bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insulin resistance has no impact on ghrelin suppression in pregnancy
Authors: Riedl M. , Maier C. , Handisurya A. , Luger A. , Kautzky‐Willer A.
Published: June 2007

Ghrelin is reduced in various states of insulin resistance. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between ghrelin and glucose metabolism during pregnancy – a natural insulin‐resistant state – in women with normal glucose tolerance (NGT), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) or gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and potential changes 3 months after delivery. A total of 54 women, 37 pregnant and with various degrees of insulin resistance and 24 postpartum (PP, seven of them also studied during pregnancy) were studied. Ghrelin plasma concentrations at fasting and 60′ following glucose loading (75 g‐2 h‐oral glucose tolerance test), area under the curve of plasma glucose (G‐AUCOGTT) and insulin sensitivity [homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) and oral glucose sensitivity index (OGIS) indices, respectively] were determined. Both baseline and 60′ ghrelin concentrations were to a comparable degree (∼ by 65%) suppressed in NGT, IGT and GDM as compared to the PP group (the latter being indistinguishable from NGT regarding glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity). In all women studied both during and after pregnancy, ghrelin levels rose from pregnancy to PP (mean increase 313.8%; P < 0.03). There was no correlation between baseline ghrelin and insulin sensitivity as estimated from both baseline (HOMA) and dynamic (OGTT:OGIS) glucose and insulin data. Ghrelin is substantially decreased during pregnancy, but glucose‐induced ghrelin suppression is preserved at a lower level. There is apparently no relation to the degree of insulin resistance.
Genome‐wide analysis of Agrobacterium T‐DNA integration sites in the Arabidopsis genome generated under non‐selective conditions
Authors: Kim Sang‐Ic , Veena  , Gelvin Stanton B.
Published: June 2007

Previous work from numerous laboratories has suggested that integration of Agrobacterium tumefaciens T‐DNA into the plant genome occurs preferentially in promoter or transcriptionally active regions. However, all of these studies were conducted on plants recovered from selective conditions requiring the expression of transgenes. The conclusions of these studies may therefore have been biased because of the selection of transformants. In this study, we investigated T‐DNA integration sites in the Arabidopsis genome by analyzing T‐DNA/plant DNA junctions generated under non‐selective conditions. We found a relatively high frequency of T‐DNA insertions in heterochromatic regions, including centromeres, telomeres and rDNA repeats. These T‐DNA insertion regions are disfavored under selective conditions. The frequency with which T‐DNA insertions mapped to exon, intron, 5′ upstream and 3′ downstream regions closely resembled their respective proportions in the Arabidopsis genome. Transcriptional profiling indicated that expression levels of T‐DNA pre‐integration target sites recovered using selective conditions were significantly higher than those of random Arabidopsis sequences, whereas expression levels of genomic sequences targeted by T‐DNA under non‐selective conditions were similar to those of random Arabidopsis sequences. T‐DNA target sites identified using non‐selective conditions did not correlate with DNA methylation status, suggesting that T‐DNA integration occurs without regard to DNA methylation. Our results indicate that T‐DNA integration may occur more randomly than previously indicated, and that selection pressure may shift the recovery of T‐DNA insertions into gene‐rich or transcriptionally active regions of chromatin.
Clinical, histopathological and therapeutic considerations in a flock of sheep with facial staphylococcal‐associated dermatitis
Authors: Koutinas Alexander F. , Saridomichelakis Manolis N. , Argyroudis Stamatis , Koutinas Christos K. , Karatzanos Panagiotis , Giadinis Nektarios
Published: June 2007

In a flock of 290 sheep, a total of 20 ewes (6.9%) with an age range of 1.5–4 years, developed a nonpruritic dermatitis characterized by alopecia/hypotrichosis, erythema, hyperpigmentation, crusting, superficial ulcers, exudation and thickening of the skin that was localized mainly to the peri‐ocular area. Frequent and massive feeding of swarming sucking flies on the lesional sites was witnessed. In every instance (n = 6), Staphylococcus aureus was cultured from the exudate and the aseptically obtained skin biopsy samples from both recurrent and new cases. The main predisposing factor was the presence of small troughs, which forced the sheep to compete for food. Intramuscular administration of cefalexin for 7 days resulted in the resolution of lesions over a 2‐week period. No further cases or recurrences were seen over the 16‐month follow‐up period. The main histopathological feature of this skin disease was a superficial and deep, perivascular to interstitial eosinophilic and mononuclear dermatitis.
The clinical and histopathological effects of prednisone on acute radiation‐induced dermatitis in dogs: a placebo‐controlled, randomized, double‐blind, prospective clinical trial
Authors: Flynn Alison K. , Lurie David M. , Ward Jennifer , Lewis Diane T. , Marsella Rosanna
Published: June 2007

