bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prenatal melatonin and its interaction with tachykinins in the hypothalamic - pituitary - gonadal axis
Authors: López B. Díaz , Debeljuk L.
Published: March 2007

The pineal gland, through its hormone melatonin, influences the function of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis. Tachykinins are bioactive peptides whose presence has been demonstrated in the pineal gland, hypothalamus, anterior pituitary gland and the gonads, in addition to other central and peripheral structures. Tachykinins have been demonstrated to influence the function of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis, acting as paracrine factors at each of these levels. In the present review, we examine the available evidence supporting a role for melatonin in the regulation of reproductive functions, the possible role of tachykinins in pineal function and the possible interactions between melatonin and tachykinins in the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis. Evidence is presented showing that melatonin, given to pregnant rats, influences the developmental pattern of tachykinins in the hypothalamus and the anterior pituitary gland of the offspring during postnatal life. In the gonads, the effects of melatonin on the tachykinin developmental pattern were rather modest. In particular, in the present review, we have included a summary of our own work performed in the past few years on the effect of melatonin on tachykinin levels in the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis.
Expression pattern of integrins and their ligands in mouse feto-maternal tissues during pregnancy
Authors: Mangale Sachin S. , Reddy K. V. R.
Published: March 2007

The role of integrins, the cell-surface glycoproteins involved in various cellular functions, is well documented. However, information about their role and expression profile during pregnancy is still scant. In the present study, the expression of the integrin subunits β3, α6 and α5, along with their ligands vitronectin, osteopontin, laminin and fibronectin, was investigated in mouse uterus during different stages of pregnancy, namely 6.5, 8.5 and 13.5 days post coitus (d.p.c.) by immunohistochemical localisation. Integrins β3, α6 and α5 and the extracellular matrix molecules vitronectin and osteopontin exhibited dynamic spatiotemporal changes in their expression pattern in gestational endometrium, whereas fibronectin and laminin demonstrated more-or-less ubiquitous expression. The inter-implantation sites showed localisation of most of these molecules predominantly in the luminal epithelium, whereas their expression was negligible in the stroma. The present study explores the possible role and relevance of the spatiotemporal expression of integrins and their ligands in endometrial/decidual function and the maintenance of pregnancy.
Complementary and Alternative Approaches to Pain Relief during Labor
Authors: Tournaire Michel , Theau-Yonneau Anne
Published: March 2007

This review evaluated the effect of complementary and alternative medicine on pain during labor with conventional scientific methods using electronic data bases through 2006 were used. Only randomized controlled trials with outcome measures for labor pain were kept for the conclusions. Many studies did not meet the scientific inclusion criteria. According to the randomized control trials, we conclude that for the decrease of labor pain and/or reduction of the need for conventional analgesic methods: (i) There is an efficacy found for acupressure and sterile water blocks. (ii) Most results favored some efficacy for acupuncture and hydrotherapy. (iii) Studies for other complementary or alternative therapies for labor pain control have not shown their effectiveness.
Knowledge and Attitudes about HIV/AIDS among Homoeopathic Practitioners and Educators in India
Authors: Nyamathi Adeline , Singh Vijay Pal , Lowe Ann , Khurana Anil , Taneja Divya , George Sheba , Fahey John L.
Published: March 2007

This study is designed to assess AIDS knowledge among Homeopathy educators and physicians in India, which has not been evaluated previously. India now has the largest number of HIV infected persons worldwide, with an estimated cumulative 5.1 million infections. Homeopathy is the dominant system among the nationally‐recognized alternative or complementary systems of medicine, which collectively provide health care to around 600 million people in India. Homeopathy, with its holistic and patient‐centered approach, has a wide reach to people at risk of contracting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Participants were 68 homeopathy physicians (34 educators and 34 practitioners) who completed a CDC questionnaire measuring HIV/AIDS Knowledge regarding AIDS. This study reports the current level of knowledge of, and attitudes about, HIV/AIDS among homeopathy educators and practitioners. These findings will assist in the development of an education module to equip homeopathic health care personnel to impart accurate AIDS information and prevention counseling to their patients in an efficient manner.
Investigation of Indian Diospyros Species for Antiplasmodial Properties
Authors: Kantamreddi V. S. Satyanarayana , Wright Colin W.
Published: March 2007

