bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pro‐inflammatory bone marrow milieu in patients with chronic idiopathic neutropenia is associated with impaired local production of interleukin‐10
Authors: Koumaki Vasiliki , Damianaki Athina , Ximeri Maria , Pontikoglou Charis , Axioti Fani , Spanoudakis Michael , Eliopoulos George D. , Papadaki Helen A.
Published: October 2006

The levels of interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) were evaluated in long‐term bone marrow (BM) culture supernatants from 54 patients with chronic idiopathic neutropenia (CIN) and 30 healthy volunteers using enzyme‐linked immunoabsorbent assay. Cytokine levels were significantly reduced in patients, compared with controls, and strongly correlated with peripheral blood neutrophil counts. Low levels of supernatant IL‐10 were associated with increased values of supernatant IL‐1β, tumour necrosis factor‐α, IL‐6 and transforming growth factor‐β1. We suggest that the pro‐inflammatory milieu in the BM of CIN patients may be causatively related to the impaired production of IL‐10, a cytokine normally displaying strong anti‐inflammatory properties.
Change and continuity: childbirth and parenting across three generations of women in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Green K. E. , Smith D. E.
Published: October 2006

Background  The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a country that has undergone remarkable physical, economic and social shifts in its short modern history. And while the economic and structural transformations of the society have been well documented and publicized, information about the changes and transformations of family processes is sparse. This study is one of the first steps towards documenting the changes in family processes, namely those related to childbirth and parenting, as described by three generations of Emirati women.

Methods  Family triads of Grandmothers, Mothers and married Daughters (n = 216) were interviewed in local Arabic dialect by Emirati female research assistants. Data were analysed using chi square and Analysis of Variance.

Results  Generational differences were found between the Grandmothers, Mothers and Daughters in: number of births, maternal age at first birth, location and type of birth attendant, medication during labour and birth, father presence at birth, social support following birth, feeding and weaning of infant, and preventive infant health care. Changes were not found in the proximity to the mother of the infant during sleep.

Conclusions  The age of first birth has risen for Emirati women and the birth rate may have dropped. Health care has also significantly improved. These results are discussed in relation to government initiatives and physical and social change within the UAE and the Middle East.
Examining how contexts shape young children’s perspectives of health
Authors: Irwin L. G. , Johnson J. L. , Henderson A. , Dahinten V. S. , Hertzman C.
Published: October 2006

Background We know that the social conditions in which children live exert a strong influence on their health; yet, we do not know how children’s experience of these conditions of daily life shape their perspectives of health.

Methods Through ethnographic research methods, the first author spent 1 year with the 14 6‐year‐old children involved in this research and examined how the contexts of daily life influenced the children’s perspectives of health. The children involved in this study all lived in a neighbourhood characterized as having a complex of mid to high range of neighbourhood factors associated with vulnerability.

Results The findings demonstrate that the children were able to articulate the health requirements of physical activity and healthy eating that supports their health. However, there was a disparity between the children’s health knowledge, their perceptions and their contextual realities in relation to health. Children spoke of concerns for their physical safety within their schools and neighbourhoods; their lack of free range of play, and that they had few opportunities to play with or get to know neighbourhood friends.

Conclusion Professionals in contact with children and families who live in challenging social conditions need to be aware of how these contexts shape children’s understanding of their own health potential.
Listen to me, too! Lessons from involving children with complex healthcare needs in research about multi‐agency services
Authors: Watson D. , Abbott D. , Townsley R.
Published: October 2006

Background  Children with complex healthcare needs are often excluded, both from active involvement in research projects and from direct consultation in services. During a 3‐year research study into multi‐agency services for children with complex healthcare needs, the authors involved children in a number of innovative ways and endeavoured to discover what impact, if any, multi‐agency working made to them.

Methods  The researchers ‘spent time’ with 18 children with complex healthcare needs. They used a variety of methods to engage with the children in a meaningful way. More than half of the children had no verbal communication, so it was necessary in some cases to work with an advocate, usually the parent, to aid the process.

Results  Children with complex healthcare needs can take part in research as long as the research is set up sensitively and flexibly. In terms of the impact of multi‐agency working, the authors concluded significant advances had been achieved for this group: almost all the children were living at home and attending school. However, there were significant gaps in addressing children’s human rights in relation to communication, independence and relationships. In addition, many of the children had very little effective direct consultation with the multi‐agency services.

Conclusions  There are significant advances in involving disabled children in research and in service delivery, but there is still some way to go in involving those with complex healthcare needs. The challenges are considerable, but the benefits far outweigh these, not least being the value that parents, carers and the children themselves place upon being listened to.
Rates and causes of child mortality in an area of high HIV prevalence in rural South Africa
Authors: Garrib Anupam , Jaffar Shabbar , Knight Stephen , Bradshaw Debbie , Bennish Michael L.
Published: October 2006

Objective  To determine child mortality rates in a rural area of South Africa with high HIV prevalence.

Methods  A community‐based survey was conducted between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2002 on deaths in children under the age of 15 years. Children were followed up through four monthly home visits. Cause of death was ascertained by verbal autopsy. Rates were calculated using Poisson regression.

Results  Mortality ratios were 59.6 deaths per 1000 live births for infants and 97.1 for children under 5 years of age. Infant and under‐5 mortality rates were, respectively, 67.5 and 21.1 deaths per 1000 person‐years. HIV/AIDS was attributed to 41% of deaths in the under‐5 age group, with a mortality rate of 8.6 per 1000 person‐years. Lower respiratory infections caused an estimated 24.9 deaths per 1000 person‐years in children under 1 year of age.

