bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serum and liver iron concentration in dogs with experimentally induced hepatopathy
Authors: SOUBASIS NEKTARIOS , RALLIS TIMOLEON S , VLEMMAS JOHN , ADAMAMA‐MORAITOU KATERINA K , ROUBIES NIKOLAOS , PRASSINOS NIKITAS N , BRELLOU GEORGIA
Published: December 2005

Background and Aim:  Iron (Fe) status is altered in human and experimental animal hepatopathies. In dogs limited data are available. The aim of this study was to investigate serum iron (SI), total iron binding capacity (TIBC), percentage transferrin saturation (SAT) and Fe status in the liver of dogs with experimentally induced hepatopathy.

Methods:  Fourteen 1‐year‐old dogs were divided into two equal groups. In order for hepatopathy to be induced, 0.25 mL/kg body weight of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) solution was administered once daily, orally, for a 10‐week period in group B dogs, while group A dogs were used as controls. SI, TIBC and SAT values were measured 3 times before the beginning (baseline value) and 10 times at weekly intervals during the experiment. Liver samples, obtained before the administration of CCl4 and at the end of the experimental period (10 weeks), were subjected to Fe determination, as well as to histopathological and histochemical analysis.

Results:  At the end of the experiment SI, TIBC and liver iron concentration, as well as liver total iron score were significantly increased in group B dogs. Distribution of granular hemosiderin iron in hepatocytes, Kupffer cells, and portal triads was noticed. Positive correlations were found between SI and liver Fe concentration, as well as histochemically determined Fe. Moreover, positive correlations were evident between liver fibrosis and serum, as well as liver Fe values.

Conclusions:  Experimentally induced chronic hepatopathy in dogs causes Fe status disturbances. Increased serum and liver iron concentration produces liver histopathological deterioration and it may be worth attention during laboratory evaluation in canine hepatopathy.
Photorhabdus luminescens toxin‐induced permeability change in Manduca sexta and Tenebrio molitor midgut brush border membrane and in unilamellar phospholipid vesicle
Authors: Liu Wei , Ye Wanhui , Wang Zhangming , Wang Xiaorong , Tian Shiyao , Cao Honglin , Lian Jiyu
Published: December 2005

Photorhabdus luminescens, a Gram‐negative bacterium, secretes a protein toxin (PL toxin) that is toxic to insects. In this study, the effects of the PL toxin on large receptor‐free unilamellar phospholipid vesicles (LUVs) of Manduca sexta and on brush border membrane vesicles (BBMVs) of M. sexta and Tenebrio molitor were examined. Cry1Ac served as a positive control in our experiments due to its known channel‐forming activity on M. sexta. Voltage clamping assays with dissected midguts of M. sexta and T. molitor clearly showed that both Cry1Ac and PL toxin caused channel formation in the midguts, although channel formation was not detected for T. molitor midguts under Cry1Ac and it was less sensitive to PL toxin than to Cry1Ac for M. sexta midguts. Calcein release experiments showed that both toxins made LUVs (unilamellar lipid vesicles) permeable, and at some concentrations of the toxins such permeabilizing effects were pH‐dependent. The lowest concentrations of PL toxin were more than 600‐fold and 24‐fold lower to induce BBMV permeability of T. molitor and M. sexta than those to induce calcein release from LUVs of M. sexta. These further support that PL toxin is responsible for channel formation in the larvae midguts. The lower concentration to induce permeability in BBMV than in LUV is, probably, attributable to that BBMV has PL toxin receptors that facilitate the toxin to induce permeabilization. Furthermore, our results indicate that the effects of PL toxin on BBMV permeability of M. sexta were not significantly influenced by Gal Nac, but those of Cry1Ac were. This implies that PL toxin and Cry1Ac might use different molecular binding sites in BBMV to cause channel formation.
Numbers and locations of native bacteria on field‐grown wheat roots quantified by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)
Authors: Watt Michelle , Hugenholtz Philip , White Rosemary , Vinall Kerry
Published: December 2005

Native bacteria, Pseudomonas and filamentous bacteria were quantified and localized on wheat roots grown in the field using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Seminal roots were sampled through the season from unploughed soil in a conservation farming system. Such soils are spatially heterogeneous, and many roots grow slowly through hard soil with cracks and pores containing dead roots remnant from previous crops. Root and rhizosphere morphology, and contact with soil particles were preserved, and autofluorescence was avoided by observing sections in the far‐red with Cy5 and Cy5.5 fluorochromes. Spatial analyses showed that bacteria were embedded in a stable matrix (biofilm) within 11 µm of the root surface (range 2–30 µm) and were clustered on 40% of roots. Half the clusters colocated with axial grooves between epidermal cells, soil particles, cap cells or root hairs; the other half were not associated with visible features. Across all wheat roots, although variable, bacteria averaged 15.4 × 105 cells per mm3 rhizosphere, and of these, Pseudomonas and filaments comprised 10% and 4%, respectively, with minor effects of sample time, and no effect of plant age. Root caps were most heavily colonized by bacteria along roots, and elongation zones least heavily colonized. Pseudomonas varied little with root development and were 17% of bacteria on the elongation zone. Filamentous bacteria were not found on the elongation zone. The most significant factor to rhizosphere populations along a wheat root, however, was contact with dead root remnants, where Pseudomonas were reduced but filaments increased to 57% of bacteria (P < 0.001). This corresponded with analyses of root remnants showing they were heavily colonized by bacteria, with 48% filaments (P < 0.001) and 1.4%Pseudomonas (P = 0.014). Efforts to manage rhizosphere bacteria for sustainable agricultural systems should continue to focus on root cap and mucilage chemistry, and remnant roots as sources of beneficial bacteria.
Changes in equine hindgut bacterial populations during oligofructose‐induced laminitis
Authors: Milinovich G. J. , Trott D. J. , Burrell P. C. , Van Eps A. W. , Thoefner M. B. , Blackall L. L. , Al Jassim R. A. M. , Morton J. M. , Pollitt C. C.
Published: December 2005

