bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Common antigenicity for two glycosidases
Authors: Kakavanos Revecca , Lehn Pierre , Callebaut Isabelle , Meikle Peter J. , Parkinson-Lawrence Emma J. , Hopwood John J. , Brooks Doug A.
Published: December 2005

Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) has proven to be an effective therapy for some lysosomal storage disorder (LSD) patients. A potential complication during ERT is the generation of an immune response against the replacement protein. We have investigated the antigenicity of two distantly related glycosidases, α‐glucosidase (Pompe disease or glycogen storage disease type II, GSD II), and α‐l‐iduronidase (Hurler syndrome, mucopolysaccharidosis type I, MPS I). The linear sequence epitope reactivity of affinity purified polyclonal antibodies to recombinant human α‐glucosidase and α‐l‐iduronidase was defined, to both glycosidases. The polyclonal antibodies exhibited some cross‐reactive epitopes on the two proteins. Moreover, a monoclonal antibody to the active site of α‐glucosidase showed cross‐reactivity with a catalytic structural element of α‐l‐iduronidase. In a previous study, in MPS I patients who developed an immune response to ERT, this same site on α‐l‐iduronidase was highly antigenic and the last to tolerise following repeated enzyme infusions. We conclude that glycosidases can exhibit cross‐reactive epitopes, and infer that this may relate to common structural elements associated with their active sites.
The multidrug resistance‐associated protein (MRP/ABCC) subfamily of ATP‐binding cassette transporters in plants
Authors: Klein Markus , Burla Bo , Martinoia Enrico
Published: December 2005

In many different plant species, genes belonging to the multidrug resistance‐associated protein (MRP, ABCC) subfamily of ABC transporters have been identified. Following the discovery of vacuolar transport systems for xenobiotic or plant‐produced conjugated organic anions, plant MRPs were originally proposed to be primarily involved in the vacuolar sequestration of potentially toxic metabolites. Indeed, heterologous expression of different Arabidopsis MRPs in yeast demonstrates their activity as ATP‐driven pumps for structurally diverse substrates. Recent analysis of protein–protein interactions and the characterization of knockout mutants in Arabidopsis suggests that apart from transport functions plant MRPs play additional roles including the control of plant transpiration through the stomata. Here, we review and discuss the diverse functions of plant MRP‐type ABC transporters and present an organ‐related and developmental analysis of the expression of Arabidopsis MRPs using the publicly available full‐genome chip data.
Crystal structure of Escherichia coli SufC, an ABC‐type ATPase component of the SUF iron–sulfur cluster assembly machinery
Authors: Kitaoka Shintaro , Wada Kei , Hasegawa Yuko , Minami Yoshiko , Fukuyama Keiichi , Takahashi Yasuhiro
Published: December 2005

SufC is an ATPase component of the SUF machinery, which is involved in the biosynthesis of Fe–S clusters. To gain insight into the function of this protein, we have determined the crystal structure of Escherichia coli SufC at 2.5 Å resolution. Despite the similarity of the overall structure with ABC‐ATPases (nucleotide‐binding domains of ABC transporters), some key differences were observed. Glu171, an invariant residue involved in ATP hydrolysis, is rotated away from the nucleotide‐binding pocket to form a SufC‐specific salt bridge with Lys152. Due to this salt bridge, D‐loop that follows Glu171 is flipped out to the molecular surface, which may sterically inhibit the formation of an active dimer. Thus, the salt bridge may play a critical role in regulating ATPase activity and preventing wasteful ATP hydrolysis. Furthermore, SufC has a unique Q‐loop structure on its surface, which may form a binding site for its partner proteins, SufB and/or SufD.
Disrupted fat absorption attenuates obesity induced by a high‐fat diet in Clock mutant mice
Authors: Oishi Katsutaka , Atsumi Gen-ichi , Sugiyama Shinobu , Kodomari Ikuko , Kasamatsu Manami , Machida Kazuhiko , Ishida Norio
Published: December 2005

The Clock gene is a core component of the circadian clock in mammals. We show here that serum levels of triglyceride and free fatty acid were significantly lower in circadian Clock mutant ICR than in wild‐type control mice, whereas total cholesterol and glucose levels did not differ. Moreover, an increase in body weight induced by a high‐fat diet was attenuated in homozygous Clock mutant mice. We also found that dietary fat absorption was extremely impaired in Clock mutant mice. Circadian expressions of cholecystokinin‐A (CCK‐A) receptor and lipase mRNAs were damped in the pancreas of Clock mutant mice. We therefore showed that a Clock mutation attenuates obesity induced by a high‐fat diet in mice with an ICR background through impaired dietary fat absorption. Our results suggest that circadian clock molecules play an important role in lipid homeostasis in mammals.
Molecular dynamics simulation of a phosphatidylglycerol membrane
Authors: Elmore Donald E.
Published: December 2005

