bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ruegeria pelagia sp. nov., isolated from the Sargasso Sea, Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Lee Kiyoung , Choo Yoe-Jin , Giovannoni Stephen J. , Cho Jang-Cheon
Published: August 2007

Gram-negative, facultatively aerobic, chemoheterotrophic, short rod-shaped marine bacterial strains HTCC2662T and HTCC2663, isolated from the Sargasso Sea by using a dilution-to-extinction culturing method, were investigated to determine their taxonomic position. Characterization of the two strains by phenotypic and phylogenetic analyses revealed that they belonged to the same species. The DNA G+C content of strain HTCC2662T was 58.4 mol% and the predominant cellular fatty acids were C18 : 1
ω7c (52.5 %), C16 : 0 2-OH (13.5 %) and C18 : 1 11-methyl ω7c (12.2 %). Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the strains represented a distinct line of descent within the genus Ruegeria, with highest sequence similarities to Ruegeria atlantica DSM 5823T (97.2 %), Ruegeria lacuscaerulensis DSM 11314T (96.5 %) and Ruegeria pomeroyi DSM 15171T (95.6 %). Several phenotypic characteristics, including facultatively requiring NaCl and oxygen for growth, together with the cellular fatty acid composition, differentiated strain HTCC2662T from other members of the genus Ruegeria. Based on phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic traits, it is suggested that strains HTCC2662T and HTCC2663 represent a novel species of the genus Ruegeria, for which the name Ruegeria pelagia sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is HTCC2662T (=KCCM 42378T=NBRC 102038T).
Pseudoxanthomonas spadix sp. nov., isolated from oil-contaminated soil
Authors: Young Chiu Chung , Ho Mann-Jing , Arun A. B. , Chen Wen-Ming , Lai Wei-An , Shen Fo-Ting , Rekha P. D. , Yassin A. F.
Published: August 2007

A bacterial isolate from a sample of oil-contaminated soil was characterized using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. Comparative analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that this isolate constituted a distinct phyletic line within the genusPseudoxanthomonas, displaying >3.7 % sequence divergence with respect to recognisedPseudoxanthomonasspecies. The genus assignment was confirmed by a chemotaxonomic analysis, which revealed the presence of a fatty acid profile characteristic of members of the genusPseudoxanthomonas(straight-chain saturated, unsaturated and branched-chain fatty acids of the iso/anteiso type and 3-hydroxylated fatty acids) and the presence of a ubiquinone with eight isoprene units (Q-8) as the predominant respiratory quinone. The novel isolate was distinguishable from other members of the genusPseudoxanthomonason the basis of a combination of phenotypic properties. The genotypic and phenotypic data show that the strain represents a novel species of the genusPseudoxanthomonas, for which the namePseudoxanthomonas spadixsp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is IMMIB AFH-5T(=DSM 18855T=CCUG 53828T).
Litoricolaceae fam. nov., to include Litoricola lipolytica gen. nov., sp. nov., a marine bacterium belonging to the order Oceanospirillales
Authors: Kim Hana , Choo Yoe-Jin , Cho Jang-Cheon
Published: August 2007

A Gram-negative, non-motile, chemoheterotrophic, facultatively aerobic, short-rod-shaped bacterium, designated IMCC1097T, was isolated from coastal seawater (10 m depth) of the East Sea, Korea. The temperature, pH and NaCl ranges for growth were 15–30 °C, pH 5.0–10.0 and 1.5–10 % NaCl. The colonies of the strain were very small, having a mean diameter of 0.05 mm. 16S rRNA gene sequence data indicated that the strain was most closely related to genera within the class Gammaproteobacteria. Members of the most closely related genera showed less than 90 % sequence similarity and included Saccharospirillum (89.3 %), Oleiphilus (88.7 %), Reinekea (88.2 %), Alcanivorax (86.4–87.6 %) and Zooshikella (87.6 %), which represent five different families of the order Oceanospirillales. Phylogenetic analyses showed that this marine strain represented a distinct phylogenetic lineage in the order Oceanospirillales and could not be assigned to any of the defined families in the order. The predominant fatty acids were C16 : 1
ω7c and/or iso-C15 : 0 2-OH, C18 : 1
ω7c and C10 : 0 3-OH, and the DNA G+C content was 57.9 mol%. These chemotaxonomic properties, together with phenotypic characteristics, served to differentiate the strain from phylogenetically closely related genera. The very low sequence similarities (<90 %) and distant relationships between IMCC1097T and members of the order Oceanospirillales suggested that the strain merited classification within a novel genus within a novel family in the order. On the basis of taxonomic evidence collected in this study, a novel genus and species are proposed, Litoricola lipolytica gen. nov., sp. nov., within a new family Litoricolaceae fam. nov. Strain IMCC1097T (=KCCM 42360T =NBRC 102074T) is the type strain of Litoricola lipolytica.
Lutimonas vermicola gen. nov., sp. nov., a member of the family Flavobacteriaceae isolated from the marine polychaete Periserrula leucophryna
Authors: Yang Seung-Jo , Choo Yoe-Jin , Cho Jang-Cheon
Published: August 2007

