximum daily air temperatures by 1 °C delayed spawning by approximately 1 week and decreased the total number of redds constructed by nearly 65. Lake spawning brook trout select redd sites based on the presence of discharging groundwater that is relatively constant in temperature within and across years, leading to relatively consistent egg incubation times. Therefore, delayed spawning is likely to delay fry emergence, which could influence emergence synchrony with prey items. This work highlights non‐lethal and sub‐lethal effects of elevated summer temperatures on native resident salmonids in aquatic environments with limited thermal refugia.
Mucinous differentiation in colorectal cancer – indicator of poor prognosis?
Authors: Langner Cord , Harbaum Lars , Pollheimer Marion J , Kornprat Peter , Lindtner Richard A , Schlemmer Andrea , Vieth Michael , Rehak Peter
Published: February 2012

Langner C, Harbaum L, Pollheimer M J, Kornprat P, Lindtner R A, Schlemmer A, Vieth M & Rehak P  (2012) Histopathology 60, 1060–1072

Mucinous differentiation in colorectal cancer – indicator of poor prognosis?

Aims:  To analyse the prognostic impact of mucinous differentiation in colorectal mucinous adenocarcinomas and adenocarcinomas with a mucinous component.

Methods and results:  A total of 381 tumours were reviewed for mucinous differentiation by two independent pathologists. Mismatch repair status was assessed by immunohistochemistry. Prognostic significance was assessed by univariate and multivariate analyses. Eighty‐one (21%) tumours were Union Internationale Contre le Cancer (UICC) Stage I, 120 (31%) Stage II, 126 (33%) Stage III and 54 (14%) Stage IV. Mucinous adenocarcinomas accounted for 12% and adenocarcinomas with a mucinous component for 19% of tumours. Mucinous differentiation was associated significantly with mismatch repair protein deficiency. The presence of extracellular mucin, regardless of extent, did not affect patients’ outcome, while tumour grade, vascular and perineural invasion, tumour border configuration and budding were associated significantly with outcome. Cox analysis proved venous invasion to be an independent predictor of outcome in mucinous adenocarcinomas and both venous invasion and tumour budding as independent predictors of outcome in adenocarcinomas with any amount of mucin.

Conclusions:  Mucinous adenocarcinomas and/or adenocarcinomas with mucinous component do not differ from conventional adenocarcinomas with respect to prognosis and histological predictors of outcome. Hence, recording of mucinous differentiation may be used as an indicator of mismatch repair deficiency, but not for prognostic stratification.
Prognostic significance of Notch signalling molecules and their involvement in the invasiveness of endometrial carcinoma cells
Authors: Mitsuhashi Yuko , Horiuchi Akiko , Miyamoto Tsutomu , Kashima Hiroyasu , Suzuki Akihisa , Shiozawa Tanri
Published: February 2012

Mitsuhashi Y, Horiuchi A, Miyamoto T, Kashima H, Suzuki A & Shiozawa T  (2012) Histopathology 60, 826–837

Prognostic significance of Notch signalling molecules and their involvement in the invasiveness of endometrial carcinoma cells

Aims:  The aim of this study was to investigate the significance of the expression of Notch‐related molecules in endometrial carcinoma.

Methods and results:  The expression of Notch receptors (Notch1 and 3) and Notch ligands [Jagged (JAG) 1 and Delta‐like (DLL) 4] was examined immunohistochemically in 37 normal and 76 malignant endometrial tissue samples. For each section, immunohistochemical staining was scored using a positivity index (PI, full score; 200). The effects of a Notch inhibitor, DAPT, on cell proliferation, invasion and motility were investigated using endometrial carcinoma cell lines. The PIs for Notch1 (mean ± SD 90.4 ± 15.3), Notch3 (95.6 ± 20.4), JAG1 (95.5 ± 10.0) and DLL4 (88.2 ± 9.6), were significantly higher in endometrial carcinoma than normal endometrium. The PI for Notch1 was associated significantly with advanced International Federation of Gynecologists & Obstetricians (FIGO) stage. In addition, patients with tumours showing high expression of both Notch1 and JAG1 had a poor prognosis compared with those having double‐negative carcinomas (P = 0.015). DAPT suppressed invasiveness of cells derived from the endometrial carcinoma cell line KLE.

Conclusions:  The Notch1–JAG1 axis may enhance the invasive properties of endometrial carcinomas, which suggests the Notch pathway may be a promising target for the treatment of this malignancy.
The number of Helicobacter pylori CagA EPIYA C tyrosine phosphorylation motifs influences the pattern of gastritis and the development of gastric carcinoma
Authors: Ferreira Rui M , Machado Jose C , Leite Marina , Carneiro Fatima , Figueiredo Ceu
Published: February 2012

Ferreira R M, Machado J C, Leite M, Carneiro F & Figueiredo C  (2012) Histopathology 60, 992–998

The number of Helicobacter pylori CagA EPIYA C tyrosine phosphorylation motifs influences the pattern of gastritis and the development of gastric carcinoma

Aims:  To characterize the variation in virulence of Helicobacter pylori associated with CagA Glu‐Pro‐Ile‐Tyr‐Ala (EPIYA) motifs, and to explore its relationship with the histopathological features of chronic gastritis and with the development of gastric carcinoma.