In the horse, carbohydrate overload is thought to play an integral role in the onset of laminitis by drastically altering the profile of bacterial populations in the hindgut. The objectives of this study were to develop and validate microbial ecology methods to monitor changes in bacterial populations throughout the course of experimentally induced laminitis and to identify the predominant oligofructose‐utilizing organisms. Laminitis was induced in five horses by administration of oligofructose. Faecal specimens were collected at 8 h intervals from 72 h before to 72 h after the administration of oligofructose. Hindgut microbiota able to utilize oligofructose were enumerated throughout the course of the experiment using habitat‐simulating medium. Isolates were collected and representatives identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The majority of these isolates collected belonged to the genusStreptococcus, 91% of which were identified as being most closely related toStreptococcus infantariusssp.coli. Furthermore,S. infantariusssp.coliwas the predominant oligofructose‐utilizing organism isolated before the onset of lameness. Fluorescencein situhybridization probes developed to specifically target the isolatedStreptococcusspp. demonstrated marked population increases between 8 and 16 h post oligofructose administration. This was followed by a rapid population decline which corresponded with a sharp decline in faecal pH and subsequently lameness at 24–32 h post oligofructose administration. This research suggests that streptococci within theStreptococcus bovis/equinuscomplex may be involved in the series of events which precede the onset of laminitis in the horse.
Glycaemic control without weight gain in insulin requiring type 2 diabetes: 1‐year results of the GAME regimen
Authors: De Boer H. , Keizers R. , Jansen M. , Verschoor L. , Ruineman‐Koerts J.
Published: December 2005

Introduction:  Weight gain appears to be unavoidable in patients with type 2 diabetes who are switched from oral agents to insulin therapy. Peripheral hyperinsulinism induced by the use of long‐acting insulin may be the key to explain this adverse effect.

Aim:  The aim of this study was to investigate whether a regimen free of long‐acting insulin can provide long‐term glycaemic control without causing weight gain.

Patients and methods:  This is an uncontrolled, 1‐year study comprising 58 patients with type 2 diabetes and secondary failure, age 30–75 years, BMI 25–35 kg/m2, HbA1c > 7.5% and fasting C‐peptide level > 0.3 mmol/l. All patients were treated with the GAME regimen, a combination of glimepiride administered at 20:00 hours for nocturnal glycaemic control, insulin aspart three times daily for meal‐related glucose control and metformin.

Results:  Seventy‐one per cent of the patients were considered evaluable. HbA1c decreased from 10.0 ± 0.3 to 7.4 ± 0.1% (p < 0.001). Fifty‐nine per cent reached HbA1c levels ≤ 7.5%. Symptomatic nocturnal hypoglycaemia was not reported. Body weight tended to decrease during the first 3 months (−1.0 ± 0.5 kg, p = 0.06), but then gradually rose to a value 0.8 ± 0.5 kg higher than at baseline (p = 0.12). This is 4.4 ± 0.6 kg less than predicted for conventional regimens employing long‐acting insulin (p < 0.001).

Conclusion:  The GAME regimen provides long‐term glycaemic control as well as stabilization of body weight in about 60% of type 2 patients presenting with secondary failure.
The visceral and subcutaneous fat changes in type 1 diabetes: a pilot study
Authors: Jacob A. N. , Adams‐Huet B. , Raskin P.
Published: December 2005

Objective:  To evaluate the effects of improved glycaemic control on the abdominal visceral and subcutaneous fat in type 1 diabetes.

Research Design and Methods:  Sixteen subjects were enrolled for this 6‐month study. The goal was to achieve normal haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c <5.6% in our laboratory). T1‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging was used to measure the abdominal subcutaneous and visceral fat areas at the L2–L3 disk level. Activity and energy intake were assessed using a weekly recall and food diary respectively. Plasma leptin, ghrelin and adiponectin levels were measured at baseline and at 6 months.

Results:  Twelve subjects completed the study. HbA1c was 10.4 ± 2.2% at baseline, and abdominal visceral to subcutaneous fat ratio was 0.29 ± 0.15. HbA1c dropped to 8.0 ± 1.4% at 6 months (p = 0.009). There was a +1.85 kg weight change in 6 months (p = 0.30), whereas the visceral to subcutaneous fat ratios changed to 0.36 ± 0.18 (p = 0.22). Daily metabolic equivalents (METs) of activity at 6 months correlated with a decrease in the visceral to subcutaneous fat ratios (r = −0.80, p = 0.01). Ghrelin level changes correlated negatively with the changes in the visceral to subcutaneous fat ratio (p < 0.01).

