bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can filter‐feeding Asian carp invade the Laurentian Great Lakes? A bioenergetic modelling exercise
Authors: COOKE SANDRA L. , HILL WALTER R.
Published: August 2010

1. There is much concern that filter‐feeding Asian carp will invade the Laurentian Great Lakes and deplete crucial plankton resources. We developed bioenergetic models, using parameters from Asian carp and other fish species, to explore the possibility that planktonic food resources are insufficient to support the growth of silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) and bighead carp (H. nobilis) in the Great Lakes.

2. The models estimated basic metabolic requirements of silver and bighead carp under various body sizes, swimming speeds and reproductive stages. These requirements were then related to planktonic food resources and environmental temperature to predict when and where silver and bighead carp may survive in the Great Lakes, and how far they may travel.

3. Parameter values for respiration functions were derived experimentally in a coordinated study of silver and bighead carp, while consumption parameters were obtained from the literature on silver carp. Other model parameters lacking for Asian carp, such as those for egestion and excretion, were obtained from the literature on other fish species.

4. We found that full‐sized bighead carp required 61.0 kJ d−1 just to maintain their body mass at 20 °C, approximately equivalent to feeding in a region with 255 μg L−1 macrozooplankton (dry) or 10.43 μg L−1 chlorophyll a. Silver carp energy requirements were slightly higher.

5. When applied to various habitats in the Great Lakes, our results suggest that silver and bighead carp will be unable to colonise most open‐water regions because of limited plankton availability. However, in some circumstances, carp metabolism at lower temperatures may be low enough to permit positive growth even at very low rations. Positive growth is even more likely in productive embayments and wetlands, and the modelled swimming costs in some of these habitats suggest that carp could travel >1 km d−1 without losing biomass.

6. The simulation (and firmly hypothetical) results from this modelling study suggest when and where Asian carp could become established in the Great Lakes. Given the potential consequences to Great Lakes ecosystems if these filter feeders do prove capable of establishing reproducing populations, efforts to keep Asian carp out of the Great Lakes must not be lessened. However, we do encourage the use of bioenergetic modelling in a holistic approach to assessing the risk of Asian carp invasion in the Great Lakes region.
Isobutyl‐2‐cyanoacrylate pulmonary emboli associated with occlusive embolotherapy of cerebral arteriovenous malformations
Authors: COARD KATHLEEN , SILVER M.D. , PERKINS G. , FOX A.J. , VINUELA E.V.
Published: August 2010

Three patients had cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVM) treated by occlusive embolotherapy using isobutyl‐2‐cyanoacrylate (IBC). At necropsy two had asymptomatic IBC pulmonary emboli. The numbers of emboli and the size of pulmonary vessels occluded correlated roughly with an increasing frequency and volume of injectate made in the cerebral tissue. The extent of pulmonary vascular occlusion in one case suggests that pulmonary vascular hypertension could develop as a complication of this form of treatment.
Primary gastric lymphoma—a tumour of mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue. A histological and immunohistochemical study of 36 cases
Authors: MOORE I. , WRIGHT D.H.
Published: August 2010

A series of 36 cases of non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma of the stomach have been analysed using routine histological techniques and immunohistochemistry. All cases were categorized as follicle centre cell lymphomas. Apart from two cases who had nodal lymphomas followed by gastric lymphomas, all cases appeared to represent primary lymphoma of mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue. It is proposed that the morphology and behaviour of these tumours reflect their origin from gutassociated lymphoid tissue. Physiologically well‐differentiated examples show monotypic plasmacytic differentiation. Infiltration of gastric glands by follicle centre cells forming characteristic lympho‐epithelial lesions is, we believe, a pathognomonic feature of primary gastric lymphoma. The spread of these tumours is within the mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissues involving, in particular, the nasopharynx and lung but seldom spreading to peripheral lymph nodes or bone marrow. This concept of gastric lymphomas as primary neoplasms of gut‐associated lymphoid tissue has important implications with respect to the investigation and treatment of this disease.
Oncocytoma of the stomach: a case report
Authors: MILLARD P.R. , BISHOP H.M.
Published: August 2010

An example of an oncocytoma in the wall of the stomach is reported. The diagnosis was made following ultrastructural studies and must be considered in the differential diagnosis of gastric tumours and especially of atypical leiomyomas and granular cell tumours.
Storage of alpha‐1‐antitrypsin in intrahepatic bile duct cells in alpha‐1‐antitrypsin deficiency (Pi Z phenotype)
Authors: CALLEA F. , FEVERY J. , MASSI G. , DE GROOTE J. , DESMET V. J.
Published: August 2010

Storage of alpha‐1‐antitrypsin (AAT) has been found in a small number of bile duct cells in liver tissue specimens from patients with Pi MZ, Pi SZ and Pi ZZ phenotypes. The storage appeared in the form of intracellular AAT immunoreactive inclusions. On EM investigation, AAT‐like material was detected within cisternae of the RER and SER. Such AAT inclusions were found in proliferating bile ductules in conditions such as cirrhosis, focal nodular hyperplasia and extrahepatic obstruction. They were also observed in normal biliary structures at the level of the canals of Hering, bile ductules and interlobular ducts in 13 out of 47 cases. These findings are interpreted as indicating that the intrahepatic bile duct cells are a further source of AAT, and that in case of defective export of AAT from the cell, as is the case for the Z protein, the protein accumulates not only in hepatocytes but in biliary cells as well.
Congenital focal glomerular lesions in only one monozygotic twin related to a probable twin transfusion syndrome
Authors: ALTEMANI A.M. , VASSALO J. , BILLIS A.
Published: August 2010

