bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterisation of the α1‐protease inhibitor system in Thoroughbred horse plasma by horizontal two‐dimensional (ISO‐DALT) electrophoresis. 1. Protein staining
Authors: C. Pollitt C. , Bell K.
Published: August 2010

The isoelectric points and the molecular weights of the major components of the eight Thoroughbred protease inhibitor (Pi) types have been determined by polyacrylamide gel isoelectric focusing and polyacrylamide gel pore gradient (ISO‐DALT) electrophoresis respectively. The major Pi proteins focus in the range pH 3.74–4.43 and have molecular weights ranging from 55 000–72 000 daltons. Using the ISO‐DALT method of electrophoresis, protein maps for the eight Thoroughbred Pi types have been presented for the first time. None of the homozygous Pi types are identical except for the types S1 and S2 which show partial identity. The results do not necessarily support. Juneja et al.s (1979) contention of two closely linked α1 Pi systems based on molecular weight differences. It is suggested that the traditional nomenclature originally proposed by Braend (1970) be maintained to describe the eight Pi alleles in Thoroughbred horse plasma. The ISO‐DALT method provides a sensitive technique which is superior to existing techniques for the analysis of the horse Pi system.
Joint report1 of the First International Workshop on Lymphocyte Alloantigens of the Horse held 24–29 October 1981
Authors: W. Bull R.
Published: August 2010

Six equine lymphocyte alloantigen (ELA) specificities were defined by an international antiserum comparison test and workshop held in 1981. Twelve laboratories from four countries submitted 195 antisera for analysis. The antisera were exchanged among the 12 laboratories and tested in a standard lymphocyte microcytoxicity assay against the isolated lymphocytes at 1009 horses of several breeds. The data was pooled and analysed by a single computer analysis. The calculated χ2values of all cells with all antisera provided comparisons between antisera. Fifteen antisera clusters were formed by this analysis, but only six of these clusters met the criteria established by the workshop for the identification of ELA antigens. No horses of the cell panel positively reacted with more than two of these six specificities. The consensus of the participants, although not substantiated in this workshop, was that these six clusters of antisera define alleles of a single genetic region, the ELA region, and it is likely that this genetic region is the major histocompatibility complex of the horse.
Relationship between esterase gene frequencies and length in juvenile snapper Chrysophrys auratus Forster
Authors: J. Smith P. , I. C. C. Francis R.
Published: August 2010

Samples of 0‐group snapper Chrysophrys auratus were collected in the Hauraki Gulf of New Zealand in 1979,1980 and 1981. Each fish was measured and the liver examined for an esterase polymorphism. A similar change in allele frequency with length was observed in each year class. In the total data set there is a significant relationship between allele frequency and length. The relationships between allele frequencies and temperature and growth, along with implications for genetic‐stock separation studies are discussed.
Recombination between the S and the Hblood group loci in Pigs
Authors: Hojný J. , Hradecký J. , Hruban V.
Published: August 2010

The investigation of A‐O blood group phenotypes in selected pig families confirms the existence of an S locus which specifically controls the expression of A and) alloantigens. Forty‐five informative litters were scored for linkage between the S gene and the H blood group locus. The recombination frequency in 345 offspring was estimated to be 9.56 % (33 cross‐overs). Specific difficulties involved in the determination of A‐O and H phenotypes and the importance of S and H polymorphisms for the determination of Hal genotypes are discussed.
Protein polymorphisms and their genetic control in the red‐backed vole, Clethrionomys rufocanus bedfordiae
Authors: Kawata Masakado , Ueda Junji
Published: August 2010

Twenty enzymatic and non‐enzymatic proteins in a wild population of red‐backed voles, Cletrionomys rufocanus bedfordiae, were investigated by electrophoresis. Seven enzymatic and non‐enzymatic protein systems were found to be polymorphic. Breeding data indicated that the mode of inheritance of the enzyme systems ME‐1, ME‐2, GPD and EST were consistent with a Mendelian law. Two systems, 6 PGD and SOD, were estimated to be genetically controlled from the electrophoretic patterns and mother‐offspring comparison of phenotypes. In the Tf system two new additional phenotypes were observed, but their inheritance could not be elucidated. Gene frequencies at seven loci were also investigated in 88 animals. There was no significant deviation from Hardy‐Weinberg equilibrium.
Genetic markers in the blood of Spanish goat breeds
Authors: Barbancho M. , Llanes D. , Morera L. , Garzón R. , Rodero A.
Published: August 2010

Biochemical variation of four genetic markers (Hb, Al, Tf, ‘X’ protein) in the blood of four Spanish goat breeds was analysed with starch gel electrophoresis. The frequencies at all of these loci have been calculated for the Spanish goats and compared with some of the goat breeds studied so far by other authors.
Mapping of the gene for G blood group antigens to chromosome 15 in swine*
Authors: Fries R. , A. Rasmusen B. , L. Jarrell V. , R. Maurer R.
Published: August 2010

Linkage analysis between size variants of the centromeric region of chromosome 15 and G blood group alleles produced a lod score of 5.03. The maximum likelihood estimate of the recombination fraction is θ= 0.24 with a 95 % confidence interval of 0.08 < θ< 0.40. Since this is the second time that linkage between a chromosome 15 marker and the G blood group locus has been shown, the assignment of the G blood group locus to chromosome 15 is confirmed.
Comparison of bovine serum transferrin A and D2. I. Amino acid residue differences
Authors: Maeda K. , A. McKenzie H. , C. Shaw D.
Published: August 2010