A Gram-negative, yellow-coloured, non-motile, chemoheterotrophic, strictly aerobic, rod-shaped bacterium, designated IMCC1616T, was isolated from the marine polychaete Periserrula leucophryna inhabiting tidal flat sediment of the Yellow Sea, and characterized by a polyphasic approach. The temperature, pH and NaCl ranges for growth were 3–37 °C, pH 5.0–11.0 and 0.5–7.5 %. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity analyses, the strain was most closely related to members of the genera Lutibacter (90.7 %), Tenacibaculum (89.2–90.4 %) and Polaribacter (88.4–90.2 %). Phylogenetic analysis using three treeing algorithms based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the strain formed a distinct lineage within the family Flavobacteriaceae. The DNA G+C content of the strain was 40.1 mol% and the predominant cellular fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0 (16.5 %), anteiso-C15 : 0 (10.9 %), iso-C17 : 0 3-OH (8.8 %) and iso-C17 : 1
ω9c (8.2 %). The DNA G+C content, large amount of iso-C17 : 1
ω9c and several phenotypic characteristics, including growth temperature and catalase activity, differentiated the strain from other related genera in the family. Therefore, from the taxonomic evidence collected in this study, it is proposed that strain IMCC1616T represents a new genus and species named Lutimonas vermicola gen. nov., sp. nov. The type strain of Lutimonas vermicola is strain IMCC1616T (=KCCM 42379T =NBRC 102041T).
Description of Sulfitobacter donghicola sp. nov., isolated from seawater of the East Sea in Korea, transfer of Staleya guttiformis Labrenz et al. 2000 to the genus Sulfitobacter as Sulfitobacter guttiformis comb. nov. and emended description of the genus Sulfitobacter
Authors: Yoon Jung-Hoon , Kang So-Jung , Lee Mi-Hwa , Oh Tae-Kwang
Published: August 2007

A Gram-negative, non-motile and rod-, oval- or coccoid-shaped bacterial strain, DSW-25T, which is phylogenetically closely related to the genera Staleya and Sulfitobacter, was isolated from seawater of the East Sea, Korea, and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. Strain DSW-25T grew optimally at pH 7.0–8.0 and at 25 °C. It contained Q-10 as the predominant ubiquinone and C18 : 1
ω7c as the major fatty acid. Major polar lipids were phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and an unidentified phospholipid. The DNA G+C content was 56.9 mol%. Strain DSW-25T exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values of 98.4 % to the type strain of Staleya guttiformis and of 96.6–97.6 % to Sulfitobacter species. There were no distinct phenotypic, particularly chemotaxonomic, properties to differentiate Staleya guttiformis and strain DSW-25T from the genus Sulfitobacter. DNA–DNA relatedness data and differential phenotypic properties, together with the phylogenetic distinctiveness, demonstrated that strain DSW-25T differs from recognized Sulfitobacter species and Staleya guttiformis. On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, phylogenetic and genetic data, strain DSW-25T was classified in the genus Sulfitobacter as a member of a novel species, for which the name Sulfitobacter donghicola sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is strain DSW-25T (=KCTC 12864T =JCM 14565T). It is also proposed that Staleya guttiformis be transferred to the genus Sulfitobacter as Sulfitobacter guttiformis comb. nov.
Rhodovulum visakhapatnamense sp. nov.
Authors: Srinivas T. N. R. , Anil Kumar P. , Sasikala Ch. , Ramana Ch. V. , Imhoff J. F.
Published: August 2007

A Gram-negative, rod-shaped, phototrophic bacterium (JA181T) was isolated from a tidal water sample. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, strain JA181T was shown to belong to the class Alphaproteobacteria, most closely related to Rhodovulum sulfidophilum (97.8 % similarity to the type strain), Rhodovulum adriaticum (93 %), Rhodovulum robiginosum (93 %), Rhodovulum iodosum (94 %), Rhodovulum imhoffii (94 %), Rhodovulum strictum (95 %), Rhodovulum euryhalinum (94.6 %) and Rhodovulum marinum (94.6 %). DNA–DNA hybridization with Rdv. sulfidophilum DSM 1374T (relatedness of 39 % with strain JA181T) and physiological and biochemical tests allowed genotypic and phenotypic differentiation of strain JA181T from the eight Rhodovulum species with validly published names. Strain JA181T therefore represents a novel species, for which the name Rhodovulum visakhapatnamense sp. nov. is proposed (type strain JA181T =JCM 13531T =ATCC BAA-1274T =DSM 17937T).
Parsimony analysis and ecological communities, phytosociology, nested subsets analysis, forest fragmentation: a reply to Giannini and Keller
Authors: Pellens Roseli , Grandcolas Philippe , Guilbert Eric
Published: August 2007

We suggested using parsimony analysis to study community evolution in terms of species composition and to apply these results in the context of forest fragmentation as a replacement for the so‐called “nested subsets analysis” or other phenetic synecological or phytosociological methods (Pellens et al., 2005). Giannini and Keller (2007) took issue with this new application on the basis of three misunderstandings. We re‐emphasize that communities themselves are analyzed, not landscape parts such as forest fragments. Therefore, it must be clear that communities are analogous to taxa and landscape parts such as fragments are analogous to distributions of taxa. Community evolution is the change in community composition by immigration, emigration and local extinction. Thus, gains and losses of species should not be confused with horizontal transfer. Parsimony analysis does not necessarily group communities based on shared absences of rare species. Rare species are not necessarily absent in the same communities and these absences are not necessarily inferred to be synapomorphies after rooting. This is the main advance expected when cladistics is used instead of the previously cited phenetic methods working with overall similarity.

