bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neonatal leptin levels are strongly associated with female gender, birth length, IGF‐I levels and formula feeding
Authors: Petridou Eleni , Mantzoros Christos S. , Belechri Maria , Skalkidou Alkistis , Dessypris Nick , Papathoma Eugenia , Salvanos Heraklis , Lee Jennifer H. , Kedikoglou Simeon , Chrousos George , Trichopoulos Dimitrios
Published: February 2005

Objective  To investigate predictors of circulating leptin in healthy full‐term newborns and to explore the relationship with anthropometric variables, serum levels of adiponectin and the major components of the IGF system at birth. To explore whether leptin levels are regulated by breastfeeding vs. formula feeding.

Design  Observational cross‐sectional study.

Patients  Three hundred and nineteen healthy full‐term newborns delivered during 1999 in Athens, Greece.

Measurements  Anthropometric measurements, formula feeding information and blood samples were obtained. Leptin and adiponectin determinations were performed using a radioimmunoassay (RIA).

Results  Multivariate regression analyses showed that leptin levels were positively associated with female gender, newborn length, ponderal index and IGF‐I levels, but not with adiponectin levels. Newborns who were fed exclusively with milk formulas had more than twice the leptin levels of those who were exclusively breastfed.

Conclusions  Leptin levels are positively related to female gender and anthropometric characteristics of neonates but, contrary to studies in adults, are not correlated with adiponectin levels. We also found evidence that formula feeding imparts a considerable increase in leptin levels in newborns.
Analysis of polymorphic PRNP microsatellite and ORF sites in German sheep breeds
Authors: Preuss S. , Kuss A. W. , He H. , Bartenschlager H. , Geldermann H.
Published: February 2005

Polymorphic microsatellite and open‐reading frame (ORF) sites in the prion protein coding gene (PRNP) were analysed in eight sheep breeds. The three microsatellite sites S11, S15 and S24 were genotyped by fragment length analysis, and the ORF codons 136, 154 and 171 were analysed after direct sequencing. Unexpected polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products of microsatellite sites and ORF haplotypes with more than one heterozygous site were submitted to cloning and then sequenced. The microsatellite sites were polymorphic in all breeds with two to five alleles per site. On average of breeds and sites, the microsatellites had higher degrees of polymorphism than the ORF sites. The ARR/ARR ORF genotype occurred always together with the microsatellite genotypes S11 152/152, S15 179/179 and S24 144/144. As ORF and microsatellite alleles of the PRNP were observed in typical combinations, the microsatellite genotypes were significantly associated with scrapie incidences or risk classes based on the ORF genotypes. The microsatellite sites were highly polymorphic and therefore are advantageous markers for evaluation of scrapie disposition and fine mapping of effects on scrapie pathogenesis within the gene.
The distribution of genetic founder contributions within and among selection and control lines of an experiment with laying hens
Authors: Hagger C. , Steiger D.
Published: February 2005

Pedigree analysis was used to monitor genetic dynamics in retrospect in two identically selected lines (S1, S2) and a control (CL) of laying hens, originating from a common base. The pedigree of the last generation animals had nine generations of ancestors the members of the first known generation of ancestors were taken as founders. In each generation and in all lines one son was randomly chosen from each of 20 sires. Selection of females was randomly one daughter from each of 80 dams in CL and the best 80 according to a complex criterion in S1 and S2. The experiment included seven generations of selection. After three generations 51.6, 51.5 and 95.5% of the female founders of the base generation remained in S1, S2 and CL, respectively. The corresponding figures for the founder males were 67.7, 65.1 and 96.2%. These fractions did not change much in the following generations. On average 88.5, 87.1 and 78.8% of the remaining founders of the last generation were present in the pedigree of a last generation animal in S1, S2 and CL, respectively. The average genetic contribution of a founder male to the genome of the last generation was 1.22, 1.25 and 1.04% in S1, S2 and CL, respectively. The corresponding female contributions were 0.64, 0.60 and 0.49%, respectively. The most important founders of S1 and S2, which contributed 90% of the genome of their own line, contributed 80% of the genome of the other line and 73% of the one of CL in both cases. The most important founders of CL contributed 82% to the genomes of S1 and S2. The numbers of founder genome equivalents, were 9.8, 10.3 and 12.2 for S1, S2 and CL in the last generation and indicate a considerable loss of founder alleles in all lines. Effective population sizes calculated from average rate of inbreeding obtained from pedigrees were 91.1, 98.3 and 122.5 for S1, S2 and CL, respectively. Using the squared founder contributions for this purpose resulted in effective sizes of 0.966, 0.941 and 0.959 of the former values for S1, S2 and CL, respectively. Mating only animals with four different grand sires reduced inbreeding compared with random mating over the duration of the experiment. The effectiveness of this scheme was, however, strongly reduced in the last generation.
Adversity as opportunity: Living with schizophrenia and developing a resilient self
Authors: Geanellos Rene
Published: February 2005

ABSTRACT:  Approximately 1% of the population is diagnosed with schizophrenia, and despite longstanding critiques of the (bio)medical model, understanding of the disorder still arises primarily through (bio)medical explanations. In turn, causation, symptoms and treatments are increasingly sophisticated and well known while understanding of other aspects of the disorder, especially the intersubjective experience of people living with schizophrenia, remains fragmented. For this reason, the present study sought to understand how people experience schizophrenia. To do this, the stories of 19 people diagnosed with the disorder were hermeneutically interpreted. These stories appeared in The Schizophrenia Bulletin – a journal which publishes ‘first person accounts’, sometimes anonymously, of people's experience of mental illness. Within the study context, the findings indicate that facing the adversity of schizophrenia means living: (i) wisely – understanding the nature of self‐with‐schizophrenia and of life‐with‐schizophrenia; (ii) mindfully – keeping understandings in conscious thought; and (iii) purposefully – acting deliberately. Doing this results in a stable and meaningful life and in a different, more resilient self.
Towards a healthier lifestyle for staff of a psychiatric hospital: Description of a pilot programme
Authors: Cleary Michelle , Walter Garry
Published: February 2005

