bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determinants of seston C : P‐ratio in lakes
Authors: HESSEN DAG O.
Published: July 2006

1. The ratio of carbon to phosphorus (C : P) in seston is a major determinant of energy transfer in aquatic food webs and may vary more than an order of magnitude owing to various extrinsic and intrinsic factors. In this study, the determinants of C : P‐ratios in lake particulate matter (seston) was assessed in 112 Norwegian lakes, covering a C : P (atomic ratio) from 24 to 1842 (mean 250).

2. No overall effects of lake area, season or latitude on C : P was detected. Particulate P, but not particulate C, correlated with C : P. Multivariate analysis including a range of lake properties revealed total dissolved P, as the major determinant of sestonic C : P, with the fraction of detritus in total seston, chlorophyll or Secchi depth and lake colour as significant contributors. Together these parameters explained 30% of observed variance if using dissolved P and 81% if using total P as input variable to the multivariate model.

3. Chlorophyll and Secchi depth were highly correlated and substitutable in the analysis. Phytoplankton community composition did not affect seston C : P, probably reflecting the fact that live phytoplankton generally contributed <25% of the seston pool.

4. Total P correlated positively with C : P and is the key determinant of phytoplankton biomass and thus Secchi depth; the latter parameters contributed negatively to seston C : P, probably owing to increased light attenuation. These lake data thus support the light : nutrient ratio hypothesis, i.e. that high light and low P cause skewed uptake ratios of C to P.

5. Zooplankton biomass in general and Daphnia biomass in particular, was negatively correlated with C : P, probably reflecting a negative impact of poor seston quality at high C : P. Zooplankton grazing and nutrient recycling may also have contributed to a negative correlation between zooplankton biomass and sestonic C : P.
Mammalian CLASPs are required for mitotic spindle organization and kinetochore alignment
Authors: Mimori‐Kiyosue Yuko , Grigoriev Ilya , Sasaki Hiroyuki , Matsui Chiyuki , Akhmanova Anna , Tsukita Shoichiro , Vorobjev Ivan
Published: July 2006

CLASP1 and CLASP2 are homologous mammalian proteins, which associate with the ends of growing microtubules, as well as the cell cortex and the kinetochores of mitotic chromosomes. Previous studies have shown that in interphase cells CLASPs can attach microtubule plus ends to the cortex and stabilize them by repeatedly rescuing them from depolymerization. Here we show that CLASP1 and 2 play similar and redundant roles in organizing the mitotic apparatus in HeLa cells. Simultaneous depletion of both CLASPs causes mitotic spindle defects and a significant metaphase delay, which often results in abnormal exit from mitosis. Metaphase delay is associated with decreased kinetochore tension, increased kinetochore oscillations and more rapid microtubule growth. We show that the association of CLASP2 with the kinetochores relies on its C‐terminal domain, but is independent of microtubules or association with CLIP‐170. We propose that CLASPs exhibit at the kinetochores an activity similar to that at the cortex, providing apparent stabilization of microtubules by locally reducing the amplitude of growth/shortening episodes at the microtubule ends. This local stabilization of microtubules is essential for the formation of normal metaphase spindle, completion of anaphase and cytokinesis.
AMY‐1 (associate of Myc‐1) localization to the trans‐Golgi network through interacting with BIG2, a guanine‐nucleotide exchange factor for ADP‐ribosylation factors
Authors: Ishizaki Ray , Shin Hye‐Won , Iguchi‐Ariga Sanae M. M. , Ariga Hiroyoshi , Nakayama Kazuhisa
Published: July 2006

AMY‐1 (associate of Myc‐1) was originally identified as a c‐Myc‐binding protein that enhances the c‐Myc transcription activity, and subsequently found to interact with A‐kinase‐anchoring proteins (AKAPs), including AKAP149, S‐AKAP84 and AKAP95. We show here that, using anti‐AMY‐1 antibodies we raised, AMY‐1 localizes to the trans‐Golgi network (TGN) and the nucleus. To explore the possible function of AMY‐1, we have undertaken a search for interacting partners by co‐immunoprecipitation experiments using cells stably expressing FLAG‐tagged AMY‐1. Interestingly, we have found that AMY‐1 interacts with BIG2 and BIG1, both of which are high molecular weight guanine‐nucleotide exchange factors for ADP‐ribosylation factors (ARFs) and mainly localize to the TGN. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that AMY‐1 is associated with the TGN through interacting with BIG2 but not with BIG1 using an RNA interference approach, although AMY‐1 can interact with both BIG1 and BIG2 in vitro. Taken together with the facts that BIG2 contains domains that bind to regulatory subunits of protein kinase A and that recruitment of ARF1 onto Golgi membranes is mediated, at least in part, by activation of protein kinase A, these results suggest that BIG2 alone or in concert with recruited AMY‐1 coordinates ARF‐mediated membrane trafficking and signaling pathways.
Diurnal, seasonal and annual variation in net ecosystem CO2 exchange of an alpine shrubland on Qinghai‐Tibetan plateau
Authors: ZHAO LIANG , LI YINGNIAN , XU SHIXIAO , ZHOU HUAKUN , GU SONG , YU GUIRUI , ZHAO XINQUAN
Published: July 2006

