bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combining semiquantitative measures of fibrosis and qualitative features of parenchymal remodelling to identify fibrosis regression in hepatitis C: a multiple biopsy study
Authors: Pattullo Venessa , Thein Hla‐Hla , Heathcote Elizabeth Jenny , Guindi Maha
Published: March 2012

Pattullo V, Thein H‐H, Heathcote E J & Guindi M  (2012) Histopathology 61, 473–487

Combining semiquantitative measures of fibrosis and qualitative features of parenchymal remodelling to identify fibrosis regression in hepatitis C: a multiple biopsy study

Aims:  A fall in hepatic fibrosis stage may be observed in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC); however, parenchymal architectural changes may also signify hepatic remodelling associated with fibrosis regression. The aim of this study was to utilize semiquantitative and qualitative methods to report the prevalence and factors associated with fibrosis regression in CHC.

Methods and results:  Paired liver biopsies were scored for fibrosis (Ishak), and for the presence of eight qualitative features of parenchymal remodelling, to derive a qualitative regression score (QR score). Combined fibrosis regression was defined as ≥2‐stage fall in Ishak stage (Reg‐I) or <2‐stage fall in Ishak stage with a rise in QR score (Reg‐Qual). Among 159 patients (biopsy interval 5.4 ± 3.1 years), Reg‐I was observed in 12 (7.5%) and Reg‐Qual in 26 (16.4%) patients. The combined diagnostic criteria increased the diagnosis rate for fibrosis regression (38 patients, 23.9%) compared with use of Reg‐I alone (P < 0.001). Combined fibrosis regression was observed in nine patients (50%) who achieved sustained virological response (SVR), and in 29 of 141 (21%) patients despite persistent viraemia. SVR was the only clinical factor associated independently with combined fibrosis regression (odds ratio 3.05).

Conclusions:  The combination of semiquantitative measures and qualitative features aids the identification of fibrosis regression in CHC.
Disposition of desfuroylceftiofur acetamide in serum, placental tissue, fetal fluids, and fetal tissues after administration of ceftiofur crystalline free acid (CCFA) to pony mares with placentitis
Authors: MACPHERSON M. L. , GIGUÈRE S. , HATZEL J. N. , POZOR M. , BENSON S. , DIAW M. , SANCHEZ L. C , VICKROY T. W. , TELL L. , WETZLICH S. , SIMS J.
Published: March 2012

Macpherson, M. L., Giguère, S., Hatzel, J. N., Pozor, M., Benson, S., Diaw, M., Sanchez, L. C., Vickroy, T. W., Tell, L., Wetzlich, S., Sims, J. Disposition of desfuroylceftiofur acetamide in serum, placental tissue, fetal fluids, and fetal tissues after administration of ceftiofur crystalline free acid (CCFA) to pony mares with placentitis.J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap. 36, 59–67.

The objective of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetics of CCFA in mares with placentitis and evaluate the disposition of the drug in fetal fluids, fetal membranes, colostrum, and serum of foals. A secondary objective was to obtain pilot data regarding the efficacy of CCFA for improving foal survival in mares with placentitis. Twelve pregnant pony mares were enrolled in the study, inoculated withStreptococcus zooepidemicus, intracervically and assigned to one of three groups: CEFT (n = 3; administered CCFA only; 6.6 mg/kg, IM, q96h); COMBO (n = 6; administered combination therapy of CCFA, altrenogest, and pentoxifylline); UNTREAT (n = 3, no treatment). Treatment was initiated at the onset of clinical signs. Concentrations of desfuroylceftiofur acetamide (DCA), the acetamide derivative of ceftiofur and desfuroylceftiofur metabolites, were measured using high‐performance liquid chromatography. Maximum and minimum serum concentrations of DCA at steady state in treated mares were 2.40 ± 0.40 μg/mL and 1.06 ± 0.29 μg/mL, respectively. Concentration of DCA in colostrum was 1.51 ± 0.60 μg/mL. DCA concentrations in placenta and fetal tissues were very low (median = 0.03 μg/mL) and below the minimum inhibitory concentration of relevant pathogens. DCA was not detected in amniotic fluid or foal serum. Treatment did not appear to improve foal survival (CEFT: 0/3; COMBO: 2/6; UNTREAT: 2/3). Bacteria were recovered from the uterus of most mares postpartum and from blood cultures of most foals regardless of treatment.
Channelized debris‐flow deposits and their impact on turbidity currents: The Puchkirchen axial channel belt in the Austrian Molasse Basin
Authors: BERNHARDT ANNE , STRIGHT LISA , LOWE DONALD R.
Published: March 2012