Although molecular dynamics simulations are an important tool for studying membrane systems, relatively few simulations have used anionic lipids. This paper reports the first simulation of a pure phosphatidylglycerol (PG) bilayer. The properties of this equilibrated palmitoyloleoylphosphatidylglycerol membrane agree with experimental observations of PG membranes and with previous simulations of monolayers and mixed bilayers containing PG lipids. These simulations also provide interesting insights into hydrogen bonding interactions in PG membranes. This equilibrated membrane will be a useful starting point for simulations of membrane proteins interacting with PG lipids.
Expression of serum amyloid A transcripts in human trophoblast and fetal‐derived trophoblast‐like choriocarcinoma cells
Authors: Kovacevic Alenka , Hammer Astrid , Sundl Monika , Pfister Bettina , Hrzenjak Andelko , Ray Alpana , Ray Bimal K. , Sattler Wolfgang , Malle Ernst
Published: December 2005

The placenta comprises a highly specialized trophoblast layer, which arises from the embryo and differentiates during embryonic development to perform specialized functions, e.g., synthesis of pregnancy‐associated hormones, growth factors and cytokines. As there is no evidence of maternal acute‐phase protein transplacental transfer and trophoblast plays an important role in regulating immune responses at the feto‐maternal interface, the expression of acute‐phase serum amyloid A (A‐SAA) was investigated in human first trimester trophoblast and trophoblast‐like JAR and Jeg‐3 choriocarcinoma cells. We here show expression of cytokine receptors and cytokine‐dependent induction of A‐SAA in JAR and Jeg‐3 cells. While interleukin‐1α/β is a major agonist for A‐SAA expression in JAR, tumor necrosis factor‐α is the predominant agonist in Jeg‐3. First trimester trophoblast and JAR/Jeg‐3 cells further express the human homolog of SAA‐activating factor‐1, a transcription factor involved in cytokine‐mediated induction of A‐SAA genes. A‐SAA1 and A‐SAA2 transcripts were increased in first trimester trophoblast during pregnancy weeks 10 and 12 suggesting that A‐SAA plays a role during early fetal development.
Modulation of MPP+ uptake by procyanidins in Caco‐2 cells: Involvement of oxidation/reduction reactions
Authors: Faria Ana , Mateus Nuno , de Freitas Vítor , Calhau Conceição
Published: December 2005

In conclusion, procyanidins are capable to modulate MPP+ apical uptake in Caco‐2 cells, this transport being most probably modulated through oxidation–reduction phenomena. Interactions between these compounds and drugs present in the diet may affect their absorption and bioavailability. Both the concentration and complexity of the procyanidin compounds should be taken into account in medical practice.
The Influence of Articular Morphology on Non-Traumatic Degenerative Changes of the Distal Radioulnar Joint. A Radiographic Study
Authors: HOLLEVOET N. , VERDONK R. , VAN MAELE G.
Published: December 2005

We examined 248 wrist X-rays of patients over 50 years of age to find out if ulnar variance, orientation of the sigmoid notch and ulnar head inclination play a role in the development of non-traumatic osteoarthritis of the distal radioulnar joint. Minor degenerative changes, viz. focal joint space narrowing and/or lipping, or small osteophytes at the inferior edge of the ulnar head, were present in 13% of the X-rays of these wrists. They were significantly more frequent in wrists with a more inclined ulnar head and significantly less present in wrists with an oblique, distally orientated sigmoid notch. There was no significant association with ulnar variance or age. This study suggests that articular morphology may play a role in the development of degenerative changes of the distal radioulnar joint.
In vitro testing for immunoglobulin E‐mediated food allergies
Authors: Corey Jacquelynne P. , Gungor Anil
Published: December 2005

The role of immunoglobulin E‐mediated food allergy in subjects with allergic disorders, especially in patients with rhinitis and sinusitis, is underestimated by clinicians because of the initial attribution of these disorders to immediate‐type hypersensitivity reactions. The difficulties of diagnosing food‐related reactions have caused further delay in their recognition and incorporation into the daily practice of diagnosing food allergy. Two of the diagnostic methods for food allergy are the in vitro assay of total immunoglobulin E and the measurement of food‐specific immunoglobulin E levels in serum with the radioallergosorbent test. Measurement of specific immunoglobulin E level is the most commonly used but also one of the most controversial techniques. We examined 123 patients with rhinitis who were referred to our otolaryngology/allergy clinic between January and April 1995. All patients received an initial radioallergosorbent test screen, which included milk. We determined the positive predictive value of this positive screen and, in particular, of a positive test for milk in the diagnosis of immunoglobulin E‐mediated food allergies in these patients. Conclusions were based on comparison with the result of an additional radioallergosorbent test food panel consisting of eight common and two investigational food allergens. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1996;115:312‐8.)
Voice and healing after vocal fold epithelium removal by CO2 laser vs. microlaryngeal stripping
Authors: Rogerson Anthony R. , Clark Keith F. , Bandi Somasekhar R. , Bane Barbara
Published: December 2005

