bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Freshwater rock pools: a review of habitat characteristics, faunal diversity and conservation value
Authors: JOCQUE MERLIJN , VANSCHOENWINKEL BRAM , BRENDONCK LUC
Published: February 2010

1. In the light of the recent surge of interest in small and often temporary wetlands as model systems for ecological and evolutionary research, this article reviews current knowledge on freshwater rock pools and their fauna.

2. Freshwater rock pools occur all over the globe in all major biomes and depend mainly on precipitation for filling. Rock pool clusters are some of the more persistent and oldest freshwater habitats worldwide. Interactions between climate and geology (e.g. limestone, sandstone, granite) generally determine the morphology and hydrology of rock pool habitats, with hydroperiods ranging from several days up to the whole year. Pool volume is usually small, resulting in strongly fluctuating environmental conditions, low conductivity and wide variations in pH (from 4.0 to 11.0) and temperature (from freezing point to 40 °C) often with well‐marked diel cycles. The highly variable environmental conditions, combined with the unpredictability of the flooding regime, require high stress tolerance of the inhabitants, with adaptations for surviving the dry phase such as the production of resistant stages and active emigration followed by recolonisation.

3. About 460 aquatic animal species have been recorded from freshwater rock pools around the world. Approximately 170 of these are passive dispersers, which mainly disperse as resting stages via wind and overflow of water between pools. Successful long distance dispersal seems limited. This group is composed mainly of rock pool specialists with a high degree of endemicity. The remaining taxa can be considered active dispersers, with migration usually restricted to the adult stage. Often these taxa are broadly distributed and occur in a wide range of temporary habitats in addition to rock pools.

4. The inherent characteristics of freshwater rock pools, such as their simple structure and occurrence on similar substrata all over the world, facilitate comparison of research results and promote rock pools as model systems for ecological and evolutionary research. Nevertheless, despite their potential as model systems, the unique fauna and their importance as sources of freshwater in dry countries, the ecology of freshwater rock pools remain virtually unexplored in large parts of the world.
Salmonella pathogenicity island 1 differentially modulates bacterial entry to dendritic and non‐phagocytic cells
Authors: Bueno Susan M. , Wozniak Aniela , Leiva Eduardo D. , Riquelme Sebastián A. , Carreño Leandro J. , Hardt Wolf‐Dietrich , Riedel Claudia A. , Kalergis Alexis M.
Published: February 2010

Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium can enter non‐phagocytic cells, such as intestinal epithelial cells, by virtue of a Type Three Secretion System (TTSS) encoded in the Salmonella Pathogenicity Island 1 (SPI‐1), which translocates bacterial effector molecules into the host cell. Salmonella can also be taken up by dendritic cells (DCs). Although the role of SPI‐1 in non‐phagocytic cell invasion is well established, its contribution to invasion of phagocytic cells has not been evaluated. Here, we have tested the invasive capacity of a S. Typhimurium strain lacking a key component of its TTSS‐1 (ΔInvC) leading to defective translocation of SPI‐1‐encoded effectors. Whereas this mutant Salmonella strain was impaired for invasion of non‐phagocytic cells, it was taken up by DCs at a significantly higher rate than wild‐type Salmonella. Similar to wild‐type Salmonella, the ΔInvC mutant strain retained the capacity to avoid antigen presentation to T cells. However, mice infected with the ΔInvC mutant strain showed higher survival rate and reduced organ colonization. Our data suggest that, besides promoting phagocytosis by non‐phagocytic cells, SPI‐1 modulates the number of bacteria that enters DCs. The SPI‐1 could be considered not only as an inducer of epithelial cell invasion but as a controller of DC entry.
Chronic rejection of a lung transplant is characterized by a profile of specific autoantibodies
Authors: Hagedorn Peter H. , Burton Christopher M. , Carlsen Jørn , Steinbrüchel Daniel , Andersen Claus B. , Sahar Eli , Domany Eytan , Cohen Irun R. , Flyvbjerg Henrik , Iversen Martin
Published: February 2010

Obliterative bronchiolitis (OB) continues to be the major limitation to long‐term survival after lung transplantation. The specific aetiology and pathogenesis of OB are not well understood. To explore the role of autoreactivity in OB, we spotted 751 different self molecules onto glass slides, and used these antigen microarrays to profile 48 human serum samples for immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM autoantibodies; 27 patients showed no or mild bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS; a clinical correlate of OB) and 15 patients showed medium to severe BOS. We now report that these BOS grades could be differentiated by a profile of autoantibodies binding to 28 proteins or their peptides. The informative autoantibody profile included down‐regulation as well as up‐regulation of both IgM and IgG specific reactivities. This profile was evaluated for robustness using a panel of six independent test patients. Analysis of the functions of the 28 informative self antigens showed that eight of them are connected in an interaction network involved in apoptosis and protein metabolism. Thus, a profile of autoantibodies may reflect pathological processes in the lung allograft, suggesting a role for autoimmunity in chronic rejection leading to OB.
T‐cell receptor revision: friend or foe?
Authors: Hale J. Scott , Fink Pamela J.
Published: February 2010