Deposits of submarine debris flows can build up substantial topography on the sea floor. The resulting sea floor morphology can strongly influence the pathways of and deposition from subsequent turbidity currents. Map views of sea floor morphology are available for parts of the modern sea floor and from high‐resolution seismic‐reflection data. However, these data sets usually lack lithological information. In contrast, outcrops provide cross‐sectional and lateral stratigraphic details of deep‐water strata with superb lithological control but provide little information on sea floor morphology. Here, a methodology is presented that extracts fundamental lithological information from sediment core and well logs with a novel calibration between core, well‐logs and seismic attributes within a large submarine axial channel belt in the Tertiary Molasse foreland basin, Austria. This channel belt was the course of multiple debris‐flow and turbidity current events, and the fill consists of interbedded layers deposited by both of these processes. Using the core‐well‐seismic calibration, three‐dimensional lithofacies proportion volumes were created. These volumes enable the interpretation of the three‐dimensional distribution of the important lithofacies and thus the investigation of sea floor morphology produced by debris‐flow events and its impact on succeeding turbidite deposition. These results show that the distribution of debris‐flow deposits follows a relatively regular pattern of levées and lobes. When subsequent high‐density turbidity currents encountered this mounded debris‐flow topography, they slowed and deposited a portion of their sandy high‐density loads just upstream of morphological highs. Understanding the depositional patterns of debris flows is key to understanding and predicting the location and character of associated sandstone accumulations. This detailed model of the filling style and the resulting stratigraphic architecture of a debris‐flow dominated deep‐marine depositional system can be used as an analogue for similar modern and ancient systems.
Functional expression of PHO1 to the Golgi and trans‐Golgi network and its role in export of inorganic phosphate
Authors: Arpat A. Bulak , Magliano Pasqualina , Wege Stefanie , Rouached Hatem , Stefanovic Aleksandra , Poirier Yves
Published: March 2012

Arabidopsis thaliana PHO1 is primarily expressed in the root vascular cylinder and is involved in the transfer of inorganic phosphate (Pi) from roots to shoots. To analyze the role of PHO1 in transport of Pi, we have generated transgenic plants expressing PHO1 in ectopic A. thaliana tissues using an estradiol‐inducible promoter. Leaves treated with estradiol showed strong PHO1 expression, leading to detectable accumulation of PHO1 protein. Estradiol‐mediated induction of PHO1 in leaves from soil‐grown plants, in leaves and roots of plants grown in liquid culture, or in leaf mesophyll protoplasts, was all accompanied by the specific release of Pi to the extracellular medium as early as 2–3 h after addition of estradiol. Net Pi export triggered by PHO1 induction was enhanced by high extracellular Pi and weakly inhibited by the proton‐ionophore carbonyl cyanide m‐chlorophenylhydrazone. Expression of a PHO1‐GFP construct complementing the pho1 mutant revealed GFP expression in punctate structures in the pericycle cells but no fluorescence at the plasma membrane. When expressed in onion epidermal cells or in tobacco mesophyll cells, PHO1‐GFP was associated with similar punctate structures that co‐localized with the Golgi/trans‐Golgi network and uncharacterized vesicles. However, PHO1‐GFP could be partially relocated to the plasma membrane in leaves infiltrated with a high‐phosphate solution. Together, these results show that PHO1 can trigger Pi export in ectopic plant cells, strongly indicating that PHO1 is itself a Pi exporter. Interestingly, PHO1‐mediated Pi export was associated with its localization to the Golgi and trans‐Golgi networks, revealing a role for these organelles in Pi transport.
A null mutation of ROS1a for DNA demethylation in rice is not transmittable to progeny
Authors: Ono Akemi , Yamaguchi Katsushi , Fukada‐Tanaka Sachiko , Terada Rie , Mitsui Toshiaki , Iida Shigeru
Published: March 2012

Genes that promote DNA methylation and demethylation in plants have been characterized mainly in Arabidopsis. Arabidopsis DNA demethylation is mediated by bi‐functional DNA enzymes with glycosylase activity that removes 5‐methylcytosine and lyase activity that nicks double‐stranded DNA at an abasic site. Homologous recombination‐promoted knock‐in targeting of the ROS1a gene, the longest of six putative DNA demethylase genes in the rice genome, by fusing its endogenous promoter to the GUS reporter gene, led to reproducibly disrupted ROS1a in primary (T0) transgenic plants in the heterozygous condition. These T0 plants exhibited no overt morphological phenotypes during the vegetative phase, and GUS staining showed ROS1a expression in pollen, unfertilized ovules and meristematic cells. Interestingly, neither the maternal nor paternal knock‐in null allele, ros1a‐GUS1, was virtually detected in the progeny; such an intransmittable null mutation is difficult to isolate by conventional mutagenesis techniques that are usually used to identify and isolate mutants in the progeny population. Even in the presence of the wild‐type paternal ROS1a allele, the maternal ros1a‐GUS1 allele caused failure of early‐stage endosperm development, resulting in incomplete embryo development, with embryogenesis producing irregular but viable embryos that failed to complete seed dormancy, implying non‐equivalent maternal and paternal contribution of ROS1a in endosperm development. The paternal ros1a‐GUS1 allele was not transmitted to progeny, presumably because of a male gametophytic defect(s) prior to fertilization. Thus, ROS1a is indispensable in both male and female gametophytes, and DNA demethylation must plays important roles in both gametophytes.
Liver transplantation for a pediatric patient with hemophilia B
Authors: Sanada Yukihiro , Urahashi Taizen , Ihara Yoshiyuki , Wakiya Taiichi , Okada Noriki , Yamada Naoya , Mizuta Koichi
Published: March 2012

