bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors associated with health‐related quality of life in patients and significant others one month after coronary artery bypass grafting
Authors: Rantanen Anja , Kaunonen Marja , Sintonen Harri , Koivisto Anna‐Maija , Åstedt‐Kurki Päivi , Tarkka Marja‐Terttu
Published: May 2008

Aim.  To describe and compare the health‐related quality of life of patients and their significant others and to identify factors associated with health‐related quality of life one month after coronary artery bypass surgery.

Background.  Heart disease and coronary artery bypass surgery affect the life of patients and their significant others. Following surgery, some patients might feel their quality of life is poor. Significant others are a major source of support for patients; therefore, it is important to know how their health‐related quality of life is affected.

Methods.  This study is part of a major longitudinal research project. The questionnaire data for the study were collected one month after the surgical procedure from 270 patients and 240 significant others at one Finnish university hospital. Data analysis was by descriptive and inferential statistics. Stepwise linear regression analysis was used as a multivariate method.

Results.  Coronary artery bypass grafting patients had a poorer health‐related quality of life than both the age and gender‐standardised general population and their significant others. Significant others, on the other hand, had the same health‐related quality of life as the general population. In patients, health‐related quality of life was associated with the occurrence of cardiac symptoms and New York Heart Association class; in significant others, it was explained by chronic illnesses, employment, gender and emotional support received from members of the support network.

Conclusion.  In the early stages of recovery, the health‐related quality of life of coronary artery bypass grafting patients is inferior to that of the general population. There are also differences in the health‐related quality of life of patients and their significant others.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Postcoronary artery bypass grafting rehabilitation programmes should provide support for both patients and significant others through networks that involve both professionals and peer supporters.
Macrobrachium rosenbergii nodavirus infection in M. rosenbergii (de Man) with white tail disease cultured in Taiwan
Authors: Wang C S , Chang J S , Wen C M , Shih H H , Chen S N
Published: May 2008

White tail disease (WTD) is a serious problem in Macrobrachium rosenbergii hatcheries and nursery ponds in Asia. The causative agents have been identified as M. rosenbergii nodavirus (MrNV) and its associated extra small virus. This is the first report demonstrating MrNV virus in M. rosenbergii displaying WTD signs in Taiwan by reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). Amplified fragments of 850 and 425 bp for RNA‐1 and RNA‐2 of MrNV, respectively, were obtained by RT‐PCR. RT‐PCR products of about 850 and 1121 bp for RNA‐1 and RNA‐2 of MrNV were also obtained using different primer pairs. The amplicons were individually cloned into pGEM‐T vector and sequenced. Using this recombinant plasmid of MrNV RNA‐2 as DNA template, the non‐radioactive DNA probes were prepared by PCR amplification with DIG–11‐dUTP. The probes were used to successfully detect MrNV infection in the striated muscle tissues of WTD‐diseased prawns using in situ hybridization. The 1121 bp genomic fragment of RNA‐2 of MrNV consisted of a unique open reading frame with 1116 nucleotides, and it encoded a structural protein with 371 amino acids. The nucleotide sequence of the partial genome of MrNV RNA‐2 revealed a 97% identity with an Indian isolate. A phylogenetic tree constructed using the nucleotide sequence of the viral capsid gene from insect and fish nodaviruses revealed that the MrNV Taiwan isolate could be interpreted as a new genus within the family Nodaviridae. However, its position showed more affinity with Alphanodavirus than with Betanodavirus. The study confirmed the presence of MrNV infection in freshwater prawns cultured in Taiwan suffering from WTD.
Activity of the antimicrobial polypeptide piscidin 2 against fish ectoparasites
Authors: Colorni A , Ullal A , Heinisch G , Noga E J
Published: May 2008

The antiparasitic effects of piscidin 2, an antimicrobial polypeptide (AMPP) first isolated from mast cells of hybrid striped bass, were tested against three protistan ectoparasites of marine fish (the ciliates Cryptocaryon irritans and Trichodina sp., and the dinoflagellate Amyloodinium ocellatum) and one ciliate ectoparasite of freshwater fish (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis). I. multifiliis was the most susceptible parasite, with all theronts killed at 6.3 μg mL−1 piscidin 2. The most resistant parasite was Trichodina, where a few cells were killed at 12.5 μg mL−1, but several were still alive even at 100 μg mL−1. C. irritans was of intermediate sensitivity, with some theronts killed at 12.5 μg mL−1 and all killed at 25 μg mL−1. High parasite density apparently exhausted the piscidin 2 before it could attain its maximal effect, but surviving parasites were often visibly damaged. The lower efficacy of piscidin 2 against marine parasites compared with the freshwater ciliate might be related to the inhibitory effects of high sea water cation levels. The tissue concentration of piscidins estimated in healthy hybrid striped bass gill (40 μg mL−1) suggests that piscidin 2 is lethal to the parasites tested at physiological concentrations and is thus an important component of innate defence in fish expressing this type of AMPP.
Aquatic birnavirus infection activates the transcription factor NF‐κB via tyrosine kinase signalling leading to cell death
Authors: Hong J‐R , Guan B‐J , Her G M , Evensen O , Santi N , Wu J‐L
Published: May 2008

