bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of pulmonary cellular reactions in the resistance of vaccinated mice to Schistosoma mansoni
Authors: CRABTREE JEAN E. , WILSON R.A.
Published: March 2012

Summary A histopathological and ultrastructural study was made of schistosomula and associated inflammatory reactions in the lungs of normal mice, and mice previously vaccinated with irradiated cercariae. In normal mice at day 7 postinfection all schistosomula were located in blood vessels. From day 11 onwards an increasing proportion of schistosomula were intra‐alveolar (80% from day 20). No cellular reactions were evident around intravascular parasites in normal mice but at later sampling times large compact foci were associated with alveolar parasites. Initial reactions, probably in response to non‐specific tissue damage, were approximately 50% polymorphonuclear, and 50% mononuclear. Mononuclear cells predominated at later times. In spite of inflammation, no damage to the schistosomula was observed. There was no evidence for re‐entry of schistosomula into blood vessels, and it was assumed entry into alveoli occurred accidentally as parasites attempted to traverse pulmonary blood vessels. The pattern of localization of schistosomula in vaccinated mice was similar to that in normal mice, the proportion in alveoli increasing with time (64% from day 20). The most significant difference was that intravascular schistosomula attracted foci of host leucocytes which were always 85% or more mononuclear, containing both lymphocytes and macrophages. The infiltrating cells enlarged the intersititium, separating the vascular endothelium from the alveolar epithelium. Fibrous protein was also deposited in the interstitial region. In some instances the complete blood‐air barrier was destroyed by the infiltrates. Unusual paracrystalline inclusions were observed in alveolar macrophages and giant cells. The differences in cellular responses in vaccinated and normal mice suggest that challenge schistosomula stimulated an anamnestic immune response. The resulting inflammation, by impeding movement through the vasculature, terminated migration in the lungs, and accounted for the observed resistance to reinfection. The reactions in vaccinated mice have many of the features of a delayed hypersensitivity response implying that lung phase resistance in vaccinated mice may be T‐cell rather than antibody‐mediated.
Temporal profiling of the heat‐stable proteome during late maturation of Medicago truncatula seeds identifies a restricted subset of late embryogenesis abundant proteins associated with longevity
Authors: CHATELAIN EMILIE , HUNDERTMARK MICHAELA , LEPRINCE OLIVIER , GALL SOPHIE LE , SATOUR PASCALE , DELIGNY‐PENNINCK STÉPHANIE , ROGNIAUX HÉLÈNE , BUITINK JULIA
Published: March 2012

Developing seeds accumulate late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) proteins, a family of intrinsically disordered and hydrophilic proteins that confer cellular protection upon stress. Many different LEA proteins exist in seeds, but their relative contribution to seed desiccation tolerance or longevity (duration of survival) is not yet investigated. To address this, a reference map of LEA proteins was established by proteomics on a hydrophilic protein fraction from mature Medicago truncatula seeds and identified 35 polypeptides encoded by 16 LEA genes. Spatial and temporal expression profiles of the LEA polypeptides were obtained during the long maturation phase during which desiccation tolerance and longevity are sequentially acquired until pod abscission and final maturation drying occurs. Five LEA polypeptides, representing 6% of the total LEA intensity, accumulated upon acquisition of desiccation tolerance. The gradual 30‐fold increase in longevity correlated with the accumulation of four LEA polypeptides, representing 35% of LEA in mature seeds, and with two chaperone‐related polypeptides. The majority of LEA polypeptides increased around pod abscission during final maturation drying. The differential accumulation profiles of the LEA polypeptides suggest different roles in seed physiology, with a small subset of LEA and other proteins with chaperone‐like functions correlating with desiccation tolerance and longevity.
Quantifying succulence: a rapid, physiologically meaningful metric of plant water storage
Authors: OGBURN R. MATTHEW , EDWARDS ERIKA J.
Published: March 2012

Quantification of succulence should ideally convey information about physiological function and yet also be straightforward to measure. While important aspects of succulence and its physiological consequences may be quantified using parameters derived from pressure–volume (P‐V) curves, this technique applied to succulent tissues is difficult, time consuming and generally not suitable for large comparative datasets. We performed P‐V curves on leaves of 25 taxa from across Caryophyllales and compared the results with direct measures of saturated water content (SWCmeas), the ratio of water mass at full saturation to tissue dry mass, for the same taxa. SWCmeas was significantly related to relative capacitance, the most physiologically relevant parameter describing tissue succulence. We developed a linear model describing SWCmeas as a function of relative capacitance and leaf volume, which is also supported when accounting for the phylogenetic relationships among taxa. These results indicate that SWCmeas is a suitable proxy for tissue succulence, and that both cellular properties and variation in gross morphology contribute towards a plant's relative water storage capacity. Quantifying SWCmeas across many taxa showing variation in tissue succulence will provide a new avenue for exploring the evolutionary dynamics of this important ecological adaptation.
Factors associated with the incidence of Aspergillus section Flavi and aflatoxin contamination of peanuts in the Busia and Homa bay districts of western Kenya
Authors: Mutegi C. K. , Ngugi H. K. , Hendriks S. L. , Jones R. B.
Published: March 2012

