bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gravity-Induced Modifications to Development in Hypocotyls of Arabidopsis Tubulin Mutants
Authors: Matsumoto Shouhei , Kumasaki Saori , Soga Kouichi , Wakabayashi Kazuyuki , Hashimoto Takashi , Hoson Takayuki
Published: December 2009

We investigated the roles of cortical microtubules in gravity-induced modifications to the development of stem organs by analyzing morphology and orientation of cortical microtubule arrays in hypocotyls of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) tubulin mutants, tua3(D205N), tua4(S178Δ), and tua6(A281T), cultivated under 1g and hypergravity (300g) conditions. Hypocotyls of tubulin mutants were shorter and thicker than the wild type even at 1g, and hypergravity further suppressed elongation and stimulated expansion. The degree of such changes was clearly smaller in tubulin mutants, in particular in tua6. Hypocotyls of tubulin mutants also showed either left-handed or right-handed helical growth at 1g, and the degree of twisting phenotype was intensified under hypergravity conditions, especially in tua6. Hypergravity induced reorientation of cortical microtubules from transverse to longitudinal directions in epidermal cells of wild-type hypocotyls. In tubulin mutants, especially in tua6, the percentage of cells with longitudinal microtubules was high even at 1g, and it was further increased by hypergravity. The twisting phenotype was most obvious at cells 10 to 12 from the top, where reorientation of cortical microtubules from transverse to longitudinal directions occurred. Moreover, the left-handed helical growth mutants (tua3 and tua4) had right-handed microtubule arrays, whereas the right-handed mutant (tua6) had left-handed arrays. There was a close correlation between the alignment angle of epidermal cell files and the alignment of cortical microtubules. Gadolinium ions, blockers of mechanosensitive ion channels (mechanoreceptors), suppressed the twisting phenotype in tubulin mutants under both 1g and 300g conditions. Microtubule arrays in tubulin mutants were oriented more transversely by gadolinium treatment, irrespective of gravity conditions. These results support the hypothesis that cortical microtubules play an essential role in maintenance of normal growth phenotype against the gravitational force, and suggest that mechanoreceptors are involved in modifications to morphology and orientation of microtubule arrays by 1g gravity and hypergravity in tubulin mutants.
Petroleum systems of Chinese nonmarine basins
Authors: Zhao Wenzhi , Wang Hongjun , Yuan Xuanjun , Wang Zecheng , Zhu Guangyou
Published: December 2009

The petroleum systems of Chinese nonmarine rifted and depression basins, dominated by lacustrine strata, have distinctive source rocks, reservoir types and trap characteristics. The rifted basins are characterized by numerous faults and multiple structural salients and sags (half grabens). Sags include many subdivisions and smaller isolated sags. Most sags constitute relatively independent petroleum systems that have efficiently generated and expelled hydrocarbons, have excellent reservoir properties in a variety of sand‐body types, and have multiple traps. These attributes impart a petroliferous character to the entire sag. Depression basins (intracratonic flexural basins) developed on large cratons and hosted large lacustrine systems. They feature very gentle structure, large deltaic sand‐bodies, source rocks in extensive contact with sand‐bodies, heterogeneous low‐porosity‐low‐permeability reservoirs and large, widespread lithology‐controlled pools. In recent years, large oil and gas reserves have been discovered in these two types of lacustrine‐dominated basins, contributing significantly to the growth of reserves in onshore China, and stratigraphic oil and gas pools have become the major type of accumulation in nonmarine lacustrine basins.
Formation of 100S ribosomes in Staphylococcus aureus by the hibernation promoting factor homolog SaHPF
Authors: Ueta Masami , Wada Chieko , Wada Akira
Published: December 2009

In the stationary growth phase of Escherichia coli, the 70S ribosomes are dimerized by the ribosome modulation factor (RMF) and hibernation promoting factor (HPF) proteins to form 100S ribosomes, which lose translational activity. In this study we found 100S ribosomes in the gram‐positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, which has an HPF homolog (named SaHPF) but no RMF homolog. Unlike in E. coli, 100S ribosomes exist in all growth phases of S. aureus, with the highest levels at the transition from the exponential phase to the stationary phase. To find the key factors involved in 100S formation, we analyzed proteins associated with crude ribosomes using radical‐free and highly reducing 2‐D PAGE and MALDI TOF/MS. Only the SaHPF levels changed in parallel with the changes in 100S levels. SaHPF bound preferentially to 70S components in 100S ribosomes, with a molar ratio of 1 : 1 relative to the 70S, but some SaHPF was also detected in free 70S ribosomes. High‐salt washing of the crude ribosomes released SaHPF and dissociated the 100S ribosomes to their 70S components. When these 70S components were incubated with purified SaHPF in vitro, they re‐associated to form 100S. These results suggest that SaHPF is a key protein involved in 100S ribosome formation in S. aureus.
PiggyBac‐like elements in the pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella
Authors: Wang J. , Miller E. D. , Simmons G. S. , Miller T. A. , Tabashnik B. E. , Park Y.
Published: December 2009

A transgenic line of the pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella, a key lepidopteran cotton pest, was generated previously using the piggyBac transposon IFP2 from Trichoplusia ni. Here we identified an endogenous piggyBac‐like element (PLE), designated as PgPLE1, in the pink bollworm. A putatively intact copy of PgPLE1 (PgPLE1.1) presents the canonical features of PLE: inverted terminal repeats with three C/G residues at the extreme ends, inverted subterminal repeats, TTAA target site and an open reading frame encoding transposase with 68% similarity to IFP2. Vectorette PCR revealed large variation in the insertion sites of PgPLE1 amongst worldwide populations, indicating the potential mobility of PgPLE1. The PgPLE1 was undetectable in the genome of Pectinophora endema, implying the recent invasion of PgPLE1 after the divergence of these two closely related species.
Alternative states models provide an effective framework for invasive species control and restoration of native communities
Authors: Firn Jennifer , House Alan P. N. , Buckley Yvonne M.
Published: December 2009

1. Identifying the mechanisms that facilitate invasion is crucial for the design of preventative measures and understanding the invasion process, but not necessarily for the design of effective control strategies.

