bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A mutation and expression analysis of the oncogene BRAF in pituitary adenomas
Authors: Ewing Iain , Pedder‐Smith Stephen , Franchi Giulia , Ruscica Massimiliano , Emery Michelle , Vax Vladimir , Garcia Edwin , Czirják Sándor , Hanzély Zoltán , Kola Blerina , Korbonits Márta , Grossman Ashley B.
Published: January 2007

Objective  BRAF is an oncogene that is commonly mutated in both melanomas and papillary thyroid carcinomas, usually at position V600E that leads to constitutive activity in the Ras–mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. We speculated that this same gene may be either mutated at this site, or overexpressed, in pituitary adenomas.

Design and measurements  We sequenced 37 pituitary adenomas for a mutation at the V600E position. In addition, we investigated B‐Raf mRNA expression in normal pituitary (n = 5) and nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (NFPA) (n = 6) by semiquantitative PCR, and in a further 27 pituitary adenomas of various types and 10 normal pituitaries using real‐time quantitative PCR. Finally, we explored B‐Raf protein expression in 10 normal pituitaries and 12 NFPAs.

Results  No sequence mutations for the substitution V600E were identified. B‐Raf mRNA was overexpressed in pituitary adenomas compared to normal pituitary, and this was entirely due to overexpression in NFPAs. NFPAs also showed very variable expression of B‐Raf protein, but those tumours showing highest levels of B‐Raf mRNA expressed the most B‐Raf protein.

Conclusions  Mutations previously seen in the majority of melanomas and a substantial minority of papillary thyroid carcinomas are not a frequent finding in pituitary adenomas. However, overexpression of B‐Raf mRNA and protein may be a feature of NFPAs, highlighting overactivity of the Ras‐B‐Raf‐MAP kinase pathway in these tumours.
Serum adiponectin and leptin levels and insulin resistance in children born large for gestational age are affected by the degree of overweight
Authors: Vasileios Giapros , Eleni Evagelidou , Anna Challa , Dimitrios Kiortsis , Aikaterini Drougia , Styliani Andronikou
Published: January 2007

Objective  Children born large for gestational age (LGA) are prone to develop insulin resistance later in life. One factor that affects insulin sensitivity is the hormone adiponectin. The aim of this study was to determine whether being LGA has an impact on serum adiponectin and leptin levels and insulin resistance parameters during childhood, taking into account the severity of overweight.

Study design  Serum levels of adiponectin, leptin, fasting glucose and insulin, homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance index (HOMA‐IR), and anthropometric indices were evaluated in groups of non‐obese children aged 6·5–8 years, born appropriate for gestational age (AGA, n = 40) or LGA (n = 41), matched for age, gender, height, weight and body mass index. The LGA group was divided in two subgroups according to the degree of overweight: (a) LGA with birthweight 90th−97th percentile (n = 25); and (b) LGA with birthweight > 97th percentile (n = 16).

Results  LGA children had a higher mean serum adiponectin level than AGA children: 17·0 ± 9 vs. 11·1 ± 5 (µg/ml) (P < 0·01). LGA children had also higher insulin 6·2 ± 2·8 vs. 4·8 ± 2·4 (µU/ml) (P < 0·05) and HOMA‐IR 1·32 ± 0·66 vs. 1·02 ± 0·55 (P < 0·01) than AGA children. Children born LGA > 97th percentile had a significantly higher mean serum leptin level than both AGA and LGA 90th−97th percentile children (17 ± 13, 9·6 ± 9·5, 7·8 ± 7·9 ng/ml, respectively, P < 0·05), and more severely affected insulin resistance indices than LGA 90th−97th percentile children. In the regression analysis, birthweight was found to be an independent predictor of adiponectin serum levels.

Conclusion  Prepubertal LGA‐born children had a higher mean serum adiponectin levels than matched AGA controls despite the fact that they were more insulin resistant. The degree of excess in utero weight gain appears to influence the metabolic profile in LGA‐born prepubertal children. Further studies are needed to delineate the role of adiponectin in the risk of development of insulin resistance in children born LGA.
Kickboxing sport as a new cause of traumatic brain injury‐mediated hypopituitarism
Authors: Tanriverdi Fatih , Unluhizarci Kursad , Coksevim Bekir , Selcuklu Ahmed , Casanueva Felipe F. , Kelestimur Fahrettin
Published: January 2007

Objective  Traumatic brain injury, which is a frequent and a worldwide important public health problem, may result in pituitary dysfunction. Concussion, a common type of lesion after traumatic brain injury, is an injury associated with sports including boxing and kickboxing. Kickboxing is one of the most popular martial arts and approximately 1‐million people around the world participate in kickboxing sport. Head is the most common site of injury in amateur and professional kickboxers. Pituitary consequences of chronic repetitive head trauma in kickboxing have not been investigated until now. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the pituitary function in both retired and active amateur kickboxers.

Patients and Design  Twenty‐two amateur kickboxers who have boxed in national and international championships (16 men, 6 women) with a mean age of 27·3 ± 7·1 years, and 22 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls were included in the study. Basal hormone levels were obtained from the participants. To assess GH‐IGF‐I axis, GHRH + GHRP‐6 test and glucagon stimulation tests were used. Hypothalamo‐pituitary‐adrenal axis was assessed by glucagon stimulation test.

