bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of T‐cell stimulating antigens from Giardia lamblia by using Giardia‐specific T‐cell hybridomas
Authors: ASTIAZARAN‐GARCIA H. , QUINTERO J. , VEGA R. , BRICEÑO P. , OVIEDO C. , RASCON L. , GARIBAY‐ESCOBAR A. , CASTILLO‐YAÑEZ F. J. , ROBLES‐ZEPEDA R. , HERNANDEZ J. , VELAZQUEZ C.
Published: November 2008

T‐cell immune response plays an important role in controlling Giardia lamblia infections. Little is known about the G. lamblia‐specific antigens that stimulate a cell‐mediated immune response. The aim of the present study was to identify T‐cell stimulating G. lamblia antigens. For this purpose, we generated a group of Giardia‐specific T‐cell hybridomas (2F9, 4D5, 6D10, 8B9, 9B10, 10F7 and 10G5). Hybridomas were screened for reactivity with G. lamblia protein extract by the CTLL bioassay. These T‐cell hybridomas did not exhibit any significant activation either in the absence of G. lamblia protein extract or in the presence of irrelevant antigen (hen white egg lysozyme). To further characterize the T‐cell hybridomas generated, we selected three hybridomas (10G5, 4D5 and 9B10). Giardia lamblia proteins of 90–110, 65–77 and 40–64 kDa showed T‐cell stimulating activity for the hybridomas 10G5, 4D5 and 9B10, respectively, in a concentration‐dependent manner. Protein extract obtained from different G. lamblia strains (GS/M‐83‐H7, WB C6 and a clinical isolate (YJJ)) stimulated all T‐cell hybridomas, indicating that T‐cell‐stimulating antigens are expressed among different G. lamblia strains. In conclusion, we identified T‐cell stimulating G. lamblia antigens by using Giardia‐specific T‐cell hybridomas. To our knowledge, these hybridomas are the first‐described T‐cell hybridomas specific for G. lamblia.
Presence of larval and adult diapauses in a subtropical scarab beetle: graded thermal response for synchronized sexual maturation and reproduction
Authors: TANAKA SEIJI , YUKUHIRO FUMIKO , YASUI HIROE , FUKAYA MIDORI , AKINO TOSHIHARU , WAKAMURA SADAO
Published: November 2008

Abstract The white grub Dasylepida ishigakiensis has a 2‐year life cycle and spends approximately 9 months as a nonfeeding larva, pupa and adult on a subtropical island. Evidence is presented indicating that this beetle has two diapauses that appear to synchronize this long life cycle with the seasons. Larvae exposed to 20, 22.5, 25 and 27.5 °C late in the third (last) stadium pupate rapidly except for some individuals kept at the highest temperature. The latter pupate upon transfer to 22.5 °C, indicating that larval diapause is maintained at high temperature but terminates upon transfer to a lower temperature. Pupal development is directly temperature‐dependent in the range 20–30 °C. Adults develop reproductive organs (i.e. the ovary in females and the seminal vesicles and accessory glands in males) rapidly at 15 and 20 °C, whereas those kept at 25 °C take a long time to do so. Ovarian development is completely suppressed at 30 °C but initiated upon transfer to 20 °C. In the laboratory, males with well‐developed reproductive organs mate even with sexually immature females, whereas females with undeveloped ovaries show no sexual behaviour. Although the two diapauses of this species are thermally regulated (i.e. a characteristic commonly expressed by insects in summer diapause), adults of this beetle emerge from pupae late in the autumn and remain in the soil for 2 months. Adult diapause effectively serves to synchronize the time of sexual maturation with the coldest month of the year.
Dopamine influences locomotor activity in honeybee queens: implications for a behavioural change after mating
Authors: HARANO KEN‐ICHI , SASAKI MASAMI , NAGAO TAKASHI , SASAKI KEN
Published: November 2008

Abstract Dopamine has been suggested to be involved in physiological and/or behavioural changes triggered by mating in European honeybee (Apis mellifera) queens but its specific role remains unclear. In the present study, the amounts of dopamine (DA) and its metabolite, N‐acetyldopamine (NADA) are measured, in queens of various ages to clarify the association with locomotor activity. The effects of DA receptor agonist/antagonist drugs on locomotor activity are further investigated. Brain levels of DA and NADA are relatively constant during the period before mating when locomotor activity reportedly increases with age but decreases in 1‐year‐old laying queens with low locomotor activity. Reduced DA and NADA levels are also found in haemolymph of 1–3‐month‐old laying queens. When a DA receptor agonist or antagonist is injected into 6‐day‐old virgin queens, locomotor activity levels increase significantly with 2‐amino‐6,7‐dihydroxy‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydronaphthalene (agonist), and decreased with cis(Z)‐flupenthixol (antagonist). These results suggest that DA systems are involved in the motor control of honeybee queens, and that the decline in DA levels reduces locomotor activity after mating but increased locomotor activity before mating may be independent of DA levels.
Electrical signalling and cytokinins mediate effects of light and root cutting on ion uptake in intact plants
Authors: SHABALA SERGEY , PANG JIAYIN , ZHOU MEIXUE , SHABALA LANA , CUIN TRACEY A. , NICK PETER , WEGNER LARS H.
Published: November 2008