2. When a novel disturbance is identified as facilitating invasion, the intuitive control strategy is to restore the previous disturbance regime. This recommendation is implicitly based on traditional models of succession, which explain the dynamics of few natural ecosystems. We investigate whether the application and/or manipulation of novel disturbances designed explicitly under an alternative states model are more effective for restoration.

3. Using a field trial, we manipulated a relatively new disturbance (ungulate grazing), a facilitator of invasion, to determine its effects on the invasive grass species, Eragrostis curvula and the rest of the plant community. The split‐plot design used excluded and permitted grazing and was combined with reductions in the biomass of the invader using mowing and selective application of herbicides. We also altered soil nutrient conditions and monitored responses over two growing seasons characterized by different rainfall patterns.

4. We found that the control strategy based implicitly on traditional successional models (removing the causal disturbance and killing the invasive grass) was not the most effective option for restoring a desirable native community. While this control strategy reduced the abundance of the invader and increased native grasses, it led to an increase in the abundance of an undesirable exotic forb, Verbena tenuisecta. The most effective control strategy was based on alternative states models and involved the maintenance of grazing and the use of fertilizers to increase the palatability of the invader. With this strategy, the abundance of the invader decreased because grazing pressure increased, native grasses increased and the exotic forb was maintained at low levels.

5. Synthesis and applications. The control strategy based on the alternative states models initially appears at odds with restoration efforts, because livestock grazing and nutrient addition are associated with the degradation of plant communities worldwide. However, for effective restoration, we found approaches that take into consideration the dynamics of the novel invader‐dominated system were the most effective in the short term.
A modern pollen–climate calibration set based on lake sediments from the Tibetan Plateau and its application to a Late Quaternary pollen record from the Qilian Mountains
Authors: Herzschuh Ulrike , Birks H. J. B. , Mischke Steffen , Zhang Chengjun , Böhner Jürgen
Published: December 2009

Aim  Fossil pollen spectra from lake sediments on the Tibetan Plateau have been used for qualitative climate reconstruction, but no modern pollen–climate calibration set based on lake sediments is available to infer past climate quantitatively. This study aims to develop such a dataset and apply it to fossil data.

Location  The Tibetan Plateau, between 30 and 40° N and 87 and 103° E.

Methods  We collected surface sediments from 112 lakes and analysed them palynologically. The lakes span a wide range of mean annual precipitation (Pann; 31–1022 mm), mean annual temperature (Tann; −6.5 to 1 °C), and mean July temperature (TJuly; 2.6–19.7 °C). Redundancy analysis showed that the modern pollen spectra are characteristic of their respective vegetation types and local climate. Transfer functions for Pann, Tann and TJuly were developed with weighted averaging partial least squares. Model performance was assessed by leave‐one‐out cross‐validation.

Results  The root mean square errors of prediction (RMSEP) were 104 mm (Pann), 1.18 °C (Tann) and 1.17 °C (TJuly). The RMSEPs, when expressed as percentages of the gradient sampled, were 10.6% (Pann), 15.7% (Tann) and 11.9% (TJuly). These low values indicate the good performance of our models. An application of the models to fossil pollen spectra covering the last c. 50 kyr yielded realistic results for Luanhaizi Lake in the Qilian Mountains on the north‐eastern Tibetan Plateau (modern Pann 480 mm; Tann−1 °C). Tann and Pann values similar to present ones were reconstructed for late Marine Isotope Stage 3, with minimum values for the Last Glacial Maximum (c. 300 mm and 2 °C below present), and maximum values for the early Holocene (c. 70 mm and 0.5 °C greater than present).

Main conclusions  The modern pollen–climate calibration set will potentially be useful for quantitative climate reconstructions from lake‐sediment pollen spectra from the Tibetan Plateau, an area of considerable climatic and biogeographical importance.
Effect of Urotensin II on PC12 Rat Pheochromocytoma Cells
Authors: Aita Y. , Kasahara T. , Isobe K. , Kawakami Y. , Takekoshi K.
Published: December 2009

