bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional characterization of cohesin subunit SCC1 in Trypanosoma brucei and dissection of mutant phenotypes in two life cycle stages
Authors: Gluenz Eva , Sharma Reuben , Carrington Mark , Gull Keith
Published: June 2008

In yeast and metazoa, structural maintenance of chromosome (SMC) complexes play key roles in chromosome segregation, architecture and DNA repair. The main function of the cohesin complex is to hold replicated sister chromatids together until segregation at anaphase, which is dependent on proteolytic cleavage of the cohesin subunit SCC1. Analysis of trypanosomatid genomes showed that the core cohesin and condensin complexes are conserved, but SMC5/6 is absent. To investigate the functional conservation of cohesin in eukaryotes distantly related to yeast and metazoa, we characterized the Trypanosoma brucei SCC1 orthologue. TbSCC1 is expressed prior to DNA synthesis at late G1, remains in the nucleus throughout S‐ and G2‐phases of the cell cycle and disappears at anaphase. Depletion of SCC1 by RNAi or expression of a non‐cleavable SCC1 resulted in karyokinesis failure. Using the dominant negative phenotype of non‐cleavable SCC1 we investigated checkpoint regulation of cytokinesis in response to mitosis failure at anaphase. In the absence of chromosome segregation, procyclic trypanosomes progressed through cytokinesis to produce one nucleated and one anucleate cell (zoid). In contrast, cytokinesis was incomplete in bloodstream forms, where cleavage was initiated but cells failed to progress to abscission. Kinetoplast duplication was uninterrupted resulting in cells with multiple kinetoplasts and flagella.
Transcriptional wiring of the TOL plasmid regulatory network to its host involves the submission of the σ54‐promoter Pu to the response regulator PprA
Authors: Vitale Elena , Milani Andrea , Renzi Francesco , Galli Enrica , Rescalli Emanuela , De Lorenzo Víctor , Bertoni Giovanni
Published: June 2008

Implantation of the regulatory circuit of the degradation pathway of TOL plasmid pWW0 in the native transcriptional network of the host Pseudomonas putida involves interplay between plasmid‐ and chromosome‐encoded factors. We have employed a reverse genetics approach to investigate such a molecular wiring by identifying host proteins that form stable complexes with Pu, the σ54‐dependent promoter of the upper TOL operon of pWW0. This approach revealed that the Pu upstream activating sequences (UAS), the target sites of the cognate activator XylR, form a specific complex with a host protein which, following DNA affinity purification and mass spectrometry analysis, was identified as the LytTR‐type two‐component response regulator PprA. Directed inactivation of pprA resulted in the upregulation of the Pu promoter in vivo, while expression of the same gene from a plasmid vector strongly repressed Pu activity. Such a downregulation of Pu by PprA could be faithfully reproduced both in vitro with purified components and in an in vivo reporter system assembled in Escherichia coli. The overlap of the PprA and XylR binding sites suggested that the basis for the inhibitory effect on Pu was a mutual exclusion mechanism between the two proteins to bind the UAS. We argue that the binding of the response regulator PprA to Pu (a case without precedents in σ54‐dependent transcription) helps to anchor the TOL regulatory subnetwork to the wider context of the host transcriptome, thereby allowing the entry of physiological signals that modulate the outcome of promoter activity.
EsaC substrate for the ESAT‐6 secretion pathway and its role in persistent infections of Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Burts Monica L. , DeDent Andrea C. , Missiakas Dominique M.
Published: June 2008

Staphylococcus aureus encodes the specialized secretion system Ess (ESAT‐6 secretion system). The ess locus is a cluster of eight genes (esxAB, essABC, esaABC) of which esxA and esxB display homology to secreted ESAT‐6 proteins of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. EsxA and EsxB require EssA, EssB and EssC for transport across the staphylococcal envelope. Herein, we examine the role of EsaB and EsaC and show that EsaB is a negative regulator of EsaC. Further, EsaC production is repressed when staphylococci are grown in broth and increased when staphylococci replicate in serum or infected hosts. EsaB is constitutively produced and remains in the cytoplasm whereas EsaC is secreted. This secretion requires an intact Ess pathway. Mutants lacking esaB or esaC display only a small defect in acute infection, but remarkably are unable to promote persistent abscesses during animal infection. Together, the data suggest a model whereby EsaB controls the production of effector molecules that are important for host pathogen interaction. One such effector, EsaC, is a secretion substrate of the Ess pathway and implements its pathogenic function during infection.
Type III secretion system 1 genes in Vibrio parahaemolyticus are positively regulated by ExsA and negatively regulated by ExsD
Authors: Zhou Xiaohui , Shah Devendra H. , Konkel Michael E. , Call Douglas R.
Published: June 2008

