bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Urolithiasis: A Link between Stone Formation and Diabetes Mellitus?
Authors: Zimmerer T. , Weiss C. , Hammes H.P. , Braun C. , Hesse A. , Alken P. , Knoll T.
Published: May 2009

Introduction: The pathogenesis of calcium oxalate stone formation is not completely understood. Recently, an influence of vascular phenomena like arteriosclerosis on the crystallization process was hypothesized. Thus, stone formation should be more common in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) who are at risk of developing angiopathy. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of urolithiasis (UL) in patients with DM and to identify specific risk factors. Material and Methods: 350 patients with DM were evaluated with respect to DM-related history, and a total of 179 patients was included (83 female, 96 male; age 23–84 years). All patients were interviewed to assess the history of stone formation. These data were compared to epidemiological data in Germany. Results: The overall prevalence of UL in the diabetic group was 7.82% (vs. 4.73% in Germany, p = 0.0485; binominal test). The prevalence was significantly higher in patients with coronary heart disease (25%; p < 0.0001; Fisher‘s exact test). We could not demonstrate an increased prevalence of UL for patients with occlusive arterial disease or arterial hypertension as diabetic nephropathy was not a risk factor for developing urinary lithiasis (p = 0.7184, p = 1.000, p = 0.6266, respectively; Fisher’s exact test). Thiazide medication lowered the prevalence of stone formation (p = 0.0399; Fisher’s test). Calcium or magnesium supplementation did not influence stone formation significantly (p = 0.5279; p = 1.000; respectively; Fisher’s test). Conclusions: In Germany, patients with DM are at higher risk of UL compared with patients without diabetes. We demonstrated a significantly higher prevalence of urinary stones in patients with coronary heart disease. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that urinary stone formation has a vascular pathogenesis in part.
Use of the Stone Cone for Prevention of Calculus Retropulsion during Holmium:YAG Laser Lithotripsy: Case Series and Review of the Literature
Authors: Eisner Brian H. , Dretler Stephen P.
Published: May 2009

Background: Stone retropulsion during ureteroscopic lithotripsy leads to additional procedures for residual calculi. The Stone Cone (Boston Scientific, Natick, Mass., USA) is a device designed to prevent stone migration. Objective: To determine the incidence of calculus retropulsion and additional procedures after ureteroscopy with intracorporeal lithotripsy while using the Stone Cone. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of patients with obstructing ureteral calculi who underwent ureteroscopy and holmium:YAG laser lithotripsy using the Stone Cone as a backstop over a 3-year period at an academic medical center was performed. 133 patients underwent ureteroscopy with holmium:YAG laser lithotripsy using the Stone Cone to prevent calculus retroplusion. Success was defined as no residual fragments >2 mm in size, no changes from semirigid to flexible ureteroscope, and no additional procedures. Post-operative imaging was abdominal plain radiography or computed tomography. A MEDLINE search was performed to indentify all English clinical studies of the Stone Cone. Results: Of the 133 uses of the Stone Cone, there were 2 (1.5%) residual retropulsed fragments >2 mm which required an additional procedure. There were no changes to flexible ureteroscope secondary to stone retropulsion in 105 cases of semirigid ureteroscopy. There was no instance of ureteral obstruction from residual 2-mm fragments. There were no ureteral strictures or hydronephrosis among 91 patients with long-term follow-up imaging. A review of the literature was performed which yielded 4 clinical publications and 90 reported cases using the Stone Cone with 100% success. Two of these studies showed statistically significant improvement when compared with control patients. Conclusions: The Stone Cone minimized stone retropulsion during ureteroscopic laser lithotripsy. The Stone Cone offers the urologist greater certainty during ureteroscopy and may decrease the number of clinically significant residual calculi.
Rectourethral Fistula following LDR Brachytherapy
Authors: Borchers Holger , Pinkawa Michael , Donner Andreas , Wolter Timm P. , Pallua Norbert , Eble Michael J. , Jakse Gerhard
Published: May 2009

Modern LDR brachytherapy has drastically reduced rectal toxicity and decreased the occurrence of rectourethral fistulas to <0.5% of patients. Therefore, symptoms of late-onset sequelae are often ignored initially. These fistulas cause severe patient morbidity and require interdisciplinary treatment. We report on the occurrence and management of a rectourethral fistula which occurred 4 years after 125I seed implantation.
Erosion of an Intrauterine Contraceptive Device through the Bladder Wall Causing Calculus: Management and Review of the Literature
Authors: Mustafa Mahmoud
Published: May 2009

Intrauterine contraceptive devices have been in use for more than 30 years. Although perforation of the uterus by an intrauterine device is not uncommon, intravesical migration with secondary stone formation is a rare complication. A 46-year-old women is described in whom intravesical migration of the intrauterine device was complicated by bladder stone formation. Endoscopic management was applied with an excellent outcome.
Epidemiology of the Complications of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Authors: Belhocine Kafia , Galmiche Jean-Paul
Published: May 2009