Urotensin II (U‐II), initially identified as a cyclic peptide from fish urophysis, acts both as a strong vasoconstrictor and vasodilator in the vasculature via its receptor, G‐protein coupled receptor 14. In addition, U‐II and its receptor are co‐expressed in the adrenal medulla, as well as in human pheochromocytomas, suggesting that this peptide may have some function in chromaffin cells. However, the precise role of U‐II in these cells is unknown. In the present study, we initially demonstrate that U‐II and its receptors mRNA are co‐expressed in the rat pheochromocytoma cell line PC12. Moreover, U‐II has not effect on tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), the rate‐limiting enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of catecholamine, in terms of enzyme activity or at the mRNA level. However, U‐II does induce an increase in the phosphorylation of TH specifically at Ser31 without affecting phosphorylation at the two other sites (Ser19 and Ser40). U‐II also markedly activates extracellular signal‐regulated kinases (ERKs) and p38, but not Jun N‐terminal kinase. Blockade of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor by AG1478 significantly reduces activation of ERK, suggesting that EGF receptor transactivation could act upstream of the ERK pathway in PC12 cells. Furthermore, U‐II significantly increases dopamine secretion from PC12 cells. Finally, we show that U‐II induced significant DNA synthesis in a ERKs and P38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase‐dependent manner. The results obtained indicate that U‐II may exert its effects as a neuromodulator in chromaffin cells.
Oestrogen Receptor β is Involved in the Actions of Oestrogens in the Brain for Affective Behaviour, but not Trophic Effects in Peripheral Tissues
Authors: Walf A. A.
Published: December 2009

The steroid, 17β‐oestradiol (E2) has pervasive psychological and physical effects throughout the lifespan. The question arises as to whether there are divergent oestrogen receptor (ER)‐mediated mechanisms for these effects in the central nervous system (CNS) and periphery. This review focuses on results of studies using a whole animal model (i.e. female rats and mice) to investigate the relative effects and mechanisms of oestrogens in the CNS and the periphery. By using this approach, it has been possible to differentiate the enhancing effects of E2 on behavioural processes mediated by the hippocampus, such as affective behaviour, and the trophic effects that increase tumourigenesis and uterine growth. Studies using pharmacological manipulations and knockout mice suggest that a likely mechanism underlying the beneficial effects of E2 for hippocampal function (but not proliferative effects in the body) involves actions at ERβ, changes in cell cycle/division (e.g. cyclin D1) and/or histone modifications. Thus, it may be possible to differentiate the beneficial effects of oestrogens through ERβ, particularly in the CNS, from the negative proliferative effects on peripheral, E2‐sensitive tissues.
Characterization of the novel HLA‐Cw*0624 allele identified by sequence‐based typing
Authors: Deng Z.‐H. , Wang D.‐M. , Gao S.‐Q. , Xu Y.‐P.
Published: December 2009

A novel HLA‐Cw*0624 variant allele differs from the closest allele Cw*06020101 by single nucleotide change at genomic nt 923 T>C (CDS nt 547 T>C, codon 159 TAC>CAC) in exon 3, which results in an amino acid change Tyr159His.
Identification of the novel allele Cw*040110 in a German patient
Authors: Thude H. , Michael M. , Loth M. , Schorner U. , Barz D.
Published: December 2009

We report here the identification of a novel human leukocyte‐Cw*040110 allele detected by polymerase chain reaction sequence‐based typing in a German patient.
HLA‐B*4088, a new allele was identified by polymerase chain reaction sequence‐based typing in a Chinese cord blood donor
Authors: Yan L.‐X. , Zhu F.‐M. , Zhang W. , He J.
Published: December 2009

HLA‐B*4088 shows one nucleotide difference from HLA‐B*400101 at position 350 in exon 3 from A to G.
The new HLA‐Cw*0442 allele possibly generated by a recombination event involving Cw*04010101 and Cw*1801
Authors: Balas A. , García‐Sánchez F. , Jose Vicario L.
Published: December 2009

A new human leukocyte antigen‐C (HLA‐C) allele Cw*0442 was identified in a Spanish Caucasian patient by sequencing‐based typing (SBT). HLA‐Cw*0442 differs from Cw*04010101 by three amino acid replacements at positions 9 (S>D), 11 (S>A), and 14 (W>R).
HLA‐B27 and ankylosing spondylitis: tales from China
Authors: López de Castro J.A.
Published: December 2009

Abstract

The two most frequent HLA‐B27 subtypes worldwide are B*2704 and B*2705. In the Han population of China B*2704 and, to a lower extent, B*2705 are found with significant frequency, and both are associated to ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Two articles in this issue report that the association to AS in this ethnic group is stronger for B*2704 than for B*2705. Thus, at least among the Han, B*2704 would be the strongest known susceptibility factor for AS.
HLA‐B27 polymorphism in patients with juvenile and adult‐onset ankylosing spondylitis in Southern China
Authors: Mou Y. , Wu Z. , Gu J. , Liao Z. , Lin Z. , Wei Q. , Huang J. , Li Q.
Published: December 2009

Abstract

Distribution of B27 subtypes in juvenile and adult‐onset ankylosing spondylitis (JAS and AAS) in Southern China was studied. A total of 505 patients belonged to Han population were included (145 JAS and 360 AAS patients), and 1368 healthy individuals were included as controls. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐B27 typing was performed by Luminex liquid array combining polymerase chain reaction‐sequence specific oligonucleotide probe (PCR‐SSOP) and/or serological method. HLA‐B27 subtyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction‐sequence specific primer (PCR‐SSP). The sequence‐based typing was performed for the B*2715 samples to verify the PCR‐SSP results. HLA‐B27 was presented in 453 of 505 patients (89.7%), compared with 74 of 1368 controls (5.41%). B*2704 subtype in AS group was significantly higher than controls and B*2705 subtype significantly lower. B*2715 and B*2702 were found in 1.32% and 0.66% of the B27‐positive patients but none in controls, and there was no significant difference between either of them and controls. B27‐positive patients were 134 (92.4%) in JAS group and 319 (88.6%) in AAS group. There was no significant difference for B27 subtypes distribution between JAS (B*2704, 05, 15) and AAS (B*2704, 05, 15, 02) groups. The frequency of B*2715 in two groups was 3 (2.24%) and 3 (0.94%), respectively. The onset age of three JAS patients carrying B*2715 was 5, 9 and 13 years old, respectively. Our results suggested that B*2704 was the predominant subtype in AS patients in Southern China. B*2715 was observed in AS group only and slightly more in JAS than in AAS, and the patients carrying this allele tended to have early onset, B*2715 may be disease‐association subtype.
Local adaptation at the range peripheries of Sitka spruce
Authors: MIMURA M. , AITKEN S. N.
Published: December 2009