Thus far, grassland ecosystem research has mainly been focused on low‐lying grassland areas, whereas research on high‐altitude grassland areas, especially on the carbon budget of remote areas like the Qinghai‐Tibetan plateau is insufficient. To address this issue, flux of CO2 were measured over an alpine shrubland ecosystem (37°36′N, 101°18′E; 325 above sea level [a. s. l.]) on the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau, China, for 2 years (2003 and 2004) with the eddy covariance method. The vegetation is dominated by formation Potentilla fruticosa L. The soil is Mol–Cryic Cambisols. To interpret the biotic and abiotic factors that modulate CO2 flux over the course of a year we decomposed net ecosystem CO2 exchange (NEE) into its constituent components, and ecosystem respiration (Reco). Results showed that seasonal trends of annual total biomass and NEE followed closely the change in leaf area index. Integrated NEE were −58.5 and −75.5 g C m−2, respectively, for the 2003 and 2004 years. Carbon uptake was mainly attributed from June, July, August, and September of the growing season. In July, NEE reached seasonal peaks of similar magnitude (4–5 g C m−2 day−1) each of the 2 years. Also, the integrated night‐time NEE reached comparable peak values (1.5–2 g C m−2 day−1) in the 2 years of study. Despite the large difference in time between carbon uptake and release (carbon uptake time < release time), the alpine shrubland was carbon sink. This is probably because the ecosystem respiration at our site was confined significantly by low temperature and small biomass and large day/night temperature difference and usually soil moisture was not limiting factor for carbon uptake. In general, Reco was an exponential function of soil temperature, but with season‐dependent values of Q10. The temperature‐dependent respiration model failed immediately after rain events, when large pulses of Reco were observed. Thus, for this alpine shrubland in Qinghai‐Tibetan plateau, the timing of rain events had more impact than the total amount of precipitation on ecosystem Reco and NEE.
Effects of grazing intensity on soil carbon stocks following deforestation of a Hawaiian dry tropical forest
Authors: ELMORE ANDREW J. , ASNER GREGORY P.
Published: July 2006

The effects of forest‐to‐pasture conversion on soil carbon (C) stocks depend on a combination of climatic and management factors, but factors that relate to grazing intensity are perhaps the least understood. To understand the long‐term impact of grazing in converted pastures, methods are needed that accurately measure the impact of grazing on recent plant inputs to soil C in a variety of pasture management and climate settings. Here, we present an analysis from Hawai'i of changes in vegetation structure and soil organic carbon (SOC) along gradients of grazing intensity and elevation in pastures converted from dry tropical forest 100 years ago. We used hyperspectral remote sensing of photosynthetic vegetation, nonphotosynthetic vegetation (NPV) and exposed substrate to understand the effects of grazing on plant litter cover, thus, estimating recent plant inputs to soils (the NPV component). Forest‐to‐pasture conversion caused a shift from C3 to C4 plant physiology, thus the δ13C method was used in soil cores to measure the fraction of SOC accumulated from pasture vegetation sources following land conversion. SOC decreased in pasture by 5–9 kg C m−2, depending upon grazing intensity. SOC derived from C3 (forest) sources was constant across the grazing gradient, indicating that the observed variation in SOC was attributable to changes in C inputs following deforestation. Soil C stocks were also reduced in pastures relative to forest soils. We found that long‐term grazing lowers SOC following Hawaiian forest‐to‐pasture conversion, and that these changes are larger in magnitude that those occurring with elevation (climate). Further we demonstrate a relationship between remotely sensed measurements of surface litter and field SOC measurements, allowing for regional analysis of pasture condition and C storage where limited field data are available.
Empathy, inclusion and enclaves: the culture of care of people with HIV/AIDS and nursing implications
Authors: Hodgson Ian
Published: July 2006

Aim.  This paper reports an empirical research study investigating specific features of the culture of care on a specialized unit supporting people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Background.  The anxiety felt by healthcare workers coming into contact with people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) has been recognized in numerous studies. There is often an amplified notion of threat and a worldview fuelled by stereotypes, which inevitably leads to negative attitudes and stigmatization.

Methods.  An ethnographic approach was used, including a 14‐month period of observation and 31 semistructured interviews. The data were collected during 2000 and 2001 in a large teaching hospital in the United Kingdom.

Findings.  Carers working on this unit who regularly contributed to the care of this client group had a broad range of experience and in many cases had chosen to work in the field. They worked within a social context that had a high level of egalitarianism, a view of PLWHA that appeared more positive and less pejorative than others, and a strongly empathetic approach accompanied by close engagement with the client group.

Conclusion.  Using nursing staff specially prepared for the care of PLWHA could be the most effective way to minimize stigma and discrimination against this client group in the healthcare sector.
Explaining inequalities in access to treatment in lung cancer
Authors: Jack Ruth H. , Gulliford Martin C. , Ferguson Jamie , Møller Henrik
Published: July 2006

Background  Geographical inequalities in lung cancer treatment and patient survival have been described. We hypothesized that lung cancer patients’ access to treatment may be influenced by deprivation and the pathway to care.

Methods  Case notes were reviewed for patients resident in south‐east London who were registered with lung cancer at the Thames Cancer Registry in 1998. Use of surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy or any specific treatment and one‐year survival were examined. Analyses were adjusted for age, sex, histology, stage and basis of diagnosis.

