bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dielectric Analysis of Dynamic Fouling Behavior on Surface of Polyethersulfone Composite Ultrafiltration Membrane
Authors: Luo Ming-liang , Wen Qing-zhi , Liu Jia-lin , Liu Hong-jian
Published: June 2010

A dielectric analysis model for the fouling layer on the polyethersulfone composite ultrafiltration (UF) membrane and solution system, which consists of the solution, concentration polarization layer (CPL), and cake layer, was established by virtue of the interfacial polarization and the electrostatic field theory. The effect of some important parameters, such as the depth, conductivity of CPL, and cake layer, on the dielectric spectroscopy (or dielectric relaxation properties) of the UF system was discussed by the parameter sensitivity analysis and the dielectric measurement. The simulations indicate that the CPL can be created rapidly and the cake layer formation is the dynamic balance process of growth and erosion in the process of UF. The key factor affecting on the dielectric spectrum of UF system is the electrical properties of the CPL and the cake layer. In comparison to the results of dielectric measurement, the simulations indicate that the model proposed in this work is valid and reliable to some degree for describing and explaining the dielectric relaxation phenomenon in UF system. It is very important to further understand the fouling behavior of membrane surface and optimize the controlling techniques of membrane fouling in the process of UF.
Sexual maturity cycle and spawning of Greenland halibut Reinhardtius hippoglossoides in the Davis Strait
Authors: Gundersen A. C. , Stenberg C. , Fossen I. , Lyberth B. , Boje J. , Jørgensen O. A.
Published: June 2010

Female sexual maturation cycle and the main spawning time of Greenland halibut Reinhardtius hippoglossoides in the Davis Strait were studied through regularly collected samples during 1 year starting in spring 2003. Samples were collected from the southern slope of the Davis Strait Ridge between Canada and Greenland in the depth range 1000–1500 m. Female sexual maturation was described using different approaches: gonado‐somatic index, visual macroscopic maturity stage index, histological microscopic maturity index and oocyte diameter measurements. A significant increase in the gonado‐somatic index was seen from September onwards until February with a maximum estimated value of 18%. The proportion of mature fish increased from December until March. At the same time, the proportion of females with a low gonado‐somatic index also increased from February, indicating that spawning had occurred and females were recovering. Oocyte diameter distribution revealed a leading cohort development during autumn through to December to February. A coupling between sexual maturity and fish condition was seen for females in maturing condition indicating a steady build up of stored energy in the liver from June to November.
Efficacy of photodynamic therapy with topical 5‐aminolevulinic acid using intense pulsed light for Bowen’s disease
Authors: HASEGAWA Toshio , SUGA Yasushi , MIZUNO Yuki , HARUNA Kunitaka , OGAWA Hideoki , IKEDA Shigaku
Published: June 2010

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) with topical 5‐aminolevulinic acid (ALA) is reported to be an effective and safe treatment for superficial non‐melanoma skin cancers. We have developed an photodynamic therapy with topical δ‐aminolevulinic acid (ALA‐PDT) protocol using intense pulsed light (IPL) for treating Bowen’s disease (BD). Three patients diagnosed with BD by skin biopsy were recruited in this study. They received IPL treatment after 3 h of occlusive dressing with application of ALA. This protocol was repeated every 2 weeks for a total of five sessions. The treated areas did not show any signs of BD for more than 1 year; therefore, it appeared that the affected areas showed improvement in all the patients. No patients withdrew from the study because of side‐effects. ALA‐PDT with IPL as a light source is well tolerated by patients and is beneficial for treating BD.
Effect of chemical peeling on photocarcinogenesis
Authors: ABDEL‐DAIM Mohamed , FUNASAKA Yoko , KAMO Tsuneyoshi , OOE Masahiko , MATSUNAKA Hiroshi , YANAGITA Emmy , ITOH Tomoo , NISHIGORI Chikako
Published: June 2010

Chemical peeling is one of the dermatological treatments available for certain cutaneous diseases and conditions or improvement of cosmetic appearance of photo‐aged skin. We assessed the photo‐chemopreventive effect of several clinically used chemical peeling agents on the ultraviolet‐irradiated skin of hairless mice. Chemical peeling was done using 35% glycolic acid dissolved in distilled water, 30% salicylic acid in ethanol, and 10% or 35% trichloroacetic acid in distilled water at the right back of ultraviolet‐irradiated hairless mice every 2 weeks for glycolic acid, salicylic acid and 10% trichloroacetic acid, and every 4 weeks for 35% trichloroacetic acid for a total of 18 weeks after the establishment of photo‐aged mice by irradiation with ultraviolet B range light three times a week for 14 weeks at a total dose of 6.66 J/cm2. Tumor formation was assessed every week. Skin specimens were taken from treated and non‐treated area for evaluation under microscopy, evaluation of p53 expression and mRNA expression of cyclooxygenase‐2. Serum level of prostaglandin E2 was also evaluated. All types of chemical peeling reduced tumor formation in treated mice, mostly in the treated area but also in the non‐treated area. Peeling suppressed retention of p53‐positive abnormal cells and reduced mRNA expression of cyclooxygenase‐2 in treated skin. Further, serum prostaglandin E2 level was decreased in chemical peeling treated mice. These results indicate that chemical peeling with glycolic acid, salicylic acid and trichloroacetic acid could serve tumor prevention by removing photo‐damaged cells.
The development and validation of a Nocturnal Gastro‐oesophageal Reflux Disease Symptom Severity and Impact Questionnaire for adults
Authors: Spiegel B. M. , Roberts L. , Mody R. , Harding G. , Kothari‐Talwar S. , Kahrilas P. J. , Camilleri M. L. , Dabbous O. , Revicki D. A.
Published: June 2010

Aliment Pharmacol Ther2010;32:591–602

Background Current questionnaires for assessing gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms are limited in their ability to capture nocturnal symptoms.