The aim of this study was to identify agronomic, ecological and sociocultural factors that could be modified to reduce the risk of aflatoxin contamination of peanuts from western Kenya. Presence of fungi within section Flavi of the genus Aspergillus and levels of total aflatoxin were determined for 436 peanut samples from the Busia and Homa bay districts. A total of 1458 cultures of Aspergillus flavus or A. parasiticus isolated from the samples were assayed for production of aflatoxin B1, B2, G1 and G2. Associations among the incidences of fungal species, incidences of samples with ≥10 μg kg−1 aflatoxin, production of specific aflatoxin types and various agronomic, ecological and sociocultural factors were modelled with chi‐squared and logistic regression methods. The predominant species were A. flavus L‐strain (78% incidence), A. flavus S‐strain (68%) and A. niger (65%). Occurrence of A. caelatus, A. alliaceus and A. tamarii in Kenya was also documented. Samples from the Busia district were three times (odds ratio = 3·01) as likely to contain ≥10 μg kg−1 of total aflatoxin as were samples from the Homa bay district, while samples containing A. flavus S‐strain were 96% more likely to exceed this threshold compared with samples from which this fungus was not isolated. Grading, planting improved cultivars and membership of a producer marketing group were negatively associated with the incidence of A. flavus, while crop rotation was negatively correlated with the incidence of B aflatoxins. These sociocultural factors can be modified to reduce the risk of peanut contamination with aflatoxin.
A short‐length single chimeric transgene induces simultaneous silencing of Agrobacterium tumefaciens oncogenes and resistance to crown gall
Authors: Alburquerque N. , Petri C. , Faize L. , Burgos L.
Published: March 2012

Transformation with self‐complementary oncogene sequences was used to silence the Agrobacterium tumefaciens oncogenes ipt and iaaM. The silencing response was triggered by using a very short chimeric sequence where conserved fragments from both oncogenes were fused in one unique transgene. Most T0 transgenic tobacco lines and T1 seedlings evaluated in vitro had intermediate or very low susceptibility to A. tumefaciens as compared with the wildtype plants. A greenhouse evaluation of whole plants confirmed the lines that were resistant. Low levels of transgene hairpin RNA (hpRNA) coupled with small interfering RNA (siRNA) accumulation correlated with oncogene silencing and, therefore, resistance to crown gall. After infection with the oncogenic strain, much lower levels of the oncogenes’ mRNA were found in resistant lines than in wildtype plants. The frequency of resistant lines, with few or no symptoms, produced with the chimeric construct was similar to the highest reported efficiencies obtained by using sense and antisense whole oncogene sequences.
Evaluation of simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers from Solanum crop species for Solanum elaeagnifolium
Authors: ZHU X C , WU H W , RAMAN H , LEMERLE D , STANTON R , BURROWS G E
Published: March 2012

Zhu XC, Wu HW, Raman H, Lemerle D, Stanton R & Burrows GE (2012). Evaluation of simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers from Solanum crop species for Solanum elaeagnifolium. Weed Research52, 217–223.

Molecular markers specific for Solanum elaeagnifolium (silverleaf nightshade) are currently not available. A total of 35 simple sequence repeat (SSR) primer pairs from potato (Solanum tuberosum), tomato (S. lycopersicum) and eggplant (S. melongena) were tested for cross‐species transferability in S. elaeagnifolium. Among them, 13 primer pairs successfully produced alleles (bands). The polymorphism information content ranged from 0 to 0.84. The transferable rate of SSR from potato, tomato and eggplant to S. elaeagnifolium was 20%, 40% and 46% respectively. SSR analysis revealed high level of genetic diversity among 40 individuals collected within a paddock. Highly polymorphic and transferable cross‐species SSR markers would be useful for determining the extent of genetic diversity in S. elaeagnifolium populations.
A cross‐sectional assessment of health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) among hypertensive patients in Pakistan
Authors: Saleem Fahad , Hassali Mohamed Azmi , Shafie Asrul Akmal
Published: March 2012

Objective  To describe the health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) profile of hypertensive population in Pakistan.

Methods  A cross‐sectional descriptive study was undertaken with a cohort of 385 hypertensive patients attending two public hospitals in Quetta city, Pakistan. The EuroQoL EQ‐5D scale was used for the assessment of HRQoL. EQ‐5D is a standardized instrument for use as a measure of health outcome and is used in the clinical and economic evaluation of health care as well as population health surveys. The HRQoL was scored using values derived from the UK general population survey. P ≤ 0.05 was taken as significant.

Results  Two hundred and sixty‐five (68.85%) respondents were men with 3.01 ± 0.939 years of history of hypertension. Majority (n = 186, 48.3%) were categorized in age group of 28–37 years with mean age of 39.02 ± 6.596. Education, income and locality had significant relation with HRQoL score. HRQoL was measured poor in our study patients (0.4674 ± 0.2844).

