bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Amygdala astrocyte reduction in subjects with major depressive disorder but not bipolar disorder
Authors: Altshuler Lori L , Abulseoud Osama A , Foland‐Ross Lara , Bartzokis George , Chang Sean , Mintz Jim , Hellemann Gerhard , Vinters Harry V
Published: August 2010

Altshuler LL, Abulseoud OA, Foland‐Ross L, Bartzokis G, Chang S, Mintz J, Hellemann G, Vinters HV. Amygdala astrocyte reduction in subjects with major depressive disorder but not bipolar disorder. Bipolar Disord 2010: 12: 541–549. © 2010 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Objectives:  Several magnetic resonance imaging studies have found changes in amygdala volumes in adults with mood disorders. The cellular basis for these changes has not been explored in detail. Specifically, it is not known whether differences in the density and/or volume of neurons or glial cells contribute to tissue volume changes seen on magnetic resonance images.

Methods:  Postmortem amygdala samples were obtained from the Stanley Foundation Neuropathology Consortium from subjects diagnosed with bipolar disorder (n = 10), major depressive disorder (n = 11), and schizophrenia (n = 9), and from normal controls (n = 14). Samples were first stained with glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and counter‐stained with hematoxylin to ascertain neuron and glia (astrocyte) densities.

Results:  No significant differences in neuronal densities were found between groups. However, a reduction in the density of GFAP immunoreactive astrocytes was observed in the amygdala of subjects with major depressive disorder compared to the bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and normal control postmortem samples.

Conclusions:  A decrease in density of GFAP immunoreactive astrocytes in the amygdala of depressed subjects is consistent with prior histologic reports and might contribute to amygdala volume reductions reported in several in vivo neuroimaging studies.
The interactive computer interview for mania
Authors: Reilly‐Harrington Noreen A , DeBonis Daniel , Leon Andrew C , Sylvia Louisa , Perlis Roy , Lewis Daniel , Sachs Gary S
Published: August 2010

Reilly‐Harrington NA, DeBonis D, Leon AC, Sylvia L, Perlis R, Lewis D, Sachs GS. The interactive computer interview for mania. Bipolar Disord 2010: 12: 521–527. © 2010 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Objectives:  The Interactive Computer Interview for Mania (ICI‐M) is a computer‐administered interview that presents probes to assess symptom severity and utilizes a scoring algorithm to select follow‐up questions and rate subject responses in accordance with rating scale anchor points. The current study examines the acceptability, feasibility, and reliability of the ICI‐M as a potential method for evaluating the performance of human raters.

Methods:  Participants with a diagnosis of bipolar I or II disorder completed both a live interview of the Young Mania Rating Scale with a human rater (LR) and the ICI‐M. A panel of three expert raters reviewed each videotaped LR and assigned a consensus rating (CR). Participants completed a modified version of the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire to assess each method.

Results:  Intraclass correlation coefficients were 0.91 between the ICI‐M and CR and 0.97 between the LR and CR (n = 100), providing empirical support for the inter‐rater reliability of each approach. Coefficient alphas indicated comparable internal consistency reliability: ICI‐M = 0.82, LR = 0.83, and CR = 0.84. The ICI‐M was significantly more sensitive in detecting symptomatology than the LR (p < 0.001) and the CR (p < 0.001), and resulted in significantly higher ratings than CR on mood, speech, psychotic content, and disruptive‐aggressive behavior. While participants endorsed significantly higher overall satisfaction with LR, no significant differences emerged between ICI‐M and LR regarding willingness to participate again or ability to understand the questions.

Conclusions:  The ICI‐M is a well‐accepted and reliable method for assessing manic symptoms. The ICI‐M is a tool with adequate sensitivity to elicit symptoms and rate severity and is recommended as a tool to monitor and improve rater performance, not as a replacement of a human rater.
Physiology and biophysics of plant ligand‐gated ion channels
Authors: Dietrich P. , Anschütz U. , Kugler A. , Becker D.
Published: August 2010

Small molecules and metabolites often act as intra‐ or extracellular messengers in signal transduction pathways. Ligand‐gated ion channels provide a mean to transduce those biochemical signals at the membrane into electrical events and ion fluxes. In plants, cyclic nucleotides and glutamate represent intra‐ and extracellular signalling ligands, respectively. While the former have been shown to regulate voltage‐dependent ion channels and are supposed to activate cyclic nucleotide gated (CNG) channels, the latter are perceived by ionotropic glutamate receptors (GLRs). This review summarises our current knowledge about CNG channels and glutamate receptors in plants and their proposed roles in plant development and adaptation to biotic and abiotic stresses.
Light‐induced modification of plant plasma membrane ion transport
Authors: Marten I. , Deeken R. , Hedrich R. , Roelfsema M. R. G.
Published: August 2010

