bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Norcantharidin induces HT‐29 colon cancer cell apoptosis through the αvβ6–extracellular signal‐related kinase signaling pathway
Authors: Peng Cheng , Liu Xiangqun , Liu Enyu , Xu Kesen , Niu Weibo , Chen Rong , Wang Jiayong , Zhang Zhaoyang , Lin Pengfei , Wang Jian , Agrez Michael , Niu Jun
Published: August 2009

Norcantharidin has been used as an efficacious anticancer drug in China for many years, but its true mechanism remains poorly understood. Intriguingly, in an in vitro series study of anticancer drugs, we found that norcantharidin can effectively inhibit epithelial tumor cells from expressing integrin αvβ6. Our previous studies have confirmed that integrin αvβ6 is closely relevant to malignant epithelial cell tumor biology behavior, and it can promote cancer cells to invade and metastasize through a special αvβ6–extracellular signal‐related kinase (ERK) direct signaling pathway. In this study, we investigated the relationship between the norcantharidin anticancer mechanism and integrin αvβ6. After HT‐29 colon cancer cells were treated with norcantharidin, cell apoptosis increased remarkably. The expression of αvβ6 and the amount of p‐ERK decreased substantially; simultaneously, the linkage between αvβ6 and ERK was barely detectable. However, the expression of other integrins and the levels of mitogen‐activated protein kinase hardly changed. On these grounds, we presumed that norcantharidin induced HT‐29 colon cancer cell apoptosis through the αvβ6–ERK signaling pathway. This finding elicited a novel strategy for targeting the whole αvβ6–ERK signal pathway, rather than simply blocking the combining site of αvβ6–ERK in colon cancer treatment. (Cancer Sci 2009; 100: 2302–2308)
PR10 expression in maize and its effect on host resistance against Aspergillus flavus infection and aflatoxin production
Authors: CHEN ZHI‐YUAN , BROWN ROBERT L. , DAMANN KENNETH E. , CLEVELAND THOMAS E.
Published: August 2009

Maize (Zea mays L.) is a major crop susceptible to Aspergillus flavus infection and subsequent contamination with aflatoxins, the potent carcinogenic secondary metabolites of the fungus. Protein profiles of maize genotypes resistant and susceptible to A. flavus infection and/or aflatoxin contamination have been compared, and several resistance‐associated proteins have been found, including a pathogenesis‐related protein 10 (PR10). In this study, RNA interference (RNAi) gene silencing technology was employed to further investigate the importance of PR10. An RNAi gene silencing vector was constructed and introduced into immature Hi II maize embryos through both bombardment and Agrobacterium infection procedures. PR10 expression was reduced by 65% to more than 99% in transgenic callus lines from bombardment. The RNAi‐silenced callus lines also showed increased sensitivity to heat stress treatment. A similar reduction in PR10 transcript levels was observed in seedling leaf and root tissues developed from transgenic kernels. When inoculated with A. flavus, RNAi‐silenced mature kernels produced from Agrobacterium‐mediated transformation showed a significant increase in fungal colonization and aflatoxin production in 10 and six, respectively, of 11 RNAi lines compared with the non‐silenced control. Further proteomic analysis of RNAi‐silenced kernels revealed a significant reduction in PR10 production in eight of 11 RNAi lines that showed positive for transformation. A significant negative correlation between PR10 expression at either transcript or protein level and kernel aflatoxin production was observed. The results indicate a major role for PR10 expression in maize aflatoxin resistance.
Human–gelada baboon conflict in and around the Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia
Authors: Yihune Mesele , Bekele Afework , Tefera Zelealem
Published: August 2009

The degree of conflict between gelada baboons and local communities in and around the Simien Mountains National Park was investigated and possible solutions for the existing problems are suggested. The study was carried out from September, 2005 to March, 2006 by means of questionnaire survey, direct observations on crop damage by gelada baboon and using faecal dropping analysis. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, and responses were compared using chi‐squared test and one‐way ANOVA. Logistic regression model was used to determine factors that caused crop damage. The average annual crop loss by gelada baboon per household was 117 ± 10 kg. There was a positive correlation (r = 0.43, P < 0.001) between the type of crop grown and the type of crop damaged. Among the respondents, 47.3% reported serious loss of barley by gelada baboons. Analysis from the faecal droppings showed that 18% of the samples constituted barley although the extent of damage varied from village to village. Among the respondents, 60.3% cultivated only barley because of the cold weather and the type of soil in the study area. Distance from the Park and the frequency of crop damage were negatively correlated (−0.57, P < 0.001). Although farmers utilized various methods to protect their farms against gelada baboons, the most prominent method was direct watching (48.3%). To minimize the existing problems, local residents and the Park authorities should work together to identify alternative crops and land‐use patterns that might not attract gelada baboons.
Assessing the ecological integrity of a grassland ecosystem: the applicability and rapidity of the SAGraSS method
Authors: Kaiser W. , Avenant N. L. , Haddad C. R.
Published: August 2009

