bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Calcium‐calmodulin signalling pathway up‐regulates glutamatergic synaptic function in non‐pyramidal, fast spiking rat hippocampal CA1 neurons
Authors: Wang Jin‐Hui , Kelly Paul
Published: August 2004

The role of Ca2+‐calmodulin (CaM) signalling cascades in modulating glutamatergic synaptic transmission on CA1 non‐pyramidal fast‐spiking neurons was investigated using whole‐cell recording and perfusion in rat hippocampal slices.

Paired stimuli (PS), consisting of postsynaptic depolarization to 0 mV and presynaptic stimulation at 1 Hz for 30 s, enhanced excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) on non‐pyramidal neurons in the stratum pyramidale (SP). The potentiation was reduced by the extracellular application of d‐amino‐5‐phosphonovaleric acid (DAP‐5, 40 μm), and blocked by the postsynaptic perfusion of 1,2‐bis(2‐aminophenoxy)‐ethane‐N,N,N′,N′‐tetraacetic acid (BAPTA, 10 mm), a CaM‐binding peptide (100 μm) or CaMKII (281–301) (an autoinhibitory peptide of CaM‐dependent protein kinases, 100 μm).

The application of adenophostin, an agonist of inositol trisphosphate receptors (IP3Rs) that evokes Ca2+ release, into SP non‐pyramidal neurons via the patch pipette (1 μm) enhanced EPSCs and occluded PS‐induced synaptic potentiation. The co‐application of BAPTA (10 mm) with adenophostin blocked synaptic potentiation. In addition, Ca2+‐CaM (40:10 μm) induced synaptic potentiation, which occluded PS‐induced potentiation and was attenuated by introducing CaMKII (281–301) (100 μm). EPSCs were sensitive to an antagonist of α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazole propionic acid receptor (AMPAR).

Application of Ca2+‐CaM into SP non‐pyramidal neurons induced the emergence of AMPAR‐mediated EPSCs that were not evoked by low stimulus intensity before perfusion. Ca2+‐CaM also increased the amplitude and frequency of spontaneous EPSCs. A scavenger of nitric oxide, carboxy‐PTIO (30 μm in slice‐perfusion solution), did not affect these increases in sEPSCs.

The magnitude of PS‐, adenophostin‐ or Ca2+‐CaM‐induced synaptic potentiation in SP non‐pyramidal neurons increased during postnatal development.

These results indicate that Ca2+‐CaM signalling pathways in CA1 SP non‐pyramidal neurons up‐regulate glutamatergic synaptic transmission probably through the conversion of inactive‐to‐active synapses.
Evidence for the role of alveolar epithelial gp60 in active transalveolar albumin transport in the rat lung
Authors: John Theresa A. , Vogel Stephen M. , Minshall Richard D. , Ridge Karen , Tiruppathi Chinnaswamy , Malik Asrar B.
Published: August 2004

Transcytosis of albumin, involving the 60 kDa albumin‐binding glycoprotein, gp60, was studied in cultured type II alveolar epithelial cells obtained from rat lungs.

Type II cells internalized the interfacial fluorescent dye RH 414, which marks for plasmalemma vesicles. Fluorescent forms of albumin and anti‐gp60 antibody colocalized in the same plasmalemma vesicles.

Antibody (100 μg ml−1) cross‐linking of gp60 for brief periods (15 min) markedly stimulated vesicular uptake of fluorescently tagged albumin. The caveolar disrupting agent, filipin (10 nm), abolished the stimulated internalization of albumin.

The vast majority of plasmalemmal vesicles carrying albumin also immunostained for caveolin‐1; however, lysosomes did not stain for caveolin‐1. Filipin depleted the epithelial cells of the caveolin‐1‐positive, albumin‐transporting plasmalemma vesicles.

Prolonged (> 1 h) stimulation of type II cells with cross‐linking anti‐gp60 antibody produced loss of cell‐surface gp60 and abolished endocytic albumin uptake.

Transalveolar transport of albumin was also studied in the isogravimetric rat lung preparation perfused at 37°C. 125I‐labelled albumin was instilled into distal airspaces of lungs, and the resulting 125I‐labelled albumin efflux into the vascular perfusate was determined.

Unlabelled albumin (studied over a range of 0–10 g (100 instilled ml)−1) inhibited 40% of the transport of labelled albumin ((5.7 ± 0.4) × 105 counts (instilled ml)−1) with an IC50 value of 0.34 g (100 ml)−1.

Filipin blocked the displacement‐sensitive component of 125I‐labelled albumin transport, but had no effect on the transport of the paracellular tracer 3[H]mannitol.

Displacement‐sensitive 125I‐labelled albumin transport had a significantly greater Q10 (27–37 °C) than the non‐displaceable component.

Cross‐linking of gp60 by antibody instillation stimulated only the displacement‐sensitive 125I‐labelled albumin transalveolar transport in intact rat lungs.

To estimate the transport capacity of the displacement‐sensitive system, the percentage of instilled 125I‐labelled albumin counts remaining in lung tissue was compared in lungs treated with instillates containing either 0.05 g (100 ml)−1 unlabelled albumin or 5 g (100 ml)−1 unlabelled albumin. Approximately 25% of instilled 125I‐labelled albumin was cleared from the lung preparations per hour by the displacement‐sensitive transport pathway. This component was blocked by filipin.
Carbohydrate ingestion attenuates the increase in plasma interleukin‐6, but not skeletal muscle interleukin‐6 mRNA, during exercise in humans
Authors: Starkie R. L. , Arkinstall M. J. , Koukoulas I. , Hawley J. A. , Febbraio M. A.
Published: August 2004

The present study was undertaken to examine the effects of exercise and carbohydrate (CHO) ingestion on interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) gene expression in skeletal muscle and plasma IL‐6 concentration.