Light is not only the driving force for electron and ion transport in the thylakoid membrane, but also regulates ion transport in various other membranes of plant cells. Light‐dependent changes in ion transport at the plasma membrane and associated membrane potential changes have been studied intensively over the last century. These studies, with various species and cell types, revealed that apart from regulation by chloroplasts, plasma membrane transport can be controlled by phytochromes, phototropins or channel rhodopsins. In this review, we compare light‐dependent plasma membrane responses of unicellular algae (Eremosphaera and Chlamydomonas), with those of a multicellular alga (Chara), liverworts (Conocephalum), mosses (Physcomitrella) and several angiosperm cell types. Light‐dependent plasma membrane responses of Eremosphaera and Chara are characterised by the dominant role of K+ channels during membrane potential changes. In most other species, the Ca2+‐dependent activation of plasma membrane anion channels represents a general light‐triggered event. Cell type‐specific responses are likely to have evolved by modification of this general response or through the development of additional light‐dependent signalling pathways. Future research to elucidate these light‐activated signalling chains is likely to benefit from the recent identification of S‐type anion channel genes and proteins capable of regulating these channels.
Histological Study of the Parotid and Mandibular Glands of Barking Deer (Muntiacus muntjak) with Special Reference to the Distribution of Carbohydrate Content
Authors: Adnyane I. K. M. , Zuki A. B. , Noordin M. M. , Agungpriyono S.
Published: August 2010

With 1 figure and 1 table

We investigated the histology and carbohydrate content of the parotid and mandibular glands of the barking deer (Muntiacus muntjak). Three adult males were used. Paraffin wax sections of the glands were stained with haematoxylin and eosin (HE), alcian blue (AB), pH 2.5 and periodic acid Schiff (PAS). The acinar cells of the parotid gland were serous, whereas those of the mandibular gland were of the mixed type. The acini of the mandibular gland comprised serous and mucous cells with the mucous type predominating. AB and PAS staining showed high concentrations of acidic and neutral carbohydrates in the mucous cells, but not in the serous cells of the mandibular gland. These carbohydrates were also found in moderate‐to‐high concentrations in the secreted material in the mandibular duct lumen. However, these carbohydrates were not found in acinar cells of the parotid gland or in the serous cells of the mandibular gland. Thus, carbohydrates in the saliva of the barking deer appear to be produced mainly by the mucous cells of the mandibular glands.
Branching Patterns of the Subclavian Arteries in German Shepherd Dogs
Authors: Kim I.‐S. , Yang H.‐H. , Tae H.‐J. , Na I.‐J. , Leem H.‐S. , Ahn D.‐C.
Published: August 2010

With 2 figures and 3 tables

This study is the first report of the branching pattern of the four major branches of the subclavian artery in German Shepherd dogs. A total 116 subclavian artery casts made of silicon under mean arterial pressure were analysed. The casts were classified according to their branching order and the pattern of the first two branches of the vertebral artery and costocervical trunk. The three subtypes of each major type were based on the branching order or level of the next two branches (the superficial cervical artery and internal thoracic artery). Eleven of 12 possible subtypes were found in the samples. The number of dogs having the same branching subtype of the left and right subclavian arteries was not greater than those having a different subtype. The distance between the first and last branches of the subclavian artery was always longer on the left side than on the right. However, gender‐based differences were identified neither in the subtype patterns nor in the distance between the branches. These results suggest a variable branching of the subclavian arteries with frequent differences of the branching pattern on the left and right sides in German Shepherds.
Identification of quantitative trait loci for partial resistance to Phytophthora sojae in soybean
Authors: Wu X. , Zhou B. , Zhao J. , Guo N. , Zhang B. , Yang F. , Chen S. , Gai J. , Xing H.
Published: August 2010

With 3 figures and 3 tables

Partial resistance to Phytophthora sojae in soybean may provide effective protection against all isolates of the pathogen, thus reducing yield losses. Better understanding of partial resistance has, therefore, become an important goal for the improvement of soybean (Glycine max). The aim of the present study was to identify the potential quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for partial resistance to P. sojae. A population of 176 F7:11 recombinant inbred lines derived from the cross of Su88‐M21 × Xinyixiaoheidou, was evaluated for Phytophthora partial resistance using slant board assays. The heritability estimate on an entry basis was 0.87. Two QTLs (qPR‐15‐1 and qPR‐10‐2) were detected in the same flanking marker region, Satt598–Satt651 on chromosome (Chr) 15 with molecular linkage group (MLG) E and Satt420–Sat_274 on Chr 10 with MLG O, respectively, by both composite interval mapping and multiple interval mapping (MIM) of Windows QTL Cartographer (version 2.5). One QTL (qPR‐6‐3) on Chr 6 with MLG C2, which was only identified under MIM, was closely linked to marker Satt520, and was positioned 0.01 cM away from Satt520. The newly identified QTLs would be beneficial for marker assistant selection aimed at improving the resistance to P. sojae and reducing disease‐related mortality in soybean.
Arrangement of check plots in augmented block designs when spatial analysis is used
Authors: Müller B. U. , Schützenmeister A. , Piepho H.‐P.
Published: August 2010

With 5 figures and 6 tables

Early generation plant breeding trials are often laid out in unreplicated designs with replicated checks. This study compares the systematic arrangement of check plots to an allocation, which has two or more different arrangements of check plots within blocks. Four uniformity trials were overlaid with augmented designs, which differed in block size, number and type of checks. Another aim was to compare different spatial models and a baseline model, which did not consider spatial trend. Model fit was assessed using the average empirical variance (EMP) for each arrangement. For three of the four uniformity trials the lowest EMP was found for the arrangement of check plots with different defined distributions of checks within blocks. The systematic arrangement was superior only in one uniformity trial. We propose therefore to allocate checks with different arrangements within blocks. The comparison of the spatial models showed that the linear variance model, the AR(1) model, and the spherical model, all assuming a nugget, were the most promising candidates. A further gain in precision could be detected by a two‐dimensional analysis.
Spiral flap for closure of nasal ala defects
Authors: Armenores Paul , Huilgol Shyamala C
Published: August 2010