Conclusions:  The visceral to subcutaneous fat changes had a negative correlation with the physical activity METs at 6 months but not with HbA1c changes in this study. The correlation between the changes in ghrelin and the visceral to subcutaneous fat ratios is intriguing, but a larger study may be needed to confirm this finding.
Post-Marketing Experience with an Opioid Nasal Spray for Migraine: Lessons for the Future
Authors: Loder E
Published: December 2005

In 1992 a nasal spray formulation of butorphanol, an opioid medication intended for pain relief, was marketed in the USA on an unscheduled basis. Only a few years later, amid widespread reports of abuse and dependence, primarily in migraine patients, its manufacturer voluntarily requested the Food and Drug Administration to reschedule the drug as a Schedule IV narcotic. The events surrounding this episode are reviewed, and four problem areas that might have contributed are identified: (i) inadequate review of previous experience with other formulations of butorphanol; (ii) failure to consider the impact of disease state and drug formulation on the risk of adverse events; (iii) the limited scope of clinical trials prior to approval; and (iv) aggressive marketing efforts. The implications of these lessons for future drug development and post-marketing surveillance in the migraine field are considered.
Is Vasospasm Requisite for Posterior Leukoencephalopathy in Patients with Primary Thunderclap Headaches?
Authors: Chen S-P , Fuh J-L , Lirng J-F , Wang S-J
Published: December 2005

Primary thunderclap headache (TCH) is sometimes associated with cerebral vasospasm. However, the role of vasospasm in relation to the development of reversible or irreversible posterior leukoencephalopathy among patients with primary TCH has never been fully addressed. This paper includes a report on a 51-year-old woman with primary TCH complicated with posterior leukoencephalopathy and a literature review of 16 further patients with the same illness. Their magnetic resonance or conventional angiographic findings were clearly described. Our review found that all these 17 patients showed evidence of cerebral vasospasm. Eleven (65%) of them developed permanent ischaemic infarctions, almost exclusively located at the watershed zones. We suggest that the presence of vasospasm might be requisite for posterior leukoencephalopathy as well as for permanent infarctions in these patients. Therefore, searching for any clue of vasospasm is mandatory in treatment of patients with primary TCH. Absence of an accompanying vasospasm might predict a good outcome.
Prevalence of Unexplained Upper Abdominal Symptoms in Patients with Migraine
Authors: Kurth T , Holtmann G , Neufang-Hüber J , Gerken G , Diener H-C
Published: December 2005

Patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders frequently report migraine. We aimed to determine the prevalence of idiopathic upper abdominal symptoms in patients with migraine and compare it with a control population of healthy blood donors. We assessed abdominal symptoms using the Bowel Disease Questionnaire in a series of 488 consecutive blood donors without migraine and 99 patients with migraine. Upper abdominal symptoms were reported by 38% [95% confidence interval (CI) 32, 44] of blood donors compared with 81% (67, 91, P < 0.001) of migraine patients. Of the blood donors, 23% (18, 28) reported frequent dyspepsia compared with 60% (44, 74, P < 0.001) of the migraine patients. Migraine was associated with frequent upper abdominal symptoms (odds ratio 2.7, 95% CI 1.2, 6.1) after adjusting for age, gender, smoking and consumption of analgesics and alcohol. Upper abdominal symptoms are significantly more frequent in patients with migraine compared with healthy controls. The association between migraine and idiopathic upper abdominal symptoms may suggest common pathophysio-logical mechanisms.
Clinical Features and Pharmacological Treatment of Migraine Patients Referred to Headache Specialists in Canada
Authors: Jelinski SE , Becker WJ , Christie SN , Giammarco R , Mackie GF , Gawel MJ , Eloff AG , Magnusson JE
Published: December 2005

We set out to examine selected clinical characteristics of migraine patients referred to neurologists specializing in headache in Canada, and to document their pharmacological therapy both before and after consultation with the neurologist. Demographic, clinical and pharmacotherapy data were collected at the time of consultation for 606 patients referred to five headache clinics and who were given a migraine diagnosis by the neurologist. Data were analysed as part of the Canadian Headache Outpatient Registry and Database (CHORD) Project. The mean age of the migraine patients was 39.7 years; and 82.5% were female. The majority of patients suffered severe impact from their headaches. Prior to consultation, 48.7% were taking a triptan; after consultation, 97.2% were on a triptan. Before consultation, 30.9% were on a prophylactic drug; after consultation, 70.4% were. 20.8% of patients were medication overusers. Of these medication overusers, 42.4% were overusing an opiate, usually in combination with other analgesics; 21.6% were overusing a triptan. Medication changes made by the neurologists at consultation included a large increase in the use of both triptans and prophylactic medications. Medication overuse, particularly opiate overuse, remains a significant problem in patients with migraine in Canada.
Efficacy, Speed of Action and Tolerability of Almotriptan in the Acute Treatment of Migraine
Authors: Dahlöf CG , Pascual J , Dodick DW , Dowson AJ
Published: December 2005

