bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of bandaging on second intention healing of wounds of the distal limb in horses
Authors: Dart AJ , Perkins NR , Dart CM , Jeffcott LB , Canfield P
Published: May 2009

Objective To evaluate the effect of a non‐occlusive dressing incorporated in a 3‐layer bandage on second intention healing of wounds of the distal portion of the limb.

Study Design Untreated wounds in 33 adult horses used in four studies using the same wound‐healing model conducted over 5 years.

Methods Standardised, full‐thickness wounds were made in the skin overlying the dorsomedial aspect of the mid‐metacarpus; 17 horses were bandaged with a non‐occlusive dressing covered by gauze‐coated cotton wool that was compressed with adhesive tape; 16 horses were left unbandaged. Wounds were photographed weekly for 9 weeks and the images were analysed electronically.

Results There were significant effects associated with bandage (P < 0.0001), week (P < 0.001), and bandage by week interaction (P < 0.0001). There was no difference in wound area at the first time‐point after wound creation (P = 0.38). After week 1, there was a difference between bandaged and unbandaged wounds in wound area at each measurement until the end of the study. Bandaged wounds showed greater and more prolonged retraction. Unbandaged wounds retracted for 2 weeks before beginning to contract, whereas bandaged wounds continued to retract for 3 weeks. In bandaged wounds excess granulation tissue required regular trimming, but not in unbandaged wounds. There was no difference between groups in the total days to healing or the overall rate of healing.

Conclusions These results should be treated with caution until validated with contemporaneous, controlled studies. Covering a wound with a non‐occlusive dressing in a 3‐layer bandage led to greater wound retraction, modulated the rate of wound contraction and promoted excessive granulation tissue. If excessive granulation tissue is excised regularly, bandaging has no effect on total time to healing.
Effects of a topical anaesthetic formulation and systemic carprofen, given singly or in combination, on the cortisol and behavioural responses of Merino lambs to castration
Authors: Paull DR , Lee C , Colditz IG , Fisher AD
Published: May 2009

Objective  To determine the effectiveness of a topical anaesthetic formulation (Tri‐Solfen) with or without the administration of a non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (carprofen) on the pain and distress response associated with ring or surgical castration of ram lambs.

Procedures  Merino ram lambs (n = 78) were allocated to 10 treatment groups: 4 groups of knife‐castrated lambs and 4 groups of ring‐castrated lambs received carprofen (4 mg/kg SC) and Tri‐Solfen; 2 control groups (sham) received carprofen at 0 or 4 mg/kg SC. Measurements included plasma cortisol and haptoglobin concentrations, haematology, and behaviour, including posture.

Results  Knife‐castrated lambs had higher peak cortisol and integrated cortisol responses for the first 6 h after treatment and greater concentration s of circulating acute phase proteins than ring‐castrated lambs, both of which were significantly different from the sham controls. Tri‐Solfen applied to the knife castration wound significantly reduced both the peak plasma cortisol concentration and the integrated cortisol response for the first 6 h and improved lying behaviour in the first 12 h. Carprofen reduced the cortisol response to knife castration at 30 min, but elevated the cortisol responses at 24 and 48 h. Carprofen nearly halved the number of acute pain behaviours associated with ring castration. There were no significant additive or synergistic effects from combining the analgesic treatments. Tri‐Solfen applied to the tail wound provided no detectible benefits during ring castration + tail docking.

Conclusions   The physiological and behavioural responses suggest that ring castration has less impact on the lamb than knife castration. The specific analgesic treatments can provide modest amelioration of the pain and discomfort associated with castration. Alternative doses or application methods may enhance their efficacy.
Ultrasonographic and surgical findings of a gastric hyperplastic polyp resulting in pyloric obstruction in an 11‐week‐old French Bulldog
Authors: Kuan S , Hoffmann K , Tisdall P
Published: May 2009

An 11‐week‐old male entire French Bulldog was presented with a 3‐week history of projectile vomiting after eating that was unresponsive to medical therapy. Ultrasonographic examination revealed a 1 × 2 cm pedunculated polypoid mass in the pyloric antrum. Histopathology showed this to be comprised of a pedunculated hyperplastic proliferation of gastric mucosal epithelium and submucosa, with dilatation of the glandular pits and a moderate degree of submucosal fibrosis and small amount of smooth muscle hyperplasia in the submucosa. The tunica muscularis was not involved in the polyp and appeared to be of normal thickness. Surgical treatment by pylorectomy and end‐to‐end gastroduodenostomy (Billroth I) was successful.
Incidence of lymphoma in a captive‐bred colony of hamadryas baboons (Papio hamadryas)
Authors: Graves LE , Hennessy A , Sunderland NS , Heffernan SJ , Thomson SE
Published: May 2009

Objective  To assess the incidence of lymphoma and wasting‐related deaths in the National Baboon Colony of Australia and relate it to the presence of simian T‐cell lymphotrophic virus 1 (STLV‐1) infection.

Design and procedure  The records of all animals that had died since establishment of the National Baboon Colony in Australia were reviewed retrospectively. The clinical signs and histopathological findings were recorded and assessed to determine the involvement of lymphoma in the deaths. The presence of STLV‐1 was recorded if known and correlated with the STLV‐1 status of the colony.