Seven moderately trained men completed 60 min of exercise at a workload corresponding to each individual's lactate threshold on four randomised occasions. Two trials were conducted on a bicycle ergometer (Cyc) and two on a running treadmill (Run) either with (CHO) or without (Con) the ingestion of a CHO beverage throughout the exercise. Muscle biopsies were obtained from the vastus lateralis before and immediately after exercise and IL‐6 gene expression in these samples was determined using real‐time PCR. In addition, venous blood samples were collected at rest, and after 30 min during and at the cessation of exercise. These samples were analysed for plasma IL‐6.

Irrespective of exercise mode or CHO ingestion, exercise resulted in a 21 ± 4‐fold increase (P < 0.01; main exercise effect) in IL‐6 mRNA expression. In contrast, while the mode of exercise did not affect the exercise‐induced increase in plasma IL‐6, CHO ingestion blunted (P < 0.01) this response.

These data demonstrate that CHO ingestion attenuates the plasma IL‐6 concentration during both cycling and running exercise. However, because IL‐6 mRNA expression was unaffected by CHO ingestion, it is likely that the ingestion of CHO during exercise attenuates IL‐6 production by tissues other than skeletal muscle.
The facilitated component of intestinal glucose absorption
Authors: Kellett George L.
Published: August 2004

Over the last decade, a debate has developed about the mechanism of the passive or ‘diffusive’ component of intestinal glucose absorption and, indeed, whether it even exists. Pappenheimer and colleagues have proposed that paracellular solvent drag contributes a passive component, which, at high concentrations of sugars similar to those in the jejunal lumen immediately after a meal, is severalfold greater than the active component mediated by the Na+‐glucose cotransporter SGLT1. On the other hand, Ferraris & Diamond maintain that the kinetics of glucose absorption can be explained solely in terms of SGLT1 and that a passive or paracellular component plays little, if any, part. Recently, we have provided new evidence that the passive component of glucose absorption exists, but is in fact facilitated since it is mediated by the rapid, glucose‐dependent activation and recruitment of the facilitative glucose transporter GLUT2 to the brush‐border membrane; regulation involves a protein kinase C (PKC)‐dependent pathway activated by glucose transport through SGLT1 and also involves mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAP kinase) signalling pathways. This topical review seeks to highlight the significant points of the debate, to show how our proposals on GLUT2 impact on different aspects of the debate and to look at the regulatory events that are likely to be involved in the short‐term regulation of sugar absorption during the assimilation of a meal.
Changes in passive tension of muscle in humans and animals after eccentric exercise
Authors: Whitehead N. P. , Weerakkody N. S. , Gregory J. E. , Morgan D. L. , Proske U.
Published: August 2004

This is a report of experiments on ankle extensor muscles of human subjects and a parallel series on the medial gastrocnemius of the anaesthetised cat, investigating the origin of the rise in passive tension after a period of eccentric exercise.

Subjects exercised their triceps surae of one leg eccentrically by walking backwards on an inclined, forward‐moving treadmill. Concentric exercise required walking forwards on a backwards‐moving treadmill. For all subjects the other leg acted as a control.

Immediately after both eccentric and concentric exercise there was a significant drop in peak active torque, but only after eccentric exercise was this accompanied by a shift in optimum angle for torque generation and a rise in passive torque. In the eccentrically exercised group some swelling and soreness developed but not until 24 h post‐exercise.

In the animal experiments the contracting muscle was stretched by 6 mm at 50 mm s−1 over a length range symmetrical about the optimum length for tension generation. Measurements of passive tension were made before and after the eccentric contractions, using small stretches to a range of muscle lengths, or with large stretches covering the full physiological range.

After 150 eccentric contractions, passive tension was significantly elevated over most of the range of lengths. Measurements of work absorption during stretch‐release cycles showed significant increases after the contractions.

It is suggested that the rise in passive tension in both human and animal muscles after eccentric contractions is the result of development of injury contractures in damaged muscle fibres.
Synchronous oscillations of length and stiffness during loaded shortening of frog muscle fibres
Authors: Edman K. A. P. , Curtin N. A.
Published: August 2004

A study was made of the damped oscillations in fibre length that are observed when isolated muscle fibres from the frog are released during the plateau of an isometric tetanus to shorten against a constant load (force clamp recording) near the isometric level (temperature, 1.0‐11.0 °C; initial sarcomere length, 2.25 μm).

The oscillatory length changes of the whole fibre were associated with similar length changes of marked consecutive segments along the fibre. The segmental length changes were initially in synchrony with the whole‐fibre movements but became gradually more disordered. At the same time the length oscillation of the whole fibre was progressively damped.

The fast length step that normally occurs at the outset of the load‐clamp manoeuvre was essential for initiating the oscillatory behaviour. Accordingly, no length oscillation occurred when the load clamp was arranged to start as soon as the selected tension level was reached during the rising phase of the tetanus.

