bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Opportunities for treating chronic hepatitis B and C virus infection using RNA interference
Authors: Arbuthnot P. , Longshaw V. , Naidoo T. , Weinberg M. S.
Published: November 2006

Summary.  Activating the RNA interference (RNAi) pathway to achieve silencing of specific genes is one of the most exciting new developments of molecular biology. A particularly interesting use of this technology is inhibition of defined viral gene expression. In this review, we discuss the potential application of RNAi to treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Globally, these hepatotropic viruses are the most important causes of cirrhosis and liver cancer. Available treatments have their limitations, which makes development of novel effective RNAi‐based therapies for HBV and HCV especially significant. Several investigations carried out in vitro and in vivo are summarized, which demonstrate proof of principle that HBV and HCV can be inhibited by RNAi activators. Challenges facing further development of this technology to a stage of clinical application are discussed.
Trends in testing behaviours for hepatitis C virus infection and associated determinants: results from population‐based laboratory surveillance in Alberta, Canada (1998–2001)
Authors: Jayaraman G. C. , Lee B. , Singh A. E. , Preiksaitis J. K.
Published: November 2006

Summary. Little is currently known about hepatitis C virus (HCV) test seeking behaviours at the population level. Given the centralized nature of testing for HCV infection in the province of Alberta, Canada, we had an opportunity to examine HCV testing behaviour at the population level on all newly diagnosed HCV‐positive cases using laboratory data to validate the time and number of prior tests for each case. Record linkage identified 3323, 2937, 2660 and 2703 newly diagnosed cases of HCV infections in Alberta during 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2001, respectively, corresponding to age‐adjusted rates of 149.8, 129, 114.3 and 113.7 per 100 000 population during these years, respectively. Results from secondary analyses of laboratory data suggest that the majority of HCV cases (95.3%) who were newly diagnosed between 1998 and 2001 were first‐time testers for HCV infection. Among repeat testers, analysis of a negative test result within 1 year prior to a first of a positive test report suggests that 211 (38.4%) may be seroconvertors. These findings suggest that 339 or 61.7% of repeat testers may not have discovered their serostatus within 1 year of infection. Among this group, HCV testing was sought infrequently, with a median interval of 2.3 years between the last negative and first positive test. This finding is of concern given the risks for HCV transmission, particularly if risk‐taking behaviours are not reduced because of unknown serostatus. These findings also reinforce the need to make the most of each test‐seeking event with proper counselling and other appropriate support services.
Regulation and manipulation of ABA biosynthesis in roots
Authors: THOMPSON ANDREW J. , MULHOLLAND BARRY J. , JACKSON ALISON C. , MCKEE JOHN M. T. , HILTON HOWARD W. , SYMONDS RACHAEL C. , SONNEVELD TINEKE , BURBIDGE ALAN , STEVENSON PATRICK , TAYLOR IAN B.
Published: November 2006

Overexpression of 9‐cis‐epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase (NCED) is known to cause abscisic acid (ABA) accumulation in leaves, seeds and whole plants. Here we investigated the manipulation of ABA biosynthesis in roots. Roots from whole tomato plants that constitutively overexpress LeNCED1 had a higher ABA content than wild‐type (WT) roots. This could be explained by enhanced in situ ABA biosynthesis, rather than import of ABA from the shoot, because root cultures also had higher ABA content, and because tetracycline (Tc)‐induced LeNCED1 expression caused ABA accumulation in isolated tobacco roots. However, the Tc‐induced expression led to greater accumulation of ABA in leaves than in roots. This demonstrates for the first time that NCED is rate‐limiting in root tissues, but suggests that other steps were also restrictive to pathway flux, more so in roots than in leaves. Dehydration and NCED overexpression acted synergistically in enhancing ABA accumulation in tomato root cultures. One explanation is that xanthophyll synthesis was increased during root dehydration, and, in support of this, dehydration treatments increased β‐carotene hydroxylase mRNA levels. Whole plants overexpressing LeNCED1 exhibited greatly reduced stomatal conductance and grafting experiments from this study demonstrated that this was predominantly due to increased ABA biosynthesis in leaves rather than in roots. Genetic manipulation of both xanthophyll supply and epoxycarotenoid cleavage may be needed to enhance root ABA biosynthesis sufficiently to signal stomatal closure in the shoot.
Carbon isotope stratigraphy: a tool for basin to carbonate platform correlation
Authors: Ferreri V. , Weissert H. , D'Argenio B. , Buonocunto F. P.
Published: November 2006

The Early Cretaceous carbonate carbon isotope stratigraphy established in pelagic limestones is marked by several pronounced excursions towards positive δ13C values. We investigated a biostratigraphically and palaeomagnetically calibrated Aptian section to see whether C isotope stratigraphy could be recognized in shallow‐water carbonates. The chosen carbonate platform sections are located in southern Italy and have been dated by biostratigraphy. Bulk samples, chosen from the Barremian‐Albian part of the sequence, were analysed for their O and C isotope compositions. The C isotope curve established shows two major positive excursions which can be correlated with the synchronous and globally recognized Aptian C isotope events. The data provide evidence that C isotope stratigraphy can be used as a powerful correlation tool between pelagic and shallow‐water limestone sequences.
Why do continents break‐up parallel to ancient orogenic belts?
Authors: Vauchez A. , Barruol G. , Tommasi A.
Published: November 2006

