bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reduction of Tissue Plasminogen Activator-Induced Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 by Simvastatin in Astrocytes
Authors: Wang Sophia , Lee Sun-Ryung , Guo Shu-Zhen , Kim Woo Jean , Montaner Joan , Wang Xiaoying , Lo Eng H.
Published: June 2006

Background and Purpose—

Hemorrhagic conversion after tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) stroke therapy has been linked with elevations in matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) at the neurovascular interface. Here, we test the idea that statins may directly ameliorate tPA-induced MMP-9 dysregulation.

Methods—

Recombinant human tPA (5 μg/mL) was added to primary rat cortical astrocytes. Zymography was used to quantify MMP-9 levels in conditioned media. Effects of simvastatin or the Rho kinase inhibitor Y-27632 were assessed by pretreating cells before tPA exposure.

Results—

Simvastatin (1 to 10 μmol/L) significantly reduced tPA-induced MMP-9 in cortical astrocytes. This effect may be mediated via the Rho kinase pathway because tPA-induced activation of Rho signaling was suppressed by simvastatin, and tPA-induced MMP-9 levels were similarly reduced by the Rho kinase inhibitor Y-27632 (1 to 10 μmol/L).

Conclusions—

Statins reduce tPA-induced MMP-9 dysregulation by inhibiting the Rho signaling pathway. Statins may ameliorate tPA-associated MMP imbalances in stroke.
C-Reactive Protein as a Predictor of Incident Ischemic Stroke Among Patients With Preexisting Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Tanne David , Benderly Michal , Goldbourt Uri , Haim Moti , Tenenbaum Alexander , Fisman Enrique Z. , Matas Zipora , Adler Yehuda , Zimmlichman Reuven , Behar Solomon
Published: June 2006

Background and Purpose—

C-reactive protein (CRP) has emerged as an important predictor of cardiovascular disease, but there are few prospective data on its association with risk of ischemic stroke in patients at high risk.

Methods—

We examined the association between CRP levels and subsequent risk of incident ischemic stroke among 2979 patients with stable coronary heart disease included in a controlled clinical trial (Bezafibrate Infarction Prevention) that assessed the efficacy of bezafibrate, a fibric acid derivative, versus placebo for secondary prevention. CRP was measured by a high-sensitivity assay in plasma samples collected before randomization and again at the second follow-up year of an overall mean follow-up of 6.2 years.

Results—

Risk of ischemic stroke per 1000 person-years increased from 4.1% for baseline CRP in the lowest tertile (<2.3 mg/L; n=982) to 5.9% for levels at the middle tertile (2.3 to 5.4 mg/L; n=1013) and 10.5% for CRP levels at the upper tertile (>5.4 mg/L; n=984;
P
<0.001). With adjustment for potential confounders, baseline CRP levels in the top versus bottom tertile were associated with a 2.16-fold increased hazard (95% CI, 1.32 to 3.53) for ischemic stroke, and CRP levels measured after 2 years were associated with a hazard ratio of 2.43 (95% CI, 1.30 to 4.57). The risk of an incident ischemic stroke did not differ between the bezafibrate group compared with the placebo group regardless of baseline CRP levels.

Conclusions—

These findings, based on a large prospective study, demonstrate the risk prediction for incident ischemic stroke conferred by CRP levels in patients at high risk.
Voluntary and Involuntary Nursing Home Staff Turnover
Authors: Donoghue Christopher , Castle Nicholas G.
Published: June 2006

The goal of this study was to identify nursing home characteristics that have differential associations to voluntary and involuntary turnover among formal caregivers (i.e., registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and nurse aides). Primary data from 354 facilities from four states were merged with data from the 2004 Online Survey, Certification and Recording system. Multinomial logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine whether organizational characteristics were related to a greater probability of high or low levels of voluntary and involuntary turnover among formal caregivers. The analysis revealed that a higher ratio of nurses to beds, a smaller number of quality-of-care deficiencies, and a smaller proportion of residents using Medicaid were all associated with lower voluntary turnover but higher involuntary turnover. The findings indicate that controlling turnover is a complex process that may involve monitoring the organizational levels not only of voluntary separations but also of involuntary terminations.
Intergenerational Coresidence of the Japanese Elderly
Authors: Takagi Emiko , Silverstein Merril
Published: June 2006

Relatively high prevalence of coresidence between older parents and adult children in Japan is generally interpreted as a structural manifestation of traditional family norms; however, recent socioeconomic changes in Japan have called this into question. This study analyzes national data from older people in Japan to examine the reciprocal relationship between two types of inter-generational coresidence and normative beliefs about traditional stem-family living arrangements. Two-stage least squares regression analysis reveals that coresidence with married children and traditional normative beliefs mutually reinforces each other, whereas coresidence with unmarried children strengthens normative beliefs, but not vice versa. The authors argue that the composition of multigenerational households of older people in Japan is shifting toward a type where instrumental concerns of both generations take precedence over traditional cultural ideology. Traditional norms still motivate the formation of stem-family households but are also used to justify instrumentally driven living arrangements with single children.
Collecting Direct Non-Health Care and Time Cost Data: Application to Screening and Diagnosis of Cervical Cancer
Authors: Cantor Scott B. , Levy Lawrence B. , Cárdenas-Turanzas Marylou , Basen-Engquist Karen , Le Tao , Beck J. Robert , Follen Michele
Published: June 2006