This study evaluated and compared the clinical and histopathological effects of prednisone on acute radiation‐induced dermatitis (ARID) in dogs treated with 48 Gray of fractionated irradiation targeted to the skin surface. The study was designed as a double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled prospective clinical trial. Twenty‐two otherwise healthy companion dogs completed the clinical study. Three dogs were excluded from complete histopathological analysis because the owner declined one (one dog) or both (two dogs) biopsies. The study duration for each dog was 36 days from the start of radiation therapy (RT) to the first re‐examination post RT. Dogs were treated with either oral prednisone at 0.5 mg kg−1 or sugar pill, daily. All dogs received 48 Gray of fractionated, standardized RT, beginning 2 weeks after tumour excision. Acute Radiation Morbidity Scores, Cutaneous Toxicity Extent and Severity scores, digital images, and impression cytology were carried out on days 1, 8, 15, 22 and 36. Four‐millimetre skin specimens from days 15 (RT‐11) and 36 (2 weeks after the last RT dose) were scored by a pathologist and a dermatologist, blind to specimen identity. A one‐way analysis of variance for longitudinal data was used to compare scores between groups. Spearman's rho correlation coefficient was used to measure strength of association between clinical and histopathology scores (HPS). There was no significant difference in CUTES, AMS or HPS scores between groups. There was a strong correlation between clinical and HPS scores. Prednisone did not decrease ARID severity clinically or histopathologically.
Sarcoptic mange in three alpacas treated successfully with amitraz
Authors: Lau Peri , Hill Peter B. , Rybníček Jan , Steel Lynne
Published: June 2007

Sarcoptic mange is a serious skin disease in alpacas that can result in high morbidity and even mortality. Three alpacas were presented with sarcoptic mange that had previously failed to respond to repeated topical applications of eprinomectin, and an injection of doramectin. They were moderately to severely pruritic, had extensive lesions of alopecia, erythema, scaling and crusting, and had lost weight. As no drug is currently licensed for the treatment of sarcoptic mange in alpacas in the UK, they were treated with a topical solution of amitraz (50 mL in 10 L) after initial bathing with antibacterial or keratolytic shampoos. The clinical signs completely resolved with no relapse over a 10‐month follow‐up period. In this small group of alpacas, amitraz was an effective and well‐tolerated treatment for sarcoptic mange.
Surveillance of healthy cats and cats with inflammatory skin disease for colonization of the skin by methicillin‐resistant coagulase‐positive staphylococci andStaphylococcus schleiferissp.schleiferi
Authors: Abraham Jill L. , Morris Daniel O. , Griffeth Gregory C. , Shofer Frances S. , Rankin Shelley C.
Published: June 2007

In this study, bacterial cultures were collected from five sites on each of 50 healthy cats and 48 cats with inflammatory skin disease (ISD), to determine prevalence of carriage and relative frequency of methicillin resistance in coagulase‐positive staphylococci andStaphylococcus schleiferissp.schleiferi.Latex agglutination testing for penicillin‐binding protein 2a (PBP2a) and pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) were performed on all methicillin‐resistant (MR) isolates. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for themecAgene was performed on MRS. intermediusandS. schleiferiisolates. Staphylococcal chromosomal cassette (SCCmec) typing was performed on all MRS. aureusisolates. Coagulase‐positive staphylococci andS. schleiferissp.schleiferiwere isolated from 24 of 48 cats with ISD:Staphylococcus aureus(14 of 24, 58%),Staphylococcus intermedius(11 of 24, 46%),Staphylococcus schleiferissp.schleiferi(1 of 24, 4%), andStaphylococcus hyicus(1 of 24, 4%). Prevalence of MR was 7% forS. aureus, 0% forS. intermedius, 100% forS. schleiferissp.schleiferi, and 0% forS. hyicus. Coagulase‐positive staphylococci were isolated from 17 of 50 healthy cats:S. aureus(10 of 17, 59%),S. intermedius(11 of 17, 65%), andS. schleiferissp.coagulans(1 of 17, 6%). Prevalence of MR was 20% forS. aureus, 18% forS. intermedius, and 0% forS. schleiferissp.coagulans. All MR isolates were positive for PBP2a via latex agglutination. Methicillin‐resistantS. intermediusandS. schleiferissp.schleiferiisolates were also positive for themecAgene via PCR. Methicillin‐resistantS. aureusisolates were identified as SCCmectype II. Results of PFGE indicated heterogeneity among isolates. There was no significant difference in staphylococcal isolation or methicillin resistance between study groups. While present, MR coagulase‐positive staphylococci are significantly less common in these study populations.
Frequency of appropriate and inappropriate presentation and analysis methods of ordered categorical data in the veterinary dermatology literature from January 2003 to June 2006
Authors: Plant Jon D. , Giovanini Jack N. , Villarroel Aurora
Published: June 2007

Clinical outcomes that are difficult to measure directly are often graded with ordinal scales in the veterinary dermatology literature to approximate objective evaluation. Ordered categorical scales require statistical presentation and analysis methods consistent with the structure of the data. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of inappropriate presentation and analysis methods of ordered categorical data in the recent veterinary dermatology literature. A total of 62 articles published between 1 January 2003 and 30 June 2006 in 16 journals reported categorical scales and were included in the study. The presentation and analysis methods of ordered categorical data were classified as appropriate or inappropriate based on published recommendations. Forty articles (64.5%) utilized a median of four ordinal scales (range 1–13). Inappropriate presentation methods of ordered categorical data were identified in 23 of 40 articles (57.5%). These included reporting inappropriate summary statistics (n = 17) and summation of ad hoc numerical rating scales (n = 15). Inappropriate analytical methods were used in nine of 40 articles (22.5%). These included inappropriate use oft‐tests (n = 3) and analysis of variance (anova,n = 6). The frequency of inappropriate presentation and analysis methods of ordered categorical data in the veterinary dermatology literature is similar to that reported for several fields in the human medical literature. In order to reduce the likelihood of making unwarranted implications or conclusions regarding ordinal data, authors should follow established guidelines for methods of presentation and analysis of ordered categorical scales.
Osteoporosis medication profile preference: results from the PREFER‐US study
Authors: Weiss Thomas W. , McHorney Colleen A.
Published: June 2007

Objective  To assess patient preferences for two osteoporosis medications.