Aim To develop and validate an instrument, the Nocturnal Gastro‐oesophageal Reflux Disease Symptom Severity and Impact Questionnaire (N‐GSSIQ), to assess severity and impact of nocturnal GERD symptoms.

Methods Two focus groups and 16 cognitive debriefing interviews were conducted among GERD patients to identify key issues about nocturnal symptoms. A draft instrument was tested in 196 patients at 11 clinics in the US to evaluate psychometric properties. Exploratory factor and item response theory analyses were conducted to finalize items and subscales. Internal consistency reliability, reproducibility and construct validity were examined.

Results Mean age was 45 (s.d. = 13.8) years; 76% were female and 68% were Caucasian. Patient‐rated severity was mild–moderate for 69% of participants; 48% reported symptoms on two to three nights the past week. The final questionnaire includes 20 items and three subscales: Nocturnal GERD Symptoms, Morning Impact of Nocturnal GERD and Concern about Nocturnal GERD. The subscales demonstrated internal consistency reliability (Cronbach’s alpha 0.84–0.94) and were significantly correlated with similar measures and disease severity (0.41–0.81;P < 0.0001).

Conclusion The results support the reliability and validity of the N‐GSSIQ as a measure of severity, morning impact and concern about nocturnal GERD.
Influences of different proton pump inhibitors on the anti‐platelet function of clopidogrel in relation to CYP2C19 genotypes
Authors: Furuta Takahisa , Iwaki Takayuki , Umemura Kazuo
Published: June 2010

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT

• Active metabolism of clopidogrel is mainly mediated by CYP2C19. There are genetic differences in the activity of CYP2C19. Therefore, active metabolism of clopidogrel is affected by CYP2C19 genotypes.

• The main metabolizing enzyme of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) is CYP2C19. Therefore, the anti‐platelet function of clopidogrel is attenuated by concomitant use of PPIs.

• There are differences in the metabolic disposition among different PPIs. Affinity to CYP2C19 differs among different PPIs.

WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS

• Whether a PPI attenuates the efficacy of clopidogrel depends on CYP2C19. Individuals who are decreased metabolizers, i.e. carriers the allele of CYP2C19*2 and/or *3, are more likely to convert from ‘responder’ to ‘non‐responder’ to clopidogrel when placed on a concomitant PPI.

• We found that rabeprazole, whose affinity to CYP2C19 has been considered lower, attenuated the efficacy of clopidogrel.

• We tested whether the separate dosing of a PPI and clopidogrel decreased the risk of attenuation of clopidogrel efficacy. We unfortunately found that separate dosing did not avoid the problematic interaction between clopidogrel and a PPI in subject's with CYP2C19*2 and/or CYP2C19*3.

AIMS

The efficacy of clopidogrel is influenced by CYP2C19 genotypes and substrates of CYP2C19, such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). We assessed the influence of three different PPIs on the anti‐platelet function of clopidogrel in relation to CYP2C19 genotype status.

METHODS

Thirty‐nine healthy volunteers with different CYP2C19 genotypes took clopidogrel 75 mg with or without omeprazole 20 mg, lansoprazole 30 mg or rabeprazole 20 mg in the morning for 7 days. The influence of the three PPIs on the anti‐platelet function of clopidogrel was determined. A less than 30% inhibition of platelet aggregation (IPA) during clopidogrel dosing was defined as a ‘low responder’. We also examined whether evening dosing of omeprazole could prevent the interaction with clopidogrel dosed in the morning.

RESULTS

In rapid metabolizers (RMs, *1/*1, n= 15) of CYP2C19, omeprazole and rabeprazole significantly attenuated the anti‐platelet function of clopidogrel. In decreased metabolizers (DMs, carriers of *2 and/or *3, n= 24), there was a large variation in IPA and there was a trend but no significant decrease in IPA when placed on a concomitant PPI. Some DMs became ‘low‐responders’ when placed on a concomitant PPI. Evening omeprazole dose in RMs did not seem to cause a significant decrease in IPA in contrast to morning dosing, but did so in DMs.

CONCLUSIONS

The three PPIs affected the efficacy of clopidogrel to different degrees. Both omeprazole and rabeprazole significantly decreased IPA in RMs but not DMs, although there was a trend towards lower IPA in DMs. Morning and evening dosing of omeprazole were both associated with lower IPA in DMs.
Novel role for the intraflagellar transport protein CMG‐1 in regulating the transcription of cyclin‐D2, E‐cadherin and integrin‐α family genes in mouse spermatocyte‐derived cells
Authors: ichiro Ohbayashi Ken , Tanaka Kiyoko , Kitajima Kenji , Tamura Kazuhiro , Hara Takahiko
Published: June 2010