The instantaneous stiffness was measured as the change in force that occurred in response to a high‐frequency (2‐4 kHz) length oscillation of the fibre. During the load‐clamp manoeuvre, when the tension was kept constant, the stiffness underwent periodic changes that correlated well in time with the damped oscillatory changes in fibre length. However, there was a phase shift between the stiffness oscillation and the oscillation of shortening velocity, the latter being in the lead of the stiffness response by 21.4 ± 0.8 ms (n = 19) at 1.8 ± 0.1 °C .

A mechanism is proposed to explain the oscillatory behaviour of the muscle fibre based on the idea that the quick length step at the outset of the load clamp leads to synchronous activity of the myosin cross‐bridges along the length of the fibre.
Dental erosion and aspirin headache powders: A clinical report
Authors: McCracken Michael , O'Neal Sandra Jean
Published: August 2004

The causes of tooth erosion are varied, but all are associated with a chemical attack on the teeth and resulting loss of tooth structure. Etiologic factors related to erosion cited in the literature include bulimia, eating acidic foods, soft drink consumption, acid reflux, and swimming, among others. This clinical report suggests that chronic use of headache powders can also be a factor leading to tooth erosion.
Schizophrenia and Familial Communication: A Brief Note on Follow‐up Studies and Replications
Authors: BLAKAR ROLV MIKKEL
Published: August 2004

In 1975 Helge Sølvberg and I published an exploratory paper in Family Process reporting on situation‐specific differences in communication efficiency in parental couples having and not having schizophrenic offspring. In the years since, a series of studies reproducing and extensively corroborating the findings from this study have been conducted in Oslo. The following is a brief note to inform the readers of Family Process about this subsequent work. A particular reason for doing so is the huge problem of the language barrier in scientific transnational communication. (Most of the papers, dissertations, and books prepared in connection with our projects appear in Norwegian, which is of course a “minority” language as regards the international scientific community in our field.) In the present note I have taken great care to give references to relevant Norwegian studies that are now available in English.
Training Facilities in Marital and Family Therapy
Authors: BLOCH DONALD A. , WEISS HOWARD M.
Published: August 2004

This survey reports the results of a national survey of training programs in family therapy. Two hundred and forty‐five programs responded to the survey questionnaire providing data for the development of a master list of training programs and a general assessment of the nature and magnitude of training efforts in the field. The survey included programs housed in diverse institutional settings. The data indicate the extent of growth and the increasing formalization of professional training in family therapy. A classification system is proposed for distinguishing among the major types of facilities providing family therapy training. Programs are compared in terms of the type, duration, and intensity of the training offered and the number of students enrolled.
Cotherapy Teams and One‐Way Screen in Family Therapy Practice and Training
Authors: CORNWELL MAX , PEARSON ROSEMARY
Published: August 2004

This paper considers the major dimensions of the combined use of active observers, message delivery, and the one‐way screen for both therapeutic and educational use in the field of family therapy.
Family Therapy of Schizophrenics with High Risk of Relapse
Authors: FALLOON IAN R.H. , LIBERMAN ROBERT P. , LILLIE I FRANCIS J. , VAUGHN I CHRISTINE E.
Published: August 2004

Three families that demonstrated factors associated with relapse of florid symptoms in a schizophrenic family member underwent a course of 25 sessions of behavioral therapy in a multi‐family group. Details of the treatment and assessment procedures are presented along with evidence of significant beneficial change in two families. The problem of providing continuing care for schizophrenic patients and their families is discussed.
COMMENTS
Authors: BYRNE NOLLAIG
Published: August 2004

The Irish are not in a conspiracy to cheat the world by the false representations of the merits of their countrymen.

No, sir; the Irish are a fair people — they never speak well of one another

Samuel Johnson (1709–1784)

 Boswell's Life Johnson
Anorexia Nervosa: The Hospital's Role in Family Treatment
Authors: STERN STEVEN , WHITAKER CARL A. , HAGEMANN NANCY J. , ANDERSON RICHARD B. , BARGMAN GERALD J.
Published: August 2004

When an anorexia nervosa patient requires hospitalization for her1 medical condition, the treatment team faces the problem of integrating the individual focus of inpatient care with the systems focus of family therapy. In this paper we propose a family‐systems model of hospitalization, the aim of which is to facilitate such integration. The model draws on current theories of anorexia nervosa, as well as general concepts from psychodynamic, developmental, and family systems theories. The major hypothesis of the model is that all members of the anorexic family are developmentally arrested in the area of separation‐individuation. On this assumption, we propose that the entire treatment team (including medical professionals and therapists) needs to function as “parents” to the anorexic family in much the same way that two cotherapists become parental figures in family therapy. Specifically, the team needs to provide those parenting responses that facilitate the family's individuation process.
Family of Origin: The View from the Parents' Side
Authors: BRAVERMAN SHIRLEY
Published: August 2004

Families in which there is increased marital conflict after a relatively stable long‐term marriage are a puzzle to the clinician. The author's thesis, based on experience with a group of middle‐aged couples whose children's differentiation occurred after having been in individual therapy themselves, is that the differentiated child carried special psychic functions for one parent. The differentiation was experienced as tantamount to ego loss, and that parent's attempt to deal with the inner conflict resulted in a marital crisis.
Ecosystemic Epistemology: Critical Implications for the Aesthetics and Pragmatics of Family Therapy
Authors: KEENEY BRADFORD P. , SPRENKLE DOUGLAS H.
Published: August 2004