Sanada Y, Urahashi T, Ihara Y, Wakiya T, Okada N, Yamada N, Mizuta K. Liver transplantation for a pediatric patient with hemophilia B.  Pediatr Transplantation 2012: 00: 000–000. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Hemophilia exposes patients to greater risks of bleeding complications during the perioperative period. However, there are no current protocols for factor replacement during LT. We herein describe a case of pediatric living donor LDLT performed for a patient with hemophilia B using perioperative short‐term factor replacement. A 4‐yr‐old female patient with an extrahepatic portosystemic shunt and asymptomatic hemophilia B (factor IX activity 18.7%) underwent an ABO‐compatible LDLT using a left lobe graft. The bleeding volume was 2980 mL. Freeze‐dried human blood coagulation factor IX concentrate (Novact M, Kaketsuken, Japan) was administered at the induction of anesthesia and at the end of LDLT by bolus infusion (80 U/kg) and was continued by bolus infusion (40 U/kg) on POD 1, 2, 3, and 4. On POD 1, 5, 8, and 12, the factor IX plasma levels were 34.5%, 64.9%, 43.5%, and 53.1%, respectively. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient is currently doing well at 2.5 yr after LDLT. Factor concentrate should be administered at the induction of anesthesia and at the end of LT by bolus infusion, and thereafter be continued for a few days after LT by bolus infusion.
Aluminum stress response in rice: effects on membrane lipid composition and expression of lipid biosynthesis genes
Authors: Huynh Van‐Biet , Repellin Anne , Zuily‐Fodil Yasmine , Pham‐Thi Anh‐Thu
Published: March 2012

The presence of aluminum (Al) in acidic soils is a major abiotic stress limiting the production of cultivated plants. Cell membranes are the main targets of environmental stresses and there is growing evidence for the involvement of membrane lipids in plant adaptation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the mid‐long effects of Al on membrane lipid content and composition in the roots and shoots of rice plants grown under hydroponic conditions. Four rice cultivars were compared: two acknowledged as Al‐resistant (Koshihikari) and Al‐sensitive (Kasalath), respectively, and two Vietnamese cultivars, OM6073 and OM1490. Al treatment inhibited root and shoot growth in the sensitive cultivars and the observed changes in root and shoot lipid and fatty acid composition revealed patterns associated with Al sensitivity: larger decreases in lipid content and decreases in fatty acid unsaturation. In the roots, phospholipids, and particularly phosphatidylcholine (PC), decreased dramatically in the susceptible cultivars whereas the amount of lipid classes remained unchanged in the tolerant ones. In the shoots, the glycolipids monogalactosyldiacylglycerol and digalactosyldiacylglycerol as well as PC were mostly affected by Al treatment in the susceptible varieties. mRNA accumulation corresponding to genes coding for galactolipid synthases, enzymes of the PC and phosphatidylethanolamine biosynthetic pathways and fatty acid desaturases correlated well with changes in lipid contents in roots and partly explained lipid changes in leaves. The results suggested that the capacity to maintain the proper functioning of some lipid biosynthetic activities and hence the stability of lipid composition may help the rice plant to withstand Al stress.
Effects of salt stress on the structure and function of the photosynthetic apparatus in Cucumis sativus and its protection by exogenous putrescine
Authors: Shu Sheng , Guo Shi‐Rong , Sun Jin , Yuan Ling‐Yun
Published: March 2012

With the objective to clarify the physiological significance of polyamines (PAs) in the photosynthetic apparatus, the present study investigated the effects of salt stress with and without foliar application of putrescine (Put) on the structure and function of the photosynthetic apparatus in cucumber. Salt stress at 75 mM NaCl for 7 days resulted in a severe reduction of photosynthesis. The fast chlorophyll afluorescence transient analysis showed that salt stress inhibited the maximum quantum yield of PSII photochemistry (Fv/Fm), mainly due to damage at the receptor side of PSII. In addition, salt stress decreased the density of active reaction centers and the structure performance. The microscopic analysis revealed that salt stress‐induced destruction of the chloroplast envelope and increased the number of plastoglobuli along with aberrations in thylakoid membranes. Besides, salt stress caused a decrease in the content of endogenous PAs, conjugated and bound forms of spermidine and spermine in particular, in thylakoid membranes. However, applications of 8 mM Put alleviated the salt stress‐mediated decrease in net photosynthetic rates (Pn) and actual efficiency of PSII (ΦPSII). Put increased PAs in thylakoid membranes and overcame the damaging effects of salt stress on the structure and function of the photosynthetic apparatus in salt‐stressed plant leaves. Put application to control plants neither increased PAs in thylakoid membranes nor affected photosynthesis. These results indicate that PAs in chloroplasts play crucial roles in protecting the thylakoid membranes against the deleterious influences of salt stress. In addition, the present results point to the probability that the salt‐induced dysfunction of photosynthesis is largely attributable to the loss of PAs in the photosynthetic apparatus.
Molecular physiology and breeding at the crossroads of cold hardiness improvement
Authors: Castonguay Yves , Dubé Marie‐Pier , Cloutier Jean , Bertrand Annick , Michaud Réal , Laberge Serge
Published: March 2012

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is a major forage legume grown extensively worldwide with important agronomic and environmental attributes. Insufficient cold hardiness is a major impediment to its reliable production in northern climates. Improvement of freezing tolerance using conventional breeding approaches is slowed by the quantitative nature of inheritance and strong interactions with the environment. The development of gene‐based markers would facilitate the identification of genotypes with superior stress tolerance. Successive cycles of recurrent selection were applied using an indoor screening method to develop populations with significantly higher tolerance to freezing (TF). Bulk segregant analysis of heterogeneous TF populations identified DNA variations that are progressively enriched in frequency in response to selection. Polymorphisms resulting from intragenic variations within a dehydrin gene were identified and could potentially lead to the development of robust selection tools. Our results illustrate the benefits of feedback interactions between germplasm development programs and molecular physiology for a deeper understanding of the molecular and genetic bases of cold hardiness.
Shortening tobacco life cycle accelerates functional gene identification in genomic research
Authors: Ning G. , Xiao X. , Lv H. , Li X. , Zuo Y. , Bao M.
Published: March 2012