The complications of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) include ulcers, strictures, Barrett’s esophagus and carcinoma. Although the prevalence of GERD is very high, the development of complications remains quite rare and usually occurs in association with factors generally observed in more severe disease such as hiatal hernia, bile reflux or severely disturbed motility. Recent studies have emphasized the role of obesity and genetic factors as aggravating factors in the development of GERD complications. Barrett’s esophagus is the most prevalent complication of GERD and seems to be associated with an increased mortality rate. However, cancer incidence is low and most patients die from other causes, especially cardiovascular disease.
Chemoprevention of Adenocarcinoma Associated with Barrett’s Esophagus: Potential Options
Authors: Neumann Helmut , Mönkemüller Klaus , Vieth Michael , Malfertheiner Peter
Published: May 2009

Barrett’s esophagus (BE) is established as the primary precursor lesion of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). The risk of esophageal cancer is 30–125 times greater compared to an age-matched population and survival rates are low, with only 15% of patients being alive 5 years after initial diagnosis. Therefore, surveillance strategies in BE are recommended to detect intraepithelial neoplasia and early carcinoma which in turn can be resected using endoscopic methods. Nevertheless, surveillance strategies have not had a major benefit in decreasing the incidence of EAC. Thus, attention should also be given to potential targets for prevention strategies that might arrest or delay the progression of BE to EAC. This article focuses on known and postulated targets for prevention of distal esophageal cancer.
Diagnosis and Recognition of Early Esophageal Neoplasia
Authors: Herszényi László , Pregun István , Tulassay Zsolt
Published: May 2009

Barrett’s esophagus (BE) is the precursor lesion of esophageal adenocarcinoma, a malignancy with increasing incidence in Western countries. Malignant transformation of Barrett’s metaplasia is a multistep process in which intestinal metaplasia progresses through low-grade and high-grade dysplasia into eventually invasive cancer. Several risk factors for the development of BE have been identified. The degree of dysplasia is currently used as the most important marker of risk progression. The exact incidence of progression from BE to esophageal adenocarcinoma is unknown. Endoscopic surveillance and follow-up are advised in order to detect adenocarcinoma and its precursor precancerous lesions at an early and curable stage, although there has been much debate on this topic. New endoscopic imaging techniques may improve the detection of relevant precancerous lesions and early neoplasia. The use of biomarkers may enable identification of patients at risk for malignant progression.
Peptic Esophageal Stricture: Medical Treatment
Authors: Pregun István , Hritz István , Tulassay Zsolt , Herszényi László
Published: May 2009

Peptic esophageal stricture as a consequence of gastroesophageal reflux disease is the most frequent among benign esophageal strictures. The incidence is low and has been decreasing since the 1990s with a parallel increase in proton pump inhibitor use. Dysphagia is a common symptom: accurate diagnostic procedures (barium esophagogram, upper endoscopy with biopsies) have to be performed to exclude malignant causes first. Medical (acid-suppressive) therapy, endoscopic dilation and surgical intervention are the main therapeutic options. Based on the results of randomized and observational studies evaluating the effect of acid-suppressive therapy on peptic stricture outcome, healing the coexistent esophagitis seems to be essential. Effective acid-suppressive therapy with proton pump inhibitors may reduce the need for repeated dilations and provide symptom relief and better clinical outcome. In refractory strictures, local steroid injection is likely beneficial.
Screening and Surveillance of Barrett’s Esophagus
Authors: Regula Jaroslaw
Published: May 2009

Screening and surveillance of Barrett’s esophagus is a matter of discussion in the current world literature due to uncertainties concerning its cost-effectiveness. Important and valid arguments for and against it are available. Despite the fact that this issue is still to be resolved, screening using standard gastroscopy once in a lifetime and surveillance using repeated endoscopies with multiple blind biopsies are widely practiced by individual gastroenterologists. Further studies that mainly focus on finding better predictors of progression to cancer are needed to be able to prepare clear and useful guidelines. The ultimate aim of screening and surveillance should be decrease in mortality from esophageal adenocarcinoma resulting from Barrett’s esophagus.
Nocturnal Gastric Acid Breakthrough Is Not Associated with Night-Time Gastroesophageal Reflux in GERD Patients
Authors: Weigt Jochen , Kandulski Arne , Büsch Franziska , Malfertheiner Peter
Published: May 2009