Methods and results:  A total of 169 H. pylori‐infected patients with chronic gastritis and gastric carcinoma were studied. The presence of cagA and the number and type of EPIYA motifs were determined by polymerase chain reaction. Infection with strains harbouring two or more CagA EPIYA C motifs was associated with the presence of surface epithelial damage, and with atrophic gastritis and gastric carcinoma. The magnitude of risk for atrophic gastritis and gastric carcinoma increased with increasing number of EPIYA C motifs: strains with one EPIYA C motif conferred a risk (odds ratio [OR]) of 7.3 [95% confidence interval (CI) 2.1–25] for atrophic gastritis, whereas strains with two or more EPIYA C motifs conferred a risk (OR) of 12 (95% CI 2.5–58); strains with one EPIYA C motif conferred a risk (OR) of 17 (95% CI 5.4–55) for gastric carcinoma, whereas strains with two or more EPIYA C motifs conferred a risk (OR) of 51 (95% CI 13–198).

Conclusions:  Characterization of the number of H. pylori EPIYA C motifs is important in better defining gastric carcinoma risk.
Reduced in vitro T‐cell responses induced by glutaraldehyde‐modified allergen extracts are caused mainly by retarded internalization of dendritic cells
Authors: Heydenreich Bärbel , Bellinghausen Iris , Lorenz Steffen , Henmar Helene , Strand Dennis , Würtzen Peter A. , Saloga Joachim
Published: February 2012

Although allergen‐specific immunotherapy is a clinically effective therapy for IgE‐mediated allergic diseases, the risk of IgE‐mediated adverse effects still exists. For this reason, chemically modified allergoids have been introduced, which may destroy IgE‐binding sites while T‐cell activation should be retained. The aim of the study was to analyse the differences between intact allergens and differently modified/aggregated allergoids concerning their internalization as well as T‐cell and basophil activation. For this purpose human monocyte‐derived immature dendritic cells (DC) were incubated with Phleum pratense or Betula verrucosa pollen extract or with the corresponding allergoids, modified with formaldehyde or glutaraldehyde. After an additional maturation process, the antigen‐loaded mature DC were co‐cultured with autologous CD4+ T cells. Allergenicity was tested by leukotriene release from basophils. In addition, the uptake of intact allergens and allergoids by immature DC was analysed. The proliferation of, as well as the interleukin‐4 (IL‐4), IL‐10, IL‐13 and interferon‐γ production by, CD4+ T cells which had been stimulated with glutaraldehyde allergoid‐treated DC was reduced compared with CD4+ T cells stimulated with intact allergen‐treated or formaldehyde allergoid‐treated DC. In line with this, glutaraldehyde‐modified allergoids were more aggregated and were internalized more slowly. Furthermore, only the allergoids modified with glutaraldehyde induced a decreased leukotriene release by activated basophils. These findings suggest that IgE‐reactive epitopes were destroyed more efficiently by modification with glutaraldehyde than with formaldehyde under the conditions chosen for these investigations. Glutaraldehyde‐modified allergoids also displayed lower T‐cell stimulatory capacity, which is mainly the result of greater modification/aggregation and diminished uptake by DC.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis Rv0652 stimulates production of tumour necrosis factor and monocytes chemoattractant protein‐1 in macrophages through the Toll‐like receptor 4 pathway
Authors: Kim Kwangwook , Sohn Hosung , Kim Jong‐Seok , Choi Han‐Gyu , Byun Eui‐Hong , Lee Kang‐In , Shin Sung Jae , Song Chang‐Hwa , Park Jeong‐Kyu , Kim Hwa‐Jung
Published: February 2012

Mycobacterial proteins interact with host macrophages and modulate their functions and cytokine gene expression profile. The protein Rv0652 is abundant in culture filtrates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis K‐strain, which belongs to the Beijing family, compared with levels in the H37Rv and CDC1551 strains. Rv0652 induces strong antibody responses in patients with active tuberculosis. We investigated pro‐inflammatory cytokine production induced by Rv0652 in murine macrophages and the roles of signalling pathways. In RAW264.7 cells and bone marrow‐derived macrophages, recombinant Rv0652 induced predominantly tumour necrosis factor (TNF) and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)‐1 production, which was dependent on mitogen‐activated protein kinases and nuclear factor‐κB. Specific signalling pathway inhibitors revealed that the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), p38 and phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K) pathways were essential for Rv0652‐induced TNF production, whereas the ERK1/2 and PI3K pathways, but not the p38 pathway, were critical for MCP‐1 production in macrophages. Rv0652‐stimulated TNF and MCP‐1 secretion by macrophages occurred in a Toll‐like receptor 4‐dependent and MyD88‐dependent manner. In addition, Rv0652 significantly up‐regulated the expression of the mannose receptor, CD80, CD86 and MHC class II molecules. These results suggest that Rv0652 can induce a protective immunity against M. tuberculosis through the macrophage activation.
Effect of the widespread use of fluorides on the occurrence of hidden caries in children
Authors: HASHIZUME LINA N. , MATHIAS TELMA C. , CIBILS DÉBORA M. , MALTZ MARISA
Published: February 2012

