bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Osmotic regulation of root system architecture
Authors: Deak Karen I. , Malamy Jocelyn
Published: June 2005

Although root system architecture is known to be highly plastic and strongly affected by environmental conditions, we have little understanding of the underlying mechanisms controlling root system development. Here we demonstrate that the formation of a lateral root from a lateral root primordium is repressed as water availability is reduced. This osmotic‐responsive regulatory mechanism requires abscisic acid (ABA) and a newly identified gene, LRD2. Mutant analysis also revealed interactions of ABA and LRD2 with auxin signaling. Surprisingly, further examination revealed that both ABA and LRD2 control root system architecture even in the absence of osmotic stress. This suggests that the same molecules that mediate responses to environmental cues can also be regulators of intrinsic developmental programs in the root system.
New insights into plant transaldolase
Authors: Caillau Maxime , Paul Quick W.
Published: June 2005

The oxidative pentose phosphate pathway (OPPP) provides plants with important substrates for both primary and secondary metabolism via the oxidation of glucose‐6‐phosphate. The OPPP is also thought to generate large amounts of reducing power to drive various anabolic processes. In animals this major pathway is located within the cytoplasm of cells, but in plants its subcellular compartmentation is far from clear. Although several enzymes of the OPPP were demonstrated to have both cytosolic and plastidic counterparts, there is yet no evidence for a full set of functional enzymes in each compartment. We report here the isolation of two coding sequences from tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) which encode phylogenetically distant sequences (ToTal1 and ToTal2) that putatively encode distinct plastidic TA isoforms. The kinetic characterization of ToTal1 revealed that, unlike other enzymes of the non‐oxidative branch of the OPPP, ToTal1 does not follow a Michaelis–Menten mode of catalysis which has implications for its role in regulating carbon flux between primary and secondary metabolism. TA genes appear to be differentially regulated at the level of gene expression in plant tissues and in response to environmental factors which suggests that TA isoforms have a non‐overlapping role for plant metabolism.
The transcription factor AtGRF5 and the transcription coactivator AN3 regulate cell proliferation in leaf primordia of Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Horiguchi Gorou , Kim Gyung‐Tae , Tsukaya Hirokazu
Published: June 2005

The development of the flat morphology of leaf blades is dependent on the control of cell proliferation as well as cell expansion. Each process has a polarity with respect to the longitudinal and transverse axes of the leaf blade. However, only a few regulatory components of these processes have been identified to date. We have characterized two genes from Arabidopsis thaliana: ANGUSTIFOLIA3 (AN3), which encodes a homolog of the human transcription coactivator SYT, and GROWTH‐REGULATING FACTOR5 (AtGRF5), which encodes a putative transcription factor. AN3 is identical to GRF‐INTERACTING FACTOR1 (AtGIF1). The an3 and atgrf5 mutants exhibit narrow‐leaf phenotypes due to decreases in cell number. Conversely, cell proliferation in leaf primordia is enhanced and leaves grow larger than normal when AN3 or AtGRF5 is overexpressed. Both genes are expressed in leaf primordia, and in the yeast two‐hybrid assay, the gene products were found to interact with each other through their N‐terminal domains. These results suggest that AN3 and AtGRF5 act together and are required for the development of appropriate leaf size and shape through the promotion and/or maintenance of cell proliferation activity in leaf primordia.
An important role of phosphatidic acid in ABA signaling during germination in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Katagiri Takeshi , Ishiyama Kanako , Kato Tomohiko , Tabata Satoshi , Kobayashi Masatomo , Shinozaki Kazuo
Published: June 2005

Phosphatidic acid (PA) functions as a lipid signaling molecule in plants. Physiological analysis showed that PA triggers early signal transduction events that lead to responses to abscisic acid (ABA) during seed germination. We measured PA production during seed germination and found increased PA levels during early germination. To investigate the role of PA during seed germination, we focused on the PA catabolic enzyme lipid phosphate phosphatase (LPP). LPP catalyzes the conversion of PA to diacylglycerol (DAG). There are 4 LPP genes in the Arabidopsis genome. Among them, AtLPP2 and AtLPP3 are expressed during seed germination. Two AtLPP2 T‐DNA insertional mutants (lpp2‐1 and lpp2‐2) showed hypersensitivity to ABA and significant PA accumulation during germination. Furthermore, double‐mutant analysis showed that ABA‐insensitive 4 (ABI4) is epistatic to AtLPP2 but ABA‐insensitive 3 (ABI3) is not. These results suggest that PA is involved in ABA signaling and that AtLPP2 functions as a negative regulator upstream of ABI4, which encodes an AP2‐type transcription factor, in ABA signaling during germination.
NPH4/ARF7 and ARF19 promote leaf expansion and auxin‐induced lateral root formation
Authors: Wilmoth Jill C. , Wang Shucai , Tiwari Shiv B. , Joshi Atul D. , Hagen Gretchen , Guilfoyle Thomas J. , Alonso Jose M. , Ecker Joseph R. , Reed Jason W.
Published: June 2005

