bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MOX Plant and the Espoo Convention: Can Member State Disputes Concerning Mixed Environmental Agreements be Resolved Outside EC Law?
Authors: Marsden Simon
Published: November 2009

This article examines implications of the MOX Plant European Court of Justice (ECJ) case for dispute settlement between Member States that are parties to mixed environmental agreements. In 2006, the ECJ held Ireland in breach of EC law for failing to consult the Commission about its dispute with the UK and for instituting proceedings under an international treaty rather than through EC law; this was held necessary because it concerned two Member States and EC law which the ECJ was competent to determine. The completed litigation illustrates the operation of autonomous legal systems in public international law and the proliferation of overlapping courts and tribunals. Although it clarifies the relationship between international and EC law, it leaves some questions unanswered, in particular regarding dispute settlement by Member States that are parties to mixed agreements outside EC law. Is non‐EC dispute settlement still possible, and if so how? Is this limited to judicial processes? Viewing the dispute primarily as relating to transboundary environmental impact assessement (EIA), the article examines the role of the Espoo Convention, in particular the Inquiry Commission. The failure of Ireland to challenge the UK under the EIA Directive implementing the Convention was noted by the ECJ and some commentators. What is not clear is whether the Inquiry Procedure, which is a scientific process for determining effect significance when parties dispute this, can still be used. It has not been incorporated into the EIA Directive and there is nothing comparable under EC law. Its recent application in the Danube Delta case is considered and the options for Member States outlined. It is concluded that EC Member States that use this procedure against other Member States are likely to be found in breach of EC law.
FDI spillovers in the Chinese manufacturing sector
Authors: Abraham Filip , Konings Jozef , Slootmaekers Veerle
Published: November 2009

This paper uses a new longitudinal dataset of more than 15,000 manufacturing firms to analyse the heterogeneous responses of firms to foreign direct investment in China. Domestic firms operating in sectors where foreign firms are also active have higher total factor productivity. However, the magnitude of such horizontal spillovers depends on the structure and origin of foreign ownership, the export status of firms and the characteristics of the special economic zones firms are operating in.
TheOther of theExotic: BalineseMusic asGrammaticalParadigm inLigeti's‘Galamb borong’
Authors: Bauer Amy
Published: November 2009

From the 1980s onwards, György Ligeti openly acknowledged the influence of African polyphony, Indonesian gamelan and music of the Americas on works such as the Piano Concerto (1980–8) and Violin Concerto (1989–93), as well as theÉtudes pour piano(1985–2001). The present article analyses Étude No. 7, ‘Galamb borong’, in order to establish the precise point of intersection between Western and non‐Western within one specific piece. On the basis of this case study, the composer may be shown to celebrate the exotic under the umbrella of the cosmopolitan in a discourse of the universal that is inherently local. Furthermore, by permitting ‘Galamb borong’ to unfold as a dialogue between Balinese music and the Western classical canon, Ligeti's embrace of ‘amalgamated musical languages’ comes to represent an aesthetic standpoint capable of liberating the creative individual not only from inherited tradition but also from the postmodern present.
Form in the New Music
Authors: Adorno Theodor W.
Published: November 2009

Translated by Rodney Livingstone
The Process of Modulation in Musical Collage
Authors: Losada Catherine
Published: November 2009

By exploiting the multivalent implications attendant on principles of quotation, disjunction and juxtaposition, musical collage works of the 1960s, like their analogues in the visual arts and literature, call into question traditional notions of unity. However, these compositions also incorporate new modes of continuity which lend a distinctive expressive force to music of this kind. The present article outlines organisational precepts which composers including Luciano Berio, George Rochberg and Bernd Alois Zimmermann have used to achieve a degree of syntactic mediation: overlap, chromatic insertion and rhythmic plasticity. The common occurrence of these principles in works exhibiting widely divergent stylistic predispositions indicates that they may constitute important technical aspects of this particular repertoire.
Towards an African Theology of Reconciliation: A Missiological Reflection on the Instrumentum Laboris of the Second African Synod
Authors: Ilo Stan Chu
Published: November 2009

This essay is a critical theological and pastoral study of the Working Document of the Second African Synod. The article engages the articles in the document which deal with the theme of reconciliation. This essay begins by exploring the Christological and ecclesiological foundations for an African theology of reconciliation as found in the working document. While engaging the significant aspects of the working document which relate to articulating an African theology of reconciliation, this essay shows the limitations of the document in its historical and cultural analysis of the situation in Africa. Drawing from a phenomenological hermeneutical engagement with African history, cultural grammar, and Christ‐centered African Christian imagination, the essay widens the scope of theological engagement with the task of reconciliation in Africa. It does a theological aesthetics of reconciliation in Africa, by integrating diverse cultural, ontological, and Christological symbols within the African world on vital participation and vital union. Through the inculturation of vital participation as analogous to Trinitarian Communion, the essay shows how the Church in Africa can deal with the ever‐revolving cycle of violence, conflicts, and divisions in the churches and political institutions which have all hampered the mission of building relationship and God's kingdom in Africa. The essay concludes by recommending four pastoral approaches through which the Catholic Church in Africa can be both a reconciled community and an instrument for reconciliation in Africa.
A TALE OF TWO ABRAHAMS: KAFKA, KIERKEGAARD, AND THE POSSIBILITY OF FAITH IN THE MODERN WORLD
Authors: POWELL MATTHEW
Published: November 2009