Despite decades of intense research, malaria remains a deadly disease worldwide and new antimalarials are urgently needed due to increasing drug resistance of Plasmodium falciparum to existing drugs. This article reports the evaluation of four Indian Diospyros species viz., Diospyros melanoxylon, D. peregrina, D. sylvatica, D. tomentosa for antiplasmodial activities against chloroquine‐sensitive (3D7) and chloroquine‐resistant (K1) strains of P. falciparum. Six of eight methanolic extracts were found to have significant activity, (IC50 = 16.5–92.9 µg ml−1), against strain 3D7 and five of these showed similar activities against strain K1 (IC50 = 20.5–121.6 µg ml−1). Diospyros sylvatica was found to be the most active species (IC50 = 16.5–29.4 µg ml−1) and is worthy of further investigation.
Gender Differences in Anesthesiologists' Annual Incomes
Authors: Weeks William B. , Wallace Amy E. , Mackenzie Todd A.
Published: March 2007

Background

Specialty, work effort, and gender have been shown to be associated with physicians' annual incomes; however, careful examination of the association between provider gender and annual income after correcting for other factors likely to influence income has not been conducted for anesthesiologists.

Methods

Survey responses collected throughout the 1990s from 819 actively practicing anesthesiologists and linear regression analysis were used to determine the association between provider gender and annual incomes after controlling for work effort, provider characteristics, and practice characteristics.

Results

White female anesthesiologists reported working 12% fewer annual hours than their white male counterparts. White female anesthesiologists had practiced medicine for fewer years than white males and were more likely to be employees, as opposed to having an ownership interest in the practice, but less likely to be board certified. After adjustment for work effort, provider characteristics, and practice characteristics, white females' mean annual income was 236,628 dollars, or 60,337 dollars (20%) lower than that for white males (95% confidence interval, 81,674 dollars lower to 39,001 dollars lower; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

During the 1990s, female gender was associated with lower annual incomes among anesthesiologists. These findings warrant further exploration to determine what factors might cause these gender-based income differences.
Effect of Iron Supplementation on Haemoglobin Response in Children: Systematic Review of Randomised Controlled Trials
Authors: Gera Tarun , Sachdev HPS , Nestel Penelope , Sachdev Sudeep Singh
Published: March 2007

Objective:

To evaluate the effect of iron supplementation on haemoglobin (Hb) in children through a systematic review of randomised controlled trials.

Materials and Methods:

Electronic databases, personal files, hand search of reviews, bibliographies of books, and abstracts and proceedings of international conferences were reviewed. Randomised controlled trials evaluating change in Hb levels with interventions that included oral or parenteral iron supplementation or iron‐fortified formula milk or cereals were analysed.

Results:

A total of 55 trials (56 cohorts) provided relevant information. Publication bias was evident (P < 0.001). The pooled estimate (random‐effects model) for change in Hb with iron supplementation (weighted mean difference) was 0.74 g/dL (95% CI, 0.61–0.87; P < 0.001; P < 0.001 for heterogeneity). Lower baseline Hb level, oral medicinal iron supplementation, and malarial nonhyperendemic region were significant predictors of greater Hb response and heterogeneity. Projections suggested that, on average, between 37.9% and 62.3% of baseline anaemia (Hb <11 g/dL) was responsive to iron supplementation among children under 6 years of age; the corresponding range for malarial hyperendemic regions was 5.8% to 31.8%.

Conclusions:

This systematic review indicates that iron supplementation increases Hb levels in children significantly but modestly. The increase is greater in subjects who are anaemic at the start of the trial and lower in malarial hyperendemic areas and in those consuming iron‐fortified food. The projected reductions in prevalence of anaemia with iron supplementation alone highlight the need for additional area‐specific interventions, particularly in malaria‐prone regions.
Fecal Calprotectin in Very Low Birth Weight Infants
Authors: Josefsson Stina , Bunn Susan K , Domellöf Magnus
Published: March 2007

Objectives:

To measure concentrations of fecal calprotectin (f‐calprotectin) in infants with very low birth weight (VLBW; <1500 g) longitudinally and to describe changes in f‐calprotectin in infants who develop severe abdominal disease.

Patients and Methods:

The study included 59 VLBW infants. Seven patients (disease group) developed severe abdominal disease defined as necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) or a condition leading to laparotomy. The remainder (n = 52) were considered reference infants and had a mean (±SD) gestational age of 27.2 ± 2.6 weeks and a birth weight of 939 ± 273 g. F‐calprotectin was analyzed in meconium and weekly during postnatal weeks 1 to 8. In disease cases, more frequent samples were analyzed around the time of abdominal disease diagnosis.