Nutrient acquisition in the mature root zone is under systemic control by the shoot and the root tip. In maize, exposure of the shoot to light induces short‐term (within 1–2 min) effects on net K+ and H+ transport at the root surface. H+ efflux decreased (from −18 to −12 nmol m−2 s−1) and K+ uptake (∼2 nmol m−2 s−1) reverted to efflux (∼−3 nmol m−2 s−1). Xylem probing revealed that the trans‐root (electrical) potential drop between xylem vessels and an external electrode responded within seconds to a stepwise increase in light intensity; xylem pressure started to decrease after a ∼3 min delay, favouring electrical as opposed to hydraulic signalling. Cutting of maize and barley roots at the base reduced H+ efflux and stopped K+ influx in low‐salt medium; xylem pressure rapidly increased to atmospheric levels. With 100 mm NaCl added to the bath, the pressure jump upon cutting was more dramatic, but fluxes remained unaffected, providing further evidence against hydraulic regulation of ion uptake. Following excision of the apical part of barley roots, influx changed to large efflux (−50 nmol m−2 s−1). Kinetin (2–4 µm), a synthetic cytokinin, reversed this effect. Regulation of ion transport by root‐tip‐synthesized cytokinins is discussed.
Colonization and speciation on volcanic islands: phylogeography of the flightless grasshopper genus Arminda (Orthoptera, Acrididae) on the Canary Islands
Authors: HOCHKIRCH AXEL , GÖRZIG YVONNE
Published: November 2008

Abstract Volcanic archipelagos represent excellent areas to study colonization and speciation processes. The grasshopper genus Arminda is one of many endemic taxa of the Canary Islands. It consists of seven wingless species, most of which are single‐island endemics. We sequenced two mitochondrial (12s rRNA, ND5) and two nuclear gene fragments (28s rRNA, ITS2) to reconstruct the colonization pattern of the genus. Our results are in accordance with a stepping‐stone colonization model from east to west, corresponding to the prevailing ocean currents, but alternative hypotheses cannot be fully rejected. The populations of A. brunneri from Tenerife belong to two different lineages (east and west) consistent with the geological history of the island. It remains to be tested whether these lineages represent different species and whether further lineages exist on this island. The five clades of the four western islands (A. brunneri group) have approximately similar branch lengths. The short internodes between these lineages resulted in a poorer phylogenetic resolution. Specimens from La Palma were genetically distinct and are subsequently described as a new species, Arminda palmae sp.n. Our results suggest in situ speciation on Gran Canaria, which was accompanied by a stronger degree of morphological diversification than the inter‐island speciation processes. The aberrant species A. canariensis has formerly been assigned to a monotypic subgenus Chopardminda, which is now synonymized with Arminda syn.n. based on its phylogenetic position. Gran Canaria seems to be the only island where Arminda species occur sympatrically, although allopatric speciation seems likely due to the long history of volcanism and erosion on the island.
First alkaline magmatism during Iberia–Newfoundland rifting
Authors: Grange Marion , Schärer Urs , Cornen Guy , Girardeau Jacques
Published: November 2008

The age and origin of alkaline rocks emplaced into the sediments of the rift‐related continental Lusitanian basin were investigated to constrain earliest magmatic activity occurring prior to oceanic plate formation between Iberia and Newfoundland. The U–Pb titanite ages are 146.5 ± 1.6 (2σSTERR), 145.3 ± 1.4 and 142.3 ± 1.0 Ma, and initial Pb isotopic ratios of feldspars lie at 18.418–18.978 for 206Pb/204Pb, at 15.594–15.925 for 207Pb/204Pb and at 37.105–39.216 for 208Pb/204Pb. Initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios measured in the same feldspar fractions lie at 0.705409–0.706462. This episode of magmatic activity lasting for at least 4.2 ± 2.6 Myr most likely marks a phase of maximum lithospheric thinning during which zones of weakness were created to allow deep magmas to reach the surface. Such zones are preferentially re‐activated Palaeozoic faults of the Iberian plate. The isotope data suggest that the dominant volume of alkaline magmas was generated by partial melting of the metasomatized subcontinental Iberian mantle.
The impact of distance of residence from a peripheral health facility on pediatric health utilisation in rural western Kenya
Authors: Feikin Daniel R. , Nguyen Ly Minh , Adazu Kubaje , Ombok Maurice , Audi Allan , Slutsker Laurence , Lindblade Kim A.
Published: November 2008

Objective  To explore the impact of distance on utilisation of peripheral health facilities for sick child visits in Asembo, rural western Kenya.

Methods  As part of a demographic surveillance system (DSS), censuses of all households in the Asembo population of 55 000 are conducted three times a year, data are collected at all outpatient pediatric visits in seven DSS clinics in Asembo, and all households are GIS‐mapped and linkable to a child’s unique DSS identification number. Between May 1, 2003 and April 30, 2004, 3501 clinic visits were linked to 2432 children among 10 973 DSS‐resident children < 5 years of age.

Results  Younger children and children with more severe illnesses travelled further for clinic visits. The median distance travelled varied by clinic. The rate of clinic visits decreased linearly at 0.5 km intervals up to 4 km, after which the rate stabilised. Using Poisson regression, controlling for the nearest DSS clinic for each child, socio‐economic status and maternal education, and accounting for household clustering of children, for every 1 km increase in distance of residence from a DSS clinic, the rate of clinic visits decreased by 34% (95% CI, 31–37%) from the previous kilometer.

