bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Defects in telomere maintenance molecules impair osteoblast differentiation and promote osteoporosis
Authors: Pignolo Robert J. , Suda Robin K. , McMillan Emily A. , Shen Johnny , Lee Seoung‐Hoon , Choi Yongwon , Wright Alexander C. , Johnson F. Brad
Published: November 2007

Osteoporosis and the associated risk of fracture are major clinical challenges in the elderly. Telomeres shorten with age in most human tissues, including bone, and because telomere shortening is a cause of cellular replicative senescence or apoptosis in cultured cells, including mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and osteoblasts, it is hypothesized that telomere shortening contributes to the aging of bone. Osteoporosis is common in the Werner (Wrn) and dyskeratosis congenita premature aging syndromes, which are characterized by telomere dysfunction. One of the targets of the Wrn helicase is telomeric DNA, but the long telomeres and abundant telomerase in mice minimize the need for Wrn at telomeres, and thus Wrn knockout mice are relatively healthy. In a model of accelerated aging that combines the Wrn mutation with the shortened telomeres of telomerase (Terc) knockout mice, synthetic defects in proliferative tissues result. Here, we demonstrate that deficiencies in Wrn−/– Terc−/– mutant mice cause a low bone mass phenotype, and that age‐related osteoporosis is the result of impaired osteoblast differentiation in the context of intact osteoclast differentiation. Further, MSCs from single and Wrn−/– Terc−/– double mutant mice have a reduced in vitro lifespan and display impaired osteogenic potential concomitant with characteristics of premature senescence. These data provide evidence that replicative aging of osteoblast precursors is an important mechanism of senile osteoporosis.
Soil disturbed using a strip tillage implement on a range of soil types and the effects on sugar beet establishment
Authors: Morris N. L. , Miller P. C. H. , Orson J. H. , Froud‐Williams R. J.
Published: November 2007

The area of soil disturbed using a single tine is well documented. However, modern strip tillage implements using a tine and disc design have not been assessed in the UK or in mainland Europe. Using a strip tillage implement has potential benefits for European agriculture where economic returns and sustainability are key issues. Using a strip tillage system a narrow zone is cultivated leaving most of the straw residue on the soil surface. Small field plot experiments were undertaken on three soil types and the operating parameters of forward speed, tine depth and tine design were investigated together with measurements of seedbed tilth and crop emergence. The type of tine used was found to be the primary factor in achieving the required volume of disturbance within a narrow zone whilst maintaining an area of undisturbed soil with straw residue on the surface. The winged tine produced greater disturbance at a given depth compared with the knife tine. Increasing forward speed did not consistently increase the volume of disturbance. In a sandy clay loam the tilth created and emergence of sugar beet by strip tillage and ploughing were similar but on a sandy loam the strip tillage treatments generally gave a finer tilth but poorer emergence particularly at greater working depth.
Synthesis and spectroscopic properties of novel azo dyes derived from phthalimide
Authors: Choi Jae‐Hong , Park Joon‐Soo , Kim Mi‐Hyeon , Lee Hyun‐Young , Towns Andrew D
Published: November 2007

A set of azo dyes has been synthesised using N‐substituted phthalimides as diazo components. 3,5‐Dibromo‐N‐substituted‐phthalimidylazo derivatives were cyanated by cyanodehalogenation to give dicyano analogues. All of the synthesised intermediates and dyes have been characterised by mass spectrometry, 1H‐NMR or elemental analyses. The gamut of colour of the prepared dyes spanned much of the visible spectrum: absorption maxima of the dyes in formamide were observed in the range 436 to 609 nm. Consistent with results seen in previous studies of non‐phthalimido monoazo disperse dyes, replacement of dibromo groups with dicyano functions in the phthalimide‐based set led to large bathochromic shifts in absorption maxima, as did the introduction of acetylamino groups onto the coupler ring ortho to the azo link. However, switching an N‐propyl function on the imido ring for a benzyl or 3‐cyanopropyl substituent had little effect on absorption maxima. Good correlations between the observed absorption maxima of certain dyes and those of model analogues predicted by Pariser–Parr–Pople molecular orbital calculations were observed when steric effects were absent.
Dyeing behaviour of lyocell fabric: effect of fibrillation
Authors: Goswami Parikshit , Blackburn Richard S , Taylor Jim , Westland Stephen , White Patrick
Published: November 2007

To understand the effect of fibrillation in dyeing, non‐fibrillated lyocell fabrics and fibrillated lyocell fabrics were dyed with different types of reactive dyes. Their exhaustion, fixation and K/S values were measured and compared. It was observed that fibrillated lyocell shows lower visual colour yield than non‐fibrillated lyocell, independent of the exhaustion and fixation. It was also observed that some bifunctional reactive dyes, because of the location of reactive groups and flexibility of their structure, reduced fibrillation of lyocell through crosslinking. It was shown that defibrillating fibrillated lyocell with a cellulase enzyme increased the visual colour yield. Non‐fibrillated lyocell fabrics after dyeing were subjected to a hydroentanglement treatment to create a fibrillation effect. These properties suggest that the lower visual colour yield of fibrillated lyocell is not mainly attributed to any change in fibre properties of the fibrils, but as a result of the light scattering from the fibrillated fabric surface.
Results of Screening With the Brief Headache Screen Compared With a Modified IDMigraineTM
Authors: Maizels Morris , Houle Timothy
Published: November 2007

Background.— Patients with chronic migraine and chronic daily headache syndromes have greater morbidity than patients with episodic migraine, and are less frequently diagnosed. A screening tool which identifies daily headache syndromes as well as migraine would promote more patients receiving appropriate treatment, including prophylaxis.