© The Willi Hennig Society 2007.
Sentinel lymph node biopsy in patients with thin melanomas
Authors: CECCHI Roberto , BURALLI Lauro , INNOCENTI Stefania , GAUDIO Cataldo De
Published: August 2007

The aim of the present study is to report our experience with lymphatic mapping (LM) and sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in a selected group of patients with thin primary cutaneous melanomas. Fifty patients (22 females and 28 males; mean age, 57.8 years; range, 30–77 years) with a mean tumor thickness of 0.63 mm (range, 0.24–1.00 mm) underwent LM/SLNB. Twenty‐eight (56%) of them had Clark level II, 20 (40%) had Clark level III, and two (4%) had Clark level IV. Tumor ulceration was present in two patients (4%) and histological regression in 35 patients (70%). Sentinel lymph node (SLN) metastases occurred in two of 50 patients (4%). The first case was a 0.88‐mm thick, Clark level III, non‐ulcerated superficial spreading melanoma of the trunk, without any regression. The second case was a 0.95‐mm thick, Clark level IV, non‐ulcerated superficial spreading melanoma of the neck, with regression. Both patients were disease‐free 76 and 50 months after the SLNB procedure and followed complete lymph node dissection, respectively. The patients with negative SLN were disease‐free after a median follow up of 44 months (mean, 43.2; range, 15–84 months). Published data and our experience suggest that LM/SLNB is not routinely indicated for melanomas less than 0.75 mm. Our results confirmed the accuracy of the new American Joint Committee on Cancer/International Union Against Cancer criteria, in which SLNB is required for thin melanomas less than 1.0 mm when they have ulceration or Clark level IV and V invasion.
Successful treatment for recurrence of primary cutaneous anaplastic large‐cell lymphoma in elderly patient with etoposide, mitoxantrone, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, prednisolone and bleomycin (VNCOP‐B) therapy
Authors: ISOGAI Rieko , FUKAO Makiko , KAWADA Akira
Published: August 2007

Primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (C‐ALCL) is a malignant lymphoma with a relatively good prognosis, consisting of CD30‐positive, undifferentiated, large cells. We report an elderly patient with C‐ALCL which recurred after cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone (CHOP) therapy, but was effectively treated with the third‐generation etoposide, mitoxantrone, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, prednisolone and bleomycin (VNCOP‐B) regimen. It is characterized by the completion of treatment in 8 weeks, its applicability on an outpatient basis, and a low incidence of cardiotoxicity and mucosal symptoms. Although our patient had no side‐effects during chemotherapy, patients should be carefully monitored for side‐effects, especially infection. In conclusion, the VNCOP‐B regimen might be an effective treatment for elderly patients with good performance status, CHOP‐resistant patients or patients with aggressive non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Socio‐economic status in childhood and later alcohol use: a systematic review*
Authors: Wiles Nicola J. , Lingford‐Hughes Anne , Daniel James , Hickman Matthew , Farrell Michael , Macleod John , Haynes Jonathan C. , Skapinakis Petros , Araya Ricardo , Lewis Glyn
Published: August 2007

Aim  To conduct a systematic review of longitudinal studies that examined the association between childhood socio‐economic status (SES) and alcohol use in later life.

Methods  A systematic search to identify all longitudinal population‐based studies that examined the association between childhood SES and later alcohol use.

Results  Nineteen relevant articles were identified (eight birth cohorts and 11 papers on school‐aged cohorts). There was little consistent evidence to support an association between lower childhood SES and later (mis)use of alcohol. Only a minority of studies included assessment of problem alcohol use, and in only one study was the relationship between SES and alcohol use the main research question.

Conclusion  We found little robust evidence to support the assumption that childhood disadvantage is associated with later alcohol use/abuse. Given the importance of this issue in terms of policy, the lack of evidence is surprising and emphasizes the need for further research in order to inform future policies and public health messages.
Dry season ecology of riverine tiger beetles in Kruger National Park, South Africa
Authors: Mawdsley Jonathan R. , Sithole Hendrik
Published: August 2007

The life cycles of many African species of tiger beetles (Insecta: Coleoptera: Cicindelidae) exhibit pronounced seasonality, with adult emergence and reproductive activity closely associated with seasonal rains. Anecdotal reports have suggested that adults of certain riverine tiger beetle species may be active during the dry season near perennial water sources. To test this hypothesis, fifteen sites along three perennial rivers in Kruger National Park, South Africa, were surveyed for tiger beetles in early September, 2006. Thirteen sites yielded adult beetles, with six species represented [Chaetodera regalis (Dejean), Cylindera disjuncta (Dejean), Habrodera nilotica (Dejean), Lophyra neglecta intermediola (Horn), Lophyridia fimbriata imperatrix (Srnka), and Myriochile melancholica (Fabricius)]. Microhabitat associations of adults of all six species and ovipositional/larval substrates of five of the six species are reported, along with observations on predatory and reproductive behaviours and the possible presence of an anti‐predator chemical defence in C. regalis and L. fimbriata imperatrix.
Drawing out strengths and building capacity in social work with troubled young women
Authors: Munford Robyn , Sanders Jackie
Published: August 2007