A case of congenital focal glomerular lesions involving crescent formation in only one monozygotic twin is reported. The possible effect of chronic hypotension in the pathogenesis of the lesion is discussed, considering the fact that the affected twin was probably the donor in a feto‐fetal transfusion syndrome.
Pituitary adenomas
Authors: McNICOL A.M.
Published: August 2010

This review highlights various aspects of the new functional classification of pituitary adenomas which is based on detailed immunohistochemical and ultrastructural analysis and correlation with clinical and biochemical findings. In addition, current investigation of the non‐hormonal aspects of these tumours is discussed, includins the application of flow cytometry in tumour ploidy studies.
Cerebral infarction due to systemic necrotizing vasculitis in a patient with rheumatic heart disease, subacute bacterial endocarditis and status epilepticus
Authors: MIZUTANI T. , YOSHIMURA K. , MATSUSHITA H. , SHIOZAWA R. , HARA M.
Published: August 2010

Systemic necrotizing vasculitis involving cerebral blood vessels is described in a 30‐year‐old man with rheumatic heart disease and subacute bacterial endocarditis. Fever, anaemia, splenomegaly and positive blood cultures for Gram‐negative bacteria were found on admission. The fever resolved with antibiotic therapy on the third hospital day but he then developed hemiplegia and multifocal seizures. The seizures progressed to uncontrollable status epilepticus accompanied by congestive heart failure and the patient died 20 d after admission. At autopsy, exudative and necrotizing vasculitis involving medium‐ to small‐sized arteries was seen in the brain, the heart and the skeletal muscles. Rheumatic myocarditis and endocarditis and old rheumatic mitral valve deformities were also present. In addition, verrucous endocarditis in the mitral valve and Löhlein's focal glomerulonephritis were noted. We discuss the possible mechanism of the systemic necrotizing vasculitis in relation to rheumatic fever.
The expression of cell surface MHC class I heavy and light chain molecules in pre‐malignant and malignant lesions of the oral mucosa
Authors: PRIME S. S. , PITIGALA‐ARACHCHI A. , CRANE I. J. , ROSSER T. J. , SCULLY C.
Published: August 2010

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I antigenic expression was examined on epithelial cell surfaces in normal oral mucosa, non‐specific oral keratoses. dysplastic epithelium adjacent to carcinomas and in invasive tumour islands of squamous cell carcinomas, using antibodies to HLA‐A,B,C shared determinant antigen and β2 microglobulin (β2m). HLA‐A,B,C antigens were present in the basal and lower spinous cells in normal and dysplastic epithelium and in the non‐specific keratoses, but in a minority of carcinomas staining was disorganized and absent at the periphery of tumour islands. β2m staining was present in the basal and lower spinous epithelial cells in all tissues; staining was lost progressively with increasing dilution of the primary antibody until it was completely lost in the invasive carcinoma tissue at 1:400, in dysplastic epithelium at 1:800 and in non‐specific keratoses at 1:3200; in contrast, staining persisted in normal tissues at >1:3200 anti‐β2m dilution. Loss of β2m staining in the dysplastic epithelial tissues correlated broadly with the degree of cellular atypia. The results suggest that there are decreased concentrations of cell surface β2m in potentially malignant and malignant epithelial tissues, with normal concentrations of MHC class I heavy chains.
Ductal adenoma of the breast—a lesion exhibiting a myoepithelial/epithelial phenotype
Authors: GUSTERSON B.A. , SLOANE J.P. , MIDDWOOD C. , GAZET J.C. , TROTT P. , TAYLOR‐PAPADIMITRIOU J. , BARTEK J.
Published: August 2010

A detailed immunocytochemical study has been carried out on a case of ductal adenoma of the breast. The lesion was oestrogen receptor positive and contained focal areas of apocrine metaplasia and marked nuclear atypia. The tumour had a pseudo‐infiltrative growth pattern and showed good evidence of both epithelial and myoepithelial differentiation. Islands of tumour cells were surrounded by a clearly defined basement membrane as demonstrated with an anti‐type IV collagen antibody. The heterogeneous staining pattern produced by monoclonal antibody BA17, which recognizes keratin 19, was similar to that seen in normal lobules and raises questions concerning the site of origin of this lesion in the breast.
Salivary gland tumours studied by means of the AgNOR technique
Authors: MORGAN D. W. , CROCKER J. , WATTS A. , SHENOI P. M.
Published: August 2010

Difficulty is sometimes encountered in distinguishing between pleomorphic adenoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma and adenocarcinoma, especially in small biopsies from salivary glands. The argyrophil (AgNOR) staining technique for nucleolar organizer regions (NORs) has been applied to a series of benign and malignant salivary gland tumours. We studied 35 salivary gland tumours, 13 benign and 22 malignant. In all specimens clearly defined silver‐stained intranuclear AgNOR dots were visible. The differences between the numbers of AgNORs in the benign and malignant groups, notably pleomorphic adenomas, adenoid cystic carcinoma and adenocarcinoma, were highly significant. In view of this difference we propose that the AgNOR staining technique is of diagnostic help in distinguishing between these salivary gland tumours.
A cytokeratin immunohistochemical study of alcoholic liver disease: evidence that hepatocytes can express ‘bile duct‐type’ cytokeratins
Authors: VAN EYKEN P. , SCIOT R. , DESMET V. J.
Published: August 2010

