bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional disability of mental disorders and comparison with physical disorders: a study among the general population of six European countries
Authors: Buist‐Bouwman M. A. , De Graaf R. , Vollebergh W. A. M. , Alonso J. , Bruffaerts R. , Ormel J. ,   the ESEMeD/MHEDEA 2000 investigators
Published: November 2005

Objective:  To examine the association of mental and physical disorders with multiple domains of functioning and compare the two.

Method:  Data were derived from the European Study of the Epidemiology of Mental Disorders, a general population study in which adults (n > 21 000) from Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain were assessed using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (mental disorders), World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule second edition (functional disability) and self‐report (physical disorders). Means in different groups were compared using the Mann–Whitney U‐test and multiple regression analyses.

Results:  Mental disorders were related to disability in all domains of functioning: anxiety disorders the most, followed by mood disorders, and finally alcohol disorders. The findings suggest that mental disorders are associated with similar or higher levels of disability in all domains, except getting around, than arthritis and heart disease.

Conclusion:  Mental disorders are associated with a similar or higher negative impact on daily functioning than arthritis and heart disease.
Pattern of health service utilization and predictors of readmission after a first admission for psychosis: a 2‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Cougnard A. , Parrot M. , Grolleau S. , Kalmi E. , Desage A. , Misdrahi D. , Brun‐Rousseau H. , Verdoux H.
Published: November 2005

Objective:  To explore the pattern of health service utilization over 2 years following a first admission for psychosis and the baseline characteristics predicting readmission.

Method:  Patients included in a cohort of first‐admitted subjects with psychosis (n = 84) were assessed at the end of a 2‐year follow‐up using multiple sources of information.

Results:  At the end of the follow‐up, one of three subjects had no contact with any mental health professional, and 38% of subjects had no contact with a psychiatrist. Half of the patients were readmitted over the 2‐year follow‐up. The baseline characteristics independently predicting psychiatric readmission were a high number of helping contacts before first admission and persistence of psychotic symptoms at discharge.

Conclusion:  Decreasing the frequency of readmission in the early course of psychosis is a public health priority. Development of psychotherapeutic programs for subjects with early psychosis who have enduring psychotic symptoms at first discharge should be promoted.
Promoter hypermethylation of p15INK4B, HIC1, CDH1, and ER is frequent in myelodysplastic syndrome and predicts poor prognosis in early‐stage patients
Authors: Aggerholm Anni , Holm Mette S. , Guldberg Per , Olesen Lene H. , Hokland Peter
Published: November 2005

Abstract:  The propensity of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) to transform into acute myeloid leukemia (AML) suggests the existence of common pathogenic components for these malignancies. Here, four genes implicated in the development of AML were examined for promoter CpG island hypermethylation in cells from 37 patients with different stages of MDS. Aberrant methylation was detected by polymerase chain reaction amplification of bisulfite‐treated DNA followed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. The highest rate of methylation was found for p15INK4B (51%), followed by HIC1 (32%), CDH1 (27%), and ER (19%). Concurrent hypermethylation of ≥3 genes was more frequent in advanced compared with early‐stage MDS (P ≤ 0.05), and hypermethylation of p15INK4B was associated with leukemic transformation in early MDS (P ≤ 0.05). The median overall survival was 17 months for cases showing hypermethylation of ≥1 genes vs. 67 months for cases without hypermethylation (P = 0.002). Specifically, promoter hypermethylation identified a subgroup of early MDS with a particularly poor prognosis (median overall survival 20 months vs. 102 months; P = 0.004). In multivariate analysis including stage and thrombocyte count, hypermethylation of ≥1 genes was an independent negative prognostic factor (P < 0.05). These data suggest that hypermethylation of p15INK4B, HIC1, CDH1, and ER contribute to the development and outcome of MDS.
Development of rapidly progressive liver light chain deposition under VAD chemotherapy in multiple myeloma
Authors: Samanez César , Domingo Abel , Cibeira Ma Teresa , Miquel Rosa , Soler Manel , Bladé Joan
Published: November 2005

Abstract:  Light chain deposition disease (LCDD) is a multisystemic disorder seen in the setting of plasma cell dyscrasias. The histological characteristic of this disorder is the deposition of a homogeneous, granular, slightly eosinophilic and non‐Congophilic material that shows immunostaining for monoclonal light chains (κ or γ), while in primary amyloidosis (AL) the proteinaceous substance is fibrillar and Congo red positive. In contrast with AL, the light chain in LCDD is usually of the κ‐type. Renal involvement, resulting in nephrotic syndrome, is usually the prominent feature of LCDD. Patients with this disease may also have heart, liver or other organ involvement, mimicking the picture of primary systemic amyloidosis. However, liver failure has rarely been described in patients with LCDD. A patient with myeloma‐associated LCDD who developed rapidly progressive liver κ light chain deposition with fatal outcome after undergoing the first cycle of vincristine/doxorubicin/dexamethasone chemotherapy is reported.
Steroid‐responsive functional B12 deficiency in association with transcobalamin II polymorphism 776C→G
Authors: Gale Daniel P. , Cobbold Jeremy F. , Chataway Jeremy
Published: November 2005

