bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Population genetics of south European Atlantic salmon under global change
Authors: VALIENTE AMERICA GARCIA , BEALL EDWARD , GARCIA‐VAZQUEZ EVA
Published: March 2009

Populations at the edge of species distributions are especially vulnerable to climate change. Genetic changes as well as modification of their population structure are expected as reactions to global warming. Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) inhabiting south France has been chosen as a model for studying the effect of global warming in marginal populations during the last 15 years. Increased gene flow between neighboring populations and dichotomy of maturation age between sexes have been identified as two main population changes significantly associated with high values of the North Atlantic Oscillation index, a global climate indicator. Although occurrence of isolated populations in each river (or even tributary) is a paradigm for this species, at least in northern areas, increased gene flow between rivers is forecasted as long as climate warming increases, favoring metapopulations at regional level.
Establishment and early persistence of tree seedlings in an annually burned savanna
Authors: Gignoux Jacques , Lahoreau Gaëlle , Julliard Romain , Barot Sébastien
Published: March 2009

In severely disturbed habitats, the onset of resprouting as a persistence strategy might be problematic for tree species which do not accumulate sufficient reserves before the first disturbance event. This is due to the trade‐off between the growth of reserves required to recover after disturbance and that of photosynthetic tissues.

In humid savannas, fire prevents trees from invading the whole landscape and nearby gallery forests have a completely different floristic composition. We test if the variations of survival during the first years of a young tree's life can explain the exclusion of forest species and the dominance pattern within savanna species.

Every six months for four years, we censused all seedlings and resprouts in 1 ha area of an annually burned savanna, to estimate their seasonal survival rates. We used capture–recapture statistical models to control for the probability of missing seedlings in the tall grass.

There were two main distinct patterns of survival among seedlings: ‘fire‐responding’ species showed a 20–80% decrease in survival during the dry season, interpreted as mainly due to fire; ‘drought‐responding’ species showed 20–80% variations in survival positively correlated to early‐growing‐season rainfall.

Yearly averaged survival probabilities of seedlings ranged between 0.10 and 0.63, reaching 0.850–0.996 for > 3‐year‐old resprouts of savanna species. Forest species showed no increase in survival with age.

A 4‐year‐survival‐probability analysis showed that forest species were excluded from the savanna at the seedling stage. No parameter of the early survival curve related to the abundance of savanna species at the adult stage.

Synthesis. Savanna tree species follow two mutually exclusive main patterns of early survival probably related to fire and early‐wet‐season drought. The exclusion of forest species is consistent with a build up of reserves that is too slow due to the growth‐resistance trade‐off. We conclude from these findings that the use of resprouting as a persistence strategy is heavily constrained by disturbance frequency and imposes strong trade‐offs on plant growth strategy.
Specificity and reliability of prognostic indexes in intensive care evaluation: the spontaneous cerebral haemorrhage case
Authors: Barbieri Alberto , Pinna Cristina , Basso Gian Paolo , Molinari Rosella , Giuliani Enrico , Fruggeri Luca , Nolli Massimo
Published: March 2009

Objective  To determine the reliability of a generic index such as Simplified Acute Physiology Score II (SAPSII), compared with a specific one Intra Cerebral Haemorrhage score (ICH score), as an intensive care unit (ICU) outcome predictor when evaluating a general facility that frequently treats a specific type of patients – those with spontaneous cerebral haemorrhage.

Methods  The study cohort consisted of a random sample of patients (81) admitted to Modena's Policlinico Teaching Hospital's ICU with spontaneous ICH over a 24‐month period.

Main outcome measure  SAPSII, ICH score, overall mortality.

Results  The mean ICH score for the 32 surviving patients was 3.41 ± 1.012 while for the 49 deceased patients was of 4.24 ± 0.855 (P = 0.000). The mean SAPSII value for the 32 surviving patients was 49.09 ± 16.58 while for the 49 deceased patients was 49.51 ± 15.93. SAPSII, ICH scores were analysed for mortality, by receiver operating characteristic curves: the area under the curve was significant for ICH, not‐significant for SAPSII.

Conclusions  Regional quality controls use generic prognostic indexes (SAPSII) in relation to mortality and outcome to assess ICUs, which is appropriate when dealing with a general facility when there is not a predominant type of patient, but it may bias the evaluation if the population with specific pathologies (ICH), not included in the general index, is statistically considerable, leading to an incorrect criticality assessment, an inappropriate strategic plan and the subsequent inefficient resource allocation.
‘Mind and Body’: a lifestyle programme for people on antipsychotic medication
Authors: Jones Amanda , Benson Anthony , Griffith Sarah , Berk Michael , Dodd Seetal
Published: March 2009

Rationale  Psychiatric illnesses such as schizophrenia and their treatments have consequences in terms of lifestyle, diet and weight.

Aims and objectives  ‘Mind and Body’ is a 10‐week programme of weekly sessions aimed to improve the health status of people treated with second generation antipsychotic medications.

Methods  The programme focuses on a range of lifestyle strategies including diet and exercise and was conducted at a Community Health Centre by professionally qualified staff. Between 2002 and 2006, 50 participants enrolled in, and 30 completed the programme. Measures of body weight, health status (Short Form‐36) and blood markets (plasma glucose, haemoglobin A1c and lipid profile) were collected at commencement and completion of the programme.