Results  Of the deaths from disease or illness, 53% were diagnosed as or suspected to be lymphoma, occurring in mature animals with no sex predisposition. The most common presentation was rapidly occurring generalised lymphadenomegaly.

Conclusions  This study has described a relatively high prevalence of lymphoma in a colony of captive‐bred baboons, and it is evident that STLV‐1 may play a role in the disease. Management practices in baboon colonies need to take into account the possible presence of STLV‐1 and aim to reduce the transmission of the virus by preventing sexual contact between positive and negative animals. Lymphoma needs to be considered as one of the more common causes of wasting and death.
In situ stress testing to identify Australian black tiger prawns (Penaeus monodon) free of gill‐associated virus and Mourilyan virus
Authors: Cowley JA , Coman GJ , Salmon ML , Young ND , Rajendran KV , Wilson KJ , Preston NP
Published: May 2009

Objective  To identify whether black tiger prawns (Penaeus monodon) in the Weipa region of the Gulf of Carpentaria, Queensland, are free of gill‐associated virus (GAV) and Mourilyan virus (MoV), which are endemic in P. monodon along the east coast of Queensland.

Procedure  Preliminary screening suggested that Weipa might be a source of P. monodon that are free of GAV and MoV. To assess this, more than 150 prawns captured near Weipa were maintained locally in tanks for 2 weeks and bled three times as a stressor to promote higher‐level infections. The existence of GAV and MoV in lymphoid organ tissue was then determined using real‐time quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). Some prawns were maintained in tanks for an additional 75 days before being tested.

Results  Real‐time qRT‐PCR did not detect GAV in any of 33 pools of RNA isolated from the 166 prawns tested. MoV was detected in five pools of RNA at extremely low viral RNA copy numbers close to the sensitivity threshold of the test. MoV was also detected at a similar low copy number in one of nine pearl‐oyster mantle samples used as negative controls.

Conclusions  GAV infection is either absent or, like MoV, potentially present at a very low prevalence in juvenile P. monodon inhabiting the inshore waters at Weipa. This region can thus be recommended as a good source of P. monodon certifiable as specific pathogen‐free for GAV and MoV, which is desirable for domestication and selective breeding programs in Australia.
In this issue – June 2009
Authors: Jackson Anne
Published: May 2009

Bandaging and second intention healing in distal limbs of horses ▪ Auricular chondrosis in a horse ▪ National survey of antimicrobials in the Australian pig industry ▪ Analgesia for knife and ring castration in lambs ▪ Incidence of lymphoma in a colony of baboons ▪ Viruses in black tiger prawns from Weipa ▪ Sacral osteochondrosis in German Shepherd Dogs ▪ Congenital pyloric obstruction from a gastric hyperplastic polyp
Radioresistant malignant myoepithelioma of the breast with high level of ataxia telangiectasia mutated protein
Authors: Fang ZM , Tse RV , Marjoniemi VM , Kozlov S , Lavin MF , Chen H , Kearsley JH , Graham PH , Clarke RA
Published: May 2009

Malignant myoepithelioma of the breast (MMB) is a rare and often aggressive disease with poor prognosis. Little is known regarding its optimal treatment and progression. We describe the clinical history of a woman following excision of a benign adenomyoepithelioma which recurred years later as a radioresistant malignant myoepithelioma with high levels of ataxia telangiectasia mutated protein and mutant p53 (Cys135Phe). MMB requires close follow‐up and aggressive treatment. If adjuvant radiotherapy is adopted to improve local control, minimal postoperative delay and higher doses than for standard post‐mastectomy radiation are recommended.
18F‐fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐D‐glucose positron emission tomography and positron emission tomography/computed tomography imaging of malignant pleural mesothelioma*
Authors: Subramaniam RM , Wilcox B , Aubry MC , Jett J , Peller PJ
Published: May 2009

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is the most common primary pleural tumor and its incidence is rising. Its diagnosis, staging and response assessment are challenging for imaging. Integrated positron emission tomography (PET)/CT increases the accuracy of overall staging in patients with mesothelioma and improves the selection of patients for curative surgical resection. It is particularly useful in identifying occult distant metastases. It may be used to predict prognosis and to assess the metabolic response to therapy.
Role of ultrasound in the assessment of nodular thyroid disease
Authors: Bastin S , Bolland MJ , Croxson MS
Published: May 2009

The role for ultrasound (US) in the assessment of nodular thyroid disease has increased in recent years. This expanded role has been highlighted in recent consensus guidelines on the management of nodular thyroid disease. In this review, we address the potential roles for US in assessing thyroid nodules and review these recent guidelines. In particular, we review the evidence that US characteristics of thyroid nodules can predict the risk of malignancy. A predominantly solid nodule, hypoechogenicity, microcalcification, macrocalcification, ill‐defined margins, intranodular vascularity, and taller‐than‐wide shape have all been associated with increased risk of malignancy, but no single US characteristic is sufficiently sensitive or specific to exclude or diagnose malignancy by itself. However, the use of combinations of US characteristics to stratify nodules into high and low risk for malignancy appears a promising strategy. Unselected nodules without any suspicious US features have a low risk of malignancy (<2%), whereas malignancy rates are much higher in nodules with at least two suspicious features. Recent guidelines endorse this approach of using combinations of US features to guide nodule selection for fine needle aspiration.
Survey of radiotherapy planning and treatment of the supraclavicular fossa in breast cancer
Authors: Morgia M , Lamoury G , Morgan G
Published: May 2009