The frequently observed parallelism between rifts and the preexisting orogenic fabric of continents suggests that the inherited tectonic fabric of the lithosphere influences the rupture of continents. We propose that the existence of a pervasive fabric in the lithospheric mantle induces an anisotropic strength in the lithosphere, that guides the propagation of continental rifts. Subcrustal mantle mechanical anisotropy is supported by (i) the anisotropic strength of olivine, (ii) an ubiquitous tectonic fabric in exposed mantle rocks, and (iii) measurements of seismic and electrical anisotropy. During major episodes of continent assembly, a pervasive deformation of the lithosphere induces a lattice‐preferred orientation of olivine in mantle rocks. Later on, this crystallographic fabric is ‘frozen‐in’ and represents the main source of shear wave splitting. This olivine fabric may entail a mechanical anisotropy in the lithospheric mantle. During subsequent tectonic events, especially during rifting, mechanical anisotropy may control the tectonic behaviour of the lithosphere
Active tectonism in the central Alps: contrasting stress regimes north and south of the Rhone Valley
Authors: Maurer H. R. , Burkhard M. , Deichmann N. , Green A. G.
Published: November 2006

An integrated interpretation of seismicity, fault plane solutions and deep seismic reflection data suggests that the NE–SW to NW–SE trending Rhone–Simplon fault zone and the gently S‐dipping basal Penninic thrust separate fundamentally different stress regimes in the western Swiss Alps. North of the Rhone‐Simplon fault zone, strike‐slip earthquakes on steep‐dipping faults within the Helvetic nappes are a consequence of regional NW–SE compression and NE–SW extension. To the south, vertical maximum stress and N–S extension are responsible for normal mechanism earthquakes that occur entirely within the Penninic nappes above the basal Penninic thrust. Such normal faulting likely results from extension associated with southward movements (collapse) of the Penninic nappes and/or continued uplift and relative northward displacements of the underlying Alpine massifs. Geological mapping and fission‐track dating suggest that the two distinct stress regimes have controlled tectonism in the western Swiss Alps since at least the Neogene.
Exhumation in a convergent orogen: the western Tauern window
Authors: Fiigenschuh Bernhard , Seward Diane , Mancktelow Neil
Published: November 2006

Unroofing of the western Tauern window involved both low‐angle detachment faulting (Brenner Fault) and enhanced footwall erosion, contemporaneous with upright antiformal folding. This combination reflects orogen‐parallel (˜E–W) extension during continued ˜N–S Alpine convergence. New fission‐track ages establish the relative chronology of folding and faulting and demonstrate that displacement was not always accommodated on the same surface. During exhumation, some units migrated from the footwall to the hanging wall of the main detachment fault, due to the interplay between folding and faulting. The region can effectively be divided into 3 distinct domains. (1) The Penninic units of the western Tauern Window were always in the footwall to the fault, with maximum exhumation in the core of the dome, due to folding and erosion. (2) The Lower Austroalpine unit north of the Tauern Window was first part of the hanging wall to the Brenner Fault. At a later stage this unit was exhumed by a further 4–5 km as part of the footwall to a more discrete, through‐going fault (the Silltal Fault). (3) The Middle and Upper Austroalpine units west of the Tauern Window were always within the hanging wall.

Exhumation of the footwall from an initial depth of ∼ 25 km led to a transition in mechanical behaviour. The curviplanar (folded) ductile shear zone marking the boundary to the Tauern window was eventually transected by a more planar discrete brittle fault (Silltal Fault, with unit 2 now in the footwall), along which the pre‐existing mylonites were passively exhumed to the surface.
Crustal decoupling and intracrustal flow beneath domal exhumed core complexes, Betics (SE Spain)
Authors: Martinez‐Martinez J. M. , Soto J. I. , Balanyá J. C.
Published: November 2006

The Sierra Nevada core, located in the Betic hinterland, features a N‐S large‐scale open antiform with a central relatively uplifted highly extended domain placed between two less extended domains (in the east and in the west) dipping eastwards and westwards, respectively. The core‐bounding detachment system formed during the Serravallian (15–11 Ma) in an episode of ENE‐WSW extension. The ESCI‐Beticas 2 deep seismic reflection profile, a transect through the core, shows a highly reflective deep crust overlying a subhorizontal Moho, and a fairly transparent upper crust and upper mantle. The lack of Moho relief beneath this area, with differential values for supra‐crustal thinning, suggests a mechanism of intracrustal isostatic compensation. Surface geology data together with seismic imaging indicate intracrustal flow and upward doming as a response to footwall unloading accompanying the middle Miocene supracrustal extension. A prominent mid‐crustal reflector (MCR) is deemed to represent a decoupling zone between the upper and the deep crust. Subsequent N‐S shortening and associated folding occurred in the late Miocene. The interference pattern of this folding over the middle Miocene core produced the current E–W dome‐shaped tectonic windows where the deepest complex of the Betic hinterland crops out.
Constriction due to subduction: evidence for slab pull in the Mariánské Lázně complex (central European Variscides)
Authors: Zulauf Gernold
Published: November 2006