Vibrio parahaemolyticus harbours two distinct type III secretion systems (T3SS1 and T3SS2). A subset of 10 T3SS1 genes are transcribed when V. parahaemolyticus is grown in tissue culture medium [Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM)], while transcription of these genes (except exsD) is minimal upon growth in Luria–Bertani‐Salt (LB‐S). Transcription of T3SS1 genes and cytotoxicity towards HeLa cells was prevented by deletion of exsA while complementation with exsA restored these traits. Overexpression of ExsA in the wild‐type strain, NY‐4, activated the transcription of T3SS1 genes when bacteria were grown in LB‐S. Thus, ExsA is necessary and sufficient to induce the transcription of T3SS1 genes. Deletion of the exsD permitted the transcription of T3SS1 genes when bacteria were grown in the LB‐S medium and complementation with the wild‐type exsD gene‐blocked transcription of T3SS1 genes. Overexpression of ExsD in NY‐4 prevented the transcription of T3SS1 gene when bacteria were grown in DMEM. A gel mobility shift assay demonstrated that purified ExsA protein binds a novel motif in the upstream region of vp1668 and vp1687, indicating that ExsA interacts directly with the promoter sequences of T3SS1 genes. ExsA positively regulates the expression and secretion of Vp1656 while ExsD negatively regulates the expression and secretion of Vp1656.
Smooth muscle phenotypic plasticity in mechanical obstruction of the small intestine
Authors: Macdonald J. A.
Published: June 2008

Abstract  Chronic, partial obstruction of the small intestine can dramatically alter peristaltic contractile properties. Morphological studies have revealed hypertrophy of the circular smooth muscle cells in the constricted part of the intestine. In this issue of Neurogastroenterology and Motility, Chen et al. show that hyperplasia and hypertrophy of intestinal smooth muscle cells occur at distinct times in response to partial obstruction of the ileum. Furthermore, the first evidence is provided to link intestinal smooth muscle remodelling during mechanical obstruction with changes in serum response factor and two of its co‐regulating factors, myocardin and Elk‐1.
Parkinson’s disease and the gut: a well known clinical association in need of an effective cure and explanation
Authors: Natale G. , Pasquali L. , Ruggieri S. , Paparelli A. , Fornai F.
Published: June 2008

Abstract  Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder which leads to severe movement impairment; however, Parkinsonian patients frequently suffer from gastrointestinal (GI) problems which at present are poorly understood, scarcely investigated, and lack an effective cure. Traditionally, PD is attributed to the loss of mesencephalic dopamine‐containing neurons; nonetheless, additional nuclei, such as the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve and specific central noradrenergic nuclei, are now identified as targets of PD. While the effects of PD on the somatic motor systems are well characterized, the influence on the digestive system still needs to be clarified. Recent findings demonstrate the occurrence of pathological alterations within peripheral neuronal networks in the GI tract of Parkinsonian patients. However, it remains unclear whether a real cell loss occurs, and whether this happens specifically for a subclass of autonomic neurons or if it reflects the sole loss of autonomic nerves. This review summarizes the neurochemical and morphological changes which might be responsible for impaired GI motility. Moreover, we focus on the experimental models to reproduce the altered digestive system of Parkinsonian patients since an experimental model able to mimic such features of PD is required. In the last part of the manuscript, we suggest potential therapeutic targets.
An unusual presentation of canine distemper virus infection in a domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo)
Authors: Zehnder Ashley M. , Hawkins Michelle G. , Koski Marilyn A. , Luff Jennifer A. , Benak Jaromir , Lowenstine Linda J. , White Stephen D.
Published: June 2008

A 4.5‐year‐old, male castrated ferret was examined with a 27‐day history of severe pruritus, generalized erythema and scaling. Skin scrapings and a trichogram were negative for mites and dermatophyte organisms. A fungal culture of hair samples was negative. The ferret was treated presumptively for scabies and secondary bacterial and yeast infection with selamectin, enrofloxacin, fluconazole, diphenhydramine and a miconazole–chlorhexidine shampoo. The ferret showed mild improvement in clinical signs over the subsequent 3 weeks, but was inappetent and required supportive feeding and subcutaneous fluids by the owner. The ferret was then examined on an emergency basis at the end of 3 weeks (53 days following initial signs of illness) for severe blood loss from a haematoma over the interscapular region, hypotension and shock. The owners elected euthanasia due to a poor prognosis and deteriorating condition. On post‐mortem examination intraepithelial canine distemper viral inclusions were identified systemically, and abundant canine distemper virus antigen was identified with immunohistochemical staining. It is important to note the prolonged course of disease along with the absence of respiratory and neurological signs because this differs from the classic presentation of canine distemper virus infection in ferrets. Canine distemper virus should remain a clinical suspicion for ferrets with skin lesions that do not respond to appropriate therapy, even in animals that were previously vaccinated.
A population‐based epidemiologic analysis of deaths from anaphylaxis in Florida
Authors: Simon M. R. , Mulla Z. D.
Published: June 2008

Background:  Previous US population‐based epidemiologic studies of anaphylactic deaths have been limited by small populations and/or few deaths. The objective of this study was to determine the 10‐year incidence of death from anaphylaxis in Florida and its descriptive epidemiology.

Methods:  Patients who died from anaphylaxis from 1996 to 2005 were identified from ICD‐9 and ICD‐10 codes on death certificates statewide. Age, race and gender‐specific anaphylactic death rates were calculated.