Methods.— A post‐hoc analysis of data obtained to evaluate the prevalence of somatic symptoms in primary care patients was conducted on a convenience sample of primary care patients who completed the Patient Health Questionnaire portion of the PRIME‐MD (Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders). Patients who endorsed the symptom of headache were asked to complete the Brief Headache Screen (BHS), a 4‐item screening tool, supplemented by 3 clinical questions (nausea, light sensitivity, and noise sensitivity). The data obtained allowed a post‐hoc comparison of the BHS with a modified version of the screening tool, IDMigraineTM (IDMTM). Diagnostic interviews were performed on patients whose diagnoses differed by the 2 screening methods, and on patients who screened positive for daily headache on BHS.

Results.— Of the 1000 patients who completed the PRIME‐MD, 302 (30.2%) indicated headache as a concern, and there were sufficient data for both the BHS and IDMTM for 259. There was substantial concordance between the 2 instruments with 82.6% agreement in identified migraine (95% confidence interval: 77.8%‐87.4%). The BHS screened positive for migraine in an additional 15.1% of patients who were not identified by IDMTM, whereas the IDMTM identified an additional 2.3% of patients. Of the 173 which both tools recognized as migraine, the BHS identified 42.8% as having a daily headache syndrome (chronic migraine: 23.1%; episodic migraine + chronic tension‐type headache [CTTH]: 19.7%). BHS also identified 7 non‐migraine patients as having CTTH alone. Diagnostic interviews confirmed that 6/18 (33%) of BHS+ but IDM−, and one of 2 (50%) patients BHS−/IDM+ met full criteria for migraine. Additionally, interviews confirmed the diagnoses of 85.4% of those patients who the BHS identified with daily headache and 67% of those who were identified as medication overuse headache.

Conclusion.— The BHS and a modified IDMTM are concordant in screening for migraine in 82.6% of a primary care population who endorsed the symptom of headache. However, the BHS screens effectively not only for migraine but also for chronic daily headache and medication overuse. A screening paradigm based on headache frequency and the frequency of medication use can rapidly and sensitively identify migraine, daily headache syndromes, and medication overuse. This paradigm may improve clinical care by identifying patients who merit preventive as well as acute therapy for migraine.
When do seizures usually improve with the ketogenic diet?
Authors: Kossoff Eric H. , Laux Linda C. , Blackford Robyn , Morrison Peter F. , Pyzik Paula L. , Hamdy Rana M. , Turner Zahava , Nordli Douglas R.
Published: November 2007

Summary

Purpose: Parents often expect immediate seizure improvement after starting the ketogenic diet (KD) for their children. The purpose of this study was to determine the typical time to seizure reduction as well as the time after which it was unlikely to be helpful in those children started on the KD.

Methods: Records of all children started on the KD at Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore (n = 83) and Children's Memorial Hospital, Chicago (n = 35) from November 2003 to December 2006 were examined to determine the first day in which seizures were reportedly improved.

Results: Of the 118 children started on the KD, 99 (84%) had documented seizure reduction. The overall median time to first improvement was 5 days (range: 1–65 days). Seventy‐five percent of children improved within 14 days. In those children who were fasted at KD onset, the time to improvement was quicker (median 5 vs. 14 days, p < 0.01) with a higher percentage improving within 5 days (60% vs. 31%, p = 0.01). No difference was identified between fasting and nonfasting in regards to long‐term outcomes, however.

Discussion: The KD works quickly when effective, typically within the first 1–2 weeks. Starting the KD after a fasting period may lead to a more rapid, but equivalent long‐term seizure reduction, confirming prior reports. If the KD has not led to seizure reduction after 2 months, it can probably be discontinued.
Coupling of minor motor events and epileptiform discharges with arousal fluctuations in NFLE
Authors: Terzaghi Michele , Sartori Ivana , Mai Roberto , Tassi Laura , Francione Stefano , Cardinale Francesco , Castana Laura , Cossu Massimo , LoRusso Giorgio , Manni Raffaele , Nobili Lino
Published: November 2007

Summary

Purpose: We recently demonstrated that in nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy (NFLE) highly stereotyped minor motor events (MMEs, in the form of short‐lasting stereotyped movements involving the limbs, the axial musculature, and/or the head), could occur in either the presence or absence of an epileptiform discharge (ED). In lack of a systematic analysis, both MMEs and EDs were frequently observed to occur in association with arousal fluctuations. Hereby, in the same group of refractory NFLE subjects, we report a methodical neurophysiolgical investigation set out to investigate whether, and how, the arousal mechanism, monitored through visual scoring of the cyclic alternating pattern, modulates the expression of MMEs and EDs.

Methods: The relationship of MMEs, EDs and arousal fluctuation was assessed in subjects explored using implanted electrodes.

Results: The occurrence of both EDs and MMEs was associated with higher level of arousal (p < 0.0001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis shows a significant effect of interaction of EDs and MMEs during CAP sleep (p < 0.001).