Results  When mean basal hormone levels were compared between kickboxers and the controls, IGF‐I level was significantly lower in kickboxers (P < 0·05). Five (22·7%) and two (9·1%) of the 22 kickboxers had GH deficiency had ACTH deficiency, respectively. There were significant negative correlations between IGF‐I levels and age, duration of sports and number of bouts (P < 0·05).

Conclusions  Present data clearly demonstrate for the first time that amateur kickboxing is a novel cause of hypopituitarism and kickboxers are at a risk for hypopituitarism especially isolated GH deficiency. Therefore, participants of the combative sports who were exposed to chronic repetitive head trauma need to be screened.
Dissolved organic nitrogen and carbon in pastoral soils: the New Zealand experience
Authors: Ghani A. , Dexter M. , Carran R. A. , Theobald P. W.
Published: January 2007

Dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in soils are increasingly recognized as important components of nutrient cycling and biological processes in soil‐plant ecosystems. The aims of this study were to: (i) quantify the pools of DON and DOC in a range of New Zealand pastoral soils; (ii) compare the effects of land use changes on these pools; and (iii) examine the seasonal variability associated with these two components of dissolved organic matter. Soil samples (0–7.5 cm depth) from 93 pastoral sites located in Northland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Otago/Southland, New Zealand, were collected in autumn. Adjacent sites under long‐term arable cropping or native vegetation and forestry land use were also sampled at the same time to estimate the impacts of different land use on DON and DOC in these soils. Twelve dairy and 12 sheep and or beef pastures were sampled in winter, spring, summer and autumn for a 2‐year period to study the seasonal fluctuations of DON and DOC. A field incubation study was also carried out in a grazed pasture to examine fluctuations in the concentrations of and and DON levels in soil. Other soil biological properties, such as microbial biomass‐C, biomass‐N and mineralizable N, were also measured. Pastoral soils contained the greatest amounts of DON (13–93 mg N kg−1 soil, equivalent to 8–55 kg N ha−1) and DOC (73–718 mg C kg−1 soil, equivalent to 44–431 kg C ha−1), followed by cropping and native vegetation and forestry soils. The DON concentration in soils was found to be more seasonally variable than DOC. There was approximately 80% fluctuation in the concentration of DON in winter from the annual mean concentration of DON, while DOC fluctuated between 23 and 28% at the dairy and the sheep and beef monitoring sites. Similar fluctuations in the concentrations of DON were also observed in the field incubation studies. These results indicate that DON is a dynamic pool of N in soils. There was a strong and significant positive correlation between DON and DOC in pastoral soils (r = 0.71, P < 0.01). There were also significant positive correlations between DON and total soil C (r = 0.59, P < 0.01), total soil N (r = 0.62, P < 0.01) and mineralizable N (r = 0.47, P < 0.01). The rather poor correlations between total soil C and N with DOC and DON, suggest other biogeochemical processes may be influencing concentrations of DOC and DON in these soils. Given the size of DON and DOC pools in the pastoral soils, we suggest that these pools of C and N should be taken into account when assessing the impact of pastoral land use on soil C and N enrichment of surface and groundwater.
Factors controlling aggregation in a minimum and a conventionally tilled undulating field
Authors: De Gryze S. , Bossuyt H. , Six J. , Van Meirvenne M. , Govers G. , Merckx R.
Published: January 2007

Wind and water erosion induce breakdown of soil aggregates and loss of soil organic matter. Whereas most of the relations between aggregation and its driving factors have been established on a plot scale, these relations might be very different within an undulating landscape where both erosion (by wind or water) and deposition occur. The aim of this study was to investigate to what degree spatial patterns in soil variables influence spatial patterns in aggregation under different tillage intensities. We studied an agricultural field of about 3 ha in the silty region of Belgium. The site was split into a conventional tillage (CT) and a minimum tillage (MT) system. Within the field, 396 geo‐referenced surface soil samples (0–5 cm) were taken and analyzed for organic matter content, quantity of aggregates and a number of other soil properties. Under CT, 28.5% of the total sample variation was explained by the occurrence of depositional areas, 20.8% by the amount of soil organic matter, and 13.8% by the presence of a clay‐rich B horizon which surfaced due to progressive water and tillage erosion. Regression analysis revealed that 27% of the variation in the quantity of macroaggregates (>0.25 mm) was accounted for by these three factors. Under MT, 27.1% of the total sample variation was related to the surface cover of Tertiary sand, 22.6% to the amount of soil organic matter, and 13% to erodibility. These three factors explained 53% of the variation in the quantity of macroaggregates. In the CT system, the correlation between grass‐ or maize‐ carbon and the quantity of macroaggregates was strongly linked to erodibility, while this was not the case in the MT system. We concluded that at this site, macroaggregation is dominated by landscape‐scale processes (such as water or tillage erosion) rather than determined by the commonly considered local variables (such as small variations in texture or organic matter content).
A method for deriving net primary productivity and component respiratory fluxes from tower‐based eddy covariance data: a case study using a 17‐year data record from a Douglas‐fir chronosequence
Authors: SCHWALM CHRISTOPHER R. , BLACK T. ANDREW , MORGENSTERN KAI , HUMPHREYS ELYN R.
Published: January 2007