Results  Data for 695 out of 958 (73%) patients were analysed. Subjects who were initially referred to a specialist in thoracic medicine, surgery or oncology were more likely to receive active treatment (71%) than subjects who were referred to other consultants (51%) or who were admitted as emergencies (42%) (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion  Socio‐economic deprivation was associated with lower rates of treatment and this partly explained variations in survival. Subjects who were referred to specialists were more likely to receive active treatment and treatment patterns varied between first trust attended.
The Learning Practice Inventory: diagnosing and developing Learning Practices in the UK
Authors: Rushmer Rosemary K. , Kelly Diane , Lough Murray , Wilkinson Joyce E. , Greig Gail J. , Davies Huw T. O.
Published: July 2006

Background and setting  This paper outlines the development of a diagnostic tool to help Primary Care general practitioner (GP) Practices diagnose the extent to which they are developing effective techniques for collective learning and if their Practice culture supports innovation. This project is undertaken by the University of St Andrews and NHS Education for Scotland.

Methods  Based on Learning Organization and Organizational Learning theory, and using a modified Behaviourally Anchored Rating Scale, the Learning Practice Inventory (LPI) identifies attitudes, behaviours, processes, systems and organizational arrangements associated with being a Learning Practice. The LPI is a self‐assessment, fixed‐choice, survey‐feedback tool that surveys all Practice members.

Results  The survey‐feedback tool empowers Practice members to view, assess and prioritize the developments they wish to make collectively to Practice life. The LPI assumes complexity and non‐linearity in change processes, used longitudinally it tracks the impact of change on Practice life through time. Practitioners and Practices involved in its development give favourable feedback on the tool, and its potential usefulness.

Discussion  This contributes to our wider understanding in three main ways: first, it applies the ideas of Learning Organizations and Organizational Learning to health care settings. Second, as a practical advance, the tool assumes complexity, non‐linearity and systemic knock‐on effects during change in Primary Care. Third, it offers practitioners who work together the opportunity to share knowledge and learning in practical ways helping them to change by themselves and for themselves and their patients.
Mode of attachment and lesions associated with trypanorhynch cestodes in the gastrointestinal tracts of two species of sharks collected from coastal waters of Borneo
Authors: Borucinska J D , Caira J N
Published: July 2006

Lesions associated with two species of tapeworms within the digestive tract of wild‐caught specimens of the bull shark, Carcharhinus leucas, and the sicklefin weasel shark, Hemigaleus microstoma, from Malaysian Borneo are described. Portions of the glandular stomach and pyloric gut with parasites were removed and fixed in 10% formalin buffered in sea water. Whole mounts, histological sections of tissues with and without worms in situ, and scanning electron microscopy images of detached worms were examined. Both species of cestodes belonged to the trypanorhynch family Tentaculariidae. Heteronybelinia estigmena was found in large numbers parasitizing the pyloric gut of C. leucas; an unidentified tentaculariid was found in relatively small numbers in both the glandular stomach and pyloric gut of H. microstoma. Both species burrowed their scoleces deeply in the mucosa and attached via hooked tentacles and unciniform microtriches of the scolex. The lesions induced by the parasites were marked in both sharks and ranged from acute necrotizing to chronic granulomatous gastroenteritis. Regenerative hyperplasia and intestinal metaplasia of gastric epithelium were also present. The severity and character of pathology was causally linked to the intensity of infection, the attachment mode of the parasites, and to the anatomophysiological relationships within the gut of the host shark.
Supporting parents of youths with intellectual disabilities and psychopathology
Authors: Douma J. C. H. , Dekker M. C. , Koot H. M.
Published: July 2006

Background  Parents of children and adolescents with both intellectual disabilities (ID) and psychopathology often experience high levels of parenting stress. To support these parents, information is required regarding the types of support they need and whether their needs are met.

Method  In a sample of 745 youths (aged 10–24 years) with moderate to borderline ID, 289 parents perceived emotional and/or behavioural problems in their child. They were asked about their needs for support and whether these needs were met. Logistic regression analysis revealed the variables associated with both needing and receiving specific types of support. In addition, we asked those parents who had refrained from seeking support about their reasons.

Results  Most parents (88.2%) needed some supports, especially a friendly ear, respite care, child mental health care and information. Parents who perceived both emotional and behavioural problems in their child needed support the most. In addition, parents whose child had any of these problems before the past year, who worried most about their child and suffered from psychopathology themselves, more often needed support. Parents of children with moderate ID or physical problems especially needed ‘relief care’, that is, respite care, activities for the child and practical/material help. The need for a friendly ear was met most often (75.3%), whereas the need for parental counselling was met least often (35.5%). Not receiving support despite having a need for it was primarily related to the level of need. Parents who indicated to have a stronger need for support received support more often than parents who had a relatively low need for support. The parents’ main reasons for not seeking support concerned their evaluation of their child’s problems (not so serious or temporary), not knowing where to find support or wanting to solve the problems themselves first.

