bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Induction of 72 kDa heat‐shock protein following sub‐lethal oxygen deprivation in organotypic hippocampal slice cultures
Authors: Pringle A. K. , Angunawela R. , Wilde G. J. C. , Mepham J. A. , Sundstrom L. E. , Iannotti F.
Published: May 2008

The phenomenon of induced tolerance to a normally lethal episode of ischaemia by preconditioning with sub‐lethal ischaemia has been linked to induction of the 72 kDa heat‐shock protein (HSP72). However, a direct correlation between HSP72 expression and ischaemic preconditioning in vivo has not been proven. Using an in vitro model of ischaemia‐related neuronal damage we have investigated whether HSP72 protein expression is temporally correlated with subsequent tolerance to a normally lethal ischaemic episode. Organotypic hippocampal slice cultures were maintained in vitro for 14 daysbefore being exposed to hypoxia for 15–180 min. Periods of hypoxia shorter than 60 min did not produce neuronal damage. No HSP72 immunoreactivity was observed in either untreated cultures or in those exposed to hypoxia for 15 min. Following 30 and 45 min hypoxia a significant induction of HSP72 occurred in neurons of both the CA1 and CA3/4 regions of the pyramidal cell layer. A significant number of microglia were positively stained with HSP72. The peak of HSP72 expression occurred 18 h after the induction of hypoxia but remained significantly elevated for 48 h post‐hypoxia. Prolonged hypoxia (60 or 180 min) produced a selective lesion of the CA1 pyramidal cell layer which was not associated with an induction of HSP72. Pre‐conditioning with 45 min hypoxia 18 h prior to 180 min hypoxia did not reduce the neuronal damage associated with 180 min hypoxia alone. These data strongly suggest that HSP72 does not directly confer tolerance in this in vitro model of ischaemia‐related neuronal death.
Cell death in perinatal hypoxic–ischaemic brain injury
Authors: Scott R. J. , Hegyi L.
Published: May 2008

Perinatal hypoxic brain injury is a major cause of death and morbidity, in which the onset of injury can be prenatal, and the effects may be delayed. Selective neuronal necrosis, with isolated karyorrhectic nuclei in the pons, is a common pattern of injury in mature perinatal deaths. Other evidence implicates apoptosis in hypoxic brain injury. In this study the mode of cell death in hypoxic injury was investigated in 11 fresh stillbirths and 10 neonatal deaths. Sections of pons were stained using several methods including terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)‐mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate (dUTP) nick end labelling (TUNEL) and immunocytochemistry. Karyorrhectic nuclei were counted on adjacent haematoxylin and eosin sections. A high percentage of apoptotic cells was significantly associated with the presence of karyorrhexis in the pons, but there were five stillbirths in whom apoptosis in the pons was the sole evidence of hypoxic brain injury. PCNA positive neuronal nuclei were seen in 19 out of the 21 cases. The results suggest that both apoptosis and necrosis are occurring following hypoxic injury, so that the pattern of injury in the pons may be better termed ‘selective neuronal death’. Variations in severity and duration of the insult might explain the differences between cases. The presence of PCNA‐positive neurons may suggest DNA repair in these nuclei, which might be activated at an early stage of apoptosis. However the precise mechanism by which apoptosis is induced in hypoxic brain injury remains to be elucidated.
Association of the mitochondrial tRNAA4336G mutation with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases
Authors: Egensperger R. , Kösel S. , Schnopp N. M. , Mehraein P. , Graeber M. B.
Published: May 2008

Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases (AD, PD) are among the most common neurodegenerative disorders in adults. Both AD and PD have a complex aetiology, and it is widely considered that genetic factors, acting independently or in concert with other genetic and/or environmental factors, modify the risk of developing them. While the apolipoprotein E (ApoE) ε4 allele represents an established risk factor for familial and sporadic late‐onset AD, it has been suggested that a common polymorphism in the α1‐antichymotrypsin gene modifies the ApoE ε4 dosage effect in AD. Moreover, it has been proposed that a mitochondrial tRNAGln sequence variant (A4336G transition) confers an increased risk for both AD and PD. This finding is of particular interest as the A4336G mutation seems to predispose to two clinically and neuropathologically distinct neurodegenerative disorders. We have examined the allelic frequencies of these putative susceptibility genes in 28 neuropathologically confirmed cases of AD, 23 cases with Lewy‐body PD and 100 age‐matched controls without clinical or histological evidence of neurodegenerative disease. The ApoE ε4 allele frequency was significantly over‐represented in AD patients vs controls (0.35 vs 0.11) but we could not find evidence for an association between the α1‐antichymotrypsin AA genotype, the ApoE ε4 allele and AD. In contrast, the mtDNAA4336G mutation was present in one of 28 AD cases and in two of 23 PD patients, whereas no mutation was found in 100 age‐matched controls (P<0.05). Our data therefore support the hypothesis that the mitochondrial A4336G mutation represents a risk factor for AD and PD.
Three dimensional analysis of abnormal filaments of Pick's disease by scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Itoh Y. , Inoue M. , Amano N. , Yagashita S.
Published: May 2008

