bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-Term in vitro Expansion of Retinal Progenitor Cells by Culturing Intact Neurospheres in Monolayer
Authors: Lai Pinghong , Tang Shibo , Yi Jinglin , Zhu Xiaobo , Zou Yuping , Xie Hui , Gao Yi , Lin Shaofen
Published: May 2008

This study developed a modified monolayer culture technique for expansion of retinal progenitor cells in vitro. Using this method, spheres collected by low centrifugation from free floating cultures were re-seeded onto poly-D-lysine pre-coated flasks, and cultured in the retinal progenitor cells medium (including fibrous growth factor, epidermal growth factor and leukemia inhibitor factor) plus 5% FBS for the first 24 h, then FBS was removed. These cultured cells were proliferative, and in addition to expressing the neuroectodermal marker nestin they were multipotential. By immunocytochemistry and FACS analysis, we demonstrated that the percentage of nestin-expressing cells in passage 2 and passage 8 was 92.5 and 85.5%, respectively, which was greater than the percentage of their counterparts, 81.9 and 76.2%, in simple adhesive cultures (p < 0.05). Moreover, these cells preferentially differentiated into retinal neurons rather than glial cells.
Very-High-Frequency Ultrasound Corneal Imaging as a New Tool for Early Diagnosis of Ocular Surface Toxicity in Rabbits Treated with a Preserved Glaucoma Drug
Authors: Denoyer Alexandre , Ossant Frederic , Arbeille Brigitte , Fetissof Franck , Patat Frederic , Pourcelot Léandre , Pisella Pierre-Jean
Published: May 2008

Aim: To evaluate very-high-frequency (VHF) ultrasound imaging as a new method to detect and quantify early corneal epithelium changes induced by chronic exposure to a benzalkonium-chloride-containing antiglaucoma drug. Methods: Timolol preserved with 0.01% benzalkonium chloride solution was applied b.i.d. in 1 eye of 10 rabbits for 56 days. Unpreserved timolol solution was used as control. Ocular surface changes were assessed weekly combining clinical examinations, in vivo 60-MHz ultrasound imaging and ex vivo histological analysis. Results: VHF ultrasound imaging allowed quantitative measurement of corneal epithelium thickness and qualitative imaging of toxic epithelial damage. It revealed significantly decreased epithelial thickness in vivo as early as the 21st day of treatment (40.75 ± 1.72 µm at D0 vs. 39 ± 2 at D21, vs. 31.9 ± 2.98 at D56; p = 0.017 and p = 0.005, respectively). The first clinical changes appeared from the 42nd day of treatment (conjunctival redness, conjunctival staining and corneal staining; D56 compared to D0: p = 0.005, 0.01 and 0.004, respectively) and then correlated with VHF ultrasound data. Epithelial thickness measured with VHF ultrasound was correlated with histological epithelial pachymetry (p < 0.001) and with the corneal damage score assessed with scanning electron microscopy (p = 0.038). Conclusion: VHF ultrasound imaging provided an early in vivo diagnosis of corneal epithelium pathology induced by chronic exposure to a preserved glaucoma drug, before the first clinical evidence of ocular toxicity. It could be a new reproducible method to detect the toxicity of glaucoma medication so that therapy can then be adapted.
Differential Effects of Transient Treatment of Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats with Various Antihypertensive Agents on the Subsequent Development of Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Ishiguro Kimiko , Sasamura Hiroyuki , Sakamaki Yusuke , Hayashi Kaori , Saruta Takao , Itoh Hiroshi
Published: May 2008

Background/Aims: We have previously shown that treatment of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) with an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) during the ‘critical period’ from age 3 to 10 weeks confers protection against L-NAME-induced renal injury later in life. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of transient prepubertal exposure to ARB on the development of nephropathy in streptozotocin-induced diabetic SHR and to compare the results with other antihypertensive agents including a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MR-ant). Methods: Male SHR (n = 43) were transiently treated with candesartan (ARB), potassium canreonate (the active metabolite of the MR-ant spironolactone) or hydralazine (vasodilator) between 3 and 10 weeks of age with untreated rats serving as controls. An additional group was treated continuously with candesartan throughout the study. Rats were injected with streptozotocin to induce diabetes at age 16 weeks and followed until age 8 months. Results: Diabetic control rats showed signs of diabetic nephropathy including albuminuria and mesangial expansion. These changes were significantly suppressed in rats exposed to ARB or MR-ant. Systolic blood pressure was significantly reduced compared to controls in the ARB (transient) and ARB (sustained) groups, but not in the MR-ant or vasodilator groups. Conclusion: Transient prepubertal exposure to ARB or MR-ant, but not vasodilator, confers protection against the later development of diabetic nephropathy and involves blood pressure-independent protective mechanisms.
Endotoxin-Binding Affinity of Sevelamer Hydrochloride
Authors: Perianayagam Mary C. , Jaber Bertrand L.
Published: May 2008

