bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A NEW SPECIES OF BRACHYCYRTUS FROM BRITISH COLUMBIA (HYMEN.; ICHNEUMONIDAE)
Authors: Walley G. Stuart
Published: January 2010

It was with some surprise that the writer encountered a representative of this rare and, until recently, little known genus, from a locality in south-eastern British Columbia. The specimen in question is a female reared at Ottawa, by officers of the Forest Insect Survey of the Division of Entomology, Irom the cocoon of a Chrysopid beaten from Engelmann spruce, Aug. 26, 1938, by Mr. D. N. Ross of the British Columbia Forest Service, in the vicinity of Bayne's Lake, B. C. The adult parasite emerged in the laboratory, Feb. 20, 1939.
A NEW CHARACTER DISTINGUISHING TETRANYCHUS PACIFICUS McGREGOR FROM T. TELARIUS L.
Authors: Heriot A. D.
Published: January 2010

The generic characters of the Tetranychidae lie in the tarsal appendages, particularly the claw. The palpi and shape of the male sexual organ are used mainly for the determination of species. These specific characters are depicted in profile; thus, in order to observe them the mite must be mounted and flattened dorso-ventrally. This entails a considerable amount of manipulation, and a high magnification is necessary in order to obtain definition of the minute details.
MAYFLIES OF TWO TROPICAL GENERA, LACHLANIA AND CAMPSURUS, FROM CANADA WITH DESCRIPTIONS.
Authors: Ide F. P.
Published: January 2010

Two interesting mayflies, one a Lachlania and the other a Campsurus have been sent recently to the author, the former from Saskatchewan and the latter from Manitoba. Both are apparently new species and are described in this paper.
THE NYMPH OF SOMATOCHLORA WALSHII SCUDDER
Authors: Walker E. M.
Published: January 2010

For many years the nymph of Somatochlora walshii Scudd. has eluded our pursuit, in spite of the fact that its geographical range, unlike that of most of our Somatochloras, includes practically all of the settled parts of the eastern provinces and it is by no means a rare species in its special habitat–boggy streams and ditches.
A PROPOSED METHOD FOR MARKING MIGRANT BUTTERFLIES
Authors: Urquhart F. A.
Published: January 2010

In the late summer of 1940, there was a decided peak in the abundance of the monarch butterfly, Danaus plexippus L. Numerous reports were received by the Royal Ontario Museum of Zoology, and a personal investigation proved the abundance of the species; trees bordering the north shore of Lake Ontario in the vicinity of Toronto were literally covered with monarch butterflies.
A NEW GENUS OF THE FAMILY TACHINIDAE FROM ALBERTA
Authors: Strickland E. H.
Published: January 2010

Female. Frontal profile slightly arcuate, gently sloped, less than equal in length to the facial profile. Clypeus slightly depressed. Vibrissae strong, cruciate, just above the oral margin. Facial ridges bristled on much less than one-half their length.
A NEW ALBERTAN OLETHREUTID
Authors: McDunnough J.
Published: January 2010

Recently I received for identification a series of an Olethreutes species from Mr. K. Bowman of Edmonton, Alta., which I was inclined to place as small nordeggana McD. Mr. Bowman, however, called my attention to the fact that whereas at Nordegg, with a greater altitude than Edmonton, nordeggana is taken about the middle of July; the present species does not occur around Edmonton until early August.
AN APPARENTLY NEW THRAULODES FROM ARIZONA (EPHEMERIDA)
Authors: McDunnough J.
Published: January 2010

Recently I received from Mr. J. Sperry a srnall series of a Thraulodes species from Arizona which, while apparently very closely allied to speciosus Trav. in genitalia, as far as can be told from the rather crude figure (Biol. of Mayflies, 553, fig. 146), does not fit in with Traver's description in several points. I am treating it therefore as undescribed.
THE CANADIAN APPLE MEALYBUG, PHENACOCCUS ACERIS SIGNORET, AND ITS ALLIES IN NORTHEASTERN AMERICA
Authors: Rau George J.
Published: January 2010

Within the past few years, two species of mealybugs have become serious pests of apple in North America. In Virginia, for some apparently unknown reason, the Japanese Comstock mealybug. Pseudococcus comstocki Kuwana, has undergone a change in its feeding habits and produced a strain that has become well adapted to feeding and reproducing on apple.
A REVIEW OF THE GENUS ANELPISTUS HORN (COLEOPTERA, MELANDRYIDAE)
Authors: Mank Edith W.
Published: January 2010

The material used in the preparation of this article included four specimens of the European Scotodes annulatus Esch., two in the Leconte collection and two in my own; three specimens of Anelpistus americanus Horn from the collection of Mr. C. A. Frost, three from the Leconte collection, four from the H. C. Fall collection, fifteen from the general collection at the Museum of Comparative Zoology, and one from my own collection.
A NEW OLESICAMPE PARASITE OF PIKONEMA SAWFLIES (HYMENOPTERA, ICHNEUMONIDE)
Authors: Walley G. Stuart
Published: January 2010

During the past few years officers of the Forest Insect Unit of the Division of Entomology have reared a number of specimens of a species of Olesicampe from sawflies of the genus Pikonema. The species differs from any of the named forms of the Canadian National Collection, or in the United States National Museum, according to Mr. R. A. Cushman, to whom I sent specimens, and as far as I can discover there is no name in the literature which would apply to it. The following description is therefore offered.
HOST PLANTS AND PARASITES OF SOME LEPIDOPTEROUS LARVAE
Authors: Putman WM. L.
Published: January 2010