This paper compares the experiences of a group of marginalized young women with two groups that remained socially engaged. Drawing from a qualitative study of young women aged between 13 and 15 years, we identify four areas (understandings and experiences of well‐being, use of space, making wishes, and emotional and household labour) that illuminated the ways in which marginalized young women articulated their experiences differently from those young women who were still engaged in mainstream social life. Drawing on Ungar's work we consider the ways in which marginalized behaviours, which are typically interpreted as socially disruptive and troubled, can also be read as efforts by young women to create a consistent set of social meanings in their lives and to cement reliable relationships around them. Rather than wholly negative, we suggest that these socially disruptive and troubled behaviours should be understood as having health‐enhancing qualities, given the wider contextual challenges the young women faced, and as being the best choices they could make given their circumstances. Social work and support that assists young women on the margins needs to actively engage with these health‐enhancing qualities and to come to a sensitized understanding of the way in which these young women understand their interpersonal worlds.
CCR3‐active chemokines influence eosinophil adhesion to endothelial cells under static and flow conditions
Authors: Tachimoto H. , Ebisawa M. , Bochner B. S.
Published: August 2007

We recently demonstrated that CCR3‐active chemokines promote rapid detachment of eosinophils bound to vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (VCAM‐1) in vitro. Eosinophils adhered well to immobilized human recombinant VCAM‐1 primarily via α4β1 integrin. Eotaxin‐2, a CCR3‐specific chemokine, induced eosinophil de‐adhesion from VCAM‐1. In contrast, very few eosinophils spontaneously adhered to bovine serum albumin (BSA), and eosinophil adhesion to BSA was enhanced by eotaxin‐2 over a similar nm range of concentrations. This enhancement of BSA adhesion was dependent on β2 integrins. Eosinophil α4β1 integrins can mediate rolling on VCAM‐1 under physiological flow conditions. Although we observed a reduction of eosinophil accumulation on immobilized VCAM‐1 in response to eotaxin‐2 under physiological flow conditions, this reduction of adhesion was not observed when VCAM‐1 and intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) were co‐immobilized. Based on antibody‐blocking studies, this appears to be caused by a chemokine‐induced shift in integrin usage away from β1 integrin‐dominated interactions with VCAM‐1 towards β2 integrin‐dominated interactions with ICAM‐1. Our results confirm the important role of integrins and chemokines in selective eosinophil migration processes. CCR3‐active chemokines may be necessary to facilitate de‐adhesion from luminal VCAM‐1 and to facilitate the process of diapedesis by shifting integrin usage in eosinophils away from β1 integrin‐dominated interactions with VCAM‐1 towards β2 integrin‐dominated interactions with ICAM‐1. The critical importance of integrins and chemokines in eosinophilic inflammation lends support for targeting these molecules with novel therapeutic agents.
Imaging of angiogenesis in inflammation and cancer: lessons for novel treatment of allergic rhinitis
Authors: McDonald D. M.
Published: August 2007

Angiogenesis is a feature of inflammatory and neoplastic disease. Imaging studies are revealing the distribution and accessibility of molecular targets at sites of angiogenesis and how abnormalities of angiogenic blood vessels can be exploited in diagnosis and treatment. Blood vessels at sites of angiogenesis have multiple abnormalities that provide targets for diagnostics and therapeutics. These abnormalities involve all components of the vessel wall, including endothelial cells, pericytes (mural cells), and the vascular basement membrane. Endothelial cells of angiogenic blood vessels in tumours may express abnormal proteins, sprout, proliferate, have a defective barrier function, and be dependent on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) for survival. Endothelial cells of capillaries at sites of inflammation acquire a venule‐like phenotype, become leaky, and express adhesion molecules that support leucocyte influx. Inhibitors of VEGF signalling can stop angiogenesis, have a potent antivascular action, and reduce the abnormality of surviving vessels. Studies of VEGF inhibitors in mouse tumour models have shown robust and rapid changes in endothelial cells, pericytes, and the vascular basement membrane of angiogenic blood vessels. After treatment, endothelial fenestrations disappear, vascular sprouting is suppressed, and patency and blood flow cease in some vessels within 24 h. By 7 days, many tumour vessels regress. Surviving tumour vessels acquire more normal structural characteristics. Pericytes do not degenerate to the same extent as endothelial cells. The vascular basement membrane also persists after endothelial cells degenerate, providing a record of regressing vessels, sites for growth factor binding, and a scaffold for blood vessel regrowth after the cessation of therapy. The actions of angiogenesis inhibitors on blood vessels in tumours highlight the potential of exploiting the molecular and cellular abnormalities of angiogenic blood vessels in inflammatory conditions, including allergic rhinitis.
Physiological and pathological significance of nitric oxide and carbon monoxide in exhalation and their origin
Authors: Kubo N. , Yoshinaga K.
Published: August 2007

The sinuses and nasal turbinate are powerful nitric oxide (NO)‐generating sources. The NO level in the upper airway is 10–100‐fold higher than the concentration in surrounding air. Nasal NO production is catalysed by NO synthase (NOS), which exists in constitutive and inducible isoforms, in epithelial cells and inflammatory cells infiltrating into the nasal epithelial cell layer, particularly in patients with chronic inflammation. It is known that the nasal NO level increases in association with inflammatory disorders of the upper airway such as in patients with asthma, although the clinical picture in patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) is less clear. We have shown that the NO level was markedly decreased by nasal provocation with various stimulants such as capsaicin and house dust disc. There have also been reports of increased expression of NOS in patients with AR, and the nasal NO level was significantly increased by eotaxin‐stimulated recruitment of eosinophils in patients with AR. On the other hand, the NO level was decreased in patients with AR following intranasal administration of NG‐nitro‐l‐arginine‐methyl ester, a NOS inhibitor. Carbon monoxide (CO) is mainly produced during haemoglobin catabolism by haem oxygenase (HO)‐1. The major factors causing CO generation are oxidative stress and infection, and the CO generated via HO‐1 is excreted into the breath. In addition, CO is markedly increased in smokers. In healthy non‐smokers, the oral CO level was overwhelmingly higher than the nasal CO level, suggesting that CO is predominantly generated in the lower airway. The CO level is elevated in patients with paranasal sinusitis, asthma, and COPD.
Role of prostaglandin E2 as a protective mediator for airway inflammation
Authors: Shimizu T. , Hattori R. , Shimizu S. , Kouzaki H. , Majima Y.
Published: August 2007