Our previous studies found that infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV) induces host apoptotic cell death, possibly through a newly synthesized protein trigger. Here, we examine whether IPNV infection can induce NF‐κB activation through tyrosine kinase signalling of CHSE‐214 cell death (host cell death). Using the electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) to detect transcription factor activation, we found that NF‐κB is apparently activated 6–8 h post‐IPNV infection. Using genistein (100 μg mL−1; a tyrosine kinase inhibitor) to determine whether NF‐κB activation requires tyrosine kinase activation, we found genistein blocks NF‐κB activation at 8 h post‐infection (p.i), and either enhances cell viability up to 50% at 12 h p.i. or blocks DNA fragmentation at 24 h p.i. Furthermore, the proteasome inhibitors PSI‐I and PSI‐II (both at 40 μm) also effectively blocked the NF‐κB activation as well as stimulating a 30% increase in cell viability (30% decrease in apoptosis) at 8 and 12 h p.i. Taken together our data suggest that IPNV may induce NF‐κB activation through tyrosine kinase signalling, which may be associated with induction of apoptosis.
Safety, pharmacokinetics and use of the novel NK‐1 receptor antagonist maropitant (CereniaTM) for the prevention of emesis and motion sickness in cats
Authors: HICKMAN M. A. , COX S. R. , MAHABIR S. , MISKELL C. , LIN J. , BUNGER A. , McCALL R. B.
Published: May 2008

The present study characterizes the safety, pharmacokinetics, and anti‐emetic effects of the selective NK‐1 receptor antagonist maropitant in the cat. Safety of maropitant was determined following 15 days of subcutaneous (SC) administration at 0.5–5 mg/kg. Maropitant was well tolerated in cats at doses that exceeded the efficacious anti‐emetic dose range of the drug by at least a factor of 10 and adverse clinical signs or pathological safety findings were not noted at any dose.The pharmacokinetics of maropitant in cats were determined following single dose oral (PO), intravenous (IV) and SC administration. Maropitant had a terminal half‐life of 13–17 h and a bioavailability of 50 and 117% when administered PO and SC, respectively. Efficacy was determined against emesis induced either by xylazine or by motion. A dosage of 1 mg/kg maropitant administered IV, SC or PO prevented emesis elicited by xylazine. The compound had good oral antiemetic activity and a long (24 h) duration of action. Maropitant (1.0 mg/kg) was highly effective in preventing motion‐induced emesis in cats. These studies indicate that the NK‐1 receptor antagonist maropitant is well tolerated, safe and has excellent anti‐emetic properties in cats.
Genetic relatedness in early associations ofPolistes dominulus: from related to unrelated helpers
Authors: ZANETTE LORENZO R. S. , FIELD JEREMY
Published: May 2008

Indirect benefits obtained through the reproduction of relatives are fundamental in the formation and maintenance of groups. Here, we examine the hypothesis that females of the temperate paper waspPolistes dominuluspreferentially form groups with close relatives. Genetic relatedness data were obtained for 180 groups of females collected at the early stages of the nesting cycle of a large population ofP. dominulusin two sites in southwestern Spain. Average within‐group relatedness values ranged from 0.189 to 0.491. Foundresses on early nests were significantly more closely related than females in winter aggregations or in stable groups (just before workers emerged). Within‐group relatedness values were independent of group size. The vast majority of worker‐producing nests (c. 85%) had one or more females that were unrelated (or distantly related) to the remaining members of the group. These results provide further support to the hypothesis that indirect fitness benefits alone are unlikely to explain whyP. dominulusfoundresses form cooperative associations.
Near-infrared integral field spectroscopy of the Homunculus nebula around η Carinae using Gemini/cirpass
Authors: Teodoro M. , Damineli A. , Sharp R. G. , Groh J. H. , Barbosa C. L.
Published: May 2008

This work presents the first integral field spectroscopy of the Homunculus nebula around η Carinae in the near-infrared spectral region (J band). We confirmed the presence of a hole on the polar region of each lobe, as indicated by previous near-IR long-slit spectra and mid-IR images. The holes can be described as a cylinder of height (i.e. the thickness of the lobe) and diameter of 6.5 and 6.0 × 1016 cm, respectively. We also mapped the blue-shifted component of He i λ10830 seen towards the NW lobe. Contrary to previous works, we suggested that this blue-shifted component is not related to the Paddle but it is indeed in the equatorial disc.

We confirmed the claim of N. Smith and showed that the spatial extent of the Little Homunculus matches remarkably well the radio continuum emission at 3 cm, indicating that the Little Homunculus can be regarded as a small H ii region. Therefore, we used the optically thin 1.3 mm radio flux to derive a lower limit for the number of Lyman-continuum photons of the central source in η Car. In the context of a binary system, and assuming that the ionizing flux comes entirely from the hot companion star, the lower limit for its spectral type and luminosity class ranges from O5.5 iii to O7 i. Moreover, we showed that the radio peak at 1.7 arcsec NW from the central star is in the same line-of-sight of the ‘Sr-filament’ but they are obviously spatially separated, while the blue-shifted component of He iλ10830 may be related to the radio peak and can be explained by the ultraviolet radiation from the companion star.
Differential activation and suppression of potato defence responses by Phytophthora infestans isolates representing US‐1 and US‐8 genotypes
Authors: Wang X. , El Hadrami A. , Adam L. R. , Daayf F.
Published: May 2008