Results  A modest improvement was demonstrated in mean values for the majority of measures collected.

Conclusions  A lifestyle program for people treated with antipsychotic medications is achievable and may be worthwhile although gains may be modest.
A before and after study of the impact of Specialist Workers for Older People
Authors: Fletcher K. , Mant J.
Published: March 2009

Background  Case management of vulnerable older people by Community Matrons has been introduced into the UK. A locally designed case management approach, The Specialist Workers for Older People (SWOP) Service, was implemented by a Central England Primary Care Trust. Here we report an evaluation of this service.

Methods  Before and after study of 418 people (207 before; 211 after) aged ≥75 at high risk of emergency hospital admission. SWOPs carry out assessments of social and medical needs, produce individual care plans, coordinate care and refer to appropriate agencies. Univariable analysis was used to determine the association of SWOPs on changes in hospital admission rates and primary care workload.

Results  There was a non‐significant reduction in hospital admissions from 0.91 to 0.67 per patient. There was a significant increase in routine GP surgery visits, from an average 1.3 to 2.6 per patient. The number of emergency home visits decreased from an average 2.8 to 1.1 per patient (P < 0.001).

Conclusions  Case management might reduce hospital admissions and is potentially a cost‐effective service. However, not all case management schemes are successful. With the introduction of Community Matrons, it is important to understand what elements of the SWOP service contributed to its success.
Legal concerns trigger prostate‐specific antigen testing
Authors: Steurer Johan , Held Ulrike , Schmidt Mathias , Gigerenzer Gerd , Tag Brigitte , Bachmann Lucas M.
Published: March 2009

Background  In the United States, lawsuits against physicians have had an impact on their behaviour, resulting in overdiagnosis and other forms of ‘defensive medicine’. Does a similar situation exist in Switzerland? Using prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) screening as an example, we surveyed Swiss physicians and assessed the extent to which liability fears influenced their recommendation for testing.

Methods  At a continuing medical education conference we distributed a pilot‐tested questionnaire to 552 participants. Two hundred and fifty of them (45%) completed the questionnaire.

Results  Of the participants, 158 (68%) were general practitioners and 73 (32%) specialists in internal medicine. Seventy‐five per cent of both groups recommend regular PSA screening to men older than age 50. Yet only 56% of the general physicians and 53% of the internists believe that PSA measurement is an effective screening method. A substantial proportion of the physicians – 41% of general practitioners and 43% of internists – reported that they sometimes or often recommend this test for legal reasons.

Conclusions  Defensive medicine is not a phenomenon particular to the USA, but is also observable in Switzerland. This result is surprising, given that in Switzerland and other European countries, a physician who does not recommend a test or treatment whose effectiveness is controversial need not fear litigation.
Designing evidence‐based patient safety interventions: the case of the UK's National Health Service hospital wristbands
Authors: Sevdalis Nick , Norris Beverley , Ranger Chris , Bothwell Sue ,   the Wristband Project Team
Published: March 2009

Rationale, aims and objectives  Current evidence suggests that hospital inpatient identification wristbands are not used optimally. Here we report a project by the National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) to inform guidance development to hospitals regarding wristband specifications.

Method  A survey assessed (i) the information on wristbands; (ii) the processes of issuing/checking/applying wristbands onto patients; (iii) the types/designs of wristbands (including colour‐coding); and (iv) the main problems faced by staff face in relation to wristbanding patients.

Results  Responses from 166 staff members from 62 hospitals in England and Wales were collected. Information: most participants reported using the patients' first and last names, their date of birth and their local hospital number. The National Health Service (NHS) number, which is a unique identifier for each patient, is used by 37% of the respondents. Issuing process: wristbands are issued on admission or at Emergency Departments. Trained or untrained staff are involved in issuing/checking/applying wristbands onto patients, without significant problems. Colour‐coding: 29/36 multiple‐respondent hospitals and 15/16 single‐respondent hospitals use colour‐coded wristbands to indicate special patient status (e.g. allergies). Colour‐coding is not used consistently: four colours are used to signal risk of fall; red is used to signal at least 10 different statuses/risks.

Conclusion  The NPSA recommends that wristbands should include patient's last and first name, date of birth and NHS number. They should be printed/written in black against white background. Only red colour should be used to signal special patient status. These recommendations are consistent with current developments in patient identification, and will be evaluated.
Family quality of life among families with a member who has an intellectual disability: an exploratory examination of key domains and dimensions of the revised FQOL Survey
Authors: Werner S. , Edwards M. , Baum N. , Brown I. , Brown R. I. , Isaacs B. J.
Published: March 2009

Background  The Family Quality of Life Survey (FQOLS‐2006) was developed as the result of increased interest in family quality of life (FQOL) among families with a member who has an intellectual disability (ID). The instrument includes nine life domains and six dimensions reflecting the main areas and characteristics of FQOL. The aim of the current study was to provide a descriptive analysis of the domains and dimensions of the survey and to explore their relationship to one another and to global satisfaction.

Method  A convenience sample of 35 participants with a family member who had ID completed the FQOLS‐2006 in a large urban centre in Canada. The data were analysed using descriptive analyses.

