bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“A new kind of fear”: Jean Baudrillard's neo‐Durkheimian theory of mass‐mediated suicide
Authors: Riley Alexander
Published: January 2010

The classical Durkheimian understanding of violence has been significantly augmented in recent decades by a neo‐Durkheimian analysis of the dual nature of the sacred and mass‐mediated ritual. A good deal of the post‐1970s thought of Jean Baudrillard, including his controversial writings on the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, was centrally concerned with the ways in which the media shape the social experience of violence. In this chapter I argue that his theoretical reconceptualisation of the meaning of suicide, which can reasonably be described as Durkheimian in its essentials, offers a useful tool for making sense of the fascination exerted on viewers by some mediated acts of self‐destructive violence.
From political emergencies and states of exception to exceptional states and emergent politics: a neo‐Durkheimian alternative to Agamben
Authors: Datta Ronjon Paul
Published: January 2010

Agamben's Homo Sacer (1998) here serves as a stimulus for developing a neo‐Durkheimian approach to the political. Durkheim's sociology of the sacred and government is read symptomatically to highlight the extent to which sacralisations refer to a real but underdetermined ontology of the social that threatens to break loose into violence against the mechanisms of rule that regulate institutions, actions and the broader normative terrain in which collective fates are thought about and problematised. This neo‐Durkheimian approach is deconstructive of Agamben and reconstructive of an alternative to his state‐focused conception of sovereignty, the political and sacralisation. The political field is reconceptualised as structured by the sacred difference between politics and rule, instantiated by a limen – a door – through which the violence of politics may break, opening social life to the field of the contingency of history. This alternative thus shifts the focus from a political emergency to which states of exception, decided by state sovereignty, are a violent response, to exceptional states of an emergent politics grounded in the sacred power of popular sovereignty that may result in violence against rule.
Mid‐season shifts in the habitat associations of Yellow WagtailsMotacilla flavabreeding in arable farmland
Authors: GILROY JAMES J. , ANDERSON GUY Q. A. , GRICE PHILIP V. , VICKERY JULIET A. , SUTHERLAND WILLIAM J.
Published: January 2010

Declines in habitat quality through the breeding season within a bird’s home‐range can limit overall productivity. In environments where multiple breeding opportunities arise during the course of a season, these effects can be buffered by a shift to different breeding sites or habitats. We studied the distribution and habitat associations of a crop‐nesting farmland bird, the Yellow WagtailMotacilla flava, across an arable‐dominated farming region in eastern England using both field‐scale territory mapping and large‐scale transect surveys. Surveys were repeated at monthly intervals to measure changes in both distribution and habitat use during the course of the season. The distribution of breeding birds changed markedly at both regional and field‐scales, coinciding with a shift in crop preference. Initially, most territorial birds were recorded in autumn‐sown cereal fields, but this crop was subsequently abandoned in favour of potato crops, which were more patchily distributed. Other habitat features influencing Yellow Wagtail distribution included local crop diversity, hedgerow presence and soil type, with organic soils supporting higher abundance than alluvial clays or silts. The mid‐season switch in habitat associations might allow individuals to maximize the number of breeding attempts made in a single year by using multiple habitats sequentially. The use of multiple habitats could influence population regulation by buffering the effects of local within‐season declines in habitat suitability. Seasonal habitat switching may be more prevalent than is currently recognized in seasonal environments.
Description of a new species of Phylloscopus warbler from Vietnam and Laos
Authors: ALSTRÖM PER , DAVIDSON PETE , DUCKWORTH J. W. , EAMES JONATHAN C. , LE TRAI TRONG , NGUYEN CU , OLSSON URBAN , ROBSON CRAIG , TIMMINS ROB
Published: January 2010

A new species of Phylloscopus warbler, which we name Phylloscopus calciatilis Limestone Leaf Warbler, is described from central and northern Vietnam and central and northern Laos; it probably also breeds in southernmost China. In morphology, the new species is very similar to Sulphur‐breasted Warbler Phylloscopus ricketti, but it is smaller with a proportionately larger bill and rounder wing. Its song and calls are diagnostic. Based on mitochondrial and nuclear DNA, the new species is most closely related to P. ricketti and Yellow‐vented Warbler Phylloscopus cantator, and it is inferred to be sister to the latter. The mitochondrial divergences between these three species are at the low end of the variation found in other species of Phylloscopus and Seicercus warblers, but greater than in other taxa generally treated as subspecies. Possible introgressive hybridization between the new species and P. ricketti is discussed, but more data are needed to establish whether it does occur and, if it does, to what extent. The new species appears to have a restricted breeding range in limestone karst environments, where it is locally common and therefore not under any immediate threat. In view of the recognition of the new species, all previous records of P. ricketti sensu lato need to be re‐evaluated.
Modelling the spatial dynamics of a recovering species: the Grey HeronArdea cinereain France
Authors: LORRILLIERE ROMAIN , BOISTEAU BENJAMIN , ROBERT ALEXANDRE
Published: January 2010

