bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Time‐lapse analysis reveals different modes of primordial germ cell migration in the medaka Oryzias latipes
Authors: Kurokawa Hiromi , Aoki Yumiko , Nakamura Shuhei , Ebe Youko , Kobayashi Daisuke , Tanaka Minoru
Published: March 2006

Previous studies have shown that medaka primordial germ cells (PGC) are first distinguishable by olvas expression during late gastrulation, and that they migrate to the gonadal region through the lateral plate mesoderm. Here, we demonstrate that medaka nanos expression marks the germ line at early gastrulation stage. By marking the germ line with green fluorescent protein (GFP) fused to the nanos 3′ untranslated region, we were able to visualize the behavior of PGC using time‐lapse imaging. We show that there are three distinct modes of PGC migration that function at different stages of development. At early gastrulation stage, PGC actively migrate towards the marginal zone, a process that requires the function of a chemokine receptor, CXCR4. However, at late gastrulation stage, PGC change the mode and direction of their movement, as they are carried towards the midline along with somatic cells undergoing convergent movements. After aligning bilaterally, PGC actively migrate to the posterior end of the lateral plate mesoderm. This posterior movement depends on the activity of both HMGCoAR and a ligand of CXCR4, SDF‐1a. These results demonstrate that PGC undergo different modes of migration to reach the prospective gonadal region of the embryo.
Rapid sterilisation of cerebrospinal fluid in meningococcal meningitis: Implications for treatment duration
Authors: Crosswell Julie M , Nicholson W Ross , Lennon Diana R
Published: March 2006

Aim:  The aim of this study was to determine the time and total cumulative dose of parenteral antibiotic, required to sterilize the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of children presenting with meningococcal meningitis (MM).

Methods:  The study was a retrospective audit of children aged 0–14 years who presented between January 1995 and December 1999 with MM. All cases had a delayed lumbar puncture (LP) at least 1 h after commencing antibiotic therapy and demonstrated at least one of the following: (i) a positive CSF culture of Neisseria meningitidis (n = 6); (ii) Gram negative diplococci on Gram stain (n = 16) or (iii) a positive CSF plasma clearance rate test for N. meningitidis (n = 26).

Results:  Forty‐eight children were identified with a mean age of 4.4 years. The cumulative dose of antibiotic prior to LP, ranged from 22 to 440 mg/kg body weight. All cases (n = 24) who received a cumulative dose of at least 150 mg/kg of antibiotic, prior to LP, had a sterile CSF. No CSF taken more than 5 h after commencing antibiotics grew N. meningitidis.

Conclusions:  Children in this study with MM had rapid sterilisation of the CSF in less than 6 h. This would support recent recommendations to reduce the duration of antibiotic therapy to 4 days. There is however, lack of long‐term data on sequelae with 4 days of treatment.
Hypoallergenic formula prescribing practices in Australia
Authors: Kemp Andrew
Published: March 2006

Aim:  To gain insight into the use of hypoallergenic formula in Australia by analysis of prescribing statistics.

Methods:  Statistics on supply of amino acid and extensively hydrolyzed formula were obtained from the Health Insurance Commission web site. The number of prescriptions supplied in 2003 and 2004 per 1000 children aged 4 years and younger were calculated for each State and Territory. This was related to the numbers of paediatric physicians and paediatric allergists in each State.

Results:  There was a marked rise in the use of amino acid formula (AAF) commencing in 2001. The Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales and Victoria had 6–7 times more AAF items per 1000 children prescribed than Western Australia. This did not appear to relate to the numbers of paediatricians or paediatric allergists in each State. In all States and Territories the prescribing of extensively hydrolyzed formula was less than that of AAF.

Conclusions:  There are significant regional differences which do not appear to be related to the prevalence of allergic disease. In some States and Territories AAF may be frequently prescribed as a first line treatment for cows milk allergy and for prevention of allergic disease in contradistinction to current recommendations of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and authoritative statements and position papers. Re‐examination of both the Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme guidelines and the knowledge and perceptions of the prescribing community is indicated.
Rotavirus hospitalisation in New Zealand children under 3 years of age
Authors: Grimwood Keith , Huang Q Sue , Cohet Catheine , Gosling Isobelle A , Hook Sarah M , Teele David W , Pinnock Ralph E , Nicholson William R , Graham David A , Farrell Alan P , Leadbitter Philip , Lennon Diana R
Published: March 2006

Objective:  To describe the epidemiology of severe rotavirus gastroenteritis and to estimate the hospitalisation rates of this illness in New Zealand children under 3 years of age.

Methods:  Children under 3 years of age with acute diarrhoea admitted to 1 of 8 study hospitals between 1 May 1998 and 30 April 2000 were surveyed. Their socio‐demographic, treatment and length‐of‐stay data were recorded and stool samples tested by a rotavirus‐specific enzyme‐linked immunoassay. National hospital discharge data for infectious diarrhoea (International Classification of Diseases, ninth revision, 003–009) were reviewed, allowing population‐based estimates for rotavirus‐related hospitalisation in New Zealand.