Background: Sevelamer hydrochloride has been shown to attenuate circulating biomarkers of inflammation in patients with chronic kidney failure. We hypothesize that sevelamer hydrochloride binds bacterial endotoxin (ET) resulting in a decrease in ET levels and cytokine production. Methods: To assess the ET-binding affinity of sevelamer hydrochloride, purified Escherichia coli ET was incubated with sevelamer hydrochloride (0–50 mg/ml). After incubation, ET was measured in supernatants. In addition, THP-1-derived monocytes were co-incubated with supernatants of sevelamer hydrochloride and ET. After 24-hour incubation, TNF-α was measured. The effect of pH on the ET-binding affinity of sevelamer hydrochloride, as well as cooperative binding between ET and phosphate for sevelamer hydrochloride were assessed. Results: Sevelamer hydrochloride exhibited time- and dose-dependent binding affinity for ET, resulting in a marked reduction in free ET levels. The 1-hour dose-dependent ET-binding effect of sevelamer hydrochloride translated into a marked reduction in TNF-α levels. Varying the pH conditions did not affect the ET-binding affinity of sevelamer hydrochloride. The addition of phosphate (0–50 mM) resulted in a further reduction in free ET levels, translating into a further increase in the binding affinity of sevelamer hydrochloride for ET. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that sevelamer hydrochloride binds to ET, thereby reducing free ET and cytokine levels. Positive cooperative binding was also noted between phosphate and ET for sevelamer hydrochloride. This study supports the hypothesis that sevelamer hydrochloride might bind to ET in the intestinal lumen and reduce systemic inflammation. Animal and human studies are required to examine this hypothesis.
Endothelial Function and Aminothiol Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress in Healthy Adults
Authors: Ashfaq Salman , Abramson Jerome L. , Jones Dean P. , Rhodes Steven D. , Weintraub William S. , Hooper W. Craig , Vaccarino Viola , Alexander R. Wayne , Harrison David G. , Quyyumi Arshed A.
Published: May 2008

Endothelial dysfunction is known to precede the development of atherosclerosis and results primarily from increased oxidative degradation of NO. We hypothesized that assessment of oxidative stress in the bloodstream will reliably predict endothelial function in healthy adults. A total of 124 healthy nonsmokers had endothelial function assessed using ultrasound measurement of brachial artery flow-mediated vasodilation. Plasma oxidative stress was estimated by measuring the levels of the reduced and oxidized forms of thiols, including glutathione (reduced glutathione and oxidized glutathione) and cysteine (cysteine and cystine), respectively, and the mixed disulfide. Among the traditional risk factors, there were significant and independent correlations between flow-mediated vasodilation and high-density lipoprotein level, body mass index, gender, and the Framingham risk score. Among the thiol markers, plasma cystine (
r
=−0.23;
P
=0.009) and the mixed disulfide (
r
=−0.23;
P
=0.01) levels correlated with endothelium-dependent but not endothelium-independent vasodilation, even after adjusting for the Framingham risk score and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein level. A higher level of oxidized metabolites was associated with worse endothelial function. In conclusion, the oxidative stress markers, cystine, and the mixed disulfide are independent predictors of endothelial function. These markers, in combination with the Framingham risk score, may help in the early identification of asymptomatic subjects with endothelial dysfunction who are at potentially increased risk for future atherosclerotic disease progression.
Gender Differences in Regression of Electrocardiographic Left Ventricular Hypertrophy During Antihypertensive Therapy
Authors: Okin Peter M. , Gerdts Eva , Kjeldsen Sverre E. , Julius Stevo , Edelman Jonathan M. , Dahlöf Björn , Devereux Richard B.
Published: May 2008

Although men and women differ in the magnitude of ECG left ventricular hypertrophy, whether gender differences exist in the degree of regression of ECG left ventricular hypertrophy during antihypertensive therapy is unclear. ECG left ventricular hypertrophy defined using gender-adjusted Cornell product and Sokolow-Lyon voltage criteria was assessed serially in 9193 hypertensive patients treated with losartan- or atenolol-based regimens. Changes in ECG left ventricular hypertrophy were measured from baseline to last in-study visit, and above-average regression of hypertrophy was identified by a ≥236-mm · ms reduction in Cornell product or ≥3.5-mm reduction in Sokolow-Lyon voltage. During mean follow-up of 4.8±0.9 years, women had less reduction in Cornell product (−149±823 versus −251±890 mm · ms) and Sokolow-Lyon voltage (−3.0±6.8 versus −4.8±7.7 mm) than men (both
P
<0.001). After adjusting for baseline ECG left ventricular hypertrophy levels, baseline and change in systolic and diastolic pressures, treatment group, age, and other baseline gender differences, women had significantly less reduction in both Cornell product (adjusted means: −137 versus −276 mm · ms;
P
<0.001) and Sokolow-Lyon voltage (−3.6 versus −4.1 mm;
P
=0.005) than men and were 32% less likely to have had greater than the median level of regression of Cornell product left ventricular hypertrophy (95% CI: 24% to 39%;
P
<0.001) and 15% less likely to have had regression of left ventricular hypertrophy by Sokolow-Lyon criteria (95% CI: 5% to 23%;
P
=0.003). Thus, women have less regression of ECG left ventricular hypertrophy than men in response to antihypertensive therapy, independent of baseline gender differences in the severity of ECG left ventricular hypertrophy and after taking into account treatment effects and blood pressure changes.
Acute Angiotensin II Infusions Elicit Pressure Natriuresis in Mice and Reduce Distal Fractional Sodium Reabsorption
Authors: Zhao Di , Navar L. Gabriel
Published: May 2008

