bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cytokines and leptin correlation in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: Biochemical evaluation in south Indian population
Authors: RAVISHANKAR RAM MANI , SUNDARARAMAN PULLIANGUDI GOKULAKRISHNAN , MAHADEVAN SELVI , MALATHI RAGHUNATHAN
Published: November 2005

Background:  In polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the leptin (OB protein) is related to reproductive function and inflammatory response. Leptin and cytokines have been thought to be putative local regulators in PCOS.

Methods:  To examine the relationship between serum leptin and serum interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) levels in underweight, overweight, obese and morbidly obese PCOS and non‐PCOS subjects compared with normal weight, regularly menstruating women.

Results:  Leptin levels are highly correlated with TNF‐α, IL‐6 and IL‐8. There is a significant dependent increase with the degree of obesity, but in underweight PCOS subjects, leptin levels are elevated irrespective of the body mass index.

Conclusion:  The present study showed that leptin levels were elevated in underweight and morbidly obese PCOS subjects. This could be the result of impaired expression of leptin in PCOS, leading to leptin resistance. As a result of this regulation, TNF‐α, IL‐6 and IL‐8 were also elevated in morbidly obese and underweight PCOS subjects. In obese subjects, where there was an increase in adipose mass, increased levels of leptin were observed and this was attributed to the inflammatory properties while increasing the adipose mass. Serum IL‐6 and IL‐8 circulate at high levels and are more important systemically. They are, perhaps, the hormonal factors that induce leptin and insulin resistance in underweight PCOS subjects. Therefore, leptin and inflammatory markers were acting at paracrine and endocrine levels in PCOS subjects. (Reprod Med Biol 2005; 4: 247–254)
New plication technique for the treatment of congenital penile curvature
Authors: KATO TOSHIHIKO , NAGAO KOICHI , ISHII NOBUHISA , MIURA KAZUKIYO
Published: November 2005

Introduction:  Conditions that cause curvature of the erect penis also lead to difficulties with intercourse. The present study presents an effective surgical treatment for congenital penile curvature.

Methods:  Between March 1996 and August 2004, 49 patients were diagnosed with congenital penile curvature at the Toho University Omori Hospital Reproduction Center, Tokyo. Of these, 27 eligible patients underwent surgical treatment. The operative technique used involved the tunica albuginea being exposed and a number of vertical incisions were made through its superficial layers. The superficial layer of the tunica albuginea was then resected using scissors. Inverted plication sutures were then placed in the raw surface of the corpus cavernosum using 2‐0 nylon. In addition, 2‐0 polyglactic acid (Vicryl) sutures were placed on either side of each nylon suture knot.

Results:  Of a total of 49 patients, 27 eligible patients underwent surgical treatment with no serious postoperative complications. All 27 patients were able to sustain intercourse. There were no new cases of erectile dysfunction, penile pain or penile shortening. There were no recurrences of penile curvature.

Conclusions:  This new partial thickness shaving, inverted sutures reinforced with dissolving sutures plication method is an extremely effective surgical treatment for congenital penile curvature, with a superior safety profile. (Reprod Med Biol 2005; 4: 255–258)
Transferrin and inhibin mRNA in mature pig Sertoli cells
Authors: KANEMATSU NOBUE , NAKAJIMA IKUYO , HAGA KIYONORI , SUTO MADOKA
Published: November 2005

Aims:  There is increasing concern about the effect of environmental toxins and endocrine disrupters on human spermatogenesis but ethical considerations prohibit direct research. Therefore, we developed a method of isolating mature pig Sertoli cells and studying the levels of mRNA of transferrin and inhibin, markers of Sertoli cell function, using real‐time polymerase chain reaction analysis.

Methods:  Sertoli cells from mature Meishan boars were isolated and cultured. The mRNA was isolated from the cells after 3 days of treatment with follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone and β‐estradiol. The amounts of transferrin and inhibin mRNA were analyzed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction and the relative level of mRNA was calculated.

Results:  FSH tended to increase the levels of transferrin and inhibin mRNA, as did the combinations of FSH and the steroids. The effect of testosterone and β‐estradiol alone on the level of mRNA was less than that of FSH. Beta‐estradiol treatment resulted in a dose‐dependent decrease in mRNA.

Conclusion:  The Sertoli cell culture used in the present study appears to have a normal secretory function because the mRNA levels of both markers increased after FSH treatment. The suppressive effect of β‐estradiol on inhibin mRNA level suggests that β‐estradiol has an effect on the function of Sertoli cells. (Reprod Med Biol 2005; 4: 259 –264)
Morphology, molecules, and character congruence in the phylogeny of South American geophagine cichlids (Perciformes, Labroidei)
Authors: López‐Fernández Hernán , Honeycutt Rodney L. , Stiassny Melanie L. J. , Winemiller Kirk O.
Published: November 2005