Capillary morphogenesis gene (CMG)‐1 is a mammalian homologue of the intraflagellar transport protein IFT‐74/72 of Chlamydomonas. CMG‐1 is abundantly expressed in immature stages of male germ‐line cells of the adult mouse testis and is required for the expression of cyclin‐D2 in GC‐2, a mouse premeiotic spermatocyte‐derived cell line. In this study, we show that the knockdown of CMG‐1 in GC‐2 cells leads to down‐regulation of E‐cadherin, integrin‐α1, α2, α10, and α11 expression. The ability of the CMG‐1‐knockdown GC‐2 cells to adhere to type‐I collagen‐coated plates was consequently impaired. Inducible expression of an siRNA‐resistant CMG‐1 cDNA in these cells rescued the expression of E‐cadherin and the integrin‐α family genes and partially restored adherence to type‐I collagen. CMG‐1 participates in the transcriptional regulation of cyclin‐D2 via a genomic DNA region between −250 and −216 of the mouse cyclin‐D2 gene. Closely related sequences were found in the enhancer/promotor regions of E‐cadherin and the four integrin‐α family genes. Based on these data, we propose that CMG‐1 serves as a transcriptional regulator of proliferation and adhesion‐associated genes in early stage male germ‐line cells in the testis.
Disproportional risk for habitat loss of high‐altitude endemic species under climate change
Authors: DIRNBÖCK THOMAS , ESSL FRANZ , RABITSCH WOLFGANG
Published: June 2010

The expected upward shift of trees due to climate warming is supposed to be a major threat to range‐restricted high‐altitude species by shrinking the area of their suitable habitats. Our projections show that areas of endemism of five taxonomic groups (vascular plants, snails, spiders, butterflies, and beetles) in the Austrian Alps will, on average, experience a 77% habitat loss even under the weakest climate change scenario (+1.8 °C by 2100). The amount of habitat loss is positively related with the pooled endemic species richness (species from all five taxonomic groups) and with the richness of endemic vascular plants, snails, and beetles. Owing to limited postglacial migration, hotspots of high‐altitude endemics are situated in rather low peripheral mountain chains of the Alps, which have not been glaciated during the Pleistocene. There, tree line expansion disproportionally reduces habitats of high‐altitude species. Such legacies of climate history, which may aggravate extinction risks under future climate change have to be expected for many temperate mountain ranges.
CD4+ T cells against human papillomavirus‐18 E7 in patients with high‐grade cervical lesions associate with the absence of the virus in the cervix
Authors: Seresini Samantha , Origoni Massimo , Caputo Luigi , Lillo Flavia , Longhi Renato , Vantini Simone , Paganoni Anna Maria , Protti Maria Pia
Published: June 2010

Cervical neoplastic lesions are associated with infection by high‐risk human papilloma‐viruses (HPV). The two genotypes most frequently found in the lesions are HPV‐16 and HPV‐18 with a prevalence of 50–60% and 15–18%, respectively. The E6 and E7 viral oncoproteins are involved in the transformation process and represent foreign antigens for the host. We previously reported that anti‐HPV‐18 E6 CD4+ T cells are present in patients with high‐grade HPV‐18‐expressing cervical lesions but also in 50% of the total consecutive patients tested, independently of the HPV type carried. These results indicated that HPV‐18 E6 is immunogenic and suggested that all responsive patients, irrespective of the HPV expressed, had encountered HPV‐18 and cleared the infection. Here, we investigated anti‐HPV‐18 E7 CD4+ T‐cell immunity in a cohort of 23 HPV‐18 E6‐responsive patients. We found that, although E7‐specific CD4+ T cells were present in all women, a robust T helper type (Th1)/Th2 type response against E7 was associated with HPV‐18‐negative status, suggesting that indeed these patients might have cleared the virus. In agreement with this hypothesis, we found strong anti‐E7 CD4+ T‐cell immunity in 20% of 24 healthy donors without evidence of disease. In contrast, a robust Th1/Th2 type response against E6 but not E7 correlated with a lack of disease relapse and/or infection recurrence but did not discriminate between HPV‐18‐positive and HPV‐18‐negative patients. Collectively, our data suggest different roles for anti‐HPV‐18 E6 and E7 CD4+ T cells in anti‐viral and anti‐tumour immunity.
A point mutation in a glutamate‐gated chloride channel confers abamectin resistance in the two‐spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch
Authors: Kwon D. H. , Yoon K. S. , Clark J. M. , Lee S. H.
Published: June 2010

The molecular mechanisms and genetics of abamectin resistance mediated by target site insensitivity in the two‐spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae, were investigated by comparing two isogenic abamectin‐susceptible (AbaS) and abamectin‐resistant (AbaR) strains. Cloning and sequencing of full‐length cDNA fragments of γ‐amino butyric acid (GABA)‐gated chloride channel genes revealed no polymorphisms between the two strains. However, sequence comparison of the full‐length cDNA fragment of a T. urticae glutamate‐gated chloride channel gene (TuGluCl) identified a G323D point mutation as being tentatively related with abamectin resistance. In individual F2 progenies obtained by backcrossing, the G323D genotype was confirmed to correlate with abamectin resistance. Bioassays using progeny from reciprocal crossings revealed that the abamectin resistance trait resulting from TuGluCl insensitivity is incompletely recessive.
UK National Clinical Guidelines in Paediatric Dentistry
Authors: Albadri Sondos , Zaitoun Halla , Kinirons Martin
Published: June 2010

The process of guideline production began in 1994, resulting in first publication in 1997. Each guideline has been circulated to all Consultants in Paediatric Dentistry in the UK, to the Council of the British Society of Paediatric Dentistry, and to people of related specialties recognised to have expertise in the subject. The final version of the guideline is produced from a combination of this input and thorough review of the published literature. The intention is to encourage improvement in clinical practice and to stimulate research and clinical audit in areas where scientific evidence is inadequate. Evidence underlying recommendations is scored according to the SIGN classification and guidelines should be read in this context. For those wishing further detail, the process of guideline production in the UK is described in the International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 1997; 7: 267–268.
Camera‐related behaviours of female dental nurses and nursery school children during fluoride varnish application interactions in nursery school settings
Authors: ZHOU YUEFANG , FORBES GILLIAN M. , HUMPHRIS GERRY
Published: June 2010

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2010; 20: 374–381

Objective.  To investigate camera awareness of female dental nurses and nursery school children as the frequency of camera‐related behaviours observed during fluoride varnish applications in a community based health programme.