Conclusions  In rural South Africa, infant and child mortality levels are high, with HIV/AIDS estimated as the single largest cause of death. Interventions to reduce child mortality are required urgently.
Development of a psychological treatment service for pruritic skin conditions
Authors: Long Dorota , Long Randall A , Grillo Marianne P , Marshman Gillian
Published: October 2006

The role of psychological contributions to common dermatological disease is increasingly recognized. It is often a challenge to find suitable psychological services to complement dermatological treatment. This paper describes the development of a psychological treatment service to reduce scratching behaviour found in common pruritic skin conditions. Our Department of Dermatology together with a consultation–liaison psychiatrist designed a four‐session outpatient treatment programme incorporating psychiatric assessment, psychoeducation about the itch–scratch cycle, behavioural analysis, habit reversal techniques and between‐session tasks for the patient to complete. This programme is actively modified in consultation with patients and their therapists to suit each patient’s individual needs. Formal investigation is required to determine if this psychological treatment adds benefit in overall symptom control beyond dermatological treatment alone.
Chondrocutaneous advancement flap for reconstruction of helical rim defects in dermatologic surgery
Authors: Krunic Aleksandar L , Weitzul Sarah , Taylor R Stan
Published: October 2006

The helical rim is often affected with cutaneous malignancies and requires special attention in the repair, owing to the complex cartilaginous contour, preservation of the aesthetic contour and restoration of its supportive function for eyeglasses and hearing aids. We review the surgical technique of chondrocutaneous advancement flap described by Antia and Buch as one of the most cosmetically appealing and versatile approaches for the repair of small defects of the ear helix.
Cutaneous leishmanisis in South Australia – A case series
Authors: Fuller Karyn
Published: October 2006

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a disease caused by protozoan parasites that are transmitted by the female sandfly. Australia is receiving increasing numbers of immigrants from regions endemic for leishmaniasis, most frequently Afghanistan. As a result a skin disease which was once a rare presentation to Australian Dermatology clinics is being increasingly diagnosed. A case series of nine patients with leishmaniasis diagnosed in South Australia in the last 5 years is presented followed by an overview of the epidemiology, clinical and histopathological features and treatment options of leishmaniasis. The classical clinical appearance of leishmaniasis, is one to two necrotic nodules, 0.5–3 centimetres in diameter on an exposed site. Biopsy is required for definitive diagnosis. A Giemsa stain most effectively demonstrates amastigotes within the cytoplasm of macrophages. Occasionally non‐caseating granulomatous inflammation is evident, without being able to identify organisms. Intralesional sodium stibogluconate was effective in our case series of patients.
Recurrent cutaneous tumour with features of an osteosarcoma: Primary osteosarcoma or cutaneous carcinosarcoma?
Authors: Tran Kayla L. , Karim Rooshdiya Z. , McKenzie Paul R. , Stretch Jonathan
Published: October 2006

We report the case of a recurrent tumour with histological features of an osteosarcoma, and discuss the differential diagnosis.

An 80 year old woman presented with a fungating tumour on the right calf, arising from an area of previous split skin grafting. There was also a new 1–2 cm diameter nodule at the medial ankle of the right leg. The patient had previously had a lesion removed from the same site, reported as a squamous cell carcinoma. The recurrent calf lesion was excised, as well as the skin nodule on the medial ankle of the right leg. Histological examination of both specimens showed similar features, with a malignant neoplasm having features of an osteosarcoma, with osteoid formation. No carcinomatous component was seen in the sections examined. Immunohistochemical studies for cytokeratin, S100, HMB45 and Melan‐A were negative in the malignant cells. Tumour giant cells were CD68 positive.

The differential diagnoses included recurrent squamous cell carcinoma presenting as a carcinosarcoma with sarcomatous overgrowth, primary cutaneous osteosarcoma, metastatic osteosarcoma, malignant mixed dermal tumour, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour with an osteosarcomatous component and undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma with osteosarcoma‐like areas.

Primary cutaneous carcinosarcomas, primary cutaneous osteosarcomas and metastatic osteosarcoma to the skin are all rare. Squamous cell carcinomas and basal cell carcinomas are the most common epithelial component of cutaneous carcinosarcomas, with osteosarcomas and undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcomas (malignant fibrous histiocytomas) the most commonly reported sarcomatous component. Extraskeletal osteosarcomas are also uncommon, with the skin a rarely reported primary site. Predisposing factors for extraskeletal osteosarcomas include past trauma, pre‐existing soft tissue calcification, ossification, myositis ossificans and intramuscular injection sites.