Conclusions  Most parents had various support needs that were frequently unmet. Service providers should especially aim at providing information, activities, child mental health care and parental counselling. Furthermore, parents need to be informed about where and how they can obtain what kind of support. A case manager can be of help in this.
Neuromedin U in the Paraventricular and Arcuate Hypothalamic Nuclei Increases Non‐Exercise Activity Thermogenesis
Authors: Novak C. M. , Zhang M. , Levine J. A.
Published: July 2006

Brain neuromedin U (NMU) has been associated with the regulation of both energy intake and expenditure. We hypothesized that NMU induces changes in spontaneous physical activity and nonexercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT) through its actions on hypothalamic nuclei. We applied increasing doses of NMU directly to the paraventricular (PVN) and arcuate hypothalamic nuclei using chronic unilateral guide cannulae. In both nuclei, NMU significantly and dose‐dependently increased physical activity and NEAT. Moreover, NMU increased physical activity and NEAT during the first hour of the dark phase, indicating that the reduction of sleep is unlikely to account for the increased physical activity seen with NMU treatment. As a positive control, we demonstrated that paraventricular NMU also significantly decreased food intake, as well as body weight. These data demonstrate that NMU is positively associated with NEAT through its actions in the PVN and arcuate nucleus. In co‐ordination with its suppressive effects on feeding, the NEAT‐activating effects of NMU make it a potential candidate in the combat of obesity.
Induction of a Hypothyroid State During Juvenile Development Delays Pubertal Reactivation of the Neuroendocrine System Governing Luteinising Hormone Secretion in the Male Rhesus Monkey (Macaca mulatta)
Authors: Mann D. R. , Bhat G. K. , Stah C. D. , Pohl C. R. , Plant T. M.
Published: July 2006

The present study aimed to determine the influence of thyroid status on the timing of the pubertal resurgence in gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone pulse generator activity [tracked by circulating luteinising hormone (LH) levels] in male rhesus monkeys. Six juvenile monkeys were orchidectomised and then treated with the antithyroid drug, methimazole, from 15–19 months until 36 months of age, at which time thyroxine (T4) replacement was initiated. Four additional agonadal monkeys served as controls. Blood samples were drawn weekly for hormonal assessments. Body weight, crown–rump length and bone age were monitored at regular intervals. By 8 weeks of methimazole treatment, plasma T4 had fallen sharply, and the decline was associated with a plasma thyroid‐stimulating hormone increase. In controls, plasma LH levels remained undetectable until the pubertal rise occurred at 29.3 ± 0.2 months of age. This developmental event occurred in only half of the methimazole‐treated animals before 36 months of age when T4 replacement was initiated. The hypothyroid state was associated with a profound arrest of growth and bone maturation, but increased body mass indices and plasma leptin levels. T4 replacement in methimazole‐treated monkeys was associated with the pubertal rise in LH in the remaining three animals and accelerated somatic development in all six animals. Although pubertal resurgence in LH secretion occurred at a later chronological age in methimazole‐treated animals compared to controls, bone age, crown–rump length and body weight at that time did not differ between groups. There were no long‐term differences in plasma prolactin between groups. We conclude that juvenile hypothyroidism in male primates causes a marked delay in the pubertal resurgence of LH secretion, probably occasioned at the hypothalamic level. Whether this effect is meditated by an action of thyroid hormone directly on the hypothalamus or indirectly as a result of the concomitant deficit in somatic development remains to be determined.
Mandibular kinematics associated with simulated low‐velocity rear‐end impacts
Authors: HERNÁNDEZ I. A. , FYFE K. R. , HEO G. , MAJOR P. W.
Published: July 2006

summary  Rear‐end‐impact motor vehicle accidents may result in cervical and temporomandibular‐related pain complaints. Head kimematics in simulated low‐impact rear‐end impacts have been investigated but mandibular kinematics have not been described. Thirty healthy adult subjects underwent three impacts (4·5 m s−2 expected, 10·0 m s−2 unexpected, and 10·0 m s−2 expected). Onset time and peak magnitude of angular head acceleration, angular mandibular acceleration and angular mandibular displacement were measured. Significant mandibular opening acceleration was not identified with rearward head rotation. The peak magnitude of mandibular closing angular acceleration approximately doubled with increased impact magnitude. No differences in peak angular mandibular acceleration regarding expectation were identified. Gender differences were detected in the fast unexpected impact. The peak time for the angular mandibular acceleration (mandibular closure) was approximately 84–120 ms later than peak rearward angular head acceleration for all impacts. Onset and peak times for angular mandibular acceleration (mandibular closure) were similar to the onset and peak times for forward head acceleration. There was also a positive correlation between the magnitude of the forward angular acceleration of the head and angular acceleration of the mandible for the slow (0·65, P = 0·015) and fast expected (0·844, P = 0·001) impacts. The average angular mandibular angular displacement (mandibular closure) was approximately 6°. The hyperextension hypothesis regarding mechanism of temporomandibular joint injury in low‐impact rear‐end collisions cannot be supported.
Shear bond strength of three veneering resins to a Ni–Cr alloy using two bonding procedures
Authors: SEIMENIS I. , SARAFIANOU A. , PAPADOPOULOU H. , PAPADOPOULOS TR.
Published: July 2006

