bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gastric carcinogenesis by N‐Methyl‐N‐Nitrosourea is enhanced in db/db diabetic mice
Authors: Yoshizawa Nao , Yamaguchi Hirokazu , Yamamoto Masami , Shimizu Nobuyuki , Furihata Chie , Tatematsu Masae , Seto Yasuyuki , Kaminishi Michio
Published: March 2009

In 2005, a Japanese epidemiological study showed that increase in plasma glucose levels is a risk factor for gastric cancer. However, no animal model has hitherto shown any association between diabetes mellitus and neoplasia in the stomach. Diabetic (db/db) mice have obese and diabetic phenotypes, including hyperglycemia, because of disruption of the leptin receptor. In the present study, effects of hyperglycemia and/or hyperinsulinemia on the development of proliferative lesions were therefore examined in db/db mice given N‐methyl‐N‐nitrosourea (MNU). A total of 120 mice were assigned to four groups: Group A, 40 db/db mice with MNU; Group B, 40 + /db mice with MNU; Group C, 30 misty (wild‐type) mice with MNU; Group D, 10 db/db mice without MNU. MNU was given at 60 ppm in drinking water for 20 weeks. Subgroups of animals were sacrificed at weeks 21 and 30 and blood samples were collected to measure glucose, insulin, leptin, and adiponectin concentrations. The removed stomachs were fixed in formalin, and embedded in paraffin for histological examination and immunohistochemistry. At week 30 in Groups A, B, C and D, hyperplasia was observed in 100, 79, 57, and 0%, and dysplasia in 91, 43, 71, and 0%, respectively. Adenocarcinomas and pepsinogen‐altered pyloric glands (PAPG), putative preneoplastic lesions, were observed only in Group A, at an incidence of 45%. The serum levels of insulin and leptin were also elevated in Group A. Gastric carcinogenesis by MNU was enhanced in db/db mice, possibly in association with hyperinsulinemia and hyperleptinemia. (Cancer Sci 2009; 100: 1180–1185)
Angiogenic growth factors in tissue homogenates of HNSCC: expression pattern, prognostic relevance, and interrelationships
Authors: Montag Michael , Dyckhoff Gerhard , Lohr Jennifer , Helmke Burkhard M. , Herrmann Eva , Plinkert Peter K. , Herold‐Mende Christel
Published: March 2009

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma has still a poor prognosis. Since angiogenesis is crucial for tumor growth, a better understanding of the potential clinical relevance as well as the interactions between the numerous proangiogenic growth factors is essential to develop improved therapeutic strategies in these tumors. Expression levels of eight growth factors known to induce angiogenesis (HGF, bFGF, VEGF‐A, VEGF‐D, PDGF‐AB, PDGF‐BB, G‐CSF, and GM‐CSF) were quantitatively measured by ELISA in homogenates of 41 head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. In addition, microvessel density and protein localization of growth factors were assessed by immunohistochemistry. Statistical analysis was performed to assess interrelationships between growth factors analyzed and to correlate protein levels with patient outcome. In 90% of the tissues at least 4/8 growth factors analyzed were detectable. Highest amounts and most frequent expression were found for HGF, bFGF and VEGF‐A while PDGF‐AB and PDGF‐BB were present in two‐thirds and G‐CSF and GM‐CSF in approximately half of the cases. Although there was no significant relation to microvessel density, we identified significant associations for bFGF with HGF and G‐CSF as well as of PDGF‐AB with those of VEGF‐A and PDGF‐BB. For the first time we demonstrate that expression levels of HGF as well as that of bFGF and G‐CSF in head and neck squamous tumors are negative prognostic factors for patient survival. Our data indicate a network of interrelated and prognostically relevant growth factors in these tumors that have to be taken into consideration when planning an antiangiogenic and antitumor therapy. (Cancer Sci 2009; 100: 1210–1218)
Invertebrate hydraulic preferences and predicted impacts of changes in discharge in a large river
Authors: MÉRIGOUX SYLVIE , LAMOUROUX NICOLAS , OLIVIER JEAN‐MICHEL , DOLÉDEC SYLVAIN
Published: March 2009

Instream habitat models are attractive tools for assessing the impacts of flow restoration on aquatic organisms, but have been rarely used for invertebrates due to the lack of knowledge of their hydraulic preferences.

In this study, we provide quantitative models of the hydraulic preferences for 66 invertebrate taxa found in the Upper Rhône River (France), and combine these preferences with a statistical habitat model (FSTress) to predict the effects of minimum flow restoration on invertebrate abundances in two bypassed sections of the river.

Many taxa show marked preferences for particular hydraulic conditions. Average preferred hydraulic conditions were significantly related to those observed in smaller streams (R2 = 0.37).

Our model predicted that habitat values of 27 taxa should be enhanced by restoration operations, but also predicted a decrease of habitat values in the main channel for 12 limnophilic taxa. However, these taxa are expected to maintain populations by finding refuges in restored cut‐off channels and overall invertebrate diversity is predicted to increase in the two bypassed sections studied here.
Salamander occupancy in headwater stream networks
Authors: GRANT EVAN H. CAMPBELL , GREEN LINDA E. , LOWE WINSOR H.
Published: March 2009

1. Stream ecosystems exhibit a highly consistent dendritic geometry in which linear habitat units intersect to create a hierarchical network of connected branches.