Results  The findings showed that although participants differentiated between different domains and dimensions, as reflected in their variability, stability was also found. For example, support from others was rated lowest across most dimensions, while family relationships and health of the family were generally rated higher.

Conclusions  The findings strengthen the importance of examining both the overall perception of FQOL as well as the perceptions in individual life domains. Moreover, they highlight the need to examine each life domain according to its various dimensions. In sum, the results call for further examination of the FQOLS‐2006 as a useful tool for assessing FQOL and for implementing services based on it.
Imaging lifetime and anisotropy spectra in the frequency domain
Authors: ZHOU Y. , DICKENSON J.M. , HANLEY Q.S.
Published: March 2009

We report the development of a system combining the capabilities of fluorescence imaging spectroscopy (x, λ, I), fluorescence lifetime (τ) and static and dynamic fluorescence anisotropy (r), enabling the wide‐field measurement of the spectroscopic parameters of fluorophores: (x, λ, I, τ, r). The system employs a frequency domain data collection strategy with a modulated light emitting diode as the light source. A polarization rotator placed in the excitation path after a polarizer allows alternating parallel and perpendicular images to be collected without moving parts. A second polarizer on the emission side serves as the analyzer, leading to estimations of the wavelength‐dependent dynamic anisotropies. The spectrograph has a nominal range of 365–920 nm; however, the light‐emitting diodes and filter sets used in this study restricted the usable range from about 510 to 700 nm. The system was tested on rhodamine 6G (R6G) solutions containing 0, 15, 37, 45, 59, 74 and 91 glycerol. These experiments gave rotational diffusion results comparing favourably with literature values while also demonstrating a trend towards shorter measured lifetimes at high refractive index. The ability of the system to resolve mixtures was tested on mixtures of anti‐human IgG‐FITC (γ‐chain‐specific) and R6G. These fluorophores have similar lifetimes but could be separated using anisotropy parameters. The imaging capabilities of the system were tested on mixtures of fluorescent beads with glycerol solutions of R6G.
ReAsH: another viable option for in vivo protein labelling in Dictyostelium
Authors: HWANG R.‐D. , CHEN C.‐C. , KNECHT D.A.
Published: March 2009

Biarsenical‐tetracysteine fluorescent protein tagging has been effectively used in a variety of cell types. It has the advantage of requiring a much smaller peptide alteration to existing proteins than fusion to green fluorescent protein (GFP) or monomeric red fluorescent protein (mRFP). However, there are no reports of the tetracysteine tagging system being used in Dictyostelium. In order to establish this tagging system in Dictyostelium, the filamin gene (FLN) was modified to express a C‐terminal tetracysteine sequence and then transfected into cells. After addition of either FlAsH‐EDT2 or ReAsH‐EDT2, the fluorescence intensity of cells increased in a time‐dependent manner and reached a plateau after 3 h of incubation. ReAsH had a much stronger and more specifically localized fluorescent signal compared with FlAsH. After removal of the ReAsH‐EDT2 reagent, the fluorescence signal remained detectable for at least 24 h. The localization of filamin labelled by ReAsH was similar to that of an FLN‐mRFP fusion protein, but the fluorescence signal from the ReAsH‐labelled protein was stronger. Our findings suggest that the ReAsH‐tetracysteine tagging system can be a useful alternative for in vivo protein tagging in Dictyostelium.
Application of the split‐gradient method to 3D image deconvolution in fluorescence microscopy
Authors: VICIDOMINI G. , BOCCACCI P. , DIASPRO A. , BERTERO M.
Published: March 2009

The methods of image deconvolution are important for improving the quality of the detected images in the different modalities of fluorescence microscopy such as wide‐field, confocal, two‐photon excitation and 4Pi. Because deconvolution is an ill‐posed problem, it is, in general, reformulated in a statistical framework such as maximum likelihood or Bayes and reduced to the minimization of a suitable functional, more precisely, to a constrained minimization, because non‐negativity of the solution is an important requirement. Next, iterative methods are designed for approximating such a solution.

In this paper, we consider the Bayesian approach based on the assumption that the noise is dominated by photon counting, so the likelihood is of the Poisson‐type, and that the prior is edge‐preserving, as derived from a simple Markov random field model. By considering the negative logarithm of thea posterioriprobability distribution, the computation of themaximum a posteriori(MAP) estimate is reduced to the constrained minimization of a functional that is the sum of the Csiszár I‐divergence and a regularization term. For the solution of this problem, we propose an iterative algorithm derived from a general approach known assplit‐gradient method(SGM) and based on a suitable decomposition of the gradient of the functional into a negative and positive part. The result is a simple modification of the standard Richardson–Lucy algorithm, very easily implementable and assuring automatically the non‐negativity of the iterates. Next, we apply this method to the particular case of confocal microscopy for investigating the effect of several edge‐preserving priors proposed in the literature using both synthetic and real confocal images. The quality of the restoration is estimated both by computation of the Kullback–Leibler divergence of the restored image from the detected one and by visual inspection. It is observed that the noise artefacts are considerably reduced and desired characteristics (edges and minute features as islets) are retained in the restored images. The algorithm is stable, robust and tolerant at various noise (Poisson) levels. Finally, by remarking that the proposed method is essentially a scaled gradient method, a possible modification of the algorithm is briefly discussed in view of obtaining fast convergence and reduction in computational time.
Discordant patterns of evolutionary differentiation in two Neotropical treefrogs
Authors: ROBERTSON JEANNE M. , DURYEA M. CATHERINE , ZAMUDIO KELLY R.
Published: March 2009