Despite the existence of numerous methods to close nasal ala defects, many produce distortion of the surrounding tissues and obvious scarring. The spiral flap produces little or no distortion and well‐camouflaged scars. We demonstrate these benefits through the presentation of two successful case reports.
Genital chlamydia in southern New South Wales: An ecological analysis of testing and notification patterns 2004–2008
Authors: Reynolds Roderick , Oakman Tracey
Published: August 2010

Objective:  To identify demographic patterns for chlamydia testing rates on reported general practice (GP) visits and notification rates in residents of Greater Southern Area Health Service (GSAHS) for the period 2004–2008.

Design:  Descriptive analysis of presentation and chlamydia‐specific Medicare data and chlamydia notifications made to GSAHS Public Health Unit.

Setting:  Rural and remote southern New South Wales.

Participants:  Residents of GSAHS who had a Medicare recorded visit to a GP and chlamydia pathology collected in the period July 2004 to June 2008, and those residents notified to the GSAHS Public Health Unit with a positive chlamydia test results.

Main outcome measures:  Age and gender trends for GP visits, chlamydia testing and chlamydia notifications.

Results:  While chlamydia testing and notification rates increased over the review period, the percentage of chlamydia tests performed remained low. There was a greater increase in testing rates among women than men, and the highest were among women aged 15–24. Chlamydia notification rates increased across all age groups and were greater in women aged 15–24 than men of the same age group.

Conclusion:  The low proportion of tests performed to presentations (in conjunction with the high proportion of notifications to tests performed) reflects that chlamydia testing among providers is still being undertaken in a targeted approach rather than from a population‐focused screening perspective. Further work with GPs is required to improve chlamydia screening rates, and ensure practice is consistent with national guidelines.
Rural student doctors top city colleagues: Representation of a rural clinical school in the rural press
Authors: Harding Catherine , Pilotto Louis
Published: August 2010

Objective:  To describe the way in which the rural press portrays a rural clinical school and its staff and students.

Design:  Textual analysis of a collection of newspapers kept by the local campuses of the University of New South Wales Rural Clinical School (UNSW RCS).

The study:  The UNSW established a RCS in January 2000. This study sampled a total of 225 articles from eleven rural newspapers, a collection held by the campuses of the rural clinical schools. The major themes of the articles were identified; the descriptive terms the newspaper articles used for medical students, the UNSW RCS and rural doctors were also identified. The way in which clinical schools, their staff and students, are portrayed in the rural press has the potential to influence recruitment and retention.

Conclusions:  The study showed that the rural press was strongly supportive of the rural clinical school in their local region. This was particularly true for medical students, the school itself and the potential impact on workforce. The newspapers provided information for future students, depicting work‐experience programs and current students. They were less illustrative of current medical and academic staff, with the exception of the Head of School.
Online discussions develop students’ clinical reasoning skills during fieldwork
Authors: Scanlan Justin Newton , Hancock Nicola
Published: August 2010

Aim:  Pilot study to examine if the addition of a structured framework improved the quality of clinical reasoning demonstrated within clinically based online discussions by occupational therapy students undertaking fieldwork.

Methods:  Cognitive elements of the clinical reasoning process present within students’ discussions were compared before (2005 cohort) and after (2007 cohort) the introduction of a structured framework to guide discussions. Students’ self reports (2007 cohort) of clinical reasoning skills were also analysed before and after two consecutive fieldwork placements.

Results:  The structured framework increased the proportion of postings containing the advanced ‘evaluate’ element of clinical reasoning and decreased the proportion of postings containing only the basic ‘understand’ elements. Self‐reported clinical reasoning skills improved following the first fieldwork placement and this improvement was sustained following the second placement.

Conclusions:  The structured framework appears useful in enhancing students’ depth of clinical reasoning during fieldwork, although further investigation is required.
Liver transplantation in a child with celiac disease
Authors: PAVONE PIERO , GRUTTADAURIA SALVATORE , LEONARDI SALVATORE , SORGE GIOVANNI , MINERVINI MARTA IDA , GRECO FILIPPO , LA ROSA MARIO , MARINO IGNAZIO
Published: August 2010

Abstract  Recently, an atypical form of celiac disease (CD) has been identified, in which gastrointestinal symptoms are less pronounced. Other organs can be more or less severely affected, and the disease might be unrecognized and undiagnosed. In some cases, hypertransaminasemia has been indicated as the first symptom of CD in infancy. A direct relationship between liver damage and glutensensitivity has been proven by the disappearance of biochemical signs and histological lesions of the liver after the initiation of the gluten‐free diet. The present case report is of a 14‐year‐old girl affected by CD and severe hepatic failure who underwent a liver transplant. To our knowledge, this case is the first report of liver involvement related to CD which is so severe as to require a liver transplant in a child. Because most patients with CD remain undiagnosed, and, as observed in the present report, untreated CD with subclinical hepatic involvement can lead to more serious liver disease, a more aggressive diagnostic work‐up for CD in the general population is warranted.
Recombinant human factor VIIa‐induced alterations in tissue factor and thrombomodulin in patients with advanced liver cirrhosis
Authors: VAN THIEL DAVID H , FARR DEBORAH E , MINDIKOGLU AYSE L , TODO AKIRA , GEORGE MAGDALENE M
Published: August 2010