Phylogenetic relationships among the Neotropical cichlid subfamily Geophaginae were examined using 136 morphological characters and a molecular dataset consisting of six mitochondrial and nuclear genes. Topologies produced by morphological and combined data under parsimony were contrasted, congruence among different partitions was analysed, and potential effects of character incongruence and patterns of geophagine evolution on phylogenetic resolution are discussed. Interaction of morphological and molecular characters in combined analysis produced better resolved and supported topologies than when either was analysed separately. Combined analyses recovered a strongly supported Geophaginae that was closely related to Cichlasomatinae. Within Geophaginae, two sister clades included all geophagine genera. Acarichthyini (Acarichthys+Guianacara) was sister to the ‘B clade’, which contained the ‘Geophagus clade’ (‘Geophagus’steindachneri+Geophagus sensu stricto, and both sister to Gymnogeophagus) as sister to the ‘Mikrogeophagus clade’ (Mikrogeophagus+‘Geophagus’brasiliensis), and in turn, the Geophagus and Mikrogeophagus clades were sister to the crenicarine clade (Crenicara+Dicrossus) and Biotodoma. The second geophagine clade included the ‘Satanoperca clade’ (Satanoperca+Apistogramma and Taeniacara) as sister to the ‘Crenicichla clade’ (Crenicichla+Biotoecus). Several lineages were supported by unique morphological synapomorphies: the Geophaginae + Cichlasomatinae (5 synapomorphies), Geophaginae (1), Crenicichla clade (3), crenicarine clade (1), the sister relationship of Apistogramma and Taeniacara (4) and of Geophagus sensu stricto and‘Geophagus’steindachneri (1), and the cichlasomine tribe Heroini (1). Incorporation of Crenicichla in Geophaginae reconciles formerly contradictory hypotheses based on morphological and molecular data, and makes the subfamily the most diverse and ecologically versatile clade of cichlids outside the African great lakes. Results of this study support the hypothesis that morphological differentiation of geophagine lineages occurred rapidly as part of an adaptive radiation.
Phylogenetic relationships of freshwater sponges (Porifera, Spongillina) inferred from analyses of 18S rDNA, COI mtDNA, and ITS2 rDNA sequences
Authors: Addis John S. , eterson P Kevin J.
Published: November 2005

The phylogenetic relationships of nine species of freshwater sponges, representing the families Spongillidae, Lubomirskiidae, and Metaniidae, were inferred from analyses of 18S rDNA, cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) mtDNA, and internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) rDNA sequences. These species form a strongly supported monophyletic group within the Demospongiae, with the lithistid Vetulina stalactites as the sister taxon. Within the freshwater sponge clade, the basal taxon is not resolved. Depending upon the method of analysis and sequence, the metaniid species, Corvomeyenia sp., or the spongillid species, Trochospongilla pennsylvanica, emerges as the basal species. Among the remaining freshwater sponge species, the spongillids, Spongilla lacustris and Eunapius fragilis, form a sister group to a clade comprised of the spongillid species, Clypeatula cooperensis, Ephydatia fluviatilis, and Ephydatia muelleri, and the lubomirskiid species, Baikalospongia bacillifera and Lubomisrkia baicalensis. C. cooperensis is the sister taxon of E. fluvialitis, and E. muelleri is the sister taxon of (B. bacillifera+L. baicalensis). The family Spongillidae and the genus Ephydatia are thus paraphyletic with respect to the lubomirskiid species; Ephydatia is also paraphyletic to C. cooperensis. We suggest that C. cooperensis be transferred to the genus Ephydatia and that the family Lubomirskiidae be subsumed into the Spongillidae.
Analysis of Andes frogs (Phrynopus, Leptodactylidae, Anura) phylogeny based on 12S and 16S mitochondrial rDNA sequences
Authors: Lehr Edgar , Fritzsch Guido , Müller Anke
Published: November 2005

South American leptodactylid frogs of the genus Phrynopus occur in cloud‐forest, páramo, subpáramo and puna habitats (1000–4400 m elevation) from Colombia to Bolivia. Currently, there are 34 described species; however, many additional species new to science have been reported from Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia. The phylogeny of the species‐diverse Phrynopus is unknown and the position of the genus within Leptodactylidae is poorly understood. We present the results of a phylogenetic study based on 12S and 16S mitochondrial rDNA. Fifteen species of Phrynopus from Bolivia to Ecuador are included, along with several other genera of Leptodactylidae and representatives of other frog families. Our results indicate that Phrynopus is phylogenetically nested within Eleutherodactylus, whereas Phyllonastes is phylogenetically nested within Phrynopus. Based on the recovered phylogeny, we transfer Phrynopus simonsii to Eleutherodactylus, and show that Phrynopus carpish needs to be removed from Phrynopus. Eleven of the 13 Phrynopus species occurring in Central Peru share the absence of an external and internal ear.
The Formation of National Party Systems in Europe: A Comparative‐Historical Analysis
Authors: Caramani Daniele
Published: November 2005

Using a large wealth of newly collected and unexplored data on single constituencies in 17 European countries, this comparative and long‐term analysis describes the territoriality of electoral participation and vote for political parties, as well as their evolution since the mid‐ nineteenth century until the present day from highly territorialized politics to nationwide functional alignments. The article provides an empirical analysis through time, across countries and between party families. Through the inclusion of all the most important social and political cleavages (class, state–church, rural–urban, ethno‐linguistic, and religious) the analysis assesses the homogenizing impact of the left–right dimension that emerged from the National and Industrial Revolutions, and the resistance of pre‐industrial cultural and centre–periphery factors to national integration.
Power in Public Implementation: A Complex, but Important Part of Power Studies
Authors: Nielsen Vibeke Lehmann
Published: November 2005

