bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adult T‐cell leukemia/lymphoma cells from blood and skin tumors express cytotoxic T lymphocyte‐associated antigen‐4 and Foxp3 but lack suppressor activity toward autologous CD8+ T cells
Authors: Shimauchi Takatoshi , Kabashima Kenji , Tokura Yoshiki
Published: October 2007

Adult T cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) cells share the CD4+CD25+ phenotype with regulatory T (Treg) cells. However, it is still controversial whether ATL cells are Treg cells. The aim of the present study was to investigate the Treg nature of ATL cells obtained from peripheral blood and skin tumors in terms of their phenotype and function. By flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry, the expression of the Treg‐associated molecule cytotoxic T lymphocyte‐associated antigen (CTLA)‐4 and Foxp3 was examined in freshly isolated circulating and skin‐infiltrating tumor cells from 21 ATL patients with skin eruptions. The expression of CTLA‐4 on freshly isolated circulating tumor cells was elevated in two of 15 patients, and Foxp3 was expressed intracytoplasmically at high levels in three of nine patients. In five of the patients examined, skin‐infiltrating tumor cells bore variously elevated CTLA‐4 with high Foxp3 expression. The potentiality of ATL cells as Treg cells was further addressed by stimulating ATL cells with anti‐CD3/CD28 monoclonal antibodies and monitoring CTLA‐4 expression. With the stimulation, even CTLA‐4‐low ATL cells expressed higher levels of CTLA‐4 than normal CD4+CD25+ cells. To study function, ATL cells isolated from blood and skin tumors were tested for their ability to suppress the proliferation of autologous CD8+ T cells stimulated with allogeneic lymphocytes. Despite the expression of CTLA‐4 and Foxp3, these tumors were incapable of suppressing the proliferation of autologous CD8+ T cells. ATL cells are phenotypically Treg cells in at least some patients, but lack immunoregulatory functions, at least toward CD8+ T cells. (Cancer Sci 2008; 99: 98–106)
Modifying the red cell surface: towards an ABO‐universal blood supply
Authors: Olsson Martin L. , Clausen Henrik
Published: October 2007

Eliminating the risk for ABO‐incompatible transfusion errors and simplifying logistics by creating a universal blood inventory is a challenging idea. Goldstein and co‐workers pioneered the field of enzymatic conversion of blood group A and B red blood cells (RBCs) to O (ECO). Using α‐galactosidase from coffee beans to produce B‐ECO RBCs, proof of principle for this revolutionary concept was achieved in clinical trials. However, because this enzyme has poor kinetic properties and low pH optimum the process was not economically viable. Conversion of group A RBCs was only achieved with the weak A2 subgroup with related enzymes having acidic pH optima. More recently, the identification of entirely new families of bacterial exoglycosidases with remarkably improved kinetic properties for cleaving A and B antigens has reinvigorated the field. Enzymatic conversion of groups A, B and AB RBCs with these novel enzymes resulting in ECO RBCs typing as O can now be achieved with low enzyme protein consumption, short incubation times and at neutral pH. Presently, clinical trials evaluating safety and efficacy of ECO RBCs are ongoing. Here, we review the status of the ECO technology, its impact and potential for introduction into clinical component preparation laboratories.
Outreach monitoring service for patients with indolent B‐cell and plasma cell disorders: a UK experience
Authors: Rawstron Andy C. , Jones Richard A. , Ferguson Carol , Hughes Geraint , Selby Pam , Reid Carol , Dalal Surita , Howard Martin , Smith Graeme , Hillmen Peter , Owen Roger G. , Jack Andrew S.
Published: October 2007

Disease progression occurs in over 1% of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, monoclonal B‐cell lymphocytosis and early stage chronic lymphocytic leukaemia patients every year therefore regular monitoring is indicated. We assessed the efficacy of an outreach service to replace clinic monitoring using local phlebotomy with central haematologist review of laboratory parameters and symptoms identified by a patient self‐assessment questionnaire. The service was used by 299 patients for 2 years and provided accurate monitoring, improved patient satisfaction, support for primary care and reduced the burden on haematology clinics without an increase in inter‐assessment admissions due to disease progression.
Developmental stress in wild‐living Drosophilids inferred from biometry: metric and meristic traits react differently to heterogeneous environmental conditions
Authors: YASSIN AMIR , ABOU‐YOUSSEF AMIRA Y. , BITNER‐MATHÉ BLANCHE , CAPY PIERRE , DAVID JEAN R.
Published: October 2007

Abstract1. During their development in natural conditions,Drosophilalarvae and pupae face heterogeneous environmental conditions (HEC). Analysing the morphology of wild‐living adults is a means of evaluating the effects of HEC.

2. Two drosophilid species of theZaprionusgenus that recently invaded the Nile delta were investigated, and three metric, size‐related traits, and one meristic trait, the sternopleural bristle number, were measured. Data were compared with those of F1generation reared under favourable laboratory conditions.

3. Body size was smaller in nature, but also extremely variable among individuals, with an average coefficient of variation (CV) of 9.1 ± 0.3, against a much lesser value of 2.4 ± 0.1 in laboratory flies. Correlations among size traits were also greater in nature (0.96 ± 0.01) than in the laboratory (0.75 ± 0.04).