Conventional gap‐filling procedures for eddy covariance (EC) data are limited to calculating ecosystem respiration (RE) and gross ecosystem productivity (PG) as well as missing values of net ecosystem productivity (FNEP). We develop additional postprocessing steps that estimate net primary productivity (PN), autotrophic (Ra), and heterotrophic respiration (Rh). This is based on conservation of mass of carbon (C), Monte Carlo (MC) simulation, and three ratios: C use efficiency (CUE, PN to PG), Ra to RE, and FNEP to RE. This procedure, along with the estimation of FNEP, RE, and PG, was applied to a Douglas‐fir dominated chronosequence on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. The EC data set consists of 17 site years from three sites: initiation (HDF00), pole/sapling (HDF88), and near mature (DF49), with stand ages from 1 to 56 years. Analysis focuses on annual C flux totals and C balance ratios as a function of stand age, assuming a rotation age of 56 years. All six C balance terms generally increased with stand age. Average annual PN by stand was 213, 750, and 1261 g C m−2 yr−1 for HDF00, HDF88, and DF49, respectively. The canopy compensation point, the year when the chronosequence switched from a source to a sink of C, occurred at stand age ca. 20 years. HDF00 and HDF88 were strong and moderate sources (FNEP=−581 and −138 g C m−2 yr−1), respectively, while DF49 was a moderate sink (FNEP=294 g C m−2 yr−1) for C. Differences between sites were greater than interannual variation (IAV) within sites and highlighted the importance of age‐related effects in C cycling. The validity of the approach is discussed using a sensitivity analysis, a comparison with growth and yield estimates from the same chronosequence, and an intercomparison with other chronosequences.
Mature semiarid chaparral ecosystems can be a significant sink for atmospheric carbon dioxide
Authors: LUO HONGYAN , OECHEL WALTER C. , HASTINGS STEVEN J. , ZULUETA ROMMEL , QIAN YONGHAI , KWON HYOJUNG
Published: January 2007

Carbon flux in arid and semiarid area shrublands, especially in old‐growth shrub ecosystems, has been rarely studied using eddy covariance techniques. In this study, eddy covariance measurements over a 100‐year old‐growth chamise‐dominated chaparral shrub ecosystem were conducted for 7 years from 1996 to 2003. A carbon sink, from −96 to −155 g C m−2 yr−1, was determined under normal weather conditions, while a weak sink of −18 g C m−2 yr−1 and a strong source of 207 g C m−2 yr−1 were observed as a consequence of a severe drought. The annual sink strength of carbon in the 7‐year measurement period was −52 g C m−2 yr−1. The results from our study indicate that, in contrast to previous thought, the old‐growth chaparral shrub ecosystem can be a significant sink of carbon under normal weather conditions and, therefore, be an important component of the global carbon budget.
Spring feeding by pink‐footed geese reduces carbon stocks and sink strength in tundra ecosystems
Authors: Van Der WAL RENÉ , SJÖGERSTEN SOFIE , WOODIN SARAH J. , COOPER ELISABETH J. , JÓNSDÓTTIR INGIBJÖRG S. , KUIJPER DRIES , FOX TONY A. D. , HUISKES A. D.
Published: January 2007

Tundra ecosystems are widely recognized as precious areas and globally important carbon (C) sinks, yet our understanding of potential threats to these habitats and their large soil C store is limited. Land‐use changes and conservation measures in temperate regions have led to a dramatic expansion of arctic‐breeding geese, making them important herbivores of high‐latitude systems. In field experiments conducted in high‐Arctic Spitsbergen, Svalbard, we demonstrate that a brief period of early season belowground foraging by pink‐footed geese is sufficient to strongly reduce C sink strength and soil C stocks of arctic tundra. Mechanisms are suggested whereby vegetation disruption due to repeated use of grubbed areas opens the soil organic layer to erosion and will thus lead to progressive C loss. Our study shows, for the first time, that increases in goose abundance through land‐use change and conservation measures in temperate climes can dramatically affect the C balance of arctic tundra.
Elevated CO2 enhances nitrogen fixation and growth in the marine cyanobacterium Trichodesmium
Authors: LEVITAN O. , ROSENBERG G. , SETLIK I. , SETLIKOVA E. , GRIGEL J. , KLEPETAR J. , PRASIL O. , BERMAN‐FRANK I.
Published: January 2007

The increases in atmospheric pCO2 over the last century are accompanied by higher concentrations of CO2(aq) in the surface oceans. This acidification of the surface ocean is expected to influence aquatic primary productivity and may also affect cyanobacterial nitrogen (N)‐fixers (diazotrophs). No data is currently available showing the response of diazotrophs to enhanced oceanic CO2(aq). We examined the influence of pCO2 [preindustrial∼250 ppmv (low), ambient∼400, future∼900 ppmv (high)] on the photosynthesis, N fixation, and growth of Trichodesmium IMS101. Trichodesmium spp. is a bloom‐forming cyanobacterium contributing substantial inputs of ‘new N’ to the oligotrophic subtropical and tropical oceans. High pCO2 enhanced N fixation, C : N ratios, filament length, and biomass of Trichodesmium in comparison with both ambient and low pCO2 cultures. Photosynthesis and respiration did not change significantly between the treatments. We suggest that enhanced N fixation and growth in the high pCO2 cultures occurs due to reallocation of energy and resources from carbon concentrating mechanisms (CCM) required under low and ambient pCO2. Thus, in oceanic regions, where light and nutrients such as P and Fe are not limiting, we expect the projected concentrations of CO2 to increase N fixation and growth of Trichodesmium. Other diazotrophs may be similarly affected, thereby enhancing inputs of new N and increasing primary productivity in the oceans.
Up‐regulation of Fas (CD95) expression in tumour cells in vivo
Authors: Peshes‐Yaloz Naama , Rosen Dalia , Sondel Paul M. , Krammer Peter H. , Berke Gideon
Published: January 2007