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2013; 23: 72–76

Background.  It has been suggested that the widespread use of fluorides could interfere in the prevalence of clinically undetected occlusal dentine caries.

Aim.  The objective of this study was to determine the role of public water fluoridation and fluoride dentifrice on the prevalence of hidden caries in 8–10‐year‐old children.

Design.  Clinical and radiographic data on schoolchildren collected in an epidemiologic study in Porto Alegre, Brazil, at two moments, 1975 (n = 228) and 1996 (n = 213), were analysed. Only the first permanent molars were studied. Only children of the 1996 examinations had benefited from fluoridated water soon after birth and had regular access to fluoride dentifrices. The criterion applied for hidden caries, when data from 1975 to 1996 were compared, was clinical sound surfaces that presented a radiolucent zone in the dentine.

Results.  The prevalence of clinically sound surfaces and percentage of hidden caries was 0.51 and 26.4% in 1975 and 2.67 and 12.9% in 1996, respectively. The prevalence of hidden caries differed statistically between the two periods (P < 0.05).

Conclusions.  The results do indicate that the widespread use of fluoride via public water supply and dentifrices decreases the prevalence of hidden caries.
Vitamin D status and the predictors of circulating T helper 1‐type immunoglobulin levels in Iranian subjects with type 1 diabetes and their siblings: a case‐control study
Authors: Ghandchi Z. , Neyestani T. R. , Saboor Yaraghi A.‐A. , Eshraghian M.‐R. , Gharavi A. , Shariatzadeh N. , Kalayi A. , Houshiarrad A.
Published: February 2012

How to cite this article
 Ghandchi Z., Neyestani T.R., Saboor Yaraghi A.‐A., Eshraghian M.‐R., Gharavi A., Shariatzadeh N., Kalayi A. & Houshiarrad A. (2012) Vitamin D status and the predictors of circulating T helper 1‐type immunoglobulin levels in Iranian subjects with type 1 diabetes and their siblings: a case‐control study. J Hum Nutr Diet. 25, 365–372

Background:  Vitamin D status has been linked to both T helper (Th)1/Th2 balance and susceptibility to type 1 diabetes (T1D). The present study aimed to evaluate vitamin D status and its relation to Th1/Th2 balance in subjects with T1D, their siblings and unrelated healthy controls during autumn and winter 2008–2009.

Methods:  A case–control study was conducted on subjects with T1D (n1 = 60) and two control groups comprising nondiabetic siblings (n2 = 60) and unrelated healthy controls (n3 = 60). Assessments of dietary intake, anthropometry, intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) and 25(OH)D were performed. Serum levels of immunoglobulin (Ig)G2 and IgE, as well as the IgG2/IgE ratio, were used to evaluate Th1/Th2 balance. Vitamin D status was defined based on circulating 25(OH)D as deficiency: <27.5 nm; insufficiency 27.5 ≤ 25(OH)D <50 nm; and sufficiency ≥50 nm.

Results:  Vitamin D status did not differ significantly among the groups. Similarly, no significant difference in 25(OH)D, iPTH, IgG2, IgE and IgG2/IgE was found. In multiple regression analysis of pooled data, PTH and body mass index were the predictors of IgG2/IgE. In the diabetic group, both PTH and age and, in siblings, PTH only, were the predictors of IgG2/IgE ratio.

Conclusions:  These data suggest PTH as the major predictor of immune deviance towards the Th1 response in both type 1 diabetic subjects and their siblings. Considering that the active form of vitamin D suppresses PTH production, it is hypothesised that vitamin D replenishment of just those who are genetically prone to the disease (i.e. siblings) may be regarded as a preventive measure against T1D.
Digitally adjusting chromogenic dye proportions in brightfield microscopy images
Authors: BILGIN C.C. , RITTSCHER J. , FILKINS R. , CAN A.
Published: February 2012