Comparative studies of codistributed taxa test the degree to which historical processes have shaped contemporary population structure. Discordant patterns of lineage divergence among taxa indicate that species differ in their response to common historical processes. The complex geologic landscape of the Isthmus of Central America provides an ideal setting to test the effects of vicariance and other biogeographic factors on population history. We compared divergence patterns between two codistributed Neotropical frogs (Dendropsophus ebraccatus and Agalychnis callidryas) that exhibit colour pattern polymorphisms among populations, and found significant differences between them in phenotypic and genetic divergence among populations. Colour pattern in D. ebraccatus did not vary with genetic or geographic distance, while colour pattern co‐varied with patterns of gene flow in A. callidryas. In addition, we detected significant species differences in the phylogenetic history of populations, gene flow among them, and the extent to which historical diversification and recent gene flow have been restricted by five biogeographic barriers in Costa Rica and Panama. We inferred that alternate microevolutionary processes explain the unique patterns of diversification in each taxon. Our study underscores how differences in selective regimes and species‐typical ecological and life‐history traits maintain spatial patterns of diversification.
Flexible social organization and high incidence of drifting in the sweat bee, Halictus scabiosae
Authors: ULRICH YUKO , PERRIN NICOLAS , CHAPUISAT MICHEL
Published: March 2009

The very diverse social systems of sweat bees make them interesting models to study social evolution. Here we focus on the dispersal behaviour and social organization of Halictus scabiosae, a common yet poorly known species of Europe. By combining field observations and genetic data, we show that females have multiple reproductive strategies, which generates a large diversity in the social structure of nests. A detailed microsatellite analysis of 60 nests revealed that 55% of the nests contained the offspring of a single female, whereas the rest had more complex social structures, with three clear cases of multiple females reproducing in the same nest and frequent occurrence of unrelated individuals. Drifting among nests was surprisingly common, as 16% of the 122 nests in the overall sample and 44% of the nests with complex social structure contained females that had genotypes consistent with being full‐sisters of females sampled in other nests of the population. Drifters originated from nests with an above‐average productivity and were unrelated to their nestmates, suggesting that drifting might be a strategy to avoid competition among related females. The sex‐specific comparison of genetic differentiation indicated that dispersal was male‐biased, which would reinforce local resource competition among females. The pattern of genetic differentiation among populations was consistent with a dynamic process of patch colonization and extinction, as expected from the unstable, anthropogenic habitat of this species. Overall, our data show that H. scabiosae varies greatly in dispersal behaviour and social organization. The surprisingly high frequency of drifters echoes recent findings in wasps and bees, calling for further investigation of the adaptive basis of drifting in the social insects.
CD4+ and CD8+ Distribution Profile in Individuals Infected by Schistosoma mansoni
Authors: Oliveira‐Prado R. , Caldas I. R. , Teixeira‐Carvalho A. , Andrade M. V. , Gazzinelli A. , Correa‐Oliveira R. , Cunha‐Melo J. R.
Published: March 2009

Rationale: Patients with chronic Schistosoma mansoni infection show lower anti‐soluble egg antigen (SEA) proliferation responses and higher responses to soluble worm antigen preparation (SWAP). Objective: To compare the activation status and proliferation response of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of infected (XTO) and egg‐negative individuals (NI) living in the same endemic area. Methods: XTO (n = 51) and NI individuals from the same geographical area (n = 37) and healthy blood donors (n = 22) were evaluated before and after stimulation with SEA and SWAP. The expression of activation markers (CD4+ HLADR+, CD8high+HLA‐DR+ and CD8+ CD28+) and proliferation assay was assessed by flow cytometry. Findings: PBMC from infected patients showed lower frequency of CD4+ but no change in CD8+ T cells when compared with the healthy donor group. The ratio CD4+/CD8+ was 1.3, 0.6 and 0.5 in healthy donors, infected and non‐infected individuals, respectively. The HLA‐DR+ expression on CD8+ was higher in PBMC from infected and non‐infected individuals than from healthy donors, but similar in both total lymphocytes and CD4+ populations. No intergroup proliferation response differences were observed in CD4+ and CD8+ PBMC unstimulated and stimulated with SEA and SWAP. The SEA but not SWAP‐stimulated cells showed a decrease in the expression of phosphorylated extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK1/2). Conclusions: XTO and NI individuals living in the same area presented a smaller per cent of CD4+ and a higher per cent of CD8+ cells. The activation by either CD8high+HLA‐DR+ or CD8high+HLA‐DR+/CD8+ was enhanced and decreased in XTO and NI by CD8+ CD28+ and CD8+ CD28+/CD8+ when compared with healthy donor. ERK phosphorylation was attenuated in XTO and NI individuals when stimulated with SEA but not SWAP.
Rapid Bead‐Based Immunoassay for Measurement of Mannose‐Binding Lectin
Authors: Bay J. T. , Garred P.
Published: March 2009