T‐cell receptor (TCR) revision is a process of tolerance induction by which peripheral T cells lose surface expression of an autoreactive TCR, reinduce expression of the recombinase machinery, rearrange genes encoding extrathymically generated TCRs for antigen, and express these new receptors on the cell surface. We discuss the evidence for this controversial tolerance mechanism below. Despite the apparent heresy of post‐thymic gene rearrangement, we argue here that TCR revision follows the rules obeyed by maturing thymocytes undergoing gene recombination. Expression of the recombinase is carefully controlled both spatially and temporally, and may be initiated by loss of signals through surface TCRs. The resulting TCR repertoire is characterized by its diversity, self major histocompatibility complex restriction, self tolerance, and ability to mount productive immune responses specific for foreign antigens. Hence, TCR revision is a carefully regulated process of tolerance induction that can contribute to the protection of the individual against invading pathogens while preserving the integrity of self tissue.
cDNA cloning, homology modelling and evolutionary insights into novel endogenous cellulases of the borer beetleOncideres albomarginata chamela(Cerambycidae)
Authors: Calderón‐Cortés N. , Watanabe H. , Cano‐Camacho H. , Zavala‐Páramo G. , Quesada M.
Published: February 2010

Novel endogenous cDNAs of β‐1, 4‐endoglucanases (Oa‐EGase I and Oa‐EGase II) were cloned from the cerambycid beetleOncideres albomarginata chamela. Oa‐EGase I‐ and Oa‐EGase II‐deduced proteins and three‐dimensional structures possess all features, including general architecture, signature motifs and catalytic domains, of glycosyl hydrolase families 5 and 45 (GHF5 and GHF45) and also share high levels of homology with other beetle cellulases. Total carboxymethylcellulase activity ofO. a. chamelawas 208.13 U/g of larvae. Phylogenetic analyses suggest that insect GHF5 and GHF45 are very ancient gene families and indicate, at least in the case of GHF5, that this family likely evolved from a common ancestor rather than, as is often reported, via horizontal gene transfer. Beetle GHF45 cellulases did not cluster with other metazoan cellulases. However, the presence of GHF45 cellulases in ancient molluscan taxa puts into question the hypothesis of horizontal gene transfer for the evolution of cellulases in animals.
Comparative analysis of Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus responsive genes in fat body and haemocyte of B. mori resistant and susceptible strains
Authors: Bao Y‐Y. , Lv Z‐Y. , Liu Z‐B. , Xue J. , Xu Y‐P. , Zhang C‐X.
Published: February 2010

The infection profiles of the Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) in B. mori larvae revealed that the virus invaded the fat body and haemocyte of both KN and 306 strains, which are highly resistant and susceptible, respectively, to BmNPV infection. However, viral proliferation was notably slowed in the resistant B. mori strain. Using suppression subtractive hybridization, two fat body cDNA libraries were constructed to compare BmNPV responsive gene expression levels between the two silkworm lines. In total, 96 differentially expressed genes were obtained. Real‐time quantitative PCR (qPCR) analysis confirmed that eight genes were significantly up‐regulated in the fat body and haemocyte of the KN strain following BmNPV injection. Our results suggest that these genes may have potential roles in B. mori antiviral infection mechanisms.
Phytophthora lateralis discovered in an old growth Chamaecyparis forest in Taiwan
Authors: Brasier C. M. , Vettraino A. M. , Chang T. T. , Vannini A.
Published: February 2010

The geographic origins of the invasive Phytophthora species, P. lateralis and P. ramorum are unknown. In 2008 soil samples were collected in an old growth yellow cedar (Chamaecyparis obtusa var. formosana) stand in the Ma‐kau Ecological Park in north eastern Taiwan and subjected to Phytophthora baiting procedures at 18°C. Cedar needle baits yielded isolates of a slow growing Phytophthora culture from one soil sample, together with P. cinnamomi. Phytophthora bisheria sp. nov. was obtained from another sample. The slow growing isolates conformed closely to P. lateralis in the morphology of their sporangia and chlamydospores, growth–temperature relationships, absence of gametangia and their ITS and cox II sequences. The isolates’ sporangia were partially caducous, with short pre‐formed pedicels of ca. 3–5 μm, a highly unusual feature in a non‐papillate Phytophthora. The isolates also produced multicellular stromata on cedar decoction agar. Small morphological and molecular differences were observed between the Taiwan‐isolates and Oregon‐control isolates. Taiwan may lie within the geographic centre of origin of P. lateralis. By analogy Japan may also lie within the natural range of P. lateralis; and Japan, along with Taiwan and Yunnan, could be an origin for the closely related P. ramorum.
The neurotrophic factor pleiotrophin modulates amphetamine‐seeking behaviour and amphetamine‐induced neurotoxic effects: evidence from pleiotrophin knockout mice
Authors: Gramage Esther , Putelli Alessia , Polanco Maria J. , González‐Martín Carmen , Ezquerra Laura , Alguacil Luis F. , Pérez‐Pinera Pablo , Deuel Thomas F. , Herradón Gonzalo
Published: February 2010