I have vigorously absorbed the negative element of the age in which I live, an age that is, of course, very close to me, which I have no right ever to fight against, but as it were a right to represent. The slight amount of the positive, and also of the extreme negative, which capsizes into the positive, are something in which I have had no hereditary share. I have not been guided into life by the hand of Christianity – admittedly now slack and failing – as Kierkegaard was, and have not caught the hem of the Jewish prayer shawl – now flying away from us – as the Zionists have. I am an end or a beginning.1
Minimizing false‐negatives when predicting the potential distribution of an invasive species: a bioclimatic envelope for the red‐eared slider at global and regional scales
Authors: Heidy Kikillus K. , Hare K. M. , Hartley S.
Published: November 2009

Invasive species threaten biodiversity; hence, predicting where they may establish is vital for conservation. Our aim is to provide a robust predictive model for an invasive species suitable for managers acting at both global and regional scales. Specifically, we investigate one of the world's worst invasive species [the red‐eared slider turtle (RES)Trachemys scripta elegans] and one of the world's biodiversity hotspots (New Zealand) as our representative systems. We used climate data and location records to define a bioclimatic envelope for the species. Multimodel inference was used to predict areas suitable for RES establishment, weighting in favour of models with low false‐negative and high true‐positive rates in predictive cross‐validation tests. Our performance criterion was the partial area under the curve of a receiver operating characteristic plot where sensitivity exceeded 0.95. We generated both conservative (best‐case scenario) and liberal (worst‐case scenario) predictions, based on different levels of information about breeding potential. All predictions were expressed on a standard scale of suitability relative to existing known distribution. Globally, the best climate matches for RES outside of their native range in North America include south‐east Asia, and parts of Europe, areas where RES have already established. The best available site in New Zealand is considered climatically more suitable than 16% of global sites where RES have bred successfully. While RES can survive in several areas throughout New Zealand, the potential to establish a self‐sustaining (i.e. breeding) population appears restricted to the upper areas of the north island where the mean daily temperatures in the hottest month exceed 18 °C. The methods developed here were designed to reduce false‐negative predictions as that represents a precautionary approach for species that pose a biosecurity risk. They could readily be adapted, however, to reduce false‐positives when predicting areas suitable for translocation of rare and endangered species.
The North American bullfrog as a reservoir for the spread of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in Brazil
Authors: Schloegel L. M. , Ferreira C. M. , James T. Y. , Hipolito M. , Longcore J. E. , Hyatt A. D. , Yabsley M. , Martins A. M. C. R. P. F. , Mazzoni R. , Davies A. J. , Daszak P.
Published: November 2009

Global trade in the North American bullfrog Rana catesbeiana has been implicated in the introduction and spread of the amphibian pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. Large‐scale production of the North American bullfrog for human consumption has been ongoing since the early part of the 20th century, particularly in Brazil, a pioneer in bullfrog farming following its introduction in the 1930s. In order to determine whether bullfrogs introduced to Brazil and farmed for the food trade serve as reservoirs for amphibian disease, we tested individuals located in the Brazilian states of São Paulo and Pará to determine the prevalence of B. dendrobatidis infections. We were able to confirm B. dendrobatidis on five farms (78.5% infection prevalence overall) by PCR. Isolates were obtained from three of the five farms and genotyped at 17 loci using multilocus sequence typing. Five isolates from the Brazilian farms were genotypically similar to each other as well as to isolates from Central and South America. Isolates from farmed bullfrogs were more similar to isolates from introduced populations in Venezuela than those from the native range of the bullfrog in eastern North America. These results could have important implications for the origin and spread of B. dendrobatidis in Brazil, its neighboring regions and the conservation of native amphibian fauna. They may also suggest a potential for prior recombination within B. dendrobatidis in bullfrogs, which may have implications for the recent emergence of this pathogen.
Pest reduction services by birds in shade and sun coffee in Jamaica
Authors: Johnson M. D. , Kellermann J. L. , Stercho A. M.
Published: November 2009

The reduction of insect pests by birds in agriculture may provide an incentive for farming practices that enhance the conservation value of farms for birds and other wildlife. We investigated pest reduction services by insectivorous birds on a coffee farm in Jamaica, West Indies. Our results suggest that birds reduced insect pests on our study site. Infestation by the coffee berry borer Hypothenemus hampei, the world's most damaging insect pest in coffee, was significantly elevated on coffee shrubs from which birds were experimentally excluded from foraging. Overall, we estimated the economic value of the reduction of coffee berry borer by birds on the 18 ha farm to be US$310 ha−1 for the 2006 harvest season. These results provide additional evidence that birds can reduce numbers of economically damaging pests and enhance crop yields in coffee farms. Differences in the magnitude of pest reduction within the farm may have resulted from variation in shade management and surrounding habitats, and these factors merit further investigation.
Maternal and perinatal outcome in women with threatened miscarriage in the first trimester: a systematic review
Authors: Saraswat L , Bhattacharya S , Maheshwari A , Bhattacharya S
Published: November 2009

Please cite this paper as: Saraswat L, Bhattacharya S, Maheshwari A, Bhattacharya S. Maternal and perinatal outcome in women with threatened miscarriage in the first trimester: a systematic review. BJOG 2010;117:245–257.

Background  Threatened miscarriage is a common complication in the first trimester of pregnancy and is often associated with anxiety regarding pregnancy outcome.

Objective  We undertook a systematic review to explore the effects of threatened miscarriage in the first trimester on maternal and perinatal outcomes.