Both the function and regulation of Fas expression in tumours is poorly understood. Our laboratory has reported that cultured, low Fas‐expressing tumours undergo massive, yet reversible, up‐regulation of cell surface Fas expression when injected into mice. The present study was aimed at determining what causes this enhanced Fas expression and whether the newly expressed Fas functions as a death receptor. Newly expressed Fas is indeed capable of inducing apoptosis. Based on our observation that Fas induction is reduced when tumour cells are injected into immune‐deficient mice, we propose that Fas up‐regulation in vivo involves the host's immune system. Accordingly, Fas up‐regulation occurs in vitro when low Fas‐expressing tumour cells are cocultured with lymphoid cells. Furthermore ascitic fluid extracted from tumour‐bearing mice trigger Fas up‐regulation in low Fas expressing tumours. This last finding suggests that a soluble factor(s) mediates induction of Fas expression. The best candidate for this soluble factor is nitric oxide (NO) based on the following observations: the factor in the ascites is unstable; Fas expression is induced to a lesser degree after injection into inducible NO synthase (NOS)‐deficient (iNOS–/–) mice when compared to control mice; similarly, coculture with iNOS–/– splenocytes induces Fas less effectively than coculture with control splenocytes; and finally, the NO donor SNAP induces considerable Fas up‐regulation in tumours in vitro. Our model is that host lymphoid cells in response to a tumour increase NO synthesis, which in turn causes enhanced Fas expression in the tumour.
Fcγ receptors are crucial for the expression of acquired resistance to virulent Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium in vivo but are not required for the induction of humoral or T‐cell‐mediated immunity
Authors: Menager Nathalie , Foster Gemma , Ugrinovic Sanja , Uppington Hazel , Verbeek Sjef , Mastroeni Pietro
Published: January 2007

Antibodies play an important role in immunity to Salmonella enterica. Here we evaluated the requirement for Fcγ receptors in host resistance to S. enterica using an in vivo model of systemic infection. We show that mice lacking FcγRI, II and III can control and clear a primary infection with S. enterica micro‐organisms of low virulence, but are impaired in the expression of vaccine‐induced acquired immunity to oral challenge with virulent bacteria. We also show that, in vivo, FcγRI, II, III−/− mice were able to mount efficient T‐helper 1 type T‐cell responses and antibody responses specific for S. enterica. The work indicates that targeting S. enterica to FcγR is needed for the expression of vaccine‐induced acquired immunity, but is not essential for the engenderment of T‐ and B‐cell immunity to the bacterium in vivo.
Regulation of human T‐cell homing receptor expression in cutaneous bacterial infection
Authors: Sieling Peter A. , Legaspi Annaliza , Ochoa Maria Teresa , Rea Thomas H. , Modlin Robert L.
Published: January 2007

We investigated the regulation of T‐cell homing receptors in infectious disease by evaluating the cutaneous lymphocyte antigen (CLA) in human leprosy. We found that CLA‐positive cells were enriched in the infectious lesions associated with restricting the growth of the pathogen Mycobacterium leprae, as assessed by the clinical course of infection. Moreover, CLA expression on T cells isolated from the peripheral blood of antigen‐responsive tuberculoid leprosy patients increased in the presence of M. leprae (2·4‐fold median increase; range 0·8–6·1, n = 17), but not in unresponsive lepromatous leprosy patients (1·0‐fold median increase; range 0·1–2·2, n = 10; P < 0·005). Mycobacterium leprae specifically up‐regulated the skin homing receptor, CLA, but not α4/β7, the intestinal homing receptor, which decreased on T cells of patients with tuberculoid leprosy after antigen stimulation (2·2‐fold median decrease; range 1·6–3·4, n = 3). Our data indicate that CLA expression is regulated during the course of leprosy infection and suggest that T‐cell responsiveness to a microbial antigen directs antigen‐specific T cells to the site of infection.
Texture of Glassy Corn Cakes as a Function of Moisture Content
Authors: LI Y. , KLOEPPEL K. M. , HSIEH F.
Published: January 2007

Glass transition temperatures of yellow and white corn cakes were investigated within the moisture range of 2 to 32% (w/w) using dynamic differential scanning calorimetry. All measurements were conducted at 10°C/min heating rate, 30 sec equilibrium period, and 1°C amplitude. Effects of water plasticization on corn cakes were predicted by the Gordon‐Taylor's equation. Moisture sorption isotherms were established using BET and GAB equations. Relationships were found among glass transition temperature, moisture content and cake texture. The loss of crispness of corn cakes occurred within the glassy state. The initial loss of crispness occurred around monolayer moisture content, and the complete loss of crispness occurred at about 9% moisture with the highest hardness.
High Pressure Inactivation of Polyphenoloxidases
Authors: WEEMAES C. , LUDIKHUYZE L. , VAN DEN BROECK I. , HENDRICKX M.
Published: January 2007