A cytokeratin immunohistochemical study was performed on 40 liver biopsies diagnosed as alcoholic liver disease to further investigate the cytoskeletal changes occurring in this disease. On paraffin sections of 29 cases, a variable number of hepatocytes were reactive with a polyclonal antiserum that normally stains only bile ducts. Using monoclonal antibodies specific for a single cytokeratin polypeptide on cryostat sections, a variable number of hepatocytes were immunoreactive for cytokeratin no. 7 in 23 cases and also for cytokeratin no. 19 in seven cases. Both these polypeptides are restricted to bile duct cells in the normal liver. The number of hepatocytes positive for bile duct‐type cytokeratins increased and their location changed with the severity of the disease. Mallory bodies were reactive with monoclonal antibodies CAM 5.2 and anti‐cytokeratin no. 18 but unreactive with anti‐cytokeratin no. 8. except in one case. In two cases, Mallory bodies reactive with both monoclonal antibodies anti‐cytokeratin no. 7 and anti‐cytokeratin no. 19 were found. These results clearly indicate that hepatocytes in alcoholic liver disease can express immunoreactivity for bile duct‐type cytokeratins. Our data also demonstrate heterogeneity in the composition of Mallory bodies. Whether hepatocytes expressing bile duct‐type cytokeratins are the precursors of Mallory body‐containing cells is not clear at present.
Pigmented dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (Bednar tumour): melanocytic colonization or neuroectodermal differentiation? A clinicopathological and immunohistochemical study
Authors: FLETCHER C. D. M. , THEAKER J. M. , FLANAGAN A. , KRAUSZ T.
Published: August 2010

Approximately 5% of cases of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans contain dendritic melanocytes; such lesions are often known as Bednar tumours. These neoplasms have received little attention in the literature but seem to show no great clinicopathological differences from conventional dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans except for the presence of melanocytes. The existence of such tumours, combined with ultrastructural evidence, has led some leading authors to regard them all as being of neuroectodermal origin. Seven examples of the pigmented variant are presented herein, of which six have been studied immunohistochemically and one has been examined ultrastructurally. Except for the presence of melanocytes in each tumour, no evidence of neuroectodermal (in particular perineural fibroblastic) differentiation has been demonstrated. The histogenesis of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans and its pigmented variant is discussed. The possibility that the pigmentation may simply reflect secondary melanocyte colonization from the epidermis should be considered.
Malignant renal rhabdoid tumour. Immunohistochemical and ultrastructural studies
Authors: SEO I. S. , MIN K. W. , BRODHECKER C. , MIRKIN L. D.
Published: August 2010

In an effort to establish their possible histogenesis, three cases of renal rhabdoid tumour and their metastases were studied both by a battery of polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies using the avidin‐biotin‐peroxidase complex technique and by electron microscopy. Vimentin was demonstrated in renal rhabdoid tumour in two cases and in all metastatic deposits. Cytokeratin (39, 43 and 50 kD) was not demonstrable in the three renal rhabdoid tumours, but was strongly positive in all metastatic lesions in one case. Epithelial membrane antigen was present in one renal rhabdoid tumour and in pulmonary metastases in two cases. Ultrastructural study showed epithelial differentiation in all tumours: basal lamina and convergent tight junctions were demonstrated; intracytoplasmic intermediate filaments were present in all primary and metastatic tumours. Rhabdoid tumours thus exhibited heterogeneous immunophenotypic expression suggesting that they are derived from mesenchymal cells which are capable of differentiating into epithelial cells.
Expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen in lung cancer: a systematic study and correlation with DNA ploidy
Authors: CAREY F.A. , FABBRONI G. , LAMB D.
Published: August 2010

Heterogeneity of expression of the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was assessed immunohistochemically in 156 tissue samples from 33 surgically resected pulmonary carcinomas using the monoclonal antibody 19A2. The DNA content of each of these samples was measured by flow cytometry. Mean PCNA expression was higher in squamous carcinomas than in adenocarcinomas but there was marked intra‐tumour variation in PCNA index in almost all cases. Intra‐tumour heterogeneity of DNA content was noted in 11 cases. The PCNA index of these cases (34.1) was higher than that of DNA homogeneous cases (19.4). The wide variation in PCNA expression between different samples within a tumour would indicate that systematic sampling and counting will be necessary in future immunohistochemical studies of cell proliferation in tumour material.
The histopathological features of asymptomatic hepatitis C virus‐antibody positive blood donors
Authors: McMAHON R.F.T. , YATES A.J. , McLINDON J. , BABBS C. , LOVE E.M. , WARNES T.W.
Published: August 2010

