bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance of ORTHO® HCV core antigen and trak‐C™ assays for detection of viraemia in pre‐seroconversion plasma and whole blood donors
Authors: Tobler L. H. , Stramer S. L. , Lee S. R. , Baggett D. , Wright D. , Hirschkorn D. , Walsh I. , Busch M. P.
Published: October 2005

Objective Logistics and cost of nucleic acid amplification testing (NAT) screening preclude its current use in many developing countries. Development of hepatitis C virus (HCV) core antigen assays offer an alternative to NAT. We evaluated two specimen populations to assess the sensitivity, relative to NAT, of the HCV core antigen (HCVcAg) ELISA (enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay) test system and the trak‐C assay: (1) plasma donor HCV NAT‐conversion panels and (2) cross‐sectional whole blood donor NAT yield specimens.

Methods Differential sensitivities among NAT (NGI; Chiron/Gen‐Probe) and both HCVcAg assays (Ortho‐Clinical Diagnostics, Rochester, NY) were evaluated using: (1) 102 serial ramp‐up phase specimens from 37 plasma donor NAT‐conversion panels (Alpha Therapeutic/BioClinical Partners); and (2) 42 cross‐sectional whole blood donor NAT yield specimens (confirmed RNA positive, antibody negative) plus 54 NAT false‐positive specimens (American Red Cross).

Results Viral load among the plasma donor NAT‐conversion panels at the cutoffs for HCVcAg and trak‐C assays were 32 000 copies/ml (95% confidence interval [CI] 8000–120 000) and 8000 copies/ml (95% CI: 2200–28 000), respectively. The mean (95% CI) difference in window period reduction compared to routine mini‐pool NAT screening (estimated sensitivity 100 copies/ml) was delayed 5·2 days (2·2–7·6 days) for HCVcAg assay and 3·8 days (2·1–5·5 days) for the trak‐C assay. Among the 42 NAT yield specimens, the HCVcAg assay detected 31 (74%) as core antigen‐positive while the trak‐C assay detected 37 (88%) as core antigen‐positive. Viral loads for the five specimens not detected by the trak‐C HCVcAg assay ranged from 100 to 7770 copies/ml. All 54 NAT false‐positive specimens were non‐reactive on both HCV core antigen assays.

Conclusion These data indicate that the trak‐C assay has sensitivity approaching routine mini‐pool NAT screening for the detection of seronegative HCV infection. In the absence of routine NAT screening for early HCV infection, the use of an HCV core antigen assay should be considered.
Severe thrombocytopenia due to host‐derived anti‐HPA‐1a after non‐myeloablative allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation for multiple myeloma: a case report
Authors: Macher S. , Schallmoser K. , Staber P. B. , Neumeister P. , Posch U. , Lanzer G. , Panzer S.
Published: October 2005

Background and Objectives  Host‐ or donor‐derived alloimmune thrombocytopenia can develop after non‐myeloablative allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). We report the first case of host‐derived HPA‐1a antibodies.

Case Report  A 52‐year‐old male patient received HSCT from his human leucocyte antigen (HLA)‐A, ‐B, ‐C, ‐DR identical brother after reduced intensity conditioning. Bilinear engraftment around day 12 was accompanied by a continuous decrease of platelet counts. We investigated for platelet antibodies because of a progressive decline of platelet counts and refractoriness to platelet transfusions.

Methods  The patient's serum was tested by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), a solid phase assay and monoclonal antibody‐specific immobilization of platelet antigens (MAIPA) assay. Recipient's DNA from the time before HSCT and donor's DNA were genotyped for human platelet antigens.

Results  Serum obtained on day 15 after HSCT reacted strongly with the donor's platelets due to host‐derived anti‐HPA‐1a‐ and anti‐HLA I antibodies. Serum samples from days 39, 45 and 65 after HSCT contained only anti‐HLA I; no antibodies were detectable on day 149. Platelet counts increased on day 20 spontaneously. The decrease of the antibodies accompanied by the increase of the platelet counts suggests progressive elimination of residual host cells.

Conclusions  The HPA‐1a antibodies affected thrombopoietic engraftment and the success of platelet transfusions.
Light chain phenotypes of HLA antibodies in cases with suspected neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Panzer S. , Mayr W. R. , Eichelberger B.
Published: October 2005

Background and Objectives  Platelet‐specific antibodies are detectable in only about 30% in suspected neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (NAIT). Human leucocyte antigen (HLA) class I antibodies are often detectable, and as platelets express the corresponding antigens, it has been suggested that these antibodies can be responsible for NAIT. Light chain phenotyping may assist in the diagnosis of HLA antibodies‐induced NAIT.

Materials and Methods  We determined light chain phenotypes of platelet reactive HLA antibodies in 17 sera from mothers who delivered offspring with suspected NAIT. Ten sera also contained platelet‐specific antibodies: HPA‐1a (n = 5, one with HPA‐15b), HPA‐5b (n = 4) and autoantibodies (n = 1). Sera were tested for kappa or lambda restriction by monoclonal antibody‐specific immobilization of platelet antigens (MAIPA).

Results  The cross‐match with paternal platelets was positive in all cases due to HLA antibodies. We identified 5, 3 and 3 sera to contain lymphocytotoxic antibodies of single, two or multiple specificities, respectively. In six cases, HLA antibodies were only detectable by MAIPA. Light chain restriction (n = 9) was not associated with HPA containing antibodies or to any pattern of the HLA antibodies. Similarly, polyclonal antibodies (n = 8) were seen in all categories.

