bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fine needle aspiration cytology in HIV‐related lymphadenopathy: experience at a single centre in north India
Authors: Sarma P. K. , Chowhan A. K. , Agrawal V. , Agarwal V. 
Published: October 2009

P. K. Sarma, A. K. Chowhan, V. Agrawal and V. Agarwal Fine needle aspiration cytology in HIV‐related lymphadenopathy: experience at a single centre in north IndiaObjective:  Fine needle aspiration (FNA) is emerging as a rapid and minimally invasive tool in evaluating lymphadenopathy associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). We evaluated the role of FNA in differentiating various causes of lymphadenopathy in patients with HIV and correlated the cytological diagnosis with CD4 counts.Methods:  Seventy‐nine HIV‐positive patients (median age 35 years, 68 male) underwent ultrasound‐guided (n = 16) and unguided (n = 63) FNA from 1999 to 2006. Smears were stained with May–Grünwald–Giemsa, haematoxylin & eosin and Papanicolaou stains. Ziehl–Neelsen (ZN) staining for acid‐fast bacilli (AFB) was performed in all cases. Staining for fungus was performed whenever required.Results:  The aspirates were adequate in 75 cases (95%). Non‐specific reactive hyperplasia was the most common FNA diagnosis (39, 52%) followed by granulomatous necrotizing lymphadenitis (15, 20%), necrotizing lymphadenitis (13, 17.3%) and granulomatous lymphadenitis (4, 5.2%). Fungal infection and non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) were seen in two patients each. ZN staining was positive for AFB in 25 (33.3%) cases. One of these was morphologically interpreted as reactive hyperplasia, 12 as necrotizing lymphadenitis and 12 as granulomatous necrotizing lymphadenitis. Both patients with NHL had CD4 counts below 100/dl. Necrotizing lymphadenitis and granulomatous lymphadenitis were significantly associated with CD4 counts below and above 200/dl, respectively (P = 0.0002).Conclusions:  FNA is an important tool for assessing the cause of lymphadenopathy in HIV patients. Necrotizing inflammation is more often seen in patients with low CD4 counts. AFB are commonly found in necrotic aspirates with or without granulomas. However, a stain for AFB should be performed in all aspirates from HIV‐related lymphadenopathy including reactive hyperplasia.
Cell blocks allow reliable evaluation of expression of basal (CK5/6) and luminal (CK8/18) cytokeratins and smooth muscle actin (SMA) in breast carcinoma
Authors: Delgallo W. D. , Rodrigues J. R. P. , Bueno S. P. , Viero R. M. , Soares C. T. 
Published: October 2009

W. D. Delgallo, J. R. P. Rodrigues, S. P. Bueno, R. M. Viero and C. T. Soares Cell blocks allow reliable evaluation of expression of basal (CK5/6) and luminal (CK8/18) cytokeratins and smooth muscle actin (SMA) in breast carcinomaObjective:  Gene expression studies have revealed several molecular subtypes of breast carcinoma with distinct clinical and biological behaviours. DNA microarray studies correlated with immunohistochemical profiling of breast carcinomas using cytokeratin (CK) markers, Her2/neu, oestrogen receptor (ER), and basal myoepithelial cell markers have identified five breast tumour subtypes: (i) luminal A (ER+; Her2/neu−), (ii) luminal B (ER+; Her2/neu+), (iii) Her2 overexpression (ER−; Her2/neu+), (iv) basal‐like (ER−; Her2/neu−, CK5/6 and 14+), and (v) negative for all markers. Luminal carcinomas express cytokeratins in a luminal pattern (CK8/18), and the basal‐like type expresses CK5/6 and CK14 or basal epithelial cell markers. CK5/6, CK8/18, and smooth muscle actin (SMA) expression were assessed in cell blocks and compared with expression in surgical specimens.Methods:  Sixty‐two cases of breast carcinoma diagnosed by fine needle aspiration cytology with cell blocks and available surgical specimens were included. Cell blocks containing at least 10 high‐power fields each with at least 10 tumour cells and surgical specimens were immunostained for CK5/6, CK8/18 and SMA.Results:  Percentage sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy were, respectively, 77, 100, 100, 92 and 94 for CK5/6; 98, 66, 96, 80 and 95 for CK8/18; and 92, 96, 85, 98 and 95 for SMA.Conclusion:  The identification of CK5/6, CK8/18 and SMA by immunohistochemistry in cell blocks can be a reliable method that yields results close to those obtained in surgical specimens, and can contribute to the classification of breast carcinomas with luminal and basal expression patterns, providing helpful information in the choice of treatment and in the evaluation of prognostic and predictive factors.