Pressure stabilities of polyphenoloxidases (PPO) from apples, avocados, grapes, pears and plums were determined at pH 6‐7. These PPOs differed in pressure stability, but all were rather pressure‐stable. Inactivation of PPO from apple, grape, avocado and pear at room temperature (25°C) became noticeable at 600, 700, 800 and 900 MPa respectively, and followed first‐order kinetics. Plum PPO was not inactivated at room temperature by pressures up to 900 MPa. For the two most pressure‐stable PPOs, we investigated whether pressure stability would be reduced by the simultaneous application of mild heat. In case of plum PPO, activity reduction was detectable at 900 MPa and 50°C. Further temperature increase resulted in increase of the inactivation rate constant (Ea 63 kJ/mol). In case of pear PPO, temperature increase up to 35°C resulted in a 3‐fold reduction of the inactivation rate constant. Only at higher temperatures, increase of the inactivation rate constant with increasing temperature was noted (Ea 120 kJ/mol).
Sensory and Instrumental Properties of Smoked Sausage Made with Mechanically Separated Poultry (MSP) Meat and Wheat Protein
Authors: LI RONGRONG , CARPENTER JOHN A. , CHENEY ROBERT
Published: January 2007

The effects of wheat protein on the texture properties of mechanically separated poultry (MSP) smoked sausages were investigated by a partial 3*3*3 factorial design (water, wheat protein and method of protein preparation) with two blocking factors (3 time periods and 9 panelists). The methods of wheat protein preparation did not influence any measurement. Sensory data indicated that added water affected hardness, springiness, and juiciness (p<0.05) of samples, and added wheat protein affected hardness, cohesiveness of mass, juiciness, and wheat flavor (p<0.05). Instrumental data showed that Hardness, Springiness and Cohesiveness decreased with increasing water content. (p<0.05), and increasing wheat protein levels increased Hardness and Cohesiveness (p<0.05).
Alterations in fluid, electrolytes and other serum chemistry values and their relations with enteral tube feeding in acute brain infarction patients
Authors: Oh HyunSoo , Seo WhaSook
Published: January 2007

Aims and objectives.  This study was performed to examine whether fluid and electrolyte levels are significantly altered after enteral tube feeding in acute brain infarction patients.

Background.  Results on the water and electrolyte complications associated with enteral tube feeding are inconsistent and this is partly because of uncontrolled disease‐related variables.

Design.  Non‐experimental design (retrospective study).

Methods.  This study was conducted by retrospectively reviewing the medical records of 85 tube‐fed patients.

Results.  Mean values of major serum electrolytes (sodium, potassium and chloride) were not significantly altered by tube feeding. However, differences between fluid input and output were significantly increased after tube feeding. The incidence of dehydration reduced overall, while over‐hydration increased.

Conclusion.  The enteral tube feeding of iso‐osmolar formulae appeared to be tolerated by most subjects in the present study in terms of electrolyte balance. However, fluid imbalance and over‐hydration incidences were significantly increased after tube feeding.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Due to significant alterations in fluid balance after tube feeding, close attention to the recording of fluid balance, such as intake/output measurements, body weights and simple bedside assessments is needed to detect fluid imbalances and other serious complications at an early stage in enteral tube‐feeding patients.
Striving for balance in daily life: experiences of Swedish women and men shortly after a myocardial infarction
Authors: Kristofferzon Marja‐Leena , Löfmark Rurik , Carlsson Marianne
Published: January 2007

Aim.  The aim is to describe experiences of daily life of women and men during the first four to six months after a myocardial infarction. The focus is on problems, managing problems and support from their network.

Background.  A cardiac event is traumatic and may influence well‐being during a significant period of time. Few qualitative studies have investigated experiences of both women and men after a myocardial infarction and remarkably little research has been conducted on men's experiences.

Design.  The study design was descriptive, retrospective and qualitative.

Methods.  Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 20 women and 19 men from January 2000 to November 2001. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis.

Results.  Three themes were generated from the analysis: ‘Threatening ordinary life’, ‘Struggling for control’ and ‘The ambiguous network’. Physical symptoms and emotional distress were the most commonly described problems during the first months after a myocardial infarction. The informants manage the problems by negotiating with themselves, relying on their own capabilities, changing attitudes and behaviours and taking their own decisions and actions. The network was generally supportive but rather often the informants also experienced communication problems when they interacted with their network.

Conclusions.  Women and men strive for balance between problems and resources in daily life after a myocardial infarction. How well they succeeded depends on how secure they feel how well they communicate their needs to their network and how sensitive their network is to their spoken and unspoken needs.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The findings provide an insight into what kind of problems women and men may experience after myocardial infarction and how caregivers can aid them to increase security in their daily life. Some risk characteristics that may have increased their problems in daily life are suggested, for women and men respectively.
Relatives in end‐of‐life care – part 2: a theory for enabling safety
Authors: Öhlén Joakim , Andershed Birgitta , Berg Christina , Frid Ingvar , Palm Carl‐Axel , Ternestedt Britt‐Marie , Segesten Kerstin
Published: January 2007

Aim.  To develop a goal‐oriented praxis theory for enabling safety for relatives when an adult or older patient is close to end‐of‐life.