In many countries, the implementation of measures to protect declining species has led to the recolonization of some areas by bird species within their historic range. There is, however, a lack of quantitative tools for exploring and projecting such large‐scale dynamics. Here, we present an approach that makes use of both census and habitat suitability data and integrates them into a spatially explicit model of colonization dynamics (cellular automaton). The Grey HeronArdea cinerea, which has recently recolonized much of France following legal protection measures, was used as a focal species. Data analysis allowed us to quantify the positive effects of habitat quality on the probability of colonization, and to uncover both positive and negative density‐dependent colony settlement processes. Projective simulations then allowed us to determine an inflection point in global colonization dynamics and predict a significant reduction in the colonization rate during the next 50 years. This makes it possible to project the spatial distribution of the species at different timescales, and to estimate the carrying capacity of France for the species (around 1500 colonies).
Assessing the impact of Entry Level Stewardship on lowland farmland birds in England
Authors: DAVEY CATHERINE M. , VICKERY JULIET A. , BOATMAN NIGEL D. , CHAMBERLAIN DAN E. , PARRY HAZEL R. , SIRIWARDENA GAVIN M.
Published: January 2010

Agri‐environment schemes (AES) are central to the conservation of Europe’s farmland biodiversity. The UK Government’s Public Service Agreement target seeks to reverse the decline of farmland birds in England by 2020 through the use of AES. The Entry Level Stewardship (ELS) scheme, introduced in 2005, is the first non‐competitive, broad‐uptake stewardship scheme designed to deliver simple but effective environmental management on farms throughout England. Approximately 5 million hectares of farmland are currently entered into Environmental Stewardship (ES) agreements, and given the scale of this investment it is important to verify the efficacy of ELS as a mechanism for delivering biodiversity benefits. We used spatially referenced ES agreement data to assess the influence of specific management options and combinations of options on farmland bird population changes between 2005 and 2008 derived from standardized surveys carried out on over 2000 lowland farmland 1‐km squares in England. The results showed only limited evidence for short‐term effects of ES. Only Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra and Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris showed some landscape‐specific positive associations with area under ELS management. There was also limited evidence for positive associations between specific management options and the population changes of the species at which they were aimed. The current pattern of option uptake may be limiting benefits of ELS, with boundary management accounting for over 50% of scheme compensation value. However, the time required for option maturation and the time lags in bird population responses to environmental change mean that it is too early to reach definitive conclusions about the success or failure of the scheme. The findings of this study will assist in the development of ELS by feeding into the 5‐year review scheduled for 2010 and have implications for the development of similar schemes elsewhere in Europe.
Substance P and glutamate receptor antagonists improve the anti‐arthritic actions of dexamethasone in rats
Authors: Lam Francis FY , Ng Ethel SK
Published: January 2010

Background and purpose:  Current single drug treatments for rheumatoid arthritis have problems of limited efficacy and/or high toxicity. This study investigates the benefits of individual and combined treatments with dexamethasone and substance P and glutamate receptor antagonists in a rat model of arthritis.

Experimental approach:  Arthritis was induced in rats by unilateral intra‐articular injection of Freund's complete adjuvant. Separate groups of rats were subjected to the following treatments 15 min before induction of arthritis: (i) control with no drug treatment; (ii) single intra‐articular injection of a NK1 receptor antagonist RP67580; (iii) single intra‐articular injection of a NMDA receptor antagonist AP7 plus a non‐NMDA receptor antagonist CNQX; (iv) daily oral dexamethasone; and (v) combined treatment with dexamethasone and all of the above receptor antagonists. Knee joint allodynia, swelling, hyperaemia and histological changes were examined over a period of 7 days.

Key results:  Treatment with dexamethasone suppressed joint swelling, hyperaemia and histological changes that include polymorphonuclear cell infiltration, synovial tissue proliferation and cartilage erosion in the arthritic rat knees. Treatment with RP67580 or AP7 plus CNQX did not attenuate hyperaemia or histological changes, but reduced joint allodynia and swelling. Co‐administration of dexamethasone with these receptor antagonists produced greater inhibition on joint allodynia and swelling than their individual effects.

Conclusions and implications:  The data suggest substance P and glutamate contribute to arthritic pain and joint swelling. The efficacy of dexamethasone in reducing arthritic pain and joint swelling can be improved by co‐administration of substance P and glutamate receptor antagonists.
Cannabidiol ameliorates cognitive and motor impairments in bile‐duct ligated mice via 5‐HT1A receptor activation
Authors: Magen I , Avraham Y , Ackerman Z , Vorobiev L , Mechoulam R , Berry EM
Published: January 2010

Background and purpose:  We aimed to demonstrate the involvement of 5‐HT1A receptors in the therapeutic effect of cannabidiol, a non‐psychoactive constituent of Cannabis sativa, in a model of hepatic encephalopathy induced by bile‐duct ligation (BDL) in mice.

Experimental approach:  Cannabidiol (5 mg·kg−1; i.p.) was administered over 4 weeks to BDL mice. Cognition and locomotion were evaluated using the eight‐arm maze and the open field tests respectively. Hippocampi were analysed by RT‐PCR for expression of the genes for tumour necrosis factor‐α receptor 1, brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and 5‐HT1A receptor. N‐(2‐(4‐(2‐methoxy‐phenyl)‐1‐piperazin‐1‐yl)ethyl)‐N‐(2‐pyridyl) cyclohexanecarboxamide (WAY‐100635), a 5‐HT1A receptor antagonist (0.5 mg·kg−1), was co‐administered with cannabidiol. Liver function was evaluated by measuring plasma liver enzymes and bilirubin.

Key results:  Cannabidiol improved cognition and locomotion, which were impaired by BDL, and restored hippocampal expression of the tumour necrosis factor‐α receptor 1 and the BDNF genes, which increased and decreased, respectively, following BDL. It did not affect reduced 5‐HT1A expression in BDL mice. All the effects of cannabidiol, except for that on BDNF expression, were blocked by WAY‐100635, indicating 5‐HT1A receptor involvement in cannabidiol's effects. Cannabidiol did not affect the impaired liver function in BDL.