Controversy exists regarding voice recovery after the use of laser vs. microforceps techniques in the removal of benign vocal fold lesions. The purpose of this study is to compare recovery of voice and healing between groups of cats undergoing vocal fold epithelium removal by CO2 laser and those having vocal fold stripping. Fourteen adult female cats underwent standardized unilateral vocal fold injuries by CO2 laser ablation or stripping. After a 6‐week recovery period, phonations were evoked by electrical stimulation of the midbrain periaqueductal gray area. Phonations were recorded for acoustic analysis. The larynges were harvested, fixed, and sectioned for histologic correlation. Acoustic analysis showed the mean signal‐to‐noise ratios in the laser group (19.72) to be significantly higher than those in the stripped group (13.51) (p = 0.04). The stripped group showed significantly greater amplitude perturbation (8.68% vs. 2.43%, p = 0.02). No between‐group difference was found for period perturbation. Histologically, the laser group showed minimal Reinke's space scarring and near‐normal epithelial regeneration, and the stripped group showed marked subepithelial scarring, often involving the vocalis muscle. These results demonstrate superior recovery of voice and healing in animals undergoing vocal fold epithelium removal with the CO2 laser. Inferior outcomes seen in the stripped group may be related to difficulty in preserving Reinke's space during epithelium removal. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1996; 115: 352–9.)
Third Place—Resident Clinical Science Award 1997: Thermoprotective Mechanisms of Irrigation during Bipolar Cautery
Authors: Donzelli Joseph , Leonetti John P. , Bergstrom Richard , Wurster Robert D. , Young M. Rita I.
Published: December 2005

Bipolar cautery is routinely used in operations of the head and neck, as well as in other specialties, both for dissection and for achieving hemostasis. Whereas simultaneous irrigation is frequently used to minimize neuronal injury, its effectiveness has not been tested under controlled conditions. Our objectives in this study were to test the hypothesis that including irrigation during bipolar cautery is thermoprotective and to identify the mechanisms underlying the thermoprotective effect. The thermoprotective role of irrigation with bipolar cautery was tested in a rat model in which the sciatic nerve was exposed and a 1‐second stimulus at 40 or 20 watts was applied with bipolar cautery forceps placed directly on the nerve in the presence or absence of simultaneous irrigation. We used the Sciatic Functional Index as used to quantitate the degree of paresis induced. The results showed that simultaneous irrigation reduced the percentage of animals showing paresis. This effect was significant for animals exposed to 40‐ and 20‐watt cautery. The mechanism for the reduction in the degree of paresis by irrigation could not be attributed to a lowering of the maximal temperature achieved after bipolar cautery. Instead, the thermoprotective mechanism of the irrigation involved an enhanced recovery to basal temperatures when measured at 15 seconds after nerve stimulation with 40 or 20 watts. Reducing the power from 40 watts to 20 watts did not significantly lessen the tissue temperature. The results of this study suggest that irrigation done simultaneously with bipolar cautery enhances temperature recovery to basal levels and plays a role in thermoprotection against the effects of cautery.
Evolutionary Trends in the Organization of the Vertebrate Crista Ampullaris
Authors: Goldberg Jay M. , Brichta Alan M.
Published: December 2005

Intraaxonal labeling studies in the toadfish, frog, turtle, and chinchilla suggest broad evolutionary trends in the vertebrate crista ampullaris. The crista of anamniotes (fish, amphibians) contains type II hair cells innervated by bouton afferents and is longitudinally organized. Type I hair cells are first seen in reptiles and birds, where they are confined to a central zone and are innervated by calyx and dimorphic afferents. The central zone is surrounded by a peripheral zone containing only type II hair cells innervated by bouton afferents. Results in the turtle suggest that the peripheral zone in reptiles and birds is organized similarly to the entire anamniote crista. The turtle central zone finds no parallel in anamniotes but resembles the mammalian central zone in its structure and afferent physiology. With the advent of a central zone in reptiles, a concentric organization is superimposed on a linearly organized peripheral zone. The mammalian crista, in contrast, has an entirely concentric organization. This may be related to the extension of the neuroepithelium further down the slopes of the crista in mammals than in other vertebrates and to the distribution of type I hair cells throughout the mammalian neuroepithelium.
Hair Cells in Mammalian Utricles
Authors: Eatock Ruth Anne , Rüsch Alfons , Lysakowski Anna , Saeki Mayuko
Published: December 2005

Two morphological classes of mechanosensory cells have been described in the vestibular organs of mammals, birds, and reptiles: type I and type II hair cells. Type II hair cells resemble hair cells in other organs in that they receive bouton terminals from primary afferent neurons. In contrast, type I hair cells are enveloped by large cuplike afferent terminals called calyces. Type I and II cells differ in other morphological respects: cell shape, hair bundle properties, and more subtle ultrastructural features. Understanding the functional significance of these strikingly different morphological features has proved to be a challenge. Experiments that correlated the response properties of primary vestibular afferents with the morphologies of their afferent terminals suggested that the synapse between the type I hair cell and calyx ending is lower gain than that between a type II hair cell and a bouton ending. Recently, patch‐clamp experiments on isolated hair cells have revealed that type I hair cells from diverse species have a large potassium conductance that is activated at the resting potential. As a consequence, the voltage responses generated by the type I hair cells in response to injected currents are smaller than those generated by type II hair cells. This may contribute to the lower gain of type I inputs to primary afferent neurons. Studies of neonatal mouse utricles show that the type I‐specific potassium conductance is not present at birth but emerges during the first postnatal week, a period of morphological differentiation of type I and type II hair cells.
Recording Eye Movements in Mice: A New Approach to Investigate the Molecular Basis of Cerebellar Control of Motor Learning and Motor Timing
Authors: De Zeeuw C. I. , Van Alphen A. M. , Koekkoek S. K. E. , Buharin E. , Coesmans M. P. H. , Morpurgo M. M. , Van Den Burg J.
Published: December 2005