2. Ecological and life history traits of species living in streams, such as the potential for overland movement, may interact with this architecture to shape patterns of occupancy and response to disturbance. Specifically, large‐scale habitat alteration that fragments stream networks and reduces connectivity may reduce the probability a stream is occupied by sensitive species, such as stream salamanders.

3. We collected habitat occupancy data on four species of stream salamanders in first‐order (i.e. headwater) streams in undeveloped and urbanised regions of the eastern U.S.A. We then used an information–theoretic approach to test alternative models of salamander occupancy based on a priori predictions of the effects of network configuration, region and salamander life history.

4. Across all four species, we found that streams connected to other first‐order streams had higher occupancy than those flowing directly into larger streams and rivers. For three of the four species, occupancy was lower in the urbanised region than in the undeveloped region.

5. These results demonstrate that the spatial configuration of stream networks within protected areas affects the occurrences of stream salamander species. We strongly encourage preservation of network connections between first‐order streams in conservation planning and management decisions that may affect stream species.
Spatial and temporal patterns of microcrustacean assemblage structure and secondary production in a wetland ecosystem
Authors: LEMKE A. MARIA , BENKE ARTHUR C.
Published: March 2009

1. In contrast to extensive studies of zooplankton in lakes, the role of microcrustaceans in wetlands is not well studied. In this study, spatial and temporal patterns of microcrustacean assemblage structure and secondary production were quantified over a 2‐year period in a southeastern U.S.A. wetland.

2. Thirty‐two species, including 19 cladocerans, 10 copepods and three ostracods, generated different temporal patterns of density and production between vegetated (Nymphaea) and non‐vegetated (open‐water) zones reflecting species‐specific differences in life histories.

3. Summer assemblages were dominated by small, planktonic filter‐feeders, typified by high annual production/biomass (P/B) and daily production. In contrast, winter assemblages were dominated by larger, epibenthic detritivores with low P/B and high biomass. Seasonal shifts in the relative importance of planktonic species in the warmer months to benthic and epiphytic species in the cooler months suggest that energy flow pathways through microcrustaceans may vary seasonally.

4. Total annual production was higher during both years in the Nymphaea zone (13.0 g and 13.6 g DM m−2 year−1) than the open‐water (8.2 and 6.3 g DM m−2 year−1), and was similar between years for the entire wetland pond (12.3 and 12.2 g DM m−2 year−1).

5. Although wetland ecosystems have been the subject of considerable ecological research in the past 20 years, our study is one of the few to demonstrate a highly diverse and relatively productive microcrustacean assemblage. Such comprehensive production studies can be used to quantify the ecological importance of microcrustaceans in freshwater wetland ecosystems.
Scared fish get lazy, and lazy fish get fat
Authors: Johansson Frank , Andersson Jens
Published: March 2009

Many biological textbooks present predator‐induced morphological changes in prey species as an example of an adaptive response, because the morphological change is associated with lower predation risk. Here we show that the adaptive morphological response observed in many systems may actually be an indirect effect of decreased activity – which reduces the predation risk – rather than a direct adaptive response.

One of the classical examples comes from crucian carp, where the presence of pike leads to a deeper body. We manipulated pike cues (presence and absence) and water current (standing and running water) and found that both standing water and pike cues similarly and independently induced a deeper body.

Since the presence of pike cues as well as standing water might be associated with low swimming activity, we suggest that the presence of pike causes a reduction in activity (antipredator behaviour). Reduced activity subsequently induces a deeper body, possibly because the energy saved is allocated to a higher growth rate.

Our result suggests that even if morphological change is adaptive, it might be induced indirectly via activity. This important conceptual difference may be similar in many other systems.
Changes in vertebral structure during growth of reared rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum): a new approach using modelling of vertebral bone profiles
Authors: Deschamps M‐H , Girondot M , Labbé L , Sire J‐Y
Published: March 2009

Severe bone resorption of the vertebral body in reared rainbow trout was thought to be a dysfunction in mineral balance induced by increased growth rate in unfavourable rearing conditions. To verify this assumption, we sampled market‐sized trout (c. 250 g) from 20 fish farms with different rearing conditions. Growth rate was also studied by sampling trout reared in three different water temperatures from fry to market‐size. Transverse sections of vertebrae were microradiographed, then digitized. Total bone area (Tt‐B.Ar.) and bone profiles were obtained using BONE PROFILER 3.23 software and a mathematical model was developed to statistically compare bone profiles using 12 parameters in four vertebra regions. Tt‐B.Ar. and bone profiles were found to vary with rearing conditions and growing temperatures, indicating obvious influences of these factors on bone remodelling. However, vertebral resorption was found to be a general phenomenon. In trout from 190 to 235 mm in length, vertebrae underwent important remodelling resulting in large resorption of the middle area, while the transition and peripheral areas showed an increase in bone deposition. Changes in vertebra architecture seem to be a good compromise between the need to mobilize stored minerals during growth while maintaining vertebral biomechanical properties.
Herpesviral haematopoietic necrosis virus (CyHV‐2) infection: case studies from commercial goldfish farms
Authors: Goodwin A E , Sadler J , Merry G E , Marecaux E N
Published: March 2009

