bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Progesterone and Oestradiol on Sperm–zona Binding and Acrosome Reaction in Bovine Spermatozoa after Thawing
Authors: Lukoseviciute K , Bizokas V , Zilinskas H , Januskauskas A
Published: April 2007

Contents

This study was conducted assess spermatozoa binding capacity to the oocyte in the presence of 0.1 or 0.5 μg/ml progesterone (P4) or a combination of 0.5 μg/ml P4 with 0.1 μg/ml oestradiol (OE). The number of oocyte‐bound spermatozoa in the presence of progesterone was significantly higher (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001) when compared with the control samples, that were incubated in the absence of P4. Spermatozoa binding to the zona pellucida (ZP) of the oocyte were concentration‐dependent – significantly higher numbers of spermatozoa were bound in the presence of 0.5 μg/ml P4, when compared with that of 0.1 μg/ml P4. Oestradiol at 0.1 μg/ml concentration used impaired the effect of progesterone‐mediated sperm–oocyte binding. The incidences of acrosome‐reacted (AR) spermatozoa bound to the ZP – following 0, 60, 120 and 180 min. incubation in the presence and absence of 1 μg/ml progesterone was also assessed. Only at 180 min of incubation a higher (p < 0.001) incidence of the AR‐spermatozoa was found in sperm–ZP complexes incubated in the presence or absence of progesterone, being 56.5 ± 11.1 and 43.2 ± 8.8 % respectively. In conclusion, progesterone enhances the sperm–ZP binding capacity. Progesterone affects the incidences of AR on zona‐bound spermatozoa only after prolonged co‐culture.
Exchanging dual‐lumen central venous catheters: How I do it
Authors: Chaitowitz I , Heng R , Bell KW
Published: April 2007

The management of a blocked long‐term central venous catheter has traditionally been removal and re‐siting, even when device failure is not associated with venous thrombosis or sepsis. It is not possible to ‘railroad’ a split dual‐lumen central venous catheter down a long tortuous s.c. tunnel. Our exchange technique was designed to salvage the tunnel and venous access site in a long‐term catheter that has had uncomplicated primary device failure. In this technique we divide the dual‐lumen catheter and secure the venous access site and the s.c. tunnel with separate peel‐away sheaths. The new catheter is then introduced in the conventional manner through the two peel‐away sheaths, which are then removed. The key advantage of the technique is that it preserves one of the few central venous access sites available. This article describes exchange of an internal jugular catheter, but the same technique is applicable to subclavian catheters.
CT and MRI features in Bipolaris fungal sinusitis
Authors: Aribandi M , Bazan C
Published: April 2007

Bipolaris is an increasingly recognized cause of fungal sinusitis. Reports of imaging features are sparse. Our purpose was to review the imaging features in patients with Bipolaris fungal sinusitis. A review of our data showed seven patients with culture‐proven Bipolaris fungal sinusitis. Computed tomography of the paranasal sinuses in all the patients and MRI in five patients were analysed for the location, nature, extent of the disease and density/signal characteristics on CT/MRI. The sphenoid and posterior ethmoid sinuses were most often involved (six of seven), followed by the anterior ethmoid sinus (five of seven), frontal sinus (four of seven) and maxillary sinus (three of seven) involvement. Five of seven cases had bilateral disease. Secretions were seen to fill the sinus and were expansile in nature in six of seven cases. Bony erosion was noted in all the patients. Air–fluid levels and bony sclerosis were rarely seen. Computed tomography showed central hyperdensity in all the cases. In the corresponding MR images (n = 5), the sinus contents appeared hyperintense on T1‐weighted images and hypointense on T2‐weighted images. Extension into the nasal cavity was found in six of seven cases. Five of seven cases had intracranial (extradural) spread. Intraorbital extension was seen in three of seven cases, with associated optic nerve compression in two. All the patients responded to surgical debridement, and systemic antifungal therapy was not required. Bipolaris fungal sinusitis typically presents with an allergic fungal sinusitis picture with expansile sinus opacification and bony erosions. There is central hyperdensity on CT scan, which appears hyperintense on T1‐weighted and hypointense on T2‐weighted MR images.
Ureteroplasty with a cutting balloon: A novel approach to ureteric anastomotic strictures
Authors: Steiner DL , Johns‐Putra L , Lyon S
Published: April 2007

The Peripheral Cutting Balloon device was originally described to treat in‐stent coronary artery stenosis. We aim to evaluate the use of this device in the management of ureteric anastomotic strictures. Four patients with radiologically proven ureteric anastomotic strictures were treated with the Peripheral Cutting Balloon Device using an antegrade approach. Follow up ranged between 2 and 12 months. All patients’ initial procedure was successful, and all patients had improvement of symptoms. No patient showed evidence of biochemical deterioration of renal function, and no periprocedural complications occurred. One patient had restenosis as a result of invasive bladder cancer and required subsequent cystectomy. The Peripheral Cutting Balloon device is a novel instrument for the treatment of ureteric anastomotic strictures. Our experience shows promising short‐term results but more follow up is required.
Surface laser scanning to routinely produce casts for patient immobilization during radiotherapy*
Authors: McKernan B , Bydder SA , Deans T , Nixon MA , Joseph DJ
Published: April 2007