Background:  Recombinant human factor VIIa (rhFVIIa) is used to treat hemophilia and occasionally individuals with liver disease. The aim of the present study was to investigate the consequences of rhFVIIa in individuals with advanced liver disease in an attempt to understand the mechanism of action of rhFVIIa in this unique population.

Methods:  Levels of plasma tissue factor, plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1, tissue factor pathway inhibitor, fibrin split products, d‐dimers and free thrombomodulin were measured following the administration of rhFVIIa in 17 subjects. The results were compared to normal controls.

Results:  The prothrombin time declined from 20.2 ± 2.8 s to 14.3 ± 3.9 s (P < 0.01). No change in the activated partial thromboplastin time occurred. A 15.6% reduction in thrombomodulin was observed (P < 0.05). A mean 75.2% reduction in plasma tissue factor occurred (P < 0.01). Tissue factor pathway inhibitor levels declined to less than the control value (P < 0.05). No changes in plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1, fibrin split products or d‐dimer levels occurred.

Conclusions:  These data demonstrate that rhFVIIa administration to individuals with liver disease results in (i) a transient improvement in the prothrombin time; (ii) no change in the activated partial thromboplastin time; and (iii) a marked reduction in the levels of thrombomodulin and tissue factor. These data suggest that rhFVIIa binds tissue factor and enhances tissue factor and thrombomodulin clearance from the circulation.
Possible contribution of prior hepatitis B virus infection to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: TANAKA HIRONORI , IWASAKI YOSHIAKI , NOUSO KAZUHIRO , KOBAYASHI YOSHIYUKI , NAKAMURA SHIN‐ICHIRO , MATSUMOTO EIJI , TOSHIKUNI NOBUYUKI , KANEYOSHI TOSHIHIKO , OHSAWA TOSHIYA , TAKAGUCHI KOUICHI , FUJIO KOZO , SENOH TOMONORI , OHNISHI TOHRU , SAKAGUCHI KOHSAKU , SHIRATORI YASUSHI
Published: August 2010

Background:  The prevalence of prior hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients and its role in hepatocarcinogenesis are not clear. The aim of the present study is to clarify the importance of prior HBV infection in development of HCC.

Methods:  Of 1288 consecutive HCC patients between January 1999 and October 2002, 1008 patients were enrolled. To determine the influence of prior HBV infection in hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)‐negative HCC, the prevalence of antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti‐HBc) was examined according to age, and the clinical features were compared between the anti‐HBc positive and the negative groups.

Results:  The proportion of HBsAg‐negative HCC patients, HCC patients with antibody to hepatitis C virus (anti‐HCV; C‐HCC) and HCC patients negative for both HBsAg and anti‐HCV (nBnC‐HCC), increased with age. The anti‐HBc‐positive rates in C‐HCC patients also increased with age. Those rates in nBnC‐HCC patients were >50% in all age groups. Furthermore, it was found that the anti‐HBc‐positive rates of these patients were higher than those of corresponding control patients. Tumor size and a positive rate for vessel involvement both in C‐HCC and nBnC‐HCC patients were larger and higher, respectively, in anti‐HBc‐positive patients compared with anti‐HBc‐negative patients, although the difference in nBnC‐HCC did not reach statistical significance because of the small numbers. These tumor characteristics were similar to those of B‐HCC patients.

Conclusion:  A possible contribution of prior HBV infection to the development of HCC is indicated.
Camostat, an oral trypsin inhibitor, reduces pancreatic fibrosis induced by repeated administration of a superoxide dismutase inhibitor in rats
Authors: EMORI YASUYUKI , MIZUSHIMA TAKAAKI , MATSUMURA NAOKI , OCHI KOJI , TANIOKA HIROAKI , SHIRAHIGE AKINORI , ICHIMURA MITSUKO , SHINJI TOSHIYUKI , KOIDE NORIO , TANIMOTO MITSUNE
Published: August 2010

Background and Aim:  An oral trypsin inhibitor, camostat (CM), has a beneficial effect on chronic pancreatitis, but its mechanism is not yet fully understood. Recently, pancreatic stellate cells (PSC) have been reported to play an essential role in pancreatic fibrosis. An experimental model of pancreatic fibrosis induced by a superoxide dismutase (SOD) inhibitor (diethyldithiocarbamate [DDC]) was developed in rats. Thus, the effect of an oral trypsin inhibitor on pancreatic fibrosis and PSC was investigated.

Methods:  Pancreatic fibrosis was induced in rats using DDC (DDC rats). DDC + CM rats were administered DDC, and subsequently were fed a diet containing CM. Immunohistochemistry of the pancreas was performed with monoclonal anti‐α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) antibody and anti‐desmin antibody.