Ovarian dynamics and specialisation in ladybirds
Authors: FERRER AURELIE , DIXON ANTHONY F.G. , GIBERNAU MARC , HEMPTINNE JEAN‐LOUIS 
Published: October 2009

1. Generalist predatory insects that exploit unpredictable and ephemeral prey should allocate metabolic resources differently to soma and gonads than specialist species. As the former have more opportunities to encounter a wide array of prey than specialists, the expectation is that they will more rapidly resorb oocytes when food is scarce. By doing so, they reallocate resources to the soma to support the search for oviposition sites of a better quality. Similarly, they are expected to resume oogenesis faster than the specialist when good conditions return.2. This hypothesis was tested by comparing a generalist and a specialist ladybird species belonging to the same genus.3. A resorption index was calculated for females of both species subjected to several starvation regimes. This index indicated that over a period of fasting of 3 days, the intensity of resorption was greater in the generalist than the specialist. When food was again supplied, oogenesis resumed and within 1 day was faster in the generalist than in the specialist.4. As predicted, the resorption of oocytes and replenishment occurred faster in the generalist than in the specialist species. This is the first time, to our knowledge, that the speed and intensity of the ovarian dynamics of a predatory insect have been linked to its way of life.
The influence of prior experience on preference and performance of a cryptoparasitoidScleroderma guani(Hymenoptera: Bethylidae) on beetle hosts
Authors: LI LI , MILLER DANIEL R. , SUN JIANGHUA 
Published: October 2009

Abstract.1. Numerous studies have reported the effects of learning or experience on parasitoid host preference and location. However, the integration of pre‐imaginal and adult experiences on the subsequent host preference and adult/offspring performance has been rarely tested in host–parasite interactions.2. We present direct evidence that theses two kinds of experiences affect host preference and related fitness in the polyphagous parasitoid,Scleroderma guani. Two colonies of parasitoids were reared onMonochamus alternatusandSaperda populnea(Cerambycidae: Lamiinae). Individuals from the two colonies were given host‐switching experience for one generation (pre‐imaginal experience) while other individuals were given prior ovipositing experience on the two species, respectively (adult experience).3.Scleroderma guanifemales demonstrated that their experiences determined adult behavioural responses and their subsequent performance to hosts. Females maximised both adult fitness (fecundity and longevity) and offspring fitness (survival and sex ratio) when they encountered hosts similar to their maternal hosts. Behavioural plasticity in host choice was affected by adult experience, resulting in improved adult feeding and ovipositing behaviour and further modifying adult fecundity and the offspring sex ratio. There was a positive correlation between oviposition preference and adult fecundity.4. The results indicated thatS. guaniexhibited positive preference–performance correlations. This is most likely due to an adaptation to maternal hosts over multiple generations. However, foraging potential of adults to available cues from hosts may be driven quickly by an experience‐induced learning process rather than by natural selection processes shaped over many generations.
Predators mediate the effects of a fungal pathogen on prey: an experiment with grasshoppers, wolf spiders, and fungal pathogens
Authors: LAWS ANGELA N. , FRAUENDORF THERESE C. , GÓMEZ JESÚS E. , ALGAZE ISABEL M. 
Published: October 2009

Abstract.1. Prey interact with multiple kinds of enemies such as predators, parasites, and pathogens. Interactions among enemies can alter prey dynamics but they are often studied separately.2. During the summers of 2005–2006, we conducted a field experiment to examine interactions among grasshoppers, spider predators, and a lethal fungal pathogen of grasshoppers. Grasshopper nymphs were stocked into field enclosures. Predation was manipulated by adding spiders to enclosures on day 1, day 5, or day 10 of the experiment, or no spiders were added. We monitored grasshopper survival and grasshopper mortality from fungal pathogens for 4 weeks.3. Fungal pathogens were abundant in 2005 but not in 2006, probably because of favourable weather conditions in 2005. When fungal pathogens were abundant, spider presence reduced grasshopper mortality from fungal pathogens, but only when spiders were present early in the experiment (added on day 1 or day 5).4. The outcome of predator–prey interactions varied between years, probably as a result of differences in pathogen prevalence. In 2005, spider presence reduced the number of deaths from the pathogen, leading to a slight trend of increased grasshopper density. However, in 2006, when pathogens were not an important source of mortality, spider predation was compensatory.