The three dimensional structure of filaments in Pick bodies and ballooned neurons in an autopsy case of Pick's disease was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and compared with the appearances on transmission electron microscopy (TEM). SEM revealed two types of filament in Pick bodies; one type was randomly orientated straight filaments of about 20 nm in width and the other was twisted helical filaments resembling paired helical filaments (PHFs). The maximum diameter of helical filaments was 44 nm with periodic constrictions of about 200 nm; the direction of the helix was left‐handed. Ballooned neurons contained mainly randomly arranged filaments, 17–22 nm diameter. The three types of filament described here were greater in diameter in SEM images than in TEM; this may be due to the fixed increased thickness of 10 nm due to the platinum palladium compound coating. However, SEM images are much more suitable than TEM profiles for three dimensional analysis of filamentous structures, especially those with helically twisted profiles; preparation for SEM did not change the periodicity of the twisted structures or the direction of the helix in these filaments even after metal coating. SEM has proved to be an effective and straightforward method for assessing the arrangement, direction and distribution of filaments and this technique could be applied to similar structures in other diseases.
Hypertrophic neuropathy: atypical appearances resulting from the combination of type I hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy and diabetes mellitus
Authors: Thomas P. K. , King R. H. M. , Bradley J. L.
Published: May 2008

A nerve biopsy from a patient with type Ia hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy and diabetes mellitus showed hypertrophic changes of atypical appearance. The onion bulbs were composed of a central core of Schwann cells, with or without associated axons, embedded in concentrically arrayed layers of collagen fibrils. These were surrounded either by highly attenuated Schwann cell processes or by fibroblasts. The biopsy showed a severe loss of myelinated axons. It is suggested that it is necessary for the supernumerary Schwann cells of the onion bulbs to be stabilized by associated unmyelinated axons. If these are lost, the Schwann cells atrophy and disappear.
Human neoplastic Schwann cells: changes in the expression of neurotrophins and their low‐affinity receptor p75
Authors: Bonetti B. , Panzeri L. , Carner M. , Zamboni G. , Rizzuto N. , Moretto G.
Published: May 2008

B. Bonetti, L. Panzeri, M. Carner, G. Zamboni, N. Rizzuto & G. Moretto (1997) Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology23, 380–386

Human neoplastic Schwann cells: changes in the expression of neurotrophins and their low‐affinity receptor p75

Neurotrophins are known to influence Schwann cells during development and to promote peripheral nerve regeneration after axonal damage. In neoplastic conditions, Schwann cells from experimentally‐induced schwannomas appear to retain their responsiveness to nerve growth factor (NGF), although the role of neurotrophins in the neoplastic process is poorly understood. In this study, human neoplastic Schwann cells (five cases of acoustic schwannoma and two cases of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumours [MPNST]) were investigated for the expression in situ of molecules of the neurotrophin system. In particular, we studied the 75 kDa low‐affinity receptor (p75) and the mRNA for its ligands, NGF and neurotrophin‐3 (NT‐3). By immunohistochemistry, the p75 receptor was found to be present at high levels in Schwann cells from acoustic schwannomas, whereas it was very weak or absent in MPNST. Messenger RNA for NGF and NT‐3 was detected by reverse transcriptase in situ polymerase chain reaction technique and showed the same fluctuation of p75, being up‐regulated in acoustic schwannomas and very weak or absent in MPNST. In normal non‐neoplastic tissue, no detectable amounts of either ligand or receptor were observed. Our results indicate that changes in the expression of neurotrophins and their p75 receptor occurred during the neoplastic transformation of Schwann cells. In benign schwannomas, such changes are likely to reflect the loss of axonal contact, while in MPNST they may be related to a complete derangement of cell machinery in the tumour cells.
Peripheral nerve regeneration through nerve guides seeded with adult Schwann cells
Authors: Ansselin A.D. , Fink T. , Davey D.F.
Published: May 2008

A.D. Ansselin, T. Fink and D.F. Davey (1997) Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology23, 387–398

Peripheral nerve regeneration through nerve guides seeded with adult Schwann cells

This study tested the usefulness of Schwann cells in the repair of a severed nerve with a biosynthetic bridge or guide. Reinforced collagen nerve guides were used to bridge an 18 mm gap in the sciatic nerve of 21 young adult rats. The animals were divided into three groups and the guides were filled with: (i) more than 0.5 × 106 cultured syngeneic adult Schwann cells (group L, n= 12); (ii) less than 0.5 × 106 Schwann cells (Group S, n= 6); and (iii) phosphate buffered saline (control, n= 3). Schwann cells were pre‐labelled with Hoechst dye. Regeneration was assessed functionally and histologically at 1, 2, 3 and 6+ months after surgery. Group L animals showed numerous regenerated axons surrounded by implanted Schwann cells within the first month. The total number of myelinated fibres (12.5 × 103) remained above normal unoperated values (7 × 103) in long‐term animals. Regenerated axons were found in Group S in the third month, but no Hoechst labelled cells were found. The number of myelinated fibres (3.9 × 103) remained below normal values in long‐term animals. Control guides failed to support axonal regeneration. Functional recovery was evident at week 20 (Group L) and week 30 (Group S) after surgery, with no difference in function between the two groups by the end of the study. Supplementing guides with Schwann cells enhances regeneration of peripheral axons over a distance normally prohibitive. This effect is greatest in the early stages of regeneration (1–3 months) and is dependent on the number of cells implanted.
Non‐isotopic molecular cytogenetics in neuro‐oncology
Authors: Darling J. L. , Warr T. J. , Ashmore S. M. , Luxsuwong M. , Luxsuwong M. , Revesz T.
Published: May 2008