A meta-analysis of pooled individual patient data from four randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trials comparing several doses of almotriptan ( n = 1908) with placebo ( n = 386) was used to investigate the efficacy, speed of onset and tolerability of almotriptan in the acute treatment of migraine. As early as 30 min after dosing, almotriptan 12.5 mg was significantly more effective than placebo for pain relief (14.9% vs. 8.2%; P < 0.05) and pain free (2.5% vs. 0.7%; P < 0.05). At 2 h, pain-relief rates were 56.0%, 63.7% and 66.0% for almotriptan 6.25, 12.5 and 25 mg, respectively, compared with 35% for placebo; 2-h pain-free rates were 26.7%, 36.4% and 43.4% compared with 13.9% for placebo. All almotriptan dosages were significantly more effective than placebo in eliminating migraine-associated symptoms ( P < 0.05) and in achieving sustained pain relief up to 24 h ( P < 0.05). The incidence of adverse events after almotriptan 6.25 mg and 12.5 mg was not significantly different from that of placebo. This meta- analysis confirms the findings of individual clinical trials, while demonstrating for the first time, significant pain-free efficacy at 30 min compared with placebo.
Experimental Migraine Models and Their Relevance in Migraine Therapy
Authors: Arulmani U , Gupta S , VanDenBrink A Maassen , Centurión D , Villalón CM , Saxena PR
Published: December 2005

Although the understanding of migraine pathophysiology is incomplete, it is now well accepted that this neurovascular syndrome is mainly due to a cranial vasodilation with activation of the trigeminal system. Several experimental migraine models, based on vascular and neuronal involvement, have been developed. Obviously, the migraine models do not entail all facets of this clinically heterogeneous disorder, but their contribution at several levels (molecular, in vitro, in vivo) has been crucial in the development of novel antimigraine drugs and in the understanding of migraine pathophysiology. One important vascular in vivo model, based on an assumption that migraine headache involves cranial vasodilation, determines porcine arteriovenous anastomotic blood flow. Other models utilize electrical stimulation of the trigeminal ganglion/nerve to study neurogenic dural inflammation, while the superior sagittal sinus stimulation model takes into account the transmission of trigeminal nociceptive input in the brainstem. More recently, the introduction of integrated models, namely electrical stimulation of the trigeminal ganglion or systemic administration of capsaicin, allows studying the activation of the trigeminal system and its effect on the cranial vasculature. Studies using in vitro models have contributed enormously during the preclinical stage to characterizing the receptors in cranial blood vessels and to studying the effects of several putative antimigraine agents. The aforementioned migraine models have advantages as well as some limitations. The present review is devoted to discussing various migraine models and their relevance to antimigraine therapy.
Improvement in Quality of Life and Activity Limitations in Migraine Patients after Prophylaxis. A Prospective Longitudinal Multicentre Study
Authors: D'Amico D , Solari A , Usai S , Santoro P , Bernardoni P , Frediani F , De Marco R , Massetto N , Bussone G ,   for the Progetto Cefalee Lombardia Group
Published: December 2005

Improved health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and reduced activity limitations are prime objectives of migraine therapy, but no data on the effect of preventive treatments on these outcomes are available. We monitored changes in HRQOL using the Short Form 36 (SF-36) and headache-related activity limitations using the Migraine Disability Assessment Score (MIDAS) in 141 consecutive migraine without aura patients on prophylaxis. A total of 102 patients completed the 3-month study. Mean (SD) number of headache days/month dropped from 8.0 (3.7) to 5.0 (2.3) ( P <0.001). Mean monthly consumption of acute drugs reduced from 7.4 (3.5) to 4.4 (3.1) ( P <0.001). MIDAS total score reduced (improved) significantly. All SF-36 scale scores increased (improved), most significantly. This first study to assess prospectively the impact of prophylaxis on HRQOL and daily activities in a large series indicates that migraine prophylaxis has the potential to reduce the global burden of migraine on individuals and society.
Leaf water content and palisade cell size
Authors: Canny M. J. , Huang C. X.
Published: December 2005

The palisade cell sizes in leaves of Eucalyptus pauciflora were estimated in paradermal sections of cryo‐fixed leaves imaged in the cryo‐scanning electron microscope, as a quantity called the cell area fraction (CAF).

Cell sizes were measured in detached leaves as a function of leaf water content, in intact leaves in the field during a day"s transpiration as a function of balance pressure of adjacent leaves, and on leaf disks equilibrated with air of relative humidities from 100 to 58%.

Values of CAF ranged from 0.82 at saturation to approx. 0.3 in leaves dried to a relative water content (RWC) of 0.5, and in the field to approx. 0.58 at 15 bar (1.5 MPa) balance pressure. At a CAF of 0.58, the moisture content of the cell walls is in equilibrium with air at 90% relative humidity, which is the estimated relative humidity in the intercellular spaces.

It is shown that at this moisture content, the cell walls could be exerting a pressure of approx. 50 bar on the cell contents.
Microbial activity in biogeochemical gradients – new aspects of research
Authors: KAPPLER A. , EMERSON D. , EDWARDS K. , AMEND J. P. , GRALNICK J. A. , GRATHWOHL P. , HOEHLER T. , STRAUB K. L.
Published: December 2005

In April 2004, the German Research Foundation (DFG) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) co‐organized a meeting for US and German junior geoscientists in Washington DC. As an outcome of this Research Conference titled ‘Earth, Fire, Water, Air and Life’, a follow‐up workshop took place in May 2005 at the Eberhard‐Karls University of Tuebingen in Germany. This workshop covered new aspects of research to improve the understanding of steep biogeochemical gradients covering pH changes, redox zones, as well as solute and particulate concentration variations in aqueous systems. Detailed understanding of biogeochemistry in this context delivers new fundamental aspects in interdisciplinary research. Such work is also urgently needed to control ever‐increasing scarcity of water that is to large parts driven by decreasing water quality. Research ideas on gradients in a biogeochemical context that were discussed by a subgroup of biogeochemists during that workshop are summarized and presented here.
Anti‐inflammatory effect of licofelone against various inflammatory challenges
Authors: Singh Vijay Pal , Patil Chandrashekhar S. , Kulkarni Shrinivas K.
Published: December 2005