Results:  The DDC rats showed a significant increase in α‐SMA‐positive cells or desmin‐positive cells compared with control rats. These significant increases in the fibrotic area improved after treatment with CM. The level of prolyl hydroxylase in the pancreas, which significantly increased as a result of DDC, decreased after treatment with CM.

Conclusion:  Camostat has a beneficial effect on pancreatic fibrosis induced by the administration of a SOD inhibitor, which inhibits the proliferation and activation of PSC.
Gastrobiliary motility is not coordinated in patients with non‐ulcer dyspepsia of normal gastric emptying time: Simultaneous sonographic study
Authors: MIZUSHIMA TAKAAKI , SAWA KIMINARI , OCHI KOJI , TANIOKA HIROAKI , WAKUTA AKIKO , MATSUSHITA KOKI , SHIRAHIGE AKINORI , KIURA KATSUYUKI , TANIMOTO MITSUNE , KOIDE NORIO , HARADA HIDEO
Published: August 2010

Background:  Disorders of the motor function of the upper gastrointestinal tract have been implicated in the pathogenesis of non‐ulcer dyspepsia. Approximately 50% of patients with abdominal symptoms (without ulcer) have normal gastric emptying. Apart from gastric emptying, other mechanisms are very important in the etiology of non‐ulcer dyspepsia.

Methods:  Gastric emptying and gallbladder motility were simultaneously investigated in 16 patients with non‐ulcer dyspepsia and in 15 healthy controls. Fasting blood samples were taken, and pepsinogen levels were assayed.

Results:  Gastric emptying time, fasting antral diameter, and post‐prandial antral diameter were not significantly different between the patients with non‐ulcer dyspepsia and the controls. Fasting gallbladder volume, the time required to reach minimal gallbladder residual volume, minimal gallbladder residual volume, and the serum levels of pepsinogen were not significantly different. Simple linear regression was used to summarize the relationship between gastric emptying time and time required to reach minimal gallbladder residual volume. In the controls, the gastric emptying time and time required to reach minimal gallbladder residual volume were linearly related. However, in the patients with non‐ulcer dyspepsia, they were not related.

Conclusions:  These observations suggest that disturbance of coordination between gastric emptying and gallbladder emptying is a cause of the symptoms of non‐ulcer dyspepsia.
Pilot study using transcutaneous electrical stimulation (interferential current) to treat chronic treatment‐resistant constipation and soiling in children
Authors: CHASE JANET , ROBERTSON VAL J , SOUTHWELL BRIDGET , HUTSON JOHN , GIBB SUSIE
Published: August 2010

Background:  Chronic constipation in children may have organic or behavioral causes. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of treatment with transcutaneous electrical stimulation (using interferential current) in children with chronic treatment‐resistant constipation with proven organic disorders.

Methods:  Eight children (7–16 years) with at least 4 years of chronic treatment‐resistant constipation and soiling, who had failed diet, laxative treatment and behavioral therapy were given 1 month of transcutaneous electrical stimulation. The three most severe cases had appendicostomies with antegrade washouts every 2–3 days to prevent impaction and reduce their soiling. Children and carers kept a daily diary of bowel habits, recording number of spontaneous defecations, episodes of soiling, use of bowel washouts and medications. Transcutaneous stimulation using interferential current was applied three times per week for 3–4 weeks using four surface electrodes, two to the paraspinal area of T9–10 to L2 and one to either side of the anterior abdominal wall beneath the costal margin. Diaries were recorded for 1 month before, during, and after stimulation and for 2 weeks 3 months later.

Results:  Transcutaneous electrical stimulation using interferential current stopped soiling in 7/8 children and increased the frequency of spontaneous defecations in 5/8. Defecations remained high and soiling low for 3 months in 3/6 children (with data).

Conclusions:  These results suggest that transcutaneous electrical stimulation using interferential current has a beneficial effect for children with chronic treatment‐resistant constipation. Further trials using larger series of patients are needed to confirm this benefit, to determine the ideal stimulation parameters and to investigate why electrical stimulation might be effective.

© 2005 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd
The importance of metabolic factors for the increasing prevalence of fatty liver in Shanghai factory workers
Authors: Fan Jian‐Gao , Li Feng , Cai Xiao‐Bo , Peng Yong‐De , Ao Qing‐Hong , Gao Yan
Published: August 2010

Background and Aim:  To evaluate changes in the prevalence rates of ultrasonographic fatty liver (FL) in a specific population.

Methods:  An analysis of the medical records of BaoSteel Group (Shanghai, China) employees was done to evaluate the prevalence of FL in this population, in which health examinations were performed biennially between 1995 and 2002.

Results:  The study reviewed a database of 59 131 employees, of which 27.1% received medical check‐ups four times within the study period, 26.6% three times, and 24.0% twice. The prevalence rates of obesity and metabolic disorders were high at baseline and increased significantly with time. The prevalence of ultrasonographic FL increased from 3.87% to 14.04% in the overall population, while there was an increase from 4.44% to 14.64% in men and 1.56% to 11.37% in women over the 6‐year study period. Increased rates of FL were also noted, from 25.88% to 51.39%, among patients with elevated serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels (>40 U/L). The highest overall prevalence rates of FL were found in individuals aged 50–60 years, with all age‐associated prevalence significantly higher in males than females.

