bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Net haemoglobin increase from reinfusion of refrigerated vs. frozen red blood cells after autologous blood transfusions
Authors: Ashenden M. , Mørkeberg J.
Published: April 2011

Background and Objectives  Two main blood storage procedures can be used for storing red blood cells: refrigeration and freezing. Nevertheless, the efficiency of these procedures measured as the increase in haemoglobin after reinfusion compared with baseline has never been examined. The main objective was to examine which storage procedure yielded the largest increase in circulating haemoglobin after reinfusion compared to baseline.

Materials and Methods  Equal volumes of blood from 15 men were withdrawn and stored either frozen or refrigerated as packed red blood cells. Serial measures of circulating haemoglobin by carbon monoxide rebreathing provided an opportunity to monitor recovery from anaemia, as well as the net increase in circulating haemoglobin after transfusion.

Results  The post‐thaw yield of haemoglobin in the bags was 72% after refrigerated storage compared with only 52% after freezing. Nevertheless, frozen storage allowed haemoglobin to fully recover before reinfusion, while the haemoglobin was 10% lower in the refrigerated group compared with baseline. After reinfusion, the haemoglobin levels were 11·5% higher than the baseline values in the group reinfused with frozen blood, while for the refrigerated group, haemoglobin levels were only 5·2% higher than baseline.

Conclusion  The relatively larger recovery from anaemia in the frozen group during storage more than compensated for the larger loss of haemoglobin during freezing and resulted in a larger net gain in haemoglobin. Based on the average 23 g per week recovery of haemoglobin, extending refrigerated storage to 7–8 weeks may yield sufficient time for patients to fully replenish harvested haemoglobin from three bags of blood without reliance on frozen storage of RBC.
A spatial regression analysis of German community characteristics associated with voluntary non‐remunerated blood donor rates
Authors: Weidmann C. , Schneider S. , Litaker D. , Weck E. , Klüter H.
Published: April 2011

Background and Objectives  Previous studies have shown substantial geographical variation in blood donation within developed countries. To understand this issue better, we identified community characteristics associated with blood donor rates in German municipalities in an ecological analysis.

Materials and Methods  We calculated an aggregated rate of voluntary blood donors from each of 1533 municipalities in south‐west Germany in 2007 from a database of the German Red Cross Blood Service. A multiple linear regression model estimated the association between the municipality‐specific donor rate and several community characteristics. Finally, a spatial lag regression model was used to control for spatial autocorrelation that occurs when neighbouring units are related to each other.

Results  The spatial lag regression model showed that a relatively larger population, a higher percentage of inhabitants older than 30 years, a higher percentage of non‐German citizens and a higher percentage of unemployed persons were associated with lower municipality‐specific donor rates. Conversely, a higher donor rate was correlated with higher voter turnout, a higher percentage of inhabitants between 18 and 24 years and more frequent mobile donation sites.

Conclusions  Blood donation appears to be a highly clustered regional phenomenon, suggesting the need for regionally targeted recruiting efforts and careful consideration of the value of mobile donation sites. Our model further suggests that municipalities with a decreasing percentage of 18‐ to 24‐year‐olds and an increasing percentage of older inhabitants may experience substantial declines in future blood donations.
Evolution of animal multicellularity stimulated by dissolved organic carbon in early Ediacaran ocean: DOXAM hypothesis
Authors: KANO AKIHIRO , KUNIMITSU YOKO , TOGO TETSUHIRO , TAKASHIMA CHIDURU , SHIRAISHI FUMITO , WANG WEI
Published: April 2011

Oxygenation of the ocean is presumed to be an important factor stimulating the evolution of multicellular animals. The appearance of the Ediacaran‐type biota (ca 575 Ma) was assigned to the aftermath of the Gaskiers glaciation (ca 580 Ma), when substantial oceanic oxygenation is believed to have started. However, several lines of evidence reveal that at least sponges evolved before this oxygenation. For understanding the first stage of animal evolution, we propose the hypothesis that Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC) Stimulated the evolution for Animal Multicellularity (DOXAM). Recent geochemical studies of the Ediacaran sedimentary sequences have indicated that a substantial DOC mass was developed in the stratified ocean after the Marinoan glaciation (655–635 Ma), and this was supported by the inorganic and organic carbon isotope profiles of the Doushantuo Formation in South China. The DOC mass was an oxygen consumer in the water column; however, it could have provided a food source for filter‐feeding animals such as sponges and cnidarians, and established a primitive food‐web. Such an ecological structure is recognized in modern deep‐sea coral mounds. Results from the integrated ocean drilling program (IODP) Expedition 307 for a mound in northeastern Atlantic suggested that organic carbon suspended around the density boundary in the water column is the key feature to feed the heterotrophic deep‐sea coral community. Our hypothesis is consistent with the fact that the two most primitive animal phyla (Porifera and Cnidaria) are filter feeders. The evolution of filter feeding ecosystems removed the DOC mass and may have contributed to ocean oxygenation in the terminal Neoproterozoic when animal evolution passed into the second stage, with the appearance of bilaterians.
Recognition and management of overweight and obese children: A questionnaire survey of general practitioners and parents in England
Authors: Gage Heather , Erdal Ebru , Saigal Priyanka , Qiao Yue , Williams Peter , Raats Monique M
Published: April 2011

Aims:  To (i) compare the views of general practitioners (GPs) and parents about the causes, consequences and management of childhood overweight/obesity; and (ii) explore the extent to which they can identify overweight/obesity in children.