A comparison is made of single components of the homozygous variants A and D2 of bovine serum transferrin by tryptic, chymotryptic and cyanogen bromide digestion. It is concluded that there are three substitutions A:D2 ‐ Glu:Asp, Lys: Arg and Asp:Gly. In the light of the recent work of Brocket al. (1980) it is concluded that all three substitutions occur in the C‐terminal sequence of the chain. By homology with the sequence of human serum transferrin (MacGillivray et al., 1982) the Lys:Arg and Asp:Gly substitutions probably occur at residues 527 and 446, respectively, from the N‐terminus. The Asp:Gly substitution is considered more likely than our earlier conclusion (Maeda, McKenzie & Shaw, 1977) that there is a deletion in the chain of D2 (A:D2, Asp: —). The location of the Glu:Asp substitution is not known.
Procedure for simultaneous phenotyping of genetic variants in cow's milk by isoelectric focusing*
Authors: Seibert Brigitta , Erhardt G. , Senft B.
Published: August 2010

A method is described which allows the simultaneous separation of all polymorphic protein fractions in cow's milk in one single run. The separation could be achieved by isoelectric focusing in ultrathin‐layer polyacrylamide gels. The method is especially suitable for screening purposes because it combines low costs, high resolution and short separation time.
Distribution of complement protein C4 concentrations in bovine plasma
Authors: Groth D.M. , Wetherall J.D. , Carrick M.J. , Townend D. , Lee I.R.
Published: August 2010

Complement component C4 concentrations were measured in 40 pure bred Hereford cattle and 40 cattle from a mixed breed herd. Significant differences were not observed between the two groups studied nor between bulls and cows. However, the distribution of C4 concentrations was relatively disperse and appeared polymodal suggesting the presence of two isotypes of C4. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of immunoprecipitated bovine C4 showed many samples to have two C4 α chains differing in relative molecular mass by about 1800. Isoelectric focusing of bovine plasma in agarose gels followed by immunofixation with specific anti‐C4 antisera revealed two populations of native C4 differing in pI by about 0.3 pH unit. An association between the type of C4 α chain present and the pI of the native C4 molecule was observed. Collectively these findings indicate the presence of two structural C4 genetic loci in cattle.
Serum albumin polymorphism and its relationship to economic traits in crossbred cattle
Authors: Mandal B.K. , Dattagupta R.
Published: August 2010

The serum albumin genotypes of 65 Jersey × Hariana (F1), 75 Holstein Friesian × Hariana (F1) and 47 Brown Swiss × Hariana (F1) crossbred cows were determined by starch gel electrophoresis. Two albumin alleles AlbF and Albs, but only either as AlbF homozygotes or AlbFs heterozygotes, were observed amongst these animals. There were no AlbS homozygotes or other genotypes. Highly significant relationships between albumin genotypes and both birth weights and first‐lactation milk yields of these cows were observed. The AlbF allele was associated with increased milk yield and greater birth weights.
Prevention of amlodipine absorption by activated charcoal: effect of delay in charcoal administration
Authors: Laine Kari , Kivistö Kari T. , Laakso Into , Neuvonen Pertti J.
Published: August 2010

Aims The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of activated charcoal on the absorption of amlodipine, with special reference to delayed charcoal administration.

Methods Thirty‐two healthy volunteers, eight subjects in four parallel groups, ingested 10 mg of amlodipine on an empty stomach. Activated charcoal (25 g in 300 ml of water) was ingested either immediately afterwards or 2 h or 6 h after amlodipine, or amlodipine was ingested with 300 ml of water only (control). Plasma concentrations and the cumulative excretion of amlodipine into urine were measured by GC‐MS for 96 h and 72 h, respectively. In addition, adsorption of amlodipine to charcoal was studied in vitro.

Results Activated charcoal administered immediately after amlodipine reduced the amlodipine AUC(0,96 h) and the 72‐h urinary excretion by 99% (P<0.0005). After a delay of 2 h in charcoal administration the AUC(0,96 h) was reduced by 49% (P=0.001), but after a delay of 6 h the reduction was 15% only (P=NS). At a charcoal: drug ratio of 5:1, about 90% of amlodipine was adsorbed by charcoal in vitro; at ratios of 10:1 and 20:1, adsorption was practically complete.

Conclusions Activated charcoal almost completely prevented amlodipine absorption when administered immediately after amlodipine ingestion. Charcoal also markedly reduced amlodipine absorption when given 2 h after amlodipine; in amlodipine overdose, administration of charcoal may be beneficial even later. We conclude that administration of activated charcoal is the method choice to prevent absorption of amlodipine in amlodipine overdose.
lntracellular thiopurine nucleotides and azathioprine myelotoxicity in organ transplant patients
Authors: Boulieu Roselyne , Lenoir Alain , Bertocchi Michele , Mornex Jean‐François
Published: August 2010

Aim Despite widespread use of azathioprine in organ transplant recipients, the mechanism of its myelotoxicity remains unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the importance of thiopunne metabolites on bone marrow toxicity.