We investigated the pharmacological profile of licofelone [6‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐2,3‐dihydro‐2,2‐dimethyl‐7‐phenyl‐1H‐pyrrolizine‐5‐acetic acid] against different inflammogens. The anti‐inflammatory and anti‐hyperalgesic effect of licofelone (2, 30 and 100 mg/kg, p.o.) against all the challenges was statistically significant (P < 0.05) when compared with control and indomethacin (10 mg/kg, p.o.). The ED50 value of 19.1 mg/kg (onset by 2 h, duration: short), 13.0 mg/kg and 16.8 mg/kg (onset by 1 h, duration: long) was observed for licofelone against carrageenan‐, arachidonic acid‐ and bradykinin‐induced paw oedema, respectively. Similarly, licofelone showed ED50 value of 47.6 mg/kg (onset by 1 h, duration: long), 92.2 mg/kg (onset by 1 h, duration: medium), and 78.6 mg/kg (onset by 2 h, duration: medium) against carrageenan‐, arachidonic acid‐ and bradykinin‐induced mechanical hyperalgesia, respectively. The rank order of potency based on percent inhibition and percent reversal against inflammation and mechanical hyperalgesia, respectively, was found to be licofelone > indomethacin. Moreover, licofelone (10–100 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly (P < 0.05) and dose‐dependently prevented the Freund's adjuvant‐induced increased vascularity in mice (vascularity index; 10 mg/kg: 0.059 ± 0.015; 20 mg/kg: 0.048 ± 0.004; 30 mg/kg: 0.039 ± 0.012; 100 mg/kg: 0.025 ± 0.015 vs. control: 0.0285 ± 0.003). Furthermore, the results suggested that dual inhibitors of cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase like licofelone provide an effective control of inflammation and hyperalgesia against acute inflammation/hyperalgesia in rats and mice.
Hypervitaminosis A‐induced liver fibrosis: stellate cell activation and daily dose consumption
Authors: Nollevaux M.‐C. , Guiot Y. , Horsmans Y. , Leclercq I. , Rahier J. , Geubel A.P. , Sempoux C.
Published: December 2005

Abstract: Hypervitaminosis A‐related liver toxicity may be severe and may even lead to cirrhosis. In the normal liver, vitamin A is stored in hepatic stellate cells (HSC), which are prone to becoming activated and acquiring a myofibroblast‐like phenotype, producing large amounts of extracellular matrix.

Aims: In order to assess the relationship between vitamin A intake, HSC activation and fibrosis, we studied nine liver biopsies from patients belonging to a well‐characterized series of 41 patients with vitamin A hepatotoxicity.

Methods: Fibrosis was underlined by Sirius‐red staining, whereas activated HSC were immunohistochemically identified using an antibody against α smooth muscle actin. The volume density (Vv) of sinusoidal and total fibrosis and of sinusoidal and total activated HSC was quantified by the point‐counting method.

Results: Morphology ranged from HSC hypertrophy and hyperplasia as the sole features to severe architectural distortion. There was a significant positive correlation between Vv of perisinusoidal fibrosis and the daily consumption of vitamin A (P=0.004).

Conclusion: The close correlation between the severity of perisinusoidal fibrosis and the daily dose of the retinol intake suggests the existence of a dose–effect relationship.
Transthyretin RNA profiling in livers from transplanted patients affected by familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy, and identification of a dual transcription start point
Authors: Rimessi Paola , Spitali Pietro , Ando Yukio , Mazzaferro Vincenzo , Pastorelli Francesca , Tassinari Carlo Alberto , Calzolari Elisa , Salvi Fabrizio , Ferlini Alessandra
Published: December 2005

Abstract: Mutations in the transthyretin (TTR) gene cause familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy (FAP), an autosomal dominant peripheral neuropathy, often associated with cardiomyopathy. Liver transplant currently represents a powerful therapeutic approach for FAP patients, although its efficacy is heavily dependent both on the disease severity and on the cardiac functionality.

We have investigated the TTR gene expression searching for tissue‐specific additional messengers in human adult and foetal tissues as well as in eight livers from FAP transplanted patients carrying different TTR mutations (Met30, Pro36, Ala47, Arg50, and Gln89). We identified a novel transcript, recognising a different transcription start site. The additional 5′‐UTR sequence of this novel transcript contains regulatory boxes possibly highlighting an additional transcription start point. RNA analysis revealed that this region is represented in all foetal/adult tissues analysed. We discussed the implications of this finding which might provide perspectives for better understanding the TTR gene expression.
Effect of temperature on circadian rhythm controlling the crepuscular activity of the burying beetle Nicrophorus quadripunctatus Kraatz (Coleoptera: Silphidae)
Authors: NISIMURA Tomoyosi , NUMATA Hideharu , YOSHIOKA Eiji
Published: December 2005