Conclusion  We show that pregnancy‐associated HLA antibodies can be clonal or polyclonal, irrespective of a diagnosis of NAIT.

One‐sentence summary  Pregnancy associated HLA antibodies can be clonal or polyclonal, irrespective a diagnosis of NAIT.
Effects of late referral to a nephrologist in patients with chronic renal failure
Authors: DOGAN EKREM , ERKOC REHA , SAYARLIOGLU HAYRIYE , DURMUS AHMET , TOPAL CEVAT
Published: October 2005

Background:  We lack information about the role of late diagnosis of end‐stage renal disease (ESRD), late nephrological referral and its impact on biochemical variables and first hospitalization in East Anatolia, Turkey.

Methods and Results:  For a total of 101 ESRD patients, dialysis was initiated between January 1998 and December 2002 at the Yuzuncu Yil University Hospital. Early referral (ER) and late referral (LR) were defined as the time of first referral or admission to a nephrologist greater or less than 12 weeks, respectively, before initiation of haemodialysis (HD).

Results:  The need for urgent dialysis was less among the early referral cases compared with the late referral cases (P = 0.03). Patients with LR started dialysis with lower levels of haemoglobin (8.6 vs 9.5 g/dL, P < 0.05) bicarbonate (16 vs 12 mEq/lt, P < 0.03) and albumin (2.9 vs 3.29 mg/dL, P < 0.02) and with higher serum levels of blood urea nitrogen (173 vs 95 mg/dL, P < 0.001), creatinine (10 vs 7.9 mg/dL, P < 0.001) and potassium (5.3 vs 4.8, P < 0.04). Hospitalization duration beginning at dialysis was significantly longer in the LR group (27.3 ± 24) compared with the ER group (13.4 ± 7.5, P < 0.001). When the groups were compared in terms of distance between the patients home and hospital, there were significantly more patients living far away from hospital (i.e. >100 km) in the LR group compared with the ER (P < 0.0001) group.

Conclusion:  Early referral to a nephrology unit and/or early diagnosis of ESRD results in better biochemical variables, shorter first hospitalization length and a higher percentage of elective construction of AVF and the availability to start with an alternative dialysis modality (i.e. CAPD).
Relationship between iron replacement and hepatic functions in hepatitis C virus‐positive chronic haemodialysis patients
Authors: ÖZDEMIR ALI , YALİNBAŞ BERRIN , SELAMET UMUT , ERES MELTEM , MURAT BERNA , GÜRSU REİZA U , BARUT YİLDİZ
Published: October 2005

Aim:  To investigate the effects of intravenous (i.v.) iron replacement on hepatic functions of hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐positive haemodialysis patients.

Methods:  The present retrospective study included 89 HCV‐positive and 57 HCV‐negative haemodialysis patients. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were accepted as sustained high if the last three values were ≥20 U/L. All patients and the HCV‐positive group were dichotomised into subgroups by the median for dialysis duration, the amounts of i.v. iron administered per year and totally.

Results:  Sustained high levels of ALT were significantly more frequent in the HCV‐positive group (P < 0.001). In HCV‐positive patients, the subgroup with ALT levels ≥20 U/L had significantly higher serum iron levels and mean amounts of i.v. iron administered per year and totally (P < 0.001) and the subgroup with the high mean total amount of i.v. iron had significantly higher serum ALT and iron levels (P < 0.001). Significant positive correlations were found in HCV‐positive patients between ALT and serum iron levels (P < 0.001), as well as between ALT both with the mean amounts of i.v. iron administered per year (P = 0006) and totally (P = 0.015). Regression analysis showed that the main parameters effecting ALT were the serum iron level (P < 0.0001) and the mean amount of parenteral iron administered per year (P = 0.032).

Conclusion:  We conclude that parenteral iron replacement might contribute to hepatocellular injury in HCV‐positive haemodialysis patients.
Modular surgical training for endoscopic extraperitoneal radical prostatectomy
Authors: Stolzenburg Jens‐Uwe , Schwaibold Hartwig , Bhanot Shiv Mohan , Rabenalt Robert , Do Minh , Truss Michael , Ho Kossen , Anderson Chris
Published: October 2005

OBJECTIVE

To develop a modular training scheme which enabled the use of individual steps of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RP) for teaching and training surgeons with varied experience, including residents with no experience in open RP, as in extending laparoscopic surgery to more complex operations like RP, the proper training of urologists is crucial.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

The technique of endoscopic extraperitoneal RP (EERP) was divided into 12 individual steps of differing complexity. The levels of difficulty were called ‘modules’ and graded according to their requisite skills from module 1 (lowest level of difficulty) to module 5 (highest level). Based on this modular system we established a training programme whereby the trainee learns the procedure in a mentor‐initiated schedule. During each training operation the trainee only performs the modules (steps) of the operation, which correspond with his or her actual skill level. The mentor performs all the other steps, with the trainee assisting. Four trainees with different surgical experience participated in the study.

RESULTS

After a phase of assisting and camera holding during EERP, the trainees entered the modular training programme and required 32–43 procedures until they were considered to be competent. An analysis of the first 25–50 procedures done independently by the trainee showed mean operative times of 176–193 min and a transfusion rate of 1.3%. Complications during and after EERP requiring re‐intervention were one each of recto‐urethral fistula, haemorrhage, symptomatic lymphocele and anastomotic leak. The positive margin rate for pT2 disease was 12.2% and for pT3 tumours 37%.