Search strategy  An electronic literature search using MEDLINE and EMBASE, and bibliographies of retrieved primary articles. No language restrictions were applied.

Selection criteria  All studies analysing outcomes of first‐trimester bleeding where viability was confirmed on ultrasound or the pregnancy continued beyond viability.

Data collection and analysis  Two review authors independently selected studies and extracted data on study characteristics, quality and accuracy. Meta‐analysis was performed using Review Manager software

Main outcome measures  The outcome was broadly categorised into maternal and perinatal outcomes. The chief maternal outcomes included pre‐eclampsia/eclampsia or pregnancy‐induced hypertension, antepartum haemorrhage, preterm prelabour rupture of membranes (PPROM) and mode of delivery. The perinatal outcomes evaluated were preterm delivery, low birthweight, intrauterine growth restriction, perinatal mortality, indicators of perinatal morbidity (Apgar scores and neonatal unit admission) and presence of congenital anomalies.

Main results  Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Women with threatened miscarriage had a significantly higher incidence of antepartum haemorrhage due to placenta praevia [odds ratio (OR) 1.62, 95% CI 1.19, 2.22] or antepartum haemorrhage of unknown origin (OR 2.47, 95% CI 1.52, 4.02) when compared with those without first‐trimester bleeding. They were more likely to experience PPROM (OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.28, 2.48), preterm delivery (OR 2.05, 95% CI 1.76, 2.4) and to have babies with intrauterine growth restriction (OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.18, 2.00). First‐trimester bleeding was associated with significantly higher rates of perinatal mortality (OR 2.15, 95% CI 1.41, 3.27) and low‐birthweight babies (OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.48, 2.28).

Authors’ conclusions  Threatened miscarriage in the first trimester is associated with increased incidence of adverse maternal and perinatal outcome.
Intraluminal pressure readings during the establishment of a positive ‘tamponade test’ in the management of postpartum haemorrhage
Authors: Georgiou C
Published: November 2009

Please cite this paper as: Georgiou C. Intraluminal pressure readings during the establishment of a positive ‘tamponade test’ in the management of postpartum haemorrhage. BJOG 2010;117:295–303.

Objective  To investigate the proposed mechanism by which intrauterine balloons achieve their tamponade effect of creating an ‘intrauterine pressure that is greater than the systemic arterial pressure’.

Design  To determine the intraluminal pressures within a Bakri balloon during the establishment of a positive ‘tamponade test’ in the management of postpartum haemorrhage. To correlate these intraluminal pressures with contemporaneous readings of blood pressure recordings as documented from the operating theatre anaesthetic charts.

Setting  An obstetric unit (approximately 2400 births) in Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia.

Sample  Two women in whom first‐line uterotonics were unsuccessful and who required a Bakri balloon to control postpartum haemorrhage secondary to an atonic uterus.

Methods  A DigiMano (Netech Corporation, Farmingdale, NY, USA) pressure recorder was attached via a three‐way tap to a Bakri balloon. Anaesthetic charts of the two cases were reviewed retrospectively.

Main outcome measures  Intraluminal pressure readings were recorded after each 50‐ml aliquot of normal saline had been insufflated into the balloon whilst the next aliquot was being prepared.

Results  There is a curvilinear relationship between the intraluminal pressure and the balloon volume. The pressure does not exceed the systolic blood pressure of the patient at the time of establishment of a positive tamponade test.

Conclusions  The intraluminal pressure within the tamponade balloon does not exceed the systolic blood pressure of the patient when a positive tamponade test is established.
Pregnancy outcome after cervical conisation: a retrospective cohort study in the Leuven University Hospital
Authors: van de Vijver A , Poppe W , Verguts J , Arbyn M
Published: November 2009

Please cite this paper as: van de Vijver A, Poppe W, Verguts J, Arbyn M. Pregnancy outcome after cervical conisation: a retrospective cohort study in the Leuven University Hospital. BJOG 2010;117:268–273.

Objective  To assess pregnancy outcome after conisation.

Design  Retrospective cohort study.

Setting  Belgium, data from a university hospital.

Population  Fifty‐five pregnancies in 34 women after conisation, and 55 pregnancies in 54 women without a history of conisation or cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN).

Methods  Hospital data were reviewed and questionnaires were collected from 599 women who had a conisation in a 5‐year period, among whom subsequent pregnancies were identified. The control group consisted of matched pregnancies of women without a history of conisation.

Main outcome measures  Gestational age at delivery, neonatal biometry, neonatal condition at birth.

Results  Numbers of sexual partners (4.6 ± 3.4 SD versus 2.5 ± 2.5 SD) and ex‐smokers were significantly higher in the study group compared with the control group. Gestational age at delivery (266 ± 2 days versus 274 ± 9 days), neonatal head circumference (33.9 ± 2.5 cm, versus 34.6 ± 2.5 cm) and birthweight (3088 ± 754 g versus 3381 ± 430 g) were significantly lower in the study group compared with the control group. Numbers of preterm [<37 weeks; 14/55 (25%) versus 2/55 (4%); P = 0.002] and severe preterm (<34 weeks; 6/55 (11%) versus 0/55 (0%); P = 0.031] deliveries in the study group were significantly higher. There were no cases of perinatal mortality.