A list of the host plants and parasites of lepidopterous larvae reared during a study of the native hosts of parasites of the oriental fruit moth, Grapholitha molesta Busck, was published in 1935. Much additional data which have since accumulated appear worth placing on record, particularly the host relations of the parasites.
A NOTE ON COLIAS EURYTHEME BDV., WITH DESCRIPTION OF A NEW RACE (LEPIDOPTERA, PIERIDAE)
Authors: Bowman Kenneth
Published: January 2010

During the summer of 1941, Colias eurytheme Bdv. appeared in the Edmonton district for the second time in twenty-five years, the last appearance having been in 1923.
A DRY BAIT FOR GRASSHOPPER CONTROL
Authors: Paul L. C.
Published: January 2010

It has commonly been observed that grasshoppers readily feed upon dry bran that has never been wetted. From this it was thought that an efficient dry bait might be prepared by spraying concentrated poison solution directly on to an attractive carrier.
OBSERVATIONS ON THE ADULT OF SANDALUS NIGER KNOGH IN SOUTHERN ONTARIO (COLEOPTERA, RHIPICERIDAE)
Authors: Hicks S. D.
Published: January 2010

There is apparently no mention in Canadian literature of the genus Sandalus. No Canadian specimens are present in the collections of the Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto, and there are only two specimens of Sandalus niger Knoch, from London, Ontario, at the Ontario Agricultural College, Guelph. Previous to the writer's donation, there were none in the Canadian National Collection at Ottawa.
NEW DESCRIPTIONS OF LARVAE OF FOREST INSECTS. INTRODUCTION; I.PANTHEA(LEPIDOPTERA, PHALAENIDAE)
Authors: Brown A. W. A. , McGuffin W. C.
Published: January 2010

During the past five years several thousand samples of lepidopterous larvae have been collected from spruce in the course of the Canadian Forest Insect Survey (1). It was found that a considerable proportion of the species had been hitherto unknown in the larval stage, and that many others had been only briefly or superficially described. In this paper, and in subsequent instalments, descriptions will be presented for those species whose larvae, to the author's knowledge, have never been described before.
Biological and Ecological Studies on Some Lepidopterous Bud and Shoot Insects of Jack Pine (Lepidoptera-Olethreutidae)
Authors: Butcher James W. , Hodson A. C.
Published: January 2010

Injury to young jack pine in an experimental plantation at Cloquet, Minn., by a shoot boring insect, Eucosma sonomana Kearfott, stimulated the investigacions on life history, biology and incidence reported here. Notes on life history, biolop and injury are included for two additional species of the subfamily Eucosminae, family Olethreutidae; namely Petrova albicapitana Busck, and Petrova pallipennis McDunnough.
Invariant NKT Cells Preferentially Modulate the Function of CD8α+ Dendritic Cell Subset in Inducing Type 1 Immunity against Infection
Authors: Joyee Antony George , Uzonna Jude , Yang Xi
Published: January 2010

Although studies suggest that NKT cell (NKT) activation modulates the function of dendritic cells (DCs) in inducing T cell responses, it is unknown whether this modulating effect is biased to a DC subset. We previously reported that NKT activation could modulate DC function in inducing protective T cell immunity to Chlamydia pneumoniae, an intracellular bacterial infection. In this study, we investigated the effect of NKT activation on DC subsets, using multiple approaches, including gene knockout mice, α- galactosylceramide stimulation, adoptive transfer of invariant NKT (iNKT), and functional analysis of DC subsets in both in vitro and in vivo settings. We found a preferential modulating effect of iNKTs on the CD8α+ DC subset. Specifically, we found that iNKT-deficient mice, compared with wild-type (WT) mice, showed reduced CD8α+ DC expansion with lower CD40 expression and IL-12 production, whereas enhancing iNKT activation in WT mice or adoptive transfer of iNKTs to Jα18−/− mice resulted in increased function of CD8α+ DCs in inducing type 1 immune responses. Further, DC-iNKT coculture experiments showed a direct CD40L-dependent enhancing effect of iNKTs on IL-12p70 production by CD8α+ DCs. More importantly, CD8α+ DCs from Jα18−/− mice, compared with those from WT mice, showed significantly reduced ability to activate IFN-γ–producing T cells in vitro and to induce type 1 immunity and protection in vivo. Moreover, a similar CD8α+ DC subset alteration was found in the Jα18−/− mice following Leishmania major infection. Our data provide the first direct evidence that iNKTs preferentially promote the functional development of a subset of DC to generate protective immunity against infections.
Influence of Electrostatics on the Complement Regulatory Functions of Kaposica, the Complement Inhibitor of Kaposi’s Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus
Authors: Pyaram Kalyani , Kieslich Chris A. , Yadav Viveka Nand , Morikis Dimitrios , Sahu Arvind
Published: January 2010