Conclusion  Achieving equity in access to health care for children in rural Kenya will require creative strategies to address a significant distance‐decay effect in health care utilisation.
A case of superficial suppurative necrolytic dermatitis of miniature schnauzers with identification of a causative agent using patch testing
Authors: Murayama Nobuo , Midorikawa Kuniaki , Nagata Masahiko
Published: November 2008

A 9‐year‐old, castrated male, miniature schnauzer presented with malaise, anorexia, fever and severe inflammatory skin lesions on the dorsum, thighs and pinnae. The lesions developed 2 days after bathing with a commercial shampoo. Histopathological examination of skin samples revealed neutrophilic exocytosis, parakeratosis, epidermal hyperplasia and neutrophilic infiltration in the superficial dermis. Skin lesions resolved completely after 14 days of treatment with prednisolone and ofloxacin. Patch testing performed on the patient and a clinically healthy dog showed erythema at the site exposed to the culprit shampoo 48 h later only on the patient. Histopathological findings of the erythematous reaction were similar to those of the spontaneous skin lesions. Based on these findings, the dog was diagnosed with superficial suppurative necrolytic dermatitis of miniature schnauzers. The patch test results suggested that contact dermatitis to a commercial shampoo played a role in the pathogenesis of this disease.
Amplification of three different papillomaviral DNA sequences from a cat with viral plaques
Authors: Munday John S. , Willis Kristen A. , Kiupel Matti , Hill Fraser I. , Dunowska Magdalena
Published: November 2008

A 3‐year‐old cat from New Zealand developed three small raised non‐ulcerated plaques on the face. Serology detected antibodies against feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). Histology of the plaque revealed epidermal hyperplasia with keratinocytes either distended with large blue‐grey cytoplasmic bodies or with shrunken nuclei surrounded by a clear halo. Papillomavirus (PV) antigen was detected immunohistochemically and feline viral plaque was diagnosed. Swabs were taken of both lesional and non‐lesional skin, and polymerase chain reactions were used to detect PV DNA. Three different PV DNA sequences were amplified, one from a Felis domesticus PV type 1 (FdPV‐1) previously amplified from a feline viral plaque, a second (FdPV‐JM) previously amplified from feline cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas, and a third FdPV‐MY that was not reported previously. All three sequences were amplified from swabs of both lesional and non‐lesional skin. These results extend the geographical range of FdPV‐1 outside North America and also demonstrate the ability of FdPV‐1 to asymptomatically infect feline skin. However, the detection of multiple PV sequences within both lesional and non‐lesional samples makes it difficult to determine whether or not any of the PVs caused feline viral plaque development in this cat. This is the first time PV DNA has been detected in a feline skin swab sample. Additionally, it is the first report of multiple PVs being detected in a single sample from a cat. This may suggest that FIV infection predisposes cats to cutaneous PV infection.
Possible transfer of vitiligo by allogeneic bone marrow transplantation: A case report
Authors: Mellouli Fethi , Ksouri Habib , Dhouib Nawel , Torjmen Lamia , Abdelkefi Abderrahman , Ladeb Saloua , Othman Tarek Ben , Hmida Slama , Hassen Assia Ben , Béjaoui Mohamed
Published: November 2008

Abstract:  Among the cases yet published of development of vitiligo after BMT, only two can claim as possible adoptive transfer of such disease. We report a case of a patient with sickle cell disease in whom vitiligo developed after allogeneic BMT from his HLA identical father affected by vitiligo. We reviewed and searched for some particularities in the reported cases of post‐BMT vitiligo.
Outcome of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for children with acute myelogenous leukemia in second complete remission: Single center experience
Authors: Ishaqi M. Kashif , Afzal Samina , Dupuis Annie , Doyle John , Gassas Adam
Published: November 2008

Abstract:  We reviewed 26 consecutive patients with AML who were transplanted in second CR2 between 1994 and 2005. The most common conditioning regimen was CY and TBI. Median age at transplant was 8.9 yr (range 2.2–18.2). Nine patients received related donor, 16 patients received unrelated donors, and one patient received unrelated cord stem cells. Acute grade III–IV and chronic extensive GVHD occurred in eight (30%) and nine (35%) patients, respectively. Six patients (23%) relapsed, four of them died. Six patients (23%) died from TRM. Estimate of three‐yr EFS was 0.53 (95% CI; 0.34–0.72). Including the two relapsed patients who were salvaged by DLI and second transplantation, three‐yr OS was 0.61 (95% CI; 0.41–0.78) with a median follow‐up of three and a half yr (range 1.5–11.2 yr). When entering remission, children with relapsed AML have a reasonable survival with HSCT, but relapse and TRM remain a concern.
Effects of antagonistic coevolution on parasite‐mediated host coexistence
Authors: MORGAN A. D. , CRAIG MACLEAN R. , BUCKLING A.
Published: November 2008