Conclusions  Conisation affects obstetrical outcome after conisation for CIN. Babies tend to be born earlier and are smaller. It is not clear whether this is related to the procedure or to factors linked with CIN.
After conisation of the cervix, the perinatal mortality as a result of preterm delivery increases in subsequent pregnancy
Authors: Ørtoft G , Henriksen TB , Hansen ES , Petersen LK
Published: November 2009

Please cite this paper as:Ørtoft G, Henriksen T, Hansen E, Petersen L. After conisation of the cervix, the perinatal mortality as a result of preterm delivery increases in subsequent pregnancy. BJOG 2010;117:258–267.

Objective  To determine the effects of one or two conisations on preterm delivery and perinatal mortality in subsequent pregnancies.

Design  A population‐based cohort study.

Setting  Aarhus University Hospital.

Population  Preterm delivery and mortality rates were evaluated in 721 deliveries after one conisation, and in 37 deliveries after two conisations, and were compared with 390 deliveries after dysplasia and 74 552 deliveries that were not preceded by conisation or dysplasia.

Methods  Cox regression was used to evaluate preterm delivery rates and perinatal mortality.

Main outcome measures  Birthweight, gestational age (prior to 28, 32, and 37 weeks of gestation, respectively) and perinatal mortality.

Results  The risk of preterm delivery was increased after one conisation [adjusted hazard ratios (95% CI): <37 weeks, 2.8 (2.3–3.5); <28 weeks, 4.9 (2.5–9.7)], and was further increased after two conisations [adjusted hazard ratios (95% CI): <37 weeks, 9.9 (6–17); <28 weeks, 9.8 (1.4–70)], compared with no conisation. One conisation was associated with an increased perinatal mortality [<28 weeks, 9.9 (4.0–25)]. All three methods of conisation [large loop excision of the transformation zone, electroknife and cold knife] increased the risk of preterm delivery.

Conclusions  A single conisation was associated with a 2.8‐fold increased risk of perinatal death, most likely because of a 4.9‐fold increase in extreme preterm delivery. Only 37 patients had two conisations, and the results showed a ten‐fold increase in the risk of preterm delivery.
Differential effects of medroxyprogesterone acetate on thrombosis and atherosclerosis in mice
Authors: Freudenberger Till , Oppermann Marc , Marzoll Andrea , Heim Hans‐Karl , Mayer Peter , Kojda Georg , Weber Artur A. , Schrör Karsten , Fischer Jens W.
Published: November 2009

Background and purpose:  The risk for cardiovascular events including venous and arterial disease and stroke is elevated after treatment with estrogen and medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) in postmenopausal women. Here, we have investigated the effect of MPA on arterial thrombosis and atherosclerosis in a murine model of atherosclerosis.

Experimental approach:  Apolipoprotein E (ApoE)−/− mice were bilaterally ovariectomized and treated with placebo, MPA (27.7 µg·day−1) and MPA + 17‐β‐oestradiol (E2; 1.1 µg·day−1) for 90 days, on a Western‐type diet. Thrombotic response was measured in a photothrombosis model, platelet activation by fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis (CD62P) and thrombin generation by the endogenous thrombin potential (ETP). Furthermore, aortic plaque burden and aortic root plaque composition were determined.

Key results:  MPA and MPA + E2‐treated animals showed an aggravated thrombotic response shown by significantly reduced time to stable occlusion. The pro‐thrombotic effect of MPA was paralleled by increased ETP whereas platelet activation was not affected. Furthermore, MPA + E2 reduced the number of cells positive for α‐smooth muscle actin and increased hyaluronan in the plaque matrix. Interestingly, total plaque burden was reduced by MPA but unchanged by MPA + E2.

Conclusion and implications:  Long‐term treatment with MPA and MPA + E2 increased arterial thrombosis despite inhibitory effects of MPA on atherosclerosis in ApoE‐deficient mice. Increased thrombin formation, reduced smooth muscle content and remodelling of non‐collagenous plaque matrix may be involved in the pro‐thrombotic effects. Thus, MPA exhibits differential effects on arterial thrombosis and on atherosclerosis.
Multiple muscarinic pathways mediate the suppression of voltage‐gated Ca2+channels in mouse intestinal smooth muscle cells
Authors: Tanahashi Yasuyuki , Unno Toshihiro , Matsuyama Hayato , Ishii Toshiaki , Yamada Masahisa , Wess Jürgen , Komori Seiichi
Published: November 2009

Background and purpose: Stimulation of muscarinic receptors in intestinal smooth muscle cells results in suppression of voltage‐gated Ca2+channel currents (ICa). However, little is known about which receptor subtype(s) mediate this effect.

Experimental approach: The effect of carbachol on ICawas studied in single intestinal myocytes from M2or M3muscarinic receptor knockout (KO) and wild‐type (WT) mice.

Key results: In M2KO cells, carbachol (100 µM) induced a sustained ICasuppression as seen in WT cells. However, this suppression was significantly smaller than that seen in WT cells. Carbachol also suppressed ICain M3KO cells, but with a phasic time course. In M2/M3‐double KO cells, carbachol had no effect on ICa. The extent of the suppression in WT cells was greater than the sum of the ICasuppressions in M2KO and M3KO cells, indicating that it is not a simple mixture of M2and M3receptor responses. The Gi/oinhibitor,Pertussistoxin, abolished the ICasuppression in M3KO cells, but not in M2KO cells. In contrast, the Gq/11inhibitor YM‐254890 strongly inhibited only the ICasuppression in M2KO cells. Suppression of ICain WT cells was markedly reduced by eitherPertussistoxin or YM‐254890.

