bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microcoding and flow cytometry as a high-throughput fungal identification system for Malassezia species
Authors: Diaz Mara R. , Boekhout Teun , Theelen Bart , Bovers Marjan , Cabañes Francisco J. , Fell Jack W.
Published: August 2006

Yeasts of the genus Malassezia have been associated with a variety of dermatological disorders in humans and domestic animals. With the recent recognition of new members of the genus, new questions are emerging with regard to the pathogenesis and epidemiology of the new species. As new species are recognized, a precise and comprehensive identification system is needed. Herein is described a bead suspension culture-based array that combines the specificity and reliability of nucleic acid hybridization analysis with the speed and sensitivity of the Luminex analyser. The developed 16-plex array consisted of species- and group-specific capture probes that acted as ‘microcodes' for species identification. The probes, which were designed from sequence analysis in the D1/D2 region of rRNA and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions, were covalently bound to unique sets of fluorescent beads. Upon hybridization, the biotinylated amplicon was detected by the addition of a fluorochrome coupled to a reporter molecule. The hybridized beads were subsequently analysed by flow cytometric techniques. The developed array, which allowed the detection of species in a multiplex and high-throughput format, was accurate and fast, since it allowed precise identification of species and required less than 1 h following PCR amplification. The described protocol, which can integrate uniplex or multiplex PCR reactions, permitted the simultaneous detection of target sequences in a single reaction, and allowed single mismatch discrimination between probe and non-target sequences. The assay has the capability to be expanded to include other medically important pathogenic species in a single or multiplex array format.
Real-time PCR detection and speciation of Cryptosporidium infection using Scorpion probes
Authors: Stroup Suzanne E. , Roy Shantanu , Mchele John , Maro Venance , Ntabaguzi Simon , Siddique Abdullah , Kang Gagandeep , Guerrant Richard L. , Kirkpatrick Beth D. , Fayer Ronald , Herbein Joel , Ward Honourine , Haque Rashidul , Houpt Eric R.
Published: August 2006

At least eight species of Cryptosporidium can cause human infection and disease. A real-time PCR (qPCR) assay based on the 18S rRNA gene and utilizing a Scorpion probe was developed to detect all human-pathogenic Cryptosporidium without the usual need for nested amplification. Sensitivity of detection in stool samples was highest using a glass bead-based DNA extraction method (under 103 oocysts per stool sample). The assay was validated against 123 human stool specimens from Bangladesh and Tanzania, exhibited a sensitivity and specificity of >91 % versus microscopy, and detected an additional eight microscopy-negative infections. Cryptosporidium parvum-specific and Cryptosporidium meleagridis-specific Scorpion qPCR assays that provided 100 % accurate speciation compared with VspI RFLP analysis and sequencing were developed subsequently. These Scorpion probe qPCR assays are simpler to perform than existing nested PCR and RFLP methods for diagnosis and epidemiological investigation of cryptosporidiosis.
Fast and reliable PCR/sequencing/RFLP assay for identification of fungi in onychomycoses
Authors: Monod Michel , Bontems Olympia , Zaugg Christophe , Léchenne Barbara , Fratti Marina , Panizzon Renato
Published: August 2006

Fusarium spp. and other non-dermatophyte fungi are repeatedly isolated from abnormal nails. To investigate whether these fungi are the aetiological agents of infection or simply transient contaminants, a PCR/sequencing/RFLP assay was developed for direct and routine identification of the infecting fungi in onychomycosis. Fungal DNA was readily extracted using a commercial kit after dissolving nail fragments in a Na2S solution. Amplification of part of the 28S rDNA by PCR was performed with universal primers and the fungal species were identified by sequencing. The PCR/sequencing results were comparable with microbiological identification from the same nail sample. In addition to dermatophytes, Fusarium spp. and other less frequently isolated non-dermatophyte fungi were identified as single fungal agents in onychomycosis. Moreover, mixed infections were clearly demonstrated in 10 % of cases by RFLP analysis of PCR products. Identification of infectious agents could be obtained in 2 days, whilst results from fungal cultures take 1–3 weeks. Rapid and reliable molecular identification of the infectious fungus expedites the choice of appropriate antifungal therapy, thereby improving the cure rate of onychomycosis.
Identifying individual great barracuda Sphyraena barracuda using natural body marks
Authors: Wilson S. K. , Wilson D. T. , Lamont C. , Evans M.
Published: August 2006

Natural body marks on Sphyraena barracuda were recorded with digital images to identify individual fish. Over 18 months, 60 fish were photographed in situ, eight of which were re‐photographed at later dates. Re‐photographed fish were all large adults (>70 cm total length) and were all seen within 200 m of the site where they were originally observed 10–318 days prior. Over the same period and area, 116 fish were tagged using T‐bar tags, yet none of these fish were recaptured. Natural body marks are thus an effective means of identifying and monitoring behaviour of individuals.
Identifying migratory contingents of fish by combining otolith Sr:Ca with temporal collections of ambient Sr:Ca concentrations
Authors: Elsdon T. S. , Gillanders B. M.
Published: August 2006