Conclusion  Hypertension has an adverse effect on patients’ well‐being and HRQoL. Results from this study could be useful in clinical practice, particularly in early treatment of hypertension, at point where improving HRQoL is still possible.
Behaviour and survival of Phytophthora cambivora inoculum in soil‐like substrate under different water regimes
Authors: Vannini A. , Breccia M. , Bruni N. , Tomassini A. , Vettraino A.M.
Published: March 2012

Phytophthora cambivora is a soil‐borne pathogen responsible for root and collar rot of woody species including Castanea spp., on which it causes Ink disease. P. cambivora does not produce chlamydospores, and the prevalence of a single mating type in nature limits the production of oogonia and oospores. Thus, survival of P. cambivora, in the absence of suitable hosts, relies mainly on sporangia, zoospores and mycelium. However, inoculum survival in soils or substrates represents a major factor in disease epidemics and is probably dependant on environmental factors. The aim of this article was to study the behaviour of P. cambivora in a peat‐based substrate (PbS) in the absence of a host, under controlled conditions, and by varying the substrate water regimes. Total inoculum in the substrate was quantified by qPCR, using customized rDNA primer sets, whilst zoospores were quantified after elution, and their vitality was determined by a specific staining procedure. Inoculum infectivity was assessed using chestnut root baits. Results indicated that during the initial 48 h after infestation (matric potential, pF 1.2; 70% water content), the inoculum level increased producing microsporangia and mycelium before decreasing, regardless of the water regime applied. The number of free zoospores increased over a period of (maximum) 7 days after substrate inoculation. Vitality of zoospores declined to 45% at day 18, with no statistical differences amongst water regime treatments. Both rDNA and zoospore number increased in flooded samples at day 23, illustrating the vitality of the inoculum. Inoculum was able to infect chestnut root baits up to 45 days at pF 1.2 and 3.5, before and after flooding, but at pF 6.3, only in the absence of flooding. Although based on experiments carried out in microcosms, these results highlight an unexpected resistance of P. cambivora zoospores to environmental constraints. Furthermore, the infectivity ability of the inoculum to survive in PbS over time even in the absence of the host adds relevance to the risk of movement of soil and substrates associated with plant trading worldwide.
Treatment adherence redefined: a critical analysis of technotherapeutics
Authors: Gagnon Marilou , Jacob Jean Daniel , Guta Adrian
Published: March 2012

GAGNON M, JACOB JD and GUTA A. Nursing Inquiry 2013; 20: 60–70  Treatment adherence redefined: a critical analysis of technotherapeutics

Treatment adherence issues in the context of chronic illnesses have become an important concern worldwide and a top priority in the field of health‐care. The development of devices that will allow healthcare providers to track treatment adherence and monitor physiological parameters with exact precision raises important questions and concerns. The aim of this study is to interrogate the use of these new technological devices which allow for previously unavailable data to be recorded on an ongoing basis and transmitted via a tiny microchip inserted into the body. Drawing on the work of Michel Foucault, we analyze how this anatomo‐political and bio‐political instrument serves to discipline chronically ill individuals and govern the health of entire populations who suffer from chronic conditions. To support our analysis, this article comprises three sections. First, we provide an overview of treatment adherence and technotherapeutics. Then, we explain how technotherapeutics concern the government of bodies and conducts at the individual level and population level more generally. Lastly, we provide an example of how this analysis can be connected to routine nursing practice in the field of HIV.
Outcome of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia diagnosed by polymerase chain reaction in patients without human immunodeficiency virus infection
Authors: HARDAK EMILIA , NEUBERGER AMI , YIGLA MORDECHAI , BERGER GIDON , FINKELSTEIN RENATO , SPRECHER HANNAH , OREN ILANA
Published: March 2012

Background and objective:  Pneumonia caused by Pneumocystis jirovecii (PCP) in patients without human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is associated with high mortality. The diagnosis of PCP at our institution is based on detection of DNA using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical manifestations, outcomes and factors associated with mortality due to PCP, as diagnosed by PCR, in patients without HIV infection.

Methods:  Over a 6‐year period, all HIV‐negative immunocompromised patients suspected of having an opportunistic pulmonary infection underwent diagnostic bronchoscopy. A multigene PCR assay that detects Pneumocystis jirovecii DNA was used for the diagnosis of PCP. Patients were considered to have PCP if they had underlying immunodeficiency, compatible signs and symptoms, abnormal radiological findings, and Pneumocystis jirovecii DNA was detected in a bronchoalveolar lavage fluid sample. Data was collected retrospectively.

Results:  PCP was diagnosed in 58 patients. The underlying conditions included haematological malignancies (60.3%), solid tumours (17.2%) and immunosuppressive treatment (22.4%). The most common clinical features in patients with PCP were fever (94.6%), dyspnoea (67.2%) and cough (36.2%). The overall in‐hospital mortality was 17.2% (10/58). Mortality was associated with co‐infections, high lactate dehydrogenase levels, female gender, and higher pneumonia severity index and acute physiology and chronic health evaluation III scores.

Conclusions:  In this study, the mortality of HIV‐negative patients with PCP was low compared with previous reports. We hypothesize that this finding resulted from the increased sensitivity of a PCR‐based assay, as compared with traditional methods, for the diagnosis of PCP in HIV‐negative patients.
Patterns of defoliation and their effect on the plant growth and photosynthetic characteristics of Ipomoea cairica
Authors: LI WEIHUA , LUO JIANNING , TIAN XINGSHAN , PENG CHANGLIAN , ZHOU XIANYE
Published: March 2012