ABSTRACT:  Various lifestyle factors contribute to morbidity and mortality. Health promotion programs have the potential to increase awareness about, and possibly modify, some of these factors. In the workplace, these programs can be accessed by large groups of people. A healthy lifestyles programme was piloted for non‐clinical staff in Central Sydney Area Mental Health Service, Australia. The aim of the programme was to provide non‐clinical staff working in a mental health setting with education and information on a range of health conditions and topics. A needs analysis survey, along with formal and informal liaison and discussion, informed the programme's development and implementation. A total of 28 sessions were held; attendance ranged from 1 to 51 with a mean of 13.57 and a median of 12.5. Feedback regarding the programme has generally been positive. This pilot demonstrates that nurses, with their colleagues from other disciplines, are well positioned to deliver health promotion and education initiatives that may contribute to increasing awareness, and possibly modification, of lifestyle factors.
Attempting to accomplish connectedness within the preceptorship experience: The perceptions of mental health nurses
Authors: Charleston Rosemary , Happell Brenda
Published: February 2005

ABSTRACT:  The provision of sound support models for clinical practicum is recognized as integral to the development of nursing students and their transition to registered nurses. In mental health settings, there is the additional issue of positively influencing recruitment rates. Preceptorship has been widely adopted nationally and internationally, however, there is a paucity of research, particularly in mental health settings, to assess its effectiveness. The current study utilized a grounded theory approach to explore the experience of preceptorship for mental health nurses. The findings suggest that mental health nurses seek to accomplish connectedness in the preceptorship relationship. A number of factors inhibit the degree of success in achieving this connectedness, including fear of mental health settings, misconceptions about mental illness and organizational constraints.
MECHANOSENSORY PERCEPTION: ARE THERE CONTRIBUTIONS FROM BONE‐ASSOCIATED RECEPTORS?
Authors: Rowe MJ , Tracey DJ , Mahns DA , Sahai V , Ivanusic JJ
Published: February 2005

1. The identity of the receptors and afferent nerve fibres that mediate the sense of touch varies somewhat with body location. Those that have been most intensively characterized are associated with the distal glabrous skin of the limbs and, in primates, mediate the sense of touch in the fingertips and palms. In this glabrous skin region, there appear to be three or four principal classes of tactile sensory nerves that fall into two broad groups. One group, the so‐called slowly adapting (SA) receptors and afferent fibres, is responsive to static mechanical displacement of skin tissues and is made up of two classes, the type I (SAI) fibres that innervate Merkel receptors and the type II (SAII) fibres that innervate Ruffini endings. The second broad group displays a pure dynamic sensitivity to tactile stimuli and also falls into two principal classes, the rapidly adapting (RA) tactile fibres that are associated with Meissner corpuscle receptors and the Pacinian corpuscle (PC)‐associated class of tactile afferent fibres.

2. In other regions of the skin, such as the hairy skin of the arms, legs and trunk, there are similar functional classes of tactile sensory nerves, although the receptor endings differ somewhat from those of the glabrous skin.

3. Receptors in close association with the long bones of the limbs include groups of Pacinian corpuscles distributed along the interosseous membranes. These are highly sensitive to dynamic forms of mechanical stimuli, in particular vibrotactile disturbances. However, despite their close association with bone, these receptors probably cannot be legitimately considered ‘osseoreceptors’.

4. Both the periosteum and the bone marrow are richly supplied by nerve fibres. However, much evidence indicates that these are largely or entirely in the fine‐diameter category of nerve fibres, whose roles may be confined to either nociception or to the efferent autonomic regulation of bone‐associated blood vessels.

5. In conclusion, it remains uncertain whether any aspects of our innocuous touch or kinaesthetic senses, in either the limbs or in orofacial regions, can be ascribed to ‘osseoreceptors’ located in the periosteum or within the bone marrow itself.
Phantom limb sensation
Authors: Woodhouse Annie
Published: February 2005

1. Phantom limb pain and sensations are common in amputees. The present paper defines phantom limb pain, stump pain and phantom limb sensation and then gives an overview of the incidence and characteristics of the phenomena.

2. Theories of phantoms are presented, including peripheral, central and supraspinal theories, with particular attention given to Melzack's neuromatrix.

3. Evidence of cortical reorganization following amputation is given and the extent to which cortical reorganization contributes to phantom limb pain is discussed.
Physiological characteristics of low‐threshold mechanoreceptors in joints, muscle and skin in human subjects
Authors: Macefield Vaughan G
Published: February 2005

1. The development of microneurography, in which an insulated tungsten microelectrode is inserted into an accessible peripheral or cranial nerve in awake human subjects, has allowed detailed analyses of the signalling capacities of single mechanoreceptive afferents from the skin, muscles and joints. For example, we know much about how the two classes of rapidly adapting (Meissner and Pacinian) and two classes of slowly adapting (Merkel and Ruffini) cutaneous mechanoreceptors encode forces applied normal or tangential to the skin of the hand and the similarities and differences in glabrous versus non‐glabrous skin (and receptors associated with hairs). We also know about stretch‐ and force‐sensitive endings in muscle (the muscle spindle and Golgi tendon organ, respectively) and how they behave during passive or active movements or during isometric contractions. In addition, we have characterized the firing properties of mechanoreceptors in the joint capsules of the fingers. However, we know little about sensory nerves in the periosteum, other than that nociceptors and Pacinian corpuscles exist.