Background: Nocturnal acid breakthrough (NAB) is defined as gastric pH below 4 over 60 consecutive minutes at night-time in subjects who take proton pump inhibitors twice daily. The link between NAB and gastroesophageal reflux (GER) episodes has not been investigated using combined multichannel intraluminal impedance and pH-metry (MII-pH). Aims and Methods: The aim was to investigate the relationship between NAB and GER by means of MII and gastroesophageal pH-metry. We reanalyzed MII-pH recordings obtained in patients on twice-daily proton pump inhibitors. Results: Overall 15 eligible recordings were reanalyzed in detail (7 males, 8 females; age 59 ± 10 years, range 36–68 years). NAB was detected in 7/15 (46%) recordings with one NAB in 4 subjects and two 2 NABs in 3 subjects. In 6 of the cases with NAB, reflux symptoms were reported at night, but in no case did these occur in association with NAB. Patients with NAB reported significantly more typical than atypical symptoms (77 times vs. 47 times), whereas patients without NAB reported fewer typical than atypical symptoms (48 times vs. 60; p = 0.011). Over the total 24-hour period, acid reflux was more frequent (9 ± 11 times) in patients with NAB than in patients without NAB (1 ± 0.5 times; p = 0.04). Weakly acid reflux also occurred more frequently (15 ± 9 times) in subjects with NAB than in subjects without NAB (6 ± 4 times; p = 0.02). Weakly alkaline reflux occurred in equal frequencies in subjects with and without NAB (2 ± 4, 0 ± 0.4, respectively). Esophageal acid exposure in the upright position was not different between subjects with NAB and subjects without NAB, but subjects with NAB presented a higher recumbent esophageal acid exposure than subjects without NAB (2.0 ± 2.4 vs. 0%, respectively). Conclusion: Esophageal acid exposure is not increased during NAB episodes. However, over a period of 24 h, patients with NAB presented with increased gastroesophageal reflux. Although NAB and GER are not strongly associated, symptoms of patients with and without NAB are different.
Cocaine Use Disorders and Serum Magnesium Profile
Authors: Tonioni F. , Martinotti G. , Barra A. , Martinelli D. , Autullo G. , Rinaldi C. , Tedeschi D. , Janiri L. , Bria P.
Published: May 2009

Introduction: Magnesium influences the nervous system via its actions on the release and metabolism of neurotransmitters, and abnormal magnesium metabolism has been implicated in several neuropsychiatric disorders with prominent mood symptoms. The aim of this study was to compare the serum levels of magnesium of cocaine addicts to those of heroin addicts and normal controls. We also attempted to clarify the relationship between the pathophysiology of cocaine abuse and magnesium levels by investigating their association with various clinical dimensions. Methods: Eighty-five consecutive subjects with a history of cocaine or opiate use disorders were recruited, evaluated and compared with 100 controls. The cocaine and heroin abusers were assessed with a 10-cm Visual Analogue Scale, the Symptom Check List-90 Revised, the Brown-Goodwin Scale, and the Barrat Impulsiveness Scale. Results: Magnesium levels were higher in the cocaine group compared to the opiate group and control. Male subjects had lower magnesium levels than the females of all three groups. Scores of impulsiveness, aggressiveness, craving and psychiatric symptomatology were not significantly different between the opiate and cocaine addicts. Discussion: This is the first study evaluating the magnesium level in cocaine addicts. Cocaine addicts showed higher total plasma magnesium levels than opiate addicts and normal controls, even though they remained in the normal range. The roles of the psychiatric comorbidity, of a pharmacokinetic association and of a pharmacodynamic interaction are discussed. Further prospective studies comparing serum levels of cocaine at different times are needed.
Brain Metabolic Correlates of Cerebrospinal Fluid Beta-Amyloid 42 and Tau in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Vukovich Ruth , Perneczky Robert , Drzezga Alexander , Förstl Hans , Kurz Alexander , Riemenschneider Matthias
Published: May 2009

Background: The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) proteins β-amyloid 42 (Aβ42) and Tau are believed to indirectly reflect some core pathological features of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Their topographic origin and their association with synaptic dysfunction are still not well understood. Aim: The present study aimed to explore possible associations between cerebral glucose metabolism and CSF Aβ42 as well as Tau protein levels in AD. Methods: CSF analyses and 18F-FDG PET scans were conducted on 32 patients with mild-to-moderate AD. Voxel-based statistical parametric correlations were computed for CSF protein levels and cerebral glucose metabolism. Results: After correction for multiple comparisons, a strong positive association between CSF Aβ42 levels and glucose metabolism was identified for 2 extensive clusters located in the right temporal, prefrontal and anterior cingulate cortices. For CSF Tau protein, no association was observed for any brain region. Conclusions: These findings point to a significant association between synaptic dysfunction as measured with 18F-FDG PET and CSF Aβ42 levels, but do not suggest a correlation between synaptic function and CSF Tau levels.
Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Inflammatory Markers in Cerebrospinal Fluid and Plasma in Alzheimer’s Disease: The OmegAD Study
Authors: Freund-Levi Yvonne , Hjorth Erik , Lindberg Catharina , Cederholm Tommy , Faxen-Irving Gerd , Vedin Inger , Palmblad Jan , Wahlund Lars-Olof , Schultzberg Marianne , Basun Hans , Eriksdotter Jönhagen Maria
Published: May 2009

Background: ω-3 fatty acids (ω-3 FAs) found in dietary fish or fish oils are anti-inflammatory agents that may influence Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Objective: To study the effects of dietary ω-3 FA supplementation on inflammatory markers in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma from patients with mild to moderate AD. Methods: Thirty-five patients (70.3 ± 8.2 years) were randomized to a daily intake of 2.3 g ω-3 FAs or placebo for 6 months. The inflammatory markers interleukin (IL)-6, tumour necrosis factor-α and soluble interleukin-1 receptor type II (sIL-1RII) were analysed in CSF and plasma at baseline and at 6 months. The AD markers tau-protein, hyperphosphorylated tau-protein and β-amyloid (Aβ1–42) were assessed in CSF. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein was assessed in plasma. A possible relation to the APOE genotype was investigated. Results: There was no significant treatment effect of ω-3 FAs on inflammatory and AD biomarkers in CSF or on inflammatory markers in plasma, nor was there any relation with APOE. A significant correlation was observed at baseline between sIL-1RII and Aβ1–42 levels in CSF. Conclusions: Treatment of AD patients with ω-3 FAs for 6 months did not influence inflammatory or biomarkers in CSF or plasma. The correlation between sIL-1RII and Aβ1–42 may reflect the reciprocal interactions between IL-1 and Aβ peptides.
Kidney-Lung Crosstalk in the Critically Ill Patient
Authors: Ko Gang Jee , Rabb Hamid , Hassoun Heitham T.
Published: May 2009