Methods:  A questionnaire was mailed to all GPs in one Primary Care Trust and all parents in one primary school in southern England, 2008. Information was gathered on socio‐demographic background, views about causes, consequences and management of childhood overweight/obesity; judgements about the weight status of 14 images of children (seven boys, seven girls) in the Children's Body Image Scale (CBIS). Comparisons were made between GP and parents' responses using unpaired bivariate tests.

Results:  The response rate was 33%. Differences exist between the views of GPs and parents about childhood weight management: 86.4% of parents felt GPs should be involved, compared to 73.3% of GPs (P < 0.001). Parents thought GPs should be more proactive than the GPs stated they would be. GPs were significantly more likely than parents to see a role for school nurses and dieticians. One third of respondents thought GPs lacked expertise in child weight management. Most GPs and parents correctly identified obese children from the images, but inaccuracies occurred at category margins.

Conclusions:  Childhood overweight/obesity is a serious public health concern, and primary care has a role to play in tackling it. GPs in England need more training in childhood overweight/obesity management. Their role needs to be clarified in the context of multiagency approaches.
Acute suppurative thyroiditis in young children
Authors: Wongphyat Oranan , Mahachoklertwattana Pat , Molagool Sani , Poomthavorn Preamrudee
Published: April 2011

We report two children with acute suppurative thyroiditis (AST). They presented with typical features of AST, which include fever, painful goiter and biochemical euthyroidism. An anatomical defect predisposed to thyroid infection, pyriform sinus fistula, was identified in one patient. Both patients responded well to surgical pus drainage and antibiotic treatment. Anatomical defects must be sought in all children with AST to perform specific surgical treatment and prevent recurrent infection.
VASCULAR PATTERN CLASSIFICATION OF COLORECTAL LESIONS WITH NARROW BAND IMAGING MAGNIFYING ENDOSCOPY
Authors: WADA YOSHIKI , KUDO SHIN‐EI , MISAWA MASASHI , IKEHARA NOBUNAO , HAMATANI SHIGEHARU
Published: April 2011

Magnifying narrow band imaging (NBI) has enabled to observe the vascular pattern of colorectal lesions. Their broad findings have been divided into six groups according to endoscopical vascular features: normal, faint, network, dense, irregular and sparse. Most hyperplastic polyps show a faint pattern. The vascular patterns of adenomas are mainly network or dense ones. The predominant vascular patterns of cancer were irregular and sparse. Indeed, irregular pattern has found to be characteristic for protruded or flat‐elevated cancer, whereas sparse pattern unique for depressed cancer. Through NBI, neoplastic lesions could be differentiated from those non‐neoplastic with sensitivity of 83.5%, specificity of 98.7% and accuracy of 98.2%. It was able to distinguish between massively submucosal invasive cancers and slightly submucosal invasive cancers by using the vascular pattern with 91.0% sensitivity and 79.4% specificity. The overall accuracy was 88.3%. NBI system has showed to be a valuable technique for distinguishing neoplastic from non‐neoplastic lesions, as well as massively from slightly submucosal invasive cancer. Therefore, vascular pattern analysis might be a promising tool for determining treatment selection, whether endoscopical or surgically.
USEFULNESS OF MAGNIFYING NARROW BAND IMAGING FOR ASSESSING LATERAL TUMOR EXTENT OF EARLY GASTRIC CANCER: A CASE REPORT
Authors: TAKEUCHI MANABU , KOBAYASHI MASAAKI , HASHIMOTO SATORU , NARISAWA RINTARO , AOYAGI YUTAKA
Published: April 2011

Narrow band imaging with magnifying endoscopy (NBI‐ME) is a novel technology that enhances vascular architecture and surface structure of the superficial mucosa of the gastric cancer. We report a case in which the lateral extent of slightly elevated tumor was clearly defined based on the presence of irregular microvessel pattern and irregular microsurface pattern using NBI‐ME. This lesion was diagnosed as well‐differentiated adenocarcinoma confined to the mucosa because of granular/papillary surface structure containing loop‐like microvessels.
ROLE OF EUS IN THE EARLY DETECTION OF SMALL PANCREATIC CANCER
Authors: YASUDA ICHIRO , IWASHITA TAKUJI , DOI SHINPEI , NAKASHIMA MASANORI , MORIWAKI HISATAKA
Published: April 2011

The prognosis of pancreatic cancer is extremely poor as a result of the difficulty in early detection of small pancreatic cancer and the intractable nature of appropriate anti‐cancer therapies. Computed tomography (CT) is generally used for initial screening, but imaging sensitivities are generally insufficient to detect small masses. Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS), in contrast, exhibits higher sensitivity than other imaging modalities for the detection of pancreatic cancers, because of the high resolution of images.

Aims:  The goal of this study was to evaluate the role of EUS in the early detection of small pancreatic cancer.

Methods:  We retrospectively reviewed the Gifu University Hospital EUS database (November 2007 to October 2010), and extracted the data of patients whose aim was to confirm the presence or absence of pancreatic cancer subsequent to no tumor detection by abdominal CT.

Results:  In a 3 year period, 132 patients underwent EUS to confirm the presence or absence of small pancreatic cancer. All patients had previously tested negative for pancreatic mass using abdominal CT, but had showed pancreatic cancer risk factors, including increased serum carcinoembryonic antigen and/or CA 19–9 (n = 106), serum amylase (n = 38), and/or mild to moderate dilation of the main pancreatic duct as determined by imaging (n = 88). EUS detected pancreatic mass in three of these patients. The masses in all three patients were minute (≤10 mm) and their presence was correlated with the detection of mild dilation of the main pancreatic duct in earlier CT scans. Increase of tumor markers was observed in two patients and hyperamylasemia and aggravation of diabetes were observed in one patient.