A survey of radiation oncologists (RO) in Australia and New Zealand was undertaken to determine how they would plan and treat the supraclavicular fossa (SCF) in women with breast cancer. From the 259 surveys sent in February to March 2007 there were 168 responses (65%) and 124 of these were from RO who managed breast cancer. The study demonstrated a wide variation in placement of the SCF field and differences in the treatment prescription. With widespread availability of CT for simulation it would be worthwhile to explore the routine voluming of SCF lymph nodes (LN) to ensure the radiation field is accurately determined and targeted. This would also allow more individualized prescription parameters and overcome the variation in the ICRU dose point found in the present survey.
Work stress, satisfaction and burnout in New Zealand radiologists: Comparison of public hospital and private practice in New Zealand
Authors: Lim RCH , Pinto C
Published: May 2009

Different aspects of work stress, job satisfaction, level of burnout and psychiatric morbidity were evaluated in New Zealand radiologists. The present study aims to identify differences in radiologists’ work stress, job satisfaction and professional burnout between public hospital and private practice work environments. A questionnaire consisting of various aspects of radiology‐specific work stress and job satisfaction was sent to all radiologists in New Zealand. Burnout was assessed with the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Psychiatric morbidity was estimated using the General Health Questionnaire – 12. A response rate of 51% was achieved. The aspects of radiologists’ work that contributed to their work stress included ‘having conflicting demands on their time’ and ‘having too great an overall volume of work’. There are significant differences in the extent to which these stressors were experienced, based on radiologists’ work environments. Radiologists in public hospital‐based practice reported significantly higher levels of work stress, lower levels of job satisfaction and higher rates of burnout. There is a trend towards a higher rate of psychiatric morbidity among radiologists who practice in public hospitals. Radiologists in the public hospital environment experience more work stress, a lower level of job satisfaction and higher rates of burnout compared to private practice. The present study highlights the various aspects of work stress important to radiologists, so that they can be addressed to improve their mental health. Additionally, the results of this study may have implications for workforce planning, recruitment and retention of radiologists in the public health system.
Effects of interval between diagnosis and time of survey upon preferred information format for prostate cancer patients
Authors: Sharpley CF , Christie DRH
Published: May 2009

Previous data indicate that receiving adequate information about their cancer can assist patients to cope with treatment and comply with treatment regimes. The aim of the present study was to determine whether time since diagnosis affected patients’ evaluations of the information they had received at the time of their diagnosis. Two hundred and thirty‐seven patients who had received a diagnosis and treatment for prostate cancer 4 months earlier completed a questionnaire about their ratings of, and preferences for, various types of information, their anxiety and depression levels and some background data. The most common and preferred form of information that the patients in the current study received was verbal information during an interview with their oncologist. Demographic factors and levels of anxiety and depression did not influence patient information preferences. Time since diagnosis was associated with elevated anxiety and depression, and consequent lower recall of having received information, but also with positive inflation of the value of the material that they did recall having received. Patients may not recall information given to them early after diagnosis and may make unreliable evaluations of its value to them due to psychological state.
Diagnostic errors in patients dying in hospital: Radiology’s contribution
Authors: Heriot GS , McKelvie P , Pitman AG
Published: May 2009

We propose a comprehensive taxonomy of diagnostic errors in radiology that incorporates requests, image acquisition, radiological reports and evidence of communication to the treating team, and is retrospectively applicable to a given set of radiological episodes using pre‐existing standard hospital databases. The taxonomy applies four binary tests to each diagnostic error using widely available hospital records, such as radiological requests, images in Picture Archiving and Communication System, radiological reports and hospital patient records. The taxonomy classifies errors into seven mutually exclusive patterns: no relevant imaging, consistent error (technical non‐demonstration), consistent error (human error), ignored correct dissenting radiology result, de novo radiology error (technical non‐demonstration), de novo radiology error (human error), and ignored correct confirmatory radiology result. The taxonomy was validated against a set of 250 diagnostic errors identified from an audit of clinical and radiological diagnoses with autopsy as the reference standard. All errors were successfully classified by the taxonomy, and the point of initiation of the error assigned. Of a total of 250 diagnostic errors, 138 (55%) had no relevant imaging performed. Ninety percent of all errors (226) were due to human error only, whether at the stage of clinical suspicion, the radiologist’s diagnosis, or afterwards. Of the 112 imaged errors, only 12 (11%) were initiated at diagnostic imaging. The taxonomy of diagnostic error we present is comprehensive, allows retrospective audit of error with commonly available data, and provides clinically useful identification of the point of error initiation.
Differential diagnosis of T2 hyperintense spinal cord lesions: Part B
Authors: Bou‐Haidar P , Peduto AJ , Karunaratne N
Published: May 2009