Background . Data on direct non-health care and time costs are rarely collected, though the incorporation of such data is essential for performing cost-effectiveness analyses according to established guidelines. Objectives . To explore the challenges involved in collecting and analyzing these data from patients enrolled in a clinical trial. Methods . Through the use of a pilot study, the authors designed a questionnaire to collect these costs. They used this questionnaire in a clinical trial conducted at a comprehensive cancer center and a public community hospital. Patients in the trial were undergoing screening or diagnostic procedures through a clinical protocol designed to measure the effectiveness of fluorescence and reflectance spectroscopy for detecting cervical precancers. Direct non-health care costs were adjusted to 2003 constant dollars. Results . The authors successfully collected direct non-health care and time cost data, thus demonstrating the feasibility of acquiring such data. Compared to patients receiving diagnostic services for cervical cancer, those receiving screening services for the same condition in both settings incurred lower direct non-health care costs and time costs, as defined in the questionnaire. Compared to patients receiving either service at the comprehensive cancer center, those seeking either service at the public community hospital incurred lower direct non-health care costs and time costs. When outliers were removed, total direct non-health care costs and time costs substantially decreased for diagnostic patients in the comprehensive cancer center; total direct non-health care costs and time costs for other subgroups remained essentially unchanged. Conclusions . Direct non-health care and time cost data can be collected within a large-scale clinical trial. The setting (community v. specialty hospital) and population (patients receiving screening v. diagnostic examination) makes a difference regarding the cost totals. The order of magnitude of the final result depends on the context in which the non-health care and time cost data will be used.
Judgment Analysis of Surgeons’ Prioritization of Patients for Elective General Surgery
Authors: MacCormick Andrew D. , Parry Bryan R.
Published: June 2006

Background . Access to elective general surgery in New Zealand is governed by clinicians’ judgment of priority using a visual analog scale (VAS). This has been criticized as lacking reliability and transparency. Our objective was to describe this judgment in terms of previously elicited cues. Methods . We asked 60 general surgeons in New Zealand to assess patient vignettes using 8 VAS scales to determine priority. They then conducted judgment analysis to determine agreement between surgeons. Cluster analysis was performed to identify groups of surgeons who used different cues. Multiple regression for the combined surgeons was undertaken to determine the predictability of the 8-scale VAS. Results . Agreement between surgeons was poor (ra = 0.48). The cause of poor agreement was mostly due to poor consensus (G) between surgeons in how they weighted criteria. Using cluster analysis, we classified the surgeons into 2 groups: 1 took more account of quality of life and diagnosis, whereas the other group placed more weight on the influence of treatment. The 8-scale VAS showed good predictability in assigning a priority score (R 2 = 0.66). Discussion . The level of agreement reflects surgeons’ practice variation. This is exemplified by 2 distinct surgeon groups that differ in how criteria were weighted.
Drug Benefit Decisions among Older Adults: A Policy-Capturing Analysis
Authors: Cline Richard R. , Gupta Kiran
Published: June 2006

Purpose . Under the Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act, beneficiaries remaining in the traditional fee-for-service plan will face a variety of drug benefit options provided by private stand-alone prescription drug plans. Although these plans likely will differ with regard to a number of important attributes, little is known about older adults’ judgment processes in this context. The objectives of this study were to 1) better understand the manner in which drug insurance attributes are weighted in older adults’ judgments of drug benefit suitability, 2) explore variability in judgment strategies among seniors, and 3) assess seniors’ insight into their judgment policies. Methods . Three focus groups were conducted with 19 older adults to elicit important drug plan attributes. A policy-capturing study with 32 seniors, none of whom had participated in the focus groups, then was employed to quantify the impacts of these attributes on judgments of plan suitability. Results . Focus group participants reported that copayment, monthly premium, deductible, formulary use, and mail-order pharmacy use were important drug insurance attributes. The policy-capturing study showed that deductibles and premiums were weighted most heavily in judgment formation. However, significant variability in judgment policies was apparent, with 3 distinct groups emerging from cluster analysis. The first emphasized deductibles and copayments, the second premiums and deductibles, and the third use of a mail-order pharmacy and deductibles. Study volunteers exhibited insight into the role of some plan attributes in their judgments, but notm others. Conclusions. Cost-sharing provisions appear to be most important in older adults’ evaluations of drug benefit plans. However, significant heterogeneity in attribute preferences also was apparent in this study. Older adults may not be cognizant of the manner in which some plan attributes affect their evaluations, suggesting a role for decision aids in this process.
CD154 induces p73 to overcome the resistance to apoptosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells lacking functional p53
Authors: Dicker Frank , Kater Arnon P. , Prada Carlos E. , Fukuda Tetsuya , Castro Januario E. , Sun Guizhen , Wang Jean Y. , Kipps Thomas J.
Published: June 2006