Results:  Of 2019 enrolled children, 1138 (56.4%) provided stools for testing, and of these 485 (42.6%) tested rotavirus positive. Rotavirus detection varied significantly by age (26.8% for 0 to 5 months, 42.5% for 6 to 11 months and 52.1% for children aged 12 to 35 months; P < 0.001), and by season (51.2% in winter/spring vs. 24.5% in summer/autumn; P < 0.001). While those infected with rotavirus were more likely to be dehydrated (50.6% vs. 37.4%; P < 0.001), their median hospital stay was similar (1.0 vs. 2.0 days; P = 0.09) to other children with acute gastroenteritis. The estimated national hospitalisation rate for rotavirus diarrhoea in children under 3 years, standardised for age and season, was 634 (95% CI 597, 672) per 100 000. In New Zealand, rotaviruses result in 1 in 52 children being hospitalised by 3 years of age.

Conclusions:  Rotavirus diarrhoea is an important, potentially vaccine‐preventable cause of hospitalisation in New Zealand children, especially during winter and spring seasons.
RET receptor signaling: Dysfunction in thyroid cancer and Hirschsprung's disease
Authors: Asai Naoya , Jijiwa Mayumi , Enomoto Atsushi , Kawai Kumi , Maeda Kengo , Ichiahara Masatoshi , Murakumo Yoshiki , Takahashi Masahide
Published: March 2006

Gain‐of‐function mutations within the receptor tyrosine kinase gene RET cause inherited and non‐inherited thyroid cancer. Somatic gene rearrangements of RET have been found in papillary thyroid carcinoma and germline point mutations in multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) types 2A and 2B and familial medullary thyroid carcinoma (FMTC). Conversely, loss‐of‐function mutations are responsible for the development of Hirschsprung's disease, a congenital malformation of the enteric nervous system. Comparison between normal RET signaling activated by the RET ligand glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and abnormal RET signaling caused by various mutations has led to a deeper understanding of disease mechanisms. The focus of the present review is on recent progress in the study of RET signaling dysfunction in human diseases.
Different types of neural cell death in the cerebellum of the ataxia and male sterility (AMS) mutant mouse
Authors: Zhou Li , Araki Asuka , Nakano Akinobu , Sezer Cem , Harada Takayuki
Published: March 2006

To investigate the mechanisms(s) of age‐dependent atrophy of the cerebellum of the ataxia and male sterility (AMS) mouse at young age, the morphological changes were evaluated and the nature of neural cell death was examined. Dying Purkinje cells lacked characters of classical apoptosis except for light microscopic morphology, but their death was considered to be autonomous death triggered by the direct effect of ams mutation, because of the acute and near‐complete disappearance and particular change of the cytoplasm. In contrast, in the granular layer, typical apoptotic bodies were recognized by electron microscopy, and substantial numbers of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick‐end‐labeling (TUNEL)‐positive cells and activated caspase‐3‐positive cells were observed. Granule cell death was considered to be target‐related apoptosis induced after post‐synaptic Purkinje cell death, because the age‐dependent changes in TUNEL‐positive cell counts followed that of Purkinje cell loss and the peak value was still noted 1 week after total loss of Purkinje cells. These results indicate that both total and partial losses of Purkinje cells and granule cells, respectively, contributed to the atrophy of the AMS cerebellum. Furthermore, different types of neuronal death were recognized; the granule cell death was apoptotic while Purkinje cell death was different from that of classical apoptosis.
Downregulation of a pathogenic autoantibody response by IgM autoantibodies directed against the nephritogenic antigen in slowly progressive Heymann nephritis
Authors: Barabas Arpad Zsigmond , Cole Chad Douglas , Barabas Arpad David , Lafreniere Rene
Published: March 2006

The purpose of the study was to find out if a new modified vaccination technique would be effective in downregulating immunopathological events during the course of an experimental autoimmune kidney disease (which is morphologically and functionally similar to Heymann nephritis) called ‘slowly progressive Heymann nephritis’ (SPHN). We have shown that the pathogenic IgG autoantibody (aab)‐induced experimental autoimmune kidney disease process can be downregulated early on as well as during the chronic progressive phase, when rats were restimulated. The IgM aab, resulting from stimulation by immune complexes made up of rat kidney fraction 3 (rKF3) antigen and rat anti‐rKF3 IgM antibody in antigen excess (MIC), can greatly diminish pathogenic aab production by removing or blocking nephritogenic antigens. Reduced IgG aab production limits the formation of damaging immune complexes (IC) in the glomeruli and development of proteinuria. At the end of the experiment 60% and 80% of the MIC‐treated groups had no pathogenic IgG aab in their circulation, while all the untreated SPHN rats had high levels of IgG aab associated with disease progression manifesting in increased proteinuria and severe immune complex glomerulonephritis.
Histological and cytogenetic characterization of bone marrow in relation to prognosis and diagnosis of myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Sakuma Toshiko , Hayashi Yoshitake , Kanomata Naoki , Murayama Tohru , Matsui Toshimitsu , Kajimoto Kazuyoshi , Hanioka Keisuke , Chihara Kazuo , Maeda Sakan
Published: March 2006