The Grassland Biome is currently one of the most threatened biomes in South Africa and is in dire need of a biomonitoring protocol. The components of ecological integrity in these ecosystems are, however, too diverse and time‐consuming to measure scrupulously. It is therefore necessary to develop a set of grassland indicators that are efficient and rapid in their assessment of grassland ecosystem integrity. The South African Grassland Scoring System (SAGraSS), based on the grassland insect community, is such a suggested indicator. The present study is the first to investigate the applicability and rapidity of this proposed method. Although SAGraSS scores correlated significantly with Ecological Index values (the most commonly used index by which veld condition is evaluated in central South Africa), the method proved to be tedious and the identification of insects taxing. We offer a number of changes to make the SAGraSS method a more rapid method of assessment.
Clinical trial: a nutritional supplement Viusid, in combination with diet and exercise, in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: VILAR GOMEZ E. , RODRIGUEZ DE MIRANDA A. , GRA ORAMAS B. , ARUS SOLER E. , LLANIO NAVARRO R. , CALZADILLA BERTOT L. , YASELLS GARCIA A. , DEL ROSARIO ABREU VAZQUEZ M.
Published: August 2009

Background  Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a significant health problem for which there is no universally accepted pharmacological treatment. The combination of weight loss and antioxidant drugs to ameliorate insulin resistance and improve steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis provides the rational for therapeutic trials.

Aim  To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a nutritional supplement Viusid in association with diet and exercise for NAFLD.

Methods  A randomized, controlled and parallel‐group trial was conducted at a tertiary care academic centre (National Institute of Gastroenterology, Havana, Cuba). We randomly assigned 60 patients with liver biopsy‐proven NAFLD to 6 months of treatment with a hypocaloric diet plus aerobic exercise daily and three Viusid sachets daily or a hypocaloric diet and exercise. Endpoints were improvement in the NAFLD activity score (NAS), fibrosis and normalization of serum aminotransferase levels.

Results  A significant improvement in steatosis, necroinflammation and fibrosis was seen in each group of treatment (P < 0.01 for each feature). The Viusid group, as compared with the control group, significantly reduced the mean of NAS [from 4.18 to 0.54 points in the Viusid group vs. 4.45 to 2.2 points in the control group (P < 0.001)]. On between‐group comparison, Viusid was found to be associated with a significantly greater improvement in steatosis (P < 0.001), ballooning (P = 0.002) and lobular inflammation (P = 0.025), but not in fibrosis (P = 0.07). Viusid was well tolerated.

Conclusions  Our results indicate that treatment with diet and exercise leads to a notable improvement in the histological features of NAFLD; however, the administration of Viusid intensifies the improvements of histological findings, especially of steatosis and inflammation.
Factors influencing long‐term changes in mental health after interferon‐alpha treatment of chronic hepatitis C
Authors: SCHMIDT F. , JANSSEN G. , MARTIN G. , LORENZ R. , LOESCHKE K. , SOYKA M. , FOLWACZNY C. , SCHAEFER M.
Published: August 2009

Background  Antiviral treatment with interferon‐alpha (IFN‐α) is associated with several acute psychiatric side effects. Little is known about long‐term effects on mental health after treatment independent from viral response and the influence of pre‐existing psychiatric risk‐factors.

Aim  To evaluate long‐term effects of antiviral treatment with interferon‐alpha (IFN‐α) on mental health in patients with psychiatric risk factors.

Method  We prospectively investigated long‐term mental health changes in 81 hepatitis C virus‐infected patients. Psychiatric outcome was measured with the Montgomery–Asberg Depression Scale (MADRS), Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, the Global Social Functioning Scale and the Global Clinical Impression Scale 6 months after the end of antiviral treatment with IFN‐α and ribavirin.

Results  Six months after antiviral therapy, 49% of the patients showed a worsening and 27.2% an improvement of depression scores. The most important predictor for a long‐term improvement of depression scores was a pre‐treatment MADRS score ≥5 (OR 14.21, 95% CI: 2.51–81.30). Patients with pre‐existing psychiatric disorders (OR = 0.117, 95% CI: 0.024–0.558), methadone substitution (OR = 0.20, 95% CI: 0.045–0.887) or genotype 2/3 (OR = 0.341, 95% CI: 0.138–0.845) were significantly less likely to show a long‐term worsening of depressive symptoms.

Conclusions  Pre‐existing psychiatric risk factors increase the chance for a long‐term improvement and reduce the risk for a long‐term worsening of mental health after antiviral treatment of chronic hepatitis C with IFN‐α.
An analysis of the placebo effect in Crohn’s disease over time
Authors: GALLAHAN W. C. , CASE D. , BLOOMFELD R. S.
Published: August 2009

Background  Randomized, placebo controlled trials are used to assess the efficacy of therapies for Crohn’s disease. The placebo response and remission rates vary among studies.

Aim  To analyse how the placebo response and remission rates in Crohn’s trials have changed over time in the era of parenteral biologic therapies.

Methods  A search for randomized, placebo‐controlled trials of parenteral biologic therapies for active Crohn’s disease was conducted using online databases. The placebo response and remission rates and study week of evaluation were recorded for each trial. The placebo response and remission rates were analysed as functions of publication date and study week of evaluation.

Results  The odds of a placebo‐induced remission and response significantly increased as the week of evaluation increased. The placebo remission rate increased significantly with year of publication. Adjusted for week of evaluation, this increase in placebo remission rate over time was no longer significant. The increase in the placebo response over this time period was not statistically significant.