Based on data disclosing differential treatment of regulated companies, this article shows that it is important to look at the implementation phase as well as the political decision‐making phase when one talks about distribution of power in Western democracies. Doing so gives a more nuanced picture of the distribution of power. However, explaining differential treatment throughout the implementation phase with variation in the possession of different power resources gives a more or less kaleidoscopic picture and calls for a complex theory of power. Local economic strength, networks, knowledge and organizational similarity do lead to more lenient regulatory inspection, but the effect depends on whether the company is public or private. Therefore, to have power and influence, one must possess the right resources, understand how to use them and be able to handle the fact that people might expect something different from you than they expect from others – not because of what you do, but because of who you are.
Real Power? An examination of the involvement of people with learning difficulties in strategic service development in Cambridgeshire
Authors: Dearden‐Phillips Craig , Fountain Rob
Published: November 2005

Securing meaningful involvement in service development and provision can be seen as a particular challenge for people with learning difficulties. The National Health Service & Community Care Act [(1990) HMSO, ISBN 0105419907] and more recently Valuing People [Department of Health (2001) Valuing people: a new strategy for learning disability for the 21st century, Cm5086] have stressed the importance of statutory providers working in partnership with people with learning difficulties, without giving any clear guidance on how to achieve this. This paper is written from the perspective of Speaking Up – a voluntary organisation that has developed the ‘Parliament’ model to give people with learning difficulties a strong collective voice. Through self‐advocacy taking the leading role in shaping the way people with learning difficulties and statutory providers communicate, it is argued that the Parliament model enables people with learning difficulties to genuinely influence services. After considering the link between self‐advocacy and user‐involvement, this paper describes the Parliament as it has developed in Cambridgeshire and discusses whether what has been achieved represents a real increase in power for people with learning difficulties. It concludes with a short assessment of the potential for replicability of the Parliament as a model for other areas of the UK. Craig Dearden‐Phillips is Chief Executive of Speaking Up and Rob Fountain a Project Leader with the organisation.
Grain filling of cereals under soil drying
Authors: Yang Jianchang , Zhang Jianhua
Published: November 2005

Monocarpic plants require the initiation of whole‐plant senescence to remobilize and transfer assimilates pre‐stored in vegetative tissues to grains. Delayed whole‐plant senescence caused by either heavy use of nitrogen fertilizer or adoption of lodging‐resistant cultivars/hybrids that remain green when the grains are due to ripen results in a low harvest index with much nonstructural carbohydrate (NSC) left in the straw. Usually, water stress during the grain‐filling period induces early senescence, reduces photosynthesis, and shortens the grain‐filling period; however, it increases the remobilization of NSC from the vegetative tissues to the grain. If mild soil drying is properly controlled during the later grain‐filling period in rice (Oryza sativa) and wheat (Triticum aestivum), it can enhance whole‐plant senescence, lead to faster and better remobilization of carbon from vegetative tissues to grains, and accelerate the grain‐filling rate. In cases where plant senescence is unfavorably delayed, such as by heavy use of nitrogen and the introduction of hybrids with strong heterosis, the gain from the enhanced remobilization and accelerated grain‐filling rate can outweigh the loss of reduced photosynthesis and the shortened grain‐filling period, leading to an increased grain yield, better harvest index and higher water‐use efficiency.

Contents

Summary
223

I.
Introduction
224

II.
Problems in grain filling: unfavorably delayed whole‐plant senescence
224

III.
Controlled soil drying improves carbon remobilization and grain filling as a result of enhanced whole‐plant senescence
225

IV.
Hormonal regulation of whole‐plant senescence and grain filling
229

V.
Activities of key enzymes involved in carbon remobilization and grain filling
230

VI.
Conclusions
232

Acknowledgements
232

References
232
Abiotic–biotic controls on the origin and development of spicular sinter: in situ growth experiments, Champagne Pool, Waiotapu, New Zealand
Authors: HANDLEY K. M. , CAMPBELL K. A. , MOUNTAIN B. W. , BROWNE P. R. L.
Published: November 2005

Abiotic–biotic mechanisms of microstromatolitic spicular sinter (geyseritic) initiation and development were elucidated by in situ growth experiments at Champagne Pool (75 °C, pH 5.5). Siliceous sinter formed subaerially on glass slides placed along the margin of the hot spring. Environment–silica–microbe interactions were revealed by periodic collections of incremental sinter growth that formed under a range of environmental conditions including quiescence vs. wave turbulence, and wind–evaporation vs. steam–condensation. Sinter surfaces were intermittently colonized by voluminous networks of filamentous micro‐organisms, with submicron diameters, that provided an extensive surface area for silica deposition. The subaerial distribution of sinter and its textures reflected micron‐ to centimetre‐scale differences in environmental conditions, particularly relating to the balance between wave‐supplied dissolved silica and its precipitation, forced by cooling and evaporation. A continuum of sinter textures formed, representing rates of silica precipitation that either out‐paced biofilm growth or regulated the structural development of biofilms, and hence also the nature of microbially templated sinter. Massive laminae of porous, filamentous‐network sinter and/or fenestrae (up to 10's of microns in thickness and diameter) formed at relatively low rates of silica deposition (approximately 0.2 mg slide−1 day−1). At high rates (>1.9 mg slide−1 day−1), densely packed, granular or nonporous sinter formed, with filament networks disappearing into the siliceous matrix and becoming imperceptible under scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, spicules were nucleated by filamentous microcolonies, where their discrete conical morphologies were preserved by accretion of thin sinter laminae. Microstromatolitic spicular growth ensued at fluctuating low to high rates of silica precipitation. Greater apical sinter build‐up, and hence upward polarity, resulted from focused microbial recolonization and progressively greater subaerial exposure at microspicule tips. The biogenic origin of spicular sinter at Champagne Pool clearly demonstrates that micron‐scale biofilms, displaying self‐organization patterns common to both biofilms and microbial mats, can be an essential factor in shaping characteristic centimetre‐scale sinter macrostructures. These findings suggest that a biogenic origin for geyserites elsewhere should also be considered. Moreover, results corroborate the supposition that microbially generated surface roughness may be significant for stromatolite morphogenesis in cryptic Precambrian carbonates.
A coupled atmosphere–ecosystem model of the early Archean Earth
Authors: KHARECHA P. , KASTING J. , SIEFERT J.
Published: November 2005