Abstract:  We present a case of intracellular vitamin B12 deficiency presenting with confusion, subacute combined degeneration of the cord, megaloblastic anaemia and intrinsic factor antibodies in the serum. Diagnosis was delayed by a normal serum B12 level and was confirmed by a grossly elevated serum homocysteine. There was a dramatic response to steroids. The patient was heterozygous for the transcobalamin (TC) II polymorphism 776C→G. This case demonstrates the importance of functional assessment of intracellular B12 activity (e.g. serum homocysteine) in excluding B12 deficiency, the role of steroids in pernicious anaemia and a possible clinical correlation of a TCII polymorphism.
Follicular lymphoma in early stages: high risk of relapse and usefulness of the Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index to predict the outcome of patients
Authors: Plancarte Francisco , López‐Guillermo Armando , Arenillas Leonor , Montoto Silvia , Giné Eva , Muntañola Ana , Ferrer Ana , Villamor Neus , Bosch Francesc , Colomo Lluis , Balaguer Olga , Campo Elías , Montserrat Emili
Published: November 2005

Abstract:  Background and objectives: Patients with follicular lymphoma (FL) in advanced stages are currently deemed incurable with standard treatments. However, FL is considered to be eradicable in the small group of patients presenting with localized disease. The objective of this study was to analyze the clinical features and the outcome of a series of patients with FL in early stages with a long follow‐up.Patients and methods: A total of 48 patients (25m/23f; median age: 50 yr) diagnosed consecutively with FL in Ann Arbor stage I (25 cases) or II (23) at a single institution with a median follow‐up of 9.5 yr were included in the study. Main biological and clinical characteristics at diagnosis, including Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index (FLIPI) were analyzed; treatment and response were assessed and analyzed for prognosis.Results: The histologic subtypes were: FL type I, 20 cases (42%); type II, 24 (50%); type III, three (6%); and unclassifiable, one (2%). Distribution according to FLIPI was: low risk (36 cases) and intermediate risk (five cases). Treatment mainly consisted of combination chemotherapy (CHOP in 34 cases) plus involved‐field radiotherapy in 26 cases. Forty patients (89%) achieved a complete response (CR), three (7%) a partial response, and two (4%) were non‐responders; the remaining three patients did not receive therapy. No initial variable predicted CR achievement. About 57% of the patients in CR eventually relapsed with a relapse risk of 46% at 10 yr. Intermediate‐risk FLIPI predicted failure‐free survival. Histologic transformation was observed in six patients with a 10‐yr risk of transformation of 13%. Twelve patients died during follow‐up, in two cases as a result of unrelated causes. Overall survival (OS) at 10 yr was 79%. The FLIPI was the sole variable predicting OS.Conclusions: Although the majority of patients with localized FL achieve CR, the risk of relapse is high. The FLIPI is of prognostic value in these patients.
Population structure and reproduction of the African bonytongue Heterotis niloticus in the Sô River‐floodplain system (West Africa): implications for management
Authors: Adite A. , Winemiller K. O. , Fiogbé E. D.
Published: November 2005

Abstract –  Population structure of the African bonytongue, Heterotis niloticus, was examined in southern Benin within Lake Hlan and a region of the Sô River floodplain located approximately 60 km downstream from the lake. Both locations support important fisheries in which Heterotis is the principal target species during the flood period. Ripe adults comprised over 40% of the population in Lake Hlan, whereas only 3.5% of individuals captured from river sites were adults. Monthly averages for the gonadosomatic index and percentages of individuals with mature gonads peaked as water levels increased during the wet season then declined during the peak flood period. Oocyte size frequency distributions from ovaries suggested a potential to produce an additional cohort in the event of nesting disruption. During the peak spawning period (May to August), between 37 and 51 active nests per hectare per month were observed in Lake Hlan. The number of larvae per nest ranged from 3953 to 6125. Lake Hlan bonytongues appear to constitute an important source subpopulation that exports new recruits to river/floodplain areas downstream where intense fisheries harvest mostly juveniles and subadults. Consequently, restriction of harvest of adult bonytongues in Lake Hlan may be essential for sustenance of commercial fishing in downstream reaches of the Sô River.
Feeding ecology of fishes associated with Egeria spp. patches in a tropical reservoir, Brazil
Authors: Pelicice F. M. , Agostinho A. A.
Published: November 2005

Abstract –  This research characterised feeding ecology of fishes associated with patches of Egeria najas and Egeria densa, two submerged macrophytes, in Rosana Reservoir, Upper Paraná River basin, Brazil. Fishes were sampled using a 1 m2 throw trap in patches of different macrophyte biomass and in three diel periods during a wet season. Fish diet (10 species) was primarily composed of autochthonous items (zooplankton, algae and aquatic insect larvae). Almost all intra‐specific diet patterns had moderate to low levels of diet similarity, indicating a high variability in diet. Some species showed no diel patterns in feeding activity, whereas others were primarily diurnal or nocturnal. No differences in feeding activity were observed among habitats of medium and high macrophyte biomasses, and species tended to feed on the same items among these habitats. The most abundant fish species demonstrated low inter‐specific diet overlap and appear not to compete for food resources. We suggest that Egeria patches are feeding grounds and shelter for small‐sized fish species.
N‐Glycans Mediate Apical Recycling of the Sialomucin Endolyn in Polarized MDCK Cells
Authors: Potter Beth A. , Weixel Kelly M. , Bruns Jennifer R. , Ihrke Gudrun , Weisz Ora A.
Published: November 2005