Conclusion  The observed increase in placebo remission rates over time in trials of parenteral biologic therapies in Crohn’s disease is explained by longer times to the primary endpoint in more recent trials.
Genomic mutations associated with mild and severe deficiencies of transcobalamin I (haptocorrin) that cause mildly and severely low serum cobalamin levels
Authors: Carmel Ralph , Parker James , Kelman Zvi
Published: August 2009

Transcobalamin (TC) I deficiency, like the function of TC I itself, is incompletely understood. It produces low serum cobalamin levels indistinguishable from those of true cobalamin deficiency. Diagnosis is especially elusive when TC I deficiency is mild. To provide new, more substantive definition, the TCN1 gene was examined in two well‐characterised families that included members with both severe and mild TC I deficiencies. A severely deficient proposita with undetectable TC I levels displayed compound heterozygosity for two mutations, each causing a premature stop codon. Relatives in both families who had mildly low or low‐normal plasma levels of TC I and cobalamin were heterozygous for one or the other of these mutations. An unrelated patient with mild TC I deficiency and unknown familial TC I and cobalamin status was then tested and found to be similarly heterozygous for one of the mutations. The two nonprivate mutations identify a genetic basis for TC I deficiency for the first time. They also add new approaches to studying mild and severe TC I deficiency and to reducing confusion of its low cobalamin levels with those of cobalamin deficiency and its often dramatically different prognosis and management.
Ability of the polysaccharide chitosan to inhibit proliferation of CD4+ lymphocytes from mucosal inductive sites, in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Porporatto C. , Canali M. M. , Bianco I. D. , Correa S. G.
Published: August 2009

Objective:  After oral administration of chitosan (a copolymer of glucosamine and N‐acetylglucosamine), mesenteric lymph node (MLN) lymphocytes exhibited traits of anergy, a process coupled with inability of mature T cells to proliferate. We wondered whether biological activity of chitosan could be affecting division of lymphocytes at the mucosal inductive sites.

Materials and methods:  We studied the effect of chitosan on proliferation of carboxyfluorescein diacetate‐labelled MLN lymphocytes stimulated with concanavalin A in vitro. We assessed expression of CD25 and CD71 activation markers and pro‐apoptotic molecule CD95L. Moreover, we studied the effect of chitosan ex vivo, in carboxyfluorescein diacetate‐labelled MLN cells isolated after feeding single or repetitive doses of the polysaccharide, and we evaluated cell cycle parameters.

Results:  Chitosan suppressed cell proliferation and down‐modulated expression of CD25 in these MLN CD4+ cells isolated from normal rats. After in vivo contact, chitosan inhibited proliferation of MLN cells and reduced secretion of interferon‐gamma. Furthermore, sustained feeding produced reduction in percentage of CD4+ cells in S phase of the cell cycle.

Conclusion:  Here we demonstrate the ability of chitosan to suppress proliferation of CD4+ lymphocytes from mucosal inductive sites in vivo and in vitro This effect could be relevant in modulatory activity of chitosan in the intestinal microenvironment.
Fluvastatin and lovastatin inhibit granulocyte macrophage–colony stimulating factor‐stimulated human eosinophil adhesion to inter‐cellular adhesion molecule‐1 under flow conditions
Authors: Robinson A. J. , Kashanin D. , O'Dowd F. , Fitzgerald K. , Williams V. , Walsh G. M.
Published: August 2009

Background
Eosinophil accumulation in the lung is an important feature of airway inflammation in asthma. There is therefore much interest in developing novel therapies to prevent this process. Accumulating evidence suggests that statins have anti‐inflammatory properties, including inhibition of leucocyte accumulation. We therefore assessed the ability of five statins to inhibit human eosinophil adhesion to recombinant human inter‐cellular adhesion molecule (rhICAM)‐1 under physiologically relevant flow conditions.

Methods
Purified eosinophils were pre‐treated with a panel of statins before elucidation of the adhesion profiles of resting and granulocyte macrophage–colony stimulating factor (GM‐CSF)‐stimulated cells to rhICAM‐1‐coated microchannels at a flow rate of 0.5 dynes/cm2. Images were recorded in real‐time at 1 min intervals and analysed using Ducocell software.

Results
Fluvastatin and lovastatin (both 10 nm) significantly inhibited GM‐CSF‐stimulated eosinophil adhesion to rhICAM‐1 after 2 min (34.4±3.0% inhibition and 37.8±12.6% inhibition, respectively, n=4, P<0.05) but had no significant inhibitory effect on unstimulated eosinophil adhesion. Mevastatin, simvastatin, and pravastatin (all 10 nm) had no significant effect on GM‐CSF‐stimulated eosinophil adhesion to rhICAM‐1. A concentration range of fluvastatin and lovastatin inhibited GM‐CSF stimulated eosinophil adhesion with significant (P<0.05) inhibition observed at low concentrations of 1 nm for both drugs. Mevalonate (100 nm) reversed fluvastatin‐mediated but not lovastatin‐mediated inhibition of eosinophil adhesion.

Conclusions
Inhibition of eosinophil adhesion to ICAM‐1 by fluvastatin and lovastatin under physiological shear stress represent novel actions by these drugs that may inform the development of anti‐inflammatory therapy for allergic disease.
Spatial heterogeneity of trophic pathways in the invertebrate community of a temperate bog
Authors: KATO YOSHIKAZU , HORI MICHIO , OKUDA NOBORU , TAYASU ICHIRO , TAKEMON YASUHIRO
Published: August 2009

Summary 1. To examine spatial heterogeneity of trophic pathways on a small scale (<5 m diameter), we conducted dual stable isotope (δ13C and δ15N) analyses of invertebrate communities and their potential food sources in three patchy habitats [sphagnum lawn (SL), vascular‐plant carpet (VC) and sphagnum carpet] within a temperate bog (Mizorogaike Pond, Kyoto, Japan).