Kaposica, the complement regulator of Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus, inhibits complement by supporting factor I-mediated inactivation of the proteolytically activated form of C3 (C3b) and C4 (C4b) (cofactor activity [CFA]) and by accelerating the decay of classical and alternative pathway C3-convertases (decay-accelerating activity [DAA]). Previous data suggested that electrostatic interactions play a critical role in the binding of viral complement regulators to their targets, C3b and C4b. We therefore investigated how electrostatic potential on Kaposica influences its activities. We built a homology structure of Kaposica and calculated the electrostatic potential of the molecule, using the Poisson–Boltzmann equation. Mutants were then designed to alter the overall positive potential of the molecule or of each of its domains and linkers by mutating Lys/Arg to Glu/Gln, and the functional activities of the expressed mutants were analyzed. Our data indicate that 1) positive potential at specific sites and not the overall positive potential on the molecule guides the CFAs and classical pathway DAA; 2) positive potential around the linkers between complement control protein domains (CCPs) 1–2 and 2–3 is more important for DAAs than for CFAs; 3) positive potential in CCP1 is crucial for binding to C3b and C4b, and thereby its functional activities; 4) conversion to negative or enhancement of negative potential for CCPs 2–4 has a marked effect on C3b-linked activities as opposed to C4b-linked activities; and 5) reversal of the electrostatic potential of CCP4 to negative has a differential effect on classical and alternative pathway DAAs. Together, our data provide functional relevance to conservation of positive potential in CCPs 1 and 4 and the linkers of viral complement regulators.
Effects of Phonon Confinement on Anomalous Thermalization, Energy Transfer, and Upconversion in Ln3+‐Doped Gd2O3 Nanotubes
Authors: Macedo Andreia G. , Ferreira Rute A. S. , Ananias Duarte , Reis Mário S. , Amaral Vitor S. , Carlos Luís D. , Rocha João
Published: January 2010

There is a growing interest in understanding how size‐dependent quantum confinement affects the photoluminescence efficiency, excited‐state dynamics, energy‐transfer and thermalization phenomena in nanophosphors. For lanthanide (Ln3+)‐doped nanocrystals, despite the localized 4f states, confinement effects are induced mostly via electron–phonon interactions. In particular, the anomalous thermalization reported so far for a handful of Ln3+‐doped nanocrystals has been rationalized by the absence of low‐frequency phonon modes. This nanoconfinement may further impact on the Ln3+ luminescence dynamics, such as phonon‐assisted energy transfer or upconversion processes. Here, intriguing and unprecedented anomalous thermalization in Gd2O3:Eu3+ and Gd2O3:Yb3+,Er3+ nanotubes, exhibiting up to one order of magnitude larger than previously reported for similar materials, is reported. This anomalous thermalization induces unexpected energy transfer from Eu3+ C2 to S6 crystallographic sites, at 11 K, and 2H11/2 → 4I15/2 Er3+ upconversion emission; it is interpreted on the basis of the discretization of the phonon density of states, easily tuned by varying the annealing temperature (923–1123 K) in the synthesis procedure, and/or the Ln3+ concentration (0.16–6.60%).
Functional Nanostructured Plasmonic Materials
Authors: Yao Jimin , Le An‐Phong , Gray Stephen K. , Moore Jeffrey S. , Rogers John A. , Nuzzo Ralph G.
Published: January 2010

Plasmonic crystals fabricated with precisely controlled arrays of subwavelength metal nanostructures provide a promising platform for sensing and imaging of surface binding events with micrometer spatial resolution over large areas. Soft nanoimprint lithography provides a robust, cost‐effective method for producing highly uniform plasmonic crystals of this type with predictable optical properties. The tunable multimode plasmonic resonances of these crystals and their ability for integration into lab‐on‐a‐chip microfluidic systems can both be harnessed to achieve exceptionally high analytical sensitivities down to submonolayer levels using even a common optical microscope, circumventing numerous technical limitations of more conventional surface plasmon resonance techniques. In this article, we highlight some recent advances in this field with an emphasis on the fabrication and characterization of these integrated devices and their demonstrated applications.
Latino worker perceptions of construction risks
Authors: Menzel Nancy Nivison , Gutierrez Antonio P.
Published: January 2010

Background

Construction is a hazardous occupation, with Latino (Hispanic) workers at a greater risk for death than other ethnicities/races. Latinos accounted for over half of construction injuries involving days away from work in Nevada in 2006.

Methods

This study recruited 30 Latino construction workers from three Southern Nevada trade unions to participate in four focus groups conducted in Spanish to determine their perceived risks for injury. Audiotapes were transcribed into English transcripts, which were analyzed for themes.

Results

Themes included language/communication difficulties, traditional Latino values, construction trade skill level differences, and health literacy. Participants were unfamiliar with the workers' compensation system.

Conclusions

Small contractors in particular should provide more effective safety training in Spanish and appropriate safety equipment. Unions should offer English language training using simulation and more information about workers' compensation rights. Occupational health providers should consider Latino beliefs and communication needs when assessing health status or providing care. Am. J. Ind. Med. 53:179–187 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Baboon vaginal microbiota: an overlooked aspect of primate physiology
Authors: Rivera Angel J. , Stumpf Rebecca M. , Wilson Brenda , Leigh Steve , Salyers Abigail A.
Published: January 2010

The bacterial population of the primate vaginal canal is an infant primate's first exposure to the microbial population inhabiting the outside world. Yet, little is known about this population and the effect it might have on the development and survival of the infant primate. As a first step toward characterizing the vaginal microbiota of a nonhuman primate, we used denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis to evaluate variations in the vaginal microbiota of a group of 35 baboons (Papio hamadryas), which were housed in a facility where they shared the same diet and the same environmental conditions. We found that, despite the uniform environment, there were appreciable differences in the composition of the microbiota from one individual to another. Our results also indicate that a simple swab test is sufficient for sampling the vaginal microbiota in the field, a finding that should help make more detailed characterization of the microbiota of wild primates feasible in the future. Am. J. Primatol. 72:467–474, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Impact of yellow fever outbreaks on two howler monkey species (Alouatta guariba clamitansandA. caraya) in Misiones, Argentina
Authors: Holzmann Ingrid , Agostini Ilaria , Areta Juan Ignacio , Ferreyra Hebe , Beldomenico Pablo , Di Bitetti Mario S.
Published: January 2010