Conclusions:  EUS is strongly recommended for early detection of small pancreatic cancer in patients in whom the dilation of the main pancreatic duct was detected in previous imaging tests, with or without increase of pancreatic enzymes or tumor markers.
CURRENT STATUS OF DIRECT PERORAL CHOLANGIOSCOPY
Authors: ITOI TAKAO , MOON JONG HO , WAXMAN IRVING
Published: April 2011

Recently, several endoscopists have reported the usefulness of direct peroral video cholangioscopy for the diagnosis and therapy of bile duct lesions. Although ultra‐slim pediatric or Tran nasal video endoscopes are usually used for the direct peroral video cholangioscopy, direct scope insertion without pretreatment and any assistant is considerably difficult. Based on the previous literatures, intraductal balloon catheter‐assisted scope insertion might be relatively reliable method. To overcome the issue on the scope insertion, recently prototype cholangioscope that has short bending section and anchoring balloon catheter for scope replacement and insertion has been developed. In the near future, we could establish the direct peroral cholangioscopy using new developed technology.
ENDOSCOPIC ULTRASONOGRAPHY‐GUIDED DRAINAGE FOR TUBERCULOUS LIVER ABSCESS DRAINAGE
Authors: ITOI TAKAO , ANG TIING LEONG , SEEWALD STEFAN , TSUJI SHUJIRO , KURIHARA TOSHIO , TANAKA REINA , ITOKAWA FUMIHIDE
Published: April 2011

Traditionally, either surgical or percutaneous drainage is recommended for liver abscess. Recently, several endoscopists have reported the endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)‐guided liver abscess drainage. Herein, we report a case of tuberculous liver abscess in which endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA) was useful for the diagnosis and therapy. A 78‐year‐old woman suffered from continuous epigastric pain and fever up. Computed tomography (CT) showed a 70 mm multilocular and multiseptate cystic lesion around the head of pancreas and caudate lobe of the liver. After confirming liver abscess by EUS‐FNA, EUS‐guided liver abscess drainage was carried out. Finally, a 7 Fr straight stent and a 5 Fr nasocystic catheter were inserted into the cyst. Four weeks later, we found that cultured microorganism obtained using drainage catheter was Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Although he was doing well during 5 days after the procedure, CT showed the size of another abscess increased. Then, additional EUS‐guided abscess drainage was carried out at the body of the stomach into the abscess of the left lobe. Two weeks later, CT showed disappearance of abscesses. Then, she discharged with the internal stent still in place.
ENDOSCOPIC ULTRASONOGRAPHY‐GUIDED FINE NEEDLE ASPIRATION BIOPSY IN A PATIENT WITH PRIOR BILLROTH II GASTRECTOMY
Authors: ITOI TAKAO , ITOKAWA FUMIHIDE , SOFUNI ATSUSHI , KURIHARA TOSHIO , KAWAI TAKASHI
Published: April 2011

Endoscopic ultrasonography‐guided fine needle aspiration biopsy (EUS‐FNA) is a safe and accurate procedure for the diagnosis of pancreatic lesions. However, in general, surgically altered anatomy excluding Billroth I gastrectomy is considered a relative contraindication to EUS‐FNA. Herein, we described a successful case of EUS‐FNA in a patient with prior Billroth II gastrectomy. A 78‐year‐old man, who had previously undergone Billroth II gastrectomy for duodenal ulcer, undertook EUS‐FNA using a curved linear echoendoscope. An echoendoscope was advanced into the duodenum and EUS‐FNA could be carried out using a 22‐gauge needle without procedure‐related adverse event.
GENETIC DIAGNOSIS OF PANCREATIC CANCER USING SPECIMENS OBTAINED BY EUS‐FNA
Authors: RYOZAWA SHOMEI , IWANO HIROTOSHI , TABA KUMIKO , SEN‐YO MANABU , UEKITANI TOSHIYUKI
Published: April 2011

We review the current situation concerning molecular biological analysis in respect of pancreatic cancer, using specimens obtained by endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA). K‐ras, p53, p16, DPC4/SMAD4, telomerase activity are used for discrimination between tumor‐forming pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. Examination of heat shock protein (HSP) 27, ribonucleotide reductase, and other factors are examined in order to test the sensitivity to Gemcitabin. Comparative genomic hybridization analysis for pancreatic cancer specimens obtained by EUS‐FNA was reported to be useful for evaluate the biological characteristics of pancreatic cancer before treatment. It is expected that the genetic diagnosis using EUS‐FNA specimens will not only positively contribute to improving the diagnostic performance, but it will also provide valuable information for carrying out tailor‐made treatment.
ROLE OF NARROW BAND IMAGING FOR DIAGNOSIS OF EARLY‐STAGE ESOPHAGOGASTRIC CANCER: CURRENT CONSENSUS OF EXPERIENCED ENDOSCOPISTS IN ASIA–PACIFIC REGION
Authors: UEDO NORIYA , FUJISHIRO MITSUHIRO , GODA KENICHI , HIRASAWA DAI , KAWAHARA YOSHIRO , LEE JUN H , MIYAHARA RYOJI , MORITA YOSHINORI , SINGH RAJVINDER , TAKEUCHI MANABU , WANG SHUFANG , YAO TAKASHI
Published: April 2011