CONCLUSION

The modular concept for teaching EERP is an attractive concept, which overcomes many of the problems involved in complex laparoscopic procedures. Based on a highly standardized technique, this concept offers a short learning curve; it enables training on different sites in cooperation with a high‐volume centre, and it makes it possible to start with this complex procedure as a beginner or with no experience in open RP.
Realistic or Abstract Imagery: The Future of Computer Graphics?
Authors: Hanrahan Pat
Published: October 2005

The big idea in computer graphics, what makes CG different from other ways of making images, is that CG represents images symbolically. The artist or designer creates a symbolic representation of the image, and the computer converts that representation to physical media. Because computational processes are so flexible, we have the freedom to invent any abstract representation that suits our needs.

Somewhat surprisingly, most of computer graphics research has focused on the science and technology needed to make photorealistic images representing the physical world. In this talk, I will argue that we should shift our focus to developing techniques for manipulating abstract image representations. Historically, abstract imagery is more recent and more innovative than realistic imagery. Functionally, abstract image representations are often more informative and more expressive than realistic ones. More fundamentally, abstract image models better depict our mental models of the world, and are hence more useful to most people that use computer graphics in their work. In addition to motivating this line of research, I will outline some potentially promising research directions.
Procliticized Phonological Phrases in English: Evidence from Rhythm*
Authors: Gussenhoven Carlos
Published: October 2005

Abstract.  Post‐lexical stress shift in English, as exemplified by FIFteen MEN (cf. fifTEEN or FIFTEEN) is sensitive to rhythm and constituency. Rhythm can be accounted for by constraints like NoClash, forbidding adjacent accents within the phonological phrase. Constituency has been accounted for by a cyclic application of right‐alignment and left‐alignment of accents in the phonological phrase. However, such an account fails to take care of multiply premodified NPs like Fifteen Japanese CDs. Ranking right‐alignment above left‐alignment gives fifTEEN japaNESE ceeDEES and the reverse ranking gives the equally unacceptable FIFteen JAPanese CEEdees. Abandoning a cyclic treatment, I propose a procliticized structure in which procliticized phonological phrases correspond to embedding premodifiers like fifteen in the above example. Such premodifiers align with the left edge with a phonological phrase but fail to align their right edge with a phonological phrase. As a result, the correct (FIFteen (JAPaNESE ceeDEES)) is produced, or, if NoClash is given a stricter interpretation so as to ban accents with only one unaccented syllable between them, the equally correct (FIFteen (JAPanese ceeDEES)). A systematic but hitherto unnoticed stress contrast is discussed, that between e.g. TOO high BUILdings and TWO HIGH BUILdings, and it is shown that the new account deals with it effortlessly.
Sisterhood and tonal scaling*
Authors: Féry Caroline , Truckenbrodt Hubert
Published: October 2005

Abstract.  This paper discusses central aspects of the effects of hierarchical structure on tonal scaling in intonation. The core results of a number of phonetic studies on this topic, by Ladd, by van den Berg, Gussenhoven and Rietveld, as well as experimental results of our own, are reviewed. We review the suggestions of this earlier work and argue for an addition to the theory. The principle ‘The deeper the steeper’ says that downstep among sister nodes is relatively larger if these sister‐nodes are relatively more deeply embedded in the prosodic representation.
The Revolution that Faltered: Two Decades of Reform of Australia's Retirement Income System
Authors: Borowski Allan
Published: October 2005

In the 1980s, Australia's retirement income system became the subject of ongoing reform. A number of the reform objectives were quite revolutionary but some remain much further from realization than was expected, with major consequences for future retirees. In this sense, Australia's retirement income revolution has faltered. This paper (1) outlines the main features of Australia's retirement income system prior to the 1980s, (2) presents the reform objectives and explains the sense in which they were “revolutionary”, (3) describes some of the major changes, their achievements, and how and why a number remain further from realization than expected, (4) considers two more recent objectives and (5) outlines the challenges that remain.
Welfare‐to‐Work Experiences with Specific Work‐First Programmes in Selected Countries
Authors: Ochel Wolfgang
Published: October 2005

This article reviews the evidence of specific mandatory work‐first programmes (job search assistance and workfare) for welfare recipients in the United States, the United Kingdom, Denmark, the Netherlands and Germany. It primarily refers to experimental and econometric evaluations of single programmes and to meta‐evaluations. The effectiveness of specific programme elements in promoting the transition from welfare to work is summarized. The advantage of combining work‐first with training programmes and in‐work benefits is discussed. As the diversity of programmes, target groups, research designs, etc. makes cross‐country comparisons difficult, policy conclusions are drawn with caution.
Sustained pharmacological blockade of NK1 substance P receptors causes functional desensitization of dorsal raphe 5‐HT1A autoreceptors in mice
Authors: Guiard Bruno P. , Froger Nicolas , Hamon Michel , Gardier Alain M. , Lanfumey Laurence
Published: October 2005