Design  Women aged 50+ were surveyed via the Internet to assess preferences for two osteoporosis medication profiles. Drug A and Drug B, consistent with ibandronate and alendronate, respectively, differed by: time on market (recently vs. 10 years), dosing frequency (monthly vs. weekly), effectiveness (not proven vs. proven to reduce non‐spine or hip fracture after 3 years) and dosing procedure (60 vs. 30 min wait before eating/drinking). Each profile had the same out‐of‐pocket costs, side‐effects, potential for drug interaction and spine fracture efficacy. Patients force ranked and rated the importance of each attribute. Subgroup comparisons included diagnosed vs. at‐risk respondents and treated vs. untreated respondents.

Results  Among the 999 respondents, Drug B was preferred by 96%. Effectiveness was ranked as the most important determinant of preference (79% ranked it #1) compared with time on market (14%), dosing procedure (4%) and dosing frequency (3%). Effectiveness had the highest mean importance rating on a scale of 1 (extremely unimportant) to 7 (extremely important): mean (SD) = 6.1 (1.8), followed by time on market: 4.7 (1.7), dosing procedure: 4.6 (1.4) and dosing frequency: 4.5 (1.4). No significant differences in profile choice were found across study subgroups.

Conclusions  The drug profile showing reductions in non‐vertebral and hip fracture risk was chosen by almost all respondents. Drug effectiveness was the most important determinant of preference, while dosing frequency was the least important determinant. Incorporation of patient preferences in the medication decision‐making process could enhance patient compliance and clinical outcomes.
The granzyme B gene is highly polymorphic in wild mice but essentially invariant in common inbred laboratory strains
Authors: Thia Kevin Y. T. , Trapani Joseph A.
Published: June 2007

Granzyme B is a 247 amino acid pro‐apoptotic protease secreted by effector lymphocytes for the purpose of killing virus‐infected cells. While the capacity of granzyme B to potently induce caspase‐dependent apoptosis has long been recognized, it has only recently been found that human and mouse granzyme B activate overlapping but distinct apoptotic pathways. To investigate a possible evolutionary basis for this observation, we sequenced the exons and flanking intronic sequences of the mouse Gzmb gene from a variety of inbred laboratory strains and wild mice. The sequences of 12/13 inbred strains encoded identical proteins, the exception being DBA/2, whose sequence varied at two amino acids. By contrast with the laboratory strains, there was extensive polymorphism in the Gzmb gene of 54 wild mice and 28 wild‐derived inbred mice examined, resulting in 2–18 amino acid differences in the predicted proteins, a discrepancy rate of up to 7.3%. Many of these amino acid variations were found in rat and/or human granzyme B. The granzyme B allotype of inbred laboratory strains could be identified in only one of three geographically dispersed clans of wild mice and was absent from all 28 wild‐derived inbred strains. The Gzmb gene of Mus musculus castaneus, a close relative of laboratory mice, encoded six amino acid differences compared with the laboratory strains, all of which were also found in corresponding positions in the granzyme B molecules of wild mice. Unlike the protease, the extended granzyme B recognition and cleavage site in Bid, a key pro‐apoptotic substrate, was invariant.
Carotid intima–media thickness in children and young adults with renal transplant: Internal carotid artery vs. common carotid artery
Authors: Bilginer Yelda , Ozaltin Fatih , Basaran Ceyla , Aki Tuncay Fazil , Karabulut Erdem , Duzova Ali , Besbas Nesrin , Topaloglu Rezan , Ozen Seza , Bakkaloglu Mehmet , Bakkaloglu Aysin
Published: June 2007

Abstract:  Cardiovascular diseases are the main causes of morbidity and mortality following renal transplantation. Atherosclerotic structural changes, which can be detected by high‐resolution B‐mode ultrasonography, begin before clinical findings. However, little is known about the extent of these abnormalities in children after renal transplantation. We aimed to determine early structural changes of large arteries in renal transplant recipients without cardiovascular disease and to evaluate the role of clinical and laboratory features on IMT of carotid arteries. IMT and hemoglobin, serum levels of creatinine, acute phase proteins, lipid profile, and homocysteine were examined in 24 asymptomatic renal transplant recipients (median age 16.5 yr; range 8–25), and 20 healthy controls (median age 16 yr; range 9–24). CCA and ICA were evaluated in patients and controls with a high‐resolution B‐mode ultrasonography in multiple projections to optimize detection of carotid IMT. Measurement of IMT of both CCA [0.36 mm (range 0.16–0.48) vs. 0.28 mm (range 0.21–0.35), p < 0.001] and ICA [0.27 mm (range 0.16–0.48) vs. 0.22 mm (range 0.1–0.26), p < 0.001] were significantly higher in renal recipients than in healthy controls. Among several parameters assessed, only significant correlations were found between duration of CRF, duration of dialysis prior to transplantation and ICA‐IMT (p = 0.06 and p = 0.02, respectively) and between mean past serum calcium–phosphorus ion product and CCA‐IMT (p = 0.002). In conclusion, our observations indicate that vascular changes begin early in the course of CRF and are directly related to time on CRF and dialysis. These changes can be detected by measuring CCA/ICA‐IMT ultrasonographically. We suggest that early renal transplantation can potentially avoid long‐term cardiovascular events in children with end stage kidney disease.
Effect of the immunosuppressants on hepatocyte proliferation and apoptosis in a young animal model of liver regeneration: An immunohistochemical study using tissue microarrays
Authors: Tannuri Ana Cristina A. , Tannuri Uenis , Wakamatsu Alda , Mello Evandro S. , Coelho Maria Cecília M. , Dos Santos Neide Aparecida S. R.
Published: June 2007