Results:

In reference infants the median (range) f‐calprotectin level in meconium was 332 (12–9386) μg/g and correlated negatively to Apgar score. F‐calprotectin in postmeconium samples was 253 (9–1867) μg/g and correlated positively to delivery by cesarean section, postnatal age, and volume of enteral feeds, and negatively to treatment with antibiotics and corticosteroids. In reference infants no postmeconium sample had f‐calprotectin levels >2000 μg/g. In disease cases f‐calprotectin was increased to >2000 μg/g in 3 cases of NEC and 1 case of covered perforation with microscopic bowel inflammation. In 1 case of NEC without microscopic bowel inflammation and 2 cases of focal intestinal perforation, f‐calprotectin levels never exceeded 2000 μg/g.

Conclusions:

F‐calprotectin concentrations in VLBW infants are similar to previously reported levels in healthy term and moderately preterm infants. An f‐calprotectin level >2000 μg/g is a useful but not an early marker of NEC and other severe intestinal inflammatory conditions in VLBW infants.
Failure to Respond to Hepatitis B Vaccine in Children With Celiac Disease
Authors: Park Seung‐Dae , Markowitz James , Pettei Michael , Weinstein Toba , Sison Cristina P , Swiss Steven R , Levine Jeremiah
Published: March 2007

Objectives:

To determine whether children with celiac disease (CD) fail to show a response to hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine more frequently than children without CD.

Patients and Methods:

This was a prospective study that compared the response to HBV, tetanus, rubella, and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccines between children with CD and age‐ and sex‐matched control subjects.

Results:

The study population included 26 patients with CD and 18 age‐ and sex‐matched controls. All had received the full complement of childhood vaccinations. A significantly higher proportion of subjects in the CD group (14 of 26) failed to respond to HBV vaccine compared with controls (2 of 18; 53.9% vs 11.1%; P < 0.05). Patients with CD were 8.33 times more likely to test negative for hepatitis B surface antigen than control subjects (95% CI, 1.5–46.5). By contrast, all of the subjects in both groups tested positive for rubella antibodies; only 1 subject in the CD group tested negative for tetanus antibody versus none in the control group (3.9% vs 0%; P = 1.0). The percentage of subjects who tested negative for Hib antibodies was similar in the 2 groups (CD, 33.3%; control, 44.4%; P = 0.53).

Conclusions:

More than 50% of children with CD do not show a response to standard vaccination regimens for HBV. Given the large number of children with CD throughout the world, this observation suggests that there is a large HBV‐susceptible population despite widespread vaccination. Current immunization strategies may need to be reassessed to protect this population and achieve the goal of universal protection.
TTP and BRF proteins nucleate processing body formation to silence mRNAs with AU-rich elements
Authors: Franks Tobias M. , Lykke-Andersen Jens
Published: March 2007

In mammalian cells, mRNAs with AU-rich elements (AREs) are targeted for translational silencing and rapid degradation. Here we present evidence that in human cells the proteins Tristetraprolin (TTP) and BRF-1 deliver ARE-mRNAs to processing bodies (PBs), cytoplasmic assemblies of mRNAs, and associated factors that promote translational silencing and mRNA decay. First, depletion of endogenous TTP and BRF proteins, or overexpression of dominant-negative mutant TTP proteins, impairs the localization of reporter ARE-mRNAs in PBs. Second, TTP and BRF-1 localize tethered mRNAs to PBs. Third, TTP can nucleate PB formation on untranslated mRNAs even when other mRNAs are trapped in polysomes by cycloheximide treatment. ARE-mRNA localization in PBs is mediated by the TTP N- and C-terminal domains and occurs downstream from mRNA polysome release, which in itself is not sufficient for mRNA PB localization. The accumulation of ARE-mRNAs in PBs is strongly enhanced when the mRNA decay machinery is rendered limiting by mRNA decay enzyme depletion or TTP/BRF-1 overexpression. Based on these observations, we propose that the PB functions as a reservoir that sequesters ARE-mRNAs from polysomes, thereby silencing ARE-mRNA function even when mRNA decay is delayed. This function of the PB can likely be extended to other mRNA silencing pathways, such as those mediated by microRNAs, premature termination codons, and mRNA deadenylation.
Myosin phosphatase dephosphorylates HDAC7, controls its nucleocytoplasmic shuttling, and inhibits apoptosis in thymocytes
Authors: Parra Maribel , Mahmoudi Tokameh , Verdin Eric
Published: March 2007