In Asian countries, squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type of esophageal cancer, and the incidence of gastric cancer remains have plateaued. To synthesize current information and to illustrate its clinical benefit of narrow band imaging (NBI) for diagnosis of superficial esophageal squamous carcinoma (SESCC) and early gastric cancer (EGC), a consensus conference was held by a panel of nine experts from Asian‐Pacific countries. The expert's agreement suggested importance of interpretation of both vascular architecture and surface structure of the lesions and proper processor settings for endoscopic images. Zoom endoscopy was not regarded as absolutely necessary for detection of SESCC, but magnifying observation provided valuable information for characterization of detected lesions in the esophagus and the stomach. In general, NBI is useful for detection and characterization of SESCC, whereas it is beneficial mainly for characterization of EGC. Chromoendoscopy was found to be still worthwhile in certain situations, such as determination of the extent of SESCC by Lugol's staining, or detection and delineation of EGC by indigo carmine. NBI could replace chromoendoscopy in routine examination because it is easy to use and adds much information to conventional WLI, but it cannot eliminate chromoendoscopy when we make a final diagnosis for treatment decision‐making. Consequently, the benefit of NBI or magnifying NBI is specific for the organ and the purpose of the examination, thus optimum indication and usage should be understood for maximum clinical benefit.
DEVELOPMENT OF GASTROINTESTINAL ENDOSCOPY IN MALAYSIA: A HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE EXPERIENCE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MALAYA MEDICAL CENTRE
Authors: GOH KHEAN‐LEE
Published: April 2011

Gastrointestinal endoscopy started in the early 1970s in Malaysia with the help of Japanese doctors. It has evolved over the past 30 years. The gastrointestinal endoscopy unit at the University of Malaya Medical Centre has been in the forefront in providing endoscopy services to patients as well as training doctors in endoscopy in the country. In recent years, trainees have included those from neighboring countries in South‐East Asia. Among our most significant achievements is the organization of regular international therapeutic endoscopy workshops since 1993 where leading endoscopists from throughout the world have accepted our invitation as teaching faculty. In 2008, the World Organization of Digestive Endoscopy accorded the high distinction of Centre of Excellence to the endoscopy unit of the University of Malaya Medical Centre.
CURRENT STATUS OF DIAGNOSTIC ENDOSCOPIC ULTRASONOGRAPHY IN THE EVALUATION OF PANCREATIC MASS LESIONS
Authors: ITOI TAKAO , SOFUNI ATSUSHI , ITOKAWA FUMIHIDE , IRISAWA ATSUSHI , KHOR CHRISTOPHER JL , RERKNIMITR RUNGSUN
Published: April 2011

Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) is currently well established as a diagnostic method for the evaluation of pancreatic mass lesions. Diagnostic EUS might be divided into two broad categories; it is an imaging method, and also a device for obtaining cytopathology and histopathology. EUS as an imaging method has seen the introduction of newer intravenous contrast agents that enable the characterization of the pancreatic masses. EUS elastography enables real‐time graphical representation of differential tissue hardness within a lesion. Contrast‐enhanced EUS and/or elastography provide information additional to the fundamental images, leading to more accurate diagnosis. EUS‐guided fine needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA) has been shown to be a highly accurate method for distinguishing benign from malignant pancreatic masses. Several investigators have reported the usefulness of EUS‐FNA samples obtained from pancreatic masses for genetic analysis, e.g. p53, K‐ras. Genetic analysis of EUS‐FNA samples to characterize chemo‐sensitivity has recently been attempted in patients with unresectable pancreatic cancers. Although further improvement of EUS technology is desired to render it an even more convenient and reliable procedure, EUS at its current level of advancement is of proven utility in the diagnosis of pancreatic masses.
A CASE OF SMALL EARLY GASTRIC CANCER THAT WAS SUCCESSFULLY DETECTED BY NARROW BAND IMAGING MAGNIFYING ENDOSCOPY
Authors: MORITA YOSHINORI , FUJIWARA SHOKO , TANAKA SHINWA , TOYONAGA TAKASHI , AZUMA TAKESHI
Published: April 2011

Endoscopic diagnosis of gastric cancer is very often made by conventional white light endoscopy and/or by indigo carmine chromoendoscopy. However, with this method it is difficult to detect and demarcate a small lesion affected by inflammation or a biopsy procedure. We considered it is useful for diagnosis of such small cancers to observe a lesion with a magnifying endoscope combined with a narrow band imaging system.
EUS‐FNA FOR PANCREATIC CYST LESION, TODAY AND TOMORROW IN THE KINGDOM OF THAILAND
Authors: KONGKAM PRADERMCHAI , RERKNIMITR RUNGSUN , RIDTITID WIRIYAPORN , PAUSAWASDI NONTHALEE , AKARAVIPUTH THAWATCHAI , RATANACHU‐EK THAWEE , PISESPONGSA PISES , OVARTLARNPORN BANCHA ,   THAI ASSOCIATION FOR GASTROINTESTINAL ENDOSCOPY
Published: April 2011

Unlike endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) service, endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) service in Thailand is at its elementary state. Currently, there are only 11 hospitals in Thailand carrying out EUS whereas there are more than 50 hospitals carrying out ERCP. This is a multicenter questionnaire survey that obtained information on EUS practice for pancreatic cysts. Of those 11 hospitals, only three hospitals provided enough number of patients with pancreatic cysts undergoing EUS. There were many differences in endosonographers opinions regarding specific information in the pancreatic cyst. In addition, the threshold to carry out and not to carry out fine needle aspiration are varies.
THE MANAGEMENT OF THE PANCREATIC CYSTIC NEOPLASM: THE ROLE OF THE EUS IN JAPAN
Authors: OKABE YOSHINOBU , KAJI RYOHEI , ISHIDA YUSUKE , TSURUTA OSAMU , SATA MICHIO
Published: April 2011