This paper proposes that family therapy be responsive to both aesthetic and pragmatic considerations. Ecosystemic epistemology, a framework of ideas based on cybernetics, ecology, and systems theory, is suggested as a way of encompassing these different perspectives. Several critical ideas, often ignored by an overemphasis on pragmatics, involve: (a) the function of language in the relation between epistemology and clinical practice; (b) healthy and pathological family ecologies; (c) art and technique in therapy; and (d) the issue of manipulation.
Behavioral‐Systems Marital Therapy: Dealing With Resistance
Authors: SPINKS SUZANNE H. , BIRCHLER GARY R.
Published: August 2004

Recently there has been a dramatic increase in attempts to integrate certain intervention components of behavioral and systems approaches with marital and family therapy. This paper elaborates on a previously described behavioral‐systems approach by focusing primarily on the issue of resistance to therapeutic progress within the behavioral framework. First, potential reasons for major resistance phenomena are suggested. Then, in the context of a social learning theory model of assessment and intervention, specific clinical indications are discussed for departing from the basic behavioral approach in order to deal with resistance. Finally, a variety of interpretive and strategic intervention techniques are described and illustrated by clinical case materials
Families' Schemata of Social Relationships
Authors: OLIVERI MARY ELLEN , REISS DAVID
Published: August 2004

Variation in views of the social environment held jointly by members of family units was examined from a theoretical perspective that specifies distinct kinds of variation among families in their beliefs about the fundamental nature of the social world. Associations compatible with theory were found between direct measures of family interaction and families' schemata of social relationships as assessed by using a felt figure technique. Additional evidence indicated that variation among families in the schemata displayed resulted from similar contributions by all individuals in a family studied. Findings support the existence of family social schemata — a family group's set of views about the organization of relationships in the social world — and indicate several dimensions by which these schemata vary from family to family.
Thirteen Years: An Editor's Valedictory
Authors: Bloch Donald A.
Published: August 2004

The essay that follows is in two parts. The first is a valediction; the second attempts to use some recent events at the Journal as a text for discussion of the current state of the field of family therapy.
Paradoxical Communication as Interpersonal Influence
Authors: BOGDAN JEFFREY L.
Published: August 2004

This paper is concerned with the strategic uses of paradoxical communication in therapy. Eight more or less distinct uses of paradoxical communication are described, and the proposition is put forward that the paradoxical interventions associated with the Milan group differ from those described by Haley and the Palo Alto group only in that they appear to be designed to influence simultaneously the behavior of several family members. The currently popular idea that such interventions should, or even can, be based on a systemic hypothesis, if “hypothesis” is understood in its usual sense as a statement amenable to empirical testing, is explicitly questioned.
China's Marriage Law: A Model for Family Responsibilities and Relationships
Authors: HARE‐MUSTIN RACHEL T.
Published: August 2004

China's Marriage Law of 1981 is presented with a brief commentary. The law encompasses the responsibilities of spouses, parents, children, grandparents, and siblings to one another. The new law is contrasted with the 1950 Marriage Law, which prohibited such feudal practices of former times as arranged marriages and child betrothals. The 1981 law is concerned with equality and the lawful needs of women, children, and the aged. Family planning is encouraged. Divorce is made easier to obtain. Adoptees and stepchildren are provided for. The law provides a legislative model for personal relationships.
Pretreatment with melatonin exerts anti‐inflammatory effects against ischemia/reperfusion injury in a rat middle cerebral artery occlusion stroke model
Authors: Pei Zhong , Cheung Raymond Tak Fai
Published: August 2004

Abstract:  Inflammatory response following cerebral ischemia/reperfusion plays a key pathogenic role in ischemic cerebral damage. Nitric oxide (NO), cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) are important inflammatory mediators. Neuronal NO synthase (nNOS) is a major initial source of excessive NO during ischemia/reperfusion. Induction of COX‐2 and infiltration of polymorphonuclear cells expressing MPO are critical factors in delayed inflammatory damage. Previously, we demonstrated that administration of melatonin before ischemia significantly reduced the infarct volume in a rat middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) stroke model. In this study, we examined the effect of pretreatment with melatonin at 5 mg/kg on the immunoreactivity (ir) for nNOS, COX‐2, MPO, and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) at 24, 48, and 72 hr after right‐sided endovascular MCAO for 1 hr in adult male Sprague–Dawley rats. Melatonin did not affect the hemodynamic parameters. When compared with rats with sham MCAO, ischemia/reperfusion led to an ipsilateral increase in cells with positive ir for nNOS (similar at all times) and in ir‐GFAP (similar at all times). Ischemia/reperfusion led to appearance of cells with positive ir for COX‐2 (greatest at 24 hr with a tendency to increase again at 72 hr) or MPO (greatest at 24 hr). A single dose of melatonin significantly lessened the ipsilateral increase in cells with positive ir for nNOS, COX‐2 or MPO, but did not influence the ipsilateral change in ir‐GFAP. Our results suggest that melatonin treatment mediates neuroprotection against ischemia/reperfusion injury partly via inhibition of the consequential inflammatory response.
Role of melatonin in reducing water avoidance stress‐induced degeneration of the gastrointestinal mucosa
Authors: Ercan Feriha , Çetinel Şule , Contuk Gazi , Çikler Esra , Şener Göksel
Published: August 2004