The repressive activity of histone deacetylase 7 (HDAC7), a class IIa HDAC expressed in CD4+CD8+ double-positive thymocytes, is regulated by its nucleocytoplasmic shuttling. In resting thymocytes, HDAC7 is nuclear and functions as a transcriptional repressor. After T-cell receptor (TCR) activation, the serine/threonine kinase PKD1 phosphorylates HDAC7, resulting in its nuclear export and the derepression of its target genes. Here, we identify protein phosphatase 1β (PP1β) and myosin phosphatase targeting subunit 1 (MYPT1), two components of the myosin phosphatase complex, as HDAC7-associated proteins in thymocytes. Myosin phosphatase dephosphorylates HDAC7 and promotes its nuclear localization, leading to the repression of the HDAC7 target, Nur77, and the inhibition of apoptosis in CD4+CD8+ thymocytes.
Sprouty-2 regulates oncogenic K-ras in lung development and tumorigenesis
Authors: Shaw Alice T. , Meissner Alexander , Dowdle James A. , Crowley Denise , Magendantz Margaret , Ouyang Chensi , Parisi Tiziana , Rajagopal Jayaraj , Blank Leah J. , Bronson Roderick T. , Stone James R. , Tuveson David A. , Jaenisch Rudolf , Jacks Tyler
Published: March 2007

Somatic activation of Ras occurs frequently in human cancers, including one-third of lung cancers. Activating Ras mutations also occur in the germline, leading to complex developmental syndromes. The precise mechanism by which Ras activation results in human disease is uncertain. Here we describe the phenotype of a mouse engineered to harbor a germline oncogenic K-rasG12D mutation. This mouse exhibits early embryonic lethality due to a placental trophoblast defect. Reconstitution with a wild-type placenta rescues the early lethality, but mutant embryos still succumb to cardiovascular and hematopoietic defects. In addition, mutant embryos demonstrate a profound defect in lung branching morphogenesis associated with striking up-regulation of the Ras/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) antagonist Sprouty-2 and abnormal localization of MAPK activity within the lung epithelium. This defect can be significantly suppressed by lentiviral short hairpin RNA (shRNA)-mediated knockdown of Sprouty-2 in vivo. Furthermore, in the context of K-rasG12D-mediated lung tumorigenesis, Sprouty-2 is also up-regulated and functions as a tumor suppressor to limit tumor number and overall tumor burden. These findings indicate that in the lung, Sprouty-2 plays a critical role in the regulation of oncogenic K-ras, and implicate counter-regulatory mechanisms in the pathogenesis of Ras-based disease.
Replication fork stalling and cell cycle arrest in UV-irradiated Escherichia coli
Authors: Rudolph Christian J. , Upton Amy L. , Lloyd Robert G.
Published: March 2007

Faithful duplication of the genome relies on the ability to cope with an imperfect template. We investigated replication of UV-damaged DNA in Escherichia coli and found that ongoing replication stops for at least 15–20 min before resuming. Undamaged origins of replication (oriC) continue to fire at the normal rate and in a DnaA-dependent manner. UV irradiation also induces substantial DnaA-independent replication. These two factors add substantially to the DNA synthesis detected after irradiation and together mask the delay in the progression of pre-existing forks in assays measuring net synthesis. All DNA synthesis after UV depends on DnaC, implying that replication restart of blocked forks requires DnaB loading and possibly the entire assembly of new replisomes. Restart appears to occur synchronously when most lesions have been removed. This raises the possibility that restart and lesion removal are coupled. Both restart and cell division suffer long delays if lesion removal is prevented, but restart can occur. Our data fit well with models invoking the stalling of replication forks and their extensive processing before replication can restart. Delayed restart avoids the dangers of excessive recombination that might result if forks skipped over lesion after lesion, leaving many gaps in their wake.
Small-angle energy-dispersive X-ray scattering using a laboratory-based diffractometer with a conventional source
Authors: Portale Giuseppe , Longo Alessandro , D'Ilario Lucio , Martinelli Andrea , Caminiti Ruggero , Rossi Albertini Valerio
Published: March 2007

The use of polychromaticBremsstrahlungX-rays generated by commercial tubes for energy-dispersive small-angle scattering measurements has not been extensively discussed in the literature, mainly because of some difficulties associated with it. If a suitable experimental setup is chosen and concomitant phenomena are taken into account for correcting the observed X-ray patterns, energy-dispersive small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) may become an interesting alternative to conventional measurements based on monochromatic beams. Energy-dispersive SAXS experiments carried out on protein solutions, micelles, semicrystalline polymers and catalytic systems are discussed to illustrate the new opportunities offered by this technique as well as its limitations.
Microstructural evolution of mullites produced from single-phase gels
Authors: Kojdecki Marek Andrzej , Ruiz de Sola Esther , Serrano Francisco Javier , Delgado-Pinar Estefanía , Reventós María Mercedes , Esteve Vicente Javier , Amigó José María , Alarcón Javier
Published: March 2007