Prostaglandin (PG) E2 is a cyclooxygenase metabolite of arachidonic acid that has anti‐inflammatory properties including suppression of lymphocyte proliferation, inhibition of cytokine/chemokine production, and dilation of human bronchi. Recently, four types of PGE2 receptors (EP1, EP2, EP3, and EP4) were identified, and their roles have been extensively examined. We found mRNA expression of all four PGE2 receptors in human airway epithelial cells, and EP3 and EP4 agonists significantly inhibited mucus secretion and inflammatory cell infiltration induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or by allergic inflammation in rat nasal epithelium. These EP agonists significantly inhibited LPS‐induced secretion of IL‐8 and mucus in cultured airway epithelial cells. These results indicate that PGE2 acts as an anti‐inflammatory mediator via EP receptors of airways. EP agonists may serve as a new therapeutic modality for the treatment of airway inflammation.
Intraindividual variation in levels of serum testosterone and other reproductive and adrenal hormones in men
Authors: Brambilla Donald J. , O'Donnell Amy B. , Matsumoto Alvin M. , McKinlay John B.
Published: August 2007

Background  Estimates of intraindividual variation in hormone levels provide the basis for interpreting hormone measurements clinically and for developing eligibility criteria for trials of hormone replacement therapy. However, reliable systematic estimates of such variation are lacking.

Objective  To estimate intraindividual variation of serum total, free and bioavailable testosterone (T), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), SHBG, LH, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS), oestrone, oestradiol and cortisol, and the contributions of biological and assay variation to the total.

Design  Paired blood samples were obtained 1–3 days apart at entry and again 3 months and 6 months later (maximum six samples per subject). Each sample consisted of a pool of equal aliquots of two blood draws 20 min apart.

Study participants  Men aged 30–79 years were randomly selected from the respondents to the Boston Area Community Health Survey, a study of the health of the general population of Boston, MA, USA. Analysis was based on 132 men, including 121 who completed all six visits, 8 who completed the first two visits and 3 who completed the first four visits.

Measurements  Day‐to‐day and 3‐month (long‐term) intraindividual standard deviations, after transforming measurements to logarithms to eliminate the contribution of hormone level to intraindividual variation.

Results  Biological variation generally accounted for more of total intraindividual variation than did assay variation. Day‐to‐day biological variation accounted for more of the total than did long‐term biological variation. Short‐term variability was greater in hormones with pulsatile secretion (e.g. LH) than those that exhibit less ultradian variation. Depending on the hormone, the intraindividual standard deviations imply that a clinician can expect to see a difference exceeding 18–28% about half the time when two measurements are made on a subject. The difference will exceed 27–54% about a quarter of the time.

Conclusions  Given the level of intraindividual variability in hormone levels found in this study, one sample is generally not sufficient to characterize an individual's hormone levels but collecting more than three is probably not warranted. This is true for clinical measurements and for hormone measurements used to determine eligibility for a clinical trial of hormone replacement therapy.
Disproportional geometry of the proximal femur in patients with Turner syndrome: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Nissen N. , Gravholt C. H. , Abrahamsen B. , Hauge E. M. , Jensen J.‐E. Bech , Mosekilde L. , Brixen K.
Published: August 2007

Objective  Patients with Turner syndrome (TS) have altered growth and increased risk of osteoporosis due to oestrogen deficiency and possibly a host of other factors. Thus, TS patients have a 4·9‐fold increased risk of femoral neck fractures. Most patients are treated with oestrogen during puberty and adolescence to facilitate pubertal development and prevent secondary osteoporosis. The geometry of the hip is a predictor for hip fractures independent of bone mineral density (BMD). The purpose of the present study was to investigate the variation of the geometry of the hip in patients with TS in comparison with healthy controls.

Patients  The study population comprised 58 patients with TS (aged 22–67 years) and 60 age‐matched healthy women (aged 21–65 years).

Measurements  Hip axis length (HAL), neck width (NW), neck shaft angle (NSA), and femoral head‐radius (HR) on dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) screen images. These parameters related to age of oestrogen supplementation, menarche, and duration of oestrogen exposure.

Results  Height was 146·6 ± 6·9 cm and 167·1 ± 6·2 cm (P < 0·1) and weight 57·4 ± 13·9 kg and 62·3 ± 8·3 kg (P < 0·001) in patients and controls, respectively. After adjustment for differences in height, HAL was not significantly different (9·4 ± 0·5 vs. 9·5 ± 0·5 cm; NS) in TS compared with controls while NW was significantly increased (3·5 ± 0·4 cm vs. 3·3 ± 0·2 cm, P < 0·001), NSA was similar (129 ± 4°vs. 130 ± 4°, NS), and HR was significantly decreased (4·1 ± 0·4 vs. 4·5 ± 0·3 cm, P < 0·001). The duration of oestrogen exposure was significantly shorter among TS, but did not correlate significantly with the geometrical parameters in either TS or controls.