Acute angiotensin II (Ang II) infusions into mice increase arterial pressure (AP) and elicit pressure natriuresis. We used this model of pressure natriuresis to delineate the distal nephron responses to AP-mediated increases in distal sodium delivery. In the first group, we measured changes in urinary sodium excretion (UNaV) in male C57/BL6 anesthetized mice (n=9) before and during acute Ang II infusions (5 ng/g of body weight per minute). Acute Ang II infusions increased AP (98±3 to 126±5 mm Hg;P<0.001), urine flow (2.7±0.5 to 6.0±0.8 μL/min;P<0.01), and UNaV (0.6±0.2 to 1.3±0.2 μEq/min;P<0.05). There were significant relationships between UNaV and urine flow (y=0.207x+0.030;P<0.0001) and between UNaV and AP (y=0.027x−2.100). In a separate series, distal sodium delivery and fractional reabsorption of distal sodium delivery were determined in control (n=12) and Ang II–infused mice (n=8) by comparing UNaV before and after blockade of the 2 major distal nephron sodium transporters with amiloride (5 mg/kg of body weight) plus bendroflumethiazide (12 mg/kg of body weight). A positive relationship was found between UNaV (y=0.015x−1.100;P<0.0001) or distal sodium delivery (y=0.027x−0.900;P<0.0001) and AP. An inverse relationship was found between fractional reabsorption of distal sodium delivery and AP (y=−0.511x+128.300;P<0.01). These data indicate that Ang II–mediated pressure natriuresis involves an increase in distal sodium delivery combined with a reduced distal nephron fractional sodium reabsorption, suggesting that increased AP prevents the distal nephron transport mechanisms from accommodating the increased distal delivery.
Optimal levels of the essential amino acids histidine, lysine and threonine in Caenorhabditis elegans maintenance medium
Authors: Lu Nancy , Xiong Xiaoyan
Published: May 2008

Current Caenorhabditis elegans Maintenance Medium (C-CeMM) is used to cultivate the free-living nematode, C. elegans. In C-CeMM, ten amino acids (AA) were found to be nutritionally essential. The optimal requirements of seven of these ten essential AA were determined previously. The objectives of the present study were to determine the optimal requirements of the remaining three essential AA: histidine, lysine and threonine. The Optimal Caenorhabditis elegans Maintenance Medium (O-CeMM) was formulated using the levels of all essential AA that supported the optimal population growth for C. elegans from previous quantitative studies and from the results obtained in the first part of this study. The efficacy of O-CeMM, C-CeMM, as well as Egg CeMM (E-CeMM), based on the essential AA ratio in hen's egg, was studied. The optimal requirements (mg ml–1) of histidine, lysine and threonine were determined to be 2.26 (8× C-CeMM), 1.03-2.06 (1× to 2× C-CeMM), and 0.717-2.86 (1× to 4× C-CeMM), respectively. It was found that O-CeMM supported a significantly higher (1.55 ∼ 1.60×) population growth (number of nematodes/ml) when compared with C-CeMM and E-CeMM. For both O-CeMM and C-CeMM, the AA efficiency ratio (AAER; g dry weight (wt) gain of C. elegans/g of total AA) was determined to be 0.18, which was significantly higher than the 0.15 that was determined in E-CeMM. Although the O-CeMM supported a significantly higher population growth, a higher level of histidine and consequently higher total AA were used in O-CeMM than in C-CeMM. Therefore, based on the findings on AAER, it was concluded that both the O-CeMM and C-CeMM were equally efficient for the cultivation of C. elegans.
Nematodes of the order Dorylaimida from Andalucía Oriental, Spain. The genus Enchodelus Thorne, 1939. 2. Description of three known species with rounded tail and long odontostyle
Authors: Peña-Santiago Reyes , Guerrero Pablo , Liébanas Gracia
Published: May 2008

New observations on three similar species of the genus Enchodelus, namely E. groenlandicus, E. macrodorus and E. saxifragae, are provided on the basis of material collected in the southern Iberian Peninsula. Enchodelus groenlandicus is redescribed, this being the first record of the species after its original description 80 years ago. An emended diagnosis is given for E. macrodorus in addition to a compendium and analysis of its previous records. Enchodelus saxifragae, certainly the most widely distributed species in the studied area, is also redescribed. Measurements, illustrations, including LM and SEM, and remarks on the identity of the three species, are presented. Together with E. distinctus and E. microdoroides, the three species form a species group characterised by a long odontostyle (>35 μm), flanged odontophore, tripartite uterus and short, rounded tail. These five species are compared in detail and a key to their identification provided.
Meloidogyne phaseoli n. sp. (Nematoda: Meloidogynidae), a root-knot nematode parasitising bean in Brazil
Authors: Charchar Maria Jose , Eisenback Jonathan , Boiteux Maria Esther , Charchar João
Published: May 2008