Parasites can promote diversity by mediating coexistence between a poorer and superior competitor, if the superior competitor is more susceptible to parasitism. However, hosts and parasites frequently undergo antagonistic coevolution. This process may result in the accumulation of pleiotropic fitness costs associated with host resistance, and could breakdown coexistence. We experimentally investigated parasite‐mediated coexistence of two genotypes of the bacterium Pseudomonas fluorescens, where one genotype underwent coevolution with a parasite (a virulent bacteriophage), whereas the other genotype was resistant to the evolving phages at all time points, but a poorer competitor. In the absence of phages, the resistant genotype was rapidly driven extinct in all populations. In the presence of the phages, the resistant genotype persisted in four of six populations and eventually reached higher frequencies than the sensitive genotype. The coevolving genotype showed a reduction in the growth rate, consistent with a cost of resistance, which may be responsible for a decline in its relative fitness. These results demonstrate that the stability of parasite‐mediated coexistence of resistant and susceptible species or genotypes is likely to be affected if parasites and susceptible hosts coevolve.
Dispersal and population genetic structure of Telmatherina antoniae, an endemic freshwater Sailfin silverside from Sulawesi, Indonesia
Authors: WALTER R. P. , HAFFNER G. D. , HEATH D. D.
Published: November 2008

Population genetic structure in the presence of substantial dispersal provides a unique perspective on the evolution of reproductive isolation. We sampled Telmatherina antoniae, an endemic fish species, at 10 sites in Lake Matano, Indonesia. Significant genetic structure (FST = 0.03) was found, despite a migration rate of 10.2% and a mean dispersal distance of 13.6 km, estimated by genotype assignment. Neither dispersal distance nor direction differed from random expectations, indicative of no dispersal barrier in Lake Matano. However, Bayesian genotype cluster assignment identified a population structure consisting of four to six clusters that did not coincide with sample site distribution, but explained two to three times more genetic variance than sample site. The mechanism for continued isolation of those genetic clusters is unknown, but assortative mating and temporal isolation are obvious candidates. Our results resolve the apparent paradox of population genetic structure coupled with frequent dispersal, and highlight the importance of considering cryptic genetic structure.
Senescent sperm performance in old male birds
Authors: MØLLER A. P. , MOUSSEAU T. A. , RUDOLFSEN G. , BALBONTíN J. , MARZAL A. , HERMOSELL I. , DE LOPE F.
Published: November 2008

Senescence is the deterioration of the phenotype with age caused by negative effects of mutations acting late in life or the physiological deterioration of vital processes. Birds have traditionally been assumed to senescence slowly despite their high metabolic rates, high blood sugar levels and high body temperature. Here we investigate the patterns of age‐related performance of sperm of a long distance migrant, the barn swallowHirundo rustica, varying in age from 1 to 6 years, analysed by the computer‐assisted sperm analysis equipment. Sperm showed deteriorating performance in terms of linear movement, track velocity, straight line velocity and reduced proportions of rapidly moving, progressive and motile sperm with age. In a second series of experiments, we assessed performance of sperm from the same males in neutral medium and in medium derived from the reproductive tract of females in an attempt to test if sperm of old males performed relatively better in female medium, as expected from extra‐pair paternity being negatively related to male age, but not to female age. Older males showed consistently better performance in female medium than in neutral medium in terms of track velocity, straight line velocity and reduced proportions of rapidly moving, progressive and motile sperm, whereas young males showed better performance in neutral medium. These results provide evidence of declining sperm performance for important reproductive variables not only with age, but also with the sperm of old males performing differentially better in female medium than young males.
Performance and acceptance evaluation of a knowledge‐based SDSS for medfly area‐wide control
Authors: Cohen A. , Cohen Y. , Broday D. , Timar D.
Published: November 2008

The performance evaluation of a spatial decision support system (SDSS) for medfly control in citrus in Israel, known as ‘MedCila’, is described. The performance was evaluated by considering four aspects: verification, validation, acceptance and effectiveness. For the performance evaluation of MedCila, a representative set of 420 real cases was collected. In addition, an expert panel was gathered to serve as ‘a reference level of expertise’ against which MedCila recommendations were compared. Various types of comparisons and cross‐sections were made using the MedCila recommendations and the decisions of the zone managers to evaluate its performance. In general, MedCila was validated to provide an 80% proportion of success. For complex cases, it was validated to provide only 75% proportion of success. The results show that MedCila significantly reduces spraying actions by at least 8%, which is estimated to save 13.3 tons of chemicals and 250 000 US$ each year. MedCila may improve the effectiveness of the decision‐making process of the zone managers by highlighting the trivial cases and by providing them with clear‐cut recommendations. Moreover, decision‐making in complex cases by using MedCila provides the option of using more data and information that may increase the willingness to take a risk and reduce spraying actions.
Isolation of entomopathogenic fungi from the soil and their pathogenicity to two fruit fly species (Diptera: Tephritidae)
Authors: Sookar P. , Bhagwant S. , Awuor Ouna E.
Published: November 2008