Abstract:  We investigated the role of melatonin on water avoidance stress (WAS)‐induced degeneration of the gastric, ileal and colonic mucosa. Wistar albino rats were exposed to acute WAS (aWAS group) or chronic WAS (cWAS group). Before exposing animals to acute (aWAS + mel group) or chronic WAS (cWAS + mel group), 10 mg/kg melatonin was injected i.p. The stomach, ileum and colon samples were investigated under light and scanning electron microscope. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels were also determined. In both aWAS and cWAS groups, the epithelium of stomach showed ulceration in some areas, dilatations of the gastric glands and degeneration of gastric glandular cells; prominent congestion of the capillaries after WAS was apperent. In the cWAS group, severe vascular congestion was observed along with degeneration of ileal and colonic epithelium. MDA levels were increased and GSH levels were decreased in all tissues in both the aWAS and cWAS groups. The morphology of gastric, ileal and colonic mucosa in both aWAS + mel and cWAS + mel groups showed that the indole significantly reduced degeneration of the gastrointestinal mucosa. Decreased MDA and increased GSH levels were observed in the WAS + mel groups. Based on the results, melatonin treatment significantly prevented WAS induced degenerative morphological and biochemical changes of gastrointestinal mucosa.
Melatonin alleviates behavioral deficits associated with apoptosis and cholinergic system dysfunction in the APP 695 transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Feng Zheng , Chang Yang , Cheng Yong , Zhang Bin‐ling , Qu Zhi‐wei , Qin Chuan , Zhang Jun‐tian
Published: August 2004

Abstract:  Melatonin is an endogenous antioxidant and free radical scavenger. A transgenic (Tg) mouse model for Alzheimer's disease mimics the accumulation of senile plaques, neuronal apoptosis and memory impairment. Previous studies indicated that melatonin reduced β‐amyloid (Aβ)‐induced neurotoxicity. In this study, after giving melatonin at 10 mg/kg to APP 695 transgenic (APP 695 Tg) mice for 4 months, we evaluated the long‐term influence of melatonin on behavior, biochemical and neuropathologic changes in APP 695 Tg mice. Step‐down and step‐through passive avoidance tests suggested that 8‐month‐old APP 695 Tg mice showed decreases in step‐down latency and step‐through latency and increases in count of error throughout the entire learning trial and memory session, which suggested learning and memory impairment. However, melatonin alleviated learning and memory deficits. Additionally, choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activity also decreased in the frontal cortex and hippocampus of APP 695 Tg mice compared with non‐Tg littermates. Melatonin supplementation increased ChAT activity in the frontal cortex and hippocampus. DNA fragmentation was present in the frontal cortex of the APP 695 Tg mice; melatonin reduced the number of apoptotic neurons. Congo Red staining and Bielschowsky silver impregnation both showed the apparent extracellular Aβ deposition in frontal cortex of APP 695 Tg mice. However, melatonin decreased the Aβ deposits. Our results indicate that neuroprotection by melatonin is partly related to modulation of apoptosis and protection of the cholinergic system. Early rational melatonin interventions may be one of the most promising strategies in the development of approaches to retard or prevent Aβ‐mediated disease progression.
Brood Parasitic Cowbird Nestlings Use Host Young to Procure Resources
Authors: Kilner Rebecca M. , Madden Joah R. , Hauber Mark E.
Published: August 2004

Young brood parasites that tolerate the company of host offspring challenge the existing evolutionary view of family life. In theory, all parasitic nestlings should be ruthlessly self-interested and should kill host offspring soon after hatching. Yet many species allow host young to live, even though they are rivals for host resources. Here we show that the tolerance of host nestlings by the parasitic brown-headed cowbird
Molothrus ater
is adaptive. Host young procure the cowbird a higher provisioning rate, so it grows more rapidly. The cowbird's unexpected altruism toward host offspring simply promotes its selfish interests in exploiting host parents.
The Binding Mode of Epothilone A on α,ß-Tubulin by Electron Crystallography
Authors: Nettles James H. , Li Huilin , Cornett Ben , Krahn Joseph M. , Snyder James P. , Downing Kenneth H.
Published: August 2004

The structure of epothilone A, bound to α,β-tubulin in zinc-stabilized sheets, was determined by a combination of electron crystallography at 2.89 angstrom resolution and nuclear magnetic resonance–based conformational analysis. The complex explains both the broad-based epothilone structure-activity relationship and the known mutational resistance profile. Comparison with Taxol shows that the longstanding expectation of a common pharmacophore is not met, because each ligand exploits the tubulin-binding pocket in a unique and independent manner.
Magnetic Properties Experiments on the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit at Gusev Crater
Authors: Bertelsen P. , Goetz W. , Madsen M. B. , Kinch K. M. , Hviid S. F. , Knudsen J. M. , Gunnlaugsson H. P. , Merrison J. , Nørnberg P. , Squyres S. W. , Bell J. F. , Herkenhoff K. E. , Gorevan S. , Yen A. S. , Myrick T. , Klingelhöfer G. , Rieder R. , Gellert R.
Published: August 2004

The magnetic properties experiments are designed to help identify the magnetic minerals in the dust and rocks on Mars—and to determine whether liquid water was involved in the formation and alteration of these magnetic minerals. Almost all of the dust particles suspended in the martian atmosphere must contain ferrimagnetic minerals (such as maghemite or magnetite) in an amount of ∼2% by weight. The most magnetic fraction of the dust appears darker than the average dust. Magnetite was detected in the first two rocks ground by Spirit.
High Genetic Diversity of the Attachment (G) Protein of Human Metapneumovirus
Authors: Ishiguro Nobuhisa , Ebihara Takashi , Endo Rika , Ma Xiaoming , Kikuta Hideaki , Ishiko Hiroaki , Kobayashi Kunihiko
Published: August 2004