Two yellow fever outbreaks (YFOs) ocurred in northeastern Argentina between November 2007 and October 2008, seriously affecting populations of two howler monkey species: the brown howlerAlouatta guariba clamitansand the black howlerAlouatta caraya. Both howlers live syntopically in El Piñalito Provincial Park, Misiones, where four groups (36 individuals) were studied since January 2005. The first dead howlers were found on January 20, 2008, in El Piñalito. Systematic searches found 14 dead howlers within the area (12 from the study groups and two from neighboring groups), with only two young seen on January 25, 2008, and none found since up to December 2008. In October 2008, another YFO hit howler monkey populations from El Soberbio, Misiones. Overall, 59 howlers were found dead in Misiones from November 2007 to December 2008. Thanks to the alert of the howler's death in El Piñalito, a prompt human vaccination campaign started in the area. Wild howler monkey populations from both species are in a delicate situation in Misiones, especially the brown howler,an already endangered species in Argentina and endemic to the Atlantic Forest. If we add the recurrence of YFOs to the reduction of suitable habitat to small fragments, it could be only a matter of time until howler populations disappear from the Upper Paraná Atlantic Forest in Misiones. Am. J. Primatol. 72:475–480, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cannibalism in wild bonobos (Pan paniscus) at Lui Kotale
Authors: Fowler Andrew , Hohmann Gottfried
Published: January 2010

We describe the cannibalization of an infant bonobo (circa 2.5 years old) at Lui Kotale, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The infant died of unknown causes and was consumed by several community members including its mother and an older sibling one day after death. Certain features concerning the pattern of consumption fit in with previously observed episodes of cannibalism in Pan, whereas others, such as the mother's participation in consuming the body, are notable. The incident suggests that filial cannibalism among apes need not be the result of nutritional or social stress and does not support the idea that filial cannibalism is a behavioral aberration. Am. J. Primatol. 72:509–514, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Invariant natural killer T cells are natural regulators of murine spondylarthritis
Authors: Jacques Peggy , Venken Koen , Van Beneden Katrien , Hammad Hamida , Seeuws Sylvie , Drennan Michael B. , Deforce Dieter , Verbruggen Gust , Apostolaki Maria , Kollias George , Lambrecht Bart N. , De Vos Martine , Elewaut Dirk
Published: January 2010

Objective

To investigate the role of invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells in TNFΔARE/+ mice, an animal model of spondylarthritis (SpA) with both gut and joint inflammation.

Methods

The frequency and activation of iNKT cells were analyzed on mononuclear cells from the lymph nodes and livers of mice, using flow cytometry with α‐galactosylceramide/CD1d tetramers and quantitative polymerase chain reaction for the invariant Vα14–Jα18 rearrangement. Bone marrow–derived dendritic cells (DCs) were obtained by expansion of primary cells with granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor followed by coculture with iNKT cell hybridomas, and interleukin‐2 release into the cocultures was then measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Cytokine levels were determined by ELISA or cytometric bead array analyses of freshly isolated DCs and iNKT cells in mixed cocultures. TNFΔARE/+ mice were backcrossed onto Jα18−/− and CD1d−/− mice, and disease onset was evaluated by clinical scoring, positron emission tomography, and histology. CD1d levels were analyzed on mononuclear cells in paired blood and synovial fluid samples from patients with SpA compared with healthy control subjects.

Results

In the absence of iNKT cells, symptoms of gut and joint inflammation in TNFΔARE/+mice were aggravated. Invariant NKT cells were activated during the course of the disease. This was linked to an enrichment of inflammatory DCs, characterized by high levels of CD1d, particularly at draining sites of inflammation. A similar increase in CD1d levels was observed on DCs from patients with SpA. Inflammatory DCs from TNFΔARE/+ mice stimulated iNKT cells to produce immunomodulatory cytokines, in the absence of exogenous stimulation. Prolonged, continuous exposure, but not short‐term exposure, to tumor necrosis factor (TNF) was found to be responsible for the enhanced DC–NKT cell crosstalk.

Conclusion

This mode of iNKT cell activation represents a natural counterregulatory mechanism for the dampening of TNF‐driven inflammation.
High versus low dosing of oral colchicine for early acute gout flare: Twenty‐four–hour outcome of the first multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐group, dose‐comparison colchicine study
Authors: Terkeltaub Robert A. , Furst Daniel E. , Bennett Katherine , Kook Karin A. , Crockett R. S. , Davis Matthew W.
Published: January 2010

Objective

Despite widespread use of colchicine, the evidence basis for oral colchicine therapy and dosing in acute gout remains limited. The aim of this trial was to compare low‐dose colchicine (abbreviated at 1 hour) and high‐dose colchicine (prolonged over 6 hours) with placebo in gout flare, using regimens producing comparable maximum plasma concentrations in healthy volunteers.

Methods

This multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐group study compared self‐administered low‐dose colchicine (1.8 mg total over 1 hour) and high‐dose colchicine (4.8 mg total over 6 hours) with placebo. The primary end point was ≥50% pain reduction at 24 hours without rescue medication.