The vestibulocerebellum is involved in the control of compensatory eye movements. To investigate its role in learning and timing of motor behavior, we investigated compensatory eye movements in mice with the use of search coils. Wild‐type mice showed the ability to increase the gain of their vestibulo‐ocular reflex by visuovestibular training. This adaptation did not occur in lurcher mice, a natural mouse mutant that completely lacks Purkinje cells. During the optokinetic reflex the phase of the eye movements of lurchermice in reference to the stimulus lagged behind that of wildtype littermates, whereas during the vestibulo‐ocular reflex it led that of the wild‐type mice. During combined optokinetic and vestibular stimulation, the phase of the lurcher mice lagged behind that of the wild‐type mice at the low stimulus frequencies, whereas it led the phase of the wild‐type mice at the high frequencies. In addition, the optokinetic response of the lurcher mice showed a significantly longer latency during constant‐velocity step stimulation than that of the wild‐type mice. We conclude that Purkinje cells are necessary for both learning and timing of compensatory eye movements in mice. The present description of gain adaptation and phase dynamics provides the basis for studies in which the molecular mechanisms of cerebellar control of compensatory eye movements are investigated with the use of genetically manipulated mice.
Evolution of Adaptive Neural Networks: The Role of Voltage‐Dependent K+ channels
Authors: Alkon Daniel L. , Favit Antonella , Nelson Thomas
Published: December 2005

The vestibular pathway of the mollusk Hermissenda crassicornis mediates a reflexive, unconditioned response to disorientation, clinging, that has been conserved during evolution even to the emergence of our own species. This response becomes associated with a visual stimulus (mediated by a precisely ordered visual‐vestibular synaptic network) according to principles of Pavlovian conditioning that are also followed in human learning. It is not entirely surprising therefore that molecular and biophysical cascades responsible for this associative learning appear to function in both mollusks and mammals. In brief, combinational elevation of [Ca2+]i, diacylglycerol, and arachidonic acid activates protein kinase C to phosphorylate the Ca2+ and guanosine triphosphate‐binding protein, cp20 (now called calexcitin [Nelson T, et al. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 1996;93:13808–13]), which potently inactivates postsynaptic voltage‐dependent K+ currents and thereby increases synaptic weight. Longer term changes included rearrangement of synaptic terminals and modified protein synthesis. This cascade has also been implicated in other associative‐learning paradigms (e.g., spatial maze, olfactory discrimination) and as a pathophysiologic target in early Alzheimer's disease. Recent molecular biologic experiments also demonstrate the dependence of associative memory (but not long‐term potentiation) on voltage‐dependent K+ currents. Theoretic learning models based on these findings focus on dendritic spine clusters and yield computer implementations with powerful pattern‐recognition capabilities.
Role of the Flocculus of the Cerebellum in Motor Learning of the Vestibulo‐Ocular Reflex
Authors: Highstein Stephen M.
Published: December 2005

Structure‐function studies at the systems level are an effective method for understanding the relationship of the central nervous system to behavior. Motor learning or adaptation of the vestibulo‐ocular reflex is a clear example wherein this approach has been productive. During a vestibulo‐ocular reflex the brain converts a head velocity signal, transduced through the vestibular semicircular canals, into an eye movement command delivered to the extraocular muscles. If the viewed target remains on the fovea of the retina, the reflex is compensatory, and its gain, eye velocity/head velocity, is one. When the image of the viewed object slips across the retina, visual acuity decreases, and the gain of the reflex, which is no longer one, is plastically adapted or adjusted until retinal stability is restored. The anatomic substrate for this plasticity thus involves brain structures in which visualvestibular interaction can potentially occur, as well as vestibular and visual sensory and oculomotor motor structures. Further, it has been known for many years that removal of the flocculus of the cerebellum permanently precludes further vestibulo‐ocular reflex adaptation, demonstrating the involvement of the cerebellum in this behavior. Maekawa and Simpson (J Neurophysiol 1973;36: 649–66) discovered that one visual input to the flocculus involved the accessory optic system and the inferior olive. Ensuing work has demonstrated that the visual signals used to adapt the vestibulo‐ocular reflex are transmitted by this accessory optic system to the flocculus and subsequently to brain stem structures involved in vestibulo‐ocular reflex plasticity. Presently the inclusive list of anatomic sites involved in vestibulo‐ocular reflex circuitry and its adaptive plasticity is small. Our laboratory continues to believe that this behavior should be caused by interactions within this small class of neurons. By studying each class of identified neuron and its interactions with others within the list, we hope to ultimately understand the mechanisms used by the brain in the expression of this behavior.
Output‐to‐Input Approach to Neural Plasticity in Vestibular Pathways
Authors: Delgado‐García José M.
Published: December 2005