Conclusions and implications:  The behavioural outcomes of BDL result from both 5‐HT1A receptor down‐regulation and neuroinflammation. Cannabidiol reverses these effects through a combination of anti‐inflammatory activity and activation of this receptor, leading to improvement of the neurological deficits without affecting 5‐HT1A receptor expression or liver function. BDNF up‐regulation by cannabidiol does not seem to account for the cognitive improvement.
Expert Opinion: Rescue Me: Rescue Medication for Migraine
Authors: Whyte Chad , Tepper Stewart J , Evans Randolph W.
Published: January 2010

(Headache 2010;50:307‐313)
Circadian Activity Rhythms and Mortality: The Study of Osteoporotic Fractures
Authors: Tranah Gregory J. , Blackwell Terri , Ancoli‐Israel Sonia , Paudel Misti L. , Ensrud Kristine E. , Cauley Jane A. , Redline Susan , Hillier Teresa A. , Cummings Steven R. , Stone Katie L. ,   for the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures Research Group
Published: January 2010

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether circadian activity rhythms are associated with mortality in community‐dwelling older women.

DESIGN: Prospective study of mortality.

SETTING: A cohort study of health and aging.

PARTICIPANTS: Three thousand twenty‐seven community‐dwelling women from the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures cohort (mean age 84).

MEASUREMENTS: Activity data were collected using wrist actigraphy for a minimum of three 24‐hour periods, and circadian activity rhythms were computed. Parameters of interest included height of activity peak (amplitude), midline estimating statistic of rhythm (mesor), strength of activity rhythm (robustness), and time of peak activity (acrophase). Vital status, with cause of death adjudicated through death certificates, was prospectively ascertained.

RESULTS: Over an average of 4.1 years of follow‐up, there were 444 (14.7%) deaths. There was an inverse association between peak activity height and all‐cause mortality rates, with higher mortality rates observed in the lowest activity quartile (hazard ratio (HR)=2.18, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.63–2.92) than in the highest quartile after adjusting for age, clinic site, race, body mass index, cognitive function, exercise, instrumental activity of daily living impairments, depression, medications, alcohol, smoking, self‐reported health status, married status, and comorbidities. A greater risk of mortality from all causes was observed for those in the lowest quartiles of mesor (HR=1.71, 95% CI=1.29–2.27) and rhythm robustness (HR=1.97, 95% CI=1.50–2.60) than for those in the highest quartiles. Greater mortality from cancer (HR=2.09, 95% CI=1.04–4.22) and stroke (HR=2.64, 95% CI=1.11–6.30) was observed for later peak activity (after 4:33 p.m.; >1.5 SD from mean) than for the mean peak range (2:50–4:33 p.m.).

CONCLUSION: Older women with weak circadian activity rhythms have higher mortality risk. If confirmed in other cohorts, studies will be needed to test whether interventions (e.g., physical activity, bright light exposure) that regulate circadian activity rhythms will improve health outcomes in older adults.
Prevalence of Psychiatric Illnesses in Older Ethnic Minority Adults
Authors: Jimenez Daniel E. , Alegría Margarita , Chen Chih‐nan , Chan Domin , Laderman Mara
Published: January 2010

OBJECTIVES: To compare lifetime and 12‐month prevalence of psychiatric disorders in a nationally representative sample of older Latino, Asian, African‐American, and Afro‐Caribbean adults with that of older non‐Latino white adults.

DESIGN: Cross‐sectional study conducted in 2001 through 2004.

SETTING: Urban and rural households in the contiguous United States.

PARTICIPANTS: Two thousand three hundred seventy‐five community‐dwelling residents aged 60 and older living in noninstitutional settings. Data are from the National Institutes of Mental Health Collaborative Psychiatric Epidemiological Studies.

METHODS: The World Mental Health Composite International Diagnostic Interview assessed lifetime and 12‐month psychiatric disorders. Bayesian estimates compared psychiatric disorder prevalence rates of ethnic and racial groups.

RESULTS: Older non‐Latino whites exhibited a greater prevalence on several lifetime diagnoses than older Asian, African‐American, and Afro‐Caribbean respondents. Older Latinos did not differ from older non‐Latino whites on any lifetime diagnosis and had higher 12‐month rates of any depressive disorder. No differences were observed in the 12‐month diagnoses between older non‐Latino whites and the other racial and ethnic minority groups. Older immigrant Latinos had higher lifetime rates of dysthymia and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) than U.S.‐born Latinos. Older immigrant Asians had higher lifetime rates of GAD than U.S.‐born Asians. Older immigrant Latinos had higher 12‐month rates of dysthymia than older U.S.‐born Latinos.

CONCLUSION: Caution should be taken when generalizing the protective effects of ethnicity into old age. Older Asians and African‐Americans exhibited lower prevalence rates of some psychiatric disorders, whereas older Latinos exhibited rates equal to those of older non‐Latino whites. Also, the protective effect of nativity seems to vary according to age, psychiatric disorder, and ethnicity.
An Increase in Endothelial Intracellular Calcium and F‐Actin Precedes the Extravasation of Interleukin‐2‐Activated Lymphocytes
Authors: EHRINGER WILLIAM D. , EDWARDS MICHAEL J. , WINTERGERST KUPPER A. , COX ABIGAIL , MILLER FREDERICK N.
Published: January 2010

Objective: Interleukin‐2 (IL‐2) induces protein leakage from the microcirculation and activates lymphocytes; yet it is unclear how it alters endothelial barrier function. Here, we report of a new continuous monitoring system that allows for the continuous measurement and correlation of endothelial calcium, permeability to albumin, and extravasation of lymphocytes.