Antagonists at NK1 substance P receptors have demonstrated similar antidepressant properties in both animal paradigms and in human as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) that induce desensitization of 5‐HT1A autoreceptors within the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN). We investigated whether this receptor adaptation also occurs upon NK1 receptor blockade. C57B/L6J mice were treated for 21 days with the selective NK1 receptor antagonist GR 205171 (10 mg/kg daily) through subcutaneously implanted osmotic mini pumps, and DRN 5‐HT1A autoreceptor functioning was assessed using various approaches. Recording of DRN serotonergic neurons in brainstem slices showed that GR 205171 treatment reduced (by ∼1.5 fold) the potency of the 5‐HT1A receptor agonist, ipsapirone, to inhibit cell firing. In parallel, the 5‐HT1A autoreceptor‐mediated [35S]GTP‐γ‐S binding induced by 5‐carboxamidotryptamine onto the DRN in brainstem sections was significantly decreased in GR 205171‐treated mice. In vivo microdialysis showed that the cortical 5‐HT overflow caused by acute injection of the SSRI paroxetine (1 mg/kg) was twice as high in GR 205171‐treated as in vehicle‐treated controls. In the DRN, basal 5‐HT outflow was significantly enhanced by GR 205171 treatment. These data supported the hypothesis that chronic NK1 receptor blockade induces a functional desensitization of 5‐HT1A autoreceptors similar to that observed with SSRIs.
Physician Response to Written Feedback on a Medication Discrepancy Found with Their Elderly Ambulatory Patients
Authors: Forjuoh Samuel N. , Reis Michael D. , Couchman Glen R. , Symm Barbalee , Mason Saundra , O'Banon Ricky
Published: October 2005

Objectives: To assess physicians' responses to written feedback on medication discrepancies found with their elderly ambulatory patients.

Design: Cross‐sectional survey.

Setting: Four clinics of a large university‐affiliated, multispecialty group practice associated with a 186,000‐member health maintenance organization.

Participants: Patients aged 65 and older (n=202) and their family physicians (n=32).

Measurements: Medication discrepancies and physicians' responses to written feedback on letters and adhesive labels containing a list of patients' actual medications.

Results: A medication discrepancy was identified with 171 of 202 patients (84.7%). They resulted from patients not taking charted medications (52.9%), patients taking medications that were not charted (34.3%), or difference in dosage and/or schedule (12.8%). The medications involved were mostly complementary/alternative (28.3%), respiratory/allergy (15.1%), and analgesics (14.1%). The majority of physicians reported that the letters (93.8%) and accompanying labels (90.6%) were helpful to them. Half of the physicians reported filing the letters in patients' charts, whereas the other half discarded them. The majority (93.8%) also perceived the labels as an additional benefit to their practice and placed them in patients' charts to be used to correct patients' medications. Receptivity to the feedback was unrelated to physician age group, sex, years in practice, or clinic of practice.

Conclusion: Although medication discrepancies are common in elderly ambulatory patients, their family physicians appreciate assistance in correcting these discrepancies, although potential problems, such as cultural or organizational resistance to the open disclosure of medication discrepancies in medical records due to associated legal ramifications, may need to be resolved.
Older Is Colder: Temperature Range and Variation in Older People
Authors: Gomolin Irving H. , Aung Myo M. , Wolf‐Klein Gisele , Auerbach Charles
Published: October 2005

Objectives: To ascertain body temperatures in older people.

Design: Analysis of oral temperatures obtained from elderly subjects residing in the community and nursing home.

Setting: A single nursing home, office setting, and community center.

Participants: One hundred nursing home residents and 50 subjects residing in the community.

Measurements: Three oral temperatures were measured in nursing home residents and once in community dwellers using an electronic digital thermometer.

Results: The average age of subjects was 80.7. Temperatures ranged from 94.0°F to 99.6°F. In nursing home subjects, the 6 a.m. mean temperature was 97.3°F, 4 p.m. mean was 97.4°F, and 10 p.m. mean was 97.8°F. The single midday mean temperature in community dwellers was 97.7°F. Ninety‐seven of 100 (97%), 94 of 100 (94%), and 83 of 96 (86%) recordings were below 98.6°F in nursing home residents at 6 a.m., 4 p.m., and 10 p.m., respectively. Similarly, 45 of 50 (90%) community dwellers had midday temperatures below 98.6°F. Repeated‐measures analysis demonstrated an increase in temperature during the day. The increase was greatest in the youngest old, with no significant change in body temperature over the course of the day in the oldest old.

Conclusion: Older subjects have mean oral body temperatures lower than 98.6°F. Relatively few even achieve this temperature. In nursing home residents, the oldest were coldest and failed to demonstrate a diurnal rise in body temperature.
Prevalence and Correlates of Perceived Societal Racism in Older African‐American Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Moody‐Ayers Sandra Y. , Stewart Anita L. , Covinsky Kenneth E. , Inouye Sharon K.
Published: October 2005

Although experiences of racism in day‐to‐day life may affect minority patients' interaction with the health system and may influence health outcomes, little is known about these experiences in patients with chronic diseases. The goal of this study was to explore the frequency and correlates of perceived societal racism in 42 African Americans aged 50 and older with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Twenty‐seven items of the McNeilly Perceived Racism Scale were used to assess exposure to racist incidents in employment and public domains and emotional and coping responses to perceived racism in general. Mean age was 62, 71% were women, and more than half rated their health as fair/poor (55%). Overall, 95.2% of the participants reported at least some exposure to perceived societal racism. Higher mean lifetime exposure to societal racism, based on summary scores on the perceived racism scale, was reported by men (35.0±19.1) than women (19.7±14.4) (P<.01) and by those with higher household income (30.7±17.3) than those with lower household income (18.6±15.1) (P<.05). Greater passive coping (e.g., “avoiding it,”“ignoring it”) was associated with being female and having lower household income and fair/poor self‐rated health.