Conclusions: Both MMEs and EDs are associated with arousal. We suggest that recurrence of EDs in itself can induce an increase in arousal level, which in turn, through a gate effect, facilitate the occurrence of MMEs. Thus, MMEs wouldn't be a direct effect of EDs, but rather originate from an indirect effect related to loss of cortical inhibition, which is secondary to arousal. In this perspective MMEs may be regarded as the result of aspecific dishinibition, triggered by internal epileptiform stimuli, of innate motor patterns generated by central pattern generators (CPGs). The CPG system might represent, through arousal facilitation, the substrate of the heterogeneous expression of MMEs in NFLE.
Late‐Life Body Mass Index and Dementia Incidence: Nine‐Year Follow‐Up Data from the Kungsholmen Project
Authors: Atti Anna Rita , Palmer Katie , Volpato Stefano , Winblad Bengt , De Ronchi Diana , Fratiglioni Laura
Published: November 2007

OBJECTIVES: To describe the association between late‐life body mass index (BMI) and dementia development with a time perspective and to investigate the effect of weight changes on dementia incidence.

DESIGN: Three‐, 6‐, and 9‐year follow‐up study.

SETTING: The Kungsholmen Project.

PARTICIPANTS: One thousand two hundred fifty‐five subjects aged 75 and older with baseline BMI data available.

MEASUREMENTS: Cox‐regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) for dementia detected at different risk periods in relation to baseline BMI. The association between BMI changes and development of dementia after 3 and 6 years was also analyzed.

RESULTS: Subjects with a BMI of 25.0 kg/m2 or higher had a lower risk of developing dementia than subjects with a BMI of 20.0 to 24.9 (HR=0.75, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.59–0.96), even when cases occurring only during the last follow‐up period (6–9 years after BMI assessment) were included (HR=0.66. 95% CI=0.40–1.07). Severe BMI loss (>10%) was related to a greater risk of dementia, but this association was present only for dementia cases detected in the subsequent 3 years (HR=2.18, 95% CI=1.27–3.74).

CONCLUSION: This study does not confirm that being overweight in late life is a risk factor for dementia, although a protective effect for a BMI greater than 25.0 is suggested. In addition, BMI loss is confirmed as a marker of incipient dementia. The findings suggest that, from a clinical perspective, the cognitive profile of elderly persons with unexplained weight loss should be considered and that being moderately overweight at older ages might be indicative of good health status.
Mild Cognitive Impairment: Epidemiology and Dementia Risk in an Elderly Italian Population
Authors: Ravaglia Giovanni , Forti Paola , Montesi Fausta , Lucicesare Anna , Pisacane Nicoletta , Rietti Elisa , Dalmonte Edoardo , Bianchin Marisa , Mecocci Patrizia
Published: November 2007

OBJECTIVES: To investigate prevalence and incidence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and its risk of progression to dementia in an elderly Italian population.

DESIGN: Longitudinal.

SETTING: Population‐based cohort aged 65 and older resident in an Italian municipality.

PARTICIPANTS: A total of 1,016 subjects underwent baseline evaluation in 1999/2000. In 2003/04, information about cognitive outcome was collected for 745 participants who were free of dementia at baseline.

MEASUREMENTS: MCI (classified as with or without impairment of the memory domain), dementia, Alzheimer's dementia (AD), and vascular dementia (VaD) diagnosed according to current international criteria.

RESULTS: Overall prevalence of MCI was 7.7% (95% confidence interval (CI)=6.1–9.7 %) and was greater with older age and poor education. During 4 years of follow‐up, 155 incident MCI cases were diagnosed, with an incidence rate of 76.8 (95% CI=66.8–88.4) per 1,000 person‐years. Approximately half of prevalent and incident MCI cases had memory impairment. Compared with normal cognition, multivariable‐adjusted risk for progression from MCI with memory impairment to dementia was 4.78 (95% CI=2.78–8.07) for any dementia, 5.92 (95% CI=3.20–10.91) for AD, and 1.61 (95% CI=0.37–7.00) for VaD. No association with dementia risk was found for MCI without memory impairment. Approximately one‐third of MCI cases with memory impairment did not progress to dementia.

CONCLUSION: MCI occurs often in this elderly Italian cohort and is associated with greater risk of AD, but only when the impairment involves the memory domain. However, a substantial proportion of MCI cases with memory impairment do not progress to dementia.
Intrahepatic Cholestasis Occurring With Prurigo of Pregnancy
Authors: Cicek Demet , Kandi Basak , Demir Betul , Turgut Dilara
Published: November 2007

A 23‐year‐old woman presented to our polyclinic complaining of itching, generalized dermatitis, and jaundice. She was in her 31st gestational week and had developed pruritus and the dermatitis since the first month of pregnancy; her jaundice started about a month before presentation. Her history included similar complaints in a previous pregnancy, which resulted in premature birth of a baby with a permanent brain defect. One of her sisters had had jaundice and itching in her 27th gestational week and delivered a healthy baby; a second sister had experienced itching and dermatitis in her second trimester and delivered a healthy baby. Physical examination of the patient showed that her eyes were jaundiced (Figure 1); skin examination revealed generalized erythematous excoriated papules, symmetrically distributed all over her body (Figure 2Figure 3). Laboratory analyses revealed the following results: leukocyte count, 14.30/mm3 (3.8–10.3/mm3); erythrocyte sedimentation rate, 25 mm/h (<20 mm/h); aspartate aminotransferase, 44 U/L (5–40 U/L); alanine aminotransferase, 63 U/L (5–40 U/L); lactate dehydrogenase, 1158 U/L (220–450 U/L); total bilirubin, 6.88 mg/dL (<1.10 mg/dL); and direct bilirubin, 3.27 mg/dL (<0.35 mg/dL). Urinalysis results were positive for bilirubin and urobilinogen. Positive serologic findings included rubella immunoglobulin G, 93 AU/mL (<15) and cytomegalovirus, 188 AU/mL (<10); negative findings included herpes simplex virus type 2 and hepatitis. Histopathologic examination of material collected from the left breast via punch biopsy showed parakeratosis, acanthosis, and perivascular lymphocyte infiltration in dermal vessels. Treatment with 2 g/d cholestyramine and a topical corticosteroid was effective in the patient, who was diagnosed with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy and prurigo of pregnancy based on the clinical, histopathologic, and laboratory findings. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first such reported case in the literature.