Auxin response factors (ARFs) bind auxin response promoter elements and mediate transcriptional responses to auxin. Five of the 22 ARF genes in Arabidopsis thaliana encode ARFs with glutamine‐rich middle domains. Four of these can activate transcription and have been ascribed developmental functions. We show that ARF19, the fifth Q‐rich ARF, also activates transcription. Mutations in ARF19 have little effect on their own, but in combination with mutations in NPH4/ARF7, encoding the most closely related ARF, they cause several phenotypes including a drastic decrease in lateral and adventitious root formation and a decrease in leaf cell expansion. These results indicate that auxin induces lateral roots and leaf expansion by activating NPH4/ARF7 and ARF19. Auxin induces the ARF19 gene, and NPH4/ARF7 and ARF19 together are required for expression of one of the arf19 mutant alleles, suggesting that a positive feedback loop regulates leaf expansion and/or lateral root induction.
The Botany Array Resource: e‐Northerns, Expression Angling, and promoter analyses
Authors: Toufighi Kiana , Brady Siobhan M. , Austin Ryan , Ly Eugene , Provart Nicholas J.
Published: June 2005

The Botany Array Resource provides the means for obtaining and archiving microarray data for Arabidopsis thaliana as well as biologist‐friendly tools for viewing and mining both our own and other's data, for example, from the AtGenExpress Consortium. All the data produced are publicly available through the web interface of the database at http://bbc.botany.utoronto.ca. The database has been designed in accordance with the Minimum Information About a Microarray Experiment [Brazma, A., Hingamp, P., Quackenbush, J. et al. (2001) Minimum information about a microarray experiment (MIAME) – toward standards for microarray data. Nat. Genet.29, 365] convention – all expression data are associated with the corresponding experimental details. The database is searchable and it also provides a set of useful and easy‐to‐use web‐based data‐mining tools for researchers with sophisticated yet understandable output graphics. These include Expression Browser for performing ‘electronic Northerns’, Expression Angler for identifying genes that are co‐regulated with a gene of interest, and Promomer for identifying potential cis‐elements in the promoters of individual or co‐regulated genes.
Sarcoptic mange in free‐ranging raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) in Japan
Authors: NINOMIYA HIROYOSHI , OGATA MUNETSUGU
Published: June 2005

Abstract  Sarcoptes scabiei infestation was diagnosed in three freshly dead free‐ranging raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. The dogs presented with an alopecic pruritic skin disease, with signs of alopecia on the ears, muzzle, around the eyes, elbow, thigh and the neck, and hyperpigmented and crusted skin lesions, which had a severe malodour. Skin scrapings revealed the presence of the mite Sarcoptes scabiei. Histopathology of lesions demonstrated marked acanthosis, hyperkeratosis, parakeratosis and fungal elements, which were subsequently identified as Acremonium sp., Alternaria sp. and an unknown fungus. Mite segments were located mainly in the stratum corneum and also in the stratum granulosum. Tunnels could be observed in the hyperkeratotic stratum corneum. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed the tortoise‐like Sarcoptes scabiei with four long bristles, suckers and blade‐like claws on legs 1 and 2, cuticular spines, prominent body striations and a terminal anus. SEM also revealed an adult female mite digging a tunnel with the head wedged into the very end of the closed burrow. Tunnels filled with eggshells, corneocyte debris and faecal pellets were also observed.
Species specificity in the adherence of staphylococci to canine and human corneocytes: a preliminary study
Authors: SIMOU CHRISI , HILL PETER B. , FORSYTHE PETER J. , THODAY KEITH L.
Published: June 2005

Abstract  Staphylococcal pyoderma is rarely contagious between dogs and humans, or humans and dogs. This study investigated the hypothesis that there are species differences in adherence of Staphylococcus intermedius (the most common isolate from dogs) and Staphylococcus aureus (the most common isolate from humans) to canine and human corneocytes. Sheets of corneocytes were collected from the ventral abdomen of 10 dogs and the medial forearm of 10 humans (all healthy and without any history or physical signs of skin disease) using double‐sided tape. Staphylococcus intermedius from a case of canine bacterial pyoderma and a human strain of S. aureus were prepared in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) and applied in duplicate, respectively, to the canine and human corneocyte‐covered tapes using PBS as negative control. After incubation, rinsing, and staining with crystal violet, quantification of the adherent bacteria was carried out blindly by computerized image analysis. Staphylococcus intermedius was found to adhere significantly more to canine corneocytes than S. aureus (P = 0.0006), whereas S. aureus showed greater adherence to human corneocytes than S. intermedius (P < 0.0001). In addition, the pattern of adherence differed between the two organisms, with S. intermedius adhering to the entire surface and S. aureus adhering mainly to the periphery of both canine and human corneocytes. Preference for adherence to these two hosts may explain, in part, why S. intermedius and S. aureus are uncommonly isolated from human and canine skin infections, respectively.
Effectiveness of low dose immunotherapy in the treatment of canine atopic dermatitis: a prospective, double‐blinded, clinical study
Authors: COLOMBO SILVIA , HILL PETER B. , SHAW DARREN J. , THODAY KEITH L.
Published: June 2005