Diagnosis of cystic lesions of the pancreas is made by clinical history taking, physical examination, blood biochemical tests and diagnostic imaging, such as transabdominal ultrasound, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), cross‐sectional imaging (computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, bearing in mind the known characteristic features of the various cystic lesions that can occur in this organ. Among others, EUS, endowed with a sharp local resolving power, has been described as a highly useful examination method, because it enables concurrent fine‐needle aspiration (FNA). EUS has an important role in the differential diagnosis and tumor grading (benign, premalignant or malignant) of cystic lesions. Although the differential diagnosis of cystic lesions of the pancreas based on EUS morphology is practicable to some extent, there have also been reports showing that the diagnosis might vary with the endosonographer and that the diagnostic performance of this method for tumor grading is not necessarily high. In countries overseas, differential diagnosis and tumor grading of cystic lesions of the pancreas are actively undertaken not merely by EUS morphology, but also by cyst‐fluid EUS‐guided FNA (EUS‐FNA) cytology and measurements of pancreatic enzymes and tumor markers, and importance is attached to EUS‐FNA in the latest version of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Guideline and in the diagnostic strategies for cystic diseases of the pancreas. Meanwhile, the current Japanese consensus is that EUS‐FNA is not recommended in cases of mucinous cystic lesions suspected as being intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm or mucinous cystic neoplasm.
Plastic zone size estimation under cyclic loadings using in situ optical microscopy fatigue testing
Authors: ZHANG W. , LIU Y.
Published: April 2011

An in situ optical microscopy fatigue testing is proposed in this paper to investigate the forward and reversed plastic zone size under cyclic loadings for Al‐7075‐T6. This experimental study is used to verify the hypotheses in a recently developed small time scale formulation of fatigue crack growth. During the testing, the entire cyclic loading cycle is divided into a certain number of steps. Images of the crack tip are taken at each step. The full strain field around the crack tip is determined using the digital image correlation (DIC) technique. The plastic zone size is obtained by combining the DIC results and the material constitutive relationship. Experimental measurements from the proposed study are compared with theoretical predictions. It is observed that the crack closure has a large effect on the reversed plastic zone size. The plastic zone size remains almost constant when the unloading path is below a certain stress level, which is one of the hypotheses used in a previous crack growth model. Discussions are given for the modelling of plastic zone size variation under cyclic loadings and several conclusions are drawn based on the current investigation.
Dynamic 13C/1H NMR imaging uncovers sugar allocation in the living seed
Authors: Melkus Gerd , Rolletschek Hardy , Fuchs Johannes , Radchuk Volodymyr , Grafahrend‐Belau Eva , Sreenivasulu Nese , Rutten Twan , Weier Diana , Heinzel Nicolas , Schreiber Falk , Altmann Thomas , Jakob Peter M , Borisjuk Ljudmilla
Published: April 2011

Seed growth and accumulation of storage products relies on the delivery of sucrose from the maternal to the filial tissues. The transport route is hidden inside the seed and has never been visualized in vivo. Our approach, based on high‐field nuclear magnetic resonance and a custom made 13C/1H double resonant coil, allows the non‐invasive imaging and monitoring of sucrose allocation within the seed. The new technique visualizes the main stream of sucrose and determines its velocity during the grain filling in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). Quantifiable dynamic images are provided, which allow observing movement of 13C‐sucrose at a sub‐millimetre level of resolution. The analysis of genetically modified barley grains (Jekyll transgenic lines, seg8 and Risø13 mutants) demonstrated that sucrose release via the nucellar projection towards the endosperm provides an essential mean for the control of seed growth by maternal organism. The sucrose allocation was further determined by structural and metabolic features of endosperm. Sucrose monitoring was integrated with an in silico flux balance analysis, representing a powerful platform for non‐invasive study of seed filling in crops.
Transition and technology—Evaluation of blended learning delivered by university staff to 6th form students
Authors: Harnisch Henriette , Taylor‐Murison Lou
Published: April 2011

This paper tackles two issues which are closely related: transition from pre‐entry learning to studying at university and the role blended learning strategies might have in supporting this transition. It draws on the pilot delivery of two credit‐bearing modules which were delivered in two pre‐entry institutions. The modules followed two different models in terms of their alignment to the pre‐entry curriculum and in their mode of delivery. They were evaluated through questionnaires and focus groups with students. Both university tutors and coordinators at the schools were also interviewed in order to identify barriers in the process from their perspectives. This paper contributes to research in this field by identifying, from the key stakeholders of students' and deliverers' vantage points, factors that are specific to the blended learning process and contribute to a more structured and positive transition experience for the students. It looks at how blended methodologies can enhance the transition process, as well as what some of the barriers might be. As a consequence, the paper will provide some suggestions as to how institutions may overcome some of those issues identified in order to replicate the practice successfully.
Dopamine‐dependent ectodomain shedding and release of epidermal growth factor in developing striatum: target‐derived neurotrophic signaling (Part 2)
Authors: Iwakura Yuriko , Wang Ran , Abe Yuichi , Piao Ying‐shan , Shishido Yuji , Higashiyama Shigeki , Takei Nobuyuki , Nawa Hiroyuki
Published: April 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 10.1111/j.1471‐4159.2011.07295.x