Intravenous infusion of autologous chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells transduced with an adenovirus encoding CD40-ligand (CD154) caused rapid reductions in leukemia-cell counts and lymphnode size. We hypothesized that CD40-ligation via CD154 sensitized CLL cells to death-receptor-mediated apoptosis. We found that CD154-expressing cells induced expression of CD95 and the BH3-interacting-domain death agonist (Bid) in CLL, regardless of whether the leukemia cells had functional p53. Such treatment also induced p73, a p53-related transcription factor regulated by c-Abl kinase, and enhanced the sensitivity to fludarabine (F-ara-A) of CLL cells lacking functional p53. Transduction of CLL cells with an adenovirus encoding p73 also induced Bid and CD95 and enhanced the sensitivity to F-ara-A of p53-deficient CLL cells. However, inhibition of c-Abl with imatinib suppressed CD154-induced expression of p73, p73-induced expression of Bid and CD95, and blocked the sensitization of p53-deficient CLL cells to CD95-mediated or F-ara-A-induced apoptosis. Conversely, CLL cells transduced with an imatinib-resistant c-Abl mutant could be induced by CD154 to express p73 and Bid even when treated with imatinib. These results indicate that CD154 can sensitize leukemia cells to apoptosis via the c-Abl-dependent activation of p73 and mitigate the resistance of p53-deficient CLL cells to anticancer drug therapy.
A mosaic genetic screen for novel mutations affecting Drosophila neuroblast divisions
Authors: Slack Cathy , Somers W Gregory , Sousa-Nunes Rita , Chia William , Overton Paul M
Published: June 2006

Background

The asymmetric segregation of determinants during cell division is a fundamental mechanism for generating cell fate diversity during development. InDrosophila, neural precursors (neuroblasts) divide in a stem cell-like manner generating a larger apical neuroblast and a smaller basal ganglion mother cell. The cell fate determinant Prospero and its adapter protein Miranda are asymmetrically localized to the basal cortex of the dividing neuroblast and segregated into the GMC upon cytokinesis. Previous screens to identify components of the asymmetric division machinery have concentrated on embryonic phenotypes. However, such screens are reaching saturation and are limited in that the maternal contribution of many genes can mask the effects of zygotic loss of function, and other approaches will be necessary to identify further genes involved in neuroblast asymmetric division.

Results

We have performed a genetic screen in the third instar larval brain using the basal localization of Miranda as a marker for neuroblast asymmetry. In addition to the examination of pupal lethal mutations, we have employed the MARCM (MosaicAnalysis with aRepressibleCellMarker) system to generate postembryonic clones of mutations with an early lethal phase. We have screened a total of 2,300 mutagenized chromosomes and isolated alleles affecting cell fate, the localization of basal determinants or the orientation of the mitotic spindle. We have also identified a number of complementation groups exhibiting defects in cell cycle progression and cytokinesis, including both novel genes and new alleles of known components of these processes.

Conclusion

We have identified four mutations which affect the process of neuroblast asymmetric division. One of these, mapping to theimaginal discs arrestedlocus, suggests a novel role for the anaphase promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) in the targeting of determinants to the basal cortex. The identification and analysis of the remaining mutations will further advance our understanding of the process of asymmetric cell division. We have also isolated a number of mutations affecting cell division which will complement the functional genomics approaches to this process being employed by other laboratories. Taken together, these results demonstrate the value of mosaic screens in the identification of genes involved in neuroblast division.
Lymph node retrieval in abdominoperineal surgical specimen is radiation time-dependent
Authors: Sermier Alain , Gervaz Pascal , Egger Jean F , Dao My , Allal Abdelkarim S , Bonet Marta , Morel Philippe
Published: June 2006

Background

A low yield of lymph nodes (LN) in abdominoperineal resection (APR) specimen has been associated with preoperative radiation therapy (XRT) in population-based studies, which may preclude adequate staging of anorectal carcinomas. We hypothesized that the number of LN retrieved in APR specimen was correlated with the dose and the timing of pelvic irradiation.

Patients and methods

We performed a retrospective study of 102 patients who underwent APR in a single institution between 1980 and 2004. Pathological reports were reviewed and the number of lymph nodes retrieved in APR specimens was correlated with: 1) Preoperative radiation; 2) Dose of pelvic irradiation; and 3) Time interval between the end of XRT and surgery.

Results

There were 61 men and 41 women, with a median age of 66 (range 25–89) years. There were 12 patients operated for squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal (SCCA) and 90 for rectal cancer. 83% and 46% of patients with anal and rectal cancer respectively underwent radical/neoadjuvant radiotherapy. The mean ± SD number of LN in APR specimen was 9.2 ± 5.9. The mean number of LN in APR specimen was significantly lower in patients who underwent preoperative XRT (8 ± 5.5 vs. 10.5 ± 6.1, Mann-Whitney U test, p = 0.02). The mean number of LN was not significantly different after XRT in patients with SCCA than in patients with rectal cancer (6.2 ± 5.3 vs. 7.8 ± 5.3, p = 0.33). Finally, there was an inverse correlation between the yield of LN and the time elapsed between XRT and surgery (linear regression coefficient r = -0.32, p = 0.03).

Conclusion

Our data indicate that: 1) radiation therapy affects the yield of LN retrieval in APR specimen; 2) this impact is time-dependent. These findings have important implications with regard to anatomic-pathological staging of anal and rectal cancers and subsequent decision-making regarding adjuvant chemotherapy.
Coordinated elevation of membrane type 1-matrix metalloproteinase and matrix metalloproteinase-2 expression in rat uterus during postpartum involution
Authors: Manase Kengo , Endo Toshiaki , Chida Mitunobu , Nagasawa Kunihiko , Honnma Hiroyuki , Yamazaki Kiyohiro , Kitajima Yoshimitu , Goto Taeko , Kanaya Mika , Hayashi Takuhiro , Mitaka Toshihiro , Saito Tsuyoshi
Published: June 2006

Background

The changes occurring in the rodent uterus after parturition can be used as a model of extensive tissue remodeling. As the uterus returns to its prepregnancy state, the involuting uterus undergoes a rapid reduction in size primarily due to the degradation of the extracellular matrix, particularly collagen. Membrane type-I matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) is one of the major proteinases that degrades collagen and is the most abundant MMP form in the uterus. Matrix metalloproteinase-2(MMP-2) can degrade type I collagen, although its main function is to degrade type IV collagen found in the basement membrane. To understand the expression patterns of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the rat uterus, we analyzed their activities in postpartum uterine involution.