Defence responses were investigated in two potato cultivars with different levels of resistance to late blight, Russet Burbank (susceptible) and Kennebec (moderately resistant), after inoculation with single isolates representing Phytophthora infestans genotypes US‐1 (previously predominant, mildly aggressive) and US‐8 (currently predominant, highly aggressive). The accumulation of brown lignin‐like materials and an increase in the cell wall affinity to trypan blue 24 h after inoculation were observed in cv. Kennebec inoculated with US‐1, but not in Kennebec inoculated with US‐8, or cv. Russet Burbank inoculated with either US‐1 or US‐8. The expression of PAL‐1, HMG‐2, PR‐1 and PR‐5 was investigated in three leaf strata (local, proximal and distal) and at different times after inoculation, using SYBR real‐time RT‐PCR. The activation of these defence‐related genes was affected not only by P. infestans genotype, but also by the potato cultivar and the proximity to the inoculation site. These genes were up‐regulated earlier in Kennebec than in Russet Burbank and in response to US‐1 than to US‐8. Over all, the earliest and strongest up‐regulation of these genes occurred in Kennebec inoculated with US‐1. Furthermore, PAL‐1 and HMG‐2 were down‐regulated at the site of infection while such down‐regulation was not observed for PR‐1 or PR‐5. In parallel, the accumulation level and location of phenolics and rishitin matched those of PAL‐1 and HMG‐2 transcripts, respectively. These results strongly suggest that changes in either the activation or suppression of defence responses by the pathogen shape the level of susceptibility of potato cultivars to late blight.
Inventory management in Sydney Public Hospital Blood Banks
Authors: Pink J. , Thomson A. , Wylie B.
Published: May 2008

SUMMARY. Monitoring the outdating of donated units is one way of assessing the efficiency of blood usage. Inventory management in public hospital blood banks in Sydney was reviewed with the aim of determining factors which lead to the outdating of donor blood. Factors which correlated significantly with increased outdating in hospitals included absence of an effective hospital transfusion committee; high ratio of average inventory: units transfused; fewer than three routine deliveries from the BTS per day; increased time taken for delivery of urgent products; CT values greater than 2: 1; premature performance of the crossmatch and prolonged crossmatching holding time. Hospitals were informed of the initial audit results and were alerted to the factors contributing to excessive outdating. They received monthly feedback of individual outdating results compared with overall outdating. After 6 months there was a significant reduction in overall outdating from 5.0 to 0.9% (P < 0.05), which has been maintained for a further 12 months. Changes in inventory management associated with an improvement in overall outdating included: changes in crossmatching practice which increase the effective shelf‐life of blood, knowledge of when blood was due to outdate and effective stock rotation.
Variation in sex ratio, morph‐specific reproductive ecology and an experimental test of frequency‐dependence in the gynodioecious Kallstroemia grandiflora (Zygophyllaceae)
Authors: CUEVAS E. , PARKER I. M. , MOLINA‐FREANER F.
Published: May 2008

An enduring puzzle in gynodioecious species is the great variation in female frequency seen among populations. We quantified sex ratio in 44 populations of gynodioecious Kallstroemia grandiflora. Then, we measured pollinator visitation, pollen deposition, autonomous selfing rate and pollen limitation of females. Finally, using experimental populations, we tested whether female fitness responds to the frequency of female plants. We found broad variability in sex ratio among populations (0–44% female). Hermaphrodite flowers received more pollinator visits and pollen grains than females, and bagged hermaphrodite flowers produced fruits. However, we found no evidence of pollen limitation in females. In experimental populations, female plants showed no evidence of frequency‐dependent pollinator visitation, fruit set, seed set or total seed mass. These results do not support frequency‐dependent variation in fitness as a major mechanism affecting female frequencies in K. grandiflora. Within the context of this study, pollinators are abundant and pollinator movement appears to operate at a large enough scale to overcome the potential reproductive disadvantages of producing solely female flowers.
Stimuli affecting selection of oviposition sites by female peach twig borer, Anarsia lineatella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)
Authors: Sidney M. , Brown K. , Judd G. J. R. , Gries G.
Published: May 2008

In laboratory and field experiments, stimuli were tested that might affect oviposition decisions by female peach twig borer moths, Anarsia lineatella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae). When given a choice between immature green peach fruits, green mature peach fruits and soft‐ripe peach fruits, the latter received the fewest eggs. Fuzzy halves of peach fruits received ten times more eggs then shaved hairless halves. Volatiles from both almond and peach shoots induced more oviposition by females than by control stimuli. Similarly, volatiles from immature green peach fruits, mature green or mature hard‐ripe peach fruits induced more oviposition than their respective control stimuli. In a choice experiment, volatiles from immature peach fruit stimulated three times more oviposition than those from soft‐ripe peach fruit. Discrimination against mature soft‐ripe peach fruits as potential oviposition sites may lie in the phenology of A. lineatella and host peach fruits. Larval development to the pupal stage takes 15–27 days. Therefore, any eggs laid on a ripe fruit 14 days before it falls from the tree will not likely develop into adult insects because developing larvae will only reach third or fourth instar before the fruit is decomposed, and only first and second instar larvae can overwinter.
Comedication of caspofungin acetate and cyclosporine A after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation leads to negligible hepatotoxicity
Authors: Christopeit Maximilian , Eikam Martin , Behre Gerhard
Published: May 2008