Conclusion  Our data demonstrates that hip geometry is disproportionate in TS compared with normal controls. The altered hip geometry, however, cannot explain the increased risk of hip fracture in TS.
Anti‐prolactin (PRL) autoantibodies suppress PRL bioactivity in patients with macroprolactinaemia
Authors: Hattori Naoki , Nakayama Yasuhisa , Kitagawa Kaori , Ishihara Takashi , Saiki Yasuhiko , Inagaki Chiyoko
Published: August 2007

Objective  Macroprolactinaemia, mainly caused by anti‐prolactin (PRL) autoantibodies, is frequently found in patients with hyperprolactinaemia. Characteristically, these patients lack clinical symptoms of hyperprolactinaemia, but the serum bioactive PRL concentrations in vitro measured by the Nb2 bioassay are usually high. In this study, we investigated the causes of the discrepancy and the true biological features of macroprolactin.

Subjects and methods  Sixteen patients with macroprolactinaemia due to anti‐PRL autoantibodies were studied. PRL bioactivity was determined by the phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription (Stat)5 in T47D human breast cancer cells and the proliferation of Nb2 rat lymphoma cells.

Results  PRL bioactivity by the T47D bioassay, expressed as the density of the band of phosphorylated Stat5/immunoreactive PRL, was significantly lower in sera containing anti‐PRL autoantibodies (2·4 ± 1·1) than in control sera (7·2 ± 3·1). Dissociation of PRL from the autoantibodies by acidification resulted in an increase in phosphorylated Stat5. PRL bioactivity by the Nb2 bioassay was not significantly different between sera with and without anti‐PRL autoantibodies, and free PRL in the medium gradually increased during the incubation in a time‐dependent manner in sera containing anti‐PRL autoantibodies.

Conclusions  We conclude that the level of bioactivity of macroprolactin in the Nb2 bioassay is normal due to dissociation of PRL from the autoantibodies as a result of the longer incubation and more dilute assay conditions than in the T47D bioassay. The bioactivity of macroprolactin is low in vivo due to anti‐PRL autoantibodies, but monomeric PRL dissociated from the autoantibodies retains full biological activity in patients with macroprolactinaemia.
Cell block as an adjunct to conventional Papanicolaou smear for diagnosis of cervical cancer in resource‐limited settings
Authors: Gupta S. , Halder K. , Khan V. A. , Sodhani P.
Published: August 2007

Objective:  To assess the utility of indigenously prepared cell blocks (CBs) as an adjunct to a conventional smear test in providing a reliable diagnosis of clinically suspicious cervical cancer in resource‐limited settings.

Methods:  Eighty‐six clinically suspicious cervical cancer cases underwent a conventional smear test, CB preparation from residual cellular samples and biopsies at the same sitting. Correlations were performed between these modalities in order to derive the sensitivity and specificity of the CB technique to diagnose cervical cancer.

Observation & Results:  Out of 86 clinically suspicious cervical cancers, 72 (83.7%), 70 (81.4%) and 67 (77.9%) cases were diagnosed as malignant on tissue biopsies, CBs and smears respectively. CB–biopsy agreement in the diagnosis of malignancy was feasible in 87.5% of the cases while CB–Pap smear agreement was feasible in 92.5% of the cases. Sensitivity and specificity of CB preparation to diagnose malignancy was 92.5% and 100%, respectively, when the smear was taken as the reference test (excluding the unsatisfactory smears). When biopsy was taken as the gold standard, the sensitivity and specificity of CBs were 87.5% and 100% respectively (excluding the unsatisfactory biopsies). In 8/19 cases where the smear diagnoses were either unsatisfactory or atypical squamous cells/atypical glandular cells, CBs picked up malignant lesions.

Conclusion:  CBs prepared from the residual cellular sample of conventional cervical scrapes augment the sensitivity of the smear test. When used as an adjunct to the smear, CBs aid in providing a reliable diagnosis of cervical cancer in the majority of the clinically suspected cases and thus the biopsy load can be reduced significantly in resource‐poor settings.
Effects of upstream lakes and nutrient limitation on periphytic biomass and nitrogen fixation in oligotrophic, subalpine streams
Authors: MARCARELLI AMY M. , WURTSBAUGH WAYNE A.
Published: August 2007

1. We conducted bioassays of nutrient limitation to understand how macronutrients and the position of streams relative to lakes control nitrogen (N2) fixation and periphytic biomass in three oligotrophic Rocky Mountain catchments. We measured periphytic chlorophyll‐a (chl‐a) and nitrogen‐fixation responses to nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) additions using nutrient‐diffusing substrata at 19 stream study sites, located above and below lakes within the study catchments.

2. We found that periphytic chl‐a was significantly co‐limited by N and P at 13 of the 19 sites, with sole limitation by P observed at another four sites, and no nutrient response at the final two sites. On average, the addition of N, P and N + P stimulated chl‐a 35%, 114% and 700% above control values respectively. The addition of P alone stimulated nitrogen fixation by 2500% at five of the 19 sites. The addition of N, either with or without simultaneous P addition, suppressed nitrogen fixation by 73% at nine of the 19 sites.

3. Lake outlet streams were warmer and had higher dissolved organic carbon concentrations than inlet streams and those further upstream, but position relative to lakes did not affect chl‐a and nitrogen fixation in the absence of nutrient additions. Chl‐a response to nutrient additions did not change along the length of the study streams, but nitrogen fixation was suppressed more strongly by N, and stimulated more strongly by P, at lower altitude sites. The responses of chl‐a and nitrogen fixation to nutrients were not affected by location relative to lakes. Some variation in responses to nutrients could be explained by nitrate and/or total N concentration.