In order to determine the susceptibility of Ipomoea cairica to herbivory, the compensatory growth and photosynthetic characteristics of I. cairica plants were measured after simulated herbivory by leaf trimming in three patterns: leaf‐apex removal, leaf‐edge removal, and perforation. The leaf‐edge removal resulted in a significantly reduced total biomass and root biomass of the plants, but the leaf‐apex removal and perforation had no significant influence on the plant growth. The defoliation patterns had significant effects on the photosynthesis of I. cairica. The net photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance of the plants whose leaf edges had been removed were the highest among the three defoliation patterns and the fraction of absorbed light that is used in Photosystem II photochemistry increased greatly, while the fraction of light energy that is dissipated thermally decreased. The increased photosynthetic rate as a result of the leaf‐edge removal treatment could be attributed to a decrease in stomatal limitation and an increase in the Rubisco content, as well as higher photosynthetic efficiency and less light energy being dissipated as heat. Increased photosynthesis in the plants whose leaf edges had been removed changed the carbon allocation and resulted in less root development. As the expansion of I. cairica primarily depends on clonal growth, smaller roots could limit its uptake of nutrients from the soil. These direct and indirect effects indicate that leaf‐edge‐feeding herbivores could have potential in the biological control of I. cairica.
Retracted: Development, validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Hung Postpartum Stress Scale
Authors: Uğurlu Nezihe , Bayar Banu , Bayar Kılıçhan , Göktaş Atilla , Karakaya İlkim Çıtak , Polat Hatice
Published: March 2012

Retraction: The following article from Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research, “Development, validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Hung Postpartum Stress Scale” by Nezihe Uğurlu, Banu Bayar, Kılıçhan Bayar, Atilla Göktaş, İlkim Çıtak Karakaya and Hatice Polat, published online on 2 March 2012 in Wiley Online Library (http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com), and in Volume 38, Issue 4, 705–713 pp, has been retracted by agreement between the journal Editor in Chief, Shiro Kozuma, and Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd. The retraction has been agreed to due to the manuscript having been submitted without the express agreement of all co‐authors in contravention to journal submission rules.
Fulminant hepatitis A infection in second trimester of pregnancy requiring living‐donor liver transplantation
Authors: Simsek Yavuz , Isik Burak , Karaer Abdullah , Celik Onder , Kutlu Ramazan , Aydin Nasuhi Engin , Yilmaz Sezai
Published: March 2012

We present an 18‐year‐old pregnant woman who was referred to our emergency clinic as a case of acute hepatic failure and hepatic encephalopathy. Laboratory tests showed abnormal liver function tests and serological workup was consistent with acute hepatitis A infection. Ultrasonography revealed a single live fetus with fetal biometry compatible with 18 gestational weeks. The patient underwent a highly urgent liver transplantation using a right lobe graft from her husband. Histological examination of the explanted liver showed acute, lymphocyte‐rich, diffuse necrotizing hepatitis, consistent with acute necrotizing hepatitis A. After the operation her allograft function gradually recovered. Her follow‐up obstetrics ultrasound revealed a male fetus with severely decreased amniotic fluid. The patient was informed about the poor prognosis of her pregnancy and the pregnancy was terminated by vaginal misoprostol induction. She has maintained a good general condition and liver function for 4 months postoperatively, up to the present time.
Case report and review of delayed‐interval delivery for dichorionic, diamniotic twins with normal development
Authors: Kaneko Masatoki , Kawagoe Yasuyuki , Oonishi Junji , Yamada Naoshi , Sameshima Hiroshi , Ikenoue Tsuyomu
Published: March 2012

We report a case of delayed‐interval delivery of a dichorionic, diamniotic twin pregnancy with the survival of both twins. The patient presented at 22 weeks and 1 day of gestation with vaginal bleeding and preterm labor. Five days later, the first twin was born. The second twin remained in utero. The management consisted of careful monitoring of both maternal and fetal status. Nine days later, the second twin was delivered vaginally. Both twins received full resuscitation and immediate life‐support intervention; at 7 years of age both twins exhibited normal development.
Comparison of efficacy of modified electric vacuum aspiration with sharp curettage for the treatment of incomplete abortion: Randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kittiwatanakul Wichai , Weerakiet Sawaek
Published: March 2012

Aim:  The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of modified electric vacuum aspiration (mEVA) and sharp curettage (SC) for treatment of incomplete abortion.

Material and Methods:  A randomized controlled trial was conducted between 1 March 2005 and 15 December 2009. Ninety‐four women with incomplete abortion were randomly allocated into two groups, group A (n = 47) underwent mEVA and group B (n = 47) underwent SC. The procedures were performed using the paracervical block with 20 mL of lidocaine. Successful management and complication were assessed. Successful management was defined as complete uterine evacuation with no need for the second surgical procedure.

Results:  There were differences in women characteristics between groups. The successful rate of management was 100% for both groups. However, the operative time and estimated blood loss were less in the mEVA group than in the SC group. Severe pain was significantly less prevalent in group A than group B. Suspected endometritis was found in two (4.3%) patients in each group.

Conclusions:  The efficacy of mEVA was the same as that of SC in successful management of incomplete abortion, but pain was experienced more often in the SC group.
Primary adenomyoma of the fallopian tube mimicking tubal malignant tumor
Authors: Etoh Tomomaro , Watanabe Yoh , Imaoka Izumi , Murakami Takamichi , Hoshiai Hiroshi
Published: March 2012

We report a rare case of adenomyoma localized only in the left fallopian tube mimicking tubal malignant tumor. A 45‐year‐old woman presented with mild pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea and left adnexal mass. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a solid tumor, suspected primary cancer of the fallopian tube, and serum carbohydrate antigen 125 was elevated to 72 U/mL (normal; 0–35). At surgery, the tumor was revealed as a left fallopian tube tumor without torsion. Postoperative histopathology showed that the tumor included bundle‐like growing non‐atypical leiomyoma cells and ectopic normal endometrium accompanied with endometrial stroma and we diagnosed primary adenomyoma of the left fallopian tube. Adenomyoma localized only in the fallopian tube is a rare entity and it can occur only in the fallopian tube.
Follow‐up of women with gestational diabetes in the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS): A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Ramezani Tehrani Fahimeh , Hashemi Somayeh , Hasheminia Mitra , Azizi Freidoon
Published: March 2012

Aim:  Women with gestational diabetes (GDM) are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), but there is disagreement regarding this conversion rate or its cardiovascular consequences. We investigated the metabolic and cardiovascular consequences of women with GDM in a population‐based cohort study.