2. In total, 19 invertebrate taxa were collected from the three habitats, most of which were stenotopic, i.e. collected from a single habitat. Amongst the habitats, significant variation was observed in the isotopic signatures of dominant plant tissues and their detrital matter [benthic particulate organic matter (BPOM)], both of which were potential organic food sources for invertebrates. Site‐specific isotopic variation amongst detritivores was found in δ13C but not in δ15N, reflecting site‐specificity in the isotopic signatures of basal foods. The eurytopic hydrophilid beetle Helochares striatus was found in all habitats, but showed clear site variation in its isotopic signatures, suggesting that it strongly relies on foods within its own habitat.

3. The most promising potential foods for detritivores were the dead leaf stalks of a dominant plant in the VC and BPOM in the SL and carpet. An isotopic mixing model (IsoSource version 1.3.1) estimated that aquatic predators rely on unknown trophic sources with higher δ13C than detritus, whereas terrestrial predators forage on allochthonous as well as autochthonous prey, suggesting that the latter predators might play key roles in coupling between habitats.

4. Our stable isotope approach revealed that immobile detritivores are confined to their small patchy habitats but that heterogeneous trophic pathways can be coupled by mobile predators, stressing the importance of habitat heterogeneity and predator coupling in characterising food webs in bog ecosystems.
Water Sorption and Plasticization Behavior of Spray‐dried Lactose/Protein Mixtures
Authors: Haque M.K. , Roos Y.H.
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACT: Water sorption properties, effects of proteins on glass transition temperature, and time‐dependent lactose crystallization of spray‐dried lactose and lactose in lactose/WPI (3:1), lactose/Na‐caseinate (3:1), lactose/albumin (3:1), and lactose/gelatin (3:1) mixtures were investigated. Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller (BET) and Guggenheim‐Anderson‐de Boer (GAB) models were used to model water sorption. Lactose/protein mixtures sorbed high amounts of water at low relative vapor pressure (RVP) up to 23.1%. Above 23.1% RVP levels, water sorbed by pure lactose was higher, up to 44.1% RVP, except in the case of the lactose/gelatin mixture. Lactose/ gelatin also sorbed a high amount of water at 33.2% RVP. Loss of sorbed water resulting from crystallization of amorphous lactose was observed. Crystallization of pure lactose and lactose crystallization in lactose/protein mixtures occurred at RVP ≥ 44.1% within 24 h. After crystallization at RVP ≥ 54.5%, water contents remained higher for lactose/protein mixtures than for pure lactose. The rate of lactose crystallization was less in all lactose/protein mixtures than was observed for pure lactose. WPI had the lowest effect on lactose crystallization. Crystallization occurred most slowly in lactose/gelatin mixtures. Both GAB and BET models fitted to water sorption data up to 0.441 aw. It seems that different proteins interact with lactose differently. Water sorption and time‐dependent lactose crystallization of lactose/protein mixtures have important consequences to processing and storage behavior of lactose‐protein based products.
Influence of Hydrolysis Degree on the Functional Properties of Salmon Byproducts Hydrolysates
Authors: Gbogouri G.A. , Linder M. , Fanni J. , Parmentier M.
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACT: Protein hydrolysates from salmon heads were obtained by enzymatic treatment with Alcalase(r) 2.4L. Response surface methodology (RSM) allowed optimization of temperature, enzyme/substrate, and pH leading to various hydrolysates (11.5% to 17.3% hydrolysis degree [DH]) and protein recovery ranging from 47% to 70%. Size exclusion chromatography of hydrolysates showed that small peptides increased only at high DH. The nitrogen solubility index (NSI) of hydrolysates was higher than 75% over a wide range of pH values, whereas hydrolysates with high DH had the best solubility. Emulsifying capacity, emulsion stability, and fat absorption capacity were better when DH was low.
Effect of Extraction pH and Temperature on Isoflavone and Saponin Partitioning and Profile During Soy Protein Isolate Production
Authors: Rickert D.A. , Meyer M.A. , Hu J. , Murphy P.A.
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACT: Soy protein isolates (SPIs) are produced industrially using methods using various protein extraction temperatures and pH values. The effects of process temperature (25°C or 60°C) and pH (8.5, 9.5, or 10.5) on isoflavone and group B saponin extraction, partitioning, and profile during bench‐scale SPI production were evaluated. Protein, isoflavone, and saponin extraction increased with increasing temperature and pH. Substantial quantities of isoflavones and saponins remained in the insoluble fraction waste stream. Isoflavones were also lost to the whey waste stream, whereas saponins were not detected in the whey. Neutralization of SPI samples at the time of analytical extraction increased measured isoflavone concentrations for the pH 8.5 process extraction treatments, whereas neutralization substantially increased measured saponin concentrations in SPIs for all process extraction treatments. Malonylglucoside isoflavones were primarily converted to β‐glucoside forms as temperature and pH were increased, and these conditions caused conversion of αg, βg, and βa saponins to saponin V, I, and II forms, respectively. Analytical extraction pH should receive careful consideration when analyzing soy matrices for isoflavones and saponins.
The Azores diversity enigma: why are there so few Azorean endemic flowering plants and why are they so widespread?
Authors: Carine Mark A. , Schaefer Hanno
Published: August 2009

Aim  Endemism in the flora of the Azores is high (33%) but in other respects, notably the paucity of evolutionary radiations and the widespread distribution of most endemics, the flora differs markedly from the floras of the other Macaronesian archipelagos. We evaluate hypotheses to explain the distinctive patterns observed in the Azorean endemic flora, focusing particularly on comparisons with the Canary Islands.