4. By contrast, sternopleural bristles produced similar results in wild‐living and laboratory flies. In nature, mean numbers were only slightly less than in the laboratory and the CVs were almost identical (10.87 ± 0.70 vs 10.80 ± 0.76).

5. Fluctuating asymmetry of sternopleural bristles was also identical in the two kinds of flies, and was not influenced by HEC, indicating a high level of developmental canalisation with respect to HEC.

6. The implications of the results for the problems of field heritability and developmental stability are discussed.
Additive apportioning of lepidopteran and coleopteran species diversity across spatial and temporal scales in a cool–temperate deciduous forest in Japan
Authors: HIRAO TOSHIHIDE , MURAKAMI MASASHI , KASHIZAKI AKIRA , TANABE SHIN‐ICH
Published: October 2007

Abstract 1. Forest entomofauna retain high diversity, and examining beta diversity, or species turnover, among assemblages in a forest community is vital to elucidate the source of this diversity.

2. Under the DIVERSITAS in Western Pacific and Asia–International Biodiversity Observation Year (DIWPA–IBOY) project for simultaneously documenting biodiversity throughout the Western Pacific and Asian Region, 892 lepidopteran species (51 742 specimens) and 355 coleopteran species (11 633 specimens) were collected in 2001 by light traps in a cool–temperate forest in northern Japan.

3. This study evaluated the beta diversity of lepidopteran and coleopteran communities by ecological categories (i.e. trap location, forest strata, sampling days, and months), and assessed the habitat preferences of lepidopteran and coleopteran species.

4. anova‐like additive apportioning models were used to quantify the beta diversity among the categories. The models simultaneously provide assessments of whether species distributions are biased in favour of particular habitats.

5. Significantly high beta diversity was observed among months for both Lepidoptera and Coleoptera. The category of months corresponded fairly well to the number of specialist species detected in the category, although a remarkably large number of significant specialists in Coleoptera were observed on strata.

6. The high beta diversity and number of specialist species among strata in both communities indicate that stratification between canopy and ground, and seasonal variation, played major roles in species composition and the rich entomofauna in the forest. Highly mobile adults were influenced by the vertical spatial scale, as previously suggested for larvae.
What do dung beetles eat?
Authors: HOLTER PETER , SCHOLTZ CLARKE. H.
Published: October 2007

Abstract1. Most adult coprophagous beetles feed on fresh dung of mammalian herbivores, confining ingestion to small particles with measured maximum diameters from 2–5 to 130 μm, according to body size and kind of beetle. This study explores benefits and costs of selective feeding in a ‘typical’ dung beetle with a maximum diameter of ingested particles (MDIP) of 20 μm.

2. Examined dung types (from Danish domestic sheep, cattle and horse, and African wild buffalo, white rhino and elephant) contained 76–89% water. Costs of a 20 μm MDIP were often low, since 69–87% of the total nitrogen in bulk dung other than that of elephant and rhino (40–58%) was available to selective feeders.

3. Nitrogen concentrations were high – and C/N ratios low – in most types of bulk dung compared with the average food of terrestrial detritivores or herbivores. Exceptions were elephant and rhino dung with low nitrogen concentrations and high C/N ratios.

4. Estimated C/N ratios of 13–39 in bulk dung (sheep–elephant) were decreased by selective feeding to 7.3–12.6 in the ingested material. In assimilated food, ratios are probably only 5–7, as most assimilable nitrogen and carbon may be of microbial origin. If so, the assimilable food contains a surplus of nitrogen relative to carbon.

5. The primary advantage of selective feeding, particularly in dung with a high C/N ratio, may be to concentrate assimilable carbon in the ingested food. Effects of changing the MDIP within 20–106 μm are modest, especially in dung with a low C/N ratio.
Testing a parenting programme evaluation tool as a pre‐ and post‐course measure of parenting self‐efficacy
Authors: Bloomfield Linda , Kendall Sally
Published: October 2007

Title.  Testing a parenting programme evaluation tool as a pre‐ and post‐course measure of parenting self‐efficacy

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to measure changes in parenting self‐efficacy after attending a parenting programme and to determine if these changes are maintained over time.

Background.  A need for the evaluation of parenting programmes from the perspective of parents who take part has led to the development of a Tool to Measure Parenting Self‐Efficacy. Self‐efficacy, a self‐perception of one’s ability to perform competently and effectively in a particular task or setting, provided the framework for the development of the tool.

Methods.  A total of 356 parents took part in the study over 53 parenting programmes in the UK in 2004–2005. Parents completed the evaluation tool as a pre‐ and post‐course measure of parenting self‐efficacy and at 4‐month follow‐up.

Findings.  Parenting self‐efficacy increased at the end of the parenting programmes for all scales. The increase from baseline to end of course was maintained for all scales at four month follow‐up and there was a further increase for two scales. Increases in self‐efficacy were found across a range of parenting programmes.

Conclusion.  The tool can be used to assess the impact of different types of parenting programmes on parenting self‐efficacy and in research into this topic.
Adaptive functioning and depressive symptoms in school‐aged children
Authors: Chang Hsiu‐Ju , Zauszniewski Jaclene A. , Heinzer Marjorie M. , Musil Carol M. , Tsai Wen‐Che
Published: October 2007

Title.  Adaptive functioning and depressive symptoms in school‐aged children

Aim.  This paper is a report of a secondary data analysis to the hypothesis that a child’s resourcefulness moderates the relationships between the primary female caregiver’s variables (depressive symptoms and learned resourcefulness) and the child’s outcomes (depressive symptoms and adaptive functioning).