Conclusion and implications: In intestinal myocytes, M2receptors mediate a phasic ICasuppression via Gi/oproteins, while M3receptors mediate a sustained ICasuppression via Gq/11proteins. In addition, another pathway that requires both M2/Gi/oand M3/Gq/11systems may be operative in inducing a sustained ICasuppression.
P2X2, P2X4 and P2Y1 receptors elevate intracellular Ca2+ in mouse embryonic stem cell‐derived GABAergic neurons
Authors: Khaira SK , Pouton CW , Haynes JM
Published: November 2009

Background and purpose:  Neurons derived from mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) are a valuable resource for basic pharmacological research. With the exception of cardiomyocytes, there is relatively little understanding of the pharmacology of stem cell‐derived differentiated cells. In this study we investigate P2 receptor agonist effects on GABAergic neurons derived from mESCs.

Experimental approach:  mESCs were differentiated into GABAergic neurons in the presence of N2B27 culture medium. At day 24 of differentiation GABAergic neuronal responsiveness to purinergic agonists was investigated using calcium imaging and [3H]‐GABA release studies.

Key results:  Sub‐populations of GABAergic neurons responded to some or all of the adenine and uracil nucleotides ATP, ADP, UTP and UDP (all 100 µM) with elevations of intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i). The number of neurons responding to ATP was reduced by suramin (100 µM), PPADS (10 µM) and MRS2179 (10 µM), but not by NF023 (10 µM). The response to ATP was modulated by extracellular Zn2+ and pH. Neurons also responded to ATP (100 µM) with the release of [3H]‐GABA, an effect completely inhibited by tetrodotoxin (100 nM). Ap4A and 2‐methylthioATP both elicited significant [3H]‐GABA release. Reverse transcriptase PCR showed the presence of P2X1,2,3,4,5,6 and P2X7, and P2Y1,2 and P2Y6 receptors. mESCs expressed P2X2,5 and P2X7 and P2Y1,2 and P2Y6 receptors.

Conclusions and implications:  GABAergic neurons derived from stem cells elevate [Ca2+]i predominantly via the activation of P2X2, P2X4 and P2Y1 receptors. This study shows that mESCs generate good models of neuronal function for in vitro pharmacological investigation.
LDL Apheresis: A Novel Technique (LIPOCOLLECT 200)
Authors: Stefanutti Claudia , Di Giacomo Serafina , Mazzarella Bruno , Castelli Alessandro
Published: November 2009

Therapeutic means to lower Lp(a) are limited. The most effective method to reduce plasma Lp(a) concentration significantly is therapeutic apheresis, namely, low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) apheresis. A novel technique based on reusable LDL adsorber called Lipocollect 200 (Medicollect, Rimbach, Germany) allows the removal of both LDL and Lp(a) from plasma. Two male patients with hyperLp(a)lipoproteinemia and angiographically established progressive coronary heart disease, without rough elevation of LDL‐cholesterol, who did not respond to diet and medication were submitted to 50 LDL Lp(a) aphereses with Lipocollect 200 LDL Lp(a)‐adsorber at weekly and biweekly intervals. Total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol plasma levels fell significantly by 48.3% (±6.7) to 61.6% (±12.7) (first patient), and 42.5% (±6.3) to 60.6% (±14.3) (second patient), respectively (all differences: P ≤ 0.001). High‐density lipoprotein (HDL)‐cholesterol concentration in plasma did not show statistically significant change. Plasma triglycerides were also significantly reduced by 43.6% (±24.4) (first patient) and 42.3% (±13) (second patient) (both differences: P ≤ 0.001). Plasma Lp(a) showed a statistically significant percent reduction in plasma as expected: 64.7 ± 9.5 (first patient), and 59.1 ± 6.7 (second patient) (both differences: P ≤ 0.001). Plasma fibrinogen concentration was decreased by 35.9% (±18.7) (P ≤ 0.05) (first patient) and 41.8% (±11.5) (second patient) (P ≤  0.005). Considering the reduction rate between the first and the last procedures, we have compared the mean percent reduction of the first five treatments (from session #1 to #5) with the last five treatments (from session #21 to #25). We have observed an increasing reduction of all activity parameters on both patients apart from HDL‐cholesterol (first patient) and triglyceride (second patient) that showed a decreasing reduction rate. Both patients followed the prescribed schedule and completed the study. Clinically, all sessions were well tolerated and undesired reactions were not reported. The Lipocollect 200 adsorber proved to have a good biocompatibility. In this study, the adsorber reusability for several sessions was confirmed.
Temporal expression of heat shock genes during cold stress and recovery from chill coma in adult Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Colinet Hervé , Lee Siu Fai , Hoffmann Ary
Published: November 2009

A common physiological response of organisms to environmental stresses is the increase in expression of heat shock proteins (Hsps). In insects, this process has been widely examined for heat stress, but the response to cold stress has been far less studied. In the present study, we focused on 11 Drosophila melanogaster Hsp genes during the stress exposure and recovery phases. The temporal gene expression of adults was analyzed during 9 h of cold stress at 0 °C and during 8 h of recovery at 25 °C. Increased expression of some, but not all, Hsp genes was elicited in response to cold stress. The transcriptional activity of Hsp genes was not modulated during the cold stress, and peaks of expression occurred during the recovery phase. On the basis of their response, we consider that Hsp60, Hsp67Ba and Hsc70‐1 are not cold‐inducible, whereas Hsp22, Hsp23, Hsp26, Hsp27, Hsp40, Hsp68, Hsp70Aa and Hsp83 are induced by cold. This study suggests the importance of the recovery phase for repairing chilling injuries, and highlights the need to further investigate the contributions of specific Hsp genes to thermal stress responses. Parallels are drawn between the stress response networks resulting from heat and cold stress.
Biopreservation of red blood cells – the struggle with hemoglobin oxidation
Authors: Kanias Tamir , Acker Jason P.
Published: November 2009