Methods

We performed gelatin zymography, northern blot analysis and immunohistochemistry to compare the expression levels of MT1-MMP, MMP-2, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and the tissue inhibitors of MMPs-1 and 2 (TIMP-1 and TIMP-2) in the rat uterus 18 h, 36 h and 5 days after parturition with their expression levels during pregnancy (day 20).

Results

We found that both MT1-MMP and MMP-2 localized mainly in the cytoplasm of uterine interstitial cells. The expression levels of MT1-MMP and MMP-2 mRNAs and the catalytic activities of the expressed proteins significantly increased 18 h and 36 h after parturition, but at postpartum day 5, their mRNA expression levels and catalytic activities decreased markedly. The expression levels of MMP-9 increased 18 h and 36 h after parturition as determined by gelatin zymography including the expression levels of TIMP-1 and TIMP-2.

Conclusion

These expression patterns indicate that MT1-MMP, MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 may play key roles in uterine postpartum involution and subsequent functional regenerative processes.
Analysis of gene expression in operons of Streptomyces coelicolor
Authors: Laing Emma , Mersinias Vassilis , Smith Colin P , Hubbard Simon J
Published: June 2006

Background

Recent studies have shown that microarray-derived gene-expression data are useful for operon prediction. However, it is apparent that genes within an operon do not conform to the simple notion that they have equal levels of expression.

Results

To investigate the relative transcript levels of intra-operonic genes, we have used a Z-score approach to normalize the expression levels of all genes within an operon to expression of the first gene of that operon. Here we demonstrate that there is a general downward trend in expression from the first to the last gene in Streptomyces coelicolor operons, in contrast to what we observe in Escherichia coli. Combining transcription-factor binding-site prediction with the identification of operonic genes that exhibited higher transcript levels than the first gene of the same operon enabled the discovery of putative internal promoters. The presence of transcription terminators and abundance of putative transcriptional control sequences in S. coelicolor operons are also described.

Conclusion

Here we have demonstrated a polarity of expression in operons of S. coelicolor not seen in E. coli, bringing caution to those that apply operon prediction strategies based on E. coli 'equal-expression' to divergent species. We speculate that this general difference in transcription behavior could reflect the contrasting lifestyles of the two organisms and, in the case of Streptomyces, might also be influenced by its high G+C content genome. Identification of putative internal promoters, previously thought to cause problems in operon prediction strategies, has also been enabled.
17β-Estradiol Modifies Nitric Oxide-Sensitive Guanylyl Cyclase Expression and Down-Regulates Its Activity in Rat Anterior Pituitary Gland
Authors: Cabilla Jimena P. , Díaz María del Carmen , Machiavelli Leticia I. , Poliandri Ariel H. , Quinteros Fernanda A. , Lasaga Mercedes , Duvilanski Beatriz H.
Published: June 2006

Previous studies showed that 17β-estradiol (17β-E2) regulates the nitric oxide (NO)/soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC)/cGMP pathway in many tissues. Evidence from our laboratory indicates that 17β-E2 disrupts the inhibitory effect of NO on prolactin release, decreasing sGC activity and affecting the cGMP pathway in anterior pituitary gland of adult ovariectomized and estrogenized rats. To ascertain the mechanisms by which 17β-E2 affects sGC activity, we investigated the in vivo and in vitro effects of 17β-E2 on sGC protein and mRNA expression in anterior pituitary gland from immature female rats. In the present work, we showed that 17β-E2 acute treatment exerted opposite effects on the two sGC subunits, increasing α1 and decreasing β1 subunit protein and mRNA expression. This action on sGC protein expression was maximal 6–9 h after 17β-E2 administration. 17β-E2 also caused the same effect on mRNA expression at earlier times. Concomitantly, 17β-E2 dramatically decreased sGC activity 6 and 9 h after injection. These effects were specific of 17β-E2, because they were not observed with the administration of other steroids such as progesterone and 17α-estradiol. This inhibitory action of 17β-E2 on sGC also required the activation of estrogen receptor (ER), because treatment with the pure ER antagonist ICI 182,780 completely blocked 17β-E2 action. 17β-E2 acute treatment caused the same effects on pituitary cells in culture. These results suggest that 17β-E2 exerts an acute inhibitory effect on sGC in anterior pituitary gland by down-regulating sGC β1 subunit and sGC activity in a specific, ER-dependent manner.
The Imitation Switch Protein SNF2L Regulates Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory Protein Expression during Terminal Differentiation of Ovarian Granulosa Cells
Authors: Lazzaro Maribeth A. , Pépin David , Pescador Nazario , Murphy Bruce D. , Vanderhyden Barbara C. , Picketts David J.
Published: June 2006