Some thoughts on current interpretations of available data regarding vestibular compensation at functional, network, and neural levels are presented. Basic concepts related to neural plasticity (or elasticity) underlying motor learning and regeneration also are discussed briefly. Modifiability in vestibular pathways, at both the functional and structural levels, after peripheral and central axotomy, and subsequent to transient or permanent chemical target removal, is presented as an experimental ground to explain similarities and differences between regenerative, compensatory, and adaptive mechanisms in the mammal central nervous system.
Vestibular Adaptation: How Models Can Affect Data Interpretations
Authors: Galiana Henrietta L. , Green Andrea M.
Published: December 2005

Vestibular adaptation can be induced optically or by chemical or physical injury to the vestibular apparatus or the brain stem. In searching for the sites or mechanisms of vestibular adaptation, neurophysiologists often rely on comparing central resting (background) activities and central modulations (sensitivity) during vestibular stimulation, before and after motor learning or vestibular compensation. It is assumed that adapted central sites must exhibit modulation changes that parallel vestibulo‐ocular reflex changes. Using model simulations and analysis, we will show that such presumptions may be misleading. First, using a simple schematic of interconnected cells or nuclei, one can show that modulation depth and background “tone” can be modified (or fixed) independently, using weightings on direct or indirect afferent projections. That is, if synaptic weights along all stimulus pathways are altered, one may fix or strongly modify central premotor characteristics in a manner apparently unrelated to global reflex changes. In the vestibulo‐ocular reflex, the dominant premotor pathways contain position‐vestibular‐pause cells and eye‐head‐velocity cells (which are behaviorally similar to floccular‐target neurons). Several experiments have reported negligible changes in the velocity sensitivity of position‐vestibular‐pause cells, despite large gain changes in the vestibulo‐ocular reflex induced by training with visual‐vestibular conflict. On the other hand, the modulation changes on floccular‐target neurons (position‐vestibular‐pause) can be much larger than the changes in reflex gain. Using a bilateral vestibulo‐ocular reflex model, we show that overall increases or decreases in reflex gain can be expressed (even overexpressed) in one particular subgroup of premotor neurons. Nevertheless, such observations are theoretically compatible with synaptic changes on all primary projections in a widely interconnected central network. Hence, stable neural responses during reflex adaptation are not sufficient to exclude a potential site of sensory‐motor adaptation. Similarly, modified neural responses (as in cerebellum) need not necessarily imply a direct role in supporting the adapted state. Model predictions should help to design additional experimental protocols, to test hypotheses, and to refine diagnostic measures of recovery after vestibular lesions.
Hair Cell Recovery in the Chinchilla Crista Ampullaris after Gentamicin Treatment: A Quantitative Approach
Authors: López Ivan , Honrubia Vicente , Lee Seung‐Chul , Li Gang , Beykirch Karl
Published: December 2005

The mechanisms for hair cell recovery were investigated after intraotic application of 50 μg gentamicin into the perilymphatic space of the superior semicircular canal of the chinchilla. Histologic evaluation of one normal group and four posttreatment groups (7, 14, 28, and 56 days) was made with light and transmission electron microscopic techniques. The numeric changes of hair cells and supporting cells was quantified with the dissector technique. At 7 and 14 days after treatment, no type I hair cells were present, and 85% and 88% of type II hair cells were lost. Supporting cells decreased to 76% at 7 days, but they recovered to 91% at 14 days. Recovery of the epithelia was evident 28 days after treatment; 83% were type II hair cells, and 3% were type I hair cells. The supporting cell number remained close to normal (86%). Between 14 and 28 days after treatment, there was an increase of 1758 of type II hair cells, representing approximately 125 new hair cells per day. At the same time interval the number of supporting cells remained near normal. These results suggest that new hair cells might be the result of supporting cell mitotic division and differentiation.
From Genes to Behavior in the Vestibular System
Authors: Baker Robert
Published: December 2005

The central nervous system of all vertebrate embryos is derived from a series of conspicuous segments, called neuromeres, that are particularly visible in the midbrain and hindbrain areas, giving rise to the brain stem sensory and motor nuclei. This article focuses on a series of eight embryonic rhombomeric segments whose progeny can be identified in adults by the locations of iteratively homologous reticulospinal neurons and cranial motor nuclei IV through XII. Evidence shows that these rhombomeric units represent domains of gene expression, lineage restriction, and accordingly, individual vestibular neuronal phenotypes with unique oculomotor and spinal projections. Preliminary electrophysiologic and behavioral correlates of a few vestibulo‐oculomotor subgroups are used as examples to illustrate the hypothesis that homologous vestibular phenotypes likely exist in all taxa because the genetic prepattern is already well established in primitive vertebrates. Finally, the segmented hindbrain arrangement responsible for the longitudinally arranged column of vestibular subnuclei is placed in perspective with genetic and molecular approaches that will eventually permit a causal reconstruction of the signaling mechanisms responsible for the development of unique vestibular subgroups.
Laryngeal Hematoma after Thrombolytic Therapy for Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Martinez Serge A. , Kaye Glenn M. , Kost Karen M.
Published: December 2005