Scleral icterus.

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Multiple symmetric excoriated erythematous papules on trunk and extensor extremities.

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Excoriated erythematous papules on legs.

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Scrofuloderma: A Forgotten Disease?
Authors: Kiliç Arzu , Gül Ülker , Soylu Seçil , Kaya Ïlhan , Albayrak Levent
Published: November 2007

A 30‐year‐old woman was evaluated in our clinic with swelling localized to the left submandibular region and extending to the anterior part of the neck. Her symptoms first appeared 2 years earlier in the mid region of her neck. After a few months, the lesion enlarged to the left side of her neck and became crusted. She had been treated by several physicians with antibiotics, analgesics, and anti‐inflammatory drugs without response. On physical examination, the patient had an axillary temperature of 38.2°C. Bilateral axillary, cervical, and supraclavicular lymph nodes were detected. Dermatologic examination revealed erythematous nodules of varying sizes starting at the middle of the neck and extending to the left cervical region; an ulcerated lesion on the mid portion of the neck; and a sinus tract in the left cervical region (Figure 1). Laboratory findings included an erythrocyte sedimentation rate of 62 mm/h, but no irregularities were detected in the other hematologic and biochemical parameters. The results were negative for hepatitis markers, human immunodeficiency virus, and syphilis. A purified protein derivative test revealed an 18‐mm induration with a scar of bacilli Calmette‐Guérin at 48 hours. Results of chest radiography were normal, but a computerized tomographic scan of the lung revealed emphysematous changes. Acid‐fast bacilli examination of the sputum was performed 3 times, all with negative results, and sputum cultures were negative for tuberculosis and deep fungal infections. Results of polymerase chain reaction testing of skin tissue, sputum, and urine were negative as well. Abdominal and pelvic ultrasonographic finding were normal; no tuberculous focus was detected from detailed examinations of pulmonary, genitourinary, and skeletal systems. Staining of a biopsy specimen obtained from lesions in the cervical region was positive for acid‐fast bacilli, and cultures were positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The histopathologic features of the biopsy specimen included caseation necrosis at the center and epithelioid histiocytes, lymphocytes, plasma cells, and Langhans cells at the periphery of the granulomas (Figure 2). These findings confirmed the diagnosis of scrofuloderma. The patient received multiagent (isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide) antituberculosis treatment for 3 months. The treatment was continued with isoniazid, rifampicin, and ethambutol for 1 year, with follow‐up clinic visits throughout the period. The lesions improved within the first 3 months of treatment (Figure 3).

The ulcerated lesion on the middle and left side of the neck before multiagent antituberculosis treatment.

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A close‐up view showing caseation necrosis, granulomatous inflammatory cells, epithelioid tubercles, and Langhans cells (hematoxylin and eosin stain; original magnification ×40).

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The appearance of the lesions after 3 months of treatment.

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The effects of acute intraocular pressure elevation on rat retinal glutamate transport
Authors: Holcombe David J. , Lengefeld Nadia , Gole Glen A. , Barnett Nigel L.
Published: November 2007

Purpose:  To investigate the relationship between intraocular pressure (IOP), retinal glutamate transport and retinal hypoxia during acute IOP elevations of varying magnitude.

Methods:  Female Dark Agouti rats were anaesthetized by ketamine/xylazine/acepromazine (10/5/0.5 mg/kg i.p.). The anterior chamber was cannulated with a 30‐gauge needle attached to a saline reservoir. The target IOP (20–120 mmHg, in 10 mmHg increments) was obtained by adjusting the reservoir height. After 10 mins of IOP stabilization, 2 μl of the non‐endogenous glutamate transporter substrate, D‐aspartate, was injected into the vitreous (final concentration 50 μm), and the elevated IOP maintained for a further 60 mins (total duration of IOP elevation was 70 mins). Glutamate transporter function was assessed by the immunohistochemical localization of D‐aspartate. Retinal sections were examined for histological integrity. The experiment was repeated substituting the D‐aspartate with the cellular hypoxia marker, Hypoxyprobe‐1.

Results:  Under control conditions, D‐aspartate was preferentially taken up into the glial Müller cells by glutamate/aspartate transporter (GLAST). This function was maintained at pressures ≤ 70 mmHg, whereafter perturbation of function was evidenced by decreased accumulation of D‐aspartate by Müller cells. Failure of GLAST activity was coincident with the appearance of Hypoxyprobe‐labelled cells in the inner retina and histological damage.

Conclusions:  Glutamate transport does not appear to change linearly with increased IOP. A pressure threshold exists, above which Müller cell GLAST function is compromised. Moreover, ganglion cell glutamate uptake is only apparent at pressures above those that cause GLAST inhibition. The association between IOP, hypoxia, glutamate transporter dysfunction and subsequent retinal cell death may have important implications for the pathogenesis of IOP/ischaemia‐related neuropathy and neuroprotective strategies.
Reduction in admissions of patients with acute primary angle closure occurring in conjunction with a rise in cataract surgery in Taiwan
Authors: Hu Chao‐Chien , Lin Herng‐Ching , Chen Chin‐Shyan , Kuo Nai‐Wen
Published: November 2007

Purpose:  Using 8 year nationwide administrative data, this study sets out to investigate the relationship between the total number of cataract operations undertaken in Taiwan and admissions for acute primary angle closure (APAC).