Methods.  Fifty‐one nurse–child interactions (three nurse pairs and 51 children) were video recorded when Childsmile nurses were applying fluoride varnish onto the teeth of children in nursery school settings. Using a pre‐developed coding scheme, nurse and child verbal and nonverbal behaviours were coded for camera‐related behaviours.

Results.  On 15 of 51 interactions (29.4%), a total of 31 camera‐related behaviours were observed for dental nurses (14 instances over nine interactions) and children (17 instances over six interactions). Camera‐related behaviours occurred infrequently, occupied 0.3% of the total interaction time and displayed at all stages of the dental procedure, though tended to peak at initial stages.

Conclusions.  Certain camera‐related behaviours of female dental nurses and nursery school children were observed in their interactions when introducing a dental health preventive intervention. Since the frequency of camera‐related behaviours are so few they are of little consequence when video‐recording adults and children undertaking dental procedures.
Factors affecting dental fear in French children aged 5–12 years
Authors: NICOLAS EMMANUEL , BESSADET MARION , COLLADO VALÉRIE , CARRASCO PILAR , ROGERLEROI VALÉRIE , HENNEQUIN MARTINE
Published: June 2010

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2010; 20: 366–373

Background. While dental anxiety is often correlated with prior negative dental experience, prevention of dental anxiety should in theory include early exposure to the dental setting.

Objective. We set out to evaluate factors affecting dental fear in French children.

Methods. Dental fear was evaluated using a visual analogue scale (DF‐VAS) in a group of 1303 French children (681 boys and 622 girls) aged 5–11 years (mean: 8.12 years, SD: 1.42 years). Indicators of caries and oral hygiene were evaluated on dental examination. Indicators of well‐being related to oral health, dental experience, and oral health education were collected via a structured interview.

Results. Dental fear was scored low in 75.7% (DF‐VAS 0–3), moderate in 16.7% (DF‐VAS 4–6), and high in 7.6% (DF‐VAS 7–10). DF‐VAS decreased statistically with experience of a prior dental visit. Children who had at least one decayed tooth presented a higher level of dental fear than those with no decay, while children with fillings were significantly less anxious than those without previous dental care.

Conclusions. This study shows that for children aged 5–12 years, prior experience of the dental setting can act as a positive component of dental fear.
Dental agenesis in Kallmann syndrome individuals with FGFR1 mutations
Authors: BAILLEUL‐FORESTIER ISABELLE , GROS CATHERINE , ZENATY DELPHINE , BENNACEUR SÉLIM , LEGER JULIANE , De ROUX NICOLAS
Published: June 2010

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2010; 20: 305–312

Background.  Kallmann syndrome (KS) is a rare genetic disorder characterised by central hypogonadism with a lack of sense of smell and in some cases renal aplasia, deafness, syndactyly, cleft lip/palate, and dental agenesis. To date, five genes for KS have been identified: KAL1, located on the X chromosome, and FGFR1, PROKR2, PROK2 and FGF8, which are involved in autosomally transmitted forms of KS.

Aim.  The study characterised the dental ageneses of individuals with KS associated with mutations in the FGFR1 gene.

Design.  Six individuals displaying dental agenesis were included. Clinical and radiological dental evaluations as well as medical anamneses were carried out.

Results.  Microdontia, screwdriver‐shaped mandibular incisors, thin molar roots, and patterns of dental agenesis in both dentitions were observed. One to nine teeth were missing, most frequently, in descending order, lateral mandibular incisors, second premolars of upper and lower jaws, and lateral maxillary incisors. The pattern of dental agenesis is associated with four new mutations in the FGFR1 gene. Conclusion: Dental agenesis may be a clinical feature of Kallmann syndrome caused by a mutation in the FGFR1 gene. These findings highlight the role that odontologists can play in the early diagnosis and treatment of gonadotropic deficiency.
Specialist paediatric dentistry in Sweden 2008 – a 25‐year perspective
Authors: KLINGBERG GUNILLA , ANDERSSON‐WENCKERT INGRID , GRINDEFJORD MARGARET , LUNDIN SVEN‐ÅKE , RIDELL KARIN , TSILINGARIDIS GEORGIOS , ULLBRO CHRISTER
Published: June 2010

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2010; 20: 313–321

Background.  Paediatric dentistry in Sweden has been surveyed four times over the past 25 years. During this period postgraduate training, dental health, and the organization of child dental care have changed considerably.

Aim.  To investigate services provided by specialists in paediatric dentistry in Sweden in 2008, and to compare with data from previous surveys.

Design.  The same questionnaire was sent to all 30 specialist paediatric dental clinics in Sweden that had been used in previous surveys. Comparisons were made with data from 1983, 1989, 1996 and 2003.

Results.  Despite an unchanged number of specialists (N = 81 in 2008), the number of referrals had increased by 16% since 2003 and by almost 50% since 1983. There was greater variation in reasons for referrals. The main reason was still dental anxiety/behaviour management problems in combination with dental treatment needs (27%), followed by medical conditions/disability (18%), and high caries activity (15%). The use of different techniques for conscious sedation as well as general anaesthesia had also increased.