Infections and adverse drug reactions both contribute substantially to mortality after allogeneic stem cell transplantation. It is therefore crucial to the transplant physician to develop an optimal anti‐infective strategy, i.e. one which is highly effective and shows few side effects. Caspofungin acetate, the founding member of the echinocandins, is widely used against invasive fungal infections. We retrospectively assessed the hepatotoxicity of caspofungin acetate when administered with cyclosporine A. We reviewed the medical charts of 20 recipients of an allogeneic transplant. In detail, the median value of alanine amino transferase before, during and after administration of caspofungin acetate was 0.39 [standard error of the mean (SEM) 0.65], 0.77 (17) and 0.56 (0.77) μmol l−1. The maximal value was 4‐, 104‐ and 3.3‐fold the upper normal level. The median value of aspartate amino transferase was 0.28 (SEM 0.45), 0.71 (26.26) and 0.60 (0.84) μmol l−1. The maximal value before, during and after the administration of caspofungin acetate was 3.6‐, 203‐ and 5.3‐fold the upper normal level. The median value of gamma glutamyl transferase before, during and after administration of caspofungin acetate was 1.27 (SEM 1.78), 2.33 (3.41) and 1.77 (4.32) μmol l−1. The maximal value was 1.38‐, 2.53‐ and 1.93‐fold the upper normal level. The median value of alkaline phosphatase before, during and after administration of caspofungin acetate was 1.11 (SEM 0.4), 1.97 (2.30) and 1.66 (5.48) μmol l−1. The maximal value was 0.88‐, 4.2‐ and 8.42‐fold the upper normal level, respectively. The median value of total bilirubin before, during and after administration of caspofungin acetate was 23 (SEM 19.69), 38 (55.41) and 20 (67.23) μmol l−1. The maximal value was 4.18‐, 14.18‐ and 17.88‐fold the upper normal level. Taken together, the elevations observed fell after the discontinuation of caspofungin acetate. This report is in accordance with published data. As expected, we did not find any evidence pointing to an increase in nephrotoxicity by caspofungin acetate.
Nephrotoxicity in the setting of invasive fungal diseases
Authors: Ullmann Andrew J.
Published: May 2008

Amphotericin B, a broad spectrum antifungal agent, is widely used despite significant adverse events including nephrotoxicity. Nephrotoxicity occurs frequently in patients receiving amphotericin B. Different definitions for nephrotoxicity are reviewed in the context of outcome in patients with invasive fungal diseases. In most publications, mortality was higher in patients experiencing nephrotoxicity and mean hospital length of stay was prolonged. As a consequence, the use of less nephrotoxic antifungal agents could improve treatment outcomes.
Efficacy of caspofungin in invasive candidiasis and candidemia – de‐escalation strategy
Authors: Lichtenstern C. , Nguyen T. H. , Schemmer P. , Hoppe‐Tichy T. , Weigand M. A.
Published: May 2008

Candida species constitute the majority of nosocomial fungal pathogens in non‐neutropenic patients. Candida infections are still connected with substantial mortality. Recent epidemiological observations indicate a shift to non‐albicans species, especially because of a rise of infections caused by C. glabrata, which frequently shows fluconazole‐resistance. New therapeutic options like caspofungin, as the first licensed echinocandin, new broad‐spectrum azoles, and lipid preparations of amphotericin B emerged in the last decade as efficient alternatives to fluconazole and amphotercin B deoxycholate. In invasive candidiasis, a delayed treatment initiation is associated with an increased mortality, thus risk stratification and empirical therapy strategies become vitally important. This review reflects the efficacy of caspofungin in the treatment of Candida infections, especially in the setting of empirical therapy in critically ill patients, and considers the option of de‐escalation to fluconazole.
Caspofungin for treatment of invasive aspergillus infections
Authors: Heinz W. J. , Einsele H.
Published: May 2008

Invasive aspergillosis showed an increasing incidence during the last decades. Especially for immune‐suppressed haematological patients as well as for solid organ transplant recipients, this infection remains a life‐threatening complication. Voriconazole has replaced conventional amphotericin B as standard therapy of invasive aspergillus infections and new compounds have been licensed for second‐line treatment; in addition posaconazole has been introduced for antifungal prophylaxis. Despite all new afore mentioned substances, substantial further progress in the therapy of aspergillus infections is needed. The best choice, duration and sequence of antifungal agents are a matter of debate. Caspofungin, as the first representative from the echinocandin class, has been tested in a broad range of trials and clinical situations. Due to its alternative target as well as its broad range of clinical evaluations and favourable safety profile, it can be a suitable choice and partner in the anti‐aspergillus therapy. Current knowledge of treating invasive aspergillosis with caspofungin as well as factors impacting the choice of antifungal therapy will be discussed.
Experiences with the use of caspofungin in paediatric patients
Authors: Lehrnbecher Thomas , Groll Andreas H.
Published: May 2008

Invasive fungal infections are important causes for treatment‐related morbidity and mortality in severely immunocompromised paediatric patients with haematological malignancies or in children undergoing haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. In addition, neonates, in particular preterm infants, are at risk for invasive mycoses. The past decade witnessed a major expansion of antifungal drug research, which has resulted in the development of new antifungal agents. Caspofungin is the first licensed compound of the novel class of echinocandin lipopeptides. Although the compound is not yet licensed in the paediatric population, caspofungin is increasingly prescribed in children. This article reviews the clinical pharmacology of caspofungin and the published experience with the drug in neonates and immunocompromised children.
Using overseas registered nurses to fill employment gaps in rural health services: Quick fix or sustainable strategy?
Authors: Francis Karen , Chapman Ysanne , Doolan Glenn , Sellick Ken , Barnett Tony
Published: May 2008

Objective:  This study sought to identify and evaluate approaches used to attract internationally trained nurses from traditional and non‐traditional countries and incentives employed to retain them in small rural hospitals in Gippsland, Victoria.