Background.  School‐aged children between 10 and 12 years of age are at an important stage of development characterized by dramatic biological and psychosocial challenges. Maladaptive functioning and depressive symptoms increase markedly in this stage. To prevent long‐term effects of depressive symptoms and impaired adaptive functioning, identifying moderators of the relationship between stress and these mental health indicators is critical.

Methods.  A secondary analysis was conducted in 2004 using the data obtained in 2000 from a community‐based sample of 122 school students aged 10–12 years and their primary female caregivers in four suburban public schools in Northeastern Ohio. Instruments included the Self‐Control Schedule, Beck Depression Inventory, the Children’s version of the Self‐Control Schedule, the Children’s Community Living Skills Scale, and the Children’s Depression Inventory.

Findings.  Children’s resourcefulness significantly moderated the relationship between their female caregiver’s depressive symptoms and their own adaptive functioning (P < 0·01). Children’s resourcefulness had a statistically significant impact on depressive symptoms and adaptive functioning (P < 0·001).

Conclusion.  The key to reducing depressive symptoms and enhancing adaptive functioning among middle school children is to build their resourcefulness skills, especially in children whose female caregivers are depressed. This is an important role for school nurses.
Changes in the preceptor role: re‐visiting preceptors’ perceptions of benefits, rewards, support and commitment to the role
Authors: Hyrkäs Kristiina , Shoemaker Martha
Published: October 2007

Title.  Changes in the preceptor role: re‐visiting preceptors’ perceptions of benefits, rewards, support and commitment to the role

Aim.  This is a report of a study to explore the relationships between preceptors’ perceptions of benefits, rewards, support and commitment to the preceptor role.

Background.  The preceptorship model is widely used in undergraduate and postgraduate nursing education. Preceptor relationships provide students with reality based and skills‐oriented learning experiences and are useful for familiarizing newly hired nurses with clinical settings, hospital policies, procedures and routines.

Method.  Two sub‐groups of 82 preceptors were recruited: (A) those in an ongoing preceptorship with undergraduate students and (B) those working with newly hired nurses. Four questionnaires were used: the Preceptor’s Perceptions of Benefits and Rewards Scale, the Preceptor’s Perceptions of Support Scale, the Commitment to the Preceptor Role Scale and a demographic information sheet. The data were collected in November 2004 and April–May 2005.

Findings.  The findings parallel those reported in the earlier studies, but also reveal interesting differences between the two sub‐groups. A positive correlation was found between preceptors working with nursing students and perceptions of support. In this sub‐group, perceptions of support increased with years of nursing experience, time since graduation, and age. The preceptors had higher perceptions of the benefits and rewards than reported in earlier studies, but perceptions about support were lower in comparison with findings from an earlier Canadian study. Commitment to the role remained high.

Conclusion.  The preceptor role is undergoing changes associated with many factors, including workplace, type of nursing, and preceptees’ varying learning needs. Awareness of the importance of this role and ongoing support are critical to its future success.
Nutritional status and health outcomes for older people with dementia living in institutions
Authors: Lou Meei‐Fang , Dai Yu‐Tzu , Huang Guey‐Shiun , Yu Po‐Jui
Published: October 2007

Title.  Nutritional status and health outcomes for older people with dementia living in institutions

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to determine changes over a 3‐month period among older people with dementia living in long‐term care settings, related to: (1) changes in body mass index, and (2) health outcomes and associated factors.

Background.  Nutritional deficiencies are common problems among older people, but frequently unrecognized, both in long‐term care settings and in the community.

Method.  A cross‐sectional design with repeated measures of body weights and medical record reviews was adopted. The study was conducted in 2003 in two long‐term care facilities for older people with dementia in Taiwan. Fifty‐five residents participated in the study.

Results.  Eighteen percent of the residents were under‐nourished (body mass index <18·5). There was a trend toward decreasing body mass index over the 3‐month study period. Residents with low body mass index tended to need assistance at mealtimes. Nineteen residents, many receiving naso‐gastric tube‐feeding, experienced adverse health events during the study period. Dependency in eating was the major factor differentiating residents with normal or low body mass index values, and also in distinguishing those who experienced adverse health outcomes.

Conclusion.  Assessment of eating ability, mode of feeding and measurement of body weight can be used by nurses in long‐term care settings for early identification of the nutritional status of older people with dementia.
Perceived Maternal Parenting Self‐Efficacy (PMP S‐E) tool: development and validation with mothers of hospitalized preterm neonates
Authors: Barnes Christopher R. , Adamson‐Macedo Elvidina N.
Published: October 2007

Title. Perceived Maternal Parenting Self‐Efficacy (PMP S‐E) tool: development and validation with mothers of hospitalized preterm neonates

Aim. This paper is a report of a study to develop and test the psychometric properties of the Perceived Maternal Parenting Self‐Efficacy tool.

Background. Mothers’ perceptions of their ability to parent (maternal parenting self‐efficacy) is a critical mechanism guiding their interactions with their preterm newborns. A robust measure is needed which can measure mothers’ perceptions of their ability to understand and care for their hospitalized preterm neonates as well as being sensitive to the various levels and tasks in parenting.