The findings that perception of racism and a range of emotional and coping responses were common in older African‐American patients attending two diabetes clinics suggest that physicians and other healthcare providers may need to be more aware of patients' day‐to‐day experiences of societal racism and the influence these experiences may have on patient trust in the medical system and their adherence to medical advice or engagement in self‐management of their chronic conditions.
Evaluation of Tc‐99m‐tetrofosmin single‐photon emission computed tomography for detection of chronic exertional compartment syndrome of the leg
Authors: Oturai P. S. , Lorenzen T. , Nørregaard J. , Simonsen L.
Published: October 2005

Chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) of the leg is a common, painful condition related to exercise and associated with increased muscle compartment pressure (CP). Invasive methods are currently the method of choice for diagnosing the condition. We investigated the use of Tc‐99m‐tetrofosmin perfusion single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) as a diagnostic tool compared with the gold standard, muscle CP measurement. In 14 subjects perfusion SPECT and CP were measured before and immediately after exercise leading to pain in the lower legs. Six subjects had increased pressures indicating the presence of CECS. In three (50%) of these muscular hypoperfusion was observed by perfusion SPECT. In eight subjects with normal CPs SPECT suggested muscular hypoperfusion. Because of the low diagnostic rates, sensitivity 50% and specificity 63%, Tc‐99m‐tetrofosmin perfusion SPECT seems not to be a useful method for diagnosing CECS.
Immune Complex Deposition in Adult Male Sprague–Dawley Rats Chronically Immunized with GnRH
Authors: Vargas Louis , Sewell Richard , Marshall Aileen , Galatioto Josephine , Tsong Yun‐Yen , Catterall James F. , Hunnicutt Gary R.
Published: October 2005

Problem

This study was undertaken to evaluate whether the anti‐GnRH antibodies and immune complexes (IC) generated by immunization with GnRH‐TT cause cellular damage within the animal.

Method of study

Chronic immunization of rats with GnRH‐TT injected i.m. was followed by tissue/organ analysis for immune complex deposition by immunofluorescence microscopy. Two groups were studied: (1) those immunized throughout the experiment until their ultimate demise, and (2) those given a chance to recover from the effects of chronic immunization before final analysis.

Results

GnRH‐TT was effective in stopping spermatogenesis, which resumed after withdrawal of the immunogen. Most tissues from chronically immunized animals were not significantly different than controls, however the kidneys of treated animals exhibited a higher accumulation of IC. Despite increased IC deposition, pathologic effects were not detected at the cellular level.

Conclusions

GnRH‐TT is an effective immunocontraceptive although the accumulation of glomerular IC represents a potential deleterious side effect.
Comparative Immunohistochemical Study of M‐CSF and G‐CSF in Feto–Maternal Interface in a Multiparity Mouse Model
Authors: Litwin Silvana , Lagadari Mariana , Barrientos Gabriela , Roux María Estela , Margni Ricardo , Miranda Silvia
Published: October 2005

Problem

Multiparity status has been found to bring beneficial effects both to the maintenance of pregnancy and to the offspring; however, these effects have not been fully explained. We have previously reported that placentae obtained from multiparous females belonging to a syngeneic mouse crossbreeding showed an important increase in the number of placental macrophages, suggesting that they might constitute a protective subpopulation. Taking into account that macrophage‐colony stimulating factor (M‐CSF) and granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor (G‐CSF) have proved to modulate macrophage activity and that both factors and/or their receptors have been found at feto–maternal interface, in this paper we analyzed the presence of M‐CSF and G‐CSF in placental tissue employing the same multiparity mouse model in order to investigate the influence of parity status on local immunoregulation factors of macrophage activity.

Method of study

Three groups of mice (CBA/J × CBA/J) were analyzed: Primiparous Young, 3.0 ± 0.5 months old (PY); Primiparous Old, 8.5 ± 0.5 months old (PO) and Multiparous Old, 8.5 ± 0.5 months old, with three to four previous pregnancies (MO). The presence of M‐CSF and G‐CSF in placental tissue was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Cytokeratin (CK) and vimentin (VIM) expression and PAS staining were also studied.

Results

The three groups showed a similar immunostaining pattern for M‐CSF in the whole placental trophoblast, while the expression of G‐CSF was significantly higher only in the spongy zone in the MO group. Furthermore, all the MO placentae showed 5–11 layers of cells adjacent to the decidua, where G‐CSF and M‐CSF were highly detected. Conversely, they constituted a thin layer in PY and PO placentae. These cells were proved to be CK(+) and VIM(−) thus demonstrating their trophoblast origin. In addition, the layers closer to the decidua were also PAS+ suggesting that they could be interstitial cells, a type of invading trophoblast.