Meloidogyne phaseoli n. sp. is described and illustrated from specimens parasitising bean cv. Carioca in Brasilia, Brazil. The perineal pattern of the female is rounded to oval-shaped with a dorsal arch that is flattened to moderately high and squarish, sometimes with rounded shoulders. The striae are moderately spaced and often distinctly forked in the lateral field. The female stylet is 14-19 μm long and has broad, distinctly set-off knobs and several small, rounded projections on the shaft. The excretory pore opens 34-82 μm from the head near the level of metacorpus. Males are 999-2105 μm in length and have a high, wide head cap that slopes posteriorly. The labial disc and medial lips are partially fused to form an elongated lip structure. The robust stylet is 20-26 μm long and has wide knobs that are distinctly set-off from the shaft which is marked by several small, round projections. Mean second-stage juvenile length is 464 μm. The head region is not annulated and the large labial disc and crescent-shaped medial lips are fused to form a dumbbell-shaped head cap. The stylet is 10.5-12 μm long and has rounded, posteriorly sloping knobs. The slender tail, 46-64 μm long, has large irregular-sized annules in the posterior region and a slightly rounded tip. The hyaline tail terminus is long, 10.5-19.3 μm. The esterase isozyme is a unique E3 phenotype having one weak and two strong bands. Tomato, tobacco, bean and pea are good hosts, corn is a very poor host, whilst pepper, watermelon, peanut, cotton and soybean are non-hosts.
Pathogenicity and reproductive fitness of Pratylenchus brachyurus on cowpea
Authors: Maria Simões de Siqueira Kércya , Inomoto Mário Massayuki
Published: May 2008

The lesion nematode Pratylenchus brachyurus is widespread in cowpea plantations throughout the tropics and sub-tropics. However, the pathogenicity of P. brachyurus on cowpea has been scarcely studied. In this work, it was demonstrated in two glasshouse experiments that an isolate (Pb20) of P. brachyurus was pathogenic to cowpea cv. IPA-206, adversely affecting the plant growth and pod formation and filling. Initial population levels of 5000 and 15 000 nematodes per plant caused reduction of root growth and typical decay of root tissue. The third experiment demonstrated that all six cowpea cultivars selected for evaluation supported reproduction of three isolates of P. brachyurus (Pb20, Pb21 and Pb23) in their roots, although the reproduction factor values obtained indicated that they were dissimilar in their reproductive fitness. Low resistance to P. brachyurus was reported for at least one tested cultivar, but apparently of an insufficient degree to be effective for field management of the nematode.
Meloidogyne pisi n. sp. (Nematoda: Meloidogynidae), a root-knot nematode parasitising pea in Brazil
Authors: Charchar João , Charchar Maria Jose , Eisenback Jonathan , Boiteux Maria Esther
Published: May 2008

Meloidogyne pisi n. sp. is described and illustrated from specimens obtained from roots of pea cv. Mikado in Brasilia, Brazil. The female perineal pattern is variable in shape, most are rounded to ovoid, whereas others have a moderately high, squarish dorsal arch, and can be marked with several striae parallel to the vulva or may be nearly free of striae. Lateral fields may contain a few irregular, wavy, transverse striae or be difficult to discern. Female medial lips are wide and long, sometimes with distinctly indented outer margins; the lateral lips are large and triangular, head annule is wide and marked by incomplete annulations and transverse folds. Stylet is 13-17 μm long with large, elongated knobs and a shaft that is cylindrical, straight and thick. Lumen lining of pharynx containing numerous rounded cuticular thickenings throughout its length; excretory pore located between base of stylet and median bulb. Males are 893-2510 μm long with a 19-26 μm long stylet bearing large elongated knobs, shaft marked with small, rounded projections. Second-stage juveniles are 374-463 μm long with medial lips often indented medially and 10-11 μm long stylet. Tail slender, 42-66 μm long with large irregular annules in posterior region, a slightly pointed tip and hyaline region 9-17 μm long. Many galls and egg masses are produced on tomato, tobacco and varieties of pea and bean. Few galls occur on watermelon and corn and reproduction is poor on pepper. No reproduction occurs on peanut, cotton or soybean.
The judicial development of the Roman-Dutch doctrine of parental authority in South African law
Authors: Schäfer Lawrence
Published: May 2008

The Roman-Dutch doctrine of parental authority differed markedly from the parallel doctrine in English common law, particularly in relation to the balance of power between parents and generally in relation to illegitimate children. This paper traces the judicial development of the Roman-Dutch doctrine by the South African courts and focuses on two important turning points, at which the unnecessary adoption of principles of English law resulted in a departure from Roman-Dutch principles. The product of this judicial development was a doctrine of parental authority that differentiated sharply between legitimate and illegitimate children, and greatly impeded the capacity of judges to apply the 'best interests' principle in disputes concerning the latter.
Aux origines du droit de l'Union Européenne: Ie "ius commune" national dans les conclusions des avocats généraux: Karl Roemer et Maurice Lagrange (1954–1964)
Authors: Grilli Antonio
Published: May 2008

The beginnings of EU law: national ius commune in the opinions of the Advocates General Karl Roemer and Maurice Lagrange (1954–1964). – During the first decade of the European Communities' Court of Justice, Karl Roemer and Maurice Lagrange developed the principles of a European common law by borrowing from the Member States' national legal systems. Thus, many of the foundations of European Community law were rooted in a careful comparative analysis of the distinct national legal traditions.
In-Stent Stenosis: Potential Role of Increased Oxidative Stress and Glutathione-Linked Detoxification Mechanisms
Authors: Misra Praphul , Reddy Pratap C. , Shukla Deepti , Caldito Gloria C. , Yerra Lakshminarayan , Aw Tak Y.
Published: May 2008