High‐dispersal rates in heterogeneous environments and historical rapid range expansion can hamper local adaptation; however, we often see clinal variation in high‐dispersal tree species. To understand the mechanisms of the species’ distribution, we investigated local adaptation and adaptive plasticity in a range‐wide context in Sitka spruce, a wind‐pollinated tree species that has recently expanded its range after glaciations. Phenotypic traits were observed using growth chamber experiments that mimicked temperature and photoperiodic regimes from the limits of the species realized niche. Bud phenology exhibited parallel reaction norms among populations; however, putatively adaptive plasticity and strong divergent selection were seen in bud burst and bud set timing respectively. Natural selection appears to have favoured genotypes that maximize growth rate during available frost‐free periods in each environment. We conclude that Sitka spruce has developed local adaptation and adaptive plasticity throughout its range in response to current climatic conditions despite generally high pollen flow and recent range expansion.
Influence of inflorescence size on sexual expression and female reproductive success in a monoecious species
Authors: Torices R. , Méndez M.
Published: December 2009

Sex allocation theory forecasts that larger plant size may modify the balance in fitness gain in both genders, leading to uneven optimal male and female allocation. This reasoning can be applied to flowers and inflorescences, because the increase in flower or inflorescence size can differentially benefit different gender functions, and thus favour preferential allocation to specific floral structures. We investigated how inflorescence size influenced sexual expression and female reproductive success in the monoecious Tussilago farfara, by measuring patterns of biomass, and N and P allocation. Inflorescences of T. farfara showed broad variation in sex expression and, according to expectations, allocation to different sexual structures showed an allometric pattern. Unexpectedly, two studied populations had a contrasting pattern of sex allocation with an increase in inflorescence size. In a shaded site, larger inflorescences were female‐biased and had disproportionately more allocation to attraction structures; while in an open site, larger inflorescences were male‐biased. Female reproductive success was higher in larger, showier inflorescences. Surprisingly, male flowers positively influenced female reproductive success. These allometric patterns were not easily interpretable as a result of pollen limitation when naïvely assuming an unequivocal relationship between structure and function for the inflorescence structures. In this and other Asteraceae, where inflorescences are the pollination unit, both male and female flowers can play a role in pollinator attraction.
Squash vine borer (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae) management in pumpkin in the mid‐Atlantic
Authors: Brust Gerald E.
Published: December 2009

Squash vine borer (SQVB) is becoming a more significant pest of pumpkins in the mid‐Atlantic region, because the pest’s oviposition occurs over a 4‐ to 6‐week period, insecticides are commonly applied over this entire time. This can lead to unnecessary applications that are not well timed with the activity of the moth. This study compared five treatments: (i) weekly insecticide applications, (ii) applications based on insect thresholds from pheromone trap counts, (iii) applications based on thresholds from observations of adults, (iv) combination of treatments two and three and (v) control (no insecticide). Studies were conducted over a 2‐year period at two locations. Using only observations of SQVB adults or pheromone traps to determine when to treat pumpkins resulted in significantly more damage and yield loss compared to spraying weekly. Adults were difficult to monitor as the season progressed and were not observed in the field even though egg counts of SQVB were usually greatest at mid‐season. Few adult SQVB were captured in pheromone traps until 4 weeks into the season even though SQVB were active in the field. Combining the two management strategies resulted in a 50% reduction in insecticide applications and yields that were equal to the weekly spray treatment.
Role of sea surface temperature and rainfall in determining the stock and fishery of the common octopus (Octopus vulgaris, Mollusca, Cephalopoda) in Tunisia
Authors: Chédia Jabeur , Widien Khoufi , Amina Bakhrouf
Published: December 2009

Octopus (Octopus vulgaris, Mollusca, Cephalopoda) is an important and valuable fishery resource on the eastern and southern coasts of Tunisia, but its landings are highly variable. This paper explores the effect of environment on octopus catch per unit effort (CPUE) during a 12‐year period, through correlation analyses and the incorporation into surplus production models of sea surface temperature (SST) and rainfall data collected during cold (January–May) and hot (August–October) seasons. CLIMPROD software was used to select the appropriate model and fit it to the fishery and environment data. In both seasons, SST significantly contributed to CPUE variability; fishery production was influenced positively by cold season SST but negatively by hot season SST. Due to a poor fit with cold season data, the impact of rainfall was analysed only for the hot season, during which it has a positive effect on production. Results are discussed in view of the life‐cycle of octopus and the dynamics of the Tunisian fishery. This first study of octopus variability in Tunisia highlights the necessity to incorporate environmental influence into stock assessment and management advice.
Seasonal changes of antioxidant and oxidative parameters in the coralPocillopora capitataon the Pacific coast of Mexico
Authors: Liñán‐Cabello Marco A. , Flores‐Ramírez Laura A. , Zenteno‐Savin Tania , Olguín‐Monroy Norma O. , Sosa‐Avalos Ramón , Patiño‐Barragan Manuel , Olivos‐Ortiz Aramis
Published: December 2009