Despite advances in renal replacement therapy, the mortality of acute kidney injury (AKI) has remained high, especially when associated with distant organ dysfunction such as acute lung injury (ALI). Mortality rates for combined AKI/ALI reach 80% in critically ill patients. While the clinical presentation of AKI-associated ALI is characterized by increased pulmonary edema, a defining feature of the syndrome, the AKI-induced lung effects extend beyond simple volume overload. Furthermore, ALI and associated mechanical ventilation frequently lead to a decline in renal hemodynamics, structure and function. New experimental data have emerged in recent years focusing on the interactive effects of kidney and lung dysfunction, and these studies have highlighted the pathophysiological importance of proinflammatory and proapoptotic pathways as well as the complex nature of interorgan crosstalk. This review will examine our current understanding of the deleterious kidney-lung crosstalk in the critically ill.
A Simple Efficient Technique of ‘Mid-Dilution’ On-Line Hemodiafiltration
Authors: Susantitaphong Paweena , Tiranathanagul Khajohn , Hanvivatvong Orrawadee , Homsin Uthaiwan , Wittayalertpanya Supeecha , Khemsri Wandee , Praditpornsilpa Kearkiat , Eiam-Ong Somchai
Published: May 2009

Background: On-line hemodiafiltration (OL-HDF) with pre- as well as post-dilution reinfusion mode provides superior uremic toxin removal, especially middle uremic toxins, and can improve patient survival. Both standard pre- and post-dilution have limitations. Mid-dilution OL-HDF (Nephros OLpur™) was invented to overcome the disadvantages of both standard modes, but such a cartridge is only available in limited centers and is expensive. Methods: We created a simple technique of mid-dilution OL-HDF that can be easily set up in every hemodialysis center. Twelve stable end-stage renal disease patients were dialyzed in a random sequence with three different infusion modes of OL-HDF (simple mid-dilution, standard pre-dilution and post-dilution). Small molecule, middle molecule, and protein-bound uremic toxin clearances were measured. Results: Simple mid-dilution OL-HDF provided high efficiency in uremic toxin clearances with less protein loss. Conclusion: Simple mid-dilution OL-HDF combines the advantages of pre- and post-dilution modes without adverse effects. Thus, this technique could be useful in decreasing morbidity and mortality in hemodialysis patients.
A 15-Year-Old Girl with Severe Hemolytic Wilson’s Crisis Recovered without Transplantation after Extracorporeal Circulation with the Prometheus® System
Authors: Aagaard Niels Kristian , Thomsen Karen Louise , Holland-Fischer Peter , Jørgensen Søren Peter , Ott Peter
Published: May 2009

Background: Wilson’s disease (WD) can present in a fulminant form with hepatocellular dysfunction, hemolysis and multiorgan failure (Wilson’s crisis). We present a previously healthy young woman with severe WD whose WD severity score was 13. A score >11 indicates a poor chance of survival and liver transplantation will usually be recommended. Methods: Penicillamine and acetylcysteine were initially administered, but the patient deteriorated further, and extracorporeal liver support with the Prometheus® FPSA (fractionated plasma separation and adsorption) system was initiated. The patient was treated 6 h daily during 3 consecutive days. Results: Severe hemolysis was reduced to low-grade hemolysis, with no further need for transfusions. The mental state improved and after 4 months practically all biochemical markers were normalized. Conclusions: This is the first report of FPSA albumin dialysis of a patient with Wilson’s crisis and the first report in which a patient with a WD score >11 survived without transplantation.
A Case of Hemiballism as a Rare Side Effect of Ciprofloxacin in a Patient with Liver Cirrhosis
Authors: Kim Su Hyun , Jeong Sook-Hyang , Kim Jin-Wook , Lee Sang Hyub , Kim Jong-Min
Published: May 2009

Background: Ciprofloxacin is commonly used and considered to be relatively safe in patients with cirrhosis, especially in the treatment of enteric and urinary tract infections. Among the adverse effects of ciprofloxacin, neurologic complications are rare. Methods/Results: We report a case of hemiballism and altered mental status after prolonged administration of ciprofloxacin for a renal abscess in a 59-year-old patient with cirrhosis. Hemiballism accompanied by mental changes imposed a diagnostic challenge in the differentiation between hepatic encephalopathy and stroke. Conclusion: Careful dosing and a high index of suspicion of the neurological adverse effects of ciprofloxacin including movement disorders are warranted especially in cirrhotic patients.
Avoiding Drug-Drug Interactions
Authors: Åstrand Bengt
Published: May 2009