Pervasive L and L ≪ S tectonites of the Mariánské Lázně eclogites include pencil fabrics, constrictional folds and mullions, that result from the first deformation increment observed. Petrological and microstructural data suggest that these structures formed by constrictional flow at deep subduction levels after, or even during, the eclogite facies stage and before the subsequent high‐pressure granulite facies overprint. Constriction at mantle depths is explained by taking into account the geometry and seismic properties of recent subduction zones. Here, constrictional strain and associated L ≫ S tectonites should be expected below the rheologycontrolled slab bend (at about 40 km depth), where dip‐parallel extension and a reduced viscosity of the downgoing slab are compatible with a coaxial flow regime.
Morphology and architecture of a late Pleistocene cliff‐front dune, Mallorca, Western Mediterranean
Authors: Clemmensen Lars B. , Fornós Joan J. , Rodriguez‐Perea Antonio
Published: November 2006

Cliff‐front dunes are a common coastal feature, but this is the first time that the structures indicative of their formation are documented. A late Pleistocene cliff‐front dune in southern Mallorca has been studied. Owing to early lithification of the calcarenite, its morphology is well preserved. The dune occurs in front of a curved, near‐vertical coastal cliff, but the bedform cannot be classified as a fixed echo dune. The dune grew with time and its brinkline gradually moved closer to the cliff front. In the final stage of evolution the top of the dune reached a height of at least 23 m. The dune is composed of wind‐ripple strata. These strata are arranged in critical to supercritical climbing‐dune cross‐stratification recording its growth stages. The angle of climb of the dune increases toward the cliff and reaches 50°. The morphological features of cliff‐front dunes result from both cliff slope and whether the cliff front is curved or straight.
Ridge‐trench collision‐induced switching of arc tectonics and magma sources: clues from Antarctic Peninsula mafic dykes
Authors: Scarrow J.H. , Vaughan A.P.M. , Leat P.T.
Published: November 2006

Compositions and distributions of mafic dykes in the Antarctic Peninsula continental arc show that tapping of several mantle sources was tectonically controlled. In the Cretaceous to Tertiary, between 135 Ma and 55 Ma, calc‐alkaline dykes intruded the arc. In the late Cretaceous, however, between 95 Ma and 65 Ma, there was a pulse of compositionally diverse magmatism. This change resulted from collision of an ocean spreading centre with the trench. As a consequence, non‐partitioned dextral transtensional shear in the overriding plate became partitioned into strike‐slip and extensional domains. Calc‐alkaline magmatism was, therefore, replaced by strike‐slip‐related shoshonitic magmatism towards the rear‐arc and extensionrelated tholeiitic magmatism towards the fore‐arc. OIB‐like dykes were emplaced because of the break in otherwise continuous subduction. During the early Tertiary subduction continued but ceased after a late Tertiary ridge‐trench collision.
Continental subductions beneath Tibet and the Himalayan orogeny: a review
Authors: Matte Ph. , Mattauer M. , Olivet J. M. , Griot D. A.
Published: November 2006

Argand (1924) and later Holmes (1965) proposed that the Himalayan orogeny and Tibet uplift were the result of large underthrusting of the Indian continental crust beneath Tibet. Since then, plate motion studies have yielded new constraints on the relative displacements of India and Asia and a large number of geological and geophysical investigations have helped to determine the structure of the Himalayas and Tibet, the best natural laboratory for understanding mountain belts. The aim of this paper is to review briefly the various models of Himalayan mountain building in light of recent geological and geophysical data and to estimate the role of continental subductions.
A functional group approach to the management of UK arable weeds to support biological diversity
Authors: STORKEY J
Published: November 2006

Weeds have an important role in maintaining farmland biodiversity. This needs to be balanced with their potential negative impact on crop yield and quality. Mechanistic models of crop–weed competition are an important tool in striking this balance. A range of common UK annual weeds were screened for the eco‐physiological traits required by the models. Using multivariate techniques, a number of functional groups with a similar pattern of productivity and competition were identified, based on trade‐offs between traits. A scheme was developed to assign species outside of the data set to one of the groups, based on life cycle, seed mass, maximum height and time of first flowering. As well as having a similar competitive ability, species within a group also appeared to have a similar ecosystem function, in terms of supporting higher trophic groups. Two beneficial groups of species were identified that combined a relatively low competitive ability with a high importance for invertebrates and birds. The identification of functional groups in the UK arable flora is a useful tool for assessing a weed community in the context of reconciling biodiversity provision with crop production. Preserving beneficial plant functional types within the crop would complement non‐cropped wildlife refuges, such as field margins.
Comparing rice germplasm groups for growth, grain yield and weed‐suppressive ability under aerobic soil conditions
Authors: ZHAO D L , ATLIN G N , BASTIAANS L , SPIERTZ J H J
Published: November 2006