A coupled photochemical‐ecosystem model has been developed to simulate the early Archean biosphere. The model incorporates kinetic and nutrient limitations on biological productivity, along with constraints imposed by metabolic thermodynamics. We have used this model to predict the biogenic CH4 flux and net primary productivity (NPP) of the marine biosphere prior to the advent of oxygenic photosynthesis. Organisms considered include chemotrophic and organotrophic methanogens, H2‐, H2S‐, and Fe‐using anoxygenic phototrophs, S‐reducing bacteria, CO‐using acetogens, and fermentative bacteria.

CH4 production and NPP in our model are limited by the downward flux of H2, CO, S8, and H2S through the atmosphere–ocean interface and by the upwelling rate of Fe2+ from the deep oceans. For reasonable estimates of the supply rates of these compounds, we find that the biogenic CH4 flux should have ranged from approximately 1/3 to 2.5 times the modern CH4 flux. In the anoxic Archean atmosphere, this would have produced CH4 concentrations of 100 ppmv to as much as 35 000 ppmv (3.5%), depending on the rate at which hydrogen escaped to space. Recent calculations indicating that hydrogen escape was slow favour the higher CH4 concentrations. Calculated NPP is lower than in the modern oceans by a factor of at least 40. In our model, H2‐based metabolism is moderately more productive than Fe2+‐based metabolism, with S‐based metabolism being considerably less productive. Internal recycling of sulphur within the surface ocean could conceivably raise rates of sulphur metabolism by a factor of 10 higher than the values predicted by our model.

 Although explicit climate calculations have not been performed here, our results are consistent with the idea that the Archean climate was warm, and possibly very hot. Some or most of our ecosystem scenarios are consistent with the carbon isotope record, depending on how that record is interpreted. If the conventional view is correct and organic carbon burial accounted for approximately 20% of total carbon burial during the Archean, then only two of our phototroph‐based model ecosystems are plausible. However, if a recent alternative analysis is correct and only approximately 0–10% of total buried carbon was organic, then essentially all of our anaerobic ecosystems are plausible. A better understanding of both the geochemical and the biological records is needed to better constrain our models.
Expression of Neural Stem Cell Surface Marker CD133 in Balloon Cells of Human Focal Cortical Dysplasia
Authors: Ying Zhong , Gonzalez‐Martinez Jorge , Tilelli Cristiane , Bingaman William , Najm Imad
Published: November 2005

Summary:  Purpose: Focal cortical dysplasia (CD) is characterized by the presence of dysmorphic neurons, laminar and columnar disorganization. A few patients with CD have balloon cells intermixed with dysmorphic neurons. The cellular characteristics of balloon cells remain unknown. This study was intended to determine further the cellular characteristics of balloon cells.

Methods: Neocortical tissue resected from five patients with medically intractable focal epilepsy due to CD was studied. The presence of balloon cells (large opalescent cells with eccentric nuclei) was confirmed in all five patients by using cresylecht violet staining. Immunocytochemistry used antibodies against markers of pluripotential stem cells (CD133), multipotential progenitor cells (nestin), antiapoptotic gene products (Bcl‐2), immature neurons (β‐tubulin 3, TUJ1), immature glia (vimentin), mature neurons (MAP2 and NeuN), and astrocytes (glial fibrillary acidic protein; GFAP).

Results: Balloon cells (BCs) were found to be immunoreactive to Bcl‐2 (46%), vimentin (41%), Nestin (28%), CD133 (28%), MAP2 (27%), GFAP (14%), and TUJ1 (10%). An extremely small number of BCs were immunopositive for NeuN. Confocal double labeling showed that balloon cells were dually immunopositive for CD133/nestin; CD133/GFAP; CD133/Bcl‐2, and nestin/GFAP.

Conclusions: These results show that balloon cells are heterogeneous cell populations expressing cell‐surface markers for pluripotential stem cells and proteins for multipotent progenitors, or immature neurons/glia. The presence of stem cell/progenitor markers in the balloon cells could be due to a persistent postnatal neurogenesis or early embryonic insult that resulted in arrest of proliferation/differentiation at their early stages. Additionally, the coexpression of Bcl‐2 in CD133‐positive balloon cells suggests that a resistance to programmed cell death may be involved in the pathogenesis of cortical dysplasia.
Prevalence and Characteristics of Epilepsy in the Aeolian Islands
Authors: Gallitto Guiseppe , Serra Salvatore , La Spina Paolino , Postorino Paolo , Laganà Angela , Tripodi Fortunata , Gangemi Santo , Calabrò Salvatore , Savica Rodolpho , Di Perri Raoul , Beghi Ettore , Musolino Rosa
Published: November 2005

Summary:  Purpose: To estimate the prevalence and define the clinical characteristics of epileptic disorders in the 13,431 residents of the Sicilian Aeolian archipelago, on June 1, 1999.

Methods: All established or suspected cases were identified by the neurologists of our working group from available medical information sources. Possible epilepsy cases were then evaluated by the epileptologists by using a standardized questionnaire. The patients were further reviewed by the whole research team to confirm the clinical diagnosis. For a more detailed syndromic definition, some patients underwent EEG or neuroradiologic investigations or both.