Methods. Using a mixed sampling methodology (convenience or randomized cluster control trial) 165 relatively healthy and hospitalized mother‐preterm infant dyads were recruited in 2003–2005 from two intensive care neonatal units in the United Kingdom (UK). Mothers were recruited within the first 28 days after giving birth to a preterm baby. The Perceived Maternal Parenting Self‐Efficacy tool, which is made up of 20 items representing four theorized subscales, was tested for reliability and validity.

Results. Internal consistency reliability of the Perceived Maternal Parenting Self‐Efficacy tool was 0·91, external/test‐retest reliability was 0·96,P < 0·01. Divergent validity using the Maternal Self‐Report Inventory wasrs = 0·4,P < 0·05 and using the Maternal Postnatal Attachment Scale wasrs = 0·31,P < 0·01.

Conclusion. The Perceived Maternal Parenting Self‐Efficacy tool is a psychometrically robust, reliable and valid measure of parenting self‐efficacy in mothers of relatively healthy hospitalized preterm neonates. Although application outside the UK will require further cross‐cultural validation, the tool has the potential to provide healthcare professionals with a reliable method of identifying mothers of preterm hospitalized babies who are in need of further support.
Primary care nurses’ attitudes, beliefs and own body size in relation to obesity management
Authors: Brown Ian , Thompson Joanne
Published: October 2007

Title.  Primary care nurses’ attitudes, beliefs and own body size in relation to obesity management

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to explore primary care nurses’ attitudes, beliefs and perceptions of own body size in relation to giving advice about obesity.

Background.  Primary care nurses have a key role in the management of obesity. Their responses to the stigma of obesity and the effects of their own body size in this context have not been investigated.

Methods.  A purposive sample of 15 primary care nurses of markedly different body size were interviewed in a qualitative study undertaken in 2006 in the north of England.

Findings.  Participants were aware of obesity stigma and this, among other factors, contributed to perceptions of obesity as being a sensitive issue to discuss. Communication tactics were employed in managing the sensitivity, with emphasis placed on maintaining good rapport. Participants took care to avoid stereotypes in presenting their beliefs about obesity, which were complex and in some respects ambivalent. They were conscious of their own body size in interactions with patients. A slim build appeared to amplify sensitivities surrounding obesity and add concerns about appearing to lack empathy or authentic experience. Those with a large body size made a virtue of their perceived greater empathy and experience, but had concerns about being poor role models. Self‐disclosure techniques oriented to demonstrating personal understanding and rapport were employed to manage impressions made by body size.

Conclusion.  It is important to consider the effects of own body size in educating nurses, and further research should investigate its effects on patient outcomes.
Entrepreneurial nurses and midwives in the United Kingdom: an integrative review
Authors: Drennan Vari , Davis Kathy , Goodman Claire , Humphrey Charlotte , Locke Rachel , Mark Annabelle , Murray Susan F. , Traynor Michael
Published: October 2007

Title.  Entrepreneurial nurses and midwives in the United Kingdom: an integrative review

Aim.  This paper is a report of an integrative literature review to investigate: (a) the extent of entrepreneurial activity by nurses, midwives and health visitors in the United Kingdom and (b) the factors that influenced these activities.

Background.  Internationally, social and commercial entrepreneurial activity is regarded as important for economic growth and social cohesion.

Methods.  Seventeen bibliographic databases were searched using single and combined search terms: ‘entrepreneur$’, ‘business’, ‘private practice’, ‘self‐employ$’, ‘intrapreneur$’‘social enterprise$’‘mutuals’, ‘collectives’, ‘co‐op’ and ‘social capital’ which were related to a second layer of terms ‘Nurs$’, ‘Midwi$’, ‘Visit$’. ‘Entrepreneur$’ Private Midwi$, Independent Midwi$, and ‘nursing workforce’. In addition, hand searches of non‐indexed journals and grey literature searches were completed. The following inclusion criteria were: (a) describing nurses, midwife and/or health visitor entrepreneurship (b) undertaken in the UK, and (c) reported between January 1996 and December 2005.

Results.  Of 154 items included only three were empirical studies; the remainder were narrative accounts. While quality of these accounts cannot be verified, they provide as complete an account as possible in this under‐researched area. The numbers of nurses, midwives and health visitors acting entrepreneurially were very small and mirror international evidence. A categorization of entrepreneurial activity was inductively constructed by employment status and product offered. ‘Push’ and ‘pull’ influencing factors varied between types of entrepreneurial activity.

Conclusion.  Empirical investigation into the extent to which nurses and midwives respond to calls for greater entrepreneurialism should take account of the complex interplay of contextual factors (e.g. healthcare legislation), professional and managerial experience and demographic factors.
Randomized trial of essential oils to reduce perioperative patient anxiety: feasibility study
Authors: Stirling Laura , Raab Gillian , Alder Elizabeth M. , Robertson Fiona
Published: October 2007

Title.  Randomized trial of essential oils to reduce perioperative patient anxiety: feasibility study

Aim.  This paper is a report of a feasibility study to examine the effectiveness of essential oils in reducing anxiety in thoracic patients awaiting the results of investigative and staging surgery.

Background.  Patient anxiety is expected during the perioperative period. Anxiety places the patient at greater risk of adverse clinical outcomes. Nurses are limited in therapeutic options that can be used to address anxiety in the limited time available. Complementary therapies have been tested for therapeutic benefit but the evidence is weak.