The crystalline microstructure of mullites obtained by heating monophasic gels has been investigated. Gels with alumina to silica molar ratio of 3:2 (as in secondary mullite) and 2:1 (as in primary mullite) were prepared by gelling mixtures of aluminium nitrate and tetraethylorthosilicate. Phase transformations were induced by heating the gel precursors, with different final treatment temperatures between 1173 and 1873 K. The mullites formed as a result of thermal treatment were studied by means of X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The crystalline structure (unit-cell parameters) and microstructure were determined from X-ray diffraction patterns. The formation of mullites of homogeneous chemical composition and with unit-cell parameters depending almost linearly on the treatment temperature was found. Their compositions, expressed as alumina to silica molar ratio, were determined from the unit-cell parameters and were in the range of those characterizing primary and secondary mullites. Mullites processed at lower temperatures were accompanied by small amounts of vitreous phase. The crystalline microstructure of the obtained mullites was interpreted by means of a mathematical model of polycrystalline material, involving prevalent crystallite shape, volume-weighted crystallite size distribution and second-order crystalline lattice strain distribution as model parameters. The model parameters were determined for each sample by modelling its X-ray diffraction pattern and fitting it to a measured pattern. Bimodality of the size distribution was observed and explained as a consequence of two crystallite nucleation and growth processes, which started from small alumina-rich and alumina-poor domains, spontaneously formed in a precursor gel at early stages of heating. Images produced by scanning and transmission electron microscopy agreed well with the characteristics obtained from the analysis of the X-ray diffraction patterns.
A stochastic algorithm for reconstruction of grain maps of moderately deformed specimens based on X-ray diffraction
Authors: Rodek L. , Poulsen H. F. , Knudsen E. , Herman G. T.
Published: March 2007

In a recent paper [Alpers, Poulsen, Knudsen & Herman (2006).J. Appl. Cryst.39, 582–588] a stochastic algorithm was presented for reconstruction of grain maps of undeformed polycrystals based on X-ray diffraction data. Here the formalism is extended to moderately deformed specimens. Each two-dimensional section of the specimen is reconstructed independently. Using a dual assignment of a grain label and an orientation to each pixel in a section and a prior model based on methods of discrete tomography, our stochastic algorithm converges in a few minutes for a 64\times64 map. Simulations with higher than typical levels of noise in the data collection for three typical moderately deformed microstructures resulted in grain maps with the fraction of erroneously assigned pixels being 1.7% or much less.
Determination by high-resolution X-ray diffraction of shape, size and lateral separation of buried empty channels in silicon-on-nothing architectures
Authors: Servidori Marco
Published: March 2007

High-resolution multi-crystal X-ray diffraction was employed to characterize silicon-on-nothing samples made by a one-dimensional periodic planar array of buried empty channels. When the channels are normal to the scattering plane, under the constraint of lattice continuity from the perfect substrate to the surface, this periodic array gives rise to a well defined Fraunhofer diffraction in a scan crossing a selected reciprocal lattice point and normal to the reciprocal lattice vector (transverse or ω scan). In a longitudinal scan (ω/2θ scan crossing the reciprocal lattice point and parallel to the reciprocal lattice vector) interference fringes are observed. By analysis of the ω scan and numerical fit of the ω/2θ scan, the period of the buried empty channels and their shape, size and lateral gap were easily determined, thanks to the high-resolution optics used for the measurements.
A parallel program usingSHELXDfor quick heavy-atom partial structural solution on high-performance computers
Authors: Fu Zheng-Qing , Chrzas John , Sheldrick George M. , Rose John , Wang Bi-Cheng
Published: March 2007

A parallel algorithm has been designed forSHELXDto solve the heavy-atom partial structures of protein crystals quickly. Based on this algorithm, a program has been developed to run on high-performance multiple-CPU Linux PCs, workstations or clusters. Tests on the 32-CPU Linux cluster at SER-CAT, APS, Argonne National Laboratory, show that the parallelization dramatically speeds up the process by a factor of roughly the number of CPUs applied, leading to reliable and instant heavy-atom sites solution, which provides the practical opportunity to employ heavy-atom search as an alternative tool for anomalous scattering data quality evaluation during single/multiple-wavelength anomalous diffraction (SAD/MAD) data collection at synchrotron beamlines.
Direct methods and the solution of organic structures from powder data
Authors: Altomare Angela , Camalli Mercedes , Cuocci Corrado , Giacovazzo Carmelo , Moliterni Anna Grazia Giuseppina , Rizzi Rosanna
Published: March 2007