Herpesviral haematopoietic necrosis is a disease of goldfish, Carassius auratus, caused by Cyprinid herpesvirus‐2 (CyHV‐2) infection. Quantitative PCR was carried out on tissue homogenates from healthy goldfish fingerlings, broodfish, eggs and fry directly sampled from commercial farms, from moribund fish submitted to our laboratory for disease diagnosis, and on naturally‐infected CyHV‐2 carriers subjected to experimental stress treatments. Healthy fish from 14 of 18 farms were positive with copy numbers ranging from tens to 107 copies μg−1 DNA extracted from infected fish. Of 118 pools of broodfish tested, 42 were positive. The CyHV‐2 was detected in one lot of fry produced from disinfected eggs. Testing of moribund goldfish, in which we could not detect any other pathogens, produced 12 of 30 cases with 106–108 copies of CyHV‐2 μg−1 DNA extracted. Subjecting healthy CyHV‐2 carriers to cold shock (22–10 °C) but not heat, ammonia or high pH, increased viral copy numbers from mean copy number (±SE) of 7.3 ± 11 to 394 ± 55 μg−1 DNA extracted after 24 h. CyHV‐2 is widespread on commercial goldfish farms and outbreaks apparently occur when healthy carriers are subjected to a sharp temperature drop followed by holding at the permissive temperature for the disease.
The challenge of cross‐cultural, multi‐national research: potential benefits in the functional gastrointestinal disorders
Authors: Sperber A. D.
Published: March 2009

Abstract  The increasing interest in research in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs), taken together with the growing sophistication of communication technology, makes cross‐cultural, multi‐national research a feasible endeavour. The aim of this study is to encourage collaborative cross‐cultural studies in FGIDs by discussing relevant methodological issues, and by suggesting potential areas in which cross‐cultural research can make a significant contribution to the understanding of FGIDs and to patient care. To this end, methodological issues related to cross‐cultural research and competences required for its conduct are presented together with a critique of published studies and recommendations for future research in the area. The term ‘cross‐cultural’ research in FGIDs is usually applied to the results of prevalence studies, for example comparative studies of IBS prevalence in different countries and ethnic groups. The validity of these comparisons is impacted negatively by the lack of uniformity in research methods. In addition to prevalence studies, cross‐cultural research can make a significant contribution in areas such as molecular biology, genetics, psychosocial factors, symptom presentation, extra‐intestinal comorbidity, diagnosis and treatment, determinants of disease severity, healthcare utilization, and health‐related quality of life, all issues that can be affected by culture, ethnicity and race. Well‐designed and implemented cross‐cultural studies can advance our knowledge in many FGID‐related areas ranging from epidemiology through psychosocial factors, pathophysiological mechanisms and therapeutics. These studies, conducted by investigators with competence in cross‐cultural research methodology, can advance our understanding of the FGIDs and contribute to improved patient care.
The story of O – is oxytocin the mediator of the placebo response?
Authors: Enck P. , Klosterhalfen S.
Published: March 2009

Abstract  While the placebo responses in various medical conditions have been shown to follow a few basic principles such as expectancies, reward learning and Pavlovian conditioning, the underlying neurobiology and the mediating hormonal and/or neuromodulating processing have remained obscure. We here report the collected evidence that oxytocin (OXT), a 389‐amino acid polypeptide located on chromosome 3p25 that is released in the brain (hypothalamus) and in peripheral tissue, is the central mediator of the placebo response: we hypothesize that exogenous OXT via an OXT agonist will enhance the placebo response, while exogenous OXT blockade by an antagonist will reduce the placebo response in placebo analgesia and other placebo models. It is furthermore proposed that the placebo response in trials may be predicted by circulating plasma OXT levels, the OXT receptor density in the brain and/or the presence of one or more of the single nucleotide polymorphisms of the OXT promoter gene.
Matrix metalloproteinase‐9: a novel biomarker for monitoring disease activity in patients with chronic urticaria patients?
Authors: Altrichter S. , Boodstein N. , Maurer M.
Published: March 2009

Background:  Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐9, an enzyme that contributes to inflammatory responses and subsequent tissue remodelling, has recently been suggested to be a good biomarker for monitoring disease activity in patients with chronic urticaria (CU). Here, we assessed whether total MMP‐9 and/or active MMP‐9 plasma levels are increased and correlated to disease activity in patients with CU.

Methods:  Total MMP‐9 and active MMP‐9 plasma levels were determined by ELISA in 70 CU patients and control subjects (patients with psoriasis and healthy controls). CU activity was measured using weekly and daily composite symptom scores (urticaria activity score) calculated from the number of wheals and the intensity of pruritus.

Results:  Significantly increased levels of total and active MMP‐9 were detected in patients with CU as compared to healthy controls. Interestingly, patients with psoriasis also had clearly elevated plasma levels of total and active MMP‐9, indicating that MMP‐9 plasma levels do not specifically reflect CU activity. Most notably, total and active MMP‐9 levels were not correlated with disease activity in CU or psoriasis patients.

Conclusion:  Plasma MMP‐9 is not a good CU biomarker and should not be used for assessing the efficacy of treatment in CU patients or their spontaneous changes in disease activity.
Rare TLR2 mutations reduce TLR2 receptor function and can increase atopy risk
Authors: Kormann M. S. D. , Ferstl R. , Depner M. , Klopp N. , Spiller S. , Illig T. , Vogelberg C. , Von Mutius E. , Kirschning C. J. , Kabesch M.
Published: March 2009

Background:  Common genetic variations in toll‐like receptor 2 (TLR2), an innate pathogen recognition receptor, may influence the development of atopic diseases. So far, very little is known about the role of rare TLR2 mutations in these diseases.