Methods: IL‐2 activated lymphocytes (IL‐2 LYMPH) or unstimulated lymphocytes (LYMPH) were co‐incubated with human microvascular endothelial cells (HMVEC). Endothelial albumin permeability, lymphocyte extravasation, intracellular calcium mobilization, and f‐actin distribution were examined using a new continuous monitoring system.

Results: The clearance rate of fluorescein isothiocyanate‐labeled‐human serum albumin (FITC‐HSA) in the presence of IL‐2 LYMPH peaked at 20 minutes, whereas the clearance rate of LYMPH peaked at 40 minutes. Approximately 40 minutes after the peak in the clearance rate to albumin, extravasation of carboxyfluorescein‐labeled lymphocytes was detected. Peak clearance rates for the extravasation of IL‐2 LYMPH occurred at approximately 40 minutes after the addition of the lymphocytes to the HMVEC, whereas the peak clearance rate for the LYMPH occurred at 60 minutes after their addition. Both FITC‐HSA and lymphocyte extravasation were measured concurrent to endothelial intracellular calcium mobilization by FURA‐2. There was an increase in calcium activation after the addition of IL‐2 stimulated lymphocytes (71 ± 5.1 nmol/L to 185 ± 18.9 nmol/L) compared with unstimulated lymphocytes (71 ± 5.1 nmol/L to 110 ± 12.2 nmol/L). The addition of IL‐2 had little or no effect on endothelial actin, whereas the unstimulated lymphocytes and, to a greater extent, IL‐2 LYMPH increased the presence of transversing stress fibers and decreased peripheral actin.

Conclusions: The findings reported here suggest that the permeability and extravasation events that occur upon addition of lymphocytes proceeds by a calcium‐ and actin‐dependent mechanism and that incubation of lymphocytes with IL‐2 enhances normal lymphocyte mechanisms of extravasation.
Life and Death in the Microcirculation: a Role for Angiotensin II
Authors: GREENE ANDREW S.
Published: January 2010

Objective: Angoitensin II (ANGII) plays a critical role in the maintenance of the microcirculation and in the anatomical loss of microvessels (rarefaction) that occurs in low renin forms of hypertension and in animals fed a high‐salt diet. Elevations in sodium intake can trigger a series of hemodynamic and hormonal responses culminating in a substantial rarefaction of small arterioles and capillaries in both normal and reduced renal mass hypertensive rats.

Methods: Immunohistochemistry, Northern blot, and reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) analysis of microdissected blood vessels were used to localize ANGII receptors in the microcirculation. Chronic infusion of ANGII and other physiologic and pharmacologic manipulations of the renin‐angiotensin system in rats was combined with morphologic and mathematical analysis of the network architecture.

Results: We have shown that rarefaction of the microcirculation can cause an increase in total peripheral resistance, reduced tissue perfusion, decreased oxygen delivery, and impaired organ function. Although the mechanisms by which this occurs are not well understood, a number of key observations point to a role for the renin‐angiotensin system in this effect. First, ANGII infused systemically at subpressor levels, or locally into the skeletal muscle interstitium, can induce significant microvessel growth. Second, localization of ANGII receptor proteins by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting and RNA localization by RT‐PCR confirm the presence of AT1receptors, which are growth‐stimulatory, and AT2receptors, which are growth‐inhibitory in the microcirculation. Third, maintenance of ANGII at normal levels during periods of hypertension or high‐salt diet completely eliminates rarefaction.

Conclusions: Taken together, these results support the hypothesis that ANGII acting through AT1‐ and AT2‐receptor mechanisms modulate vessel density during high‐salt diet and hypertension.
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Microvascular Permeability
Authors: BATES DAVID O. , LODWICK DAVID , WILLIAMS BRYAN
Published: January 2010

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors (VEGFs) are endogenously produced vascular cytokines which result in angiogenesis, vasodilatation, and increased microvascular permeabilityin vivo. They are endothelial specific and result in mitosis, migration, stress fiber formation and increased permeability of endothelial cells in culture. They have been critically implicated in a host of pathological conditions including solid tumor growth and diabetes, and been proposed as a therapy for coronary and peripheral ischemic disease. However, the potent permeability‐enhancing properties of VEGFs are very poorly understood. The pharmacology, signal transduction pathways, intracellular signaling mechanisms, and ultrastructural changes which result in increased permeability are still not clear. This review discusses the available evidence for how VEGFs increase permeabilityin vivo, and some of the pitfalls in interpreting experiments which do not take into account the vasoactive properties of VEGFs. It also discusses the clinical implications of the permeability enhancing effect of VEGFs, and the relevance of these studies to development of new therapies.
Microcirculatory Dysfunction Induced by Cigarette Smoking
Authors: LEHR HANS‐ANTON
Published: January 2010