Location  Azores archipelago.

Methods  Data on the distribution and ecology of Azorean endemic flowering plants are reviewed to ascertain the incidence of inter‐island allopatric speciation and adaptive, ecological speciation. These are contrasted with patterns for the Canary Islands. Patterns of endemism in the Azores and Canaries are further investigated in a phylogenetic context in relation to island age. beast was used to analyse a published molecular dataset for Pericallis (Asteraceae) and to investigate the relative ages of Azorean and Canarian lineages.

Results  There are few examples of inter‐island allopatric speciation in the Azorean flora, despite the considerable distances between islands and sub‐archipelagos. In contrast, inter‐island allopatric speciation has been an important process in the evolution of the Canary Islands flora. Phylogenetic data suggest that Azorean endemic lineages are not necessarily recent in origin. Furthermore, in Pericallis the divergence of the Azorean endemic lineage from its closest relative pre‐dates the radiation of a Canarian herbaceous clade by inter‐island allopatric speciation.

Main conclusions  The data presented do not support suggestions that hypotheses pertaining to island age, age of endemic lineages and ecological diversity considered individually explain the lack of radiations and the widespread distribution of Azorean endemics. We suggest that palaeoclimatic variation, a factor rarely considered in macroecological studies of island diversity patterns, may be an important factor. Palaeoclimatic data suggest frequent and abrupt transitions between humid and arid conditions in the Canaries during the late Quaternary, and such an unstable climate may have driven the recent diversification of the flora by inter‐island allopatric speciation, a process largely absent from the climatically more stable Azores. Further phylogenetic/phylogeographic analyses are necessary to determine the relative importance of palaeoclimate and other factors in generating the patterns observed.
The interplay between learning and the use of ICT in Rwandan student teachers' everyday practice
Authors: Mukama E.
Published: August 2009

The paper describes a study conducted in Rwanda involving 12 participants selected from a larger cohort of 24 final‐year university students who were part of a group‐based training programme. The programme was about how to search, retrieve, and use web‐based literature. Empirical data were collected through interviews and focus group discussions. The purpose was to explore ways of using information and communication technology (ICT) in student teachers' everyday learning practice. The study draws from a sociocultural perspective and emphasis is put on a literature review involving ICT in teacher education. The findings reveal that utilization of ICT pertains to three major types of variation among student teachers who use ICT: passive, reluctant, and active users. The active ICT users demonstrated a capacity to cross group boundaries and play a central role as agents of change in learning practice. The point is that more experienced student teachers can assist their colleagues in the zone of proximal development and, therefore, enhance the integration of the new technology in teacher education. This implies that having access to ICT together with some instruction is not sufficient to prompt students to start using this technology as a pedagogical tool. Moreover, confrontation of different experiences regarding the use of ICT can spearhead change in student teachers' learning practice through critical reflection.
Cause‐specific mortality and death certificate reporting in adults with moderate to profound intellectual disability
Authors: Tyrer F. , McGrother C.
Published: August 2009

Background The study of premature deaths in people with intellectual disability (ID) has become the focus of recent policy initiatives in England. This is the first UK population‐based study to explore cause‐specific mortality in adults with ID compared with the general population.

Methods Cause‐specific standardised mortality ratios (SMRs) and exact 95% confidence intervals were calculated by age and sex for adults with moderate to profound ID living in the unitary authorities of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, UK, between 1993 and 2006. Causes of death were also studied to determine how often ID and associated conditions, such as Down syndrome, were mentioned.

Results A total of 503 (17% of population) adults with ID died during the 14‐year study period (30 144 person‐years). Relatively high cause‐specific mortality was seen for deaths caused by congenital abnormalities (SMR = 8560), diseases of the nervous system and sense organs (SMR = 1630), mental disorders (other than dementia) (SMR = 1141) and bronchopneumonia (SMR = 647). Excess deaths were also seen for diseases of the genitourinary system or digestive system, cerebrovascular disease, other respiratory infections, dementia (in men only), other circulatory system diseases (in women only) and accidental deaths (in women only). Two‐fifths (n = 204; 41%) of deaths recorded in adults with ID mentioned ID or an associated condition as a contributing cause of death.