Objective:  We investigated the functional properties of six rare amino acid changes in TLR2 (and one amino acid change in a TLR2 pseudogene) and studied their effect on atopic sensitization and disease.

Methods:  We identified rare TLR2 mutations leading to amino acid changes from databases. Functional effects of TLR2 variants were analyzed by NF‐κB‐dependent luciferase reporter assay and interleukin‐8 enzyme linked immunosorbent assay in vitro. The frequency of these mutations was determined in a random sample of the general population (n = 368). Association with atopic diseases were studied in a cross sectional German study population (n = 3099).

Results:  Three out of six mutations in the TLR2 gene altered receptor activity in vitro. Out of these, only the minor allele of R753Q occurred reasonably frequent in the German population (minor allele frequency 3%). The risk to develop atopy increased by 50% in carriers of the 753Q allele (P = 0.021) and total (P = 0.040) as well as allergen specific serum IgE levels (P = 0.011) were significantly elevated.

Conclusion:  The rare but functionally relevant mutation R753Q in TLR2 may significantly affect common conditions such as atopic sensitization in the general population.
Increase of blood donation speed by optimizing the needle‐ to‐tubing connection: an application of donation software
Authors: Van Der Meer P. F. , De Korte D.
Published: March 2009

Background  The speed of blood donation is affected by the resistance induced by the needle and tubing during collection. To increase blood donation speed, the connection between the needle and the tubing was modified. The aim was to evaluate the effect of this modification on various donation parameters.

Methods  Apart from the modified needle inset, the study systems were identical to reference bag systems routinely used in our centre, and only identifiable by their unique lot number. Blood collections were done at fixed sites under similar conditions using automated mixers. In total 8541 evaluable donations were performed in the reference group and 7430 in the study group. Electronically stored donation data were obtained from the mixers and used for analysis.

Results  The average donation speed increased from 63 ± 12 in the reference group to 75 ± 15 ml/min in the study group (P < 0·001), resulting in donation times of 8·10 ± 1·52 and 6·95 ± 1·48 min, respectively (P < 0·001). The number of units with a donation time greater than 12 min (which cannot be used for platelet production) halved in the study group. The percentage of donations with one or more donation alarms reduced from 22·2% in the reference group to 15·3% in the study group (P < 0·001). The number of adverse events (not feeling well, fainting) during donation did not increase.

Conclusions  The modification of the needle inset resulted in a 19% increase in donation speed, more units could be used for platelet production, and fewer flow alarms were encountered, while the number of adverse donor events remained unchanged.
Fast molecular detection of Pseudomonas syringae pv. aesculi in diseased horse chestnut trees
Authors: Schmidt O. , Moreth U. , Dujesiefken D. , Stobbe H. , Gaiser O.
Published: March 2009

A molecular technique was used to detect the bacterium Pseudomonas syringae pv. aesculi in horse chestnut trees (Aesculus hippocastanum), affected by the recently recognized European ‘Pseudomonas horse chestnut bark disease’. The technique helped identify the pathogen within 6 h of sample preparation including DNA extraction, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and electrophoresis until gel documentation. PCR primer pairs derived from the gyrase B gene sequence were used. Because of the great similarity in the gyrase B gene sequences of the numerous closely related P. syringae pathovars, the primers were not only totally specific to the pathovar aesculi, but also detected a few other pathovars. The assumption that other bacteria should not occur at least near to a necrotic lesion of a horse chestnut tree was corroborated by sequence identity of the PCR products obtained with the gyrase B gene sequence of P. syringae pv. aesculi. Koch’s postulates were fulfilled for an isolate of P. syringae pv. aesculi obtained from a diseased horse chestnut tree sampled in Hamburg in 2007.
Damage evaluation of Rhynchites cribripennis (Col., Attelabidae) in olive fruits
Authors: Perdikis D. , Garantonakis N. , Giatropoulos A. , Paraskevopoulos A. , Lykouressis D. , Kitsis P.
Published: March 2009

Rhynchites cribripennis is a pest of olives widely distributed in the Mediterranean region. The adults drill holes in the flesh of olives, resulting in fruit drop. Although earlier studies reported high damage levels, its damage potential has not been specifically investigated. In the current study, the damage potential of this weevil was evaluated with regard to its density. Olive shoots were enclosed in muslin cages, along with two or four adult weevils, during the initial phase of the olive fruit development. In each cage, the shoots bore 357 fruits, on average. The percentage of fruits dropped and the damage level on the fruits were recorded at about 1‐month intervals. At harvest, the fruits that remained on the shoots were individually weighed to evaluate the damage as regards fruit weight. The results showed that R. cribripennis can cause a significant damage because of fruit drop (54 ± 6%, 38 ± 4% and 16 ± 2% in the cages with 4, 2 and 0 adults, respectively). The damage was more severe in fruits within the first month after their formation. A single feeding hole was shown to cause the drop of small fruits. The high percentage of dropped fruits caused a significant decrease in the weight of the olives at harvest among treatments. These results show that R. cribripennis can cause serious damage to olive production and offer useful information for quantifying its damage potential and developing a more rationale control strategy for this pest.
RISK FACTORS FOR RECURRENT BILE DUCT STONES AFTER ENDOSCOPIC PAPILLARY BALLOON DILATION: LONG‐TERM FOLLOW‐UP STUDY
Authors: Ohashi Akira , Tamada Kiichi , Wada Shinichi , Hatanaka Hisashi , Tomiyama Takeshi , Tano Shigeo , Nakazawa Katsuyuki , Sugano Kentaro
Published: March 2009

Background:  Little is known about the long‐term results of endoscopic papillary balloon dilation (EPBD) for bile duct stones.