Immobilization casts are used to reduce patient movement during the radiotherapy of head and neck and brain malignancies. Polyethylene‐based casts are produced by first taking a Plaster of Paris ‘negative’ impression of the patient. A ‘positive’ mould is then made, which is used to vacuum form an immobilization cast. Taking the ‘negative’ cast can be messy, stressful for patients and labour intensive. Recently, lightweight hand‐held laser surface scanners have become available. These allow an accurate 3‐D representation of objects to be generated non‐invasively. This technology has now been applied to the production of casts for radiotherapy. Each patient’s face and head is digitized using the Polhemus FastSCAN (Polhemus, Colchester, VT, USA) scanner. The electronic data are transferred to a computer numerical controlled mill, where a positive impression is machined. The feasibility of the process was examined, the labour required and radiation therapists’ satisfaction with aspects of the produced masks assessed. The scanner‐based method of mask production was found to be simple, accurate and non‐invasive. There was a reduction in radiation therapist labour required. Masks produced with the scanner‐based method were reported to result in improved mask fitting, daily reproducibility, patient immobilization and patient comfort.
Music therapy as a non‐pharmacological anxiolytic for paediatric radiotherapy patients
Authors: O’Callaghan C , Sexton M , Wheeler G
Published: April 2007

Outpatient radiotherapy treatment in the paediatric cancer patient can be a traumatic and an anxiety‐provoking experience for both the patient and the family. Music therapy has been widely reported to have psychosocial, educational and physical benefits for the paediatric cancer patient. Using individual case reports, this paper shows the successful use of music therapy as a non‐pharmacological anxiolytic in the paediatric radiotherapy, outpatient waiting room setting, by providing the patient and the family with a means of communication, self‐expression and creativity.
Percutaneous retrieval of a chronic foreign body with both intravascular and extravascular components
Authors: Chu FSK , Tso WK , Lie AKW
Published: April 2007

Removal of unwanted intravascular foreign body is a useful but infrequent procedure carried out by interventional radiologists. We study a patient who had a long guidewire left in her body following central venous catheter placement by a surgeon. The guidewire was later found in situ, with both intravascular and extravascular components in continuity. We successfully removed the guidewire without causing any complications. Standard interventional techniques, Amplatz gooseneck snare (Microvena, White Bear Lake, MN, USA) and 6‐Fr Multipurpose catheter were used.
Prolonged survival after resection and radiotherapy for solitary brain metastases from non‐small‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Chee RJ , Bydder S , Cameron F
Published: April 2007

Selected patients with brain metastases from non‐small‐cell lung cancer benefit from aggressive treatment. This report describes three patients who developed solitary brain metastases after previous resection of primary adenocarcinoma of the lung. Each underwent surgical resection of their brain metastasis followed by cranial irradiation and remain disease free 10 or more years later. Two patients developed cognitive impairment approximately 8 years after treatment of their brain metastasis, which was felt to be due to their previous brain irradiation. Here we discuss the treatment of solitary brain metastasis, particularly the value of combined method approaches in selected patients and dose–volume considerations.
Presynaptic GABA‐A receptors prevent depression of nicotinic transmission in rabbit coeliac ganglion neurones
Authors: Ercoli Jennifer , Miolan Jean Pierre , Niel Jean Pierre , Quinson Nathalie
Published: April 2007

We investigated the involvement of GABA‐A receptors in the modulation of the nicotinic transmission of central origin in isolated rabbit coeliac ganglia. Our study was performed in vitro and the electrical activity of the ganglionic neurones was recorded using intracellular recording techniques. During iterative stimulation of the splanchnic nerves, the synaptic action potential probability decreased gradually, indicating a depression of the nicotinic activation. Pharmacological agents acting at GABA‐A receptors modulated the action potential probability during the train of pulses. Muscimol (a GABA‐A receptor agonist), diazepam (a benzodiazepine site agonist) and 1‐[2‐[[(diphenylmethylene)imino]oxy]ethyl]‐1,2,5,6‐tetrahydro‐3‐pyridinecarboxylic acid hydrochloride (a GABA uptake blocker) increased this probability. Conversely, gabazine or bicuculline (two GABA‐A receptor antagonists), picrotoxin (a picrotoxin site agonist) and flumazenil (a benzodiazepine site antagonist) reduced it. These results demonstrate that endogenous GABA, released during the train of pulses, facilitates the central nicotinic activation of the ganglionic neurones by acting on GABA‐A receptors. Muscimol also reduced the amplitude ratio of excitatory postsynaptic potentials triggered during the paired‐pulse protocol without any change in postsynaptic properties. This result is consistent with a presynaptic action of GABA‐A receptors. Our study shows that presynaptic GABA‐A receptors facilitate the central nicotinic activation of prevertebral ganglionic neurones and thus play a novel role in the integrative properties of the sympathetic prevertebral ganglia.
Functional and ultrastructural analysis of group I mGluR in striatal fast‐spiking interneurons
Authors: Bonsi Paola , Sciamanna Giuseppe , Mitrano Darlene A. , Cuomo Dario , Bernardi Giorgio , Platania Paola , Smith Yoland , Pisani Antonio
Published: April 2007