Results: The crude point prevalence rate of active epilepsy was 3.13 (95% confidence interval, 2.2–4.2). The prevalence rate age‐adjusted to the 2001 Italian population was 3.01. Females had a slightly higher prevalence rate than did males. The highest age‐specific prevalence was found in patients aged 5 to 14 years (5.05) and in those aged 65 to 74 years (5.41). Partial seizures with or without secondary generalization were more common (61.7%) than were generalized seizures. Eighty‐three percent of cases had symptomatic or cryptogenic localization‐related epilepsies, and 8.5% had idiopathic (generalized or partial) epilepsies. Epilepsy was unclassified in 8.5% of cases.

Conclusions: The prevalence of active epilepsy in the Aeolian islands is lower than that in other developed areas, including northern Italy, but is similar to that in Sicily. Partial seizures were the most common type, and localization‐related symptomatic epilepsies were the largest syndromic category.
Effect of Plasma Exchange on Carbamazepine Levels in a Patient with Myasthenia Gravis and Epilepsy
Authors: Siddiqi Zaeem A. , Holt Andrew , Ahmed Syed N.
Published: November 2005

Summary:  Purpose: Patients taking antiepileptic medications may require plasma exchange (PEX) for treatment of an unrelated condition.

Methods: We studied total serum levels of carbamazepine (CBZ) serially, before and after five PEX cycles, in an epilepsy patient who underwent PEX for myasthenia gravis.

Results: A small but consistent reduction in the CBZ levels was noted immediately after each cycle, and a gradual and cumulative increase in the serum levels was observed over the duration of the PEX cycles.

Conclusions: We conclude that alterations in the serum CBZ levels with PEX are not clinically significant to merit adjustment of the CBZ dose.
The Impact of Epilepsy on Health Status among Younger and Older Adults
Authors: Pugh Mary Jo V. , Copeland Laurel A. , Zeber John E. , Cramer Joyce A. , Amuan Megan E. , Cavazos Jose E. , Kazis Lewis E.
Published: November 2005

Summary:  Purpose: The incidence of epilepsy is highest among the elderly, yet our understanding of the impact of epilepsy is based predominantly on inferences from studies of younger adults. This study examines the impact of epilepsy on patients' subjective health status in a population that includes both younger and older adults.

Methods: We used national administrative and survey databases from the Veterans Health Administration to examine health status as measured by a modification of the SF‐36 (RV‐36) in patients from three age cohorts: young adults (18–40 years), middle‐aged adults (41–64 years), and older adults (65 years and older). Because chronicity of epilepsy may influence these outcomes, we compared scores for patients with new‐onset epilepsy, chronic epilepsy, and no epilepsy by using analysis of covariance, controlling for patient demographic and clinical characteristics that may also affect health status.

Results: With the exception of physical status measures, older adults appeared to cope better with their epilepsy than did middle‐aged patients. Young adults with new‐onset epilepsy reported poor general health and worse mental health, but high levels of physical function and physical activity. Middle‐aged patients with new‐onset epilepsy scored lowest in all domains, and their peers with chronic epilepsy also reported poor general physical health and emotional functioning.

Conclusions: Although having fewer physiologic reserves, older adults appeared most resilient in facing this chronic illness, and middle‐aged adults fared the worst. Interventions to improve quality of life among patients with epilepsy should be tailored to age and epilepsy chronicity.
Preparation of Zinc Oxide Nanofibers by Electrospinning
Authors: Wu Hui , Pan Wei
Published: November 2005

Ultra‐thin fibers of zinc oxide (ZnO) were prepared by sol–gel processing and the electrospinning technique using poly(vinyl acetate) and zinc acetate as precursors. The fibers were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier‐transfer infrared, and X‐ray diffraction, respectively. The results showed that the diameter of the precursor fibers increased with increasing zinc acetate content, and the size of the inorganic ZnO nanofibers decreased obviously as the calcining time increased.
Chemical Synthesis of Nanocrystalline Strontium Bismuth Tantalate Powders Using Tantalum–Tartarate Complex
Authors: Panda Asit Baran , Pathak Amita , Pramanik Panchanan
Published: November 2005

Nanocrystalline strontium bismuth tantalate (SrBi2Ta2O9; SBT) powders have been synthesized through complete dehydration of an aqueous solution mixture of tantalum tartarate, strontium salt of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, and bismuth–triethanolamine complex. Single‐step calcination of the fluffy, mesoporous, carbonaceous dehydrated precursor mass at 700°C/2 h results in nanosized SBT powders, with average particle size ∼15 nm. When palletized and sintered at 950°C/4 h these powders show a relative density of 97.6% of theoretical value, and a maximum dielectric constant value of 1387 at Tc (Curie temperature)=279°C, when measured at 100 kHz.
Effect of Bio‐Oss® with or without platelet‐derived growth factor on bone formation by “guided tissue regeneration”: a pilot study in rats
Authors: Lioubavina‐Hack Natalia , Carmagnola Daniela , Lynch Samuel E. , Karring Thorkild
Published: November 2005

Aim: To investigate the effect of Bio‐Oss® with and without the local application of recombinant human platelet‐derived growth factor (rhPDGF‐BB) on bone formation under Teflon capsules.