Abstract  There are anecdotal reports of increased effectiveness of allergen‐specific immunotherapy (ASIT) in dogs with doses of vaccine lower than that recommended by the manufacturers. However, no controlled studies have been carried out. The aim of this prospective, double‐blinded study was to evaluate whether induction and maintenance with low dose (LD) ASIT resulted in a different success rate compared with the standard dose (SD). Twenty‐seven dogs with confirmed atopic dermatitis were allocated by block randomization to two groups. One group (n = 13) received SD ASIT; the other group (n = 14) received LD ASIT (1/10 of the SD) following the same frequency protocol. Cases were graded at 0, 3, 6 and 9 months for clinical signs using a modified canine atopic dermatitis extent and severity index (mCADESI) and for pruritus using a 0–5 descriptor scale. There were no significant differences between the groups in the pruritus and mCADESI scores (P > 0.155) at the end of the study, and the changes in pruritus (P > 0.920) and mCADESI (P > 0.296) scores from the beginning to the end of the study were similar in both groups. Pruritus scores in both groups did not change during the study (P > 0.052). However, significant reductions in mCADESI scores were seen in both groups (P < 0.032). Six dogs achieved a final pruritus score of 0, six achieved a reduction in pruritus score and 15 did not improve or worsened. There was, therefore, no evidence that LD ASIT is more effective than the standard protocol.
Cutaneous manifestations of neurological diseases: review of neuro‐pathophysiology and diseases causing pruritus
Authors: GNIRS KIRSTEN , PRÉLAUD PASCAL
Published: June 2005

Abstract Pruritus does not always originate from stimulation to the skin associated with primary dermatological disorders. It may be caused by neurological or behavioural disorders. The essential role of the nervous system in the control (enhancement and inhibition) of pruritus and its pathophysiology are presented. In order to allow differentiation between dermatological and neurological disorders, inherited or acquired peripheral neuropathies and central nervous disorders (Arnold–Chiari syndrome, seizure‐related disorders, central nervous system tumours) that may induce itch are discussed.
Interleukin‐1β exacerbates and interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist attenuates neuronal injury and microglial activation after excitotoxic damage in organotypic hippocampal slice cultures
Authors: Hailer Nils P. , Vogt Cornelia , Korf Horst‐Werner , Dehghani Faramarz
Published: June 2005

The effects of interleukin (IL)‐1β and IL‐1 receptor antagonist (IL‐1ra) on neurons and microglial cells were investigated in organotypic hippocampal slice cultures (OHSCs). OHSCs obtained from rats were excitotoxically lesioned after 6 days in vitro by application of N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) and treated with IL‐1β (6 ng/mL) or IL‐1ra (40, 100 or 500 ng/mL) for up to 10 days. OHSCs were then analysed by bright field microscopy after hematoxylin staining and confocal laser scanning microscopy after labeling of damaged neurons with propidium iodide (PI) and fluorescent staining of microglial cells. The specificity of PI labeling of damaged neurons was validated by triple staining with neuronal and glial markers and it was observed that PI accumulated in damaged neurons only but not in microglial cells or astrocytes. Treatment of unlesioned OHSCs with IL‐1β did not induce neuronal damage but caused an increase in the number of microglial cells. NMDA lesioning alone resulted in a massive increase in the number of microglial cells and degenerating neurons. Treatment of NMDA‐lesioned OHSCs with IL‐1β exacerbated neuronal cell death and further enhanced microglial cell numbers. Treatment of NMDA‐lesioned cultures with IL‐1ra significantly attenuated NMDA‐induced neuronal damage and reduced the number of microglial cells, whereas application of IL‐1ra in unlesioned OHSCs did not induce significant changes in either cell population. Our findings indicate that: (i) IL‐1β directly affects the central nervous system and acts independently of infiltrating hematogenous cells; (ii) IL‐1β induces microglial activation but is not neurotoxic per se; (iii) IL‐1β enhances excitotoxic neuronal damage and microglial activation and (iv) IL‐1ra, even when applied for only 4 h, reduces neuronal cell death and the number of microglial cells after excitotoxic damage.
Modulations in the degree of synchronization during ongoing oscillatory activity in the human brain
Authors: Kilner James , Bott Lewis , Posada Andres
Published: June 2005

When a subject is asked to respond as quickly as possible to a stimulus he/she responds much faster if this stimulus is preceded by a warning cue. This cue enables the subject to anticipate the forthcoming stimulus, initiating neural processes subserving the future perception and processing of the target stimulus and the motor preparation of the associated response action. It has recently been suggested that neuronal activity before such an anticipated target stimulus could be associated with modulations in neuronal synchronization and oscillatory activity. Here we recorded electrical brain activity whilst subjects performed a choice reaction time task, in which one of the stimuli could be predicted with 90% certainty. We show that the prediction of a forthcoming stimulus was associated with an increase in gamma oscillations overlying occipital areas and a decrease in beta oscillations overlying sensorimotor cortex before the stimulus was presented. We suggest that these regionally specific modulations in oscillatory activity reflect the establishment of neural networks that are ‘primed’ for the future processing of the forthcoming predictable visual stimulus.
Glutamate receptor 1‐immunopositive neurons in the gliotic CA1 area of the mouse hippocampus after pilocarpine‐induced status epilepticus
Authors: Tang Feng Ru , Chia Shwn Chin , Zhang Si , Chen Peng Min , Gao Hong , Liu Chun Ping , Khanna Sanjay , Lee Wei Ling
Published: June 2005