Abstract:  Hepatocyte proliferation and apoptosis (programmed cell death) occur during the liver parenchyma regeneration and the liver size modeling is mainly controlled by hepatocyte apoptosis. The purpose of the present study was to verify the influence of immunosuppressant drugs on these phenomena by utilizing tissue microarray techniques. Thirty‐six weaning rats (age 21–23 days, weight 30–50 g) were divided into six groups: control, sham, hepatectomy, hepatectomy plus solumedrol, hepatectomy plus CsA, and hepatectomy plus Tac. The animals were killed one day after hepatectomy, and the remnant livers were weighed and harvested for tissue microarray sections. Liver cell proliferation was evaluated by staining for PCNA and apoptosis was detected by the TUNEL method. It was verified that CsA promoted a decrease in the liver weight, Tac and CsA decreased the proliferation index of hepatocytes, and glucocorticoid had no significant effects. The apoptosis index was not altered by hepatectomy or immunosuppressants. Our data indicate that, in the growing rat, CsA and Tac have negative effects on hepatocyte proliferation and have no effect on the hepatocyte apoptosis.
Survival of fetal porcine pancreatic islet tissue transplanted to a diabetic patient: Findings by ultrastructural immunocytochemistry
Authors: Reinholt Finn P. , Hultenby Kjell , Tibell Annika , Korsgren Olle , Groth Carl G.
Published: July 2007

Abstract: Porcine fetal endocrine pancreatic tissue was placed under the kidney capsule in a diabetic renal transplant patient. In a core‐needle kidney biopsy specimen obtained 3 weeks after transplantation, clusters of epithelial cells were identified in the subcapsular space. The ultrastructural and immunocytochemical features of these cells were typical of pancreatic islet cells. Some cells stained positively for insulin; others stained positively for glucagon, somatostatin or chromagranin A. There were well‐defined cytoplastic storage and transport granulae that indicated hormone synthesis. The ultrastructural findings provide further evidence that porcine cells can survive after transplantation to humans.
Development of the Retina in the Porcine Fetus A Light Microscopic Study
Authors: Schaepdrijver L. De , Lauwers H. , Simoens P. , Geest J. P. de
Published: July 2007

Morphogenesis of the porcine retina was studied using light microscopy from 4 weeks of gestation until birth (18 to 310mm crown‐rump length), and compared with the adult stage (6 months). Tissue samples were examined from the posterior and peripheral parts of the retina. At 18mm the retina consists of an inner marginal layer and an outer layer of neuroblastic cells. At 18–40mm the latter layer is divided into an inner and an outer neuroblastic layer by the transient layer of Chievitz. Subsequently, the development of the different retinal layers begins at the inner retinal border and moves progressively outwards; it also spreads from the posterior to the peripheral part of the neural retina. Many cells of the inner neuroblastic layer are prospective ganglionic cells which migrate inwards, thus forming the ganglion cell layer and the inner plexiform layer at 90mm. At 120mm, primitive horizontal cells appear within the outer neuroblastic layer. Separation of this layer into the inner nuclear, outer plexiform and outer nuclear layers is first evident at 180mm. At this stage all retinal layers are present, except the layer of the photoreceptor cells which is not widespread until at 220mm. The inner and outer segments of the photoreceptor cells lengthen considerably during the last month of gestation. During the late fetal stage the nerve fiber layer, the inner and outer plexiform layers and the layer of rods and cones all continue to increase in thickness. Concurrently, the ganglion cell layer and the inner and outer nuclear layers have reached their maximal thickness and become thinner. After the total thickness of the neural retina amounts to approximately 180μm at two to three weeks before birth, it then thins to approximately 160μm in the adult stage.
The Topography of the Lymph Vessels of Mammary Glands in Female Cats
Authors: Raharison F. , Sautet J.
Published: June 2007

Malignant tumours of the mammary gland in the female cat metastasize, especially through the lymphatic system. However, the anatomical knowledge of this system in cats is not sufficient to develop a reasoned model for the extirpation of these glands in the case of malignant tumours. A study of the topography of the collector vessels in 50 female cats was conducted by indirect injection in vivo of India ink inside the mammary parenchyma. All the lymph nodes were controlled by microscopic examination and lymph vessels were examined after clearing. The success rate of the colouration of the lymph vessels was 76.4%. Clearing showed several principal routes of drainage, different for each gland. Contrary to the presentation observed in the bitch, no evidence existed in any of the 65 cases of lymphatic plexuses connecting the two mammary glands of each row in the female cat. The result of this study is in favour of the development of a new model for the surgical extirpation of mammary tumours in cats.
Lack of association between the interleukin‐1 gene complex and schizophrenia in a Japanese population
Authors: WATANABE YUICHIRO , NUNOKAWA AYAKO , KANEKO NAOSHI , MURATAKE TATSUYUKI , KOIZUMI MASATAKA , SOMEYA TOSHIYUKI
Published: June 2007