Pleiotrophin (PTN), a neurotrophic factor with important roles in survival and differentiation of dopaminergic neurons, is up‐regulated in the nucleus accumbens after amphetamine administration suggesting that PTN could modulate amphetamine‐induced pharmacological or neuroadaptative effects. To test this hypothesis, we have studied the effects of amphetamine administration in PTN genetically deficient (PTN −/−) and wild type (WT, +/+) mice. In conditioning studies, we found that amphetamine induces conditioned place preference in both PTN −/− and WT (+/+) mice. When these mice were re‐evaluated after a 5‐day period without amphetamine administration, we found that WT (+/+) mice did not exhibit amphetamine‐seeking behaviour, whereas, PTN −/− mice still showed a robust drug‐seeking behaviour. In immunohystochemistry studies, we found that amphetamine (10 mg/kg, four times, every 2 hours) causes a significant increase of glial fibrillary acidic protein positive cells in the striatum of amphetamine‐treated PTN −/− mice compared with WT mice 4 days after last administration of the drug, suggesting an enhanced amphetamine‐induced astrocytosis in the absence of endogenous PTN. Interestingly, we found in concomitantin vitrostudies that PTN (3 µM) limits amphetamine (1 mM)‐induced loss of viability of PC12 cell cultures, effect that could be related to the ability of PTN to induce the phosphorylation of Akt and ERK1/2. To test this possibility, we used specific Akt and ERK1/2 inhibitors uncovering for the first time that PTN‐induced protective effects against amphetamine‐induced toxicity in PC12 cells are mediated by the ERK1/2 signalling pathway. The data suggest an important role of PTN to limit amphetamine‐induced neurotoxic and rewarding effects.
IgE in the human placenta: why there?
Authors: Rindsjö E. , Joerink M. , Papadogiannakis N. , Scheynius A.
Published: February 2010

To cite this article: Rindsjö E, Joerink M, Papadogiannakis N, Scheynius A. IgE in the human placenta: why there? Allergy 2010; 65: 554–560.

Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies are key effector molecules in the allergic inflammatory response and are also involved in the protection against extracellular parasites. Allergic symptoms often develop early in life, and the intrauterine environment has been proposed to play an important role in affecting the risk of later allergy development. The placenta constitutes a selective barrier between the maternal and foetal circulation. Recently, we reported that maternal IgE antibodies are present on foetal macrophages in the villous tissue of the human placenta irrespective of maternal allergy status. This review discusses the presence of IgE antibodies in the human placenta and its possible roles in normal and pathologic pregnancy. It also deals with the relationship between placental IgE and development of allergy during childhood. A better understanding of the role of IgE in placenta could give us clues on how to prevent allergy development in the future generations.
Structure and putative function of NFX1‐like proteins in plants
Authors: Müssig C. , Schröder F. , Usadel B. , Lisso J.
Published: February 2010

The human NFX1 transcription factor constitutes a group of NFX1‐type zinc finger proteins. It forms a central Cys‐rich region with several NFX1‐type zinc finger domains that have been shown to mediate DNA binding. Proteins with NFX1‐type zinc fingers are found in protists, fungi, animals and plants, and may be ubiquitous in eukaryotes. This review discusses the structure and putative roles of NFX1‐like proteins, with a focus on human NFX1 and Arabidopsis NFXL1 proteins. By means of manual sequence analysis and application of hidden Markov models, we demonstrate that NFX1‐like proteins form a specific RING finger motif with a C4HC3 Zn ligand signature and additional distinct features, suggesting that these proteins function as E3 ubiquitin ligases. Phylogenetic analysis revealed different clades of NFX1‐like proteins. The plant proteins group into two distinct clades. The genomes of plants such as rice, Arabidopsis, poplar and grapevine encode one member of each clade, suggesting that the presence of two NFX1‐like factors is sufficient in flowering plants. The Arabidopsis proteins presumably fine‐tune opposed biotic and abiotic stress response pathways.
The distribution of QTL additive and dominance effects in porcine F2 crosses
Authors: Bennewitz J. , Meuwissen T.H.E.
Published: February 2010

The present study used published quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping data from three F2 crosses in pigs for 34 meat quality and carcass traits to derive the distribution of additive QTL effects as well as dominance coefficients. Dominance coefficients were calculated as the observed QTL dominance deviation divided by the absolute value of the observed QTL additive effect. The error variance of this ratio was approximated using the delta method. Mixtures of normal distributions (mixtures of normals) were fitted to the dominance coefficient using a modified EM‐algorithm that considered the heterogeneous error variances of the data points. The results suggested clearly to fit one component which means that the dominance coefficients are normally distributed with an estimated mean (standard deviation) of 0.193 (0.312). For the additive effects mixtures of normals and a truncated exponential distribution were fitted. Two components were fitted by the mixtures of normals. The mixtures of normals did not predict enough QTL with small effects compared to the exponential distribution and to literature reports. The estimated rate parameter of the exponential distribution was 5.81 resulting in a mean effect of 0.172.
Contributions of genetic and environmental components to changes in phenotypic variation between generations
Authors: Wolc A. , White I.M.S. , Lisowski M. , Hill W.G.
Published: February 2010

We evaluate the extent to which changes in phenotypic variation among generations of populations kept in the same environment are due to changes in genetic (VA) or in environmental (VE) variance. Data were available on body weight of adult poultry on a total of 89186 birds (mainly females) from six generations of each of seven lines of layers. There was substantial heterogeneity of variation between generations, shown to be in both VA and VE components. Based on the Akaike information criterion (AIC), the best fit was with both components changing, and a better fit was obtained if VA/VE (i.e. heritability) or VE, rather than VA, was assumed constant. In analyses of quantitative genetic data spanning environmental groups, attention should be paid to whether and how the variance components change among groups before undertaking detailed variance partition that may be sensitive to such changes.
Mykoserologie – sind wir weitergekommen? Aspergillus
Authors: Kappe R. , Rimek D.
Published: February 2010