2. In addition to studies on the physiology of sensory endings in human subjects, microstimulation through the recording microelectrode has revealed how the brain deals with the sensory information conveyed by a single afferent. From this work, we know that there is specificity in the sensory channels: electrical stimulation of a single Meissner or Pacinian corpuscle generates frequency dependent illusions of ‘flutter’ or ‘vibration’, whereas microstimulation of a single Merkel afferent can produce a percept of ‘pressure’ and stimulation of a single joint afferent can evoke a sensation of ‘joint rotation’. Interestingly, the input from a single Ruffini ending in the skin cannot be perceived and the same is true of muscle spindle afferents. So, where does this leave us with osseoperception from the mouth? Given that the periodontal receptors in the vicinity have been lost, which mechanoreceptive endings could encode forces applied to a bone‐implanted prosthesis?

3. Meissner and Merkel endings have very small receptive fields and respond only to local forces. Pacinian corpuscles have an exquisite sensitivity to brisk mechanical events and could respond to such stimuli transmitted through the bone to a remote receptor, but would not be able to encode sustained forces. Ruffini endings also respond to forces applied remote to the receptive field and, unlike the Pacinian corpuscles, respond in a sustained fashion, but would their signals be perceived? Like muscle spindles, it is possible that the coactivation of many Ruffini endings could provide meaningful information. Finally, as we have seen, the input from a single joint receptor can be perceived, but they mostly respond at the limits of joint rotation, so it is unlikely that any associated with the temporomandibular joint could contribute to osseoperception.
Neurotoxic effects of venoms from seven species of australasian black snakes (Pseudechis): Efficacy of black and tiger snake antivenoms
Authors: Ramasamy Sharmaine , Fry Bryan G , Hodgson Wayne C
Published: February 2005

1. Pseudechis species (black snakes) are among the most widespread venomous snakes in Australia. Despite this, very little is known about the potency of their venoms or the efficacy of the antivenoms used to treat systemic envenomation by these snakes. The present study investigated the in vitro neurotoxicity of venoms from seven Australasian Pseudechis species and determined the efficacy of black and tiger snake antivenoms against this activity.

2. All venoms (10 µg/mL) significantly inhibited indirect twitches of the chick biventer cervicis nerve–muscle preparation and responses to exogenous acetylcholine (ACh; 1 mmol/L), but not to KCl (40 mmol/L), indicating activity at post‐synaptic nicotinic receptors on the skeletal muscle.

3. Prior administration of either black or tiger snake antivenom (5 U/mL) prevented the inhibitory effects of all Pseudechis venoms.

4. Black snake antivenom (5 U/mL) added at t90 (i.e. the time‐point at which the original twitch height was reduced by 90%) significantly reversed the effects of P. butleri (28 ± 5%), P. guttatus (25 ± 8%) and P. porphyriacus (28 ± 10%) venoms. Tiger snake antivenom (5 U/mL) added at the t90 time‐point significantly reversed the neurotoxic effects of P. guttatus (51 ± 4%), P. papuanus (47 ± 5%) and P. porphyriacus (20 ± 7%) venoms.

5. We show, for the first time, the presence of neurotoxins in the venom of these related snake species and that this activity is differentially affected by either black snake or tiger snake antivenoms.
REPERFUSION INJURY IN THE HUMAN FOREARM IS MILD AND NOT ATTENUATED BY SHORT‐TERM ISCHAEMIC PRECONDITIONING
Authors: Kilian JG , Nakhla S , Griffith K , Harmer J , Skilton M , Celermajer DS
Published: February 2005

1. Ischaemia–reperfusion (IR) injury is an important contributor to tissue damage and has been shown to be attenuated by preconditioning (PC) in some animal models. A recent report has suggested that the forearm can be used for the study of this phenomenon in humans. We aimed to reproduce and further characterize this model.

2. Healthy young adult volunteers (mean (±SEM) age 32 ± 6 years) were studied on two occasions. During one visit, IR alone was induced by 10 min of upper arm cuff occlusion, whereas on another occasion a PC stimulus (three 3 min cuff inflations) preceded IR. Endothelial function in the ischaemic arm was assessed by measuring arterial flow‐mediated dilatation (FMD) and by calculation of forearm blood flow at baseline and 15 and 60 min after IR. Systemic venous blood was sampled from the non‐ischaemic arm at baseline, after PC and at 2, 15 and 30 min after IR to assess neutrophil/leucocyte (CD11b) and platelet (bound glycoprotein IIb/IIIa and fibrinogen) activation, as well as numbers of platelet–leucocyte complexes, which were determined by flow cytometry. Because of a lack of measurable effects, the IR experiment was repeated with 20 min ischaemia in six subjects.

3. Five females and eight males completed the study. Flow‐mediated dilatation was significantly impaired 30 min after IR (4.1 vs 6.2% at baseline; P < 0.05);however, this was not significantly attenuated by ischaemic PC (FMD reduction at 30 min compared with baseline was 2.1 ± 0.5% with IR alone and 2.6 ± 1.4% with IR after PC; NS). No significant effect was seen on the number of platelet–leucocyte aggregates or on white cell or platelet activation after IR alone or after IR with PC (P > 0.6 for all comparisons). Similar results were obtained in six subjects studied subjected to 20 min ischaemia.