Materials and Methods: Eight male, 6‐month‐old, Wistar strain rats were used in the study. In each animal, the lateral aspect of the mandibular ramus was exposed and small perforations were produced in the bone. A rigid, non‐porous hemispherical teflon capsule (diameter 7 mm) was placed on the ramus in both sides of the animals. The capsule placed on the one side of the jaw was filled with Bio‐Oss® granules soaked in a solution of PDGF‐BB (20 μg/capsule) and autogenous blood prior to placement. The capsules placed on the other side of the jaw were filled with Bio‐Oss® granules soaked in autogenous blood only (controls). Four rats were sacrificed after 3 months and the remaining four after 5 months. Undecalcified sections containing the capsule and surrounding tissues were prepared and analysed in the microscope.

Results: Histologic analysis revealed limited amounts of bone formation. Most of the space underneath the capsules was occupied by Bio‐Oss® particles surrounded by fibrovascular connective tissue. Given the small sample size statistical analysis was not possible, however, the mean amount of mineralized new bone in the control group (20.8%) appeared to be larger than that in the test group (6.7%). After 5 months the amount of newly formed bone appeared similar in the two groups (23.0% test, 26.0% controls). The Bio‐Oss® particles occupied between 31.4% and 41.1% of the capsule area at 3 months and between 34.0% and 34.7% at 5 months. Only particles adjacent to the mandibular ramus were incorporated in newly formed bone.

Conclusion: Limited bone formation was present in the capsules grafted with Bio‐Oss® with or without the growth factor.
Effect of smoking on the gingival capillary density: assessment of gingival capillary density with orthogonal polarization spectral imaging
Authors: Lindeboom J. A. , Mathura K. R. , Harkisoen S. , van den Akker H. P. , Ince C.
Published: November 2005

Objectives: Microvascular changes because of smoking are frequently presumed in models because of the negative effect of smoking portrayed on the microcirculation. We hypothesized that cigarette smoke might lead to a decrease in gingival capillary density.

Materials and Methods: Capillary density was assessed with orthogonal polarization spectral (OPS) imaging, a technique using special optics by which a virtual light source is created at a depth of 1 mm within the mucosa. The light is absorbed by haemoglobin, resulting in an image of the capillaries in negative contrast. The gingival capillary density was measured in 20 healthy male dental students with a mean age of 25. Ten of the students were smokers and 10 were non‐smokers. In each subject six images of the right maxillary pre‐molar region were obtained, and the mean gingival capillary density was determined through the use of K&K software technology.

Results: The mean capillary density in smokers was 69.3±8.9 capillaries per visual field compared with a mean capillary density in non‐smokers of 60.6±5.4 (p=0.33).

Conclusion: No significant differences were found between the gingival capillary density of smokers and non‐smokers.
Wear of dentine in vitro by toothpaste abrasives and detergents alone and combined
Authors: Moore C. , Addy M.
Published: November 2005

Aim: To measure in vitro the abrasion of dentine by toothpaste detergents and abrasives alone and combined.

Materials and Methods: Detergents used were tego betain, sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), adinol and pluronic diluted to 1%w/v. Abrasives were three artificial silicas, tixosil 73 and 123 and Zeodent 113, and calcium carbonate used at 2.5% w/v. Flat human dentine specimens were brushed with aqueous detergent solutions or abrasive slurries, detergent abrasive slurries and water for 20,000 brush strokes. Dentine loss was measured by non‐contacting profilometry at 10,000 and 20,000 strokes. Silica particle size distribution was measured by laser deflection.

Results: Loss of dentine occurred with all detergents, abrasives and detergent abrasion combinations, but was not linear with number of brush strokes. Water appeared to remove the smear layer only, but all detergents exceeded the predicted smear layer thickness. The silica abrasives differed in abrasion properties despite similar particle size distribution. Different detergents modulated the abrasives actions in mainly positive or mainly negative directions.

Conclusions: Detergents appear able to attack the dentine surface to produce wear. Abrasives vary considerably in wear produced under similar conditions. Detergents modulate the effect of abrasives in a way that may reflect the rheological properties of the mixture.
Heart rate variability during high‐intensity field exercise in female distance runners
Authors: Sumi K. , Suzuki S. , Matsubara M. , Ando Y. , Kobayashi F.
Published: November 2005

The purposes of this study were to demonstrate the transition of heart rate variability (HRV) during trials in the field and to examine the relationship between peak frequency of high‐frequency band (HF) and stride frequency. Ten healthy long‐distance college female runners (age 19–21 years) performed a 3000 m realistic time trial. The time‐series power spectrum analysis by maximum entropy method was used to evaluate cardiac autonomic nervous activity during the race. Cross‐correlation coefficients were calculated to estimate the degree of linear co‐ordination between the central peak frequency of HF and stride frequency. Just after starting, the decrease in HF (0.15–1.00 Hz) and a transient increase of low‐frequency band (LF)/HF were found. After that, the HF remained at a low level and LF/HF decreased sharply. These findings suggested that the parasympathetic activity was suppressed and sympathetic activity increased just after starting, and the sympathetic activity reached the saturated level according to continuation of high‐intensity exercise. In spite of the significant decrease of HRV during trials, peak frequency of HF could be differentiated clearly. The cross‐correlation coefficient of peak frequency of HF and stride frequency was from 0.703 to 0.868. This finding indicated that exercise rhythm reflected HRV during high‐intensity running in the field.
The Law: The Executive Branch and Propaganda: The Limits of Legal Restrictions
Authors: KOSAR KEVIN R.
Published: November 2005

