bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using the composite variables of reproductive morphology, histology and steroid hormones to determine age and size at sexual maturity for the thorny skate Amblyraja radiata in the western Gulf of Maine
Authors: Sulikowski J. A. , Kneebone J. , Elzey S. , Jurek J. , Howell W. H. , Tsang P. C. W.
Published: October 2006

Age at size was linked to sexual maturity in 77 male and 93 female thorny skates Amblyraja radiata from the western Gulf of Maine using three criteria: 1) gross reproductive morphology, 2) histology and 3) steroid hormone concentrations. Age‐bias plots and the coefficient of variation from vertebral band counts suggested that the ageing method represented a non‐biased and precise approach to the age assessment of A. radiata. Maturity ogives for males, based on data gathered for clasper length, circulating testosterone concentrations and proportion of mature spermatocysts within the testes, predicted that 50% maturity occurred at a total length (LT) of 865 mm and c. 10·90 years of age. For females, maturity ogives, based on data gathered for ovary mass, shell gland mass, follicle size and circulating oestradiol concentrations, predicted that 50% maturity occurred at 875 mm LT and c. 11·00 years of age. Collectively, the results suggest that analysis of several contemporaneous reproductive variables offers an accurate determination of sexual maturity in the thorny skate.
Community structure and diet of roving herbivorous reef fishes in the Abrolhos Archipelago, south‐western Atlantic
Authors: Ferreira C. E. L. , Gonçalves J. E. A.
Published: October 2006

Community structure and diet of roving herbivorous reef fishes were analysed in 13 study sites around the five islands of the Abrolhos Archipelago, north‐eastern Brazil (17°58′ S; 38°42′ W). This area has been part of the Abrolhos Marine National Park since 1983. Abundances and diets of fishes within the families Scaridae, Acanthuridae and Kyphosidae were compared among groups of sites differing in benthic community structure and exposure regime. The abundance of roving herbivorous fishes was higher in shallower sites than in deeper sites. At all study sites, observations of total herbivorous reef fish community structure revealed that 64% of fishes were acanthurids, 33% were scarids and only 4% were kyphosids. This pattern was predominant in all study sites. The majority of fishes examined in this study had the bulk of their diet based on both algae (35–90%) and detritus (35–65%). Among groups of algae, filamentous algae were the most commonly consumed as the majority of roving herbivorous fishes in Abrolhos feed as scrapers and excavators. The exceptions were the kyphosids, which had a diet consisting primarily of macroalgae (mainly Phaeophyta), andAcanthurus coeruleusthat consumed mainly turf algae and very little detritus. The data collected indicate that roving herbivorous fishes in the Abrolhos Archipelago are more abundant at calm sites where detritus and delicate algae, their major food resources, are more abundant. The results presented here, along with underwater observations, suggest that the abundance and diet of these three fish families are associated with substratum cover.
Associations between fish assemblages and environmental factors for Mediterranean‐type rivers during summer
Authors: Morán‐López R. , Da Silva E. , Pérez‐Bote J. L. , Corbacho Amado C.
Published: October 2006

The structure of summer fish assemblages was examined along longitudinal gradients in 31 Mediterranean‐type rivers of the middle Guadiana basin (south‐west Iberian Peninsula), using data from 157 sites including small streams to deep rivers. An ordination analysis, based on 16 variables, was applied to species presence, using principal component and canonical correspondence analysis. The results for the habitat data were compared with those for the biological data using a Mantel analysis, and the agreement was highly significant. Spatial structure was considered by partitioning the total variability among the environmental and geographical variables. The fish assemblages showed longitudinal zoning during the summer, with species distributed over gradients of habitat size (depth), water quality (current and physico‐chemical variables), and cover (substratum and vegetation), according to their adult size and life history. The size of the habitat that remained available in summer had the greatest biological effect, being the most important factor explaining fish species distribution and assemblage structure during this stressing season. Strictly spatial variation was low, but there was still a high residual variation. Habitat associations and life‐history strategies are discussed for native and exotic species.
Newer antidepressant drug use in East Asian psychiatric treatment settings: REAP (Research on East Asia Psychotropic Prescriptions) Study
Authors: Sim Kang , Lee N. B. , Chua Hong C. , Mahendran Rathi , Fujii Senta , Yang Shu‐yu , Chong Mian‐Yoon , Si Tianmei , He Yan L. , Lee Min S. , Sung Kil M. , Chung Eun K. , Chan Yiong H. , Shinfuku Naotaka , Tan Chay H. , Sartorius Norman , Baldessarini Ross J.
Published: October 2006

Aims

Antidepressant use in East Asia is poorly documented. We compared patients given newer and older antidepressants to test the hypothesis, suggested in the literature, that use of newer antidepressants is associated with treatment settings rather than specific diagnostic categories.

Methods

We compared rates of use of older (pre1990) vs. newer antidepressants among 1898 patients identified as antidepressant treated at 21 centres in five East Asian countries (China, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Taiwan) in 2003. Demographics, treatment setting and clinical factors associated with preferential use of newer drugs were tested in univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

Newer antidepressants were included in the treatment regimens of 67.5% (N = 1282/1898) of study subjects. Prescription for newer antidepressants was significantly associated with younger age (z = −4.55, d.f. = 1888, P < 0.001), hospitalization [odds ratio (OR) 1.32, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07, 1.64, P < 0.01] and treatment within psychiatric hospitals (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.27, 2.00, P < 0.001). On multivariate analyses, treatment with newer antidepressants was independently associated with younger age (P < 0.001), country (P < 0.001) and treatment within private hospitals (P < 0.001), but not with sex or diagnosis of affective or anxiety disorders (all P > 0.1).