Design:  An exploratory descriptive design.

Setting:  Small rural hospitals in Gippsland, Victoria.

Participants:  Hospital staff responsible for recruitment of nurses and overseas trained nurses from traditional and non‐traditional sources (e.g. England, Scotland, India, Zimbabwe, Holland, Singapore, Malaysia).

Results and Conclusion:  Recruitment of married overseas trained nurses is more sustainable than that of single registered nurses, however, the process of recruitment for the hospital and potential employees is costly. Rural hospitality diffuses some of these expenses by the employing hospitals providing emergency accommodation and necessary furnishings. Cultural differences and dissonance regarding practice create barriers for some of the overseas trained nurses to move towards a more sanguine position. On the positive side, single overseas registered nurses use the opportunity to work in rural Australian hospitals as an effective working holiday that promotes employment in larger, more specialized hospitals. Overall both the registered nurses and the employees believe the experience to be beneficial rather than detrimental.
Partnerships to promote mental health of NSW farmers: The New South Wales Farmers Blueprint for Mental Health
Authors: Fragar Lyn , Kelly Brian , Peters Mal , Henderson Amanda , Tonna Anne
Published: May 2008

Objective:  To describe the process and outcome of development of a framework for planning and implementation of a range of interventions aimed at improving the mental health and wellbeing of farmers and farm families in New South Wales (NSW).

Design:  In response to a major drought in New South Wales (NSW), key agencies were invited to participate in a longer‐term collaborative program aimed at improving the mental health and well‐being of the people on NSW farms. These agencies became the NSW Farmers Mental Health Network.

Setting:  The Australian National Action Plan for Promotion, Prevention & Early Intervention for Mental Health 2000 proposed a population health approach base encompassing the range of risk and protective factors that determine mental health at the individual, family and community and society levels. It incorporated three traditional areas of health activity into programs aimed at achieving improved mental health for the Australian population – mental health promotion, prevention activities and early intervention. Although the farming population was not identified as a priority population, research has identified this population to be at high risk of suicide, and of having difficulty in coping with the range of pressures associated with life and work in this industry.

Participants:  Participants were agencies providing services across rural NSW in the fields of farmer and country women's organisations, financial counselling services, government departments of primary industries and health, mental health advisory and support services, charitable organisations and others.

Results:  The NSW Farmers Blueprint for Mental Health (http://www.aghealth.org.au/blueprint) was developed to be ‘a simplified summary of key issues that need to be addressed, and the major actions that we can be confident will be effective in achieving our purpose’. It has identified ‘steps’ along ‘pathways to breakdown’ from the range of known mental health and suicide risk factors that are relevant to the NSW farming population, and 23 areas of current and potential action that would contribute to improving mental health, as key steps along ‘pathways to health’. For each of the areas of action there is described the rationale and basis for action, and the lead agency or individual who has accepted responsibility for coordinating and reporting further activity to the Network.

Conclusion:  It is suggested that the NSW Farm Blueprint and the activities being implemented by the NSW Farmers Mental Health Network partners represent a model for implementation of a mental health promotion in identified at‐risk Australian populations.
Cholestatic liver disease in long‐term infantile nephropathic cystinosis
Authors: Cornelis Tom , Claes Kathleen , Gillard Pieter , Nijs Els , Roskams Tania , Lombaerts Rita , Nevens Frederik , Cassiman David
Published: May 2008

Background:  Cystinosis is a metabolic disease characterized by accumulation of cystine in different organs and tissues, leading to potentially life‐threatening organ dysfunction. Infantile cystinosis typically leads to end‐stage renal disease, necessitating renal replacement therapy. Liver disease in cystinosis is rare and is mostly reported as nodular regenerative hyperplasia leading to portal hypertension.

Methods:  Two patients with infantile cystinosis developed cholestatic liver disease (increasing alkaline phosphatases, gamma‐glutamyltransferase and mild increase in transaminases). Severe accumulation of cystine was demonstrated on liver biopsy, predominantly localized in Kupffer cells, together with morphological signs of sclerosing cholangitis on liver biopsy. One patient showed changes compatible with sclerosing cholangitis on magnetic resonance imaging. Therapy with ursodeoxycholic acid led to biochemical improvement in one and stabilization in the other patient.

Conclusion:  Long‐term infantile nephropathic cystinosis can be associated with a form of sclerosing cholangitis, which can respond to therapy with ursodeoxycholic acid.
Helicobacter pylori infection does not accelerate the age‐related progression of arteriosclerosis: A 4‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Honda Chie , Adachi Kyoichi , Arima Noriyuki , Tanaka Shino , Yagi Junko , Morita Terumi , Tanimura Takashi , Furuta Kenji , Kinoshita Yoshikazu
Published: May 2008

Background and Aim:  Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection has been reported to correlate with the onset of cardiovascular diseases. However, the relationship between H. pylori infection and the progression of arteriosclerosis has not been fully investigated. The aim of this study was to clarify the possible role of H. pylori infection in the development of arteriosclerosis.