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and structurally related peptides promote neuronal survival and the development of midbrain dopaminergic neurons; however, the regulation of their production has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we found that the treatment of striatal cells with dopamine agonists enhances EGF release both in vivo and in vitro. We prepared neuron‐enriched and non‐neuronal cell‐enriched cultures from the striatum of rat embryos and challenged those with various neurotransmitters or dopamine receptor agonists. Dopamine and a dopamine D1‐like receptor agonist (SKF38393) triggered EGF release from neuron‐enriched cultures in a dose‐dependent manner. A D2‐like agonist (quinpirole) increased EGF release only from non‐neuronal cell‐enriched cultures. The EGF release from striatal neurons and non‐neuronal cells was concomitant with ErbB1 phosphorylation and/or with the activation of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase and matrix metalloproteinase. The EGF release from neurons was attenuated by an a disintegrin and metalloproteinase/matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor, GM6001, and a calcium ion chelator, BAPTA/AM. Transfection of cultured striatal neurons with alkaline phosphatase‐tagged EGF precursor cDNA confirmed that dopamine D1‐like receptor stimulation promoted both ectodomain shedding of the precursor and EGF release. Therefore, the activation of striatal dopamine receptors induces shedding and release of EGF to provide a retrograde neurotrophic signal to midbrain dopaminergic neurons.
Clinical evaluation of serum alcohol dehydrogenase activity in horses with acute intestinal obstruction
Authors: Megid Gomaa Naglaa Abdel , Köller Gábor , Fritz Schusser Gerald
Published: April 2011

Objectives
–
To measure serum alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) activity in horses with acute intestinal obstruction and to determine the diagnostic and prognostic utility of this analyte.

Design
–
Prospective observational study.

Setting
–
University Veterinary Hospital.

Animals
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Thirty healthy horses (control group) and 77 horses with acute intestinal obstruction, including 36 horses with nonstrangulating obstruction (23 with left ventral colon impaction and 13 with left dorsal displacement [G1], 22 with small intestinal strangulation [G2], and 19 with colon torsion [G3]).

Interventions
–
Serum ADH activity was assayed spectrophotometerically in all horses. Serum lactate concentration and hepatic enzyme (aspartate aminotransferase, gamma‐glutamyl transferase, glutamate dehydrogenase) activities were measured using an automatic analyzer.

Measurements and Main Results
–
The median [interquartile range] serum ADH activity in healthy horses was 10.5 [8.7–11 U/L]. ADH activity was significantly increased (P<0.05) in G1=16.5 [13.8–18 U/L], G2=40 [20–74.9 U/L], and G3=63.2 [40–78 U/L] compared with healthy controls. Aspartate aminotransferase and glutamate dehydrogenase activities were also significantly increased in G3 in comparison with controls. ADH activity was correlated with serum lactate concentration in G1 and G3, respectively (P<0.01, r=0.55 and 0.8). Other liver enzymes did not show any significant correlation with lactate. ADH activity was directly related to the probability of strangulation; odds ratio=1.11. ADH activity >20 U/L had 80.6% specificity and 80.5% sensitivity for discriminating horses with strangulating obstruction. Twelve horses euthanized before surgery were excluded from the outcome analysis. Increasing ADH activity was associated with nonsurvival; odds ratio=1.03. ADH activity <80 U/L had 94.44% specificity and 66.67% sensitivity for survival.

Conclusion
–
Serum ADH activity may be a useful clinical parameter in detecting intestinal strangulation in horses and may provide some prognostic value in horses with acute intestinal obstruction.
Presenting Post Hoc Hypotheses as A Priori: Ethical and Theoretical Issues
Authors: Leung Kwok
Published: April 2011

Presenting post hoc hypotheses based on empirical findings as if they had been developed a priori seems common in management papers. The pure form of this practice is likely to breach research ethics and impede theoretical development by suppressing the falsification process. Two other forms may be more tolerable: deletion of rejected hypotheses and refinement of hypotheses inspired by empirical findings. To address this problem, the field should provide stronger recognition of replication, descriptive research, rejected and post hoc hypotheses, and critical tests of competing hypotheses. These positive changes require the concerted effort of researchers, management associations, and journal editors and reviewers.
Editorial Responsibility: Managing the Publishing Process to Do Good and Do Well
Authors: Aguinis Herman , Vaschetto Sofia J.
Published: April 2011

Journal editors serve a vital role because they are the gatekeepers of new scientific knowledge. Given the workload and time pressures associated with their role, editors face an important ethical dilemma: Should they allocate sufficient time to the editorial role or should they focus on their individual research performance, which is an important determinant of salary increases, promotions, and other financial rewards? We borrow from the macro-level corporate social responsibility literature to conceptualize editorial responsibility in terms of the triple bottom line of economic, social, and environmental performance. Our thesis is that there are recursive relationships among the economic, social, and environmental editorial performance dimensions such that editors who do good (i.e., social and environmental performance) also do well (i.e., economic performance). Thus, we bridge micro and macro domains by adapting a macro-level theory to the individual level of analysis and also bridge science and practice by discussing the impact of journal editors and scientific journals on a broad set of stakeholders including universities, research consumers, and society. We also offer suggestions to guide future research on whether the three editorial performance dimensions are part of a virtuous cycle that develops over time through mutually reinforcing feedback loops.
The brain and behavior of the tentacled snake
Authors: Catania Kenneth C.
Published: April 2011