This is an unusual presentation of what would appear to be a recurrent tumour, previously diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma. The histological appearance raises a number of possibilities, requiring clinicopathological correlation.
Two‐year interim results from a 5‐year study evaluating clinical recurrence of superficial basal cell carcinoma after treatment with imiquimod 5% cream daily for 6 weeks
Authors: Quirk Chris , Gebauer Kurt , Owens Mary , Stampone Patti
Published: October 2006

Imiquimod 5% cream is approved in the USA, Europe and Australia to treat superficial basal cell carcinoma, using a regimen of once daily, 5 times per week for 6 weeks. Vehicle‐controlled, phase III clinical trials show that imiquimod is safe and effective for treating superficial basal cell carcinoma with dosing 5 or 7 times per week for 6 weeks. This phase III, open‐label study evaluates the long‐term (5 years) clinical efficacy and safety of dosing once daily, for which this manuscript reports the 2‐year time point in the follow‐up period. For the 169 enrolled subjects, the tumour selected for treatment was assessed clinically to determine initial clearance at the 12‐week post‐treatment visit. If clinically clear of superficial basal cell carcinoma, subjects entered a 5‐year, long‐term follow‐up period. Subjects were evaluated for recurrence at the 3‐, 6‐, 12‐ and 24‐month follow‐up visits. The initial clearance rate at 12 weeks post treatment was 94.1%. The proportion of subjects who were clinically clear at the 2‐year follow‐up visit was estimated to be 82.0%. Imiquimod was tolerated when applied daily, with erythema reported for all subjects participating in the study. The recurrence rate observed suggests that once daily dosing and 5×/week dosing yield similar clearance rates, but daily dosing increases local skin reactions.
Phylogeny of Hesionidae (Aciculata, Polychaeta), assessed from morphology, 18S rDNA, 28S rDNA, 16S rDNA and COI
Authors: Ruta Christine , Nygren Arne , Rousset Vincent , Sundberg Per , Tillier Annie , Wiklund Helena , Pleijel Fredrik
Published: October 2006

We assess phylogenetic relationships within the polychaete family Hesionidae from morphological data combined with nucleotide data from 18S rDNA, 28S rDNA, 16S rDNA and COI. Parsimony and Bayesian analyses were performed on two data sets; the first was based on a more restricted set of terminals with both morphological and molecular data (17 ingroup terminals), while the second included additional taxa with morphological data only (25 ingroup terminals). The different sets of terminals yielded fully congruent results, as did the parsimony and the Bayesian analyses. Our results indicate high levels of homoplasy in traditionally used morphological characters in the group, and that Hesioninae, Gyptini and Gyptis are nonmonophyletic. Hesionini (mainly Hesione and Leocrates), Psamathini (mainly Hesiospina, Micropodarke, Nereimyra, Psamathe and Syllidia), Ophiodrominae (Gyptini and Ophiodromini) and Ophiodromini (mainly Heteropodarke, Ophiodromus and Podarkeopsis) are monophyletic and agree with previous classifications, and Hesionini is probably the sister to all other hesionids. The placements of the small hesionids capricornia and Lizardia, the hydrothermal vent taxa Hesiodeira and Hesiolyra, and the newly described Hesiobranchia, remain uncertain.
Surgical management of extensive gnathophyma
Authors: Schintler MV , Arbab E , Aberer W , Spendel S , Scharnagl E
Published: October 2006

Rhinophyma is an uncommon disease of the nose characterized by irregular skin thickening and nodular deformation. The extensive growth causing ‘whisky nose’ is due to hyperplasia of the sebaceous glands and the surrounding connective tissue. Other facial regions may concomitantly be affected. We present a case of extensive gnathophyma accompanying minor lesions of the nose. Surgical treatment led to an excellent cosmetic result.
A simple and practical method in treatment of ingrown nails: splinting by flexible tube
Authors: Nazari S
Published: October 2006

Background  The ingrown nail (or onychocryptosis) is a common problem that occurs mostly in the big toe and causes high amounts of morbidity in affected patients. Many therapeutic methods have been described, most of them leading to severe damage to the nail or to frequent relapses. The nail splinting technique is a successful, simple and non‐invasive therapeutic method for treating ingrown nails.

Objective  To determine efficacy of the plastic tube insertion technique in patients with ingrown toenail and its use as a standard treatment.

Materials and Methods  We encountered 32 cases (age range 9–67 years) of ingrown toenails in this clinical trial. All of the patients were treated using the plastic nail tube insertion technique for 7 to 15 days. Patients were examined daily for the first 3 days of treatment and were evaluated 3 and 6 months after treatment. All patients were followed up by a single observer.

Results  Recurrence was seen in only two patients after 6 months of treatment (6.25%).

Conclusion  The low recurrence rate using the nail splinting technique in the treatment of ingrown toenail, as well as its simple application, shows that this treatment constitutes an effective, non‐invasive method. It appears that this technique can substitute other more invasive surgical methods, particularly in the early stages of this disease.
In Nonconvulsive Status Epilepticus (NCSE), Treat to Burst‐Suppression: Pro and Con
Authors: Jordan Kenneth G. , Hirsch Lawrence J.
Published: October 2006

Summary:  When refractory NCSE is combined with acute brain injury, it produces synergistically compounded brain damage that is time dependent. Treating to EEG burst‐suppression is the most rapid and effective method for stopping NCSE. The risks of burst‐suppression are common to many intensive care interventions and can be minimized with expert management.
Guidelines—Are They Useful?
Authors: Ben‐Menachem Elinor , French Jacqueline A.
Published: October 2006

Summary:  Antiepileptic drug (AED) guidelines are developed to improve medical decision making, to provide guidance and recommendation for patient management, to develop standards to judge or assess clinical practice, and to keep the cost‐benefit ratio at an acceptable level. These guidelines are derived from evidence‐based medicine (EBM), a four‐tiered grading system that is used to analyze clinical trials and published experiments independent of clinical bias and experience. Although guidelines may not answer all questions it is critical that clinicians using them consider the available evidence, as well as the quality of the evidence, when incorporating the information in their decision making.
Age at First Intoxication and Alcohol Use Disorders in Southwest California Indians
Authors: Ehlers Cindy L. , Slutske Wendy S. , Gilder David A. , Lau Philip , Wilhelmsen Kirk C.
Published: October 2006

Background: In several national surveys, a younger age of onset of first drink and/or regular drinking has been associated with a higher likelihood of the development of alcohol dependence. Some studies have suggested that age at first drink is primarily an environmentally driven variable whereas others suggest that it may be partially mediated by a general vulnerability to exhibit problem behaviors. Although Native Americans, overall, have the highest prevalence of alcohol dependence of any U.S. ethnic group, the relationship of age of onset of intoxication with alcohol dependence in Native American populations is relatively unknown.