Conclusions.  The referrals to paediatric dentistry continue to increase, leading to a heavy work load for the same number of specialists. Thus, the need for more paediatric dentists remains.
Effects of the Tibetan herbal formula Padma® Lax on visceral nociception and contractility of longitudinal smooth muscle in a rat model
Authors: Gschossmann J. M. , Krayer M. , Flogerzi B. , Balsiger B. M.
Published: June 2010

Background  The high prevalence of functional bowel disorders among the general population contrasts with the limited number of pharmacological treatment options for this condition. This has led to an interest for alternative therapeutic approaches. Padma® Lax is an herbal laxative on the basis of Tibetan formulas. Our aim is to examine the effect of Padma Lax (A) on visceral nociception in vivo and (B) on contractile activity of longitudinal smooth muscle of the lower gut in vitro and ex vivo.

Methods  (A) Visceral sensory function in response to colorectal distension was assessed by abdominal wall electromyography in male Wistar rats pretreated with Padma Lax. (B) Effects of Padma Lax on contractility of gut smooth muscles were studied both in vitro with superfusion of the agent and ex vivo following oral administration of the preparation. Activities were measured as area under the curve.

Key Results  (A) For visceral sensitivity, no differences were observed between the Padma Lax and the control group. (B) Proximal colon muscle strips of the Padma Lax pretreated group showed significantly lower spontaneous contractility ex vivo than controls. Cholinergic procontractile stimulation was reduced in Padma Lax pretreated group and in colon strips of naive rats when Padma Lax was superfused in vitro (all P < 0.05).

Conclusion & Inferences  Cholinergic mechanisms appear to be important in the modulation of rat proximal colon contractility of orally and directly applied Padma Lax. These findings help elucidate a potential mechanism of action of this herbal remedy which has undergone clinical testing in patients with constipation predominant irritable bowel syndrome.
Evidence for neurotrophic factors associating with TRPV1 gene expression in the inflamed human esophagus
Authors: Shieh K. R. , Yi C. H. , Liu T. T. , Tseng H. L. , Ho H. C. , Hsieh H. T. , Chen C. L.
Published: June 2010

Background  Transient receptor potential vanilloid‐1 (TRPV1) receptor has been implicated in the mechanism of acid induced inflammation in gastro‐esophageal reflux disease (GERD). It has been demonstrated that the increase in nerve growth factor (NGF) and glial derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) was associated with the increased expression of TRPV1. We aimed to determine whether expression of TRPV1 was increased in severe inflamed human esophagus, and to test the hypothesis whether the expression of TRPV1 was mediated by neurotrophic factors such as NGF and GDNF.

Methods  We compared biopsies taken from the distal esophagus of 15 patients with erosive GERD, 16 asymptomatic patients (AP), and 10 healthy controls. We assessed the biopsies with reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) for TRPV1, NGF, and GDNF. Immunohistochemical analysis of TRPV1 protein expression was also determined.

Key Results  Transient receptor potential vanilloid‐1 mRNA level and its protein expression were significantly greater in patients with erosive esophagitis than AP (P < 0.001) and healthy controls (P < 0.001). Nerve growth factor and GDNF gene levels in the esophageal mucosa were also significantly increased in patients with erosive esophagitis compared with AP and healthy controls (all P < 0.001). Transient receptor potential vanilloid‐1 mRNA correlated well with NGF (r = 0.61, P < 0.001) and GDNF (r = 0.58, P < 0.001).

Conclusions & Inferences  These results support the association of NGF and GDNF in the up‐regulation of TRPV1 receptors in patients with erosive esophagitis.
Robert Koch redux: malaria immunology in Papua New Guinea
Authors: STANISIC D. I. , MUELLER I. , BETUELA I. , SIBA P. , SCHOFIELD L.
Published: June 2010

Over a century ago, the malaria expedition of the brilliant microbiologist Robert Koch to the Dutch East Indies (Indonesia) and German New Guinea (now Papua New Guinea, or PNG), resulted in profound observations that are still central to our current understanding of the epidemiology and acquisition of immunity to the malaria parasite Plasmodium. The tradition of malaria research in PNG pioneered by Koch continues to this day, with a number of recent studies still continuing to elucidate his original concepts and hypotheses. These include age and exposure‐related acquisition of immunity, species‐specific and cross‐species immunity, correlates of protective immunity and determining the prospects for anti‐malaria vaccines.
Hydraulic limitation not declining nitrogen availability causes the age‐related photosynthetic decline in loblolly pine (Pinus taedaL.)
Authors: DRAKE J. E. , RAETZ L. M. , DAVIS S. C. , DeLUCIA E. H.
Published: June 2010

Declining net primary production (NPP) with forest age is often attributed to a corresponding decline in gross primary production (GPP). We tested two hypotheses explaining the decline of GPP in ageing stands (14–115 years old) ofPinus taedaL.: (1) increasing N limitation limits photosynthetic capacity and thus decreases GPP with increasing age; and (2) hydraulic limitations increasingly induce stomatal closure, reducing GPP with increasing age. We tested these hypotheses using measurements of foliar nitrogen, photosynthesis, sap‐flow and dendroclimatological techniques. Hypothesis (1) was not supported; foliar N retranslocation did not increase and declines were not observed in foliar N, leaf area per tree or photosynthetic capacity. Hypothesis (2) was supported; declines were observed in light‐saturated photosynthesis, leaf‐ and canopy‐level stomatal conductance, concentration of CO2inside leaf air‐spaces (corroborated by an increase in woodδ13C) and specific leaf area (SLA), while stomatal limitation and the ratio of sapwood area (SA) to leaf area increased. The sensitivity of radial growth to inter‐annual variation in temperature and drought decreased with age, suggesting that tree water use becomes increasingly conservative with age. We conclude that hydraulic limitation increasingly limits the photosynthetic rates of ageing loblolly pine trees, possibly explaining the observed reduction of NPP.
Influence of Serum and Soluble CD25 (sCD25) on Regulatory and Effector T‐cell Function in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Cabrera R. , Ararat M. , Eksioglu E. A. , Cao M. , Xu Y. , Wasserfall C. , Atkinson M. A. , Liu C. , Nelson D. R.
Published: June 2010