Background.  This is the second part of a project focusing on the situation and needs of relatives in end‐of‐life care. Our interpretation of the existing corpus of knowledge pertaining to the needs of close relatives in this situation showed the significance of relatives’ need for safety.

Method.  The theory was developed step‐by‐step, through triangulation of critical review of empirical research in the field, our own clinical experiences from end‐of‐life care, renewed literature searches and theoretical reasoning.

Theory.  The foundation for the theory is taken from the ethical intention of the philosopher Paul Ricoeur. From this, the theory focuses on relatives in the context of end‐of‐life care with the goal of enabling safety. This is proposed by four aphorisms functioning as safety enablers and these are directed towards the professional's approach and attitude, the relative's concern for the patient, the specific situation for the relative and the patient's end‐of‐life period as a period in the life of the relative.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Implications for end‐of‐life practice are considered and include aspects for promotion of just institutions in end‐of‐life care, the significance of negotiated partnership in end‐of‐life care, enabling safety for relatives living in existential and practical uncertainty in connection with end‐of‐life care and diversity of relatives’ preferences as they live through this particular period.
Central venous access for haemodialysis: prospective evaluation of possible complications
Authors: De Andrade Denise , Ferreira Viviane
Published: January 2007

Aims and objectives.  The combination of chronic renal insufficiency and haemodialysis represents a challenge for health professionals. Chronic renal insufficiency patients undergoing haemodialysis treatment through a temporary double‐lumen catheter were prospectively studied in order to identify the type and frequency of local and systemic complications.

Methods.  A six‐month period was established with a view to the inclusion of new cases. Data were acquired through interviews, clinical assessment and patient records, and entered into a Microsoft Excel database through a double entry system and exported to the Statistical Package Social Sciences software. Sixty‐four patients were evaluated prospectively, of which thirty‐eight (59.4%) were men and 35 (54.7%) required catheter insertion for immediate treatment. During the study period, 145 catheters were inserted, ranging from 1 to 7 implants per patient, 29 (45.3%) were single insertions and 127 (87.6%) catheters were inserted into the jugular vein. The catheters were left in place for an average of 30 days.

Results.  Forty‐one (64%) presented inadequate functioning, after about 26 days. A febrile state occurred in 24 (37.5%) patients after 34 days, secretion at the catheter entry site in 27 (42.2% after 26 days and bloodstream infection was encountered in 34(53%) after 34 days. Of the 61 blood culture samples, thirty (49%) were positive for Staphylococcus aureus that was the microorganism most frequently isolated.

Conclusion.  The findings indicate worrying aspects such as the catheters permanence time, exposing patients to different complications, including infection. Furthermore, inadequate catheter functioning leads to inefficient haemodialysis treatment.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Knowledge about complications allows for systematic care planning, prevention and control actions.
The use of computer technology in university teaching and learning: a critical perspective
Authors: Selwyn N.
Published: January 2007

Abstract Despite huge efforts to position information and communication technology (ICT) as a central tenet of university teaching and learning, the fact remains that many university students and faculty make only limited formal academic use of computer technology. Whilst this is usually attributed to a variety of operational deficits on the part of students, faculty, and universities, this paper considers the wider social relations underpinning the relatively modest use of technology in higher education. The paper explores how university use of computer technology is shaped into marginalized and curtailed positions by a variety of actors. From the ‘writing’ of ICT at a national policy level through to the marginalization of ICT within the lived ‘student experience’, a consistent theme emerges where computer technology use is constructed in limited, linear, and rigid terms far removed from the creative, productive, and empowering uses which are often celebrated by educational technologists. In the light of such constraints, the paper considers how these dominant constructions of a peripheral and limited use of ICT may be challenged by the higher education community. In particular, it concludes by reflecting on current critical thinking about how educational technologists can foster a more expansive and empowered use of computer technology within university settings.
A multidisciplinary approach to the management of individuals with fragile X syndrome
Authors: Alanay Y. , Ünal F. , Turanlı G. , Alikaşifoğlu M. , Alehan D. , Akyol U. , Belgin E. , Şener C. , Aktaş D. , Boduroğlu K. , Utine E. , Volkan‐Salancı B. , Özusta Ş. , Genç A. , Başar F. , Sevinç Ş. , Tunçbilek E.
Published: January 2007

Background  Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common inherited form of intellectual disability. Since the identification of the responsible gene (FMR1) and its protein (FMRP), there has been enormous progress in both clinical and pathogenetic research on the neurobehavioural aspects of the condition. However, studies regarding other medical problems anticipated in individuals with FXS are limited. A multidisciplinary study evaluating various causes of morbidity in the same group has not been published yet.

Methods  Twenty‐four boys with FXS full mutation were recruited out of a larger group of 103 diagnosed in one centre over the past 10 years. Ear nose and throat, eye and cardiac examinations were performed in addition to routine cognitive, behavioural, neurological and speech and language assessments.