We present an algorithm to adjust the contrast of individual dyes from colour (red–green–blue) images of dye mixtures. Our technique is based on first decomposing the colour image into individual dye components, then adjusting each of the dye components and finally mixing the individual dyes to generate colour images. Specifically in this paper, we digitally adjust the staining proportions of hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) chromogenic dyes in tissue images. We formulate the physical dye absorption process as a non‐negative mixing equation, and solve the individual components using non‐negative matrix factorisation (NMF). Our NMF formulation includes camera dark current in addition to the mixing proportions and the individual H and E components. The novelty of our approach is to adjust the dye proportions while preserving the color of nonlinear dye interactions, such as pigments and red blood cells. In this paper we present results for only H&E images, our technique can easily be extended to other staining techniques.
Adenosine Trisphosphate Appears to Act via Different Receptors in Terminals Versus Somata of the Hypothalamic Neurohypophysial System
Authors: Knott T. K. , Hussy N. , Cuadra A. E. , Lee R. H. , Ortiz‐Miranda S. , Custer E. E. , Lemos J. R.
Published: February 2012

ATP‐induced ionic currents were investigated in isolated terminals and somata of the hypothalamic neurohypophysial system (HNS). Both terminals and somata showed inward rectification of the ATP‐induced currents and reversal near 0 mV. In terminals, ATP dose‐dependently evoked an inactivating, inward current. However, in hypothalamic somata, ATP evoked a very slowly inactivating, inward current with a higher density, and different dose dependence (EC50 of 50 μm in somata versus 9.6 μm in terminals). The ATP‐induced currents, in both the HNS terminals and somata, were highly and reversibly inhibited by suramin, suggesting the involvement of a purinergic receptor (P2XR). However, the suramin inhibition was significantly different in the two HNS compartments (IC50 of 3.6 μm in somata versus 11.6 μm in terminals). Also, both HNS compartments show significantly different responses to the purinergic receptor agonists: ATP‐γ‐S and benzoyl‐benzoyl‐ATP. Finally, there was an initial desensitisation to ATP upon successive stimulations in the terminals, which was not observed in the somata. These differences in EC50, inactivation, desensitisation and agonist sensitivity in terminals versus somata indicate that different P2X receptors mediate the responses in these two compartments of HNS neurones. Previous work has revealed mRNA transcripts for multiple purinergic receptors in micropunches of the hypothalamus. In the HNS terminals, the P2X purinergic receptor types P2X2, 3, 4 and 7 (but not 6) have been shown to exist in AVP terminals. Immonohistochemistry now indicates that P2X4R is only present in AVP terminals and that the P2X7R is found in both AVP and oxytocin terminals and somata. We speculate that these differences in receptor types reflects the specific function of endogenous ATP in the terminals versus somata of these central nervous system neurones.
Gonadal Steroid Induction of Kisspeptin Peptide Expression in the Rostral Periventricular Area of the Third Ventricle During Postnatal Development in the Male Mouse
Authors: Clarkson J. , Shamas S. , Mallinson S. , Herbison A. E.
Published: February 2012

Kisspeptin and its G‐protein coupled receptor Gpr54 are essential for the pubertal activation of gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) neurones, with Gpr54 mutation or deletion resulting in failed puberty and infertility in humans and mice. The number of kisspeptin‐immunoreactive neurones in the rostral periventricular area of the third ventricle (RP3V) increases during pubertal development in concert with the appearance of kisspeptin appositions with GnRH neurones in the mouse rostral preoptic area. We recently demonstrated that the pubertal increase in RP3V kisspeptin neuronal number in females is dependent upon circulating oestradiol levels. The present experiments investigated the potential role of gonadal steroids in the induction of kisspeptin expression in the RP3V during pubertal development in the male mouse. Using immunocytochemistry (ICC), we show that gonadectomy of male pups at postnatal day (P) 20 resulted in a 60–70% reduction in the number of kisspeptin immunoreactive (IR) neurones within the RP3V of P45 mice (P < 0.05) compared to sham‐treated littermates. We established a profile of circulating testosterone levels during postnatal development in male mice and found that circulating testosterone was low throughout early postnatal development and increased from P35–40 to reach adult levels. Treatment of P20‐gonadectomised male mice with 17β‐oestradiol or testosterone from P38–45 restored kisspeptin‐IR neurone number in the RP3V to intact control levels (P > 0.05). Using double‐label ICC, we demonstrate that the majority of RP3V kisspeptin neurones express androgen receptors and oestrogen receptor α, indicating that RP3V kisspeptin neurones in the male mouse are equipped to respond to both androgen and oestrogen signals. These results indicate that, as in females, gonadal steroids are essential for the increase in kisspeptin immunoreactive cell number that occurs in the RP3V during pubertal development in the male mouse.
Clinical‐histological associations in gastroparesis: results from the Gastroparesis Clinical Research Consortium
Authors: Grover M. , Bernard C. E. , Pasricha P. J. , Lurken M. S. , Faussone‐Pellegrini M. S. , Smyrk T. C. , Parkman H. P. , Abell T. L. , Snape W. J. , Hasler W. L. , McCallum R. W. , Nguyen L. , Koch K. L. , Calles J. , Lee L. , Tonascia J. , Ünalp‐Arida A. , Hamilton F. A. , Farrugia G. ,   on behalf the NIDDK Gastroparesis Clinical Research Consortium (GpCRC)
Published: February 2012

Background  Cellular changes associated with diabetic (DG) and idiopathic gastroparesis (IG) have recently been described from patients enrolled in the Gastroparesis Clinical Research Consortium. The association of these cellular changes with gastroparesis symptoms and gastric emptying is unknown. The aim of this study was to relate cellular changes to symptoms and gastric emptying in patients with gastroparesis.