Abstract  Interleukin‐1 (IL1) is an inflammatory cytokine and exerts neurodegenerative effects in the brain. Several studies have indicated that IL1 is likely to be involved in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. Recent genetic studies have revealed that the IL1 gene complex (IL,1 alpha, IL1, beta and IL1 receptor antagonist) was associated with schizophrenia, although contradictory findings have also been reported. To assess whether the IL1 gene complex was implicated in vulnerability to schizophrenia, the authors conducted a case‐control association study (416 patients with schizophrenia and 440 control subjects) for nine polymorphisms in Japanese subjects. The authors found no association between the IL1 gene complex polymorphisms and schizophrenia using either single‐marker or haplotype analyses. The results of the present study suggest that the IL1 gene complex does not play a major role in conferring susceptibility to schizophrenia in the Japanese population.
Impairment of story memory organization in patients with schizophrenia
Authors: MATSUI MIÉ , SUMIYOSHI TOMIKI , ABE RIE , KATO KANADE , YUUKI HIROMI , KURACHI MASAYOSHI
Published: June 2007

Abstract  The aim of the present paper was to examine the organization of story memory in schizophrenia. Participants were 35 patients with schizophrenia and 24 healthy subjects who completed the Wechsler Memory Scale–Revised. The organization of story memory was evaluated with the Logical Memory subtest. Schizophrenia patients scored significantly lower than controls on thematic sequencing, and significant negative correlations were found between positive symptoms and thematic sequencing. These findings suggest that schizophrenia has deficits in organization of story memory, which are related to symptoms such as disorganized thoughts and behavior.
Moral judgment in high‐functioning pervasive developmental disorders
Authors: TAKEDA TOSHINOBU , KASAI KIYOTO , KATO NOBUMASA
Published: June 2007

Abstract  Individuals with pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) are characterized by deficits in socialization. To date, moral judgment, which may have a considerable influence on socialization, has not been fully investigated in high‐functioning PDD (HFPDD), particularly from a viewpoint of practical adjustment with peers. Human External Action and its internal Reasoning Type (HEART), a standardized test for evaluating moral judgment in school children developed in Japan, was used to compare various aspects of moral judgment between 23 students with HFPDD (6–14 years old) and 23 students with typical development matched for age, intelligence, and socioeconomic status. Students with HFPDD scored significantly lower on Internal Moral Reasoning than control students. As for the level of Internal Moral Reasoning, while both groups reached a conventional (third) level in almost all items, fewer students with HFPDD achieved an autonomous (fourth) level and more students with HFPDD remained at a heteronomous (second) level than did control students. In the HFPDD group there were significant positive correlations between some items of Internal Moral Reasoning and verbal ability‐related items of Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children‐III. A comparatively lower score in students with HFPDD may relate to difficulty in socialization.
Gender differences in the clinical effects of fluvoxamine and milnacipran in Japanese major depressive patients
Authors: NAITO SHINGO , SATO KAZUHIRO , YOSHIDA KEIZO , HIGUCHI HISASHI , TAKAHASHI HITOSHI , KAMATA MITSUHIRO , ITO KENICHI , OHKUBO TADASHI , SHIMIZU TETSUO
Published: June 2007

Abstract  Gender differences in the treatment response to fluvoxamine (selective serotonin re‐uptake inhibitor) and milnacipran (serotonin/norepinephrine re‐uptake inhibitor) were investigated in Japanese major depressive patients. A total of 125 Japanese patients was included in the present study. Sixty‐six patients received fluvoxamine treatment. The daily dose was 50 mg/day for the first week and increased to 100 mg after 1 week, up to 200 mg after another week. Fifty‐nine patients were given milnacipran. The daily dose was 50 mg/day for the first week, and up to 100 mg/day thereafter. Patients were divided into three groups: younger women (<44 years of age), older women (≥44 years of age) and men. Depressive symptoms were evaluated using the Montgomery and Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) before treatment and at 1, 2, 4 and 6 weeks after the beginning of the study. In comparison with other groups, younger women treated with fluvoxamine demonstrated a significant difference in the time course of MADRS score change. However, these gender/age‐related differences of antidepressant response were not observed in the patients treated with milnacipran. The results suggest that fluvoxamine is more effective in younger female patients than older female patients and male patients, while milnacipran is generally effective irrespective of gender or age.
Association between childhood attention‐deficit–hyperactivity symptoms and adulthood dissociation in male inmates: Preliminary report
Authors: MATSUMOTO TOSHIHIKO , IMAMURA FUMI
Published: June 2007

Abstract  The present study examined associations between childhood attention‐deficit–hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms and adulthood dissociation in 799 male inmates using self‐reporting questionnaires. Consequently, 33% of the subjects reported childhood physical abuse, and 11.8% reported childhood sexual abuse. A significant association was found between childhood ADHD symptoms and current dissociative tendency (r = 0.51, P < 0.001). Clinical implications of intervention focusing on dissociation in correctional/forensic practices for adult offenders are discussed.
Early prodromal symptoms and diagnoses before first psychotic episode in 219 inpatients with schizophrenia
Authors: SHIOIRI TOSHIKI , SHINADA KEITA , KUWABARA HIDEKI , SOMEYA TOSHIYUKI
Published: June 2007