This review deals with the deleterious effects of cigarette smoking on the microcirculation, both in terms of morphological (i.e., vessel wall injury, capillary loss) and functional aspects. The latter concerns predominantly changes in tissue perfusion and its regulatory mechanisms (i.e., reactive hyperemia, sequestration of blood cells in the microcirculation). The mechanisms of action of cigarette smoking on the microcirculation include compromised endothelial‐dependent vasorelaxation, platelet aggregation, endothelial cell dysfunction, and the activation of circulating leukocytes. Through these mechanisms, cigarette smoking elicits the aggregation and adhesion of leukocytes and/or platelets to the microvascular endothelium in venules and arterioles, as assessed by intravital fluorescence microscopy in the hamster skinfold chamber model. This model has allowed us to learn more about the participation of reactive oxygen species, inflammatory mediators, and adhesion molecules in the orchestration of microcirculatory dysfunction after cigarette smoking. In the final part of this review, the clinical consequences of microcirculatory dysfunction are discussed and an outlook is offered on potential prophylactic interventions (i.e., antioxidant vitamins) aimed at abrogating the deleterious action of cigarette smoking on the microcirculation.Microcirculation (2000) 7, 367–384.
The Peritoneal Microcirculation in Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: RIPPE BENGT , ROSENGREN BERT‐INGE , VENTUROLI DANIELE
Published: January 2010

This paper deals with the peritoneal microcirculation and with peritoneal exchange occurring in peritoneal dialysis (PD). The capillary wall is a major barrier to solute and water exchange across the peritoneal membrane. There is a bimodal size‐selectivity of solute transport between blood and the peritoneal cavity, through pores of radius ∼40–50 Å as well as through a very low number of large pores of radius ∼250 Å. Furthermore, during glucose‐induced osmosis during PD, nearly 40% of the total osmotic water flow occurs through molecular water channels, termed “aquaporin‐1.” This causes an inequality between 1−σ and the sieving coefficient for small solutes, which is a key feature of the “threepore model” of peritoneal transport. The peritoneal interstitium, coupled in series with the capillary walls, markedly modifies small‐solute transport and makes large‐solute transport asymmetric. Thus, although severely restricted in the blood‐to‐peritoneal direction, the absorption of large solutes from the peritoneal cavity occurs at a high clearance rate (∼1 mL/min), largely independent of molecular radius. True absorption of macromolecules to the blood via lymphatics, however, seems to be occurring at a rate of ∼0.2 mL/min. Several controversial issues regarding transcapillary and transperitoneal exchange mechanisms are discussed in this paper.
Variable expression of tenascin‐C, osteopontin and fibronectin in inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour of the lung
Authors: KAARTEENAHO RIITTA , SORMUNEN RAIJA , PÄÄKKÖ PAAVO
Published: January 2010

Kaarteenaho R, Sormunen R, Pääkkö P. Variable expression of tenascin‐C, osteopontin and fibronectin in inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour of the lung. APMIS 2010; 118: 91–100.

The aim of this study was to analyse the expression of tenascin‐C, osteopontin and fibronectin in inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour of the lung, which is a rare tumour of unknown aetiology. Nine patients with an inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour of lung were studied by immunohistochemistry for the presence of tenascin‐C, osteopontin, fibronectin and alpha‐smooth muscle actin, which is a common marker for myofibroblasts. The ultrastructure of myofibroblasts was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. The expression of tenascin‐C, osteopontin, fibronectin and alpha‐smooth muscle actin was also studied by immunoelectron microscopy. All cases displayed all of the studied extracellular matrix proteins and also alpha‐smooth muscle actin‐positive spindle‐shaped fibroblastic cells that were undoubtedly myofibroblasts. The immunoelectron microscopic studies demonstrated labelling for alpha‐smooth muscle actin in intracellular filament bundles within myofibroblasts, for fibronectin in the extracellular filaments of the fibronexus and for tenascin‐C extracellularly often adjacent to myofibroblasts. Labels for osteopontin were observed within myofibroblasts and plasma cells. These results demonstrate that tenascin‐C, osteopontin and fibronectin were expressed in all three kinds of subtypes of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumours of the lung and further, variable amounts of myofibroblasts could be observed by light and transmission electron microscopy as well as by immunoelectron microscopic techniques.
Effect of renal and non‐renal ischemia/reperfusion on cell‐mediated immunity in organs and plasma
Authors: BRØCHNER ANNE C. , DAGNÆS‐HANSEN FREDERIK , TOFT PALLE
Published: January 2010

Brøchner AC, Dagnæs‐Hansen F, Toft P. Effect of renal and non‐renal ischemia/reperfusion on cell‐mediated immunity in organs and plasma. APMIS 2010; 118: 101–7.

Acute renal failure (ARF) is a common morbidity factor among patients in the intensive care unit, reaching an incidence from 3% to 30% depending on the definition of ARF and the population. Although the majority of the patients with ARF are treated with continuous renal replacement therapy, the mortality rate still remains above 50%. The causes of death are primarily extra‐renal and include infection, shock, septicemia, and respiratory failure. We wanted to evaluate the cell‐mediated inflammatory response of renal ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) and non‐renal I/R, in blood and in distant organs. In our study, 80 mice were divided into four groups. The following surgeries were performed on the groups compared: bilateral renal I/R by clamping, unilateral renal ischemia, anesthesia only, and unilateral hind leg I/R. Half of the animals were killed after 2 h and the other half after 24 h. To assess the inflammatory response, we measured myeloperoxidase (MPO) in the organs, and CD 11b and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) II‐positive cells in the blood. Non‐renal I/R elicited the most elevated levels of MPO in extra‐renal tissue such as the lungs. There was a trend toward higher MPO levels in the kidney following renal I/R. All kinds of I/R induced an upregulation of the adhesion molecule CD 11b and a downregulation of MHC II. Renal and non‐renal I/R induced neutrophil infiltration in distant organs. Renal I/R does not induce a larger cell‐mediated inflammatory response in blood and organs than non‐renal I/R.
Hypoxia modulates phenotype, inflammatory response, and leishmanial infection of human dendritic cells
Authors: BOSSETO MAIRA CEGATTI , PALMA PATRICIA VIANNA BONINI , COVAS DIMAS TADEU , GIORGIO SELMA
Published: January 2010

Bosseto MC, Palma PVB, Covas DT, Giorgio S. Hypoxia modulates phenotype, inflammatory response, and leishmanial infection of human dendritic cells. APMIS 2010; 118: 108–14.