Methods We investigated the relationship between intracellular concentrations of 6‐thioguanine (bTGN), 6‐mercaptopunne (6‐MPN) and 6‐thioxanthine (6 TXN) nucleotides and the absolute count of white or red cells in forty‐seven lung or heart/lung transplant patients after oral administration of azathioprine.

Results No significant correlation between red cell concentrations of 6‐TGN or total thiopurine metabolites and white or red cell counts was found, with no difference between the sexes. Likewise, high 6‐TGN levels were not related to bone marrow depletion.

Conclusions These results suggest that red blood cell 6‐TGN alone do not predict the haematopoietic toxicity of azathioprine.
Therapeutic drug monitoring in drug overdose
Authors: Dawson Andrew H. , Whyte Ian M.
Published: August 2010

The treatment of poisoned patients is still largely defined by history, clinical assessment and interpretation of ancillary investigations. Measurement of drug concentrations is clinically important for relatively few compounds. Most measurements form an adjunct to and should not be considered a substitute for clinical assessment. Drug concentrations are particularly important for those compounds where the concentration is predictive of serious toxicity in an otherwise asymptomatic patient.
Therapeutic drug monitoring – antiepileptic drugs
Authors: Eadie M. J.
Published: August 2010

Aims  To provide a brief critical review of the basis and contemporary practice of monitoring the concentrations of antiepileptic drugs in biological fluids.

Methods  The review is based on literature data and observations from clinical practice.

Results  As experience has accumulated, monitoring of antiepileptic drug concentrations has come to be applied mainly to certain of the drugs when present in whole plasma. For these drugs there is a reasonably established relationship between drug concentrations and biological effects, but attention still needs to be paid to issues such as the timing of the measurements in relation to drug intake, the presence or absence of steady‐state conditions, the presence in plasma of active metabolites and possible nonlinear pharmacokinetics of particular agents, e.g. phenytoin.

Conclusions  Plasma antiepileptic drug concentration monitoring is coming to be used in a more thoughtful and critical manner. Lack of adequate knowledge of matters such as the relationship between the plasma concentrations and antiepileptic and toxic effects of the drugs, not only the newer, but also the longer established ones, in particular clinical situations, remains more important than deficiencies in analytical methodology in limiting the clinical usefulness of antiepileptic drug concentration monitoring.
Dramatic change in prescribing of hormone replacement therapy in the Netherlands after publication of the Million Women Study: a follow‐up study
Authors: Faber Adrianne , Bouvy Marcel L. , Loskamp Linda , Van De Berg Paul B. , Egberts Toine C. G. , De Jong‐van den Berg Lolkje T. W.
Published: August 2010

Aims

To estimate the diffusion of new safety information concerning postmenopausal hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) into prescribing practice in the Netherlands and to assess the impact of revised guidelines on the long‐term treatment of HRT.

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Community pharmacy dispensing data from a population of approximately 450 000 patients in the northern and eastern part of the Netherlands.

Population

Women aged 45–69 years to whom at least one HRT prescription was dispensed between 1 January 2000 and 1 January 2004.

Main outcome measures

Annual and quarter prevalences of HRT and the proportion of new HRT users, switchers and continuous HRT users per quarter.

Results

The prevalence of HRT prescribing decreased significantly from 107/1000 [95% confidence interval (CI) 104, 110] in 2000 to 87/1000 (95% CI 84, 89) in 2003. The decreasing prevalence was especially evident among the younger age groups and was most pronounced among users of oestrogen/progestagen combinations. The publication of the Women Health Initiative Study (WHI) was followed by a modest decrease in prescribing of HRT, whereas prescribing of HRT declined dramatically after publication of the Million Women Study (MWS) in August 2003. Among the continuous HRT users in the 4th quarter of 2002, 55% used HRT longer than 3 years. This percentage was 53 in the 4th quarter of 2003.

Conclusions

In contrast to the release of the WHI study results, publication of the MWS was followed by a dramatic fall in prescribing of HRT in the Netherlands. Despite the new recommendation that long‐term HRT use should be discouraged, the proportion of long‐term users did not change after the publication of the MWS.
Vasodilator effects of the endothelin ETA receptor selective antagonist BMS‐193884 in healthy men
Authors: Dhaun Neeraj , Strachan Fiona E. , Newby David E. , Johnston Neil R. , Ford Neville F. , Hammett Janis L. , Palmisano Maria , Webb David J.
Published: August 2010

Aims

A number of endothelin receptor antagonists (ERAs) are currently in clinical development as potential therapies in states characterized by vasoconstriction, such as systemic hypertension. We investigated the haemodynamic effects of locally and systemically active doses of BMS‐193884, an endothelin A (ETA) receptor selective ERA, and its influence on vasoconstriction to endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) in healthy men.

Methods

In three separate randomized, placebo‐controlled studies, the forearm blood flow (FBF) response to intra‐arterial (i.a.) infusion of ET‐1 (5 pmol min−1) was assessed during i.a. co‐infusion of BMS‐193884 (5 and 50 nmol min−1), and at 12 and at 24 h after oral administration of BMS‐193884 (50, 100 and 200 mg at 12 h; and 200 mg at 24 h). Data were examined by repeated‐measures analysis of variance (anova) with treatment and subject as factors.