Conclusion:  The prevalence of FL increased rapidly over the study period with increased rates of obesity and metabolic disorders; FL is becoming a major cause of abnormal ALT levels in the specific population.
Dignity in health‐care: a critical exploration using feminism and theories of recognition
Authors: Aranda Kay , Jones Andrea
Published: August 2010

ARANDA K and JONES A.Nursing Inquiry2010;17: 248–256 Dignity in health‐care: a critical exploration using feminism and theories of recognition

Growing concerns over undignified health‐care has meant the concept of dignity is currently much discussed in the British National Health Service. This has led to a number of policies attempting to reinstate dignity as a core ethical value governing nursing practice and health‐care provision. Yet these initiatives continue to draw upon a concept of dignity which remains reliant upon a depoliticised, ahistorical and decontexualised subject. In this paper, we argue the need to revise the dignity debate through the lens of feminism and theories of recognition. Postmodern feminist theories provide major challenges to what remain dominant liberal approaches as they pay attention to the contingent, reflexive, and affective aspects of care work. Theories of recognition provide a further critical resource for understanding how moral obligations and responsibilities towards others and our public and private responses to difference arise. This re‐situates dignity as a highly contested and politicised concept involving complex moral deliberations and diverse political claims of recognition. The dignity debate is thus moved beyond simplistic rational injunctions to care, or to care more, and towards critical discussions of complex politicised, moral practices infused with power that involve the recognition of difference in health‐care.
From ‘part of ’ to ‘partnership’: the changing relationship between nurse education and the National Health Service
Authors: Gillett Karen
Published: August 2010

GILLETT K . Nursing Inquiry 2010; 17: 197–207 From ‘part of ’ to ‘partnership’: the changing relationship between nurse education and the National Health Service

Worldwide, many countries have moved towards incorporating nurse education into the higher education sector and this inevitably has implications for the relationship between nurse education providers and local health service providers. This study explores the changes to the relationship in the UK between nurse education providers and the UK National Health Service over the past 20 years and demonstrates how two political ideologies have been central to those changes. The two ideologies of interest are the introduction of internal markets to the National Health Service by the Conservative government at the end of the 1980s and the New Labour response to the fragmentation of public services caused by Conservative neoliberal policy, which was to introduce the notion of ‘partnership working’. This study reviews the wider debate around partnership policy and applies that debate to evaluate the way that nurse education providers and the National Health Service are working in partnership to provide clinical practice placements for nursing students.
INTRATHORACIC GREAT VESSEL INJURY RESULTING FROM BLUNT CHEST TRAUMA ASSOCIATED WITH POSTERIOR DISLOCATION OF THE STERNOCLAVICULAR JOINT
Authors: Gardner M. A. H. , Bidstrup B. P.
Published: August 2010

Three cases of great vessel injury resulting from blunt chest trauma and associated with posterior dislocation of the sternoclavicular joint are presented. The diagnosis and management including the surgical approach to this uncommon injury are discussed.
LUQUE ROD FIXATION IN MENINGOMYELOCELE KYPHOSIS: A PRELIMINARY REPORT
Authors: Stephen John P. H. , Bodel James G.
Published: August 2010

A preliminary report is given of four cases of kyphosis in the thoracolumbar and lumbar regions in paraplegic meningomyelocele patients treated by means of segmental spinal (Luque) rod fixation. The system, incorporating fixation at multiple levels and the principle of the three‐point pressure system, appears highly effective in obtaining and maintaining correction in a deformity which has previously proven refractory in a high proportion of cases.
INTESTINAL VOLVULUS: A NEW CONCEPT
Authors: Perry E. G.
Published: August 2010

A concept of the aetiology of intestinal volvulus is presented based on the fact that bowel when distended becomes elongated. The antimesenteric border of the bowel elongates more than the mesenteric border and this provides the driving force which initiates and sustains the volvulus. It is, therefore, a secondary event resulting from distention.
INTUSSUSCEPTION IN CHILDHOOD: A REVIEW OF 139 CASES
Authors: Sparnon A. L. , Little K. E. T. , Morris L. L.
Published: August 2010

A retrospective survey of 128 patients, representing 139 instances of proven intussusception is reviewed. An initial hydrostatic enema reduction attempt was performed in 75% of cases, with 50% of these being successful. A high recurrence rate of 18.4% followed the hydrostatically reduced cases, compared with 2.7% for the surgically treated. Hydrostatic reduction was particularly unsuccesful in infants less than six months of age, when the duration of symptoms exceeded 12 hours and when the presentation is painless. Earlier surgery is recommended for these children.
VOLVULUS OF THE SPLENIC FLEXURE OF THE COLON IN A CHILD
Authors: Narasimharao K. L. , Mengi Y. , Mitra S. K. , Pathak I. c.
Published: August 2010

A case of acute intestinal obstruction due to volvulus of the splenic flexure of the colon in an 11 year old girl is reported. This is believed to be the first reported case in the paediatric age group. Simple derotation and fixation of the splenic flexure in the normal position was carried out with a successful outcome.
THE UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY ENDOCRINE SURGERY DATABASE: 50 YEARS OF DATA ACCRUAL
Authors: Reeve Thomas S. , Ihre‐Lundgren Cia , Poole Allan G. , Bambach Christopher , Barraclough Bruce , Sidhu Stan , Sywak Mark , Edhouse Pam , Delbridge Leigh
Published: August 2010