Conclusions

In our mouse model, we observed an increase in the expression of G‐CSF in placental spongiotrophoblast cells in multiparous females, which have been previously proposed as progenitors of the interstitial cells. Furthermore, this is the first report that indicates that parity status increases trophoblast invasion inducing a proliferative effect of the invading cells on the maternal tissue. We suggest that M‐CSF and G‐CSF secreted by these invading cells could favor the recruitment of macrophages to the trophoblast and might modulate their activity inducing a switch to a protective, non‐inflammatory population.
Effects of repeated maternal separation on prepulse inhibition of startle across inbred mouse strains
Authors: Millstein R. A. , Ralph Rebecca J. , Yang Rebecca J. , Holmes Andrew
Published: October 2005

A growing body of research implicates genetic factors and childhood trauma in the etiology of neuropsychiatric diseases such as schizophrenia. However, there remains little understanding of how genetic variation influences early life stress to affect later disease susceptibility. Studies in rats have shown that postnatal maternal separation (MS) results in later deficits in prepulse inhibition of the acoustic startle response (PPI), an impairment in sensorimotor gating found in schizophrenic patients. In the present study, genetic differences in the effects of repeated MS on PPI were examined in eight inbred strains of mice (129S1/SvImJ, 129P3/J, A/J, BALB/cJ, BALB/cByJ C57BL/6J, DBA/2J and FVB/NJ). Mice were assigned to either MS (180 min/day on postnatal days P0–P13), ‘handling’ (15 min/day, P0–P13) or facility‐reared conditions and tested for PPI at 12 weeks of age. Results demonstrated major strain differences in the production of viable offspring irrespective of MS, leading to the exclusion of 129P3/J, A/J and BALB/cJ from the study. Pups from the five remaining strains exhibited marked differences in the acoustic startle response and PPI, confirming previous strain comparisons. However, MS produced no significant effects on PPI in any of the strains tested. A second form of postnatal stress (repeated footshock) also failed to alter PPI in the one strain studied, C57BL/6J. Present results demonstrate that the form of MS studied herein does not provide a robust model of early life stress effects on PPI in the mouse strains tested. The development and validation of a reliable mouse model of early life stress remains an important research goal.
Performance deficit of α7 nicotinic receptor knockout mice in a delayed matching‐to‐place task suggests a mild impairment of working/episodic‐like memory
Authors: Fernandes C. , Hoyle E. , Dempster E. , Schalkwyk L. C. , Collier D. A.
Published: October 2005

Patients with schizophrenia exhibit deficits in a range of cognitive functions, particularly working and episodic memory, which are thought to be core features of the disorder. Memory dysfunction in schizophrenia is familial and thus a promising endophenotype for genetic studies. Both human and animal studies suggest a role for the neural nicotinic acid receptor family in cognition and specifically the α7‐receptor subunit in schizophrenia and its endophenotypes. Consequently, we tested mice lacking the α7 subunit of the neural nicotinic receptor (B6.129S7‐Chrna7tm1Bay/J) in the delayed matching‐to‐place (DMP) task of the Morris water maze, a measure of working/episodic memory akin to human episodic memory. We report that a minor impairment in α7 knockout mice was observed in the DMP task, with knockout mice taking longer to find the hidden platform than their wildtype controls. This suggests a role for the α7 subunit in working/episodic memory and a potential role for the α7 neural nicotinic receptor gene (CHRNA7) in schizophrenia and its endophenotypes.
Evidence for a female‐specific effect of a chromosome 4 locus on anxiety‐related behaviors and ethanol drinking in rats
Authors: Vendruscolo L. F. , Terenina‐Rigaldie E. , Raba F. , Ramos A. , Takahashi R. N. , Mormède P.
Published: October 2005

Previous studies using the inbred rat strains Lewis (LEW) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) led to the mapping of two quantitative trait loci, named Ofil1 (on chromosome 4 of the rat) and Ofil2 (on chromosome 7), for open‐field inner locomotion, a behavioral index of anxiety. Studies using other strains showed that the region next to Ofil1 influences measures of not only anxiety but also ethanol consumption. In view of the high prevalence of psychiatric disorders such as anxiety and alcoholism, as well as the comorbidity between them, the present study was designed to better characterize the contribution of these two loci to complex emotional and consummatory responses. Rats deriving from an F2 intercross between the LEW and the SHR strains were selected according to their genotype at markers flanking the loci Ofil1 and Ofil2 and bred to obtain lines of rats homozygous LEW/LEW or SHR/SHR for each of the two loci, thus generating four genotypic combinations. These selected animals as well as purebred LEW and SHR rats of both sexes were submitted to a battery of tests including measures of locomotor activity, anxiety, sweet and bitter taste reinforcement and ethanol intake. Lewis rats displayed more anxiety‐like behavior and less ethanol intake than SHR rats. Ofil1 (on chromosome 4) affected both the activity in the center of the open field and ethanol drinking in females only. These results suggest that Ofil1 contains either linked genes with independent influences on anxiety‐related responses and ethanol drinking or a pleiotropic gene with simultaneous effects on both traits.
Transcription of individual tRNAGly1 genes from within a multigene family is regulated by transcription factor TFIIIB
Authors: Parthasarthy Akhila , Gopinathan Karumathil P.
Published: October 2005