Material and Methods:  Three groups of women were selected from the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS) and followed up for an average 9 years: women with prior history of GDM (n = 29); women with history of macrosomia or stillbirth without GDM (MC‐ST) (n = 570), and age‐ and BMI‐matched controls (n = 628). The incidence of T2DM, hypertension (HTN) and dyslipidemia were compared between these groups. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results:  During the 9‐year follow‐up, T2DM was diagnosed in 27.3% of women with GDM in comparison to 9.5% among the control group (P < 0/001); 7.4% of the MC‐ST group versus 8.9% of control group developed T2DM during the study follow‐up (P = 0/03). There was no significant difference in the incidence of HTN or dyslipidemia between these groups (P > 0/05).

Conclusion:  Women with a history of GDM are at higher risk for developing T2DM later in life. The timely recognition of GDM may provide a ‘teachable moment’ during which women could be motivated to implement lifestyle modifications to reduce their T2DM risk.
Abdominal radical trachelectomy for treatment of deep infiltrating endometriosis of the cervix
Authors: Rodolakis Alexandros , Akrivos Nikolaos , Haidopoulos Dimitrios , Kyritsis Nikolaos , Sotiropoulou Maria , Thomakos Nikolaos , Biliatis Ioannis , Simou Maria , Antsaklis Aris
Published: March 2012

Surgical management of deep infiltrating endometriosis can be very challenging even for experienced gynecologists. Radical procedures like bowel resection and nephrectomy have been reported for treatment of the disease. Our aim is to report abdominal radical trachelectomy for treatment of deep infiltrating endometriosis of the cervix causing obstructive uropathy and diminished kidney function. We present a 38‐year‐old woman who was treated in our department for cervical endometriosis involving the vagina and left parametrium. Abdominal radical trachelectomy, insertion of a pig‐tail catheter in the left ureter and end‐to‐end anastomosis of the uterus with the vagina was performed to remove the endometriotic lesion. Cooperation between gynecologists, urologists and nephrologists enabled fertility preservation as well as improvement of renal function. Deep infiltrating endometriosis is a complex disease that requires a multidisciplinary approach. Abdominal radical trachelectomy for cervical lesions seems feasible in this setting and helps preserve fertility.
Different median levels of serum triple markers in the second trimester of pregnancy in a Thai Ethnic Group
Authors: Wanapirak Chanane , Sirichotiyakul Supatra , Luewan Suchaya , Yanase Yuri , Traisrisilp Kuntharee , Tongsong Theera
Published: March 2012

Aim:  The aim of the present study was to establish Thai‐specific reference ranges of triple markers for fetal Down syndrome as a function of gestational age as well as weight correction models and to compare the false positive rates when using Thai‐specific model relative to Caucasian‐specific model.

Material and Methods:  A total of 993 normal Thai pregnant women were determined for mid‐trimester serum levels of alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP), free‐beta human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), and unconjugated estriol (uE3), using DefiaXpress system (Perkin Elmer, Waltham, MA, USA).

Results:  The models of Thai‐specific medians for AFP, b‐hCG, and uE3, as well as the models for weight correction were derived and the normal reference ranges were constructed. The best fitted equation for AFP, b‐hCG and uE3 are as follows: predicted median = 2.675 × 10(0.153 × GA in week), r = 0.979; 10(−0.717 + 57.487/GA in week), r = 0.991; and 10(5.678–69.346/GAinweek), r = 0.997, respectively. The models were properly applied to another group of 302 Thai women, signifying that they were reliable models. The weight‐adjusted gestation‐specific medians derived from Caucasian models were significantly higher than those based on Thai models and the false positive rate could be reduced from 10 to 7.1% when Thai models were applied.

Conclusion:  Thai reference ranges of triple screen markers as a function of gestational age as well as weight correction models have been established. The Caucasian reference range, even after weight correction, gives a positive rate that is much higher than that it should be, strongly suggesting the need for ethnicity‐specific medians.
Prenatal diagnosis of a 22q11 deletion in a second‐trimester fetus with conotruncal anomaly, absent thymus and meningomyelocele: Kousseff syndrome
Authors: Canda Mehmet Tunc , Demir Namik , Bal Filiz Uyar , Doganay Latife , Sezer Orcun
Published: March 2012