Abstract  The authors examined the diagnosis before the onset of schizophrenia and retrospectively evaluated the presence/absence of early prodromal symptoms (EPS) and their types (such as depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and obsessive‐compulsive [OC] symptoms) and the period from the onset of these symptoms to that of schizophrenia in 219 inpatients with schizophrenia diagnosed according to the DSM‐IV(‐TR). A diagnosis was made before the onset of schizophrenia in 53 patients (24.2%). The diagnoses were mood disorder in 39 patients, anxiety disorder in seven, obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD) in three, adjustment disorder in two, and eating disorder in two. EPS were present in 65 (29.7%) of all patients, slightly more frequent in female patients (male : female = 1:1.41). In the group with EPS, depressive symptoms (61.5%) were most frequently observed, followed by anxiety symptoms (23.1%) and OC symptoms (9.2%). The age at onset for each type of symptom was significantly lower for OC symptoms (14.5 ± 2.4 years) than for the other symptoms (approx. 20 years). The mean period from the onset of each symptom to that of schizophrenia was the shortest for depressive symptoms (2.7 ± 3.1 years) and the longest (>4 years) for OC symptoms. These results as well as previous studies in Western countries showed that more non‐specific and general symptoms are frequently present for some years before the onset of schizophrenia. With consideration of this point, efforts toward early detection of schizophrenia are important.
Changes of brain activity in the neural substrates for theory of mind during childhood and adolescence
Authors: MORIGUCHI YOSHIYA , OHNISHI TAKASHI , MORI TAKEYUKI , MATSUDA HIROSHI , KOMAKI GEN
Published: June 2007

Abstract  Theory of mind (ToM) refers to the ability to attribute independent mental states, such as beliefs, preferences and desires, to the self and others. Neuroimaging studies of normal adults have consistently demonstrated the importance of particular brain regions for ToM, the superior temporal sulcus (STS), temporal pole (TP) and the medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC). However, there are little data showing how ToM develops during childhood and adolescence. Such data are important for understanding the development of social functioning and its disorders. The authors used functional magnetic resonance imaging to study age‐related changes in brain activity associated with ToM during childhood and early adolescence (9–16 years). Normally developed children and adolescents demonstrated significant activation in the bilateral STS, the TP adjacent to the amygdala (TP/Amy) and the MPFC. Furthermore, the authors found a positive correlation between age and the degree of activation in the dorsal part of the MPFC; in contrast, a negative correlation was found for the ventral part of the MPFC. The authors also found a positive correlation between the Z coordinate of the peak activation in the MPFC and age. The data indicated that activity in the MPFC associated with ToM shifted from the ventral to the dorsal part of the MPFC during late childhood and adolescence. No age‐related changes were found in the STS and the TP/Amy regions. The authors consider that the age‐related brain activity observed in the present study may be associated with the maturation of the prefrontal cortex and the associated development of cognitive functions.
Mood symptoms and serum lipids in acute phase of bipolar disorder in Taiwan
Authors: CHUNG KUO‐HSUAN , TSAI SHANG‐YING , LEE HSIN‐CHIEN
Published: June 2007

Abstract  Serum lipids have been found to play important roles in the pathophysiology of mood disorders. The aim of the present study was therefore to investigate the relationship between symptom dimensions and serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and to explore correlates of lipid levels during acute mood episodes of bipolar I disorder in Taiwan. Measurements were taken of the serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels in patients with bipolar I disorder hospitalized for acute mood episodes (68 manic, eight depressive, and six mixed). The relationships between serum lipids levels and various clinical variables were examined. The mean serum levels of cholesterol (4.54 mmol/L) and triglycerides (1.16 mmol/L) of sampled patients were comparable to those of the general population in the same age segment. Severe depressive symptoms and comorbid atopic diseases were associated with higher serum cholesterol levels. A negative association was noted between serum triglyceride levels and overall psychiatric symptoms. Compared with previous studies on Western populations, racial differences may exist in lipids profiles of bipolar disorder patients during acute mood episodes. Increased serum cholesterol levels may have greater relevance to immunomodulatory system and depressive symptoms, in comparison with manic symptoms.
Gastric adenocarcinoma with chief cell differentiation
Authors: Tsukamoto Tetsuya , Yokoi Takio , Maruta Shinya , Kitamura Masakazu , Yamamoto Tsuyoshi , Ban Hisayo , Tatematsu Masae
Published: July 2007

A case of adenocarcinoma with chief cell differentiation, a novel entity in the stomach, is presented. An 82‐year‐old woman who had undergone distal gastrectomy, was scheduled for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy to clarify mechanical ileus. A protruding tumor 16 × 14 × 9 mm in size was found in the cardia of the remnant stomach. Histological examination indicated a well‐differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma composed of basophilic columnar or cuboidal cells with occasional coarse eosinophilic granules. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed strong expression of pepsinogens I and II and Runt‐related transcription factor gene 3 (RUNX3), characteristic for chief cells, and MUC6 typical for mucous neck cells. However, the tumor cells were negative for the proton pump alpha subunit, a marker for parietal cells. Cdx2 and defensin‐5 were not present, confirming the lack of an intestinal phenotype. The cancer cells shared characteristics of a chief cell and a mucous neck cell, resembling an ancestor of these two cell types, so‐called ‘primitive chief cell’ in fundic gland. In line with these data, the cancer was diagnosed as an adenocarcinoma with chief cell differentiation.
Effect of Weigela hortensis (Caprifoliaceae) floral morphology on pollinator behavior
Authors: INOUE MAKI N. , USHIJIMA JUNKO , YOKOYAMA JUN
Published: June 2007