Die schwer zu diagnostizierenden Erkrankungen durch Aspergillus spp. erfordern ergänzende serologische Teste. Das ist das Ergebnis selektiver Literatur‐Recherche unter Berücksichtigung aktueller Leitlinien. Für die Manifestationsformen der Aspergillose wird derzeit zur Ergänzung der konventionellen Diagnostik (Bildgebung, Mikroskopie und Kultur) die Bestimmung folgender Parameter aus Blutserum empfohlen: Invasive und chronisch‐nekrotisierende Aspergillose: Aspergillus‐Galactomannan‐Antigen. Testformat: EIA auf der Basis des Ratten‐MAb EB‐A2. Cut‐off 0,5 (Index). Überwachung von Hochrisiko‐Patienten: 2 x wöchentlich. Aspergillus‐IgG (Testformat: EIA) als Bestätigungs‐Test bei Rekonstitution der Leukozyten‐Funktion unter Therapie. Aspergillom: Aspergillus‐IgG (Testformat: EIA). Allergische Aspergillose: Aspergillus‐IgE (Testformat: RAST). Der Galactomannan‐Antigen‐Nachweis hat einen festen Stellenwert in der Diagnostik invasiver Aspergillosen. Die Evaluation von Aspergillus‐Nukleinsäure‐Amplifikations‐Assays steht noch aus.
Leitliniengerechte Therapie der invasiven Aspergillose
Authors: Karthaus M.
Published: February 2010

Invasive Pilzinfektionen durch Aspergillus spp. treten überwiegend bei gestörter Immunabwehr auf. Sie sind auch heute noch mit einer hohen infektionsassoziierten Sterblichkeit von bis zu über 50% behaftet. Erkrankungen werden beim Menschen hauptsächlich durch Aspergillus fumigatus, A. flavus und A. niger verursacht. Andere Spezies, z. B. A. terreus oder A. nidulans, spielen quantitativ eine untergeordnete Rolle. Die Primärtherapie der invasiven Aspergillose ist in den letzten zehn Jahren durch die Einführung neuer Azole und der Echinocandine effektiver und sicherer geworden. Für die Erstlinientherapie ist Voriconazol Mittel der Wahl. Die Effektivität von Voriconazol ist gut belegt, einschließlich disseminierter Infektionen bis zum Befall des ZNS. Amphotericin B‐Desoxycholat weist deutliche Nebenwirkungen bei i.v. Therapie auf. Die nordamerikanische Infectious Disease Society (IDSA) Guideline von 2008 empfiehlt Amphotericin B‐Desoxycholat aufgrund substantieller Toxizitäten nur noch für Regionen mit eingeschränkten Ressourcen, die in nicht entwickelten Ländern vorliegen können. Liposomales Amphotericin B in der Standarddosierung (3 mg/kg) weist ähnliche Ansprechraten wie Voriconazol in der Erstlinientherapie der invasiven Aspergillose auf. Allerdings fehlt ein direkter Vergleich mit Voriconazol aus randomisierten Studien. In der Zweitlinientherapie nach Versagen oder Intoleranz der Primärtherapie wurden in den letzten Jahren Caspofungin, Micafungin und Posaconazol untersucht. Kombinationstherapien werden bei refraktären Fällen einer invasiven Aspergillose im klinischen Alltag eingesetzt. Ergebnisse aus vergleichenden prospektiven kontrollierten Studien einer Kombinationstherapie gegenüber einer Monotherapie werden erst nach 2010 zu erwarten sein.
Überlegungen zur Pathobiologie der Candidämie
Authors: Müller J.
Published: February 2010

Die pathobiologische Grundsituation beim Candidämie‐Patienten wird diskutiert. Dazu wurde die im Blutkreislauf zirkulierende Zahl der Pilzzellen geschätzt und zirkulierende Candida‐Mannoprotein‐ und Candida‐Mannan‐Antigen‐Konzentrationen berechnet. Die kalkulierten Werte werden zu labordiagnostischen Befunden und zur Auslösung des Candidämie‐Fiebers in Beziehung gesetzt.
Preoperative staging of gastric cancer by endoscopic ultrasonography and multidetector‐row computed tomography
Authors: Hwang Sung Wook , Lee Dong Ho , Lee Sang Hyub , Park Young Soo , Hwang Jin Hyeok , Kim Jin Wook , Jung Sook Hyang , Kim Na Young , Kim Young Hoon , Lee Kyoung Ho , Kim Hyung‐Ho , Park Do Joong , Lee Hye Seung , Jung Hyun Chae , Song In Sung
Published: February 2010

Background and Aim:  The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) and multidetector‐row computed tomography (MDCT) for the locoregional staging of gastric cancer. EUS and computed tomography (CT) are valuable tools for the preoperative evaluation of gastric cancer. With the introduction of new therapeutic options and the recent improvements in CT technology, further evaluation of the diagnostic accuracy of EUS and MDCT is needed.

Methods:  In total, 277 patients who underwent EUS and MDCT, followed by gastrectomy or endoscopic resection at Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University, from July 2006 to April 2008, were analyzed. The results from the preoperative EUS and MDCT were compared to the postoperative pathological findings.