A 30‐year‐old nulliparous woman was seen for a detailed ultrasound scan at 20 weeks of gestation. The scan revealed a male fetus with truncus arteriosus, membranous ventricular septal defect, absent thymus and sacral meningomyelocele. A 46,XY karyotype with a 22q11 deletion was detected. The parents chose to terminate the pregnancy. The pathological autopsy showed normal facial structures, minimal ventricular dilatation in the brain and a sacral meningomyelocele. Overlapping toes and a left claw‐hand were also noted. An aplastic thymus with absent parathyroid glands was detected. The cardiac examination was consistent with the ultrasound diagnosis. The parental karyotypes were both normal. Kousseff syndrome is caused by a chromosome 22q11 deletion. It includes sacral meningomyelocele and conotruncal heart defects, unlike DiGeorge syndrome. Obstetricians should consider this a not so rare entity when they detect conotruncal abnormalities and a meningomyelocele as part of a 22q11.2 deletion syndrome.
Effect of lipopolysaccharide on the production of prostaglandin E2 and inhibition of uterine contractions by nitric oxide in pregnant inducible nitric oxide synthase knockout mice
Authors: Takahashi Hidenori , Okawa Toshiaki , Asano Kimisato , Fujimori Keiya
Published: March 2012

Aim:  The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on the production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and inhibition by nitric oxide (NO) of spontaneous contractions of uterine rings from pregnant inducible isoform of nitric oxide synthase knockout (iNOS KO) mice.

Material and Methods:  iNOS KO and wild‐type mice were sacrificed 6 h after intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of LPS on day 14 of gestation. Uterine rings were equilibrated in Krebs‐Henseleit solution for isometric tension recording. In part of the uterine rings, placental tissues were left attached. The bathing solution was analyzed for PGE2 by radioimmunoassay. Changes in spontaneous contractions in response to cumulative concentrations of L‐arginine, diethylamine/nitric oxide (DEA/NO), and 8‐bromo‐cyclic guanosine monophosphate (8‐br‐cGMP) were determined.

Results:  Treatment with LPS increased PGE2 production by uterine rings from wild‐type and iNOS‐KO mice. DEA/NO and 8‐br‐cGMP inhibited spontaneous contractions in uterine rings in the absence or presence of placenta, in both LPS‐treated and LPS‐untreated animals. LPS treatment attenuated maximal inhibition induced by the agents, both in the absence and presence of placental tissues in iNOS KO and wild‐type mice.

Conclusion:  LPS induces PG production in mice myometrium that is not dependent on the integrity of iNOS, while LPS could induce pathophysiological iNOS obstruct uterine quiescence by physiological iNOS. Infection affects uterine contractile activity through PG production, as well as through placental and genetic factors. NO may be a double‐edged sword in pregnant mice myometrium.
Calciuria and preeclampsia: A case–control study
Authors: Gasnier Rose , Valério Edimarlei G. , Vettorazzi Janete , Barros Elvino G. , Martins‐Costa Sérgio H. , Ramos José Geraldo L.
Published: March 2012

Aim:  Calciuria has been reported to decrease in preeclampsia. We compared calciuria among groups of normal, hypertensive and preeclamptic pregnant women, and assessed its correlation with the severity of the disease.

Material and Methods:  We conducted a case–control study of mild and severe preeclampsia, chronic hypertension, and normal pregnancy, with 14 patients in each group. The groups were analyzed by one‐way anova (variance analysis) for symmetrical distribution and Kruskal–Wallis test for asymmetrical distribution when comparing quantitative variables, and by crossed tables when comparing qualitative variables.

Results:  There were statistically significant differences between the groups when comparing severe preeclampsia with chronic hypertension, and severe preeclampsia with the control group (P < 0.0001). The calciuria medians were 81.5 mg/24 h for severe preeclampsia, 118 mg/24 h for mild preeclampsia, 226 mg/24 h for chronic hypertension, and 272 mg/24 h for the control group. In a ROC (receiver operating characteristic) curve analysis, the best cutoff point for preeclampsia diagnosis was 167 mg/24 h, with a sensitivity of 75% and a specificity of 85%. The outcomes were more severe as the level of calciuria dropped.

Conclusion:  Measurement of calciuria can differentiate between severe preeclampsia and chronic hypertension, and hypocalciuria is also a marker for disease severity.
Stand type is more important than red wood ant abundance for the structure of ground‐dwelling arthropod assemblages in managed boreal forests
Authors: Neuvonen Seppo , Saikkonen Teemu , Sundström Liselotte , Punttila Pekka , Risch Anita C. , Domisch Timo , Niemelä Pekka , Kilpeläinen Jouni , Ohashi Mizue , Finér Leena
Published: March 2012

The relationships between red wood ants (Formica rufagroup) and other ground‐dwelling arthropods were studied in young managed forests stands in Eastern Finland. The main objectives were: (i) to test the influence of stand type (dominant tree species; age: sapling versus pole stage) and numbers of red wood ants on the occurrence of other ground‐dwelling arthropods and (ii) to study the occurrence of red wood ants versus other arthropods on a distance gradient from ant mounds. We used pitfall traps set in 5–14‐year‐old sapling stands and 30–45‐year‐old pole‐stage stands of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestrisL.) and birch (Betulaspp.) forests.

Pitfall trap catches of red wood ants did not vary significantly between the forest stand types, although some groups of other arthropods showed clear responses to stand type (e.g. catches of other Formicinae and Gnaphosidae were higher in sapling stands than in pole‐stage stands). The number of red wood ants clearly explained less of the variation in assemblages of other ground‐dwelling arthropods than the forest stand type.

Red wood ant numbers decreased significantly with distance from the mounds, but the other ground‐dwelling arthropods were insensitive to this gradient or even showed a preference for proximity to ant mounds and high ant activity.