summary  Composite veneering materials are used as alternatives to porcelain in fixed prosthodontics. Mechanical retention of the resin on the metal framework has been associated with the formation of gaps at the resin/alloy interface, and failure of the restoration. Several chemical bonding systems have been introduced to promote resin adhesion. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the shear bond strength of three photocured composites (Artglass, Solidex & Signum+) to a Ni–Cr alloy.72 wax disks covered with 150‐μm diameter beads were cast and divided in two equal groups. In the first group, Metal Photo Primer was applied on the casting surface, while the Siloc system was used in the second. Each group was divided in three subgroups of 12 samples, in which the three composites were photocured. Half of the specimens of each subgroup were subjected to 1000 and 5000 thermal cycles (5 and 55 °C) respectively. All specimens were tested in shear in a universal testing machine. The Siloc–Solidex group showed the highest bond strength (17·3 ± 3·7 MPa). No statistically significant difference was found between specimens treated with Metal Photo Primer or Siloc. Thermocycling did not significantly affect the bond strength values. Solidex showed an adhesive failure mode for both alloy surface treatments, while Artglass and Signum+ exhibited combination failures. Conclusively, the appropriate alloy surface treatment – resin combination can significantly improve the resin–alloy shear bond strength. Specifically, Solidex resin exhibited significantly higher bond values compared with Artglass and Signum+, for both surface treatments and thermocycling procedures.
An anxious profession in an age of fear
Authors: LAKEMAN R.
Published: July 2006

This paper proposes that some practices and trends in mental health care may be considered as defensive responses to collective anxiety and fear. On a larger scale similar dynamics occur around fear of terrorism. Collectively and individually we are pulled by the defensive forces and dynamics associated with anxiety. This can in part explain the polarization that occurs around issues of definition and response to mental illness. Fear and anxiety push services towards simplistic viewpoints and futile practices. The capacity to view things from the perspective of others, embracing explanatory and therapeutic pluralism and adopting a humble attitude, may be helpful in enabling anxiety to be channelled productively.
Troubling ‘insight’: power and possibilities in mental health care
Authors: HAMILTON B. , ROPER C.
Published: July 2006

This paper critiques the conventional concept of ‘insight’ within the mental status assessment, seeking to unseat its taken‐for‐granted definition and the status it has acquired in research and practice. Drawing on social theory, consumer perspective and interdisciplinary research, the paper focuses on the impact of ‘thin’ biomedical understandings of insight, in disqualifying and demoralizing persons subjected to assessment and at the same time creating punitive scrutineers out of well‐intentioned practitioners. Nurses and their mental health colleagues are encouraged to reconsider their reliance on the concept of insight. We entertain the alternative idea that insight is a quality of perception that mental health practitioners can cultivate, to more deeply understand their work, culture and the self.
Iatrogenic sexual dysfunction and the protective withholding of information: in whose best interest?
Authors: HIGGINS A. , BARKER P. , BEGLEY C. M.
Published: July 2006

In recent years a growing body of evidence has highlighted the impact of neuroleptics and antidepressants on sexual function. Research from a service user’s perspective suggested that service users are dissatisfied with the information that they received on drugs, and would like more education, in particular, on the side effects of medication that impact on sexual function. This paper reports some of the findings of a grounded theory study that explored how psychiatric nurses responded to issues of sexuality in practice. Emphasis within the paper is given to how nursing staff addressed the side effects of drugs that impact on sexual function. Findings suggested that nurse addressed the issue of prescribed medication and sexual function in practice, using a ‘Veiling Sexualities Cycle’, which had three subcategories: ‘Hanging the Veil’, ‘Lifting the Veil’ and ‘Re‐veiling’. In the light of contemporary mental health policy, findings from the study are discussed and recommendations for practice and education made.
Co‐infection of malaria with HIV: an immunological perspective
Authors: RÉNIA L. , POTTER S. M.
Published: July 2006

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Plasmodium parasites are pathogens that induce significant perturbation and activation of the immune system. Due to their geographical overlap, there have been concerns that co‐infection with the two pathogens may be a factor in the modification of their development, and in the severity and rate of disease progression that they induce. In this article, we have reviewed some of the studies that have addressed this topic and we have tried to provide immunological mechanisms to explain these potential interactions.
A randomized, placebo‐controlled trial of intermittent preventive treatment with sulphadoxine–pyrimethamine in Gambian multigravidae
Authors: Mbaye A. , Richardson K. , Balajo B. , Dunyo S. , Shulman C. , Milligan P. , Greenwood B. , Walraven G.
Published: July 2006

We investigated the ability of intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp) with sulphadoxine/pyrimethamine to prevent anaemia and low birthweight in Gambian multigravidae. Between July 2002 and February 2004, 2688 multigravidae living in a rural area of The Gambia received SP (1346 women) or placebo (1342 women) up to four times during pregnancy and were followed until 6‐weeks post‐partum. Shortly after delivery, 10.7% of women in the intervention group and 8.8% in the control group were severely anaemic [Hb < 7 g/dl, risk difference = 0.02 (95% CI −0.01, 0.04), P = 0.17]. The overall mean birthweight of infants born to women who had received SP (3103 g) was very similar to that observed in infants born to women in the control group [3075 g; difference = 28 g (95% CI −11 g, 67 g), P = 0.16]. However, among women who did not use a bednet (either insecticide treated or untreated), infants born to women who had received SP weighed more than infants born to women in the control group [3147 g vs. 3044 g; difference 143 g (95% CI 53 g, 232 g), interaction test P < 0.001]. This study did not show that IPTp with SP benefited Gambian multigravidae overall but that it may benefit a sub‐group of women who do not use a bednet. In areas such as The Gambia, provision of insecticide‐treated bednets to multigravidae may provide an adequate means of protection against malaria in pregnancy without the need for additional IPTp.
Reduction in the prevalence and intensity of infection in Onchocerca volvulus microfilariae according to ethnicity and community after 8 years of ivermectin treatment on the island of Bioko, Equatorial Guinea
Authors: Mas J. , Ascaso C. , Escaramis G. , Abellana R. , Duran E. , Sima A. , Sánchez M. J. , Nkogo P. R. , Nguema R. , Untoria M. D. , Echeverria M. A. , Ardevol M. M. , De Jiménez Anta M. T.
Published: July 2006