Method.  Patients admitted to a thoracic unit for bronchoscopy/mediastinoscopy in 2005 and 2006 were invited to participate in this double‐blind controlled trial and randomized to receive study oil (A), neutral oil (B) or no intervention (C). Intervention was controlled by the patient at home after the procedure. The State Trait Anxiety Inventory and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were used to measure baseline and periodic anxiety status (days 3, 21).

Findings.  Of the 142 patients approached to participate, 71 (50%) agreed to take part. There were high and fluctuating levels of perioperative anxiety in the thoracic patient group, but no evidence that this was reduced by the absorption and inhalation of essential oils.

Conclusion.  The study did not provide evidence that the essential oils could reduce anxiety in this group of patients. Both recruitment rates and compliance rates were lower than anticipated. Logistic factors in the setting of diagnostic process for an acute condition may have contributed to these results. More stable settings would be better suited to evaluating such interventions.
Integrating ecological uncertainty and farm‐scale economics when planning restoration
Authors: Dorrough Josh , Vesk Peter A , Moll Jim
Published: November 2007

Many ecological management problems involve assessing competing options based on the trade‐off between economic costs and short‐ and long‐term probabilities of success. In many cases the time to success is crucial, and opportunity costs may be greater than direct costs of implementation. We analyse the problem of how to choose between options when risks of failure vary systematically.

Ecological uncertainty propagates through to uncertainty about economic outcomes. We used an ecological model of tree recruitment that accounted for uncertainty surrounding the effects of climate and seed fall, coupled with a farm economics model, to examine how a land manager should act when deciding between active and passive revegetation (planting seed/seedlings or relying on natural recruitment, respectively) for restoration purposes on a farm managed for livestock production.

The outcome of the analysis was driven by the relative sizes of up‐front costs and opportunity costs, which were a function of potential productivity and the time until successful revegetation was achieved. Active revegetation was less costly than passive revegetation in high‐productivity situations, because there was less risk of long periods without production and the associated opportunity costs. At low productivity, passive revegetation was less costly than active revegetation. However, because the probability of a successful outcome increased over time, passive revegetation is only likely to be preferred over medium time‐frames (> 5 years) and the strategy may not be chosen by risk‐averse farmers.

Synthesis and applications. This analysis has implications for (i) decision‐making by individual land managers and regional planners and (ii) the design of policies for delivery of incentive schemes targeted at revegetation. Risk‐averse individual land managers are likely to select active regeneration scenarios, particularly when costs of capital works are shared with the community. For a regional planner, the analysis aids thinking about the probable balance of financial assistance schemes for attaining regional objectives: over high‐productivity areas, capital works programmes and short‐term opportunity cost incentives (< 5 years) are cheaper; at low productivity, incentive schemes for medium‐ to long‐term land retirement will be cheaper. This analysis provides a starting point for devising the mix of approaches required to achieve broad‐scale revegetation targets, which would include greater investment in uncertain, long‐term strategies.
Lower skin capillary density, normal endothelial function and higher blood pressure in children born preterm
Authors: Bonamy A.‐K. E. , Martin H. , Jörneskog G. , Norman M.
Published: November 2007

Abstract.  Bonamy A‐KE, Martin H, Jörneskog G, Norman M (Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden). Lower skin capillary density, normal endothelial function and higher blood pressure in children born preterm. J Intern Med 2007; 262: 635–642.

Background.  Preterm birth is a risk factor for blood pressure (BP) elevation already at young age. The mechanisms are unknown. Low skin capillary density and impaired endothelial function characterize adults with hypertension.

Objectives.  To investigate the early relationships between BP, capillary density and endothelial function after very preterm birth.

Design and subjects.  Clinical follow‐up study of 60 healthy school children aged 7–12 years; 39 born very preterm (mean gestational age 29 weeks) and 21 control subjects born at term with normal birth weights.

Methods.  Using intravital video‐microscopy, the dermal capillary densities in the fingers were measured before and during venous occlusion. Endothelial function was assessed using a Laser‐Doppler technique to determine skin perfusion before and after transdermal delivery of acetylcholine, an endothelium‐dependent vasodilator. Brachial BP and heart rate (HR) were also recorded.

Results.  Children born very preterm had lower functional capillary density than term controls (89.9 capillaries mm−2 vs. 96.6 capillaries mm−2, P = 0.04). During venous occlusion – measuring structural differences – this difference diminished (91.4 capillaries mm−2 vs. 96.8 capillaries mm−2, P = 0.12). In multivariate analysis, systolic BP (SBP) was higher in children born preterm, but SBP and capillary density did not correlate. HR was also higher in children born preterm, but did not correlate to BP or capillary density. Endothelial function did not differ between groups and did not correlate to capillary density.

Conclusion.  Children born very preterm have lower functional skin capillary density, higher BP and higher HR. Longitudinal studies are needed to fully understand the long‐term significance of these findings.
Mid‐life adiposity factors relate to blood–brain barrier integrity in late life
Authors: Gustafson D. R. , Karlsson C. , Skoog I. , Rosengren L. , Lissner L. , Blennow K.
Published: November 2007

Abstract.  Gustafson DR, Karlsson C, Skoog I, Rosengren L, Lissner L, Blennow K (Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden; and Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA). Mid‐life adiposity factors relate to blood–brain barrier integrity in late life. J Intern Med 2007; 262: 643–650.