The results obtained in the present study suggest that wood ants do not have strong effects on several other ground‐dwelling arthropod groups in young managed forests other than in the immediate vicinity of their mounds.
The quorum sensing diversity within and between ecotypes of Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Stefanic Polonca , Decorosi Francesca , Viti Carlo , Petito Janine , Cohan Frederick M. , Mandic‐Mulec Ines
Published: March 2012

Ecological sociobiology is an emerging field that aims to frame social evolution in terms of ecological adaptation. Here we explore the ecological context for evolution of quorum sensing diversity in bacteria, where social communication is limited to members of the same quorum sensing type (pherotype). We sampled isolates of Bacillus subtilis from soil on a microgeographical scale and identified three ecologically distinct phylogenetic groups (ecotypes) and three pherotypes. Each pherotype was strongly associated with a different ecotype, suggesting that it is usually not adaptive for one ecotype to ‘listen’ to the signalling of another. Each ecotype, however, contained one or more minority pherotypes shared with the other B. subtilis ecotypes and with more distantly related species taxa. The pherotype diversity within ecotypes is consistent with two models: first, a pherotype cycling model, whereby minority pherotypes enter a population through horizontal genetic transfer and increase in frequency through cheating the social interaction; and second, an occasional advantage model, such that when two ecotypes are each below their quorum densities, they may benefit from listening to one another. This is the first survey of pherotype diversity in relation to ecotypes and it will be interesting to further test the hypotheses raised and supported here, and to explore other bacterial systems for the role of ecological divergence in fostering pherotype diversity.
Serrated polyp detection rate during screening colonoscopy
Authors: Liang J. , Kalady M. F. , Appau K. , Church J.
Published: March 2012

Aim  The adenoma detection rate is an important quality indicator for colonoscopy, but recently, serrated polyps of the large bowel have been recognized as important premalignant lesions. As they are often more difficult to see than adenomas, the detection rate of serrated polyps is set to become a more stringent indicator of quality in colonoscopy than adenoma detection rate. Here we aim to provide preliminary data on serrated polyp detection.

Method  This is a retrospective review of prospectively collected data. Colonoscopies were stratified by one of six colorectal surgeons, each of whom had performed more than 1000 colonoscopies. Exams were separated by indication and the number of patients with at least one adenoma or one serrated polyp recorded. Time of withdrawal in normal examinations was noted.

Results  Eighteen thousand and three colonoscopies were included. Average completion rate was 96.3 ± 1.2%. Mean serrated detection rate for all examinations was 20.6 ± 4.8% and for screening examinations only was 13.9 ± 5.0%. Corresponding means for adenoma detection were 31.5 ± 6.7% and 20.7 ± 4.1%, respectively. Simple regression of overall adenoma detection rate versus overall serrated detection rate was not significant (R = 0.571, P = 0.237), but was significant for screening exams (R = 0.854, P = 0.031). There was a strong relationship between time of withdrawal and serrated detection rate (screening, R = 0.908, P = 0.012; overall, R = 0.956, P = 0.003).

Conclusion  Taking time to withdraw the colonoscope is essential for maximum detection of serrated polyps. The ability to find adenomas does not necessarily correlate with an ability to find serrated polyps.
Increased lymph node harvest in patients operated on for right‐sided colon cancer: a population‐based study
Authors: Bernhoff R. , Holm T. , Sjövall A. , Granath F. , Ekbom A. , Martling A.
Published: March 2012

Aim  In recent decades, the focus has been on the treatment of rectal cancer with improved surgical techniques. This has resulted in improved results for patients with rectal cancer. Recently, the focus has shifted to colon cancer surgery with the introduction of preoperative staging, new surgical techniques, quality control and enhanced recovery programmes. The change in operative techniques has been most pronounced for patients with tumours on the right side of the colon, with more extensive resections and proximal ligations of the vessels. The aim of this study was to assess the number of analysed lymph nodes and the metastatic index (MI) in patients operated on for right‐sided colon cancer in the Stockholm area between 1996 and 2009.

Method  All patients operated on for cancer of the right colon between January 1996 and December 2009 were divided into three groups based on the year in which they were operated (period 1, 1996–1999; period 2, 2000–2004; and period 3, 2005–2009). The number of lymph nodes and lymph node status were analysed.

Results  In total, 3536 patients were operated on for right‐sided colon cancer during the study period. There was a significantly lower proportion of emergency operations in the third time period. The mean number of lymph nodes examined increased significantly during the overall study period (seven in period 1, 11 in period 2 and 18 in period 3; P < 0.001). A significant drop in MI was seen during the third time period (0.25, compared with 0.40 in period 1 and 0.40 in period 2; P < 0.001).