The electron density map produced after the application of direct methods to powder diffraction data of organic compounds is usually very approximated: some atoms are missed, other atoms are in false positions, some atoms are imperfectly located and the connectivity is quite low. A new procedure able to recover the complete structure model is described. In this procedure, a better interpretation of the map is combined with geometrical techniques for generating new atomic positions. The application of the new procedure may lead to the recovery of the complete crystal structure.
A new method for the reproducible generation of polymorphs: two forms of sulindac with very different solubilities
Authors: Llinàs Antonio , Box Karl J. , Burley Jonathan C. , Glen Robert C. , Goodman Jonathan M.
Published: March 2007

Polymorphism of drugs has been the subject of intense interest in the pharmaceutical industry for over forty years. Although identical in chemical composition, polymorphs differ in bioavailability, solubility, dissolution rate, chemical and physical stability, melting point, colour, filterability, density, flow properties, and many other properties. The difference in solubility is particularly important for pharmaceuticals, as it can affect drug efficacy, bioavailability and safety. Despite significant investment in processes to find all the possible polymorphs of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), new polymorphs can suddenly appear without warning. Polymorphs tend to convert spontaneously from less stable to more stable forms, and, therefore, it is best to discover and characterize the stable form as early as possible. Ideally the most stable polymorph will be found while the drug candidate is still in the discovery process, so that this is the form used for subsequent testing. The most stable polymorph will be the least soluble and solubility may be a limiting factor in the efficacy of the API. Despite the huge importance of polymorphism in the properties of materials, however, there is no method that can produce all the stable polymorphs of a compound, or even one that can provide confidence that the most stable polymorph has been obtained. Here we describe a new method, `potentiometric cycling for polymorph creation (PC)2', which is able to generate the most stable polymorph in aqueous solution. This new method has been applied to sulindac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, which also shows promise in anticancer treatment, producing two polymorphs of this API, including a new more stable one. By adjusting the conditions, this method is able to produce either polymorph exclusively.
The role of wood anatomy in phylogeny reconstruction of Ericales
Authors: Lens Frederic , Schönenberger Jürg , Baas Pieter , Jansen Steven , Smets Erik
Published: March 2007

The systematic significance of wood anatomical characters within Ericales is evaluated using separate and combined parsimony analyses including 23 wood characters and 3945 informative molecular characters. Analyses of wood features alone result in poorly resolved and conflicting topologies. However, when pedomorphic character states are coded as inapplicable, the combined bootstrap topology results in an increase of resolution and support at most deeper nodes compared with the molecular analyses. This suggests that phylogenetic information from the limited number of morphological characters is not completely swamped by an overwhelming amount of molecular data. Based on the morphology of vessels and fibers, and the distribution of axial parenchyma, two major wood types can be distinguished within Ericales: (i) a “primitive” type, nearly identical to the wood structure in the more basal outgroup Cornales, which is likely to have persisted in one major clade, and (ii) a “derived” type that must have evolved in at least two separate evolutionary lines. The occurrence of the first type is strongly correlated with shrubs to small trees growing in cold temperate or tropical montane regions, while the second type is common in tall trees of tropical lowlands. This favors the inclusion of ecologically adaptive features in phylogeny reconstruction.

© The Willi Hennig Society 2006.
A randomised controlled trial of the electric heating pad vs forced‐air warming for preventing hypothermia during laparotomy
Authors: Leung K. K. , Lai A. , Wu A.
Published: March 2007

A randomised controlled trial was conducted to compare the efficacy of upper body forced‐air warming (Bair Hugger™, Augustine Medical model 500/OR, Prairie, MN) with that of an electric heating pad (Operatherm 202, KanMed, Bromma, Sweden) for maintenance of intra‐operative body temperature in 60 patients undergoing laparotomy under general anaesthesia. The nasopharyngeal temperature was recorded throughout the operative period. The mean (SD) final temperatures were 36.2 (0.4) °C with forced‐air warming and 35.5 (1.0) °C with electric heating pad (p < 0.01). Upper body forced‐air warming is more effective than the heating pad for maintenance of body temperature during laparotomy.
Single and multiple ascending dose studies of a novel tissue‐selective oestrogen receptor modulator, CHF 4227, in healthy postmenopausal women
Authors: Civelli Maurizio , Preti Alessandro Piero Monici , Cenacchi Valentina , Rondelli Ivano , Guastalla Daniele , Tarral Antoine , Dostert Philippe , Guillevic Yann , Homery Marie‐Claude
Published: March 2007

What is already known about this subject

• CHF 4227 is a selective oestrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that compares favourably in efficacy and potency with raloxifene in preventing bone loss and lowering serum cholesterol concentrations in OVX rats.