Ambient strontium:calcium (Sr:Ca) concentrations were determined at the temporal scales of months, weeks and days, in summer and winter at two estuarine sites, and experimentally derived correlations between ambient and otolith Sr:Ca were used to estimate the otolith Sr:Ca concentrations of ‘resident’ black bream Acanthopagrus butcheri. Wild black bream were collected in summer and winter at the end of the temporal water sampling, and their otolith Sr:Ca concentrations were examined. Wild fish were classified as ‘resident’ if their otolith Sr:Ca matched the predicted concentrations of resident fish, and ‘migrant’ if this did not occur. In winter, all fish were classified as resident. In summer, all fish were classified as migrants, with fish spending an average of only 16·8% (estuary 1) and 61·1% (estuary 2) of their time at each estuarine location.
In vitro analysis of intestinal absorption of cadmium and calcium in rainbow trout fed with calcium‐ and cadmium‐supplemented diets
Authors: Baldisserotto B. , Chowdhury M. J. , Wood C. M.
Published: August 2006

The protective effects of dietary Ca2+ supplementation against Cd accumulation in rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss fed with Cd‐contaminated food were evaluated in relation to chronic changes in intestinal absorption rates. The changes were measured ‘in vitro’. The control diet contained c. 20 mg Ca2+ g−1 food and 0·25 μg Cd g−1 food; the experimental diets were supplemented with CaCO3 and Cd(NO3)2·4H2O to levels of 50 mg Ca2+ g−1 food and 300 μg Cd g−1 food, alone and in combination. The Ca2+ and Cd absorption rates were measured using radiotracers (45Ca, 109Cd) at total Ca2+ and Cd concentrations of 3·0 and 0·12 mmol l−1, respectively in the intestinal saline. Chronically elevated dietary Cd caused a significant increase in Cd absorption rate by up to 10‐fold at 30 days in the mid‐intestine. The high Ca2+ diet prevented this up‐regulation of Cd transport rate. Conversely, intestinal Ca2+ absorption was significantly increased by two‐ to five‐fold by the Ca2+‐supplemented diet at 30 days in both the mid‐ and posterior intestine, and this effect was eliminated when Cd was simultaneously elevated in the diet. Ca2+ and Cd probably interact at common pathways and transport mechanisms in the intestine, though independent pathways may also exist.
Changes in demersal wild fish aggregations beneath a sea‐cage fish farm after the cessation of farming
Authors: Tuya F. , Sanchez‐Jerez P. , Dempster T. , Boyra A. , Haroun R. J.
Published: August 2006

Demersal, non‐cryptic, wild fishes were counted in replicate 100 m2transects beneath a floating sea‐cage fish farm and two nearby sandy locations at Gran Canaria (Canary Islands, eastern Atlantic) four times before and after the cessation of farming. Cessation of farming involved the removal of farmed fishes and ceasing of the daily feeding, although farm structures (cages and moorings) remained. A ‘beyond‐BACI’ sampling design provided the framework to detect the effect of the cessation of farming, which produced qualitative and quantitative changes in the composition and structure of the fishes assemblages beneath the sea‐cage fish farm compared with two nearby controls. The aggregative effect on wild fishes due to the existence of the farm decreased fromc.50 times compared to nearby controls when the farm was in full operation to less than two times when only the farm structures remained. Abundances of particulate organic matter feeders (large‐sized mugilids), large benthic chondrichthyid rays andPagellusspp. declined markedly at the fish farm after the cessation of farming, suggesting that the removal of daily feeding was responsible for their disappearance. In contrast, abundances of herbivores, benthic macro‐ and meso‐carnivores were similar beneath the fish farm both before and after the cessation of farming. Benthic macro‐carnivores, however, were more abundant beneath the sea‐cages compared to control locations, supporting the hypothesis that the increase in the physical structure beneath farms plays a role in aggregating these species. Sparids occurred beneath the sea‐cages only after the cessation of farming, while the two natural control locations did not show differences from before to after the cessation of farming. Overall, the results show that the wild fish assemblage beneath the farm partially changed after the cessation of farming to a more natural state, approaching the assemblages observed at the control sites.
Male size composition affects male reproductive variance in Atlantic cod Gadus morhua L. spawning aggregations
Authors: Bekkevold D.
Published: August 2006

Estimates of Atlantic cod Gadus morhua reproductive success, determined using experimental spawning groups and genetic paternity assignment of offspring, showed that within‐group variance in male size correlated positively with the degree of male mating skew, predicting a decrease in male reproductive skew with decreasing size variation among males under natural conditions.
Can the chemistry of otolith nuclei determine population structure of Patagonian toothfish Dissostichus eleginoides?
Authors: Ashford J. R. , Arkhipkin A. I. , Jones C. M.
Published: August 2006

Otolith nucleus chemistry resolved the population structure of Patagonian toothfish Dissostichus eleginoides, an exclusively marine species, along the Patagonian Shelf and North Scotia Ridge out to South Georgia in the Southern Ocean. Concentrations of 55Mn, 88Sr and 137Ba, ratioed to 42Ca, showed a sharp population boundary in the vicinity of the Polar Front, between South Georgia and the North Scotia Ridge. These results validated otolith nucleus chemistry as a technique for examining population structure in Patagonian toothfish, demonstrating that otolith nucleus chemistry can discriminate between populations even in fully marine environments. Moreover, the nucleus chemistry indicated population heterogeneity not previously detected, suggesting the possibility of more than one South American population, and also suggested some South American‐caught fish had moved from South Georgia.
Reactions of cyprinids to infrasound in a lake and at the cooling water inlet of a nuclear power plant
Authors: Sonny D. , Knudsen F. R. , Enger P. S. , Kvernstuen T. , Sand O.
Published: August 2006