Germplasm and cultivars need to be selected as parents for breeding weed‐competitive aerobic rice in the tropics. Forty rice (Oryza sativa) cultivars belonging to the aus, indica and tropical japonica germplasm groups, or derived from crosses among them, were evaluated in adjacent weed‐free and weedy trials in aerobic soil conditions during the wet seasons of 2001–2003. The objectives of this study were to assess vegetative growth, grain yield under weed‐free (YF) and weedy (YW) conditions, and weed‐suppressive ability (WSA) of different germplasm groups. In the first 4 weeks after sowing, indica cultivars had faster growth in height, tillering and crop biomass than other groups. They also had high YF, YW and strong WSA. Aus cultivars were similar to the indica types in early growth and WSA, but were poor in YF. Tropical japonica groups and the group derived from indica/tropical japonica crosses were generally inferior to aus and indica groups in early growth and WSA. Both of their YF and YW were lower than that of the indica group. Therefore, indica germplasm seemed to be most suitable for breeding high‐yielding and weed‐suppressive aerobic rice for the tropics. The relationship of WSA with various traits within tropical japonica germplasm revealed that fast early growth, rather than plant erectness, is crucial to WSA.
Modelling interactions between herbicide and nitrogen fertiliser in terms of weed response
Authors: KIM D S , MARSHALL E J P , CASELEY J C , BRAIN P
Published: November 2006

The effects of nitrogen fertiliser on herbicide dose–response of weeds were investigated by measuring weed biomass after growth at a range of nitrogen levels and treatment with a range of herbicide doses. Increasing weed biomass at no‐herbicide treatment (W0) and the response rate of the dose–response curve (B), with increasing nitrogen were successfully described by the linear model and the exponential model respectively. Conversely, decreasing ED50 value with increasing nitrogen was well described by the logistic model. A combined model was then developed by incorporating these models into the standard dose–response model to describe the interactive effects of herbicide dose and nitrogen levels on biomass of Brassica napus, Matricaria perforata, Papaver rhoeas and Galium aparine. The model developed allowed the systematic description of increased herbicide performance with increasing nitrogen. The model was also used to predict weed biomass as affected by both herbicide doses and nitrogen levels. The mathematical relationships between herbicide dose–response and nitrogen levels may also be applied to the crop–weed competition model and then to decision making for optimum uses of nitrogen fertiliser and herbicide.
Influence of obligate parasite Cuscuta campestris on the community of its host Mikania micrantha
Authors: LIAN J Y , YE W H , CAO H L , LAI Z M , WANG Z M , CAI C X
Published: November 2006

As a means of biologically controlling Mikania micrantha in South China, the influence of the native obligate parasite Cuscuta campestris on its natural community was studied in the field. Mikania micrantha is a non‐indigenous vine that smothers other vegetation and has become a major invader of agricultural land and native areas in Southern China. These preliminary results showed pronounced effects on M. micrantha by C. campestris. Cuscuta campestris significantly reduced biomass of M. micrantha, increased species diversity and helped re‐establishment of native species. Biomass of M. micrantha decreased from 328 g m−2 to 82 g m−2, biomass of companion species increased from 41 g m−2 to 145 g m−2, the total number of species increased from 7 to 19 and the species diversity index from 1.8 to 5.6, when C. campestris was present. These results indicated that the use of C. campestris could be a potentially effective way of controlling M. micrantha and could help us achieve the novel objective of biological control of weeds using weeds.
Risk factors for lower health‐related QoL after allogeneic stem cell transplantation in children
Authors: Löf Catharina M. , Forinder Ulla , Winiarski Jacek
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  To explore risk factors affecting HrQoL, we analyzed data from patients (n = 51) at least three yr beyond SCT and their parents (n = 41), who responded to the SCHQ, to a subjective symptom inventory and to a sense of coherence instrument, in parallel with a physician‐rated scoring of late effects. Children with leukemia rated a lower HrQoL than children with non‐malignant disease only in subscale RE, limitations in role socially because of the emotional difficulties (p < 0.05) but had more severe late effects (p < 0.05). Parents of children with leukemia rated their children's HrQoL overall lower in both the psychosocial area and physical area (p < 0.01) and the child's condition also had a greater impact on parents’ emotional situation (p < 0.05), compared with parents of children with non‐malignant diagnosis. The psychosocial HrQoL was more affected in recipients of an unrelated than of a sibling graft, according to both child (p < 0.01) and parent (p < 0.05). In the multiple regression analysis, however, late effects remained the only independent factor, contributing to low parental psychosocial (p < 0.05) and physical (p < 0.001) HrQoL ratings, while leukemia, unrelated donor and TBI did not. To conclude, parent‐reported HrQoL was lower in SCT patients with leukemia, mainly due to a higher impact of late effects in this group.
Mycophenolate mofetil promotes prolonged improvement of renal dysfunction after pediatric liver transplantation: Experience of a single center
Authors: Tannuri Uenis , Gibelli Nelson E. M. , Maksoud‐Filho João G. , Santos Maria M. , Pinho‐Apezzato Maria Lucia , Velhote Manoel Carlos P. , Ayoub Ali A. R. , Silva Marcos M. , Maksoud João G.
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  Few studies have evaluated the long‐term use of MMF in liver transplanted children with renal dysfunction. The aim of this study is to report the experience of a pediatric transplantation center on the efficacy and security of long‐term use of a MMF immunosuppressant protocol with reduced doses of CNIs in stable liver transplanted children with renal dysfunction secondary to prolonged use of CsA or Tac. Between 1988 and 2003, 191 children underwent OLT and 11 patients developed renal dysfunction secondary to CNIs toxicity as evaluated by biochemical renal function parameters. The interval between liver transplantation and the introduction of the protocol varied from one to 12 yr. Renal function was evaluated by biochemical parameters in five phases: immediately prior to MMF administration; 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after the introduction of MMF. Among the patients, nine of them (82%) showed improvement of renal function parameters in comparison with the pretreatment values. The two patients that did not show any improvement were patients in whom the interval of time between OLT and the introduction of MMF was longer. All parameters of liver function remained unchanged. No episodes of acute or chronic rejection or increases in infection rates during the period were detected. Two patients developed transitory diarrhea and leukopenia that were reverted with reduction of MMF dosage. In conclusion, in liver transplanted pediatric patients with CNI‐induced chronic renal dysfunction, the administration of MMF in addition to reduced doses of CNIs promotes long‐term improvement in renal function parameters with no additional risks.
Identification of thidiazuron‐induced ESTs expressed differentially during callus differentiation of alfalfa (Medicago sativa)
Authors: Zhang Chun‐Rong , Huang Xue‐Lin , Wu Jian‐Yong , Feng Bi‐Hong , Chen Yun‐Feng
Published: November 2006