Methods  Earlier, using full thickness gastric body biopsies from 20 DG, 20 IG, and 20 matched controls, we found decreased interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) and enteric nerves and an increase in immune cells in both DG and IG. Here, demographic, symptoms [gastroparesis cardinal symptom index score (GCSI)], and gastric emptying were related to cellular alterations using Pearson’s correlation coefficients.

Key Results  Interstitial cells of Cajal counts inversely correlated with 4 h gastric retention in DG but not in IG (r = −0.6, P = 0.008, DG, r = 0.2, P = 0.4, IG). There was also a significant correlation between loss of ICC and enteric nerves in DG but not in IG (r = 0.5, P = 0.03 for DG, r = 0.3, P = 0.16, IG). Idiopathic gastroparesis with a myenteric immune infiltrate scored higher on the average GCSI (3.6 ± 0.7 vs 2.7 ± 0.9, P = 0.05) and nausea score (3.8 ± 0.9 vs 2.6 ± 1.0, P = 0.02) as compared to those without an infiltrate.

Conclusions & Inferences  In DG, loss of ICC is associated with delayed gastric emptying. Interstitial cells of Cajal or enteric nerve loss did not correlate with symptom severity. Overall clinical severity and nausea in IG is associated with a myenteric immune infiltrate. Thus, full thickness gastric biopsies can help define specific cellular abnormalities in gastroparesis, some of which are associated with physiological and clinical characteristics of gastroparesis.
A new risk indicator for botrytis leaf blight of onion caused by Botrytis squamosa based on infection efficiency of airborne inoculum
Authors: Carisse O. , Levasseur A. , Van der Heyden H.
Published: February 2012

Botrytis leaf blight (BLB) caused by Botrytis squamosa is a major leaf disease of onion. Various forecasting systems have been developed to help growers manage the disease. To improve forecasting reliability, the influence of temperature and wetness duration on B. squamosa infection was quantified by inoculating onion leaves with a conidial suspension and incubating them under various combinations of temperature (10–30°C) and leaf wetness duration (0–84 h). Infection was measured as the number of lesions per cm2 of leaf and converted to the proportion of maximum infection (PMI). Regardless of leaf wetness duration, only a few lesions developed at 30°C and the number of lesions increased as the temperature rose from 10 to 20°C but decreased at 25°C. Between 10 and 25°C the number of lesions per cm2 of leaf area increased gradually with increasing leaf wetness duration from 12 to 72 h. Relative infection was modelled as a function of both temperature and wetness duration using a modified version of the Weibull equation, which provided a precise description of the response of B. squamosa (R2 = 0·88). To facilitate field validation, receiving operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to determine the accuracy of various sets of criteria for establishing the length of an infection event based on field weather data. The total number of leaf wetness and RH >90% hours over a 72 h period was the best criterion, regardless of the wetness interruption pattern (sensitivity = 90·91, specificity = 84·62, area under the receiving operating curve = 0·878). The model describing the relationship of PMI to temperature and leaf wetness duration, and field observations on airborne conidium concentration (ACC) were used to calculate the risk of infection (RIBLB) as RIBLB = PMI × ACC. In 2009 and 2010, this risk index was compared to the observed rate of BLB progress (RateBLB+5 days) during the following 5 days. There was a linear relationship between RIBLB and RateBLB+5 days indicating that this new risk indicator was reliable for predicting the risk of BLB development. These findings will help to improve the timing of fungicide applications for BLB management.
Prevalence and diversity of Grapevine fanleaf virus in southern Spain
Authors: Palomares‐Rius J. E. , Gutiérrez‐Gutiérrez C. , Cantalapiedra‐Navarrete C. , Castillo P.
Published: February 2012