Results  The average IQ score was 49.8 ± 20 (range 25–90). There were four patients (18%) with IQ above 70. Using DSM‐IV, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder was diagnosed in five boys out of 22 examined (23%), while 32% were diagnosed with pervasive developmental disorder. The seizure frequency was 17%. A psychiatric disorder was diagnosed in six out of eight boys with electroencephalogram abnormalities (75%). Minimal conductive hearing loss was found in five (5/22) patients. There was significant delay in both expressive and receptive language skills. Ocular findings were refractive errors (13%) and strabismus (4.4%). Mitral valve prolapsus (MVP) was observed in 3/22 (13.7%) patients and aortic annulus dilatation was present in 2/22 (9%) patients.

Conclusions  Frequency of psychiatric diagnoses made with DSM‐IV were in parallel to those reported in the literature. Comorbidity of seizures and psychiatric disorders was noteworthy. The percentage of ‘high‐functioning’ full mutation males supports the previous observations. Ear nose and throat and eye examination revealed remarkably lower prevalence of abnormal findings than reported. MVP was slightly less frequent compared with the single study in the literature. Age at the time of examination had an effect on the outcome of cardiac evaluation. These findings will guide us in future management of the group of patients followed in our institution. The protocol applied provides an applicable outline for multidisciplinary institutional settings dealing with individuals with FXS.
No significant differences in histology and response to interferon treatment in hepatitis B carriers of genotypes C and recombinant B
Authors: Luo K. , He H. , Liu Z. , Zhu Y. , Mao Q. , Liang W.
Published: January 2007

Summary.  Hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes B and C are most prevalent in China and genotype B is found exclusively in recombination with the pre‐C/C gene of genotype C. We investigated whether there is a difference in clinical relevance between the two genotypes sharing the same pre‐C/C gene. Thus, we determined the genotype of HBV among consecutive HBeAg‐positive patients with tailored interferon‐alpha (IFN‐α) therapy, and the demographic, baseline clinical characteristics and treatment results were compared between them. The median values of alanine transaminase (ALT) were 4.5 and 5.0 times the upper limit of normal (P = 0.419), HBV‐DNA levels were 1.4 × 107 and 1.5 × 107copies/mL (P = 0.829), mean scores of necroinflammatory histological activity 9.8 and 10.44 (P = 0.105) and fibrotic activity 2.64 and 2.86 (P = 0.227) in genotype B and C patients, respectively. The end‐of‐treatment response was 42.7% and 39.0% (P = 0.531) with mean tailored treatment months of 8.28 and 9.34 (P = 0.160), and the sustained response 43.4% and 37.5% (P = 0.31) at the end of a 12‐month follow‐up period in genotype B and C patients, respectively. These results remained similar when follow‐up was extended to nearly 3 years. In conclusion, no significant differences in clinical characteristics and response to IFN‐α between genotypes B and C were found, probably, because both types shared a common pre‐C/C encoding region.
BibA: a novel immunogenic bacterial adhesin contributing to group B Streptococcus survival in human blood
Authors: Santi Isabella , Scarselli Maria , Mariani Massimo , Pezzicoli Alfredo , Masignani Vega , Taddei Annarita , Grandi Guido , Telford John L. , Soriani Marco
Published: January 2007

By the analysis of the recently sequenced genomes of Group B Streptococcus (GBS) we have identified a novel immunogenic adhesin with anti‐phagocytic activity, named BibA. The bibA gene is present in 100% of the 24 GBS strains analysed. BibA‐specific IgG were found in human sera from normal healthy donors. The putative protein product is a polypeptide of 630 amino acids containing a helix‐rich N‐terminal domain, a proline‐rich region and a canonical LPXTG cell wall‐anchoring domain. BibA is expressed on the surface of several GBS strains, but is also recovered in GBS culture supernatants. BibA specifically binds to human C4‐binding protein, a regulator of the classic complement pathway. Deletion of the bibA gene severely reduced the capacity of GBS to survive in human blood and to resist opsonophagocytic killing by human neutrophils. In addition, BibA expression increased the virulence of GBS in a mouse infection model. The role of BibA in GBS adhesion was demonstrated by the impaired ability of a bibA knockout mutant strain to adhere to both human cervical and lung epithelial cells. Furthermore, we calculated that recombinant BibA bound to human epithelial cells of distinct origin with an affinity constant of ∼10−8 M for cervical epithelial cells. Hence BibA is a novel multifunctional protein involved in both resistance to phagocytic killing and adhesion to host cells. The identification of this potential new virulence factor represents an important step in the development of strategies to combat GBS‐associated infections.
Growth in the first year of life and the risk of type 1 diabetes in a Danish population
Authors: Svensson Jannet , Carstensen Bendix , Mortensen Henrik B. , Borch‐Johnsen Knut ,   the Danish Study Group of Childhood Diabetes (DSBD)
Published: January 2007