Results:  There were 89 deaths among Florida residents. The individuals with autopsy confirmed diagnoses, and those with clinical diagnoses only, did not differ with regard to race, anaphylactic triggers or the clinical variables of lung and heart disease. Annual death rate for anaphylaxis in Florida was 5.02/10 000 000. The relative risk of death from anaphylaxis was 14.09 for individuals ≥65 years old (P = 0.0000002) and 6.38 for individuals 35–64 years old (P = 0.0019) compared with those who were 5–14 years of age. Deaths among Florida residents that occurred in emergency rooms or outpatient settings were 2.11 times as likely to be anaphylactic deaths than deaths that occurred in inpatient settings (P = 0.0026). The ratios of anaphylactic deaths to total deaths in March and April and in July and August were greater than the ratios for the other bimonthly periods (P = 0.02).

Conclusion:  Death from anaphylaxis in Florida was more likely to occur in older individuals, in an emergency department, and in the months of March and April and July and August.
Human papillomavirus as a risk factor in oral carcinogenesis: a study using in situ hybridization with signal amplification
Authors: Acay R. , Rezende N. , Fontes A. , Aburad A. , Nunes F. , Sousa S.
Published: June 2008

Introduction:  It is still controversial whether human papillomavirus (HPV) can be considered a risk factor in oral carcinogenesis. The aim of this study was to detect HPV DNA in 50 cases diagnosed as oral leukoplakias, with different degrees of epithelial dysplasia, and as oral squamous cell carcinomas, using in situ hybridization with signal amplification (CSA‐ISH).

Methods:  HPV DNA was assessed in paraffin sections using CSA‐ISH with a wide‐spectrum biotinylated DNA probe. In HPV‐positive cases, genotyping with specific probes to HPV types 6/11, 16/18 and 31/33 was performed.

Results:  The overall prevalence of HPV infection was 24%, markedly higher than that found in the control group. Results showed a discrete proportional relationship in the indices found in leukoplakia with no dysplasia, leukoplakia with dysplasia, and squamous cell carcinoma, but this was not statistically significant. When separating the group of leukoplakia by degrees of dysplasia, this relation of proportion was not observed. In genotyping, HPV types 16/18 were the most prevalent, and types 6/11 were only found in groups of mild or no dysplasia.

Conclusion:  The results suggest that HPV is not likely to play a role in the progression of malignant transformation in oral lesions. Nevertheless, the increased prevalence of HPV infection compared to normal oral mucosa and the fact that high‐risk HPV types were the most frequently identified do not allow the exclusion of HPV as a risk factor in oral carcinogenesis.
Profiling of inflammatory cytokines produced by gingival fibroblasts after human cytomegalovirus infection
Authors: Botero J. E. , Contreras A. , Parra B.
Published: June 2008

Introduction:  The purpose of this study was to determine the profile of inflammatory cytokines that are produced after in vitro infection of gingival fibroblasts with human cytomegalovirus (HCMV).

Materials and methods:  Gingival fibroblasts were infected with the Towne strain of HCMV and the cytokine profile in the supernatant was studied using a human inflammation antibody array. Expression of messenger RNA (mRNA) using reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction for interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) was also analyzed in infected gingival fibroblasts and gingival specimens from subjects with and without periodontitis according to HCMV detection. HCMV was determined in subgingival samples by nested polymerase chain reaction.

Results:  Gingival fibroblasts produced mainly IL‐1α, IL‐12p40, IL‐12p70, IL‐6, TNF‐α, and IL‐1β after HCMV infection. Expression of mRNA for IL‐1β and TNF‐α was increased after HCMV infection. Production of IL‐1β and TNF‐α was increased in HCMV‐positive periodontitis specimens. In addition, infected gingival fibroblasts produced more IL‐8, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, macrophage inflammatory proteins 1α, and 1β over time postinfection in comparison to baseline. The lowest production of all cytokines studied corresponded to IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐13, and interferon‐γ. A decreasing production pattern was observed for granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor, IL‐7, and IL‐17 while IL‐11 and macrophage colony‐stimulating factor were increased at 72 h postinfection.

Conclusions:  HCMV infection in gingival fibroblasts upregulated the production of proinflammatory‐related cytokines and chemokines. The expression of IL‐1β and TNF‐α was increased both in vitro and in specimens from HCMV‐positive subjects with periodontitis. The overproduction of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines as a result of viral infection should be considered an important pathogenic mechanism linking HCMV to periodontitis in vivo.
Differential expression of Toll‐like receptors in chronic hyperplastic candidosis
Authors: Ali A. , Natah S. , Konttinen Y.
Published: June 2008

Introduction:  The first step in the host defense against oral candidosis is the recognition of Candida albicans through a set of germ‐encoded pathogen recognition receptors, e.g. Toll‐like receptors (TLRs). In man, 10 types of such receptors have been identified so far, of which only TLR2, TLR4, and TLR6 have been linked to mediating candidal ligands, e.g. zymosan.

Methods:  Biopsies from patients with chronic hyperplastic candidosis (n = 5), leukoplakia (n = 5), and healthy mucosa (n = 5) were immunohistochemically stained with antibodies to the TLRs (TLR1 to TLR9) to distinguish and compare the staining patterns of the epithelial layer in the three categories of tissues.

Results:  On analysis, the epithelium of all tissues was divided into three layers: basal, middle, and superficial. Two of the five chronic hyperplastic candidosis sections showed high numbers of hyphae compared to yeasts, which paralleled a decrease in the expression of TLR2 and an increase in the staining intensity of TLR4. Leukoplakia and healthy tissue sections demonstrated stronger immunostaining of TLRs, except TLR9 which showed weaker staining in some sections of the former, and in the basal layers of some sections of the latter.