4. In conclusion, in healthy young adults, brief periods of skeletal muscle ischaemia lead to arterial endothelial dysfunction, but no significant platelet or white cell activation. Preconditioning does not attenuate this effect on the endothelium. Further experiments with longer ischaemia times and varying PC stimuli may be necessary to produce measurable effects; however, this may prove difficult in conscious human subjects.
Lamivudine monotherapy for spontaneous severe acute exacerbation of chronic hepatitis B
Authors: TSUBOTA AKIHITO , ARASE YASUJI , SUZUKI YOSHIYUKI , SUZUKI FUMITAKA , SEZAKI HITOMI , HOSAKA TETSUYA , AKUTA NORIO , SOMEYA TAKASHI , KOBAYASHI MASAHIRO , SAITOH SATOSHI , IKEDA KENJI , KUMADA HIROMITSU
Published: February 2005

Background: Severe acute exacerbations of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection can spontaneously occur and rapidly progress to fatal hepatic failure. The purpose of the present paper was to identify factors that could influence the rapid progression of liver disease to hepatic failure, and assess the effects of lamivudine on serious disease.

Methods: Twenty‐five patients with spontaneous severe acute exacerbation (accompanied by jaundice and coagulopathy) were consecutively treated with lamivudine. Their clinical outcomes were compared with those of 25 lamivudine‐untreated patients, as historical controls.

Results: Six lamivudine‐treated patients (24%)and seven controls (28%) rapidly developed hepatic failure. Lamivudine monotherapy did not significantly prevent progression to hepatic failure. Multivariate analysis identified baseline serum bilirubin ≥6 mg/dL (odds ratio [OR]: 5.61; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.66–21.61; P = 0.018), pre‐existing cirrhosis (OR: 4.52; 95%CI: 1.26–30.42; P = 0.034), and baseline prothrombin time <40% (OR: 3.75; 95%CI: 1.03–43.86; P = 0.045) as independent determinants of the event. Of the aforementioned patients with hepatic failure, three lamivudine‐treated patients (50%) and two controls (29%) survived (P > 0.15). However, lamivudine induced a sustained normalization of liver function and inhibited the development of cirrhosis in survivors.

Conclusions: Lamivudine monotherapy conferred no significant protection against rapid progression of the disease to hepatic failure, but it resulted in long‐term benefits. Lamivudine combined with other drugs could be more beneficial for patients with the aforementioned risk factors.

© 2004 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd
Dual treatment of albendazole in hepatic hydatidosis: New therapeutic modality in 52 cases
Authors: POLAT CAFER , DERVISOGLU ADEM , HOKELEK MURAT , YETIM IBRAHIM , BUYUKKARABACAK YALCIN , OZKUTUK YASIN , ERZURUMLU KENAN
Published: February 2005

Background:  Hepatic hydatidosis still remains as a serious problem in general surgery. Recurrence and/or secondary hydatidosis rates are up to 25% in the cases treated with surgery alone. Albendazole is the most commonly used drug in the medical treatment of echinococcosis. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of albendazole using the intraoperative and perioperative periods as dual therapy.

Methods:  Fifty‐two cases of hepatic hydatidosis were evaluated and treated by dual treatment of albendazole together with surgery. Perioperative albendazole treatment was given in a dose of 12–15 mg/kg per day in four divided doses. The treatment started 2–28 days before the surgery when the diagnosis was established and continued for 2–24 months (4.76 ± 3.25) postoperatively in a cyclic monthly form. A total of 1.7 µg/mL albendazole solution was used as a protoscolicidal agent in the cystic cavity intraoperatively. In the postoperative period serology, ultrasonography and computed tomography evaluations were done. The follow‐up period was 5–92 months (mean: 62.48 months).

Results:  There was no recurrence in the present study. One patient died in the 6th postoperative week due to cerebral hydatidosis and multiple organ failure. Early and late morbidity rates were 7.69 and 9.61%, respectively.

Conclusions:  Dual albendazole treatment is effective in the prevention of recurrences and/or secondary hydatidosis.
Evidence against a role for endotoxin in the hepatic encephalopathy of rats with thioacetamide‐induced fulminant hepatic failure
Authors: CHEN CHIEN‐TING , CHU CHI‐JEN , WANG TEH‐FANG , LU REI‐HWA , LEE FA‐YAUH , CHANG FULL‐YOUNG , LIN HAN‐CHIEH , CHAN CHE‐CHANG , WANG SUN‐SANG , HUANG HUI‐CHUN , LEE SHOU‐DONG
Published: February 2005

Background and Aims: Endotoxin has been proposed to participate in the development of hepatic encephalopathy. However, there is no published data concerning the effects of endotoxin neutralization on the degree of hepatic encephalopathy. The present study investigated the effect of chronic intraperitoneal injection of polymyxin B, a neutralizing antagonist of endotoxin, on hepatic encephalopathy in rats with thioacetamide (TAA)‐induced fulminant hepatic failure.

Methods: Male Sprague‐Dawley rats weighing 300–350 g were used. Fulminant hepatic failure was induced by intraperitoneal injection of TAA (350 mg/kg/day) for 3 days. Two series of rats were designed to compare the effects of low dose (0.1 mg) or high dose (0.2 mg) intraperitoneal polymyxin B administration versus normal saline (NS) on hepatic encephalopathy. The injection was twice daily started from 2 days prior to TAA administration and lasted for 5 days. Severity of encephalopathy was assessed by the counts of motor activity in an Opto‐Varimex animal activity meter. Plasma levels of endotoxin and tumor necrosis factor‐α (an index of liver injury) were measured by Limulus assay and the ELISA method, respectively.