Development of hypoxic areas occurs during infectious and inflammatory processes and dendritic cells (DCs) are involved in both innate and adaptive immunity in diseased tissues. Our group previously reported that macrophages exposed to hypoxia were infected with the intracellular parasiteLeishmania amazonensis, but showed reduced susceptibility to the parasite. This study shows that although hypoxia did not alter human DC viability, it significantly altered phenotypic and functional characteristics. The expression of CD1a, CD80, and CD86 was significantly reduced in DCs exposed to hypoxia, whereas CD11c, CD14, CD123, CD49 and HLA‐DR expression remained unaltered in DCs cultured in hypoxia or normoxia. DC secretion of IL‐12p70, the bioactive interleukin‐12 (IL‐12), a cytokine produced in response to inflammatory mediators, was enhanced under hypoxia. In addition, phagocytic activity (Leishmaniauptake) was not impaired under hypoxia, although this microenviroment induced infected DCs to reduce parasite survival, consequently controlling the infection rate. All these data support the notion that a hypoxic microenvironment promotes selective pressure on DCs to assume a phenotype characterized by pro‐inflammatory and microbial activities in injured or inflamed tissues and contribute to the innate immune response.
Inducible nitric oxide synthase expression and its prognostic significance in colorectal cancer
Authors: ZAFIRELLIS KYRIAKOS , ZACHAKI AGLAIA , AGROGIANNIS GEORGE , GRAVANI KATERINA
Published: January 2010

Zafirellis K, Zachaki A, Agrogiannis G, Gravani K. Inducible nitric oxide synthase expression and its prognostic significance in colorectal cancer. APMIS 2010; 118: 115–24.

Nitric oxide synthases (NOS) are expressed in colorectal cancer. The aim of this study was to examine the inducible NOS (iNOS) expression in colorectal cancer and to investigate its prognostic relevance. Tissue sections of primary tumors from 132 patients undergoing curative resection for colorectal cancer were immunohistochemically examined for iNOS expression. The expression pattern of iNOS was correlated with various clinicopathological characteristics and survival. iNOS immunoreactivity was observed in the cytoplasm of tumor epithelial cells in 60 patients (45.5%) and positively correlated with lymph node involvement (p = 0.019). No significant correlation was found between iNOS expression and various clinicopathological characteristics, including age, gender, tumor location, tumor size, tumor grade, T stage, and Union International Contra la Cancrum (UICC) stage. Survival analysis showed a significant correlation between iNOS‐positive tumors and poor disease‐specific survival (p < 0.0001), with independent prognostic significance in multivariate analysis (HR = 4.42; p < 0.0001). Patients with stage II disease and iNOS‐positive tumors had significantly worse disease‐specific survival than those with iNOS‐negative tumors (p < 0.0001). In addition, patients with stage III disease and iNOS‐positive tumors had significantly worse disease‐specific survival than those with iNOS‐negative tumors (p = 0.001). The ability of iNOS to predict outcome in colorectal cancer patients may be independent of other known prognostic factors, providing a new molecular marker with significant potential for clinical utility.
Bacteriocin production by Shigella sonnei isolated from faeces of children with acute diarrhoea
Authors: SOUSA MIREILLE ÂNGELA BERNARDES , MENDES EDILBERTO NOGUEIRA , APOLÔNIO ANA CAROLINA MORAIS , FARIAS LUIZ DE MACÊDO , MAGALHÃES PAULA PRAZERES
Published: January 2010

Sousa MÂB, Mendes EN, Apolônio ACM, Farias LM, Magalhães PP. Bacteriocin production by Shigella sonnei isolated from faeces of children with acute diarrhoea. APMIS 2010; 118: 125–35.

Shigella is a common agent of diarrhoea, a worldwide major health problem. The bacterium produces bacteriocins; however, the role of these substances as a virulence factor is completely unknown. With the aim to search for colicin production by Shigella sonnei, to evaluate the influence of culture conditions on bacteriocin expression, and to characterize the substance partially, 16 S. sonnei strains isolated from children with diarrhoea were tested for antagonism against members of the intestinal microbiota or agents of diarrhoea. Nine strains exhibited isoantagonism and heteroantagonism against S. flexneri and diarrhoeagenic Escherichia coli. Autoantagonism and antagonism against the intestinal microbiota were not detected. Culture medium and incubation conditions influenced antagonism expression. Antagonism resulting from bacteriophages, low pH, fatty acids, hydrogen peroxide, and chloroform was excluded. The activity of the intracellular fraction obtained with 75% ammonium sulphate was preserved at pH 1.0–11.0, and was found to be reduced by organic solvents and affected by high temperatures and proteases. The antagonistic spectrum and the in vitro conditions for better antagonism expression suggest that the role of colicin in S. sonnei virulence, if any, would be expressed prior to infection, and may regulate population density of enteropathogens by helping in organism transmission.
Salmonella or Campylobacter gastroenteritis prior to a cancer diagnosis does not aggravate the prognosis: a population‐based follow‐up study
Authors: GRADEL KIM O. , NØRGAARD METTE , SCHØNHEYDER HENRIK C. , DETHLEFSEN CLAUS , EJLERTSEN TOVE , KRISTENSEN BRIAN , NIELSEN HENRIK
Published: January 2010