Tentacled snakes (Erpeton tentaculatum) are aquatic predators that feed exclusively on fish. They have a unique pair of tentacles projecting from the face and an unusual J‐shaped hunting posture. These features have been the subject of speculation for over a century. In a series of behavioral studies, tentacled snakes were found to exploit fish escape responses by startling fish toward their strike. This remarkable, deceptive behavior takes advantage of the stereotyped C‐start escape response of fish. For some fish approach angles, snakes predicted future fish behavior and accurately struck at their moving head. These findings suggest tentacled snakes are acting as “rare enemies”—taking advantage of prey behavior that is usually adaptive for the prey species. Anatomical and physiological analysis showed the tentacles are densely innervated by the trigeminal nerve and are sensitive mechanoreceptors that respond to water movements. Mechanosensory information from the tentacles projects to the optic tectum in approximate register with vision, providing a mechanism for integrating visual and mechanosensory cues for identifying, localizing, and capturing prey.
Planar deformation features in quartz from impact‐produced polymict breccia of the Xiuyan crater, China
Authors: CHEN Ming , KOEBERL Christian , XIAO Wansheng , XIE Xiande , TAN Dayong
Published: April 2011

Abstract– The 1.8 km‐diameter Xiuyan crater is an impact structure in northeastern China, exposed in a Proterozoic metamorphic rock complex. The major rocks of the crater are composed of granulite, hornblendite, gneiss, tremolite marble, and marble. The bottom at the center of the crater covers about 100 m thick lacustrine sediments underlain by 188 m thick crater‐fill breccia. A layer of polymict breccia composed of clasts of granulite, gneiss, hornblendite, and fragments of glass as well as clastic matrix, occurs near the base, in the depth interval from 260 to 295 m. An investigation in quartz from the polymict breccia in the crater‐fill units reveals abundant planar deformation features (PDFs). Quartz with multiple sets of PDFs is found in clasts of granulite that consist of mainly quartz and feldspar, and in fine‐grained matrix of the impact‐produced polymict breccia. A universal stage was used to measure the orientation of PDFs in 70 grains of quartz from five thin sections made from the clasts of granulite of polymict breccia recovered at the depth of 290 m. Forty‐four percent of the quartz grains contain three sets of PDFs, and another 40% contain two sets of PDFs. The most abundant PDFs are rhombohedron forms of , , and with frequency of 33.5, 22.3, and 9.6%, respectively. A predominant PDF form of in quartz suggests a shock pressure >20 GPa. The occurrence of PDFs in quartz from the polymict breccia provides crucial evidence for shock metamorphism of target rocks and confirms the impact origin of this crater, which thus appears to be the first confirmed impact crater in China.
Human Cytomegalovirus Directly Induces the Antiviral Protein Viperin to Enhance Infectivity
Authors: Seo Jun-Young , Yaneva Rakina , Hinson Ella R. , Cresswell Peter
Published: April 2011

Human cytomegalovirus uses a host-encoded antiviral protein to its own advantage.
Effects of micro-hydration in proton transfer from H2S·NO+ complex to water: Ab initio and molecular dynamics study
Authors: Černušák Ivan , Federič Jozef , Jungwirth Pavel , Uhlár Milan
Published: April 2011

We have studied several microhydrated (H2O)n·NO+·H2S structures (n = 1–3) and their fragments using wave-function based approach (coupled-clusters including single, double and non-iterative triple substitutions – CCSD(T) and second-order perturbation theory – MP2) and also employing density functional theory (with BLYP and ωB97XD functional). MP2 energetics is very close to CCSD(T) one. Both functionals provide reasonable binding energies compared to MP2, the ωB97XD being superior to BLYP. The exploratory ab initio molecular dynamics performed on four- and five-body clusters revealed that the hydrogen bonds network and cooperativity in these systems play a crucial role in the proton transfer from H2S·NO+ to H2O and its conversion to thionitrous acid.
Effect of eprinomectin treatment on milk yield and quality in dairy cows in South Tyrol, Italy
Authors: Reist M. , Forbes A. B. , Bonfanti M. , Beretta W. , Pfister K.
Published: April 2011

The effect of treatment with eprinomectin on milk yield, milk composition and somatic cell counts (SCCs) was studied in 105 dairy cows located on seven farms in South Tyrol, Italy. On each farm, half of the animals were treated with eprinomectin and the other half were used as an untreated control group. Three test day records per animal were obtained before treatment (days −117, −75 and −33) and another three test day records were obtained after treatment (days 22, 62 and 131). Test day records comprised milk yield, milk composition, SCC and days in milk. On the day of treatment, blood samples and faecal samples were taken for parasitological analysis. Cows with positive faecal egg counts yielded less milk. A significant effect of eprinomectin on milk yield was observed after treatment and was most pronounced on the second and the third test days after treatment (+1.90 kg [P=0.002] and +2.63 kg [P<0.001], respectively). Furthermore, a significant decrease in SCC was observed on the second test day after treatment.
A role for transcription factor E2F2 in hepatocyte proliferation and timely liver regeneration
Authors: Delgado Igotz , Fresnedo Olatz , Iglesias Ainhoa , Rueda Yuri , Syn Wing-Kin , Zubiaga Ana M. , Ochoa Begoña
Published: April 2011