• The compound prevented the development of DMBA‐induced mammary carcinoma in rats.

• In preclinical studies, CHF 4227 differs from oestrogens and from others SERMs, such as levormeloxifene, in its lack of oestrogenic effects on uterine tissue.

What this study adds

• CHF 4227 is a well‐tolerated SERM for postmenopausal women dosed once daily for 28 days. It appears to effect beneficially bone tissue and serum lipids without inducing oestrogenic actions on the endometrium, negative effects on fibrinolytic system, and without worsening menopausal symptoms, in particular hot flushes.

• CHF 4227 is a promising agent for the treatment of several conditions in postmenopausal women.

Aims

We evaluated the tolerability, adverse events profile, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of CHF 4227, a new selective oestrogen receptor modulator (SERM), in healthy postmenopausal women.

Methods

Two phase I studies were conducted according to a double‐bind, placebo‐controlled design. Subjects were randomized to receive six single (5–400 mg) or five multiple oral doses of CHF 4227 for 28 days (5–100 mg).

Results

No vaginal bleeding and no changes in either endometrial thickness or the placenta protein 14 marker were found after 4 weeks of treatment. The compound did not induce negative effects on the fibrinolytic system. After 28 days of treatment, CHF 4227 decreased both total and LDL cholesterol concentrations (maximum decreases from baseline of 17.4% (95% CI 7.0, 27.7) and 27.6% (95% CI 9.0, 46.3), respectively). Decreases in both serum and urinary type‐I C‐terminal collagen telopeptide were also observed producing maximum changes of 40.6% (95% CI 29.5, 51.7), and 41.7% (95% CI 20.3, 56.8), respectively. CHF4227 (5 and 10 mg) induced near maximal oestrogen‐like effects on bone markers and serum lipids without causing hot flushes. The pharmacokinetics of CHF 4227 were characterized by a slow absorption, a long elimination half‐life (31–42 h after single administration) and dose linearity with respect to Cmax and AUC up to 100 mg.

Conclusions

CHF 4227 is a well‐tolerated SERM when administered once daily for 28 days. It is potentially active on bone resorption and serum lipids, without affecting the endometrium and without worsening hot flushes. CHF 4227 is a promising agent for the treatment of several conditions in postmenopausal women.
Brain natriuretic peptide detects cardiac abnormalities in mass screening
Authors: Takase H. , Toriyama T. , Sugiura T. , Takahashi A. , Sugiyama M. , Ohashi M. , Ueda R. , Dohi Y.
Published: March 2007

Background  Plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is elevated in asymptomatic patients with various cardiac abnormalities. We tested the hypothesis that measuring BNP is useful for detecting asymptomatic patients with cardiac abnormalities who are not identified by conventional health check‐up programmes.

Materials and methods  From 2001 to 2002, 6189 subjects (women 34·0%; mean age 56·6 years) underwent multiphasic health check‐ups in our hospital, of which 4818 without cardiac abnormalities as revealed by the health check‐up were enrolled in the present study. Their plasma concentrations of BNP were measured.

Results  Plasma concentrations of BNP were higher than the normal reference upper limit of our hospital (21·3 pg mL−1) in 925 of the 4818 subjects. Echocardiography was performed in 471 subjects who were randomly selected from the 925 subjects with elevated BNP. Abnormal findings were detected in 174 subjects, comprising valvular heart disease in 83, systolic dysfunction in 10, diastolic dysfunction in 54, left ventricular hypertrophy in 41, left ventricular enlargement in 11, left atrial enlargement in 13 and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in 3.

Conclusions  Since BNP measurement identifies additional subjects with cardiac abnormalities, it is useful for detecting asymptomatic cardiac abnormalities among apparently healthy subjects, and is suitable for use in high‐quality mass screening.
Clinical outcome of low‐grade NHL patients with bone marrow involvement
Authors: Gronich N. , Radnay J. , Shapiro H. , Manor Y. , Lahav M. , Lishner M.
Published: March 2007

Background Bone marrow (BM) involvement in low‐grade non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) has a clear impact on patients’ survival. The standard practice is morphological examination of BM biopsy at diagnosis. The clinical significance of flow cytometry (FC) analysis of BM aspirates is largely unknown.

Materials and methods The medical charts of 70 low‐grade NHL patients, who underwent BM biopsy and FC analysis between 1994 and 2004, were reviewed.