A 76‐year‐old woman sought treatment for chest pain radiating down both arms, which was unrelieved by sublingual nitroglycerine. Her medical history included hypertension, exertional angina, and hyperlipidemia. Her daily medications included metoprolol, lovastatin, hydrochlorothiazide, aspirin, and occasional sublingual nitroglycerine. Electrocardiogram findings were consistent with acute anterior myocardial infarction. The patient began receiving intravenous nitroglycerine and heparin and was given streptokinase. This did not ameliorate her symptoms or electrocardiogram findings, and she was sent for cardiac catheterization, which showed significant stenoses of the left anterior descending and right circumflex coronary arteries. Percutaneous transcardiac angioplasty was attempted but did not relieve her stenoses. Her clinical condition improved, however, and she was transferred to the intensive care unit.
Nitric Oxide is a Regulator of Mucociliary Activity in the Upper Respiratory Tract
Authors: Runer Thomas , Cervin Anders , Lindberg Sven , Uddman Rolf
Published: December 2005

The in vitro effects of the nitric oxide (NO) substrate L‐arginine on ciliary beat frequency and the in vivo effects of the NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) on mucociliary activity were investigated in the rabbit maxillary sinus mucosa with photoelectric techniques. L‐Arginine increased ciliary beat frequency in vitro with a maximum response of 27.1% ± 6.4% at 10‐3mol/L, and this effect was reversibly blocked by pretreatment with the NO synthase (NOS) inhibitor NG‐nitro‐L‐arginine, whereas D‐arginine had no such effect. SNP increased mucociliary activity in vivo, the peak response of 36.8% ± 4.2% being obtained at the dose of 30.0 μg/kg. No tachyphylaxis was observed after repeat challenge with SNP. The increase in mucociliary activity caused by SNP was largely unaffected by pretreatment with the calcium channel blocker nifedipine, the cyclooxygenase inhibitor diclofenac, and the cholinergic antagonist atropine. The nonselective β‐blocker propranolol delayed the peak response of SNP to 7 to 8 minutes after challenge, compared with 1 to 2 minutes after challenge in animals without pretreatment. The results show the NO substrate L‐arginine and the NO donor SNP to have ciliostimulatory effects in vitro and in vivo, respectively. The occurrence of NOS production in the sphenopalatine ganglion and sinus mucosa of the rabbit was studied by immunohistochemistry for NOS activity or nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate‐diaphorase histochemistry. The latter is an indirect sign of neuronal NOS activity. Numerous NOS‐containing cell bodies were seen in the sphenopalatine ganglion; in the sinus mucosa a moderate supply of thin NOS‐immunoreactive nerve fibers was seen. Taken together, the morphologic findings and the functional results indicate NO to be a regulator of mucociliary activity in upper airways.
Palatoplasty for Snoring: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Three Surgical Methods
Authors: Clarke R. W. , Yardley M. P. J. , Davies C. M. , Panarese A. , Clegg R. T. , Parker A. J.
Published: December 2005

In a randomized, controlled trial, 62 patients (47 men and 15 women) with severe antisocial snoring, but no sleep apnea, were allocated to one of three surgical treatments. These were uvulopalato‐pharyngoplasty, laser palatoplasty, and diathermy palatoplasty. Postoperative morbidity was measured on a visual analogue scale of severity of pain, dysphagia, and nasal regurgitation at 1, 2, and 7 days after the operation. Efficacy of each procedure was measured by asking the sleeping partner to record the severity of snoring before and after the operation, again on a visual analogue scale. Measurements were taken at 1, 3, and 6 months. There were no significant differences in early postoperative morbidity among the treatment groups. Diathermy palatoplasty is a new technique for the relief of snoring that is associated with low morbidity and requires little in the way of expensive equipment.
Monitoring invasive mammalian predator populations sharing habitat with the Critically Endangered Puerto Rican parrot Amazona vittata
Authors: Engeman Richard , Whisson Desley , Quinn Jessica , Cano Felipe , Quiñones Pedro , White Jr Thomas H.
Published: December 2005

Critically Endangered Puerto Rican parrots Amazona vittata are one of the rarest birds in the world. Several exotic mammal species capable of preying on Puerto Rican parrots cohabit the Caribbean National Forest with the only wild population of these parrots. We used tracking plates, monitoring blocks and trapping to index black rats, small Indian mongooses and feral cats in parrot habitat and in public-use areas in the same habitat type. We had high trap success for black rats at all sites (42% of all sites combined), among the highest reported in the world. Rat response to monitoring (nontoxic bait) blocks was universally high, regardless of ground or tree placement. Mongooses were present at all sites, with a greater proportion of plates tracked within the forest than at public-use sites. Cats were present at all forest sites and one of the public-use sites. Presence of the three species did not appear to be linked to human disturbance. Because only 30–40 Puerto Rican parrots survive in the wild, with as few as three pairs nesting in 2002, we concluded that the abundance and pervasiveness of exotic mammalian predators poses a greater threat to the parrots than has been generally acknowledged. This is evidenced by mammalian predation during recent parrot breeding seasons, including six fledglings taken by mongooses and one nest failure from rats during 2000–2003.
The international wild bird trade: what's wrong with blanket bans?
Authors: Cooney Rosie , Jepson Paul
Published: December 2005