Results: Neutralization of endotoxin by either low dose or high dose polymyxin B administration did not significantly alleviate the degree of hepatic encephalopathy, as represented by the counts of motor activities (P > 0.05). Plasma levels of endotoxin and tumor necrosis factor‐α were comparable between rats treated with polymyxin B or NS (P > 0.05).

Conclusion: Our findings do not support the notion that endotoxin plays a major role in the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy in rats with TAA‐induced fulminant hepatic failure.
Spontaneous regression of a large hepatocellular carcinoma with skull metastasis
Authors: NAM SOON WOO , HAN JOON‐YEOL , KIM JIN IL , PARK SOO HEON , CHO SE HYUN , HAN NAM IK , YANG JIN MO , KIM JAE KWANG , CHOI SANG WOOK , LEE YOUNG SUK , CHUNG KYU WON , SUN HEE SIK
Published: February 2005

Abstract  Spontaneous regression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a rare phenomenon. This case of a 65‐year‐old Korean man with HCC and metastatic frontal bone mass that regressed after radiotherapy for frontal bone mass without any other therapeutic modalities is described. The clinical diagnosis of HCC was made because of the presence of a liver mass on abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan, high serum α‐fetoprotein value and tissue diagnosis on frontal bone biopsy. The patient refused any other recommended treatments, but accepted the radiation therapy due to a painful frontal bone mass, and ingested mushroom called Phellinus linteus for one and a half years. Ten months after radiation therapy, he experienced a reduction in size of the frontal bone mass and improvement of lesions in the liver, sternum and ribs. The patient is alive and in good condition without any symptoms or tumor aggravation in August 2002. It was concluded that a rare case of spontaneous regression of HCC had occurred.
Altered phenotype of dextran sulfate sodium colitis in interferon regulatory factor‐1 knock‐out mice
Authors: MANNICK ELIZABETH E , COTE RAE L , SCHURR JILL R , KROWICKA HALINA S , SLOOP GREGORY D , ZAPATA‐VELANDIA ADRIANA , CORREA HERNAN , RUIZ BERNARDO , HORSWELL RONALD , LENTZ JENNIFER J , BYRNE PATRICK , GASTANADUY M MARIELLA , HORNICK CONRAD A , LIU ZHIYUN
Published: February 2005

Background and Aims: Interferon regulatory factor‐1 (IRF‐1) is a transcription factor with antiviral, proinflammatory and tumor suppressor properties. We examined the role of IRF‐1 in dextran sulfate sodium colitis, a murine model of inflammatory bowel disease, to determine if absence of the gene would protect against colitis.

Methods: C57BL/6J mice with a targeted disruption of IRF‐1 and wild‐type C57BL/6J controls received five 7‐day cycles of 2% dextran sulfate sodium alternating with five 7‐day cycles of water. Colonic tissue was formalin fixed for histological analysis and total RNA extracted for gene chip and SYBR green real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis.

Results: Histological analysis revealed increased distortion of crypt architecture in the dextran sulfate sodium‐treated, IRF‐1 –/– animals as compared to dextran sulfate sodium‐treated wild‐type animals. Five of 15 dextran sulfate sodium‐treated IRF‐1 –/– mice, but only one of 14 dextran sulfate sodium‐treated wild‐type mice, developed colonic dysplasia. Microarray analysis comparing colonic gene expression in IRF‐1 –/– and wild‐type animals revealed decreased expression of caspases, genes involved in antigen presentation, and tumor suppressor genes in the IRF‐1 –/– animals. Increased expression of genes involved in carcinogenesis and immunoglobulin and complement genes was also noted in the knock‐out animals.

Conclusions: Absence of IRF‐1 is not protective in dextran sulfate sodium colitis.
Post‐infectious irritable bowel syndrome in patients with Shigella infection
Authors: JI SANGWON , PARK HYOJIN , LEE DOKYONG , SONG YOUNG KOO , CHOI JAE PHIL , LEE SANG‐IN
Published: February 2005

Background and Aims: Bacterial gastroenteritis has been known as a risk factor of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Several risk factors of post‐infectious IBS (PI‐IBS) have been documented. The aims of this study were to verify the role of bacterial gastroenteritis in the development of IBS and the risk factors for the development of PI‐IBS. The clinical course of PI‐IBS was also investigated.

Methods: We recruited 143 patients with shigellosis during its outbreak and 113 controls. Both groups were followed up for 12 months. Bowel symptoms were evaluated by use of questionnaires at 3, 6 and 12 months after the initial recruitment.

Results: Complete data were obtained from 101 patients (70.6%) and 102 healthy controls (90.3%). At 12 months, 15 patients and six controls had IBS (adjusted OR; 2.9, 95% CI; 1.1–7.9). Of the 15 patients, five had IBS symptoms consistently for 12 months, three did not have IBS symptoms initially and seven had fluctuating bowel symptoms. The duration of diarrhea was an independent risk factor of PI‐IBS.

Conclusions: Bacterial gastroenteritis is a risk factor of IBS and the duration of diarrhea as the index of severity of initial illness is an independent risk factor of PI‐IBS. The clinical course of PI‐IBS is variable over the 1 year of follow‐up.
Fate of bradykinin on the rat liver when administered by the venous or arterial route
Authors: GIOLI‐PEREIRA LUCIANA , NASCIMENTO ÉCIO ALVES , SANTOS EDSON LUCAS , BRACHT ADELAR , JULIANO MARIA APARECIDA , PESQUERO JOÃO BOSCO , BORGES DURVAL ROSA , KOUYOUMDJIAN MARIA
Published: February 2005

Background and Aim: Bradykinin (BK) infused into the portal vein elicits a hypertensive response via the B2 receptor (B2R) and is efficiently hydrolyzed by the liver. Our purpose was to characterize the mechanism of interaction between BK and the liver.