Methods:  Monthly cataract surgery and APAC admission rates, per 100 000 of the population, were provided by 1997–2004 inpatient and outpatient data obtained from the Taiwanese National Health Insurance Research Database. The 3814 cases of APAC and 503 687 patients who had undergone cataract operations were categorized by age groups (40–49, 50–59, 60–69 and ≥70 years) and by gender. Spearman rank correlation coefficients were used to examine the direction and strength of the relationships.

Results:  Throughout the study period, the admissions for APAC showed a steady decline from 630 cases in 1997 to 351 cases in 2004, while the number of cataract operations revealed a gradual increase from 26 600 in 1997 to 77 924 in 2004. The Spearman rank correlation coefficients showed significant inverse relationships between monthly APAC admission rates and monthly cataract operation rates for the total group (r = −0.407, P < 0.001), males (r = −0.330, P < 0.001), females (r = −0.444, P < 0.001), 40–49 year olds (r = −0.335, P < 0.001), 50–59 year olds (r = −0.497, P < 0.001) and 60–69 year olds (r = −0.417, P < 0.001). No significant inverse relationship was observed for the ≥70 age group.

Conclusion:  Significant inverse relationships were noted between the monthly APAC admission rates and the monthly cataract operation rates. We recommend that data should be collected from other regions and ethnic groups to determine the inter‐relationships.
Complications in patients after intravitreal injection of bevacizumab
Authors: Shima Chiharu , Sakaguchi Hirokazu , Gomi Fumi , Kamei Motohiro , Ikuno Yasushi , Oshima Yusuke , Sawa Miki , Tsujikawa Motokazu , Kusaka Shunji , Tano Yasuo
Published: November 2007

Purpose:  To report complications in patients after intravitreal injection of bevacizumab to treat ocular diseases associated with vascular endothelial growth factor.

Methods:  We retrospectively reviewed the systemic and ocular complications that developed within 2 months of each intravitreal injection of bevacizumab in 707 patients (1300 injections) with intraocular neovascularization or macular oedema.

Results:  Nine ocular (1.27%) and eight systemic (1.13%) complications occurred in 707 patients. The ocular complications included corneal abrasion (n = 2), chemosis (n = 2), lens injury (n = 1), ocular inflammation (n = 2), retinal pigment epithelial tear (n = 1) and acute vision loss (n = 1). The systemic complications included cerebral infarction (n = 1), elevation of systolic blood pressure (n = 2), facial skin redness (n = 1), itchy diffuse rash (n = 1) and menstrual irregularities (n = 3).

Conclusion:  Intravitreal injection of bevacizumab may cause systemic or ocular complications. Caution is advised when considering intravitreal injection of this drug.
Dissociative symptoms are positively related to stress in borderline personality disorder
Authors: Stiglmayr C. E. , Ebner‐Priemer U. W. , Bretz J. , Behm R. , Mohse M. , Lammers C.‐H. , Anghelescu I.‐G. , Schmahl C. , Schlotz W. , Kleindienst N. , Bohus M.
Published: November 2007

Objective:  According to DSM‐IV criteria, dissociative symptoms in borderline personality disorder (BPD) occur in response to stress. Empirical evidence is, however, lacking.

Method:  Using ambulatory monitoring, we assessed dissociative symptoms and subjective ratings of stress every 60 min for 48 h on a palmtop computer in BPD‐patients (n = 51), clinical controls (CC; major depression n = 25; panic disorder n = 26), and healthy controls (HC; n = 40). Data analyses were primarily based on hierarchical linear models.

Results:  In all groups, states of increased stress were paralleled by increased scores of dissociation, thus confirming the hypothesized association between stress and dissociation. The increase in dissociation was more pronounced in BPD‐patients when compared with CC and HC. Additionally, BPD‐patients reported heightened dissociative experience compared with CC and HC, even after controlling for stress.

Conclusion:  Our data suggest that BPD‐patients might be prone to dissociation when experiencing stress and are characterized by a generally heightened level of dissociation.
Evaluation of the prognostic relevance of l‐selectin and ICAM1 expression in myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Buccisano Francesco , Maurillo Luca , Tamburini Anna , Del Poeta Giovanni , Del Principe Maria Ilaria , Ammatuna Emanuele , Consalvo Maria Irno , Campagna Selenia , Ottaviani Licia , Sarlo Chiara , Renzi Daniela , Faccia Sabrina , Fraboni Daniela , Coco Francesco Lo , Amadori Sergio , Venditti Adriano
Published: November 2007

Objectives:  An aberrant pattern of expression of l‐selectin and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM1) may characterise CD34+ blast cells in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and secondary acute myeloid leukaemia (sAML).

Methods:  In a three‐colour flow cytometric assay, we evaluated the expression of l‐selectin and ICAM1 on CD34+ blast cells from the bone marrow (BM) of 66 MDS patients; for the purpose of comparison CD34+ blast cells of 18 sAML and CD34+ stem cells of 17 normal donors were also analysed.