Discussion:  This study supports the concept of negative regulation of TLRs that are either ligand‐bound (e.g. in chronic hyperplastic candidosis), or not stimulated (in healthy tissue). It also augments the opinion that C. albicans, through its hyphae rather than blastospore, may utilize TLRs, i.e. TLR2, to evade the immune system of the host. Leukoplakia seems to be more immunologically alert, which reduces the chances of worsening the already‐diseased tissue.
The joint effects of kin, multilevel selection and indirect genetic effects on response to genetic selection
Authors: BIJMA P. , WADE M. J.
Published: June 2008

Kin and levels‐of‐selection models are common approaches for modelling social evolution. Indirect genetic effect (IGE) models represent a different approach, specifying social effects on trait values rather than fitness. We investigate the joint effect of relatedness, multilevel selection and IGEs on response to selection. We present a measure for the degree of multilevel selection, which is the natural partner of relatedness in expressions for response. Response depends on both relatedness and the degree of multilevel selection, rather than only one or the other factor. Moreover, response is symmetric in relatedness and the degree of multilevel selection, indicating that both factors have exactly the same effect. Without IGEs, the key parameter is the product of relatedness and the degree of multilevel selection. With IGEs, however, multilevel selection without relatedness can explain evolution of social traits. Thus, next to relatedness and multilevel selection, IGEs are a key element in the genetical theory of social evolution.
Setting‐up tension in the style of Marantaceae
Authors: Pischtschan E. , Claßen‐Bockhoff R.
Published: June 2008

The Marantaceae stand out from other plant families through their unique style movement which is combined with a highly derived form of secondary pollen presentation. Although known for a long time, the mechanism underlying the movement is not yet understood. In this paper, we report an investigation into the biomechanical principles of this movement. For the first time we experimentally confirm that, in Maranta noctiflora, longitudinal growth of the maturing style within the ‘straitjacket’ of the hooded staminode involves both arresting of the style before tripping and building up of potential for the movement. The longer the style grows in relation to the enclosing hooded staminode, the more does its capacity for curling increase. We distinguish between the basic tension that a growing style builds up normally, even when the hooded staminode is removed beforehand, and the induced tension which comes about only under the pressure of a too short hooded staminode and which enables the movement. The results of our investigations are discussed in relation to previous interpretations, ranging from biomechanical to electrophysiological mechanisms.
Effect of steady torque twisting on the orientation of cortical microtubules in the epidermis of the sunflower hypocotyl
Authors: Elsner J.
Published: June 2008

Orientation of cortical microtubules (cMTs) is suggested to be affected by mechanical stress existing in cell walls. However, in mutants exhibiting helical (chiral) growth, there is a correlation between orientation of cMTs in outer tissues and helical growth direction. The aim of this research was to examine the effect of a chiral mechanical stimulation on cMTs. For this purpose, the orientation of cMTs was investigated in hypocotyls subjected to either a right‐ or a left‐handed twist, resulting from a steady torque. cMTs were visualised in fixed material using the immunofluorescence method. The cMTs in untouched control hypocotyls were mostly transverse with respect to the cell long axis. In immobilised, but not twisted control hypocotyls, the transverse orientation was also most frequent, while applied twisting resulted in a change in cMT orientation from transverse to oblique. The data provide additional evidence that changes in tissue stress can be reorganized by cortical microtubules.
Nectar sugar composition and concentration in relation to pollination syndromes in Bromeliaceae
Authors: Krömer T. , Kessler M. , Lohaus G. , Schmidt‐Lebuhn A. N.
Published: June 2008

A first comprehensive dataset of nectar sugar composition and concentration in Bromeliaceae is presented, covering 111 species belonging to all three subfamilies. Based on this dataset, we examined the relationship between nectar traits and pollination syndromes in the family. Sugars in samples were assayed by high pressure liquid chromatography. All sampled species were grouped into three broad categories (trochilophilous, chiropterophilous, or lepidopterophilous) according to their main pollination mode. Significant differences between the different pollination syndromes were found in nectar sugar composition as well as concentration. For a total of four genera (Guzmania, Pitcairnia, Tillandsia and Vriesea), a comparison of nectar composition showed significant differences between trochilophilous and chiropterophilous species. Data presented here indicate that the characteristics of nectar in Bromeliaceae are predominantly determined by putative adaptations of nectar sugars to preferences of the pollinators rather than by phylogenetic relations.
Pollination ecology of Disterigma stereophyllum (Ericaceae) in south‐western Colombia
Authors: Navarro L. , Guitián P. , Ayensa G.
Published: June 2008