Predator‐induced spine length and exocuticle thickness in Leucorrhinia dubia (Insecta: Odonata): a simple physiological trade‐off?
Authors: FLENNER IDA , OLNE KARIN , SUHLING FRANK , SAHLÉN GÖRAN 
Published: October 2009

Abstract.1. Morphological defence structures evolve against predators but are costly to the individual, and are induced only when required. A well‐studied example is the development of longer abdominal spines in dragonfly larvae in the presence of fish. Numerous attempts to discover trade‐offs between spine size and behaviour, development time or body size have, however, produced little evidence.2. We considered a physiological trade‐off. Spines consist of cuticle and using material to build longer structures may result in less material remaining elsewhere. We therefore measured exocuticle thickness at nine locations on Leucorrhinia dubia larvae from habitats with and without fish.3. Our results show a significant effect of the interaction between fish presence and spine length on head and fore leg exocuticle thickness. Relative thickness increased with relative length of lateral spine 9 in the absence of fish, whereas no such relationship existed with fish. Hence, synthesis and secretion of cuticle material occur as a trade‐off when larvae react to fish presence.4. We assume the mechanism to be a selective synthesis of material with different responses in different parts of the larval body. These findings offer a new angle to the fish/spine trade off debate.
Outcome after device implantation in chronic heart failure is dependent on concomitant medical treatment
Authors: Adlbrecht C. , Hülsmann M. , Gwechenberger M. , Strunk G. , Khazen C. , Wiesbauer F. , Elhenicky M. , Neuhold S. , Binder T. , Maurer G. , Lang I. M. , Pacher R. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractBackground  Device implantation in chronic heart failure (CHF) for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) with or without implantable cardioverter/defibrillator (ICD) is an established treatment option for symptomatic patients under medical baseline therapy. Although recommended, the need for optimization of medical therapy was never proven. As in ‘the real world’, medical therapy is not always up‐titrated to the desirable dosages; this provides the opportunity to evaluate the impact of optimizing medical therapy in patients who had received a device therapy with proven effectiveness.Materials and methods  This observational cohort study retrospectively assessed the ‘real life’‐effect of CRT compared with that of CRT/ICD therapy and the impact of concomitant pharmacotherapy on outcome. Outcome of patients with guideline recommended renin–angiotensin system inhibitor and ß‐blocker dosages was compared with that of patients who failed to reach the desired dosages. Mean follow‐up for the 205 CHF (95 CRT and 110 CRT/ICD) patients was 16·8 ± 12·4 months.Results  In the total study cohort, 83 (41%) reached the combined primary endpoint of all‐cause death or cardiac hospitalization [CRT group: 25 (26%), CRT/ICD group: 58 (52·7%), P < 0·001]. Multiple cox regression analysis revealed non‐optimized medical therapy at follow‐up [HR = 2·080 (1·166–3·710), P = 0·013] and CRT/ICD vs. CRT [HR = 2·504 (1·550–4·045), P < 0·001] as significant predictors of the primary endpoint.Conclusion  Our data stress the importance of professional monitoring and titration of pharmacotherapy not only in medically treated CHF patients but also in patients under device therapy by a heart failure unit or a specialized cardiologist.
Sequencing of Spodoptera frugiperda midgut trehalases and demonstration of secretion of soluble trehalase by midgut columnar cells
Authors: Silva M. C. P. , Ribeiro A. F. , Terra W. R. , Ferreira C. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractBoth soluble (SfTre1) and membrane‐bound (SfTre2) trehalases occur along the midgut of Spodoptera frugiperda larvae. Released SfTre2 was purified as a 67 kDa protein. Its Km (1.6 mM) and thermal stability (half life 10 min at 62 °C) are different from the previously isolated soluble trehalase (Km= 0.47 mM; 100% stable at 62 °C). Two cDNAs coding for S. frugiperda trehalases have been cloned using primers based on consensus sequences of trehalases and having as templates a cDNA library prepared from total polyA‐containing RNA extracted from midguts. One cDNA codes for a trehalase that has a predicted transmembrane sequence and was defined as SfTre2. The other, after being cloned and expressed, results in a recombinant trehalase with a Km value and thermal stability like those of native soluble trehalase. This enzyme was defined as SfTre1 and, after it was used to generate antibodies, it was immunolocalized at the secretory vesicles and at the glycocalyx of columnar cells. Escherichia coli trehalase 3D structure and sequence alignment with SfTre1 support a proposal regarding the residue modulating the pKa value of the proton donor.