Results

There were 184 patients in the intent‐to‐treat analysis. Responders included 28 of 74 patients (37.8%) in the low‐dose group, 17 of 52 patients (32.7%) in the high‐dose group, and 9 of 58 patients (15.5%) in the placebo group (P = 0.005 and P = 0.034, respectively, versus placebo). Rescue medication was taken within the first 24 hours by 23 patients (31.1%) in the low‐dose group (P = 0.027 versus placebo), 18 patients (34.6%) in the high‐dose group (P = 0.103 versus placebo), and 29 patients (50.0%) in the placebo group. The low‐dose group had an adverse event (AE) profile similar to that of the placebo group, with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.5 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.7–3.2). High‐dose colchicine was associated with significantly more diarrhea, vomiting, and other AEs compared with low‐dose colchicine or placebo. With high‐dose colchicine, 40 patients (76.9%) had diarrhea (OR 21.3 [95% CI 7.9–56.9]), 10 (19.2%) had severe diarrhea, and 9 (17.3%) had vomiting. With low‐dose colchicine, 23.0% of the patients had diarrhea (OR 1.9 [95% CI 0.8–4.8]), none had severe diarrhea, and none had vomiting.

Conclusion

Low‐dose colchicine yielded both maximum plasma concentration and early gout flare efficacy comparable with that of high‐dose colchicine, with a safety profile indistinguishable from that of placebo.
Estradiol inhibits chondrogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells via nonclassic signaling
Authors: Jenei‐Lanzl Zsuzsa , Straub Rainer H. , Dienstknecht Thomas , Huber Marion , Hager Markus , Grässel Susanne , Kujat Richard , Angele Martin K. , Nerlich Michael , Angele Peter
Published: January 2010

Objective

We undertook this study to examine the effects of estradiol on chondrogenesis of human bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), with consideration of sex‐dependent differences in cartilage repair.

Methods

Bone marrow was obtained from the iliac crest of young men. Density‐gradient centrifugation–separated human MSCs proliferated as a monolayer in serum‐containing medium. After confluence was achieved, aggregates were created and cultured in a serum‐free differentiation medium. We added different concentrations of 17β‐estradiol (E2) with or without the specific estrogen receptor inhibitor ICI 182.780, membrane‐impermeable E2–bovine serum albumin (E2‐BSA), ICI 182.780 alone, G‐1 (an agonist of G protein–coupled receptor 30 [GPR‐30]), and G15 (a GPR‐30 antagonist). After 21 days, the aggregates were analyzed histologically and immunohistochemically; we quantified synthesized type II collagen, DNA content, sulfated glycosaminoglycan (sGAG) concentrations, and type X collagen and matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP‐13) expression.

Results

The existence of intracellular and membrane‐associated E2 receptors was shown at various stages of chondrogenesis. Smaller aggregates and significantly lower type II collagen and sGAG content were detected after treatment with E2 and E2‐BSA in a dose‐dependent manner. Furthermore, E2 enhanced type X collagen and MMP‐13 expression. Compared with estradiol alone, the coincubation of ICI 182.780 with estradiol enhanced suppression of chondrogenesis. Treatment with specific GPR‐30 agonists alone (G‐1 and ICI 182.780) resulted in a considerable inhibition of chondrogenesis. In addition, we found an enhancement of hypertrophy by G‐1. Furthermore, the specific GPR‐30 antagonist G15 reversed the GPR‐30–mediated inhibition of chondrogenesis and up‐regulation of hypertrophic gene expression.

Conclusion

The experiments revealed a suppression of chondrogenesis by estradiol via membrane receptors (GPR‐30). The study opens new perspectives for influencing chondrogenesis on the basis of classic and nonclassic estradiol signaling.
Endogenous estrogen regulation of inflammatory arthritis and cytokine expression in male mice, predominantly via estrogen receptor α
Authors: Yang Y. H. , Ngo D. , Jones M. , Simpson E. , Fritzemeier K. H. , Morand E. F.
Published: January 2010

Objective

A number of experimental observations have associated elevated estrogen levels with amelioration of inflammation. The involvement of estrogen and estrogen receptor (ER) isotypes in the regulation of inflammation in males is not well understood. In this study, we used specific ERα and ERβ agonists in male mice deficient in estrogen because of a deletion of aromatase (aromatase‐knockout [ArKO] mice) to investigate ER isotype utilization in estrogen regulation of inflammation.

Methods

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced cytokine expression and antigen‐induced arthritis (AIA) were investigated in male ArKO and WT littermate mice, as well as in response to selective agonists of ERα (16α‐LE2) and ERβ (8β‐VE2). The therapeutic effect of selective ER agonists was also examined in mice with collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA).

Results

Estrogen deficiency in ArKO mice was associated with significant increases in LPS‐induced serum interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), tumor necrosis factor, monocyte chemotactic protein 1, and interferon‐γ levels, which were significantly abrogated by administration of 16α‐LE2, but not 8β‐VE2. In contrast, both 16α‐LE2 and 8β‐VE2 significantly increased LPS‐induced IL‐10 levels. Estrogen deficiency was also associated with significant exacerbation of AIA and antigen‐specific T cell proliferation, which was reversed by administration of either 16α‐LE2 or 8β‐VE2. ArKO mice showed increased antigen‐specific T cell proliferation in response to immunization with type II collagen (CII). Administration of 16α‐LE2, but not 8β‐VE2, significantly reduced the severity of CIA, which was associated with inhibition of anti‐CII–specific IgG.

Conclusion

These data indicate that endogenous estrogen plays an essential inhibitory role in inflammation in male mice and that ERα is the dominant receptor that mediates these effects.
Cutaneous manifestations of neonatal lupus and risk of subsequent congenital heart block
Authors: Izmirly Peter M. , Llanos Carolina , Lee Lela A. , Askanase Anca , Kim Mimi Y. , Buyon Jill P.
Published: January 2010

Objective

Cutaneous disease associated with placental transport of maternal anti‐SSA/Ro or anti‐SSB/La antibodies is transient, and children often appear to be otherwise healthy. However, the impact of this manifestation of neonatal lupus (NL) on the risk of cardiac disease occurring in a future pregnancy is critical for family counseling and for powering preventive trials. The purpose of this study was to determine the recurrence rates of NL, with specific focus on cardiac NL following cutaneous NL in a child enrolled in the Research Registry for Neonatal Lupus (RRNL).