Several authors have recently expressed doubts that the ‘pollination syndromes’ as usually expressed are an adequate description of correlated suites of floral characters, or that they adequately describe evolutionary or ecological associations of plants with pollinators. Disterigma stereophyllum is a neotropical Ericaceae with floral characteristics intermediate between the ‘entomophilous’ syndrome and the ‘ornithophilous’ syndrome: the corolla is short, white and urceolate, but flowers produce large amounts of dilute nectar. We studied the pollination ecology of this species in south‐western Colombia, and found it to be pollinated almost exclusively by hummingbirds at our study site. Two hummingbird species were responsible for about 75 of visits. Despite the fact that nectar standing crop remained more or less constant throughout the day, visit frequencies were highest in the morning and declined throughout the day. Pollinator efficiency, measured as the number of pollen grains deposited on a virgin stigma by each visitor after one visit, did not differ among the species of hummingbirds, but was lower for a nectar‐robbing bird, Diglossa albilatera. This species does not contact the surface of the stigma during nectar robbing, but can produce some self‐pollination indirectly because it shakes branches vigorously while piercing the flower. These findings indicate a need for further studies of neotropical Ericaceae in order to elucidate whether floral visitors of species like D. stereophyllum fluctuate through time or space, and whether floral characteristics reflect a compromise between such different visitors, or a transitional stage between pollination syndromes, or some other possibility.
Progress in understanding of ginsenoside biosynthesis
Authors: Liang Y. , Zhao S.
Published: June 2008

Ginseng is an economically important medicinal plant. The major bioactive ingredients of ginseng are ginsenosides, which are triterpene saponins. Because of difficulties in ginseng cultivation and the low productivity of ginseng cell and tissue culture, it has become important to improve ginsenoside levels by using metabolic engineering based on the biosynthetic pathway of ginsenosides. During the last decade, substantial advances have been made in biosynthesis of ginsenosides. This review is concerned with recent developments in our understanding of the biosynthesis of ginsenosides.
IgG4‐related inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysm associated with autoimmune pancreatitis
Authors: Ito Homare , Kaizaki Yasuharu , Noda Yukihiro , Fujii Susumu , Yamamoto Shinichirou
Published: June 2008

An association between autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) and inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) has never been reported. Reported herein is a case of IgG4‐related inflammatory AAA accompanying metachronous AIP. A 77‐year‐old man presented with malaise and intermittent lower abdominal pain. Radiological examination showed inflammatory AAA and right hydronephrosis caused by retroperitoneal fibrosis. Surgical correction of the AAA was performed, but high levels of systemic inflammatory markers persisted. Four months after surgery, the patient presented with epigastric pain, backache, and jaundice. His serum IgG4 concentration was high (571 mg/mL), and he was diagnosed with AIP, based on clinical and radiological findings. Corticosteroid therapy resulted in improvement of the clinical findings and lowered his serum IgG4 levels. Subsequent histological examination of a specimen from the aortic wall showed irregular proliferation of fibroblastic and myofibroblastic cells, severe lymphoplasmacytic infiltration, and obliterative phlebitis in the adventitia. Furthermore, on immunohistochemistry many plasma cells within the lesion were found to be positive for IgG4. These findings suggest that inflammatory AAA has a pathological process similar to that of AIP, and that some cases of inflammatory AAA and retroperitoneal fibrosis may be aortic and periaortic lesions of an IgG4‐related sclerosing disease.
Intraosseous carcinoma of the mandible composed of cells expressing myoepithelial cell‐associated antigens
Authors: Ikeda Tohru , Fujita Shuichi , Hayashi Tomayoshi , Seki Sachiko , Ikeda Hisazumi , Ikeda Mihoko , Ikeda Hideyoshi , Asahina Izumi
Published: June 2008

Carcinomas are rarely observed centrally in mandibular and maxillary bone. Etiology of intraosseous squamous cell carcinoma is thought to involve derivation from remnants of the odontogenic epithelium. Mucoepidermoid carcinoma is also rarely observed centrally in the mandibular and maxillary bone. Previous analyses raised the possibility that the tumor arose from entrapped salivary elements or from metaplastic odontogenic epithelia. Herein is described an intramandibular carcinoma with characteristic various morphologies. The tumor was composed of epidermoid cells, clear cells, mucous cells and intermediate cells, which were surrounded by cellular‐rich collagenous stroma. The epidermoid cells, clear cells and mucous cells formed solid sheets, and the clear cells and intermediate cells formed trabecular structures. Sparse cell regions were partly accompanied by clear cells and mucous cells. Immunohistochemistry was positive for myoepithelial markers in the trabecular portion of the tumor. These findings suggest that this is a unique case of intramandibular mucoepidermoid carcinoma that includes tumor cells expressing myoepithelial cell‐associated antigens.
Autopsy case of the neonatal form of carnitine palmitoyltransferase‐II deficiency triggered by a novel disease‐causing mutation del1737C
Authors: Semba Shuho , Yasujima Hidehiro , Takano Tomoko , Yokozaki Hiroshi
Published: June 2008