Hyperintense spinal cord signal on T2‐weighted images is seen in a wide‐ranging variety of spinal cord processes. Causes including simple MR artefacts, trauma, primary and secondary tumours, radiation myelitis and diastematomyelia were discussed in Part A. The topics discussed in Part B of this two part series include multiple sclerosis, subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord, cord infarction, arteriovenous shunts, transverse myelitis, neurosarcoidosis, AIDS‐associated vacuolar myelopathy, and syringohydromyelia. Characterization of the abnormal areas of T2 signal as well as their appearance on other MR imaging sequences, when combined with clinical context and laboratory investigations, will often allow a unique diagnosis, or at least aid in narrowing the differential diagnosis. A wide range of instructive cases is discussed here, with review of the published reports focusing on pertinent MR features to aid in diagnosis.
A case study of translating ACGME practice-based learning and improvement requirements into reality: systems quality improvement projects as the key component to a comprehensive curriculum
Authors: Tomolo A M , Lawrence R H , Aron D C
Published: May 2009

Background

In 2002, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) introduced a new requirement: residents must demonstrate competency in Practice-Based Learning and Improvement (PBLI). Training in this domain is still not consistently integrated into programmes, with few, if any, adequately going beyond knowledge of basic content and addressing all components of the requirement.

Aim

To summarise the implementation of a PBLI curriculum designed to address all components of the requirement and to evaluate the impact on the practice system.

Methods

A case-study approach was used for identifying and evaluating the steps for delivering the curriculum, along with the Model for Improvement’s successive Plan–Do–Study–Act (PDSA) cycles (July 2004–May 2006).

Data source

Notes from curriculum development meetings, notes and presentation slides made by teams about their projects, resident curriculum exit evaluations curriculum and interviews.

Results

Residents reported high levels of comfort by applying PBLI-related knowledge and skills and that the curriculum improved their ability to do various PBLI tasks. The involvement of multiple stakeholders increased. Twelve of the 15 teams’ suggestions with practical systems-relevant outcomes were implemented and sustained beyond residents’ project periods. While using the traditional PDSA cycles was helpful, there were limitations.

Conclusion

A PBLI curriculum that is centred around practice-based quality improvement projects can fulfil the objectives of this ACGME competency while accomplishing sustained outcomes in quality improvement. A comprehensive curriculum is an investment but offers organisational rewards. We propose a more realistic and informative representation of rapid PDSA cycle changes.
Are verbal orders a threat to patient safety?
Authors: Wakefield D S , Wakefield B J
Published: May 2009

Background

The use of verbal orders has been identified as a potential contributor to poor quality and less safe care. As a result, many organisations have encouraged changing the verbal orders process and/or reducing/eliminating verbal orders altogether (Joint Commission (2005), Institute of Medicine (2001), Leapfrog organisation, Institute of Safe Medication Practices). Ironically there is a paucity of research evidence to support the widespread concern over verbal order.

Aims

This paper describes the very limited existing research on verbal orders, presents a model of verbal order use identifying potential error trigger points and suggests a verbal order research agenda in order to better understand the nature and extent of the potential patient care safety threat posed by verbal orders.
Is reproductive allocation inSenecio vulgarisplastic?
Authors: Weiner Jacob , Rosenmeier Lars , Massoni Emma Soy , Vera Josep Nogués , Plaza Eva Hernández , Sebastià Maria-Teresa
Published: May 2009

Several purported cases of plasticity in plant allocation patterns appear to be the effects of size and allometric growth (“apparent plasticity”). To ask whether there is true plasticity (i.e., a change in the allometric trajectory) in reproductive allocation in Senecio vulgaris  L., we grew S. vulgaris plants at high and low levels of water, nutrients, and competition, and analyzed the relationship between vegetative and seed biomass. Plant size was the major determinant of reproductive output, accounting for 83% of the variation in log (seed mass). There were also significant effects of the treatments that were not due to size, accounting for an additional 9% of the variation. The treatments affected the allometric coefficient (intercept), not the allometric exponent (slope) of the relationship, reflecting a small but significant shift in the efficiency of conversion of total plant biomass into reproductive biomass. In a second experiment, we grew S. vulgaris plants at three nutrient levels and allowed all individuals to complete their life cycles. Again, nutrient level had a small but significant effect on the allometric coefficient. Plasticity in reproductive allocation exists, but is very limited. The primary effects of the environment on the reproductive output of S. vulgaris occur via plant size.
Seasonal variability of leaf area index and foliar nitrogen in contrasting dry–mesic tundras
Authors: Campioli Matteo , Michelsen Anders , Samson Roeland , Lemeur Raoul
Published: May 2009

Assimilation and exchange of carbon for arctic ecosystems depend strongly on leaf area index (LAI) and total foliar nitrogen (TFN). For dry–mesic tundras, the seasonality of these characteristics is unexplored. We addressed this knowledge gap by measuring variations of LAI and TFN at five contrasting subarctic heaths during the growing season 2007, from about 2 weeks after bud burst until about 2 weeks before senescence. The communities generally showed an early season LAI and TFN increase, owing to leaf development of deciduous shrubs, and limited variations later on, owing to concurrent leaf growth and mortality of evergreen shrubs. For most of the communities, the TFN:LAI ratio was constant along the entire sampling period, indicating that leaf growth and mortality, triggers for both LAI and TFN, are more important than leaf N retranslocation, which only affects TFN. A constant TFN:LAI ratio facilitates the determination of TFN from LAI, which is easier to measure or simulate. However, a sheltered community showed an increment in the LAI of the deciduous canopy in mid–late season, paralleled by a decreased TFN:LAI ratio.
Aerial and detritus production of the cordgrass Spartina densiflora in a southwestern Atlantic salt marsh
Authors: Vera Federico , Gutiérrez Jorge L. , Ribeiro Pablo D.
Published: May 2009