Bone marrow (BM) histology of 102 myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) patients was analyzed retrospectively. All the cases were reclassified according to the World Health Organization (WHO) classification. Karyotype study was conducted for all except one. Fifteen of the MDS cases were hypoplastic. The cellularity in bone marrow histology is sometimes ineffective in the differential diagnosis of MDS and aplastic anemia (AA). Nonetheless, a marked decrease in the number of megakaryocytes (average, 0.3/mm2; range, 0–2/mm2) even in the hyperplastic foci of the marrow of AA was the most important histological feature differentiating AA from MDS, whereas the number of megakaryocytes increased in most MDS cases (44/mm2; range, 1–240/mm2) and also in hypoplastic MDS (14/mm2; range, 8–26/mm2). Hyperplastic marrow had a significantly high frequency of progress to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and hypoplastic MDS had a lower rate of progress to AML. Severe myelofibrosis had a significantly poor prognosis. An increase in CD34‐positive cells in MDS indicated a high rate of progress to AML. As for the patients with refractory cytopenia with multilineage dysplasia (RCMD; the new category under the WHO classification), the increased number of megakaryocytes was correlated with poor prognosis.
Molecular characteristics of differentiated‐type gastric carcinoma with distinct mucin phenotype: LI‐cadherin is associated with intestinal phenotype
Authors: Motoshita Junichi , Nakayama Hirofumi , Taniyama Kiyomi , Matsusaki Keisuke , Yasui Wataru
Published: March 2006

Gastric carcinomas (GC) are classified into four phenotypes on the basis of the mucin expression profile: G type (gastric or foveolar phenotype), I type (intestinal phenotype), GI type (intestinal and gastric mixed phenotype) and N type (neither gastric nor intestinal phenotype). Immunohistochemistry was used to examine the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), E‐cadherin, liver–intestine (LI)‐cadherin, CD44v9 and p53 and correlation of these molecules with mucin phenotype and tumor stage was evaluated. Overexpression of EGFR and LI‐cadherin, reduced expression of E‐cadherin and abnormal expression of p53 were observed more frequently in advanced GC than in early GC. Among I‐type GC, overexpression of EGFR and reduced expression of E‐cadherin were observed more frequently in advanced tumors than in early tumors. Among G‐type GC, reduced expression of E‐cadherin was significantly associated with advanced tumors. With respect to the relationship between mucin phenotype and expression of cancer‐related molecules, overexpression of LI‐cadherin was observed more frequently in I‐type (12/25, 48.0%) than in G‐type (1/14, 7.1%) GC. I‐type GC tended to express LI‐cadherin more frequently than GI‐type GC. These results provide insights into the molecular characteristics of the distinct mucin phenotype of differentiated‐type GC and suggest that LI‐cadherin may contribute to the biological behavior of I‐type GC.
Unique case of pulmonary bronchial gland type tumor with broad spectrum of cell differentiation from the terminal duct–acinar unit to excretory duct
Authors: Gamal Gehan , Nagashima Toshiteru , Kawashima Osamu , Sugano Masayuki , Sakurai Shinji , Sano Takaaki , Nakajima Takashi
Published: March 2006

In the lung, acinic cell carcinoma (ACC) is a rare form of tumor. Reported herein is a unique bronchial gland‐type tumor diagnosed as well‐differentiated ACC that developed in the B9 bronchus of the left lung. Various immunohistochemical and histochemical staining partly satisfied the diagnosis of ACC. Moreover, this tumor contained various sizes of mucous cysts lined by columnar mucous cells, which produced abundant mucin positive for Alcian blue, which is usually present in mucoepidermoid carcinoma. Therefore, the present case is a unique tumor having a broad spectrum of cell differentiation from the terminal duct‐–acinar unit to the striated duct and excretory duct. This is the first case of unique bronchial gland‐type tumor with mixed histological features of ACC and mucoepidermoid carcinoma.
Extravasation of propofol is associated with tissue necrosis in small children
Authors: ROTH WINFRIED , ESCHERTZHUBER STEPHAN , GARDETTO ALEXANDER , KELLER CHRISTIAN
Published: March 2006

Propofol is widely used for induction of anesthesia and many reports document extravasation and even intra‐arterial injections without clinical sequelae. We report a case of tissue necrosis after subcutaneous injection of propofol in a 31‐day‐old infant.
Does tramadol wound infiltration offer an advantage over bupivacaine for postoperative analgesia in children following herniotomy?
Authors: DEMIRARAN YAVUZ , ILCE ZEKERIYA , KOCAMAN BUKET , BOZKURT PERVIN
Published: March 2006

Background : It has been demonstrated that tramadol is an effective analgesic. We aimed to compare postoperative analgesic effects of wound infiltration with tramadol (T) or bupivacaine (B) and intramuscular tramadol (I) after herniotomy in children.

Methods : In this study, 75 children were randomly assigned to group T, group B and group I. Wound infiltration was performed to the patients in group T (2 mg·kg−1 tramadol in 0.2 ml·kg−1 saline) and group B (0.2 ml·kg−1 0.25% bupivacaine) into the surgical incision. Twenty minutes before the end of the surgery 2 mg·kg−1 tramadol was injected i.m. in group I. Faces pain scale was used for assessing pain severity. Patients with pain score >2 were treated with paracetamol. The frequency of side effects and analgesic use were recorded. Patients were discharged on the next day.