Surgical databases are now a fundamental part of clinical practice and research but have only been commonplace in the past decade or so. The University of Sydney Endocrine Surgery Database has now been in existence for more than 50 years since it was started by Tom Reeve in 1957. It includes comprehensive documentation of every aspect of every thyroid, parathyroid and adrenal procedure carried out by its surgeons while they were active members of the unit. During those 50 years, 17 466 such procedures have been documented. In the first year of data collection, only 20 thyroid procedures carried out by one surgeon in one hospital were entered, whereas in the most recent year, 1092 major endocrine procedures carried out by three surgeons in 10 separate hospitals required entry. As well as providing for surgical audit, the database has been integral to the writing of 130 published articles and articles in press on the topic of thyroid, parathyroid and adrenal surgery. The database has been instrumental to significant changes in the practice of endocrine surgery, including introduction of total thyroidectomy for benign bilateral multinodular goitre by this unit two decades ago, leading to changed practice in most countries around the globe. Data acquisition has also allowed documentation of the safety and efficacy of new minimally invasive endocrine procedures such as minimally invasive parathyroidectomy and minimally invasive thyroid surgery. Audit‐based research with accumulation of data based on surgical outcomes, that is, evidence‐based surgery, remains the fundamental basis of sound surgical practice with the potential to lead important changes in clinical practice.
INTEGRATION OF PROSPECTIVE QUALITY OF LIFE AND NUTRITIONAL ASSESSMENT AS ROUTINE COMPONENTS OF MULTIDISCIPLINARY CARE OF PATIENTS WITH HEAD AND NECK CANCER
Authors: Oates Justine , Clark Jonathan R. , Read Jane , Reeves Nicole , Gao Kan , O’Brien Christopher J.
Published: August 2010

Background:  Quality of life (QOL) and nutritional assessment of patients with head and neck cancer can provide additional information about the effects of treatment beyond the standard measures of disease control and survival. Integrating a prospective evaluation program into a multidisciplinary service may ensure that a more holistic model of care is developed.

Methods:  Prospective evaluation of QOL and nutrition before and after treatment for head and neck cancer was implemented in 2001. All patients enrolled in the program were treated with curative intent. Patients completed the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core QOL Questionnaire and Head and Neck Specific Module before treatment and at 3, 6 and 12 months after completion of therapy. In conjunction, patients underwent nutritional assessment by body mass index, biochemical parameters and the patient‐generated subjective global assessment tool.

Results:  Among 288 patients who consented to participate in this study, 134 patients completed the QOL assessment criteria and were eligible for evaluation. Examples of QOL and nutritional data for patients with cancers of the oral cavity, oropharynx, nasopharynx, larynx, hypopharynx, parotid gland and paranasal sinus, and also unknown primary cancers are given. Implementation of this prospective assessment program required appropriate resources and was hampered by time constraints, logistics with blood tests and patient compliance.

Conclusions:  Despite difficulties with implementation, the information concerning QOL and nutritional status obtained in this study provided an appreciation of the long‐term functional effects of treatment for head and neck cancer. Prospective QOL assessment and nutritional evaluation should become integral components of the care of patients with cancers of the head and neck.
TIME FOR A CHANGE IN INJURY AND TRAUMA CARE DELIVERY: A TRAUMA DEATH REVIEW ANALYSIS
Authors: Sugrue Michael , Caldwell Erica , D’Amours Scott , Crozier John , Wyllie Peter , Flabouris Arthas , Sheridan Mark , Jalaludin Bin
Published: August 2010

Safety and error reduction in medical care is crucial to the future of medicine. This study evaluates trauma patients dying at a level 1 trauma centre to determine the adequacy of care. All trauma deaths at a level 1 trauma centre between 1996 and 2003 were reviewed by an eight‐member multidisciplinary death review panel. Errors in care were classified according to their location, nature, impact, outcome and whether the deaths were avoidable or non‐avoidable. Avoidable deaths were categorized as potentially, probably and definitely avoidable. Between 1996 and 2003, there were 17 157 trauma admissions, including 307 trauma deaths. The mean patient age was 47.7 years ± 24.8 years, mean injury severity score 38.1 ± 19.6. Of all deaths, 69 (22.5%) were deemed avoidable. Of the avoidable deaths, 61 (88%) were potentially avoidable, 7 (10%) probably avoidable and 1 (1.4%) definitely avoidable. Avoidable deaths were associated with patients with increased age, lower injury severity score, admissions to intensive care unit, longer hospital stay and treatment by a non‐trauma surgeon (P < 0.05). Of the 307 trauma deaths, 271 (89.3%) patients experienced a total of 1063 errors, an overall error rate of 3.5 per patient. The error rate in the non‐avoidable group was 2.9 per patient and 5.3 per patient in the avoidable group (P < 0.0001). Most errors occurred in the resuscitation area. Age, severity of injury, hospital length of stay and care by a non‐trauma surgeon are factors associated with avoidable deaths. A new approach to trauma and injury care is required.
SELECTIVE TARGETING OF THE TUMOUR VASCULATURE*
Authors: Chan Lie S. , Daruwalla Jurstine , Christophi Christopher
Published: August 2010