Yellowish embryogenic callus, which had been induced from the petioles of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L. cv. Jinnan) and maintained on kinetin (KN)–containing B5h medium, turned non‐embryogenic with the differentiation of tracheary elements when KN in the medium was replaced by thidiazuron (TDZ). To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the TDZ‐induced morphological competence transition, we cloned the differentially expressed sequence tags from TDZ‐treated alfalfa callus using suppression subtractive hybridization. The gene expression patterns induced by TDZ were found to change throughout the period of TDZ treatment. TDZ induced the expression of stress‐related genes, including trehalose‐6‐phosphate phosphatase (TPP) gene, 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylate synthase (ACS) gene and proline dehydrogenase gene, in both early days (day 2) and late days (day 28) of treatment, which are suggestive of the stress responses from the TDZ‐treated callus. The TDZ‐induced expression of TPP, which tends to lower the level of trehalose‐6‐phosphate, and ACS, the gene involved in ethylene production, appears to be the major cause for the termination of somatic embryogenesis.
Moderate superficial hypothermia prolongs bleeding time in humans
Authors: Romlin B. , Petruson K. , Nilsson K.
Published: November 2006

Background:  In vitro and in vivo studies have shown that mild systemic hypothermia influences platelet adhesion and aggregation and coagulation reactions. We wanted to test the hypothesis that mild local hypothermia in healthy volunteers with preserved core temperature increased bleeding time. A secondary aim was to evaluate if local cooling influenced whole blood coagulation measured by thrombelastograph (TEG) in the same setting.

Methods:  Bleeding time was measured at the left volar forearm at a baseline skin temperature of 32 °C and after cooling to 30 °C and 28 °C in a water bath. Skin temperature was continuously measured by contact thermistors. Measurements of coagulation by TEG were performed at baseline skin temperature before cooling and after cooling to 28 °C skin temperature. Tympanic membrane temperature was continuously measured.

Results:  Compared with baseline, bleeding time was significantly prolonged at 30 °C skin temperature and further prolonged at 28 °C skin temperature. No significant differences were measured in any of the TEG parameters. During the procedure, tympanic membrane temperature did not change.

Conclusion:  Lowering the skin temperature from 32 °C to 30 °C and 28 °C with a preserved core temperature more than doubled the bleeding time. Whole blood coagulation measured by TEG was not influenced by the local cooling. In addition to core temperature, local temperature may offer information in understanding the surgical site of bleeding.
Antithrombin reduces pulmonary hypertension during reperfusion after cardiopulmonary bypass in a pig
Authors: Jormalainen M. , Vento A. E. , Wartiovaara‐Kautto U. , Suojaranta‐Ylinen R. , Lauronen J. , Paavonen T. , Petäjä J.
Published: November 2006

Background:  Antithrombin (AT) may alleviate many cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and ischemia‐reperfusion (I/R)‐related adverse effects. Using a porcine model of clinical cardiac surgery on CPB, we tested the effects of supplementary AT on myocardial and lung I/R injury.

Methods:  Twenty pigs undergoing 60‐min aortic clamping and 75‐min normothermic perfusion were randomized in a blinded setting to receive an intravenous (i.v.) bolus of AT (250 IU/kg) (AT group, n = 10) or placebo (n = 10) 15 min before aortic declamping. An additional group of five animals received 500 IU/kg AT in an open‐label setting (AT+). Thrombin–antithrombin complexes (TAT), activated clotting times (ACT), AT and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activities, troponin T, and several hemodynamic parameters were measured before CPB and after weaning from CPB up to 120 min after aortic declamping. After 120 min of reperfusion, myocardial and lung biopsies were taken for histological examination.

Results:  AT effectively inhibited coagulation as assessed by ACT. In the AT and AT+ groups only, cardiac output (CO) and stroke volume (SV) showed a trend of post‐ischemic recovery during the first 15 min after CPB. AT‐attenuated reperfusion induced an increase in pulmonary arterial diastolic pressure (PAPD) but did not have significant effects on systemic or pulmonary vascular resistance. The effects of AT on SV, CO, and PAPD were fortified in the AT+ group. AT did not show effects on inflammatory changes in either myocardial or pulmonary tissue specimens. AT did not reduce post‐ischemic troponin T release.