J. L. Darling, T. J. Warr, S. M. Ashmore, M. Luxsuwong and T. Revesz (1997) Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology, 23, 441–456

Review. Non‐isotopic molecular cytogenetics in neuro‐oncology

The molecular genetic analysis of brain tumours has been the focus of considerable interest for a number of years. However, these studies have been largely directed towards understanding the fundamental biological processes involved in tumorigenesis and the techniques which have been used require considerable molecular biological skills. Unfortunately, there has not been the impetus to correlate basic biological studies with clinical or neuropathological features. The development of non‐isotopic molecular cytogenetic in situ hybridization (ISH) techniques which can be applied to archival tumour material provides an opportunity to address a wide range of neuropathological questions at a genetic level. Identification of specific chromosomes has been made possible by the isolation of probes which recognize the highly repeated sequences present in the centromeric regions of individual chromosomes. Libraries of human chromosome‐specific painting probes are also available. A range of probes which bind to the whole or part of specific single copy genes are becoming available. These can be detected with either fluorochromes with different emission colours or with enzymatic detection systems in either interphase nuclei derived from fresh, fixed and embedded tumour samples, touch preparations or smears (so‐called ‘interphase cytogenetics’) as well as conventional metaphase spreads. Comparative genomic hybridization can be used to scan the entire genome for deletions or amplifications without any pre‐existing information about the likely locations of these abnormalities or the availability of any specific DNA probes. These techniques can be used to identify aneuploidy or structural alterations in individual chromosomes and are likely to yield important information about the location of genes important in the pathogenesis of brain tumours and may also provide the basis for the refinement of diagnostic or prognostic criteria of these neoplasms.
Increased endothelial expression of transglutaminase in glioblastomas
Authors: Hilton D. A. , Love S. , Barber R.
Published: May 2008

D. A. Hilton, S. Love and R. Barber (1997) Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology, 23, 507–511

Increased endothelial expression of transglutaminase in glioblastomas

Transglutaminases are a family of calcium‐dependent enzymes that catalyse the formation of covalent cross‐links between proteins. They have several diverse functions and are thought to be involved in cell differentiation, apoptosis and blood coagulation. We have investigated the expression of tissue transglutaminase in five fibrillary astrocytomas, five anaplastic astrocytomas and seven glioblastomas by immunohistochemistry. Strongly labelled tumour cells were seen in most of the fibrillary and anaplastic astrocytomas and all of the glioblastomas. Labelling was particularly prominent in the pseudopalisading tumour cells that surrounded foci of necrosis and apoptosis in glioblastomas. Most of the immunostained cells did not themselves show morphological features of apoptosis. In addition, apoptotic cells were demonstrated using in situ end‐labelling and by in situ hybridization with digoxigenin‐labelled poly(A) oligonucleotide probes. Apoptotic cells demonstrated by both of these methods were most numerous in anaplastic astrocytomas and glioblastomas. However, their distribution did not correlate with that of the tumour cells showing transglutaminase labelling. Strong transglutaminase labelling was also observed in the endothelial cells of vessels showing microvascular proliferation in all of the glioblastomas studied. In contrast, endothelial transglutaminase labelling was weak or absent in lower grade astrocytic tumours. Enhanced expression of transglutaminase by endothelial cells in glioblastomas may contribute to the high prevalence of vascular thrombosis and necrosis in these tumours.
The effects of the herbicide metsulfuron‐methyl on litter invertebrate communities in a coastal dune invaded by Chrysanthemoides monilifera spp. rotundata
Authors: FRENCH K , BUCKLEY S
Published: May 2008

We investigated the impacts of application of the sulfonylurea herbicide, metsulfuron‐methyl, on soil and litter invertebrates in coastal vegetation where the weed Chrysanthemoides monilifera has invaded. We followed changes in litter invertebrates for 125 days following treatment to investigate direct toxic and indirect effects of treatment. Overall we found no effect of treatment on abundance, taxonomic richness or composition of litter invertebrates. In general, abundance and richness declined with time in both treated and untreated sites, suggesting that climatic factors were far more important in determining invertebrate communities than the effects of the treatment. Even changes in cover of vegetation as a result of death of the weed resulted in few measurable effects on invertebrates. It is concluded that metsulfuron‐methyl had no impact on invertebrate communities up to 125 days following treatment.
A weed suppressive index for spring barley (Hordeum vulgare) varieties
Authors: HANSEN P K , KRISTENSEN K , WILLAS J
Published: May 2008

A screening programme for crop variety competitiveness would ideally be based on only a few, non‐destructive measurements of key growth traits. In this study we measured the weed suppressive ability of 79 varieties of spring barley in two ways: (i) directly, by weed coverage assessments under weedy conditions at three Danish locations in 2002–2004 and (ii) indirectly, by non‐destructive measurements of varietal growth traits under weed‐free conditions in 17 other experiments in Denmark in 2001–2003. Based on just four varietal growth traits (reflectance, leaf area index, leaf angle and culm length), we successfully developed a method for indexing the weed suppressive ability of spring barley varieties. The suppressive index ranged from 12% in Lux and 55% in Modena in proportion to the 90% quantile coverage of all varieties. The index was validated against independent data from two locations in 2005 with 14 and 24 varieties and was found valuable for future use in regular screening programmes.
The role of road disturbance in the dispersal and spread of Ageratina adenophora along the Dian–Myanmar International Road
Authors: DONG S K , CUI B S , YANG Z F , LIU S L , LIU J , DING Z K , ZHU J J , YAO W K , WEI G L
Published: May 2008