Conclusions Strategies to reduce inequalities in people with ID need to focus on decreasing mortality from potentially preventable causes, such as respiratory infections, circulatory system diseases and accidental deaths. The lack of mention of ID on death certificates highlights the importance of effective record linkage and ID reporting in health and social care settings to facilitate the government's confidential inquiry into causes of death in this population.
Effects of damage of the l‐XII nerve that innervates tongue retractive muscles in rats
Authors: MIYAOKA Y. , ASHIDA I.
Published: August 2009

Summary  The aim of this study was to examine whether sectioning of the lateral branches of the hypoglossal nerves (l‐XII) in young male rats affects regulation of body weight, food intake and water intake in their period of growth by using a linear fixed effects model or not. Three groups of the rats were prepared according to treatments applied at about 4 weeks after birth to the l‐XII innervating the hyoglossus, styloglossus and inferior longitudinal muscles: bilaterally sectioned (n = 9), unilaterally sectioned (n = 3) and sham‐operated (n = 6) groups. Changes in body weight, food intake and water intake of the rats in the three groups were measured for 32 days before and after the treatments. To test the abilities of eating and drinking, the amounts of food and water intake were also measured for 1 and 2 min, respectively, after 20 h food and water deprivation at the final stage of the experiment. The major findings obtained were that (i) bilateral sectioning of the l‐XII in the young rats significantly reduced body weight and the amount of water, not food, intake consumed and (ii) the bilateral sectioning affected the ability of eating and bilateral and unilateral sectioning affected that of drinking. The results suggest that bilateral sectioning of the lateral branches of XII nerve in young male rats affects regulation of body weight and water intake in their period of growth.
Proteinase‐activated receptors 1and 2 mediate contraction of human oesophageal muscularis mucosae
Authors: Chang B.‐s. , Chang J.‐c. , Huang S.‐c.
Published: August 2009

Abstract Proteinase‐activated receptors 1 and 2 mediate contraction of the human gallbladder. In the present study, we investigated effects mediated by proteinase‐activated receptors (PARs) in the human oesophagus by measuring contraction of muscularis mucosae strips isolated from the human oesophagus. Both PAR1agonists (thrombin, SFLLRN‐NH2and TFLLR‐NH2) and PAR2agonists (trypsin, 2‐furoyl‐LIGRLO‐NH2and SLIGKV‐NH2) caused concentration‐dependent contraction. In contrast, PAR1and PAR2control peptides did not cause contraction. The existence of PAR1and PAR2in the human oesophageal muscularis mucosae was confirmed by immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction. On the other hand, PAR4agonists, GYPGKF‐NH2, GYPGQV‐NH2and AYPGKF‐NH2, did not cause contraction or relaxation in resting or carbachol‐contracted muscularis mucosae strips, suggesting that PAR4is not involved in human oesophageal motility. The contractile responses to SFLLRN‐NH2and trypsin in the human oesophagus were insensitive to atropine and tetrodotoxin, indicating that the contractile response was not neurally mediated. Taken together, these results demonstrate that PAR1and PAR2but not PAR4mediate contraction in human oesophageal muscularis mucosae. PAR1and PAR2may influence human oesophageal motility.
Does pancreas transplant in diabetic patients affect the evolution of necrobiosis lipoidica?
Authors: Souza Aieska D. , El‐Azhary Rokea A. , Gibson Lawrence E.
Published: August 2009

Background  Necrobiosis lipoidica (NL) is a non‐infectious granulomatous skin disorder, with average age of onset is between 30 to 41 years, and female : male ratio of 3 : 1. The strongest systemic disease associated is diabetes mellitus (DM). Many treatment options are used for NL with variable success. To verify if reversal of the diabetic state is related to improvement of NL, we compared the evolution of NL lesions in patients who received a pancreas transplant with those who received a kidney.

Methods  Retrospective chart review of diabetic patients with NL who underwent transplant.

Results  A total of fifteen patients were identified and divided into two groups: group I (n = 11) consisted of patients who underwent pancreas only or pancreas plus kidney transplant, group II (n = 4) underwent kidney only transplant. Of the eleven patients in Group I, five had NL lesions at the time of transplant and all achieved resolution of these lesions. One patient experienced recurrence of NL associated with transplant rejection. In group II, one patient who had NL lesions at the time of transplant had persistent lesions after the transplant. Resolution of NL was observed in 45% (five/eleven) of the cases in the pancreas +/− kidney transplant group, whereas the one patient who had active NL and kidney transplant failed to demonstrate improvement of the lesion after the procedure, despite the concomitant use of immunosuppressant therapy.

Conclusions  Patients experienced improvement of NL within 2–8 weeks following pancreas transplantation. Metabolic changes, improvement of the microcirculation and normalization of blood glucose levels may be playing a role in the resolution of NL.
Reproducibility of food atopy patch tests over time in the general child population
Authors: Jesenak Milos , Banovcin Peter , Rennerova Zuzana , Jakusova Lubica , Havlicekova Zuzana , Pohanka Vladimir , Villa Maria Pia , Ronchetti Roberto
Published: August 2009

Background  The atopy patch test (APT) is no longer an experimental method; it is increasingly being used as a standard diagnostic tool for the characterization of patients with aeroallergen‐ and food‐triggered disorders. Some technical aspects of this test still remain to be answered. We aimed to study the reproducibility of this test over time in the general child population.

Methods  In a general population of 118 children, we investigated the reproducibility of duplicate APTs with four food allergens in their native form, which were repeated at set intervals from the first test: 7 days (group 1), 14 days (group 2), and 21 days (group 3).

Results  We observed very poor reproducibility on both sides of the back in all three studied subgroups. The reproducibility rates and Cohen's κ values did not improve when we did not consider the side of the back. There were no differences in the prevalence of atopy between the subjects with reproducible and nonreproducible APT results. All three groups studied showed no difference in the prevalence rates of atopy. There was no relationship between APT and skin prick test positivity for the same allergen. Questionnaire‐derived data about previous food‐related reactions did not help in the evaluation of the doubtful nonreproducible APT results with food allergens.