The occurrence of Grapevine fanleaf virus (GFLV) in 74 vineyards in grapevine‐growing areas of Andalusia, southern Spain, was investigated, as well as the genetic variability of the coat protein (CP) gene on RNA2. Overall, the prevalence of GFLV (the percentage of vineyards with GFLV) was 24·3%, and it was most common in the Jerez‐Xérès‐Sherry and Manzanilla‐Sanlúcar de Barrameda denomination of origin (DO) (29·4%) and Condado de Huelva DO (24·0%), followed by the Montilla‐Moriles DO (13·3%). GFLV‐infected plants showed fanleaf and yellow mosaic symptoms together with general vine decline. In almost all samples, except one from Jerez‐Xérès‐Sherry and Manzanilla‐Sanlúcar de Barrameda DO and one from Condado de Huelva DO, GFLV‐infected plants showed soil infestation by the virus vector nematode species Xiphinema index and/or the potential vector X. italiae. Reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) successfully amplified the partial CP gene product of the expected size (555 bp) in leaves and nematode vectors. A total of 135 clones of the partial GFLV CP gene were analysed for sequence variation using single‐strand conformation polymorphism, yielding 12 different haplotype patterns. Haplotypes were separated among the three different DO. The haplotype patterns MOB, MOC, MMA, MMC and HB were detected in leaf samples and nematode vectors for each locality, except for Jerez de la Frontera‐429. Sequence analysis of the GFLV haplotypes revealed sequence variability within the haplotypes and greater abundance of some variants than others in the same sequenced haplotype pattern. Consequently, GFLV in southern Spain exists as a ‘quasispecies’, as it has been reported in other grapevine‐growing areas of the world. This paper is the first report on the molecular variability of GFLV in Spain.
Grenville age deformation of the Sudbury impact structure: evidence from magnetic modelling of the Sudbury diabase dyke swarm
Authors: Tschirhart Peter , Morris Bill
Published: February 2012

Terra Nova, 24, 213–220, 2012

The Sudbury Structure is located <10 km from the Grenville Front; the northern boundary of the Grenville metamorphic terrane. Previous geological studies have suggested that late Grenvillian deformation (1000–1070 Ma) of the Sudbury Structure was limited to minor brittle deformation. Olivine diabase dykes, which were intruded at 1238 Ma, before the last pulse of Grenville deformation, cross much of the Sudbury Structure. Any Grenville age deformation of the Sudbury Structure therefore should produce systematic displacements in the geometry of the dykes. This study uses information derived from an aeromagnetic survey of the Sudbury Structure to map and measure fault displacements. Lateral displacements of dyke segments define a progressive increase in fault rotation from NE to SW across the basin. A two‐dimensional inversion modelling of magnetic anomaly profiles across segments of the dykes outlines a series of fault blocks with common dip. The dyke dip detected by the inversion models suggests that displacement on the faults included rotation about an axis perpendicular to the trend of the fault. The resulting model of scissor, or splay faults is compatible with previously published palaeomagnetic studies of the olivine dykes in the Sudbury region.
Gender differences in health‐related and family quality of life in young children with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Chernyshov Pavel V.
Published: February 2012

Background  Atopic dermatitis (AD) has an established impact on health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) and family QoL.

Objectives  This study was designed to investigate gender differences in health‐related and family QoL in children with AD.

Methods  Cohorts of 25 girls and 25 boys with AD aged <4 years were selected from 102 children with AD. Children in the girls’ and boys’ groups were individually matched across groups for age and severity of AD according to their scores on the SCORAD Index (SCORing of Atopic Dermatitis). The children’s parents filled in the Infants’ Dermatitis Quality of Life (IDQoL) Index and the Dermatitis Family Impact (DFI) questionnaires.

Results  The impact of AD on QoL (P < 0.05) and family QoL (P < 0.05) was more severe in girls. The severity of AD as assessed by the parents was equal in both groups. More parents of girls reported that AD impacted on the “child’s mood” (P < 0.05) and “enjoying family activity” (P < 0.05). “Child’s mood” and “sleep disturbance” were highly scored by parents of girls (P = 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively). Severity of AD as assessed by parents and IDQoL Index scores correlated with SCORAD scores in both groups. Scores on the DFI correlated with patient age in boys. The child’s age correlated with the emotional distress of parents in both groups and had an impact on “relationships in the family” in girls only. Several DFI items and overall family QoL correlated with patient age in boys.

Conclusions  The impact of AD on QoL and family QoL was more severe for girls. Relationships between parents progressively worsen with patient age in girls. Reported gender differences should be further investigated and may influence educational programs and advice given to parents of children with AD.
Skin problems in the long‐distance runner 2500 years after the Battle of Marathon
Authors: Helm Matthew F. , N. Helm Thomas , F. Bergfeld Wilma
Published: February 2012

Long‐distance running has evolved into a sport that continues to gain in popularity. Skin problems are common among long distance runners and may prompt athletes to seek medical attention. This paper reviews the skin problems of long distance runners and outlines treatments that we have found to be helpful.
Selective sebaceous gland electrothermolysis as a treatment for acne: a prospective pilot study
Authors: Lee Jin W. , Kim Beom J. , Kim Myeung N. , Ahn Gun Y. , Aso Hiromi
Published: February 2012