Since the introduction of screening for hepatitis C virus (HCV) in donated blood, the risk of contracting post‐transfusion hepatitis has been greatly reduced and the test has led to the recognition of asymptomatic blood donors positive for anti‐HCV antibodies. Following confirmation of the HCV status with second generation RIBA testing followed by counselling, 55 patients had full investigations, including liver biopsy. These were classified by the traditional chronic hepatitis system and were graded according to the Knodell and Scheuer histological activity indices. Seven of the biopsies were normal (12%), apart from minor degrees of steatosis in two. Eleven cases (20%) were in the chronic lobular hepatitis category without portal inflammation, while 37 cases showed portal inflammation, including 20 (36%) cases where chronic persistent hepatitis was the predominant feature and 17 cases (31%) where there was chronic active hepatitis with piecemeal necrosis. Features which have previously been described in chronic HCV‐associated hepatitis were noted: portal lymphoid aggregates (58%), lymphoid follicles with germinal centres (15%), bile duct damage (11%), lobular inflammation (80%), sinusoidal mononuclear cell infiltration (26%), acidophil body formation (11%), and steatosis (47%). Fibrosis was present in 46% of cases but was generally of mild degree; 9% of biopsies demonstrated bridging fibrosis but no cases of cirrhosis were present. Even though serum transaminase levels correlated well with the presence of chronic hepatitis and with the Scheuer and Knodell activity indices, a proportion of patients with significant liver damage had normal transaminase levels, and this study suggests the need for liver biopsy in the evaluation of asymptomatic HCV‐positive blood donors.
Quality of care for diabetes patients using National Health Insurance claims data in Japan
Authors: Tomio Jun , Toyokawa Satoshi , Tanihara Shinichi , Inoue Kazuo , Kobayashi Yasuki
Published: August 2010

Background  Assessment of the quality of care is a key element in current diabetes care. However, the quality of care for diabetes patients in Japan has rarely been reported.

Objectives  To assess the quality of diabetes care in two communities in Japan by using National Health Insurance claims data.

Methods  We analysed claim data of 13 650 beneficiaries of National Health Insurance in two communities in Japan from May 2006 to April 2007. Diabetes cases were identified by using a case detection algorism. Our main outcome measures were three process quality indicators: (1) haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) testing; (2) annual eye examination; and (3) annual nephropathy screening, recommended in the existing clinical guidelines. We calculated the performance rate of each quality indicator and examined the effects of demographic characteristics and co‐morbid conditions.

Results  We identified 636 diabetes cases. Of these, 97.0% had at least one HbA1c test, and 69.8% had ≥4 tests during the study period. The odds ratios (ORs) for ≥4 HbA1c tests were lower in subgroups aged 75–79 (OR 0.58, 95% confidence interval 0.35–0.96), and aged ≥80 (OR 0.54, 95% confidence interval 0.32–0.88) compared with the subgroup aged <70 after adjusting for other patient characteristics. The annual rate for eye examinations and nephropathy screenings were 20.8% and 5.8% respectively.

Conclusions  We found high performance rates for HbA1c testing, while the annual rates for eye examinations and nephropathy screenings were suboptimal. Using administrative data would facilitate more comprehensive assessment of the quality of care in Japan.
The German version of the Assessment of Chronic Illness Care: instrument translation and cultural adaptation
Authors: Steurer‐Stey Claudia , Frei Anja , Schmid‐Mohler Gabriela , Malcolm‐Kohler Sibylle , Zoller Marco , Rosemann Thomas
Published: August 2010

Background  In Switzerland, there is a dearth of information on the extent to which patients with chronic illnesses receive care congruent with the Chronic Care Model (CCM). To drive quality improvement programmes, it is necessary to have practical assessment tools in the country's own language to evaluate the delivery of CCM activities.

Methods  German translation and adaptation of the original Assessment of Chronic Illness Care (ACIC). We followed a sequential forward and backward translation approach. In a multidisciplinary committee review the original English version and the translations were compared, instructions and formats modified and cross‐cultural equivalences verified. The second version was pre‐tested and multidisciplinary group discussion led to the final version which aimed to create a comprehensive culturally adapted translation capturing the original idea of the items rather than a direct one to one translation.

Results  Difficulties encountered during the translation process consisted in the difference of health care settings and health care organization in Switzerland and USA.The adapted German version was delivered to a managed care organization in the city of Zurich to test the initial use for diabetes care. The average ACIC subscale scores were: organization of the health care delivery system: mean (m) = 7.31 (SD = 0.79), community linkages: m = 3.78 (SD = 1.09), self‐management support: m = 4.88 (SD = 1.21), decision support: m = 4.79 (SD = 1.16), delivery system design: m = 5.56 (SD = 1.28) and clinical information systems: m = 4.50 (SD = 2.69). Overall, the ACIC subscale scores were comparable with the scores of the original testing.

Conclusion  After cultural adaptations the German version of the ACIC is applicable as a tool to guide quality improvement in chronic illness care in German speaking countries in Europe.
The design of patient decision support interventions: addressing the theory–practice gap
Authors: Elwyn Glyn , Stiel Mareike , Durand Marie‐Anne , Boivin Jacky
Published: August 2010

Background Although an increasing number of decision support interventions for patients (including decision aids) are produced, few make explicit use of theory. We argue the importance of using theory to guide design. The aim of this work was to address this theory–practice gap and to examine how a range of selected decision‐making theories could inform the design and evaluation of decision support interventions.