Methods

Fifty‐eight families who were enrolled in the RRNL met the following inclusion criteria for our study: maternal anti‐SSA/Ro or anti‐SSB/La antibodies, a child with cutaneous NL, and a pregnancy subsequent to the child with cutaneous NL.

Results

The majority of the 58 mothers (78%) were Caucasian. Of 77 pregnancies that occurred following the birth of a child with cutaneous NL, the overall recurrence rate for any manifestation of NL was 49% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 37–62%); 14 pregnancies (18.2%) were complicated by cardiac NL, 23 (29.9%) by cutaneous NL, and 1 (1.3%) by hematologic/hepatic NL. A subset analysis was restricted to the 39 children who were born after the initial child with cutaneous NL had been enrolled in the RRNL. The overall recurrence rate for NL was 36% (95% CI 20–52%); 5 pregnancies (12.8%) were complicated by cardiac NL and 9 (23.1%) by cutaneous NL. There were no significant differences in the following maternal risk factors for having a subsequent child with cardiac or cutaneous NL: age, race/ethnicity, anti‐SSB/La status, diagnosis, use of nonfluorinated steroids, or breastfeeding. The sex of the subsequent fetus did not influence the development of cardiac or cutaneous NL.

Conclusion

Based on data from this large cohort, the identification of cutaneous NL in an anti‐SSA/Ro antibody–exposed infant is particularly important, since it predicts a 6–10‐fold risk of a subsequent child developing cardiac NL.
Nucleotide‐binding oligomerization domain 2 and Toll‐like receptor 2 function independently in a murine model of arthritis triggered by intraarticular peptidoglycan
Authors: Rosenzweig Holly L. , Jann Monica J. , Vance Emily E. , Planck Stephen R. , Rosenbaum James T. , Davey Michael P.
Published: January 2010

Objective

Blau syndrome is an autoinflammatory disease resulting from mutations in the NOD2 gene, wherein granulomatous arthritis, uveitis, and dermatitis develop. The mechanisms by which aberrant NOD2 causes joint inflammation are poorly understood. Indeed, very few studies have addressed the function of nucleotide‐binding oligomerization domain 2 (NOD‐2) in the joint. This study was undertaken to investigate NOD‐2 function in an experimental model of arthritis and to explore the potential interplay between Toll‐like receptor 2 (TLR‐2) and NOD‐2 in joint inflammation.

Methods

Mice deficient in TLR‐2, myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), or NOD‐2 and their wild‐type controls were given an intraarticular injection of muramyl dipeptide (MDP), peptidoglycan (PG; a metabolite of which is MDP), or palmitoyl‐3‐cysteine‐serine‐lysine‐4 (Pam3CSK4), a synthetic TLR‐2 agonist. Joint inflammation was assessed by near‐infrared fluorescence imaging and histologic analysis.

Results

Locally administered PG resulted in joint inflammation, which was markedly reduced in mice deficient in either TLR‐2 or the TLR signaling mediator MyD88. In addition to TLR‐2 signaling events, NOD‐2 mediated joint inflammation, as evidenced by the fact that mice deficient in NOD‐2 showed significantly reduced PG‐induced arthritis. TLR‐2 or MyD88 deficiency did not influence arthritis induced by the specific NOD‐2 agonist MDP. In addition, NOD‐2 deficiency did not alter the TLR‐2–dependent joint inflammation elicited by the synthetic TLR‐2 agonist Pam3CSK4.

Conclusion

Whereas NOD‐2 and TLR‐2 are both critical for the development of PG‐induced arthritis, they appear to elicit inflammation independently of each other. Our findings indicate that NOD‐2 plays an inflammatory role in arthritis.
Interleukin‐23 promotes Th17 differentiation by inhibiting T‐bet and FoxP3 and is required for elevation of interleukin‐22, but not interleukin‐21, in autoimmune experimental arthritis
Authors: Mus Adriana M. C. , Cornelissen Ferry , Asmawidjaja Patrick S. , van Hamburg Jan Piet , Boon Louis , Hendriks Rudi W. , Lubberts Erik
Published: January 2010

Objective

To examine the role of interleukin‐23 (IL‐23) in subgroup polarization of IL‐17A–positive and/or interferon‐γ (IFNγ)–positive T cells in autoimmune disease–prone DBA/1 mice with and without collagen‐induced arthritis.

Methods

A magnetic‐activated cell sorting system was used to isolate CD4+ T cells from the spleen of naive and type II collagen (CII)–immunized DBA/1 mice. These CD4+ T cells were stimulated in vitro under Th0, Th1, or different Th17 culture conditions. Intracellular staining for IL‐17A and IFNγ was evaluated by flow cytometry. In addition, Th17 cytokines and T helper–specific transcription factors were analyzed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and/or quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Results

In CD4+ T cells from naive DBA/1 mice, IL‐23 alone hardly induced retinoic acid–related orphan receptor γt (RORγt), Th17 polarization, and Th17 cytokines, but it inhibited T‐bet expression. In contrast, transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1)/IL‐6 was a potent inducer of RORγt, RORα, IL‐17A, IL‐17F, IL‐21, and FoxP3 in these cells. In contrast to TGFβ1/IL‐6, IL‐23 was critical for the induction of IL‐22 in CD4+ T cells from both naive and CII‐immunized DBA/1 mice. Consistent with these findings, IL‐23 showed a more pronounced induction of the IL‐17A+IFNγ– subset in CD4+ T cells from CII‐immunized mice. However, in CD4+ T cells from naive mice, IL‐23 significantly increased the TGFβ1/IL‐6–induced Th17 polarization, including elevated levels of IL‐17A and IL‐17F and decreased expression of T‐bet and FoxP3. Of note, the IL‐23–induced increase in IL‐17A and IL‐17F levels was prevented in T‐bet–deficient mice.