Striatal parvalbumin‐containing fast‐spiking (FS) interneurons provide a powerful feedforward GABAergic inhibition on spiny projection neurons, through a widespread arborization and electrical coupling. Modulation of FS interneuron activity might therefore strongly affect striatal output. Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) exert a modulatory action at various levels in the striatum. We performed electrophysiological recordings from a rat striatal slice preparation to investigate the effects of group I mGluR activation on both the intrinsic and synaptic properties of FS interneurons. Bath‐application of the group I mGluR agonist, (S)‐3,5‐dihydroxyphenylglycine (3,5‐DHPG), caused a dose‐dependent depolarizing response. Both (S)‐(+)‐α‐amino‐4‐carboxy‐2‐methylbenzeneacetic acid (LY367385) and 7‐(hydroxyimino)cyclopropa[b]chromen‐1a‐carboxylate ethyl ester (CPCCOEt), selective mGluR1 antagonists, significantly reduced the amplitude of the membrane depolarization caused by 3,5‐DHPG application. Conversely, mGluR5 antagonists, 2‐methyl‐6‐(phenylethylnyl)pyridine hydrochloride (MPEP) and 6‐methyl‐2‐(phenylazo)‐3‐pyridinol (SIB1757), were unable to affect the response to 3,5‐DHPG, suggesting that only mGluR1 contributes to the 3,5‐DHPG‐mediated excitatory action on FS interneurons. Furthermore, mGluR1 blockade significantly decreased the amplitude of the glutamatergic postsynaptic potentials, whereas the mGluR5 antagonist application produced a small nonsignificant inhibitory effect. Surprisingly, our electron microscopic data demonstrate that the immunoreactivity for both mGluR1a and mGluR5 is expressed extrasynaptically on the plasma membrane of parvalbumin‐immunoreactive dendrites of FS interneurons. Together, these results suggest that despite a common pattern of distribution, mGluR1 and mGluR5 exert distinct functions in the modulation of FS interneuron activity.
Axons of callosal neurons bifurcate transiently at the white matter before consolidating an interhemispheric projection
Authors: Garcez Patricia P. , Henrique Narjara P. , Furtado Danilo A. , Bolz Jürgen , Lent Roberto , Uziel Daniela
Published: April 2007

The main alternative output routes of adult cortical axons are the internal capsule and the corpus callosum. How do callosal axons choose their trajectories? We hypothesized that bifurcation followed by elimination of one branch is a developmental strategy for accomplishing this aim. Using embryonic and postnatal mice, we labelled cortical projecting neurons and quantified their axonal bifurcations in correlation with the mediolateral position of their somata. Bifurcating axons were numerous in the younger brains but declined during further development. Most bifurcating axons pertained to neurons located in the dorsolateral cortex. Moreover, callosal neurons bifurcate more often than subcortically projecting cells. We then quantified bifurcations formed by dissociated green fluorescent cells plated onto cortical slices. Cells grown over dorsolateral cortex bifurcated more often than those grown over medial cortex, irrespective of their positional origin in the donor. Removal of intermediate targets from the slices prevented bifurcation. We concluded that transient bifurcation and elimination of the lateral branch is a strategy employed by developing callosal axons in search of their targets. As cell body position and intermediate targets determine axon behaviour, we suggest that bifurcations are regulated by cues expressed in the environment.
REVIEW ARTICLE: Cortical control of eye and head movements: integration of movements and percepts
Authors: Longtang Chen L. , Tehovnik Edward J.
Published: April 2007

The cortical control of eye movements is well known. It remains unclear, however, as to how the eye fields of the frontal lobes generate and coordinate eye and head movements. Here, we review the recent advances in electrical stimulation studies and evaluate relevant models. As electrical stimulation is conducted in head‐unrestrained, behaving subjects with the evoked eye and head movements sometimes being indistinguishable from natural gaze shifts, a pertinent question becomes whether these movements are evoked by motor programs or sensory percepts. Recent stimulation studies in the visual cortex and the eye fields of the frontal lobes have begun to bring both possibilities to light. In addition, cognitive variables often interact with behavioral states that can affect movements evoked by stimulation. Identifying and controlling these variables are critical to our understanding of experimental results based on electrically evoked movements. This understanding is needed before one can draw inferences from such results to elucidate the neural mechanisms underlying natural and complex movements.
Increased occurrence of climbing fiber inputs to the cerebellar flocculus in a mutant mouse is correlated with the timing delay of optokinetic response
Authors: Yoshida Takashi , Funabiki Kazuo , Hirano Tomoo
Published: April 2007

The cerebellum plays an essential role in motor control, and its dysfunction may delay the onset of action and disrupt smooth and efficient movement. A Purkinje neuron (PN), the sole output cell type in the cerebellar cortex, receives two distinct types of excitatory synaptic inputs, numerous weak inputs from granule neurons (GNs) and occasional strong inputs from a climbing fiber (CF). The role of each input and the significance of low firing rate of CF have been studied. Here we show that the increased occurrence of CF inputs altered the firing pattern of a PN, which was correlated with timing of a reflex. We used the mutant mice deficient in the glutamate receptor δ2 subunit, a molecule related to ionotropic glutamate receptor specifically expressed at GN–PN synapses. The mutant mouse shows more frequent CF inputs and longer timing delay in optokinetic response (OKR), reflex eye movement that follows slow motion of a large visual field. A PN shows two types of action potentials: complex spikes (CS) induced by CF inputs; and simple spikes. They changed respective firing rates during sinusoidal optokinetic stimulation, and the timing of each firing rate modulation was similar in wild‐type and mutant mice. However, increased occurrence of CS in the mutant altered the total firing pattern of a PN in the flocculus, which was correlated with the timing delay of OKR. These results support the functional merit of low firing rate of CF in motor control.
Synapse‐specific localization of vesicular glutamate transporters in the rat olfactory bulb
Authors: Gabellec Marie‐Madeleine , Panzanelli Patrizia , Sassoè‐Pognetto Marco , Lledo Pierre‐Marie
Published: April 2007