Results : No side effects were recorded in any group. The pain scores of the patients at the first, fourth and eighth hours were significantly higher in group B and group I than group T (P < 0.05). The pain scores of the patients at the first hour were significantly higher in group I compared with group B (P < 0.05). Average time to first analgesic requirement was significantly longer in group T (6.72 ± 4.09 h after herniotomy than both group I (4.49 ± 3.9 h) and group B (6.04 ± 3.7 h) (P < 0.05).

Conclusions : Wound infiltration with tramadol may be a good choice for postoperative analgesia in children having inguinal herniotomy.
Changes in sleep quality and brain wave patterns following initiation of an efavirenz‐containing triple antiretroviral regimen
Authors: Moyle G , Fletcher C , Brown H , Mandalia S , Gazzard B
Published: March 2006

Background

Initiation of efavirenz is commonly associated with sleep disturbances. Assessment of sleep using the electroencephalogram and electromyogram enables sleep staging to be performed and changes following the introduction of therapy to be evaluated.

Methodology

Using standardized sleep‐staging methodology, we investigated sleep staging and sleep quality by patient self‐report in an open‐label cohort pilot study. Assessments were performed prior to the initiation of efavirenz, 2 weeks after the initiation of efavirenz and 3 months after the initiation of efavirenz. The study included HIV‐positive individuals without central neurological disease who were naive to antiretroviral treatment. All patients initiated treatment with two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors in combination with efavirenz.

Results

Ten patients completed all three study visits. Patients reported an increase in recollection of dreams and morning sluggishness after the initiation of efavirenz which persisted for 3 months. Sleep‐staging data indicated a modest reduction in stage 2 sleep with a corresponding increase in deep sleep stage 4 and a modest increase in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Overall sleep maintenance efficiency did not significantly change from baseline. Changes in sleep staging were most marked 2 weeks after the initiation of efavirenz but remained different from baseline patterns at 3 months.

Conclusion

The data indicate that efavirenz has a modest but persistent impact on the time spent in several key sleep stages. Patients reported persistence of dream recollection but remained satisfied with sleep quality and overall quality of life.
Role of individualization of hepatitis C virus (HCV) therapy duration in HIV/HCV‐coinfected individuals*
Authors: Hopkins S , Lambourne J , Farrell G , McCullagh L , Hennessy M , Clarke S , Mulcahy F , Bergin C
Published: March 2006

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy, safety and tolerability of pegylated interferon and ribavirin in HIV/hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐coinfected patients, prescribed for the same duration and at the same dosage as that used in HCV monoinfection studies.

Design

It was an open‐label, single‐centre, prospective study.

Methods

Forty‐five patients coinfected with HIV and HCV with CD4 counts >200 cells/μL were treated with pegylated interferon‐ α2b 1.5 μg/kg/week and ribavirin 1000–1200 mg/day for 24–48 weeks depending on HCV genotype. Safety and tolerability were assessed weekly for the first month and monthly thereafter. Virological response was assessed at weeks 4, 12 and 24 and at the end of treatment and 12 and 24 weeks post completion of treatment. The primary endpoint was defined as undetectable HCV RNA at 24 weeks post completion of treatment [sustained virological response (SVR)].

Results

The majority of patients were male and had been injecting drug users. Sixty per cent were on antiretroviral therapy. In an intention‐to‐treat analysis, 53% had an SVR (genotype 1, 19% and genotype 2/3, 75%). All patients who had undetectable HCV RNA at week 4 of HCV treatment [very early virological response (VEVR)] had a SVR. On multivariate analysis only HCV genotype predicted SVR. Adverse events occurred frequently.

Conclusions

These results indicate that 24 weeks of HCV treatment may be adequate for HIV‐infected individuals coinfected with HCV genotype 2 or 3. VEVR can predict SVR in this group and may be used to guide the subgroup of genotype 2/3 individuals who will respond to 24 weeks of treatment.
Incidence and risk factors of bacterial pneumonia requiring hospitalization in HIV‐infected patients started on a protease inhibitor‐containing regimen
Authors: Le Moing V , Rabaud C , Journot V , Duval X , Cuzin L , Cassuto JP , Al Kaied F , Dellamonica P , Chêne G , Raffi F ,   the APROCO Study Group
Published: March 2006

Objectives

To describe the incidence and risk factors of bacterial pneumonia occurring in patients treated with antiretrovirals.

Methods

In the ongoing APROCO (Anti‐proteases) cohort, 1281 patients at the initiation of a protease inhibitor (PI)‐containing antiretroviral regimen were enrolled from 1997–1999. All events requiring hospitalization during follow up are recorded. Of these, bacterial pneumonia was defined as the occurrence of a new pulmonary infiltrate with fever and either evidence of a bacteriological cause (definite cases) or favourable outcome with antimicrobial therapy (presumptive cases). Risk factors of bacterial pneumonia were studied using survival analyses.

Results

During a median follow up of 43 months, 29 patients had at least one episode of bacterial pneumonia, giving an incidence of 0.8/100 patient years. The 11 definite cases were attributable to Streptococcus pneumoniae (n=9), Legionella pneumophila (n=1) and Haemophilus influenzae (n=1). In multivariate analysis, bacterial pneumonia was significantly more frequent in older patients, injecting drug users, patients having a CD4 cell count>500 cells/μL at baseline and patients who initiated PI therapy with nonboosted saquinavir. It was significantly less frequent in nonsmokers. The occurrence of bacterial pneumonia was also associated with lower self‐reported adherence to antiretroviral therapy and to higher plasma HIV‐1 RNA levels during follow‐up.