We used a nondestructive method to estimate aerial and detritus productivity of the cordgrass Spartina densiflora Brongn. and evaluated the relative contribution of newly emerged and preexisting tillers to net aerial biomass and detritus production, the relative contribution of tiller detachment and leaf shedding to detritus production, and the incidence of crab ( Neohelice ( Chasmagnathus ) granulata (Dana, 1851)), herbivory in relation to tiller age and its implications for tiller survival. Estimates of aerial and detritus productivity varied between 706.72 (SD = 153.38) and 786.15 (SD = 162.75) g·m–2·year–1 and between 1054.23 (SD = 224.49) and 1223.17 (SD = 246.84) g·m–2·year–1, respectively. These estimates of aerial production are far below the higher productivity estimates known for species of the genus Spartina but within the range of values obtained with nondestructive methods (i.e., 300–1500 g·m–2·year–1). Detachment of standing-dead tillers and leaf shedding contributed virtually in equal quantities to detritus production (i.e., 52% and 48% of the total detritus biomass, respectively). On the other hand, net aerial biomass production was highly dependent on tiller recruitment, with 67% of total biomass production contributed by the growth of tillers that emerged during the course of the study. However, crabs seem to graze on tillers irrespective of their age. Such nonselective crab grazing on tillers of different age together with the long tiller survival after crab grazing (often more than a year) suggests that crabs do not ostensibly affect S. densiflora production.
Reproductive development and seed ripening inBetula papyriferaalong an altitudinal thermal gradient in eastern Appalachia (Canada)
Authors: Grenier Marianne , Sirois Luc
Published: May 2009

In several gymnosperm tree species of the circumboreal forest, reproductive development is closely associated with the accumulation of degree-days during the growing season. We wanted to verify whether this pattern holds for a widespread angiosperm species such as paper birch ( Betula papyrifera Marsh), a broadleaf tree distributed throughout the North American boreal forest. Stations to simultaneously measure the thermal sum (degree-days > 5 °C, DD) and the reproductive development (anatomical development and seed germination) were installed in four sites along an altitudinal thermal gradient totalling 541 m a.s.l. in the eastern Appalachian Mountains (Canada). In 2004, sites 1, 2, 3 and 4, received 973, 1099, 1266 and 1359 DD, respectively. A strong relationship was found between thermal sum and reproductive development (anatomical development: r2 > 0.90; seed germination r2 > 0.72). This relationship seems to be based on the absolute value of heat-sum received because (i) rates of reproductive development are twice as high in colder sites (1 and 2) than in warmer sites (3 and 4), and (ii) total seed germination did not differ among the sites. Along with this, we noted a lesser production of full seeds in colder sites, coupled with a higher success of germination in the coldest site (site 1), which appears to be a mechanism of phenotypic adaptation to cold.
Effects of shading on photosynthesis, plant organic nitrogen uptake, and root fungal colonization in a subarctic mire ecosystem
Authors: Olsrud Maria , Michelsen Anders
Published: May 2009

Arctic dwarf shrub ecosystems are predicted to be exposed to lower light intensity in a changing climate where mountain birch forests are expanding. We investigated how shading at 0%, 65%, and 97% affects photosynthesis, organic N uptake, C and N allocation patterns in plants, and root fungal colonization in an ericoid dwarf shrub ecosystem. The ecosystem was labeled by injection of [2-13C,15N]glycine into the soil, and the uptake of 15N and 13C in roots and leaves 24 h later was analysed. Fungal colonization in hair roots was determined visually. Hair root 13C:15N ratios showed that dwarf shrub ecosystems are capable of taking up organic N as intact glycine both under high irradiance levels and under shaded conditions when photosynthesis is strongly reduced. The allocation of 15N to green leaves of Rubus chamaemorus L. increased with shading, whereas the allocation of 13C to leaves of both deciduous and evergreen plant species decreased. Species dominance was correlated with uptake of 13C, i.e., the most productive species also took up the highest amount of glycine. The ecosystem exhibited a tendency towards lower colonization by ericoid mycorrhizal fungi and dark septate endophytes in hair roots when shaded. Thus, shading has implications for processes central to both C and N cycling in subarctic ecosystems. This should be considered in projections of ecosystem responses to climate change and expanding mountain birch forests.
Evaluation of tree canopy epiphytes and bark characteristics associated with the presence of corticolous myxomycetes
Authors: Everhart Sydney E. , Ely Joseph S. , Keller Harold W.
Published: May 2009