Definitive allocation of function requires the introduction of genetic mutations and analysis of their phenotypic consequences. Novel, rapid and convenient techniques or materials are very important and useful to accelerate gene identification in functional genomics research. Here, over‐expression of PmFT (Prunus mume), a novel FT orthologue, and PtFT (Populus tremula) lead to shortening of the tobacco life cycle. A series of novel short life cycle stable tobacco lines (30–50 days) were developed through repeated self‐crossing selection breeding. Based on the second transformation via a gusA reporter gene, the promoter from BpFULL1 in silver birch (Betula pendula) and the gene (CPC) from Arabidopsis thaliana were effectively tested using short life cycle tobacco lines. Comparative analysis among wild type, short life cycle tobacco and Arabidopsis transformation system verified that it is optional to accelerate functional gene studies by shortening host plant material life cycle, at least in these short life cycle tobacco lines. The results verified that the novel short life cycle transgenic tobacco lines not only combine the advantages of economic nursery requirements and a simple transformation system, but also provide a robust, effective and stable host system to accelerate gene analysis. Thus, shortening tobacco life cycle strategy is feasible to accelerate heterologous or homologous functional gene identification in genomic research.
Effects of salicylic acid, 1‐aminocyclopropan‐1‐carboxylic acid and methyl jasmonate on the frequencies of endophytic fungi in Quercus serrata leaves
Authors: Kusumoto D. , Matsumura E.
Published: March 2012

To examine the effects of salicylic acid (SA), the ethylene precursor 1‐aminocyclopropan‐1‐carboxylic acid (ACC) and methyl jasmonate (MJ), which induce defence responses against pathogen in plants, on foliar endophytic fungi, we performed exogenous treatments of Quercus serrata leaves with these chemicals and subsequently isolated endophytic fungi. SA and ACC significantly reduced the isolation frequency of the most dominant fungus, a Xylaria species as identified by sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the ribosomal DNA. In contrast, the frequency of the second most frequent fungus increased by SA and ACC. A few other fungi were also affected positively or negatively. Shannon diversity indices decreased by all treatments because of the uneven isolation frequencies of the endophytes. Our results imply that host defence responses induced by the chemical treatments reduced the number of infections of some endophytes while the frequency of some other endophytes increased benefiting from the reduction of competitors.
Body phosphorus mobilization and deposition during lactation in dairy cows
Authors: Elizondo Salazar J. A. , Ferguson J. D. , Beegle D. B. , Remsburg D. W. , Wu Z.
Published: March 2012

Dairy cow bone phosphorus (P) mobilization and deposition and their influence on P requirements were studied over the lactation cycle. Thirty Holsteins received a common diet during the dry period and one of the following three dietary treatments that varied in P percentage during the subsequent lactation (44 weeks): (i) 0.36 throughout (constant P, 0.36‐0.36‐0.36), (ii) 0.36 for 30 weeks then 0.29 for 14 weeks (P changed once, 0.36‐0.36‐0.29), and (iii) 0.43 for 10 weeks, 0.36 for 20 weeks, and 0.29 for 14 weeks (P changed twice, 0.43‐0.36‐0.29). Six P balance studies were conducted during the experiment, including one during the dry period and five along lactation, based on P intake, faecal P, urinary P and milk P, when appropriate. Blood samples were taken during balance to analyse bone formation (osteocalcin) and resorption (pyridinoline) marker concentrations and rib biopsies performed to determine bone P content. Phosphorus balance was negative during weeks −4 to −1 relative to lactation for all groups and remained negative for cows fed 0.36% P during weeks 1–5, but showed a positive value for cows that received 0.43% P. The balance was close to zero for all groups at weeks 19–23 and showed a clear retention during weeks 38–42; by the end of lactation, cows re‐stored most of the P mobilized earlier. The pattern in P balance was consistent with changes in blood bone metabolism marker concentrations, rib bone P content, and faecal and urinary P concentrations over the experiment, indicating that cows, irrespective of the dietary P treatments received, mobilized P from bone during the late dry period when fed a low‐Ca diet and early lactation, and re‐stored P in late lactation. This dynamic of P metabolism can have important implications for dietary P requirements and ration formulations.
High connectivity between sea lough populations of a planktonic larval disperser with the adjacent open coast
Authors: Bell James J.
Published: March 2012

Several previous studies have reported high levels of genetic differentiation between populations inside European Marine Reserves and their adjacent coastlines for a direct‐developing species. These studies suggest that sea loughs may not represent the most suitable sites for inclusion into Marine Protected Area (MPA) or Marine Reserve networks as they are not well connected to other populations. However, many marine species have pelagic larvae, and the connectivity of populations of such species inside sea loughs with non‐lough populations remains unknown. Here, I investigated the levels of gene flow between populations of the acorn barnacle Semibalanas balanoides inside and outside Strangford Lough, Northern Ireland; this species has a long‐lived pelagic larvae (4–6 weeks). There were no significant differences in the levels of genetic diversity between sea lough and non‐lough populations and no evidence for genetic differentiation between any of the populations examined; the populations appear well mixed and well connected, in contrast to what has been reported for a previous direct‐developing species.
Post‐Warming Competence of In Vivo Matured Rabbit Oocytes Treated with Cytoskeletal Stabilization (Taxol) and Cytoskeletal Relaxant (Cytochalasin B) Before Vitrification
Authors: Jiménez‐Trigos E , Naturil‐Alfonso C , Vicente JS , Marco‐Jiménez F
Published: March 2012