Conclusions

Bacterial pneumonia occurs rarely in patients treated with a PI‐containing regimen and may be associated with virological failure.
Knowledge, attitudes and health outcomes in HIV‐infected travellers to the USA
Authors: Mahto M , Ponnusamy K , Schuhwerk M , Richens J , Lambert N , Wilkins E , Churchill DR , Miller RF , Behrens RH
Published: March 2006

Background

The USA bans entry to non‐citizens unless they obtain a waiver visa.

Aim

To establish how many people with HIV infection travelled to the USA, whether they were aware of the travel restriction, whether they travelled with a waiver visa and HIV inclusive medical insurance and how they managed with their antiretroviral medication (ARV).

Design

Collation of data from cross‐sectional studies conducted independently at three different medical centres, Manchester, Brighton and London, using a structured self‐completion questionnaire.

Results

The overall response rate was 66.6% (1113 respondents). 349 (31%) had travelled to the USA since testing HIV positive, of whom only 14.3% travelled with a waiver visa. 64% and 62% of the respondents at Manchester and Brighton were aware of the need of a waiver visa. 68.5% (212) were on ARV medication at the time of travel and, of these, 11.3% stopped their medication. Of those taking ARV medication, only 25% took a doctors' letter, 11.7% posted their medication in advance. Of those discontinuing treatment (n=27), 55.5% sought medical advice before stopping, 11 were on NNRTI‐based regimen and one developed NNRTI‐based mutation. Only 27% took up HIV inclusive medical insurance. Many patients reported negative practical and emotional experiences resulting from travel restrictions.

Conclusion

The majority of HIV patients travel to the USA without the waiver visa, with nearly half doing so with insufficient planning and advice. A significant minority (11.3%) stop their medication in an unplanned manner, risking the development of drug resistence.
Dispelling the myth: appropriate use of poly‐l‐lactic acid and clinical considerations
Authors: Lowe NJ
Published: March 2006

Objectives  Injectable poly‐l‐lactic acid (PLLA; Sculptra®) is widely used throughout Europe and the USA to restore volume in depressed areas of the face by stimulating neocollagenesis. Injectable PLLA was previously marketed as New‐Fill™, which was often injected incorrectly and at too high a concentration, resulting in some physicians losing confidence in this product. Today, Sculptra® is still regarded with a degree of scepticism by some physicians, due to direct or indirect experience with New‐Fill. Sculptra®, both in formulation and use, is vastly superior to New‐Fill and clinical experience with this product dispels the myths associated with the earlier types of injectable PLLA.

Results  PLLA is a very safe, biodegradable compound that has been used in a wide range of medical devices for the last 30 years. In injectable form a good safety profile has been proven; however, when the device is overconcentrated, localized overstimulation of the fibroblasts can result in the formation of small lumps (subcutaneous papules), which are non‐pathological but nevertheless palpable by the patient. Physicians must also be trained in the injection of this device, as incorrect injection technique can cause device‐related adverse events.

Conclusion  New product guidelines have ensured that problems with PLLA concentration have been countered, and tried and tested injection techniques have been shown to ameliorate device‐related adverse events, both of which are dispelling the myths associated with modern injectable PLLA.
A new option for volumetric restoration: poly‐l‐lactic acid
Authors: Thioly‐Bensoussan D
Published: March 2006

Objectives  The market for products and techniques that correct the visible signs of facial ageing is now huge. There is a diversity of devices and treatments now vying for a share of this growing marketplace, including polymer implants and injectable preparations that are based on an array of substances. The vast majority of these devices can only provide temporary correction of superficial lines and wrinkles, with volumetric augmentation being beyond their capabilities. The products and procedures suitable for the restoration of facial volume are discussed here.

Results  The restoration of facial volume has long been neglected in cosmetic rejuvenation as surgical procedures increase skin tension but do nothing to restore the underlying facial volume, which is a subtle yet important characteristic of the youthful face. Fortunately, devices are now available which can augment facial volume for long periods of time or even permanently. These include implants based on expanded polytetrafluoroethylene and silicone rubber, which provide permanent restoration of volume, but require invasive surgery and do not age with the surrounding tissues eventually resulting in an unnatural appearance. The cosmetic rejuvenation market now abounds with various injectable devices, including: poly‐l‐lactic acid (PLLA), polymethylmethacrylate, collagens, hyaluronic acids, silicone and calcium hydroxylapatite. The choice of which one to use in practice is physician led, based on facial assessments, product characteristics and the desires of the patient.