This study was designed to determine whether red-cell oxidative stress status and antioxidant enzyme levels can serve as markers in patients predisposed to in-stent stenosis. Blood was collected from patient groups undergoing coronary angiography for chest pain evaluation, namely, group A (without coronary artery disease), group B (previous coronary stents without in-stent stenosis), and group C (previous coronary stents with in-stent stenosis). Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (measure of lipid peroxidation), glutathione-linked detoxification enzymes, catalase, and superoxide dismutase were determined. Compared with group A, patients in group C showed increased lipid peroxidation products and glutathione-S-transferase but decreased glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase activities. Results in group B patients were intermediate between those of groups A and C with significant decreases in glutathione peroxidase versus controls. In-stent stenosis is associated with significant increase in lipid peroxidation and attenuated glutathione-linked detoxification enzymes, consistent with oxidative stress.
The Relationship between Effective Arterial Capacitance and Pulse Wave Velocity is Dependent on Left Ventricular Stroke Volume
Authors: Olafiranye Oladipupo , Qureshi Ghazanfar , Salciccioli Louis , Vernon-Jones Kinda , Philip Charles , Kassotis John , Lazar Jason M.
Published: May 2008

Background

increased arterial stiffness is a predictor of cardiovascular events. The stroke volume (SV) to pulse pressure (PP) ratio is an estimate of arterial capacitance. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) is a measure of arterial stiffness. This study evaluated the effect of left ventricular (LV) SV on the SV/PP–PWV relationship.

Methods

97 patients had applanation tonometry and echocardiography to measure arterial capacitance (SV/PP), PWV, and central aortic pressure.

Results

50 patients had normal SV and 47 had low SV. For all patients, PWV inversely correlated with SV/PP. PWV and SV/PP correlated more strongly in the normal SV group than in the low SV group. Aortic PP was significantly correlated with PWV in all patients, in the normal SV group, and in the low SV group.

Conclusion

effective arterial capacitance correlates with PWV. The presence of decreased SV weakens the relationship.
Association Between Abnormal Uterine Artery Doppler Flow Velocimetry, Risk of Preeclampsia, and Indices of Arterial Structure and Function: A Pilot Study
Authors: Anastasakis Eleftherios , Paraskevas Kosmas I. , Papantoniou Nikolaos , Daskalakis George , Mesogitis Spyros , Mikhailidis Dimitri P. , Antsaklis Aris
Published: May 2008

Preeclampsia increases the risk of future cardiovascular disease. The association between abnormal uterine artery Doppler flow velocimetry, risk of preeclampsia, and indices of arterial structure and function is investigated in this study. The carotid intima-media thickness of 34 pregnant women with normal uteroplacental flow was compared with 30 women with abnormal uterine artery Doppler analysis during the transvaginal assessment of the uterine arteries at the routine anomaly scan (20-23 weeks of gestation). Women with abnormal uterine artery Doppler results had a greater mean internal (but not common) carotid intima-media thickness (0.58 ± 0.06 vs 0.53 ± 0.08, respectively, P = .005) and risk of developing preeclampsia (6 of 30 vs 0 of 34 or 20% vs 0%, respectively, P = .0079) compared with those with normal uteroplacental flow. Women with abnormal uterine artery Doppler results may be at increased risk not only for developing subsequent preeclampsia but also for future cardiovascular disease.
Incidence and Risk Factors for Bilateral Deep Venous Thrombosis of the Lower Limbs
Authors: Casella Ivan B. , Bosch Maria A. , Sabbag Cláudio RD.
Published: May 2008

The incidence of bilateral deep venous thrombosis in patients with single limb or bilateral symptoms was determined using duplex scan examination. In a prospective study, 157 inpatients with clinical suspicion of deep venous thrombosis underwent duplex scan evaluation of the lower extremities. Demographic characteristics, physical examination data, and risk factor information were collected. In all, 57 (36.3%) patients evaluated presented echographic evidence of acute deep venous thrombosis. Forty-six individuals presented unilateral thrombosis, and 11 patients presented bilateral disease (19.3% of all thrombosis, 7.0% of all patients). Sensitivity and specificity of clinical examination in identifying bilateral thrombosis was 27.2% and 93.3%, respectively. For the risk factors evaluated, active human immunodeficiency virus disease and iliofemoral thrombosis presented an increased risk for bilateral thrombosis ( P = .045 and P = .049, respectively). The high incidence of bilateral deep venous thrombosis justifies bilateral duplex scan examination. Active human immunodeficiency virus disease and proximal thrombosis were risk factors for bilateral disease.
Baseline ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 are Increased in Initially Healthy Middle-Aged Men who Develop Cardiovascular Disease during 6.6 Years of Follow-Up
Authors: Schmidt Caroline , Hulthe Johannes , Fagerberg Björn
Published: May 2008

The objective of the present study was to investigate if there was a difference in baseline serum concentrations of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) between groups with and without cardiovascular events during a mean follow-up of 6.6 years in a group of initially healthy 58-year-old men. A further aim was to examine if high serum concentrations of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 were associated with carotid and femoral artery plaque occurrence, separately. Men with cardiovascular events during follow-up had higher median serum ICAM-I and VCAM-I than those without events ( P < .05). The median of serum ICAM-I and VCAM-1 in the event group was used as the cutoff level, and in those with ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 above the cutoff value, there was an increased risk of having a plaque in the femoral artery (OR = 2.8, 95% CI = 1.8-4.3; and OR = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.1-2.5, respectively).
The Effect of Negative Pressure Therapy on the Femoral Vein Blood Flow and Wall Structure
Authors: Lioupis Christos , Kotsis Thomas , Barbatis Calypso , Seretis Eleni , Nomikos Alexandras , Volondakis-Baltatzis Irene , Papalois Apostolos , Andrikopoulos Vasilios , Leaper David
Published: May 2008