Contents

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Taxol and Cytochalasin B on the spindle, chromosome configuration and development to blastocyst stage after parthenogenesis activation of in vivo matured rabbit oocytes after vitrification. Oocytes were randomized into four groups: oocytes treated with Cytochalasin B or Taxol before vitrification, oocytes without treatment before vitrification and fresh oocytes. Oocytes were vitrified using Cryotop method, and meiotic spindle and chromosomal distribution were assessed with a confocal laser scanning microscopy. To determine oocyte competence, in vitro development of oocytes was assessed with parthenogenesis activation. There were no significant differences in the frequencies of normal spindle (33.0%, 31.0% and 32.6%, for non‐treated, Taxol‐treated and Cytochalasin B‐treated oocytes, respectively) and chromosome (48.3%, 46.6% and 34.8%, for non‐treated, Taxol‐treated oocytes and Cytochalasin B‐treated oocytes respectively) in vitrified groups, but significantly lower than those of fresh group (89.7% and 90.2%, for normal spindle and chromosome organization, respectively). No statistical differences were found in the cleavage and blastocyst development rates between non‐treated and Taxol‐treated oocytes (7.7% and 1.5% and 13.7% and 4.6%, for non‐treated and Taxol‐treated oocytes, respectively), although they were significantly lower than in the fresh group (42.3% and 32.1%, for cleavage and blastocyst development, respectively). Oocytes treated with Cytochalasin B failed to reach blastocyst stage. Normal spindle, chromosome configuration and blastocyst development of in vivo matured rabbit oocytes were damaged in vitrification, which was not improved by Taxol and Cytochalasin B pre‐treatment before vitrification. Moreover, a detrimental effect on blastocyst development of Cytochalasin B pre‐treatment before vitrification was observed.
Blood‐borne viruses in the haemodialysis‐dependent population attending Top End Northern Territory facilities 2000–2009
Authors: DAVIES JANE , JABBAR ZULFIKAR , GAGAN FIZZA , BAIRD ROBERT W
Published: March 2012

Aim:  To describe the incidence and prevalence of blood‐borne viruses (BBV) including: hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and human T‐cell leukaemia virus type‐1 (HTLV) in the haemodialysis‐dependent population of the Top End of the Northern Territory (TENT).

Methods:  We retrospectively reviewed the serology of BBV in a longitudinal fashion in the haemodialysis‐dependent population treated in the TENT of Australia from 2000 to 2009 inclusive. HBV, HCV, HIV and HTLV serology on commencement of dialysis and at exit or January 2010, whichever was earlier, as well as demographic details were collected. Patients with a change in serological status had all serology reviewed.

Results:  Four‐hundred and forty patients were included in the analysis. Of these, 84.3% were Indigenous and 55.4% female, with a median age of 50 (IQR 43–59) years at the commencement of haemodialysis. Evidence of past HBV infection was documented in 42.7% and 8.9% were hepatitis B surface antigen‐positive. Positive serology for HTLV was documented in 2.2%, 1.6% were hepatitis C antibody‐positive and no individual was HIV‐positive. Three patients had a definite change in their HBV serology over time; this equates to an absolute seroconversion risk of 0.1 per 100 person years or 0.0006 per dialysis episode.

Conclusions:  In this cohort, there was a high rate of past and current hepatitis B infection but low rates of seroconversion while on haemodialysis.
RET finger protein expression is associated with prognosis in lung cancer with epidermal growth factor receptor mutations
Authors: Iwakoshi Akari , Murakumo Yoshiki , Kato Takuya , Kitamura Aya , Mii Shinji , Saito Shoji , Yatabe Yasushi , Takahashi Masahide
Published: March 2012

The RET finger protein (RFP) is a transcription factor belonging to the TRIM (tripartite motif) superfamily of proteins. RFP is expressed in a variety of human and rodent tumor cell lines and in several kinds of human cancer. Expression of RFP is associated with prognosis of colon and endometrial cancers. In the present study, we evaluated the expression of RFP in lung cancer and assessed its clinical significance. Tissue microarrays were constructed from 108 cases of lung cancer, and the sections were analyzed for RFP expression by immunohistochemistry. RFP expression was detected in the nucleus in 66.7% of lung cancer tissues examined. RFP expression was statistically significantly associated with thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF‐1) expression (P= 0.028). However, no significant association was observed between RFP expression and other clinicopathological or genetic factors, including epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations. Interestingly, we found that RFP expression correlated with poor prognosis in patients with EGFR mutations (P= 0.032). Our results suggest that RFP has a role in mutated EGFR signaling and that RFP status may be a prognostic factor for lung cancer with EGFR mutations.
Plasmablastic lymphoma in an elderly immunocompetent patient
Authors: Takeuchi Makoto , Ogawa Fumi , Onishi Tetsuo , Moriyama Yasuhiro
Published: March 2012

Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is a distinct type of diffuse B cell lymphoma that typically occurs in the oral cavity of patients with HIV infection or immunodeficiency status. PBL is characterized by its plasmablastic morphology and an immunophenotype indicative of a plasma cell differentiation. We present a case of a 75‐year‐old HIV‐negative and Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV)‐negative patient presenting with an isolated oral cavity mass. The tumor consisted of a monotonous proliferation of undifferentiated large cells with relatively abundant cytoplasm, eccentrically located round nuclei with prominent nucleoli and numerous mitoses. Immunohistochemically, these cells were negative for CD45 and B cell antigens, while they showed diffuse positivity of CD138 and focal staining for epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), indicating plasma cell differentiation. Based on these histopathological and immunohistochemical characteristics, we diagnosed it as PBL. The patient received chemotherapy and is alive with locally persistent disease 3 years after diagnosis. To date, only several cases of oral PBL have been reported in HIV‐negative, EBV‐negative and immunocompetent patients. PBL should be included in the differential diagnosis of oral mass lesions and careful evaluation of the morphology and awareness of the existence of this uncommon type of lymphoma can lead to a correct diagnosis.
Primary pulmonary epithelioid angiosarcoma presenting as a solitary pulmonary nodule on image
Authors: Yang Chun‐Fan , Chen Tsung‐Wei , Tseng Guan‐Chin , Chiang I‐Ping
Published: March 2012

Primary angiosarcoma of lung is a rare condition. Only about 20 cases have appeared in English published reports so far. Its rarity and consequent low index of suspicion makes clinical diagnosis difficult. Pathological diagnosis of the epithelioid variant of pulmonary angiosarcoma is particularly challenging. We report a case of primary pulmonary epithelioid angiosarcoma as a solitary pulmonary nodule in image study in a 41‐year‐old man with a brief review, to contribute it to the sparse literature on this disease.
Interaction between floral color change and gender transition in the protandrous weed Saponaria officinalis
Authors: JABBARI SHABNAM G. , DAVIS SANDRA L. , CARTER EMILY J.
Published: March 2012

Natural selection has directed the evolution of floral traits so that pollinator visits are manipulated to maximize the fitness of individual plants by directing which other individual sires its seeds. In some plants, flowers change color over time and may have the ability to direct pollinators to rewarding flowers. In addition, by varying when pollen is available and when stigmas are receptive, protandrous plants can show variation in selfing rates. In this study, the association between color change and gender transition in flowers of Saponaria officinalis was examined. Anthocyanins were extracted from flowers of each gender stage to measure color using spectrophotometry. Female‐phase flowers were found to have significantly higher anthocyanin concentration than male‐phase flowers in both natural populations and experimental plots. This color change corresponded to a decrease in male sexual function, which was measured by the percentage of pollen grains stained as viable by lactophenol aniline blue and germinated on Brewbaker–Kwack media. Color change was phenotypically plastic. Plants grown in full sun had a more extensive color change than those grown in shaded experimental plots, and this effect was reversed the following year when the shading was removed. Pollinator observations documented both diurnal and nocturnal insect visitation. Fruit and seed set were equivalent on inflorescences bagged during daylight versus night, indicating that both diurnal and nocturnal insects are effective pollinators. If pollinators discriminate based on color, this could potentially reduce within‐plant floral visits and also geitonogamy. This study is the first to document flower color change and moth pollination in Saponaria officinalis.
Topographic effects on fine‐scale spatial genetic structure in Castanopsis chinensis Hance (Fagaceae)
Authors: HE JIAN , LI XIAOYI , GAO DANDAN , ZHU PENG , WANG ZHENGFENG , WANG ZHANGMING , YE WANHUI , CAO HONGLIN
Published: March 2012

Ecological study plots are usually treated as if they are flat. This does not hold for many situations such as mountains where topography is complex. In areas with complex topography individual relationships are not only determined by projection distance, but also by surface distance. To demonstrate this we compared projection and surface distances by analyzing spatial genetic autocorrelation for Castanopsis chinensis in two subplots (A and B) in the Dinghushan (DHS) national nature reserve in subtropical South China. We observed that the two types of distances generally result in similar fine‐scale spatial genetic structure (SGS) patterning for the spatially less structured subplot B, but not for the highly structured subplot A. The present study shows clearly that accounting for plot architecture in plant species on topographically complex areas enables a more accurate picture of the underlying spatial genetic structure to emerge.
Clinical value of whole body fluorine‐18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography in the detection of metastatic bladder cancer
Authors: Yang Zhongyi , Pan Lingling , Cheng Jingyi , Hu Silong , Xu Junyan , Ye Dingwei , Zhang Yingjian
Published: March 2012

Objectives:  To investigate the value of whole‐body fluorine‐18 2‐fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐D‐glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography for the detection of metastatic bladder cancer.

Methods:  From December 2006 to August 2010, 60 bladder cancer patients (median age 60.5 years old, range 32–96) underwent whole body positron emission tomography/computed tomography positron emission tomography/computed tomography. The diagnostic accuracy was assessed by performing both organ‐based and patient‐based analyses. Identified lesions were further studied by biopsy or clinically followed for at least 6 months.

Results:  One hundred and thirty‐four suspicious lesions were identified. Among them, 4 primary cancers (2 pancreatic cancers, 1 colonic and 1 nasopharyngeal cancer) were incidentally detected, and the patients could be treated on time. For the remaining 130 lesions, positron emission tomography/computed tomography detected 118 true positive lesions (sensitivity = 95.9%). On the patient‐based analysis, the overall sensitivity and specificity resulted to be 87.1% and 89.7%, respectively. There was no difference of sensitivity and specificity in patients with or without adjuvant treatment in terms of detection of metastatic sites by positron emission tomography/computed tomography. Compared with conventional imaging modality, positron emission tomography/computed tomography correctly changed the management in 15 patients (25.0%).