Results

ET‐1 caused significant forearm vasoconstriction, attenuated after oral dosing with BMS‐193884 (200 mg) at 12 (P < 0.01) and 24 h (P < 0.0001). BMS‐193884 (50 nmol min−1, i.a.) caused local vasodilatation (25 ± 11%) when infused alone (P = 0.02) and abolished forearm vasoconstriction to ET‐1 (P < 0.0001 vs. ET‐1 alone). Orally, BMS‐193884 (200 mg) caused a reduction in total systemic vascular resistance at 12 (−14 ± 9%, P = 0.03) and 24 h (−12 ± 7%, P < 0.0001). There was no rise in plasma ET‐1 levels.

Conclusion

BMS‐193884 causes local and systemic vasodilatation and attenuation of local vasoconstriction to ET‐1. The absence of a rise in plasma endothelin levels suggests BMS‐193884 is selective for the ETA receptor. This form of pharmacodynamic modelling may be useful in the development of ERAs in cardiovascular disease.
Basophil activation test is better but not good enough for the diagnosis of hymenoptera venom allergy: the problem of cross‐reactive carbohydrate determinants
Authors: Altmann F.
Published: August 2010

Cite this as: F. Altmann, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2010 (40) 1290–1292.
IgA rheumatoid factor in mucosal fluids and serum of patients with rheumatoid arthritis: immunological aspects and clinical significance
Authors: OTTEN H G , DAHA M R , van der MAARL M G J , HOOGENDOORN L I , BEEM E M , de ROOY H H , BREEDVELD F C
Published: August 2010

In order to gain insight into the production and clinical significance of IgA rheumatoid factor (IgA-RF) in mucosal fluids of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), we examined tear fluid, saliva and serum from 80 patients with RA. Significant correlations were found between IgA-RF levels in tear fluid and saliva (P=0·002, r =0·57), saliva and serum (P<0·001, r = 0·79), and serum and tear fluid (P<0.001, r=0.31). No significant correlations were found between total IgA levels in these fluids. Comparison between circulating and mucosal IgA-RF levels after correction for total IgA, revealed that mucosal IgA-RF levels are on average 2·5 times higher than circulating IgA-RF levels. Analysis of IgA-RF specificity showed that lacrimal and salivary IgA-RF reactivity with various IgG subclasses is similar and differs from serum IgA-RF specificity. These results indicate local production of IgA-RF in salivary and lacrimal glands and support the view of a common origin of IgA-RF producing B cells present in mucosal tissues. Mucosal and circulating levels of IgA and IgA-RF were not associated with tests that quantify tear fluid production. This indicates that mucosal and circulating levels of IgA and IgA-RF in patients with RA cannot be regarded as markers for the development of secondary Sjögren's syndrome.
Treatment of murine macrophages with murine interferon-gamma and tumour necrosis factor-alpha enhances uptake and intracellular killing ofPseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: PIERANGELI S S , SONNENFELD G
Published: August 2010

Murine interferon-gamma (MuIFN-γ) and murine tumour necrosis-alpha (MuTNF-α) are known to be potent immunomodulators of several aspects of the immune response, and they have been shown to exert profound effects on macrophages and monocytcs. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of MuIFN-γ and MuTNF-α on the phagocytosis (uptake and intracellular killing) of opsonized Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Unstimulated peritoneal macrophages obtained from CBA/c mice were exposed to different concentrations ol'recombinant forms of ihecytokines (rMuIFN-γ and rMuTNF-α) for different periods of time. Phagocytosis was assayed using different concentrations of opsonized Ps. aeruginosa. In all cases the pretreatment of the cells with the cytokines increased significantly the uptake and the intracellular killing of bacteria in a dose-dependent manner. rMuTNF-α was effective only at 1000 U/ml. Combined treatment with the cytokines showed a less than additive effect with rMuIFN-γ and rMuTNF-α at concentrations of 10 U/ml and 100 U/ml. In the in vivo experiments, peritoneal macrophages obtained from rMuIFN-γ- or rMuTNF-α-treated mice showed enhancement of the intracellular killing of opsonized bacteria in a dose-dependent manner.
Antigenic cross-reactivity between human T lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I) and retinal antigens recognized by T cells
Authors: FUKUSHIMA A , UENO H , FUJIMOTO S
Published: August 2010

To investigate the relationship between uveitis and HTLV-I infection, we examined the crossreactivity between HTLV-I antigens and retinal antigens recognized by T cells in BIO.BR mice immunized with human HTLV-I-infected MT-2 cells. We found that T cells obtained from MT-2 immune mouse spleen responded not only to HTLV-I antigens but also to retinal antigens of various species. However, they did not respond to HTLV-I-negative lymphoid cell lines. Furthermore, established T cell lines from MT-2 immune spleen cells also responded to both HTLV-I and retinal antigens. The phenotype of the immune cells that responded to both HTLV-I and retinal antigens was CD4+, CD8-, and CD3+. The proliferative response of T cell lines to HTLV-I as well as various retinal antigens, was clearly blocked by addition of anti-CD3, anti-CD4, or anti-I-AK MoAbs, but not by anti-CD8 antibody. The established T cell lines from HTLV-I immune spleen cells were all found to be CD3+, TCRβ+, CD4+, CD8- cells by flow cytometric analysis. These results indicate that an epitope of HTLV-I antigens is cross-reactive to an epitope of retinal antigens extracted from either human retinoblastoma or normal murine, rat, and bovine retinae at a T cell recognition level.
Relationship of periodontal infection to serum antibody levels to periodontopathic bacteria and inflammatory markers in periodontitis patients with coronary heart disease
Authors: Yamazaki K , Honda T , Domon H , Okui T , Kajita K , Amanuma R , Kudoh C , Takashiba S , Kokeguchi S , Nishimura F , Kodama M , Aizawa Y , Oda H
Published: August 2010