Apical and basolateral proteins are maintained within distinct membrane subdomains in polarized epithelial cells by biosynthetic and postendocytic sorting processes. Sorting of basolateral proteins in these processes has been well studied; however, the sorting signals and mechanisms that direct proteins to the apical surface are less well understood. We previously demonstrated that an N‐glycan‐dependent sorting signal directs the sialomucin endolyn to the apical surface in polarized Madin‐Darby canine kidney cells. Terminal processing of a subset of endolyn's N‐glycans is key for polarized biosynthetic delivery to the apical membrane. Endolyn is subsequently internalized, and via a cytoplasmic tyrosine‐based sorting motif is targeted to lysosomes from where it constitutively cycles to the cell surface. Here, we examine the polarized sorting of endolyn along the postendocytic pathway in polarized cells. Our results suggest that similar N‐glycan sorting determinants are required for apical delivery of endolyn along both the biosynthetic and the postendocytic pathways.
Antifertility Effect of Passive Administration of Antibodies to 80kDa Human Sperm Antigen and its Synthetic Peptides in Male and Female Rats
Authors: Bandivdekar Atmaram H. , Vernekar Vandana J. , Kamada Masaharu , Raghavan Vijaya P.
Published: November 2005

Problem

A human sperm antigen of molecular size of about 80kDa (80kDa HSA) has been reported to be sperm‐specific, conserved and responsible for inducing immunological infertility. The partial N‐terminal amino acid sequence of 80kDa HSA (peptide NT) and its peptides obtained by enzymatic digestion with endoproteinase Lys‐C (peptides 1–4) and with endoproteinase Glu‐C (peptides 5 and 6) did not show sequence homology with any of the proteins of the GenBank. The peptides NT, 1, 2, 3 and 4 were synthesized, conjugated to keyhole limpet hemocyanin and used as an immunogen to raise the antibodies in rabbits. Peptide 3 did not elicit significant antibody titer while peptides NT, 1, 2 and 4 elicited significant antibody titer and immunobiologically mimicked the native protein.

Method of study

Effects of passive administration of two injections each of 200 μL of antibodies or 10 and 40 μg purified immunoglobulins to 80kDa HSA, peptides NT, 1, 2 and 4 on fertility in male and female rats were investigated.

Results

Passive administration of antibodies to 80kDa HSA and its peptides NT, 1, 2 and 4 resulted in agglutination of epididymal spermatozoa with loss of motility but had no effect on sperm count or weights of the reproductive organs. These animals failed to impregnate normal female rats. Passive administration of these antibodies to female rats also resulted in infertility. The presence of antibodies was detected by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in uterine secretions of animals treated with antipeptide antibody. The presence of agglutinated spermatozoa was observed in the post‐coital vaginal smears of these animals. The immunized females were found to be ovulating normally and the number of corpora lutea were unaltered. Of the four antipeptide antibodies studied, antibodies to peptides NT and 1 were most effective in inhibiting fertility both in male as well as female rats. Hence, the antifertility studies were further confirmed by passive administration of 10 and 40 μg of purified immunoglobulins of antibodies to NT and 1, which resulted in a dose‐dependent inhibition of fertility in male and female rats.

Conclusions

The study demonstrated that the synthetic peptides of 80kDa HSA immunobiologically mimicked the native protein and impaired fertility following passive administration of antipeptide antibodies and hence, suggested the suitability of synthetic peptides of 80kDa HSA as candidates for development of antifertility vaccine.
Characterization and Partial Purification of a Macrophage‐Stimulating Factor from Mycoplasma hominis
Authors: Peltier Morgan R. , Freeman Angela J. , Mu Hong H. , Cole Barry C.
Published: November 2005

Problem

Mycoplasma hominis is one of the most common pathogens of the genital tract and is associated with increased production of proinflammatory cytokines in reproductive tissues during preterm labor. The mechanism by which M. hominis, an organism lacking cell walls, increases the production of proinflammatory cytokines is unknown.

Method of study

We characterized and purified a macrophage‐activating factor from this organism.

Results

Extraction of whole organisms with Triton‐X‐114 demonstrated that the activity was primarily associated with the detergent phase. Macrophage‐stimulating activity (MSA) of detergent extracts of M. hominis was not inhibited by polymyxin B or heating but was completely abrogated by alkaline hydrolysis and partially reduced by proteinase K digestion. Further experiments that utilized Toll‐like receptor (TLR)‐2‐ and TLR‐4‐transfected cells, revealed that the detergent extracts activate TLR‐2 but not TLR‐4 signal transduction. Purification of the activity using preparative SDS‐PAGE and reverse phase chromatography experiments led to the isolation of a 29‐kDa protein.