Conclusion  During the study period there was an increase in the number of analysed lymph nodes and a decrease in MI after right‐sided hemicolectomies. Further investigations are needed to evaluate the potential impact on short‐term and long‐term outcome.
Overexpression of Arabidopsis and Rice stress genes’ inducible transcription factor confers drought and salinity tolerance to rice
Authors: Datta Karabi , Baisakh Niranjan , Ganguly Moumita , Krishnan Sellapan , Yamaguchi Shinozaki Kazuko , Datta Swapan K.
Published: March 2012

Rice yield is greatly affected by environmental stresses such as drought and salinity. In response to the challenge of producing rice plants tolerant to these stresses, we introduced cDNA encoding the transcription factors DREB1A and DREB1B under the control of the stress inducible rd29 promoter. Two different indica rice cultivars were used, BR29, an improved commercially cultivated variety from Bangladesh and IR68899B, an IRRI bred maintainer line for hybrid rice. Agrobacterium mediated transformation of BR29 was done independently with DREB1A isolated from rice and Arabidopsis and DREB1B isolated from rice, whereas biolistic transformation was done with rice‐ DREB1B in the case of IR68899B. Initial genetic integration was confirmed by PCR and Southern blot analysis. Salinity tolerance was assayed in very young seedlings. Drought stress tests were found to be more reliable when they were carried out at the pre‐flowering booting stage. RNA gel blot analysis as well as quantitative PCR analysis was performed to estimate the transcription level under stressed and unstressed conditions. Agronomic performance studies were done with stressed and unstressed plants to compare the yield losses due to dehydration and salt loading stresses. Noticeably enhanced tolerance to dehydration was observed in the plants transformed with DREB1A isolated from Arabidopsis while DREB1B was found to be more effective for salt tolerance.
Adrenal insufficiency following bariatric surgery
Authors: Stephens J. W. , Boregowda K. , Barry J. , Price D. E. , Eyre N. , Baxter J. N.
Published: March 2012

A 35‐year‐old woman with morbid obesity and amenorrhoea underwent a bilo‐pancreatic diversion (BPD). Surgery was successful with good weight loss, restoration of menstruation and almost immediately she conceived for the first time. She was commenced on routine vitamin supplements after surgery but failed to attend follow‐up clinic. Five years later, she presented with limb girdle pains, lethargy, night blindness, skin pigmentation, amenorrhoea and dizziness. She had stopped taking supplements prescribed after the surgery. Investigations showed severe vitamin A and D deficiency along with iron and calcium deficiency. Her cholesterol was low at 3.5 mmol L−1. Despite aggressive vitamin replacement, she continued to complain of lethargy and dizziness. Subsequently, three short adrenocorticotropic hormone‐stimulation tests were suboptimal (basal cortisol: 196, 185 and 223 nmol L−1; 30 min cortisol: 421, 453 and 435 nmol L−1). She was subsequently commenced on adrenal replacement and her symptoms resolved and she conceived. We describe for the first time in the literature the unexpected finding of adrenal insufficiency following a BPD.
How Managers Talk about their Consumption of Popular Management Concepts: Identity, Rules and Situations
Authors: Wilhelm Hendrik , Bort Suleika
Published: March 2012

This paper analyses how top managers account for their consumption of popular management concepts. By ‘consumption’ we refer to managers acting as active users of popular management concepts within their organizations. After reviewing the relevant literature, we argue that the logic of appropriateness is a better theoretical perspective to view, understand and analyse managers' accounts of concept consumption than is the logic of consequence. We apply this perspective to extensive interviews we conducted with top managers in Germany. Based on the managers' own accounts of how they understand and apply popular management concepts, we identified four discourse categories: (1) learning from others' experiences, (2) controlling organizational change, (3) gaining external legitimacy and (4) collective sensemaking. We argue that these discourse categories all draw on the social norm of rationality central to managerial identity, while differing in socially defined rules about how rationality is realized in typical management situations. Our findings strongly encourage researchers, when investigating popular management concepts in the future, to take into account the situational nature of rationality that circumstantiates the consumption of concepts.
Constructing Interlocking Rationales in Top‐driven Strategic Renewal
Authors: Canales J. Ignacio
Published: March 2012

Under top‐driven change, active involvement of middle managers in strategy‐making requires top and middle to find common ground. The paper offers inductive theoretical development of top managers’ role as enablers for the strategic contribution of the middle levels. Central to this role is the symbolic reorganization where the middle managers’ position is set. Next, middle managers’ operational efficiency allows their performance to be shown and increases their reputation. In consequence, the middle level can actively shape the role suggested by top management, which increases their power base. Finally, when these previous interactions escalate into a two‐way process where the middle and top management contribute to each other's efforts, interlocking rationales are achieved.
BRINGING OUT THE BEST IN EMPLOYEES
Authors: Birkinshaw Julian , Rollins Vyla , Turconi Stefano
Published: March 2012

Employees who find their work frustrating, boring and worthless have found their hero in Scott Adams' Dilbert, the nine‐to‐five man who lets us know just how bad managers can be at their jobs. Julian Birkinshaw, Vyla Rollins and Stefano Turconi believe that bad bosses can change to become true leaders.
PERFORMING LEADERSHIP
Authors: Kerres Bernhard
Published: March 2012

Can you create a great performance in three days? Orchestra conductors do so time and time again. Bernhard Kerres investigates how they do it and what we can learn from them.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: CODEINES AND CODING
Authors: Powell Adam , Savin Sergei , Savva Nicos
Published: March 2012

Adam Powell, Sergei Savin and Nicos Savva, ‘Physician workload and hospital reimbursement: Overworked servers generate lower income’, Working Paper, August, 2011.
VOICES: CONTROLLED WISDOM
Authors: De Cremer David
Published: March 2012

“Trying to predict the future is like trying to drive down a country road at night with no lights while looking out the back window,” observed Peter Drucker. And yet, we have a strong desire to control the uncontrollable. David De Cremer talks control.