Methods:  Study subjects were 258 cases who attended their annual medical check‐ups and were twice investigated by the parameters of arteriosclerosis at a 4‐year interval. Arteriosclerotic parameters (systolic blood pressure [SBP]), ankle brachial index [ABI], and pulse wave velocity [PWV]) were measured non‐invasively using an automatic device. H. pylori‐infection status was determined by assaying serum anti‐H. pylori IgG antibodies. The changes in the arteriosclerotic parameters during the 4 years were compared between H. pylori‐seropositive and seronegative individuals.

Results:  A total of 166 subjects (64.3%) were H. pylori‐seropositive. After adjustment for gender, age, body mass index, and smoking and drinking habits, there were no differences in any of the arteriosclerotic parameters between the groups, not only at enrollment but after the 4 years, although the high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels of the seropositive groups were significantly lower than those of seronegative groups. SBP and PWVs were significantly increased during 4 years in both the seropositive and seronegative groups. The percentage of changes in SBP and PWVs, which were calculated by ([values after 4 years – values at enrollment/values at enrollment] × 100), did not differ between the groups.

Conclusion:  H. pylori infection does not accelerate the age‐related progression of arteriosclerosis in Japanese individuals.
Segmental heterogeneity in Bcl‐2, Bcl‐xL and Bax expression in rat tubular epithelium after ischemia‐reperfusion
Authors: VALDÉS FRANCISCO , PÁSARO EDUARDO , DÍAZ INMACULADA , CENTENO ALBERTO , LÓPEZ EDUARDO , GARCÍA‐DOVAL SANDRA , GONZÁLEZ‐ROCES SEVERINO , ALBA ALFONSO , LAFFON BLANCA
Published: May 2008

Summary: Aims:  Studies in rats with bilateral clamping of renal arteries showed transient Bcl‐2, Bcl‐xL and Bax expression in renal tubular epithelium following ischemia‐reperfusion. However, current data on the preferential localization of specific mRNAs or proteins are limited because gene expression was not analysed at segmental level. This study analyses the mRNA expression of Bcl‐2, Bcl‐xL and Bax in four segments of proximal and distal tubules localized in the renal cortex and outer medulla in rat kidneys with bilateral renal clamping for 30 min and seven reperfusion times versus control animals without clamp.

Methods:  Proximal convoluted tubule (PCT), distal convoluted tubule (DCT), proximal straight tubule (PST) and medullary thick ascending limb (MTAL) were obtained by manual microdissection. RT‐PCR was used to analyse mRNA expression at segmental level.

Results:  Proximal convoluted tubule and MTAL showed early, persistent and balanced up‐regulation of Bcl‐2, Bcl‐xL and Bax, while PST and DCT revealed only Bcl‐2 and Bcl‐xL, when only Bax was detected in PST. DCT expressed Bcl‐xL initially, and persistent Bcl‐2 later.

Conclusion:  These patterns suggest a heterogeneous apoptosis regulatory response in rat renal tubules after ischemia‐reperfusion, independently of cortical or medullary location. This heterogeneity of the expression patterns of Bcl‐2 genes could explain the different susceptibility to undergo apoptosis, the different threshold to ischemic damage and the different adaptive capacity to injury among these tubular segments.
Review Article: Is it time to embrace haemodiafiltration for centre‐based haemodialysis? (Review Article)
Authors: PETRIE JAMES JB , NG TSUN G , HAWLEY CARMEL M
Published: May 2008

SUMMARY:  Improvements in survival in dialysis patients over the past few decades have been disappointing. Recent prospective trials such the haemodialysis study have not shown conclusive improvements. Two recent observational studies have found a striking survival advantage for haemodiafiltration (HDF). This review covers the differences between HDF and conventional haemodialysis (HD) and the history of the technological advances in the HDF technique. In addition, it explores the putative benefits of HDF over HD. While the observational studies provide a basis for optimism that HDF will provide benefit to dialysis patients, definitive conclusions cannot be drawn until the results of randomized controlled trials are available. While the evidence in favour of HDF at this stage is observational only, there are no studies suggesting that the treatment is detrimental. The use of HDF should probably be increased, particularly in centres where an increase in the frequency and duration of dialysis cannot be readily achieved.
Prevalence and risk factors of urinary incontinence and its influence on the quality of life of Japanese women
Authors: Azuma Reiko , Murakami Kyoko , Iwamoto Mieko , Tanaka Mayumi , Saita Nahoko , Abe Yoshie
Published: May 2008

Abstract  Urinary incontinence is a common problem as women age. The aims of this study were to assess the prevalence and risk factors of urinary incontinence and their impact on the quality of life of working Japanese women. In this cross‐sectional study, 975 women completed the Urogenital Distress Inventory‐6, the Short Form (SF)‐36 Health Survey, and the King's Health Questionnaire. Their mean age was 47.6 years and the reported prevalence of stress, urge, and mixed urinary incontinence symptoms during the past month was 19.3%, 4.2%, and 7.8%, respectively. The prevalence rate of all the three types of incontinence increased with age and Body Mass Index. There was no significant difference in the questionnaire subscale scores of the SF‐36 Health Survey and the King's Health Questionnaire between these types and those without urinary incontinence. However, in relation to the SF‐36 scores, we found that urge urinary incontinence had more effect on women than stress urinary incontinence. There was a high prevalence of urinary incontinence in the participants. The results emphasize the need for women to be provided with education programs about incontinence and to perform preventive exercises.
Do edge effects increase the susceptibility of rainforest fragments to structural damage resulting from a severe tropical cyclone?
Authors: GRIMBACHER PETER S. , CATTERALL CARLA P. , STORK NIGEL E.
Published: May 2008