Conclusion

Demographic factors and treatment settings appear to influence antidepressant choice more than clinical factors such as diagnosis.
A multiple dose study of prasugrel (CS‐747), a novel thienopyridine P2Y12 inhibitor, compared with clopidogrel in healthy humans
Authors: Jakubowski Joseph A. , Matsushima Nobuko , Asai Fumitoshi , Naganuma Hideo , Brandt John T. , Hirota Takashi , Freestone Stephen , Winters Kenneth J.
Published: October 2006

Aims

This double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial was designed to evaluate the pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability of prasugrel (CS‐747, LY640315), a novel thienopyridine P2Y12 ADP receptor antagonist compared with clopidogrel, during multiple oral dosing in healthy subjects.

Methods

Thirty subjects received placebo, prasugrel 5 mg, 10 mg, or 20 mg, or clopidogrel 75 mg orally, daily for 10 days. Platelet aggregation, bleeding time, and prasugrel metabolites were measured and adverse events were recorded.

Results

Inhibition of ADP‐induced platelet aggregation reached steady state by day 3 following prasugrel 10 and 20 mg compared with 5 days for clopidogrel 75 mg or prasugrel 5 mg. Compared with placebo, at 24 h after the last dose of study drug, inhibition of platelet aggregation using (20 µm) ADP was significantly higher in the prasugrel 10 mg group (58.2 ± 4.9% vs. 9.2 ± 4.0%, P < 0.001) with no difference in the clopidogrel group (15.7 ± 6.8% vs. 9.2 ± 4.0%, P = 0.78). With 5 µm ADP, inhibition of platelet aggregation with prasugrel 10 mg and clopidogrel 75 mg was significantly higher than with placebo (prasugrel 10 mg, 70.5 ± 4.7%; clopidogrel 75 mg, 36.5 ± 9.0%; vs. placebo, 11.3 ± 5.1%; P < 0.0001 and P = 0.02). On day 10 at 4 h postdose, bleeding time was prolonged with prasugrel 10 mg (prasugrel 10 mg, 706 ± 252 s vs. placebo, 221 ± 38 s, P = 0.05) but not with clopidogrel (283 ± 56 s, P = 0.98). There were no clinically significant bleeding events, serious adverse events, or discontinuations of the study drug.

Conclusions

Compared with clopidogrel 75 mg, prasugrel 10 mg and 20 mg daily for 10 days resulted in more rapid, more consistent, and higher levels of platelet inhibition.
Early immunological changes associated with laryngeal transplantation in a major histocompatibility complex-matched pig model
Authors: Barker E , Murison P , Macchiarini P , Jones A , Otto C , Rothkoetter H-J , Haverson K , Bailey M , Birchall M , Stokes C
Published: October 2006

Laryngeal transplantation is an increasingly viable proposition for patients with irreversible diseases of the larynx. One human transplant has been performed successfully, but many questions remain before routine transplantation can begin. In order to measure the immunological changes in mismatched transplants, it is first necessary to know the immediate combined effects of ischaemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) plus the added insult of major surgery in a fully matched setting. We measured the changes in immunologically active mucosal cells following 3 h of cold ischaemia and 8 h of in situ reperfusion in a major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-matched minipig model (n = 4). Biopsies were prepared for quantitative, multiple-colour immunofluorescence histology. The number of immunologically active cells was significantly altered above (supraglottis) and below (subglottis) the vocal cords following transplantation and reperfusion (P < 0·05, P < 0·001, respectively). However, the direction of the change differed between the two subsites: cell numbers decreased post-transplant in the supraglottis and increased in the subglottis. Despite the statistical evidence for IRI, these changes were less than the large normal inter- and intrapig variation in cell counts. Therefore, the significance of IRI in exacerbating loss of function or rejection of a laryngeal allograft is open to question. Longer-term studies are required.
Interleukin 18 maintains a long-standing inflammation in coeliac disease patients
Authors: León A J , Garrote J A , Blanco-Quirós A , Calvo C , Fernández-Salazar L , Del Villar A , Barrera A , Arranz E
Published: October 2006

Dietary gluten induces an early response in the intestine of coeliac disease patients (CD), within a few hours, and this is driven by high levels of proinflammatory cytokines, including IFNγ and IL-15, as has been thoroughly shown by gluten stimulation of biopsy explants. Our aim was to identify the immune mediators involved in the long-standing inflammation in untreated CD patients at diagnosis. mRNA and protein levels of TNFα, IL-12(p35), IL-12(p40), IL-15, IL-18 and IL-23(p19) were quantified in biopsies from active CD patients, CD patients on a gluten-free diet (GFD), healthy controls, and patients with non-CD inflammation and mild histological changes in the intestine. Biopsies from CD patients on a GFD were also stimulated in vitro with gliadin, and protein expression of IL-15 and IL-18 was analysed. Levels of IL-12 and IL-23 mRNA are nearly absent, and TNFα levels remain unchanged among different groups. Both the active and inactive forms of IL-18 protein have been found in all samples from active CD, and protein expression was only localized within the crypts. Levels of IL-15 mRNA remain unchanged, and protein expression, localized within the lamina propria, is found in a small number of samples. In vitro stimulation with gluten induces the expression of IL-15 and IL-18. In active CD, the early response following gluten intake characterized by high IFNγ levels is driven by IL-18, and probably IL-15, and this alternates with periods of long-standing inflammation with moderate IFNγ levels, maintained by IL-18 alone.
Juxtacrine function of interleukin-15/interleukin-15 receptor system in tumour derived human B-cell lines
Authors: Tsukamoto K , Huang Y C , Dorsey W C , Carns B , Sharma V
Published: October 2006