Behavioural effects of infrasound on cyprinids were tested. In Lake Borrevann, Norway, acute avoidance responses, at a distance up to 10 m from a 16 Hz infrasound projector were revealed by echosounding. At 10 m distance, a coarse estimate of the stimulus level (measured as the acceleration component of the particle motions) was c. 10−3 m s−2. Habituation was not evident during these tests. Two synchronized infrasound units were also installed 6 m apart in front of a cooling water intake of a nuclear power plant on the River Meuse, Belgium. Echosounding was used to compare the number of fishes entering the intake canal during on–off infrasound sequences. Relative to off‐periods, the reduction of the number of fishes entering during on‐periods was >80% at a distance of 0–12 m from the units. A significant reduction of 48% was observed considering the whole width (54 m) that was monitored. Fish impingement on the mechanical screens during the study revealed that >90% of the fishes entering the intake were cyprinids.
Growth, carcass composition and plasma growth hormone levels in cyclically fed rainbow trout
Authors: Blake R. W. , Inglis S. D. , Chan K. H. S.
Published: August 2006

Growth, body composition and plasma growth hormone levels were recorded weekly for 24 weeks in rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss. Underyearling rainbow trout were individually identified using coded tags and placed on either a cyclic feeding regime of 3 weeks of deprivation followed by 3 weeks of feeding or a daily feeding regime. No significant difference was found in standard length and mass among the cyclically fed and daily fed fish at the end of the experiment. For cyclically fed fish, the absolute specific growth rate and condition factor reached a maximum during the last week of refeeding. Cyclically fed fish had a significantly higher moisture and protein content and lower lipid levels relative to fish fed daily. Absolute mass and fat loss in the deprivation phase of the feeding cycle decreased in intensity with subsequent feeding cycles, indicating that the fish were acclimatizing to the feeding regime. It was proposed that this response was an adaptation against possible adverse effects in the adults (e.g. locomotor performance, bone ossification rates, fat deposition rate, growth rate and age at sexual maturity). Plasma growth hormone concentrations were not affected by cyclic feeding indicating that variations in plasma growth hormone concentration are not the cause of compensatory growth in rainbow trout.
Regional and interannual variations in spawning activity of Pacific saury Cololabis saira during northward migration in spring in the north‐western Pacific
Authors: Kurita Y.
Published: August 2006

Regional and interannual variations in spawning activity of Pacific saury Cololabis saira during the northward migration in spring were investigated for 1995–1997 in the north‐western Pacific. Only females with a large body size (≥270–290 mm knob length) appeared to spawn. Almost all females in this cohort were actively spawning in a region of sea surface temperature (TSS) >18° C, the proportion of active spawners appeared positively related to TSS in a region of 13° C < TSS≤ 18° C, and no females were spawning in the region of TSS≤13° C. Although this relationship between spawning activity and TSS was common in all years, the distribution of females in the large‐size cohort among the regions varied interannually. Consequently, the proportion of active spawners among adult females showed considerable interannual variations.
Growth depensation and group behaviour in juvenile hybrid striped bass Morone chrysops×Morone saxatilis: effects of group membership, feeding method, ration size and size disparity
Authors: Potthoff M. T. , Christman M. C.
Published: August 2006

The effects of group membership (three group sizes), feeding method (single site v. scattered), variation in ration size (low v. high) and starting size disparity (range of starting sizes) on growth, growth depensation and group behaviour of juvenile hybrid striped bass (HSB) Morone chrysops female ×Morone saxatilis male were tested. Group membership, starting size disparity and ration size affected the growth, growth depensation and behaviour of juvenile HSB. Growth was higher in fish held within large group memberships and high ration treatments. Growth depensation (size variation among individuals of the same age) in group memberships of three and 12 fish per tank was minimal when compared to intermediate memberships (six fish per tank). In addition, small fish held in tanks with fish of intermediate sizes demonstrated higher growth when compared to small fish housed with large individuals. Some behaviours, specifically activity and scramble feeding, were more elevated in large group memberships when compared to groups with fewer members. Activity was also found to increase over time during size disparity testing. Results suggest that HSB are ideally suited for high‐density, intensive aquaculture since they appear to thrive in high group memberships of similar starting sizes and when a sufficient amount of feed in administered.
Nesting, courtship and kidney hypertrophy inSchistocephalus‐infected male three‐spined stickleback from an upland lake
Authors: Rushbrook B. J. , Barber I.
Published: August 2006

The effect ofSchistocephalus solidusinfection on reproductive development and behaviour of male three‐spined sticklebackGasterosteus aculeatusfrom an upland lake (Llyn Frongoch, Wales, U.K.) was investigated. Uninfected and infected males were collected on two separate occasions during the 2005 breeding season and encouraged to build nests under favourable laboratory conditions. Male nuptial colouration, courtship levels and nesting activity were recorded daily over two separate 21 day studies. Completed nests were removed, encouraging males to build multiple nests. On termination of each study, males were dissected and the kidney and anyS. solidusplerocercoids were removed and weighed. In contrast to uninfected males, which readily built multiple nests, no infected males completed a nest during either study. Infected males also exhibited significantly reduced courtship levels, nesting activity, nuptial colouration, kidney development and body condition, compared with uninfected fish. Among infected three‐spined stickleback, courtship and nesting behaviours tended to be more severely impacted in fish harbouring heavier plerocercoid burdens. In contrast to other populations, male three‐spined stickleback from Llyn Frongoch appear to be unable to overcome the negative impacts of infections on reproductive development and behaviour when provided with short‐term favourable conditions. Discrepancies between populations might have been related to the trophic status at the site of capture, emphasizing the importance of studying the biological effects of infections under different environmental conditions.
Sound production, hearing and possible interception under ambient noise conditions in the topmouth minnow Pseudorasbora parva
Authors: Scholz K. , Ladich F.
Published: August 2006