One of the least recognized causes of cellular damage during ex vivo preservation of red blood cells is oxidative injury to the hemoglobin. The latter has been associated with hemolysis through the release of toxic substances and oxidation of vital cell components. This review delineates some of the major pathways that link hemoglobin oxidation and cellular damage, and summarizes the incidence of red blood cell oxidative injury during hypothermic storage, cryopreservation and desiccation stress. Red blood cell hypothermic storage, despite its success, is not exempt from oxidative injury. Growing evidence portrays a time‐dependant oxidative assault including formation of reactive oxygen species, attachment of denatured hemoglobin to membrane phospholipids and the release of hemoglobin‐containing membrane microvesicles throughout storage. Similar symptoms have been observed in attempts to stabilize red blood cells in the dried state, in which methemoglobin levels of reconstituted red blood cells reached 50%. Factors affecting the rate of hemoglobin oxidation during red blood cell ex vivo storage include compromised antioxidant activity, high concentrations of glucose in the storage media and the presence of molecular oxygen. Hemoglobin oxidation largely dictates our ability to effectively preserve red blood cells. Understanding its origins along with investigating methods to minimize it can significantly improve the quality of our future blood products.
Depression and hopelessness in Turkish patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy
Authors: ARSLAN Sevban , CELEBIOGLU Ayda , TEZEL Ayfer
Published: November 2009

Aim:  This study aimed to determine the levels of depression and hopelessness of patients receiving chemotherapy. Through knowledge of the levels of hopelessness and depression in such patients, this study could contribute to the planning of nursing interventions.

Methods:  The study involved 101 patients with cancer who presented to the outpatient unit of a medical oncology clinic to receive outpatient chemotherapy between January and March 2006. Data on the patients' sociodemographic features, as well as their scores on the Beck Hopelessness Scale and the Beck Depression Inventory, were obtained.

Results:  The patients' mean total depression score was 16.0 ± 8.3 and their mean hopelessness score was 6.9 ± 3.4. There was a statistically significant positive relationship between depression and hopelessness.

Conclusion:  The results indicated that depression and hopelessness were strongly and positively correlated.
Frequency and type of chronic pain care approaches used for elderly residents in Japan and the factors influencing these approaches
Authors: TAKAI Yukari , UCHIDA Yoko
Published: November 2009

Aim:  To assess the frequency at which various chronic pain care (CPC) approaches were used while managing older residents of the Health Service Facilities for the Elderly Requiring Care (HSFERC) in Japan and to assess the factors related to nurses and care workers that influence this care.

Methods:  A descriptive study design was used. The population comprised 31 nurses, 92 care workers, and 18 residents with chronic pain in eight HSFERC centers located in three provincial cities in Japan. A questionnaire was formulated by using the data collected by a literature review to assess the frequencies at which various CPC approaches were applied and the factors that might influence this care.

Results:  The most frequently preferred CPC approaches were gentle handling and support while providing daily care, listening attentively, and providing a recreational activity. The factors that affected the provision of CPC were the qualifications, years of experience of aged care, and experience of studying about chronic pain. The nurses tended to have a misconception regarding the manner in which the residents complained of pain and their pain sensitivity. Furthermore, organizational strategies for pain management were not reported by the nurses and care workers.

Conclusions:  In order to provide effective and active CPC, ongoing education about pain and cooperation between nurses and care workers to manage residents' pain are highly recommended.
Development of a Core Set from a Large Rice Collection using a Modified Heuristic Algorithm to Retain Maximum Diversity
Authors: Chung Hun‐Ki , Kim Kyu‐Won , Chung Jong‐Wook , Lee Jung‐Ro , Lee Sok‐Young , Dixit Anupam , Kang Hee‐Kyoung , Zhao Weiguo , McNally Kenneth L. , Hamilton Ruraidh S. , Gwag Jae‐Gyun , Park Yong‐Jin
Published: November 2009

A new heuristic approach was undertaken for the establishment of a core set for the diversity research of rice. As a result, 107 entries were selected from the 10 368 characterized accessions. The core set derived using this new approach provided a good representation of the characterized accessions present in the entire collection. No significant differences for the mean, range, standard deviation and coefficient of variation of each trait were observed between the core and existing collections. We also compared the diversity of core sets established using this Heuristic Core Collection (HCC) approach with those of core sets established using the conventional clustering methods. This modified heuristic algorithm can also be used to select genotype data with allelic richness and reduced redundancy, and to facilitate management and use of large collections of plant genetic resources in a more efficient way.
Association Analysis of the Amino Acid Contents in Rice
Authors: Zhao Weiguo , Park Eun‐Jin , Chung Jong‐Wook , Park Yong‐Jin , Chung Ill‐Min , Ahn Joung‐Kuk , Kim Gwang‐Ho
Published: November 2009