Vesicular glutamate transporters (VGLUTs) mediate the packaging of the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate into synaptic vesicles. Three VGLUT subtypes have so far been identified, with distinct expression patterns in the adult brain. Here, we investigated the spatial distribution of the three VGLUTs in the rat olfactory bulb, a brain region containing a variety of glutamate synapses, both axodendritic and dendrodendritic. Using multilabelling confocal microscopy and electron microscopic immunocytochemistry, we showed that each VGLUT isoform has a highly selective localization in olfactory bulb synapses. VGLUT1 is present at dendrodendritic synapses established by the output neurones (mitral and tufted cells) with bulbar interneurones in the glomerular layer and external plexiform layer, as well as in axonal synapses of the granule cell layer. By contrast, VGLUT2 is strongly expressed in axon terminals of olfactory sensory neurones, which establish synapses with second‐order neurones in the glomerular neuropil. VGLUT2 is also found in the outer part of the external plexiform layer and in the granule cell layer but colocalizes only partially with VGLUT1. Finally, we showed that VGLUT3 is exclusively located in the glomerular neuropil, where it colocalizes extensively with the vesicular inhibitory amino acid transporter vesicular GABA transporter, suggesting that it is associated with a subset of inhibitory synapses. Together, these observations extend previous findings on VGLUT distribution in the forebrain, and suggest that each VGLUT subtype has a specific function in the distinct features of axodendritic and dendrodendritic synapses that characterize the olfactory bulb circuit.
Impact of chronic subthalamic high‐frequency stimulation on metabolic basal ganglia activity: a 2‐deoxyglucose uptake and cytochrome oxidase mRNA study in a macaque model of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Meissner Wassilios , Guigoni Celine , Cirilli Laetitia , Garret Maurice , Bioulac Bernard H. , Gross Christian E. , Bezard Erwan , Benazzouz Abdelhamid
Published: April 2007

The mechanisms of action of high‐frequency stimulation (HFS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) remain only partially understood. Hitherto, experimental studies have suggested that STN‐HFS reduces the activity of STN neurons. However, some recent reports have challenged this view, showing that STN‐HFS might also increase the activity of globus pallidus internalis (GPi) neurons that are under strong excitatory drive of the STN. In addition, most results emanate from studies applying acute STN‐HFS, while parkinsonian patients receive chronic stimulation. Thus, the present study was designed to assess the effect of chronic (10 days) STN‐HFS in the 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)‐treated nonhuman primate. For this purpose, 2‐deoxyglucose (2‐DG) uptake, a measure of global synaptic activity, was assessed in the basal ganglia and the motor thalamus after chronic unilateral STN‐HFS. Cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COI) mRNA expression, a marker of efferent metabolic activity, was additionally assessed in the globus pallidus. Chronic STN‐HFS (i) reversed abnormally decreased 2‐DG uptake in the STN of parkinsonian nonhuman primates, (ii) reversed abnormally increased 2‐DG accumulation in the GPi while COI mRNA expression was increased, suggesting global activation of GPi neurons, and (iii) reversed abnormally increased 2‐DG uptake in the ventrolateral motor thalamus nucleus. The simultaneous decrease in 2‐DG uptake and increase in COI mRNA expression are difficult to reconcile with the current model of basal ganglia function and suggest that the mechanisms by which STN‐HFS exerts its clinical benefits are more complex than a simple reversal of abnormal activity in the STN and its targets.
Sex differences in catechol contents in the olfactory bulb of control and unilaterally deprived rats
Authors: Gómez C. , Briñón J. G. , Valero J. , Recio J. S. , Murias A. R. , Curto G. G. , Orio L. , Colado M. I. , Alonso J. R.
Published: April 2007

The dopaminergic system plays important roles in the modulation of olfactory transmission. The present study examines the distribution of dopaminergic cells and the content of dopamine (DA) and its metabolites in control and deprived olfactory bulbs (OB), focusing on the differences between sexes. The content of DA and of its metabolites, dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and homovanillic acid (HVA), were measured by HPLC. The morphology and distribution of dopaminergic neurons were studied using tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunohistochemistry. Cells were typified with TH–parvalbumin, TH–cholecystokinin or TH–neurocalcin double‐immunofluorescence assays. Biochemical analyses revealed sex differences in the content of DA and of its metabolites. In normal conditions, the OBs of male rats had higher concentrations of DA, DOPAC and HVA than the OBs of females. The immunohistochemical data pointed to sex differences in the number of TH‐immunopositive cells (higher in male than in female rats). Colocalization analyses revealed that dopaminergic cells constitute a different cell subpopulation from those labelled after parvalbumin, cholecystokinin or neurocalcin immunostaining. Unilateral olfactory deprivation caused dramatic alterations in the dopaminergic system. The DA content and the density of dopaminergic cells decreased, the contents of DA and DOPAC as well as TH immunoreactivity were similar in deprived males and females and, finally, the metabolite/neurotransmitter ratio increased. Our results show that the dopaminergic modulation of olfactory transmission seems to differ between males and females and that it is regulated by peripheral olfactory activity. A possible role of the dopaminergic system in the sexually different olfactory sensitivity, discrimination and memory is discussed.
The neuropeptide corticotropin‐releasing factor regulates excitatory transmission and plasticity at the climbing fibre‐Purkinje cell synapse
Authors: Schmolesky M. T. , De Ruiter M. M. , De Zeeuw C. I. , Hansel C.
Published: April 2007