In response to a declaration in 2004 from a coalition of conservation and animal welfare organizations to ban imports of wild birds into the European Union, we propose that such blanket or indiscriminate bans are unlikely to be effective as a generic conservation approach to the wild bird trade. We further argue that such trade bans, particularly when imposed by Northern constituencies on Southern countries and communities, can act counter to broader values of equity and sustainable development. Here we draw attention to a range of problems and unforeseen consequences of trade bans and highlight the conservation potential of market-led mechanisms that seek to reform trade chains to make them more ethical and sustainable. We contend that it is time for conservation scientists to critically examine the evidence concerning the efficacy of these two strategies as they relate to the trade in wild birds.
Immunomodulatory effect of various anti-parasitics: a review
Authors: SAJID M. S. , IQBAL Z. , MUHAMMAD G. , IQBAL M. U.
Published: December 2005

This paper reviews the immunomodulatory effects (immunosuppression or immunoactivation) of various anthelmintics including levamisole, fenvalerate, dieldrin, carbofuran, aminocarb, thiabendazole, fenbendazole, oxfendazole and ivermectin. The induced modulation of immune function may occur via direct and/or indirect mechanisms. The immunomodulatory effects of these anti-parasitics have been studied in a variety of bacterial (e.g. brucellosis, salmonellosis, paratuberculosis, mastitis), viral (e.g. infectious bovine rhinotracheitis, Herpes, foot and mouth disease), parasitic (e.g. onchocerciasis, coccidiosis, ascariasis, schistosomiasis) and neoplastic diseases. Some antiparasitics have also been used to boost immunity in a number of human diseases including leprosy, Hodgkin's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and in adjuvanted therapy of colorectal cancer. The ability to stimulate the immune response of animals offers a new means of disease intervention. Future research on immunomodulatory effects of anti-parasitics, for humans and domestic farm animals, will provide additional methods of treating immunosuppressed subjects. The immunopotentiating or immunosuppressing activity of anti-parasitics will dictate whether co-administration of vaccines and anthelmintics or administration of vaccines during the window of immunoactivation is justified or not.
Endoparasite communities of five fish species (Labridae: Cheilininae) from Lizard Island: how important is the ecology and phylogeny of the hosts?
Authors: MUÑOZ G. , GRUTTER A. S. , CRIBB T. H.
Published: December 2005

The parasite community of animals is generally influenced by host physiology, ecology, and phylogeny. Therefore, sympatric and phylogenetically related hosts with similar ecologies should have similar parasite communities. To test this hypothesis we surveyed the endoparasites of 5 closely related cheilinine fishes (Labridae) from the Great Barrier Reef. They wereCheilinus chlorourus,C. trilobatus,C. fasciatus,Epibulus insidiatorandOxycheilinus diagramma. We examined the relationship between parasitological variables (richness, abundance and diversity) and host characteristics (body weight, diet and phylogeny). The 5 fishes had 31 parasite species with 9–18 parasite species per fish species. Cestode larvae (mostly Tetraphyllidea) were the most abundant and prevalent parasites followed by nematodes and digeneans. Parasites, body size and diet of hosts differed between fish species. In general, body weight, diet and host phylogeny each explained some of the variation in richness and composition of parasites among the fishes. The 2 most closely related species,Cheilinus chlorourusandC. trilobatus, had broadly similar parasites but the other fish species differed significantly in all variables. However, there was no all-encompassing pattern. This may be because different lineages of parasites may react differently to ecological variables. We also argue that adult parasites may respond principally to host diet. In contrast, larval parasite composition may respond both to host diet and predator-prey interactions because this is the path by which many parasites complete their life-cycles. Finally, variation in parasite phylogeny and parasite life-cycles among hosts likely increase the complexity of the system making it difficult to find all-encompassing patterns between host characteristics and parasites, particularly when all the species in rich parasite communities are considered.
Phenotypic characterization of Haemonchus contortus: a study of isolates from Sweden and Kenya in experimentally infected sheep
Authors: TROELL K. , TINGSTEDT C. , HÖGLUND J.
Published: December 2005

The effects of cold storage of infective third-stage larvae (L3) of different isolates of the parasitic nematode Haemonchus contortus were studied with respect to infectivity, pre-patent period and propensity for larval arrestment. Two complementary experiments were conducted with 2 groups of lambs, each animal being inoculated with 2000 L3 of either Swedish or Kenyan origin. In a first experiment, L3s were cold treated at 5 °C for 9 months prior to infection, whereas in a second experiment larvae were newly hatched. Individual faecal egg counts (FECs), and worm burdens were determined for each experiment. The results showed that the greatest differences were associated with the pre-treatment of larvae. The pre-patent period and the FECs differed significantly between the experiments but not between the isolates used in each experiment. However, the extent of hypobiosis was significantly different between the two isolates when fresh larvae were used (36% Kenyan isolate and 70% Swedish). The storage of H. contortus at 5 °C had no apparent effect on the infectivity of L3s, as high establishment ranging from 43 to 74% were observed, irrespective of isolates used. This study showed that H. contortus exhibited similar phenotypic traits regardless of geographical origin. Thus, there was limited evidence for adaptations to temperate climatic conditions.
The effect of chicory (Cichorium intybus) and sulla (Hedysarum coronarium) on larval development and mucosal cell responses of growing lambs challenged withTeladorsagia circumcincta
Authors: TZAMALOUKAS O. , ATHANASIADOU S. , KYRIAZAKIS I. , HUNTLEY J. F. , JACKSON F.
Published: December 2005