Results:  The ratio of l‐selectin/ICAM1 expression was identified as a parameter correlated with the percentage of BM blast infiltration and the time to leukaemic progression among MDS patients. In fact, the values of l‐selectin/ICAM1 ratio were inversely correlated with the BM blast infiltration (r = –0.34, P = 0.004). Furthermore, MDS patients with a baseline ratio <1 had a higher leukaemic progression rate (41% vs. 19%, P = 0.008); the actuarial risk of disease progression for this subgroup of MDS patients was also higher (64% vs. 11% at 2 yr, P = 0.002). Furthermore, in two patients a decrease of the ratio was observed when overt leukaemic transformation occurred; conversely, restoration of a normal ratio was observed in two patients after a chemotherapy‐induced remission.

Conclusion:  (i) l‐selectin is defective in the stem cell compartment of MDS and sAML, whereas ICAM1 is overexpressed; (ii) the ratio of their expression has a prognostic role; and (iii) a ratio <1 significantly predicts progression to overt leukaemia in MDS patients.
Evidence for strong genetic structure in a regionally important, highly vagile cyprinid (Henicorhynchus lobatus) in the Mekong River Basin
Authors: Hurwood D. A. , Adamson E. A. S. , Mather P. B.
Published: November 2007

Abstract –  For effective management of a freshwater species, it is necessary to have an understanding of the spatial scale of population differentiation. In many cases, common ecological methods such as mark‐recapture are inappropriate for large freshwater systems. In this study, a molecular genetics approach was employed to determine the population structure of a small, but regionally very important, cyprinid species (Henicorhynchus lobatus) in the lower Mekong River Basin (MRB). A fragment of the mtDNA ATPase 6 and 8 genes was sequenced for 136 individuals sampled from the main Mekong River channel, from two major tributaries of the Mekong River and from a site in an adjacent river drainage (Chao Phraya). An exact test and samova analysis revealed considerable differentiation among sites from the Mun River (a tributary of the Mekong River in Thailand) and all other samples from the MRB. Furthermore, the most upstream site in Lao PDR (BP) was significantly differentiated from sites further downstream. It is argued here that the former pattern is a result of historical drainage rearrangement and the latter a function of current ecological differences expressed as discrete migration pathways. The results of the study clearly show the existence of discrete population units for H. lobatus within the MRB that may require separate management strategies.
Evaluating passive integrated transponder tags for tracking movements of round gobies
Authors: Cookingham M. N. , Ruetz III C. R.
Published: November 2007

Abstract –  The round goby (Neogobius melanostomus Pallas) is an invasive species in North America and Europe. We evaluated the efficacy of passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags for marking round gobies and tracking their movements with a portable underwater antenna in shallow areas (≤1 m) of a lake. Tagging did not markedly decrease growth of fish <105 mm; however, growth decreased unexpectedly for tagged fish ≥105 mm during the final sampling period. Nevertheless, tagging did not increase mortality regardless of size class, and tag retention was 100% for caged fish. Tagged round gobies in a 20 × 20‐m2 block net avoided detection by the portable underwater antenna, and a high proportion of fish probably escaped from the net, suggesting that round gobies may be more mobile than previously reported. In conclusion, PIT tags are a viable method for individually marking round gobies, but detecting tagged round gobies with a portable underwater antenna, given current technology, does not appear promising in shallow areas with low habitat complexity.
Demographics of the spawning aggregations of four catostomid species in the Savannah River, South Carolina and Georgia, USA
Authors: Grabowski T. B. , Ratterman N. L. , Isely J. J.
Published: November 2007

Abstract –  Differences in the life history strategies employed by otherwise ecologically similar species of a fish assemblage may be an important factor in the coexistence of these species and is an essential consideration in the conservation and management of these assemblages. We collected scales to determine age and growth of four species of the catostomid assemblage (northern hogsucker Hypentelium nigricans, spotted sucker Minytrema melanops, notchlip redhorse Moxostoma collapsum and robust redhorse Moxostoma robustum) of the Savannah River, Georgia–South Carolina in spring 2004 and 2005. Robust redhorse was the largest species; reaching sexual maturity at an older age and growing faster as a juvenile than the other species. Spotted sucker did not achieve the same size as robust redhorse, but reached sexual maturity at younger ages. Notchlip redhorse was intermediate between the abovementioned two species in age at maturity and size. Northern hogsucker was the smallest species of the assemblage and reached the sexual maturity at the age of three. Both robust redhorse and spotted sucker were sexually dimorphic in size‐at‐age. The range of life history strategies employed by Savannah River catostomids encompasses the range of life history strategies exhibited within the family as a whole.
Effect of early or delayed treatment upon healing of mandibular fractures: a systematic literature review
Authors: Hermund Niels Ulrich , Hillerup Søren , Kofod Thomas , Schwartz Ole , Andreasen Jens Ove
Published: November 2007

Abstract –  The possible relation between treatment delay and healing complications in mandibular fracture treatment (excluding condylar fractures) was reviewed systematically. Twenty‐two studies were identified. No randomized studies focused on the effect of immediate or delayed treatment. The main focus of most studies was surgical repositioning and internal skeletal fixation. The healing complications analyzed in this study were infection in the fracture line and malocclusion. Statistical analysis of the influence of treatment delay upon healing complications was possible in six studies. Four studies showed no significant difference between immediate and delayed treatment. One study showed a preference for healing for cases treated within 3 days, whereas another study indicated that treatment time between 3 and 5 days were optimal with the lowest rate of complications. Finally, a few studies identified confounding factors such as alcohol, drug abuse and/or non‐compliance, factors which have been shown strongly to influence the likelihood of complications. A significant problem in this analysis was that rather few patients were actually treated on an acute basis (i.e. within 12 or 24 hours after injury), a fact which together with the lack of control of confounding factors made this analysis problematic. In conclusion, there is presently no strong evidence for either acute or delayed treatment of mandibular fractures in order to minimize healing complications; new studies including a substantial number of cases treated on an acute basis are very much needed.
Retrocyclin RC‐101 overcomes cationic mutations on the heptad repeat 2 region of HIV‐1 gp41
Authors: Fuhrman Christopher A. , Warren Andrew D. , Waring Alan J. , Dutz Stephen M. , Sharma Shantanu , Lehrer Robert I. , Cole Amy L. , Cole Alexander M.
Published: November 2007