Complete genes encoding the predicted nucleoprotein (N), phosphoprotein (P), matrix protein (M), fusion protein (F), M2-1protein, M2-2protein, small hydrophobic protein (SH), and attachmentprotein (G) of seven newly isolated human metapneumoviruses (hMPVs) were analyzed and compared with previously published data for hMPV genes. Phylogenetic analysis of the nucleotide sequences indicated that there were two genetic groups, tentatively named groups 1 and 2, similar to the grouping of human respiratory syncytial virus. Although the predicted amino acid sequences of N, P, M, F, and M2 were highly conserved between the two groups (amino acid identities, 96% for N, 85% for P, 97% for M, 94% for F, 95% for M2-1, and 90% for M2-2), the amino acid identities of the SH and G proteins were low (SH, 58%; G, 33%). Furthermore, each group could be subdivided into two subgroups by phylogenetic analysis, tentatively named subgroups 1A and 1B and subgroups 2A and 2B. The predicted amino acid sequences of G within members of each subgroup were highly conserved (amino acid identities, 88% for group 1A, 93% for group 1B, and 96% for group 2B). The G of hMPV is thought to be the major antigenic determinant and to play an important role in the production of neutralizing antibodies. Clarification of the antigenic diversity of G is important for epidemiological analysis and for establishment of strategies to prevent hMPV infection.
Evaluation of DNA Extraction and PCR Methods for Detection of
Enterocytozoon bienuesi
in Stool Specimens
Authors: Subrungruang Ittisak , Mungthin Mathirut , Chavalitshewinkoon-Petmitr Porntip , Rangsin Ram , Naaglor Tawee , Leelayoova Saovanee
Published: August 2004

An evaluation of the sensitivities of three DNA extraction methods, i.e., FTA filter paper, a QIAamp stool mini kit, and a conventional phenol-chloroform method, by using specimens with known concentrations of
Enterocytozoon bieneusi
spores was performed. FTA filter paper and the QIAamp stool mini kit were the most sensitive methods, which could detect
E. bieneusi
in specimens with a concentration of 800 spores/ml. We also compared five previously described PCR methods that use five different primer pairs for the detection of
E. bieneusi
and showed that MSP3-MSP4B and EBIEF1-EBIER1 were the most sensitive primers. Although both sets of primers showed the same sensitivity, using the MSP3-MSP4B primers can directly provide genotypic information by sequencing. A blinded diagnostic test to compare PCR and light microscopy methods for the detection of
E. bieneusi
in stool specimens was also conducted. The use of FTA filter paper for DNA extraction together with the PCR method using the primer pair MSP3-MSP4B showed 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity for the detection of
E. bieneusi
in stool specimens, while the light microscopy method gave a sensitivity of 86.7% and a specificity of 100%.
Species of the Family
Helicobacteraceae
Detected in an Australian Sea Lion (
Neophoca cinerea
) with Chronic Gastritis
Authors: Oxley Andrew P. A. , Powell Mark , McKay David B.
Published: August 2004

We describe the first case of gastritis in a male Australian sea lion (
Neophoca cinerea
) in which members of the family
Helicobacteraceae
, particularly the genus
Wolinella
, were detected. The sea lion exhibited clinical signs of gastrointestinal disease, including abdominal pain, lack of appetite, and lethargy. Examination of one ileal and five gastric biopsy specimens collected over a 10-year period revealed persistent fibrosis and/or superficial focal erosion and ulceration of the lamina propria. Spiral-shaped organisms 5 to 12 μm long were observed in two of the gut biopsy specimens. While
Helicobacter
species were detected by PCR in one of the gastric biopsy specimens,
Wolinella
species were detected in four of the five gastric specimens, including those in which spiral-shaped organisms were observed. Comparisons of biopsy specimen ribosomal DNA sequences with those obtained from the feces of this animal, the gastric tissue of a clinically healthy individual, and the feces of several other cohoused sea lions and fur seals revealed a separate and possibly novel gastric
Helicobacter
species. A possibly novel
Wolinella
species, along with
Wolinella succinogenes
, was also identified. These findings highlight the pathogenic potential of other members of this family in the etiopathogenesis of gastric disease in these animals.
Alanine-Threonine Polymorphism of
Helicobacter pylori
RpoB Is Correlated with Differential Induction of Interleukin-8 in MKN45 Cells
Authors: Lee Keun-Hwa , Cho Myung-Je , Yamaoka Yoshio , Graham David Y. , Yun Yeo-Jun , Woo So-Yon , Lim Chang-Young , Ko Kwan-Soo , Kim Bum-Joon , Jung Hyun-Chae , Lee Woo-Kon , Rhee Kwang-Ho , Kook Yoon-Hoh
Published: August 2004

Geographical differences in the genetic diversity of
Helicobacter pylori
isolates were examined by analyzing
rpoB
sequences. An extremely high level of allelic diversity among
H. pylori
strains was found. The
rpoB
sequences of Asian and non-Asian (North and South American, European, and South African) strains were found to differ. An amino acid polymorphism (alanine and threonine RpoB types) was found at the 497th residue by deduced amino acid analysis. RpoB with a threonine residue (RpoB
Thr
) was uniquely present in East Asian countries, and two-thirds of the
H. pylori
isolate population in this region was RpoB
Thr
; however, this type was rare or absent in Western countries, where RpoB
Ala
predominated. RpoB
Thr
strains induced a much larger amount of interleukin-8, a chemokine that plays an important role in chronic inflammation, than RpoB
Ala
strains in cultured MKN45 cells.
Genetic Variability of the G Glycoprotein Gene of Human Metapneumovirus
Authors: Bastien Nathalie , Liu Li , Ward Diane , Taylor Tracy , Li Yan
Published: August 2004