Conclusion

IL‐23 promotes Th17 differentiation by inhibiting T‐bet and FoxP3 and is required for elevation of IL‐22, but not IL‐21, levels in autoimmune arthritis. These data indicate different mechanisms for IL‐23 and TGFβ1/IL‐6 at the transcription factor level during Th17 differentiation in autoimmune experimental arthritis.
Epidemiology of gout in women: Fifty‐two–year followup of a prospective cohort
Authors: Bhole Vidula , de Vera Mary , Rahman M. Mushfiqur , Krishnan Eswar , Choi Hyon
Published: January 2010

Objective

Despite the recent doubling of the incidence of gout among women and its substantial prevalence particularly in the aging female population, the risk factors for gout among women remain unknown. We undertook this study to evaluate purported risk factors for incident gout among women and to compare them with those among men.

Methods

Using prospective data from the Framingham Heart Study, we examined over a 52‐year period (1950–2002) the relationship between purported risk factors and the incidence of gout in 2,476 women and 1,951 men.

Results

We documented 304 incident cases of gout, 104 of them among women. The incidence rates of gout for women per 1,000 person‐years according to serum uric acid levels of <5.0, 5.0–5.9, 6.0–6.9, 7.0–7.9, and ≥8.0 mg/dl were 0.8, 2.5, 4.2, 13.1, and 27.3, respectively (P for trend < 0.0001). The magnitude of this association was lower than that among men (P for interaction = 0.0002). Multivariate relative risks conferred by increasing age (per 5 years), obesity (body mass index ≥30 kg/m2), alcohol intake (≥7 ounces of pure alcohol/week), hypertension, and diuretic use were 1.24, 2.74, 3.10, 1.82, and 2.39, respectively (all P < 0.05), for women.

Conclusion

These prospective data with long‐term followup provide evidence that higher levels of serum uric acid increase the risk of gout in a graded manner among women, but the rate of increase is lower than that among men. Increasing age, obesity, alcohol consumption, hypertension, and diuretic use were associated with the risk of incident gout among women.
Fluorescence Sensing of Phytate in Water Using an Isothiouronium‐attached Polythiophene
Authors: Minami Tsuyoshi , Kubo Yuji
Published: January 2010

A water‐soluble isothiouronium‐attached polythiophene (1poly) is prepared for the first time by the oxidative polymerization of 3‐(3‐(N‐(2‐methoxyethoxy)ethyl‐N‐methyl‐S‐isothiouronio)propoxy‐4‐methylthiophene (1) with FeCl3. The gel‐permeation chromatography analysis allows us to estimate the number average molecular weight (Mn) and the polydispersity index (PDI) to be 5.68×105 and 1.4, respectively. The polymers (excited at 438 nm) show an absorption band at 438 nm and fluorescence at 546 nm, with 1.2 % fluorescence quantum yield when fluorescein was used as a reference. The pH‐dependent absorption spectra at varying pH, indicates that aggregation starts at neutral conditions. At pH 5.5, 1poly exhibits a significant quenching in the fluorescence upon the addition of phytate (IP6), as a plausible analyte. This response is higher than that in the case of other anions such as adenosine 5‐triphosphate (ATP), pyrophosphate (PPi), cis,cis‐1,3,5‐cyclohexanetriol triphosphate (CTP3), and H2PO4−. As inferred from the SEM measurement, the phytate‐induced spectral change has been explained on the basis of the π‐stacked aggregation of the polymer.
Spectrofluorimetric determination of bilirubin in serum samples
Authors: Bian Weiwei , Zhang Na , Jiang Chongqiu
Published: January 2010

A new spectrofluorimetric method was developed for determination of trace amount of bilirubin. Using oxytetracycline–Eu3+ as a fluorescent probe, in the buffer solution of pH = 7.3, bilirubin can reduce remarkably the fluorescence intensity of the oxytetracycline–Eu3+ complex at λ = 612 nm and the reduced fluorescence intensity was in proportion to the concentration of bilirubin. Optimum conditions for the determination of bilirubin were also investigated. The linear range and limit of detection for the determination of bilirubin were 5.0 × 10−7, 3.0 × 10−5 and 7.7 × 10−8 mol L−1, respectively. This method is simple, practical and relatively free of interference from coexisting substances and can be successfully applied to assess bilirubin in serum samples and compared with the modified Jendrassik–Grof method in clinical analysis. The quenching mechanism of the fluorescence intensity in the system is also discussed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spectrofluorimetric determination of folic acid in tablets and urine samples using 1,10‐phenanthroline‐terbium probe
Authors: Manzoori Jamshid L. , Jouyban Abolghasem , Amjadi Mohammad , Soleymani Jafar
Published: January 2010