Method: BK, HOE‐140 (a B2R antagonist), des‐R9‐BK (a B1R agonist) and enzyme inhibitors were used in monovascular or bivascular perfusions and in isolated liver cell assays.

Results: Des‐R9‐BK did not elicit a portal hypertensive response (PHR); BK infused into the hepatic artery elicited a calcium‐dependent PHR and a calcium‐independent arterial hypertensive response (HAHR), with the latter being almost abolished by naproxen. BK has a predominant distribution in the extracellular space and an average hepatic extraction of 8% in the steady state. Hydrolysis products of infused BK (R1‐F5 and R1‐P7) did not elicit PHR. Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) is concentrated in the perivenous region and B2R in the periportal region. Microphysiometry showed that BK (and not a B1 agonist) interacts with stellate cells and the endothelial sinusoidal/Kupffer cell fraction. This effect was inhibited by the B2R antagonist.

Conclusions: Events can be summarized as: the hypertensive action of BK on sinusoidal cells of the periportal region is followed by its hydrolysis by ACE which is primarily present in the perivenous region; there is no functional B1R in the normal liver; BK induces HAHR via eicosanoid release and PHR by a distinct pathway on the B2R. Our data suggest that BK may participate in the modulation of sinusoidal microvasculature tonus both in the portal and the arterial routes.
Functional promotor polymorphism in RANTES gene does not influence the clinical course of Helicobacter pylori infection
Authors: HELLMIG STEPHAN , MASCHERETTI SILVIA , FÖLSCH ULRICH , SCHREIBER STEFAN
Published: February 2005

Background and Aims: Helicobacter pylori was found to increase the transcription of RANTES as a potent chemoattractant cytokine in mucosal inflammation. The aim of this study was to test if a functional promotor polymorphism in the RANTES gene leading to a higher transcriptional activity influences the severity of the mucosal damage in H. pylori infected individuals.

Methods: A single nucleotide polymorphism, C−471T, was genotyped by TaqMan technology in a sample of 344 consecutive patients with H. pylori infection undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and 370 blood donors. Association with the development of erosions and stomach or duodenum ulcers as well as atrophic gastritis were tested.

Results: None of the genotypes were associated with the severity of mucosal damage in stomach or duodenum (P > 0.05).

Conclusion: Even though H. pylori itself induces expression of RANTES, at the transcriptional level, genetic variations leading to higher transscriptional activity do not modify the degree of inflammation.
Effects of potassium‐magnesium citrate supplementation on cytosolic ATP citrate lyase and mitochondrial aconitase activity in leukocytes: A window on renal citrate metabolism
Authors: TOSUKHOWONG PIYARATANA , TUNGSANGA KRIANG , PHONGUDOM SUMET , SRIBOONLUE POTE
Published: February 2005

Background: An increase in urinary citrate excretion is associated with a decrease in activity of renal cortical cytosolic ATP citrate lyase (ACL) and mitochondrial aconitase (m‐aconitase). Because potassium‐magnesium citrate causes an increase in urinary citrate excretion, we decided to assess its effects on ACL and m‐aconitase in the leukocytes of renal stone patients.

Methods: Twenty male renal stone patients were supplemented with potassium‐magnesium citrate twice daily (i.e. 42 mEq potassium, 21 mEq magnesium, and 63 mEq citrate per day) for a period of 1 month. Two 24‐h urine and one 15‐mL heparinized blood samples were collected from each patient before and after supplementation. Urine samples were analyzed for relevant biochemical compositions. Leukocytes were separated from blood samples by centrifugation and assayed for ACL and m‐aconitase activity.

Results: Supplementation with potassium‐magnesium citrate significantly increased urinary pH (P < 0.005) and excretions of potassium (P < 0.001), magnesium (P < 0.001) and citrate (P < 0.0001). The activity of both ACL and m‐aconitase were significantly decreased (P < 0.004 and P < 0.02 respectively). The decrease in ACL activity was inversely correlated with an increase in urinary excretion of both potassium (r = −0.620, P < 0.0001) and citrate (r = −0.451, P < 0.004). A similar inverse correlation was observed between m‐aconitase activity and urinary excretion of citrate (r = −0.322, P < 0.043).

Conclusion: Changes in enzyme activity, related to citrate metabolism in leukocytes, might reflect the status of renal tubular cells.
Laparoscopic adrenalectomy in patients with large adrenal tumors
Authors: NAYA YUKIO , SUZUKI HIROYOSHI , KOMIYA AKIRA , NAGATA MAKI , TOBE TOYOFUSA , UEDA TAKESHI , ICHIKAWA TOMOHIKO , IGARASHI TATSUO , YAMAGUCHI KUNIO , ITO HARUO
Published: February 2005

Objectives: The maximum size of adrenal tumors that should be removed by laparoscopic adrenalectomy is controversial. We conducted a retrospective comparison of the results of laparoscopic adrenalectomy between patients with adrenal tumors ≥6 cm (‘large tumors’) and patients with adrenal tumors <6 cm (‘small tumors’).

Methods: The participants in the study were 16 patients with large tumors and 111 patients with small tumors. The patients comprised 59 men and 68 women (mean age, 49.0 years; age range, 23–79) with varying diagnoses. Of the 16 patients with large tumors, five had Cushing's syndrome, four had pheochromocytomas, six had a non‐functional tumor and one had malignant lymphoma. Adrenal tumors were confirmed by hormonal assays, biochemical tests and computed tomography. Of the 16 large tumors, five tumors were on the right and 11 were on the left.