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) has been associated with respiratory illnesses like those caused by human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) infection. Similar to other pneumoviruses, genetic diversity has been reported for hMPV. Little information is currently available on the genetic variability of the G glycoprotein (G), which is the most variable gene in RSV and avian pneumovirus. The complete nucleotide sequences of the G open reading frame (ORF) of 24 Canadian hMPV isolates were determined. Phylogenetic analysis showed the existence of two major groups or clusters (1 and 2). All but one of the hMPV isolates that we examined belonged to cluster 1. Additional genetic variability was observed in cluster 1, which separated into two genetic subclusters. Within cluster 1 the nucleotide sequence identity for the G ORF was 74.2 to 100%, and the identity for the predicted amino acid sequence was 61.4 to 100%. The G genes of cluster 1 isolates were more divergent from the cluster 2 isolates, with 45.6 to 50.5% and 34.2 to 37.2% identity levels for the nucleotide and amino acid sequences, respectively. Sequence analysis also revealed changes in stop codon usage, resulting in G proteins of different lengths (217, 219, 228, and 236 residues). Western blot analysis with the use of hMPV-specific polyclonal antisera to each hMPV cluster showed significant antigenic divergence between the G proteins of clusters 1 and 2. These results suggest that the G protein of hMPV is continuously evolving and that the genetic diversity observed for the hMPV genes is reflected in the antigenic variability, similar to HRSV.
Use of
tuf
Sequences for Genus-Specific PCR Detection and Phylogenetic Analysis of 28 Streptococcal Species
Authors: Picard François J. , Ke Danbing , Boudreau Dominique K. , Boissinot Maurice , Huletsky Ann , Richard Dave , Ouellette Marc , Roy Paul H. , Bergeron Michel G.
Published: August 2004

A 761-bp portion of the
tuf
gene (encoding the elongation factor Tu) from 28 clinically relevant streptococcal species was obtained by sequencing amplicons generated using broad-range PCR primers. These
tuf
sequences were used to select
Streptococcus
-specific PCR primers and to perform phylogenetic analysis. The specificity of the PCR assay was verified using 102 different bacterial species, including the 28 streptococcal species. Genomic DNA purified from all streptococcal species was efficiently detected, whereas there was no amplification with DNA from 72 of the 74 nonstreptococcal bacterial species tested. There was cross-amplification with DNAs from
Enterococcus durans
and
Lactococcus lactis
. However, the 15 to 31% nucleotide sequence divergence in the 761-bp
tuf
portion of these two species compared to any streptococcal
tuf
sequence provides ample sequence divergence to allow the development of internal probes specific to streptococci. The
Streptococcus
-specific assay was highly sensitive for all 28 streptococcal species tested (i.e., detection limit of 1 to 10 genome copies per PCR). The
tuf
sequence data was also used to perform extensive phylogenetic analysis, which was generally in agreement with phylogeny determined on the basis of 16S rRNA gene data. However, the
tuf
gene provided a better discrimination at the streptococcal species level that should be particularly useful for the identification of very closely related species. In conclusion,
tuf
appears more suitable than the 16S ribosomal RNA gene for the development of diagnostic assays for the detection and identification of streptococcal species because of its higher level of species-specific genetic divergence.
High-Throughput Detection of Pathogenic Yeasts of the Genus
Trichosporon
Authors: Diaz Mara R. , Fell Jack W.
Published: August 2004

The need for a rapid and accurate method for the detection of fungal pathogens has become imperative as the incidence of fungal infections has increased dramatically. Herein, we tested the Luminex 100, a novel flow cytometer, for the detection of the medically important genus
Trichosporon
. This genus was selected as our proof-of-concept model due to the close phylogenetic relationship between the species. The method, which is based on a nucleotide hybridization assay, consists of a combination of different sets of fluorescent beads covalently bound to species-specific capture probes. Upon hybridization, the beads bearing the target amplicons are classified by their spectral addresses with a 635-nm laser. Quantitation of the hybridized biotinylated amplicon is based on fluorescence detection with a 532-nm laser. We tested in various multiplex formats 48 species-specific and group-specific capture probes designed in the D1/D2 region of ribosomal DNA, internal transcribed spacer regions, and intergenic spacer region. Species-specific biotinylated amplicons were generated with three sets of primers to yield fragments from the three regions. The assay was specific and fast, as it discriminated species differing by 1 nucleotide and required less than 50 min following amplification to process a 96-well plate. The sensitivity of the assay allowed the detection of 10
2
genome molecules in PCRs and 10
7
to 10
8
molecules of biotinylated amplification product. This technology provided a rapid means of detection of
Trichosporon
species with the flexibility to identify species in a multiplex format by combining different sets of beads.
Molecular Epidemiology of
Enterobacteriaceae
Isolates Producing Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamases in a French Hospital
Authors: Lavigne Jean-Philippe , Bouziges Nicole , Chanal Catherine , Mahamat Aba , Michaux-Charachon Sylvie , Sotto Albert
Published: August 2004