Sounds were produced by the topmouth minnow Pseudorasbora parva, a common Eurasian cyprinid, during feeding but not during intraspecific interactions. Feeding sounds were short broadband pulses with main energies between 100 and 800 Hz. They varied in their characteristics (number of single sounds per feeding sequence, sound duration and period, and sound pressure level) depending on the food type (chironomid larvae, Tubifex worms and flake food). The loudest sounds were emitted when food was taken up at the water surface, most probably reflecting ‘suctorial’ feeding. Auditory sensitivities were determined between 100 and 4000 Hz utilizing the auditory evoked potentials recording technique. Under laboratory conditions and in the presence of natural ambient noise recorded in Lake Neusiedl in eastern Austria, best hearing sensitivities were between 300 and 800 Hz (57 dB re 1 μPa v. 72 dB in the presence of ambient noise). Threshold‐to‐noise ratios were positively correlated to the sound frequency. The correlation between sound spectra and auditory thresholds revealed that P. parva can detect conspecific sounds up to 40 cm distance under ambient noise conditions. Thus, feeding sounds could serve as an auditory cue for the presence of food during foraging.
Systematic review: the effectiveness of hypnotherapy in the management of irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: WILSON S. , MADDISON T. , ROBERTS L. , GREENFIELD S. , SINGH S. ,   ON BEHALF OF THE BIRMINGHAM IBS RESEARCH GROUP
Published: August 2006

Aim

To systematically review the literature evaluating hypnotherapy in the management of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Methods

Electronic databases were searched (Cochrane Library, Medline, CINAHL, AMED, Embase, PsycINFO, CISCOM, TRIP and the Social Science Citation index), bibliographic references scanned and main authors contacted. No restrictions were placed on language or publication year. Eligible studies involved adults with IBS using single‐component hypnotherapy. All studies, except single case or expert opinion, were sought and all patient‐related outcomes eligible.

Results

Out of 299 unique references identified, 20 studies (18 trials of which four were randomized, two controlled and 12 uncontrolled) and two case series were eligible. These tended to demonstrate hypnotherapy as being effective in the management of IBS. Numbers of patients included were small. Only one trial scored more than four out of eight on internal validity.

Conclusion

The published evidence suggests that hypnotherapy is effective in the management of IBS. Over half of the trials (10 of 18) indicated a significant benefit. A randomized placebo‐controlled trial of high internal validity is necessary to establish the effectiveness of hypnotherapy in the management of IBS. Until such a trial is undertaken, this form of treatment should be restricted to specialist centres caring for the more severe forms of the disorder.
Nitazoxanide in the treatment of acquired immune deficiency syndrome‐related cryptosporidiosis: results of the United States compassionate use program in 365 patients
Authors: ROSSIGNOL J.‐F.
Published: August 2006

Background

Cryptosporidiosis in patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome is a serious, life‐threatening disease.

Aim

A large compassionate use clinical trial was conducted in the USA to make nitazoxanide available to patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome‐related cryptosporidiosis and to collect data related to safety and effectiveness of the drug in this population.

Methods

Patients at least 3 years of age with acquired immune deficiency syndrome, diarrhoea (≥4 stools/day for >2 weeks) and Cryptosporidium‐positive stools received 500–1500 mg of nitazoxanide twice daily. Patients were evaluated at weeks 1, 2, 4 and monthly thereafter for drug safety and effectiveness including the stool examinations, review of symptoms and patient diaries. Data analysis for clinical and parasitological response was intention‐to‐treat.

Results

Three hundred and sixty‐five patients were enrolled at 165 study centres throughout the USA. The duration of treatment ranged from 1 to 1528 days (median 62 days). Among the 357 patients included in the intent‐to‐treat analysis, 209 (59%) achieved a sustained clinical response while on treatment. Clinical responses were closely associated with Cryptosporidium‐negative stools (P < 0.0001). No safety issues were identified at doses up to 3000 mg/day or for long durations of treatment.

Conclusions

Nitazoxanide can be considered useful therapy for treatment of with acquired immune deficiency syndrome‐related cryptosporidiosis.
Meta‐analysis: the adjuvant role of granulocyte macrophage‐colony stimulating factor on immunological response to hepatitis B virus vaccine in end‐stage renal disease
Authors: FABRIZI F. , GANESHAN S. V. , DIXIT V. , MARTIN P.
Published: August 2006

Background

Chronic dialysis patients often fail to produce protective antibodies to hepatitis B virus surface antigen after vaccination towards hepatitis B virus (HBV). Several authors suggested a benefit for granulocyte macrophage‐colony stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) as an adjuvant to HBV vaccination in patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD). However, consistent information is still lacking.