Methods:  Between 1995 and 2000, 204 patients with bile duct stones successfully underwent EPBD and stone removal. Complete stone clearance was confirmed using balloon cholangiography and intraductal ultrasonography (IDUS). Long‐term outcomes of EPBD were investigated retrospectively in the year 2007, and risk factors for stone recurrence were multivariately analyzed.

Results:  Long‐term information was available in 182 cases (89.2%), with a mean overall follow‐up duration of 9.3 years. Late biliary complications occurred in 22 patients (12.1%), stone recurrence in 13 (7.1%), cholangitis in 10 (5.5%), cholecystitis in four, and gallstone pancreatitis in one. In 11 of 13 patients (84.6%), stone recurrence developed within 3 years after EPBD. All recurrent stones were bilirubinate. Multivariate analysis identified three risk factors for stone recurrence: dilated bile duct (>15 mm), previous cholecystectomy, and no confirmation of clean duct using IDUS.

Conclusion:  Approximately 7% of patients develop stone recurrence after EPBD; however, retreatment with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is effective. Careful follow up is necessary in patients with dilated bile duct or previous cholecystectomy. IDUS is useful for reducing stone recurrence after EPBD.
ENDOSCOPIC SUBMUCOSAL DISSECTION FOR ESOPHAGEAL SQUAMOUS CELL NEOPLASMS
Authors: Fujishiro Mitsuhiro , Kodashima Shinya , Goto Osamu , Ono Satoshi , Niimi Keiko , Yamamichi Nobutake , Oka Masashi , Ichinose Masao , Omata Masao
Published: March 2009

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has gradually gained acceptance as one of the standard treatments for early esophageal cancer, as well as for early gastric cancer in Japan, but standardization of the knowledge is still incomplete. The final goal to perform ESD is not to resect the lesion in an en bloc fashion, but to save the patient from esophageal cancer‐related death. Thus, the indications should be considered based on the entire patient, not just the target lesion itself, and pre‐, peri‐ and postoperative management of the patient is also very important, as well as technical aspects of ESD. In terms of the techniques of ESD, owing to refinement of the procedural strategy, invention of the devices, and the learning curve, acceptable safety and favorable middle‐term efficacy have been obtained. We believe that ESD will become a standard treatment for early esophageal cancer not only in Japan but also worldwide in the near future.
LONG‐TERM RESULTS OF GASTRIC CANCER SCREENING USING THE SERUM PEPSINOGEN TEST METHOD AMONG AN ASYMPTOMATIC MIDDLE‐AGED JAPANESE POPULATION
Authors: Miki Kazumasa , Fujishiro Mitsuhiro , Kodashima Shinya , Yahagi Naohisa
Published: March 2009

Background and Aim:  In order to reduce gastric cancer death, mass screening for gastric cancer has been established in Japan for several decades. Only photofluorography is considered to be an acceptable screening method so far, but recent evidence may show the usefulness of serum pepsinogen (PG) measurement for gastric cancer screening. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the feasibility of measuring serum PG levels for detection of gastric cancers.

Methods:  Serum PG levels (PGI/PGII) were measured in asymptomatic middle‐aged Japanese between 1991 and 2005. Those with a PGI ≤ 70 ng/mL and PGI/PGII ≤ 3 were defined as having a positive PG test. According to the obtained results of serum PG levels and previous individual records, those with a positive PG test and those with a negative PG test took gastroendoscopy every 2 and 5 years, respectively.

Results:  The total number of participating individuals was 101 892 (mean age of 48.7 years). In a total of 21 178 planned gastroendoscopies (20.8%), 13 789 (65.1%) underwent gastroendoscopy and 125 gastric cancers were detected, which corresponded to 0.12% of all participants and to 0.91% of those with gastroendoscopy. Early‐stage cancers and intestinal‐type intramucosal cancers accounted for 80% and 39% of all the detected cancers, respectively.

Conclusions:  Serum PG measurement for mass screening of gastric cancer enabled us to achieve high recruitment for gastroendoscopy in intended individuals, a favorable detection rate of gastric cancer and, in particular, an extremely high proportion of early‐stage gastric cancer in all the detected cancers.
COMPARISON OF THE DIAGNOSTIC UTILITY OF THE ULTRATHIN ENDOSCOPE AND THE CONVENTIONAL ENDOSCOPE IN EARLY GASTRIC CANCER SCREENING
Authors: Hayashi Yuko , Yamamoto Yorimasa , Suganuma Takanori , Okada Kazuhisa , Nego Masami , Imada Shin‐Ichi , Imai Mizuka , Yoshimoto Kazuhito , Ueki Nobue , Hirasawa Toshiaki , Uragami Naoyuki , Tsuchida Tomohiro , Fujisaki Junko , Hoshino Etsuo , Takahashi Hiroshi , Igarashi Masahiro
Published: March 2009