Interleukin-15 (IL-15) is a cytokine that induces proliferation and promotes cell survival of human T, B and NK cells. IL-15 and interleukin-2 (IL-2) exhibit a similar spectrum of immune effects and share the IL-2 receptor (IL-2R) subunits IL-2Rβ and IL-2Rγc for signalling in haematopoietic cells. Furthermore, each cytokine has a private α receptor, namely IL-2Rα for IL-2 and IL-15Rα for IL-15, that functions in ligand binding. Using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods, the expression and secretion of IL-15 and IL-15Rα in tumour-derived B-cell lines were studied. The results as presented in this study identify that IL-15 mRNA is predominantly expressed in EBV positive (EBV+) B-cell lines, although IL-15Rα is ubiquitously and constitutively expressed in all these B-cell lines. Although no detectable levels of IL-15 protein secretion were observed in any of these cell lines, we were able to detect membrane-bound expression of IL-15 protein by FACS analysis in some cell lines. These data imply that the IL-15/IL-15R system requires complex regulatory mechanisms for protein secretion. Taken together, we speculate that these results suggest a juxtacrine, intracrine function for IL-15/IL-15R.
Decreased spinal and femoral neck volumetric bone mineral density (BMD) in men with primary osteoporosis and their first‐degree male relatives: familial effect on BMD in men
Authors: Erbas Bircan , Ristevski Sonia , Poon Cathy , Yeung Stella , Ebeling Peter R.
Published: October 2006

Objective  Low bone mass may be caused by a reduction in the amount of bone or density of bone or both. The purpose of this study was to examine differences in bone volume and volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) in men with primary osteoporosis and their first‐degree male relatives (FDMR).

Design  We used dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) to measure areal density, then calculated bone volume and volumetric density in 121 men with primary osteoporosis, 73 FDMR and 66 normal men. We used regression methods adjusting for age, height and weight to determine deficits in bone volume and vBMD at the spine and femoral neck between men with spinal fractures due to primary osteoporosis, FDMR and normal men.

Results  Men with osteoporosis had a tendency to smaller bone volume in the spine and femoral neck (P = 0·08 and P = 0·09, respectively) and lower volumetric bone density at the spine (by about 50%) and femoral neck (by about 30%) compared with healthy controls (P < 0·0001). FDMR had no deficit in bone volume but did have lower volumetric density at the spine (by 10·2%) compared with healthy controls (P < 0·0001).

Conclusions  A deficit in bone mineral accrual may underlie the pathogenesis of primary osteoporosis in men, resulting in low vBMD. This is likely to be determined by genetic factors, although shared common environmental factors may also be important.
Effect of long‐term orlistat treatment on serum levels of advanced glycation end‐products in women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Diamanti‐Kandarakis Evanthia , Katsikis Ilias , Piperi Christina , Alexandraki Krystallenia , Panidis Dimitrios
Published: October 2006

Background  Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) exhibit elevated serum advanced glycation end‐products (AGE) compared with healthy subjects. Short‐term administration of orlistat has been shown to reduce the postmeal increase in serum AGE levels in women with PCOS and in controls.

Objective  To evaluate the long‐term effect of orlistat and a low‐calorie diet on serum AGE levels, and on the hormonal and metabolic profile of obese PCOS and normal women.

Design  A clinical trial of 6 months of orlistat administration with an energy‐restricted diet [basic metabolic rate (BMR) 600 kcal/day] in all subjects.

Subjects  Twenty‐nine women with PCOS [aged 27·52 ± 5·77 years; body mass index (BMI) 35·43 ± 5·31 kg/m2] and 18 controls (aged 32·06 ± 5·64 years; BMI 36·39 ± 6·47 kg/m2).

Measurements  Serum AGE levels (U/ml), hormonal and metabolic profile.

Results  PCOS and controls did not differ in BMI (P = 0·58), waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR) (P = 0·44), fasting insulin concentration (P = 0·45) and glucose‐to‐insulin ratio (GIR) (P = 0·34). PCOS women exhibited statistically higher AGE (P < 0·001) and testosterone levels (P < 0·001) compared with controls. After 6 months of orlistat treatment, AGE levels showed a statistically significant decrease in both groups (PCOS: baseline 9·08 ± 1·84, post‐orlistat 8·56 ± 1·95, P = 0·001; controls: baseline 5·02 ± 0·62, post‐orlistat 4·91 ± 0·69, P = 0·03), independently of the BMI reduction in the PCOS group. A significant reduction was observed in BMI (PCOS: P < 0·001; controls: P < 0·001), WHR (PCOS: P = 0·002; controls: P = 0·04), fasting insulin (PCOS: P < 0·001; controls: P = 0·008), and testosterone concentrations in PCOS (P < 0·001). SHBG concentration (PCOS: P = 0·004; controls: P = 0·008) and GIR (PCOS: P < 0·001; controls: P = 0·03) were significantly increased. A significant improvement was also observed in insulin resistance indices post‐treatment in both groups.