Carnitine palmitoyltransferase‐II (CPT‐II) deficiency is an autosomal recessive disease involving mitochondrial long‐chain fatty acid oxidation that results in a distinct clinical phenotype. Reported herein is an autopsy case of the neonatal form of CPT‐II deficiency in a 2‐day‐old Japanese boy who died due to a severe hepatocardiomuscular disease with an extremely early onset. Autopsy examination indicated massive pulmonary atelectasis with intra‐alveolar hemorrhage, and the patient had marked cardiomegaly and hepatomegaly, both of which demonstrated the presence of abundant intracytoplasmic steatosis. Three years after the autopsy examination, CPT‐II deficiency was suggested by acylcarnitine analysis of dried‐blood on filter paper from the patient's younger sister at the age of 1. The younger sister also died due to sudden onset of cardiopulmonary arrest; a remarkable increase of long‐chain (C16–18) acylcarnitines was detected on tandem mass spectrometry (TMS). Decreased CPT‐II expression was detected in the liver, heart and kidney of the patient. Furthermore, del1737C, a novel mutation of the CPT‐II gene, was detected as well as a known GA transition at codon 174. Eventually, laboratory and autopsy findings led to diagnosis of the neonatal form of CPT‐II deficiency. TMS can be expected to be widely used to detect metabolic disorders in neonates.
Pedunculated polypoid lymphangioma of the anal canal
Authors: Val‐Bernal José Fernando , Mayorga Marta , Diego Cristina , González‐Vela María Carmen
Published: June 2008

Lymphangioma is a rare benign lesion of the gastrointestinal tract, in which the large intestine is the least commonly involved site. To the authors' knowledge a lymphangioma of the anal canal has not been reported. Described herein is a case of pedunculated polypoid lymphangioma of the right lateral wall on the transitional zone of the anal canal measuring 1.7 × 1.3 × 1 cm in a 40‐year‐old woman. A pedicle does not exclude the endoscopic diagnosis of lymphangioma. Lymphangioma must be included in the differential diagnosis of polypoid lesions of the anal canal.
Carcinosarcoma of the rectosigmoid colon in a 13‐year‐old girl
Authors: Jeong Yeon Jun , Lee Min Ro , Kim Jae Chun , Hwang Pyoung Han , Moon Woo Sung , Chung Myoung‐Ja
Published: June 2008

Reported herein is an unusual case of carcinosarcoma of the colon. A 13‐year‐old girl was transferred to Chonbuk National University Hospital, Korea with a known pelvic mass. CT and magnetic resonance imaging confirmed a large pelvic mass. A sarcoma was diagnosed following colonoscopic biopsy. An ultra‐low anterior resection with pelvic lymph node dissection was performed. The tumor consisted of a well‐differentiated adenocarcinoma showing strong immunoreactivity to epithelial markers (pancytokeratin, cytokeratin 7, cytokeratin 19, cytokeratin 20, epithelial membrane antigen, and CEA) and a sarcomatous lesion with strong diffuse vimentin expression but no immunoreactivity to any of the six epithelial markers. Carcinosarcomas of the colon are extremely rare, and all reported cases involve adults. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of a carcinosarcoma of the colon in a child.
Coalescent pleural malignant mesothelioma and adenocarcinoma of the lung, involving only minor asbestos exposure
Authors: Tsuzuki Toyonori , Ninomiya Hironori , Natori Yuji , Ishikawa Yuichi
Published: June 2008

Coexistence of pulmonary adenocarcinoma and pleural malignant mesothelioma is extremely rare, although both are asbestos‐related. Herein is presented a rare case of coalescent lung tumor made up of a malignant mesothelioma and a pulmonary adenocarcinoma in a 62‐year‐old Japanese man, a high‐school teacher with only minor asbestos exposure. Preoperative diagnosis of adenocarcinoma was made on transbronchial biopsy. At surgery, multiple small white nodules were observed on the parietal pleural surface, opposite to the lung tumor. They were confirmed to be malignant mesothelioma on histopathology of paraffin section. The pulmonary tumor mass itself consisted of two distinct portions. The major part contained papillary proliferation of hobnail and columnar cells. Peripherally, neoplastic cells grew in a lepidic fashion and micropapillary growth was also detected. The other component featured tubular structures. The former was positive for adenocarcinoma markers such as CEA, Ber‐EP4, PE‐10, thyroid transcription factor‐1 and Napsin A, and negative for mesothelial markers including calretinin, D2‐40, WT‐1 and HBME, while the latter was the opposite, resulting in a diagnosis of coalescing malignant mesothelioma and adenocarcinoma. The panel of antibodies used for immunohistochemistry was useful to distinguish the two different components in the one tumor.
Endometrial adenocarcinoma without myometrial invasion metastasizing to the pancreas and masquerading as primary pancreatic neoplasm
Authors: Oshiro Hisashi , Miyagi Yohei , Kawaguchi Yoshiaki , Rino Yasushi , Arai Hiromasa , Asai‐Sato Mikiko , Nakayama Hiroki , Yamanaka Shoji , Inayama Yoshiaki , Fukushima Noriyoshi
Published: June 2008

Reported herein is a case of endometrial adenocarcinoma without myometrial invasion that metastasized to the pancreas in a 69‐year‐old Japanese woman who had a history of hysterectomy. Although systemic radiography could not detect any metastasis in the whole body before hysterectomy, imaging performed 2 months after the hysterectomy consisting of CT, magnetic resonance imaging, gallium scintigraphy and positron emission tomography identified a solitary pancreatic tumor. Imaging demonstrated an intracystic papillary growth in the pancreas, suggesting intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm or mucinous cystic neoplasm. Excised in distal pancreatectomy, the tumor was diagnosed as a pancreatic primary, an invasive papillary adenocarcinoma at first, but both the endometrial tumor and the pancreatic tumor demonstrated similar morphology and immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, the identical nucleotide mutation of TP53 gene was observed from both the endometrial and pancreatic tumors. The pancreatic tumor was therefore confirmed to be a metastasis from the primary endometrial adenocarcinoma. Metastasis to the pancreas from endometrial carcinoma is extremely rare but must be considered even if the previous cancer was treated at an early stage. Histopathological comparison study and genetic analysis are important for the correct diagnosis of metastasis.
Reproductive output of invasive versus native plants
Authors: Mason Robert A. B. , Cooke Julia , Moles Angela T. , Leishman Michelle R.
Published: June 2008