Results:  Among the 277 patients, the overall accuracy of EUS and MDCT for T staging was 74.7% and 76.9%, respectively. Among the 141 patients with visualized primary lesions on MDCT, the overall accuracy of EUS and MDCT for T staging was 61.7% and 63.8%, respectively. The overall accuracy for N staging was 66% and 62.8%, respectively. The performance of EUS and MDCT for large lesions and lesions at the cardia and angle had significantly lower accuracy than that of other groups. For EUS, the early gastric cancer lesions with ulcerative changes had significantly lower accuracy than those without ulcerative changes.

Conclusions:  For the preoperative assessment of individual T and N staging in patients with gastric cancer, the accuracy of MDCT was close to that of EUS. Both EUS and MDCT are useful complementary modalities for the locoregional staging of gastric cancer.
Change in cross‐sectional area of esophageal muscle does not correlate with the outcome of achalasia after pneumatic balloon dilatation
Authors: Sinn Dong Hyun , Choi Yong Sung , Kim Jeong Hwan , Kim Eun Ran , Son Hee Jung , Kim Jae J , Rhee Jong Chul , Rhee Poong‐Lyul
Published: February 2010

Background and Aim:  Patients with achalasia have a thicker muscularis propria compared to normal patients. Because pneumatic balloon dilatation (PD) is an effective treatment for achalasia, the changes in the esophageal muscles after PD may predict treatment outcomes, if muscular change is of primary importance. In the present study, we aimed to observe the changes in esophageal muscle thickness following PD and assessed whether symptom relapse can be predicted on the basis of the esophageal muscle cross‐sectional area (CSA), as measured by high‐frequency intraluminal ultrasound (HFIUS).

Methods:  Fifteen patients treated by PD were studied and followed up for a median of 3.6 years. An HFIUS was done before PD and 6 months after PD. The esophageal muscle CSA measured at the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), and 3 and 6 cm above the LES, was used to see whether any association was present between symptom recurrence and the esophageal muscle CSA.

Results:  A single PD resulted in a 2‐year remission rate of 66%. A significance variance in change (−65%–248%) was noticed in the muscle CSA after PD. The predilation muscle CSA, post‐dilation muscle CSA, and change in the muscle CSA after PD was not associated with symptom recurrence.

Conclusion:  Our findings suggest that measuring the muscle CSA does not help to predict treatment outcome. Muscular changes in achalasia might be just reactive changes.
Factors affecting the efficacy of cyclosporin A therapy for refractory ulcerative colitis
Authors: Bamba Shigeki , Tsujikawa Tomoyuki , Inatomi Osamu , Nakahara Tamio , Koizumi Yusuke , Saitoh Yasuharu , Sasaki Masaya , Fujiyama Yoshihide , Andoh Akira
Published: February 2010

Background and Aims:  Cyclosporin A (CSA), an immunosuppressive agent, is highly efficacious in patients with refractory ulcerative colitis (UC). We retrospectively investigated patients with refractory UC treated with CSA therapy to elucidate the efficacy and the prognostic factors.

Methods:  Forty‐one patients (26 men and 15 women) were enrolled. The efficacy of CSA was assessed at three time points: short‐ and mid‐term assessments took place 2 weeks and 1 year after CSA administration, respectively, and long‐term assessments at the end of the observation period.

Results:  The short‐term response rate was 71%. Background analysis revealed risk factors for CSA unresponsiveness: (i) more than 10 000 mg of prednisolone used before CSA treatment; (ii) the presence of circulating (C7‐HRP); and (iii) disease duration more than 4 years. The mid‐term relapse‐free survival rate was 51.0%. The addition of azathioprine (AZA) after CSA treatment significantly suppressed the incidence of relapse at 1 year (72.5% vs 26.7%, P = 0.0237). The overall colectomy‐free survival rate was 46.4%, and the induction of AZA after CSA treatment significantly reduced the colectomy rate (66.7% vs 30.5%, P = 0.0419). Among CSA responders, AZA naïve patients had significant lower‐probabilities for colectomies compared to patients with prior AZA treatment (22.5% vs 56.7%, P = 0.0309). The administration of CSA was discontinued in five cases.

Conclusion:  Our results revealed factors affecting the efficacy of CSA therapy for patients with refractory UC. AZA is an important agent that maintains disease quiescence once one responds to CSA. However, refractory patients despite AZA treatment are more likely to have consequent colectomies.
The Asia‐Pacific consensus on ulcerative colitis
Authors: Ooi Choon Jin , Fock Kwong Ming , Makharia Govind K , Goh Khean Lee , Ling Khoon Lin , Hilmi Ida , Lim Wee Chian , Kelvin Thia , Gibson Peter R , Gearry Richard B , Ouyang Qin , Sollano Jose , Manatsathit Sathaporn , Rerknimitr Rungsun , Wei Shu‐chen , Leung Wai Keung , De Silva H Janaka , Leong Rupert WL ,   for the Asia Pacific Association of Gastroenterology (APAGE) Working Group on Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Published: February 2010

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is increasing in many parts of the Asia‐Pacific region. There is a need to improve the awareness of IBD and develop diagnostic and management recommendations relevant to the region. This evidence‐based consensus focuses on the definition, epidemiology and management of ulcerative colitis (UC) in Asia.

A multi‐disciplinary group developed the consensus statements, reviewed the relevant literature, and voted on them anonymously using the Delphi method. The finalized statements were reviewed to determine the level of consensus, evidence quality and strength of recommendation.