Currently, transnasal esophagogastroduodenoscopy using an ultrathin endoscope is being widely carried out as a screening test for early gastric cancer. We compared the diagnostic utility of ultrathin esophagogastroduodenoscopy with that of conventional esophagogastroduodenoscopy in detecting 42 lesions of early gastric cancer that had a diameter of ≤20 mm. Only 27 lesions (64%) could be accurately diagnosed using ultrathin esophagogastroduodenoscopy. In nine lesions (22%), we failed to discern whether they were malignant. Six lesions (14%) could not even be detected. We found that the diagnostic utility of ultrathin esophagogastroduodenoscopy was inadequate, especially in the case of lesions that were located in the upper third region of the stomach and variegated lesions. In conclusion, the diagnostic utility of ultrathin esophagogastroduodenoscopy might be lower than that of conventional esophagogastroduodenoscopy in terms of screening for early gastric cancer. The disadvantages of ultrathin esophagogastroduodenoscopy should be taken carefully into consideration while examining lesions.
WHITE BALL APPEARANCE: PREDICTOR OF EFFECTIVE VARICEAL LIGATION IN MASSIVE BLEEDING WITH AN OBSCURE BLEEDING POINT
Authors: Matsushita Mitsunobu , Tahashi Yoshiya , Uchida Kazushige , Nishio Akiyoshi , Takakuwa Hiroshi , Okazaki Kazuichi
Published: March 2009

Although a purple‐colored ball‐like appearance (purple ball appearance) is typically observed on ligated varices during endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL), another endoscopic appearance of ligated varices (white ball appearance), which is observed after EVL at the bleeding site, have been reported. We encountered a case of massive variceal bleeding with an obscure bleeding point, where this appearance was useful in the confirmation of effective ligation. A 66‐year‐old man, who had liver cirrhosis with hepatocellular carcinoma, presented with hematemesis and melena. Although emergent endoscopy revealed a fibrin‐plug on the esophageal varix, massive esophageal bleeding occurred and precluded direct visualization of the bleeding point during endoscopy. After multiple EVL, one ball‐like elevation with a white color (white ball appearance) and multiple ball‐like elevations with a red or purple color (purple ball appearance) were observed in the esophagus. Based on the presence of the white ball appearance, a predictor of effective ligation, we confirmed the ligation of the exact site of bleeding and complete cessation of bleeding. In fact, the ligated varix with the white ball appearance contained a ruptured point. This characteristic endoscopic appearance is useful for the assessment of effective ligation in massive variceal bleeding with an obscure bleeding point.
A comparison of Truview infant EVO2 laryngoscope with the Miller blade in neonates and infants
Authors: SINGH RANJU , SINGH PUSHPINDER , VAJIFDAR HOMAY
Published: March 2009

Background:  The Truview EVO2 laryngoscope is a recently introduced device with a unique blade that provides a wide and magnified laryngeal view at 46° anterior refracted angle. An infant blade of the laryngoscope has recently become available.

Aims and objectives:  The aim of the study was to compare the Truview infant EVO2 laryngoscope with the Miller straight blade laryngoscope in order to determine whether the Truview EVO2 laryngoscope provided an improved laryngeal view at laryngoscopy and also to assess the time taken for intubation with the two devices.

Materials and methods:  In this prospective randomized study, 60 neonates and infants of either sex undergoing surgery under general anesthesia were enrolled and divided into two groups: endotracheal intubation using a Truview infant blade (Group I) or with a Miller blade number 0 (Group II). The view of the glottis at laryngoscopy, time to intubation and the number of attempts required for intubation were recorded.

Results:  The average time for laryngoscopy in Group I was 18.18 s and in Group II was 16.30 s, which though not significant clinically, is statistically significant (P = 0.002). While eight patients (26.6%) had Cormack and Lehane grade 2 view on laryngoscopy in Group II, only two patients (6.6%) had such a view in Group 1 (P = 0.039). The number of attempts at laryngoscopy was comparable in the two groups.

Conclusion:  In this study, we found that in neonates and infants, the tracheal intubation using Truview infant EVO2 blade took almost as much time as miller blade and provided improved laryngoscopic view as compared to the Miller blade.
Survey of i.v. paracetamol (acetaminophen) use in neonates and infants under 1 year of age by UK anesthetists
Authors: WILSON‐SMITH ELAINE M. , MORTON NEIL S.
Published: March 2009

Background:  The license for i.v. paracetamol has recently been extended to include term neonates and infants aged 1 year, at a uniform dose across this age range of 7.5 mg·kg−1, total daily dose 30 mg·kg−1·day−1. We were interested to survey current i.v. paracetamol prescribing practices of anesthetists in the UK, in neonates and infants under 1 year of age.

Methods:  We conducted an online survey of 94 linkmen of the Association of Pediatric Anesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland Linkmen representing both general and specialist hospitals and 90 members of the British Pediatric Pain Travelling Club representing the pediatric acute pain teams throughout the UK and Ireland.

Results:  A total of 105/184 (57%) responded to the survey on behalf of 78 regions and 27 pediatric acute pain teams. Over half (54%) of the respondents indicated i.v. paracetamol use in infants under 1 year of age. A wide range of loading and maintenance doses were used. Total daily doses exceeded the license for age 1–12 months in 70% of cases; for the 36 week postconceptional age (PCA)‐1 month age range the proportion was 50%. Over 80% of total daily dosing from age 36 weeks PCA to 1 year fell within dosing suggested by pharmacokinetic studies. Close to 40% of respondents who used i.v. paracetamol in infants, also indicated use in preterm age groups. The total daily dose used in preterm neonates was within the range suggested by pharmacokinetic studies, in over 90% of cases in the age range 32–36 weeks PCA, and for 60% in the under 32 weeks PCA age group.