Conclusion  Although there is a wealth of products available, injectable PLLA (Sculptra®) can restore volume to the face providing a natural look. Not only are the results of volume augmentation using this device long lasting, but they are also safe.
Independent and interdependent self‐construals: Ramifications for a multicultural society1
Authors: KIUCHI AKI
Published: March 2006

Abstract:  This study examined American students, Japanese students in Japan, and Japanese students in the USA. First, it examined whether respondents’ scale for independent and interdependent construals of the self (SII) scores would vary depending on the type of relationship (i.e., family members, friends, or peers at the student's university) posited by the instructions. It was found that the SII score of each of the three groups changed depending on the relationship. Second, the relationship between SII scores, perceived conflict, and self‐efficacy were examined. It was found that self‐efficacy was highest among the American students, followed by the Japanese students in the USA, and lowest among the Japanese students in Japan. Self‐efficacy was correlated to independent and interdependent construals of the self. Third, the respondents’ preferences for expressiveness in communication were analyzed. The results of this study showed that there was a difference between the American students and both groups of Japanese students in their preference for three communication styles (independent, mixed, interdependent‐type). Finally, the relationship between intercultural sensitivity, as measured by the intercultural sensitivity inventory, and self‐efficacy were examined. Intercultural sensitivity was shown to have a positive correlation to general self‐efficacy.
Reminders supporting spontaneous remembering in prospective memory tasks1
Authors: MORITA TAISUKE
Published: March 2006

Abstract:  The objective of this study was to identify the reminders that facilitate prospective memory. A total of 64 participants were either provided with three types of reminders for a prospective memory task (to circle a question number when prescribed target words appear) during the retention interval, or not reminded of the task. In addition, an articulatory suppression task was imposed halfway through the test phase to examine whether verbal rehearsal is related to the effects of the reminders. The reminders that referred to the intended activity (to circle the number) did not improve prospective memory. However, both of the reminders that notified that there was something to do and the reminders that referred to the target events (the prescribed words) improved prospective memory. Imposing the suppression task abolished the benefit of the former, but not that of the latter. This result suggests that only the effect of the reminders that referred to the existence of intention is mediated by verbal rehearsal. These data imply that there are some differences in the functions of these reminders.
Relationship between deformation bands and petroleum migration in an exhumed reservoir rock, Los Angeles Basin, California, USA
Authors: SAMPLE J. C. , WOODS S. , BENDER E. , LOVEALL M.
Published: March 2006

An oil‐bearing sandstone unit within the Monterey Formation is exposed in the Los Angeles Basin along the Newport‐Inglewood fault zone in southern California. The unit preserves structures, some original fluids, and cements that record the local history of deformation, fluid flow, and cementation. The structures include two types of deformation bands, which are cut by later bitumen veins and sandstone dikes. The bands formed by dilation and by shear. Both types strike on average parallel to the Newport‐Inglewood fault zone (317°–332°) and show variable dip angles and directions. Generally the older deformation bands are shallow, and the younger bands are steep. The earlier set includes a type of deformation band not previously described in other field examples. These are thin, planar zones of oil 1–2 mm thick sandwiched between parallel, carbonate‐cemented, positively weathering ribs. All other deformation bands appear to be oil‐free. The undeformed sandstone matrix also contains some hydrocarbons. The oil‐cored bands formed largely in opening mode, similar to dilation bands. The oil‐cored bands differ from previously described dilation bands in the degree of carbonate cementation (up to 36% by volume) and in that some exhibit evidence for plane‐parallel shear during formation. Given the mostly oil‐free bands and oil‐rich matrix, deformation bands must have formed largely before the bulk of petroleum migration and acted as semi‐permeable baffles. Oil‐cored bands provide field evidence for early migration of oil into a potential reservoir rock. We infer a hydrofracture mechanism, probably from petroleum leaking out of a stratigraphically lower overpressured reservoir. The deformation bands described here provide a potential field example of a mechanism inferred for petroleum migration in modern systems such as in the Gulf of Mexico.
Geographic information system‐based modelling of vulture response to carcass appearance in the Caucasus
Authors: Gavashelishvili A. , McGrady M. J.
Published: March 2006

Factors influencing the response of griffon Gyps fulvus, cinereous Aegypius monachus and bearded Gypaetus barbatus vultures to carcass appearance were studied in the Republic of Georgia by observing 100 new carcasses for 10 days. It was observed that 92–97% of the time cinereous (n=25) and griffon (n=47) vultures fed on carcasses within 4 days of their appearance, whereas 97% of bearded vultures fed within 6 days (n=32). In cases where all three species fed at a carcass, cinereous vultures were the first to arrive, followed by griffon vultures and then bearded vultures. The probability that all three species would eat a carcass was positively correlated with visibility within 100 m of the carcass and mean distance to roads within 5 km. The probability that griffon and cinereous vultures would feed increased with extent of open areas within 5 km of a carcass. Griffon and bearded vultures' response to carcass appearance was positively related to mean slope within 5 km of a carcass. In addition, the probability that griffon vultures would feed was negatively correlated with the distance to the nearest populated area from the carcass. The heavier the carcass and farther it was from roads, the sooner griffon vultures landed at it, and the presence of ravens Corvus corax at a carcass appeared to be a signal to the vultures of relative security. The probability that cinereous vultures would feed on a carcass was negatively correlated with mean annual rainfall within 5 km of the carcass. Cinereous vultures landed sooner at carcasses that were farther from populated areas. Bearded vultures landed sooner at smaller carcasses that were farther from populated areas and from bearded vulture nests. These models can be used to help identify foraging areas important to vultures in the Caucasus and elsewhere, and thus help focus conservation efforts and avoid conflicts between vulture conservation and other activities.
Shaping up to fight: sexual selection influences body shape and size in the fighting tortoise (Chersina angulata)
Authors: Mann G. K. H. , O'Riain M. J. , Hofmeyr M. D.
Published: March 2006