The climbing fibre (CF) input controls cerebellar Purkinje cell (PC) activity as well as synaptic plasticity at parallel fibre (PF)‐PC synapses. Under high activity conditions, CFs release not only glutamate, but also the neuropeptide corticotropin‐releasing factor (CRF). Brief periods of such high CF activity can lead to the induction of long‐term depression (LTD) at CF‐PC synapses. Thus, we have examined for the first time the role of CRF in regulating excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) and long‐term plasticity at this synapse. Exogenous application of CRF alone transiently mimicked three aspects of CF‐LTD, causing reductions in the CF‐evoked excitatory postsynaptic current, complex spike second component and complex spike afterhyperpolarization. The complex spike first component is unaffected by CF‐LTD induction and was similarly unaffected by CRF. Application of a CRF receptor antagonist reduced the expression amplitude and induction probability of CF‐LTD monitored at the EPSC level. Collectively, these results suggest that under particular sensorimotor conditions, co‐release of CRF from climbing fibres could down‐regulate excitatory transmission and facilitate LTD induction at CF‐PC synapses. Inhibition of either protein kinase C (PKC) or protein kinase A (PKA) attenuated the effects of CRF upon CF‐EPSCs. We have previously shown that CF‐LTD induction is PKC‐dependent, and here demonstrate PKA‐dependence as well. These results suggest that both the acute effects of CRF on CF‐EPSCs as well as the facilitating effect of CRF on CF‐LTD induction can be explained by a CRF‐mediated recruitment of PKC and PKA.
Role of GABAA inhibition in modulation of pyramidal tract neuron activity during postural corrections
Authors: Tamarova Zinaida A. , Sirota Mikhail G. , Orlovsky Grigori N. , Deliagina Tatiana G. , Beloozerova Irina N.
Published: April 2007

In a previous study we demonstrated that the activity of pyramidal tract neurons (PTNs) of the motor cortex is modulated in relation to postural corrections evoked by periodical tilts of the animal. The modulation included an increase in activity in one phase of the tilt cycle and a decrease in the other phase. It is known that the motor cortex contains a large population of inhibitory GABAergic neurons. How do these neurons participate in periodic modulation of PTNs? The goal of this study was to investigate the role of GABAA inhibitory neurons of the motor cortex in the modulation of postural‐related PTN activity. Using extracellular electrodes with attached micropipettes, we recorded the activity of PTNs in cats maintaining balance on a tilting platform both before and after iontophoretic application of the GABAA receptor antagonists gabazine or bicuculline. The tilt‐related activity of 93% of PTNs was affected by GABAA receptor antagonists. In 88% of cells, peak activity increased by 75 ± 50% (mean ± SD). In contrast, the trough activity changed by a much smaller value and almost as many neurons showed a decrease as showed an increase. In 73% of the neurons, the phase position of the peak activity did not change or changed by no more than 0.1 of a cycle. We conclude that the GABAergic system of the motor cortex reduces the posture‐related responses of PTNs but has little role in determining their response timing.
Seasonal variations of clock gene expression in the suprachiasmatic nuclei and pars tuberalis of the European hamster (Cricetus cricetus)
Authors: Tournier Benjamin B. , Dardente Hugues , Simonneaux Valérie , Vivien‐Roels Berthe , Pévet Paul , Masson‐Pévet Mireille , Vuillez Patrick
Published: April 2007

In mammals, day length (photoperiod) is read and encoded in the main circadian clock, the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN). In turn, the SCN control the seasonal rhythmicity of various physiological processes, in particular the secretion pattern of the pineal hormone melatonin. This hormone then operates as an essential mediator for the control of seasonal physiological functions on some tissues, especially the pars tuberalis (PT). In the European hamster, both hormonal (melatonin) and behavioral (locomotor activity) rhythms are strongly affected by season, making this species an interesting model to investigate the impact of the seasonal variations of the environment. The direct (on SCN) and indirect (via melatonin on PT) effect of natural short and long photoperiod was investigated on the daily expression of clock genes, these being expressed in both tissues. In the SCN, photoperiod altered the expression of all clock genes studied. In short photoperiod, whereas Clock mRNA levels were reduced, Bmal1 expression became arrhythmic, probably resulting in the observed dramatic reduction in the rhythm of Avp expression. In the PT, Per1 and Rev‐erbα expressions were anchored to dawn in both photoperiods. The daily profiles of Cry1 mRNA were not concordant with the daily variations in plasma melatonin although we confirmed that Cry1 expression is regulated by an acute melatonin injection in the hamster PT. The putative role of such seasonal‐dependent changes in clock gene expression on the control of seasonal functions is discussed.
Spatial‐temporal variability in diazotroph assemblages in Chesapeake Bay using an oligonucleotide nifH microarray
Authors: Moisander Pia H. , Morrison Amanda E. , Ward Bess B. , Jenkins Bethany D. , Zehr Jonathan P.
Published: April 2007