Locomotor activity rhythm was examined at various temperatures under a 16 h light : 8 h dark photoperiod (LD 16:8) or LD 12:12 using adults of the burying beetle Nicrophorus quadripunctatus. At 20°C, the locomotor activity of the beetles showed a bimodal daily pattern with two peaks around lights on and lights off under both photoperiods. This bimodal activity rhythm persisted under constant darkness; therefore, the activity of adult N. quadripunctatus is controlled by a circadian clock. Adults showed a bimodal activity pattern for temperatures ranging from 15 to 25°C. The evening peak of the daily activity was earlier at lower temperatures. These findings suggest that in the field, N. quadripunctatus shows crepuscular activity, and is active earlier in the afternoon in cooler seasons. In this species, therefore, temperature appears to play an important role in the determination of daily activity patterns.
Revision of the genus Thambemyia Oldroyd (Diptera: Dolichopodidae) with description of a new subgenus
Authors: MASUNAGA Kazuhiro , SAIGUSA Toyohei , GROOTAERT Patrick
Published: December 2005

The genus Thambemyia Oldroyd is revised. Five species are recognized. Three new species –T. bisetosa, T. bruneiensis and T. hui– are described, and T. pagdeniOldroyd, 1956 is redescribed. A new subgenus is founded for one new Japanese species, T. (Prothambemyia) japonica. A key to all known species of the genus is provided. Their distributions are also discussed.
Decompression through clockwise P–T path: implications for early N–S shortening orogenesis in the Mesoproterozoic Mt Isa Inlier (NE Australia)
Authors: SAYAB M.
Published: December 2005

Mesoproterozoic terranes of the Australian craton exhibit complex tectonometamorphic histories that are generally considered to result from low‐pressure/high‐temperature (LPHT) metamorphism with an anticlockwise pressure (P)–temperature (T) path. Yet studies regarding the nature of the P–T history and tectonic regime that led to such a LPHT signature have been quite limited. A foliation intersection/inflection axes preserved in the porphyroblast (FIA) analysis combined with textural relationships and P–T pseudosections, using a key locality of the Eastern Fold Belt of the Mt Isa Inlier, has resolved the cause of the LPHT signature in this region. Two periods of porphyroblast growth have been distinguished using a change in FIA trends with time; the first formed during N–S shortening and the second during W–E shortening orogenesis (D1 & D2, respectively). Significantly, D1 porphyroblasts preserving W–E FIAs are minerals of the Barrovian style, whereas D2 formed porphyroblasts preserving N–S FIAs are Buchan in style. This is consistent with the emplacement of the Williams/Naraku Batholiths after D1 around the onset of D2. Higher‐pressure garnet cores, that can be modelled in MnNCKFMASH P–T pseudosections, preserve early W–E FIA and formed during D1. This was followed by decompression and then LPHT metamorphism and deformation during which N–S FIAs were preserved within porphyroblasts. This is supported by the presence of at least two generations of staurolite that crystallized before and after andalusite/cordierite. Middle to upper amphibolite facies metamorphic conditions occurred during D1 with crustal thickening followed by near‐isothermal decompression leading to LPHT conditions. This was followed by D2 and a second period of middle to upper amphibolite facies metamorphism that obliterated and/or obscured the tectonometamorphic signature of D1 in the matrix of most rocks.
Temperature‐Induced Structural Modifications Between Alkali Borate Glasses and Melts
Authors: Cormier L. , Majérus O. , Neuville D. R. , Calas G.
Published: December 2005

High‐temperature neutron diffraction and Raman spectra have been obtained on M2O–2B2O3 (M=Li, Na, K) glasses and melts. Both techniques indicate a coordination change of boron atoms: the tetrahedral boron sites present in the glasses are converted into triangular boron sites. These changes of the borate network yield modifications of the alkali environment, as assessed for Li using the isotopic substitution technique. We observe that Li atoms are in a charge‐compensating position in the glass and in a modifying position in the liquid. These structural modifications have important implications toward understanding the physical properties of borate melts.
Phase‐Transformation‐Induced Twinning in Orthorhombic LaGaO3: {121} and [010] Twins
Authors: Wang Wei‐Lin , Lu Hong‐Yang
Published: December 2005

Pressureless‐sintered lanthanum gallate (LaGaO3) ceramics have been analyzed using X‐ray diffractometry (XRD) and scanning electron and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM). Twins are induced by solid‐state phase transformation upon cooling from rhombohedral

to orthorhombic (o, Pnma) symmetry at ∼145°C. Two types of transformation twins have been identified, and they co‐exist in some of the grains. The {121} twins are generated by loss of the mirror plane symmetry upon phase transformation. The twin planes are on {121} about which the two crystal parts are related by a mirror operation. The fact that twins are of reflection type is also confirmed by a tilting experiment in the microscope. The other, often termed the

‐type rotation, is a rotation twin induced by loss of fourfold rotation axes upon phase transition. The spot splitting of 2φ≈0.22° because of the orthorhombic obliquity (φ) is evidenced from the corresponding electron diffraction patterns (SADPs) where triplet reflection spots are clearly identified. The {121} twin domain boundaries exhibit δ‐fringes. The fault vector across twin boundaries R=ɛ

is determined by applying the invisibility criteria of 2πg·R=0, or 2nπ. Such a translation is not related in a simple way to the structure of LaGaO3, and the length of the fault vector is not a fractional of the lattice displacement vector.
Influence of Cesium Nitrate and Heating Rate on Densification and Microstructure of Cs‐Deficient Pollucite Sintered Body
Authors: Yanase Ikuo , Konakawa Junichi , Kobayashi Hidehiko
Published: December 2005