The angulate tortoise Chersina angulata is unique among South African tortoises in having a single unpaired gular (extension of the ventral plastron) that is used to ram and overturn rival conspecifics. This behaviour has earned it the reputation of a ‘fighting tortoise’, and in this paper we test the hypothesis that the morphology of this tortoise is a result of intrasexual selection. Research was carried out on the tortoise population of Dassen Island in September 2004. Tortoises were captured and processed (body mass and five morphological measurements) in situ in the field. A total of 144 males and 99 females were sampled. Males were significantly larger than females for all body parameters measured. Males had significantly longer gulars (F=17.783, P<0.005, n=242) and greater posterior carapace width (F=143.664, P<0.005, n=242) relative to body size than females. A total of 66 male–male interactions was observed in the field. Males that won fights were significantly longer than males that lost fights (t=2.238, P<0.034, n=28) and had significantly greater rear carapace width relative to middle carapace width (F=5.591, P=0.026, n=28). Gular length was found to be irrelevant to fighting success. Tortoises of both sexes were placed upside down to compare righting ability. Males were significantly more successful at righting themselves than females (χ2=5.347, P=0.0208, n=70). It was concluded that posterior carapace width is a more important variable than gular length in determining male fighting success, and it is suggested that, in addition to righting ability, posterior carapace width may well be a trait under sexual selection in male angulate tortoises.
Polymorphic population genetic markers for the Australian wood cockroach Panesthia australis
Authors: RUNCIMAN D. , BLACKET M. J. , SCHMUKI C. , SUNNUCKS P.
Published: March 2006

Primers for five polymorphic nuclear DNA (nDNA) markers and one mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) gene (COI) were developed for the Australian wood cockroach Panesthia australis using a range of techniques. Eight mitochondrial haplotypes and four to 36 alleles per nuclear locus were detected in 744 cockroaches. Observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.117 to 0.816 in a sample of 30 animals from one population. The markers will be useful for population biology and for the measurement of the effects of habitat fragmentation on this ecologically important forest‐dependent species.
The genetic response to Snowball Earth: role of HSP90 in the Cambrian explosion
Authors: BAKER M. E.
Published: March 2006

The events that shaped the Cambrian explosion from 545 to 530 Ma, when multicellular animals suddenly appeared in the fossil record, are not fully understood. It is likely that the evolution of new transcription factors and other signal transduction proteins that regulated developmental networks was important in the emergence of diverse animal phyla seen in the Cambrian. I propose that one or both extensive glaciations that ended about 670 and 635 Ma were important in the evolution of signal transduction proteins in small animals in the Neoproterozoic/Proterozoic. These glaciations have been called Snowball Earth. One consequence of these glaciations is that they increased the expression of genetic diversity in animals due to the effect of extreme climatic stress on heat‐shock protein 90 (HSP90). Climatic stress diverted HSP90 from chaperoning the folding and proper intracellular localization of many signal transduction proteins that regulate development in animals. As a result, pre‐existing mutant signal transduction proteins and developmental pathways were expressed in animals. Selectively advantageous mutations were fixed in stem group animals and later were a source for the expansion of animal phyla during the Cambrian.
Microbial nitrate respiration of lactate at in situ conditions in ground water from a granitic aquifer situated 450 m underground
Authors: NIELSEN M. E. , FISK M. R. , ISTOK J. D. , PEDERSEN K.
Published: March 2006

There is widespread interest in developing methods to investigate in situ microbial activity in subsurface environments. Novel experiments based on single borehole push–pull methods were conducted to measure in situ microbial activity at the Äspö Hard Rock Laboratory (HRL). Microbial nitrate reduction and lactate consumption were measured at in situ conditions at a depth of 450 m in the HRL tunnel. A circulation system was used to circulate ground water from the aquifer through pressure‐maintaining flow cells containing coupons for biofilm growth. The system allows microbial investigations at in situ pressure, temperature and chemistry. Four experiments were conducted in which a combination of a conservative tracer, nitrate and lactate was injected into the circulation system. Rate of nitrate utilization was 5 µm h−1 without lactate and 13 µm h−1 with lactate. Lactate consumption increased from 30  to 50 µm h−1 with the addition of an exogenous electron acceptor (nitrate). Attached and unattached cells were enumerated using epifluorescence microscopy to calculate cell‐specific rates of activity. The biofilm had an average cell density of 1 × 106 cells cm−2 and there was an average of 6 × 105 unattached cells mL−1 in circulation. Cell‐specific rates of lactate consumption were higher than previously reported using radiotracer methods in similar environments. The differences highlight the importance of conducting microbial investigations at in situ conditions. The results demonstrate that an indigenous community of microbes survives at a depth of 450 m in the Fennoscandian shield aquifer with the potential to oxidize simple organic molecules such as lactate.
Alcohol Use, Comorbidity, and Mortality
Authors: Moore Alison A. , Giuli Lisa , Gould Robert , Hu Peifeng , Zhou Kefei , Reuben David , Greendale Gail , Karlamangla Arun
Published: March 2006

OBJECTIVES:To examine the combined influence of alcohol use and comorbidity on 20‐year mortality in older adults (average age 66 at the time of the baseline survey).