The physiological responses of the coralPocillopora capitatato environmental conditions common in winter and summer were studied in 2007 during February–March (winter) and June–July (summer) at La Boquita reef (Manzanillo, Colima, Mexico). Shallow and deep sampling stations were established at different distances from a small jetty built next to the Juluapan Lagoon. We analyzed superoxide radicals () and lipid peroxidants (TBARS); the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), and glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST); chlorophylla(Chla), zooxanthellae density (ZD); and mycosporine‐like amino acids (MAAs). Our results showed that the, TBARS, CAT, GST, MAAs, and Chla,levels were significantly higher in summer (P < 0.05); no seasonal difference was found for GPx, GR or ZD. We found significant differences (P < 0.05) in winter only for Chlaand ZD at shallow sites and, in contrast, forat deeper sites. The results of this study indicate that increasing temperature and radiation associated with seasonal changes (from winter to summer), the efficiency of the enzymes GST, CR and GPX, and the production of MAAs together form a powerful mechanism forP. capitatato offset the detrimental effects of environmental change.
Changes in survivorship, behavior, and morphology in native soft‐shell clams induced by invasive green crab predators
Authors: Whitlow W. Lindsay
Published: December 2009

Many studies on invasive species show reduced native densities, but few studies measure trait‐mediated effects as mechanisms for changes in native growth rates and population dynamics. Where native prey face invasive predators, mechanisms for phenotypic change include selective predation, or induced behavioral or morphological plasticity. Invasive green crabs, Carcinus maenas, have contributed to declines in native soft‐shell clams, Mya arenaria, in coastal New England, USA. We tested the hypothesis that clam ability to detect chemical cues from predators or damaged conspecifics would induce greater burrowing depth as a refuge from invasive crabs, and greater burrowing would require increased siphon growth. To determine how crab predation affected clam survivorship and phenotypic traits in the field, clams in exclosure, open, and crab enclosure plots were compared. Crab predation reduced clam density, and surviving clams were deeper and larger, with longer siphons. To determine whether the mechanism for these results was selective predation or induced plasticity, phenotypes were compared between clams exposed to chemical cues from crab predation and clams exposed to seawater in laboratory and field experiments. In response to crab predation cues, clams burrowed deeper, with longer siphons and greater siphon mass. Overall, crab predation removed clams with shorter siphons at shallow depths, and crab predation cues induced greater burrowing depths and longer siphons. Longer siphons and greater siphon mass of deeper clams suggests clams may allocate energy to siphon growth in response to crabs. By determining native behavior and morphological changes in response to an invasive predator, this study adds to our understanding of mechanisms for invasive impacts and illustrates the utility of measuring trait‐mediated effects to investigate predator–prey dynamics.
Clinicopathological correlations in a series of adult patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Fotiadu Anastasia , Gagalis Asterios , Akriviadis Evangelos , Kotoula Vassiliki , Sinakos Emmanouil , Karkavelas Georgios , Hytiroglou Prodromos
Published: December 2009

Possible correlations among clinical data, serum aminotransferase levels and histological features were assessed in a series of 37 adult patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), consisting of nine patients with fatty liver (FL) and 28 with non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). In each liver biopsy, the NAFLD activity score (NAS) and the stage of fibrosis were determined. Additionally, the number of Kupffer cell aggregates (microgranulomas) per centimeter of biopsy length (MG/cm ratio) was assessed on immunohistochemical stains for CD68 antigen. Definite NASH (NAS ≥ 5) was strongly correlated with serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) level (P= 0.003), stage of fibrosis (P= 0.003) and age (P= 0.014). On multivariate analysis, age >46 years and AST level above normal values were found to be independent clinical predictors of established NASH. The MG/cm ratio increased from control liver to FL to NASH (P < 0.001), and was correlated with the NAS (P= 0.003) and with the stage of fibrosis (P= 0.004), but not with the serum aminotransferase levels. In conclusion, persistent AST elevation in patients with suspected NAFLD should be an indication for liver biopsy, in order to determine the severity of necroinflammatory activity and the stage of fibrosis. Microgranuloma counting may represent a useful complementary marker of necroinflammatory activity in patients with NAFLD.
LONG‐TERM PROGNOSIS OF BILE DUCT STONES: ENDOSCOPIC PAPILLARY BALLOON DILATATION VERSUS ENDOSCOPIC SPHINCTEROTOMY
Authors: Kojima Yuko , Nakagawa Hiroshi , Miyata Akihiro , Hirai Takanori , Ohyama Itaru , Okada Akihisa , Hiramatsu Takeshi , Ohhara Yasuji , Kuwahara Takamichi
Published: December 2009

Aim:  Endoscopic papillary balloon dilatation (EPBD), which allows preservation of papillary functions, is used as the first‐line therapy in our hospital for common bile duct (CBD) stones to reduce biliary complications. In the present study, we investigated causal factors for CBD stones and compared long‐term prognosis between EPBD and endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST).