Gradel KO, Nørgaard M, Schønheyder HC, Dethlefsen C, Ejlertsen T, Kristensen B, Nielsen H. Salmonella or Campylobacter gastroenteritis prior to a cancer diagnosis does not aggravate the prognosis: a population‐based follow‐up study. APMIS 2010; 118: 136–42.

We hypothesized that preceding zoonotic Salmonella or Campylobacter gastroenteritis aggravated the prognosis in cancer patients. Exposed patients comprised all of those diagnosed with first‐time Salmonella/Campylobacter gastroenteritis from 1991 and with first‐time cancer diagnosis thereafter (through 2003) in two Danish counties. These patients were matched for main cancer type, gender, age and calendar period to unexposed cancer patients, i.e. those without Salmonella/Campylobacter gastroenteritis. We compared cancer stage by age‐ and comorbidity‐adjusted logistic regression analysis, survival by comorbidity‐adjusted Cox’s regression analysis and mortality dependent on the time period between Salmonella/Campylobacter gastroenteritis and cancer by spline regression curves. The study cohort comprised 272 Salmonella/Campylobacter‐exposed cancer patients and 2681 unexposed cancer patients. Prevalence odds ratios [95% confidence intervals (CI)] in exposed as compared with unexposed patients were 0.96 (0.74–1.25) for localized tumours, 1.15 (0.87–1.54) for regional spread and 1.14 (0.84–1.55) for metastases. Adjusted mortality rate ratios (95% CI) were 0.93 (0.75–1.16) for 0–1 year, 1.08 (0.84–1.39) for 2–5 years and 1.02 (0.60–1.73) for the remaining period. Mortality estimates did not change in relation to the time period between gastroenteritis and cancer. Salmonella/Campylobacter gastroenteritis prior to cancer was associated with neither the cancer stage nor a poorer prognosis.
Toxic activity of the CdtB component of Haemophilus ducreyi cytolethal distending toxin expressed from an adenovirus 5 vector
Authors: WISING CATHARINA , MAGNUSSON MARIA , AHLMAN KARIN , LINDHOLM LEIF , LAGERGÅRD TERESA
Published: January 2010

Wising C, Magnusson M, Ahlman K, Lindholm L, Lagergård T. Toxic activity of the CdtB component of Haemophilus ducreyi cytolethal distending toxin expressed from an adenovirus 5 vector. APMIS 2010; 118: 143–9.

The Haemophilus ducreyi cytolethal distending toxin (HdCDT) catalytic subunit CdtB has DNase‐like activity and mediates DNA damage after its delivery into target cells. We constructed a replication‐deficient adenovirus type 5 (Ad5) vector expressing CdtB and investigated the toxic properties of this vector on HeLa cells. Ad5CdtB caused loss of cell viability, morphologic changes, and cell cycle arrest, findings similar to HdCDT intoxication. This confirmed that CdtB is responsible for the toxicity of the holotoxin when expressed in cells following transduction by an adenoviral vector, and indicated a possible potential of this novel strategy in studies of activity of intracellular products and in gene therapy of cancer.
Cytopathologic differential diagnosis of small cell carcinoma and poorly differentiated non‐small cell carcinoma in bronchial lavage specimens using a regression analysis
Authors: CAKIR EBRU , DEMIRAG FUNDA , AYDIN MEHTAP
Published: January 2010

Cakir E, Demirag F, Aydin M. Cytopathologic differential diagnosis of small cell carcinoma and poorly differentiated non‐small cell carcinoma in bronchial lavage specimens using a regression analysis. APMIS 2010; 118: 150–55.

The aim of this study was to determine the most significant cytologic features to differentiate small cell carcinoma (SCC) from poorly differentiated non‐small cell carcinoma (NSCC) in bronchial lavage specimens. Bronchial lavage specimens from 35 SCC cases and 63 poorly differentiated NSCC cases were examined and the cytologic parameters reviewed retrospectively. Thirty‐five cytologic features considered useful in differential diagnosis were assessed. Statistical analysis indicated that salt and pepper chromatin, small cell size and nuclear molding have more than 90% sensitivity and 70% specificity for SCC cases. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the most effective criteria to differentiate SCC from poorly differentiated NSCC are small cell size, salt and pepper chromatin, prominent nucleolus and papilla formation. When these selected variables were used, sensitivity for predicting SCC was 94.3% and specificity 96.8%, and sensitivity for predicting NSCC was 96.8% and specificity 94.3%. There are several cytologic features, which are highly sensitive and specific for distinguishing SCC from NSCC. Nuclear features such as chromatin pattern, and size of the nucleoli and nuclei are more valuable than cytoplasmic features to distinguish between the two.
An in vitro model of bacterial infections in wounds and other soft tissues
Authors: WERTHÉN MARIA , HENRIKSSON LINA , JENSEN PETER ØSTRUP , STERNBERG CLAUS , GIVSKOV MICHAEL , BJARNSHOLT THOMAS
Published: January 2010

Werthén M, Henriksson L, Jensen PØ, Sternberg C, Givskov M, Bjarnsholt T. An in vitro model of bacterial infections in wounds and other soft tissues. APMIS 2010; 118: 156–64.