Cs‐deficient pollucite, Cs0.9Al0.9Si2.1O6, a sintered body with a low thermal expansion coefficient of 1.26 × 10−6 K−1 in the temperature range of 298 to 1273 K, has been fabricated using calcined powders with an amorphous phase. The calcined powder was prepared by heating mixtures of CsNO3, γ‐Al2O3, and amorphous SiO2 powders at 798 K in air for 20 h, repeated 10 times. The repetition of the heat treatment at 798 K was performed to decompose CsNO3 thoroughly in the mixed raw powders and to obtain calcined powders with a high specific surface area. The relative density of the sintered bodies fabricated from the green compact of the amorphous calcined powder increased with increasing sintering temperature and heating rate. The sintered body with a relative density of ca. 96%, of a well‐crystallized pollucite single phase and with the grain size in the range of 0.75–4.75 μm, was fabricated by heating the green compact of the amorphous powders at 1673 K in air for 20 h at a heating rate of 20 K/min.
Two‐Step Sintering of Ceramics with Constant Grain‐Size, I. Y2O3
Authors: Wang Xiao‐Hui , Chen Pei‐Lin , Chen I‐Wei
Published: December 2005

Isothermal and constant‐grain‐size sintering have been carried out to full density in Y2O3 with and without dopants, at as low as 40% of the homologous temperature. The normalized densification rate follows Herring's scaling law with a universal geometric factor that depends only on density. The frozen grain structure, however, prevents pore relocation commonly assumed in the conventional sintering models, which fail to describe our data. Suppression of grain growth but not densification is consistent with a grain boundary network pinned by triple‐point junctions, which have a higher activation energy for migration than grain boundaries. Long transients in sintering and grain growth have provided further evidence of relaxation and threshold processes at the grain boundary/triple point.
Spectroscopic and Thermal Properties of Ga2S3–Na2S–CsCl Glasses
Authors: Barbosa Luiz C. , Cesar Carlos L. , Mazali Italo O. , Alves Oswaldo L.
Published: December 2005

The synthesis and properties of the vitreous system (0.75−x)Ga2S3–0.25Na2S–xCsCl, with x varying from 0.1 to 0.2, are presented. Thermal, optical, and structural properties such as density, viscosity, thermal expansion coefficient, glass transition temperature, softening point temperature, refractive index, and absorption coefficient were measured using several techniques: X‐ray diffraction, Raman scattering, differential thermal analysis, thermal mechanical analysis, and absorption spectroscopy. This glass system presents a high third‐order non‐linear optical susceptibility that can be significantly increased by increasing the CsCl content without affecting the low phonon frequency.
Binder Burnout from Layers of Alumina Ceramics Under Centrifugal Force
Authors: Kinemuchi Y. , Tsugoshi T. , Watari K. , Ishiguro H.
Published: December 2005

The effect of centrifugal force on the delamination of layered green body during binder burnout has been studied in terms of internal gas pressure resulting from gas flow kinetics in porous media. Here, a sheet of nano‐particle of γ‐alumina was prepared by tape casting using polyvinyl butyral (PVB, binder) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP, plasticizer). Because of the fine pore structure (average pore size of 25 nm), molecular flow kinetics was applied to estimate internal pressure arising from evolved gases. Assuming that delamination is related to internal pressure, the interfacial strength of the layer was estimated. This strength was modified by applying a compressive pressure controlled by a centrifugal force. Because of the increased interfacial strength, delamination was suppressed, even during rapid heating. The compressive pressure required increased proportionally with increasing heating rate, a tendency that agreed with the expectation based on the gas flow kinetics in porous media.
Overall Rate Analysis of the Gaseous Reduction of Stable Oxides Incorporating Chemical Kinetics, Mass Transfer, and Chemical Equilibrium
Authors: Sohn H. Y.
Published: December 2005

A unified mathematical relationship for the overall rate of gaseous reduction of a stable oxide that produces a volatile suboxide has been derived including the effects of a product gas in the bulk stream, chemical kinetics, mass transfer, and chemical equilibrium. The important effect of the small equilibrium constant is quantified. How the reaction conditions affect the overall rate at different asymptotic conditions is also elucidated. By using the obtained results, the conflicting previous claims on the rate‐controlling mechanism for the hydrogen reduction of silica has been critically examined and reconciled. The small equilibrium constant of this reaction causes it to be rate controlled by mass transfer under typical conditions and its rate to be slow. How the presence of even a small amount of water vapor in the bulk gas greatly enhances the effects of the small equilibrium constant is elucidated from the mathematical derivation. In addition, the small equilibrium constant also causes the apparent activation energy of silica reduction by wet hydrogen to approach the ΔH° of reaction and that by dry hydrogen to approach

ΔH°. Because of the large positive ΔH° value associated with reactions with a large positive ΔG° value, such a reaction has been mistaken to be rate controlled by chemical kinetics.
Spatial and temporal patterns of onion maggot adult activity and oviposition within onion fields that vary in bordering habitat
Authors: Werling Benjamin Paul , Nyrop Jan , Nault Brian
Published: December 2005