A new spectrofluorimetric method was reported for the determination of folic acid (FA), based on its quenching effect on the fluorescence intensity of Tb3+–1,10‐phenanthroline complex as a fluorescent probe. The quenched fluorescence intensity at an emission wavelength of 545 nm was proportional to the concentration of FA in Tris–HCl buffer solution of pH 6.2. The effects of pH, time, order of addition of reagents, temperature and concentrations of Tb3+, buffer and 1,10‐phenanthroline were investigated and optimized. The linear range for the determination of FA was 0.01–1.1 mg/L. The detection limit was 0.003 mg/L and the relative standard deviation for replicated determination of 1 mg/L of folic acid was 1.2%. This method was simple, practical and relatively free from interference effects. It was successfully applied to assess FA in pharmaceutical tablets and urine samples. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fluorescence probe enhanced spectrofluorimetric method for the determination of sparfloxacin in tablets and biological fluids
Authors: El‐Didamony Akram M.
Published: January 2010

Yttrium‐sensitized fluorescence was used to develop a sensitive and simple spectrofluorimetric method for the determination of sparfloxacin. The method is based on the strong fluorescence of sparfloxacin after adding the fluorescence probe yttrium in buffer solution (pH = 8), and various factors influencing fluorescence were investigated. Under optimum conditions, the enhanced fluorescence intensity of the system showed a good linear relationship with the concentration of sparfloxacin over the range 8 × 10−7 to 1.4 × 10−5 mol L−1 with a correlation coefficient of 0.9997. The detection limit (S/N = 3) was determined as 9.01 × 10−8 mol L−1. The mechanism of the sensitizing effect of probe was discussed. This method has been successfully applied for the determination of sparfloxacin in pharmaceuticals, human urine and serum samples; the result obtained was satisfactory. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pulsatile perfusion preservation of warm ischaemia-damaged experimental kidney grafts
Authors: Schreinemachers M C J M , Doorschodt B M , Florquin S , van den Bergh Weerman M A , Zernecke A , Idu M M , Tolba R H , van Gulik T M
Published: January 2010

Background

Cold storage using histidine–tryptophan–ketoglutarate (HTK) solution is used widely in clinical practice for the preservation of warm ischaemia-damaged kidney grafts. This study assessed the efficacy of pulsatile machine perfusion in combination with Polysol® for the preservation of warm ischaemia-damaged kidney grafts.

Methods

After induction of warm ischaemia by clamping of the left renal pedicle for 30 min, pigs were subjected to left nephrectomy. Thereafter, grafts were preserved for 20 h by cold storage with HTK (CS-HTK) or Polysol® (CS-PS), or machine preservation with Polysol® (MP-PS). Subsequently, contralateral kidneys were removed and preserved kidneys were transplanted. Control pigs underwent unilateral nephrectomy. Renal function was assessed daily for 1 week. Kidney biopsies were analysed for morphology and proliferative response.

Results

Renal function of warm ischaemia-damaged grafts preserved using MP-PS was comparable to that of non-ischaemic controls. MP-PS and CS-PS groups showed improved renal function compared with the CS-HTK group, with more favourable results for MP-PS than for CS-PS. The proliferative response of tubular cells in the CS-HTK group was higher than in all other groups.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that the function of warm ischaemia-damaged kidney grafts after pulsatile perfusion preservation was comparable to that of non-ischaemic controls.
Stereotactic body radiation therapy for colorectal liver metastases
Authors: van der Pool A E M , Méndez Romero A , Wunderink W , Heijmen B J , Levendag P C , Verhoef C , IJzermans J N M
Published: January 2010

Background

Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is a treatment option for colorectal liver metastases. Local control, patient survival and toxicity were assessed in an experience of SBRT for colorectal liver metastases.

Methods

SBRT was delivered with curative intent to 20 consecutively treated patients with colorectal hepatic metastases who were candidates for neither resection nor radiofrequency ablation (RFA). The median number of metastases was 1 (range 1–3) and median size was 2·3 (range 0·7–6·2) cm. Toxicity was scored according to the Common Toxicity Criteria version 3.0. Local control rates were derived on tumour-based analysis.

Results

Median follow-up was 26 (range 6–57) months. Local failure was observed in nine of 31 lesions after a median interval of 22 (range 12–52) months. Actuarial 2-year local control and survival rates were 74 and 83 per cent respectively. Hepatic toxicity grade 2 or less was reported in 18 patients. Two patients had an episode of hepatic toxicity grade 3.

Conclusion

SBRT is a treatment option for patients with colorectal liver metastases who are not candidates for resection or RFA.
Gender‐based issues in interventional cardiology: A consensus statement from the Women in Innovations (WIN) Initiative
Authors: Chieffo Alaide , Hoye Angela , Mauri Fina , Mikhail Ghada W. , Ammerer Michelle , Grines Cindy , Grinfeld Liliana , Madan Mina , Presbitero Patrizia , Skelding Kimberly A. , Weiner Bonnie H. , Mehran Roxana
Published: January 2010

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality in women, yet studies have suggested that it is often under‐recognized. Of particular concern is the apparent suboptimal treatment of women in comparison to men, with less revascularization and use of evidence‐based medications. The Women in Innovations group of cardiologists aims to highlight these issues and change perceptions to optimize the treatment of female patients with CVD, to support future research, and to encourage and guide the training of female interventional cardiologists.© 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Material and Energy Flow‐Based Cost Accounting
Authors: Möller A.
Published: January 2010

The classical approaches to cost accounting are governed by metamodels which specify the application domain of cost accounting as an instrument supporting rational decision making and controlling: Rational decision making requires relevant information about positive outcomes and related negative consequences. Even if this context will be presented in the beginning of this contribution, this article focuses on an engineering‐oriented approach to cost accounting: cost accounting as an economic evaluation of detailed engineering of technical conversions, production units, and supply chains. In such a perspective, questions regarding information demand, required modeling concepts, and integration with other instruments have to be defined and answered in another way than in conventional cost accounting.