Infectious colitis must be excluded prior to diagnosing UC. Typical histology and macroscopic extent of the disease seen in the West is found in the Asia‐Pacific region. Ulcerative colitis is increasing in many parts of Asia with gender distribution and age of diagnosis similar to the West. Extra‐intestinal manifestations including primary sclerosing cholangitis are rarer than in the West. Clinical stratification of disease severity guides management. In Japan, leukocytapheresis is a treatment option. Access to biologic agents remains limited due to high cost and concern over opportunistic infections. The high endemic rates of hepatitis B virus infection require stringent screening before initiating immune‐suppressive agents. Vaccination and prophylactic therapies should be initiated on a case‐by‐case basis and in accordance with local practice. Colorectal cancer complicates chronic colitis.

A recent increase in UC is reported in the Asia‐Pacific region. These consensus statements aim to improve the recognition of UC and assist clinicians in its management with particular relevance to the region.
Combining transpapillary pancreatic duct stenting with endoscopic transmural drainage for pancreatic fluid collections: two heads are better than one!
Authors: Bhasin Deepak Kumar , Rana Surinder Singh
Published: February 2010

See article in J. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. 2010; 25: 526–531
Rejuvenation of atrophic gastritis in the elderly
Authors: Chung Jun‐Won , Hahm Ki‐Baik
Published: February 2010

See article in J. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. 2010; 25: 544–547
Inflammatory bowel disease in Asia
Authors: Leong Rupert W L , Kamm Michael A , Hu Pin Jin , Sung Joseph J Y
Published: February 2010

See article in J. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. 2010; 25: 453–468
Environment for nursing scholarship and journal impact factors in Taiwan
Authors: Ketefian Shaké , Dai Yu‐Tzu
Published: February 2010

Universities are seeking objective measures to assess their faculty members' research output in order to improve their national and international standing. Despite concerns, many have adopted the impact factor of journals for this purpose. The objective of this study was to explore the conditions that have been created within Taiwan as a result of such national and institutional policies. A case study design was used. Information was sought from five senior faculty members, who responded to a questionnaire with items derived from the literature. A key participant provided context within the country. The data were summarized and described. The respondents confirmed the presence of governmental and university policies for publication in high‐impact factor journals; they saw some positive aspects, yet described the obstacles faced by many scholars, felt that the policies led to competition rather than cooperation, and viewed national, compared to international, publications in opposing terms. The findings are discussed within the context of current nursing literature. It is recommended that, where impact factors are used, they not be the only quality measure. A larger and more representative study is also recommended.
Skeletal‐related events in urological cancer patients with bone metastasis: A multicenter study in Japan
Authors: Yokomizo Akira , Koga Hirofumi , Shinohara Nobuo , Miyahara Tsukasa , Machida Noriko , Tsukino Hiromasa , Uozumi Jiro , Nishiyama Kenryu , Satoh Fuminori , Sakai Hideki , Naito Seiji
Published: February 2010

Objective:  To investigate the incidence of skeletal‐related events (SRE) in urological cancer patients with bone metastases in Japan.

Methods:  Five hundred eleven patients with urological cancer and documented bone metastases treated from January 2003 to April 2008 in ten Japanese institutions were included in a retrospective analysis. Type and incidence of SRE (fracture, radiotherapy, spinal cord compression, surgery, hypercalcemia, and bone pain) were determined from patient medical records.

Results:  The overall incidence of SRE, including ‘pain’, was 61%. The most common event was radiotherapy for bone metastases, with an incidence of 31%. The overall incidence of events seemed to be similar among Japanese and Western patients with prostate cancer and renal cell carcinoma when comparing data with previously published reports. Nevertheless, a much lower incidence of fracture (19.1%) was observed in Japanese renal cell carcinoma patients.

Conclusions:  The overall incidence of SRE in Japanese urological cancer patients with bone metastasis was similar to that in Western patients, but the incidence of fracture was lower in Japanese renal cancer patients.
Central Australian Ocular Health Study: design and baseline description of participants
Authors: Landers John , Henderson Tim , Craig Jamie
Published: February 2010

Abstract

Purpose:  To describe the design and demographic characteristics of a study to determine the prevalence of ocular morbidity among indigenous Australians living within remote central Australia.

Methods:  1884 individuals aged 20 years or older, living in one of 30 remote communities within the statistical local area of ‘central Australia’ were recruited for this study. Participants were recruited as they presented to the eye clinic at each remote community. Patients underwent visual acuity testing and subjective refraction. Following this they had a comprehensive ocular assessment. A baseline description of the participants is presented.

Results:  1884 participants were recruited including 689 (36.6%) males and 1195 (63.4%) females. This equates to 36% of those aged 20 years or older and 67% of those aged 40 years or older living in central Australia. 55% of participants were diabetic and 20% of participants were symptomatic of an eye condition, but the majority of these only had presbyopia. Combined, those who presented due to diabetes (regardless of symptoms), due to presbyopia, or without any symptoms made up 95% of the sample.