Bioko is the only island known in the world with endemic onchocerciasis. The island's rural communities consist of villages and cocoa plantations inhabited by Bubi and Fang ethnic groups. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of 8 years of vertical ivermectin distribution on the prevalence and intensity of Onchocerca volvulus infection in the rural population by means of pre‐ (1989) and post‐long term treatment (1998) epidemiological surveys. In both surveys, the entire population of 12 randomly selected communities (1723 and 1082 individuals) was examined. The mean ivermectin therapeutic coverage for the 8 years was 53.2%. Iliac crest skin snips were used for differential diagnosis between O. volvulus and Mansonella streptocerca. The crude O. volvulus infection prevalence before ivermectin intervention was 74.5% (1284/1723); after the intervention it was 38.4% (415/1082). The Community Microfilarial Load (CMFL) before and after ivermectin intervention was 28.29 microfilariae/snip vs. 2.32 microfilariae/snip. The reduction in prevalence and CMFL after eight annual rounds of ivermectin treatment corroborates the drug microfilaricidal activity and good tolerability. In the pre‐treatment survey, the prevalence was higher in the Bubi group (77.1%, 1126/1461); post‐treatment it was higher among the Fang (51.1%, 92/180). The reduction in prevalence and intensity of O. volvulus infection differed between ethnic groups and communities.
Mortality rates in conflict zones in Karen, Karenni, and Mon states in eastern Burma
Authors: Lee Thomas J. , Mullany Luke C. , Richards Adam K. , Kuiper Heather K. , Maung Cynthia , Beyrer Chris
Published: July 2006

Objectives  To estimate mortality rates for populations living in civil war zones in Karen, Karenni, and Mon states of eastern Burma.

Methods  Indigenous mobile health workers providing care in conflict zones in Karen, Karenni, and Mon areas of eastern Burma conducted cluster sample surveys interviewing heads of households during 3‐month time periods in 2002 and 2003 to collect demographic and mortality data.

Results  In 2002 health workers completed 1290 household surveys comprising 7496 individuals. In 2003, 1609 households with 9083 members were surveyed. Estimates of vital statistics were as follows: infant mortality rate: 135 (95% CI: 96–181) and 122 (95% CI: 70–175) per 1000 live births; under‐five mortality rate: 291 (95% CI: 238–348) and 276 (95% CI: 190–361) per 1000 live births; crude mortality rate: 25 (95% CI: 21–29) and 21 (95% CI: 15–27) per 1000 persons per year.

Conclusions  Populations living in conflict zones in eastern Burma experience high mortality rates. The use of indigenous mobile health workers provides one means of measuring health status among populations that would normally be inaccessible due to ongoing conflict.
A retrospective analysis of case series using home‐prepared and chicken hydrolysate diets in the diagnosis of adverse food reactions in 181 pruritic dogs
Authors: Loeffler Anette , Soares‐Magalhaes Ricardo , Bond Ross , Lloyd David H.
Published: July 2006

The purpose of this retrospective study was to compare home‐prepared and chicken hydrolysate diets in the diagnosis of canine adverse food reactions (AFR). Seventy‐two dogs were fed home‐prepared diets and 109 were fed hydrolysate. Owners chose the type of diet at presentation, and ingredients of home‐prepared diets were selected depending on each dog's dietary history. Ectoparasitic infestations and microbial infections were treated during the trials. Cutaneous and gastrointestinal signs and pruritus scores were recorded before starting the diet, 6 weeks into the trials and after provocation with the original diets. AFR was diagnosed if pruritus resolved during the trial and recurred on dietary provocation. The dropout rate was lower for home‐prepared diets although not statistically significant (18.1% home prepared; 24.7% hydrolysate,P = 0.377). AFR alone was diagnosed in 10 dogs (17%) using home‐prepared diets and in 15 (18.3%) fed the hydrolysate. Gastrointestinal problems were more frequent in dogs with AFR than in dogs without AFR (P = 0.001). Another 11 dogs (18.6%) in the home‐prepared diet group and 20 (24.4%) in the hydrolysate diet group had AFR concurrent with other pruritic diseases, mainly atopy. The similar frequencies of AFR diagnosis in the two groups (P = 0.837 AFR;P = 0.416 concurrent AFR) indicate that the chicken hydrolysate diet may be a valuable alternative to home‐prepared diets in the diagnosis of canine AFR. Prospective cross‐over studies are warranted to confirm these findings.
Management of canine atopic dermatitis using the plant extract PYM00217: a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical study
Authors: Ferguson Ewan A. , Littlewood Janet D. , Carlotti Didier‐Noël , Grover Rob , Nuttall Tim
Published: July 2006