Background: Drugs may be prescribed in combinations causing drug-drug interactions (DDI) and adverse drug reactions (ADR), resulting in hospital care. Methods: To provide prescribers of drug therapy with a better knowledge of individuals’ current drug therapy, governments have started to collect prescribing data. Results: The data on individuals’ dispensed drugs is available for prescribers, pharmacists, and the registered individuals in Sweden and Denmark. The information has not yet come to an extensive use in healthcare. Pilot projects have been reported positively, but accessibility has to be improved. Conclusions: To avoid DDIs, reliable information on all drugs used by each single individual needs to be available at the point of care. Knowledge databases about clinically relevant DDIs must be updated and accurate. To tailor the magic bullet for the individual, new genomic- and proteomic-based knowledge about the individual has to be considered in the future.
Genetic Analysis of Age-at-Onset for Cardiovascular Risk Factors in a Brazilian Family Study
Authors: Ruiz Giolo Suely , Pereira Alexandre Costa , de Andrade Mariza , Maciel de Oliveira Camila , Krieger José Eduardo , Pavan Soler Júlia Maria
Published: May 2009

Background/Aims: Statistical analysis of age-at-onset involving family data is particularly complicated because there is a correlation pattern that needs to be modeled and also because there are measurements that are censored. In this paper, our main purpose was to evaluate the effect of genetic and shared family environmental factors on age-at-onset of three cardiovascular risk factors: hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol. Methods: The mixed-effects Cox model proposed by Pankratz et al. [2005] was used to analyze the data from 81 families, involving 1,675 individuals from the village of Baependi, in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Results: The analyses performed showed that the polygenic effect plays a greater role than the shared family environmental effect in explaining the variability of the age-at-onset of hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol. The model which simultaneously evaluated both effects indicated that there are individuals which may have risk of hypertension due to polygenic effects 130% higher than the overall average risk for the entire sample. For diabetes and high cholesterol the risks of some individuals were 115 and 45%, respectively, higher than the overall average risk for the entire population. Conclusions: Results showed evidence of significant polygenic effects indicating that age-at-onset is a useful trait for gene mapping of the common complex diseases analyzed. In addition, we found that the polygenic random component might absorb the effects of some covariates usually considered in the risk evaluation, such as gender, age and BMI.
Conditional Tests for Localizing Trait Genes
Authors: Di Yanming , Thompson Elizabeth A.
Published: May 2009

Background/Aims: With pedigree data, genetic linkage can be detected using inheritance vector tests, which explore the discrepancy between the posterior distribution of the inheritance vectors given observed trait values and the prior distribution of the inheritance vectors. In this paper, we propose conditional inheritance vector tests for linkage localization. These conditional tests can also be used to detect additional linkage signals in the presence of previously detected causal genes. Methods: For linkage localization, we propose to perform inheritance vector tests conditioning on the inheritance vectors at two positions bounding a test region. We can detect additional linkage signals by conducting a further conditional test in a region with no previously detected genes. We use randomized p values to extend the marginal and conditional tests when the inheritance vectors cannot be completely determined from genetic marker data. Results: We conduct simulation studies to compare and contrast the marginal and the conditional tests and to demonstrate that randomized p values can capture both the significance and the uncertainty in the test results. Conclusions: The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed conditional tests provide useful localization information, and with informative marker data, the uncertainty in randomized marginal and conditional test results is small.
Self-Termination/Anergic Mechanisms in Human Basophils and Mast Cells
Authors: MacGlashan, Jr. Donald W.
Published: May 2009

All cellular reactions include feedback loops, both positive and negative. Following all receptor-mediated stimulation there are events that activate the cell response and events that dampen the receptor response back to resting conditions. IgE-mediated activation of mast cells and basophils necessarily includes a variety of signaling events that serve to terminate the activation processes. Some of these negative feedback loops are active even in resting cells and likely serve to establish a set point for the cell’s response to IgE-mediated stimulation. But many negative feedback loops become active only after the cell is stimulated. By and large, it will be these processes that will be discussed in this review.
Respiratory Infection, Exposure to Mouse Allergen and Breastfeeding: Role in Recurrent Wheezing in Early Life
Authors: Rullo Vera E.V. , Arruda L. Karla , Cardoso M. Regina , Valente Vivien , Zampolo Alessandra S. , Nóbrega Fernando , Naspitz Charles K. , Solé Dirceu
Published: May 2009