Significant reduction in glutamate receptor 1 (GluR1)‐ and GluR2/3‐immunopositive neurons was demonstrated in the hilus of the dentate gyrus in mice killed on days 1, 7 and 60 after pilocarpine‐induced status epilepticus (PISE). In addition, GluR1 and GluR2/3 immunostaining in the strata oriens, radiatum and lacunosum moleculare of areas CA1–3 decreased drastically on days 7 and 60 after PISE. Neuronal loss observed in the above regions may account, at least in part, for a decrease in GluR immunoreactivity. By contrast, many GluR1‐immunopositive neurons were observed in the gliotic area of CA1. Of these, about 42.8% were immunopositive for markers for hippocampal interneurons, namely calretinin (7.6%), calbindin (12.8%) and parvalbumin (22.4%). GluR1 or GluR2/3 and BrdU double‐labelling showed that the GluR1‐ and GluR2/3‐immunopositive neurons at 60 days after PISE were neurons that had survived rather than newly generated neurons. Furthermore, anterograde tracer and double‐labelling studies performed on animals at 60 days after PISE indicated a projection from the hilus of the dentate gyrus to gliotic areas in both CA3 and CA1, where the projecting fibres apparently established connections with GluR1‐immunopositive neurons. The projection to CA1 was unexpected. These novel findings suggest that the intrinsic hippocampal neuronal network is altered after PISE. We speculate that GluR1‐immunopositive neurons in gliotic CA1 act as a bridge between dentate gyrus and subiculum contributing towards epileptogenesis.
Changes in reelin expression in the mouse olfactory bulb after chemical lesion to the olfactory epithelium
Authors: Okuyama‐Yamamoto Ayako , Yamamoto Tatsuro , Miki Akinori , Terashima Toshio
Published: June 2005

To explore the functional roles of Reelin in the adult olfactory system, we examined changes in the expression of reelin mRNA and Reelin protein in the olfactory bulb (OB) of adult mice after a chemical lesion to the olfactory epithelium. Following intranasal irrigation with 2% zinc sulphate solution, animals were perfused at various times between 5 and 40 days post‐lesion. The expression of reelin mRNA in mitral cells in the OB was slightly reduced at 5 days post‐lesion, completely abolished by 20 days, but restored almost to the normal level at 40 days post‐lesion. Similarly, the expression of Reelin protein in mitral cells of the deafferented OB also recovered, although not to the normal level. No recovery of either reelin mRNA or Reelin immunoreactivity was seen in the periglomerular cells and external tufted cells. The expression profile of reelin mRNA and Reelin protein in the OB coincided with the time course of degeneration and regeneration of olfactory nerves, as indicated by anterograde labeling of olfactory nerves with WGA‐HRP. These results suggest that expression of reelin mRNA in the adult OB is regulated by olfactory inputs.
Species richness changes across two trophic levels simultaneously affect prey and consumer biomass
Authors: Gamfeldt L. , Hillebrand H. , Jonsson P. R.
Published: June 2005

Increasing species richness of primary producers or consumers is proposed to increase primary and secondary production; however, the consequences of biodiversity change across trophic levels has been poorly investigated. We used a controlled marine microbial system to investigate the effects of simultaneous changes in biodiversity of consumer and prey species. Consumer (ciliates) and prey (algae) richness and identity were manipulated independently in a complete factorial design. The results showed clear biodiversity effects of both consumers and prey, within and across trophic levels. We found reduced prey and increased consumer biomass with increased consumer richness, with the most diverse prey assemblage supporting the highest biomass of consumers at the highest richness of consumers. Increasing prey richness did not increase resistance to consumption when consumers were present. Instead, our results indicated enhanced energy transfer with simultaneous increasing richness of consumers and prey.
Fire and the Miocene expansion of C4 grasslands
Authors: Keeley Jon E. , Rundel Philip W.
Published: June 2005

C4 photosynthesis had a mid‐Tertiary origin that was tied to declining atmospheric CO2, but C4‐dominated grasslands did not appear until late Tertiary. According to the ‘CO2‐threshold’ model, these C4 grasslands owe their origin to a further late Miocene decline in CO2 that gave C4 grasses a photosynthetic advantage. This model is most appropriate for explaining replacement of C3 grasslands by C4 grasslands, however, fossil evidence shows C4 grasslands replaced woodlands. An additional weakness in the threshold model is that recent estimates do not support a late Miocene drop in pCO2. We hypothesize that late Miocene climate changes created a fire climate capable of replacing woodlands with C4 grasslands. Critical elements were seasonality that sustained high biomass production part of year, followed by a dry season that greatly reduced fuel moisture, coupled with a monsoon climate that generated abundant lightning‐igniting fires. As woodlands became more open from burning, the high light conditions favoured C4 grasses over C3 grasses, and in a feedback process, the elevated productivity of C4 grasses increased highly combustible fuel loads that further increased fire activity. This hypothesis is supported by paleosol data that indicate the late Miocene expansion of C4 grasslands was the result of grassland expansion into more mesic environments and by charcoal sediment profiles that parallel the late Miocene expansion of C4 grasslands. Many contemporary C4 grasslands are fire dependent and are invaded by woodlands upon cessation of burning. Thus, we maintain that the factors driving the late Miocene expansion of C4 were the same as those responsible for maintenance of C4 grasslands today.
Personality Correlates of Heroic Rescue During the Holocaust
Authors: Midlarsky Elizabeth , Fagin Jones Stephanie , Corley Robin P.
Published: June 2005