Methods: Demographic information and DSM‐III‐R diagnoses were obtained from 525 Southwest California (SWC) Indian adults residing on contiguous reservations. Survival analyses and Cox and logistic regression were used to investigate the relationship between age of onset of first intoxication and the development of alcohol dependence. Heritability of the age of onset of first intoxication was also determined using SOLAR.

Results: Age at first intoxication was not found to be heritable in this population. Early onset of intoxication, however, was found to be significantly associated with both a shorter time to onset of alcohol dependence and increased prevalence in this population, even on taking into account several other risk factors including externalizing diagnoses.

Conclusions: These data suggest that effective environmental prevention efforts at reducing underage drinking may be an important strategy to lower the prevalence of alcohol dependence in this high‐risk population.
Clinical Characteristics of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Community‐Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Endeshaw Yohannes
Published: October 2006

OBJECTIVES: To examine whether traditional risk factors are common in older adults with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

DESIGN: Cross‐sectional study.

SETTING: Atlanta, Georgia.

PARTICIPANTS: A convenience sample of 94 community‐dwelling adults aged 62 to 91.

MEASUREMENTS: Demographic, medical, and sleep‐related information obtained using questionnaires. Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and 72‐hour voiding diary were used to determine daytime sleepiness and nocturia frequency, respectively. Overnight ambulatory sleep recording device was used to screen for OSA.

RESULTS: Fifteen female and 15 male subjects had an apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI) of 15 or more per hour of sleep (moderate to severe OSA). Traditional risk factors such as snoring, body mass index, and neck circumference were not significantly associated with OSA. An AHI of 15 or more per hour was independently associated with not feeling well rested in the morning, higher ESS score, and greater frequency of nocturia.

CONCLUSION: Traditional risk factors for OSA were not common presenting symptoms and signs in study subjects with an AHI of 15 or more per hour of sleep; this may contribute to underdiagnosis of OSA in this population. Subjects with an AHI of 15 or more per hour had more sleep‐related complaints and excessive daytime sleepiness. Although occult, this suggests that OSA may contribute to disease burden in this group of people.
CARDIAC AND PULMONARY ARTERY MENSURATION IN FELINE HEARTWORM DISEASE
Authors: Schafer Marianna , Berry Clifford R.
Published: October 2006

A retrospective study was undertaken to quantify thoracic radiographic changes in cats with heartworm diseases, (Dirofilaria immitis). Using a blinded study format, the cardiac silhouette, thoracic cavity and pulmonary arteries were measured from thoracic radiographs of 21 cats with feline heartworm disease and 30 cats without known cardiac or pulmonary vessel pathology. Measured data were normalized to the thoracic cavity or bony structures within the radiographic field of view. The measurements were compared between the two groups of cats using an unpaired, two‐tailed Student's t‐test, with a p value of < 0.05 being considered significant. Cats with feline heartworm disease had enlargement of the craniocaudal aspect of the cardiac silhouette and normalized cardiac:thoracic ratio (p < 0.05) on the lateral view. Also, there was significant enlargement of the central and peripheral caudal lobar pulmonary arteries and their normalized ratios (p < 0.05) in the heartworm infected cats as visualized on the ventrodorsal projection. Tortuosity of the pulmonary arteries was seen in three of the 21 infected cats. Eleven of the 21 cats with feline heartworm disease had pulmonary parenchymal changes. Based on the present study, central and peripheral pulmonary artery enlargement as viewed on the ventrodorsal radiograph was the single best radiographic indicator of feline heartworm disease.
INTRAVERTEBRAL DISC HERNIATION (SCHMORL'S NODE) IN FIVE DOGS
Authors: Gaschen Lorrie , Lang Johann , Haeni Hansjuerg
Published: October 2006

The herniation of intervertebral disc material into the vertebral body, known as Schmorl's nodes, is a well described disease process in man. Schmorl's nodes have not until now been described in the dog. This paper describes intravertebral disc herniation in the dog based on five patients taken from a retrospective study of dogs suspected of having cauda equina syndrome. The significance of intravertebral disc herniation in the dog at this time is that they indicate a disturbance in the vertebral endplate, they present definite radiographic signs, should be considered in patients with ostecohondrosis, and remain a possibls etiology for fibrocartilaginous emboli. Back pain is a common sign in people when Schmorl's nodes were the only pathologic findings. The common signs of palpatory pain in the lumbosacral region of the dogs in this report is noted but cannot be directly correlated at this time to the intravertebral disc herniation; however, it is suspected in two of the cases.
ULTRASONOGRAPHIC EVALUATION OF THE FETUS AND INTRAUTERINE ENVIRONMENT IN HEALTHY MARES DURING LATE GESTATION
Authors: Reef Virginia B. , Vaala Wendy E. , Worth Leila T. , Spencer Pamela A. , Hammett Barbara
Published: October 2006