The distribution of nitrogen‐fixing microorganisms in the Chesapeake Bay was investigated using fingerprints from a nifH microarray comprised of 706 60‐mer oligonucleotide nifH probes representing cultivated organisms and environmental clones from different nifH clusters. Diverse nifH targets, amplified from samples using degenerate nifH primers, were detected in water column and sediment samples collected in April and October, 2001–2002. Total nifH richness and diversity (Simpson's and Shannon indices) were highest at the most riverine, oligohaline North Bay station. In most samples, the highest diversity was in nifH Cluster 3, which includes many anaerobes, while Cluster 1 (α‐, β‐ γ‐ Proteobacteria, Cyanobacteria) targets had the greatest microarray signal intensities. In a multidimensional scaling analysis, deep water communities from April and October were similar within each of the sampling sites, while the surface communities had more variability. Diazotroph communities in the water column in the North Bay were distinct from the Mid‐ and South Bay communities, and there was a gradual change in sediment diazotroph assemblages from the North to the South Bay. Diazotrophic assemblages from the majority of the water column samples from the Mid‐ and South Bay clustered with the sediment assemblage in Mid‐Bay. Dissolved inorganic nitrogen, salinity, dissolved organic carbon and dissolved organic phosphorus had a significant relationship with the diazotrophic bacterioplankton community. Higher diversity in the freshwater end of the system may reflect variability in disturbance rates and environmental conditions such as forms and concentrations of organic matter, nutrients and oxygen.
National Cholesterol Education Program and International Diabetes Federation definitions of metabolic syndrome in the prediction of diabetes. Results from the FIrenze‐Bagno A Ripoli study
Authors: Mannucci E. , Monami M. , Cresci B. , Pala L. , Bardini G. , Petracca M. G. , Dicembrini I. , Pasqua A. , Buiatti E. , Rotella C. M.
Published: April 2007

Background:  The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) proposed to modify the diagnostic criteria for metabolic syndrome (MS) previously issued by the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP). Aim of the present investigation is to compare the predictive value for diabetes of NCEP and IDF definitions of MS in a large sample of predominantly Caucasian subjects.

Methods:  A prospective observational study was performed on a cohort study (n = 3096) enrolled in a diabetes‐screening programme, the FIrenze‐Bagno A Ripoli study. All subjects with fasting glucose >126 mg/dl and/or post‐load glucose ≥200 mg/dl (5.7%) were excluded from the present analysis. Follow‐up of each subject was continued until diagnosis of diabetes, death or until 31 December 2005. Mean follow‐up was 27.7 ± 11.3 months.

Results:  Among subjects enrolled, 13.7 and 25.2% were affected by MS using NCEP and IDF criteria respectively. During follow‐up, 38 new cases of diabetes were diagnosed, with a yearly incidence rate of 0.5%. The relative risk for diabetes in subjects with MS was 10.10 [5.13; 20.00] and 7.87 [3.70; 16.7] using NCEP and IDF definitions respectively. After adjustment for age, sex, fasting glucose and waist circumference, NCEP‐defined MS, but not IDF‐, was significantly associated with incident diabetes (hazard ratio, 95% CI: 2.41 [1.01; 5.95] and 2.05 [0.80; 5.29] respectively).

Conclusions:  Although the reasons for the proposed changes in diagnostic criteria for MS are easily understandable, the newer IDF definition, while increasing estimates of prevalence of the syndrome, reduces the effectiveness of MS in identifying subjects at risk for diabetes. Further research is needed before the previous NCEP criteria are abandoned.
The biology and functional morphology ofArca noae(Bivalvia: Arcidae) from the Adriatic Sea, Croatia, with a discussion on the evolution of the bivalve mantle margin
Authors: Morton Brian , Peharda Melita
Published: April 2007

In the Croatian Adriatic,Arca noaeoccurs from the low intertidal to a depth of 60 m; it can live for > 15 years and is either solitary or forms byssally attached clumps withModiolus barbatus.The shell is anteriorly foreshortened and posteriorly elongate. The major inhalant flow is from the posterior although a remnant anterior stream is retained. There are no anterior but huge posterior byssal retractor muscles and both anterior and posterior pedal retractors. The ctenidia are of Type B(1a) and the ctenidial–labial palp junction is Category 3. The ctenidia collect, filter and undertake the primary sorting of potential food in the inhalant water. The labial palps are small with simple re‐sorting tracks on the ridges of their inner surfaces. The ciliary currents of the mantle cavity appear largely concerned with the rejection of particulate material. The mantle margin comprises an outer and an (either) inner or middle fold. The outer fold is divided into outer and inner components that secrete the shell and are photo‐sensory, respectively. The latter bears a large number of pallial eyes, especially posteriorly. The inner/middle mantle fold ofA. noae, possibly representative of simpler, more primitive conditions, may have differentiated into distinct folds in other recent representatives of the Bivalvia.
The predictive value of preoperative pressure‐flow studies in the resolution of detrusor overactivity and overactive bladder after tension‐free vaginal tape insertion
Authors: Duckett Jonathan R.A. , Basu Maya
Published: April 2007

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether preoperative pressure‐flow studies (PFS) predict the resolution of detrusor overactivity (DO) and overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms after a tension‐free vaginal tape procedure (TVT).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Thirty‐five consecutive women with mixed DO and urodynamic stress incontinence (USI) undergoing a TVT had PFS before and afterward reviewed, and the results compared.