Luteinization is a complex process, stimulated by gonadotropins, that promotes ovulation and development of the corpus luteum through terminal differentiation of granulosa cells. The pronounced expression of the mammalian imitation switch (ISWI) genes, SNF2H and SNF2L, in adult ovaries prompted us to investigate the role of these chromatin remodeling proteins during follicular development and luteinization. SNF2H expression is highest during growth of preovulatory follicles and becomes less prevalent during luteinization. In contrast, both SNF2L transcript and SNF2L protein levels are rapidly increased in granulosa cells of the mouse ovary 8 h after human chorionic gonadotropin treatment, and continue to be expressed 36 h later within the functional corpus luteum. We demonstrate a physical interaction between SNF2L and the progesterone receptor A isoform, which regulates progesterone receptor-responsive genes required for ovulation. Moreover, chromatin immunoprecipitation demonstrated that, after gonadotropin stimulation, SNF2L is associated with the proximal promoter of the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) gene, a classic marker of luteinization in granulosa cells. Interaction of SNF2L with the StAR promoter is required for StAR expression, because small interfering RNA knockdown of SNF2L prevents the activation of the StAR gene. Our results provide the first indication that ISWI chromatin remodeling proteins are responsive to the LH surge and that this response is required for the activation of the StAR gene and the overall development of a functional luteal cell.
Mullerian Inhibiting Substance Regulates Androgen-Induced Gene Expression and Growth in Prostate Cancer Cells through a Nuclear Factor-κB-Dependent Smad-Independent Mechanism
Authors: Tran Trinh T. , Segev Dorry L. , Gupta Vandana , Kawakubo Hirofumi , Yeo Giminna , Donahoe Patricia K. , Maheswaran Shyamala
Published: June 2006

Mullerian inhibiting substance (MIS), a member of the TGFβ superfamily, causes regression of the Mullerian duct in male embryos. The presence of MIS type II and type I receptors in tissues and cell lines derived from the prostate suggests that prostate is a likely target for MIS. In this report, we demonstrate that MIS inhibits androgen-stimulated growth of LNCaP cells and decreases their survival in androgen-deprived medium by preventing cell cycle progression and inducing apoptosis. Expression of dominant-negative Smad1 reversed the ability of MIS to decrease LNCaP cell survival in androgen-deprived medium but not androgen-stimulated growth, whereas abrogation of nuclear factor-κB (NFκB) activation ablated the suppressive effects of MIS on both androgen-stimulated growth and androgen-independent survival. The effect of MIS on androgen-induced growth was not due to changes in androgen receptor expression. However, MIS suppressed androgen-stimulated transcription of prostate-specific antigen; ablation of NFκB activation reversed MIS-mediated suppression of prostate-specific antigen. These observations suggest that MIS regulates androgen-induced gene expression and growth in prostate cancer cells through a NFκB-dependent but Smad1-independent mechanism. Thus, MIS, in addition to potentially regulating prostate growth indirectly by suppressing testicular testosterone synthesis, may also be a direct regulator of androgen-induced gene expression and growth in the prostate at the cellular level.
Materials processing at atmospheric pressure: Nonequilibrium effects on nanotechnology and mega-industries
Authors: Nozaki Tomohiro , Okazaki Ken
Published: June 2006

Applications of atmospheric pressure nonequilibrium plasmas, because of their special advantages of forming reactive plasmas in a simple reactor, are spreading into various engineering fields, not only of materials processing, but also into energy and environment areas. Our group has explored new applications of both filamentary and diffuse barrier discharges, including the establishment of appropriate modeling, which enables better optimization of given plasma processes. More recently, microplasmas produced in submillimeter to micrometer reactors are also highlighted in association with atmospheric pressure nonequilibrium plasma because such small-scale plasmas frequently require high-density media to produce. This paper overviews our recent projects: (1) steam reforming of methane using filamentary barrier discharge; (2) deposition of carbon nanotubes in atmospheric pressure radio frequency discharge (APRFD); and (3) synthesis of silicon nanoparticles using microplasma.
What do we know about long laminar plasma jets?
Authors: Chen Xi , Pan Wenxia , Meng Xian , Cheng Kai , Xu Dong-Yan , Wu Chengkang
Published: June 2006

Silent and stable long laminar plasma jets can be generated in a rather wide range of working parameters. The laminar flow state can be maintained even if considerable parameter fluctuations exist in the laminar plasma jet or if there is an impact of laterally injected particulate matter and its carrier gas. The attractive special features of laminar plasma jets include extremely low noise level, less entrainment of ambient air, much longer and adjustable high-temperature region length, and smaller axial gradient of plasma parameters. Modeling results show that the laminar plasma jet length increases with increasing jet inlet velocity or temperature and the effect of natural convection on laminar plasma jet characteristics can be ignored, consistent with experimental observations. The large difference between laminar and turbulent plasma jet characteristics is revealed to be due to their different laws of surrounding gas entrainment. Besides the promising applications of the laminar plasma jet to remelting and cladding strengthening of the metallic surface and to thermal barrier coating preparation, it is expected that the laminar plasma jet can become a rather ideal object for the basic studies of thermal plasma science owing to the nonexistence of the complexity caused by turbulence.
Plasma-assisted combustion
Authors: Starikovskii A. Yu. , Anikin N. B. , Kosarev I. N. , Mintoussov E. I. , Starikovskaia S. M. , Zhukov V. P.
Published: June 2006

This paper presents an overview of experimental and numerical investigations of the nonequilibrium cold plasma generated under high overvoltage and further usage of this plasma for plasma-assisted combustion.