Aim  Propagule size and output are critical for the ability of a plant species to colonize new environments. If invasive species have a greater reproductive output than native species (via more and/or larger seeds), then they will have a greater dispersal and establishment ability. Previous comparisons within plant genera, families or environments have conflicted over the differences in reproductive traits between native and invasive species. We went beyond a genus‐, family‐ or habitat‐specific approach and analysed data for plant reproductive traits from the global literature, to investigate whether: (1) seed mass and production differ between the original and introduced ranges of invasive species; (2) seed mass and production differ between invasives and natives; and (3) invasives produce more seeds per unit seed mass than natives.

Location  Global.

Methods  We combined an existing data set of native plant reproductive data with a new data compilation for invasive species. We used t‐tests to compare original and introduced range populations, two‐way ANOVAs to compare natives and invasives, and an ANCOVA to examine the relationship between seed mass and production for natives and invasives. The ANCOVA was performed again incorporating phylogenetically independent contrasts to overcome any phylogenetic bias in the data sets.

Results  Neither seed mass nor seed production of invasive species differed between their introduced and original ranges. We found no significant difference in seed mass between invasives and natives after growth form had been accounted for. Seed production was greater for invasive species overall and within herb and woody growth forms. For a given seed mass, invasive species produced 6.7‐fold (all species), 6.9‐fold (herbs only) and 26.1‐fold (woody species only) more seeds per individual per year than native species. The phylogenetic ANCOVA verified that this trend did not appear to be influenced by phylogenetic bias within either data set.

Main conclusions  This study provides the first global examination of both seed mass and production traits in native and invasive species. Invasive species express a strategy of greater seed production both overall and per unit seed mass compared with natives. The consequent increased likelihood of establishment from long‐distance seed dispersal may significantly contribute to the invasiveness of many exotic species.
Obesity and the Mediterranean diet: a systematic review of observational and intervention studies
Authors: Buckland G. , Bach A. , Serra‐Majem L.
Published: June 2008

World Health Organization projections estimate that worldwide approximately one‐third of adults are overweight and one‐tenth are obese. There is accumulating research into the Mediterranean diet and whether it could prevent or treat obesity. Therefore, the purpose of this paper was to systematically review and analyse the epidemiological evidence on the Mediterranean diet and overweight/obesity. We identified 21 epidemiological studies that explored the relationship between the Mediterranean diet and weight. These included seven cross‐sectional, three cohort and 11 intervention studies. Of these, 13 studies reported that Mediterranean diet adherence was significantly related to less overweight/obesity or more weight loss. Eight studies found no evidence of this association. Exploring the relationship between the Mediterranean diet and overweight/obesity is complex, and there are important methodological differences and limitations in the studies that make it difficult to compare results. Although the results are inconsistent, the evidence points towards a possible role of the Mediterranean diet in preventing overweight/obesity, and physiological mechanisms can explain this protective effect. Despite this, more research is needed to substantiate this association. Epidemiological studies should use a consistent universal definition of the Mediterranean diet, and address common methodological limitations to strengthen the quality of research in this area.
MANAGING INTENTIONS: THE END‐OF‐LIFE ADMINISTRATION OF ANALGESICS AND SEDATIVES, AND THE POSSIBILITY OF SLOW EUTHANASIA
Authors: DOUGLAS CHARLES , KERRIDGE IAN , ANKENY RACHEL
Published: June 2008

There has been much debate regarding the ‘double‐effect’ of sedatives and analgesics administered at the end‐of‐life, and the possibility that health professionals using these drugs are performing ‘slow euthanasia.’ On the one hand analgesics and sedatives can do much to relieve suffering in the terminally ill. On the other hand, they can hasten death. According to a standard view, the administration of analgesics and sedatives amounts to euthanasia when the drugs are given with an intention to hasten death. In this paper we report a small qualitative study based on interviews with 8 Australian general physicians regarding their understanding of intention in the context of questions about voluntary euthanasia, assisted suicide and particularly the use of analgesic and sedative infusions (including the possibility of voluntary or non‐voluntary ‘slow euthanasia’). We found a striking ambiguity and uncertainty regarding intentions amongst doctors interviewed. Some were explicit in describing a ‘grey’ area between palliation and euthanasia, or a continuum between the two. Not one of the respondents was consistent in distinguishing between a foreseen death and an intended death. A major theme was that ‘slow euthanasia’ may be more psychologically acceptable to doctors than active voluntary euthanasia by bolus injection, partly because the former would usually only result in a small loss of ‘time’ for patients already very close to death, but also because of the desirable ambiguities surrounding causation and intention when an infusion of analgesics and sedatives is used. The empirical and philosophical implications of these findings are discussed.
BARRIERS AND CHALLENGES IN CLINICAL ETHICS CONSULTATIONS: THE EXPERIENCES OF NINE CLINICAL ETHICS COMMITTEES
Authors: PEDERSEN REIDAR , AKRE VICTORIA , FØRDE REIDUN
Published: June 2008