RESULTS

There was resolution of OAB symptoms in 51%; the persistence of OAB symptoms was predicted by a significant decrease (20.0 to 14.0 mL/s) in the maximum flow rate after the TVT (P = 0.027) and a significant increase in the detrusor pressure at maximum flow after the TVT (P = 0.04). DO was absent on cystometry in 46% of women after the TVT. Women with persistent DO on cystometry had a significantly lower (P = 0.02) maximum flow rate before the TVT (mean 19.3 mL/s) than those with no persistent DO (mean 26.9 mL/s). This finding persisted when flow rates were corrected for voided volume (P = 0.04). Before and after TVT there were no significant differences between the groups in voiding time and acceleration of flow. USI was objectively cured in 92% of the women.

CONCLUSIONS

Women whose maximum flow rate decreases significantly after the TVT are more likely to have persistent OAB symptoms. The urinary flow rate before the TVT was significantly higher in women with an objective cure of DO after TVT than in women with persistent DO. These findings support an obstructive cause in women in whom DO does not resolve.
Stopping smoking might reduce tumour recurrence in nonmuscle‐invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Chen Chung‐Hsin , Shun Chia‐Tung , Huang Kuo‐How , Huang Chao‐Yuan , Tsai Yu‐Chieh , Yu Hong‐Jeng , Pu Yeong‐Shiau
Published: April 2007

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate effects of stopping smoking on the outcome of nonmuscle‐invasive bladder cancer, as cigarette smoking is a risk factor for bladder cancer and little is known about whether stopping smoking reduces the risk of recurrence or progression.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between January 1997 and July 2005, 297 men with primary nonmuscle‐invasive bladder cancer were treated with transurethral resection (TUR); their smoking status before and after the diagnosis of bladder cancer was obtained by a post hoc questionnaire and interview. ‘Quitters’ were those who ceased smoking within a year before and 3 months after the diagnosis. Ex‐smokers were those who ceased smoking more than a year before diagnosis. Several pathological and clinical variables were compared, with all statistical comparisons being two‐sided.

RESULTS

In all, 265 patients completed the questionnaire, including 64 non‐smokers, 64 ex‐smokers, 59 quitters, and 78 continued smokers. The median follow‐up was 38 months. There were no significant differences in the strata of stage, grade, tumour multiplicity, intravesical therapy, or median follow‐up duration between the four patient groups. The respective 3‐year recurrence‐free survival of continued smokers, non‐smokers, ex‐smokers and quitters was 45%, 57%, 62% and 70%. By multivariate analysis, high‐grade, T1‐stage, multiple tumours and continued smoking were significant independent predictors for a shorter recurrence‐free survival. Quitters had a lower risk of recurrence than did either continued smokers or non‐smokers, but had a similar risk to ex‐smokers.

CONCLUSION

Stopping smoking might be associated with a lower recurrence rate for patients with nonmuscle‐invasive bladder cancer.
Modern pollen assemblages as climate indicators in southern Europe
Authors: Finsinger Walter , Heiri Oliver , Valsecchi Verushka , Tinner Willy , Lotter André F.
Published: April 2007

Aim and Location  Our aim is to develop pollen–climate inference models for southern Europe and to test their performance and inference power by cross‐validation with modern climate data. Surface sediments collected from lakes along a climate gradient from the winter‐cold/summer‐wet Alps to winter‐wet/summer‐dry Sicily were analysed for modern pollen assemblages.

Methods  For each lake, mean monthly temperatures, seasonal precipitation and site‐specific climate uncertainties have been estimated. Pollen–climate relationships were studied using numerical analyses, and inference models were derived by partial least squares (PLS) and weighted‐averaging PLS (WA‐PLS) regressions for January and July temperatures (T), and for winter, spring and summer precipitation (P). In order to assess whether these variables are also of ecological importance for vegetation in the subregions, we split the data set into an Alpine and a Mediterranean subset.

Results  Low bootstrap cross‐validated root mean square errors of prediction (RMSEP) for January T (1.7 °C), July T (2.1 °C) and summer P (38 mm), as well as low RMSEPs expressed as a percentage of the gradient length (8–9%), indicate a good inference power. Models revealed excellent to good performance statistics for January T, July T and summer P (r2= 0.8), and for winter and spring P (r2=c. 0.5). We show that the variables with the highest explanatory power differ between the two subregions. These are summer T and P for the Alpine set, and January T, winter P and July T for the Mediterranean set.