Life, death and fossilization on Gran Canaria – implications for Macaronesian biogeography and molecular dating
Authors: Anderson Cajsa Lisa , Channing Alan , Zamuner Alba B. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThe Canaries have recently served as a test‐bed island system for evaluating newly developed parametric biogeographical methods that can incorporate information from molecular phylogenetic dating and ages of geological events. To use such information successfully, knowledge of geological history and the fossil record is essential. Studies presenting phylogenetic datings of plant groups on oceanic islands often through necessity, but perhaps inappropriately, use the geological age of the oldest island in an archipelago as a maximum‐age constraint for earliest possible introductions. Recently published papers suggest that there is little chance of informative fossil floras being found on volcanic islands, and that nothing could survive violent periods of volcanic activity. One such example is the Roque Nublo period in Gran Canaria, which is assumed to have caused the extinction of the flora of the island (c. 5.3–3.7 Ma). However, recent investigations of Gran Canaria have identified numerous volcanic and sedimentological settings where plant remains are common. We argue, based on evidence from the Miocene–Pliocene rock and fossil records, that complete sterilization of the island is implausible. Moreover, based on fossil evidence, we conclude that the typical ecosystems of the Canary Islands, such as thelaurisilva, thePinusforest and the thermophilous scrubland, were already present on Gran Canaria during the Miocene–Pliocene. The fossil record we present provides new information, which may be used as age constraints in phylogenetic datings, in addition to or instead of the less reliable ages of island emergences or catastrophic events. We also suggest island environments that are likely to yield further fossil localities. Finally, we briefly review further examples of fossil floras of Macaronesia.
The acceptability to stakeholders of mandatory nutritional labelling in France and the UK – findings from the PorGrow project
Authors: Holdsworth M. , Delpeuch F. , Kameli Y. , Lobstein T. , Millstone E. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractBackground:  Implementing a European Union (EU)‐wide mandatory nutrition labelling scheme has been advocated as part a multi‐pronged strategy to tackle obesity. The type of scheme needs to be acceptable to all key stakeholders. This study explored stakeholders’ viewpoints of labelling in two contrasting food cultures (France and the UK) to see whether attitudes were influenced by sectoral interests and/or national context.Methods:  Using Multi Criteria Mapping, a decision analysis tool that assesses stakeholder viewpoints, quantitative and qualitative data were gathered during tape‐recorded interviews. In France and the UK, 21 comparable stakeholders appraised nutritional labelling with criteria of their own choosing (i.e. feasibility, societal benefits, social acceptability, efficacy in addressing obesity, additional health benefits) and three criteria relating to cost (to industry; public sector; individuals). When scoring, interviewees provided both optimistic (best case) and pessimistic (worst case) judgements.Results:  Overall, mandatory nutritional labelling was appraised least favourably in France. Labelling performed worse under optimistic (best case) scenarios in France, for five out of eight sets of criteria. French stakeholders viewed labelling as expensive, having fewer benefits to society and as being marginally less effective than UK stakeholders did. However, French interviewees thought implementing labelling was feasible and would provide additional health benefits. British and French stakeholders made similar quantitative judgements on how socially acceptable mandatory labelling would be.Conclusions:  There is agreement between some stakeholder groups in the two different countries, especially food chain operators. However, cultural differences emerged that could influence the impact of an EU‐wide mandatory labelling scheme in both countries.