Background: Environmental factors may influence the development of allergen sensitization and asthma. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of endotoxin and allergen exposure in early life as a risk factor for recurrent wheezing. Methods: One hundred and four infants from low-income families, at high risk of asthma, were enrolled at birth. Dust samples were collected from the bedding and bedroom floor within 6 months after birth. Recurrent wheezing was defined as 3 or more wheezing episodes in the past year. Endotoxin was determined by Limulus amebocyte lysate assay, and major indoor allergens were quantitated by ELISA in dust extracts. IgE antibodies were measured by ImmunoCAP at 30 months of age. Results: At 30 months, 51 of the 99 infants who completed the study (51.5%) had recurrent wheezing. Respiratory infection was strongly associated with recurrent wheezing (OR 6.67, 95% CI 1.96–22.72), whereas exclusive breastfeeding for at least 1 month was a protective factor (OR 0.09, 95% CI 0.01–0.51). Exposure to high levels of mouse allergen was more frequent among non-recurrent wheezers, approaching significance (OR 0.12, 95% CI 0.01–1.13; p = 0.064). None of the children were sensitized to mouse. Sensitization to mite was found in 26/90 (28.8%) children, with no association with recurrent wheezing. Conclusion: Respiratory infection was strongly associated with recurrent wheezing in the first 30 months of life, in children at high risk of asthma, living in a socially deprived community in Brazil.
Angiogenesis and Anti-Angiogenic Molecularly Targeted Therapies in Malignant Gliomas
Authors: Argyriou Andreas A. , Giannopoulou Efstathia , Kalofonos Haralabos P.
Published: May 2009

Angiogenesis is considered to be a regulating factor of vascular development and growth for malignant gliomas, including glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and anaplastic astrocytomas. The mechanism of angiogenesis is primarily mediated by hypoxia through chronic activation of the HIF pathway leading to the production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor. Alternatively, it can be triggered by genetic factors. The VEGF/VEGFR-2 is the predominant angiogenic signalling pathway in malignant gliomas. Currently, anti-angiogenic molecularly targeted therapies, including administration of monoclonal antibodies or tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), are being increasingly adopted for treating GBMs. This approach is based on the ability of anti-VEGFRs monoclonal antibodies to decrease vascular permeability and perfusion, whereas the use of TKIs is mainly based on their capacity to interfere with cell communication, receptor signaling and growth of tumours. Our aim is to review current knowledge on angiogenesis as a molecular pathogenetic mechanism of malignant gliomas and to critically look at and discuss antiangiogenic molecularly targeted therapies for these brain malignancies. We also highlight areas of future research to pursue.
A Framework for Fast Incremental Interpretation during Speech Decoding
Authors: Schuler William , Wu Stephen , Schwartz Lane
Published: May 2009

This article describes a framework for incorporating referential semantic information from a world model or ontology directly into a probabilistic language model of the sort commonly used in speech recognition, where it can be probabilistically weighted together with phonological and syntactic factors as an integral part of the decoding process. Introducing world model referents into the decoding search greatly increases the search space, but by using a single integrated phonological, syntactic, and referential semantic language model, the decoder is able to incrementally prune this search based on probabilities associated with these combined contexts. The result is a single unified referential semantic probability model which brings several kinds of context to bear in speech decoding, and performs accurate recognition in real time on large domains in the absence of example in-domain training sentences.
Teaching Kindness: The Promise of Humane Education
Authors:   Taylor,,   Arbour,,   Signal,
Published: May 2009

Although the popularity of Humane Education Programs (HEP) as a method of teaching compassion and caring for all living beings is increasing, there is a need for rigorous, methodologically sound research evaluating the efficacy of HEP. Recent calls for the inclusion of HEP within broader humanistic, environmental, and social justice frameworks underline the importance of HEP beyond a simple “treatment of animals” model. Lack of methodological rigor in the majority of published HEP studies (e.g., absence of a control group) and dispersal across disparate fields (with differing indices of efficacy), however, means that there is a potential for the popular use of HEP to outstrip our understanding of the variables that impact efficacy. The current study discusses some of these issues and presents a pilot study of a literature-only HEP intervention. Comparisons with an age-matched control group indicated that the four-week HEP resulted in an increase in measures of empathy and treatment of animals, although only the increase in empathy levels was significant. This paper discusses the implications of the current results and areas in need of future consideration.
Racial Prejudice and the Performing Animals Controversy in Early Twentieth-Century Britain
Authors: Wilson David
Published: May 2009

This paper attempts to show how racial prejudice and selective, usually inarticulate, racial discrimination influenced attempts to conduct an objective examination of charges of cruelty in the training and exhibition of performing animals in Britain in the early twentieth century. As the debate intensified, and following the appointment of a parliamentary Select Committee, one explanation often given by both sides for shortcomings in the treatment of performing animals was the alleged cruelty particularly or exclusively attributable to the “alien enemy,” “foreigners,” and distinct racial groups. The Committee faced the problem of assessing attributions of real cruelty as opposed to unproven charges that may have resulted from irrational, emotive, or strategic prejudice. This paper examines the context in which such charges were made, and the degree to which they might have been introduced or resorted to in order to serve the prejudices or interests of each side in the controversy.
On using the DomWorld model to evaluate dominance ranking methods
Authors: de Vries Han
Published: May 2009