Main conclusions  The study reveals the influence of climatic conditions during the growing season on modern pollen assemblages and indicates the potential of pollen data for long‐term climate reconstructions of parameters such as winter precipitation and temperature, which seem to be the main factors having an influence on the variability of Mediterranean climate. These models may therefore provide important information on past regional climate variability in southern Europe.
Increasing seed oil content in oil‐seed rape (Brassica napus L.) by over‐expression of a yeast glycerol‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase under the control of a seed‐specific promoter
Authors: Vigeolas Helene , Waldeck Peter , Zank Thorsten , Geigenberger Peter
Published: April 2007

Previous attempts to manipulate oil synthesis in plants have mainly concentrated on the genes involved in the biosynthesis and use of fatty acids, neglecting the possible role of glycerol‐3‐phosphate supply on the rate of triacylglycerol synthesis. In this study, a yeast gene coding for cytosolic glycerol‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (gpd1) was expressed in transgenic oil‐seed rape under the control of the seed‐specific napin promoter. It was found that a twofold increase in glycerol‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase activity led to a three‐ to fourfold increase in the level of glycerol‐3‐phosphate in developing seeds, resulting in a 40% increase in the final lipid content of the seed, with the protein content remaining substantially unchanged. This was accompanied by a decrease in the glycolytic intermediate dihydroxyacetone phosphate, the direct precursor of glycerol‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase. The levels of sucrose and various metabolites in the pathway from sucrose to fatty acids remained unaltered. The results show that glycerol‐3‐phosphate supply co‐limits oil accumulation in developing seeds. This has important implications for strategies that aim to increase the overall level of oil in commercial oil‐seed crops for use as a renewable alternative to petrol.
Dirty Hands and Lesser Evils in the War on Terror
Authors: Bellamy Alex J.
Published: April 2007

To what extent are political leaders entitled to violate embedded moral and legal rules in response to national emergencies? Do they have a duty to do so? This article assesses two prominent liberal approaches to this question. The ‘dirty hands’ thesis insists that there is a radical separation between private and public ethics and that the latter may require the commission of acts prohibited by the former. A ‘lesser evil’ approach holds that leaders may even violate the more permissive public ethics if there is a consequentialist case for doing so. Both suggest to some extent that certain acts remain wrong but may be necessary nonetheless. While this position makes good philosophical sense, it makes little political sense. In practice, societies choose either to validate or reject the legitimacy of certain acts. This article aims to overcome this problem by suggesting a new way of thinking about the way that ‘dirty hands’ and ‘lesser evil’ ethics work in practice through Ian Clark's work on legitimacy. It argues that in particular cases actors evaluate between competing political, ethical and legal claims, a point illustrated by a brief case study on the torture debate.
Coercion or Engagement? A Quantitative Test of the Effect of Regional Actors on North Korean Behaviour 1990–2000
Authors: Davies Graeme A. M.
Published: April 2007

The Korean peninsula is one of the most dangerous places on the planet. Decisions relating to the peninsula are for high stakes, and one small error can potentially result in an enormously destructive war. This article seeks to assess whether strategies of engagement or coercion can improve the chances of North Korea co-operating with either the US or South Korea. Using Vector Autoregression (VAR) techniques I assess the behavioural patterns of the North Korean regime in response to the actions of the states involved in the six-party talks between 1990 and 2000. The article finds that there were dramatic differences between the negotiating strategies employed by both Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il in their dealings with both the US and South Korea. The results suggest that, in being able to manipulate US foreign policy, the North Koreans are punching well above their weight and that the chances of a meaningful settlement with the regime of Kim Jong Il are very small.
Fitts's Law Holds for Action Perception
Authors: Grosjean Marc , Shiffrar Maggie , Knoblich Günther
Published: April 2007

Fitts's law is one of the most well-established principles in psychology. It captures the relation between speed and accuracy in performed and imagined movements. The aim of this study was to determine whether this law also holds during the perception of other people's actions. Subjects were shown apparent motion displays of a person moving his arm between two identical targets. Target width, the separation between targets, and movement speed were varied. Subjects reported whether the person could move at the perceived speed without missing the targets. The movement times reported as being just possible were exactly those predicted by Fitts's law (r2 = .96). A subsequent experiment demonstrated the same lawful relation for the perception of a robot arm (r2 = .93). To our knowledge, this makes Fitts's law the first motor principle that holds in imagery and the perception of biological and nonbiological agents.
Remembering Can Cause Forgetting—but Not in Negative Moods
Authors: Bäuml Karl-Heinz , Kuhbandner Christof
Published: April 2007

Repeated retrieval of a subset of previously observed events can cause forgetting of the nonretrieved events. We examined how affective states experienced during retrieval modulate such retrieval-induced forgetting by inducing positive, negative, and neutral moods in subjects immediately before they attempted to retrieve studied items. On the basis of recent work, we hypothesized that positive moods encourage relational processing, which should increase interference from related events and thus enhance retrieval-induced forgetting. By contrast, negative moods should encourage item-specific processing, which should reduce interference and thus reduce such forgetting. Our results are consistent with these predictions. When subjects were in negative moods, repeated retrieval did not cause forgetting of the nonretrieved material, whereas when subjects were in positive and neutral moods, they showed reliable retrieval-induced forgetting. Our findings suggest that the emotions involved during interrogation of a witness can affect the result of repeated interrogations.
Rubber Hands Feel the Touch of Light
Authors: Durgin Frank H. , Evans Laurel , Dunphy Natalie , Klostermann Susan , Simmons Kristina
Published: April 2007

Two experiments involving a total of 220 subjects are reported. The experiments document that “stroking” a false hand with the bright beam of light from a laser pointer can produce tactile and thermal sensations when the hand can be seen as one's own. Overall, 66% of subjects reported somatic sensations from the light. Felt hand location was recalibrated toward the location of the false hand for those subjects who felt the light. Moreover, the proprioceptive recalibration from the laser experience was comparable to that produced by actual coordinated brushing of the false hand and of the unseen real hand after 2 min of stimulation. The illusion may be experienced on one's real hand as well. The results are discussed in terms of multisensory integration.