Clinical ethics committees have recently been established in nearly all Norwegian hospital trusts. One important task for these committees is clinical ethics consultations. This qualitative study explores significant barriers confronting the ethics committees in providing such consultation services. The interviews with the committees indicate that there is a substantial need for clinical ethics support services and, in general, the committee members expressed a great deal of enthusiasm for the committee work. They also reported, however, that tendencies to evade moral disagreement, conflict, and ‘outsiders’ are common in the hospitals. Sometimes even the committees comply with some of these tendencies. The committees agree that there is a need to improve their routines and procedures, clarify the committees' profile and field of responsibility, to make the committees well‐known, to secure adequate operating conditions, and to develop organizational integration and support. Various strategies to meet these challenges on a local, regional or national level are also explored in this paper.
AGAINST THE INALIENABLE RIGHT TO WITHDRAW FROM RESEARCH
Authors: CHWANG ERIC
Published: June 2008

In this paper I argue, against the current consensus, that the right to withdraw from research is sometimes alienable. In other words, research subjects are sometimes morally permitted to waive their right to withdraw. The argument proceeds in three major steps. In the first step, I argue that rights typically should be presumed alienable, both because that is not illegitimately coercive and because the general paternalistic motivation for keeping them inalienable is untenable. In the second step of the argument, I consider three special characteristics of the right to withdraw, first that its waiver might be exploitative, second that research involves intimate bodily access, and third that it is irreversible. I argue that none of these characteristics justify an inalienable right to withdraw. In the third step, I examine four considerations often taken to justify various other allegedly inalienable rights: concerns about treating yourself merely as a means as might be the case in suicide, concerns about revoking all your future freedoms in slavery contracts, the resolution of coordination problems, and public interest. I argue that the motivations involved in these four types of situations do not apply to the right to withdraw from research.
Social Trust, Social Capital and Perceptions of Immigration
Authors: Herreros Francisco , Criado Henar
Published: June 2008

Analyses of social capital and immigration have stressed the negative impact that culturally diverse societies have for the development of social trust. Ethnic heterogeneity, according to these studies, is associated with lower levels of social trust. However, social trust has not been studied as an independent variable in order to explain attitudes towards immigration. This article argues that societies with high levels of social capital facilitate the integration of immigrants because those members with high levels of social trust will tend to have more positive attitudes towards immigration. This hypothesis is empirically tested in a cross-country multi-level empirical analysis for sixteen European countries, drawing on the 2002–3 European Social Survey. This analysis shows that, regardless of the impact of other individual-level variables and contextual variables such as levels of unemployment or percentage of foreign population, those with high social capital do exhibit more positive attitudes towards immigration than the rest of the population.
Determinants and consequences of soft budget constraints An empirical analysis using enterprise‐level data in transition countries1
Authors: Bignebat Céline , Gouret Fabian
Published: June 2008

This paper presents empirical work grounded in the soft budget constraint (SBC) literature. A loan is soft when a bank cannot commit the enterprise to hold to a fixed initial budget and/or the timing of repayment. Using data collected by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) (Business Environment and Enterprise Performance Survey (BEEPS), 2002) in 26 transition economies, we analyze the determinants of managers’ expectations of having a soft loan. In particular, we find that managers’ expectations are lower when the initial financing requires collateral, and higher for larger firms and when firms had recently experienced financial distress. We also provide evidence that managers’ expectations influence their price responsiveness.
Who bears the cost of Russia's military draft?
Authors: Lokshin Michael , Yemtsov Ruslan
Published: June 2008

In this paper we use data from a large nationally representative survey in Russia to empirically estimate the distribution of the burden induced by the military draft. We focus on draft avoidance as a common response to the conscription system ridden by corruption. We develop a simple theoretical model that describes household compliance decisions with respect to enlistment as a function of its pre‐draft welfare. We employ the full information maximum‐likelihood instrumental variable model to estimate the effect of household characteristics on the probability of serving in the army. Our results indicate that the burden of conscription falls excessively on the poor. Poor, low‐educated, rural households are much more likely to have their sons enlisted compared to urban, wealthy and better‐educated families. Using the predicted probability of draft avoidance, we estimate the short‐term direct economic cost of the draft as lost wages of serving conscripts. Our results suggest that losses incurred by the poor are disproportionately large and exceed the statutory rates of personal income taxes.
Productivity, innovation and convergence in Poland1
Authors: Kolasa Marcin
Published: June 2008

This paper provides evidence on factors driving productivity growth in the new EU member states, focusing on Polish manufacturing industries. The results obtained indicate that companies in Poland benefit significantly from transfer of technologies accumulated in more developed economies. No strong evidence is found on immediate technology transfer. The significant effect of domestic innovation activity is mainly due to its impact on the speed of convergence and is particularly strong in high‐tech industries, relatively privatized industries and industries initially further from the technological frontier.