Conclusions

These experiments suggest that the MSA of M. hominis is due to a lipophillic factor that interacts with TLR‐2 rather than TLR‐4 (as does lipopolysaccharide), to increase tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α by macrophages. It is known that TNF‐α can cause preterm labor and intrauterine fetal death and that it is upregulated in amniotic fluid samples infected with M. hominis.
Unraveling Brucella Genomics and Pathogenesis in Immunocompromised IRF‐1−/− Mice
Authors: Rajashekara Gireesh , Krepps Michael , Eskra Linda , Mathison Angela , Montgomery Alison , Ishii Yohei , Splitter Gary
Published: November 2005

Problem

Brucellosis causes abortion in domestic animals and Malta fever in humans. Comparison of Brucella species genomes may reveal potential virulence mechanisms. Engineering bioluminescent Brucella would permit monitoring bacterial dissemination.

Method of study

Microarray of the B. melitensis genome allowed comparison of gene content from six Brucella species. Bioluminescent B. melitensis strains were developed using transposon mutagenesis permitting the study of pathogenic Brucella in mice. Monitoring bacterial dissemination as well as organ localization permits evaluating the role of genes and genomic islands in mutant bacteria.

Results

Comparative genomic analysis revealed 217 ORFs altered in five Brucella species and were often found in islands. Bioluminescent bacteria disseminated from the injection site to liver, spleen, inguinal lymph nodes, testes and submanibular region.

Conclusions

Genomic islands contribute to Brucella pathogenicity. Biophotonic imaging suggests that Brucella dissemination in mice parallels acute and chronic infections of humans.
Update on Treatment of Immunologic Abortion with Low‐dose Intravenous Immunoglobulin
Authors: Stricker Raphael B. , Winger Edward E.
Published: November 2005

Problem

Recurrent spontaneous abortion associated with immunologic abnormalities has been termed immunologic abortion. Previously we showed that treatment with low‐dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) appears to be beneficial for older women with immunologic abortion. We now report the results of IVIG treatment in a larger group of women with this disorder.

Method of study

A total of 99 women were prospectively evaluated for immunologic abortion, which was defined as three or more miscarriages and the presence of specific immunologic abnormalities. Prior to the next conception, patients were treated with IVIG at a dose of 0.2 g/kg. Once conception was achieved, IVIG treatment was continued on a monthly basis through 26–30 weeks of pregnancy.

Results

The average age of the women was 37 years (range: 28–49), and the average number of miscarriages was 3.8 (range: 3–12). Of the 99 women, 72 received initial IVIG treatment, and 50 subsequently became pregnant. Of these women, 42 (84%) had a successful term pregnancy. Of the 27 women who refused IVIG therapy, 20 became pregnant and 18 (90%) miscarried. The difference in pregnancy success rate between the IVIG‐treated and untreated groups was significant (P = 0.001). Four women had mild allergic reactions during IVIG infusion, and these reactions resolved when the IVIG brand was changed. Fetal abnormalities were not observed.

Conclusion

We conclude that low‐dose IVIG therapy is safe and effective for older women with immunologic abortion.
Characterization of oligosaccharides from the chondroitin/dermatan sulfates
Authors: Huckerby Thomas N. , Nieduszynski Ian A. , Giannopoulos Marcos , Weeks Stephen D. , Sadler Ian H. , Lauder Robert M.
Published: November 2005

Chondroitin and dermatan sulfate (CS and DS) chains were isolated from bovine tracheal cartilage and pig intestinal mucosal preparations and fragmented by enzymatic methods. The oligosaccharides studied include a disaccharide and hexasaccharides from chondroitin ABC lyase digestion as well as trisaccharides already present in some commercial preparations. In addition, other trisaccharides were generated from tetrasaccharides by chemical removal of nonreducing terminal residues. Their structures were examined by high‐field 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, after reduction using sodium borohydride. The main hexasaccharide isolated from pig intestinal mucosal DS was found to be fully 4‐O‐sulfated and have the structure: ΔUA(β1–3)GalNAc4S(β1–4)l‐IdoA(α1–3)GalNAc4S(β1–4)l‐IdoA(α1–3)GalNAc4S‐ol, whereas one from bovine tracheal cartilage CS comprised only 6‐O‐sulfated residues and had the structure: ΔUA(β1–3)GalNAc6S(β1–4)GlcA(β1–3)GalNAc6S(β1–4)GlcA(β1–3)GalNAc6S‐ol. No oligosaccharide showed any uronic acid 2‐sulfation. One novel disaccharide was examined and found to have the structure: GalNAc6S(β1–4)GlcA‐ol. The trisaccharides isolated from the CS/DS chains were found to have the structures: ΔUA(β1–3)GalNAc4S(β1–4)GlcA‐ol and ΔUA(β1–3)GalNAc6S(β1–4)GlcA‐ol. Such oligosaccharides were found in commercial CS/DS preparations and may derive from endogenous glucuronidase and other enzymatic activity. Chemically generated trisaccharides were confirmed as models of the CS/DS chain caps and included: GalNAc6S(β1–4)GlcA(β1–3)GalNAc4S‐ol and GalNAc6S(β1–4)GlcA(β1–3)GalNAc6S‐ol. The full assignment of all signals in the NMR spectra are given, and these data permit the further characterization of CS/DS chains and their nonreducing capping structures.
No Way Out: How Prime‐Age Workers Get Trapped In Minimum‐Wage Jobs
Authors: Boushey Heather
Published: November 2005