Mannose‐binding lectin (MBL) is a serum protein, which functions as an opsonin and initiator of the lectin pathway of complement. The serum concentration of MBL shows great interindividual variation because of common polymorphisms in the MBL2 gene. Although several quantitative MBL immunoassays have been developed more automated platforms for MBL analysis is urgently needed. To pursue this, we set out to develop a flexible bead‐based MBL immunoassay. Serum was obtained from 98 healthy individuals and 50 patients investigated for possible immunodeficiencies. We used the Luminex® xMAP bead array technology employing a mouse monoclonal anti‐MBL antibody both for coating and detection. The assay was fast and reliable for measurements of MBL concentrations both in the lower and upper range. The lower detection limit was found to be 6.5 μg/l. The intra‐assay coefficient and the interassay coefficient were found be 7.88% and 5.70%, respectively. A close correlation between the new assay and a reference MBL measurement ELISA was found (ρ 0.9381, P < 0.0001). The bead‐based assay was less sensitive to interfering anti‐murine antibodies in the blood samples than when the antibodies employed were used in the reference polystyrene‐based ELISA. The new assay could be performed in 3 h with less than 25 μl serum required of each sample. These results show that MBL can be measured readily using a bead‐based platform, which may form an efficient basis for a multiplex approach to measure different antigens in the same sample.
Dynamic Changes in Biomarker Profiles Associated with Clinical and Subclinical Tuberculosis in a High Transmission Setting: A Four‐Year Follow‐Up Study
Authors: Talat N. , Shahid F. , Dawood G. , Hussain R.
Published: March 2009

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) is a slow growing bacterium. Therefore, the immune responses associated with resolution of infection or development of disease post‐exposure may take several months to evolve. We have carried out a prospective longitudinal study in a high TB transmission setting to determine the evolution of biomarkers in a recently exposed household contact (HC = 77) and their respective sputum positive index cases (TB = 17). Mycobacterium‐induced cytokines [interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ), tumour necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and IL‐10)] were assessed in whole blood cultures and immunoglobulin G (IgG1) antibodies in plasma. When compared with non‐exposed community controls (endemic controls = 59) the HC group at intake showed changes in biomarkers commensurate with recent exposure. The HC group showed significant increases in IFN‐γ between 0 and 6 months (paired t‐test; P = 0.001) and IL‐0 between 6 and 12 months (P = 0.001), most likely reflecting the role of these cytokines in resolution and immune recovery from infection as this HC cohort remained symptom‐free for 4 years without prophylactic treatment. When the TB group post‐treatment was compared with the HC group, the best discriminators (ANOVA; repeated measures) were IL‐10 responses at 0 (P = 0.004) and 6 months (P = 0.001) and IgG1 at 6 (P = 0.004) and 12 months (P = 0.014) with a 3–4 fold higher responses in the TB group. Therefore, within each group, biomarkers show unique profile of responses. These studies highlighted the importance of assessing multiple biomarkers in longitudinal studies for providing better understanding of protective biomarker profiles associated with resolution of clinical and subclinical infections in TB.
Effectiveness and Safety of a Treatment Regimen Based on Isoniazid Plus Vaccination with Mycobacterium tuberculosis cells’ Fragments: Field‐Study with Naturally Mycobacterium caprae‐Infected Goats
Authors: Domingo M. , Gil O. , Serrano E. , Guirado E. , Nofrarias M. , Grassa M. , Cáceres N. , Pérez B. , Vilaplana C. , Cardona P.‐J.
Published: March 2009

The identification of a herd of goats with tuberculosis let us test a new treatment regimen against latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). Using large animal experimental models allows a better approach to understanding human tuberculosis according to immunopathological parameters. Based on an initial study showing a correlation between the ESAT‐6‐specific interferon (IFN)‐γ secretion and the severity of pulmonary lesions, this parameter was used in combination with an X‐ray examination to screen the animals to be included in the efficacy and safety studies. All the animals proved to be infected with Mycobacterium caprae. The efficacy study was run in animals distributed in three experimental groups according to treatment: untreated (CT), treated with isoniazid (INH), and treated with INH + RUTI (a vaccine based on M. tuberculosis cell fragments) inoculated twice. RUTI temporarily increased the IFN‐γ production after stimulating the peripheral blood with ESAT‐6, purified protein derivative and RUTI in vitro. The INH chemotherapy reduced both pulmonary and extra pulmonary affectation, but not disease in pulmonary lymph nodes. The addition of RUTI may have decreased extrapulmonar disease further but had no benefit to lung or lung lymph‐nodes itself. Safety studies showed that inoculation of RUTI caused a temporary increase of rectal temperature (1–2 °C) and local swelling, both adverse effects being well tolerated. Neither systemic toxicity nor mortality was induced by the vaccination. The control of goats’ infection by the therapeutic regimen consisting in INH chemotherapy + RUTI as well as its safety, represented a further step towards testing its effects in human LTBI in a future.
Limited Impact of the Thymus on Immunological Recovery During and After Chemotherapy in Patients with Diffuse Large B‐cell Lymphoma
Authors: Vedel S. J. , Tholstrup D. , Kolte L. , Gaardbo J. , Ryder L. P. , Ersbøll A. , Albrecht‐Beste E. , Jurlander J. , Nielsen J. O. , Nielsen S. D.
Published: March 2009