Several reports have demonstrated a possible association of periodontal infections with coronary heart disease (CHD) by elevated antibody titre to periodontopathic bacteria in CHD patients compared with non-diseased controls. Although each periodontopathic bacterium may vary in virulence for periodontitis and atherosclerosis, antibody response to multiple bacteria in CHD patients has not been understood fully. Therefore, serum levels of antibody to 12 periodontopathic bacteria together with other atherosclerotic risk markers were compared among 51 patients with CHD, 55 patients with moderate to severe chronic periodontitis and 37 healthy individuals. The antibody response was the most prevalent for Porphyromonas gingivalis, a major causative organism, in CHD as well as periodontitis patients. However, antibody positivity was different between CHD and periodontitis if the response was analysed for two different strains of P. gingivalis, namely FDC381 and Su63. While periodontitis patients were positive for both P. gingivalis FDC381 and Su63, a high frequency of antibody positivity for P. gingivalis Su63 but not for FDC381 was observed in CHD patients. The results indicate that the presence of particular periodontopathic bacteria with high virulence may affect atherogenesis. Identifying the virulence factors of P. gingivalis Su63 may gain insight into the new therapeutic modality for infection-induced deterioration of atherosclerosis.
Estimating soil frictional resistance to metal probes and its relevance to the penetration of soil by roots
Authors: BENGOUGH A. G. , MULLINS C. E. , WILSON G.
Published: August 2010

Friction accounts for a large proportion of the resistance to a penetrometer probe, often much more so than to a plant root. The contribution of frictional resistance to penetrometer resistance was investigated in five soils with texture ranging from sandy loam to silty clay. The effect on penetration resistance of rotating the conical tip of the probe was studied in both intact cores of undisturbed field soil, and in cores remoulded from sieved soil. Rotation altered the orientation of the vector of frictional resistance towards a direction perpendicular to the probe axis, and so decreased the component of frictional resistance that opposed the axial penetration of the probe. The decrease in friction was greater for probes with a semiangle of 5° than those with a 30° semiangle and was more than half of the total resistance to a nonrotating probe in 15 out of the 16 cases studied. A theoretical treatment of the effect of rotation period on probe resistance showed good agreement with the experimental results. The penetration resistance of a metal probe is related to that of a root in terms of frictional resistance and factors such as the penetration rate. When all frictional resistance was subtracted from the resistance measured to the penetration of a 5 semiangle probe, the remaining resistance was similar to that measured for roots growing in the same soil.
Phosphorus recycling in lakes: evidence from large limnetic enclosures for the importance of shallow sediments
Authors: REYNOLDS C.S.
Published: August 2010

The dynamics of phosphorus in large field enclosures are described from a series of experimental manipulations directed primarily to the study of phytoplankton populations. The enclosures were similar in size but differed in their depth contours. The aim of the present analysis was to detect systematic differences in the phosphorus budgets of deep and shallow systems.

The sequence of events in each of six year‐long experiments is described in terms of algal production. The values are compared with water‐column measurements of total phosphorus (TP), the reactive fraction (SRP) and changes in the particulate fraction (PP, assumed to be TP minus SRP). Stoichiometric ratios for larger phytoplankton crops were in the range 85–110 C/P (molar).

The annual aggregate of new carbon produced in the two uniformly deep enclosures (11.5 m) in relation to the phosphorus supplied was also remarkably close to Redfield stoichiometry, with between 87 and 97mol C yielded per mol P added. However, in the graded enclosure (< 4–13.5 m), the yield was up to twice as great (maximum: 197 mol C mol‐1 P available).

There are two possible mechanisms. A graded surface permits a greater area of sediment to be in contact with the hypolimnion and for the sediment oxygen demand to deplete a greater hypolimnetic volume; the associated fall in redox would have been adequate to explain the observed increment of dissolved phosphorus to the hypolimnion, associated with the Einsele–Mortimer model (ferric → ferrous iron reduction). There was no clear evidence that this phosphorus supported autotrophic production until late in the year.

The alternative mechanism is based on the association of phosphorus ‘injection’ to the epilimnion during wind‐mixed episodes, when the enhanced shear stress on shallow sediments resuspends fine, superficial deposits and their interstitial waters into the full circulation. Circumstantial evidence suggests this second pathway predominated in the graded enclosure but was ineffective in the uniformly deep enclosures.