The main objective of the present study was to identify simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers associated with the amino acid content of rice (Oryza sativa L.). SSR markers were selected by prescreening for the relationship to amino acid content. Eighty‐four rice landrace accessions from Korea were evaluated for 16 kinds of amino acids in brown rice and genotyped with 25 SSR markers. Analysis of population structure revealed four subgroups in the population. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) patterns and distributions are of fundamental importance for genome‐wide mapping associations. The mean r2 value for all intrachromosomal loci pairs was 0.033. LD between linked markers decreased with distance. Marker–trait associations were investigated using the unified mixed‐model approach, considering both population structure (Q) and kinship (K). A total of 42 marker‐trait associations with amino acids (P < 0.05) were identified using 15 different SSR markers covering three chromosomes and explaining more than 40% of the total variation. These results suggest that association analysis in rice is a viable alternative to quantitative trait loci mapping and should help rice breeders develop strategies for improving rice quality.
Potato Responds to Salt Stress by Increased Activity of Antioxidant Enzymes
Authors: Aghaei Keyvan , Ehsanpour Ali Akber , Komatsu Setsuko
Published: November 2009

To understand the response of potato to salt stress, antioxidant enzyme activities and ion content were analyzed for a sensitive and a tolerant cultivar. Nodal cuttings of the tolerant cultivar, Kennebec, and the sensitive cultivar, Concord, were exposed to media without or with 30, 60, 90 or 120 mmol/L NaCl for 4 weeks. On exposure to NaCl, the length and fresh and dry weight of both shoots and roots of Concord showed greater decrease than those of Kennebec. The decrease in shoot growth was more severe than that of the root for both cultivars. The K+ content of shoots and roots of both cultivars was reduced in a dose‐dependent manner by exposure to NaCl; the Na+ content increased. Activities of ascorbate peroxidase, catalase and glutathione reductase were increased in NaCl‐exposed shoots of Kennebec; the corresponding activities in NaCl‐exposed shoots of Concord were decreased. Roots of both cultivars showed similar changes in the activities of these enzymes on exposure to NaCl. These studies established that enzyme activities in Concord shoots are inversely related to the NaCl concentration, whereas those in Kennebec do not show a dose dependency, which is also the case for the roots of both cultivars. Our findings suggest that an increase in activity of antioxidant enzymes, such as ascorbate peroxidase, catalase and glutathione reductase, can contribute to salt tolerance in Kennebec, a salt resistant cultivar of potato.
Identification of MicroRNAs in Wild Soybean (Glycine soja)
Authors: Chen Rui , Hu Zheng , Zhang Hui
Published: November 2009

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in post‐transcriptional gene silencing by directing target mRNA cleavage or translational inhibition. Currently, hundreds of miRNAs have been identified in plants, but no report has been published of wild soybean (Glycine soja Sieb). We constructed a small‐RNA library consisting of 2 880 sequences with high quality, in which 1 347 were 19–24 nt in length. By utilizing the miRNA, Rfam and domesticated soybean expressed sequence tag database, we have analyzed and predicted the secondary structure of these small RNAs. As a result, 15 conserved miRNA candidates belonging to eight different families and nine novel miRNA candidates comprising eight families were identified in wild soybean seedlings. All these miRNA candidates were validated by northern blot and the novel candidates expressed in a tissue‐specific manner. Furthermore, putative target genes were predicted for novel miRNA candidates and two of them were verified by 5′‐rapid amplification of cDNA ends experiments. These results provided useful information for miRNA research in wild soybean and plants.
Biological Effect of Anaphylatoxin C5a on the Generation of Anti‐inflammatory Substances in Leukocyte Adsorption
Authors: Nishise Shoichi , Takeda Yuji , Nishise Yuko , Fujishima Shoichiro , Orii Tomohiko , Otake Sayaka , Sato Takeshi , Sasaki Yu , Takeda Hiroaki , Kawata Sumio
Published: November 2009

Anaphylatoxins, which are involved in both pro‐inflammatory processes and a variety of anti‐inflammatory effects, are produced during granulocyte and monocyte adsorptive apheresis. We noticed the anti‐inflammatory effects of C5a, the strongest anaphylatoxin, in granulocyte and monocyte adsorptive apheresis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of C5a on interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist (IL‐1ra) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) generation in granulocyte and monocyte adsorption. Peripheral blood containing nafamostat mesilate as an endogenous complement activation inhibitor was divided into four groups: (1) no recombinant C5a added, no contact with cellulose acetate (CA) beads (control group); (2) no C5a added, contact with CA beads; (3) C5a added, no contact with CA beads; and (4) C5a added, contact with CA beads. After incubation, IL‐1ra and HGF in plasma were measured. IL‐1ra was significantly higher in group 3, in which only C5a was added in the absence of CA beads, compared to groups 2 (P < 0.01) and 4 (P < 0.05). HGF was significantly higher only in group 4, in which C5a was added in the presence of CA beads (P < 0.05), but did not increase in the absence of CA beads. C5a can directly induce IL‐1ra generation without the granulocyte and monocyte adsorption stimuli to CA beads, but can synergistically induce HGF generation with the adsorption stimuli, indicating C5a has different effects on IL‐1ra and HGF generation.
Intermittent Plasmapheresis Prevents Recurrence in Neuromyelitis Optica
Authors: Miyamoto Katsuichi , Kusunoki Susumu
Published: November 2009