Conclusions:  Positron emission tomography/computed tomography has excellent sensitivity and specificity in the detection of metastatic bladder cancer and it provides additional diagnostic information compared to standard imaging techniques.
Spontaneous rupture of the dividing membrane in a monochorionic pregnancy resulting in a pseudo‐monoamniotic pregnancy with cord entanglement
Authors: Lee Kyung Ju , Kim Mi Kyoung , Lee Seo Young , Lee Woo Sik , Lee Yoon Hee
Published: March 2012

During pregnancy spontaneous rupture of the dividing membrane of monochorionic diamniotic twins is extremely rare and difficult to diagnose prenatally. We report a case of pseudo‐monoamniotic twins derived from monochorionic diamniotic twin gestation. A 37‐year‐old woman pregnant with monochorionic diamniotic twins initially confirmed by the first trimester ultrasonography, was suspected to have a dividing membrane not visualized on ultrasound examinations at 27 gestational weeks. The woman did not undergo any invasive procedure during pregnancy and did not have notable symptoms. We considered the possibility of spontaneous rupture of the dividing membrane and cord entanglement, and managed the rest of her gestational period as a monoamniotic twin gestation. Concordantly grown healthy male babies were born at 35 weeks and 1 day by elective cesarean section. The mother had complex entangled umbilical cords and a small trace of amniotic membrane in the placenta.
Posterior urethral valves and adult sexual function
Authors: Taskinen Seppo , Heikkilä Jukka , Santtila Pekka , Rintala Risto
Published: March 2012

Study Type – Prognosis (case series)

Level of Evidence 4

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Potential risk factors for erectile dysfunction or infertility in patients treated for PUV include chronic renal failure, abnormal prostatic urethra, history of cryptorchidism and recurrent epididymo‐orchitis. Sexual or fertility problems have been reported in patients with PUV.

This is the largest published study to evaluate systematically sexual function in patients with PUV. In this study, the sexual function and paternity rates were similar to those in a healthy control population.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate sexual function and fertility in adult patients treated for posterior urethral valves (PUV) in childhood and to compare these patients with the normal population.

To examine if patient characteristics such as chronic renal failure (CRF), history of cryptorchidism and bladder neck incision in childhood have an impact on sexual function.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Information on sexual function was assessed using questions from the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). In addition, the patients were asked if they had had children or been treated for CRF.

Out of 108 adult patients with PUV, 67 (62%) returned the questionnaires.

Sexual function in these patients was compared with 201 controls and paternity rates were compared with a national database.

RESULTS

The mean (sd) age of the patients and controls was 38 (9) and 38 (7) years, respectively.

Six percent of the patients and 9% of the controls reported problems in achieving erection during sexual stimulation and 9% of the patients and 10% of the controls reported problems with the hardness of erection (P= nonsignificant). Ejaculation was absent in 1/61 sexually active patients (2%).

The only significant risk factor in patients for erectile dysfunction (ED) was increasing age.

Thirty‐three (49%) of all 67 patients and four (57%) of the seven patients with kidney transplantation had had children. The paternity rates were similar to those in corresponding age groups of the general Finnish population. Eight patients (12%) had attempted to have children without success.

CONCLUSIONS

Men treated for PUV have a similar prevalence of ED and similar paternity rates to men without PUV.

Erectile function and paternity rates can be satisfactory in spite of CRF.
Efficacy and safety of avanafil for treating erectile dysfunction: results of a multicentre, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Zhao Chen , Kim Sae Woong , Yang Dae Yul , Kim Je Jong , Park Nam Cheol , Lee Sung Won , Paick Jae Seung , Ahn Tai Young , Moon Ki Hak , Chung Woo Sik , Min Kweon Sik , Suh Jun‐Kyu , Hyun Jae Seog , Park Kwangsung , Park Jong Kwan
Published: March 2012

Study Type – Therapy (RCT)

Level of Evidence 1b

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Avanafil is a potent selective phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor newly developed for treating erectile dysfunction (ED). Preclinical and clinical phase I studies showed that avanafil had enhanced selectivity, faster onset of action and a favourable side‐effect profile relative to currently available PDE5 inhibitors.

As the result of phase III clinical trial for the efficacy and safety of avanafil treatment (100 and 200 mg), taken as needed over a period of 12 weeks, in Korean patients with ED, avanafil is an effective and well‐tolerated therapy for ED of broad‐spectrum aetiology and severity.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of avanafil, a new potent selective phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor, in patients with erectile dysfunction (ED).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The present study was a multicentre, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, fix‐dosed phase three clinical trial involving 200 patients with ED.

The subjects were treated with placebo or avanafil (100 or 200 mg) for 12 weeks and were asked to complete the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), the Sexual Encounter Profile (SEP) diary, and the Global Assessment Questionnaire (GAQ).

The primary outcome variable was the change from baseline for IIEF erectile function domain (EFD) score.

The secondary outcome variables were SEP Q2 and Q3, the shift to normal rate (EFD ≥ 26), and response to the GAQ.

RESULTS

Compared with placebo, patients who took 100 or 200 mg of avanafil had significantly improved IIEF‐EFD score.