Presence of impaired intestinal calcium absorption in chronic hypovitaminosis D and its change after cholecalciferol supplementation: assessment by the calcium load test
Authors: Gupta A. , Gupta N. , Singh N. , Goswami R. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractBackground:  Hypovitaminosis D is common in Asian Indians and its functional significance is currently under investigation. Previous studies have reported on the effect of low serum 25(OH)D levels (<50 nmol L−1) on bone mineral density and serum parathyroid hormone values. The present study assessed the effect of chronic hypovitaminosis D in Asian Indians on intestinal calcium absorption and its change after cholecalciferol supplementation.Methods:  Subjects included 29 healthy volunteers [mean (SD) age, 28.4 ± 6.4 years] with low serum 25(OH)D levels on screening. Intestinal calcium absorption was assessed by the ‘calcium load test’ with 1 g of oral elemental calcium. Subjects were put on a calcium restricted diet 1 week prior to the test. The calcium load test was repeated in 26 of them after 8 weeks of supplementation with oral cholecalciferol (60 000 IU week−1).Results:  The mean urinary calcium/creatinine ratio of the study subjects was 0.027 ± 0.023 mg mg−1 under fasting conditions and increased to 0.035 ± 0.032 mg mg−1 after calcium loading (delta change = 29.6%, P = 0.33). After 8 weeks of cholecalciferol supplementation, the mean serum 25(OH)D increased from 18.9 ± 11.9 to 84.4 ± 34.9 nmol L−1 (P < 0.0001). Concomitantly, the mean urinary calcium/creatinine ratio of the study subjects increased from 0.030 ± 0.024 mg mg−1 under fasting conditions to 0.059 ± 0.045 mg mg−1 after calcium loading (delta change = 96.6%, P = 0.008).Conclusions:  The results obtained in the present study show that chronic hypovitaminosis D in Asian Indians has functional relevance in terms of its effect on intestinal calcium absorption, which improves with cholecalciferol supplementation. These findings support the need for improving the vitamin D status of Asian Indians through dietary supplementation and exposure to sunshine.
Implementation of an electromagnetic imaging system to facilitate nasogastric and post‐pyloric feeding tube placement in patients with and without critical illness
Authors: Windle E. M. , Beddow D. , Hall E. , Wright J. , Sundar N. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractBackground:  Artificial nutrition support is required to optimise nutritional status in many patients. Traditional methods of placing feeding tubes may incur clinical risk and financial costs. A technique facilitating placement of nasogastric and post‐pyloric tubes via electromagnetic visual guidance may reduce the need for X‐ray exposure, endoscopy time and the use of parenteral nutrition. The present study aimed to audit use of such a system at initial implementation in patients within an acute NHS Trust.Methods:  A retrospective review was undertaken of dietetic and medical records for the first 14 months of using the Cortrak® system. Data were collected on referral origin, preparation of the patient prior to insertion, placement success rates and need for X‐ray. Cost analysis was also performed.Results:  Referrals were received from primary consultants or consultant intensivists, often on the advice of the dietitian. Fifty‐nine percent of patients received prokinetic therapy at the time of placement. Thirty‐nine tube placements were attempted. Sixty‐nine percent of referrals for post‐pyloric tube placement resulted in successful placement. X‐ray films were requested for 22% of all attempted post‐pyloric placements. Less than half of nasogastric tubes were successfully passed, although none of these required X‐ray confirmation. The mean cost per tube insertion attempt was £111.Conclusions:  This system confers advantages, particularly in terms of post‐pyloric tube placement, even at this early stage of implementation. A reduction in clinical risk and cost avoidance related to X‐ray exposure, the need for endoscopic tube placement and parenteral nutrition have been achieved. The implementation of this system should be considered in other centres.
Lateral FtsZ association and the assembly of the cytokinetic Z ring in bacteria
Authors: Monahan Leigh G. , Robinson Andrew , Harry Elizabeth J. 
Published: October 2009

SummaryCell division in bacteria is facilitated by a polymeric ring structure, the Z ring, composed of tubulin‐like FtsZ protofilaments. Recently it has been shown that in Bacillus subtilis, the Z ring forms through the cell cycle‐mediated remodelling of a helical FtsZ polymer. To investigate how this occurs in vivo, we have exploited a unique temperature‐sensitive strain of B. subtilis expressing the mutant protein FtsZ(Ts1). FtsZ(Ts1) is unable to complete Z ring assembly at 49°C, becoming trapped at an intermediate stage in the helix‐to‐ring progression. To determine why this is the case, we used a combination of methods to identify the specific defect of the FtsZ(Ts1) protein in vivo. Our results indicate that while FtsZ(Ts1) is able to polymerize normally into protofilaments, it is defective in the ability to support lateral associations between these filaments at high temperatures. This strongly suggests that lateral FtsZ association plays a crucial role in the polymer transitions that lead to the formation of the Z ring in the cell. In addition, we show that the FtsZ‐binding protein ZapA, when overproduced, can rescue the FtsZ(Ts1) defect in vivo. This suggests that ZapA functions to promote the helix‐to‐ring transition of FtsZ by stimulating lateral FtsZ association.