The floral morphology of Weigela hortensis was examined at two main sites, Izumi (IZM) and Sasaya (SSY), and three additional sites, Aobadai (AOB), Yagiyama (YGY) and Taihaku‐san (THK), in Japan. Morphological relationships between flowers and pollinators were compared between IZM and SSY. Floral characteristics varied highly among sites. Flowers at THK were significantly longer than those at AOB and YGY, but there were no significant differences between IZM and SSY in the length of the corolla tube, stamen or pistil. In contrast, flowers at IZM, AOB and THK had wider corollas than those at SSY and YGY. The bumblebee Bombus hypocrita, which has a short proboscis and wide thorax, was observed to rob nectar more frequently at SSY than at IZM. The proportion of flowers of the appropriate size for B. hypocrita queens to access nectaries was higher at IZM than at SSY. A higher proportion of flowers with long and wide corollas was associated with a lower frequency of nectar robbing at IZM, indicating that the floral characteristics of W. hortensis affect the foraging behavior of bumblebees.
Pattern of geographical variation in petal shape in wild populations of Primula sieboldii E. Morren
Authors: YOSHIOKA YOSUKE , HONJO MASANORI , IWATA HIROYOSHI , NINOMIYA SEISHI , OHSAWA RYO
Published: June 2007

The petal shape of Primula sieboldii E. Morren (Primulaceae) is diverse in wild populations. In this study, we investigated population differentiation in the petal shape of P. sieboldii using image analysis. Flowers were sampled from 160 genets from eight wild populations in the western to north‐eastern parts of the Japanese archipelago. Principal component (PC) analysis of 40 coefficients of elliptic Fourier descriptors (EFDs) detected three major characteristics of petal shape variation: the ratio of length to width (PC1), the depth of the head notch (PC2) and the position of the center of gravity (PC3). To test the association between divergence in petal shape and geographical and genetic distances, we calculated two types of pairwise population distances for petal shape: Mahalanobis distances for the 40 EFD coefficients and for the first three PCs. The existence of an association between neutral genetic markers and petal shape was revealed by the Mahalanobis distances based on the 40 EFD coefficients, suggesting that evolutionary forces, such as founder effect and isolation by distance effect, are probably the main causes of differentiation in petal shape. In contrast, we found no association between Mahalanobis distances for the first three PCs and geographical and genetic distances. The discrepancy between the two petal shape distances indicated that the population differentiation promoted by the founder effects and isolation by distance effect appears mainly as subtle changes in petal shape rather than in major characteristics of petal shape variation.
Floral color patterns in a tropical orchid: Are they associated with reproductive success?
Authors: TREMBLAY RAYMOND L. , ACKERMAN JAMES D.
Published: June 2007

We sought to measure phenotypic selection on petal color variation in populations of Lepanthes rupestris, a diminutive epilithic orchid of Puerto Rico that exhibits a polymorphism in petal color patterns (unicolor or bicolored). We censused seven populations monthly for 20 months and noted flower production and petal color pattern. Each flower was checked for pollinarium removal (male fitness measure) and fruit production (female fitness). In all populations, plants with bicolored petals dominated and comprised 63–82% of individuals. Aside from petal color differences, the two types were indistinguishable. Flower color pattern was generally not associated with either male or female reproductive success within or among populations or over time. Environmental conditions, rainfall and humidity, may account for both temporal and spatial variation in the reproductive success observed among sites. Although we were unable to tag fitness to petal color patterns, the consistent ratio of color morphs among populations suggests that factors other than just drift are responsible for the frequencies we observed.
Intraspecific variation in leaf morphology and photosynthetic traits in Boninia grisea Planchon (Rutaceae) endemic to the Bonin Islands, Japan
Authors: MISHIO MASAKO , KAWAKUBO NOBUMITSU , KACHI NAOKI
Published: June 2007

Boninia grisea is a woody species comprising two varieties that have adapted to habitats with different wind conditions. Boninia grisea var. grisea is a tree occurring in forests on mountain slopes, whereas B. grisea var. crassifolia is a shrub occurring at sites exposed to strong wind at forest edges and on mountain plateaus. The former has somewhat larger and thinner leaves than the latter. Despite the differences in habitat wind conditions and leaf morphology, plants of both taxa are found in a wide range of light environments from sunny to shady. We measured leaf morphological and photosynthetic traits for B. grisea plants of both taxa growing in the field and attempted to clarify the differences between them in terms of leaf morphological and photosynthetic acclimation to sun and shade. Boninia grisea var. crassifolia had a thicker leaf upper epidermis and a thicker spongy mesophyll layer with thicker cell walls than B. grisea var. grisea, suggesting that the former had mechanically tough leaves. Under sunny conditions, the stomatal conductance and area‐based photosynthetic capacities of the two B. grisea taxa were comparable. Under shady conditions, B. grisea var. crassifolia had thicker leaves with a higher photosynthetic light saturation, area‐based nitrogen content and stomatal conductance than B. grisea var. grisea, suggesting that the former was less acclimated to deep shade than the latter.
Does incontinence severity correlate with quality of life? Prospective analysis of 502 consecutive patients
Authors: Bordeianou L. , Rockwood T. , Baxter N. , Lowry A. , Mellgren A. , Parker S.
Published: June 2007

Objective  The Fecal Incontinence Severity Index (FISI) is widely used in the assessment of patients with faecal incontinence, but the relationship between FISI and the measurements of quality of life, such as the Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale (FIQL) and the Medical Outcomes Survey (SF‐36) has not been evaluated previously. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between disease severity and quality of life in a large cohort of patients.