Abstract
This study investigated the extent to which personality variables can be used to discriminate non‐Jewish heroes of the Holocaust from bystanders and from a comparison group of prewar European immigrants who left their countries of origin prior to World War II. Eighty verified rescuers, 73 bystanders, and 43 immigrants were administered measures of locus of control, autonomy, risk taking, social responsibility, tolerance/authoritarianism, empathy, and altruistic moral reasoning. A three‐group discriminant function analysis was able to correctly classify 80.2% of the sample by a combination of personality and demographic variables. When the bystanders and immigrants, who differed very little from each other, were grouped together and compared to the rescuers, the personality variables alone correctly classified 93.1% of the sample. Implications regarding the relationship between personality and altruistic behavior, as well as suggestions for future research are discussed.
When Opposites Attract: A Multi‐Sample Demonstration of Complementary Person‐Team Fit on Extraversion
Authors: Kristof‐Brown Amy , Barrick Murray R. , Kay Stevens Cynthia
Published: June 2005

Abstract
This study assessed the nature of the person‐team fit relationships for extraversion on members' attraction toward their teams. Unlike most studies of personality‐based fit, which emphasize similarity, we predicted that complementary fit on extraversion (i.e., high individual–low team or low individual–high team levels) would result in greater attraction to the team. Data from two independent samples of intact project teams were analyzed, including 324 MBA students comprising 64 case analysis teams and 217 members of 26 manufacturing teams. Using polynomial regression analysis and three‐dimensional surface plots, our results supported the predicted relationship. In addition, the data indicated that individuals who were more attracted to their teams were also better performers, as judged by their peers and supervisors.
Existential Meaning's Role in the Enhancement of Hope and Prevention of Depressive Symptoms
Authors: Mascaro Nathan , Rosen David H.
Published: June 2005

Abstract
The authors confirmed that existential meaning has a unique relationship with and can prospectively predict levels of hope and depressive symptoms within a population of college students. Baseline measures of explicit meaning (i.e., an individual's self‐reported experience of a sense of coherence and purpose in life) and implicit meaning (i.e., an individual's self‐reported embodiment of the factors that are normatively viewed as comprising a meaningful life) explained significant amounts of variance in hope and depressive symptoms 2 months later beyond the variance explained by baseline levels of hope/depression, neuroticism, conscientiousness, agreeableness, openness to experience, extraversion, and social desirability. The authors discuss implications of these findings for the field of mental health treatment and suggest ways of influencing individuals' experience of existential meaning.
Bicultural Identity Integration (BII): Components and Psychosocial Antecedents
Authors: Benet‐Martínez Verónica , Haritatos Jana
Published: June 2005

Abstract
The present study examines the underresearched topic of bicultural identity; specifically, we: (1) unpack the construct of Bicultural Identity Integration (BII), or the degree to which a bicultural individual perceives his/her two cultural identities as “compatible” versus “oppositional,” and (2) identify the personality (Big Five) and acculturation (acculturation stress, acculturation attitudes, bicultural competence) predictors of BII. Differences in BII, acculturation stress, and bicultural competence were measured with new instruments developed for the purposes of the study. Using a sample of Chinese American biculturals, we found that variations in BII do not define a uniform phenomenon, as commonly implied in the literature, but instead encompass two separate independent constructs: perceptions of distance (vs. overlap) and perceptions of conflict (vs. harmony) between one's two cultural identities or orientations. Results also indicated that cultural conflict and cultural distance have distinct personality, acculturation, and sociodemographic antecedents.
Prognostic factors and therapeutic outcome of isolated symptomatic middle cerebral artery stenosis
Authors: Tsai N.‐W. , Chang H.‐W. , Chang W.‐N. , Huang C.‐R. , Lin T.‐K. , Chen S.‐D. , Lui C.‐C. , Wang K.‐W. , Cheng B.‐C. , Hung P.‐L. , Chang C.‐S. , Lu C.‐H.
Published: June 2005

To analyze the prognostic factors and therapeutic outcome of adult patients with isolated symptomatic stenosis of the middle cerebral artery (MCA). Forty‐nine patients were retrospectively verified with isolated symptomatic stenosis of the MCA through both magnetic resonance angiogram and transcranial color‐coded duplex sonography. Therapeutic outcome at 1 year or more was determined using a modified Barthel index (BI). For the purpose of analysis, the patients were divided into two groups: a good outcome group (BI ≥ 12) and a poor outcome group (BI < 12 or recurrent stroke). The association between different therapeutic regimens and the percent free of recurrent stroke after the first event of cerebral infarction was assessed with Kaplan–Meier plots compared by a log‐rank test. These patients accounted for 2.8% of all patients with the first event of cerebral infarction during the same period. At follow‐up of 1 year or more, 63% had good outcomes whilst the other 37% had poor outcomes. Overall, 26.5% suffered from recurrent strokes during the follow‐up period. According to the statistical analysis, the stepwise logistic regression revealed that only the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) at the time of admission was independently associated with a poor outcome. Furthermore, Kaplan–Meier analysis showed a significantly higher percentage of patients free of recurrent stroke events amongst those who were treated with warfarin. The NIHSS at the time of admission was a predictor of outcome amongst our patients, and stenosis of the MCA implies the danger of recurrent cerebral events. Our study also demonstrates the efficacy of oral anticoagulants in the secondary prevention in this specific group of patients. Therefore, we look forward to more prospective multicenter investigations in evaluating the efficiency of therapy in the future.
Correlation between the IgG index, oligoclonal bands in CSF, and the diagnosis of demyelinating diseases
Authors: Mayringer I. , Timeltaler B. , Deisenhammer F.
Published: June 2005