Conclusions  Our results show that the reproducibility of food APTs is poor and unsatisfactory over time, and there is an urgent need for the development of optimal, stable, and good‐quality APT testing substances.
Patch test reaction on Ethiopian subjects with eczema
Authors: Bilcha Kassahun Desalegn , Shibeshi Dagnachew , Grangsjo Anders , Hiletework Mengistu
Published: August 2009

Background  Allergic contact dermatitis is a common condition with an incidence of 1–10% in the general population. An increasing number of allergens in the environment are responsible for the condition. These allergens can be identified using patch testing. Many countries have a standard series of common allergens used for patch testing. There is no standard series of allergens in Ethiopia, and our objective was to obtain baseline data for common allergens for future standardization.

Methods  One hundred and eighty‐one subjects with eczema were patch tested using 17 selected allergens from Chemotechnique Diagnostics AB employing a standard procedure.

Results  Positive patch test reactions were detected in more than 60% of subjects, the most common allergen being nickel, followed by fragrance mix and butylphenolformaldehyde. A higher incidence of positive reactions was seen in females.

Conclusions  A high incidence of positive patch test reactions was identified in the study population, and the introduction of patch testing in Ethiopia is essential for the management of allergic contact dermatitis.
Amoxicillin–clavulanic acid‐induced linear immunoglobulin A bullous dermatosis: case report and review of the literature
Authors: Panasiti Vincenzo , Rossi Mariarita , Devirgiliis Valeria , Curzio Michela , Bottoni Ugo , Calvieri Stefano
Published: August 2009

Background Linear immunoglobulin A bullous dermatosis (LABD) is an autoimmune subepidermal blistering disease, rarely induced by drugs.

Methods We describe a case of a 47‐year‐old man who developed a severe blistering eruption after therapy with amoxicillin–clavulanic acid.

Results Histopathologic examination and direct immunofluorescence were consistent with a diagnosis of LABD. Therapy with dapsone controlled the disease but, after sun exposure, there was a worsening of the illness.

Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the first case of amoxicillin–clavulanic acid‐induced LABD in an adult.
Cutaneous pili migrans: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Luo Di‐Qing , Liu Jun‐Hua , Huang Ying‐Biao , He Ding‐Yang , Zhang Hai‐Yan
Published: August 2009

Background  Cutaneous pili migrans is a rare condition in which the hair shaft penetrates the superficial layer of the skin and produces a creeping eruption mimicking the lesion of cutaneous larva migrans.

Methods  We report a 28‐year‐old Chinese man who presented with a painful and slow‐moving black, linear eruption on the left sole after walking on a waterlogged street wearing slippers without socks.

Results  The lesion started at the anterior part of the foot near the external border, extending linearly along Langer's line towards the lateral side. It then turned in a U‐shaped direction and moved across the foot to the other side, where it made a right angle and moved along the internal side of the foot. The lesion was reminiscent of cutaneous larva migrans. Walking made the line move more quickly. Physical examination showed that there was a broken epidermis at the probable entrance and a black thin line at the advancing end of the lesion. The black line was demonstrated to be a hair shaft with a sharp head by a shallow incision of the skin and examination under a microscope. After removal of the hair, the pain disappeared and the lesion diminished immediately, leaving slight pigmentation.

Conclusion  The broken epidermis may be one of the main reasons for the hair shaft entering the skin. The force of body motion caused movement, which was made easier by the sharp head of the hair shaft. Hair can produce an eruption reminiscent of cutaneous larva migrans.
Effect of progesterone on gonococci‐induced apoptosis and respiratory burst of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes in vitro
Authors: Chen Hongxiang , Wu Zhihong , Juan Li , Chen Rongyi , Yu Ying , Xu Li , Shuai Jun , Tu Ya‐Ting
Published: August 2009

Background  Progesterone may have clinical relevance in females with asymptomatic gonococcal infections.

Aim  To investigate the regulatory effect of progesterone on apoptosis and oxidative burst activity of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) challenged by Neisseria gonorrhoeae in vitro.

Methods  Isolated PMNs were incubated with progesterone or staurosporine. Staurosporine was used as a positive control for our in vitro model. Expression levels of inhibitory apoptosis proteins (IAPs), cellular IAP2 (cIAP2), and X‐linked IAP (XIAP) were determined by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In addition, PMN apoptosis at various time points (3, 8, 12, and 24 h) was assayed by flow cytometry. Luminol amplified chemiluminescence methods were used to quantify the oxidative burst function of PMNs challenged with N. gonorrhoeae ST2951.

Results  cIAP2 was upregulated significantly in PMNs with progesterone treatment in 3 h, and XIAP was upregulated slightly compared with the medium + ST2951 group, whereas cIAP2 was downregulated in staurosporine‐challenged PMNs. In addition, we found that progesterone delayed the onset of apoptosis activity in N. gonorrhoeae ST2951‐challenged PMNs, notably at 12 h. No statistically significant changes in PMN oxidative burst activity were observed at 10 ng/mL of progesterone. Staurosporine enhanced the production of superoxide anion (respiratory burst) of human PMNs stimulated by N. gonorrhoeae.