Legal restrictions on executive branch agency use of funds for public relations activities and propaganda can be found in statutory law, appropriations law, and federal regulations. Nevertheless, executive agencies frequently expend public funds to promote aggressively the agendas of presidents. The legal restraints against propaganda have proven ineffective for three reasons: first, agencies do not track spending on public relations activities, which makes congressional oversight difficult; second, the line between appropriate public relations activities and propaganda is blurry; and, third, enforcement of the laws against propaganda runs headlong into the separation of powers.
Purification and sequence identification of anserinase
Authors: Yamada Shoji , Tanaka Yoshito , Ando Seiichi
Published: November 2005

Anserinase (Xaa‐methyl‐His dipeptidase, EC 3.4.13.5) is a dipeptidase that mainly catalyzes the hydrolysis of Nα‐acetylhistidine in the brain, retina and vitreous body of all poikilothermic vertebrates. The gene encoding anserinase has not been previously identified. We report the molecular identification of anserinase, purified from brain of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus. The determination of the N‐terminal sequence of the purified anserinase allowed the design of primers permitting the corresponding cDNA to be cloned by PCR. The anserinase cDNA has an ORF of 1485 nucleotides and encodes a signal peptide of 18 amino acids and a mature protein of 476 amino acids with a predicted molecular mass of 53.3 kDa. Sequence analysis showed that anserinase is a member of the M20A metallopeptidase subfamily in MEROPS peptidase database, to which ‘serum’ carnosinase (EC 3.4.13.20) and cytosolic nonspecific dipeptidase (EC 3.4.13.18, CNDP) belong. A cDNA encoding CNDP‐like protein was also isolated from tilapia brain. Whereas anserinase mRNA was detected only in brain, retina, kidney and skeletal muscle, CNDP‐like protein mRNA was detected in all tissues examined.
Dynamic expression of the angiotensin II type 2 receptor and duodenal mucosal alkaline secretion in the Sprague–Dawley rat
Authors: Ewert S. , Sjoberg T. , Johansson B. , Duvetorp A. , Holm M. , Fandriks L.
Published: November 2005

Activation of angiotensin II type 2 receptors (AT2R) has been shown to stimulate duodenal mucosal alkaline secretion (DMAS) in Sprague–Dawley rats (S–D). This finding could not be confirmed in another line of S–D, and the present study investigates whether the level of AT2R expression determines the response to the AT2R agonist CGP42112A. DMAS was measured in anaesthetized rats usingin situpH‐stat titration. Real‐time PCR and Western blot were used to assess AT1R and AT2R RNA and protein expression, respectively. CGP42112A(0.1 μg kg−1min−1i.v.) elicited a 45% net increase in DMAS in the previous S–D line studied, whereas no change occurred in the new S–D line. Luminal administration of prostaglandin E2(10−5m) increased DMAS similarly in both S–D lines. AT2R protein expression was significantly higher in tissue from the previous line compared to the new line. Individual AT1R to AT2R ratios (RNA and protein) were significantly higher in the new line compared to the previous S–D line. In the new S–D line intravenous infusion of angiotensin II (Ang II; 10 μg kg−1h−1) over 120 min significantly lowered the duodenal AT1aR to AT2R RNA ratio. Prolonged Ang II infusion over 240 min increased AT2R protein expression and evoked a 42% stimulatory response in DMAS to CGP42112A. The level of local AT2R expression determines the effect of the AT2R agonist CGP42112A on rat duodenal mucosal alkaline secretion. AT2R expression should be confirmed before interpreting the experimental effects of pharmacological interferences with this receptor.
Effects of enhanced human chemosensitivity on ventilatory responses to exercise
Authors: Foster Glen E. , McKenzie Donald C. , Sheel A. William
Published: November 2005

It is not clear what the effects of different types of intermittent hypoxia have on human exercise ventilation. The purpose of this study was to determine whether short‐duration intermittent hypoxia, and the subsequent augmentation of the hypoxic ventilatory response (HVR), would lead to an increase in ventilatory responses during exercise at sea level. It was hypothesized that subjects exposed to short‐duration intermittent hypoxia would have a greater increase in the ventilatory response to exercise compared to those exposed to long‐duration intermittent hypoxia. Subjects (n= 17, male) were randomly assigned to short‐duration intermittent hypoxia (SDIH: 5 min of 12% O2 separated by 5 min of normoxia for 1 h) or long‐duration intermittent hypoxia (LDIH: 30 min of 12% O2). Both groups had 10 exposures over a 12 day period. The HVR was measured on days 1 and 12. Maximal oxygen consumption
was determined using a ramped cycle exercise test. Maximal exercise data were not different (P > 0.05) between SDIH and LDIH groups or following intermittent hypoxia. Minute ventilation, tidal volume and respiratory frequency were compared at 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100% of
. There was no difference in the ventilatory responses at any intensity of exercise following the intermittent hypoxia period. The HVR was significantly increased following the intermittent hypoxia intervention (P < 0.05) but was not different between SDIH and LDIH (P > 0.05). The relationships between HVR and
were non‐significant on day 1 (r= 0.30) and day 12 (r= 0.47; P > 0.05). Our findings point to a lack of functional significance of increasing HVR via intermittent hypoxia on ventilatory responses to exercise at sea level.
Enhancement of Ca2+‐regulated exocytosis by indomethacin in guinea‐pig antral mucous cells: arachidonic acid accumulation
Authors: Fujiwara Shoko , Shimamoto Chikao , Nakanishi Yoshihiko , Katsu Ken‐ichi , Kato Masumi , Nakahari Takashi
Published: November 2005