This study evaluated PYM00217, a proprietary blend of plant extracts, in the management of canine atopic dermatitis (AD). One hundred and twenty dogs were diagnosed with perennial AD on the basis of history, clinical signs, a positive test for perennial allergens and elimination of other dermatoses. Exclusion criteria included antimicrobials within 7 days, antihistamines within 14 days, oral/topical glucocorticoids or ciclosporin within 28 days, and parenteral glucocorticoids, essential fatty acids or immunotherapy within 56 days. Flea control, shampoos and ear cleaners were permitted. Dogs with a minimum canine atopic dermatitis extent and severity index (CADESI) of 25 were randomly allocated to receive PYM00217 (100, 200 or 400 mg kg−1 day−1) or placebo for 12 weeks. The mean reductions in CADESI (intention‐to‐treat population) were 3.9% (placebo; n = 29), 4.4% (100 mg kg−1 day−1; n = 30), 23.4% (200 mg kg−1 day−1; n = 29) and 8.5% (400 mg kg−1 day−1; n = 29). The reduction in the 200 mg kg−1 day−1 group was significant (P < 0.01). For dogs with a baseline CADESI ≥ 50, the mean changes were +10.6% (placebo; n = 12), +0.6% (100 mg kg−1 day−1; n = 14), −29.3% (200 mg kg−1 day−1; n = 14) and −3.4% (400 mg kg−1 day−1; n = 15). The 200 mg kg−1 day−1 dose was significantly more effective than placebo (P = 0.038). No serious adverse effects were reported. Minor adverse effects seen in 10% (placebo and 100 mg kg−1 day−1), 24% (200 mg kg−1 day−1) and 42% (400 mg kg−1 day−1) of cases were mainly minor gastrointestinal disorders and only five cases required cessation of dosing. Two dogs (one in each of the 100 mg kg−1 day−1 and 200 mg kg−1 day−1 groups) refused to eat the medicated food. In conclusion, PYM00217 at 200 mg kg−1 appears to be an effective, palatable and well‐tolerated treatment for canine AD.
Dormancy cycle and viability of buried seeds of Papaver rhoeas
Authors: CIRUJEDA A , RECASENS J , TABERNER A
Published: July 2006

Seeds of three Spanish Papaver rhoeas populations (two resistant to both tribenuron‐methyl and 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and one susceptible to both herbicides) were buried at 2, 8 and 20 cm depth in Lleida (Catalonia, Spain). At various intervals up to 77 months they were exhumed and tested for germination in an agar medium and for viability in a tetrazolium test. A similar annual dormancy cycle was found for each population in 3 years. Maximum germination occurred between September and December. Practically no seeds germinated between February and May. Burial depth influenced the germination cycle in the first 16 months after burial, and higher germination was found to occur in the seeds that were buried at 2 or 8 cm, but no consistent effect was observed thereafter. In a second study, burial depth had no effect on the loss of dormancy of P. rhoeas seeds in the first 2 months after burial. Viability of the buried seeds decreased slowly throughout the 77‐month experimental period and, at the end of this period, it was 53, 72 and 61% for seeds buried 2, 8 and 20 cm respectively. No significant differences were observed between the three populations.
Prevalence of positive prick test to anaesthetic drugs in the surgical population
Authors: Tamayo E. , Álvarez F. J. , Rodríguez‐Ceron G. , Gómez‐Herreras J. I. , Castrodeza J.
Published: July 2006

Prevalence of patients with positive prick tests to anaesthetics occurred in 4.7% of the surgical population.
The role of iNKT cells in development of bronchial asthma: a translational approach from animal models to human
Authors: Akbari O.
Published: July 2006

The iNKT cell represents a unique T‐lymphocyte sublineage that has been associated with a broad range of disease processes; including host defense against infectious disease, cancer immunity and allergic autoimmune diseases, such as asthma. Studies in both animal models and human subjects suggest that iNKT cells might significantly affect the course of asthma. This study discusses various aspects of iNKT cell function and how it might lead to an important therapeutic target in asthma (airway hyperreactivity).
Improved graft function in liver‐transplanted patients after partial splenic embolization: reversal of splenic artery steal syndrome?
Authors: Bárcena Rafael , Moreno Ana , Foruny José Ramón , Moreno Alberto , Sánchez Juan , Gil‐Grande Luis , Blázquez Javier , Nuño Javier , Fortún Jesús , Rodriguez‐Gandía Miguel Angel , Otón Elena
Published: July 2006

Abstract:  Aim:  To describe the functional effect of partial splenic embolization (PSE) in liver‐transplanted (LT) patients with hypersplenism and hepatitis C virus (HCV) recurrence.

Patients and methods:  From May 2002 to May 2005, five LT patients with persistent hypersplenism, viral recurrence and graft dysfunction underwent PSE prior to pegylated interferon/ribavirin (peg‐IFN/RBV).

Results:  The mean splenic size was 19.5 cm (16–21) and there was evidence of an enlarged splenic artery (10.7 ± 1 mm). PSE produced a median splenic infarction of 90% and a significant reduction in the splenic artery diameter to 5.8 ± 0.4 mm (p = 0.04). PSE significantly improved hematologic parameters, bilirubin levels, prothrombin activity, international normalized ratio and the Model for End‐stage Liver Disease (MELD) score despite high HCV‐RNA (6.2 log10 IU/mL). It was demonstrated histologic amelioration of ischemic changes in all subjects. PSE allowed the safe use of full‐dose peg‐IFN plus RBV in all subjects.