The role of mechanical, aerobic phosphorus cycling in the nutrient economy of lakes, especially small or shallow ones, may have been underestimated in the past but it must be considered when evaluating any proposal to reduce the external nutrient loads to lakes.
Immunohistochemical heterogeneity of macrophage subpopulations in human lymphoid tissues
Authors: BARONI C.D. , VITOLO D. , REMOTTI D. , BIONDI A. , PEZZELLA F. , RUCO L.P. , UCCINI S.
Published: August 2010

The mononuclear phagocytic system is composed of cells which display a marked immunohistological heterogeneity. In the present study we have investigated the immunohistochemical and enzymatic features of macrophages and accessory cells present in human lymph nodes and spleen and, as control tissues, in thymus, liver, skin and heart. Our investigation has demonstrated that macrophages present in germinal centres display an immunophenotype different from that of macrophages populating T‐dependent areas. Furthermore, cells lining lymph node sinuses and splenic sinusoids express endothelial and macrophage markers, and are able to modulate their immunephenotype according to different reactive conditions. These data suggest, on immunohistochemical grounds, that macrophages populating B‐and T‐dependent areas as well as sinuses of human peripheral lymphoid tissues, may modulate their immunophenotype according to environmental and antigenic influences.
Cellular schwannoma: a distinct pseudosarcomatous entity
Authors: FLETCHER C. D. M. , DAVIES S. E. , MCKEE P. H.
Published: August 2010

Eighteen cases of cellular schwannoma, a recently delineated benign entity, are described. These tumours present most often in middle‐aged adults of either sex and show a predilection for the paravertebral region of the mediastinum and retroperitoneum. More than half the tumours macroscopically arose from a nerve but none was associated with von Recklinghausen's disease. The light microscopic features are remarkably consistent but are not immediately recognizable as neural in type. Means of distinction from a malignant nerve sheath tumour and from a variety of other soft tissue tumours are discussed. Immunohistochemical positivity for S‐100 protein has been demonstrated in 17 of the 18 cases. Prolonged follow‐up has revealed local recurrence in only one case; none has metastasized.
Placental site nodule
Authors: LEE K.C. , CHAN J.K.C.
Published: August 2010

The immunohistological features of a case of placental site nodule, a cytologically alarming but clinically benign lesion, are reported.
Expression of insulin‐like growth factor 1 in sarcomas
Authors: ROHOLL P.J.M. , SKOTTNER A. , PRINSEN I. , LIPS C.J.M. , OTTER W. DEN , VAN UNNIK J.A.M.
Published: August 2010

The expression of insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) was studied in normal tissues, in eight benign lesions and in 50 sarcomas. In palmar fibromatosis the spindle cells in cell‐dense areas exhibited a strong immunoreactivity. IGF‐1 was variably found in leiomyosarcomas (7/8), malignant schwannomas (7/9), synovial sarcomas (2/3), liposarcomas (3/6), fibrosarcomas (1/3), malignant fibrous histiocytomas (10/18) and in one angiosarcoma. Two rhabdomyosarcomas failed to express IGF‐1 and only the spindle cell component of synovial sarcomas was positive. Immunoreactivity for IGF‐1 in 10 malignant filrous histiocytomas (MFH) appeared to be related to co‐expression of smooth muscle actin. These findings imply that MFHs can be subdivided into a group of tumours which are devoid of morphological and immunophenotypic evidence of differentiation and a group which manifest immunophenotypic differentiation.
Malignant thyroid haemangioendothelioma in a non‐endemic goitrous region, with immunohistochemical evidence of a vascular origin
Authors: BEER T.W.
Published: August 2010

A case of malignant haemangioendothelioma of the thyroid is presented in a patient resident in a non‐endemic goitrous region of England. The tumour's endothelial origin was confirmed by factor VIII‐related antigen and Ulex europaeus lectin staining.
Pulmonary B‐cell non‐Hodgkin's lymphomas. The value of immunohistochemistry and gene analysis in diagnosis
Authors: NICHOLSON A.G. , WOTHERSPOON A.C. , DISS T.C. , BUTCHER D.N. , SHEPPARD M.N. , ISAACSON P.G. , CORRIN B.
Published: August 2010

We reviewed 45 pulmonary B‐cell non‐Hodgkin's lymphomas to determine whether their morphology and immunohistochemical features were those of lymphomas arising from mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue (MALT), as described in other sites. The polymerase chain reaction was used to provide further information on clonality. We found that these lymphomas infiltrate the pulmonary interstitium along bronchovascular bundles and interlobular septa, subsequently spilling out into airspaces and finally destroying the alveolar architecture of the lung. Central hyaline sclerosis and vascular infiltration were common features. All lymphomas stained CD20 positive and were accompanied by variable numbers of reactive CD3 positive T‐cells. Cytokeratin staining with CAM 5.2 was useful in identifying lymphoepithelial lesions. CD21 staining of follicular dendritic cells revealed germinal centres where they were not recognizable on H & E staining. The polymerase chain reaction was performed on paraffin tissue from 28 patients. Twenty were low grade, of which 12 showed a clonal band and eight stiowed a polyclonal smear pattern. Eight were high grade, of which one revealed a clonal band. Three produced polyclonal smear patterns and four cases were inadequate samples. In one patient who had lymphoma at a second extranodal site, identical bands were identified, evidence for ‘homing’ of lymphoid cells towards mucosal epithelium.
Functional analysis and molecular characterization of two acetylcholinesterases from the German cockroach, Blattella germanica
Authors: Kim Y. H. , Choi J. Y. , Je Y. H. , Koh Y. H. , Lee S. H.
Published: August 2010