In 2002, 80 isolates of
Enterobacteriaceae
producing extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) were collected from infected patients in our hospital.
Enterobacter aerogenes
was the most common bacterium isolated from all specimens (36.5%). The ESBLs were predominantly (90%) TEM derivatives (TEM-24, TEM-3). Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis highlighted that
E. aerogenes
,
Klebsiella pneumoniae
, and
Citrobacter koseri
had a clonal propagation.
Cryptococcus
Infection in Tropical Australia
Authors: Jenney Adam , Pandithage Kishan , Fisher Dale A. , Currie Bart J.
Published: August 2004

Eighteen cases of disease caused by the saprophytic fungi
Cryptococcus neoformans
and
Cryptococcus bacillisporus
are described from the Northern Territory of Australia. The majority of infections were with
Cryptococcus bacillisporus
and in the rural Aboriginal population, often causing pulmonary mass lesions.
Evaluation of a New Automated, Standardized Generic Nucleic Acid Extraction Method (Total Nucleic Acid Isolation Kit) Used in Combination with Cytomegalovirus DNA Quantification by COBAS AMPLICOR CMV MONITOR
Authors: Gärtner Barbara Christine , Fischinger Johannes Michael , Litwicki Anke , Roemer Klaus , Mueller-Lantzsch Nikolaus
Published: August 2004

The new generic Total Nucleic Acid Isolation kit improved the detection limit of a cytomegalovirus (CMV) PCR from 400 to 200 copies/ml. Sensitivity and specificity in 30 CMV-positive and 100 negative samples were 100%. Analytical performance was excellent. The kit provides a reliable, standardized, and time-saving tool for DNA extraction.
Infection of a Japanese Patient by Genotype 4 Hepatitis E Virus While Traveling in Vietnam
Authors: Koizumi Yuko , Isoda Norio , Sato Yukihiro , Iwaki Takaaki , Ono Kazunori , Ido Kenichi , Sugano Kentaro , Takahashi Masaharu , Nishizawa Tsutomu , Okamoto Hiroaki
Published: August 2004

Cases of imported hepatitis E in industrialized countries infected with a genotype 1 hepatitis E virus (HEV) have been identified. We report a 56-year-old Japanese man who acquired infection with a genotype 4 HEV with 98.8% identity to a Vietnamese isolate after ingestion of uncooked shellfish while traveling in Vietnam.
Mycobacterium lentiflavum
as an Emerging Causative Agent of Cervical Lymphadenitis
Authors: Piersimoni Claudio , Goteri Gaia , Nista Domenico , Mariottini Alessandro , Mazzarelli Gianna , Bornigia Stefano
Published: August 2004

A lymph node excision was performed on a 45-year-old woman with left cervical swelling. The disorder which developed after the patient had undergone oral surgery for a severe periodontal disease failed to respond to antimicrobial chemotherapy. A mycobacterial strain subsequently identified by high-performance liquid chromatography analysis of cell wall mycolic acids as
Mycobacterium lentiflavum
grew from the excised specimen. This case and previously published reports highlight the relevance of
M. lentiflavum
as an emerging causative agent of mycobacterial cervical lymphadenitis.
Fire history in relation to site type and vegetation in Vienansalo wilderness in eastern Fennoscandia, Russia
Authors: Wallenius Tuomo H , Kuuluvainen Timo , Vanha-Majamaa Ilkka
Published: August 2004

A wildfire area in a boreal forest landscape dominated by Pinus sylvestris L., in the Vienansalo wilderness area in eastern Fennoscandia, was examined for its spatial characteristics and fire history. The boundaries of the 360-ha fire that occurred in 1969 were mapped, and the vegetation types of burnt and unburnt areas were inventoried. Fire history was investigated in 40 study plots, and fire scars, tree ages, and charcoal in peat or soil were used for evidence of past fires. The complex shape of the 1969 fire and the detected small-scale variation in past fire frequencies were concordant with the existing small-scale variation in site moisture and vegetation characteristics in the area. Moist depressions, swamps, and more fertile forest patches dominated by Picea abies (L.) Karst. often did not burn when the nearby dryish forest type did. There was also temporal variability in fire frequency. An abrupt increase in the number of fires occurred in the late 17th century. In the mid-19th century, both the number of fires and the annually burnt area in the region decreased. Our results show that in the examined wildfire area, there has been considerable and consistent small-scale spatial variation in fire frequency and that historical fire regime evidently has been strongly affected by human activity.
Effects of soil amendments on assemblages of soil mites (Acari: Oribatida, Mesostigmata) in short-rotation willow plantings in central New York
Authors: Minor Maria A , Norton Roy A
Published: August 2004

We investigated the effects of several soil amendment materials, potentially useful for willow biomass crops, on the abundance, diversity, and community structure of free-living soil mites (Acari: Oribatida, Mesostigmata) in a 4-year replicated field experiment. Soil treatments included biosolids (lime-stabilized sewage sludge), chicken manure compost, urea fertilizer, black plastic mulch, and control. The predaceous Mesostigmata (40 spp.) responded differently to soil amendment treatments than did saprophagous and mycophagous Oribatida (28 spp.). The urea fertilizer had no persistent effect on mite assemblages. Plastic mulch did not affect Mesostigmata, but had a lasting detrimental effect on oribatid mites. Mesostigmatid mites benefited from application of biosolids, while Oribatida were most adversely affected by this treatment. When plastic mulch and biosolids were used together, the effect of biosolids predominated. Composted chicken manure supported abundant and diverse populations of both groups.