Objective.  We explored the relationship between adiposity factors measured during mid‐life and blood–brain barrier (BBB) integrity measured via the cerebrospinal fluid/serum (CSF/S) albumin ratio in late life. Adiposity factors included body mass index and blood levels of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and leptin.

Design.  Retrospective analyses over 24 years within a longitudinal study.

Setting.  Population‐based sample.

Subjects.  Eighty‐one women.

Main outcome measures.  CSF/S albumin ratio.

Results.  The CSF/S albumin ratio measured at age 70–84 years was higher amongst women who were overweight or obese (6.50 ± 2.79 vs. 5.23 ± 1.61, age‐adjusted P = 0.012), and was inversely correlated with SHBG (age‐adjusted r = −0.321, P < 0.005) at age 46–60 years. In stepwise regression models, SHBG predicted the CSF/S albumin ratio (beta = −0.017, R2 = 0.107, P = 0.007). The best model (R2 = 0.187) predicting CSF/S albumin ratio included SHBG, age group (age 46 years versus >46), overweight or obesity, and an age group by SHBG interaction.

Conclusions.  Lower levels of SHBG in mid‐life were related to worse BBB integrity in women after 24 years in late life, even considering other adiposity factors. SHBG may be important for understanding sex hormone‐mediated mechanisms in brain health or as an independent marker of adipose tissue, the largest endocrine organ.
A multimarker risk stratification approach to non‐ST elevation acute coronary syndrome: implications of troponin T, CRP, NT pro‐BNP and fibrin D‐dimer levels
Authors: Tello‐Montoliu A. , Marín F. , Roldán V. , Mainar L. , López M. T. , Sogorb F. , Vicente V. , Lip G. Y. H.
Published: November 2007

Abstract.  Tello‐Montoliu A, Marín F, Roldán V, Mainar L, López MT, Sogorb F, Vicente V, Lip GYH (Hospital General Universitario, Alicante; Hospital Morales Meseguer, Murcia; Hospital de Requena, Valencia; Hospital General Universitario, Alicante, Spain and City Hospital, Birmingham, UK). A multimarker risk stratification approach to non‐ST elevation acute coronary syndrome: implications of troponin T, CRP, NT pro‐BNP and fibrin D‐dimer levels. J Intern Med 2007; 262: 651–658.

Introduction.  Biomarkers have emerged as interesting predictors of risk in non‐ST elevation acute coronary syndromes (non‐ST ACS). The aim of this study was to define the utility of the combined measurement of troponin T (TnT), C‐reactive protein (CRP), NT pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT pro‐BNP) and D‐dimer as biomarkers to predict adverse events.

Methods.  We included 358 consecutive patients admitted in two hospitals for non‐ST ACS. Baseline measurements of TnT (associated with myocardial injury, positive, if ≥0.1ng mL−1), CRP (a marker of inflammation), NT‐proBNP (associated with left ventricular (dys)function) and fibrin D‐dimer (and index of thrombogenesis) were performed. A positive CRP, NT‐proBNP and D‐dimer test was considered upper than the 75th percentile of our population. The risk for major events (death, new ACS, revascularization and heart failure) at 6 months’ follow‐up was analysed.

Results.  Troponin T, NT pro‐BNP and CRP were predictors of adverse events in the multivariate analysis [hazards ratio (HR): 2.00 (1.30–3.07), P = 0.0016; HR: 2.27 (1.47–3.50), P = 0.0002; HR: 1.90 (1.24–2.92), P = 0.0034 respectively], but not D‐dimer levels [HR: 1.26 (0.79–2.02), P = 0.337). After adjusting for baseline characteristics and electrocardiographic changes, multimarker risk approach was associated with adverse events at 6 months, especially with the presence of three positive biomarkers [HR 2.80 (95%CI 1.68–4.68), P < 0.001]. When we divided patients by risk groups [Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) risk score], patients with two or three elevated biomarkers had higher event rates [HR 2.59 (95% CI 1.37–4.91), P = 0.004].

Conclusion.  A multimarker approach based on TnT, CRP and NT‐proBNP provides added information to the TIMI risk score in terms of ACS prognosis at 6 months, with a worse outcome for those with two or three elevated biomarkers.
Conformational changes and cleavage of tau in Pick bodies parallel the early processing of tau found in Alzheimer pathology
Authors: Mondragón‐Rodríguez S. , Mena R. , Binder L. I. , Smith M. A. , Perry G. , García‐Sierra F.
Published: October 2007

Neuronal protein inclusions are a common feature in Alzheimer disease (AD) and Pick disease. Even though the inclusions are morphologically different, flame‐shape structure for AD vs. spherical structure for Pick disease, both have filaments mainly composed of tau protein. In AD, a well‐defined pattern of conformational changes and truncation has been described. In this study, we used laser scanning confocal microscopy to characterize and compare the processing of tau protein during Pick disease with that found in AD. We found that tau protein of Pick disease preserves most of the relevant epitopes found in AD, the conformational foldings labelled by Alz‐50 and Tau‐66, the cleavage sites D421 and E391, as well as many phosphorylated sites, such as Ser199/202, Thr205 and Ser396/404. We found a strong pattern of association between phosphorylation and cleavage at site D421, as well as the phosphorylation and the conformational Alz‐50 epitope. When we used late AD markers such as the conformational Tau‐66 epitope and MN423 (cleavage at site E391) in Pick bodies (PBs), the overlap was significantly less. Furthermore, following morphological quantification, we found significantly higher numbers of phosphorylated tau in PBs. Overall, our findings suggest that phosphorylation is an early event, likely preceding the cleavage of tau at D421. Despite this consistency with AD, we found a major distinction, namely that PBs lack β‐sheet conformation. We propose a scheme of early tau processing in these structures, similar to neurofibrillary tangles of AD.
LRRK2 is a component of granular alpha‐synuclein pathology in the brainstem of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Alegre‐Abarrategui J. , Ansorge O. , Esiri M. , Wade‐Martins R.
Published: October 2007