E2F transcription factors are key regulators of the cell cycle although the relative contribution of each E2F member in regulating cellular proliferation is still poorly defined. Present evidence suggests that E2F2 may act both as a suppressor and promoter of proliferation, depending on the cellular context. We used a loss-of-function mutant mouse model to investigate the function of E2F2 in liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy, a paradigm of cell-cycle progression. Liver mass recovery and histology were examined over 9 days in 70% hepatectomized E2F2−/−and wild-type animals. Transcriptome analysis was performed in quiescent and 48-h regenerating liver samples. TIGR MultiExperiment Viewer was used for the statistical analysis of microarray data, significance was determined by Fischer, and P values were adjusted applying Benjamini-Hochberg multiple-testing correction. We show that E2F2 is required for adult hepatocyte proliferation and for timely liver regeneration, as disruption of the E2F2 gene in hepatocytes leads to a reduced rate of S-phase entry and to delayed liver regeneration. Transcriptome analysis followed by ontological classification of differentially expressed genes and gene-interaction network analysis indicated that the majority of genes involved in normal liver regeneration were related to biosynthetic and catabolic processes of all major biomolecules as well as cellular location and intracellular transport, confirming the complex nature of the regeneration process. Remarkably, transcripts of genes included in functional categories that are crucial for cell cycle, apoptosis and wound-healing response, and fibrosis were absent in the transcriptome of posthepatectomized E2F2−/−mice. Our results indicate that the transcriptional activity of E2F2 contributes to promote adult hepatocyte proliferation and liver regeneration.
Limb-specific differences in the skin vascular responsiveness to adrenergic agonists
Authors: Yamazaki Fumio , Yuge Nagisa
Published: April 2011

In this study, to test the hypothesis that adrenergic vasoconstrictor responses of the legs are greater compared with the arms in human skin, cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC) in the forearm and calf were compared during the infusion of adrenergic agonists in healthy young volunteers. Under normothermic conditions, norepinephrine (NE, α- and β-agonist, 1 × 10−8 to 1 × 10−2 M), phenylephrine (PHE, α1-agonist, 1 × 10−8 to 1 × 10−2 M), dexmedetomidine (DEX, α2-agonist, 1 × 10−9 to 1 × 10−4 M), and isoproterenol (ISO, β-agonist, 1 × 10−8 to 1 × 10−3 M) were administered by intradermal microdialysis. Skin blood flow (SkBF) was measured by laser-Doppler flowmetry, and the local temperature at SkBF-measuring sites was maintained at 34°C throughout the experiments. CVC was calculated as the ratio of SkBF to blood pressure and expressed relative to the baseline value before drug infusion. The dose of NE at the onset of vasoconstriction and the effective dose (ED50) resulting in 50% of the maximal vasoconstrictor response for NE were lower ( P < 0.001) in the calf than forearm. The ED50 for PHE and DEX was also lower ( P < 0.05) in the calf than forearm. Increases in CVC in response to ISO were potentially smaller in the calf, but the statistical differences in the responses were dependent on the expressions of CVC. These findings suggest that the cutaneous vasoconstrictor responsiveness to exogenous NE is greater in the legs than in the arms due to a higher α1- and α2-adrenoceptor reactivity, while the β-adrenoceptor function plays a minor role in regional differences in adrenergic vasoconstriction in normothermic humans.
Considerations for the Clinical Application of Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cells: Observations from aRecombinant DNA Advisory Committee SymposiumHeld June 15, 2010
Authors: Ertl Hildegund C.J. , Zaia John , Rosenberg Steven A. , June Carl H. , Dotti Gianpietro , Kahn Jeffrey , Cooper Laurence J.N. , Corrigan-Curay Jacqueline , Strome Scott E.
Published: April 2011

T cells that are genetically modified to express single-chain chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) have shown promise in early cancer immunotherapy clinical trials. Unfortunately, 2 recent deaths in cancer patients treated with CAR T cells have created some uncertainty on how to best mitigate patient risk, while continuing to advance this very promising therapeutic avenue. In order to address these concerns, the Recombinant DNA Advisory Committee (RAC) held a symposium, the objectives of which were to first review the reported treatment-associated toxicities and, second, to discuss methods for improving safety and efficacy. This report highlights the issues raised as part of this discussion, with a specific focus on protocols infusing CAR T cells. Because this was not a consensus conference, the opinions described should not be construed to represent those of any individual RAC member, the RAC as a body, conference participants, the National Institutes of Health, or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Cancer Res; 71(9); 3175–81. ©2011 AACR.
Physical Association of HDAC1 and HDAC2 with p63 Mediates Transcriptional Repression and Tumor Maintenance in Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Ramsey Matthew R. , He Lei , Forster Nicole , Ory Benjamin , Ellisen Leif W.
Published: April 2011

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a treatment-refractory subtype of human cancer arising from stratified epithelium of the skin, lung, esophagus, oropharynx, and other tissues. A unifying feature of SCC is high-level expression of the p53-related protein p63 (TP63) in 80% of cases. The major protein isoform of p63 expressed in SCC is ΔNp63α, an N-terminally truncated form which functions as a key SCC cell survival factor by mechanisms that are unclear. In this study, we show that ΔNp63α associates with histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) and HDAC2 to form an active transcriptional repressor complex that can be targeted to therapeutic advantage. Repression of proapoptotic Bcl-2 family member genes including p53 upregulated modulator of apoptosis (PUMA) by p63/HDAC is required for survival of SCC cells. Cisplatin chemotherapy, a mainstay of SCC treatment, promotes dissociation of p63 and HDAC from the PUMA promoter, leading to increased histone acetylation, PUMA activation, and apoptosis. These effects are recapitulated upon targeting the p63/HDAC complex selectively with class I/II HDAC inhibitors using both in vitro and in vivo models. Sensitivity to HDAC inhibition is directly correlated with p63 expression and is abrogated in tumor cells that overexpress endogenous Bcl-2. Together, our results elucidate a mechanism of p63-mediated transcriptional repression and they identify the ΔNp63α/HDAC complex as an essential tumor maintenance factor in SCC. In addition, our findings offer a rationale to apply HDAC inhibitors for SCC treatment. Cancer Res; 71(13); 4373–9. ©2011 AACR.