The aim of the study was to investigate whether growth parameters at birth and age 1 year were associated with type 1 diabetes (T1D) in the Danish population and to what extent this explains the increase in T1D incidence. The study is a population‐based case–control study; it compares 490 cases from the Danish diabetes register 1996–99 aged 0–14 years and 696 randomly selected controls (2 per case) from the population register matched for gender and date of birth. We found an increased risk of T1D during childhood in children with a body mass index (BMI) on or above two standard deviations at age 1 year (OR = 3.77 [95% CI 1.41, 10.1]). Children developing diabetes were significantly taller at age 1 year (OR = 1.04 [95% CI 1.00, 1.08]). Children born 1981–99 have significantly higher BMI and weight at birth and a significantly lower BMI and weight at age 1 year compared with children born 1966–74. Thus the increasing incidence of T1D could not be explained by changes in growth parameters at birth or at age 1 year.
Ecophysiological response and morphological adjustment of two Central Asian desert shrubs towards variation in summer precipitation
Authors: XU HAO , LI YAN , XU GUIQING , ZOU TING
Published: January 2007

As part of global climate change, variation in precipitation in arid ecosystems is leading to plant adaptation in water‐use strategies; significant interspecific differences in response will change the plant composition of desert communities. This integrated study on the ecophysiological and individual morphological scale investigated the response, acclimation and adaptation of two desert shrubs, with different water‐use strategies, to variations in water conditions. The experiments were carried out on two native dominant desert shrubs, Tamarix ramosissima and Haloxylon ammodendron, under three precipitation treatments (natural, double and no precipitation, respectively), in their original habitats on the southern periphery of Gurbantonggut Desert, Central Asia, during the growing season in 2005. Changes in photosynthesis, transpiration, leaf water potential, water‐use efficiency, above‐ground biomass accumulation and root distribution of the two species were examined and compared under the contrasting precipitation treatments. There were significant interspecific differences in water‐use strategy and maintenance of photosynthesis under variation in precipitation. For the phreatophyte T. ramosissima, physiological activity and biomass accumulation rely on the stable groundwater, which shields it from fluctuation in the water status of the upper soil layers caused by precipitation. For the non‐phreatophyte H. ammodendron, efficient morphological adjustment, combined with strong stomatal control, contributes to its acclimation to variation in precipitation. On account of its positive responses to increased precipitation, H. ammodendron is predicted to succeed in interspecific competition in a future, moister habitat.
Phylogenetic analysis of Anacaenini (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae: Hydrophilinae) based on morphological characters of adults
Authors: KOMAREK ALBRECHT , BEUTEL ROLF GEORG
Published: January 2007

Abstract The skeletal features of adults of fifty species of Anacaenini (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae) and six outgroup taxa belonging to Hydrophilini and Laccobiini were examined. Eighty‐one characters were selected and analysed cladistically. The resulting trees confirm the sister group relationship of Anacaenini and Laccobiini. Paracymus forms a clade within Laccobiini, as sister group of Oocyclus. Paranacaena is highly polyphyletic and, like Hebauerina, Grodum and Enigmata deeply nested within a complex formed mainly by Anacaena species (Anacaena complex). The position of Gentilina remains ambiguous, but is also likely to be nested within this group. Notionotus is also part of this clade and clearly is monophyletic. Phelea, Crenitis and Notohydrus are distinctive groups which split off successively at the base of the Anacaena complex. On the basis of our results Enigmata Hansen (syn.n.), Gentilina Hebauer (syn.n.), Grodum Hansen (syn.n.) and Hebauerina Gentili (syn.n.) are synonymized with Anacaena Thomson.
A molecular phylogeny of the Trichogrammatidae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea), with an evaluation of the utility of their male genitalia for higher level classification
Authors: OWEN ALBERT K. , GEORGE JEREMIAH , PINTO JOHN D. , HERATY JOHN M.
Published: January 2007

Abstract A molecular phylogeny of the Trichogrammatidae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea) is presented. This group of minute egg parasitoids is known from a broad range of host insects. The phylogeny produced, the first of any kind for the family, utilizes 121 taxa in fifty‐two of the eighty‐four recognized genera. Results were inferred from the ribosomal RNA regions 18S, 28S‐D2 and 28S‐D3, all aligned according to secondary structure models. Parsimony analysis was performed on both a complete and reduced dataset, in which ambiguous regions as defined by secondary structure were eliminated. The reduced dataset produced a much less resolved phylogenetic hypothesis. Only the complete dataset was utilized for Bayesian and maximum likelihood analyses. A robust‐choice Bayesian hypothesis stemmed from the concatenation of five distinct character set parameters. The results are compared with the current classification based primarily on male genitalia. Although our conclusions are partially congruent with the accepted hypothesis of trichogrammatid relationships, none of the currently adopted assemblages was recovered as monophyletic. Nevertheless, the structure of the male genitalia does correspond with relative taxon position in the molecular hypotheses. In general, the greatest genitalic simplification and fusion characterizes taxa treated as the most derived in the molecular hypotheses. Several groups are consistently recovered, but relationships between these groups and other genera vary with the analytical method. A new classification of the Trichogrammatidae is proposed. It includes one tribe, Trichogrammatini, within the subfamily Trichogrammatinae, and three tribes, Paracentrobiini, Chaetostrichini and Oligositini, within the Oligositinae. All tribes are more narrowly defined than previously and many genera are treated as incertae sedis within each subfamily. The results are interpreted in the light of morphological evidence, and the placement of genera not represented in molecular analysis is inferred by morphology alone. Host associations throughout the family are varied, although the molecular results suggest that Trichogrammatidae primitively parasitized Coleoptera, with more recent radiations onto other insect orders, such as Lepidoptera and Hemiptera.