Conclusion:  Supplementary AT, in doses with significant anticoagulant effect, did not alleviate myocardial I/R injury in terms of histological inflammatory changes or post‐ischemic troponin T release. Instead, however, AT‐attenuated reperfusion induced an increase in pulmonary pressure after CPB. Mechanisms and clinical implications of these effects remain to be explored.
Compound A and carbon monoxide production from sevoflurane and seven different types of carbon dioxide absorbent in a patient model
Authors: Keijzer C. , Perez R. S. G. M. , De Lange J. J.
Published: November 2006

Background:  The degradation of sevoflurane can lead to the production of compound A (CA) and carbon monoxide (CO) and an increase in temperature of the absorbent. CA is known to be nephrotoxic in rats. These reactions depend on the strong base and water contents of the carbon dioxide absorbent used. The purpose of this study was to measure the maximum amounts of CA and CO produced, and the temperature increase, for seven different carbon dioxide absorbents for sevoflurane containing different contents of strong bases.

Methods:  Seven absorbents [some free of strong bases (f)] were employed in hydrated (h) and completely desiccated (d) conditions in a patient model, using a circle anesthesia system connected to an artificial lung. Low‐flow anesthesia with an oxygen–nitrous oxide mixture was maintained using 0.8% sevoflurane. For the quantification of CA and CO, a portable gas chromatograph was used. The temperature was measured inside the absorbent.

Results:  In consecutive order of CA‐producing potency, Amsorb®(f)(d), Drägersorb(h), Medisorb®(h), lithium hydroxide(f)(d), Drägersorb(d), Medisorb®(d), Spherasorb®(h) and Spherasorb®(d) produced small amounts of CA. Loflosorb® and Superia®, which are free of strong bases, did not produce any CA or CO in hydrated or desiccated conditions. Only desiccated Drägersorb®, Medisorb® and Spherasorb® demonstrated small amounts of CO accompanied by a significant temperature increase.

Conclusion:  In this patient model, we demonstrated that different types of absorbent produced small amounts of CA and CO or none at all. No relationship could be established between temperature and CA concentration.
The addition of tramadol to morphine via patient‐controlled analgesia does not lead to better post‐operative pain relief after total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Stiller C.‐O. , Lundblad H. , Weidenhielm L. , Tullberg T. , Grantinger B. , Lafolie P. , Jansson K.‐Å.
Published: November 2006

Background:  Tramadol is used as an analgesic in post‐operative pain treatment. Intravenous tramadol is often combined with morphine to achieve better pain relief and less side‐effects after orthopaedic surgery. However, the available evidence is insufficient to support this combination. For this reason, we conducted the present non‐commercial, randomized, double‐blind clinical trial.

Method:  Sixty‐three patients with osteoarthritis of the knee, selected for primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA), were randomized to receive saline or tramadol 100 mg/ml intravenously every 6 h during the first post‐operative day (total, 400 mg/24 h). All patients had access to morphine via a patient‐controlled analgesia (PCA) pump.

Results:  Neither during the 6 h after the first dose nor during the first post‐operative day could we detect any statistically significant difference with regard to pain intensity, sedation and nausea between patients treated with tramadol and the placebo group. However, the withdrawal rate caused by insufficient pain relief was greater in the tramadol group (7/31) than in the saline group (2/32). This difference did not reach statistical significance. In the group of patients who remained in the study for 24 h (‘per protocol’), those randomized to receive tramadol had a significantly (P < 0.05) lower morphine consumption (20 mg or 31%) than the placebo group.

Conclusion:  Our study does not support the combination of tramadol and morphine via PCA for post‐operative pain relief after primary TKA. In addition, our study indicates that morphine via PCA as the sole means of post‐operative analgesia does not provide sufficient pain relief after TKA. Thus, other means of post‐operative analgesia should be used following TKA.
Efficacy of different concentrations of Rotstop® and Rotstop®S and imperfect coverage of Rotstop®S against Heterobasidion spp. spore infections on Norway spruce stumps
Authors: Rönnberg J. , Sidorov E. , Petrylaitė E.
Published: November 2006

Two Rotstop® preparations, one containing a Phlebiopsis gigantea strain from Finland (Rotstop F) and the other one from Sweden (Rotstop S), were used in different concentrations to treat thinning stumps of Picea abies against spore infections by Heterobasidion spp. in southern Sweden. Trees were cut on three sites during the summer of 2004, and 285 stumps were treated manually ensuring 100% coverage. Spore concentrations in the treatment suspensions were ca 5 × 106 and 10 × 106 spores/l, and approximately 10 ml of suspension was applied per 100 cm2 of stump surface. An additional 31 stumps on one of the sites were treated mechanically with Rotstop S; in this treatment the spore concentration was high, about 20 × 106 spores/l, but the coverage was incomplete. Three months later there was a significant reduction in frequency and relative areas of Heterobasidion spp. infections on stumps with manual treatment compared with the untreated stumps. However, there was no significant difference between the preparations or the concentration of active ingredient in terms of their reduction of Heterobasidion infection. Mechanical treatment with incomplete coverage failed to control infection. Therefore, in conditions of moderate Heterobasidion spore load in the environment there seems to be no reason to use higher concentrations of P. gigantea in the treatment of spruce stumps.
Correlation of enhanced cell turnover with prognosis of gastrointestinal stromal tumors of the stomach: Relevance of cellularity and p27Kip1
Authors: Nemoto Yuta , Mikami Tetuo , Hana Kiyomi , Kikuchi Shirou , Kobayashi Nobuyuki , Watanabe Masahiko , Okayasu Isao
Published: November 2006