Most minimum‐wage workers are adults making significant contributions to the total family income. In the early 2000s, less than one‐in‐five workers earning the minimum wage was under the age of 20 and half were between the ages of 25 and 54. Using the Survey of Income and Program Participation, this article finds that prime‐age workers in minimum‐wage jobs are likely to “get stuck” at those jobs. Over a third of prime‐age adults in minimum‐wage jobs remain in minimum‐wage jobs three years later. Not all adults in minimum‐wage jobs have the same chance of moving into a job paying more than the minimum wage. The probability of moving out of a minimum‐wage job is higher for men, native‐born citizens, those with union jobs, and those that change industry and/or occupation. The probability of staying in a minimum‐wage job was greater in the early and mid‐1990s, as compared to the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Monopsony: Today's New Labor‐Market Reality
Authors: Mitchell Daniel J. B. , Erickson Christopher L.
Published: November 2005

In today's largely nonunion labor market, the default model used by many economists and policy makers is that of textbook competition. The textbook model suggests a mutual balancing of worker and employer interests and implies that laissez‐faire and deregulation is the appropriate policy norm, but in the 1930s and before, the default model for a nonunion labor market was employer monopsony. There are many reasons to suppose that monopsony should be the default model again. A monopsonistic labor market—one where employers have market power—has a stabilizing effect at the macrolevel. Failure to recognize monopsony thus left macro policy makers surprised by the economic outcomes of the 1980s and 1990s. Yet, monopsony has a dark side in terms of income distribution and the provision by employers of wages and conditions at the microlevel. Laissez‐faire and labor‐market deregulation therefore cannot be the policy norm under monopsony.
Lessons Of The Civil Rights Movement For Building A Worker Rights Movement
Authors: Morris Aldon , Clawson Dan
Published: November 2005

In 1955, African Americans in the South faced seemingly impossible conditions, but a decade later, a mass movement had won impressive victories. If workers and unions hope to achieve fundamental changes, not just incremental advances, they should learn from the civil rights movement. The civil rights movement indicates that workers’ rights can be won only if workers launch a mass movement, take risks, engage in direct action, demonstrate an ability to disrupt the normal functioning of society, and maintain that disruption until concessions are won. Political change, legal victories, cultural shifts, and media coverage followed from, and depended on, the success of mass action.
The Communications Workers Of America Experience With “Open‐Source Unionism”
Authors: Nack David , Tarlau Jimmy
Published: November 2005

Three case studies of worker organizations that are affiliated with the Communications Workers of America (CWA) and that do not hold collective bargaining rights are compared as a way to discuss the concept of “open‐source unionism (OSU),” as expounded by Richard B. Freeman and Joel Rogers. The article evaluates three CWA affiliates to determine if they utilize the attributes of OSU. We argue that the efforts are examples of nascent unions that might better be described as “open unionism.” The three projects are open to various levels of attachment for workers but engage in collective activities to represent workers and mobilize workers and engage in public campaigns to win specific gains from employers.
Democracy, Density, And Transformation: We Need Them All
Authors: Crosby Jeff
Published: November 2005

The debate that led to the American Federation of Labor–Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL–CIO) ran off the tracks. The original argument offered by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) to increase labor's bargaining power by increasing union density (the percentage of organized workers in a particular industry or sector of the economy) largely disappeared from the discussion prior to the July 2005 AFL–CIO convention, replaced by a less than visionary debate over how much to cut dues to the national AFL–CIO. The SEIU's use of an antiquated concept of union density has gone substantially unchallenged. Union democracy has been both fetishized and demonized. Arguments have been posed in an ahistorical and apolitical manner, separated from an analysis of today's political realities and ideological climate.
Intracavernosal Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor Improves Vasoreactivity in the Hypercholesterolemic Rabbit
Authors: Xie Donghua , Pippen Anne M. , Odronic Shelley I. , Annex Brian H. , Donatucci Craig F.
Published: November 2005

Purpose

We determined the effects of intracavernosal injection (ICI) of recombinant basic fibroblast growth factor (rbFGF) on corporal tissue in hypercholesterolemic rabbits.

Methods

Twenty New Zealand White rabbits were fed a 1% cholesterol diet for 6 weeks and were randomly divided into four groups. Group 1 (N = 5) received an ICI of phosphate buffered saline solution (PBS) once and again 3 weeks later. Group 2 (N = 4) received an ICI of 2.5 µg rbFGF once and PBS 3 weeks later. Group 3 (N = 6) received an ICI of 2.5 µg rbFGF once and again 3 weeks later. Group 4 (N = 5) received an ICI of 2.5 µg rbFGF once. All animals were maintained on the high cholesterol diet until sacrifice, 3 weeks after last injection. Strips of corporal tissue were submaximally contracted with norepinephrine, and dose–response curves were generated to evaluate endothelial-dependent (acetylcholine, ACH) and endothelial-independent (sodium nitroprusside, SNP) vasoreactivity. Protein levels of bFGF and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) protein and mRNA were detected by Western blot and semi-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, respectively.

Results

Vasoreactivity was improved by bFGF treatment as shown by higher ED50[−log(M)] of ACH and SNP in Groups 2, 3, and 4. The expression of bFGF protein, VEGF protein, nNOS protein, and mRNA were all increased after bFGF treatment.