Conclusions  Our data suggest that orlistat has a beneficial effect in reducing elevated AGE levels and improving the hormonal and metabolic profile in women with PCOS after 6 months of treatment, independently of BMI changes.
Mature dendritic cells pulsed with exosomes stimulate efficient cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte responses and antitumour immunity
Authors: Hao Siguo , Bai Ou , Li Fang , Yuan Jinying , Laferte Suzanne , Xiang Jim
Published: October 2006

Exosomes (EXO) derived from dendritic cells (DC), which express major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and costimulatory molecules, have been used for antitumour vaccines. However, they are still less effective by showing only prophylatic immunity in animal models or very limited immune responses in clinical trials. In this study, we showed that ovalbumin (OVA) protein‐pulsed DC (DCOVA)‐derived EXO (EXOOVA) displayed MHC class I–OVA I peptide (pMHC I) complexes, CD11c, CD40, CD80, CCR7, DEC205, Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4), TLR9, MyD88 and DC‐SIGN molecules, but at a lower level than DCOVA. EXOOVA can be taken up by DC through LFA‐1/CD54 and C‐type lectin/mannose (glucosamine)‐rich C‐type lectin receptor (CLR) interactions. Mature DC pulsed with EXOOVA, which were referred to as mDCEXO, expressed a higher level of pMHC I, MHC II, and costimulatory CD40, CD54 and CD80 than DCOVA. The mDCEXO could more strongly stimulate OVA‐specific CD8+ T‐cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo, and more efficiently induce OVA‐specific cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte responses, antitumour immunity and CD8+ T‐cell memory in vivo than EXOOVA and DCOVA. In addition, mDCEXO could also more efficiently eradicate established tumours. Therefore, mature DC pulsed with EXO may represent a new, highly effective DC‐based vaccine for the induction of antitumour immunity.
‘Best practice’ in focus group research: making sense of different views
Authors: Freeman Tim
Published: October 2006

Aim.  The aim of this paper is to identify the broad epistemological debates which underpin conflicting statements on ‘rigour’ and ‘good practice’ in qualitative research; to relate divergences in statements of ‘good practice’ in focus group design made by the pre‐eminent commentators on focus group methodology to these broader epistemological debates; and to stimulate further reflection on the range of possible uses for focus groups in health services research. Considerations of the analysis of focus group data are beyond the scope of this paper.

Discussion.  Focus groups are a popular form of qualitative data collection, and may be defined as a particular form of group interview intended to exploit group dynamics. While qualitative research may be broadly characterized as concerned with exploring people's lived experiences and perspectives in context, it is a heterogeneous field incorporating many theoretical traditions. Consequently, qualitative researchers may be informed by a wide range of assumptions about the nature of knowledge (epistemology). These assumptions, whether implicit or explicit, have important consequences for claims about rigour and ‘good practice’ in data collection. Thus, while there is broad agreement over the general form of focus groups, statements of ‘good practice’ in terms of its application are varied. A close reading of texts by the two pre‐eminent commentators on the practical application of focus groups identifies differences in ‘best practice’ focus group design related to their respective epistemological assumptions, and differences principally related to sampling techniques, composition of groups, the perceived role of group interaction and the nature of inference.

Conclusion.  Explicit consideration of the epistemological basis of divergent statements of ‘best practice’ in focus group design forces health services researchers to balance the demands of theory with the practicalities of conducting focus group research within complex host organisations; and encourages readers to apply appraisal criteria appropriate to the stated intentions of researchers.
Prevention of clozapine‐induced granulocytopenia/agranulocytosis with granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor (G‐CSF) in an intellectually disabled patient with schizophrenia
Authors: Rajagopal G. , Graham J. G. , Haut F. F. A.
Published: October 2006

Background  While clozapine is an effective treatment for refractory schizophrenia, its use is limited by haematological side effects. Treatment options that allow continued prescription of clozapine by tackling these side effects will greatly aid patients for whom this medication is all too often their only hope of recovery.

Method  In this case report, we describe what we believe are two ‘firsts’ in the clozapine literature: the use of granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor on a prophylactic basis in an intellectually disabled patient receiving clozapine for refractory schizophrenia.

Result  Treatment with granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor prevented discontinuation of clozapine, enabling our intellectually disabled patient’s recovery from a schizophrenic illness.
The course and outcome of psychiatric illness in people with Prader–Willi syndrome: implications for management and treatment
Authors: Soni S. , Whittington J. , Holland A. J. , Webb T. , Maina E. , Boer H. , Clarke D.
Published: October 2006

Background  This study is part of a larger UK‐wide study investigating psychiatric illness in people with Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS), and describes the longitudinal aspect of psychiatric illness, in particular psychotic illness, and examines the use and role of psychotropic medication.

Method  A total of 119 individuals with genetically confirmed PWS were included in the study. An informant‐based questionnaire was administered for each participant to screen for a history of psychopathology. Those who screened positive were visited at their homes to obtain further information. This assessment included a full psychiatric history and mental state examination using the Psychiatric Assessment Schedule for Adults with Developmental Disability and the Operational Criteria Checklist for psychotic and affective illness to collect information regarding phenomenology and course of illness, and a modified life events questionnaire. At the end of the study period, informant‐based telephone interviews were again carried out, up to 2.5 years after the initial screening. Information regarding medication usage was collected.

Results  The results confirm previous findings that psychiatric illness in people with PWS resembles an affective disorder. Individuals with the maternal uniparental disomy genetic subtype had a more severe course of illness than those with the deletion genetic subtype in terms of a greater risk of recurrence, more episodes, higher incidence and a possibly poorer response to medication with more side‐effects. Individuals with a recurrent episode during the follow‐up period had a poorer course of illness. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor medication is frequently used, and beneficial effects may reflect fundamental pathological processes in PWS. Mood‐stabilizing medication was found to be of little benefit and reasons for this are examined.