Mares with uncomplicated pregnancies (n = 33) underwent transabdominal sonography to evaluate fetal well‐being, obtain measurements of fetal size and characterize the intrauterine environment. Data from the last examination obtained prior to parturition were used for statistical analysis. All mares had one active fetus with good fetal tone. The maximal vertical depth of amniotic fluid (7.9 ± 3.5 cm) was less than allantoic (13.4 ± 4.4 cm) and fewer echogenic particles were detected in amniotic fluid. The maximal uteroplacental thickness was 1.38 ± 0.23 cm (retrospective) and 1.15 ±± 0.24 cm (propspective). In 3 mares small anechoic spaces were imaged between the uterus and placenta. Fetuses had a regular cardiac rhythm with a mean heart rate of 75 ± 7 beats/minute and breathing movements. The diameter of the fetal aorta (mean = 22.8 ± 2.15 mm) was significantly correlated with neonatal foal weight (P<0.0008, r = 0.72) and maternal prepartum weight (P<0.002, r = 0.86). This information of the normal intrauterine environment and fetal well‐being can be used to develop a biophysical profile specific for the equine fetus.
Chemopreventive Potential of Flavonoid Extracts from Plantation‐Bred and Wild Aronia melanocarpa (Black Chokeberry) Fruits
Authors: Sueiro L. , Yousef G.G. , Seigler D. , De Mejia E.G. , Grace M.H. , Lila M.A.
Published: October 2006

ABSTRACT:  European plantation‐bred (cultivated) and local Illinois (wild) Aronia melanocarpa (chokeberry) fruits were extracted with 70% aqueous acetone and separated into 6 fractions using vacuum liquid chromatography (VLC) over a Toyopearl (TP) polymer column. TP fractions 2 through 6 were recombined and further subfractionated using silica gel (SG) into 22 subfractions. Crude extract, TP fractions, and SG subfractions were screened in a L1210 murine leukemia cell assay and a human DNA catalytic topoisomerase II assay in order to gauge the cancer chemopreventive potential of each genotype. SG subfraction 6 from the cultivated genotype showed >90% inhibitory activity at 25 μg/mL, and a similar fraction from the wild genotype showed >95% inhibitory activity to L1210 leukemia cells at a concentration of 50 μg/mL. On the basis of topoisomerase inhibition, it can be concluded that all TP fractions of the wild genotype act as catalytic inhibitors. Similar anthocyanins and oligomeric proanthocyanidins were identified from both Aronia genotypes; however, HPLC‐ESI‐MS spectra indicated higher flavonoid concentration in the wild Aronia and a predominance (up to 67%) of nonphenolic compounds in the berries from the cultivated genotype. Both cultivated and wild genotypes exhibited promise toward chemoprevention, but differed in levels of activity in the assays used to determine chemoprotective potential.
Singlet Oxygen Oxidation Rates of ∝‐, γ‐, and δ‐Tocopherols
Authors: Kim H.J. , Lee M.Y. , Min D.B.
Published: October 2006

ABSTRACT:  The reaction rate constants of 5 × 10−4 M, 10 × 10−4 M, and 20 × 10−4 M α‐, γ‐, and δ‐tocopherols with singlet oxygen in methylene chloride containing 1 × 10−5 M chlorophyll under light at 25 °C for 60 min were studied. The oxidation of tocopherols determined by a spectrophotometric method showed that the losses of 20 × 10−4 M α‐, γ‐, and δ‐tocopherols after 60 min under light were 21%, 16%, and 9%, respectively. The degradation of α‐, γ‐, and δ‐tocopherols was undetectable in the absence of chlorophyll under light or in the presence of chlorophyll in dark. The losses of tocopherols under light were mainly due to singlet oxygen oxidation. The degradation rates of 20 × 10−4 M α‐, γ‐, and δ‐tocopherols were 6.6 ×10−6 M/min, 5.0 × 10−6 M/min, and 2.9 × 10−6 M/min, respectively. The reaction rates between α‐, γ‐, or δ‐tocopherol and singlet oxygen were 4.1 ×106/M s, 3.3 × 106/M s, and 1.4 × 106/M s, respectively. The singlet oxygen oxidation rate of δ‐tocopherol was significantly lower than α‐ or γ‐tocopherol at α= 0.05. As the electron density in the chromanol ring of tocopherol increased, the singlet oxygen oxidation was increased.
Haplotype characterization and markers at the barley Mlo powdery mildew resistance locus as tools for marker-assisted selection
Authors: Tacconi G , Baldassarre V , Collins N C , Bulgarelli D , Stanca A M , Valè G
Published: October 2006

Recessive mlo alleles of the barley Mlo gene confer resistance to almost all known isolates of the powdery mildew fungal pathogen targeting barley (Hordeum vulgare). To characterize haplotypes present in the Mlo chromosomal region of cultivated Mlo and mlo barley genotypes, weconducted a polymorphism search in 3 predicted low-copy sequence regions adjacent to the Mlo gene by examining a sample of 4 Mlo and 3 mlo cultivars. Eight single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 1 insertiondeletion (indel) were detected, and easy to use PCR-based markers were developed for typing the SNPs. The PCR markers were used to characterize a collection of 46 Mlo and 25 mlo barley cultivars, identifying 3 distinct mlo-11 haplotypes, 1 mlo-9 haplotype, and 4 Mlo haplotypes. We summarized the haplotype and marker information obtained here and in a previous study to help breeders identify strategies for mlo marker-assisted selection. The ability of the markers to identify mlo-resistant genotypes in segregating populations was demonstrated using 2 resistance-characterized F2 populations derived by 3-way crosses.Key words: barley, powdery mildew resistance, mlo, SNPs, marker-assisted selection.
Analysis of expressed sequence tags from a naked foraminiferan Reticulomyxa filosa
Authors: Burki Fabien , Nikolaev Sergey I , Bolivar Ignacio , Guiard Jackie , Pawlowski Jan
Published: October 2006