Negative pressure therapy has been recently used for managing lymphatic or infective groin complications. The aim of this study was to investigate any possible association between application of negative pressure therapy in the groin area and deep-vein thrombosis. Acute surgical wounds were created at the inguinal areas in 7 pigs. Different negative pressures ranging from −50 to −200 mmHg were applied directly over the femoral vessels, and blood flow alterations were studied using a Doppler ultrasound. Femoral vein specimens were also removed for histological examination after 12 hours of therapy. It has been demonstrated that negative pressure therapy does not significantly alter the baseline lower limb venous return. Histology demonstrated several changes, which are associated with vein thrombogenesis. The hemodynamic and pathological findings still leave a potential for thrombogenic effects of negative pressure therapy and warrant care to protect the femoral veins, with the use of thrombosis prophylaxis measures.
Childhood Obesity: Looking Into the Future
Authors: Pietrobelli Angelo , Cuevas Espinoza Maivin , De Cristofaro Paolo
Published: May 2008

A major concern related to childhood obesity is that obese children tend to become obese adults, with all the risks/ comorbidities associated (ie, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases among many others). The challenges of childhood obesity are not limited to one country but confront most nations around the world. Efforts to manage and to prevent childhood obesity involve education, research, and intervention. Research could drive new directions in prevention and could develop public policy that might help manage the problem. Additionally, research is needed to test these issues. Looking into the future, 6 relevant levels may be involved in the prevention and treatment of pediatric obesity, and each of these needs investigation: family, schools, health care, government, industry, and media. Together, these 6 levels could promote childhood obesity as a high research priority and put it as the first point in the international public agenda.
Cytokines and Brain Injury: Invited Review
Authors: Kadhim Hazim J. , Duchateau Jean , Sébire Guillaume
Published: May 2008

The brain reacts to injury or disease by cascades of cellular and molecular responses. Evidence suggests that immune-inflammatory processes are key elements in the physiopathological processes associated with brain injury or damage. Cytokines are among major mediators implicated in these processes. Cytokine responses in the initial phase of brain injury might have a role in aggravating brain damage. However, in later stages, these molecular mediators might contribute to recovery or repair. Hemodynamic stabilization and optimalization of oxygen delivery to the brain remain cornerstones in the management of acute brain injury. New approaches might use anticytokine therapy to limit progression and halt or attenuate secondary brain damage. Progress toward such novel neuroprotection strategies, however, awaits better understanding of the optimal timing and dosing of those neuromodulatory therapies and better knowledge of the numerous interactions of those mediators. This also requires understanding of how and when precisely immune mechanisms shift from noxious to protective or restorative actions.
EU Democracy Promotion in the European Neighbourhood
Authors: Schimmelfennig Frank , Scholtz Hanno
Published: May 2008

How effective and relevant is European Union political conditionality for the promotion of democracy in third countries? This article reports the results of a panel study of 36 countries of the East European and Mediterranean neighbourhood of the EU for the years 1988—2004. The analysis shows robust and strong effects of EU political conditionality on democracy in the neighbouring countries if the EU offers a membership perspective in return for political reform. Absent the offer of membership, however, EU incentives such as partnership and cooperation do not reliably promote democratic change. The analysis controls for economic development and transnational exchanges as two alternative potential causes of democratization. Although economic and geographical factors have an impact on democratization in the European neighbourhood as well, EU political conditionality remains a significant influence.
Attitudes toward Eliminating Income Inequality in Europe
Authors: Kaltenthaler Karl , Ceccoli Stephen , Gelleny Ronald
Published: May 2008

In this paper, we seek to understand why attitudes vary among individuals regarding the issue of income distribution in European Union member states. We believe that the issue of income inequality is a potentially significant political cleavage that may have an important influence in meaningful ways in European politics. Rather than focusing on the national context to explain variation in citizen attitudes toward income inequality, we control for national context and explore the relative influence of various individual-level characteristics in shaping how Europeans think about the distribution of income in their countries. We assess how individuals' political attitude, economic self-interest, and general attitude toward society affect how they think about income equality in their own society. To test these propositions, we devise a series of hypotheses that are tested in an ordered probit model using data from the 2000—1 wave of the World Values and European Values Surveys. It is our contention that the way people think about income inequality in their society is largely a product of the ideas that they hold about politics and society, and not principally a product of their economic self-interest.
Shifting Europe's Boundaries
Authors: Maier Jürgen , Rittberger Berthold
Published: May 2008

This article demonstrates that public attitudes towards EU enlargement are strongly affected by exposure to the mass media. It reveals `priming' effects by showing that media exposure affects the standards by which individuals evaluate the accession of potential candidate countries. To gain a more refined understanding about media effects on enlargement attitudes, we analytically separate three different factors that underlie EU enlargement support for a given candidate country: its economic performance, its state of democracy and its perceived cultural `match' with the EU. Employing an experimental design, we probe the media-induced effects of these factors on EU enlargement attitudes.
Drivers and Brakemen
Authors: Nguyen Eric S.
Published: May 2008