Here, two different types of the discharge are considered: a streamer under high pressure and the so-called fast ionization wave (FIW) at low pressure.

The comprehensive experimental investigation of the processes of alkane slow oxidation in mixtures with oxygen and air under nanosecond uniform discharge has been performed. The kinetics of alkane oxidation has been measured from methane to decane in stoichiometric and lean mixtures with oxygen and air at room temperature under the action of high-voltage nanosecond uniform discharge.

The efficiency of nanosecond discharges as active particles generator for plasma-assisted combustion and ignition has been investigated. The study of nanosecond barrier discharge influence on a flame propagation and flame blow-off velocity has been carried out. With energy input negligible in comparison with the burner's chemical power, a double flame blow-off velocity increase has been obtained. A signicant shift of the ignition delay time in comparison with the autoignition has been registered for all mixtures.

Detonation initiating by high-voltage gas discharge has been demonstrated. The energy deposition in the discharge ranged from 70 mJ to 12 J. The ignition delay time, the velocity of the flame front propagation, and the electrical characteristics of the discharge have been measured during the experiments. Under the conditions of the experiment, three modes of the flame front propagation have been observed, i.e., deflagration, transient detonation, and Chapman-Jouguet detonation. The efficiency of the pulsed nanosecond discharge to deflagration-to-detonation transition (DDT) control has been shown to be very high.
Opioid Disposition in Human Sweat after Controlled Oral Codeine Administration
Authors: Schwilke Eugene W , Barnes Allan J , Kacinko Sherri L , Cone Edward J , Moolchan Eric T , Huestis Marilyn A
Published: June 2006

Background: Characterization of opioid excretion in sweat is important for accurate interpretation of sweat tests in drug treatment, criminal justice, and workplace drug testing programs.

Methods: Participants (n = 20) received placebo, 3 low (60 mg/70 kg) or 3 high (120 mg/70 kg) codeine sulfate doses (used as a model for opioid excretion) within 1 week. Codeine and metabolites in sweat were collected with PharmChek® Sweat Patches; hourly patches were applied for 1 to 15 h (n = 775) and weekly patches for 7 days (n = 118). Patches were analyzed by solid-phase extraction and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry for codeine, norcodeine, morphine, normorphine, and 6-acetylmorphine. Limits of quantification were 2.5 ng/patch (codeine and morphine) and 5 ng/patch (other analytes).

Results: Codeine was the only analyte identified in 12.6% of hourly patches and 83.3% of weekly sweat patches worn during dosing. Weekly patch concentrations (SD) were 38.6 (59.9) ng/patch [median (range), 15.9 (0–225.1) ng/patch] for low and 34.1 (32.7) ng/patch [24.0 (0–96.2) ng/patch] for high codeine doses. Codeine detected 1 week after dosing was 4.6 (5.3) ng/patch [median (range), 4.0 (0–17.1) ng/patch; n = 11] after low and 7.7 (7.1) ng/patch [6.9 (0–20.5) ng/patch; n = 10] after high doses. In total, 2.6% of hourly, 38.5% of low-dose, and 45.5% of high-dose weekly patches contained codeine at the proposed Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration cutoff.

Conclusions: Codeine was the only analyte detected, at highly variable concentrations, up to 2 weeks after dosing. These results are consistent, considering the complex processes of codeine deposition in sweat. Sweat testing is a useful alternative technique for qualitative monitoring of opioid use.
Nuclear receptor regulation gears up another Notch
Authors: Belandia Borja , Parker Malcolm G.
Published: June 2006

In this perspective we describe examples of crosstalk between nuclear receptors (NRs) and Notch signaling by means of direct functional interactions between components of both pathways. This crosstalk may provide eukaryotic organisms with molecular mechanisms for the coordination of llong-distance endocrine signals with cell-to-cell juxtacrine communication.
Ligand-Induced Estrogen Receptor α Degradation by the Proteasome: New Actors?
Authors: Calligé Mathilde , Richard-Foy Hélène
Published: June 2006

In this perspective we consider new aspects of ligand-induced estrogen receptor α (ERα) degradation. What are the possible roles of CSN5/Jab1 and the CSN complex in this process? We compare hormone (estrogen) or pure antagonist (fulvestrant) induced degradation of ERα and review the effects of kinase-inhibitors and CRM1-dependent nuclear export on ERα degradation and transcription activation. A model for ERα action integrating these new actors is proposed and the relation between hormone-induced ERα degradation and transcription-activation is discussed.
The cell-specific activity of the estrogen receptor a may be fine-tuned by phosphorylation-induced structural gymnastics
Authors: Gburcik Valentina , Picard Didier
Published: June 2006

The estrogen receptor α (ERα) regulates the transcription of target genes by recruiting coregulator proteins through several domains including the two activation functions AF1 and AF2. The contribution of the N-terminally located AF1 activity is particularly important in differentiated cells, and for ERα to integrate inputs from other signaling pathways. However, how the phosphorylation of key residues influences AF1 activity has long remained mysterious, in part because the naturally disordered AF1 domain has resisted a structural characterization. The recent discovery of two coregulators that are specific for a phosphorylated form of AF1 suggests that phosphorylation, possibly in conjunction with the subsequent binding of these coregulators, may enforce a stable structure. The binding of the “pioneer” coregulators might facilitate the subsequent recruitment of yet other coregulators. Different AF1 folds may be enabled by the combinatorial action of posttranslational modifications and coregulator binding thereby fine-tuning ERα activities in a cell- and promoter-specific fashion.
Application of Phosphorylation Site-Specific Antibodies to Measure Nuclear Receptor Signaling: Characterization of Novel Phosphoantibodies for Estrogen Receptor α
Authors: Al-Dhaheri Mariam H. , Rowan Brian G.
Published: June 2006