Our previous studies showed that high levels of soluble CD25 (sCD25) in the serum of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) correlated with blunted effector T‐cells (Teff) responses, tumour burden and poor survival. Understanding the interactions between Teff, CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (Treg) and soluble factors can identify novel therapeutic targets. In this study, we characterize the mechanisms by which HCC serum and sCD25 mediate suppression of Teff and evaluate the effect of sCD25 on the suppression assays with normal healthy control cells (NHC) at a 1:1 Treg to Teff cell ratio to determine whether sCD25 has any impact on Treg suppression. HCC serum and sCD25 suppressed Teff proliferation and downregulated CD25 expression on HCC Teff in a dose‐dependent fashion with sCD25 doses above 3000 pg/ml. Treg from HCC and cirrhosis patients suppressed proliferation of target CD4+CD25− Teff in serum‐free medium (SFM). HCC Treg showed a higher degree of suppression than cirrhosis‐derived Treg. In contrast, Treg from NHC did not suppress target Teff in SFM. However, isolated Treg from all three study subjects (HCC, cirrhosis and NHC) suppressed CD4+CD25− Teff in serum conditions or in the presence of sCD25 in the range 6000–12,000 pg/ml. In conclusion, downregulation of CD25 cell surface expression on Teff is part of the overall suppressive mechanism of sCD25 and HCC serum on Teff responses. The observed sCD25 and HCC serum‐mediated suppression is further influenced via novel immune‐inhibitory interaction between CD4+CD25+ Treg and sCD25.
Bariatric surgery: Mechanisms, indications and outcomes
Authors: O'Brien Paul E
Published: June 2010

The rising problem of obesity is causing major health problems, reduced quality of life and reduced life expectancy. It now generates approximately 10% of all health costs. The progression of the problem indicates preventive measures have been unsuccessful so far. Only bariatric surgical treatments have been able to achieve substantial and durable weight loss. Gastric banding and gastric bypass are used in more than 90% of bariatric operations. The proportion of each varies from greater than 95% bands in Australia, about 50/50 in Europe and USA and nearly 100% bypass in South America. The availability of follow up is a prime determinant of choice. Understanding the mechanisms of effect for the bariatric procedures is central to optimizing their effect. The traditional narrow concepts of restrictive (blocking the transit of food) and malabsorptive (preventing the absorption of food) should be discarded and the importance of induction of satiety, change of taste, diversion of chyme, neural and hormonal mediation and the effects of aversion need to be included. The primary mechanism of effect for gastric banding is the generation of a background of satiety and early post‐prandial satiation via specifically structured vagal afferents at the level of the band. At five years after banding or bypass, there is typically a loss of 30–35 kg representing 50–60% of excess weight. This weight loss has been shown to be associated with major improvement or complete resolution of multiple common and serious health problems plus improvement in quality of life and in survival. Level 1 evidence supports the use of the gastric band over optimal lifestyle therapy. Randomized controlled trials has shown gastric banding to achieve better weight loss, health and quality of life than optimal lifestyle therapies for adults above a BMI of 30 and adolescents above a BMI of 35. In adults with mild to severe obesity and type 2 diabetes gastric banding leads to remission in three out of four individuals. Perioperative risk is significant with gastric bypass and late revisional procedures can be required after both procedures. Gastric banding is indicated in any adult who has a BMI over 30, has problems with their obesity and has made substantial effort to reduce their weight by lifestyle methods. Gastric bypass or biliopancreatic diversion should be considered in those with BMI greater than 35 if banding is contraindicated or has been unsuccessful.
IL‐16 polymorphism and risk of renal cell carcinoma: Association in a Chinese population
Authors: Zhu Jian , Qin Chao , Yan Fu , Wang Meilin , Ding Qi , Zhang Zhengdong , Yin Changjun
Published: June 2010

Objectives:  Interleukin‐16 (IL‐16) plays a fundamental role in inflammatory diseases, as well as in the development and progression of tumors. A T‐to‐C polymorphism at the ‐295 position in the promoter region of the IL‐16 gene has been described. This variation might lead to altered IL‐16 expression, and might modulate an individual's susceptibility to cancer. The objective of the present study was to determine if IL‐16 polymorphism is associated with risk of renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

Methods:  A case–control study including 335 RCC cases and 340 cancer‐free controls was carried out. All subjects were genetically unrelated ethnic Han Chinese recruited from a single institution between July 2006 and July 2009. The IL‐16 ‐295 T>C polymorphism was determined by using the polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Serum samples were available for 70 RCC cases and 96 controls to detect IL‐16 concentration.

Results:  Compared with the IL‐16 ‐295 TT genotype, the CC genotype had a significantly decreased RCC risk (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 0.34, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.18–0.66). Furthermore, a significant decreased risk of RCC was found in the combined variant genotypes CT + CC compared with the TT genotype (adjusted OR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.50–0.93). In addition, the serum IL‐16 levels in RCC patients were significantly lower than those in controls (P < 0.001). Furthermore, patients carrying CC genotype or CT genotype had higher serum IL‐16 levels than TT carriers.