To investigate the impact of thymus on immunological recovery after dose‐dense chemotherapy a prospective study of 17 patients diagnosed with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) was conducted. Patients were monitored before, during and until 3 months after chemotherapy. The thymus was visualized using computer tomographic scans. Patients were divided into two groups according to thymic size, one group comprising of patients without detectable thymus and one group of patients with detectable thymus. Naïve CD4 and CD8 counts were measured by flow cytometry, and to measure thymic output determination of CD4+ cells containing T‐cell receptor excision circles (TREC) was done. During chemotherapy, the naïve CD4 count decreased significantly as did the CD4‐TREC%. Significant difference in recovery of naïve CD4 counts between patients with detectable and undetectable thymic tissue during treatment with chemotherapy was not found. CD4‐TREC% was associated with lower age. It was not possible to demonstrate an association between thymic size and recovery of the naïve CD4+ cells. The study terminated 3 months after the last cycle of chemotherapy, and at that time point the naïve CD4 counts and the CD4‐TREC% had not returned to pretreatment levels. However, patients with detectable thymic tissue had higher naïve CD4 counts after the first cycles of chemotherapy, suggesting that these patients may be less susceptible to infectious complications related to chemotherapy.
Innate Immune Responses to Danger Signals in Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome and Sepsis
Authors: Castellheim A. , Brekke O.‐L. , Espevik T. , Harboe M. , Mollnes T. E.
Published: March 2009

The systemic immune response induced by non‐infectious agents is called systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and infection‐induced systemic immune response is called sepsis. The host inflammatory response in SIRS and sepsis is similar and may lead to multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) and ultimately death. The mortality and morbidity in SIRS and sepsis (i.e. critical illness) remain high despite advances in diagnostic and organ supporting possibilities in intensive care units. In critical illness, the acute immune response is organized and executed by innate immunity influenced by the neuroendocrine system. This response starts with sensing of danger by pattern‐recognition receptors on the immune competent cells and endothelium. The sensed danger signals, through specific signalling pathways, activate nuclear transcription factor κB and other transcription factors and gene regulatory systems which up‐regulate the expression of pro‐inflammatory mediators. The plasma cascades are also activated which together with the produced pro‐inflammatory mediators stimulate further the production of inflammatory biomarkers. The acute inflammatory response underlies the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in the development of MODS. The inflammatory mediators directly affect organ function and cause a decline in remote organ function by mediating the production of nitric oxide leading to mitochondrial anergy and cytopathic hypoxia, a condition of cellular inability to use oxygen. Understanding the mechanisms of acute immune responses in critical illness is necessary for the development of urgently needed therapeutics. The aim of this review is to provide a description of the key components and mechanisms involved in the immune response in SIRS and sepsis.
Monophyly of Euaesthetinae (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae): phylogenetic evidence from adults and larvae, review of austral genera, and new larval descriptions
Authors: CLARKE DAVE J. , GREBENNIKOV VASILY V.
Published: March 2009

AbstractWe develop a morphological dataset for the rove beetle subfamily Euaesthetinae comprising 167 morphological characters (135 adult and 32 larval) scored from 30 terminal taxa including 25 ingroup terminals (from subfamilies Euaesthetinae and Steninae) and five outgroups. Four maximum parsimony analyses using different sets of terminals and character sets were run to test the monophyly of (1) Euaesthetinae, (2) Steninae, (3) Euaesthetinae + Steninae, (4) euaesthetine tribes Austroesthetini, Alzadaesthetini, Euaesthetini, Fenderiini and Stenaesthetini, and (5) the ten currently known austral endemic genera together. Analyses of adult and larval character sets separately and in combination recovered the monophyly of Euaesthetinae, Steninae, and both subfamilies together, with strong support. Analysis of 13 ingroup terminals for which complete data were available suggests that monophyly of Euaesthetinae is supported by 19 synapomorphies (13 adult, six larval), of Steninae by 23 synapomorphies (14 adult, nine larval), and of both subfamilies together by 24 synapomorphies (21 adult, three larval). Within Euaesthetinae, only the tribe Stenaesthetini was recovered as monophyletic based on adult characters, and in no analyses were the ten austral endemic genera recovered as a monophyletic group. Phylogenetic relationships among euaesthetine genera were weakly supported, although analyses including adult characters supported monophyly ofOctaviusandProtopristusseparately, and ofOctavius + Protopristus,Austroesthetus + ChilioesthetusandEdaphus + Euaesthetus. Steninae may include a third genus comprising two undescribed species probably possessing a ‘stick–capture’ method of prey capture, similar to that inStenus. These two species formed a strongly supported clade recovered as the sister group ofStenusbased on adult characters. Diagnoses and a key to adults are provided for the 15 euaesthetine genera currently known from the austral region (Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and southern South America). Euaesthetine larvae previously were known only forEuaesthetus, and we describe the larvae of nine more genera and provide the first larval identification key for genera of Euaesthetinae.
In vitro antifungal activity of 2‐(2′‐hydroxy‐5′‐aminophenyl)benzoxazole in Candida spp. strains
Authors: Daboit Tatiane Caroline , Stopiglia Cheila Denise Ottonelli , Carissimi Mariana , Corbellini Valeriano Antonio , Stefani Valter , Scroferneker Maria Lúcia
Published: March 2009