Although many therapeutic options exist for acne, relapse often occurs after treatment is stopped. Some preliminary evidence suggests that selective electrothermolysis of the sebaceous glands may represent a novel therapeutic intervention. This trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of selective sebaceous gland electrothermolysis for the treatment of facial acne. Twelve patients with facial acne were enrolled, all of whom underwent three sessions of therapy. During each session, a 1.5‐mm long needle with 0.45‐mm of base insulation was inserted into pores of acne lesions. Upon insertion, a high‐frequency electrical current was applied for 0.25–0.50 seconds, for a total output of 40 W. Each treatment session took approximately 30–60 minutes. Subject response to therapy was evaluated at one month and 12 months after the final treatment. All the enrolled subjects completed the study and all reported satisfaction with treatment results. In all cases, a reduction in inflammatory and noninflammatory lesion counts was observed after three sessions of selective electrothermolysis, although a few small papules and comedones persisted in several areas of untreated facial skin. Mean lesion reduction at one month after the final treatment was 98.14% for inflammatory lesions and 83.09% for noninflammatory lesions. Clinical success was achieved in the majority of patients (seven of 12 patients) at one month after the second treatment and in all patients at one month after the final treatment. All patients reported transient post‐treatment erythema, which faded after a few days. Clinically evident relapse occurred in two of 12 patients (16.7%) one year after the final treatment session. Selective sebaceous gland electrothermolysis can be a safe and effective method of achieving consistent remission in acne.
Guilty by association: an evaluation of millipedes as pests of carrot and sweet potato
Authors: Brunke A. J. , O’Keefe L. , Bahlai C. A. , Sears M. K. , Hallett R. H.
Published: February 2012

An evaluation of the pest potential of millipede species occurring in Ontario sweet potato and carrot fields was conducted in response to recent grower concerns about the presence of millipedes in close proximity to damaged vegetables. This study is the first North American survey of millipedes on arable soils and the first evaluation of North American millipede damage to sweet potatoes and carrots. Through field surveys,Cylindroiulus caeruleocinctuswas found to be the dominant millipede species in Ontario sweet potatoes and carrots. Fields were surveyed over the growing season, and the factors important to each species’ abundance were evaluated using Minimum AIC Estimation (MAICE). Post‐harvest damage assessments were performed, and MAICE analysis was used to determine which arthropod and environmental parameters were most important in explaining damage to sweet potatoes and carrots. Wireworm (Elateridae) abundance was consistently found to explain root damage better thanC. caeruleocinctusabundance, and it is concluded that the majority of field‐observed damage was caused by wireworms.C. caeruleocinctuswas negatively correlated with both wireworms and damage in carrot fields and is not likely to be a pest of that vegetable. However, abundance ofC. caeruleocinctusin sweet potatoes was positively correlated with both wireworms and damage. This species may cause some damage to sweet potato tubers under field conditions, but management tactics should focus on wireworms as the primary source of damage.
Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) resistance and antibiotic use in patients attending Australian general practice
Authors: Toyne Helen , Webber Cameron , Collignon Peter , Dwan Kathryn , Kljakovic Marjan
Published: February 2012

Background/Objectives:  Antibiotic resistance in the community, including transfer between bacteria, is a growing concern for clinicians. Acne is commonly treated in general practice, sometimes with antibiotics. The aim of this study is to measure the rate of carriage of antibiotic resistant Propionibacterium acnes 10 years apart in general practice and the relationship of resistance to type of treatment, as well potential effects on other flora.

Methods:  Patients (N = 215) with acne presenting to Australian Capital Territory and south‐eastern New South Wales general practices were swabbed for P. acnes in 1997–1998 and 2007. Clinical details were collected with questionnaires. In 2007 swabs were also taken for Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae. GP's diagnostic classification of acne was tested using a set of standard photographs.

Results:  Resistant P. acnes was isolated from 20 patients (9%) and the proportion that was resistant was the same in 1997–1998 and in 2007. Antibiotic use, particularly topical, was associated with P. acnes resistance. Resistance rates declined with the time elapsed since ceasing antibiotics. Use of retinoids was associated with a decreased chance of growing P. acnes (P = 0.008) but not with decreased resistance. Simultaneous resistance with S. aureus was not detected, but only in 30 patients was S. aureus isolated.

Conclusions:  P. acnes resistance was similar in 1997–1998 and in 2007.The chance of a patient carrying a resistant strain of P. acnes is significantly greater with recent exposure to antibiotics, and clinicians should limit prescribing where possible. Resistance disappears rapidly after ceasing antibiotics. Cross resistance with other organisms was not detected in this study.
Transgenic line with gal4 insertion useful to study morphogenesis of craniofacial perichondrium, vascular endothelium‐associated cells, floor plate, and dorsal midline radial glia during zebrafish development
Authors: Nakayama Sohei , Ikenaga Takanori , Kawakami Koichi , Ono Fumihito , Hatta Kohei
Published: February 2012