The aim of the present study was to determine whether expression of molecules associated with cell cycle regulation and apoptosis might reflect tumor grade and patients' prognosis of gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). Forty‐nine cases of gastric GIST were divided into three grades; low, intermediate, and high risk. Ki‐67, cyclin A, cyclin D1, cyclin E, p16Ink4, p21Waf1, p27Kip1, cyclin‐dependent kinase (cdk)2, cdk4 and single‐strand DNA (ssDNA) were immunohistochemically stained and assessed. Ki‐67, ssDNA, cyclin A and cdk2 had higher labeling indices (LI) in high‐risk than in low‐risk cases. Cyclin E expression was greater in the intermediate‐ than in the low‐risk grade. On Kaplan–Meier analysis, tumor size, necrosis, cellularity, Ki‐67, ssDNA, and cyclin A LI were significantly correlated with disease‐free survival. Necrosis, cellularity, and Ki‐67 LI were significant as prognostic factors on univariate, and Ki‐67 LI on multivariate Cox hazard tests. Within the high‐risk grade, high cellularity and low p27Kip1 subgroups had the worst prognosis. The histological grade is related to cell turnover, assessed in terms of Ki‐67, ssDNA, cyclin A, cyclin E, and cdk2 levels. Ki‐67, ssDNA, and cyclin A are useful for prediction of prognosis, with cellularity and p27Kip1 expression as further prognostic factors in high‐risk cases.
Autopsy case of disseminated Trichosporon inkin infection identified with molecular biological and biochemical methods
Authors: Koyanagi Takahiro , Nishida Naoyo , Osabe Seishi , Imamura Yutaka , Yamamoto Sigeko , Shichiji Akiko , Nakamura Yasuhiro
Published: November 2006

Trichosporon species are usually opportunistic pathogens. Disseminated trichosporonosis is uncommon but is increasingly reported with a high mortality rate, especially in immunocompromised patients. Although Trichosporon asahii and T. mucoides are known as the most common pathogens of disseminated trichosporonosis, cases of systemic infection due to T. inkin have been reported recently. However, no autopsy case of disseminated T. inkin infection has been reported. Herein is presented an autopsy case of disseminated trichosporonosis caused by T. inkin in a 30‐year‐old man with allogenic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation for acute myelocytic leukemia. In the present case, identification of T. inkin was performed with morphological, molecular biological and biochemical methods. It is difficult to make a diagnosis of Trichosporon infection on only histological examination; therefore, molecular biological and biochemical methods are needed in a diagnosis of disseminated trichosporonosis.
Primary colonic malignant melanoma
Authors: Mori Daisuke , Satoh Toshimi , Nakafusa Yuji , Tanaka Masayuki , Miyazaki Kohji , Tokunaga Osamu
Published: November 2006

Primary malignant melanoma originating in the digestive tract is extremely rare. A case of primary malignant melanoma in the descending colon is described. The tumor was an elevated mass with surface necrosis. Histologically, tumor cells were arranged with compact nests surrounded by fibrous stroma. The tumor cells had pleomorphic nuclei and rich cytoplasm. In some areas, cells of signet ring‐like appearance were found. An immunohistochemical examination showed that most of the tumor cells were positive for S‐100 protein, HMB‐45, melan‐A, vimentin and CD38. Ultrastructural examination confirmed some premelanosomes. EWS‐ATF‐1 fusion transcript, which is usually detected in clear cell sarcoma, was not demonstrated on reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction. Because there was no evidence of either cutaneous or ocular primary melanoma, the tumor was thus diagnosed as primary colonic malignant melanoma. The patient has remained free of recurrent disease for 3 years after a surgical resection. Colonic malignant melanoma must be differentiated from other intestinal tumor, and the possibility of metastasis from another more common primary site must be ruled out.
Comparing results after surgery in patients with clinical unilateral T3a prostate cancer treated with or without neoadjuvant androgen‐deprivation therapy
Authors: Hsu Chao‐Yu , Joniau Steven , Roskams Tania , Oyen Raymond , Van Poppel Hein
Published: November 2006

OBJECTIVE

To compare the results in patients with unilateral cT3 prostate cancer treated with or with no neoadjuvant androgen‐deprivation therapy (nADT), as nADT might have benefit in cT2 prostate cancer, but for cT3 tumours its use remains controversial, and it is unclear whether it can prevent or delay progression after surgery.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between 1987 and 2004, 235 patients were assessed as having unilateral cT3 disease by a digital rectal examination; before surgery, 200 patients were not treated with nADT and 35 were. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to calculate survival rates.

RESULTS

With no nADT the biochemical progression‐free survival (PFS) was 59.5%, the clinical PFS was 95.9%, the cancer‐specific survival (CSS) was 98.7%, and overall survival was 95.9% at 5 years. With nADT, the biochemical PFS was 43.4%, clinical PFS was 77.6%, CSS was 88.7%, and overall survival was 79.8% at 5 years. The positive surgical margin rate with no nADT and with nADT was 33.5% and 57.1%, respectively, and the respective mean cancer volume was 6.6 mL and 4.0 mL.