The occurrence of deuteromycetous entomopathogenic fungi was determined by examining 224 soil samples from 19 locations in three climatic zones of Mauritius. Three sites were sampled per location: one site under vegetables cultivation, one site under sugar cane plantation and one natural site each within 1 km of each other. Soil samples were baited with the waxmoth larvae Galleria mellonella L. and incubated in the dark at 15, 20, 25 or 30°C for 7, 14 and 21 days. Entomopathogenic fungi were isolated from 77 out of 224 (38.6%) soil samples. Metarhizium anisopliae was isolated from 42 (18.8%) samples, Beauveria bassiana from 24 (10.7%), Metarhizium spp. and Paecilomyces fumosoroseus from 5 (2.2%) each and Beauveria spp. from 1 (0.4%). It was observed that M. anisopliae was isolated more frequently from soils under vegetables as compared to soils under sugarcane or habitat with natural vegetation. Beauveria bassiana was isolated more frequently at the lowest incubation temperature (15°C) while M. anisopliae isolates were recovered more frequently at higher temperatures (25 and 30°C). The pathogenicity of seven isolates of M. anisopliae, five isolates of B. bassiana and two isolates of P. fumosoroseus towards the adults of Bactrocera zonata and Bactrocera cucurbitae was tested by topical application of conidial suspension of 1 × 106 conidia/ml. All the isolates tested were pathogenic to the two fruit fly species. Mortality of B. zonata varied between 12.0 and 98.0% and between 2.0 and 94.0% in B. cucurbitae at 5 days post‐treatment. Our results suggest that entomopathogenic fungi present locally, could be integrated for the control of B. zonata and B. cucurbitae.
Cameraria ohridella: 10 years of sex pheromone and kairomone research
Authors: Svatoš A. , Kalinová B. , Hrdý I.
Published: November 2008

This review traces the identification and use of sex pheromone of the horse chestnut leafminerCameraria ohridellaDeschka et Dimić (Lepidoptera, Gracillariidae, Lithocolletinae) to monitor population density and discuss its potential for direct control. Host volatiles endogenously emitted fromAesculus hippocastanumL. leaves are described in terms of their ability to control conspecific females.
Evaluation of trimedlure dispensers by a method based on thermal desorption coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry
Authors: Alfaro C. , Domínguez J. , Navarro‐Llopis V. , Primo J.
Published: November 2008

Knowledge about the behaviour of trimedlure (TML) dispensers is essential to ensure the efficacy of monitoring and control methods based on TML as attractant. There are several commercially available TML dispensers, and each of them has a different useful life and TML release profile. Their emission is also affected differently by environmental factors. Even the same type of dispenser sometimes shows an important variability in the TML release rate. Because of the importance of methods based on TML lures in the control of the Mediterranean fruit fly and the influence of the TML dispenser on the efficacy of these control methods, we developed a non‐destructive flow‐through system to measure the TML release rate. This volatile collection method (VCM) adsorbs TML vapour on a Tenax TA desorption tube, and TML is quantified by Thermal desorption coupled with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Two types of TML dispensers, a polymeric (Aralure) and a mesoporous (Epalure), were field aged during 3 months. The TML release rates of these dispensers were determined by both, VCM and solvent extraction method. In this study, the correlation between both measurement methods is shown. A field trial has also been carried out to correlate trap catches and TML emission of each type of tested dispenser. The VCM allows a quick and accurate evaluation of the current behaviour of commercial dispensers along their useful life. It also allows comparing the TML release rate between different dispensers. We believe that the VCM can be useful for dispenser manufacturers to determine seasonal dispenser performance before a new product is introduced in the market, and to rapidly verify TML dispenser release when field‐aged dispenser efficacy is in question. Thus, it can be employed as a quality control of commercial dispensers.
Detection of disseminated tumor cells in bone marrow of gastric cancer using magnetic activated cell sorting and fluorescent activated cell sorting
Authors: Wang Gui‐Ying , Li Yong , Yu Yue‐Ming , Yu Bin , Zhang Zhen‐Ya , Liu Yu , Wang Shi‐Jie
Published: November 2008

Background and Aim:  Magnetic activated cell sorting (MACS) and fluorescent activated cell sorting (FACS) were employed to enrich and detect the gastric cancer cells from a cell line in a model system, and to enrich and detect disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) from bone marrow (BM) of patients with gastric cancer.

Methods:  Fifteen patients with benign gastric lesions and 35 patients with gastric cancer who received curative operations between December 2002 and June 2003 were selected. Mononuclear cells were separated from their BM. Cells from cell line OCUM‐2M were seeded with 10‐grade ratio into mononuclear cells from patients with benign gastric lesion. After labeling by MACS minibeads conjugated with cytokeratin (CK) 7/8 antibodies, anti‐CK‐fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC), and anti‐CD45‐perdinin chlorophyll protein (PerCP), the samples were enriched twice using an MS+/RS+ positive separation column. The FACS analysis was conducted on these samples before and after MACS enrichment. The results were analyzed using clinopathological parameters.

Results:  Disseminated tumor cells were detected in the BM of 25 (71.43%) patients with gastric cancer. The frequencies of DTCs were 1.38 × 10−8–2.40 × 10−5, 2.19 × 10−7–3.70 × 10−5, 4.01 × 10−6–8.57 × 10−5 in patients with well, moderately, and poorly differentiated carcinoma, respectively (P = 0.026). Disseminated tumor cells in BM had close correlation with tumor tumor‐node‐metastasis (TNM) stage (P = 0.034) and cancer‐free survival (P = 0.035).

Conclusion:  Disseminated tumor cells are very common in the BM of gastric cancer patients. Poor histological differentiation and more advanced TNM stage have more DTCs in the BM of gastric cancer patients. Patients with DTCs tend to have a poor prognosis.
The additive effect of ethanol and extract of cigarette smoke on rabbit esophagus epithelium
Authors: Bor Serhat , Capanoglu Doga
Published: November 2008

Aim:  The combination of alcohol and smoking takes a place in the epidemiology and pathogenesis of gastroesophageal reflux disease and squamous cancers of the esophagus. Therefore, a study was designed to assess the impact of these agents alone or in combination on the structure and function of squamous epithelium of rabbit esophagus.