Conclusion:  IL‐16 ‐295 T>C polymorphism is significantly associated with a higher risk of developing RCC in Chinese population.
Cortical control of thermoregulatory sympathetic activation
Authors: Fechir M. , Klega A. , Buchholz H. G. , Pfeifer N. , Balon S. , Schlereth T. , Geber C. , Breimhorst M. , Maihöfner C. , Birklein F. , Schreckenberger M.
Published: June 2010

Thermoregulation enables adaptation to different ambient temperatures. A complex network of central autonomic centres may be involved. In contrast to the brainstem, the role of the cortex has not been clearly evaluated. This study was therefore designed to address cerebral function during a whole thermoregulatory cycle (cold, neutral and warm stimulation) using 18‐fluordeoxyglucose‐PET (FDG‐PET). Sympathetic activation parameters were co‐registered. Ten healthy male volunteers were examined three times on three different days in a water‐perfused whole‐body suit. After a baseline period (32°C), temperature was either decreased to 7°C (cold), increased to 50°C (warm) or kept constant (32°C, neutral), thereafter the PET examination was performed. Cerebral glucose metabolism was increased in infrapontine brainstem and cerebellar hemispheres during cooling and warming, each compared with neutral temperature. Simultaneously, FDG uptake decreased in the bilateral anterior/mid‐cingulate cortex during warming, and in the right insula during cooling and warming. Conjunction analyses revealed that right insular deactivation and brainstem activation appeared both during cold and warm stimulation. Metabolic connectivity analyses revealed positive correlations between the cortical activations, and negative correlations between these cortical areas and brainstem/cerebellar regions. Heart rate changes negatively correlated with glucose metabolism in the anterior cingulate cortex and in the middle frontal gyrus/dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, and changes of sweating with glucose metabolism in the posterior cingulate cortex. In summary, these results suggest that the cerebral cortex exerts an inhibitory control on autonomic centres located in the brainstem or cerebellum. These findings may represent reasonable explanations for sympathetic hyperactivity, which occurs, for example, after hemispheric stroke.
Identification of enzymes involved in anaerobic benzene degradation by a strictly anaerobic iron‐reducing enrichment culture
Authors: Abu Laban Nidal , Selesi Draženka , Rattei Thomas , Tischler Patrick , Meckenstock Rainer U.
Published: June 2010

Anaerobic benzene degradation was studied with a highly enriched iron‐reducing culture (BF) composed of mainly Peptococcaceae‐related Gram‐positive microorganisms. The proteomes of benzene‐, phenol‐ and benzoate‐grown cells of culture BF were compared by SDS‐PAGE. A specific benzene‐expressed protein band of 60 kDa, which could not be observed during growth on phenol or benzoate, was subjected to N‐terminal sequence analysis. The first 31 amino acids revealed that the protein was encoded by ORF 138 in the shotgun sequenced metagenome of culture BF. ORF 138 showed 43% sequence identity to phenylphosphate carboxylase subunit PpcA of Aromatoleum aromaticum strain EbN1. A LC/ESI‐MS/MS‐based shotgun proteomic analysis revealed other specifically benzene‐expressed proteins with encoding genes located adjacent to ORF 138 on the metagenome. The protein products of ORF 137, ORF 139 and ORF 140 showed sequence identities of 37% to phenylphosphate carboxylase PpcD of A. aromaticum strain EbN1, 56% to benzoate‐CoA ligase (BamY) of Geobacter metallireducens and 67% to 3‐octaprenyl‐4‐hydroxybenzoate carboxy‐lyase (UbiD/UbiX) of A. aromaticum strain EbN1 respectively. These genes are proposed as constituents of a putative benzene degradation gene cluster (∼17 kb) composed of carboxylase‐related genes. The identified gene sequences suggest that the initial activation reaction in anaerobic benzene degradation is probably a direct carboxylation of benzene to benzoate catalysed by putative anaerobic benzene carboxylase (Abc). The putative Abc probably consists of several subunits, two of which are encoded by ORFs 137 and 138, and belongs to a family of carboxylases including phenylphosphate carboxylase (Ppc) and 3‐octaprenyl‐4‐hydroxybenzoate carboxy‐lyase (UbiD/UbiX).
Acid‐tolerant microaerophilic Fe(II)‐oxidizing bacteria promote Fe(III)‐accumulation in a fen
Authors: Lüdecke Claudia , Reiche Marco , Eusterhues Karin , Nietzsche Sandor , Küsel Kirsten
Published: June 2010

The ecological importance of Fe(II)‐oxidizing bacteria (FeOB) at circumneutral pH is often masked in the presence of O2 where rapid chemical oxidation of Fe(II) predominates. This study addresses the abundance, diversity and activity of microaerophilic FeOB in an acidic fen (pH ∼5) located in northern Bavaria, Germany. Mean O2 penetration depth reached 16 cm where the highest dissolved Fe(II) concentrations (up to 140 µM) were present in soil water. Acid‐tolerant FeOB cultivated in gradient tubes were most abundant (106 cells g−1 peat) at the 10–20 cm depth interval. A stable enrichment culture was active at up to 29% O2 saturation and Fe(III) accumulated 1.6 times faster than in abiotic controls. An acid‐tolerant, microaerophilic isolate (strain CL21) was obtained which was closely related to the neutrophilic, lithoautotrophic FeOB Sideroxydans lithotrophicus strain LD‐1. CL21 oxidized Fe(II) between pH 4 and 6.0, and produced nanoscale‐goethites with a clearly lower mean coherence length (7 nm) perpendicular to the (110) plane than those formed abiotically (10 nm). Our results suggest that an acid‐tolerant population of FeOB is thriving at redox interfaces formed by diffusion‐limited O2 transport in acidic peatlands. Furthermore, this well‐adapted population is successfully competing with chemical oxidation and thereby playing an important role in the microbial iron cycle.
The ecology of the phyllosphere: geographic and phylogenetic variability in the distribution of bacteria on tree leaves
Authors: Redford Amanda J. , Bowers Robert M. , Knight Rob , Linhart Yan , Fierer Noah
Published: June 2010