This study was conducted to examine the roles of both environmental variables and road factors in explaining the spatial patterns of the exotic plant, Ageratina adenophora (Crofton weed), within the roadside habitats along the Dian–Myanmar International Road. The results indicate this plant was comparatively abundant along the middle part of this International Road and significantly less common along the northern section. The highest presence of A. adenophora was found at the site of new roads. This plant invaded more easily into spoil ground where road soil or construction waste was piled up. This road was confirmed as a corridor of A. adenophora invasion and should be considered as an important target of local and regional efforts to prevent and control cross‐border and interior invasions of this exotic plant.
Mast cells and transforming growth factor‐β expression: a possible relationship in the development of porphyria cutanea tarda skin lesions
Authors: Lançoni Glalcyara , Ravinal Roberto Cuan , Costa Roberto Silva , Roselino Ana Maria
Published: May 2008

Background  Porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) is a metabolic disease characterized by vesicles and blisters in sun‐exposed areas and scleroderma‐like lesions in sun‐exposed and non‐sun‐exposed areas. Mast cells participate in the pathogenesis of bullous diseases and diseases that show sclerosis, including PCT. Moreover, transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) is the main cytokine in the development of tissue sclerosis. The correlation of mast cells and TGF‐β with the lesions of PCT has not been examined, however. The possible role of mast cells and TGF‐β (and the relationship between them) in the development of PCT lesions is discussed.

Methods  To quantify mast cells and cells expressing TGF‐β in skin samples from patients with PCT and controls, immunohistochemical studies were performed in tissue sections allied to morphometric analyses.

Results  The numbers of mast cells and cells expressing TGF‐β per square millimiter were increased in the PCT group relative to controls, and there was a direct and significant correlation between the mast cell number and cells expressing TGF‐β in PCT.

Conclusions  The results suggest that the increased number of mast cells and of cells expressing TGF‐β, as well as their direct correlation, may contribute to the pathogenesis of the skin lesions in PCT.
Disseminated lobomycosis
Authors: Talhari Carolina , Oliveira Camila Bandeira , De Souza Santos Mônica Nunes , Ferreira Luis Carlos , Talhari Sinésio
Published: May 2008

Lobomycosis, also known as Jorge Lobo's disease, is a granulomatous, chronic fungal disease that involves the skin and subcutaneous tissue. The disease has been reported in South American, Central and North American countries, being particularly frequent in the Brazilian Amazon region. We report a case of disseminated lobomycosis in an 86 year‐old Brazilian woman with a 55‐year history of disseminated cutaneous lesions.
Nutrition, anthropometry, gastrointestinal dysfunction, and circulating levels of tumour necrosis factor alpha receptor I and interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist in children during stem cell transplantation
Authors: Andreassen B. U. , Pærregaard A. , Michaelsen K. F. , Andersen J. , Heilmann C. J. , Müller K.
Published: May 2008

Abstract:  To evaluate anthropometry, nutrition and gastrointestinal dysfunction, and to characterize the relation between these parameters and the inflammatory activity evaluated by plasma levels of soluble tumour necrosis factor alpha receptor I (sTNFRI) and interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist (IL‐1Ra) levels during stem cell transplantation (SCT) in children. Clinical assessments and blood sampling were performed on days −3, 0, +7, +15 and +31 in eight children undergoing SCT. Energy intake, anthropometry, gastrointestinal dysfunction (WHO toxicity score) and sTNFRI and IL‐1Ra were evaluated. The energy intake was below recommended levels. There was a loss of lean body mass (arm muscle area)(median, 2031 mm2 (day ‐3) vs 1477 mm2 (day 31); p = 0.04), and of fat mass (arm fat area) (791 mm2 (day ‐3) vs 648 mm2 (day +31); p = 0.04). sTNFRI was elevated throughout the course of transplantation, and peaked after the day of graft infusion (day 0). sTNFRI levels at day 0 predicted changes in weight SDS (r = 0.65; p = 0.05), triceps skinfold SDS (r = 0.85; p = 0.007) and gastrointestinal dysfunction (r = 0.88; p = 0.004). Likewise, IL‐1Ra levels at day 0 correlated with the gastrointestinal dysfunction (r = 0.83; p = 0.01) and with the change in weight SDS (r = 0.77; p = 0.03). This study suggests that pretransplant levels of inflammatory markers are associated with posttransplant symptoms of gastrointestinal dysfunction and loss of both fat and lean body mass. Future studies should adress if the use of conditioning regimens with limited proinflammatory cytokine inducing activity, anti‐inflammatory agents, or more optimised nutritional support can reduce the burden of such posttransplant complications.
On the Nomenclature of Coelom‐derived Body Cavities
Authors: Knospe C.
Published: May 2008