Conclusions

ICI of bFGF improved vasoreactivity in hypercholesterolemic rabbit corporal tissue, offering a new direction to explore for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
Seedling Mortality Due to Drought and Fire Associated with the 2002 El Niño Event in a Tropical Rain Forest in North‐East Queensland, Australia1
Authors: Edwards Will , Krockenberger Andrew
Published: November 2005

We monitored survival of seedlings in 216 1‐m2 quadrats in lowland rain forest in tropical north Queensland between December 2001 and December 2002. During this time, the region experienced severe drought associated with an El Nińo Southern Oscillation event. The 2001 census recorded 124 species and 2912 individuals. In late November 2002 (2 wk prior to the second census), a low intensity fire passed through approximately half of the study site removing all evidence of seedlings from 110 plots. Only 482 (17%) individuals and 64 (52%) species recorded in 2001 survived the 12‐mo period. In 96 quadrats not affected by fire, mortality was high, but considerably variable between species. Six of the 20 most abundant species in 2001 experienced mortality rates higher than the community average and two of the most abundant species showed rates lower than average. Overall, conditions experienced during 2002 caused significant changes in the rank abundances of species between censuses. Mortality due to fire was less severe and mortality more uniform across species, resulting in significant concordance between pre and postfire rankings, once the effects of drought had been considered. Our results provide the first indication of how differences in survival after a perturbation predicted to become more frequent in future global climates may alter the size and species composition of the seedling bank in Australian tropical rain forests.
Ecophysiology in Relation to Exposure of Pendant Epiphytic Bryophytes in the Canopy of a Tropical Montane Oak Forest1
Authors: Romero Claudia , Putz Francis E. , Kitajima Kaoru
Published: November 2005

We investigated ecophysiological and morphological traits affecting light and water use of four commercially important pendant epiphytic bryophyte species in a montane oak‐bamboo forest in Costa Rica. Predictions based mostly on ecophysiological studies of temperate bryophytes and vascular plants were experimentally tested on tropical montane bryophyte species ranked on the basis of their distributions in the canopy from the most protected (1) to the most exposed sites (4): (1)Phyllogonium viscosum; (2)Pilotrichella flexilis; (3)Dendropogonella rufescens; and (4)Frullania convoluta. As predicted, highly exposed species tended to have higher light saturation and compensation points, higher dark respiration rates, more chlorophyll, higher chlorophylla:bratios, and higher nitrogen concentrations. Contrary to predicted trends, exposed‐site species had lower water contents at full saturation; there were no detectable differences among species in the rate of water loss. Rates of carbon gain in all species reached asymptotes with increasing water content, but the moisture compensation point for carbon uptake of the mossD. rufescenswas substantially higher than in the other species. Observed patterns result from interactions among processes related to water storage and transport operating at different scales and are determined by various morphological traits including the density, size, and disposition of phylloids, as well as by whole‐clump architecture.
Change of Collision Efficiency with Distance in Bacterial Transport Experiments
Authors: Dong Hailiang , Scheibe Timothy D. , Johnson William P. , Monkman Crystal M. , Fuller Mark E.
Published: November 2005

Understanding the mechanisms of bacterial transport in aquifers is important in developing bioremediation strategies. Collision efficiency (α) is one important parameter used in modeling bacterial transport. This study was undertaken to measure change in α with distance by performing a bacterial transport experiment in Oyster, Virginia. Following injection of a bacterium, Comamonas sp., into a well, water samples were collected at various distances along the flowpath and injected into columns packed with homogenized South Oyster focus area sediment. Zeta potentials of the bacteria in the samples were measured. Values of α were determined at various locations in the field in two ways: based on field breakthrough concentrations at the sampling points and based on column breakthrough concentrations. The α values estimated from field breakthrough decreased with distance, whereas those estimated from column breakthrough increased with distance. Bacterial cell surface charge became progressively more negative with distance in the field. We hypothesize that the apparent contradiction between field and column α values was caused by differences in the flow of the two systems. Flow in the columns was forced to occur through fine‐grained zones of iron and aluminum hydroxide coatings that selectively removed the most negatively charged bacteria. In contrast, in the field, the injected cells did not come into contact with the positively charged coatings because the bulk solution bypassed them due to heterogeneous hydraulic properties. These results suggest that laboratory‐based models may underestimate bacterial transport distance in the field. A more realistic approach may be necessary to capture the degree of heterogeneity.
How we do it: the anterior thoraco‐cervical approach to tumours of the thoracic inlet
Authors: Upile T. , Triaridis S. , Kirkland P. , Goldstraw P. , Rhys Evans P.
Published: November 2005

Keypoints

• Tumours that arise in the thoracic inlet and superior mediastinum may be benign or malignant and present the surgeon with a difficult problem of access.

• The standard approach to the thoracic inlet from below offers limited exposure to the vascular and neural structures superior to the tumours.

• The anterior thoraco‐cervical approach to the root of the neck and superior mediastinum combines the anterior cervical approach with a limited upper median sternotomy. If further access is required to achieve surgical clearance a full sternotomy split can be performed.

• The approach offers excellent exposure and helps to facilitate complete resection of benign and malignant tumours, which would otherwise be deemed inoperable or difficult to resect completely through other standard approaches.