Retrocyclin RC‐101, a θ‐defensin with lectin‐like properties, potently inhibits infection by many HIV‐1 subtypes by binding to the heptad repeat 2 (HR2) region of glycoprotein 41 (gp41) and preventing six‐helix bundle formation. In the present study, we used in silico computational exploration to identify residues of HR2 that interacted with RC‐101, and then analyzed the HIV‐1 sequence database at Los Alamos National Laboratory (New Mexico, USA) for residue variations in the heptad repeat 1 (HR1) and HR2 segments that could plausibly impart in vivo resistance. Docking RC‐101 to gp41 peptides in silico confirmed its strong preference for HR2 over HR1, and implicated residues crucial for its ability to bind HR2. We mutagenized these residues in pseudotyped HIV‐1 JR.FL reporter viruses, and subjected them to single‐round replication assays in the presence of 1.25–10 µg·mL−1 RC‐101. Apart from one mutant that was partially resistant to RC‐101, the other pseudotyped viruses with single‐site cationic mutations in HR2 manifested absent or impaired infectivity or retained wild‐type susceptibility to RC‐101. Overall, these data suggest that most mutations capable of rendering HIV‐1 resistant to RC‐101 will also exert deleterious effects on the ability of HIV‐1 to initiate infections – an interesting and novel property for a potential topical microbicide.
Effects of fluquinconazole and silthiofam, applied as seed treatments to single or consecutive crops of wheat, on take‐all epidemic development and grain yields
Authors: Bateman G.L. , Gutteridge R.J. , Jenkyn J.F. , Self M.M.
Published: November 2007

Seed treatments containing fluquinconazole, silthiofam or a standard fungicide mixture with no activity against take‐all were compared in all combinations of sequences in successive second and third winter wheat crops in five field experiments and second to fourth crops in a sixth experiment. Compared with the standard treatment, silthiofam decreased take‐all more effectively than fluquinconazole when crops were sampled at tillering. In samples taken in summer, during grain filling, silthiofam often decreased the incidence of take‐all (percentage of plants with root symptoms) more than fluquinconazole, but fluquinconazole more effectively decreased the incidence of severe take‐all (percentage of plants with more than 75% of their root systems blackened). It is suggested that these differences are a consequence of more effective control of primary infection of roots by silthiofam and of secondary, root‐to‐root, infection by fluquinconazole. Silthiofam usually increased yield more than did fluquinconazole, perhaps as a consequence of better early protection during tiller and/or spikelet formation. Treatment with either of the fungicides affected epidemic development in the treated crop and in crops grown subsequently. In particular, decreased take‐all had the effect of delaying the year‐to‐year epidemic, so that nontreatment of a subsequent crop resulted in an upsurge in disease. Treatment with either take‐all fungicide of a crop grown after a treated crop was relatively effective if the epidemic in the comparable nontreated crop sequence was continuing to increase. It was, however, detrimental if the disease was approaching its peak in the first treated crop, particularly if a treated (fourth wheat) crop was being compared with a similar crop in a nontreated sequence in which take‐all decline had developed. These results provide a basis for recommendations for the use of seed treatment fungicides in sequences of wheat crops.
Variability of responses to 1‐methylcyclopropene by banana: influence of time of year at harvest and fruit position in the bunch
Authors: Moradinezhad F. , Sedgley M. , Klieber A. , Able A.J.
Published: November 2007

To examine the effect of early‐climacteric (postripening) 1‐methylcyclopropene (1‐MCP) exposure on the shelf‐life and quality of green Cavendish bananas (Musa acuminata cv. Williams) from the middle section of the bunch, bananas were harvested bimonthly and treated with 100 μL L−1 ethylene for 2 consecutive days prior to exposure to 0, 100, 300, 1000, 3000 or 10 000 nL L−1 1‐MCP for 24 h prior to storage at 22°C. 1‐MCP treatment at a concentration of 300 nL L−1 or above increased banana shelf‐life significantly compared with the control, regardless of the month in which fruit were harvested except March where a higher concentration was needed (3000 nL L−1). Fruit harvested in May were the most responsive with a greater than twofold increase in shelf‐life. To examine the effect of fruit position in the bunch on 1‐MCP efficacy, green fruit from the top or bottom of bunches were treated with 100 μL L−1 ethylene for 2 consecutive days prior to early‐climacteric 1‐MCP (300 nL L−1) exposure for 24 h at 22°C. In spring and autumn but not in summer, application of 1‐MCP to early‐climacteric fruit was more effective in fruit from the top than in those treated from the bottom of the bunch, increasing shelf‐life. Firmness of 1‐MCP‐treated fruit was up to 19% greater than that of the control across the year, except in fruit from the bottom of the bunch. Given that 1‐MCP is less effective in extending the shelf‐life of summer‐harvested fruit (particularly those from the bottom of the bunch), we conclude that preharvest conditions and fruit position in the bunch affect their responsiveness to ethylene and their behaviour during the ripening process.
Growth Performance and Proximate and Fatty Acid Compositions of Channel Catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, Fed for Different Duration with a Commercial Diet Supplemented with Various Levels of Menhaden Fish Oil
Authors: Yildirim‐Aksoy Mediha , Shelby Richard , Lim Chhorn , Klesius Phillip H.
Published: November 2007