Conclusion  The longitudinal course of psychiatric illness and response to medication in people with PWS is fully described. Further research is needed regarding the effect of psychotropic medications, particularly mood‐stabilizing medication. These data will enable informed decisions to be made regarding management options and provide information on the possible long‐term outcome of illness.
The donor stars of cataclysmic variables
Authors: Knigge Christian
Published: October 2006

We carefully consider observational and theoretical constraints on the global properties of secondary stars in cataclysmic variable stars (CVs). We then use these constraints to construct and test a complete, semi-empirical donor sequence for CVs with orbital periods Porb≤ 6 h. All key physical and photometric parameters of CV secondaries (along with their spectral types) are given as a function of Porb along this sequence. This provides a benchmark for observational and theoretical studies of CV donors and evolution.

The main observational basis for our donor sequence is an empirical mass–radius relationship for CV secondaries. Patterson and co-workers have recently shown that this can be derived from superhumping and/or eclipsing CVs. We independently revisit all of the key steps in this derivation, including the calibration of the period excess–mass ratio relation for superhumpers and the use of a single representative primary mass for most CVs. We also present an optimal technique for estimating the parameters of the mass–radius relation that simultaneously ensures consistency with the observed locations of the period gap and the period minimum. We present new determinations of these periods, finding Pgap,+= 3.18 ± 0.04 h (upper edge), Pgap,−= 2.15 ± 0.03 h (lower edge) and Pmin= 76.2 ± 1.0 min (period minimum).

We test the donor sequence by comparing observed and predicted spectral types (SpTs) as a function of orbital period. To this end, we update the SpT compilation of Beuermann and co-workers and show explicitly that CV donors have later SpTs than main-sequence (MS) stars at all orbital periods. This extends the conclusion of the earlier study to the short-period regime (Porb < 3 h). We then compare our donor sequence to the CV data, and find that it does an excellent job of matching the observed SpTs. Thus the empirical mass–radius relation yields just the right amount of radius expansion to account for the later-than-MS spectral types of CV donors. There is remarkably little intrinsic scatter in both the mass–radius and SpT–Porb relations, which confirms that most CVs follow a unique evolution track.

The donor sequence exhibits a fairly sharp drop in temperature, luminosity and optical/infrared flux well before the minimum period. This may help to explain why the detection of brown dwarf secondaries in CVs has proven to be extremely difficult.

We finally apply the donor sequence to the problem of distance estimation. Based on a sample of 22 CVs with trigonometric parallaxes and reliable 2MASS data, we show that the donor sequence correctly traces the upper envelope of the observed MJHK–Porb distribution. Thus robust lower limits on distances can be obtained from single-epoch infrared observations. However, for our sample, these limits are typically about a factor of 2 below the true distances.
A crustal‐scale cross‐section of the south‐western Alps combining geophysical and geological imagery
Authors: Lardeaux J.M. , Schwartz S. , Tricart P. , Paul A. , Guillot S. , Béthoux N. , Masson F.
Published: October 2006

A geotransect across the south‐western Alps from the Pelvoux Massif (external French Alps) to the Dora‐Maira massif (internal Italian Alps), through the Monviso ophiolitic complex, was investigated in the framework of the ‘Géo‐France 3D Alpes’ programme. A new interpretative crustal‐scale section across the south‐western Alps is proposed, combining geological and geophysical 2D/3D data. The Apulian mantle (i.e. the Ivrea body) might be divided into two rigid pieces separated by the downward prolongation of the Penninic frontal thrust. These mantle indenters drive the decoupling of the European crust. Beneath the high to ultra‐high pressure metamorphic nappes, the deep structure results from the stacking of crustal slices extracted from the European lithosphere. The proposed structural model provides a basis for discussing the evidence of the crustal‐scale partitioning of the current strain pattern as well as the location of the seismicity.
The onset of the Tan–Lu fault movement in eastern China: constraints from zircon (SHRIMP) and 40Ar/39Ar dating
Authors: Wang Yu
Published: October 2006

In eastern China, the Dabie Shan–Su–Lu orogenic belt has been separated by the Tan–Lu sinistral strike–slip fault. Mylonites are exposed along the strike–slip fault system in the southern segment, and along the eastern margin of the Dabie Shan orogenic belt. The country rocks of the mylonites are retrograde UHP eclogites, gneissic granites, muscovite granites and gneisses. The ductile strike–slip shear zone trends 30–40°N (NE30–40°‐trending) and exhibits stretching lineations and nearly vertical, SE‐dipping foliations. Most of the zircon grains separated from mylonites have a weighted average radiometric age of 233 ± 6–225 ± 6 Myr. These data constrain the onset of the Tan–Lu sinistral strike–slip movement and imply that the Tan–Lu sinistral strike–slip motion developed after retrograde UHP metamorphism. The related phengite within the eclogite rocks on the western side of the Tan–Lu fault, with 40Ar/39Ar plateau ages of c. 182–190 Myr, is also deformed and aligned parallel to the almost NE trending stretching lineations. Non‐metamorphosed granites exhibit sinistral strike–slip shearing and indicate that the Tan–Lu fault initially developed after 182–190 Myr. Muscovite collected from the mylonite yields 40Ar/39Ar plateau ages of 162 ± 1–156 ± 2 Myr. The zircon SHRIMP age data, the muscovite 40Ar/39Ar plateau ages, together with structural and petrological field information support the interpretation that the Tan–Lu strike–slip fault was not related to the Yangtze–north China plates collision, but corresponded to the formation of a NE‐trending tectonic framework in eastern China starting c. 165–160 Ma.
Annotation and expression profile analysis of 2073 full‐length cDNAs from stress‐induced maize (Zea mays L.) seedlings
Authors: Jia Jinping , Fu Junjie , Zheng Jun , Zhou Xin , Huai Junling , Wang Jianhua , Wang Meng , Zhang Ying , Chen Xiaoping , Zhang Jinpeng , Zhao Jinfeng , Su Zhen , Lv Yuping , Wang Guoying
Published: October 2006