The development of azole antifungals has allowed for the treatment of several fungal infections. However, the use of these compounds is restricted because of their hepatotoxicity or because they need to be administered together with other drugs in order to prevent resistance to monotherapy. Benzoxazole derivatives are among the most thriving molecular prototypes for the development of antifungal agents. 2‐(2′‐hydroxyphenyl) benzoxazoles are versatile molecules that emit fluorescence and have antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. 2‐(2′‐hydroxy‐5′‐aminophenyl) benzoxazole (HAMBO) was tested against Candida yeast. The inhibition provided by HAMBO was lower than that of fluconazole, showing low antifungal activity against Candida spp., but equivalent to that of benzoxazoles tested in similar studies. HAMBO showed fungistatic activity against all analysed strains. This class of novel benzoxazole compounds may be used as template to produce better antifungal drugs.
Radical retropubic prostatectomy with running vesicourethral anastomosis and early catheter removal: Our experience
Authors: Ozu Choichiro , Hagiuda Jun , Nakagami Yoshihiro , Hamada Riu , Horiguchi Yutaka , Yoshioka Kunihiko , Nakashima Jun , Hatano Tadashi , Tachibana Masaaki
Published: March 2009

Objectives:  To assess the outcomes of patients undergoing radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) with a running vesicourethral anastomosis and catheter removal on postoperative day 3 or 5.

Methods:  From February 2006 through December 2007, 55 patients underwent RRP at our institution. All procedures were performed by a single surgeon using a running suture for the vesicourethral anastomosis. A cystogram was carried out before catheter removal in all patients. The initial 23 of 55 patients (Group 1; n = 23) had the cystogram on postoperative day 5, the other 32 patients (Group 2; n = 32) had the cystogram on postoperative day 3. Removal of the catheter was only carried out if there was no anastomotic extravasation.

Results:  The success rate of catheter removal in group 1 and 2 was 100% and 96.9%, respectively. Overall continence rates were 83.3%, 87% and 90.7% at 24, 48 and 72 h after removal of the catheter, respectively. There was no significant difference in terms of continence rate between groups 1 and 2. None of the patients had acute urinary retention and/or anastomotic stricture after catheter removal.

Conclusions:  These findings suggest that an advanced running vesicourethral anastomosis during RRP is technically feasible, allowing safe early catheter removal in most patients.
Association of vaginal bleeding and electroconvulsive therapy use in pregnancy
Authors: Ghanizadeh Ahmad , Ghanizadeh Mohammad‐Javad , Moini Rozita , Ekramzadeh Sara
Published: March 2009

Electro‐convulsive (ECT) therapy is frequently the treatment of choice in pregnant patients. It has been reported that administration of ECT in pregnancy is safe and effective. However, there are few controlled studies of the effects of ECT on pregnancy. The literature is not conclusive regarding ECT‐related complications in pregnancy. We describe here the case of a primigravida with bipolar disorder who underwent nine sessions of ECT during pregnancy. The patient experienced vaginal bleeding after each session of ECT. Thiopental and succinylcholine were administered as an anesthetic (4 mg/kg thiopental) and muscle relaxant (1 mg/kg succinylcholine), respectively. ECT was discontinued and re‐challenged after 20 days. The patient experienced bleeding after ECT again. Our case is somewhat unique because it demonstrates the potential maternal problem of vaginal bleeding as a result of ECT. In our case ECT led to vaginal bleeding and the bleeding stopped when ECT was ceased. Re‐challenge was conducted. Although the safety of ECT administration in pregnancy has been discussed in many previous reports, its safety should be studied further.
A case of advanced ovarian cancer upstaged on the bases of pleural washing cytology
Authors: Kobayashi Yukari , Terauchi Fumitoshi , Nishi Hirotaka , Fujitou Atsuya , Itou Hiroe , Isaka Keiichi
Published: March 2009

We encountered a case of ovarian cancer that had positive pleural washing cytology diagnosed by thoracoscopy. A 65‐year‐old woman was referred to our hospital with a sensation of abdominal fullness. A whole‐body examination revealed a solid tumor of the ovary and accumulation of ascites. Neither pleural effusion nor lung metastasis was found at the time. Laparotomy showed extensive dissemination and we classified the stage as IIIc. As the diaphragm was thickened with dissemination, we tried to strip the diaphragm and used thoracoscopy to identify the thoracic area. No tumor or pleural effusion was detected. We performed pleural biopsy and pleural washing cytology. Finally, malignant cells were found in the pleural washing cytology. Pathological findings showed serous papillary adenocarcinoma of the ovary in this stage IV case. We suggest in this report that thoracoscopy is a useful method for making the correct surgical staging.
The overlap of storage, voiding and postmicturition symptoms and implications for treatment seeking in the USA, UK and Sweden: EpiLUTS
Authors: Sexton Chris C. , Coyne Karin S. , Kopp Zoe S. , Irwin Debra E. , Milsom Ian , Aiyer Lalitha P. , Tubaro Andrea , Chapple Christopher R. , Wein Alan J. ,   the EpiLUTS Team
Published: March 2009

OBJECTIVE

To assess the (i) the overlap between voiding, storage, and postmicturition symptoms; and (ii) the relative effect of bother and implications for treatment seeking within these symptom groups, using data from the EpiLUTS study.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

This cross‐sectional population‐representative survey was conducted via the Internet in the USA, the UK and Sweden. Participants were asked to rate the frequency and symptom‐specific bother of individual LUTS. Descriptive statistics were used to examine differences in International Continence Society LUTS subgroups. Logistc regressions were used with treatment seeking as the dependent variable and the bother of individual symptoms as predictors.