Methods:  A total of 453 EPBD and 233 EST cases treated between April 1996 and May 2007 were examined. They were categorized into four groups: group 1, gallbladder (GB) with stones was resected after CBD stones were extracted (cholecystectomy for GB with stones); group 2, GB with stones was not resected after CBD stones were extracted (no cholecystectomy for GB with stones); group 3, only CBD stones were extracted while the GB without stones was not resected (GB without stones); and group 4, CBD stones with a history of cholecystectomy (absence of GB). Then, postoperative recurrence of CBD stones was compared. To examine changes in papillary functions by EPBD, Oddi's sphincter pressure was measured before and after EPBD.

Results:  Recurrence was observed in 31 EPBD and 40 EST cases. When recurrence rates by EPBD/EST were compared among the four treatment groups, they were lower with EPBD than with EST in all groups. Oddi's sphincter functions were preserved by 70% after EPBD.

Conclusion:  Low‐pressure EPBD in combination with isosorbide dinitrate enabled preservation of papillary functions by 70%, which would improve a long‐term prognosis.
SUCCESSFUL ENDOSCOPIC SUBMUCOSAL DISSECTION FOR MUCOSAL CANCER OF THE DUODENUM
Authors: Shinoda Masahiro , Makino Atsushi , Wada Masahiro , Kabeshima Yasuo , Takahashi Tsunehiro , Kawakubo Hirofumi , Shito Masaya , Sugiura Hitoshi , Omori Tai
Published: December 2009

We report a case of mucosal duodenal cancer in a 62‐year‐old woman, which was successfully removed en bloc by endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). The patient underwent an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy at our hospital, which revealed an elevated flat mucosal lesion (type IIa) measuring 10 mm in diameter in the second portion of the duodenum. Histopathological examination of a biopsy specimen revealed features suggestive of a tubulovillous adenoma with severe atypia. As the findings suggested that the lesion had an adenocarcinoma component but was confined to the mucosal layer, we decided to carry out ESD and successfully removed the tumor in one piece. The resected tumor was 20 × 15 mm in size. Histopathological examination revealed that the lesion was a well‐differentiated mucosal adenocarcinoma with no lymphovascular invasion. Mucosal duodenal cancer is extremely rare, and ESD of a lesion in the duodenum requires a high level of skill. To the best of our knowledge, this case is the first report of successful ESD carried out in a case of mucosal duodenal cancer.
ENDOSCOPIC MANAGEMENT OF BILIOCUTANEOUS FISTULA AFTER PERCUTANEOUS RADIOFREQUENCY ABLATION THERAPY FOR HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA
Authors: Tsujino Takeshi , Sasahira Naoki , Hirano Kenji , Tateishi Ryosuke , Isayama Hiroyuki , Tada Minoru , Shiina Shuichiro , Yoshida Haruhiko , Kawabe Takao , Omata Masao
Published: December 2009

Our patient was a 70‐year‐old man with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and liver cirrhosis (Child–Pugh B). He had a history of distal gastrectomy with Billroth II reconstruction for duodenal ulcer and hepatectomy for HCC. One month after percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for recurrent HCC, biliocutaneous fistula was observed. The cholangiogram demonstrated leakage of contrast material from an intrahepatic duct into the fistula, and a nasobiliary catheter was placed. Subsequently, the discharge of bile steadily decreased and stopped. Follow‐up cholangiogram revealed no evidence of bile leakage. Biliocutaneous fistula is an extremely rare complication after percutaneous RFA, and the present case report suggests that endoscopic drainage is the first‐line therapy for bile leaks after RFA.
IPMN PENETRATION OF THE STOMACH
Authors: Nakano Masakazu , Tominaga Keiichi , Watanabe Hidetaka , Kanke Kazunari , Tamano Masaya , Hiraishi Hideyuki
Published: December 2009

An 83‐year old Japanese man was transferred to our hospital due to a 1‐week history of melena and signs of disordered awareness. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed a villous tumor associated with massive white mucous discharge in the posterior wall of the gastric corpus, where pathologically identified mucin‐producing epithelium with nuclear atypia had developed into a papillary form. An abdominal enhanced computed tomography scan demonstrated communication between the dilated main pancreatic duct and the gastric lumen. Based on these findings, we reached a diagnosis of gastric penetration by an intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) of the main pancreatic duct. IPMN is partly characterized by expansive mucinous growth that may result in penetration into adjacent organs.
ENDOMETRIOID ADENOCARCINOMA ARISING FROM ENDOMETRIOSIS OF THE RECTOSIGMOID
Authors: Kobayashi Shigeru , Sasaki Morio , Goto Tatsuya , Asakage Naoki , Sekine Masayuki , Suzuki Takahisa , Tsukada Kenji , Yamasaki Shigetaka , Ukawa Shiro
Published: December 2009

A case of endometrioid adenocarcinoma supposedly arising from endometriosis of the rectum is reported. Malignant transformation is uncommon but a well‐known complication of endometriosis. In the present case, it was proved by histopathological findings and immunophenotype such as cytokeratin7+/cytokeratin20−/estrogen receptor+. The cause of rectal endometriosis in this case might have been related with previously received hormone replacement therapy for ovarian endometriosis. Following surgical removal of the lesion, this patient underwent adjuvant chemotherapy with paclitaxel and carboplatin, although this kind of therapy is still controversial as to its effectiveness.
RARE CAUSE OF OBSCURE GASTROINTESTINAL BLEEDING DUE TO PYOGENIC GRANULOMA IN THE ILEUM DETECTED BY CAPSULE ENDOSCOPY AND TREATED WITH DOUBLE BALLOON ENDOSCOPY
Authors: Nagoya Hiroyuki , Tanaka Shu , Tatsuguchi Atsushi , Mitsui Keigo , Ehara Akihito , Kobayashi Tsuyoshi , Fujimori Shunji , Sakamoto Choitsu
Published: December 2009