There is growing evidence that bacteria play a crucial role in the persistence of chronic wounds. These bacteria are most probably present in polymer‐embedded aggregates that represent the biofilm mode of growth. Much work has been carried out to study the development of biofilms in vitro, in particular in attachment to solid surfaces. The observations from the chronic wounds indicate that the bacteria are not attached to a solid surface. Consequently, a new in vitro model is required to investigate biofilms in more wound‐like settings. This study describes such a novel in vitro model, with bacteria growing as biofilm aggregates in a collagen gel matrix with serum protein mimicking the wound bed of chronic wounds. The model was verified to comprise important hallmarks of biofilms such as the bacterial embedment in a matrix and increased antibiotic tolerance. Furthermore, we have verified the relevance of the model by comparing the organization of the bacteria in the model with the organization of the bacteria in a real chronic wound. We believe that we have developed an important new model for investigating bacterial biofilms in chronic wounds. This model may be used to study biofilm development in chronic wounds and to develop novel diagnostic tools as well as treatment strategies.
The epidemiology of hand eczema in the general population – prevalence and main findings*
Authors: Thyssen Jacob P. , Johansen Jeanne D. , Linneberg Allan , Menné Torkil
Published: January 2010

Numerous studies have investigated the prevalence and risk factors of hand eczema in the general population. These studies are of high value as they tend to be less biased than studies using clinical populations and as they are important for healthcare decision makers when they allocate resources. This study aimed to review the epidemiology of hand eczema in the general population.

Literature was examined using Pubmed‐Medline, Biosis, Science Citation Index, and dermatology text books. On the basis of studies performed between 1964 and 2007, the point prevalence of hand eczema was around 4%, the 1‐year prevalence nearly 10%, whereas the lifetime prevalence reached 15%. Based on seven studies, the median incidence rate of hand eczema was 5.5 cases/1000 person‐years (women = 9.6 and men = 4.0). A high incidence rate was associated with female sex, contact allergy, atopic dermatitis, and wet work. Atopic dermatitis was the single most important risk factor for hand eczema. Hand eczema resulted in medical consultations in 70%, sick leave (> 7 days) in about 20%, and job change in about 10%. Mean sick time was longer among those with allergic hand eczema than those with atopic and irritant hand eczema. Moderate to severe extension of hand eczema was the strongest risk factor for persistence of hand eczema. Other risk factors included early onset of hand eczema and childhood eczema. The aetiology of hand eczema is multifactorial and includes environmental as well as genetic factors. Future studies should focus on unresolved areas of hand eczema, for example, genetic predisposition.
Reassessing the forest impacts of protection
Authors: Joppa Lucas , Pfaff Alexander
Published: January 2010

Protected areas are leading tools in efforts to slow global species loss and appear also to have a role in climate change policy. Understanding their impacts on deforestation informs environmental policies. We review several approaches to evaluating protection's impact on deforestation, given three hurdles to empirical evaluation, and note that “matching” techniques from economic impact evaluation address those hurdles. The central hurdle derives from the fact that protected areas are distributed nonrandomly across landscapes. Nonrandom location can be intentional, and for good reasons, including biological and political ones. Yet even so, when protected areas are biased in their locations toward less‐threatened areas, many methods for impact evaluation will overestimate protection's effect. The use of matching techniques allows one to control for known landscape biases when inferring the impact of protection. Applications of matching have revealed considerably lower impact estimates of forest protection than produced by other methods. A reduction in the estimated impact from existing parks does not suggest, however, that protection is unable to lower clearing. Rather, it indicates the importance of variation across locations in how much impact protection could possibly have on rates of deforestation. Matching, then, bundles improved estimates of the average impact of protection with guidance on where new parks’ impacts will be highest. While many factors will determine where new protected areas will be sited in the future, we claim that the variation across space in protection's impact on deforestation rates should inform site choice.
The role of input–output analysis of energy and ecologic systems
Authors: Hannon Bruce
Published: January 2010

A summary is provided of the early history of research on the flow of nonrenewable energy resources through the economy and of the flow of renewable energy resources through a natural ecosystem. The techniques are similar, and many specific applications are provided. A combined economic and ecological technique is also defined. The early history and people of the International Society Ecological Economic are cited.
Develop a Novel Method for Removing Fusel Alcohols from Rice Spirits Using Nanofiltration
Authors: Hsieh Chang‐Wei , Huang Yi‐Hsiang , Lai Cheng‐Hung , Ho Wai‐Jane , Ko Wen‐Ching
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACT:  The removal effect on excessive fusel alcohols from rice spirits were investigated using nanofiltration (NF) and ultrafiltration (UF). Compared to UF (GE and GH membranes), NF (DK and DL membranes) showed 10 times greater effect for fusel alcohols rejection due to molecular weight cut‐off. On operating pressures, 488.95 kPa was suitable with a rejection rate attaining 44.2% for DK membrane. Only slight changes in physicochemical indices including ethanol concentration, flavor, total acidity, pH value, and soluble solid content were observed for rice‐spirits after NF treatment. Moreover, rice spirits treated with the DK membrane achieved a higher score in sensory evaluation. We anticipated a practical application of the nonheat processes in rice spirits production.