Methods:  Rabbit esophageal epithelium was mounted in Ussing Chambers, exposed luminally for ethanol (1–10%), extract of cigarette smoke (EOCS) and combinations or sequential application of these agents. An in‐vivo model was also used to mimic conditions more representative of human alcohol consumption.

Results:  Ethanol (1–10%) dose dependently decreased tissue resistance. Extract of cigarette smoke caused a reduction on transepithelial potential difference (PD), short circuit current. Combinations of EOCS, ethanol (5–10% EtOH and EOCS 1–2) showed a more pronounced decrease than agents alone, mainly the result of EOCS. In vivo studies showed that EOCS administration dropped PD dose dependently. In‐vivo 10% EtOH, EOCS‐2 dropped PD (55%) similar to in‐vitro 5% EtOH, EOCS‐1. The effect was clearly additive; boluses of 10% ethanol (36%) and EOCS‐2 (17%) decreased PD and combination of agents resulted in a 55% drop on PD which is a very similar decrease compared to the sum of the separate effects of agents (53%).

Conclusion:  Ethanol affected the barrier and cigarette smoke altered ion transport on rabbit esophageal epithelium under conditions reflecting human consumption. Results were consistent with in vivo and in vitro conditions except higher concentrations were needed in vivo. When applied, these agents showed an additive effect. Ethanol predisposed the tissue to the effect of EOCS.
The population prevalence of adverse concentrations and associations with adiposity of liver tests among Australian adolescents
Authors: Booth Michael L , George Jacob , Denney‐Wilson Elizabeth , Okely Anthony D , Hardy Louise L , Aitken Robert , Dobbins Tim
Published: November 2008

Aim:  Paediatric overweight has a high incidence and has serious consequences for health, including non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, very little is known about NAFLD among young people, particularly from a population perspective. This paper reports the prevalence of elevated concentrations of four liver enzymes and their associations with adiposity in a representative population sample of Australian adolescents.

Methods:  Overnight fasting blood samples were collected from a representative population sample of 500 Grade 10 students (15‐years‐old) attending schools in Sydney, Australia, between February and May, 2004. Weight, height and waist girth were measured. The prevalence of adverse concentrations of the enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma‐glutamyltransferase (GGT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were described for all boys and girls and by body mass index (BMI) categories. The nature of the associations between the enzyme concentrations and indices of adiposity were characterised, and regression equations for estimating enzyme concentrations from BMI were prepared.

Results:  The prevalence of adverse concentrations of ALT (most likely as a result of NAFLD) and GGT were approximately 10%, while the prevalence of adverse concentrations of AST and ALP were approximately 7% and 5% respectively. The prevalence of adverse concentrations of ALT, GGT and AST increased across BMI categories, while the prevalence of adverse concentrations of ALP declined across BMI categories.

Conclusions:  The high prevalence of NAFLD in a population sample of healthy Australian adolescents represents a significant burden of disease.
Spontaneous cranial extradural hematoma: case report and review of literature
Authors: Hassan Md. Faizul , Dhamija Bhoresh , Palmer James D. , Hilton David , Adams William
Published: November 2008

Extradural hematoma (EDH) is usually a post‐traumatic sequel but a few cases of spontaneous EDH have been reported. Here we report a woman who presented with spontaneous acute EDH but was later found to have dural metastasis from lung carcinoma. Causal factors have been present in all reported cases, as well as in this case. We propose the term non‐traumatic EDH.
An immunohistochemical study of GABAA receptor gamma subunits in Alzheimer's disease hippocampus: Relationship to neurofibrillary tangle progression
Authors: Iwakiri Masahiko , Mizukami Katsuyoshi , Ikonomovic Milos D. , Ishikawa Masanori , Abrahamson Eric E. , DeKosky Steven T. , Asada Takashi
Published: November 2008

Immunohistochemical characterization of the distribution of GABAA receptor subunits γ1/3 and 2 in the hippocampus relative to neurofibrillary tangle (NFT) pathology staging was performed in cognitively normal subjects (Braak stage I/II, n = 4) and two groups of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients (Braak stage III/IV, n = 4; Braak stage V/VI, n = 8). In both Braak groups of AD patients, neuronal γ1/3 and γ2 immunoreactivity was preserved in all hippocampal subfields. However, compared to normal controls neuronal γ1/3 immunoreactivity was more intense in several end‐stage AD subjects. Despite increased NFT pathology in the Braak V/VI AD group, GABAAγ1/3 and γ2 immunoreactivity did not co‐localize with markers of NFT. These results suggest that upregulating or preserving GABAAγ1/3 and γ2 receptors may protect neurons against neurofibrillary pathology in AD.
J1‐31 protein expression in astrocytes and astrocytomas
Authors: Shuangshoti Shanop , Thorner Paul S. , Ruangvejvorachai Preecha , Saha Baisakhi , Groshen Susan , Taylor Clive R. , Malhotra Sudarshan , Imam S. Ashraf
Published: November 2008