Classical Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by the appearance of Lewy bodies (LBs) in affected brain regions, showing mostly compact alpha‐synuclein deposition, in contrast with punctate or granular deposition, hypothesized to represent early stages of aggregation. Leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) is the commonest mutated gene in inherited and idiopathic PD. LRRK2 mutation carriers display a diverse neuropathology, including alpha‐synuclein and tau inclusions, suggesting an upstream role for LRRK2 in protein aggregation. We studied LRRK2 expression throughout the normal human brain with three different antibodies. We also examined the pattern of LRRK2 expression in relation to alpha‐synuclein aggregation and LB formation in the brainstem of sporadic LB disease. Physiological LRRK2 expression was not restricted to regions preferentially affected in PD and LRRK2 often localized to the nuclear envelope in addition to the known cytoplasmic expression. In PD, we were able to consistently detect LRRK2 in the halo of a minority (approximately 10%) of nigral LBs using three different antibodies. Only one antibody detected LRRK2 in the core of approximately 80% of classic LBs. In the lower brainstem, most notably in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus, we found previously unrecognized LRRK2 labelling of complex globular lesions, filled with LB‐like matter showing a punctate or granular staining for alpha‐synuclein. This was often accompanied by strong LRRK2 expression within dystrophic neurites. Our findings confirm widespread physiological LRRK2 expression in the human brain and suggest an association of LRRK2 with possible early‐stage alpha‐synuclein pathology in the brainstem of PD.
A Genetic Locus Controlling Aging‐sensitive Regression of B Lymphopoiesis in an Autoimmune‐prone MRL/lpr Strain of Mice
Authors: Nakatani K. , Qu W.‐M. , Zhang M.‐C. , Fujii H. , Furukawa H. , Miyazaki T. , Iwano M. , Saito Y. , Nose M. , Ono M.
Published: November 2007

Aging readily affects immune system under the influence of environmental and/or intrinsic factors while accelerating the development of various immune disorders including autoimmune diseases. Little is known about molecular and cellular mechanisms connecting between immune senescence and development of autoimmune diseases. Here, we first show strain‐specific and aging‐sensitive onset of B‐cell abnormality in a lupus‐prone MRL/Mp.Faslpr (MRL/lpr) strain of mice. This abnormality was characterized by the regression of B lymphopoiesis in the bone marrow of this strain. We next examined the association between the B‐cell regression and onset of autoimmune diseases in aged (MRL/lpr × C3H/He.Faslpr) F2 mice, in which pathologic phenotypes, such as glomerulonephritis, vasculitis, sialoadenitis and arthritis, variously developed. We also searched whole genome to identify genetic loci linked to the B‐cell regression by using the same F2 mice. The B‐cell regression manifested in the spleen of F2 mice was retrospectively evaluated by reverse transcriptase‐based PCR quantification. The results demonstrated that the onset of autoimmune diseases in the F2 mice was not associated with the aging‐sensitive B‐cell regression. The genetic study identified a significant locus responsible for the B‐cell regression in the vicinity of D5Mit233 (29 cM). This is first evidence for the presence of a genetic locus that affects B lymphopoiesis in an aging‐sensitive manner.
Killer cell immunoglobulin‐like receptor genotypes in Japanese patients with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Mogami S. , Hasegawa G. , Nakayama I. , Asano M. , Hosoda H. , Kadono M. , Fukui M. , Kitagawa Y. , Nakano K. , Ohta M. , Obayashi H. , Yoshikawa T. , Nakamura N.
Published: November 2007

We investigated killer cell immunoglobulin‐like receptor (KIR) genotypes in 92 patients with young‐onset type 1 diabetes mellitus (YT1DM: ≤35 years old), 112 patients with adult‐onset type 1 diabetes mellitus (AT1DM: >35 years old) and 240 control subjects. There were no differences in the frequency of KIR genotypes between controls and all the patients with T1DM or patients grouped according to age at onset of the disorder. However, when the subjects were classified into three groups according to combinations of the presence or absence of KIR3DS1/KIR3DL1 and its ligand human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐Bw4, or KIR2DL1 and its ligand HLA‐C group 2, the genotype distribution was significantly different between the patients with AT1DM and controls [χ2= 5.993, 2 degrees of freedom (d.f.), P= 0.0500]. These data suggest that KIR polymorphisms may be associated with the age at onset of T1DM.
Identification and characterization of three novel HLA alleles, HLA‐A*240214, HLA‐A*3215 and HLA‐DQB1*060302
Authors: Heinold A. , Bauer M. , Opelz G. , Scherer S. , Schmidt A. H. , Tran T. H.
Published: November 2007