Aims

To evaluate efficacy and safety of GM‐CSF as adjuvant to hepatitis B vaccine in patients with ESRD by performing a systematic review with a meta‐analysis of prospective controlled clinical trials (CCTs).

Methods

Only trials comparing the seroresponse rate in study (GM‐CSF plus HBV vaccine) versus control (HBV vaccine alone) patients were included. We used the random effects model of DerSimonian and Laird, with heterogeneity and sensitivity analyses. The end‐point of interest was the rate of patients showing seroprotective anti‐hepatitis B titers at completion of HBV vaccine schedule in study versus control groups.

Results

We identified seven studies involving 187 unique patients with ESRD. Only prospective CCTs were included. Pooling of study results showed a significant increase in response rates among study (GM‐CSF plus HBV vaccine) versus control (HBV vaccine alone) patients (pooled Odds Ratio, 4.63 [95% Confidence Intervals, 1.42; 15.14]). The P‐value was 0.02 for our test of study heterogeneity.

Conclusions

Our meta‐analysis showed improved seroprotection rates with HBV vaccine after GM‐CSF administration.
Double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled study to evaluate the effects of tegaserod on gastric motor, sensory and myoelectric function in healthy volunteers
Authors: TALLEY N. J. , CAMILLERI M. , BURTON D. , THOMFORDE G. , KOCH K. , RUCKER M. J. , PETERSON J. , ZINSMEISTER A. R. , EARNEST D. L.
Published: August 2006

Background

The effects of tegaserod on gastric accommodation and postprandial satiety remain unclear.

Aim

To compare the effects of tegaserod 6 mg twice daily vs. placebo on gastric volumes, postprandial symptoms, gastric emptying, small bowel transit and the surface electrogastrogram in female and male healthy volunteers.

Methods

Randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study evaluated gastric function before and after 7 days of tegaserod 6 mg twice daily (n = 21) vs. placebo (n = 20) in healthy volunteers. Validated methods were used to study gastric emptying, myoelectrical activity, volumes and satiation postnutrient challenge.

Results

There were no significant effects of tegaserod on the primary endpoints assessing gastric function: emptying of solids or liquids, total gastric volumes or myoelectrical activity. Maximum tolerated volume and aggregate symptom score with nutrient challenge on placebo were 1035 mL (±44) and 130 (±15) vs. 989 mL (±43) and 117 (±15) during tegaserod, respectively (all P = N.S.). Postprandial change in proximal gastric volume by single photon emission‐computed tomography was decreased in females on tegaserod (246 ± 30) vs. placebo (358 ± 32) (P = 0.015). Proximal fasting volumes in females were increased on tegaserod (126 ± 12) vs. placebo (92 ± 13) (P = 0.066).

Conclusions

While tegaserod decreased proximal gastric volume change after a meal, it does not appear to have significant effects on gastric motor and sensory function in healthy individuals. Further studies are required in patients with disturbances of gastric motor and sensory function.
Omeprazole may be superior to famotidine in the management of iatrogenic ulcer after endoscopic mucosal resection: a prospective randomized controlled trial
Authors: YE B. D. , CHEON J. H. , CHOI K. D. , KIM S. G. , KIM J. S. , JUNG H. C. , SONG I. S.
Published: August 2006

Background

Acid suppressing agents are widely used to treat the iatrogenic ulcers following endoscopic mucosal resection for gastric neoplasms. However, the relative merits of proton pump inhibitor or histamine2‐receptor antagonist for endoscopic mucosal resection‐induced ulcers are not known.

Aim

To prospectively compare omeprazole and famotidine for the healing of endoscopic mucosal resection‐induced ulcers and for bleeding control.

Methods

After endoscopic mucosal resection, patients were randomly assigned to omeprazole (20 mg/day) or to famotidine (40 mg/day) group for a 28‐day treatment period. The ulcer sizes and stages, bleeding rates and ulcer‐related symptoms were compared.

Results

A total of 100 patients were randomized equally to each group. Forty‐one patients in each group were finally compared. The two groups were comparable in terms of baseline characteristics. Twenty‐eight days after treatment, the two groups were not different with respect to ulcer stage (P = 0.137) or ulcer reduction ratio (P = 0.380). No difference was observed with respect to ulcer‐related symptoms (P = 0.437) and no bleeding episode occurred in any of the 82 patients. In subgroup that underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection, fewer patients in the omeprazole group showed active ulcers than those in the famotidine group (P = 0.035).

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that omeprazole may be superior to famotidine for iatrogenic ulcers following endoscopic mucosal resection, especially for large ulcers.
Three centuries of stomach symptoms in Scotland
Authors: BARON J. H. , WATSON F. , SONNENBERG A.
Published: August 2006

Background

Stomach pain and discomfort have been reported since antiquity.

Aim

To follow the time trends since the 18th century of dyspepsia, gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, and benign oesophageal disease to test when dyspepsia started to become a major clinical problem.

Methods

The annual in‐ and out‐patient records of the last three centuries from the Scottish Royal Infirmaries of Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Glasgow and Dundee were analysed. In addition, dispensary attendances, clinicians’ casebooks, students’ notebooks and medical texts have been scrutinized for historic statistics of upper gastrointestinal disease.

Results

Dyspepsia was first recorded in the 1750s and increased markedly subsequently. Such dyspepsia persisted after gastric and duodenal ulcers appeared in the late 19th century and then declined again in the late 20th century. Non‐ulcer dyspepsia has remained the commonest diagnosis made after endoscopy for stomach pain in the beginning of the 21st century.