Certain species of myxomycetes (plasmodial slime molds) are regularly present with mosses, lichens, and algae. Corticolous myxomycetes were previously studied in the tree canopy, and observations suggested that species occurrence is patchy and species abundance may increase with the presence of bryophytes and lichens. The purpose of this study was to quantify the association of corticolous myxomycete species with percent cover of epiphytes and with bark characteristics, such as water absorption, bark thickness, and bark pH. Study sites were located in three temperate forests in the southeastern USA. The doubled rope climbing method was used to collect bark from trees and grapevines in a vertical transect up to 15 m above ground level. Moist chambers (374) were used to culture myxomycetes for 32 d. The percent cover of lichens, bryophytes, myxobacteria, and filamentous fungi were estimated in five 2 cm × 2 cm quadrats for 187 sample sites. Results showed no association between percent cover of epiphytes and myxomycetes. Bark pH was the major factor influencing the occurrence of corticolous myxomycete species, and the patchy distribution of myxomycetes was attributed to the small plasmodium characteristic of most corticolous species.
Fosfluconazole for Antifungal Prophylaxis in Very Low Birth Weight Infants
Authors: Takahashi Daijiro , Nakamura Tomohiko , Shigematsu Reiko , Matsui Miyu , Araki Shunsuke , Kubo Kazuyasu , Sato Hiroshi , Shirahata Akira
Published: May 2009

We conducted a retrospective case series study to evaluate the safety of fosfluconazole prophylaxis for preventing invasive fungal infection in VLBW infants with a central vascular access. Fosfluconazole was administered intravenously at a dose of 6 mg/kg everyday during which time a central venous catheter was placed. A total of 23 infants met the criteria for enrollment in our study. No cases of fungal infection were detected during the central venous catheter placement in the group. None of the infants had an elevatedβ-D-glucan, and all of them were still alive at discharge. Regarding the liver and renal function, no statistically significant differences were observed before and at the end of fosfluconazole prophylaxis. The results of this study demonstrate that fosfluconazole prophylaxis in preventing invasive fungal infection was well tolerated by VLBW infants. This is a first report to describe antifungal prophylaxis using fosfluconazole for VLBW infants.
DoesToxoplasma gondiiInfection Affect the Levels of IgE and Cytokines (IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, and TNF-alpha)?
Authors: Matowicka-Karna Joanna , Dymicka-Piekarska Violetta , Kemona Halina
Published: May 2009

In the study performed in a group of patients infected withT. gondii, we evaluated Th2 humoral response (IL-5, IL-6, IL-10) and Th1 cell response (IL-12, TNF-α). The study objective was to assess the effect ofT. gondiion chosen indices of the immune response. The study involved 52 women infected withT. gondii(aged 18–42 years) prior to antiparasitic treatment. In all the patients, we found IgM (index>0.7) and IgG which exceeded 300 IU/ml. The control group (C) consisted of 40 healthy women aged 18–46 years. In the study group (T) and in the control group (C), the levels of IgE, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, and TNF-αwere determined. In our study,T. gondiipatients had twofold higher levels of IL-5 and IL-6 as compared to healthy subjects, which seems to confirm the presence of an inflammatory state. We found the level of IL-10 to be fivefold higher in the course oftoxoplasmosisthan in healthy controls. The levels of IL-12 and TNF-αwere comparable to those observed in healthy controls. The study has revealed that that patients infected withT. gondiishow increased production of the humoral response cytokines, whereas the generation of the cell response cytokines remains unchanged.
Visual Deprivation Decreases Somatic GAD65 Puncta Number on Layer 2/3 Pyramidal Neurons in Mouse Visual Cortex
Authors: Kreczko Alicja , Goel Anubhuthi , Song Lihua , Lee Hey-Kyoung
Published: May 2009

Proper functioning of the visual system depends on maturation of both excitatory and inhibitory synapses within the visual cortex. Considering that perisomatic inhibition is one of the key factors that control the critical period in visual cortex, it is pertinent to understand its regulation by visual experience. To do this, we developed an immunohistochemical method that allows three-dimensional (3D) analysis of the glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) 65-positive inhibitory terminals in the visual cortex. Using this method on transgenic mice expressing yellow fluorescence protein (YFP) in a subset of neurons, we found that the number of somatic GAD65-puncta on individual layer 2/3 pyramidal neurons is reduced when mice are dark-reared from birth and reverted to normal levels by re-exposure to light. There was no change in GAD65-puncta volume or intensity. These results support the reorganization of inhibitory circuitry within layer 2/3 of visual cortex in response to changes in visual experience.
Evidence of Extensive Homologous Recombination in the Core Genome ofRickettsia
Authors: Wu Jinyu , Yu Tonghai , Bao Qiyu , Zhao Fangqing
Published: May 2009

The important role of homologous recombination has been extensively demonstrated to be fundamental for genetic variation in bacterial genomes. In contrast to extracellular or facultative intracellular bacteria, obligate intracellular bacteria are considered to be less prone to recombination, especially for their core genomes. InRickettsia, only antigen-related genes were identified to have experienced homologous recombination. In this study, we employed evolutionary genomic approaches to investigate the impact of recombination on the core genome ofRickettsia. Phylogenetic network and phylogenetic compatibility matrix analyses are clearly consistent with the hypothesis that recombination has occurred frequently duringRickettsiaevolution. 28% ofRickettsiacore genes (194 out of 690) are found to present the evidence of recombination under four independent statistical methods. Further functional classification shows that these recombination events occur across all functional categories, with a significant overrepresentation in the cell wall/membrane/envelope biogenesis, which may provide a molecular basis for the parasite adaptation to host immunity. This evolutionary genomic analysis provides insight into the substantial role of recombination in the evolution of the intracellular pathogenic bacteriaRickettsia.
A New 3D Model Retrieval Method with Building Blocks
Authors: Zhou Mingquan , Huo Qingsong , Geng Guohua , Liu Xiaojing
Published: May 2009