Conclusions:  This survey demonstrates i.v. paracetamol dosing in infants in the UK and Ireland is frequently above the licensed dose and outside the licensed age range but is in keeping with doses suggested by pharmacokinetic studies.
Latex allergy in children: modalities and prevention
Authors: DE QUEIROZ MATHILDE , COMBET SYLVIE , BÉRARD JÉRÔME , POUYAU AGNÈS , GENEST HÉLÈNE , MOURIQUAND PIERRE , CHASSARD DOMINIQUE
Published: March 2009

Allergic or immediate hypersensitivity reactions to latex have been reported in children with increasing frequency in the past. The reported prevalence varies greatly depending upon the population studied and the methods used to detect sensitization. Children’s subpopulations at particular risk include: atopics, individuals with spina bifida, children undergoing surgical procedure during the neonatal period and individuals who required frequent surgical instrumentations. Latex allergy is also an important medical issue, particularly for healthcare personnel. Sensitization mainly occurs by wound or mucosal contact with latex devices during surgery or by inhalation of airborne allergens released from powdered latex gloves. Regarding diagnosis, the medical history, skin prick test and search for specific serum IgE are crucial but cost effective. The development of a guide listing latex‐containing drugs is essential for the primary prevention of allergic reactions. Immunotherapy or specific premedication seems not effective in preventing the risk of anaphylaxis during the perioperative course. The most effective strategy to decrease the incidence of latex sensitization is complete avoidance. This strategy is efficient in patients and also in health care workers and has been applied since 2002 in our pediatric surgical hospital. One of major problem with the latex‐free gloves was that surgeons find them considerably more difficult to work with. But today, manufacturers made considerable effort and free‐latex gloves with an equal tactile sensation than the latex‐gloves are now available. The extra cost of free latex gloves is well counterbalanced as allergen test, long stay hospital for allergic reaction, and worker’s compensation are no longer needed. Since the introduction of this program in our institution, no allergic reaction to latex has been reported in 25000 anesthetized children or with the health care workers.
Anesthetic management of patients with tracheal T‐tubes
Authors: WOOTTEN CHRISTOPHER T. , RUTTER MICHAEL J. , DICKSON JOHN M. , SAMUELS PAUL J.
Published: March 2009

Aims:  To better inform the preoperative anesthesia assessment, we review the rationale of tracheal T‐tubes and the maintenance they require. We then describe specific intraoperative techniques to administer inhalational agents and maintain respiration in patients with tracheal T‐tubes.

Background:  Tracheal T‐tubes maintain airway patency in the healing phases of laryngotracheal reconstruction or in the setting of extrinsic or intrinsic airway collapse. The T‐tube comprises a superior limb, an inferior limb, and an anterior limb projecting from a tracheotomy site. Negotiating tracheal T‐tubes may present significant anesthetic challenges in both elective and emergent circumstances.

Methods:  The intraoperative ventilation techniques in patients with tracheal T‐tubes are reviewed as well as pre and postoperative T‐tube maintenance strategies.

Results:  Twelve techniques to connect anesthetic circuitry to tracheal T‐tubes in different perioperative clinical scenarios are detailed.

Conclusions:  T‐tubes are a well‐established method for supporting the airway in both adults and children. However, the very design of the T‐tube poses unique anesthetic management issues before, during, and after the operation. Anesthetic administration and gas exchange may be effectively achieved through a variety of methods, which we describe in detail.
Beta diversity in relation to dispersal ability for vascular plants in North America
Authors: Qian Hong
Published: March 2009

Aim  To test the hypothesis that plant species with a higher dispersal ability have a lower beta diversity.

Location  North America north of Mexico.

Method  Propagules of pteridophytes (ferns and their allies) are more vagile than propagules of spermatophytes (gymnosperms and angiosperms), and thus pteridophytes have a higher dispersal ability than do spermatophytes. The study area was divided into 71 geographical units distributed in five latitudinal zones. Species lists of pteridophytes and spermatophytes were compiled for each geographical unit. Three measures of beta diversity were used: βsim, which is one minus the Simpson index of similarity, βslope, which is the slope of the relationship between Simpson index and geographical distance, and β0.5‐distance, which is the distance that halves the similarity from its initial value.

Results  Average βsim is higher for spermatophytes than for pteridophytes, regardless of whether the data are analysed for the whole continent or for latitudinal zones. Average βsim decreases with increasing latitude for both spermatophytes and pteridophytes. The difference in average βsim between the two plant groups increases with increasing latitude, indicating that beta diversity decreases with increasing latitude faster for pteridophytes than for spermatophytes. When the Simpson index is regressed against geographical distance, the regression slope (βslope) is steeper for spermatophytes than for pteridophytes, and the slope decreases with increasing latitude for both plant groups. Similarly, β0.5‐distance was shorter for spermatophytes than for pteridophytes in each latitudinal zone and increased with increasing latitude for both plant groups. The results of the analyses using the three different measures of beta diversity are consistent.