CONCLUSION

nADT can decrease tumour size but does not reduce the positive surgical margin rate, nor improve the survival rate in unilateral cT3a disease. Because of side‐effects and treatment costs, we do not advise nADT in patients with unilateral cT3a prostate cancer.
Impairments in monkey and human face recognition in 2‐year‐old toddlers with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Developmental Delay
Authors: Chawarska Katarzyna , Volkmar Fred
Published: November 2006

Face recognition impairments are well documented in older children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD); however, the developmental course of the deficit is not clear. This study investigates the progressive specialization of face recognition skills in children with and without ASD. Experiment 1 examines human and monkey face recognition in 2‐year‐old children with ASD, matched for nonverbal mental age (NVMA) with developmentally delayed (DD) children, and typically developing children (TD), using the Visual Paired Comparison (VPC) paradigm. Results indicate that, consistent with the other‐species effect, TD controls show enhanced recognition of human but not monkey faces; however, neither the ASD nor the DD group show evidence of face recognition regardless of the species. Experiment 2 examines the same question in a group of older 3‐ to 4‐year‐old developmentally disabled (ASD and DD) children as well as in typical controls. In this experiment, both human and monkey faces are recognized by all three groups. The results of Experiments 1 and 2 suggest that difficulties in face processing, as measured by the VPC paradigm, are common in toddlers with ASD as well as DD, but that these deficits tend to disappear by early preschool age. In addition, the experiments show that higher efficacy of incidental encoding and recognition of facial identity in a context of passive exposure is positively related to nonverbal cognitive skills and age, but not to overall social interaction skills or greater attention to faces exhibited in naturalistic contexts.
Americans' Views of Health Care Costs, Access, and Quality
Authors: BLENDON ROBERT J. , BRODIE MOLLYANN , BENSON JOHN M. , ALTMAN DREW E. , BUHR TAMI
Published: November 2006

For more than two decades, polls have shown that Americans are dissatisfied with their current health care system. However, the public's views on how to change the current system are more conflicted than often suggested by individual poll results. At the same time, Americans are both dissatisfied with the current health care system and relatively satisfied with their own health care arrangements.

As a result of the conflict between these views and the public's distrust of government, there often is a wide gap between the public's support for a set of principles concerning what needs to be done about the overall problems facing the nation's health care system and their support for specific policies designed to achieve those goals.
Service users’ views of physical restraint procedures in secure settings for people with learning disabilities
Authors: Jones Peter , Kroese Biza Stenfert
Published: November 2006

The appropriateness and justification of physical restraint procedures in secure learning disability settings is an emotive issue. This paper examines the views of service users (n = 10) from secure residential facilities who are restrained frequently. Using a semi‐structured interview schedule, Service users were interviewed about their restraint experiences. They reported that restraint can lead to potentially abusive situations and that staff should try other approaches before restraining someone. They were divided on whether it calmed them down and whether staff enjoyed performing restraint. Other comments included that restraint may or may not serve a purposeful goal and that there is a definite need for staff training for those involved in performing restraint.
Liberating silent voices – perspectives of children with profound & complex learning needs on inclusion
Authors: Whitehurst Teresa
Published: November 2006

Accessible summary

Listening to what young people with severe learning disabilities have to say about inclusion is important.

Researchers must be prepared to use a range of resources to facilitate communication.

Resources must be appropriate and familiar to the individual.

This paper describes the evaluation of a drama production which involved 6 young people with profound and complex learning needs and 23 pupils from a mainstream school. The young people worked together on the project for nearly 2 years. At the end of the project we wanted to find out what the young people with disabilities thought of the inclusion project. Very often, the thoughts of young people with learning disabilities are not included because professionals do not have the resources or experience to conduct the interviews. This paper explains how the interviews were arranged, what tools were used and finishes with two case studies which are examples of what the young people thought. This research demonstrates that young people with severe learning disabilities have important messages to tell us about their experiences of inclusion. This paper gives examples of how we can enable young people with severe learning disabilities to express their views.
Approaches to Handling Incomplete Data in Family‐based Association Testing
Authors: Van Steen K. , Laird N. M. , Markel P. , Molenberghs G.
Published: November 2006

The high throughput of data arising from the complete sequence of the human genome has left statistical geneticists with a rich and extensive information source. The wide availability of software and the increase in computing power has improved the possibilities to access and process such data. One problem is incompleteness of the data: unobserved or partially observed data points due to technical reasons or reasons associated with the patient's status or erroneous measurements of phenotype or genotype, to name a few. When not properly accounted for, these sources of incompleteness may seriously jeopardize the credibility of results from analyses.

In this paper we provide some perspectives on the occurrence and analysis of different forms of incomplete data in family‐based genetic association testing.
Microsatellite loci in the Propertius duskywing,Erynnis propertius(Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae), and related species
Authors: ZAKHAROV EVGUENI V. , HELLMANN JESSICA J. , ROMERO‐SEVERSON JEANNE
Published: November 2006

Fifteen polymorphic dinucleotide microsatellite loci were characterized forErynnis propertiususing an enrichment protocol. The number of alleles varied from nine to 28 for a sample of 24 individuals. Observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.25 to 0.96. Homozygote excess was detected for 10 loci. Twelve markers successfully amplified in relatedErynnisspecies and eight loci were polymorphic in at least one other species.