Zebrafish is a good model for studying vertebrate development because of the availability of powerful genetic tools. We are interested in the study of the craniofacial skeletal structure of the zebrafish. For this purpose, we performed a gene trap screen and identified a Gal4 gene trap line, SAGFF(LF)134A. We then analyzed the expression pattern of SAGFF(LF)134A;Tg(UAS:GFP) and found that green fluorescent protein (GFP) was expressed not only in craniofacial skeletal elements but also in the vascular system, as well as in the nervous system. In craniofacial skeletal elements, strong GFP expression was detected not only in chondrocytes but also in the perichondrium. In the vascular system, GFP was expressed in endothelium‐associated cells. In the spinal cord, strong GFP expression was found in the floor plate, and later in the dorsal radial glia located on the midline. Taking advantage of this transgenic line, which drives Gal4 expression in specific tissues, we crossed SAGFF(LF)134A with several UAS reporter lines. In particular, time‐lapse imaging of photoconverted floor‐plate cells of SAGFF(LF)134A;Tg(UAS:KikGR) revealed that the floor‐plate cells changed their shape within 36 h from cuboidal/trapezoidal to wine glass shaped. Moreover, we identified a novel mode of association between axons and glia. The putative paths for the commissural axons, including pax8‐positive CoBL interneurons, were identified as small openings in the basal endfoot of each floor plate. Our results indicate that the transgenic line would be useful for studying the morphogenesis of less‐well‐characterized tissues of interest, including the perichondrium, dorsal midline radial glia, late‐stage floor plate, and vascular endothelium‐associated cells.
‘Structure–function relationship’ in glaucoma: past thinking and current concepts
Authors: Malik Rizwan , Swanson William H , Garway‐Heath David F
Published: February 2012

Abstract

An understanding of the relationship between functional and structural measures in primary open‐angle glaucoma is necessary for both grading the severity of disease and for understanding the natural history of the condition. This article outlines the current evidence for the nature of this relationship and highlights the current mathematical models linking structure and function. Large clinical trials demonstrate that both structural and functional change are apparent in advanced stages of disease, and at an individual level, detectable structural abnormality may precede functional abnormality in some patients, whereas the converse is true in other patients. Although the exact nature of the ‘structure–function’ relationship in primary open‐angle glaucoma is still the topic of scientific debate and the subject of continuing research, this article aims to provide the clinician with an understanding of the past concepts and contemporary thinking in relation to the structure–function relationship in primary open‐angle glaucoma.
Are smaller subspecies of common brushtail possums more omnivorous than larger ones?
Authors: CRUZ JENNYFFER , SUTHERLAND DUNCAN R. , MARTIN GARY R. , LEUNG LUKE K.‐P.
Published: February 2012

Body size is often associated with a dietary divergence within taxonomically related groups so that large animals are often folivorous, while smaller species shift progressively towards omnivory or carnivory. This trend may be influenced by allometric constrains which result in relatively high energetic requirements, but low gut capacities in small animals, compared to their large counterparts. The common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula, Phalangeridae) has six subspecies ranging widely in weight (1–4 kg). They are not strictly folivorous, but supplement their diet with more nutritious, non‐foliar foods. We predicted that T. vulpecula subspecies diverged in diet in association with body size, with smaller subspecies consuming higher proportions of non‐foliar foods. We assessed this with a review and a meta‐analysis of previous Australian studies. We also investigated the previously unquantified diet of T. v. hypoleucus at three sites in the northern jarrah forest of Western Australia. Results from the meta‐analysis and the review supported our prediction. However, the large variability in the data highlighted their limitations and those of the techniques commonly used to quantify the diet of T. vulpecula. Nonetheless, small subspecies of T. vulpecula appear to consume higher proportions of non‐foliar foods. These results should encourage further research into the body size/diet relationship within T. vulpecula and other possum species. Results from the dietary study of T. v. hypoleucus emphasized their omnivorous diet, which was dominated by foliage and flowers and smaller proportions of invertebrates, seeds and fruits. The common brushtail possum is seldom an exclusive arboreal folivore, but rather ranges from folivory to omnivory.
Key components of de‐escalation techniques: A thematic synthesis
Authors: Price Owen , Baker John
Published: February 2012

De‐escalation techniques are a highly recommended set of therapeutic interventions that are frequently used to prevent violence and aggression within mental health services. A thematic synthesis literature review identified 11 international papers. Seven themes emerged from the data synthesis. The first three related broadly to staff skills, including: characteristics of effective de‐escalators, maintaining personal control, and verbal and non‐verbal skills. The last four relate to the process of intervening and include: engaging with the patient, when to intervene, ensuring safe conditions for de‐escalation, and strategies for de‐escalation (including two sub‐themes, autonomy confirming interventions, and limit‐setting and authoritative interventions). De‐escalation techniques are an example of a complex intervention, which has been overlooked by rigorous research, and it is often assumed that staff are able to perform these techniques in clinical practice.