Conclusion  Progesterone plays an important regulatory role in the interaction of PMNs and N. gonorrhoeae. Delayed PMN apoptosis induced by progesterone presumably acts as a mechanism for N. gonorrhoeae to avoid the innate immune response and establish long‐term, low‐level infection in the female reproductive tract.
The safety of donor in living donor small bowel transplantation – an analysis of four cases
Authors: Ji Gang , Chu Dake , Wang Weizhong , Dong Guanglong
Published: August 2009

Abstract:  Intestinal transplantation using living‐related donors could potentially reduce the severity of rejection responses against this highly immunogenic organ by better tissue matching and shorter cold ischemia duration, compensating for the shortage of donor grafts. The purpose of this study is to assess the safety of donors receiving living donor small bowel transplantation (LDSBT) in our hospital by reviewing the risk of operations and absorbing capability recovering retrospectively based on the parameters, such as body weight loss, blood loss, blood transfusion, operation time, duration of hospitalization, complications, and d‐xylose tolerance test. After a follow‐up period (mean 72 months, range: 48–96 months) of four cases of donors performed LDSBT in Xijing Hospital of digestive diseases dated from May 1999 to September 2003, no complication occurred. Therefore, pre‐operation angiography, meticulous management of operation and accurate post‐operation monitoring were particularly necessary to guarantee the safety of donors.
Parental anxiety before and after food challenges in children with suspected peanut and hazelnut allergy
Authors: Zijlstra Wieneke T. , Flinterman Annebeth E. , Soeters Lotte , Knulst André C. , Sinnema Gerben , L'Hoir Monique P. , Pasmans Suzanne G.
Published: August 2009

Zijlstra WT, Flinterman AE, Soeters L, Knulst AC, Sinnema G, L’Hoir MP, Pasmans SG. Parental anxiety before and after food challenges in children with suspected peanut and hazelnut allergy. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2010: 21: e439–e445. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S

As ingestion of peanut and hazelnut by allergic children is potentially life threatening, parents of these children need to be vigilant about their child’s dietary intake. This may cause high levels of anxiety. To assess parental anxiety about food‐allergic reaction in their child (state anxiety) and their personal disposition to anxiety (trait anxiety). Parental anxiety was investigated again after food challenges. Fifty‐seven children (3–16 yr, mean age 7.2) with suspected peanut or hazelnut allergy (mean specific IgE 20.9) were evaluated by double‐blind, placebo‐controlled food challenge (DBPCFC). Thirty‐two children (56%) developed an allergic reaction. All parents completed the Spielberger State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) prior to DBPCFC and 2 wk, 3 months and 1 yr thereafter. The mean anxiety scores on these moments were compared with each other and with general Dutch norms. The STAI was also investigated in a group that refused DBPCFC. Prior to DBPCFC, parents had high levels of state anxiety in contrast to a lower trait anxiety compared to the norm group. After DBPCFC, the state anxiety was significantly lower, regardless of a positive or negative outcome (p ≤ 0.05). The state anxiety was still significant lower after 1 yr (p ≤ 0.03). The trait anxiety remained unchanged in mothers and slightly decreased in fathers. The state anxiety in the group that refused DBPCFC was comparable to the challenge group, but the trait anxiety was significantly higher (p = 0.038). Parents of children with suspected peanut or hazelnut allergy show high levels of anxiety about a food‐allergic reaction. After DBPCFC, the anxiety was significantly lower, even in the group with a positive outcome.
Plasmapheresis treatment of antibody‐mediated rejection in an A2 donor to O pediatric liver transplant recipient
Authors: Martin T. , Schwartz J. , Demetris A. , Comstock J. , Lowichik A. , Book L.
Published: August 2009

Martin T, Schwartz J, Demetris A, Comstock J, Lowichik A, Book L. Plasmapheresis treatment of antibody‐mediated rejection in an A2 donor to O pediatric liver transplant recipient. Pediatr Transplantation 2011: 15:E15–E18. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  It is safe to transplant kidneys from blood group A2 donors into O recipients if the latter have low titers of anti‐A antibodies. However, in liver transplantation, O and B recipients of A2 donor livers are not routinely screened for anti‐blood group antibodies because of the immuno‐absorptive capacity of the liver and the low incidence of antibody‐mediated rejection. Herein, we report a rare case of combined cell and antibody‐mediated rejection in a pediatric blood group O recipient of an A2 donor liver, and rescue of the allograft using PP and IVIG.
The efficiency of purifying selection in Mammals vs. Drosophila for metabolic genes
Authors: PETIT N. , BARBADILLA A.
Published: August 2009

The nearly neutral theory of molecular evolution states that the efficiency of natural selection depends on the effective population size. By using a wide range of multispecies data on nucleotide polymorphism, we have tried to ascertain whether there are any differences in the level of selective constraints of metabolic process genes between Mammals and Drosophila species. The results are consistent with a higher selective constraint in Drosophila than in Mammals, according to the expected under the nearly neutral model: purifying selection seems to be more efficient in species with a larger effective population size.
The effect of pathogens on selection against deleterious mutations in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: YOUNG JADENE A. , YOURTH CHRISTOPHER P. , AGRAWAL ANEIL F.
Published: August 2009

In natural populations, fitness is reduced by both deleterious mutations and parasites. Few studies have examined interactions between these two factors, particularly at the level of individual genes. We examined how the presence of a bacterial pathogen, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, affected the selection against each of eight deleterious mutations in Drosophila melanogaster. We found that mutations tended to become more deleterious in the presence of disease. This increase in the average selection was primarily due to three genes with the remainder showing little evidence of change.