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is a relapsing inflammatory condition characterized by selective involvement of the optic nerves and spinal cord. Humoral immune mechanisms play a role in the pathogenesis of NMO. The therapeutic efficacy of plasmapheresis (PP) has been reported in the cases that were poorly controlled with other treatments. Herein, we report four patients with NMO who underwent PP following intensive intravenous corticosteroid therapy. All patients showed definite functional improvement following one to five plasma exchanges. To prevent relapse, these patients were treated with oral prednisolone in combination with azathioprine or cyclophosphamide. Two of the four patients also underwent intermittent PP because treatment with oral agents was unsuccessful. In conclusion, when treatment with oral immunosuppressants is ineffective in reducing recurrences of NMO, an additional PP session should be attempted.
DETERMINATION OF FREE FATTY ACIDS IN CRUDE PALM OIL, BLEACHED PALM OIL AND BLEACHED DEACIDIFIED PALM OIL BY FOURIER TRANSFORM INFRARED SPECTROSCOPY
Authors: CHE MAN Y.B. , AYE W.W. , TAN C.P. , ABDULKARIM S.M.
Published: November 2009

A rapid method for quantitative determination of free fatty acids from crude palm oil to bleached palm oil (BPO) and then distilled BPO and refluxed BPO by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) transmission spectroscopy is described. A partial least square (PLS) model was calibrated to predict the FFA content of palm oil samples based on the spectral range of 1,729.89–1,694.48/cm. Multivariate calibration step was carried out by comparing the FFA values predicted by PLS model to the values obtained from the official American Oil Chemists' Society method. The resulting PLS calibrations were linear and the root mean standard error of cross‐validation was 0.063 with a correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.9898. The results indicated that FTIR spectroscopy is an efficient, rapid and accurate method for determining the FFA content in palm oil.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

The application of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy technique was studied to confirm the free fatty acid (FFA) content in bleached deacidified palm oil obtained from solvent deacidification process. FTIR spectroscopy afforded accurate results within a short period of time in a simple manner. Thus, FTIR is considered as a rapid, simple and solvent‐free alternative analytical method for determination of FFA content in edible oils.
MODULATION OF FASTED AND POSTPRANDIAL PLASMA LIPIDS IN HEALTHY VOLUNTEERS BY A DIETARY MIXTURE OF OMEGA‐3 FATTY ACIDS AND CONJUGATED LINOLEIC ACID
Authors: TSOFLIOU FOTINI , FYFE CLAIRE L. , MATHESON IAN , JACKSON DIANE M. , HORGAN GRAHAM W. , WAHLE KLAUS W.J. , AHREN BO , WILLIAMS LYNDA M. , SNEDDON ALAN A.
Published: November 2009

Effects of a dietary combination of omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n‐3‐PUFA) and conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs) on fasting and postprandial plasma lipids was investigated in healthy volunteers with different ages and body mass index (BMI). Lean (BMI 20–26 kg/m2) and obese (BMI 29–35 kg/m2), young (20–37 years) and older (50–65 years) men consumed 3 g/day each of CLA and n‐3‐PUFA or 6 g/day control oil for 12 weeks in a double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled, randomized crossover study. In older lean subjects, CLA/n‐3‐PUFA supplementation reduced fasting nonesterified fatty acids (NEFAs) concentrations compared with the control oil (P < 0.05). However, in older obese subjects, CLA/n‐3‐PUFA increased fasting low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (P < 0.05) and postprandial total cholesterol levels (P < 0.05). In young lean subjects, CLA/n‐3‐PUFA reduced postprandial NEFA levels (P < 0.05) whereas in young obese subjects, postprandial total cholesterol and triacylglycerols were lowered (both P < 0.05). Therefore, a dietary combination of CLA together with n‐3‐PUFA may have favorable effects on plasma lipids in young and older lean men but detrimental effects in older obese men.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

This study suggests that where individuals consume a combination of both omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid supplements in order to obtain potential additive beneficial effects of each lipid on adiposity and health, this particular fatty acid combination may have harmful effects on plasma lipid biomarkers of cardiovascular disease in older obese men.
OPTIMIZED SUPERHEATED HEXANE EXTRACTION OF GRAPESEED OIL
Authors: EIKANI MOHAMMAD H. , GOLMOHAMMAD FERESHTEH
Published: November 2009

Superheated hexane extraction (SHHE), Soxhlet extraction and cold pressing technique were compared for the extraction of oil from grapeseed in terms of their efficiency and fatty acids profile. The SHHE efficiencies, affected by four factors and three levels including temperature (80, 100 and 120C), mean particle size (0.25, 0.50 and 1.00 mm), solvent flow rate (0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mL/min) and extraction pressure (10, 20 and 30 bar), were optimized using Taguchi design approach. The optimum conditions as obtained from signal‐to‐noise ratio analysis were 100C temperature, 0.25 mm mean particle size, 1.0 mL/min flow rate and 30 bar pressure. The SHHE showed a higher extraction efficiency (23.13 w%) than Soxhlet extraction (13.40 w%) and cold pressing (5.29 w%) and resulted in a much shorter extraction time. The obtained fatty acid profiles using the three extraction methods were nearly the same.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Superheated solvents such as water have been utilized in several applications such as analytical procedures, soil remediation, extraction of flavors, fragrances and antioxidants from natural resources, hydrolysis of carbohydrates, and have been used as a reaction medium, among others. In addition, superheated hexane may be used for extraction of edible oils from oil bearing materials such as grape and pomegranate seeds. Thus, it may provide an alternative and a more efficient solvent extraction process in food and beverage production.