Results: We found no significant differences in general demographic parameters between patients with large and small tumors. The mean duration of surgery was not significantly different between two groups. (large tumors, 210 min; small tumors,175 min). The mean volume of blood loss was 212 mL for large tumors and 30 mL for small tumors (P < 0.001, significant difference). There was no significant difference in time until walking, duration of hospitalization or number of using analgesics used. The time to first oral intake of group 1 (<6 cm) was significantly shorter than group 2 (≥6 cm). Tumor size (≥7.5 cm) was an independent predictor of a longer operation and greater blood loss in large tumors.

Conclusions: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy for large tumors was safe and minimally invasive.
SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS OF THE STOCHASTIC GROWTH RATE: THREE EXTENSIONS†
Authors: Caswell Hal
Published: February 2005

The perturbation analysis of population growth rate plays an important role in population biology. The sensitivity and/or elasticity (proportional sensitivity) of population growth rate to changes in the vital rates are regularly used (i) to predict the effects of environmental perturbations, (ii) to characterize selection gradients on life‐history traits, (iii) to evaluate management tactics, (iv) to analyse life table response experiments, and (v) to calculate the sampling variance in population growth rate. In a stochastic environment, population growth is described by the stochastic growth rate, which gives, with probability 1, the asymptotic time‐averaged growth rate of any realization. Tuljapurkar derived the sensitivity and elasticity of the stochastic growth rate to changes in the entries of the stochastic matrices. This paper extends his result to cover three cases, each of which has arisen recently in applications. The first gives the response of the stochastic growth rate to environment‐specific perturbations, applied only in a specified subset of the possible environments. The second gives the sensitivity and elasticity of the stochastic growth rate to changes in lower‐level parameters. The third applies to stochastic seasonal models, in which the projection matrix for each year is a periodic product of matrices describing seasonal transitions. In this case interest focuses on the sensitivity of the stochastic growth rate to changes in the entries of the seasonal matrices, not entries in the annual matrices. The paper describes examples of problems where each of these extensions is needed, and the algorithms for each of the new calculations.
PATTERN WITHOUT A PLAN: RETHINKING THE BRONZE AGE COAXIAL FIELD SYSTEMS ON DARTMOOR, SOUTH‐WEST ENGLAND
Authors: JOHNSTON ROBERT
Published: February 2005

Summary.  The coaxial field systems on Dartmoor are widely interpreted as the result of a relatively rapid period of planned land division during the middle centuries of the second millennium BC. This article seeks to challenge this notion of a ‘planned landscape’. Using examples from southern (Shaugh Moor) and north‐eastern (Kestor and Shovel Down) Dartmoor, it is demonstrated that the boundaries materialized existing structures in the landscape which had emerged through patterns of dwelling and long histories of tenure. In seeking to present a new narrative for the enclosure of the Dartmoor landscape, it is argued that tenure was articulated at a local level through the relationship between occupancy and ancestral ties to the land, and that land division was only possible because the forms of tenure and perceptions of landscape were already in place. The coaxial pattern emerged in a reflexive tradition of boundary construction rather than as part of a transformative plan or a conscious strategy to reorganize and enclose the moor.
SOCIAL DYNAMICS ON THE NORTHERN FRONTIER OF ROMAN BRITAIN
Authors: McCARTHY MIKE
Published: February 2005

Summary.  Despite much work on the frontier of Roman Britain, major questions concerned with society and settlement archaeology remain underinvestigated. Salient details of two major urban sites, Carlisle and Corbridge, both of which may shed further light on processes of settlement growth and decline, and which may ultimately contribute to a greater understanding of how the frontier worked, are summarized. At Carlisle, and probably also at Corbridge, settlement growth associated with forts was rapid and multi‐tracked, but from the later second century AD changes took place associated, perhaps, with enhanced status and a growing sense of community.
Correlation between volume fraction and volume‐weighted mean volume, and between total number and total mass of islets in post‐weaning and young Wistar rats
Authors: Inuwa I. M. , El Mardi A. S.
Published: February 2005

The aim of this study was to estimate the number and volume distribution of islets of Langerhans in post‐weaning young Wistar rat pancreas and their variation with age. Four groups of six normal Wistar Kyoto rats, at 3, 6, 9 and 12 weeks of age, were used. The whole pancreas was weighed (W), fixed in buffered formaldehyde and embedded in JB4 resin, and 1.5‐µm serial sections were obtained. A fraction of whole tissue was obtained in accordance with the multistage fractionator principle and used to estimate total number of islets (Nis). Volume fraction (Vf) of islets and volume‐weighted mean volume (Vv) of islets were estimated using point‐counting and point‐sampled intercept methods, respectively. The numbers of islets increased steadily with age (P < 0.001), whereas the volume‐weighted mean volume of individual islets was not significantly different among all age groups of rats (P > 0.05). There was a strong positive correlation between total islet number and islet mass (r = 0.96, P = 0.001), and between volume fraction and islet mass (r = 0.969, P = 0.001). However, there was a weak positive correlation between volume fraction and volume‐weighted mean islet volume (r = 0.6, P = 0.002) in the age window investigated. These findings indicate that there was an increase in the number and volume fraction of islets with age in post‐weaning young rats but that individual islet volume did not change significantly. It appears the mechanism of alteration in islet morphology in the rat is mainly by the formation of new islets while keeping their individual volume distribution unchanged.
β‐Catenin expression during vascular development and degeneration of avian mesonephros
Authors: Nacher Víctor , Carretero Ana , Navarro Marc , Armengol Clara , Llombart Cristina , Blasi Juan , Ruberte Jesús
Published: February 2005