4. Periphytic chl‐a and nitrogen fixation were affected by nutrient supply, but responses to nutrients were independent of stream position in the landscape relative to lakes. Understanding interactions between nutrient supply, nitrogen fixation and chl‐a may help predict periphytic responses to future perturbations of oligotrophic streams, such as the deposition of atmospheric N.
Nutrient resorption and patterns of litter production and decomposition in a Neotropical Savanna
Authors: KOZOVITS A. R. , BUSTAMANTE M. M. C. , GAROFALO C. R. , BUCCI S. , FRANCO A. C. , GOLDSTEIN G. , MEINZER F. C.
Published: August 2007

Deposition of nutrients due to anthropogenic activities has the potential to change nutrient availability in nutrient‐limited ecosystems with consequences for plant and ecosystem processes.

Species‐specific and ecosystem responses to the addition of nutrients were studied in a field experiment conducted in a Savanna (Cerrado sensu stricto) on dystrophic soil in central Brazil. Three fertilization treatments (N, P and N plus P additions) and unfertilized control were replicated in four 15 × 15 m plots per treatment.

Five of the dominant woody species were studied. Specific leaf area (SLA) was not affected by the treatments, but species responded differently in terms of foliar nutrient concentration, resorption efficiency and proficiency to the increased soil N and P availability.

Responses of N and P resorption suggested different levels of regulation for these two limiting elements, with a decrease in N and P resorption proficiency depending on the treatment. In general, under N fertilization, senesced leaves presented higher N concentration, whereas combined fertilization with N and P resulted in senesced leaves richer in P. The concomitant variation in P resorption efficiency and proficiency indicates a stronger regulation between them compared to N.

Results indicated a highly efficient and complete P resorption, while N concentrations in senesced leaves indicated intermediate or incomplete resorption efficiencies, supporting the idea that Cerrado plants might be more limited by P than by N.

At the ecosystem level, higher N concentration in the leaf litter was measured at the end of the dry season in the +NP‐fertilized plots, resulting in a significantly faster decomposition rate in relation to the control treatment. Responses of litterfall and decomposition rates indicated that the system was generally more responsive to the combined addition of N and P than to fertilization with N or P alone over the relatively short time span of this study.
Prophylaxis in adults with haemophilia
Authors: HAY C. R. M.
Published: August 2007

Summary.  The indications for and the efficacy of prophylaxis in adults with haemophilia remain controversial. It is unclear whether the benefits of secondary prophylaxis outweigh the costs, because adults with haemophilia usually already have established arthropathy. The objectives of secondary prophylaxis in this group are therefore more limited than the objectives of primary prophylaxis in children. It is also uncertain whether primary prophylaxis should stop or continue once adulthood is reached. Some individuals with near‐normal joints may stop prophylaxis in early adulthood and then bleed infrequently. Others who stop prophylaxis begin to bleed frequently and suffer progressive arthropathy; these patients should probably have continued prophylaxis. There is no satisfactory method for selecting patients for continued prophylaxis. Adult prophylaxis is less well studied than prophylaxis in children. A few studies with a small number of patients suggest that adults treated with prophylaxis experienced fewer bleeding episodes, less pain and improved quality of life compared with those treated on demand. The mean annual cost of prophylaxis tends be substantially higher for adults than for children, largely owing to the high cost of clotting factor. Here we review the literature regarding the prophylactic treatment of adult patients with haemophilia A, including studies of the discontinuation of prophylaxis. These studies and others all show clinical benefit from prophylaxis in adulthood and suggest the possibility that optimized prophylaxis (e.g. tailoring an intermediate‐ or low‐dose regimen in patients who bleed infrequently) may improve clinical outcome. The cost‐effect argument is more difficult to sustain in adults compared with children; however, the cost of prophylaxis may be counterbalanced by indirect factors, such as days gained at work, reduced hospitalizations, reduced need for orthopaedic surgery and improved quality of life.
Identifying and overcoming barriers to prophylaxis in the management of haemophilia
Authors: PETRINI P.
Published: August 2007

Summary.  Haemophilia is often characterized by acute haemarthrosis and synovitis arising from spontaneous bleeding episodes, particularly in the muscles and joints of the elbows, knees and ankles. Current treatment for patients with severe haemophilia involves coagulation factor concentrate (CFC) replacement therapy given on demand at the time of bleeding or through long‐term prophylaxis aimed at preventing future bleeds and joint disease. Although prophylaxis has many advantages over on‐demand therapy (particularly if started before age 2 and prior to any signs of joint disease), its practice varies widely even among developed countries because of several barriers. Such barriers include CFC costs and availability; patient perceptions, lifestyles and bleeding patterns; difficulties and complications arising from the use of intravenous access devices (IVADs); the development of inhibitors; and the lack of randomized clinical trials. These barriers can be overcome by tailoring treatment regimens according to individual patient bleeding patterns and CFC pharmacokinetic profiles, using IVADs selectively and judiciously, helping patients maintain normal weight and physical exercise and providing the families of patients with continuous support from healthcare providers.
Liposomal approach towards the development of a longer‐acting factor VIII
Authors: POWELL J. S.
Published: August 2007