Recently, the DomWorld model was used to evaluate five dominance ranking methods. The suitability of the DomWorld model for this purpose is however not without question. The characteristic unidirectionality of most dominance behaviour observed in many monkey species is not found in DomWorld. Besides this, the current paper shows that the additive dominance value updating method in combination with the relative win chance, Pij
= DOM
i
/(DOM
i
+ DOM
j
), gives rise to unrealistically large changes in win chance after fights among low ranking individuals. It is shown that this can be resolved by replacing the additive update rule by a multiplicative one. Moreover, this combination of relative win chance and multiplicative update rule is equivalent to the combination of a sigmoidal win chance and additive update rule as employed in the Elo-rating method. It is also shown that, contrary to Hemelrijk's recommendation, David's score is to be preferred to the average dominance index. The paper concludes with presenting a differentiated list of recommendations on the use of ranking methods that takes into account the required premises and different aims for which these methods have been developed.
Resembling the juvenile colour of host cichlid facilitates access of the guest cichlid to host territory
Authors: Ochi Haruki , Awata Satoshi
Published: May 2009

In two coexisting species with similar body colours, one species may acquire benefits from mimicking the body colour of the other species. In Lake Tanganyika, the zoobenthivorous cichlid Neolamprologus mustax preferentially exploits the territories of the algivorous cichlid Variabilichromis moorii as a feeding ground, even though other zoobenthivorous cichlid species are expelled from these territories. The yellow body colour of the guest species, N. mustax, resembles that of juveniles of the host species, V. moorii, adults of which have entirely black bodies. To estimate the effect of juvenile colour on aggression from conspecific adults, the responses of adult V. moorii to dummy fish of four colours (black, yellow, white, and blue) were observed in this lake system. Our observations clearly demonstrated that adult V. moorii were less aggressive toward yellow, white, and blue dummies compared to black ones, with a slight difference in response to the yellow and white or blue dummies. This study indicates that resembling the colour of host juveniles can facilitate access of the guest species to host territory, but does not provide sufficient evidence for a hypothesis that the guest species mimics the body colour of the host juvenile.
Male nest-building behaviour and mating success in the red bishop (Euplectes orix)
Authors: Klump Georg , Metz Markus , Friedl Thomas
Published: May 2009

We analysed the relation between male nest-building behaviour and mating success in the red bishop (Euplectes orix), a highly polygynous and colonially breeding weaverbird. Male mating success was mainly determined by the total number of nests built per male during a breeding season, and, to a lesser extent, by the proportion of unusable nests (i.e., nests that became squashed or deformed) per male. The number of nests built increased with longer territory tenures, larger proportions of unusable nests, shorter time delays between consecutive nest-building attempts, and shorter nest-building times. Nests were characterised by the density of fibres in the nest chamber and parameters describing size and deformation. Females preferred nests that were more densely woven and had a larger entrance roof overlap; the latter was also related to nest durability. However, this preference probably reflects only a general rejection of bad nests, since nest characteristics did not differ among males and had no detectable effect on male mating success. Young males had a lower number of nests built, and consequently lower mating success, compared to old males, while there were no differences with regard to other aspects of nest-building behaviour or nest characteristics between the two age groups.
Very short delays prior to escape from potential predators may function efficiently as adaptive risk-assessment periods
Authors: Butler  , Cresswell  , Whittingham  , Quinn
Published: May 2009

Periods between predator detection and an escape response (escape delays) by prey upon attack by a predator often arise because animals trade-off the benefits such a delay gives for assessing risk accurately with the costs of not escaping as quickly as possible. We tested whether freezing behaviour (complete immobility in a previously foraging bird) observed in chaffinches before escaping from an approaching potential threat functions as a period of risk-assessment, and whether information on predator identity is gained even when time available is very short. We flew either a model of a sparrowhawk (predator) or a woodpigeon (no threat) at single chaffinches. Escape delays were significantly shorter with the hawk, except when a model first appeared close to the chaffinch. Chaffinches were significantly more vigilant when they resumed feeding after exposure to the sparrowhawk compared to the woodpigeon showing that they were able to distinguish between threats, and this applied even when time available for assessment was short (an average of 0.29 s). Our results show freezing in chaffinches functions as an effective economic risk assessment period, and that threat information is gained even when very short periods of time are available during an attack.
To fight, or not to fight: determinants and consequences of social behaviour in young red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus)
Authors: Nakayama Shinnosuke , Ojanguren Alfredo , Fuiman Lee
Published: May 2009

Social behaviour is critical for survival and fitness in many organisms. The
aim of this study was to examine the effects of developmental state,
physiological state and their differences between individuals on the
intensities of aggressive and grouping behaviours in red drum (Sciaenops
ocellatus) larvae. Body size was used as a proxy for developmental state and
body condition (i.e., residual of wet weight from the relationship between
body size and wet weight) as a measure of physiological condition. Social
interactions between two fish were observed for 30 min in a 9-l tank. We
found that the duration of grouping behaviour increased as body size
increased, but aggressive behaviour was less frequent as body size and
condition increased. The larger fish in a trial tended to be aggressive to
the smaller one, and fish of similar sizes tended to show grouping
behaviour. Fish that more frequently displayed aggressive behaviours tended
to occupy the lower part of the water column. Body size and condition were
important determinants of social interactions between red drum larvae. Our
results suggest competitive disadvantage for the larvae from late cohorts
when they recruit to the nursery habitats where larger larvae from early
cohorts have already occupied.
Can scent-mediated female mate preference explain an abrupt mtDNA cline in Lacerta schreiberi?
Authors: Hugall Andrew , Moussalli Adnan , Brito José Carlos , Irwin Nancy , Goüy de Bellocq Joëlle , Godinho Raquel , Stuart-Fox Devi , Baird Stuart
Published: May 2009