Abstract  If changes in the structural characteristics of rainforest at edges are caused by wind, then physical damage from a tropical cyclone might be greatest at edges or in small fragments that have a high proportion of edge. We tested whether this was true of a fragmented rainforest landscape impacted by a category 4 severe tropical cyclone in March 2006. Six structural variables (canopy cover, canopy height, cover of ground vegetation, leaf litter, stem density and counts of woody debris) were surveyed at 18 rainforest sites (six small linear remnants, and both edges and interiors of six large remnants) on the Atherton Tableland in north‐eastern Queensland, Australia. Data collected 7 and 12 months after the passage of Cyclone Larry were compared with an identical survey conducted 4 years prior to the cyclone. The cyclone had large effects across many components of forest structure. However, sites within 30 m of forest edges in small and large remnants were not impacted more than the interiors of large remnants. It is likely that the high wind intensity from severe tropical cyclones overrides the modest wind protection provided by surrounding forest. The cyclone's effects were highly patchy at local scales (0.5–1.0 km), leading to an increase in among‐site variation in forest structure and the disappearance of significant spatial autocorrelation among large remnant edge‐interior site pairs which had existed prior to the cyclone. The main effect of Cyclone Larry at these study sites was to increase the spatial heterogeneity of forest structure at local scales.
Growth and fitness of triazine‐susceptible and triazine‐resistant common waterhemp (Amaranthus tuberculatus var. rudis)
Authors: SOLTANI NADER , VYN JOSHUA D. , SWANTON CLARENCE J. , WEAVER SUSAN , SIKKEMA PETER H.
Published: May 2008

Two greenhouse trials were conducted over a 2 year period (2004 and 2005) to compare the relative growth potential and fitness of triazine‐susceptible (TS) and triazine‐resistant (TR) waterhemp biotypes. Waterhemp plants from each biotype were grown in 6 L pots in the greenhouse in a completely randomized design. There was no difference in leaf number, plant height, plant biomass, time to bud or time to flower between the two biotypes. The TR female waterhemp plants produced 30% less reproductive biomass and 39% less seed than the TS biotype. The fitness penalty associated with triazine resistance was related to reproductive capability, not to vegetative growth.
Difference in ultraweak photon emissions between sulfonylurea‐resistant and sulfonylurea‐susceptible biotypes of Scirpus juncoides following the application of a sulfonylurea herbicide
Authors: INAGAKI HIDEHIRO , ISHIDA YOSHIKI , UCHINO AKIRA , KATO KIMIHIKO , KAGEYAMA CHIZUKO , IYOZUMI HIROYUKI , NUKUI HIDEKI
Published: May 2008

We examined the ultraweak photon emissions from a paddy weed, Scirpus juncoides, to assess the availability of photon emissions for the identification of weed biotypes resistant to sulfonylurea herbicides. The emission intensity from the plant organs increased when treated with a sulfonylurea herbicide in a concentration‐dependent manner. The increment in emissions was higher in the sulfonylurea‐resistant biotypes than in the sulfonylurea‐susceptible biotypes. The difference between the biotypes was greater in the culms than in the roots and remained so through the vegetative growth stage to the flowering stage. This difference was independent of the seed source or mutations in the acetolactate synthase genes of the resistant biotypes. These results suggest that the determination of ultraweak photon emissions can be a useful method for identifying the sulfonylurea‐resistant biotypes of S. juncoides.
Root system architecture and its relationship to the vegetative reproduction function in horsenettle (Solanum carolinense)
Authors: MIYAZAKI KATSURA
Published: May 2008

Horsenettle (Solanum carolinense L.) is a weed species that can spread via the root system and root fragments. This study investigated the developmental pattern of the subterranean system of horsenettle in an experimental plot containing plastic plates that limited the radial growth of the individual plants in each section of the plot. The vertical architecture of the root system in the 10 month old and 16 month old plants was elucidated by excavating the plants from the experimental plot. The root system consisted of a reiterative arrangement of branching root units, which grew horizontally and then bent vertically. The relationship between the morphology of the branching roots and the vegetative reproduction in a 17 month old plant was investigated. Different sections of the rooting system had different functions: the bending part forms new shoots; the horizontal part extends into the surrounding area; and the vertical part is used for storage. Consequently, the subterranean system of horsenettle develops through a reiterative arrangement of the branching root unit, which has functionally differentiated parts.
Effect of amitrole and 2,4‐D applied preplant and pre‐emergence in soybean (Glycine max)
Authors: SOLTANI NADER , SWANTON CLARENCE J. , HAMILL ALLAN S. , VYN JOSHUA D. , SIKKEMA PETER H.
Published: May 2008