Method  Five hundred and two consecutive patients (84.4% female, mean age 56 years) were evaluated for faecal incontinence between May 2004 and October 2005. Patients completed FISI, FIQL and SF‐36 questionnaires. Pearson's coefficients were determined for the relationships between FISI and subscales of FIQL and SF‐36. Quality of life scores were compared between groups of patients with different levels of incontinence severity (mild, moderate, severe) using Student's t‐test.

Results  Sixty‐eight per cent of patients were incontinent of solid stool, 62% of liquid stool, and 90% of gas or mucus. The average FISI score was 36 (0–61). Moderate correlations were found between FISI and all subscales in FIQL (negative 0.29 to 0.41; P < 0.0001). Weak correlations were found between FISI and the social functioning (−0.21) and mental health (−0.17) scales in SF‐36 (P < 0.05). Scores on the FIQL differed significantly between mild, moderate and severe incontinence.

Conclusion  FISI was only moderately correlated with a disease‐specific quality of life measurement (FIQL). Even though this supports the common assumption that the quality of life in the patients with faecal incontinence worsens with an increase in disease severity, it also stresses the need of measuring both variables to determine the true impact of any treatment.
Searching for phylogenetic pattern in biological invasions
Authors: Procheş Şerban , Wilson John R. U. , Richardson David M. , Rejmánek Marcel
Published: June 2007

It has been suggested that alien species with close indigenous relatives in the introduced range may have reduced chances of successful establishment and invasion (Darwin's naturalization hypothesis). Studies trying to test this have in fact been addressing four different hypotheses, and the same data can support some while rejecting others. In this paper, we argue that the phylogenetic pattern will change depending on the spatial and phylogenetic scales considered. Expectations and observations from invasion biology and the study of natural communities are that at the spatial scale relevant to competitive interactions, closely related species will be spatially separated, whereas at the regional scale, species in the same genera or families will tend to co‐occur more often than by chance. We also argue that patterns in the relatedness of indigenous and naturalized plants are dependent on the continental/island setting, spatial occupancy levels, and on the group of organisms under scrutiny. Understanding how these factors create a phylogenetic pattern in invasions will help us predict which groups are more likely to invade where, and should contribute to general ecological theory.
Measuring Barriers to International Division of Labor in East Asia*
Authors: Hayakawa Kazunobu
Published: June 2007

International fragmentation has developed dramatically in East Asia since the 1990s. The purpose of the present paper is to measure border barriers in transactions of intermediate goods in East Asian countries. We find that the barriers in each country have steadily declined since 1985. The barriers in China and Taiwan have declined remarkably since the 1980s, whereas those in Indonesia experienced a slight increase in the 1980s. These results are qualitatively unchanged even if we control the effect of agglomeration on intra‐national inputs.
Time‐varying Cost of Equity Capital in Southeast Asian Countries
Authors: Ameer Rashid
Published: June 2007

This paper investigates variation in the cost of equity capital for the Southeast Asian countries using firm‐level data over the period of 1990–2004. It is found that decreases in the firm‐level cost of equity capital have been associated with stock market liberalization and securities market development. The results of the present study suggest that earlier empirical evidence regarding the decrease in the cost of equity capital using country‐level data cannot be generalized to different types of firms. There has been significant time variation in the cost of equity capital within countries and across firms.
IMPLEMENTING A TRADE FACILITATION AGREEMENT IN THE WTO: WHAT MAKES SENSE?
Authors: Finger J. Michael , Wilson John S.
Published: June 2007

Abstract.  In the Doha Round, trade facilitation is the negotiating issue in which the ‘implementation issue’ is most prominent. At the WTO (the Doha Development Agenda) the international community has approached the implementation problem as a challenge to restore mercantilist balance rather than as a need to build good economics into future agreements. The international community has taken on aggressively the development dimensions of trade facioitation through the development banks, bilateral aid agencies and other specialized institutions. Considerable funding has been provided. Though little progress has been made through WTO negotiations, the content of these development programs is supportive of development.
ANTIDUMPING REFORM IN THE WTO: A PESSIMISTIC APPRAISAL
Authors: Moore Michael O.
Published: June 2007

Abstract.  Evidence presented in this paper suggests that substantial, and perhaps even modest, antidumping reform is unlikely to occur in the near future in multilateral trade negotiations. One reason is that the growing list of countries that use antidumping extensively has created new constituencies that will resist reform. Second, traditional antidumping users, especially the USA, have shown strong resistance to further reform and have implemented past reform in a minimalist fashion. Even if substantial changes are forthcoming, experience with antidumping reform from the Uruguay Round means that the economic impact of reform could be limited.