There were similar results when comparing Q2 and Q3 in the SEP diary and the GAQ.

Flushing was the most common treatment‐related adverse event.

Most adverse events were transient and mild or moderate in severity.

CONCLUSION

Avanafil is an effective and well‐tolerated therapy for ED of broad‐spectrum aetiology and severity.
Suicide risk assessment practices: A national survey of generalist drug and alcohol residential rehabilitation services
Authors: ROSS JOANNE , DARKE SHANE , KELLY ERIN , HETHERINGTON KATE
Published: March 2012

Introduction and Aims. Clients of drug and alcohol treatment services represent a high‐risk group for attempted and completed suicide. The current study sought to examine suicide risk assessment practices in Australian generalist residential rehabilitation services.

Design and Methods. Semistructured interviews were conducted with managers of residential rehabilitation services and with volunteers from staff responsible for the case management/treatment of clients.

Results. Ninety per cent of services participated. In total, 64 managers and 142 staff were interviewed. One‐third of services had no documented policy for the assessment and management of suicide risk, and one‐quarter of staff had never received formal training in risk assessment. In more than one‐third of agencies staff were not expected to use a structured suicide risk assessment tool when assessing a client's acute risk. To varying degrees agencies were gathering information about psychiatric comorbidity, but this information did not appear to be routinely integrated into the client's suicide risk assessment.

Discussion and Conclusions. The development of clearly documented polices, standardised assessment tools and the provision of annual training for all staff would help to address some of the gaps identified in current practice.[Ross J, Darke S, Kelly E, Hetherington K. Suicide risk assessment practices: A national survey of generalist drug and alcohol residential rehabilitation services. Drug Alcohol Rev 2012;31:790–796]
Opportunities and challenges facing the Australian resources sector*
Authors: Penney Kate , Melanie Jane , Stark Clare , Sheales Terry
Published: March 2012

The resources sector has made a significant contribution to Australia’s prosperity over a large part of its postcolonial history. A combination of substantial mineral and energy resources, perceived low sovereign risk, a skilled workforce, technological leadership, openness to direct foreign investment and relative freedom from interventionist government policies has shaped the Australian resources sector into a highly competitive supplier of minerals and energy products to global markets. Despite this strong global market position, the past performance of the resources sector is no guarantee for its future. The sector operates within a highly competitive globalised environment. Its future depends on its ability to remain internationally competitive, while pursuing sustainable development through a combination of resources discovery and exploitation, socially responsible development and effective environmental stewardship.
U.S. demand for organic and conventional vegetables: a Bayesian censored system approach
Authors: Kasteridis Panagiotis , Yen Steven T.
Published: March 2012

Demand for organic and conventional vegetables is investigated using data from A.C. Nielsen’s 2006 Homescan panel. We use a Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo technique, along with data augmentation, to estimate a large linear approximate Almost Ideal Demand System with censored dependent variables. Demands are price elastic, and expenditure elasticities are very high for organic vegetables, whilst demands for conventional vegetables are primarily inelastic. We find a mix of gross substitution and complementarity among the vegetable products, but net substitution is the dominant pattern. Socio‐demographic characteristics also play important roles in demands. These findings can inform deliberations about marketing campaigns, nutrition education and policy interventions.
Counter-Terrorism and the Counterfactual: Producing the ‘Radicalisation’ Discourse and the UK PREVENT Strategy
Authors: Heath-Kelly Charlotte
Published: March 2012

This article interrogates the production of the ‘radicalisation’ discourse which underpins efforts to govern ‘terrorism’ pre-emptively through the UK's PREVENT strategy. British counter-terrorism currently relies upon the invention of ‘radicalisation’ and related knowledge about transitions to ‘terrorism’ to undertake governance of communities rendered suspicious. The article argues that such conceptions make terrorism knowable and governable through conceptions of risk. Radicalisation knowledge provides a counterfactual to terrorism—enabling governmental intervention in its supposed production. It makes the future actionable. However, while the deployment of ‘radicalisation’ functions to make terrorism pre-emptively governable and knowable, it also renders PREVENT unstable by simultaneously presenting ‘vulnerability indicators'for radicalisation as threats to the wider collective—these conducts are framed as both ‘at risk’ and ‘risky’, both vulnerable and dangerous. This instability speaks to ad hoc production of the radicalisation discourse by scholarly and policy-making communities for the governance of terrorism through radicalisation knowledge. This article analyses the production of the radicalisation discourse to explore its performance as a form of risk governance within British counter-terrorism.
Vermin, Victims and Disease: UK Framings of Badgers In and Beyond the Bovine TB Controversy
Authors: Cassidy Angela
Published: March 2012

The question of whether to cull wild badgers in order to control the spread of bovine TB (bTB) in UK cattle herds has been deeply contentious for nearly 40 years, and still shows no sign of resolution. This paper will examine the strategic framing of badgers in recent debates over bTB in the UK media, which take two opposing forms: the ‘good badger’ as epitomised in Kenneth Grahame's children's novel ‘The Wind in the Willows’; and the less familiar ‘bad badger’: carnivore, digger, and carrier of disease. It will then uncover the deeper historical and cultural roots of these representations, to argue that underlying the contemporary ‘badger/bTB’ controversy is an older ‘badger debate’ about the proper relationship between these wild animals and humans. Finally, the implications of this finding for current debates over bTB policy will be explored.