We describe three novel human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles found in three different Caucasians, HLA‐A*240214, HLA‐A*3215 and HLA‐DQB1*060302. As compared with HLA‐A*24020101, HLA‐A*240214 has a synonymous nucleotide (nt) exchange in codon 132. HLA‐A*240214 may have arisen from intergenic recombination between HLA‐A*24020101 and an HLA‐B or HLA‐C allele. The second novel allele, HLA‐A*3215, has three nucleotide exchanges as compared with HLA‐A*320101. These variations result in amino acid exchanges in codons 62 and 63, generating the public epitope of the serological HLA‐A10 group. The third novel allele, HLA‐DQB1*060302, has one synonymous nucleotide exchange within codon 38 as compared with HLA‐DQB1*060301. In a family segregation study, we found that HLA‐DQB1*060302, similar to the known HLA‐DQB1*060301 allele, cosegregates with HLA‐DRB1*1301.
Drip loss in pork: influencing factors and relation to further meat quality traits
Authors: Fischer K.
Published: November 2007

The paper deals with some general features of drip loss and the most important factors influencing it. Moreover, it shows some exemplary results of an own investigation. Up to now there is no generally valid definition of drip loss available. Therefore measurement procedures have to be strongly standardized, otherwise they provide no comparable results. Drip loss depends on the shortening of sarcomeres which is regulated by the interaction of muscle temperature and rigour development. Hence, the chilling conditions are highly important. However, the main point is the velocity and the extent of the pH fall after slaughter. All factors influencing the occurrence of quality deviations like PSE, DFD, Acid meat, RSE, PFN will inevitably affect the degree of drip loss too. Under the conditions of an own study, investigating material of a progeny testing station, untypically, one third of the loins with higher‐than‐average wateriness were red rather than pale, and one third of the loins with higher‐than‐average brightness were only slightly exudative, which is untypical too. Pork with higher‐than‐average brightness and low wateriness exhibited, apart from the colour deviation, no crucial disadvantages. It showed only a marginally higher loss during storage, thawing and heating. Pork with higher‐than‐average drip loss – regardless of dark or pale colour – was predominantly combined with a pH1 less than 6.2, an electrical conductivity 24 h p.m. higher than 5.0 and a loin area higher than 56 cm2.
Effects of nutritional modifications on the water‐holding capacity of fresh pork: a review
Authors: Apple J. K.
Published: November 2007

Although genetics and preslaughter handling and management have the greatest impact on pork quality – especially water‐holding capacity (WHC) – modifications to swine diets may offset the negative effects of genotype and/or pig handling on pork quality or improve quality attributes of pork from pigs with the genetic potential for good quality. There is little evidence that pork WHC is altered by the lysine or protein level (and source), cereal grain, or fat source used in growing‐finishing diets. Yet, recent research indicates that feeding low‐starch, high‐fibre, high‐fat, glycogen‐reducing diets effectively improves the WHC of pork. Moreover, meta‐analysis of the available information indicated that including 100, 200, or 400+ mg of α‐tochopherol per kilogram of diet reduced pork drip losses by 10.1%, 30.5%, and 25.9%, respectively, whereas supplementing swine diets with magnesium for 1–2 days, 3–4 days, or 5–7 days reduced drip losses by 23.1%, 13.7%, or 15.9%, respectively. Some swine nutritionists have advocated the removal of vitamins and trace minerals from finishing diets; however, deletion of vitamin/trace mineral premixes actually reduced the WHC of pork, whereas drip losses were reduced by elevating the dietary inclusion levels of vitamins and trace minerals 150–250% of the recommended levels. Additionally, there is no evidence that feeding pigs ractopamine hydrochloride or injections of porcine somatotropin affect pork WHC. There may not be a single ‘silver bullet’ that will remedy poor quality genetics or poor animal management, but improvements in pork WHC can be achieved with some modifications to swine finishing diets.
Estriolum Treatment in the Bitch: A Risk for Uterine Infection?
Authors: Schotanus BA , De Gier J , Van Der Lugt JJ , Okkens AC
Published: November 2007

Contents

Purulent vaginal discharge in a bitch in which ovariohysterectomy has been performed is often caused by inflammation of the uterine stump. The inflammation is due to either cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH) induced primarily by progesterone from remnant ovarian tissue or exogenous progestagens, or it is due to the presence of unabsorbed suture material. This report describes a 9‐year‐old Irish setter with hemopurulent vaginal discharge and non‐pruritic symmetrical alopecia, which had undergone ovariohysterectomy 3.5 years ago and which had been treated with estriolum daily for the past 2.5 years because of urinary incontinence. Vaginoscopy revealed hemopurulent discharge throughout the vagina and vestibule. Cytological examination of ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration biopsies of a large mass in the hypogastricum, which appeared to be the uterine cervical stump, revealed septic purulent inflammation. The concentration of plasma progesterone was low and the concentration of plasma 17‐ß oestradiol did not increase after gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone administration. No remnant ovarian tissue was found by abdominal ultrasonography, laparotomy, or histological examination of mesovarian pedicles. Laparotomy revealed uterine stump empyema. Histological examination of the surgically removed mass excluded both CEH and unabsorbed suture material as the cause of the stump empyema. Instead, it is hypothesized that the long‐term treatment with estriolum was a causative factor. This suggests that bitches treated with estriolum should be examined regularly.