Divergence in female mate preferences can strongly influence the structure and dynamics of hybrid zones. We examined the potential role of female mate preferences in maintaining an abrupt west-east mtDNA cline between two deeply divergent genetic lineages of Lacerta schreiberi, a lizard endemic to the Iberian Peninsula. The lineages are largely morphologically cryptic but with respect to the mtDNA cline, western males tend to be less parasitized, in better body condition and more intensely coloured than eastern males, a pattern that cannot be explained by environmental variation alone. The lineages may also differ in unmeasured aspects such as physiology, behaviour and olfactory signals, which may influence mate choice. As female mate attraction has been found to vary with olfactory cues in lacertid lizards, we experimentally tested whether females were differentially attracted to femoral pore secretions of males from the two genetic backgrounds. Females did not prefer scents of 'higher quality' western males, nor did they prefer the scents of males belonging to their own genetic background. This suggests the abrupt mtDNA cline is unlikely to be explained by assortative mating of matrilineages that distinguish male genetic background based on scent.
Eutylenchus excretorius Ebsary & Eveleigh, 1981 (Nematoda: Tylodorinae) from Spain with approaches to molecular phylogeny of related genera
Authors: Liébanas Gracia , Palomares-Rius Juan , Castillo Pablo , Subbotin Sergei , Landa Blanca
Published: May 2009

Nematode surveys in indigenous vegetation in northern Spain revealed the presence of a nematode population of the genus Eutylenchus associated with moist sandy soils in the rhizosphere of common reed (Phragmites sp.) on the banks of the Tera river in Garray (Soria province). Morphological and morphometrical studies on this population fits with Eutylenchus excretorius, representing the first report for Spain and southern Europe and the fifth report in Europe after Germany, Poland, Czech Republic and Russia. SEM studies were carried out for the first time on this species and showed four lips separated by deep grooves. Each lip bears an elongated, flexible, recurved projection (seta) 12 (11-13) μm long, proximal third wide, gradually attenuating, distal end rounded. Molecular characterisation of E. excretorius using several genes is provided. The sequence of D2-D3 expansion segments of 28S rRNA gene of this population was identical to a previously studied sample from Germany. Phylogenetic analysis using D2-D3 of 28S rRNA and partial 18S rRNA gene sequences of tylenchid nematodes revealed that E. excretorius clustered with moderate support with Cephalenchus hexalineatus. The position of E. excretorius on majority consensus Bayesian phylogenetic tree reconstructed using heat shock protein 90 gene sequence was not well resolved.
Characterisation of Bursaphelenchus spp. isolated from packaging wood imported at Nanjing, China
Authors: Moens Maurice , Waeyenberge Lieven , Trinh Phap Quang , Li Hongmei
Published: May 2009

Bursaphelenchus nematodes, extracted from 12 samples taken from imported packaging wood originating from seven countries and regions at Nanjing, China, during 2003 and 2004, were identified using morphology, morphometric data and ITS-RFLP patterns. Two samples were identified as B. xylophilus: one, from Canada, was the M-form and another, from Japan, the R-form. Five samples were identified as B. mucronatus, three belonging to the European genotype and two to the East-Asian genotype. Two samples (from Germany and South Korea) were recognised as B. rainulfi. Two samples (South Korea and Japan) were identified as B. doui and a sample from Hong Kong was identified as B. thailandae. Additional morphometric data are provided for the identified species, especially with respect to spicule morphometrics. The CDA of morphometric data discriminated the five species by nine male and eight female characters. The characters used for this analysis corresponded partly to the main taxonomic-informative characters for the genus Bursaphelenchus, viz., body length, stylet length, spicule length, a, c and c′ values. The phylogenetic trees constructed from the D2D3 sequence data supported the division of East Asian and European genotype groups of B. mucronatus. Bursaphelenchus doui grouped with B. xylophilus and B. mucronatus, all members of the xylophilus-group, which was separated from B. rainulfi and B. thailandae.
Phoretic dispersal of entomopathogenic nematodes by Hylobius abietis
Authors: Wilson Michael , Kruitbos Laura , Heritage Stuart
Published: May 2009

Phoresis is a strategy in which one organism (the phoretic) attaches to another (the host) for the implied purpose of dispersal and is valuable for small flightless invertebrates with limited mobility. Previous work has shown that the relatively immobile larvae of Hylobius abietis (the large pine weevil) are highly susceptible to entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) and support nematode reproduction whereas adults do not. Here, we demonstrate that the infective juveniles (IJ) of two species of EPN, Heterorhabditis megidis and Steinernema carpocapsae, can use the resistant but highly mobile adults of H. abietis for phoretic dispersal. The ability to use adult H. abietis for phoresis depended on nematode species and habitat (sand vs peat) and there was no evidence of sex-biased dispersal in S. carpocapsae for which the IJ are dioecious. We hypothesise that phoretic dispersal may be a significant mechanism to avoid sibling competition and inbreeding in EPN, which produce tens of thousands of offspring at point sources in a relatively impenetrable habitat.