There is limited information on the effect of amitrole and 2,4‐D ester applied preplant and pre‐emergence in soybean (Glycine max L.) in Ontario, Canada. Six field trials were conducted over a 2 year period (2004 to 2005) at three Ontario locations to evaluate the response of soybean to amitrole or 2,4‐D ester applied at 14 days preplant (DPP), 7 DPP, 1 day after planting (DAP), and 7 DAP. The application of amitrole resulted in as much as 5.8, 3.9, 1.7, and 1% visible crop injury in soybean at 7, 14, 28, and 56 days after emergence (DAE), respectively. There was no visible injury in soybean with any amitrole treatment at 56 DAE, except for amitrole applied at 7 DAP, which caused 1% visible injury in soybean at 2310 g ha−1. The application of the 2,4‐D ester caused ≤8.3, 9.7, 4.6, and 1.3% visible injury in soybean at 7, 14, 28, and 56 DAE, respectively. The visible injury decreased over time. There was no visible injury in soybean with any of the 2,4‐D ester treatments at 56 DAE, except for the 2,4‐D ester treatment applied at 7 DAP, which caused 1% visible injury at 1155 g ha−1 and 1.3% visible injury at 2310 g ha−1. Soybean generally responded similarly to amitrole and 2,4‐D ester when applied at 14 and 7 DPP; however, soybean was more tolerant to amitrole compared to 2,4‐D ester when applied at 1 or 7 DAP. The application of amitrole and 2,4‐D ester resulted in no biomass or yield reduction in soybean compared to the weed‐free, untreated control at all doses and application timings evaluated. Soybean is tolerant to the preplant and pre‐emergence application of amitrole or 2,4‐D ester at the doses evaluated.
Estimating the stability of Escherichia coli O157:H7 survival in manure‐amended soils with different management histories
Authors: Semenov Alexander V. , Franz Eelco , Van Overbeek Leo , Termorshuizen Aad J. , Van Bruggen Ariena H. C.
Published: May 2008

The objective of this study is to describe survival of Escherichia coli O157:H7 populations in manure‐amended soils in terms of population stability, i.e. the temporal variation around the decline curve, in relation to soil characteristics indicative of soil health. Cow manure inoculated with E. coli O157:H7 was mixed with 18 pairs of organically and conventionally managed soils (10% of manure, kg kg−1). For four of the soil pairs, also three different manure densities (5%, 10% and 20%) were compared. All soil–manure mixtures were incubated for 2 months, and population densities of E. coli O157:H7 were quantified weekly. De‐trending of survival data was done by modified logistic regression. The residual values were used to assess variation in the changes of E. coli O157:H7 populations by performing the approximate entropy (ApEn) procedure. The term irregularity is used to describe this variation in ApEn literature. On average, the decline of E. coli O157:H7 was more irregular in conventional and loamy soils than in organic and sandy soils (P < 0.05). Multiple regression analysis of irregularity of E. coli O157:H7 survival on 13 soil characteristics showed a positive relation with the ratio of copiotrophic/oligotrophic bacteria, suggesting greater instability at higher available substrate concentrations. Incremental rates of manure application significantly changed the irregularity for conventional soils only. Estimation of temporal variation of enteropathogen populations by the ApEn procedure can increase the accuracy of predicted survival time and may form an important indication for soil health.
Internal capital market subsidies and industry downturns
Authors: Brown Charles A. , McNeil Chris R.
Published: May 2008

We examine whether multisegment firms tend to subsidize operations doing business in industries that experience a major downturn in investment opportunities. The results provide little evidence of subsidization. The likelihood of discontinuation of multisegment operations in these industries does not statistically differ from that of single‐segment operations. Similarly, patterns of capital expenditures after the shock do not materially deviate between multisegment and single‐segment operations. These results indicate that the internal capital markets of multisegment firms are no less (and no more) efficient than that of single‐segment firms in their reaction to a shock to investment opportunities.
Critical periods and catastrophic interference effects in the development of self‐organizing feature maps
Authors: Richardson Fiona M. , Thomas Michael S.C.
Published: May 2008

The use of self‐organizing feature maps (SOFM) in models of cognitive development has frequently been associated with explanations ofcriticalorsensitive periods. By contrast, error‐driven connectionist models of development have been linked withcatastrophic interferencebetween new knowledge and old knowledge. We introduce a set of simulations that systematically evaluate the conditions under which SOFMs demonstrate critical/sensitive periods in development versus those under which they display interference effects. We explored the relative contribution of network parameters (for example, whether learning rate and neighbourhood reduce across training), the representational resources available to the network, and the similarity between old and new knowledge in determining the functional plasticity of the maps. The SOFMs that achieved the best discrimination and topographic organization also exhibited sensitive periods in development while showing lower plasticity and hence limited interference. However, fast developing, coarser SOFMs also produced topologically organized representations, while permanently retaining their plasticity. We argue that the impact of map organization on behaviour must be interpreted in terms of the cognitive processes that the map is driving.
ON SEMIPARAMETRIC REGRESSION WITH O'SULLIVAN PENALIZED SPLINES
Authors: Wand M. P. , Ormerod J. T.
Published: May 2008

An exposition on the use of O'Sullivan penalized splines in contemporary semiparametric regression, including mixed model and Bayesian formulations, is presented. O'Sullivan penalized splines are similar to P‐splines, but have the advantage of being a direct generalization of smoothing splines. Exact expressions for the O'Sullivan penalty matrix are obtained. Comparisons between the two types of splines reveal that O'Sullivan penalized splines more closely mimic the natural boundary behaviour of smoothing splines. Implementation in modern computing environments such as Matlab, r and bugs is discussed.