Two acetylcholinesterases (AChEs; BgAChE1 and BgAChE2) from Blattella germanica were functionally expressed using the baculovirus system. Kinetic analysis demonstrated that BgAChE2 had higher catalytic efficiency but lower substrate specificity than BgAChE1. With the exceptions of paraoxon and propoxur, BgAChE1 was generally less sensitive to inhibitors than BgAChE2. Western blot analysis using anti‐BgAChE antibodies revealed that BgAChE1 was far more abundant in all examined tissues compared to BgAChE2, which is only present in the central nervous system. Both BgAChEs existed in dimeric form, covalently connected via a disulphide bridge under native conditions. Most fractions of BgAChE1 had a glycophosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor, but a small fraction comprised a collagen‐like tail. BgAChE2 appeared to have a collagen‐GPI‐fused tail. Based on the kinetic and molecular properties, tissue distribution and abundance, BgAChE1 was confirmed to play a major role in postsynaptic transmission.
Regional odontodysplasia: report of four cases
Authors: ANSARI G. , REID J. S. , FUNG D. E. , CREANOR S. L.
Published: August 2010

Summary. Four cases of regional odontodysplasia are described. Clinically erupted teeth appear hypoplastic and are often mobile. The radiographic appearance has given rise to the term ‘ghost teeth’ and the cases presented demonstrate this with short roots which are less well calcified than normal teeth. Clinical and radiographic findings showed that this condition affects only one side of the jaw, but can be seen in any part of the upper or lower jaws. This article represents cases in different parts of the mouth with varying degrees of involvement.

Resumé.

Quatre cas d'odontodysplasie régionale sont décrits. Les dents ayant fait leur éruption clinique sont apparues hypoplasiques et souvent mobiles. Leur aspect à l'examen radiographic a donné naissance à l'appellation de ‘dents fantômes' et les cas présentés le confirmaent par leurs racines courtes moins minéralisées que des dents normales. Les signes cliniques et radiographiques montraient que cette pathologie n'existait que sur un côté du maxillaire mais pouvait se retrouver à des sites différents du maxillaire supérieur ou inférieur. Cet article présente des cas avec différentes localisations dans la bouche et avec des développements variables.

Fälle von lokalen Odontodysplasia werden beschrieben. Klinisch durchgebrochene Zähne waren hypoplatisch und öfters auch mobil. Der röntgologische Befund zeigte schlecht verkalkte, kurze Wurzeln im Sinne s.g. ‘ghost teeth’. Diese Befunde haben nur eine Seite der Kiefer befällen, könnon aber senet im jedem. Toil der Kiefer gefunden werden. Diese Studie beschriebt Fälle wo dies der Fall ist.

Se describen cuatro casos de odontodisplasia regional. Los dientes erupcionados clínicamente se presentan hipoplásicos y casi siempre móviles. El aspecto radiográfico ha dado origen al nombre ‘dientes fantasmas’ y los casos presentados demuestran este aspecto con raices cortas las cuales estan menos calcificadas que la de los dientes normales. Los hallazgos clinicos y radiográficos mostraton que la condición afecta solo un lado de los maxilares, pero puede ser observada en cualquier lugar de cualquiera de los maxilares. Este articulo presenta casos en diferentes partes de la boca y en diferentes grados.
Measuring professional competency of public health nurses: development of a scale and psychometric evaluation
Authors: Lin Chouh‐Jiaun , Hsu Chi‐Ho , Li Tsai‐Chung , Mathers Nigel , Huang Yu‐Chu
Published: August 2010

Aims and objectives.  To develop an instrument to measure public health nurse competencies in Taiwan and to test its psychometric properties.

Background.  Core competencies for public health nursing practice have been established in the USA and elsewhere but no equivalent studies have been undertaken in Taiwan.

Design.  Postal survey of self‐administered questionnaire to 1534 full‐time public health nurses (response rate 67·3%).

Methods.  The Public Health Nurse Professional Competency Scale was based on a literature review, the six key competencies identified by the Taiwan Nurses Association and the ‘typical’ tasks reported by nursing researchers. The scale comprised four domains and 38 items using a four‐point Likert scale. Validity and reliability of the scale were determined by a seven‐member professional panel and the content validity calculated for each domain. Discriminatory power and the item‐total correlation index were used to analyse and eliminate items. Convergent and discriminant validity were assessed and factor analysis to test the dimensions of the scale – stability was determined by interscale correlations, internal and test–retest reliability.

Results.  The mean age of respondents was 40·6 years (SD 8·54) with the majority holding an associate degree (67·0%). Participants had worked for an average of 11·7 years (SD 9·20) and 74·4% held a registered nurse license. The scale had strong content validity (Indices > 0·8) and good test–retest reliability (Cronbach’s α = 0·93–0·97). Nine items were excluded during factor analysis and three factors accounted for 46–82% of the total variance: (1) basic‐care, (2) community health management and (3) combined teaching and self‐development competencies. The scale had high discriminant validity.

Conclusions.  A Public Health Nurse Professional Competency Scale has been developed and shown to have good reliability and validity.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The scale can be used to assess the competencies of Public Health Nurses in Taiwan and improve the quality of clinical services provided.
Differential effects of climate variability on forest dynamics along a precipitation gradient in northern Patagonia
Authors: Laura Suarez María , Kitzberger Thomas
Published: August 2010

1. The understanding of the impacts of climate anomalies on demographic processes involved in forest dynamics is becoming a major global change research objective, as climate‐driven demographic changes have the potential to alter ecological processes and change the composition of existing communities.