Pyogenic granuloma is a lobular capillary hemangioma that occurs mostly on the skin, and occasionally on the mucosal surface of the oral cavity, but very rarely in the gastrointestinal tract. We report the case of a 63‐year‐old woman who suffered from palpitations, and iron deficiency anemia for 5 years. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy could not reveal significant bleeding focus. She had not received medical treatment except for oral iron. Capsule endoscopy revealed a bleeding focus in the small intestine. Afterwards, we carried out double balloon endoscopy to treat the lesion. We found a subpedunculated polyp in the small intestine at 100 cm away from ileocecal valve by double balloon endoscopy and resected it endoscopically. The histological features of the polyp were consistent with pyogenic granuloma. Anemia had improved gradually without giving oral iron after polypectomy.
ENDOCYTOSCOPIC OBSERVATION OF ESOPHAGEAL SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA
Authors: Kumagai Youichi , Kawada Kenro , Yamazaki Shigeru , Iida Michio , Ochiai Takanori , Momma Kumiko , Odajima Hajime , Kawachi Hiroshi , Nemoto Tetsuo , Kawano Tatsuyuki , Takubo Kaiyo
Published: December 2009

The endocytoscopy system (ECS), adapted for clinical use in 2003, is an ultra‐high‐power magnifying endoscope that allows observations at the cell level. ECS is based on the technology of light‐contact microscopy. The most evident use of ECS is for real‐time, high‐resolution diagnosis of nuclear abnormalities, mainly in patients with esophageal cancer. Up to now, three different types of ECS have been available. This diagnostic tool makes it possible to omit histological examination of biopsy samples in approximately 84% of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, as evidence for both an increase of cell density and nuclear abnormalities is considered to be convincing proof that a lesion is malignant. Here we describe the features of ECS and the background that led to its development, and review the published literature pertaining to the observation of esophageal neoplasms using ECS.
Predictors of glycaemic control in patients with Type 1 diabetes commencing continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion therapy
Authors: Shalitin S. , Gil M. , Nimri R. , De Vries L. , Gavan M. Y. , Phillip M.
Published: December 2009

Diabet. Med. 27, 339–347 (2010)

Aims  To identify variables that predict glycaemic control in Type 1 diabetic patients switched to a continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) regimen, in order to improve patient selection for this treatment.

Methods  The notes of 421 Type 1 diabetic patients aged 2.6–39.8 years (median 19.4) who initiated CSII treatment in 1998–2007 and used it for ≥ 1 year were reviewed. Details about their background and disease‐related and treatment‐related variables were recorded. At pump initiation, the mean age was 15.9 ± 7.2 years, mean diabetes duration 6.4 ± 5.8 years. Mean time of CSII use was 4.1 ± 2.1 years. Good glycaemic control was defined by glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) stratified by age (American Diabetes Association target levels). Improvement in glycaemic control was defined as a reduction of ≥ 0.5% in HbA1c from baseline. The change in the rate of severe hypoglycaemic or diabetic ketoacidosis events was also determined.

Results  There was a significant sustained decrease in HbA1c with CSII for an average of 6 years, without increased rates of hypoglycaemia. Achievement of target HbA1c was significantly associated with the following parameters at pump initiation: lower HbA1c (P < 0.001), younger age (< 12 years), shorter diabetes duration (P < 0.001) and more frequent daily self blood glucose monitoring (SBGM) (P < 0.01). Improved glycaemic control was associated with longer CSII use (P = 0.032) and higher HbA1c at CSII initiation (P < 0.001).

Conclusions  Switching patients to CSII resulted in sustained decrease in HbA1c and improved glycaemic control in patients with high HbA1c. Young age, frequent SBGM and lower HbA1c at pump initiation were identified as predictors of achieving glycaemic targets with CSII.
Capitalism and Climate Change: Can the Invisible Hand Adjust the Natural Thermostat?
Authors: Storm Servaas
Published: December 2009

Some say the world will end in fire, Some say in ice. From what I’ve tasted of desire I hold with those who favor fire. But if it had to perish twice, I think I know enough of hate To say that for destruction ice Is also great And would suffice.

(Robert Frost, ‘Fire and Ice’, New Hampshire 1923)

Can climate change be stopped while fossil fuel capitalism remains the dominant system? What has to be done and what has to change to avoid the worst‐case consequences of global warming? These questions are debated in the six contributions which follow. This introduction to the debate sets the stage and puts the often widely diverging views in context, distinguishing two axes of debate. The first axis (‘market vs. regulation’) measures faith in the invisible hand to adjust the natural thermostat. The second axis expresses differences in views on the efficiency and equity implications of climate action. While the contributions do differ along these axes, most authors agree that capitalism's institutions need to be drastically reformed and made fundamentally more equitable. This means a much broader agenda for the climate movement (going beyond carbon trading and technocratic discussion of mitigation options). What is needed for climate stability is a systemic transformation based on growth scepticism, a planned transition to a non‐fossil fuel economy, democratic reform, climate justice, and changed global knowledge and corporate and financial power structures.
Capitalism, Climate Change and the Transition to Sustainability: Alternative Scenarios for the US, China and the World
Authors: Li Minqi
Published: December 2009