This article investigates the effect of public opinion, ideology, and political security on state decision-making on economic integration within the European Union (EU). Although leaders may have objective preferences based on projected economic effects and party ideology, they often face domestic constituencies with different views on increasing European interdependence. I argue that leaders with higher political security are able to discount adverse public opinion and to pursue their own preferences. Where leaders feel their political life may be in jeopardy, they stake out positions closer to prevailing public opinion. I test this hypothesis using a series of ordered probit models, and I conclude that even modest gains in political security dramatically increase the likelihood of a leader pushing strongly for economic integration.
Seasonal affective disorder: Lighting research and Environmental psychology
Authors: Tonello G.
Published: May 2008

This review uses Seasonal Affective Disorder, a depression with a seasonal pattern, to illustrate why engineers, architects, and designers need to look beyond their disciplines and make use of the research output of environmental psychology. Studies of winter SAD in low latitude regions and SAD during summer have shown the need to move away from considering lighting in isolation towards a more holistic view of the environment including personal factors, as is done in environmental psychology.
A novel night lighting system for postural control and stability in seniors
Authors: Figueiro MG , Gras L. , Qi R. , Rizzo P. , Rea M. , Rea MS
Published: May 2008

Injuries resulting from falls in seniors are a significant health concern. Visual information is important for postural control in seniors and postural control is affected by the light level. Moderate ambient illumination might be effective for postural control, but might compromise subsequent sleep efficiency and quality for seniors. In addition to safety concerns, a night lighting system must also be accepted by seniors. Researchers investigated if a self-luminous, night lighting system that provided horizontal and vertical cues could positively affect postural control in older subjects and evaluated its acceptance among seniors. The results showed that the night lighting system was effective for maintaining postural control in the critical, early phase of the sit-to-stand task and that it was preferred over conventional night lights.
A method for detecting incorrectly evacuated filament lamps
Authors: Edwards PM , Grosvenor RI , Prickett PW
Published: May 2008

This research note describes a novel yet simple way to quickly detect incorrectly evacuated lamps from the electrical characteristics of the lamp when it is turned on for the very first time.
Lighting appraisal, well-being and performance in open-plan offices: A linked mechanisms approach
Authors: Veitch JA , Newsham GR , Boyce PR , Jones CC
Published: May 2008

In two experiments in a simulated office space, temporary office personnel worked under one of six lighting conditions for a day. A previous paper reported the results of statistical tests for lighting conditions effects on perceptions, feelings and task performance. This paper reports mediated regression analyses testing the linked mechanisms by which lighting conditions affect health, well-being and task performance. Combined results from the two statistical approaches show that people who perceived their office lighting as being of higher quality rated the space as more attractive, reported more pleasant mood, and showed greater well-being at the end of the day. Direct—indirect lighting and personal control were favoured. Lighting conditions that improved visibility also improved task performance.
Using the longest significance run to estimate region-specific p-values in genetic association mapping studies
Authors: Lian Ie-Bin , Lin Yi-Hsien , Lin Ying-Chao , Yang Hsin-Chou , Chang Chee-Jang , Fann Cathy SJ
Published: May 2008

Background

Association testing is a powerful tool for identifying disease susceptibility genes underlying complex diseases. Technological advances have yielded a dramatic increase in the density of available genetic markers, necessitating an increase in the number of association tests required for the analysis of disease susceptibility genes. As such, multiple-tests corrections have become a critical issue. However the conventional statistical corrections on locus-specific multiple tests usually result in lower power as the number of markers increases. Alternatively, we propose here the application of the longest significant run (LSR) method to estimate a region-specific p-value to provide an index for the most likely candidate region.

Results

An advantage of theLSRmethod relative to procedures based on genotypic data is that only p-value data are needed and hence can be applied extensively to different study designs. In this study the proposedLSRmethod was compared with commonly used methods such as Bonferroni's method and FDR controlling method. We found that while all methods provide good control over false positive rate,LSRhas much better power and false discovery rate. In the authentic analysis on psoriasis and asthma disease data, theLSRmethod successfully identified important candidate regions and replicated the results of previous association studies.

Conclusion

The proposedLSRmethod provides an efficient exploratory tool for the analysis of sequences of dense genetic markers. Our results show that theLSRmethod has better power and lower false discovery rate comparing with the locus-specific multiple tests.
Antipyretic effect of ibuprofen in Gabonese children with uncomplicated falciparum malaria: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Matsiégui Pierre-Blaise , Missinou Michel A , Necek Magdalena , Mavoungou Elie , Issifou Saadou , Lell Bertrand , Kremsner Peter G
Published: May 2008

Background

Antipyretic drugs are widely used in children with fever, though there is a controversy about the benefit of reducing fever in children with malaria. In order to assess the effect of ibuprofen on fever compared to placebo in children with uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Gabon, a randomized double blind placebo controlled trial, was designed.

Methods

Fifty children between two and seven years of age with uncomplicated malaria were included in the study. For the treatment of fever, all patients "received" mechanical treatment when the temperature rose above 37.5°C. In addition to the mechanical treatment, continuous fanning and cooling blanket, patients were assigned randomly to receive ibuprofen (7 mg/kg body weight, every eight hours) or placebo.