2. Here, we test whether the effects of climatic variability on Nothofagus dombeyi forest dynamics differ along the W–E precipitation gradient of northern Patagonia, Argentina, due to different controlling factors along the gradient.

3. Using a dendroecological approach, we sampled six N. dombeyi stands along the gradient. Tree death, growth release and sapling birth dates were obtained and used to reconstruct stand mortality, canopy disturbance and establishment patterns in each stand. Discrete extreme climatic events were obtained by applying thresholds to meteorological time series. Bivariate event analysis was performed to examine the temporal relationships between climate events and forest demographic and canopy disturbance patterns.

4. In the xeric region, forest dynamics is driven by drought/heat and humid events. Following drought/heat events we observed standing‐dead tree mortality, releases in growth, and tree establishment episodes. Regional synchrony of these events was coincident with droughts registered for northern Patagonia. However, successful establishment was related to wet periods that occurred after drought events, showing the dependence on favourable periods for growth. For wet regions, demographic patterns showed a temporally uniform pattern but with synchronies at the regional and local scales. Canopy openings produced by fallen trees, and consequent release in growth and establishment, were related to both drought and snowy/windy years. The effect of drought in wet region forests was related mainly to the extreme 1998–99 drought in northern Patagonia.

5. Synthesis. Climate in northern Patagonia influences N. dombeyi forest dynamics differentially along a precipitation gradient. In xeric forests, strong but relatively short climatic fluctuations impact forest structure through direct effects on tree demography. In wet forests, climatic‐induced mechanical disturbance prevails, driving mortality and subsequent growth and establishment. Considering that recent extreme droughts have the strongest negative impact on N. dombeyi populations at the eastern distributional limits, a change in distribution of this species as a consequence of projected climate change is expected.
Indian isolates of white spot syndrome virus exhibit variations in their pathogenicity and genomic tandem repeats
Authors: John K R , George M R , Iyappan T , Thangarani A J , Jeyaseelan M J P
Published: August 2010

To detect genomic variation of white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) isolates from different geographical regions of India, the variable number of the tandem repeat (VNTR) region of the ORF 94 (Thailand WSSV isolate – GeneBank Accession No. AF369029) was analysed using five specific sets of primers. Analysis of 70 WSSV‐positive samples showed the presence of 14 different genotypes of WSSV with VNTRs ranging from 2 to 16 tandem repeats with the majority (85.47%) having 6–12 tandem repeats. Occurrence of different genotypes of WSSV was found to be neither correlated to any specific geographical region nor to the different growth stage of the tiger shrimp, Penaeus monodon. Pathogenicity studies conducted with 25 isolates of WSSV revealed the presence of virulent and avirulent strains of WSSV in Indian shrimp farms. However, an unambiguous link could not be established between the different genotypes and their virulence.
Chronic kidney disease: a public health priority and harbinger of premature cardiovascular disease
Authors: Stenvinkel P.
Published: August 2010

Abstract.  Stenvinkel P (Division of Renal Medicine, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden). Chronic kidney disease: a public health priority and harbinger of premature cardiovascular disease (Review). J Intern Med 2010; 268: 456–467.

The epidemics of cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, HIV and cancer have all received much attention from the public, media and policymakers. By contrast, chronic kidney disease (CKD) has remained largely a ‘silent’ epidemic. This is unfortunate because early diagnosis of renal disease based on proteinuria and/or reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate could enable early intervention to reduce the high risks of cardiovascular events, end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) and death that are associated with CKD. Given the global increase in the incidence of the leading causes of CKD – hypertension, obesity and diabetes mellitus – better disease management and prevention planning are needed, as effective strategies are available to slow the progression of CKD and reduce cardiovascular risk. CKD may be regarded as a clinical model of accelerated vascular disease and premature ageing, and the risk‐factor profile changes during the progression from mild/moderate CKD to ESRD. Although many randomized controlled trials in patients with mild to moderate CKD have shown beneficial effects of interventions aimed at preventing the progression of CKD, most trials have been unable to demonstrate a beneficial effect of interventions aimed at improving outcome in ESRD. Thus, novel treatment strategies are needed in this high‐risk patient group.
Morphology and protein adsorption characteristics of block copolymer surfaces
Authors: PALACIO M. , SCHRICKER S. , BHUSHAN B.
Published: August 2010

Biocompatible polymers are known to act as scaffolds for the regeneration and growth of bone. Block copolymers are of interest as scaffold materials because novel, structurally diverse polymers can be synthesized from biocompatible blocks. Block copolymer nanostructure and surface morphology is easily tunable with synthetic techniques and the diverse nanostructures can be used to affect cell and tissue behaviour. In this paper, we present atomic force microscopy studies on the morphology and corresponding protein adsorption behaviour of a novel class of methyl methacrylate and acrylic acid diblock and triblock copolymers. The topography, phase angle and adhesion maps were obtained to study the morphology. Atomic force microscopy imaging reveals that the diblock and triblock copolymers present distinct nanomorphologies, although their chemical composition is the same. This has implications on the role of nanomorphology in cell–polymer interactions independent of chemical composition. Protein adsorption on a biomaterial surface is critical to understanding its biocompatibility and bovine serum albumin was used to model that behaviour on the block copolymer surfaces. An increase in the adhesive force of the surface was observed to correlate with the adsorption of bovine serum albumin on the block copolymer surfaces investigated.