Members of a multigene family from the silkworm Bombyx mori have been classified based on their transcriptions in homologous nuclear extracts, into three groups of highly, moderately and poorly transcribed genes. Because all these gene copies have identical coding sequences and consequently identical promoter elements (the A and B boxes), the flanking sequences modulate their expression levels. Here we demonstrate the interaction of transcription factor TFIIIB with these genes and its role in regulating differential transcriptions. The binding of TFIIIB to the poorly transcribed gene ‐6,7 was less stable compared with binding of TFIIIB to the highly expressed copy, ‐1. The presence of a 5′ upstream TATA sequence closer to the coding region in ‐6,7 suggested that the initial binding of TFIIIC to the A and B boxes sterically hindered anchoring of TFIIIB via direct interactions, leading to lower stability of TFIIIC–B‐DNA complexes. Also, the multiple TATATAA sequences present in the flanking regions of this poorly transcribed gene successfully competed for TFIIIB reducing transcription. The transcription level could be enhanced to some extent by supplementation of TFIIIB but not by TATA box binding protein. The poor transcription of ‐6,7 was thus attributed both to the formation of a less stable transcription complex and the sequestration of TFIIIB. Availability of the transcription factor TFIIIB in excess could serve as a general mechanism to initiate transcription from all the individual members of the gene family as per the developmental needs within the tissue.
Adenine and adenosine salvage pathways in erythrocytes and the role of S‐adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase
Authors: Schuster Stefan , Kenanov Dimitar
Published: October 2005

This article is devoted to the study of redundancy and yield of salvage pathways in human erythrocytes. These cells are not able to synthesize ATP de novo. However, the salvage (recycling) of certain nucleosides or bases to give nucleotide triphosphates is operative. As the salvage pathways use enzymes consuming ATP as well as enzymes producing ATP, it is not easy to see whether a net synthesis of ATP is possible. As for pathways using adenosine, a straightforward assumption is that these pathways start with adenosine kinase. However, a pathway bypassing this enzyme and using S‐adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase instead was reported. So far, this route has not been analysed in detail. Using the concept of elementary flux modes, we investigate theoretically which salvage pathways exist in erythrocytes, which enzymes belong to each of these and what relative fluxes these enzymes carry. Here, we compute the net overall stoichiometry of ATP build‐up from the recycled substrates and show that the network has considerable redundancy. For example, four different pathways of adenine salvage and 12 different pathways of adenosine salvage are obtained. They give different ATP/glucose yields, the highest being 3 : 10 for adenine salvage and 2 : 3 for adenosine salvage provided that adenosine is not used as an energy source. Implications for enzyme deficiencies are discussed.
Proteasome involvement in the degradation of the Gq family of Gα subunits
Authors: Johansson Bente B. , Minsaas Laura , Aragay Anna M.
Published: October 2005

Metabolically unstable proteins are involved in a multitude of regulatory networks, including those that control cell signaling, the cell cycle and in many responses to physiological stress. In the present study, we have determined the stability and characterized the degradation process of some members of the Gq class of heterotrimeric G proteins. Pulse‐chase experiments in HEK293 cells indicated a rapid turnover of endogenously expressed Gαq and overexpressed Gαq and Gα16 subunits. Pretreatment with proteasome inhibitors attenuated the degradation of both G alpha subunits. In contrast, pretreatment of cells with inhibitors of lysosomal proteases and nonproteasomal cysteine proteases had very little effect on the stability of the proteins. Significantly, the turnover of these proteins is not affected by transient activation of their associated receptors. Fractionation studies showed that the rates of Gαq and Gα16 degradation are accelerated in the cytosol. In fact, we show that a mutant Gαq which lacks its palmitoyl modification site, and which is localized almost entirely in the cytoplasm, has a marked increase in the rate of degradation. Taken together, these results suggest that the Gq class proteins are degraded through the proteasome pathway and that cellular localization and/or other protein interactions determine their stability.
Dynamin‐related proteins and Pex11 proteins in peroxisome division and proliferation
Authors: Thoms Sven , Erdmann Ralf
Published: October 2005

The abundance and size of cellular organelles vary depending on the cell type and metabolic needs. Peroxisomes constitute a class of cellular organelles renowned for their ability to adapt to cellular and environmental conditions. Together with transcriptional regulators, two groups of peroxisomal proteins have a pronounced influence on peroxisome size and abundance. Pex11‐type peroxisome proliferators are involved in the proliferation of peroxisomes, defined here as an increase in size and/or number of peroxisomes. Dynamin‐related proteins have recently been suggested to be required for the scission of peroxisomal membranes. This review surveys the function of Pex11‐type peroxisome proliferators and dynamin‐related proteins in peroxisomal proliferation and division.
A Review of a Preventable Poison: Pediatric Lead Poisoning
Authors: Erickson Lori , Thompson Teri
Published: October 2005

PURPOSE.  A review of lead poisoning in pediatric populations enables nurses to increase their knowledge base about lead poisoning and to further the work on the Healthy People 2010 goal of eliminating childhood lead poisoning as a public health issue in the United States.

CONCLUSION.  Nurses should be aware of and use the variety of primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention strategies that are available to address pediatric lead poisoning.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS.  Prevention, education, and evidence‐based treatment plans can decrease the occurrence of pediatric lead poisoning.
Family‐Centered Nursing Care of the Perinatally Infected Mother and Child Living with HIV Infection
Authors: Weglarz Mary , Boland Mary
Published: October 2005

ISSUES AND PURPOSE.  The cohort of children with perinatally transmitted human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is now entering young adulthood. One issue for nurses caring for this group living with a treatable chronic illness is the need to provide services that both prevent mother‐to‐child transmission and support antiretroviral (ARV) treatment. Using a case composite, this article describes the care of the perinatally HIV‐infected woman and her child with HIV infection.