Conclusion:  Despite being recruited through clinics, the majority of participants presented for a ‘check‐up’ because the clinic was available and not due to symptoms. Therefore, the data we collected may be used to establish the current prevalence of ocular morbidity within the indigenous community living in remote central Australia with particular reference to those aged 40 years or older. As such, this can help to determine the current and future needs of this population.
Prevalence and associations of diabetic retinopathy in indigenous Australians within central Australia: the Central Australian Ocular Health Study
Authors: Landers John , Henderson Tim , Abhary Sotoodeh , Craig Jamie
Published: February 2010

Abstract

Purpose:  To determine the prevalence and associations of diabetic retinopathy (DR) within the indigenous Australian population living in central Australia.

Methods:  1884 individuals aged 20 years or older, living in one of 30 remote communities within the statistical local area of ‘central Australia’ were recruited for this study. This equated to 36% of those aged 20 years or older and 67% of those aged 40 years or older within this district. Participants were recruited as they presented to the eye clinic at each remote community. Following dilated slit‐lamp fundoscopy, the amount of DR in participants with diabetes mellitus (DM) was quantified using the Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study criteria. The presence of any DR and vision‐threatening DR (clinically significant macular oedema and/or proliferative DR) in one or both eyes was presented.

Results:  Of those with diabetes, 22.2% (25.4% of those aged 40 years or older) had any DR and 7.0% (8.4% of those aged 40 years or older) had vision‐threatening DR. Both the presence of any DR and vision‐threatening DR were associated with advancing age and HbA1c level, but neither subcategory was associated with sex or self‐reported hypertension.

Conclusion:  Our study has shown similar prevalence rates for DR in indigenous Australians compared with non‐indigenous Australians. However, as DM is far more prevalent among indigenous Australians, the proportion of those affected by DR across the population should be considerably higher when compared with non‐indigenous Australians.
Prevalence and associations of cataract in indigenous Australians within central Australia: the Central Australian Ocular Health Study
Authors: Landers John , Henderson Tim , Craig Jamie
Published: February 2010

Abstract

Purpose:  To determine the prevalence and associations of cataract within the indigenous Australian population living in central Australia.

Methods:  1884 individuals aged ≥20 years, living in one of 30 remote communities within the statistical local area of ‘central Australia’ were recruited for this study. This equated to 36% of those aged ≥20 years and 67% of those aged ≥40 years within this district. Slit‐lamp examination was performed. The degree and subtype of cataract was graded using the Lens Opacities Classification System III criteria. A cataract was defined as a nuclear opalescence ≥4.0, a cortical opacity ≥3.0, a posterior subcapsular opacity ≥2.0, a visual acuity worse than 6/12 or a visual acuity worse than 6/60 due to cataract. The prevalence of cataract in one or both eyes was presented for each of the definitions.

Results:  Nuclear opalescence cataract was present in 13.5% (18.5% of those ≥40 years); cortical opacity cataract was present in 13.1% (17.7% of those ≥40 years); and posterior subcapsular cataract was present in 15.8% (21.0% of those ≥40 years). 12.6% of patients (17.3% of those ≥40 years) and 4.4% of patients (5.9% of those ≥40 years) had a cataract that resulted in a visual acuity of worse than 6/12 and worse than 6/60, respectively. All cataracts were associated with advancing age. Posterior subcapsular cataract was associated with self‐reported diabetes.

Conclusion:  There is a higher prevalence of cataract among indigenous Australians living within remote central Australia compared with the non‐indigenous population. Services for this population need to be designed with this in mind when planning resource allocation.
Prevalence and associations of refractive error in indigenous Australians within central Australia: the Central Australian Ocular Health Study
Authors: Landers John , Henderson Tim , Craig Jamie
Published: February 2010

Abstract

Purpose:  To determine the prevalence and associations of refractive error within the indigenous Australian population living in central Australia.

Methods:  1884 individuals aged 20 years or older, living in one of 30 remote communities within the statistical local area of ‘central Australia’ were recruited for this study. This equated to 36% of those aged 20 years or older and 67% of those aged 40 years or older within this district. Participants were recruited as they presented to the eye clinic at each remote community. Participants underwent subjective refraction to determine spherical equivalent and then had a slit‐lamp anterior segment examination. Participants were only included if they were phakic and only the right eye was considered. The prevalence of hypermetropia worse than +1.0 dioptres (D), myopia worse than −0.5 D and astigmatism worse than 1.0 D is presented.

Results:  From those recruited, 15.2% were hypermetropic; 11.1% were myopic; and 6.2% had astigmatism. Participants became progressively more hypermetropic with increasing age until the age of 70 years, after which time they become more myopic. Furthermore, there was an increasing likelihood of myopia and a decreasing likelihood of hypermetropia with increasing nuclear opalescent cataract.

Conclusion:  Our study has shown that indigenous Australians are less likely to be ametropic compared with non‐indigenous groups. Variations with age and nuclear opalescent cataract seen in other previous work have also been observed in our sample.
Catheter ablation for ventricular tachycardia
Authors: Lim H. S. , Singleton C. B. , Alasady M. , McGavigan A. D.
Published: February 2010

Sudden cardiac death due to ventricular arrhythmias remains the most common cause of death in developed nations. Implantable cardioverter defibrillators have been shown to improve mortality in high‐risk groups for ventricular tachyarrhythmias, but they are not curative, with the risk of arrhythmia recurrence remaining unaltered. It is also important to remember that ventricular tachycardia (VT) in the setting of a structurally normal heart is often not associated with an increased risk of sudden death and catheter ablation is a potentially curative procedure in this cohort. Recent advances in catheter ablation for VT have increased the efficacy in creating adequate lesions, accurate three‐dimensional maps and mapping haemodynamically unstable VT, all of which have increased the utility of this modality in the treatment of ventricular arrhythmias. In this article, we review the recent advances that have fuelled renewed interest in catheter ablation of VT, its clinical utility and who should be referred.
Pre‐hospital oxygen therapy in acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Wijesinghe M. , Perrin K. , Healy B. , Hart K. , Clay J. , Weatherall M. , Beasley R.
Published: February 2010

Background: High concentration oxygen is commonly administered during acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). The aim of this study was to determine the association between oxygen, severity markers and poor outcomes in AECOPD.