J1‐31 is one of the astrocytic proteins, the expression of which has not been evaluated in astrocytomas. In the present study, we studied the expression of J1‐31 protein in astrocytes and astrocytomas in comparison with GFAP, p53 and Ki‐67. Materials consisted of formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissue specimens that included five cases of normal brain, 17 of gliosis, 15 of pilocytic astrocytoma (WHO grade I), 26 of low‐grade diffuse astrocytoma (WHO grade II), four of anaplastic astrocytoma (WHO grade III), and eight of glioblastoma (WHO grade IV). GFAP was highly expressed in all specimens examined. The anti‐J1‐31 antibody exhibited strong cytoplasmic staining of reactive gliosis in 17/17 (100%) cases with a higher intensity of staining than that observed in the adjacent normal astrocytes. The antibody showed reactivity with tumor cells in 12/15 (80%) cases of pilocytic astrocytoma, although intensity of staining was generally weaker and more focal than observed in reactive gliosis. J1‐31‐positive tumor cells were detected in only 9/26 (35%) cases of the low‐grade diffuse astrocytoma and none of the cases of anaplastic astrocytoma and glioblastoma. Increasing Ki‐67 indices paralleled advancing tumor grades. p53 protein was expressed more commonly in infiltrating astrocytomas compared to pilocytic astrocytoma. In conclusion, down‐regulation of J1‐31 expression correlates with advancing grade of astrocytomas. The result suggests this protein plays some role in astrocytes that is progressively lost in malignant progression. The anti‐J1‐31 antibody may help further our understanding of astrocytes in disease and may be useful as an aid in the pathologic diagnosis of astrocytic lesions.
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy showing extensive spinal cord involvement in a patient with lymphocytopenia
Authors: Takeda Shigeki , Yamazaki Kazunori , Miyakawa Teruo , Takahashi Hitoshi , Ikuta Fusahiro , Arai Hiroyuki
Published: November 2008

A 64‐year‐old Japanese man who was diagnosed as having cerebral infarcts at an early clinical stage was found to have progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). A decrease of leukocytes and lymphocytes had been detected in the previous year. During a total clinical course of 11 months, he showed marked depletion of lymphocytes ranging from 264/µL to 459/µL. Autopsy disclosed no underlying diseases such as malignancies or tuberculosis. Extensive PML lesions were seen in the cerebral white matter. Small perivascular cuffs comprising many CD8+ T lymphocytes and a few CD4+ T cells were scattered in the PML lesions. CD20+ B cells were rarely evident. The subsets of the infiltrating lymphocytes differed from those of primary or spontaneous PML. Similar extensive PML lesions were observed not only in the cerebellum and brainstem but also in the spinal cord. All 26 segments of the spinal cord, especially the cervical, lumbar and sacral cord, showed extensive lesions involving the lateral and anterior columns. To our knowledge, only three cases of PML with such extensive spinal cord lesions have been reported previously. These three cases, and the present one, may represent a group of PML that shows extensive lesions in the spinal cord as well as the cerebrum, cerebellum and brainstem. The underlying disease in the present case was unclear. Because lymphocytopenia is not observed in primary or spontaneous PML, and the immunohistochemical findings of the infiltrating lymphocytes in the present case are different from primary or spontaneous PML, the decrease in his total blood lymphocytes may have played a significant role in his immunosuppressed condition as the underlying disease.
Slowing renal function decline in chronic kidney disease patients after nephrology referral
Authors: CHEN SZU‐CHIA , CHANG JER‐MING , CHOU MING‐CHIN , LIN MING‐YEN , CHEN JUI‐HSIN , SUN JIA‐HUI , GUH JINN‐YUH , HWANG SHANG‐JYH , CHEN HUNG‐CHUN
Published: November 2008

Aim:  Late referral of chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients to nephrologists is associated with increased morbidity and mortality and is still quite common and seldom studied in Taiwan because of unique sociocultural factors. We aimed to study the decline in renal function and factors related to the change in renal function before and after referral.

Methods:  We retrospectively reviewed the changes of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in 213 new referrals of patients with CKD stages 3–5 to the nephrology divisions of one medical centre and one regional hospital from 2001–2006. Data on demographics and laboratory investigations were collected for study.

Results:  The rates of annual eGFR decline slowed significantly from −7.38 ± 0.84 before referral to −1.02 ± 0.45 mL/min per 1.73 m2/year after referral (mean ± standard error of the mean, P < 0.001). The nephrology referral was the most significant factor associated with the slowing of renal function progression, as was younger age and female sex. After nephrology referral, patients with diabetes had an increase in eGFR compared to those without diabetes (P = 0.034). Patients had better control of diastolic blood pressure, sugar and lipid, more frequent use of angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers and statins, less frequent use of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, and more serum creatinine measurements after nephrology referral.