Main conclusions  The fact that beta diversity is lower for pteridophytes with vagile propagules than for spermatophytes with less vagile propagules suggests that beta diversity is negatively related to dispersal ability.
Transgenic barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) expressing the wheat aluminium resistance gene (TaALMT1) shows enhanced phosphorus nutrition and grain production when grown on an acid soil
Authors: Delhaize Emmanuel , Taylor Phillip , Hocking Peter J. , Simpson Richard J. , Ryan Peter R. , Richardson Alan E.
Published: March 2009

Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), genetically modified with the Al3+ resistance gene of wheat (TaALMT1), was compared with a non‐transformed sibling line when grown on an acidic and highly phosphate‐fixing ferrosol supplied with a range of phosphorus concentrations. In short‐term pot trials (26 days), transgenic barley expressing TaALMT1 (GP‐ALMT1) was more efficient than a non‐transformed sibling line (GP) at taking up phosphorus on acid soil, but the genotypes did not differ when the soil was limed. Differences in phosphorus uptake efficiency on acid soil could be attributed not only to the differential effects of aluminium toxicity on root growth between the genotypes, but also to differences in phosphorus uptake per unit root length. Although GP‐ALMT1 out‐performed GP on acid soil, it was still not as efficient at taking up phosphorus as plants grown on limed soil. GP‐ALMT1 plants grown in acid soil possessed substantially smaller rhizosheaths than those grown in limed soil, suggesting that root hairs were shorter. This is a probable reason for the lower phosphorus uptake efficiency. When grown to maturity in large pots, GP‐ALMT1 plants produced more than twice the grain as GP plants grown on acid soil and 80% of the grain produced by limed controls. Expression of TaALMT1 in barley was not associated with a penalty in either total shoot or grain production in the absence of Al3+, with both genotypes showing equivalent yields in limed soil. These findings demonstrate that an important crop species can be genetically engineered to successfully increase grain production on an acid soil.
Output and Productivity Performance of Hong Kong and Singapore's Transport and Communications Sector, 1990 to 2005*
Authors: Lee Boon L. , Shepherd William
Published: March 2009

This paper uses the industry of origin approach to analyze value added and labor productivity outcomes arising from progressive liberalization of government and from statutory board control of transport and communications in Singapore. The paper compares these outcomes with those from the market‐orientated, more privatized transport and communications sector in Hong Kong, for the benchmark year 2004 and a review period from 1990 to 2005. The study is among the first to carefully compare labor productivity in specific sectors between the two countries. Although Singapore generally recorded higher levels of labor productivity, there was some catch‐up by Hong Kong in the later part of the review period. There was also substantial variation in labor productivity performance within sectoral branches in the two sectors. The study suggests there is some evidence that the different political–economic structures and policy approaches to deregulation and liberalization played a role in determining productivity performance in the transport and communications sectors in Singapore and Hong Kong. The analysis infers a potential, increasing focus on privatization as the driving force for further liberalization of the transport and communications sector in Singapore.
Eminence, IQ, Physical and Mental Health, and Achievement Domain
Authors: Simonton Dean Keith , Song Anna V.
Published: March 2009

Catharine Cox published two studies of highly eminent creators and leaders, the first in 1926 as the second volume of Terman's landmark Genetic Studies of Genius and the second in 1936 as a coauthored article. The former publication concentrated on the relation between IQ and achieved eminence, and the latter focused on early physical and mental health. Taking advantage of unpublished data from the second study, we examined, for the first time, the relationships among achieved eminence, IQ, early physical and mental health, and achievement domain. The correlation and regression analyses showed, for these 282 individuals, that eminence is a positive function of IQ and that IQ is a positive function of mental health and a negative function of physical health, implying an indirect effect of physical and mental health on eminence. Furthermore, levels of early physical and mental health vary across 10 specific domains of achievement.
Not All Visual Expertise Is Holistic, but It May Be Leftist
Authors: Hsiao Janet H. , Cottrell Garrison W.
Published: March 2009

We examined whether two purportedly face-specific effects, holistic processing and the left-side bias, can also be observed in expert-level processing of Chinese characters, which are logographic and share many properties with faces. Non-Chinese readers (novices) perceived these characters more holistically than Chinese readers (experts). Chinese readers had a better awareness of the components of characters, which were not clearly separable to novices. This finding suggests that holistic processing is not a marker of general visual expertise; rather, holistic processing depends on the features of the stimuli and the tasks typically performed on them. In contrast, results for the left-side bias were similar to those obtained in studies of face perception. Chinese readers exhibited a left-side bias in the perception of mirror-symmetric characters, whereas novices did not; this effect was also reflected in eye fixations. Thus, the left-side bias may be a marker of visual expertise.
Introduction: Development Aid—Theory, Policies, and Performance
Authors: Mavrotas George
Published: March 2009

This is an introduction to the Special Issue. The author provides the background to the development aid arena—to which there clearly exists a pressing need to evaluate progress to date—and introduces and links together the papers that constitute the Special Issue.
Foreign Aid as Prize: Incentives for a Pro‐Poor Policy
Authors: Sayanak Tejashree , Lahiri Sajal
Published: March 2009

The authors develop a theoretical model of foreign aid to analyze a method of disbursement of aid which induces the recipient government to follow a more pro‐poor policy than it otherwise would do. In their two‐period model, aid is given in the second period and the volume of it depends on the level of well‐being of the target group in the first period. They find that this way of designing aid does increase the welfare of the poor. They also consider the situations where the donor and the recipient governments act simultaneously as well as sequentially, and they find that, by moving first in a sequential game, the donor country can, under certain conditions, increase the welfare of the poor and that of its own country compared to the case of simultaneous moves.