Methods We reviewed the decision‐making literature and selected relevant theories. We assessed their key principles, theoretical pathways and predictions in order to determine how they could inform the design of two core components of decision support interventions, namely, information and deliberation components and to specify theory‐based outcome measures.

Results Eight theories were selected: (1) the expected utility theory; (2) the conflict model of decision making; (3) prospect theory; (4) fuzzy‐trace theory; (5) the differentiation and consolidation theory; (6) the ecological rationality theory; (7) the rational–emotional model of decision avoidance; and finally, (8) the Attend, React, Explain, Adapt model of affective forecasting. Some theories have strong relevance to the information design (e.g. prospect theory); some are more relevant to deliberation processes (conflict theory, differentiation theory and ecological validity). None of the theories in isolation was sufficient to inform the design of all the necessary components of decision support interventions. It was also clear that most work in theory‐building has focused on explaining or describinghow humans thinkrather than on how tools could be designed tohelp humans makegood decisions. It is not surprising therefore that a large theory–practice gap exists as we consider decision support for patients. There was no relevant theory that integrated all the necessary contributions to the task of making good decisions in collaborative interactions.

Discussion Initiatives such as the International Patient Decision Aids Standards Collaboration influence standards for the design of decision support interventions. However, this analysis points to the need to undertake more work in providing theoretical foundations for these interventions.
Hepatic porphyrin concentration and uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase activity in hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Brudieux E. , De Lédinghen V. , Moran M.‐J. , Fontanellas A. , Oui B. , Trimoulet P. , Belleannée G. , Piton A. , Raymond J.‐M. , Doutre M.‐S. , Amouretti M. , De Verneuil H. , Couzigou P.
Published: August 2010

Previous studies have shown a high prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in patients with porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT). The aim of this study was to assess hepatic porphyrin concentrations (HPC) and hepatic uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase (UROD) activity in HCV‐infected patients free of PCT. Thirty‐two HCV‐infected patients (20 M, 12 F, mean age 51 years) and seven control patients (4 M, 3 F, mean age 59 years) free of liver disease, were studied. Knodell’s score was determined on liver biopsy by two independent anatomopathologists. Measurement of HPC and hepatic UROD activity levels were carried out on liver biopsy. Relative to controls, HCV‐infected patients had high HPC levels (mean ± SD: 47 ± 20 vs. 17 ± 6 pmol/mg protein, P < 0.001) and low hepatic UROD activity levels (514 ± 95 vs. 619 ± 125 pmol Copro/h/mg protein, P < 0.05). HPC was not correlated with hepatic UROD activity and the increase was due to coproporphyrin accumulation. No correlation was observed between HPC or hepatic UROD activity values and HCV‐RNA concentrations, Knodell’s score, hepatic fibrosis, periportal necrosis, periportal inflammation or hepatic iron content in HCV‐infected patients. Hepatocellular necrosis was significantly correlated with HPC value (P < 0.005). Hence, in HCV‐infected patients, HPC is significantly increased and hepatic UROD activity is very slightly decreased as compared to controls. HPC values and UROD activity are not correlated with HCV‐RNA concentrations, hepatic iron content and hepatic fibrosis. The small increase in HPC values in hepatitis C infection is linked with hepatic injury and not with a direct effect on hepatic UROD enzyme.
Interferon therapy in haemodialysis patients with acute hepatitis C virus infection and factors that predict response to treatment
Authors: Gürsoy Murat , Gür G. , Arslan H. , Özdemir N. , Boyacıogˇlu S.
Published: August 2010

In view of the high rate of chronicity of acute hepatitis C and the low efficacy of interferon (IFN) treatment in advanced liver disease, it may be beneficial to treat patients during the acute phase of the infection. Here we assessed the effects of variable‐dose IFNα‐2b treatment in haemodialysis patients with acute hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, and identified factors that may predict response to this therapy. The study population included 67 patients, but 14 were excluded due to side‐effects or because they were lost to follow‐up. Seventeen patients who received no specific treatment were used as controls (Group 1). Sixteen and 20 patients received low‐(3 MU) and high‐dose (6–10 MU) IFNα‐2b three times weekly for 3 months (Groups 2 and 3, respectively). Virological end‐of‐treatment response (ETR) was observed in 1 (5.6%), 13 (56.5%), and 17 (65.4%) patients in Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively, and virological sustained response (SR) was observed in 1 (5.6%), 6 (26.1%), and 13 (50%) patients in the three groups. The rates of virological ETR and SR in the treated groups were significantly higher than those of the control group (P < 0.01 for all comparisons). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, single stranded confirmational polymorphysm (SSCP) band number (P=0.02) was the only factor that was significantly associated with virological SR. In conclusion, IFN‐α treatment initiated during the acute phase of HCV infection is associated with a higher rate of virological ETR and SR. This study suggested that quasispecies heterogeneity has predictive value with regard to virological SR.
Clinical significance of elevated alpha‐fetoprotein in Alaskan Native patients with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Bruce M. G. , Bruden D. , McMahon B. J. , Christensen C. , Homan C. , Sullivan D. , Deubner H. , Williams J. , Livingston S. E. , Gretch D.
Published: August 2010