As the numbers of 3D models available grow in many application fields, there is an increasing need for a search method to help people find them. Unfortunately, traditional search techniques are not always effective for 3D data. In this paper, we describe a novel method of interactive 3D model retrieval with building blocks. First, by using a cube block as the baseblock in a 3D virtual space, we may construct the query model with human‐computer interaction method. Then through retrieving the polygon model of the database generated by the voxel model, we may get retrieval results in real time. Experiments are conducted to evaluate the performance of the proposed method.
Characterization of Prejunctional Muscarinic Receptors: Effects on the Release of VIP and Functional Responses and Receptor Expression in the Ovine Submandibular Gland
Authors: Ryberg Anders T. , Soukup Ondrej , Tobin Gunnar
Published: May 2009

In the in vivo experiments on anaesthetized sheep, it was presently examined whether muscarinic receptor antagonists with diverse selectivity affect the release of VIP in response to electrical stimulation of the parasympathetic chorda tympanic nerve differently, and if the changes in the release could be associated to altered secretory and vasodilator responses. The location of the muscarinic receptor subtypes was examined also. In the experiments, blood was collected out of the submandibular venous drainage before and during electrical stimulation of chorda tympani nerve in the absence and presence either of pirenzepine or methoctramine. While metchoctramine increased the output of protein, pirenzepine inhibited flow of saliva and increased protein output, vasodilatation, and VIP output. In morphological examinations, the inhibitory muscarinic M4 receptor occurred interacinarily in the gland. It is concluded that prejunctional muscarinic receptors, most likely of the M4 subtype, exert inhibitory modulation of the parasympathetic release of VIP in the ovine submandibular gland.
Postoperative Infectious Morbidities of Cesarean Delivery in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Women
Authors: Cavasin Helen , Dola Thao , Uribe Olga , Biswas Manoj , Do Mai , Bhuiyan Azad , Dery MarkAlain , Dola Chi
Published: May 2009

Objective. To compare the infectious complication rates from cesarean delivery of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected women and HIV-negative women.Materials and Methods. A retrospective analysis was performed on data derived from HIV-infected women and HIV-negative women, who underwent cesarean delivery at two teaching hospitals. Main outcome measures were infectious postoperative morbidity. Descriptive, comparison analysis, and multiple logistic regression analysis were performed.Results. One hundred and nineteen HIV-infected women and 264 HIV-negative women delivered by cesarean section and were compared. The HIV-negative women were more likely than the HIV-infected women to deliver by emergent cesarean section (78.0% versus 51.3%, resp., ), to labor prior to delivery (69.4% versus 48.3%, resp., ), and to have ruptured membranes prior to delivery (63.5% versus 34.8%, resp., ). In bivariate analysis, HIV-infected and HIV-negative women had similar rates of post-operative infectious complications (16.8% versus 19.7%, resp., ). In a multivariate stepwise logistic analysis, emergent cesarean delivery and chorioamnionitis but not HIV infection were associated with increased rate of post-operative endometritis (odds ratio (OR) 4.10, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.41–11.91, , and OR 3.02, 95% CI 1.13–8.03, , resp.).Conclusion. In our facilities, emergent cesarean delivery and chorioamnionitis but not HIV infection were identified as risk factors for post-operative endometritis.
Cryptococcus gattii: An Emerging Cause of Fungal Disease in North America
Authors: Dixit Ashwin , Carroll Scott F. , Qureshi Salman T.
Published: May 2009

During the latter half of the twentieth century, fungal pathogens such asCryptococcus neoformanswere increasingly recognized as a significant threat to the health of immune compromised populations throughout the world. Until recently, the closely related speciesC. gattiiwas considered to be a low-level endemic pathogen that was confined to tropical regions such as Australia. Since 1999,C. gattiihas emerged in the Pacific Northwest region of North America and has been responsible for a large disease epidemic among generally healthy individuals. The changing epidemiology ofC. gattiiinfection is likely to be a consequence of alterations in fungal ecology and biology and illustrates its potential to cause serious human disease. This review summarizes selected biological and clinical aspects ofC. gattiithat are particularly relevant to the recent North American outbreak and compares these to the Australian and South American experience.
The Chelonian Spinal Nerve Ganglia Are a Conglomerate of the Spinal Nerve Ganglia Proper and the Sympathetic Ganglia
Authors: Kadota Tetsuo , Nakano Masato , Atobe Yoshitoshi , Goris Richard C. , Funakoshi Kengo
Published: May 2009

A tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive cell mass is found in the caudal portion of the dorsal nerve ganglion of the red-eared slider, Trachemys scripta elegans. The ganglion appears as a flat oval structure in the horizontal plane, where the major axis runs latero-medially, and the minor axis rostro-caudally in the ventral view. A communicating branch to the sympathetic chain diverges from the top of each tubercle which lies on the caudo-lateral side of the ganglion. A tyrosine hydroxylase- immunoreactive cell mass is located in this tubercle. This cell mass exists in both sexes. Tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive cells, that contain Nissl bodies in cytoplasm and are enveloped by the satellite cells, are multipolar and their neural processes are distributed in a distal direction into the spinal nerve. The range of distribution of the synapsin I-immunoreactive structures is limited to the tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive cell mass. The chelonian dorsal spinal nerve ganglia are a conglomerate of the spinal nerve ganglion proper and the sympathetic ganglion.
Shared Decision-Making Reduces Drug Use and Psychiatric Severity in Substance-Dependent Patients
Authors: Joosten E.A.G. , de Jong C.A.J. , de Weert-van Oene G.H. , Sensky T. , van der Staak C.P.F.
Published: May 2009

Background: In the last decades, shared decision-making (SDM) models have been developed to increase patient involvement in treatment decisions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a SDM intervention (SDMI) for patients dependent on psychoactive substances in addiction health care programs. The intervention consisted of a structured procedure to reach a treatment agreement and comprised 5 sessions. Methods: Clinicians in 3 treatment centres in the Netherlands were randomly assigned to the SDMI or a standard procedure to reach a treatment agreement. Results: A total of 220 substance-dependent patients receiving inpatient treatment were randomised either to the intervention (n = 111) or control (n = 109) conditions. Reductions in primary substance use (F(1, 124) = 248.38, p < 0.01) and addiction severity (F(8) = 27.76, p < 0.01) were found in the total population. Significant change was found in the total population regarding patients’ quality of life measured at baseline, exit and follow-up (F(2, 146) = 5.66, p < 0.01). On the European Addiction Severity Index, SDMI showed significantly better improvements than standard decision-making regarding drug use (F(1, 164) = 7.40, p < 0.01) and psychiatric problems (F(1, 164) = 5.91, p = 0.02) at 3-month follow-up. Conclusion: SDMI showed a significant add-on effect on top of a well-established 3-month inpatient intervention. SDMI offers an effective, structured, frequent and well-balanced intervention to carry out and evaluate a treatment agreement.
Repeated Surgery Improves Survival in Recurrent Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors: A Retrospective Analysis of 144 Patients
Authors: Schurr Paulus , Kohrs Dietmar , Reichelt Uta , Kaifi Jussuf , Vashist Yogesh , Bachmann Kai , Bogoevski Dean , Yekebas Emre , Izbicki Jakob
Published: May 2009

Purpose: Recurrence of a gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) may require multimodal therapy and the role of repeated surgery in this concept is unclear. Patients and Methods: A consecutive series of GIST patients treated by surgery, imatinib therapy or both was retrospectively reviewed, and long-term survival was studied by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Results: Institutional primary surgeries before 1999 necessitated reclassification of the histopathological sections and 58/78 patients were classified as having true GIST. In primary surgeries, liver metastases were observed in GIST (6/58) but not in sarcoma/schwannoma patients (0/20), and exulceration of the primary tumor did not correlate with adverse outcome. Additionally, 86 patients were seen on an outpatient basis or were treated for recurrence at our institution, thus a total of 144 GIST patients were seen at our institution between 1994 and 2007 for either primary or secondary tumor manifestation. After 2003, 19/144 GISTs recurred and were treated by targeted therapy with imatinib. The patients showed better overall survival than historic controls. Imatinib therapy enhanced re-resectability due to tumor downsizing, and re-resection (n = 16) improved survival significantly (p = 0.046, log-rank test). Conclusion: A multimodal approach including targeted therapy and repeated surgery in the long-term management of recurrent GIST improves survival.
Efficacy of If Inhibition with Ivabradine in Different Subpopulations with Stable Angina Pectoris
Authors: Tendera Michal , Borer Jeffrey S. , Tardif Jean-Claude
Published: May 2009

Objectives: The antianginal and anti-ischemic efficacy of ivabradine has been demonstrated in large-scale trials. Pooling trial data allowed for subpopulation analyses of ivabradine’s antianginal efficacy. Methods: Data on the frequency of angina attacks, short-acting nitrate consumption, and heart rate were pooled from 5 randomized trials in patients with stable angina pectoris receiving 5, 7.5, or 10 mg of ivabradine b.i.d. for 3 or 4 months. The subpopulations were defined according to age, sex, disease characteristics, and comorbidities (severity of angina, history of myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular disease, revascularization status, diabetes, asthma/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or peripheral vascular disease). Results: Efficacy data were available for 2,425 patients (full analysis set), in whom ivabradine reduced the frequency of diary-based angina attacks by 59.4% and nitrate consumption by 53.7%. All subpopulations experienced 51–70% reductions in the frequency of angina attacks, with similar reductions for the other parameters studied. Ivabradine’s efficacy was maintained in the presence of different comorbidities. In the safety set, ivabradine reduced heart rate by 14.5%. Ivabradine had a good safety and tolerability profile in all the subpopulations assessed. Conclusions: The antianginal efficacy of ivabradine was consistent across all the subpopulations analyzed, independent of the severity of angina and the presence of a comorbidity.