This contribution evaluates the geopolitical and technical issues involved in climate stabilization and discusses alternative technical paths towards the required emission reductions in the US, China and the world. There are no plausible scenarios in which climate stabilization is compatible with a pace of capital accumulation required for economic and political stability under a capitalist system. Meaningful and effective actions towards climate stabilization presuppose and require fundamental social change.
Climate as Investment
Authors: Lohmann Larry
Published: December 2009

The climate crisis and the credit crisis have made the political issues surrounding investment and finance more critical than ever before. Proposals for ‘Green New Deals’ and the like — aimed at tackling both global warming and global recession — are streaming forth worldwide. Yet many such proposals are incoherent in that they overlook the need for an immediate start to a programme of phasing out both fossil fuels and purported fossil fuel substitutes such as nuclear power and industrial‐scale agrofuels. They also tend to rely on Northern‐biased conceptions of technology transfer and intellectual property that the climate crisis has helped make obsolete. To overcome these problems, future climate movements will have to focus increasingly on the democratization of research, planning and finance.
Forms and Functions of Aggression in Adolescent Friendship Selection and Influence: A Longitudinal Social Network Analysis
Authors: Sijtsema Jelle J. , Ojanen Tiina , Veenstra René , Lindenberg Siegwart , Hawley Patricia H. , Little Todd D.
Published: December 2009

Aggressive children are known to have friends. However, less is known about the impact of aggression on friendship development and how this can differ for overt and relational (i.e., the forms) and instrumental and reactive (i.e., the functions) aggression. This longitudinal study utilized the forms and functions perspective on aggression to assess social selection and influence in adolescents' (N = 337, 12–14 years) friendship networks. Instrumentally and relationally aggressive peers became mutual friends with similar peers. Influence effects were observed in all types of aggression except overt aggression, suggesting that instrumental, reactive, and relational aggression may be the most susceptible to social influence. The findings are discussed in terms of theoretical and methodological implications for the study of aggression and adolescent friendships.
Methotrexate/narrowband UVB phototherapy combination vs. narrowband UVB phototherapy in the treatment of chronic plaque‐type psoriasis – a randomized single‐blinded placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Mahajan R , Kaur I , Kanwar AJ
Published: December 2009

Background  Psoriasis is a chronic, recurring inflammatory disease affecting the skin, joints and nails that has a significant negative impact on the quality of life. Efficacy of combination of methotrexate/narrowband ultraviolet B (NBUVB) phototherapy in the treatment of psoriasis has been rarely assessed.

Objectives  To compare the efficacy of methotrexate/NBUVB phototherapy combination vs. NBUVB phototherapy in the treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis.

Methods  Forty patients with chronic plaque‐type psoriasis (body surface area involvement >10%) were randomized to receive either methotrexate/NBUVB phototherapy (group A) or placebo/NBUVB phototherapy (group B). End point of treatment was 75% reduction in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) Score or upto 6 months, whichever was earlier. Patients were then followed up for a period of 12 weeks for assessment of relapse.

Results  Of 40 patients, 37 completed the treatment period and 29 both the treatment period and follow‐up. PASI 75 was achieved in 19/20 patients in group A and 14/20 patients in group B (P < 0.04). The mean number of weeks(P = 0.001), the mean cumulative dose of NBUVB (P = 0.001) and the mean number of phototherapy sessions (P = 0.0001) required to achieve PASI 75 were significantly less in group A compared with group B. There was no significant difference in the number of patients who relapsed during the follow‐up period (P = 0.68).

Conclusion  Combination of methotrexate and NBUVB phototherapy provides more rapid clinical improvement compared with NBUVB monotherapy in the treatment for chronic plaque‐type psoriasis.
Melasma in men: a clinical, aetiological and histological study
Authors: Sarkar R , Puri P , Jain RK , Singh A , Desai A
Published: December 2009

Background  Melasma, a facial hypermelanosis, is more common in women. In Indians, men seem to be frequently involved. There are hardly any studies delineating the clinical, aetiological and histological features of melasma in men and the present study was taken up to fill this lacuna.

Materials and methods  A total of 200 patients with melasma were screened for only men having melasma. Data including duration, illnesses, sunlight exposure, use of cosmetics, oil or medication, familial pigmentation, nutritional, parasitic infestations, infections, hepatic disorders, occupation were taken followed by general physical, cutaneous and Woods light examination. Laboratory investigations including skin biopsy were performed.

Results  Of 200 patients screened, 41 (20.5%) were men. Their ages ranged from 19 to 53 years. Twenty‐four (58.5%) of the patients were outdoor workers. Twelve (29.3%) originally belonged to hilly regions. Clinical patterns were malar in 61%, centrofacial in 29.3% and mandibular in 9.7%. The aetiological factors identified were: sun‐exposure in 20 (48.8%), mustard oil usage in 18 (43.9%), family history in 16 (37%), chronic illnesses in five (12.2%) and phenytoin in three (7.3%); of these sun‐exposure and family history were statistically significant when compared with those for women. Laboratory investigations revealed anaemia in five (12.2%), giardiasis in two (4.9%), increased leuteinizing hormone (LH) and low testosterone in four (9.7%) men. Skin biopsies in 20 (48.8%) patients revealed features of epidermal melasma in 10 (50%) and a mixed type in nine (45%) patients.

Conclusions  Melasma is frequently observed in Indian men. The main causative factors among the male patients appeared to be sun‐exposure and family history. Melasma in men is definitely less common than in women, but shares the same clinicohistopathological characteristics as in women.