In New York, onion [Allium cepa L. (Alliaceae)] fields often border woods or other vegetable fields. Because onion maggot adults, Delia antiqua (Meigen) (Diptera: Anthomyiidae), spend a significant portion of their time outside of onion fields, surrounding habitat may affect patterns of fly activity and oviposition within onion fields. To better understand these patterns throughout the onion‐growing season, first‐, second‐, and third‐flights maggot adult (male and female) activity was monitored using yellow sticky cards. Half of the monitored fields bordered woods, whereas the other half bordered other onion or vegetable fields. Within all fields, yellow sticky cards were placed at five distances along a transect beginning at the onion field edge extending into the field center. First‐flight male and female adult activity was greatest along onion field edges and was especially high along edges bordering woods. This pattern diminished during the second flight and was absent during the third. To determine if spatial patterns of onion maggot oviposition by first‐flight onion maggots were similar to first‐flight adult activity patterns, potted onion plants were placed in onion fields that bordered or did not border woods in late May and early June 2003. The number of eggs laid in the soil at the base of each plant was recorded. Unlike spatial patterns of first‐flight adult activity, oviposition patterns were not affected by bordering habitat or distance from the field edge. Based on the activity of onion maggot adults in onion fields, future and existing control strategies should consider targeting first‐flight adults along field edges rather than across entire fields, especially in fields that border woods. In contrast, based on spatial patterns of oviposition within onion fields, controls targeting onion maggot larvae should be applied on a fieldwide basis.
Nutritional and functional biology of exudate‐feeding ants
Authors: Cook Steven C. , Davidson Diane W.
Published: December 2005

Feeding extensively on plant exudates and honeydews, many tropical arboreal ant species exhibit δ15N values characteristic of herbivores. Consistent with hypothesized herbivory, these taxa behave in feeding assays as though more N‐deprived than are strictly carnivorous ants. However, to an as yet uncertain degree, relationships with N‐upgrading and/or recycling microsymbionts may lower isotopic ratios, making ants appear to be more herbivorous than they actually are. Nutritional (N) contributions from microsymbionts have been inferred for a variety of ant taxa based on intracellular or extracellular associations between ants and bacteria. However, stronger and more specific inferences are possible when variability in microsymbiont locations within the digestive system is considered in the context of taxonomic variability in ant diets and digestive anatomy. Diets of exudate feeders may vary predictably in ratios of usable carbohydrates (CHOs) to N, depending on the extent to which they tend melezitose‐producing Homoptera. Status of the peritrophic membrane, proventricular structure, and number and placement of Malpighian tubules can be interpreted as traits contributing to supply of N and/or CHOs to microsymbionts. In general, a more integrative understanding of ant diets, digestive anatomy, and associated microsymbionts helps to set out specific hypotheses to be tested experimentally and (where possible) in a phylogenetic context.
Altered neural circuit for working memory before and after symptom provocation in patients with obsessive–compulsive disorder
Authors: Shin Y.‐W. , Kwon J. S. , Kim J.‐J. , Kang D.‐H. , Youn T. , Kang K.  W. , Kang E. , Lee D. S. , Lee M. C.
Published: December 2005

Objective:  The authors compared the neural circuits recruited for working memory (WM) in obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) patients both at a neutral state and at a symptom provoked state.

Method:  Twelve OCD patients, and 12 age‐, and sex‐matched healthy subjects underwent [15O]H2O positron emission tomography (PET) scanning, while performing WM task. In the patients, the tasks were performed both in the neutral and in the symptom provoked states.

Results:  In the OCD patients, the right caudate and the right superior parietal cortex (rSPC) displayed activations for WM at the neutral state, while the right cingulate cortex and rSPC displayed activations for WM at the symptom provoked state. Path analysis revealed that the activity of the caudate and orbitofrontal cortex was altered according to the interaction between WM and symptom provocation.

Conclusion:  The interaction between symptom provocation and WM occurring in the fronto‐striatal system may hold the key to the neurobiology of OCD.
Multipoint interphase FISH analysis of chromosome 3 abnormalities in 28 childhood AML patients
Authors: Haltrich Irén , Kost‐Alimova Maria , Kovács Gábor , Klein George , Fekete György , Imreh Stefan
Published: December 2005

Abstract:  We detected non‐random 3p losses and 3q gains on well‐determined regions in both murine and human tumors using a microcell hybrid‐based model system called ‘elimination test’. We suggest that these are general malignancy‐associated aberrations not necessarily linked to a particular tissue of origin. To examine chromosome 3 abnormalities, in 28 childhood acute myeloid leukemia bone marrow samples, we performed interphase multipoint‐fluorescence in situ hybridization using 84 chromosome 3‐specific probes and detected clonal chromosome 3 aberrations in nine cases, which is of a higher frequency than the previously reported one. In 3/28 children, a chromosome 3 abnormality was detected which was not visible using conventional cytogenetic analysis. We did not detect any 3p deletion. Increased copy number of 3q was found in four cases with trisomy of whole chromosome 3 and one case with 3q tetrasomy (isodisomy). We identified rare structural rearrangements in childhood acute myeloblastic leukemia, involving 3q21 and 3q26 loci around RPN1 and MDS1/EVI1 respectively. The poor outcome in pediatric patients with 3q rearrangements appears to be quite uniform.