Large populations of bacteria live on leaf surfaces and these phyllosphere bacteria can have important effects on plant health. However, we currently have a limited understanding of bacterial diversity on tree leaves and the inter‐ and intra‐specific variability in phyllosphere community structure. We used a barcoded pyrosequencing technique to characterize the bacterial communities from leaves of 56 tree species in Boulder, Colorado, USA, quantifying the intra‐ and inter‐individual variability in the bacterial communities from 10 of these species. We also examined the geographic variability in phyllosphere communities on Pinus ponderosa from several locations across the globe. Individual tree species harboured high levels of bacterial diversity and there was considerable variability in community composition between trees. The bacterial communities were organized in patterns predictable from the relatedness of the trees as there was significant correspondence between tree phylogeny and bacterial community phylogeny. Inter‐specific variability in bacterial community composition exceeded intra‐specific variability, a pattern that held even across continents where we observed minimal geographic differentiation in the bacterial communities on P. ponderosa needles.
Adult Attachment, Dependence, Self‐Criticism, and Depressive Symptoms: A Test of a Mediational Model
Authors: Cantazaro Amy , Wei Meifen
Published: June 2010

ABSTRACT
Attachment anxiety is expected to be positively associated with dependence and self‐criticism. However, attachment avoidance is expected to be negatively associated with dependence but positively associated with self‐criticism. Both dependence and self‐criticism are expected to be related to depressive symptoms. Data were analyzed from 424 undergraduate participants at a large Midwestern university, using structural equation modeling. Results indicated that the relation between attachment anxiety and depressive symptoms was fully mediated by dependence and self‐criticism, whereas the relation between attachment avoidance and depressive symptoms was partially mediated by dependence and self‐criticism. Moreover, through a multiple‐group comparison analysis, the results indicated that men with high levels of attachment avoidance are more likely than women to be self‐critical.
Longitudinal Associations Between Personality Profile Stability and Adjustment in College Students: Distinguishing Among Overall Stability, Distinctive Stability, and Within‐Time Normativeness
Authors: Klimstra Theo A. , Luyckx Koen , Hale III William W. , Goossens Luc , Meeus Wim H. J.
Published: June 2010

ABSTRACT
In the present study, longitudinal associations of 3 aspects of personality profile stability (i.e., overall stability, distinctive stability, and within‐time normativeness) with 3 adjustment measures (i.e., depressive symptoms, self‐esteem, and delinquency) were examined, using 4 waves of longitudinal data on a Belgian college sample (N=565). Longitudinal path models revealed strong longitudinal associations between adjustment and overall stability. Subsequent analyses showed that it is not the degree to which one's personality profile consistently diverges from the average personality profile within a population (i.e., distinctive stability) that is related to adjustment but the degree to which a personality profile of an individual matches the average personality profile within the sample at a certain point in time (i.e., within‐time normativeness). The current study thereby underscores the importance of distinguishing normativeness and distinctiveness when examining personality profile stability.
Generativity, the Big Five, and Psychosocial Adaptation in Midlife Adults
Authors: Cox Keith S. , Wilt Joshua , Olson Brad , McAdams Dan P.
Published: June 2010

ABSTRACT
The study examines the extent to which 2 sets of personality variables—(1) dispositional traits (and their facets) within the Big Five taxonomy and (2) the adult developmental construct of generativity—are associated with psychosocial adaptation in midlife adults (N=128), conceived as the combination of individual well‐being and positive societal involvements. Generativity is conceived as an adult's concern for and commitment to promoting the well‐being of future generations. Multiple regression analyses showed that dispositional traits were more strongly associated with individual well‐being than was generativity, but generativity was much more strongly associated with positive societal engagement than were the traits. Correlations between dispositional traits and generativity revealed that highly generative adults were elevated on most of the facets of Extraversion and Openness. For the other 3 traits, generativity was positively related to facets of competence, achievement striving, dutifulness, altruism, and trust and negatively related to vulnerability, anxiety, depressiveness, and modesty.
Trait Self‐Esteem Moderates the Effect of Initiator Status on Emotional and Cognitive Responses to Romantic Relationship Dissolution
Authors: Waller Katherine L. , MacDonald Tara K.
Published: June 2010

ABSTRACT
We hypothesized that the effect of initiator status on post breakup distress would vary as a function of trait self‐esteem, such that individuals with low self‐esteem would experience more distress after being rejected by their partners, whereas, among individuals with high self‐esteem, initiator status would not predict distress. We used a prospective design in which university students (N=66) were assessed for emotional responses following the dissolution of their real‐life romantic relationships, as well as a laboratory design in which students (N=190) imagined breaking up with their partners. As predicted, participants with lower trait self‐esteem exhibited greater distress after experiencing or imagining a romantic rejection than after ending or imagining themselves ending their relationships. Conversely, distress experienced by those with high trait self‐esteem did not differ as a function of who ended the relationship. Implications for understanding self‐esteem processes and the effects of romantic rejection are discussed.