Conclusion

The current commonest diagnosis of stomach pain, dyspepsia dates from the mid‐18th century. Any explanations of its causation need to consider this timing.
Pharmacokinetics of cysteamine bitartrate following gastrointestinal infusion
Authors: Fidler Meredith C. , Barshop Bruce A. , Gangoiti Jon A. , Deutsch Reena , Martin Michael , Schneider Jerry A. , Dohil Ranjan
Published: August 2006

Aims

Although cysteamine was first used in the treatment of cystinosis in 1976 and approved by the FDA as cysteamine bitartrate (Cystagon™) in 1994, surprisingly little pharmacological data are available for this compound. Cysteamine and its related drugs are currently being evaluated for the treatment of Huntington’s and Parkinson’s disease. The aim of te study was to understand the pharmacokinetics of cysteamine bitartrate following gastrointestinal infusion.

Method

Cysteamine bitartrate was delivered through a naso‐enteric catheter into the stomach (n = 8), small intestine (n = 8) and caecum (n = 4) of normal subjects. Plasma cysteamine concentrations were determined using LC‐MS/MS.

Results

The rate and extent of drug absorption were assessed by comparing AUC(0, ∞), Cmax and tmax, among the gastrointestinal infusion sites. Total cysteamine exposure, expressed as area under the curve (AUC(0, ∞)) was greatest when the drug was infused into the small intestine (4331.3 ± 1907.6 min × µm) followed by stomach (3901.9 ± 1591.9 min × µm) and caecum (3141.4 ± 1627.6 min × µm). Cysteamine infusion into the small intestine resulted in the most rapid rise to maximal plasma concentrations (tmax = 21 ± 0.56 min); tmax was delayed to 50 ± 26 min and 64 ± 26 min after gastric and caecal infusion, respectively. The maximum cysteamine plasma concentration (Cmax) was reached after infusion of the drug into the small intestine (51 ± 21 µm), which was higher than plasma Cmax concentrations after gastric (39 ± 16 µm) and caecal infusion (23 ± 15 µm).

Conclusions

The pharmacokinetic data generated help extend our understanding of cysteamine.
Predicting sustained virological response and anaemia in chronic hepatitis C patients treated with peginterferon alfa‐2a (40KD) plus ribavirin
Authors: Snoeck Eric , Wade Janet R. , Duff Frank , Lamb Matthew , Jorga Karin
Published: August 2006

Aim

To assess the likelihood of a sustained virological response (SVR) vs. the likelihood of anaemia in patients with chronic hepatitis C.

Methods

Data from 1732 patients treated with peginterferon alfa‐2a (40KD) plus ribavirin in two randomized, multinational studies were pooled. Probabilities of SVR and anaemia were modelled using the generalized additive logistic model, with numerous clinical variables considered for entry into the model. Baseline haemoglobin was only considered in the analysis for anaemia.

Results

The probability of anaemia increased from 6 to 16% as a function of the ribavirin dose kg−1 (12–16 mg kg−1), whereas the relationship between SVR and ribavirin dose kg−1 was influenced by hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype. The probability of an SVR was not influenced by the ribavirin dose kg−1 in patients with HCV genotype 2 or 3 infection, but increased as a function of ribavirin dose kg−1 in patients with HCV genotype 1 infection (40–50% increase in probability of SVR for 12–16 mg kg−1 dose ribavirin increase). The probability of an SVR in patients included with HCV genotype 1 decreased with increasing HCV RNA level to about 3 million copies ml−1, but was relatively independent of increasing HCV RNA level thereafter. In addition, older age, a higher ribavirin apparent oral clearance and cirrhosis had a negative impact on achieving an SVR, but improved with increasing alanine aminotransferase (ALT) quotient. Sex and ribavirin dose kg−1 were the most important prognostic factors for anaemia, followed by baseline haemoglobin, age, baseline ALT quotient and cirrhosis.

Conclusion

This study supports individualizing ribavirin dosages by HCV genotype and body weight, and highlights several clinical variables that influence the likelihood of an SVR compared with anaemia in chronic hepatitis C patients treated with peginterferon alfa‐2a (40KD) plus ribavirin.
Research Review: Family group decision‐making: a promising practice in need of more programme theory and research
Authors: Crampton David
Published: August 2006

The use of family group decision‐making (FGDM) in child protection is rapidly increasing throughout the world. This paper provides a brief overview of the research evidence from 1996 to 2005 and proposes future directions for both practice and research. The purpose of the review is to help move the discussion of FGDM from a promising practice to an evidence‐based practice. The research review considers what is known about the child welfare outcomes of FGDM. The paper then turns to research concerning which families are offered FGDM and which FGDM processes appear to be important. The paper concludes with specific suggestions for developing FGDM programmes that can improve child protection practice and then testing these specific programmes in rigorous trials.
Both Fcγ and complement receptors mediate transfer of immune complexes from erythrocytes to human macrophages under physiological flow conditionsin vitro
Authors: Hepburn A L , Mason J C , Wang S , Shepherd C J , Florey O , Haskard D O , Davies K A
Published: August 2006