Summary.  Prevention of spontaneous bleeding in patients with severe haemophilia A usually requires therapeutic infusions every 2–3 days because of the short half‐life of factor VIII (FVIII). Longer‐acting FVIII products that require less frequent infusions would be beneficial and might obviate the need for central catheters in most patients. Liposomal formulation can enhance the efficacy of some therapeutic products. The incorporation of high‐molecular weight polyethylene glycol (PEG) can extend the circulatory half‐life of the liposome. These combined approaches led to the development of BAY 79‐4980, a PEG‐containing liposomal version of Kogenate® FS (rFVIII‐FS). Results from preclinical models and early clinical trials have shown that BAY 79‐4980 prolongs the time to the next bleed. Further clinical evaluation of the efficacy and long‐term safety of BAY 79‐4980 are planned.
Physiotherapy, rehabilitation and sports in countries with limited replacement coagulation factor supply
Authors: BUZZARD B. M.
Published: August 2007

Summary.  It is well documented that physiotherapy and rehabilitation benefit people with haemophilia by strengthening the key muscle groups and protecting joints from the adverse effects of repeated haemorrhages. Rehabilitation, in conjunction with the availability of replacement coagulation factor products, has revolutionized approaches to the management of patients with haemophilia in developed countries and has led to a substantial decrease in both the morbidity and mortality rates among the haemophilic population. Modern treatment approaches have also enabled persons with haemophilia to participate in sporting activities along with their peers; however, these improvements in care have not been achieved in developing nations, where health‐care resources and facilities are scarce and the supply of coagulation factor products is limited. This article attempts to address the following questions about the management of haemophilic patients in developing countries: Can physiotherapy, rehabilitation and sports prevent disabilities and preserve independence? Is participation in sports activities possible in developing countries? Do countries differ with regard to guidelines for participation in sports? Should we be encouraging participation in sports or allowing patients with haemophilia to do as they choose?
Orthopaedic issues in sports for persons with haemophilia
Authors: SEUSER AXEL , BOEHM PETER , KURME ANATOL , SCHUMPE GÜNTER , KURNIK KARIN
Published: August 2007

Summary.  Persons with haemophilia should not feel limited in their ability to participate in sports. After consultation with a physician or other health‐care provider and with a proper understanding of the risks involved and the strategies for managing these risks, patients with haemophilia can – and should – enjoy physical activities. We have analysed numerous reports of sports injury statistics and used them to rank a variety of sports according to their degree of injury risk. In addition, we have developed a brief orthopaedic examination and a five‐item fitness check that evaluates the level of physical fitness of patients with haemophilia. Using these tools, we can appropriately recommend specific sports activities best suited for each patient. In addition, we recommend that patients who regularly participate in sports maintain adequate levels of clotting factor through the use of regular prophylaxis. With proper physical evaluation and preparation, patients with haemophilia can realize the physical and emotional benefits of participation in sports.
Prostaglandin E2 modulates dendritic cell function during chlamydial genital infection
Authors: Liu Wei , Kelly Kathleen Ann
Published: August 2007

Inflammatory responses mediated by antigen‐presenting dendritic cells (DCs), can be modulated by the presence of prostaglandins (PG), including prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). PGE2 modifies the production of an immune response by altering DC function through PGE2 receptors. PGE2 is produced by epithelial cells lining the murine female reproductive tract during Chlamydia muridarum infection and likely manipulates the antichlamydial immune response during antigen uptake in the genital mucosa. Our data demonstrate that the PGE2 present locally in the genital tract upon chlamydial genital infection enhanced the recruitment of CD11b+ conventional DCs, but not CD45R+ plasmacytoid DCs, to infected genital tract tissue and draining lymph nodes in vivo. Furthermore, exposure to PGE2in vitro during infection of murine bone‐marrow‐derived conventional DCs (cDCs) boosted interleukin‐10 mRNA and protein while not influencing interleukin‐12p40 production. Infection of cDCs markedly increased mRNA production of the costimulatory molecules CD86, CD40 and a member of the C‐type lectin family, DEC‐205, but addition of PGE2 increased other costimulatory molecules and C‐type lectins. Also, exposure of PGE2 to infected cDCs increased FcγRIII and FcγRIIb, suggesting that PGE2 enhances the uptake and presentation of C. muridarum and augments production of the antichlamydial adaptive immune response. Taken together, the data suggest that exposure of infected cDCs to PGE2 drives production of a diverse adaptive immune response with implications for regulating tissue inflammation.
Immune responses against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus induced by virus‐like particles in mice
Authors: Lu Xinya , Chen Yao , Bai Bingke , Hu Hui , Tao Ling , Yang Jihong , Chen Jianjun , Chen Ze , Hu Zhihong , Wang Hanzhong
Published: August 2007

Virus‐like particles (VLPs) represent a promising vaccine against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS CoV). In this study, recombinant baculovirus vAcS and vAcME were constructed to express the S protein and the M and E proteins of SARS CoV, respectively. Electron microscope analysis demonstrated the formation of VLPs in vAcME and vAcS coinfected insect cells. Mice immunized four times with VLPs developed high antibody titres against SARS CoV. In addition, VLPs elicited cell‐mediated immunity as demonstrated by enhanced interferon‐γ and interleukin‐4 production. VLPs also conferred protective immunity against the infection of Spike protein pseudotyped murine leukaemia virus. Our findings demonstrate that SARS CoV VLPs are immunogenic and can elicit strong SARS CoV‐specific humoral and cellular immune responses in mice. This is the first study describing the immunogenicity of SARS CoV VLPs, providing valuable data for developing a protective vaccine against SARS CoV infection.