A 15‐wk study was conducted to evaluate the effect of supplemental menhaden fish oil levels and feeding duration on growth performance and tissue proximate and fatty acid (FA) compositions of juvenile channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus. Dietary fish oil levels had no effect on final weight gain, feed efficiency, and survival of channel catfish. Tissue lipid contents were directly correlated to dietary lipid levels, while moisture contents were inversely related to dietary lipid levels. Fillet moisture contents progressively decreased, whereas fillet lipid increased with increasing feeding duration. Significant increase in saturated and total n‐3 FAs and decrease in monoenoic and total n‐6 FA in whole body and fillet were observed at each incremental level of dietary fish oil. Percentages of n‐3 and n‐3 highly unsaturated fatty acids in fillet of fish fed the control and 3% fish oil diets decreased with increasing feeding periods, whereas those of fish fed 6 or 9% added fish oil diets remained stable or increased. Ratios of n‐3/n‐6 were statistically comparable throughout the 15‐wk feeding. When expressed in terms of mg/g of fillet, the highest concentration of n‐3 was obtained in fillets of fish fed the 9% added fish oil diet for 15 wk.
Intergeneric Hybridization between Kutum, Rutilus frisii kutum, and Bream, Abramis brama orientalis, of the Caspian Sea
Authors: Amini F. , Zamini A. A. , Ahmadi M. R.
Published: November 2007

Artificial hybridization was performed between Rutilus frisii kutum and Abramis brama orientalis of the Caspian Sea. Synchronization of spawning of female broodstock of both species was induced by injection of carp pituitary extract. Reciprocal crossings between R. frisii kutum ♀×A. brama orientalis ♂ (RA) and A. brama orientalis ♀×R. frisii kutum ♂ (AR) produced viable hybrid larvae without any clear particular pre‐ or postzygotic isolation phenomena. RA and AR hybrid larvae were reared to fingerling stage with survival rates of 22.5 and 28% and average weight of 6.8 ± 0.17 g and 9.0 ± 0.79 g, respectively. A heterosis of 45% was calculated for weight at fingerling stage. RA and AR hybrid fingerlings were cultured in polyculture along with Chinese carps for 6–7 mo and reached an average weight of 190–195 g and 235–255 g, respectively. Karyotyping of these hybrids revealed a modal diploid number of 2n = 50 for both groups, which is similar to those of the parental species. Discriminant function analysis on 28 morphometric and meristic characteristics of two parental species as well as their hybrids could separate these groups at highly significant level (P < 0.001). These results indicated an overall intermediate inheritance of the studied characters.
Parametric Study of Pool Boiling on Horizontal Highly Conductive Microporous Coated Surfaces
Authors: Li Chen , Peterson G. P.
Published: November 2007

To better understand the mechanisms that govern the behavior of pool boiling on horizontal highly conductive microporous coated surfaces, a series of experimental investigations were designed to systematically examine the effects of the geometric dimensions (i.e., coating thickness, volumetric porosity, and pore size, as well as the surface conditions of the porous coatings) on the pool-boiling performance and characteristics. The study was conducted using saturated distilled water at atmospheric pressure (101kPa) and porous surfaces fabricated from sintered isotropic copper wire screens. For nucleate boiling on the microporous coated surfaces, two vapor ventilation modes were observed to exist: (i) upward and (ii) mainly from sideways leakage to the unsealed sides and partially from the center of porous surfaces. The ratio of the heater size to the coating thickness, the friction factor of the two-phase flow to single-phase flow inside the porous coatings, as well as the input heat flux all govern the vapor ventilation mode that occurs. In this investigation, the ratio of heater size to coating thickness varies from 3.5 to 38 in order to identify the effect of heater size on the boiling characteristics. The experimental results indicate that the boiling performance and characteristics are also strongly dependent on the volumetric porosity and mesh size, as well as the surface conditions when the heater size is given. Descriptions and discussion of the typical boiling characteristics; the progressive boiling process, from pool nucleate boiling to film boiling; and the boiling performance curves on conductive microporous coated surfaces are all systematically presented.
Thermal Control Utilizing an Electrohydrodynamic Conduction Pump in a Two-Phase Loop With High Heat Flux Source
Authors: Jeong Seong-II , Didion Jeffrey
Published: November 2007

The electric field applied in dielectric fluids causes an imbalance in the dissociation-recombination reaction generating free space charges. The generated charges are redistributed by the applied electric field, resulting in the heterocharge layers in the vicinity of the electrodes. Proper design of the electrodes generates net axial flow motion pumping the fluid. The electrohydrodynamic (EHD) conduction pump is a new device that pumps dielectric fluids utilizing heterocharge layers formed by imposition of electrostatic fields. This paper experimentally evaluates the performance of a two-phase (liquid-vapor) breadboard thermal control loop consisting of an EHD conduction pump, condenser, preheater, evaporator, transport lines, and reservoir (accumulator). This study is performed to address the feasibility of the EHD two-phase loop for thermal control of a laser equipment with high heat flux source. The generated pressure head and the maximum applicable heat flux are experimentally determined at various applied voltages and sink temperatures. Recovery from the evaporator dryout condition by increasing the applied voltage to the pump is also demonstrated. The performance of the EHD conduction pump in this study confirms that the EHD conduction pump can be used as a stand-alone system for high heat flux thermal control.