• In contrast to previously described anterior transcervical thoracic approaches which required resection of part of the clavicle or manubrium as well as thoracotomy with increased morbidity, the anterior thoraco‐cervical approach is associated with little morbidity and the postoperative stay is short.
Is ultrasound useful for evaluating paediatric inflammatory neck masses?
Authors: Douglas S.A. , Jennings S. , Owen V.M.F. , Elliott S. , Parker D.
Published: November 2005

Objective:  To determine the accuracy of ultrasound in detecting the presence of pus in a neck mass in children.

Design:  Retrospective case sheet review.

Setting:  A district general hospital.

Participants:  Children admitted from January 2000 to January 2004 with an acute cervical mass who were investigated by ultrasonography.

Main outcome measures:  The presence of a clinically relevant abscess that did not respond to clinical management was used to determine the accuracy of the ultrasound result.

Results:  The sensitivity of ultrasound in the detection of an abscess was 65% and the specificity 88%. The predictive value of a positive ultrasound result was 81% and the predictive value of a negative test 77%.

Conclusions:  Ultrasound is a useful modality in the evaluation of acute cervical masses but is observer dependent and has a relatively low sensitivity in detecting whether or not pus is present. The clinical indicators for the presence of an abscess are discussed and clinicians should combine clinical findings with the ultrasound findings in order to determine treatment.
Acute complications of otitis media in adults
Authors: Leskinen K. , Jero J.
Published: November 2005

Objectives:  To establish the incidence, current treatment and outcome of adult patients with acute intratemporal and intracranial complications of otitis media (OM).

Design:  A retrospective chart review with a sent questionnaire.

Setting:  Tertiary referral centre, University hospital.

Participants:  Adult patients treated for acute intratemporal and intracranial complications of OM over the past 15 years (1990–2004) in the study hospital.

Main outcome measures:  Incidence, treatment and outcome of patients with intratemporal and intracranial complications of OM.

Results:  Fifty patients aged 16–75 years were treated. The annual age‐adjusted incidence of acute intratemporal and intracranial complications was 0.32/100 000. Forty‐one (82%) of the complications were intratemporal and nine (18%) were intracranial. The ear disease behind the acute complication was acute otitis media (AOM) in 80% (40/50), chronic otitis media (COM) in 12% (6/50) and COM with cholesteatoma in 8% (4/50). Mastoiditis was complicated by subperiosteal abscess, labyrinthitis and facial paresis in 7% (3/41), 15% (6/41) and 32% (13/41) respectively. Mastoidectomy was performed on 56% (28/50) of the patients. Four (44%) of the intracranial complications were intracranial abscesses, four (44%) were meningitis and one (11%) was sinus thrombosis. Permanent hearing loss occurred in 13 (26%) patients and one patient died due to otogenic meningitis.

Conclusions:  Severe complications of the OM in adults are rare in Finland. The commonest cause is AOM rather than COM. Operative treatment is predominantly needed for intracranial complications and intratemporal abscesses. Complications of OM are still associated with considerable morbidity, and early recognition is most likely to form the basis for effective treatment.
Noise‐induced hearing loss is exacerbated by long‐term smoking
Authors: Wild D.C. , Brewster M.J. , Banerjee A.R.
Published: November 2005

Objective:  To analyse the influence of long‐term smoking on the hearing threshold of individuals subjected to occupational noise exposure.

Design:  Prospective observational cohort study.

Setting:  Occupational health examination of noise‐exposed employees in the brick manufacturing industry.

Participants:  A study group of long‐term smokers (n = 30) and a control group of non‐smokers (n = 58) were identified from a population of 227 male noise‐exposed employees. Individuals of both groups were employed for 10 years or more at a single brick manufacturing plant. Data on noise exposure, smoking habits, medical and otological history were collected and standard pure tone audiometry was obtained. Exclusion criteria included asymmetrical or conductive hearing loss, uncontrolled systemic illnesses, history of head injury, chronic middle ear pathology or major ear operations.

Main outcome measure:  Pure tone audiometry.

Results:  Both groups had similar mean age and total duration of occupational noise exposure. The median age‐corrected hearing thresholds at 3 and 4 kHz in the smokers group were significantly higher (∼7dB) than those in the non‐smokers group. No statistical difference in the hearing thresholds between both groups was found in any other tested frequency (0.5, 1, 2, 6 and 8 kHz).

Conclusion:  Long‐term smokers with occupational noise exposure may, on the basis of this limited study, have a higher risk of developing permanent hearing loss at 3 and 4 kHz when compared with non‐smokers with a similar occupational history.
The association of antidiuretic hormone levels with an attack of Meniere's disease
Authors: Aoki M. , Ando K. , Kuze B. , Mizuta K. , Hayashi T. , Ito Y.
Published: November 2005

Objectives:  An elevation of the plasma antidiuretic hormone (ADH) levels has frequently been observed in Meniere's disease patients. However, little is known regarding the mechanism behind such an elevation of ADH level in Meniere's disease patients. Therefore, we measured the plasma ADH in Meniere's disease patients and other vertigo patients to elucidate the association between the ADH levels, stress levels and the development of Meniere's symptom.