DESIGN:Longitudinal analysis of a national probability sample–based cohort study.

SETTING:Data sources were the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey I (NHANES I), 1971–1974, and the NHANES Epidemiologic Followup Survey, 1992.

PARTICIPANTS:Four thousand six hundred ninety‐one adults aged 60 and older who provided data on alcohol use.

MEASUREMENTS:The prevalence of at‐risk drinking in older adults in the United States and the 20‐year all‐cause mortality risk associated with it. At‐risk drinking status was determined from amount of alcohol consumed and comorbidities, using a previously validated method.

RESULTS:The prevalence of at‐risk drinking in the United States between 1971 and 1974 in older adults was 10% (18% of men, 5% of women). The majority of at‐risk drinkers were identified as such because of their use of alcohol in amounts deemed risky in the presence of relevant comorbidities (69%) (e.g., drinking 2–3 drinks per day and having gout or anxiety or taking a medication for pain). In men, at‐risk drinking was associated with higher mortality rates than not‐at‐risk drinking (hazard ratio=1.20, 95% confidence interval=1.01–1.41); abstinence was not associated with greater mortality. In women, neither abstinence nor at‐risk drinking was associated with greater mortality rates.

CONCLUSION:In this first, large population‐based study of older adults examining the mortality risks of alcohol use and comorbidity, at‐risk drinking was associated with greater mortality rates in men. These findings suggest that a lower threshold of alcohol use should be recommended for older adults with specific comorbidities to reduce mortality risks.
Expression Profile and Clonality of T‐Cell Receptor Beta Variable Genes in Normal Human Endometrium
Authors: Dokouhaki Pouneh , Moghadam Rosa , Akbariasbagh Firoozeh , Zarnani Amirhassan , Novin Marefat Ghaffari , Razavi Alireza , Jeddi‐Tehrani Mahmood
Published: March 2006

Problem

In spite of their key immunological role, αβ+ T cells residing in endometrium have not been extensively explored. We analyzed here expression profile of TCRBV genes in normal human endometrium compared with peripheral blood.

Methods

Samples were taken from normal reproductive women. RT‐PCR using BV‐gene specific primers was performed on blood and endometrial samples. After blotting, hybridization with radiolabelled probe and autoradiography, relative expression of each TCRBV family was determined. Clonal expansions of the over‐expressed genes were assessed by CDR3 length polymorphism.

Results

Only one gene (TCRBV7) was expressed significantly and two other genes marginally more in the endometrium compared with blood. All three TCRBV genes examined showed a rather restricted pattern in the endometrium in contrast to polyclonal patterns in the blood.

Conclusion

Our results stress the similarities between T cells residing in different mucosal tissues and provide a basis for future investigations about endometrial T cells and their antigen specificities in gynecological problems.
Gene organization and polymorphism of the swine major histocompatibility complex
Authors: ANDO Asako , CHARDON Patrick
Published: March 2006

The recent availability of the full‐length sequence of one haplotype of the swine leukocyte antigen (SLA) complex, the swine major histocompatibility complex (MHC), and significant progress in the studies on gene expression and polymorphisms led to major advances in deciphering its role in resistance to diseases in animals. The present status of the genomic organization and polymorphism of the SLA complex is presented in this Review. Additionally, a comparative analysis with mammalian MHC has also been provided. The sequenced SLA‐H01 haplotype harbors 152 loci including genuine SLA genes, non‐MHC genes and pseudogenes. Although the numbers of expressed SLA genes could vary across haplotypes, three SLA class Ia, three SLA class Ib, four SLA class IIa and four SLA class IIb genes are currently expressed. Except for the class I genes, which have no clear orthologs, the gene organization of the loci was highly conserved between humans and pigs. Moreover, the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) complex lies on a single chromosomal segment, whereas a centromere at the class II and III junction splits the SLA complex into two segments, without disturbing gene organization or impeding functionality. Over 400 SLA class I and II allele sequences available in databases have been recently clustered and assigned to a specific SLA locus according to a newly defined nomenclature system.
Breeding objectives for the Boran breed in Kenya: Model development and application to pasture‐based production systems
Authors: REWE Thomas O. , INDETIE Douglas , OJANGO Julie M. K. , KAHI Alexander K.
Published: March 2006

Bio‐economic profit models were developed and applied to evaluate biological and economic variables that characterize production systems utilizing the Boran breed. Production systems were described according to their sale age (24 months short‐fed or 36 months long‐fed), levels of input (low, medium or high) and final goal (beef or dual purpose) representing practical circumstances that exist in the various beef cattle farms in Kenya. The input variables were classified into production and economic variables. The outputs from the profit models included revenue, costs and feed intake of cows, heifers and steers in the different production systems. These models can be used to simulate changes in production and marketing circumstances. The biological relationships and assumptions in the model are general and flexible and can therefore be applied to a wide range of beef cattle production circumstances by changing the input variables. In addition, by modifying the herd dynamics and management variables this model may be applied in Kenya or other countries to production systems that utilize indigenous cattle genetic resources or their crosses with Bos taurus breeds.