Conclusions:  In HCV LT patients with chronic graft dysfunction and cholestasis the improvement in the liver function following PSE might be due to the reversal of an undiagnosed splenic artery steal syndrome related to chronic hypersplenism masked by HCV recurrence.
The contribution of HLA class I and II alleles and haplotypes to the investigation of the evolutionary history of Tunisians
Authors: Hajjej A. , Kâabi H. , Sellami M. H. , Dridi A. , Jeridi A. , El borgi W. , Cherif G. , Elgaâïed A. , Almawi W. Y. , Boukef K. , Hmida S.
Published: July 2006

The frequencies of HLA class I and class II alleles and haplotypes of 104 healthy unrelated Tunisians were analyzed by high‐resolution PCR‐reverse dot blot hybridization, and was compared with other Mediterranean and Sub‐Saharan Africans using genetic distances measurements, Neighbor‐joining dendrograms, correspondence, and extended haplotypes analysis. The most frequent HLA class I A alleles were A*02, A*24, and A*30, while the most frequent B alleles were B*44, followed by B*50, B*51, and B*07. Among HLA class II DRB alleles analyzed, the most frequent were DRB1*0301, DRB1*0701, DRB1*1501, followed by DRB1*1303 and DRB1*0102; for DQB1, they were DQB1*0301 and DQB1*0201. Three‐locus haplotype analysis revealed that A*03‐B*07‐DRB1*1503 and A*02‐B*44‐DRB1*0402 were the most common HLA class I and II haplotypes in this population. Compared with other communities, our result indicate that Tunisians are very related to North Africans and Western Europeans, particularly Iberians, and that Tunisians, Algerians, and Moroccans are close to Berbers suggesting little genetic contribution of Arabs who populated the area in 7th to 8th century AD. The similarities and differences between Tunisians and neighboring and related communities in HLA genotype distribution provide basic information for further studies of the MHC heterogeneity among Mediterranean and North African countries, and as reference for further anthropological studies.
Hybrid cells formed by fusion of Epstein – Barr virus‐associated B‐lymphoblastoid cells and either marrow‐derived or solid tumour‐derived cell lines display different co‐stimulatory phenotypes and abilities to activate allogeneic T‐cell responses in vitro
Authors: Cywinski A. L. , Dunnion D. J. , Teobald I. , Tucker V. C. , Browning M. J.
Published: July 2006

A panel of stable cell hybrids was generated by fusing a range of marrow‐derived and solid tumour‐derived human cell lines with the B‐lymphoblastoid cell lines, HMy2 or KR4, and expression of immunologically relevant accessory and co‐stimulatory molecules, and ability to stimulate allogeneic T‐cell responses in vitro was investigated. Hybrid cell lines generated from three marrow‐derived tumour cells consistently expressed both MHC class I and class II molecules, a range of accessory and T‐cell co‐stimulatory ligand molecules, including CD80 and CD86, and directly stimulated markedly enhanced T‐cell proliferative responses in vitro, as compared with the parent tumour cell lines. The responses were blocked by addition of CTLA4‐Ig fusion protein to the cultures, indicating a role of CD28/B7 interaction in induction of T‐cell activation. By contrast, hybrid cells derived from three solid tumours only expressed MHC class II when the parent tumour cell line expressed MHC class II and consistently failed to express CD80 or CD86. These hybrid cells also stimulated greater T‐cell proliferative responses in vitro than the parent tumour cell lines, although effective co‐stimulation depended on the presence of responder non‐T cells in the cultures. The expression of co‐stimulatory ligand molecules and ability to directly stimulate strong allogeneic T‐cell responses correlated with the EBV latency type of the hybrid cells. These data suggest that phenotypic and functional differences in fusion cells of professional antigen‐ presenting cells and tumour cells arise as a result of the parent tumour cell type.
Diversity of human leukocyte antigen‐B27 alleles in Han population of Hunan province, southern China
Authors: Ma H‐J. , Hu F‐P.
Published: July 2006

This study was to investigate the frequency of HLA‐B27 and its subtypes in the Han population of Hunan province, southern China. One hundred and sixty‐nine healthy unrelated donors were tested for HLA‐B27 by polymerase chain reaction‐sequence‐specific primer (PCR‐SSP). One hundred and twenty‐eight B27‐positive spondyloarthropathy patients and 18 B27‐positive healthy controls were subtyped using the high‐resolution PCR‐SSP. The phenotype frequency of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐B27 was found to be 2.36% in healthy population. Five B27 alleles were identified: B*2704, B*2705, B*2706, B*2707, and B*2724. No significant difference was found in the distribution of HLA‐B27 subtypes between the patients and controls studied. Notably, B*2724 was observed in a juvenile patient with ankylosing spondylitis. This subtype has not been previously reported in Chinese ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients and other ethnic groups.
Four novel human leukocyte antigen‐DQA1 alleles identified in the Korean population
Authors: Lee K. W. , Jung Y.‐A. , Oh D. H.
Published: July 2006

Four novel human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐DQA1 alleles have been characterized by direct DNA sequencing of coding exons 1–4. All the novel alleles exhibited a single nucleotide substitution either in exon 3 or in exon 4 when compared with previously defined alleles. Thus, it is likely that alleles were generated by point mutation from pre‐existing alleles in the population. Substitutions resulted in either a silent (DQA1*010203) or an amino acid change (DQA1*0506, DQA1*0507, and DQA1*0508). The substituted sites were both previously known polymorphic and conserved positions. Putative haplotypes associated with the novel alleles were deduced based on the HLA types shared by the individuals carrying a novel allele or from previously reported population data.