Methods: In an audit of patients with AECOPD arriving by ambulance to the Emergency Department of Wellington Hospital, details of oxygen administration, clinical outcomes and severity markers were documented. The main outcome measure was a composite of death, assisted ventilation, or respiratory failure. Associations between oxygen therapy, severity markers and poor clinical outcomes were assessed by logistic regression.

Results: Of 250 patients 77 (31%) died, required assisted ventilation or were in respiratory failure. Increased oxygen flow was associated with increasing risk of death, assisted ventilation or respiratory failure with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.2 (95% CI 1.0–1.4) per 1 L/min oxygen flow. Increasing PaO2 was associated with a greater risk of a poor outcome with an OR of 1.1 (95% CI 1.0–1.3) per 10 mmHg higher PaO2. Home oxygen (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.5–5.1), previous respiratory failure (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.5–4.6), previous ventilation (OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.7–5.9) and home nebulizer use (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.4–4.3) were associated with an increased risk of a poor outcome.

Conclusion: In AECOPD high flow oxygen in the ambulance is associated with poor clinical outcomes. A number of easily identified markers of chronic disease severity indicate an increased risk of a poor clinical outcome.
Cautionary tales in the interpretation of studies of tools for predicting risk and prognosis
Authors: Scott I. A. , Greenberg P. B.
Published: February 2010

Assessing future risk or prognosis in individual subjects is an often difficult and humbling task for clinicians. In recent times numerous prediction tools have been developed to make the task more accurate and thereby render management decisions more appropriate. If these tools are to be used effectively, an understanding is needed of their method of development, performance characteristics, ease of use and applicability in clinical settings, and potential impact on clinical decision‐making. In this fourth article in a series on critical appraisal, we discuss questions that need to be asked of any new risk prediction tool.
Transient oxidative stress evokes early changes in the functional properties of neonatal rat hypoglossal motoneurons in vitro
Authors: Nani Francesca , Cifra Alessandra , Nistri Andrea
Published: February 2010

Oxidative stress of motoneurons is believed to be an important contributor to neurodegeneration underlying the familial (and perhaps even the sporadic) form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This concept has generated numerous rodent genetic models with inborn oxidative stress to mimic the clinical condition. ALS is, however, a predominantly sporadic disorder probably triggered by environmental causes. Thus, it is interesting to understand how wild‐type motoneurons react to strong oxidative stress as this response might cast light on the presymptomatic disease stage. The present study used, as a model, hypoglossal motoneurons from the rat brainstem slice to investigate how hydrogen peroxide could affect synaptic transmission and intrinsic motoneuron excitability in relation to their survival. Hydrogen peroxide (1 mm; 30 min) induced inward current or membrane depolarization accompanied by an increase in input resistance, enhanced firing and depressed spontaneous synaptic events. Despite enhanced intracellular oxidative processes, there was no death of motoneurons, although most cells were immunopositive for activating transcription factor 3, a stress‐related transcription factor. Voltage‐clamp experiments indicated increased frequency of excitatory or inhibitory miniature events, and reduced voltage‐gated persistent currents of motoneurons. The global effect of this transient oxidative challenge was to depress the input flow from the premotor interneurons to motoneurons that became more excitable due to a combination of enhanced input resistance and impaired spike afterhyperpolarization. Our data show previously unreported changes in motoneuron activity associated with cell distress caused by a transient oxidative insult.
Expression pattern of miR‐146a, an inflammation‐associated microRNA, in experimental and human temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Aronica E. , Fluiter K. , Iyer A. , Zurolo E. , Vreijling J. , Van Vliet E. A. , Baayen J. C. , Gorter J. A.
Published: February 2010

Increasing evidence supports the involvement of inflammatory and immune processes in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). MicroRNAs (miRNA) represent small regulatory RNA molecules that have been shown to act as negative regulators of gene expression controlling different biological processes, including immune‐system homeostasis and function. We investigated the expression and cellular distribution of miRNA‐146a (miR‐146a) in a rat model of TLE as well as in human TLE. miR‐146a analysis in rat hippocampus was performed by polymerase chain reaction and immunocytochemistry at 1 week and 3–4 months after induction of status epilepticus (SE). Prominent upregulation of miR‐146a activation was evident at 1 week after SE and persisted in the chronic phase. The miR‐146a expression was confirmed to be present in reactive astrocytes. In human TLE with hippocampal sclerosis, increased astroglial expression of miR‐146a was observed mainly in regions where neuronal cell loss and reactive gliosis occurred. The increased and persistent expression of miR‐146a in reactive astrocytes supports the possible involvement of miRNAs in the modulation of the astroglial inflammatory response occurring in TLE and provides a target for future studies aimed at developing strategies against pro‐epileptogenic inflammatory signalling.