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of grazing different bioactive forages on acquired immunity againstTeladorsagia circumcintainfection. The development of immunity was assessed by following the response of trickle-infected lambs grazing chicory (Cichorium intybus; IC), sulla (Hedysarum coronarium; IS) or grass/clover (Lolium perenne/Trifolium repens; IGC), to a single challenge infection. Parasite-naive lambs, grazing grass/clover, were also challenged with the single infection dose providing the uninfected control (UGC) group. Trickle infection significantly reduced worm establishment, inhibited larval development and increased mucosal mast cell (MMC) and globule leucocyte (GL) cells. Grazing treatment (chicory, sulla or grass/clover) significantly affected adult worm (P<0·05), late-L4 (P<0·01) and mid-L4 (P<0·01) larval-stage recoveries of the trickle-infected lambs, with IGC group always carrying higher worm burdens than either IC or IS lambs. MMC and GL cells of trickle-infected lambs were positively correlated with the proportion of early-L4 worms recovered and negatively correlated with both the proportion of adult worms recovered and the total worm establishment, suggesting that the observed effects were due to an enhanced immune response. The results suggest elevated immune responses againstT. circumcinctainfections in growing lambs grazing on either sulla or chicory compared to those grazing on grass/clover, probably due to differences in forage nutritional values.
Susceptibility of eye fluke-infected fish to predation by bird hosts
Authors: SEPPÄLÄ O. , KARVONEN A. , VALTONEN E. T.
Published: December 2005

Host manipulation by trophically transmitted parasites may predispose infected hosts to predation and in this way enhance parasite transmission. In most study systems, however, the evidence comes from laboratory studies, and therefore knowledge of the effect of manipulation on parasite transmission efficiency in the wild is still limited. Here we examined the effect ofDiplostomum spathaceum(Trematoda) eye flukes on the susceptibility of fish intermediate hosts to predation by bird definitive hosts. Our earlier studies have shown that the parasite alters fish phenotype and increases their susceptibility to artificial predation under laboratory conditions. In the present field study, we allowed wild birds to feed on fish from cages placed into a lake, and found that predation vulnerability of infected fish did not differ from that of controls. However, we suggest that the experimental set-up likely affected the result because the cages allowed gulls, which caught most of the fish in the study, to feed on fish in an easy, unnatural manner by standing on the edges of the cages. Nevertheless, considerable predation was observed, which provides important initial evidence of how this question should be addressed in the wild.
Event attributes and the content of psychotic experiences in first-episode psychosis
Authors: RAUNE DAVID , BEBBINGTON PAUL , DUNN GRAHAM , KUIPERS ELIZABETH
Published: December 2005

Background. Previous psychosocial stress research, contemporary cognitive models, and new cognitive behavioural treatments for psychosis converge in suggesting that stressful events influence the content of psychotic experiences. In this paper we test whether the attributes of stressful events preceding the initial onset of psychosis are associated with core themes of the illness.

Method. Forty-one people who had experienced a first episode of psychosis were assessed on the attributes of stressful events occurring in the year before onset, the themes (persecutory, depressive, and grandiose) associated with their delusions and the content of their auditory hallucinations.

Results. Principal component analysis yielded four components accounting for 72% of the variance. As hypothesized, intrusive events were associated with the development of delusions with persecutory themes. Grandiose delusions were negatively associated with loss events. Depressive delusions appear to be associated with danger events rather than loss events.

Conclusion. There are links between stressful event attributes and core psychotic themes at first-episode psychosis. This has implications for theoretical models of, and early psychological intervention for, psychosis.
A randomized controlled trial of the use of self-help materials in addition to standard general practice treatment of depression compared to standard treatment alone
Authors: SALKOVSKIS PAUL , RIMES KATHARINE , STEPHENSON DEBORAH , SACKS GERALD , SCOTT JAN
Published: December 2005

Background. The purpose of the study was to examine whether the addition of a brief individual self-help package to standard primary-care treatment of depression with antidepressants is associated with any additional improvements in clinical outcome.

Method. Individuals with major depressive disorder who were prescribed an antidepressant were recruited through their general practitioner (GP) and allocated randomly to standard treatment alone or standard treatment plus self-help. Assessments of symptoms, social adjustment, global functioning, satisfaction with treatment and knowledge about the management of the disorder were completed at three time points over 26 weeks.

Results. One hundred and twelve individuals agreed to participate and 96 met criteria for inclusion in the randomized controlled trial. Subjects in both treatment conditions improved substantially over the study period; the mean Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) score fell from 27·3 to 13·9 in the intention-to-treat analysis. There were no between group differences in outcome on any of the primary outcome measures, nor did these approach even marginal significance. Patients and GPs were highly satisfied with the self-help programme, and the intervention as compared to the control group reported significantly greater improvements in knowledge about depression and satisfaction with information received about depression.

Conclusions. An individualized self-help package improved perceived knowledge about depression but did not have identifiable effects on outcome when offered to patients treated in primary care. The study was sufficiently well powered to detect relatively small effects.