Full‐length cDNAs are very important for genome annotation and functional analysis of genes. The number of full‐length cDNAs from maize (Zea mays L.) remains limited. Here we report the construction of a full‐length enriched cDNA library from osmotically stressed maize seedlings by using the modified CAP trapper method. From this library, 2073 full‐length cDNAs (accession numbers DQ244142–DQ246214) were collected and further analyzed by sequencing from both the 5′‐ and 3′‐ends. A total of 1728 (83.4%) sequences did not match known maize mRNA and full‐length cDNA sequences in the GenBank database and represent new full‐length genes. After alignment of the 2073 full‐length cDNAs with 448 maize BAC sequences, it was found that 84 full‐length cDNAs could be mapped to the BACs. Of these, 43 genes (51.2%) have been correctly annotated from the BAC clones, 37 genes (44.0%) have been annotated with a different exon–intron structure from our cDNA, and four genes (4.76%) had no annotations in the TIGR database. Expression analysis of 2073 full‐length maize cDNAs using a cDNA macroarray led to the identification of 79 genes upregulated by stress treatments and 329 downregulated genes. Of the 79 stress‐inducible genes, 30 genes contain ABRE, DRE, MYB, MYC core sequences or other abiotic‐responsive cis‐acting elements in their promoters. These results suggest that these cis‐acting elements and the corresponding transcription factors take part in plant responses to osmotic stress either cooperatively or independently. Additionally, the data suggest that an ethylene signaling pathway may be involved in the maize response to drought stress.
Marked improvement induced in photoaged skin of hairless mouse by ER36009, a novel RARγ‐specific retinoid, but not by ER35794, an RXR‐selective agonist
Authors: Sakuta Tomohiro , Kanayama Toshiji
Published: October 2006

Background Photoaging (premature skin aging) results largely from repeated exposure of the skin to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Topical all‐transretinoic acid (RA), the only agent that has been approved for the treatment of photoaging, has been shown to reverse this process. In this study, we evaluated the pharmacologic effects of novel synthetic retinoids, ER36009 and ER35794, on murine wrinkles induced by UVB. ER36009 is a specific agonist of retinoic acid receptor (RAR)γ, the most abundant RAR subtype in the skin, while ER35794 is a potent retinoid X receptor (RXR)‐selective agonist.

Method After a 10‐week exposure to escalating doses of UVB irradiation, the animals were treated three times per week with ER36009 (0.0001%, 0.00025%, 0.0005%), ER35794 (0.025%, 0.05%, 0.1%), RA (0.05%) or acetone (control) for 3 weeks.

Results ER36009 exerted a dose‐dependent wrinkle‐effacing effect, and 0.0005% ER36009‐treated skin was significantly different from the control. ER36009 also significantly and dose‐dependently increased both epidermal thickness and the area of the dermal repair zone defined by newly synthesized collagen. The effect of 0.0005% ER36009 on photodamaged skin was superior to that of 0.05% RA. In contrast, ER35794 was inactive in this model, though this compound exhibited lower local toxicity than other retinoids.

Conclusions These data indicate that RARγ, but not RXR, plays an important role in the improvement of the signs of photoaging, and so a specific RARγ agonist might be superior to an RAR pan‐agonist for clinical treatment. We conclude that ER36009 is a candidate for a potent anti‐skin‐aging agent.
Hypoallergenic fragment of Par j 2 increases functional expression of Toll‐like receptors in atopic children
Authors: Pace E. , Duro G. , Grutta S. La , Ferraro M. , Bruno A. , Bousquet J. , Bonsignore G. , Gjomarkaj M.
Published: October 2006

Background:  Parietaria judaica (Par j) is one of the main causes of allergy in the Mediterranean countries. The activation of Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) inhibits nasal inflammation of atopic children.

Objective:  To examine, in vivo and in vitro, the effect of recombinant Par j 2 (rPar j 2) and of its fragments (1–55 and 52–102) on atopic children.

Methods:  We used skin prick test for in vivo evaluations. We assessed, in vitro, in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), the effect of rPar j 2 and of the two fragments on neutrophil chemotaxis, on CD45RO, on TLR2 and TLR4 expression, on LPS binding and on interferon (IFN)‐γ release, by a microchemotaxis chamber, by flow cytometry and by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, respectively.

Results:  In vivo while rPar j 2 induced a positive skin reaction, 1–55 and 52–102 fragments did not. In vitro, while rPar j 2 increased both CD45RO expression and neutrophils chemotaxis in PBMC, both Par j 2 fragments did not. 1–55 fragment of Par j 2 upregulated both TLR2 and TLR4 expression and LPS binding, while the rPar j 2 and 52–102 fragment did not. Finally, 1–55 fragment of Par j 2 induced IFNγ release, while the rPar j 2 and 52–102 fragment did not.