A rationalization of terms about the body cavities is urgently needed. Students and practitioners have difficulty in understanding the contradictory terms prevalent at present. For many years, the International Committee on Veterinary Gross Anatomical Nomenclature has failed to bring it off; therefore some proposals for the anatomical instruction until the next edition of the Nomina Anatomica Veterinaria are made.
Neuropeptide Y in the Brain and Retina of the Adult Teleost Gilthead Seabream (Sparus aurata L.)
Authors: Pirone A. , Lenzi C. , Marroni P. , Betti L. , Mascia G. , Giannaccini G. , Lucacchini A. , Fabiani O.
Published: May 2008

The presence of neuropeptide Y (NPY) in the brain and retina of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L.) was investigated for the first time. For this investigation we employed an immunoperoxidase technique and the western immunoblot analysis using an antiserum raised against porcine NPY. The results showed that NPY‐immunoreactivity was widely distributed in the brain of S. aurata. In particular, we have found NPY‐immunoreactive (ir) neurons in the area ventralis telencephali pars centralis and pars lateralis, in the area dorsali telencephali pars centralis subdivision two and in nucleus intermedius thalami. An intense NPY‐ir was detected in the telencephalon, in the optic tectum, in the thalamus, hypothalamus and in the vagal lobes. Scarce positive fibres were seen in the olfactory bulbs. NPY‐ir amacrine cells were observed in the retina. The western immunoblot analysis revealed a protein band with a mobility corresponding to that of synthetic NPY. Our findings are, in general, in agreement with those obtained in other teleosts. The extensive distribution of NPY indicates for this peptide a key role in basic physiological actions, including visual and gustatory inputs processing.
DEK overexpression in uterine cervical cancers
Authors: Wu Qunying , Li Zhuhu , Lin Hai , Han Longzhe , Liu Shuangping , Lin Zhenhua
Published: May 2008

The purpose of the present paper was to investigate the significance of DEK protein expression in uterine cervical lesions and its relationship with HPV infection status. DEK protein expression was studied in 253 cervical lesions, including 30 non‐neoplastic cervix with or without squamous metaplasia, 64 cervical intra‐epithelial neoplasias (CIN; CIN‐1, n = 28; CIN‐2, n = 17; CIN‐3, n = 19), 102 squamous cell carcinomas (SCC), 51 adenocarcinomas, and six adenosquamous cell carcinomas (adenoSCC) on immunohistochemistry. For comparison, HPV‐positive and ‐negative cervical cancer cell lines were also included. The HPV screening was performed using TaKaRa polymerase chain reaction. On immunohistochemistry DEK was found to be negative in all 30 non‐neoplastic cervical epithelia, but it was positive in 96.1% of SCC (98/102), 92.2% of adenocarcinomas (47/51), 100% of adenoSCC (6/6), 85.7% of CIN‐1 (24/28), 94.1% of CIN‐2 (16/17), and 89.5% of CIN‐3 (17/19). There was no significant difference between HPV‐positive and ‐negative cervical lesions. Also, strongly positive staining was observed in all aforementioned cervical cancer cell lines regardless of HPV infection, according to immunocytochemistry. In summary, DEK plays an important role in the carcinogenesis of cervical cancers, and can be helpful for early diagnosis, and is a potential therapeutic target.
Thymic epithelial cells expressed unusual follicular dendritic cell markers: Thymic extranodal marginal zone B‐cell lymphoma of mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue
Authors: Masunaga Atsuko , Iwamoto Sanju , Nakamura Hisayoshi , Usuda Rhosuke , Masuda Mikio , Suzuki Shuichi , Miyazaki Akira , Suzuki Takashi , Mitsuya Toshiyuki , Yoshitake Tsuyoshi
Published: May 2008

Described herein is a case of thymic extranodal marginal zone B‐cell lymphoma of mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue. Using immunohistochemical double staining it was found that most of the thymic lymphoid follicles in this case possessed cytokeratin‐positive and follicular dendritic cell (FDC) marker‐positive cells. Moreover, using immunoelectron microscopy it was confirmed that some of the double‐positive cells were thymic epithelial cells. The candidate of cytokeratin subtype expressed on the double‐positive cells was cytokeratin 1 (CK1), which was expressed only by the epithelium of Hassall's corpuscles in thymuses from age‐matched patients with myasthenia gravis. The present case indicates a possibility that some thymic epithelial cells become FDC, although it was uncertain whether they were derived from the epithelia of Hassall's corpuscles or whether they were at the same differentiation stage as Hassall's corpuscles.
Awareness in children: another two cases
Authors: BLUSSÉ VAN OUD‐ALBLAS HELEEN J. , BÖSENBERG ADRIAN T. , TIBBOEL DICK
Published: May 2008

Intraoperative awareness is an anesthesia complication and occurs when a patient becomes conscious during a procedure performed under general anesthesia and subsequently has recall of these events. Awareness is well described phenomenon in adults, with an incidence of 0.1–0.2 % for low‐risk surgical procedures. Recent studies have shown that awareness in children is more common than in adults. However, causes and the long‐term psychological impact of awareness in children are unknown. We report on two cases of intraoperative awareness in children in an attempt to throw further light on this complex problem.
Oral to nasal tube exchange under fibroscopic view: a new technique for nasal intubation in a predicted difficult airway
Authors: MONCLUS ENRIC , GARCÉS ANTONIO , ARTÉS DAVID , MABROCK MAGED
Published: May 2008