An understanding of posttranslational events in nuclear receptor signaling is crucial for drug design and clinical therapeutic strategies. Phosphorylation is a well-characterized posttranslational modification that regulates subcellular localization and function of nuclear receptors and coregulators. Although the role of single phosphorylation sites in nuclear receptor function has been described, the contribution of combinations of multiple phosphorylation sites to receptor function remains unclear. The development of phosphoantibodies to each phosphorylation site in a nuclear receptor is a powerful tool to address the role of phosphorylation in multiply phosphorylated receptors. However, phosphoantibodies must be rigorously validated prior to use. This review describes the general methodology for design, characterization and validation of phosphoantibodies using the example of eight phosphoantibodies raised against phosphorylation sites in estrogen receptor α (ERα).
The Orphan Rev-Erb Nuclear Receptors: A Link between Metabolism, Circadian Rhythm and Inflammation?
Authors: Ramakrishnan Sathiya N. , Muscat George E.O.
Published: June 2006

Nuclear hormone receptors (NRs) function as ligand dependent DNA binding proteins that translate physiological/nutritional signals into gene regulation. Dysfunctional NR signaling leads to many disorders in reproduction, inflammation, and metabolism. The opportunity to identify novel regulatory pathways in the context of human health and disease drives the challenge to unravel the biological function of the “orphan nuclear hormone receptors”. For example, the Rev-erb (NR1D) subgroup (Rev-erbα/NR1D1 and Rev-erbβ/NR1D2) of orphan NRs are transcriptional silencers and negative regulators of ROR mediated trans-activation. The NR1D subgroup is highly enriched in peripheral tissues with onerous energy demands including skeletal muscle, brown and white adipose, brain, liver and kidney. This alludes to the involvement of this subgroup in metabolism. In this context, Rev-erbα-/- mice have a dyslipidemic phenotype. Recent studies in vascular smooth and skeletal muscle cells also suggest that the NR1D subgroup modulates inflammation by regulating IκBα/NFκB dependent gene expression. Rev-erbα has been identified as a critical regulator (and target) of circadian rhythm, a factor in blood pressure control and inflammation. Finally, two recent reports have demonstrated: (i) lithium mediated regulation of Rev-erbα stability and (ii) E75 (the Drosophila orthologue of human Rev-erbα) is tightly bound by heme, and functions as a “gas sensor” through interaction with CO/NO and interferes with the repression of DHR3 (the Drosophila orthologue of human RORα). In conclusion, the role of these receptors at the cross-roads of metabolism, inflammation, and circadian cycling underscores the importance of understanding the organ-specific function of the NR1D subgroup in homeostasis.
Pseudoleptobothrium aptychotremae Young, 1967 (Monogenea, Microbothriidae) redescribed from a new host, Trygonorrhina fasciata (Rhinobatidae) in South Australia with a description of the larva and post-larval development
Authors: Glennon Vanessa , Chisholm Leslie , Whittington Ian
Published: June 2006

The adult of Pseudoleptobothrium aptychotremae Young, 1967 (Monogenea, Microbothriidae) is redescribed from the dermal denticles of the southern fiddler ray, Trygonorrhina fasciata (Rhinobatidae) collected off Adelaide, South Australia. This is a new host and locality record. The anatomy of the larva is described from observations of live larvae and the presence of six needle-like spicules in the larval haptor is confirmed. The development of P. aptychotremae is also described.
Description of a new species of Dolichorchis (Digenea, Diplostomidae) in the cocoi heron, Ardea cocoi (Aves, Ardeidae), from Argentina
Authors: Lunaschi Lía , Drago Fabiana
Published: June 2006

Dolichorchis lacombeensis sp. nov., a digenean parasite of the gut of the cocoi heron, Ardea cocoi (L.), is described as a new species from Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. This new species most closely resembles D. buteii and D. tregenna in the distribution of the vitelline follicles, which reach the intestinal bifurcation in the forebody. D. buteii can be distinguished from D. lacombeensis sp. nov. by the distribution of the vitelline follicles in the hindbody, which are concentrated in midline, by the presence of a sphincter in genital pore and by the size of holdfast organ and posterior testis, which are larger, (240–400 × 176–240 and 315–464 × 240–410 µm, respectively). D. tregenna differ from the new species by their larger measurements (pseudosuckers’ length 90–100, pharynx 52–90 × 50–70 and eggs 89–104 × 48–68 µm).
Scolex development, morphology and mode of attachment of Wenyonia virilis Woodland, 1923 (Cestoidea, Caryophyllidea)
Authors: Ibraheem Mohammed , Mackiewicz John
Published: June 2006