Abnormal clearance by the mononuclear phagocytic system of immune complexes (IC) is important in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We have developed an in vitro model to investigate the cellular mechanisms involved in the transfer of soluble IC from erythrocytes to human macrophages under physiological flow conditions. In this assay, erythrocytes bearing fluorescently labelled IC are perfused over monolayers of human monocytes or monocyte-derived macrophages in a parallel-plate flow chamber, and transfer quantified using confocal microscopy and flow cytometry. Using aggregated human IgG as a model IC, we have been able to demonstrate transfer of IC from erythrocytes to macrophages. Blocking studies with specific neutralizing antibodies have shown that both complement and Fcγ receptors are required for IC transfer. Blockade of CR4 (αxβ2 integrin), FcγRIIa or FcγRIII reduced transfer, while anti-CR3 (αmβ2 integrin) had no effect. Blockade of CR3, FcγRIIa or FcγRIII also reduced the number of adhesive interactions between fluorescently labelled IC-bearing erythrocytes and macrophage monolayers. Taken together with the transfer data, this suggests differing roles for these receptors in the human IC transfer reaction that includes an adhesive function which facilitates IC processing by mononuclear phagocytes. Finally, a functional effect of the FcγRIIa R131/H131 polymorphism, important in susceptibility to SLE, has also been demonstrated using this model. Uptake of IgG2 but not IgG1-containing soluble IC was reduced by macrophages from individuals homozygous for the R131 allelic variant of the receptor.
Longitudinal epitope analysis of insulin-binding antibodies in type 1 diabetes
Authors: Hall T R , Thomas J W , Padoa C J , Torn C , Landin-Olsson M , Ortqvist E , Hampe C S
Published: August 2006

Autoantibodies to insulin (IAA) are one of the first markers of the autoimmune process leading to type 1 diabetes (T1D). While other autoantibodies in T1D have been studied extensively, relatively little is known about IAA and their binding specificities, especially after insulin treatment is initiated. We hypothesize that insulin antibodies (IA) that develop upon initiation of insulin treatment differ in their epitope specificities from IAA. We analysed insulin antibody binding specificities in longitudinal samples of T1D patients (n = 49). Samples were taken at clinical diagnosis of disease and after insulin treatment was initiated. The epitope specificities were analysed using recombinant Fab (rFab) derived from insulin-specific monoclonal antibodies AE9D6 and CG7C7. Binding of radiolabelled insulin by samples taken at onset of the disease was significantly reduced in the presence of rFab CG7C7 and AE9D6. rFab AE9D6 competed sera binding to insulin significantly better than rFab CG7C7 (P = 0·02). Binding to the AE9D6-defined epitope in the initial sample was correlated inversely with age at onset (P = 0·005). The binding to the AE9D6-defined epitope increased significantly (P < 0·0001) after 3 months of insulin treatment. Binding to the CG7C7-defined epitope did not change during the analysed period of 12 months. We conclude that epitopes recognized by insulin binding antibodies can be identified using monoclonal insulin-specific rFab as competitors. Using this approach we observed that insulin treatment is accompanied by a change in epitope specificities in the emerging IA.
Agreement of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody measurements obtained from serum and plasma
Authors: Lee A S , Finkielman J D , Peikert T , Hummel A M , Viss M A , Jacob G L , Homburger H A , Specks U ,   Wegener’s Granulomatosis Etanercept Trial Research Group
Published: August 2006

Serum and plasma are used interchangeably to measure anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA), even though the release of ANCA target antigens during the preparation of serum could affect ANCA assays and cause discrepancies between the results obtained from serum and plasma. To what extent ANCA test results obtained from serum agree and correlate with results from plasma remains unknown. Therefore, a comprehensive comparison was performed using serum and plasma samples which were collected in 175 patients with active Wegener's granulomatosis at enrolment of a recent randomized trial. These paired serum and plasma samples were subjected to parallel ANCA testing by standard indirect immunofluoresence on ethanol-fixed neutrophils, a direct enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) for proteinase 3 (PR3)-ANCA and myeloperoxidase (MPO)-ANCA, and two different capture ELISAs for PR3-ANCA. The concordance of categorical serum and plasma ANCA results was assessed using κ-coefficients. These were > 0·8 for all assays, indicating a very good concordance between positive and negative serum and plasma results. Spearman's correlation coefficients for serum and plasma PR3-ANCA values obtained by direct ELISA and both capture ELISAs were ≥ 0·95 (P < 0·0001). Our study shows that serum and plasma samples can be used interchangeably for measuring ANCA.
Microclimatic factors associated with elevational changes in army ant density in tropical montane forest
Authors: O’DONNELL SEAN , KUMAR ANJALI
Published: August 2006

Abstract1. The density (rate of encountering foraging raids) and species richness of army ants (Formicidae: Ecitoninae, and behaviourally convergent Ponerinae) was measured in montane tropical forest. Above‐ground and subterranean army ant raids were sampled using standard protocols at four sites across an elevational gradient (1200–1650 m above mean sea level) in and near cloud forest in the area of Monteverde, Costa Rica.

2. Mean ambient temperature differed among sites, and decreased with elevation. For the above‐ground foraging army ant species, raid rates also declined with elevation. Surface army ant raid rates, however, were not affected by day to day weather variation within sites (temperature, cloud cover, or precipitation).

3. For the underground foraging army ant species, raid rates did not vary directionally with elevation, and subterranean raid rates were not affected by day to day weather variation within sites.

4. Army ant species richness was not directionally related to elevation, and species sharing among sites was generally high.