Intrathecal immunoglobulin synthesis can be assessed by different approaches. It can be measured quantitatively by the IgG index or qualitatively by isoelectric focusing (IEF) to detect oligoclonal bands (OCB). In this study we investigated if there is a correlation between the frequency of OCB and the IgG index and if the IgG index predicts the diagnosis of a demyelinating CNS disease (DMD). We found a positive correlation between the IgG index and the frequency of OCB as well as the probability of DMD. We conclude that quantitative assessment of CSF‐IgG can be useful because it is easier and quicker to perform than IEF but cannot replace IEF in general because this is the most sensitive method to detect abnormal IgG in CSF.
Study of plasma antioxidant status in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Pulido R. , Jiménez‐Escrig A. , Orensanz L. , Saura‐Calixto F. , Jiménez‐Escrig A.
Published: June 2005

To examine the plasma antioxidant status of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients and to evaluate the influence of apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype. There are reasons to suspect involvement of the free hydroxyl radical in the pathogenesis of AD. In contrast, studies in plasma of AD patients for the evaluation of levels of biomarkers of oxidation are controversial. Twenty AD patients diagnosed using the National Institute for Neurological Disorders/Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders (NINDS/ADRDA) criteria and 22 controls chosen amongst different subjects without cognitive damage. All the subjects – both AD patients and controls – were stratified by their APOE genotype (3/3, 3/4 or 4/4), which was determined by PCR. Plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was determined using two complementary procedures: FRAP, which measures the ferric reduction capacity, and ABTS, which measures the radical scavenging capacity. In addition, 2‐amino‐adipic semialdehyde (2‐AAS), a biomarker of protein oxidation, was evaluated. No significant difference was observed between the AD and control groups regarding plasma TAC. When the subjects were classified by their APOE genotype, significant differences were found in the APOE 4/4 group in the TCA determined by the FRAP method. Subjects with APOE genotype 4/4, which is the group with higher incidence in AD, showed lower antioxidant capacity of plasma. It is the first time that antioxidant capacity in plasma is evaluated in AD patients characterized by their APOE genotypes.
Statin administration prior to ischaemic stroke onset and survival: exploratory evidence from matched treatment–control study
Authors: Aslanyan S. , Weir C. J. , McInnes G. T. , Reid J. L. , Walters M. R. , Lees K. R.
Published: June 2005

In addition to their lipid‐lowering effects, it has been speculated that statins may also have beneficial effects on cerebral circulation and brain parenchyma during ischaemic stroke and reperfusion. We hypothesized that patients who had taken statins prior to stroke onset may have a better survival rate at 1 month and during the follow‐up period. We retrospectively studied consecutive ischaemic stroke patients admitted to an acute stroke unit and at least a month's follow‐up. From these, we included those patients who, at admission, had reported the use of a statin prior to the stroke onset in the statin group (n = 205). Each patient in the statin group was matched with two patients who reported no statin use (n = 410). Using logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models, we adjusted for variables that significantly differed between treatment groups or that independently predicted mortality. After adjusting for those variables, statin use was associated with reduced mortality at 1 month [odds ratio 0.24; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.09–0.67] and during the follow‐up period (hazard ratio 0.57; 95% CI 0.35–0.93). The use of statins prior to stroke onset is associated with improved stroke survival within this cohort study with matched controls.
Randomised controlled trial of LigaSure versus conventional suture ligature for abdominal hysterectomy
Authors: Hagen Bjørn , Eriksson Nils , Sundset Marit
Published: June 2005

Objective  To compare the use of LigaSure with conventional suture ligature in abdominal hysterectomy.

Design  Pilot randomised controlled unblinded trial with block randomisation according to three operating surgeons.

Setting  One Norwegian teaching hospital, Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics.

Sample  Thirty women who underwent total or subtotal abdominal hysterectomy.

Methods  Data, with regard to operation time expenditure and the occurrence of peri‐ and post‐operative complications, were collected and compared between the two techniques.

Main outcome measures  Operation time, peri‐ and post‐operative complications.

Results  Mean operation duration was 61.7 minutes with LigaSure and 54.5 minutes with conventional suture ligature. The corresponding operative blood loss was 303 and 298 mL, respectively. Occurrence of complications was few and not significantly different between the two techniques. Mean hospital stay was longer following LigaSure operations (10 vs 6 days), probably due to a certain age imbalance between the study groups.

Conclusions  Within the limitation of this pilot study, we did not uncover a time sparing effect from the use of LigaSure or any difference in the occurrence of blood loss and complications.
The relationship of vaginal prolapse severity tosymptoms and quality of life
Authors: Digesu G. Alessandro , Chaliha Charlotte , Salvatore Stefano , Hutchings Anna , Khullar Vik
Published: June 2005

Objective  To assess the relationship and location of vaginal prolapse severity to symptoms and quality of life.

Design  A prospective observational study.

Setting  Urogynaecology Unit, Imperial College, St Mary's Hospital, London.