Summary.  The clinical significance of elevated serum alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is not well defined. We analysed data from a population‐based cohort of patients with HCV infection to assess the prevalence of elevated serum AFP, to determine its association with clinical and virologic parameters and with clinical outcomes. We defined a slightly elevated serum AFP level as 8 to <15 and a high‐AFP level as ≥15 μg/L. Among 541 HCV‐RNA‐positive persons, 61 (11%) had a slightly elevated or high AFP at the time of consent. AFP ≥8 μg/L was associated with the older age, aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase ratio >1, and higher alkaline phosphatase levels, but not with heavy alcohol use, IV drug use, genotype, viral load or duration of HCV infection. Among 192 persons with an AFP at liver biopsy, 17% had an AFP ≥8 μg/L. The sensitivity/specificity of an AFP level ≥8 in detecting Ishak 3–6 fibrosis was 39%/95%. Among 372 persons with a minimum of four AFP measurements over 6 years, 5% had persistently elevated AFP >8 μg/L, 19% had both elevated and normal AFP measurements, and 76% had persistently normal AFP. Elevated AFP at consent was associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and end‐stage liver disease. Over 6 years of follow‐up, persistently elevated AFP was associated with the development of HCC; no person with AFP persistently <8 μg/mL developed HCC. Serial AFP measurements appear to be useful in identifying persons with advanced fibrosis and help to determine who needs periodic screening with liver ultrasound to detect HCC.
Impaired TRAIL‐dependent cytotoxicity of CD1c‐positive dendritic cells in chronic hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Ciesek S. , Liermann H. , Hadem J. , Greten T. , Tillmann H. L. , Cornberg M. , Aslan N. , Manns M. P. , Wedemeyer H.
Published: August 2010

Summary.  Dendritic cells (DCs) play a central role in antiviral immunity. Conflicting data on DC function have been reported for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. In addition to antigen presentation and cytokine secretion, a subset of human DCs displays direct cytotoxic activity. It has been suggested that measles virus and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) may enhance cytotoxicity of DCs potentially leading to apoptosis of activated T cells and subsequent down‐regulation of antiviral immune responses. We demonstrate that CD1c‐positive myeloid DCs, but not BDCA‐4‐positive plasmacytoid DCs, are able to kill different target cells mainly via tumour necrosis factor‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand. The ability of CD1c+ DCs to lyze target cells was found to be completely impaired in patients with chronic hepatitis C (10 chronic HCV patients vs 10 healthy controls; P < 0.001) but not in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis. Successful antiviral therapy of chronic hepatitis C rescued the cytotoxicity of DCs. Myeloid DCs of HCV patients and healthy controls had a similar phenotype and endocytotic activity, however, the frequency of mDCs in the peripheral blood was lower (P = 0.004) and the allostimulatory function was weaker (P < 0.001) in chronic hepatitis C. Thus, in contrast to HIV and measles virus studies on monocyte‐derived DCs, freshly isolated myeloid DCs of patients with hepatitis C do not show an increased but a completely abolished cytotoxic activity. The impaired DC cytotoxicity could represent a novel mechanism for the increased prevalence of autoimmunity in HCV infection.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon residues in the sediments of a dune lake as a result of power boating
Authors: Mosisch Thorsten D. , Arthington Angela H.
Published: August 2010

The potential chemical effects of motorized recreational activities (power boating, water skiing, jet skiing) on Brown Lake, an Australian perched, acid dune lake, were investigated. The objective of this study was to identify and quantify polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon compounds (PAHs) that may have accumulated in the water and/or the organic bottom sediments of the test lake as a result of the operation of powered recreational watercraft, and to evaluate any risk to aquatic biota. To achieve this, a detailed sampling and analysis programme of the lake water and sediments was implemented. Basic water quality, ionic and nutrient data gave no indication of any deterioration in the water quality of the lake, which was attributable to human usage in general or motorized recreational activities in particular. However, analysis of samples taken from the organic bottom sediments of the lake revealed the presence of 10 PAH, including benzo(a)pyrene, chrysene, fluoranthene, phenanthrene and pyrene, which are known to be indicative of fossil fuel combustion processes. Three PAH compounds were found at all survey sites: benzo(a)pyrene (in 46% of samples), fluoranthene (in 53% of samples) and pyrene (in 44% of samples). Results of the analyses were compared with values from published guidelines for residues in freshwaters and sediments, as well as with previous studies dealing with the effects of fossil fuel combustion products on lakes. The highest PAH concentrations in sediments were recorded for benzo(a)pyrene, with three values (830, 955 and 1070 μg kg–1 dryweight) exceeding the upper threshold recommended in the draft Canadian freshwater sediment quality guidelines. Benzo(a)pyrene also exceeded the lower Canadian sediment threshold in 51 (40%) samples. These results indicate a significant level of chemical contamination of Brown Lake as a consequence of four decades of motorized recreational activities and present a significant risk to aquatic biota, particularly benthic and littoral invertebrates associated with the contaminated sediments.
Three methods for determining the area–depth relationship of Lake Poopó, a large shallow lake in Bolivia
Authors: Zolá Ramiro Pillco , Bengtsson Lars
Published: August 2010