For a predicted difficult airway, oral intubation techniques are well established in pediatric anesthesia, but nasotracheal intubation remains a problem. There are many reports concerning this, but the risk of bleeding, added to the lack of cooperation make this procedure difficult and hazardous. We describe a modification of the nasal intubation technique in two stages. First an oral intubation and then exchanging the oral for a nasal tube, in the case of a 13‐year‐old boy affected by an advanced stage of cherubism. Oral intubation using a laryngeal mask technique has already been reported, but problems appear during the exchange procedure and even more when direct laryngoscopy is impossible. Fiberscopic control of the exchange, and the introduction of a Cook Exchange Catheter into the trachea through the oral tube before withdrawal, permits oxygenation of the patient and acts as a guide for oral tube reintroduction if required.
Extensive lower limb injuries in a child complicated by complex pain management and profound anemia
Authors: RIZZO GIULIANA , ASTUTO MARINELLA , WITHINGTON DAVINIA E.
Published: May 2008

We describe a case of severe pain associated with extensive lower limb injures in a 5‐year old, complicated by profound anemia in a Jehovah’s Witness family. The study was carried out in a pediatric intensive care unit of a tertiary level university hospital. The patient was 5‐year‐old girl, with multiple open fractures and extensive soft tissue loss on her left foot and ankle due to a lawnmower injury leading to severe pain and profound anemia with management of the latter complicated by family beliefs. The interventions given were multi‐modal pain management and treatment of severe anemia with avoidance of transfusion. A drop in hemoglobin from 11.6 g·dl−1 at admission to a nadir of 4.3 g·dl−1 on day 7 was observed. Effective pain control was achieved with nurse‐ and then patient‐controlled analgesia plus adjuncts. Effective pain management and control of anxiety can be achieved by a multi‐modal approach in young children. Profound anemia was treated without transfusion and without compromise of tissue healing.
A new formula of age‐related anatomical landmarks for blockade of the sciatic nerve in the popliteal fossa in children using the posterior approach
Authors: BERNIÈRE JOSÉE , SCHRAYER SYLVIE , PIANA FEDERICA , VIALLE RAPHAËL , MURAT ISABELLE
Published: May 2008

Background:  Anatomical landmarks for sciatic nerve blockade are poorly described in children. In adults, the site of puncture of the high approach is located at least 10 cm above the popliteal skin crease.

Methods:  We hypothesized that correcting the adult landmarks (10 cm) by the ratio of the calculated child femoral shaft length over the adult femoral shaft length would provide adequate landmarks for needle introduction for popliteal nerve block in children.

Results:  The theoretical landmarks were calculated and tested in 21 infants and children. In all cases, the sciatic nerve was easily located using the nerve stimulator when the needle was inserted at the calculated place and 29 catheters were successfully placed in these 21 children.

Conclusion:  These simple landmarks adapted to children age are expected to help the clinicians to perform safely sciatic blocks at the popliteal fossa in young patients.
An invasive plant–fungal mutualism reduces arthropod diversity
Authors: Rudgers Jennifer A. , Clay Keith
Published: May 2008

Ecological theory holds that competition and predation are the most important biotic forces affecting the composition of communities. Here, we expand this framework by demonstrating that mutualism can fundamentally alter community and food web structure. In large, replicated field plots, we manipulated the mutualism between a dominant plant (Lolium arundinaceum) and symbiotic fungal endophyte (Neotyphodium coenophialum). The presence of the mutualism reduced arthropod abundance up to 70%, reduced arthropod diversity nearly 20%, shifted arthropod species composition relative to endophyte‐free plots and suppressed the biomass and richness of other plant species in the community. Herbivorous arthropods were more strongly affected than carnivores, and for both herbivores and carnivores, effects of the mutualism appeared to propagate indirectly via organisms occurring more basally in the food web. The influence of the mutualism was as great or greater than previously documented effects of competition and predation on arthropod communities. Our work demonstrates that a keystone mutualism can significantly reduce arthropod biodiversity at a broad community scale.
A keystone predator controls bacterial diversity in the pitcher‐plant (Sarracenia purpurea) microecosystem
Authors: Peterson Celeste N. , Day Stephanie , Wolfe Benjamin E. , Ellison Aaron M. , Kolter Roberto , Pringle Anne
Published: May 2008

The community of organisms inhabiting the water‐filled leaves of the carnivorous pitcher‐plant Sarracenia purpurea includes arthropods, protozoa and bacteria, and serves as a model system for studies of food web dynamics. Despite the wealth of data collected by ecologists and zoologists on this food web, very little is known about the bacterial assemblage in this microecosystem. We used terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T‐RFLP) analysis to quantify bacterial diversity within the pitchers as a function of pitcher size, pH of the pitcher fluid and the presence of the keystone predator in this food web, larvae of the pitcher‐plant mosquito Wyeomyia smithii. Results were analysed at two spatial scales: within a single bog and across three isolated bogs. Pitchers were sterile before they opened and composition of the bacterial assemblage was more variable between different bogs than within bogs. Measures of bacterial richness and diversity were greater in the presence of W. smithii and increased with increasing pitcher size. Our results suggest that fundamental ecological concepts derived from macroscopic food webs can also be used to predict the bacterial assemblages in pitcher plants.
Rosiglitazone and pioglitazone similarly improve insulin sensitivity and secretion, glucose tolerance and adipocytokines in type 2 diabetic patients
Authors: Miyazaki Y. , DeFronzo R. A.
Published: May 2008

Objective:  We examined the effects of rosiglitazone treatment on profiles of adipocytokines levels, postprandial insulin and glucose excursion, lipids levels, comparing with those of pioglitazone treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods:  Changes in body weight, haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), glucose/insulin/C‐peptide/free fatty acid (FFA) during 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), HDL‐/LDL‐cholesterol, triglyceride (TG) and adipocytokines [tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, leptin and adiponectin] were measured in T2DM patients treated with rosiglitazone, 8 mg/day (n = 35), or pioglitazone, 45 mg/day (n = 21), for 3 months.