Development and morphology of the scolex and mode of attachment of Wenyonia virilis Woodland, 1923, a caryophyllaeid cestode from the silurid Nile fish Synodontis schall (Bloch et Schneider, 1801), were studied by means of light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Scolex and genital primordia changes through four stages of juvenile development are described. Longitudinal ridges do not appear on the scolex until the cestode has well defined genital primordia. This is in stark contrast to other caryophyllidean genera in which the basic morphology of the adult scolex becomes evident at the procercoid stage in the oligochaete intermediate host. The scolex of the adult has 13 to 19 prominent longitudinal ridges and deep furrows that come together at the apex to form an apical ring, a protrusible terminal introvert within the apical ring that forms a deep apical pouch when fully retracted, and a central group of Faserzellen. The scolex of W. virilis appears similar to the rugomonobothriate scolex of another African caryophyllid, Monobothrioides chalmersius (Woodland, 1924). Comparisons are made with other caryophyllideans having a scolex with a terminal structure: Monobothrium Diesing, 1863, Djombangia Bovien, 1926 and Caryoaustralus Mackiewicz et Blair, 1980. The terminal introvert may be responsible for attachment in early juvenile stages, but may be supplemented by the longitudinal ridges and furrows later in development. Host tissue appears to be drawn into these furrows that function as weak organs of attachment. We could not determine how the introvert of adult worms functions in attachment. At the site of attachment, the mucosa showed necrosis and degeneration and the submucosa exhibited vacuolization and infiltration with lymphocytes and leucocytes.
A morphological study of Acanthocephaloides propinquus (Acanthocephala, Arhythmacanthidae) parasitising gobiid fishes (Teleostei, Gobiidae) in the northwestern Black Sea
Authors: Kvach Yuriy
Published: June 2006

Morphological data for Acanthocephaloides propinquus (Arhythmacanthidae) from gobiid fishes from the northwestern Black Sea are presented. Individuals from the Black Sea differ from the descriptions based on Mediterranean specimens in having 4–5 proboscis hooks per row in the former and 5–6 in the latter. The size of the cuticular spines is rejected as a diagnostic character for A. propinquus because their length varies in a wide range (3.0–7.5 µm). The diagnostic characters for identifying A. propinquus include the presence of small culticular spines, the testes located in the central part of the body and an acanthor having a single hooklet lacking a root.
Distribution patterns and interactions of cestodes in the spiral intestine of the narrownose smooth-hound shark, Mustelus schmitti Springer, 1939 (Chondrichthyes, Carcharhiniformes)
Authors: Alarcos Ana , Ivanov Verónica , Sardella Norma
Published: June 2006

The distribution patterns and the cestode species interactions within the spiral intestine of 20 specimens of Mustelus schmitti from coastal waters off Mar del Plata, Argentina were studied. Six cestode species were found: Tetraphyllideans Calliobothrium barbarae, C. australis, C. lunae and Orygmatobothrium schmittii, diphyllidean Echinobothrium notoguidoi and trypanorhynch Eutetrarhynchus vooremi. The most common number of parasite species per host was 3. Brillouin’s diversity index ranged from 0.1 to 1.2 Berger-Parker dominance index indicated that C. barbarae was the dominant species, followed by O. schmittii and C. australis. Calliobothrium barbarae, C. australis and O. schmittii presented a broad distribution along the spiral intestine, whereas C. lunae, E. notoguidoi and E. vooremi showed a more restricted niche breadth. In general, the Renkonen’s index showed no evidence of niche overlap in the range of distribution of the different species. In most of the infracommunities, intraspecific aggregation was stronger than interspecific aggregation, indicating that competition may play a little role. The distribution patterns of the Calliobothrium specimens concurs with the predictions of attachment sites for Calliobothrium species made by previous authors.
Three species of Philometra (Nematoda, Philometridae) from marine fishes off Corsica, France
Authors: Moravec František , Ternengo Sonia , Levron Céline
Published: June 2006

Gravid or subgravid females of the following three species belonging to the nematode genus Philometra were collected from marine perciform fishes of the Bonifacio Strait Marine Reserve, Corsica, France: Philometra justinei sp. nov. (prevalence 1.5%, intensity 11) and Philometra sp. (prevalence 3%, intensity 2) from the abdominal cavity and gonads, respectively, of the striped red mullet Mullus surmuletus (Mullidae), and Philometra serranellicabrillae Janiszewska, 1949 (prevalence 27%, intensity 2–6) from the gonads of the comber Serranus cabrilla (Serranidae). The newly described species, P. justinei, is mainly characterized by the absence of an anterior bulbous inflation of the oesophagus, body length of the gravid female (196 mm), conspicuously large amphids, number and distribution of cephalic papillae, and the morphology of larvae. It is the second known species of Philometra parasitizing fishes of the family Mullidae and the ninth species of this genus reported from marine fishes of the Mediterranean region. P. serranellicabrillae, studied for the first time by SEM, is redescribed.
A review of the European Harpirhynchidae (Acari, Prostigmata) with the description of a new species
Authors: Bochkov Andre , Literák Ivan
Published: June 2006

Records of the European Harpirhynchidae Dubinin, 1957 (Acari, Prostigmata) are summarized and briefly discussed. This family is represented in Europe by 23 species belonging to three subfamilies, Harpirhynchinae (18 species recorded), Harpypalpinae Fain, 1972 (4 species recorded), and Ophioptinae Southcott, 1956 (1 species recorded). A new species Harpirhynchus dusbabeki sp. nov. from the bearded tit Panurus biarmicus (L., 1758) (Passeriformes, Timaliidae) in Slovakia is described. This new species differs morphologically from the two similar congeneric species, H. nidulans Nitzsch, 1818 and H. galeridae Fain, Bochkov et Mironov, 1999, by having setae 3a and two setae on both genua I and II.