Conclusion:  Slowing renal functional decline in CKD patients after referral addresses the importance of nephrology referral for CKD care, which should be strongly promoted in CKD prevention projects in Taiwan.
Public health nurses as social mediators navigating discourses with new mothers
Authors: Aston Megan
Published: November 2008

Public health nurses (PHN) have had a long history of working with new mothers in the community. Their practice includes collaboration, building therapeutic relationships, mutual goal setting, establishing trust, supporting clients’ strengths, empowerment and social justice. The wealth of information that new mothers receive both solicited and unsolicited may come from many different sources such as medicine, midwifery and those created personally by families. Although much of the information on mothering is presented with the intent of helping, it can also be hegemonic and oppressive depending on different discourses, stereotypes and myths of mothering and therefore may cause confusion, guilt and uncertainty. Public health nurses often address conflicting social, cultural and personal discourses about mothering practices in order to support an empowering mothering experience. The term ‘social mediator’ was purposefully created in an attempt to describe the unique work of PHNs that this author has witnessed through her own research and practice as a PHN. This paper will present a discussion of the author's own work and research findings that will suggest how feminist poststructuralist theory may be used to guide and understand information exchange between PHNs and mothers as they mediate different social, cultural and personal discourses on mothering.
Professional identity as a resource for talk: exploring the mentor–student relationship
Authors: Shakespeare Pam , Webb Christine
Published: November 2008

This paper discusses a study examining how mentors in nurse education make professional judgments about the clinical competence of their pre‐registration nursing students. Interviews were undertaken with nine UK students and 15 mentors, using critical incidents in practice settings as a focus. The study was undertaken for the English National Practice‐Based Professional Learning Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning. This paper reports on the conversation analytic thread of the work. The mentor role with pre‐registration nursing students is not only supportive but involves formal assessment. Central to the relationship is communication. In professional education, communication is seen as a skill to be applied and assessed in practice settings but is also the medium mentors and mentees use to talk about the relationship. Analysis of excerpts of conversation in the interviews shows that episodes of communication are used as topics of conversation to establish professional identity. It also reveals that judgments about the extent of professional capacity of both students and mentors are grounded in everyday behaviours (for example, enthusiasm, indifference and confidence) as well as professional competence. In addition to focusing on clinical issues, mentors can and do use mundane communication as a resource for judgments about competence.
Patients’ experiences of waiting for a liver transplantation
Authors: Bjørk Ida Torunn , Nåden Dagfinn
Published: November 2008

Organ transplantation has increased worldwide while the number of organ donors have not increased similarly. Consequently, the waiting period for transplant candidates is prolonged. Patient narratives have uncovered physical and psychosocial suffering in the transplantation process. However, relatively few studies have explored patients’ experiences in the actual waiting period. This qualitative study was conducted in Norway and aimed to describe patients’ experiences of being accepted as recipients of a new liver and their waiting following this decision. A sample of 21 patients with end‐stage liver disease, placed on the ordinary waiting list for a liver transplant, were interviewed in the hospital before they went home to wait for a compatible liver. Uncertainty related to life and death was a major issue, both in the waiting period and as a response to being put on the waiting list. Another central issue was their overwhelming lack of energy. Patients inferred a linear relationship between lack of energy, physical limitations and mental distress. Despite major advances in medical treatment, little follow‐up was given during the waiting period and most of the patients seemed resigned to the inevitability of their suffering. This raises issues of health personnel responsibility and a need to heighten awareness about patient suffering during the waiting period.
Unfolding the invisible of the visible: gendered constructions of patient participation
Authors: Foss Christina , Kirkevold Marit
Published: November 2008

The article draws attention to the unexploited potentials in using visuals within nursing research and especially in using visuals as data. Initially, the authors give a brief description of what is meant by visual research methods and present a short overview of the different approaches that are possible. Visual methodologies are situated within different theoretical frames, often within a postmodern framework. We present a study using a postmodern approach inspired by the works of Foucault. The study demonstrates the possibilities inherent in using visuals as data by exemplifying how illustrations from health journals from Scandinavia reflect otherwise veiled and/or unconscious gendered attitudes on user participation.
Elder abuse, ageism, human rights and citizenship: implications for nursing discourse
Authors: Phelan Amanda
Published: November 2008

Elder abuse is a significant social issue in society. Although this area has generated an increasing research base, there is scant literature on elder abuse viewed through the lens of ageism and its sway on human rights and citizenship. These three perspectives on the topic allow for a meaningful and equitable benchmark from which elder abuse may be considered. Ageism influences the way human rights and citizenship are articulated for older people and is conceptualised as stereotypical views of older people leading to prejudiced attitudes, actions and societal marginalisation. Such attitudes function to both disadvantage and devalue older people providing a covert basis for societal tolerance of elder abuse. This paper reviews pertinent literature in the area of elder abuse, human rights, citizenship and ageism, and argues that although society aspires to certain ideals in terms of equality and valuing the human individual, these aspirations may often be questionable in terms of older people and abuse.
Intercultural communication in child and family health: insights from postcolonial feminist scholarship and three‐body analysis
Authors: Grant Julian , Luxford Yoni
Published: November 2008

Concerns about intercultural communication practices in child and family health were raised during a South Australian ethnographic study. The family partnership model was observed as a universal pedagogic tool introduced into the host organisation in 2003. It has a role in shaping and reshaping cultural production within child health practice. In this study, we draw on insights from postcolonial feminist scholarship together with three‐body analysis to critique the theoretical canons of care that inform intercultural communication in the child and family health setting.

We contend that although the family partnership model may be very useful, its intended universal application is problematic in the context of multiculture. Issues of race, gender and class were seemingly unattended when using a communication approach based in historical scientific rationalism. Liberal interpretations of discourses of equity and empathy arising out of contemporary models of communication were often adopted by child and family health nurses and protected them from seeing the inherent binaries that constrain practice. Insights from postcolonial feminist thinking enabled us to recognise the problems of applying theory to practice in a linear fashion. We demonstrate the use of three‐body analysis as a deconstruction strategy to refigure how theory might be understood and worked with in the multiculture that is Australia.