Population  Women with and without symptoms of vaginal prolapse.

Methods  All women completed a validated Prolapse Quality of Life (P‐QOL) questionnaire. This included a urinary, bowel and sexual symptom questionnaire. All women were examined using the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification system (POP‐Q). POP‐Q scores in those with and without prolapse symptoms were compared. Urinary and bowel symptoms and sexual function were compared and related to prolapse severity and location.

Main outcome measures  POP‐Q scores, P‐QOL scores, urinary and bowel symptoms and sexual function.

Results  Three hundred and fifty‐five women were recruited—233 symptomatic and 122 asymptomatic of prolapse. The median P‐QOL domain scores ranged between 42–100 in symptomatic women and 0–25 in those who were asymptomatic. The stage of prolapse was significantly higher in those symptomatic of prolapse (P < 0.001) except for perineal body (PB) measurement. Urinary symptoms were not correlated with uterovaginal prolapse severity whereas bowel symptoms were strongly associated with posterior vaginal wall prolapse. Cervical descent was found to have a relationship with sexual dysfunction symptoms.

Conclusions  Women who present with symptoms specific to pelvic organ prolapse demonstrate greater degrees of pelvic relaxation than women who present without symptoms. Prolapse severity and quality of life scores are significantly different in those women symptomatic of prolapse. There was a stronger relationship between posterior prolapse and bowel symptoms than anterior prolapse and urinary symptoms. Sexual dysfunction was related to cervical descent.
Increasing likelihood of further live births in HIV‐infected women in recent years
Authors:   European Collaborative Study
Published: June 2005

Objective  To examine how the subsequent childbearing of HIV‐infected mothers enrolled in the European Collaborative Study (ECS) has changed over time and identify factors predictive of further childbearing.

Design  Prospective cohort study.

Setting  Centres in nine European countries included in the ECS, enrolled between end 1986 and November 2003.

Population  HIV‐infected women (3911): 3693 with only one and 218 with subsequent live births.

Methods  Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses to obtain odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Kaplan–Meier (KM) analyses to estimate cumulative proportions of women having a subsequent live birth.

Main outcome measures  Subsequent live birth.

Results  In multivariable analysis adjusting for time period, ethnicity, maternal age and parity, black women were more likely [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 2.45; 95% CI, 1.75–3.43], and women >30 years less likely (AOR 0.54, 0.37–0.80), to have a subsequent live birth. Time to subsequent live birth significantly shortened over time, with an estimated 2% of women having a subsequent live birth within 24 months of enrolment pre‐1989 versus 14% in 2000–2003 (P < 0.001). Estimated time to subsequent live birth was shorter for black than for white women (P < 0.001).

Conclusions  The likelihood of subsequent live births substantially increased after 1995 and birth intervals were shorter in women on HAART and among black women. Numbers are currently too small to address the issue of advantages and disadvantages in the management of subsequent deliveries.
The effects of pregnancy on the cardiovascular response to acute systemic isocapnic hypoxia in conscious sheep
Authors: Jellyman J.K. , Gardner D.S. , Edwards C.M.B. , Fowden A.L. , Giussani D.A.
Published: June 2005

Objective This study tested the hypothesis that pregnancy affects the cardiovascular responses to hypoxia by altering the outputs of the peripheral components of the stress system and independent of changes inPaCO2.

Design Comparison of cardiovascular and endocrine responses to acute isocapnic hypoxia between pregnant and non‐pregnant ewes.

Setting Experimental laboratory.

Sample Fifteen pregnant (118 days of gestation; term isca. 145 days) and 8 non‐pregnant sheep.

Methods Chronically instrumented pregnant and non‐pregnant ewes were subjected to 1 hour normoxia, 1 hour of acute systemic isocapnic hypoxia and 1 hour recovery.

Main outcome measures Arterial blood pressure, heart rate, femoral blood flow and femoral vascular conductance were recorded continuously throughout and arterial blood samples were taken during normoxia, hypoxia and recovery for the measurement of blood gas, metabolic and endocrine status.

Results Basal blood pressure and blood glucose and lactate concentrations were lower in pregnant animals (P< 0.05). In contrast, basal cardiovascular variables and plasma concentrations of noradrenaline, adrenaline, neuropeptide Y, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol were similar in pregnant and non‐pregnant ewes. During hypoxia similar reductions inPaO2occurred in pregnant and non‐pregnant animals, without alterations inPaCO2or pHa. In non‐pregnant ewes, acute hypoxia induced a transient increase in arterial pressure and sustained tachycardia without significant changes in femoral haemodynamics. Pregnancy attenuated the cardiovascular response, significantly diminishing the magnitude of the increment in heart rate throughout the hypoxic challenge (P< 0.001). However, hypoxia did not induce significant changes in blood metabolites or in plasma concentrations of any stress hormone measured in either pregnant or non‐pregnant animals.

Conclusion Pregnancy not only affects basal but also stimulated cardiovascular function in the mother. The diminished chronotropic response to hypoxia in pregnancy is mediated via mechanisms independent of changes inPaCO2or in plasma concentrations of hormones or metabolites associated with activation of the stress system.
The expression of matrix metalloproteinase‐9 in human follicular fluid is associated with in vitro fertilisation pregnancy
Authors: Lee Dong‐Mok , Lee Tae‐Kyun , Song Hai‐Bum , Kim Cheorl‐Ho
Published: June 2005

Objective  To investigate the role of matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) in the pre‐ovulatory follicular fluid and culture media during in vitro fertilisation (IVF) cycle and to develop the zymographic pre‐diagnosis marker for successful implantation and pregnancy in human IVF.