Ca2+‐regulated exocytosis is enhanced by an autocrine mechanism via the PGE2–cAMP pathway in antral mucous cells of guinea‐pigs. The inhibition of the PGE2–cAMP pathway by H‐89 (an inhibitor of protein kinase A, PKA) or aspirin (ASA, an inhibitor of cyclo‐oxygenase, COX) decreased the frequency of ACh‐stimulated exocytotic events by 60%. Indomethacin (IDM, an inhibitor of COX), however, decreased the frequency of ACh‐stimulated exocytotic events only by 30%. Moreover, IDM increased the frequency of ACh‐stimulated exocytotic events by 50% in H‐89‐treated or ASA‐treated cells. IDM inhibits the synthesis of Prostaglandin (PGG/H) and (15R)‐15‐hydroxy‐5,8,11 cis‐13‐trans‐eicosatetraenoic acid (15R‐HPETE), while ASA inhibits only the synthesis of PGG/H. Thus, IDM may accumulate arachidonic acid (AA). AACOCF3 or N‐(p‐amylcinnamoyl) anthranilic acid (ACA; both inhibitors of phospholipase A2, PLA2), which inhibits AA synthesis, decreased the frequency of ACh‐stimulated exocytotic events by 60%. IDM, however, did not increase the frequency in AACOCF3‐treated cells. AA increased the frequency of ACh‐stimulated exocytotic events in AACOCF3‐ or ASA‐treated cells, similar to IDM in ASA‐ and H‐89‐treated cells. Moreover, in the presence of AA, IDM did not increase the frequency of ACh‐stimulated exocytotic events in ASA‐treated cells. The PGE2 release from antral mucosa indicates that inhibition of PLA2 by ACA inhibits the AA accumulation in unstimulated and ACh‐stimulated antral mucosa. The dose–response study of AA and IDM demonstrated that the concentration of intracellular AA accumulated by IDM is less than 100 nm. In conclusion, IDM modulates the ACh‐stimulated exocytosis via AA accumulation in antral mucous cells.
Unconventional Mode of Attachment of the
Ruminococcus flavefaciens
Cellulosome to the Cell Surface
Authors: Rincon Marco T. , Čepeljnik Tadej , Martin Jennifer C. , Lamed Raphael , Barak Yoav , Bayer Edward A. , Flint Harry J.
Published: November 2005

Sequence extension of the scaffoldin gene cluster from
Ruminococcus flavefaciens
revealed a new gene (
scaE
) that encodes a protein with an N-terminal cohesin domain and a C terminus with a typical gram-positive anchoring signal for sortase-mediated attachment to the bacterial cell wall. The recombinant cohesin of ScaE was recovered after expression in
Escherichia coli
and was shown to bind to the C-terminal domain of the cellulosomal structural protein ScaB, as well as to three unknown polypeptides derived from native cellulose-bound
Ruminococcus flavefaciens
protein extracts. The ScaB C terminus includes a cryptic dockerin domain that is unusual in its sequence, and considerably larger than conventional dockerins. The ScaB dockerin binds to ScaE, suggesting that this interaction occurs through a novel cohesin-dockerin pairing. The novel ScaB dockerin was expressed as a xylanase fusion protein, which was shown to bind tenaciously and selectively to a recombinant form of the ScaE cohesin. Thus, ScaE appears to play a role in anchoring the cellulosomal complex to the bacterial cell envelope via its interaction with ScaB. This sortase-mediated mechanism for covalent cell-wall anchoring of the cellulosome in
R. flavefaciens
differs from those reported thus far for any other cellulosome system.
Conditional Depletion of KasA, a Key Enzyme of Mycolic Acid Biosynthesis, Leads to Mycobacterial Cell Lysis
Authors: Bhatt Apoorva , Kremer Laurent , Dai Annie Z. , Sacchettini James C. , Jacobs William R.
Published: November 2005

Inhibition or inactivation of InhA, a fatty acid synthase II (FASII) enzyme, leads to mycobacterial cell lysis. To determine whether inactivation of other enzymes of the mycolic acid-synthesizing FASII complex also leads to lysis, we characterized the essentiality of two β-ketoacyl-acyl carrier protein synthases, KasA and KasB, in
Mycobacterium smegmatis
. Using specialized transduction for allelic exchange, null
kasB
mutants, but not
kasA
mutants, could be generated in
Mycobacterium smegmatis
, suggesting that unlike
kasB
,
kasA
is essential. To confirm the essentiality of
kasA
, and to detail the molecular events that occur following depletion of KasA, we developed CESTET (
c
onditional
e
xpression
s
pecialized
t
ransduction
e
ssentiality
t
est), a genetic tool that combines conditional gene expression and specialized transduction. Using CESTET, we were able to generate conditional null
inhA
and
kasA
mutants. We studied the effects of depletion of KasA in
M. smegmatis
using the former strain as a reference. Depletion of either InhA or KasA led to cell lysis, but with different biochemical and morphological events prior to lysis. While InhA depletion led to the induction of an 80-kDa complex containing both KasA and AcpM, the mycobacterial acyl carrier protein, KasA depletion did not induce the same complex. Depletion of either InhA or KasA led to inhibition of α and epoxy mycolate biosynthesis and to accumulation of α′-mycolates. Furthermore, scanning electron micrographs revealed that KasA depletion resulted in the cell surface having a “crumpled” appearance, in contrast to the blebs observed on InhA depletion. Thus, our studies support the further exploration of KasA as a target for mycobacterial-drug development.