RESULTS

The survey response rate was 59%. The sample included 30 000 participants (14 139 men and 15 861 women); 71% of men and 75% of women reported at least one LUTS, and about half reported LUTS from more than one symptom group. Rates of bother were greatest for those who reported multiple storage, voiding and postmicturition LUTS (men 83%, women 89%). Less than a third of participants with LUTS from all three groups reported seeking treatment. Consistent correlates of treatment seeking across genders included bother due to weak stream, incomplete emptying, perceived daytime frequency, nocturia and urgency. There were also significant associations for several types of incontinence, most commonly stress incontinence in women and leaking during sexual activity in men. Despite high rates of symptom overlap and symptom‐specific bother, few participants sought treatment for LUTS.

CONCLUSION

Common conditions such as BPH and OAB are treatable, and clinicians should proactively ask patients about urinary symptoms. Given the many types of LUTS that patients experience, it is imperative that clinicians assess all LUTS to ensure that appropriate treatments are prescribed.
Risk factors and comorbid conditions associated with lower urinary tract symptoms: EpiLUTS
Authors: Coyne Karin S. , Kaplan Steven A. , Chapple Christopher R. , Sexton Chris C. , Kopp Zoe S. , Bush Elizabeth N. , Aiyer Lalitha P. ,   the EpiLUTS Team
Published: March 2009

OBJECTIVE

To explore the risk factors and comorbid conditions associated with subgroups of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in men and women aged ≥40 years in three countries, using data from the EpiLUTS study, as LUTS are common amongst men and women and increase in prevalence with age.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

This cross‐sectional, population‐representative survey was conducted via the Internet in the USA, the UK and Sweden. Participants were asked to rate how often they experienced individual LUTS during the past 4 weeks on a 5‐point Likert scale. Eight LUTS subgroups were created. Descriptive statistics and logistic regressions within each LUTS subgroup were used to assess the data.

RESULTS

The survey response rate was 59%. The final sample was 30 000 (men and women). The voiding + storage + postmicturition (VSPM) group reported the highest rates of comorbid conditions for both men and women, and the fewest were reported in the no/minimal LUTS and the postmicturition‐only groups. Increasing age was associated with increasing LUTS in men, but not in women. Comorbid conditions significantly associated with the VSPM group were arthritis, asthma, chronic anxiety, depression, diabetes (men only), heart disease, irritable bowel syndrome, neurological conditions, recurrent urinary tract infection, and sleep disorders. Risk factors, such as body mass index, exercise level and smoking, played less of a role, except for childhood nocturnal enuresis, which was significantly associated with most LUTS subgroups.

CONCLUSION

In this large population study, many comorbid conditions and risk factors were significantly associated with LUTS among both men and women. Further longitudinal investigations of the associations noted here would help physicians to understand the pathophysiology of LUTS and comorbid conditions, and provide clinical guidelines for patient management of comorbid conditions sharing common pathophysiological pathways.
THE AID EFFECTIVENESS LITERATURE: THE SAD RESULTS OF 40 YEARS OF RESEARCH
Authors: Doucouliagos Hristos , Paldam Martin
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe aid effectiveness literature (AEL) consists of empirical macroeconomic estimates of the effects of development aid. By the end of 2004, it comprised 97 econometric studies of three families of related effects. Each family has been analyzed in a separate meta‐analysis. The AEL is an ideal subject for meta‐analysis as it uses only a few formally similar models to estimate the same underlying effects. It is also an area with strong beliefs, often generated by altruism. When this whole literature is examined, a clear pattern emerges. After 40 years of development aid, the preponderance of the evidence indicates that aid has not been effective. We show that the distribution of results is significantly asymmetric reflecting the reluctance of the research community to publish negative results. The Dutch disease effect on exchange rates provides a plausible explanation for the observed aid ineffectiveness.
WHAT HAPPENED TO THE THREE‐LEGGED CENTIPEDE GAME?
Authors: Kuechle Graciela
Published: March 2009

Abstract In the last two decades, several frameworks have been proposed to analyze the question of whether common knowledge of rationality is sufficient to justify the play of backward induction (BI) in games of perfect information. Three strands of literature have addressed this issue: the literature on equilibrium refinements, the literature on knowledge‐based epistemology and the literature on interactive epistemology. This paper surveys seminal frameworks within the first two strands of research and assesses the extent to which they provide a satisfactory solution to the problem. These approaches are illustrated using a three‐legged version of Rosenthal's centipede game, which is the classical example in the literature. The paper argues that some of these frameworks provide sensible answers to the riddle of BI or, at least, succeed in bringing the paradox to another level. The paper also points at consistency problems in the body of refinements of Nash equilibrium revealed by the surveyed literature.