Results

The fever clearance time using a fever threshold of 37.5°C was similar in children receiving ibuprofen compared to those receiving placebo. The difference was also not statistically significant using a fever threshold of 37.8°C or 38.0°C. However, the fever time and the area under the fever curve were significantly smaller in the ibuprofen group compared to the placebo group.

Conclusion

Ibuprofen is effective in reducing the time with fever. The effect on fever clearance is less obvious and depends on definition of the fever threshold.

Trial registration

The trial registration number is: NCT00167713
Genetic diversity of vaccine candidate antigens in Plasmodium falciparum isolates from the Amazon basin of Peru
Authors: Chenet Stella M , Branch OraLee H , Escalante Ananias A , Lucas Carmen M , Bacon David J
Published: May 2008

Background

Several of the intendedPlasmodium falciparumvaccine candidate antigens are highly polymorphic and could render a vaccine ineffective if their antigenic sites were not represented in the vaccine. In this study, characterization of genetic variability was performed in major B and T-cell epitopes within vaccine candidate antigens in isolates ofP. falciparumfrom Peru.

Methods

DNA sequencing analysis was completed on 139 isolates ofP. falciparumcollected from endemic areas of the Amazon basin in Loreto, Peru from years 1998 to 2006. Genetic diversity was determined in immunological important regions in circumsporozoite protein (CSP), merozoite surface protein-1 (MSP-1), apical membrane antigen-1 (AMA-1), liver stage antigen-1 (LSA-1) and thrombospondin-related anonymous protein (TRAP). Alleles identified by DNA sequencing were aligned with the vaccine strain 3D7 and DNA polymorphism analysis and FST study-year pairwise comparisons were done using the DnaSP software. Multilocus analysis (MLA) was performed and average of expected heterozygosity was calculated for each loci and haplotype over time.

Results

Three different alleles for CSP, seven for MSP-1 Block 2, one for MSP-1 Block 17, three for AMA-1 and for LSA-1 each and one for TRAP were identified. There were 24 different haplotypes in 125 infections with complete locus typing for each gene.

Conclusion

Characterization of the genetic diversity inPlasmodiumisolates from the Amazon Region of Peru showed thatP. falciparumT and B cell epitopes in these antigens have polymorphisms more similar to India than to Africa. These findings are helpful in the formulation of a vaccine considering restricted repertoire populations.
Plasmodium vivax trophozoites insensitive to chloroquine
Authors: Sharrock Wesley W , Suwanarusk Rossarin , Lek-Uthai Usa , Edstein Michael D , Kosaisavee Varakorn , Travers Thomas , Jaidee Anchalee , Sriprawat Kanlaya , Price Ric N , Nosten François , Russell Bruce
Published: May 2008

Background

Plasmodium vivaxis a major cause of malaria and is still primarily treated with chloroquine. Chloroquine inhibits the polymerization of haem to inert haemozoin. Free haem monomers are thought to catalyze oxidative damage to thePlasmodiumspp. trophozoite, the stage when haemoglobin catabolism is maximal. However preliminaryin vitroobservations onP. vivaxclinical isolates suggest that only ring stages (early trophozoites) are sensitive to chloroquine. In this study, the stage specific action of chloroquine was investigated in synchronous cryopreserved isolates ofP. vivax.

Methods

Thein vitrochloroquine sensitivity of paired ring and trophozoite stages from 11 cryopreservedP. vivaxclinical isolates from Thailand and twoPlasmodium falciparumclones (chloroquine resistant K1 and chloroquine sensitive FC27) was measured using a modified WHO microtest method and fluorometric SYBR Green I Assay. The time each stage was exposed to chloroquine treatment was controlled by washing the chloroquine off at 20 hours after the beginning of treatment.

Results

Plasmodium vivaxisolates added to the assay at ring stage had significantly lower median IC50sto chloroquine than the same isolates added at trophozoite stage (median IC5012 nM vs 415 nMp< 0.01). Although only 36% (4/11) of the SYBR Green I assays forP. vivaxwere successful, both microscopy and SYBR Green I assays indicated that onlyP. vivaxtrophozoites were able to develop to schizonts at chloroquine concentrations above 100 nM.

Conclusion

Data from this study confirms the diminished sensitivity ofP. vivaxtrophozoites to chloroquine, the stage thought to be the target of this drug. These results raise important questions about the pharmacodynamic action of chloroquine, and highlight a fundamental difference in the activity of chloroquine betweenP. vivaxandP. falciparum.
FASH: A web application for nucleotides sequence search
Authors: Veksler-Lublinksy Isana , Barash Danny , Avisar Chai , Troim Einav , Chew Paul , Kedem Klara
Published: May 2008

FASH (Fourier Alignment Sequence Heuristics) is a web application, based on the Fast Fourier Transform, for finding remote homologs within a long nucleic acid sequence. Given a query sequence and a long text-sequence (e.g, the human genome), FASH detects subsequences within the text that are remotely-similar to the query. FASH offers an alternative approach to Blast/Fasta for querying long RNA/DNA sequences. FASH differs from these other approaches in that it does not depend on the existence of contiguous seed-sequences in its initial detection phase. The FASH web server is user friendly and very easy to operate.

Availability

FASH can be accessed at

https://fash.bgu.ac.il:8443/fash/default.jsp (secured website)