Foraminifers are a major component of modern marine ecosystems and one of the most important oceanic producers of calcium carbonate. They are a key phylogenetic group among amoeboid protists, but our knowledge of their genome is still mostly limited to a few conserved genes. Here, we report the first study of expressed genes by means of expressed sequence tag (EST) from the freshwater naked foraminiferan Reticulomyxa filosa. Cluster analysis of 1630 valid ESTs enabled the identification of 178 groups of related sequences and 871 singlets. Approximately 50% of the putative unique 1059 ESTs could be annotated using Blast searches against the protein database SwissProt + TrEMBL. The EST database described here is the first step towards gene discovery in Foraminifera and should provide the basis for new insights into the genomic and transcriptomic characteristics of these interesting but poorly understood protists.Key words: Rhizaria, Foraminifera, cDNA library, annotation.
Phylogenetic reconstruction ofAegilopssectionSitopsisand the evolution of tandem repeats in the diploids and derived wheat polyploids
Authors: Salina Elena A , Lim K Yoong , Badaeva Ekaterina D , Shcherban Andrey B , Adonina Irina G , Amosova Alexandra V , Samatadze Tatiana E , Vatolina Tatyana Yu , Zoshchuk Sviatoslav A , Leitch Andrew R
Published: October 2006

The evolution of 2 tandemly repeated sequences Spelt1 and Spelt52 was studied in Triticum species representing 2 evolutionary lineages of wheat and in Aegilops sect. Sitopsis, putative donors of their B/G genomes. Using fluorescence in situ hybridization we observed considerable polymorphisms in the hybridization patterns of Spelt1 and Spelt52 repeats between and within Triticum and Aegilops species. Between 2 and 28 subtelomeric sites of Spelt1 probe were detected in Ae. speltoidies, depending on accession. From 8 to 12 Spelt1 subtelomeric sites were observed in species of Timopheevi group (GAtgenome), whereas the number of signals in emmer/aestivum accessions was significantly less (from 0 to 6). Hybridization patterns of Spelt52 in Ae. speltoides, Ae. longissima, and Ae. sharonensis were species specific. Subtelomeric sites of Spelt52 repeat were detected only in T. araraticum (T. timopheevii), and their number and chromosomal location varied between accessions. Superimposing copy number data onto our phylogenetic scheme constructed from RAPD data suggests 2 major independent amplifications of Spelt52 and 1 of Spelt1 repeats in Aegilops divergence. It is likely that the Spelt1 amplification took place in the ancient Ae. speltoides before the divergence of polyploid wheats. The Spelt52 repeat was probably amplified in the lineage of Ae. speltoides prior to divergence of the allopolyploid T. timopheevii but after the divergence of T. durum. In a separate amplification event, Spelt52 copy number expanded in the common ancestor of Ae. longissima and Ae. sharonensis.Key words: evolution, RAPD, subtelomeric tandem repeats, Aegilops, wheat, B and G genome.
Genetic diversity among varieties of the native forage grass Trichloris crinita based on AFLP markers, morphological characters, and quantitative agronomic traits
Authors: Cavagnaro Pablo F , Cavagnaro Juan B , Lemes José L , Masuelli Ricardo W , Passera Carlos B
Published: October 2006

We assessed the genetic diversity in Trichloris crinita (Poaceae) varieties from South America, using AFLPs, morphological characters, and quantitative agronomic traits. Owing to the importance of this species for range grazing, we first characterized the varieties based on forage productivity. Biomass production varied 9 fold among the materials evaluated. Analysis of AFLP fingerprints allowed the discrimination of all varieties with a few selected primer combinations. Pair-wise genetic similarities, using marker data, ranged from 0.31 to 0.92 (Jaccard coefficients). Marker-based unweighted pair group method with arithmetic averaging (UPGMA) cluster analysis did not show geographical clustering, but rather grouped the varieties according to their biomass production. We identified 18 markers associated with biomass production, of which 8 showed complete correlation (r = 1.00) with this trait. These DNA markers can be used to assist selection for high forage productivity in T. crinita. Cluster analysis using morphological and quantitative characters revealed 4 distinct groups of varieties, clearly separated according to their biomass yield. The variables foliage height and basal diameter were strongly correlated with biomass production and these phenotypic markers can be used to select productive plants. The relations among the varieties based on AFLP data were significantly correlated with those based on agronomic and morphological characters, suggesting that the 2 systems give similar estimates of genetic relations among the varieties.Key words: AFLP fingerprinting, genetic diversity, Trichloris crinita, morphology, biomass production.
THE GAUGE-UZAWA FINITE ELEMENT METHOD PART II: THE BOUSSINESQ EQUATIONS
Authors: NOCHETTO RICARDO H. , PYO JAE-HONG
Published: October 2006