Lake Poopó in Bolivia is a large, extremely shallow lake. The lake surface area is ≈3000 km2 at its spill‐over level, although it could dry out at times. The lake water level varies with the regional rains and with the water inflow from the Desaguadero River. This study focuses on using and comparing three different approaches to determine the hypsographic curve for the lake. As the lake is extremely shallow, depth measurements must be conducted from a slowly moving boat using a rod. The accuracy using echo‐sounding of the lake is poor. The second approach, which can be applied because the lake water level can vary considerably, and because the lake sometimes is almost dry, is to relate the lake surface area determined from satellite images to elevations determined from benchmarks on an island in the lake. The third method is an indirect one, in which the change in lake water volume over the period between two satellite images is determined from water balance computations and subsequently related to changes in the water surface area, as determined from the satellite images. Determination of the shoreline for different water levels in the lake is affected by errors related to the tilting of the water surface, and because wind forces the water to move several hundred metres towards the windward shore of the lake during a measurement survey.
Water quality assessment of a recently refilled reservoir: The case of Bütgenbach Reservoir, Belgium
Authors: Lourantou Anna , Thomé Jean‐Pierre , Goffart Anne
Published: August 2010

Bütgenbach Reservoir is situated in the High Ardennes plateau in eastern Belgium (50°25′N; 6°13′E). It is used principally for flood control and for production of hydroelectric energy. It has been subjected to a previous series of studies because of its eutrophication problems and their impacts on the local economy. Bütgenbach Reservoir was emptied during spring 2004 for dam restoration, being refilled in mid‐September of the same year. Selected physicochemical and biological parameters (temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, inorganic and organic nutrients, chlorophyll‐a) were measured fortnightly during the lake's productive season (mid‐April to mid‐October 2005) at three sampling sites throughout the water column. The water quality conditions after refilling of the lake were compared to previous studies accomplished at the same sampling sites (prior to emptying the lake). The actual trophic status was mesotrophic to eutrophic, based on the combination of total phosphorous and chlorophyll‐a concentrations, as well as water transparency. Bütgenbach Reservoir generally exhibits good water quality, based on the French water quality system SEQ‐eau. A longitudinal decrease in water quality was observed from upstream to downstream, because mainly of the differences in lake bottom morphology and water residence time, and their impacts on nutrient distribution in the lake.
Waterbirds and nutrient enrichment in Mar Menor Lagoon, a shallow coastal lake in southeast Spain
Authors: Robledano Aymerich Francisco , Pagán Abellán Iluminada , Calvo Sendín José Francisco
Published: August 2010

The Mar Menor, a 135‐km2 saline lake, is the largest water surface on the western Mediterranean coast, and an internationally important bird area. It is surrounded by a large irrigated agricultural plain, with dense tourism developments. Although the impacts of these activities on water quality are locally evident, their effects on waterbird populations are poorly known. In the winter 2004–2005, we studied the distribution of four waterbird species (Podiceps cristatus, Podiceps nigricollis, Phalacrocorax carbo and Fulica atra) around the main drainage channel that discharges into the lake, where it was feasible to infer spatial patterns of eutrophication (alongshore and shore centre) from previous environmental surveys. Waterbirds were counted along a stretch of undeveloped shoreline extending southwards from the channel outlet, in contiguous sections, and in bands parallel to the shoreline. Linear mixed models (LMM) indicated the population density increased only markedly for grebes (Podiceps cristatus, Podiceps nigricollis) and coot (Fulica atra) in littoral bands qualifying as eutrophic, but not an alongshore response, with their finescale alongshore distribution being apparently unrelated to nutrient sources. Considering the whole lake, however, the temporal trends and distribution of the wintering populations indicated that waterbirds respond numerically, in a guild‐specific way, to nutrient inputs. Grebes and coot could be a useful ‘two‐stage’ warning signal for potential problem areas affected by similar influences.
Use of a fishery model (FAST) to explain declines in the stocked barramundi (Lates calcarifer) (Bloch) fishery in Lake Tinaroo, Australia
Authors: McDougall Andrew J. , Pearce Malcolm G. , MacKinnon Mal
Published: August 2010

Electrofishing, a fishery‐independent technique, was used to determine the size structure of a stocked impoundment barramundi (Lates calcarifer) fishery in Australia, in order to determine their size and age structure. Along with known recruitment values (stockings), this information was used to back‐calculate the mortality on each successive age class of fish. Using the fisher model, Fishery Analysis Simulation Tool (FAST), it was found that the fishery biomass reached a peak in the 1990s, and has since fallen rapidly because of the lack of successful recruitment until 2003. The fishery sampled in 2002 was dominated by older age fish classes (10+ to 14+ years old), which is opposite to that naturally found in wild fisheries. Although no juvenile L. calcarifer was found in the gut contents, cannibalism is suggested as an overriding cause for recent recruitment failure. Possible future management options for stocking apex piscivorous fish species into closed water systems also are suggested.
The role of the Yala swamp lakes in the conservation of Lake Victoria region haplochromine cichlids: Evidence from genetic and trophic ecology studies
Authors: Abila Romulus , Salzburger Walter , Ndonga Millicent Florence , Owiti Dickson Otieno , Barluenga Marta , Meyer Axel
Published: August 2010