Design and setting:  The plasma ADH levels and plasma osmotic pressure were determined in 23 definite Meniere's disease patients and 160 patients with other types of vertigo/dizziness. All participants were administered questionnaire regarding their psychological status including their stress levels.

Results:  The ADH levels of Meniere's disease patients in the acute phase (5.80 ± 1.37 pg/mL) were significantly higher in comparison with that of Meniere's disease patients in the remission phase (2.26 ± 0.41 pg/mL) (P < 0.05). In other peripheral vertigo patients, the ADH level in the acute phase (1.71 ± 0.23 pg/mL) was not significantly different from that in the remission phase (1.45 ± 0.15 pg/mL). Meniere's disease patients in the acute phase had a significantly higher stress score (114 ± 23) than Meniere's disease patients in the remission phase (56 ± 13) (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant correlation between their stress score and the ADH levels.

Conclusions:  These results suggest that the elevation of the plasma ADH levels in Meniere's disease patients in the acute phase is, therefore, associated with the pathogenesis of Meniere's disease attacks rather than with stress.
Synaptotagmin–Ca2+ triggers two sequential steps in regulated exocytosis in rat PC12 cells: fusion pore opening and fusion pore dilation
Authors: Wang Chih‐Tien , Bai Jihong , Chang Payne Y. , Chapman Edwin R. , Jackson Meyer B.
Published: November 2005

Synaptotagmin I (Syt I), the putative Ca2+ sensor in regulated exocytosis, has two Ca2+‐binding modules, the C2A and C2B domains, and a number of putative effectors to which Syt I binds in a Ca2+‐dependent fashion. The role of Ca2+ binding to these domains remains unclear, as efforts to address questions about Ca2+‐triggered effector interactions have led to conflicting results. We have studied the effects of Ca2+ on fusion pores using amperometry to follow the exocytosis of single vesicles in real time and analyse the kinetics of fusion pore transitions. Elevating [Ca2+] in permeabilized cells reduced the fusion pore lifetime, indicating an action of Ca2+ during the actual fusion process. Analysing the Ca2+ dependence of the fusion pore lifetime, together with the frequency of pore openings and the proportion of openings that close without dilating (kiss‐and‐run events) enabled us to resolve exocytosis into a sequence of kinetic steps representing functional transitions in the fusion pore. Fusion pore opening and dilation were both accelerated by Ca2+, indicating separate Ca2+ control over each of these steps. Ca2+ ligand mutations in either the C2A or C2B domains of Syt I reduced fusion pore opening, but had opposite actions on the rate of fusion pore closure. These studies resolve two separate and distinct Ca2+‐triggered steps during regulated exocytosis. The C2A and C2B domains of Syt I have different actions during these steps, and these actions may be linked to their distinctive effector interactions.
Distinct rhythm generators for inspiration and expiration in the juvenile rat
Authors: Janczewski Wiktor A. , Feldman Jack L.
Published: November 2005

Inspiration and active expiration are commonly viewed as antagonistic phases of a unitary oscillator that generates respiratory rhythm. This view conflicts with observations we report here in juvenile rats, where by administration of fentanyl, a selective μ‐opiate agonist, and induction of lung reflexes, we separately manipulated the frequency of inspirations and expirations. Moreover, completely transecting the brainstem at the caudal end of the facial nucleus abolished active expirations, while rhythmic inspirations continued. We hypothesize that inspiration and expiration are generated by coupled, anatomically separate rhythm generators, one generating active expiration located close to the facial nucleus in the region of the retrotrapezoid nucleus/parafacial respiratory group, the other generating inspiration located more caudally in the preBötzinger Complex.
Motor neurone targeting of IGF‐1 prevents specific force decline in ageing mouse muscle
Authors: Payne Anthony M. , Zheng Zhenlin , Messi María Laura , Milligan Carol E. , González Estela , Delbono Osvaldo
Published: November 2005

IGF‐1 is a potent growth factor for both motor neurones and skeletal muscle. Muscle IGF‐1 is known to provide target‐derived trophic effects on motor neurones. Therefore, IGF‐1 overexpression in muscle is effective in delaying or preventing deleterious effects of ageing in both tissues. Since age‐related decline in muscle function stems partly from motor neurone loss, a tetanus toxin fragment‐C (TTC) fusion protein was created to target IGF‐1 to motor neurones. IGF‐1–TTC retains IGF‐1 activity as indicated by [3H]thymidine incorporation into L6 myoblasts. Spinal cord motor neurones effectively bound and internalized the IGF‐1–TTC in vitro. Similarly, IGF‐1–TTC injected into skeletal muscles was taken up and retrogradely transported to the spinal cord in vivo, a process prevented by denervation of injected muscles. Three monthly IGF‐1–TTC injections into muscles of ageing mice did not increase muscle weight or muscle fibre size, but significantly increased single fibre specific force over aged controls injected with saline, IGF‐1, or TTC. None of the injections changed muscle fibre type composition, but neuromuscular junction post‐terminals were larger and more complex in muscle fibres injected with IGF‐1–TTC, compared to the other groups, suggesting preservation of muscle fibre innervation. This work demonstrates that induced overexpression of IGF‐1 in spinal cord motor neurones of ageing mice prevents muscle fibre specific force decline, a hallmark of ageing skeletal muscle.