The Gauge-Uzawa finite element method (GU-FEM)13 is a fully discrete projection type method to solve the evolution Navier–Stokes equations, which overcomes many shortcomings of projection methods and displays superior numerical performance. In this second part, we apply the GU-FEM to the evolution Boussinesq equations, which model the thermal driven motion of incompressible fluids. We show unconditional stability and error estimates for velocity, pressure and temperature, the three physical unknowns. We use a new variational approach13 and realistic regularity assumptions. We conclude with two physically relevant numerical simulations, the Benard convection problem and the thermal driven cavity flow.
REPRESENTATION OF CHOQUET INTEGRAL — INTERPRETER AND MÖBIUS TRANSFORM
Authors: NARUKAWA YASUO , MUROFUSHI TOSHIAKI
Published: October 2006

Some theorems concerning representation of fuzzy measure and the Choquet integral are shown independently by Murofushi and Sugeno (J. Math. Anal. Appl. 159, No 2, (1991), 532-549) and by Denneberg (Fuzzy sets and Systems, 92, (1997), 139-156). Using the mediator for representations, it is shown that the theorems are partially equivalent. The difference between them are also stated with some examples.
New insights into the regulation of V-ATPase-dependent proton secretion
Authors: Breton Sylvie , Brown Dennis
Published: October 2006

The vacuolar H+-ATPase (V-ATPase) is a key player in several aspects of cellular function, including acidification of intracellular organelles and regulation of extracellular pH. In specialized cells of the kidney, male reproductive tract and osteoclasts, proton secretion via the V-ATPase represents a major process for the regulation of systemic acid/base status, sperm maturation and bone resorption, respectively. These processes are regulated via modulation of the plasma membrane expression and activity of the V-ATPase. The present review describes selected aspects of V-ATPase regulation, including recycling of V-ATPase-containing vesicles to and from the plasma membrane, assembly/disassembly of the two domains (V0and V1) of the holoenzyme, and the coupling ratio between ATP hydrolysis and proton pumping. Modulation of the V-ATPase-rich cell phenotype and the pathophysiology of the V-ATPase in humans and experimental animals are also discussed.
Genetic Ancestry and Risk Factors for Breast Cancer among Latinas in the San Francisco Bay Area
Authors: Ziv Elad , John Esther M. , Choudhry Shweta , Kho Jennifer , Lorizio Wendy , Perez-Stable Eliseo J. , Burchard Esteban Gonzalez
Published: October 2006

Background: Genetic association studies using case-control designs are susceptible to false-positive and false-negative results if there are differences in genetic ancestry between cases and controls. We measured genetic ancestry among Latinas in a population-based case-control study of breast cancer and tested the association between ancestry and known breast cancer risk factors. We reasoned that if genetic ancestry is associated with known breast cancer risk factors, then the results of genetic association studies would be confounded.

Methods: We used 44 ancestry informative markers to estimate individuals' genetic ancestry in 563 Latina participants. To test whether ancestry is a predictor of hormone therapy use, parity, and body mass index (BMI), we used multivariate logistic regression models to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) associated with a 25% increase in Indigenous American ancestry, adjusting for age, education, and the participant's and grandparents' place of birth.

Results: Hormone therapy use was significantly less common among women with higher Indigenous American ancestry (OR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.63-0.96). Higher Indigenous American ancestry was also significantly associated with overweight (BMI, 25-29.9 versus <25) and obesity (BMI, ≥30 versus <25), but only among foreign-born Latina women (OR, 3.44; 95% CI, 1.97-5.99 and OR, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.24-3.06, respectively).

Conclusion: Some breast cancer risk factors are associated with genetic ancestry among Latinas in the San Francisco Bay Area. Therefore, case-control genetic association studies for breast cancer should directly measure genetic ancestry to avoid potential confounding. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006;15(10):1878–85)
Health Status of Long-term Cancer Survivors: Results from an Australian Population-Based Sample
Authors: Eakin Elizabeth G. , Youlden Danny R. , Baade Peter D. , Lawler Sheleigh P. , Reeves Marina M. , Heyworth Jane S. , Fritschi Lin
Published: October 2006

Background: Despite considerable knowledge about the effect of cancer during the early stages of treatment and survivorship, understanding the longer-term effect of cancer has only recently become a priority. This study investigated the health implications of longer-term cancer survivorship in an Australian, population-based sample.

Methods: Using the Australian National Health Survey, 968 longer-term cancer survivors were identified, along with 5,808 age- and sex-matched respondents without a history of cancer. Four measures of health effect were compared (quality of life, health status, days out of role, and mental well-being), using polytomous and logistic regression analyses controlling for other selected chronic conditions. These models were applied across both groups overall, across groups stratified by presence/absence of cancer, and other chronic conditions, as well as by tumor site.

Results: Compared with matched respondents without cancer, longer-term cancer survivors reported significant decrements in health status, days out of role, and mental well-being (all P < 0.02), but not in quality of life. The likelihood of poor health outcomes (including quality of life) was much higher among survivors who also reported comorbid chronic conditions. Despite mixed results across tumor site, melanoma and prostate cancer survivors fared better across most outcomes.