Selective targeting of the tumour vasculature in the treatment of solid organ malignancies is an alternative to conventional chemotherapy treatment. As the tumour progressively increases in size, angiogenesis or the formation of new vasculature is essential to maintain the tumour’s continual growth and survival. Therefore disrupting this angiogenic process or targeting the neovasculature can potentially hinder or prevent further tumour expansion. Many anti angiogenic agents have been investigated with many currently in clinical trials and exhibiting varied results. Vascular disrupting agents such as the Combretastatins and OXi 4503 have shown promising preclinical results and are currently being examined in clinical trials.
Achieving quality in colonoscopy: bowel preparation timing and colon cleanliness
Authors: Athreya Prasad J. , Owen Gareth N. , Wong Shing W. , Douglas Philip R. , Newstead Graham L.
Published: August 2010

Background:  Colonoscopy is considered the gold standard for investigation of large bowel pathology. Numerous factors influence the efficacy of bowel preparation for colonoscopy. Inadequate bowel preparation can lead to missed pathology. Timing of fasting and bowel preparation, timing of procedure and possibly patient bowel habit and presence of diverticula may have an influence on the quality of the preparation. The aim of this study was to investigate the quality of cleansing of sodium picosulfate (Picoprep‐3™, Pharmatel Fresenius Kabi Pty Ltd, Pymble, NSW, Australia) with different administration schedules and to evaluate whether patient's bowel patterns influence the quality of cleansing.

Methods:  Three hundred twenty‐five patients (175 morning and 150 afternoon procedures) were interviewed prior to colonoscopy to evaluate bowel habit and timing of preparation administration. Quality of cleansing was then assessed during colonoscopy using a 5‐point scale. Further factors analysed included the patient's prior bowel habit and the presence of diverticula at colonoscopy. Procedural end points evaluated included procedure total time, caecal intubation time and withdrawal times.

Results:  The quality of cleansing for individual bowel segments was worse for afternoon procedures (P < 0.05 for some segments) and for patients with prior constipation (P < 0.05 for descending colon segments). Caecal intubation times were shorter for patients with diarrhoea and longer for female patients, who also had shorter withdrawal times. No correlation was found between the procedural end points (total duration, caecal intubation time and withdrawal times) and the timing of fasting.

Conclusions:  Quality of cleansing is significantly improved when bowel preparation is taken entirely the day prior to colonoscopy. Patients with prior constipation demonstrated poorer cleansing.
Polymorphism and recombination for rDNA in the putatively asexual microsporidian Nosema ceranae, a pathogen of honeybees
Authors: Sagastume Soledad , del Águila Carmen , Martín‐Hernández Raquel , Higes Mariano , Henriques‐Gil Nuno
Published: August 2010

Nosema ceranae is currently one of the major pathogens of honeybees, related to the worldwide colony losses phenomenon. The genotyping of strains based on ribosomal DNA (rDNA) can be misleading if the repeated units are not identical. The analysis of cloned rDNA fragments containing the intergenic spacer (IGS) and part of the rDNA small‐subunit (SSU) gene, from N. ceranae isolates from different European and Central Asia populations, revealed a high diversity of sequences. The variability involved single‐nucleotide polymorphisms and insertion/deletions, resulting in 79 different haplotypes. Two sequences from the same isolate could be as different as any pair of sequences from different samples; in contrast, identical haplotypes were also found in very different geographical origins. Consequently, haplotypes cannot be organized in a consistent phylogenetic tree, clearly indicating that rDNA is not a reliable marker for the differentiation of N. ceranae strains. The results indicate that recombination between different sequences may produce new variants, which is quite surprising in microsporidia, usually considered to have an asexual mode of reproduction. The diversity of sequences and their geographical distribution indicate that haplotypes of different lineages may occasionally be present in a same cell and undergo homologue recombination, therefore suggesting a sexual haplo‐diploid cycle.
Red but not dead? Membranes of stressed Saccharomyces cerevisiae are permeable to propidium iodide
Authors: Davey H. M. , Hexley P.
Published: August 2010

Flow cytometric monitoring of propidium iodide (PI) uptake is a well‐established and rapid method for monitoring cell death and is used on the basis that the intact membrane of viable cells excludes the propidium ion and that loss of this permeability barrier represents irreparable damage and thus cell death. These assumptions are typically based on analysis of live and killed cells. Here we have identified stress levels that lead to a loss of viability of a proportion of Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells and under these conditions we show that there is a subpopulation of cells that can take up PI during and immediately following exposure to stress but that a short incubation allows repair of the membrane damage such that subsequent exposure to PI does not result in staining. Irrespective of the stress applied, approximately 7% of cells exhibited the ability to repair. These results indicate that the level of damage that the yeast cell membrane can sustain and yet retain the ability to repair is greater than previously recognized and care must therefore be taken in using the terms ‘PI‐positive’ and ‘dead’ synonymously. We discuss these findings in the context of the potential for such environmental stress‐induced, transient membrane permeability to have evolutionary implications via the facilitation of horizontal gene transfer.