Lake Kanyaboli, an isolated satellite lake of Lake Victoria, has been suggested as a potential refugium for haplochromine cichlids that have gone extinct in the main basin of Lake Victoria. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) molecular markers, as well as feeding ecology studies, were employed in this study to re‐evaluate the evolutionary and ecological significance of six common Lake Kanyaboli haplochromines. The mtDNA marker revealed high genetic variability within four of the six haplochromine cichlids. Five haplotypes were discerned inAstatoreochromis alluaudi(n = 27), seven inLipochromis maxillaris(n = 29), five inAstatotilapia nubila(n = 12) and 11 in the endangeredXystichromis phytophagus(n = 205). A haplotype genealogy suggests that Lake Kanyaboli harbours mtDNA haplotypes that could have been lost or not sampled in Lake Victoria, or could have arisenin situ.Lipochromis maxillarisappears to have undergone a recent demographic expansion. The pairwiseFSTs indicated that only the comparison betweenX. phytophagusandA. nubilaled to a non‐significantFSTvalue. All other comparisons were significant at the 0.01 level, indicating the genetic distinctiveness of the haplochromines in the satellite lake. This could suggest that the lake harbours ‘pure’ relict populations of the haplochromines and therefore that Lake Kanyaboli can be considered a ‘genetic reservoir’. Gut content analysis of the six haplochromine species revealed that eight different food items were consumed. No single species fed exclusively on a single food item, but certain food items contributed higher proportions of the fish diet for each fish species. Resource partitioning therefore could be discerned within this haplochromine community. Thus, Lake Kanyaboli and similar satellite lakes provide an opportunity for conservation of both genetic and trophic diversity threatened by introduction of exotics in the Lake Victoria basin. Lake Kanyaboli should be recognized and conserved as important evolutionary significant units for Lake Victoria region haplochromine species.
Lessons from laparoscopic surgery—a fresh look at post‐operative management after major colorectal procedures
Authors: Lindsey I. , George B. D. , Mortensen N. J. McC.
Published: August 2010

Objective

Laparoscopy holds promise of exciting advances in colorectal surgery, yet the data we require to draw appropriate evidence‐based conclusions on its apparent advantages are sadly lacking. In the meantime, our focus on improved recovery after major colorectal resections has changed the way we manage patients after open surgery.

Methods

A literature review was undertaken to collect published data on laparoscopic colorectal surgery. In addition, data on newer developments in open colorectal surgery were collected.

Results

Although there are many published data in laparoscopic colorectal surgery, very few are randomized and controlled. It is clear that, at least in the short to medium term, oncological outcomes are comparable to open surgery. There are data suggesting advantages, including less immune suppression, faster recovery with earlier feeding, less ileus, shorter length of stay and earlier return to normal activity.

Conclusion

Unfortunately, due to study design the data are largely not comparable with open surgery data, and open surgery itself has changed to some extent recently. We must encourage recruitment of patients into current ongoing randomized controlled trials of laparoscopic and open surgery and await the results.
A prospective study of genito‐urinary dysfunction after surgery for colorectal cancer
Authors: Shah E. F. , Huddy S. P. J.
Published: August 2010

Objective

To establish the incidence of impotence and urinary dysfunction after different forms of pelvic and colorectal surgery.

Patients and methods

Over a period of one year, 78 consecutive patients, mean age 66.8 years (range 43–91 years), underwent surgery for colorectal cancer. Genito‐urinary function was studied by clinical assessment and a postoperative questionnaire.

Results

Pre‐operatively all males except one claimed to be potent. Of the 56 patients who had operations on the sigmoid colon and rectum, 12 (21.4%) developed urinary dysfunction; 6 (5 males, 1 female) had increased frequency while 6 (4 females, 2 males) had stress incontinence. Four (12.9%) of the 31 male patients became impotent. Of the control 22 patients who had had operations on the ascending colon, one female developed stress incontinence and none of the male patients developed impotence.

Conclusion

Although the introduction of autonomic nerve sparing techniques and total mesorectal excision (TME) may have lowered the incidence of genito‐urinary dysfunction after rectal surgery, there remains a degree of morbidity compared to procedures where the rectum is not mobilized.
Diaphus pallidus sp.n., a new lanternfish from the Gulf of Aden (Pisces, Myctophidae)
Authors: GJØSÆTER JAKOB
Published: August 2010

A new myctophid species, Diaphus pallidus sp.n., was captured in the Gulf of Aden. The species can be distinguished from most of its congeners by the high number of dorsal fin rays and low number of gill rakers. It can be distinguished from D. lucidus (Goode & Bean) by the form of the operculum and by the situation of some of the body photophores.
A new test for linkage in affected sib pairs
Authors: Shete Sanjay S. , Amos Christopher I.
Published: August 2010

In affected sib pair linkage methods the mean proportion of marker alleles shared identical by descent (ibd) among affected sib pairs has been shown to be a powerful test for detecting linkage compared with other tests for most situations. However, it is not always possible to estimate identity by descent sharing between sibs unambiguously, even when the parental genotypes are known. Here we define a measure of informativity for scoring ibd sharing based on the parental mating and sib pair genotypes. This measure reflects the precision with which one can obtain the ibd sharing information between sibs based on family data. Then we define a new weighted mean proportion of alleles shared ibd by sib pairs test statistics. In this study we assign precision for estimating the ibd sharing as weights to the proportion of alleles shared ibd by affected sib pairs. However, the simulation results showed that there is no significant gain in power using the weighted mean proportion test. Implications of this observation are discussed.