Conclusions: Clear evidence of excess morbidity among Australian longer-term cancer survivors seems to be further exacerbated by the presence of comorbid chronic conditions. Consistent with recent U.S. studies, these results further support the importance of ongoing surveillance of the growing number of cancer survivors worldwide along with increased attention to interventions to improve long-term health outcomes. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006;15(10):1969–76)
Marijuana Use and the Risk of Lung and Upper Aerodigestive Tract Cancers: Results of a Population-Based Case-Control Study
Authors: Hashibe Mia , Morgenstern Hal , Cui Yan , Tashkin Donald P. , Zhang Zuo-Feng , Cozen Wendy , Mack Thomas M. , Greenland Sander
Published: October 2006

Background: Despite several lines of evidence suggesting the biological plausibility of marijuana being carcinogenic, epidemiologic findings are inconsistent. We conducted a population-based case-control study of the association between marijuana use and the risk of lung and upper aerodigestive tract cancers in Los Angeles.

Methods: Our study included 1,212 incident cancer cases and 1,040 cancer-free controls matched to cases on age, gender, and neighborhood. Subjects were interviewed with a standardized questionnaire. The cumulative use of marijuana was expressed in joint-years, where 1 joint-year is equivalent to smoking one joint per day for 1 year.

Results: Although using marijuana for ≥30 joint-years was positively associated in the crude analyses with each cancer type (except pharyngeal cancer), no positive associations were observed when adjusting for several confounders including cigarette smoking. The adjusted odds ratio estimate (and 95% confidence limits) for ≥60 versus 0 joint-years was 1.1 (0.56, 2.1) for oral cancer, 0.84 (0.28, 2.5) for laryngeal cancer, and 0.62 (0.32, 1.2) for lung cancer; the adjusted odds ratio estimate for ≥30 versus 0 joint-years was 0.57 (0.20, 1.6) for pharyngeal cancer, and 0.53 (0.22, 1.3) for esophageal cancer. No association was consistently monotonic across exposure categories, and restriction to subjects who never smoked cigarettes yielded similar findings.

Conclusions: Our results may have been affected by selection bias or error in measuring lifetime exposure and confounder histories; but they suggest that the association of these cancers with marijuana, even long-term or heavy use, is not strong and may be below practically detectable limits. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006;15(10):1829–34)
The P2X7 Receptor: A Novel Biomarker of Uterine Epithelial Cancers
Authors: Li Xin , Zhou Lingying , Feng Ying-Hong , Abdul-Karim Fadi W. , Gorodeski George I.
Published: October 2006

Objective: To determine expression of the P2X7 receptor in normal and in cancer uterine tissues. The rationale was that the receptor P2X7 regulates constitutive apoptosis in uterine epithelial cells, and previous studies showed diminished P2X7-mediated apoptosis in cancer uterine cells compared with normal cells.

Methods: A clinical, experimental feasibility study. Normal (n = 42) and cancer uterine tissues (n = 47) were obtained from a total of 72 women ages 25 to 75. End points for P2X7 mRNA were quantitative PCR and in situ hybridization, and end points for P2X7 protein were Western blots and immunostaining using anti-P2X7 antibody.

Results: (a) In normal uteri, P2X7 mRNA and protein were expressed predominantly in the epithelial (endometrial, endocervical, and ectocervical) cells. (b) Expression of the P2X7 mRNA and protein was absent from endometrial and endocervical adenocarcinoma tissues and from cervical squamous cell carcinoma tissues. (c) In cervical dysplasia, P2X7 protein was absent in the dysplastic lesions. (d) Semiquantitative analysis using P2X7 mRNA (normalized in each tissue to the constitutive glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase) and P2X7 protein levels (normalized in each tissue to the constitutive tubulin) revealed that P2X7 mRNA and/or protein levels can distinguish uterine normal from cancer tissues at high degrees of sensitivity (92%, 100%) and specificity (100%, 90%).

Summary and Conclusions: (a) Levels of the P2X7 are lower in uterine epithelial cancer tissues than in the corresponding normal tissues. (b) The data suggest that tissue P2X7 mRNA and protein levels could be used as a novel biomarker to differentiate normal and cancer uterine epithelial tissues. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006;15(10):1906–13)
Cotinine Concentration in Smokers from Different Countries: Relationship with Amount Smoked and Cigarette Type
Authors: Blackford Amanda L. , Yang Gonghuan , Hernandez-Avila Mauricio , Przewozniak Krzysztof , Zatonski Witold , Figueiredo Valeska , Avila-Tang Erika , Ma Jiemin , Benowitz Neal L. , Samet Jonathan M.
Published: October 2006

This four-country study examined salivary cotinine as a marker for nicotine intake and addiction among smokers in relation to numbers and types of cigarettes smoked. Smoking characteristics of cigarette smokers in Brazil, China, Mexico, and Poland were identified using a standard questionnaire. Cotinine concentration was measured using a saliva sample from each participant; its relationship with numbers and types of cigarettes smoked was quantified by applying regression techniques. The main outcome measure was salivary cotinine level measured by gas chromatography. In all four countries, cotinine concentration increased linearly with cigarettes smoked up to 20 per day [11.3 ng/mL (95% confidence interval, 10.5-12.2)] and then stabilized as the number of cigarettes exceeded 20 [6.8 ng/mL per cigarette (95% confidence interval, 6.3-7.4) for up to 40 cigarettes]. On average, smokers of regular cigarettes consumed more cigarettes and had higher cotinine levels than light cigarette smokers. Cotinine concentration per cigarette smoked did not differ between regular and light cigarette smokers. Results suggest a saturation point for daily nicotine intake and minimal or no reduction in nicotine intake by smoking light cigarettes. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006;15(10):1799–804)