β‐Catenin is a structural component of adherens junctions, a regulator of the Wnt signalling pathway and a transcriptional co‐activator with a key role in vascular patterning. The avian mesonephros is a transitory embryonic kidney that is used in the study of vascular development and degeneration. Here we examine β‐catenin expression in this model during vascular development and degeneration. Quail embryos with developing or degenerating mesonephros were studied, on day 6 (30HH) or day 11 of incubation (40HH), respectively. QH1 whole mounts of developing mesonephros revealed numerous angioblast‐like cells situated in the paramesonephric duct that seem to invade the mesonephros. Although these cells did not express β‐catenin, the surrounding periductal mesenchymal cells translocated high levels of β‐catenin into the nucleus. In contrast, degenerating mesonephros were devoid of angioblast‐like cells and β‐catenin was lower than in the developing mesonephros. β‐Catenin was significantly reduced in the glomerular capillary tuffs, indicating that it was particularly down‐regulated in the vascular system. No sex‐related differences in β‐catenin expression were observed in degenerating mesonephros. Furthermore, two special populations of glomerular and peritubular endothelial cells were observed in degenerating mesonephros: one translocating β‐catenin into the nucleus and the other in apoptosis that did not translocate it. In conclusion, our results indicate that the paramesonephric duct is a potential new vasculogenetic pathway, and suggest that β‐catenin plays a role in the fate of mesonephric endothelial cells.
Obstetric outcomes among rural Aboriginal Victorians
Authors: SIMMONS David , KHAN Munir A. , TEALE Glyn
Published: February 2005

Twenty‐eight Aboriginal women and 112 age‐matched controls were identified from a retrospective chart review of deliveries over a 1‐year period in northern Victoria. Significantly more Aboriginal women were screened for gestational diabetes and met criteria for the diagnosis of gestational diabetes. Overall mode of delivery was similar amongst the two groups. Babies born to Aboriginal mothers were significantly smaller and less likely to be breast fed than those from the non‐Aboriginal group.
Dental Caries, Periodontal Disease, and Cardiac Arrhythmias in Community‐Dwelling Older Persons Aged 80 and Older: Is There a Link?
Authors: Holm‐Pedersen Poul , Avlund Kirsten , Morse Douglas E. , Stoltze Kaj , Katz Ralph V. , Viitanen Matti , Winblad Bengt
Published: February 2005

Objectives: To examine whether caries or periodontitis is associated with cardiac arrhythmias in community‐dwelling people aged 80 and older.

Setting: Urban, community‐based population in Stockholm, Sweden.

Design: Cross‐sectional.

Participants: Eligible persons were identified through the Kungsholmen Project, which is an ongoing, longitudinal, population‐based study of the oldest old. The present study included 125 dentate individuals.

Measurements: Data from interviews, a medical examination, and an oral examination. The assessment of cardiac arrhythmia was based on a clinical examination by a physician or the Stockholm Inpatient Register. Active root caries, active coronal caries, and periodontitis were assessed using previously defined National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research diagnostic criteria.

Results: The primary finding of the multivariate logistic regression analysis was that persons with three or more active root caries lesions had more than twice the odds of cardiac arrhythmias than persons without active root caries. The results did not notably change after adjusting for age, medications that reduce saliva, and number of teeth. Persons with one to two active coronal caries lesions had 2.8 times higher odds (95% confidence interval=1.1–7.0) of arrhythmia than persons without active coronal caries, but there was no greater risk for persons with three or more coronal caries lesions. There was no association between periodontal disease and arrhythmia.

Conclusion: The findings indicate that there may be a link between active root caries and cardiac arrhythmias in the oldest old. Nevertheless, although a biological pathway is not obvious, it is plausible that both are simply markers of declining general health. The results suggest the need for further study of these relationships.
Pneumonia in Nursing Home Residents: Factors Associated with In‐Home Care of EverCare Enrollees
Authors: Rector Thomas S. , Spector William D. , Shaffer Thomas J. , Finch Michael D.
Published: February 2005

Objectives: To identify determinants of whether nursing home (NH) residents enrolled in EverCare were admitted to in‐home intensive service days (ISDs) rather than a hospital when they were thought to have pneumonia.

Design: Retrospective cross‐sectional.

Setting: EverCare operations in five metropolitan areas.

participants: EverCare enrollees admitted to ISDs or a hospital for suspected pneumonia in 2002.

Measurements: Member, nurse practitioner, physician, and NH characteristics extracted from EverCare's administrative data and Online Survey Certification and Reporting NH data.

Results: Multivariable logistic regression indicated that admission to ISDs (65% of cases) was positively associated with age (odds ratio (OR)=1.04. 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03–1.04), advance directives not to hospitalize (OR=2.88, 95% CI=1.76–4.72), or perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation, 3.09 (2.44–3.91), and hours worked by the NH's registered nurses (OR=4.34, 95% CI=1.74–10.8). Admission to ISD was less likely on weekends (OR=0.30, 95% CI=0.21–0.43), when residents had renal insufficiency (OR=0.61, 95% CI=0.49–0.76), and when the resident was covered by Medicaid (OR 0.87, 95% CI=0.82–0.93).

Conclusion: Exploration of ways to extend services to weekends, increased availability of registered nurse staff, attention to advance directives, and a better understanding of the role of Medicaid might increase the likelihood of caring for EverCare enrollees with suspected pneumonia in their NH.