Conclusions:  Hypoallergenic 1–55 fragment, upregulating innate immunity receptors and increasing IFNγ, might re‐orientate, in atopics, the immune system toward a physiologic balance between Th1 and Th2 responses.
Environmental and socio‐demographic factors associated to asthma in adolescents in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: Kuschnir Fábio Chigres , Alves da Cunha Antônio José Ledo
Published: October 2006

Although asthma is of frequent occurence, little is known about the factors associated with this disease in Brazil. We studied the association between asthma, environmental and socio‐demographic factors in adolescents in Nova lguacu, Rio de Janeiro State. Cross‐sectional study using the questionnaires about asthma and environmental factors from the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC). We performed bivariate analyses between asthma and the factors studied using prevalence ratio (PR), confidence intervals of 95% (95% Cl) and Chi‐squared test. Factors associated to asthma in a bivariate analysis were studied using logistic regression and odds ratio (OR). We included 3,033 students, aged 13–14 yrs, selected from 37 schools. The prevalence of asthma was 13.1%. Being female (OR = 1.40; 95%Cl:1.11–1.77), the presence of a mother who smokes (OR = 1.32; 95%Cl:1.04–1.66), a cat in the domicile (OR = 1.32; 95%Cl:1.04–1.69), being the firstborn (OR = 1.34; 95%Cl:1.07–1.68), frequent use of paracetamol (OR = 1.45; 95%Cl: 1.15–1.84), the presence of rhinitis (OR = 5.15; 95%:3.89–6.82) and eczema (OR = 2.35; 95%Cl:1.73–3.19) were independently associated to asthma. Environmental and socio‐demographic factors were associated to asthma in adolescents in Rio de Janeiro, irrespective of the presence of others allergic diseases. Interventions acting on these factors may decrease the occurence of asthma in this population.
The quantification of ADAMTS expression in an animal model of cerebral ischemia using real‐time PCR
Authors: Tian Y. F. , Zhang P. B. , Xiao X. L. , Zhang J. S. , Zhao J. J. , Kang Q. Y. , Chen X. L. , Qiu F. , Liu Y.
Published: October 2006

Background:  ADAMTS1 and ADAMTS8 are proteases involved in extracellular matrix proteolysis and antiangiogenesis, but little is known about their expression and function in cerebral ischemia. We investigated the changes in ADAMTS1 and ADAMTS8 in a rat model of permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO). The expressions of glyseraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), β‐actin, cyclophilin, and RPL13A were examined in order to validate the appropriate housekeeping genes for a long duration after inducing cerebral ischemia.

Methods:  Male Sprague–Dawley rats were subjected to pMCAO, and ischemic penumbra was collected at 2, 24 h, 3, 7, and 21 days after inducing ischemia, ADAMTS1, ADAMTS8, and the four housekeeping genes were quantified using real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results:  The expression of β‐actin increased up to 21 days, and that of GAPDH decreased at 24 h after pMCAO, with no statistically significant changes in RPL13A and cyclophilin being detected. ADAMTS1 mRNA increased at 2 h after pMCAO, peaked at 24 h, and remained at a high level until 21 days. The expression of ADAMTS8 mRNA decreased at 2 and 24 h after pMCAO, followed by a slight increase at 3 days, and then decreased again at 7 days.

Conclusion:  The results suggest that RPL13A and cyclophilin are two appropriate housekeeping genes for the rat pMCAO model up to 21 days. ADAMTS1 mRNA levels increased, but ADAMTS8 decreased after pMCAO. Our data provide new insight into the mechanism of brain ischemia and self‐repair after injury.
Prospective comparison of POSSUM and P‐POSSUM with clinical assessment of mortality following emergency surgery
Authors: Hobson S. A. , Sutton C. D. , Garcea G. , Thomas W. M.
Published: October 2006

Background:  Tools to accurately estimate the risk of death following emergency surgery are useful adjuncts to informed consent and clinical decisions. This prospective study compared the Physiological and Operative Severity Score for the Enumeration of Mortality and Morbidity (POSSUM) and Portsmouth POSSUM (P‐POSSUM) scoring systems with clinical judgement in predicting mortality from emergency surgery.

Methods:  Data were collected prospectively from 163 patients. Details of the physiological and operative severity scores were recorded for POSSUM and P‐POSSUM. The estimates of both the surgeon and anaesthetist for 30‐day and in‐hospital mortality were also recorded pre‐operatively. The accuracies of the four predictions were then compared with actual mortalities using linear and exponential analysis and receiver operator characteristics (ROC).

Results:  P‐POSSUM gave the most accurate prediction of 30‐day mortality using linear analysis [observed to expected ratio (O : E) = 1.0]. POSSUM gave the most accurate prediction using exponential analysis (O : E = 1.15). Clinical judgement of mortality from both operating surgeons and anaesthetists compared favourably with the scoring systems for 30‐day mortality (O : E = 0.83 and O : E = 0.93, respectively). ROC analyses showed both clinical judgement and the POSSUM scores to be good predictors of 30‐day mortality with area under the curve values (AUC) of 0.903, 0.907, 0.946 and 0.940 for surgeons, anaesthetists, POSSUM and P‐POSSUM respectively.

Conclusions:  POSSUM and P‐POSSUM appear to be useful indicators for the prediction of mortality. Clinical judgement compares strongly with scoring systems in predicting post‐operative mortality, but may underestimate mortality in very high‐risk patients with more than 90% mortality.
The risk of vertebral canal complications in 2837 cardiac surgery patients with thoracic epidurals*
Authors: Jack E. S. , Scott N. B.
Published: October 2006

Background:  Recent communications in the medical press have suggested that the rate of vertebral canal complications following epidural catheter placement is increasing in frequency, in particular the incidence of epidural abscess (Hearn M. Epidural abscess complicating insertion of epidural catheters. Br J Anaesth 2003; 90 (5): 706–7; Govasi C, Bland D, Poddar R, Horst C. Epidural abscess complicating insertion of epidural catheters. Br J Anaesth 2004; 92 (2): 294–5). We wished to investigate this in our population of cardiac surgical patients.

Methods:  We performed a retrospective review of the data from all patients who had undergone coronary artery bypass grafting or valve replacement surgery in our hospital over the past 8 years. This involved a review of computer databases, logbooks, radiology records, admission records, intensive care transfers, pain team ward round data and follow‐up outpatient data referrals.