Design  Controlled clinical study.

Setting  IVF Laboratory, Women's Hospital Infertility Clinic and Dongguk University, Korea.

Sample  Women undergoing in vitro fertilisation treatment.

Methods  Experiments were designed for controlled clinical study with women undergoing IVF treatment. MMP‐9 expressions in follicular fluid and culture media samples that had been collected during transvaginal oocyte retrieval were measured using zymography. MMP‐9 activities and expressions were strongly correlated to a higher rate of fertilisation and pregnancy.

Main outcome measures  Fertilisation rates and ultrasonic evidence of intrauterine pregnancy by four weeks after embryo transfer.

Result  MMP‐9 activity was significantly higher in the pregnant group than in the non‐pregnant group (P < 0.01). In contrast, MMP‐2 activity was present in the follicular fluid and culture media of all women, and no difference in its expressions was found between the pregnant and non‐pregnant groups. No correlation was found between the MMP‐9 expression in follicular fluid and culture media and the fertilisation rates.

Conclusion  The expression of MMP‐9 in the follicular fluid and culture media is a prerequisite for successful pregnancy in IVF cycle. The zymography of MMP‐9 activity in follicular fluids of human and culture media was developed as a pre‐diagnostic method and zymographic diagnosis marker for successful fertilisation, implantation and pregnancy in human IVF.
Pregnancy outcome after maternal organ transplantation in Sweden
Authors: Källén Bengt , Westgren Magnus , Åberg Anders , Olausson Petra Otterblad
Published: June 2005

Objective  To study pregnancy outcome before and after organ transplantation.

Design  Registry study.

Setting  Swedish Health Registers.

Population  All births in Sweden 1973–2002.

Methods  Women who had organ transplantation were identified from the Hospital Discharge Register and their deliveries before and after the transplantation were identified from the Medical Birth Register. Abortions requiring hospitalisation were identified from the Hospital Discharge Register. Outcomes were compared with those in the total population. Adjustments were made for maternal age, parity and smoking habits.

Main outcome measures  Miscarriage, preterm delivery, low birthweight, small for gestational age, congenital malformations, infant death, pre‐eclampsia and placental abruption.

Results  A total of 980 infants born before and 152 born after transplantation were identified. A high frequency of pre‐eclampsia (22%), preterm birth (46%), low birthweight (41%), small for gestational age (16%) and infant death (5% before the age of one) were found for deliveries after transplantation but similar frequencies were found also among deliveries a few years before transplantation. No significant increase in congenital malformation rate was seen. Among 15 infants born after liver transplantation, 2 were malformed.

Conclusions  Pregnancies after organ transplantation have an increased risk of complications but this is similar to pregnancies occurring before the transplantation.
Oestradiol and FSH in gestational trophoblastic disease: a prospective analysis of their predictive value
Authors: Macdonald Robert , Kirwan John , Thomson Catherine , Hancock Barry , Everard Jan , Tidy John
Published: June 2005

Objective  To determine whether oestradiol or follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) measured prior to treatment could improve the predictive value of the risk score used to determine treatment in cases of persistent gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD).

Design  Prospective observational study.

Setting  Tertiary referral centre for GTD.

Population  All women referred to Weston Park Hospital, Sheffield, with GTD between 1st January 1996 and 31st December 2000.

Methods  Blood was taken prior to the initiation of treatment to measure oestradiol and FSH. The results were analysed with respect to the time taken for the β‐hCG to return to normal.

Main outcome measures  Time taken to reach a normal β‐hCG.

Results  Data on 118 women were collected. Three women died of GTD during follow up. Using Cox's proportional hazards regression analysis, division of the risk scores into high and low risk groups (≤7, >7) demonstrated a significant difference with regard to the length of time taken to reach a normal β‐hCG level (hazard ratio 0.32; 95% CI: 0.18, 0.57) comparing high risk relative to low risk. However, addition of neither oestradiol nor FSH to the Cox regression analysis produced a significant hazard ratio (Ln oestradiol, 0.95; FSH 0.99). Division of the patients' risk scores into three groups of low (0–4), intermediate (5–7) and high (>7) risk groups produced similar results.

Conclusions  The measurement of neither oestradiol nor FSH appears to improve the prediction of outcome in persistent GTD when added to the risk score.
Investigating the relationship between affluence and elective caesarean sections
Authors: Alves Bernadette , Sheikh Aziz
Published: June 2005

The proportion of women delivering by caesarean section has increased dramatically in England and many westernised countries. It has been suggested that one important reason for this increase is the growing proportion of women opting for elective caesareans for lifestyle reasons, a trend that is, it is argued, most common among the affluent. We investigated the hypothesis that affluent women are more likely to deliver by elective caesarean section. Logistic regression modelling was used to analyse data from half a million women who delivered in English NHS hospitals between 1996 and 2000. We found that women living in the most affluent areas of England were significantly more likely to have an elective caesarean section than their deprived counterparts.