CONCLUSION.  A multigenerational family‐centered nursing approach to HIV care both facilitated a mother accepting care and treatment for herself and her child and improved the adherence of the family to their individual ARV treatment regimens.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS.  Care of the family with multigenerational perinatally transmitted HIV infection requires that nurses build on their expertise in chronic illness, expand their interventions, and remain flexible.
EFFECT OF VARIETAL DIFFERENCES AND POLISHING OF RICE ON QUALITY PARAMETERS OF IDLI
Authors: KUMAR CHANDINI S. , RAO E. RATI , PRAKASH JAMUNA
Published: October 2005

The effect of varietal differences and polishing of rice on quality parameters of “idli,” an Indian fermented product, were studied. In addition, the functional properties of decorticated (whole and split) black gram (Phaseolus mungo Roxb.), were also determined. Two varieties of raw rice, “Jaya” and “Minilong,” and one variety of parboiled rice “Ponni” with two degrees of polishing (high and low) were selected. Idlis were prepared following standard procedures. Variations were observed in water and fat absorption capacities of two black gram samples. Emulsification capacity ranged from 102 to 110 mL/100 g. Foam capacities at different pH range were similar, but foam stability differed as a function of time. The pH of the fermented batter was between 4.1 and 4.8. Rice with a lesser degree of polishing fermented better with higher batter volume and microbial count, lesser shear value and gave softer idlis. However, sensory analysis revealed that idlis prepared with low‐polish rice scored significantly lower for appearance and color quality compared with products prepared with high‐polish rice. Significant differences were observed in the quality of flavor of all products. It can be concluded that the quality characteristics of Idli were influenced by the variety of rice and the degree of polishing, but the two types of black gram used, whole and split, had no effect.
Renal sympathetic and circulatory responses to activation of the exercise pressor reflex in rats
Authors: Koba Satoshi , Yoshida Takayoshi , Hayashi Naoyuki
Published: October 2005

We investigated the role played by the exercise pressor reflex in sympathetic regulation of the renal circulation in rats. In mid‐collicular decerebrate rats, mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), left renal cortical blood flow (RCBF) and left renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) were recorded before and during 30 s of static contraction of the left triceps surae muscles evoked by electrical stimulation of the tibial nerve, which activates both metabo‐ and mechanosensitive muscle afferents, and during 30 s of passive stretch of the left Achilles tendon, which selectively activates mechanosensitive muscle afferents. Static contraction (n= 17, +344 ± 34 g developed tension) significantly (P < 0.05) increased MAP (+14 ± 3 mmHg), HR (+6 ± 1 beats min−1) and RSNA (n= 11, +19 ± 5%) and significantly decreased renal cortical vascular conductance (RCVC, n= 11, −11 ± 2%). Passive stretch (n= 20, +378 ± 11 g) also significantly increased MAP (+11 ± 2 mmHg), HR (+7 ± 2 beats min−1) and RSNA (n= 15, +14 ± 4%) and significantly decreased RCVC (n= 11, −12 ± 3%). RCBF showed no significant changes during static contraction or passive stretch. Renal denervation abolished the decrease in RCVC during contraction (n= 12) or stretch (n= 13). These data indicate that both the exercise pressor reflex and its mechanically sensitive component, the muscle mechanoreflex, induced renal cortical vasoconstriction through sympathetic activation in rats.
Sodium channel dysfunction in intractable childhood epilepsy with generalized tonic–clonic seizures
Authors: Rhodes Thomas H. , Vanoye Carlos G. , Ohmori Iori , Ogiwara Ikuo , Yamakawa Kazuhiro , George Alfred L.
Published: October 2005

Mutations in SCN1A, the gene encoding the brain voltage‐gated sodium channel α1 subunit (NaV1.1), are associated with genetic forms of epilepsy, including generalized epilepsy with febrile seizures plus (GEFS+ type 2), severe myoclonic epilepsy of infancy (SMEI) and related conditions. Several missense SCN1A mutations have been identified in probands affected by the syndrome of intractable childhood epilepsy with generalized tonic–clonic seizures (ICEGTC), which bears similarity to SMEI. To test whether ICEGTC arises from molecular mechanisms similar to those involved in SMEI, we characterized eight ICEGTC missense mutations by whole‐cell patch clamp recording of recombinant human SCN1A heterologously expressed in cultured mammalian cells. Two mutations (G979R and T1709I) were non‐functional. The remaining alleles (T808S, V983A, N1011I, V1611F, P1632S and F1808L) exhibited measurable sodium current, but had heterogeneous biophysical phenotypes. Mutant channels exhibited lower (V983A, N1011I and F1808L), greater (T808S) or similar (V1611F and P1632S) peak sodium current densities compared with wild‐type (WT) SCN1A. Three mutations (V1611F, P1632S and F1808L) displayed hyperpolarized conductance–voltage relationships, while V983A exhibited a strong depolarizing shift in the voltage dependence of activation. All mutants except T808S had hyperpolarized shifts in the voltage dependence of steady‐state channel availability. Three mutants (V1611F, P1632S and F1808L) exhibited persistent sodium current ranging from ∼1–3% of peak current amplitude that was significantly greater than WT‐SCN1A. Several mutants had impaired slow inactivation, with V983A showing the most prominent effect. Finally, all of the functional alleles exhibited reduced use‐dependent channel inhibition. In summary, SCN1A mutations associated with ICEGTC result in a wide spectrum of biophysical defects, including mild‐to‐moderate gating impairments, shifted voltage dependence and reduced use dependence. The constellation of biophysical abnormalities for some mutants is distinct from those previously observed for GEFS+ and SMEI, suggesting possible, but complex, genotype–phenotype correlations.