Results:  In total, 2837 patient admissions were examined and reviewed by the authors. No episodes of vertebral canal haematoma or abscess were observed.

Conclusions:  Retrospective analysis of our working practice indicates that thoracic epidural anaesthesia and analgesia are safe in patients receiving cardiac surgery. We found no epidural haematoma or abscess in 2837 patients.
Assessing the depth of dexmedetomidine‐induced sedation with electroencephalogram (EEG)‐based spectral entropy
Authors: Maksimow A. , Snapir A. , Särkelä M. , Kentala E. , Koskenvuo J. , Posti J. , Jääskeläinen S. K. , Hinkka‐Yli‐Salomäki S. , Scheinin M. , Scheinin H.
Published: October 2006

Background:  Adequate sedation of critically ill patients improves the outcome of intensive care. Maintaining an optimal level of sedation in the intensive care unit (ICU) is difficult because of a lack of appropriate monitoring methods to guide drug dosing. Dexmedetomidine, a selective α2‐adrenoceptor agonist, has recently been introduced for the sedation of ICU patients. This study investigated the utility of electroencephalogram (EEG)‐based spectral entropy monitoring (with M‐ENTROPY™, GE Healthcare, Helsinki, Finland) for the assessment of dexmedetomidine‐induced sedation.

Methods:  Eleven healthy, non‐smoking men, aged 23.9 ± 2.5 years (mean ± standard deviation), were recruited. Spectral entropy was recorded before and during low (0.5 ng/ml) and high (5 ng/ml) plasma concentrations of dexmedetomidine. At the end of the infusion, subjects were awakened by verbal command and light shaking.

Results:  Spectral entropy decreased from 84 ± 5 to 66 ± 16 (P= 0.029) during low dexmedetomidine levels and from 84 ± 5 to 20 ± 12 (P < 0.001) during high dexmedetomidine levels. Transitions during loss and regaining of consciousness were analysed separately. Entropy decreased from 76 ± 8 before to 43 ± 10 (P < 0.001) after loss of consciousness, and increased from 14 ± 4 to 63 ± 13 (P < 0.001) on regaining of consciousness. These changes were consistent across all subjects. Prediction probability and sensitivity values indicated a high predictive performance of the method.

Conclusion:  The depth of dexmedetomidine‐induced sedation can be monitored with EEG‐based spectral entropy. These results should be confirmed in a clinical setting.
Sterilization method of platelet storage containers affects in vitro parameters
Authors: Van Der Meer P. F. , Pietersz R. N. I.
Published: October 2006

Background and Aim  Four butyryl trihexyl phthalate plasticized polyvinyl chloride (BTHC‐PVC) containers were compared for storage of leukoreduced platelet concentrates (LR‐PC): three ethylene oxide (EtO) sterilized (Gambro, Haemonetics, Fresenius), and one steam‐sterilized (Fresenius).

Methods  LR‐PCs were made from 5 buffy coats and 300 ml Composol additive solution, and leukoreduced by filtration. Four LR‐PCs were pooled and subsequently divided over the 4 BTHC‐PVC bags to prevent donor‐dependent differences, and sampled for in vitro analysis on day 1, 2, 5, 7 and 9.

Results  The pH values on day 9 were (mean ± SD, n = 10): 7·12 ± 0·03 (Gambro), 7·12 ± 0·04 (Haemonetics), and 7·07 ± 0·09 (Fresenius, EtO‐sterilized) (not significantly different), vs. 6·91 ± 0·12 (Fresenius, steam‐sterilized; P < 0·001 vs. all EtO‐sterilized bags). LR‐PCs stored in the steam‐sterilized bag exhibited significantly higher glucose consumption and lactate production (P < 0·001 vs. all EtO‐sterilized bags).

Conclusion  All BTHC‐PVC containers allow storage of LR‐PCs for up to 9 days with good in vitro parameters. However, the method of sterilization affects the storage conditions of the LR‐PCs in these bags.
Spontaneous resolution of corneal oedema following Descemet’s detachment
Authors: Watson Stephanie L , Abiad Gus , Coroneo Minas T
Published: October 2006

Abstract

We report a case of spontaneous resolution of corneal oedema in the presence of a large persistent Descemet’s detachment in a 71‐year‐old woman. Detachment of Descemet’s membrane occurred during phacoemulsification surgery and produced significant corneal oedema. The patient declined surgical repair. Six months later the corneal oedema resolved and in vivo confocal microscopy showed endothelial cells on the posterior stroma in the region of the detachment. Endothelial cell hypertrophy, migration and redistribution were thought to be responsible for reversal of the corneal oedema. Experimental evidence and clinical studies raise the possibility that limited endothelial cell proliferation may occur.
Opaque coating of an intraocular lens and regression of iris neovascularization following injection of triamcinolone acetonide into the anterior chamber
Authors: Chen Simon DM , Chen Fred K , Patel CK
Published: October 2006

Abstract

A pseudophakic patient presented with a vitreous haemorrhage and iris neovascularization associated with proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Vitrectomy with panretinal photocoagulation and intraocular gas tamponade of an iatrogenic break was performed. As an alternative to intravitreal injection into a gas‐filled eye, triamcinolone acetonide was injected into the anterior chamber. Postoperatively, the visual acuity was reduced to light perception by an opaque coating of triamcinolone particles on the intraocular lens and iris which resolved over 2 months. By 4 months, the iris neovascularization had regressed completely. The use of intracameral triamcinolone in pseudophakic eyes may be associated with a transient loss of vision and prevent fundal visualization owing to triamcinolone coating of the intraocular lens.