Results:  After rosiglitazone or pioglitazone treatment, HbA1c (8.6–7.2 vs. 8.3–6.9%, rosiglitazone vs. pioglitazone), fasting plasma glucose (190–144 vs. 178–140 mg/dl), fasting FFA (729–595 vs. 641–526 μEq/l), mean plasma glucose‐OGTT (292–229 vs. 285–233 mg/dl) and mean FFA‐OGTT (580–430 vs. 488–377 μEq/l) decreased similarly and all were statistically significant (p < 0.01). The insulinogenic index (ΔI0–120/ΔG0–120) (0.19–0.30 vs. 0.17–0.26) and Matsuda index of insulin sensitivity (2.0–3.1 and 2.7–4.3) increased (p < 0.01) similarly, despite increase in body weight (85–88 vs. 81–84 kg). TNF‐α (3.8–3.4 vs. 5.2–4.5 pg/ml) decreased (p < 0.05) and adiponectin (6.3–17.8 vs. 7.1–16.4 μg/ml) increased (p < 0.01), while leptin did not change following either treatment. After rosiglitazone treatment, plasma HDL‐cholesterol (34–38 mg/dl) and LDL‐cholesterol (103–120 mg/dl) increased (p < 0.01), while TGs (177–167 mg/dl) did not change significantly. After pioglitazone treatment, plasma HDL‐cholesterol (34–37 mg/dl) increased (p < 0.05), while LDL‐cholesterol (104–105 mg/dl) did not change and TGs (153–106 mg/dl) decreased (p < 0.01).

Conclusions:  Rosiglitazone and pioglitazone have similar beneficial effects on glycaemic control insulin sensitivity, insulin secretion and plasma adipocytokine levels. However, pioglitazone has a more beneficial effect on the plasma lipid profile than rosiglitazone.
Endorectal magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance spectroscopy to monitor the prostate for residual disease or local cancer recurrence after transrectal high‐intensity focused ultrasound
Authors: Cirillo Stefano , Petracchini Massimo , D’Urso Leonardo , Dellamonica Patrizia , Illing Rowland , Regge Daniele , Muto Giovanni
Published: May 2008

OBJECTIVE

To assess the role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for evaluating changes in the prostate after transrectal high‐intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for treating prostate cancer, correlating the findings with histology to assess its possible role in predicting the outcome, evaluating residual cancer or local recurrence of disease.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Ten patients with prostate cancer were assessed with MR and MR spectroscopy (MRS) before and at 1, 4 and 12 months after HIFU, assessing the glandular volume and MRI and MRS data after HIFU. These data were correlated with the prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) levels at each examination (suspicious for residual cancer if >0.5 ng/mL) and with histological findings of prostate biopsy sampling at 6–8 months (random or targeted at suspicious MR areas).

RESULTS

Variations in volume during the follow‐up were not associated with treatment outcome. MRI was suspicious for residual cancer in one patient at 1 month and in another two at 4 months; in all three patients (one with a PSA level of <0.5 ng/mL) targeted biopsies were positive for cancer. MRI was negative in seven patients; in six of these (one with a PSA level of >0.5 ng/mL) random biopsies were negative, and in one the random biopsies were positive for residual cancer. At 4 months there was a statistically significant difference (P = 0.015) between patients responsive to treatment and those with persistent disease, by combining negative MRI with a PSA level of <0.5 ng/mL; MRS data were suitable for analysis only in three patients with partial necrosis.