5. Army ant community structure changes with elevation in Neotropical montane forest, and the results suggest that the strongest effects are of temperature regimes on the density of raids. These findings provide a baseline against which to detect changes in army ant communities that may accompany directional climate change in tropical cloud forests.
How do temperature, dissolved organic matter and nutrients influence the response of Leptodiaptomus ashlandi to UV radiation in a subalpine lake?
Authors: COOKE SANDRA L. , WILLIAMSON CRAIG E. , SAROS JASMINE E.
Published: August 2006

1. Ultraviolet radiation (UV) is an important stressor for zooplankton in alpine lake ecosystems. Multiple environmental variables such as dissolved organic matter (DOM), temperature and nutrient availability may alter how UV affects zooplankton.

2. We conducted a week‐long experiment manipulating UV, nutrients and DOM in enclosures suspended at the surface of cold and warm alpine lakes to determine the interactive effects of these variables on ovigerous Leptodiaptomus ashlandi (Marsh, 1893), a calanoid copepod.

3. UV had a negative effect on nauplii and gravid females at the colder temperature and at low, ambient DOM levels, but had no effect at the warmer temperature or when DOM was added. At the warmer temperature, fewer nauplii were produced in the +nutrient compared to −nutrient treatment. Adult survival was not affected by UV or any other experimental variable.

4. These results demonstrate that the extent of the impact of UV radiation on zooplankton in alpine systems is altered by other environmental variables, and that these effects may not be apparent from experiments that look only at the survival of adult organisms that are better defended against UV.
Distinct roles of Ca2+mobilization and G protein usage on regulation of Toll‐like receptor function in human and murine mast cells
Authors: Zaidi Asifa K. , Thangam Elden Retna Raj B. , Ali Hydar
Published: August 2006

Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) expressed in mast cells play important roles in orchestrating host defence against bacterial pathogens. Previous studies demonstrated that TLR2 agonist tripalmitoyl‐S‐glycero‐Cys‐(Lys)4(Pam3Cys) stimulates both degranulation and cytokine production in human mast cells but only induces cytokine production in murine mast cells. To determine the molecular basis for this difference, we utilized a human mast cell line LAD 2, murine lung and bone marrow‐derived mast cells (MLMC and BMMC). We found that Pam3Cys caused a sustained Ca2+mobilization and degranulation in LAD 2 mast cells but not in MLMC or BMMC. Despite these differences, Pam3Cys stimulated equivalent chemokine CCL2 generation in all mast cell types tested. Cyclosporin A (CsA), an inhibitor of Ca2+/calcineurin‐mediated nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) activation, blocked chemokine production in LAD 2 but not in MLMC or BMMC. In contrast, inhibitors of nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) completely blocked CCL2 production in MLMC and BMMC but not in LAD 2 mast cells. Pertussis toxin and U0126, which, respectively, inhibit Gαi,extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation substantially inhibited Pam3Cys‐induced CCL2 generation in LAD 2 mast cells but had little or no effect on chemokine generation in MLMC and BMMC. These findings suggest that TLR2 activation in human LAD 2 mast cells and MLMC/BMMC promotes the release of different classes of mediators via distinct signalling pathways that depend on Ca2+mobilization and G protein usage.
Gastric Dilatation–volvulus as Complication after Surgical Removal of a Splenic Haemangiosarcoma in a Dog
Authors: Marconato L.
Published: August 2006

An 8‐year‐old crossbreed dog presented after one episode of acute collapse due to rupture of a splenic haemangiosarcoma. Following splenectomy the dog recovered well. Two days after discharge the dog re‐presented because of gastric dilatation–volvulus (GDV) that eventually led to his death. Splenectomy to remove a voluminous splenic tumour may predispose to GDV and dogs may benefit from concurrent prophylactic gastropexy.
Congenital Heart Diseases in the Boxer Dog: A Retrospective Study of 105 Cases (1998–2005)
Authors: Chetboul V. , Trollé J. M. , Nicolle A. , Carlos Sampedrano C. , Gouni V. , Laforge H. , Benalloul T. , Tissier R. , Pouchelon J.‐L.
Published: August 2006

Subaortic stenosis (SAS) is one of the most common congenital heart diseases (CHD) in dogs with Boxers being predominantly affected. However, the increasing availability of modern diagnostic imaging systems now allows a better assessment of cardiac morphology and function, thereby facilitating early detection of CHD in awake animals. In this context, the case records of Boxer dogs diagnosed with CHD using echocardiography combined with Doppler mode, were retrospectively reviewed (1998–2005). One hundred and five Boxers exhibiting either a single CHD (53/105, 50.5%) or association of several CHD (52/105, 49.5%) were included. The most common CHD was atrial septal defect (ASD) observed in 56.2% of these animals (59/105), followed by mitral dysplasia (58/105, 55.2%), and SAS (49/105, 46.7%). SAS was associated with one or two CHD in 29.5% of cases (31/105). Most of the dogs with a low intensity left heart base systolic murmur had an isolated ASD whereas most of the dogs with a similar but high intensity murmur had SAS, either isolated or associated with a concurrent CHD. The incidence of ASD and mitral dysplasia in Boxer dogs is higher than previously assumed, and ASD is a common cause of left heart base systolic murmur in this breed of dog. This confirms that the detection of such a murmur should not be used as the unique criterion for diagnostic confirmation of SAS.