CONCLUSION

Our preliminary data support the role of MRI in association with PSA levels as a useful and accurate tool in the follow‐up of patients treated with HIFU for prostate cancer. However, considering the economic issue, it should not be used routinely and should be limited to detecting residual cancer (in patients with a PSA level of >0.5 ng/mL) with the main purpose of improving the detection rate of transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)‐guided prostate biopsy. MRS data had no additional value over MRI. Further evaluation is needed to compare the use of contrast media and other techniques (e.g. colour Doppler TRUS) in detecting residual or local recurrent cancer.
Group Entity Belief: An Individual Difference Construct Based on Implicit Theories of Social Identities
Authors: Tong Eddie M. W. , Chang Weining C.
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACT
Drawing from the implicit theories framework of Dweck (1986), we propose a new construct called Group Entity Belief (GEB), which is an individual difference construct reflecting the extent to which social identities are perceived as fixed and lasting aspects of the self. In this research, we tested the overarching hypothesis that high GEB is associated with stronger social identity effects. First, we examined the relationships between GEB and classic group‐related variables such as collective self‐esteem, commitment, and social identification. Second, we tested how much GEB predicts group‐related outcome variables. Finally, we examined how GEB is associated with variables pertaining to past in‐groups. These findings provide valuable insights into the psychological nature of GEB.
Learning To Be Saints or Sinners: The Indirect Pathway From Sensation Seeking to Behavior Through Mastery Orientation
Authors: O'Connor Peter J. , Jackson Chris
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACT
Recently, a model of learning has been proposed that argues that Sensation Seeking indirectly predicts functional and dysfunctional behaviors through Mastery Orientation. Central components of the model were tested across two studies. Study 1 tested the proposed indirect effect in the prediction of functional behavior using an objective learning task. Study 2 tested the proposed indirect effects in the prediction of functional and dysfunctional self‐report behavior across two very different samples. Regression analyses in both studies generally supported the proposed model.
Conscientiousness, the Transtheoretical Model of Change, and Exercise: A Neo‐Socioanalytic Integration of Trait and Social‐Cognitive Frameworks in the Prediction of Behavior
Authors: Bogg Tim
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACT
Relationships between conscientiousness‐related traits and transtheoretical model (TTM) of change constructs, exercise self‐efficacy, and exercise behavior were examined in college and community samples (N=566). Measures of the conscientiousness‐related traits of conventionality and industriousness were expected to show positive relations with measures of exercise behavior stage location, processes of exercise behavior change, endorsing the benefits of exercise behavior (i.e., decisional balance), exercise self‐efficacy, and self‐reported exercise behavior. In addition, based on Neo‐Socioanalytic Theory (Roberts & Wood, 2006) an intervening role was predicted for TTM constructs and exercise self‐efficacy in the relationship between conscientiousness‐related traits and exercise behavior stage location. The results showed industriousness (being hardworking) to be the most robust conscientiousness‐related predictor of stage location, processes of change, endorsing the benefits of exercise behavior, and exercise self‐efficacy. Mediation analyses showed the relationship between industriousness and exercise behavior stage location to be fully accounted for by select processes of change and exercise self‐efficacy scales. The results are discussed in terms of a useful integration of trait and social‐cognitive approaches to exercise behavior, with an emphasis on the role of industriousness as an important individual difference factor therein.
Bicultural Identity, Bilingualism, and Psychological Adjustment in Multicultural Societies: Immigration‐Based and Globalization‐Based Acculturation
Authors: Chen Sylvia Xiaohua , Benet‐Martínez Verónica , Harris Bond Michael
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACT
The present investigation examined the impact of bicultural identity, bilingualism, and social context on the psychological adjustment of multicultural individuals. Our studies targeted three distinct types of biculturals: Mainland Chinese immigrants in Hong Kong, Filipino domestic workers (i.e., sojourners) in Hong Kong, and Hong Kong and Mainland Chinese college students. Individual differences in Bicultural Identity Integration (BII; Benet‐Martínez, Leu, Lee, & Morris, 2002) positively predicted psychological adjustment for all the samples except sojourners even after controlling for the personality traits of neuroticism and self‐efficacy. Cultural identification and language abilities also predicted adjustment, although these associations varied across the samples in meaningful ways. We concluded that, in the process of managing multiple cultural environments and group loyalties, bilingual competence, and perceiving one's two cultural identities as integrated are important antecedents of beneficial psychological outcomes.
Forecasting Resource‐Allocation Decisions Under Climate Uncertainty: Fire Suppression with Assessment of Net Benefits of Research
Authors: Prestemon Jeffrey P. , Donovan Geoffrey H.
Published: May 2008

Making input decisions under climate uncertainty often involves two‐stage methods that use expensive and opaque transfer functions. This article describes an alternative, single‐stage approach to such decisions using forecasting methods. The example shown is for preseason fire suppression resource contracting decisions faced by the United States Forest Service. Two‐stage decision tools have been developed for these decisions, and we compare the expected gains to the agency, in terms of reduced personnel costs, of the single‐stage model over the two‐stage model, existing hiring decisions, and decisions that would have been made given perfect foresight about wildfire activity. Our analysis demonstrates the potential gains to versions of our single‐stage model over existing hiring decisions, equivalent to a benefit‐cost ratio of 22. The research also identified additional gains accruing from imposing biases on the single‐stage model, associated with asymmetric penalties from contracting decisions.
Indifference Pricing of Weather Derivatives
Authors: Xu Wei , Odening Martin , Musshoff Oliver
Published: May 2008

Weather derivatives are difficult to price due to the nontradability of weather and the absence of liquid secondary markets for these contracts. We use the concept of indifference pricing to develop a model for calculating the willingness to pay for weather insurance. Compared with other approaches, indifference pricing is less ambitious since it does not attempt to predict a transacted market price. The application of indifference pricing in the case of German crop producers shows that their willingness to pay for weather insurance depends on the production program and varies regionally. This suggests the development of tailored insurance products.
An Empirical Exploration of the Population‐Environment Nexus in India
Authors: Bhattacharya Haimanti , Innes Robert
Published: May 2008

This article presents an empirical study of population growth and environmental change using cross‐section district‐level data from South, Central, and West India. Environmental change is measured using a satellite‐based vegetation index. Unlike prior work, the analysis treats population growth and environmental change as jointly determined, distinguishes between rural and urban populations, and distinguishes between two components of population growth, natural growth and migration. Among key findings are that environmental decline spurs rural population growth and net rural in‐migration, which prompt further environmental decline; environmental improvement spurs urban population growth and net urban in‐migration; and environmental scarcity spurs environmental improvement.