Results Forty‐three patients (61·4%) were BM+ by morphology, while in those without morphological involvement by lymphoma FC was positive in 9 (BM–FC+, 12·9%) and negative in 18 (BM–FC–, 25·7%). The median treatment‐free period was shorter in the BM+ and BM–FC+ groups compared with the BM–FC– group (1 and 4 months vs. 31 months, respectively) (log‐rank test,P = 0·0195). The median survival time was not reached for the BM–FC– patients, whereas for BM+ and BM–FC+ patients it was 129 and 89 months, respectively, with no significant difference between them [the difference between the BM–FC– and the two other groups was statistically significant (log‐rank test,P = 0·029)].

Conclusions The outcome of low grade NHL in patients who had BM involvement by FC alone or by morphology was similar. If confirmed, these findings suggest a modification in the workup and management of localized low grade NHL.
Catch‐and‐release science and its application to conservation and management of recreational fisheries
Authors: COOKE S. J. , SCHRAMM H. L.
Published: March 2007

Abstract  Catch‐and‐release angling is a well‐established practice in recreational angler behaviour and fisheries management. Accompanying this is a growing body of catch‐and‐release research that can be applied to reduce injury, mortality and sublethal alterations in behaviour and physiology. Here, the status of catch‐and‐release research from a symposium on the topic is summarised. Several general themes emerged including the need to: (1) better connect sublethal assessments to population‐level processes; (2) enhance understanding of the variation in fish, fishing practices and gear and their role in catch and release; (3) better understand animal welfare issues related to catch and release; (4) increase the exchange of information on fishing‐induced stress, injury and mortality between the recreational and commercial fishing sectors; and (5) improve procedures for measuring and understanding the effect of catch‐and‐release angling. Through design of better catch‐and‐release studies, strategies could be developed to further minimise stress, injury and mortality arising from catch‐and‐release angling. These strategies, when integrated with other fish population and fishery characteristics, can be used by anglers and managers to sustain or enhance recreational fishing resources.
Effects of different angling practices on post‐release behaviour of nest‐guarding male black bass, Micropterus spp.
Authors: HANSON K. C. , COOKE S. J. , SUSKI C. D. , PHILIPP D. P.
Published: March 2007

Abstract  This study evaluated how different angling practices affect the short‐term post‐release behaviour of nest‐guarding male black bass, Micropterus spp. Male largemouth bass, M. salmoides (Lacepède), and smallmouth bass, M. dolomieu (Lacepède), were angled from their nests and subjected to treatments designed to simulate a variety of common angling practices associated with catch‐and‐release angling, including fishing tournaments. In addition, some nests had broods reduced (removal of the majority of the eggs or fry from the nest) during the angling treatments to simulate predation of offspring during the angling event. Fish subjected to procedures simulating fishing tournaments (including a 1‐h livewell confinement and release 100 m from the nest) exhibited significantly longer rest periods prior to returning to their nest than did other treatment groups. This rest period was longer for largemouth bass than smallmouth bass. Brood removal and air exposure increased abandonment rates compared with controls. These results show that sublethal stressors inherent in some angling practices (such as air exposure and livewell confinement) may delay the return of male black bass to their nest. In the presence of nest predators, the delay in return time could result in increased nest abandonment.
Circle hooks, ‘J’ hooks and drop‐back time: a hook performance study of the south Florida recreational live‐bait fishery for sailfish, Istiophorus platypterus
Authors: PRINCE E. D. , SNODGRASS D. , ORBESEN E. S. , HOOLIHAN J. P. , SERAFY J. E. , SCHRATWIESER J. E.
Published: March 2007

Abstract  This study evaluates the performance of two types of non‐offset circle hooks (traditional and non‐traditional) and a similar‐sized ‘J’ hook commonly used in the south Florida recreational live‐bait fishery for Atlantic sailfish, Istiophorus platypterus (Shaw). A total of 766 sailfish were caught off south Florida (Jupiter to Key West, FL, USA) to assess hook performance and drop‐back time, which is the interval between the fish's initial strike and exertion of pressure by the fisher to engage the hook. Four drop‐back intervals were examined (0–5, 6–10, 11–15 and >15 s), and hook performance was assessed in terms of proportions of successful catch, undesirable hook locations, bleeding events and undesirable release condition associated with physical hook damage and trauma. In terms of hook performance, the traditionally‐shaped circle hook had the greatest conservation benefit for survival after release. In addition, this was the only hook type tested that performed well during each drop‐back interval for all performance metrics. Conversely, ‘J’ hooks resulted in higher proportions of undesirable hook locations (as much as twofold), bleeding and fish released in undesirable condition, particularly during long drop‐back intervals. Non‐traditional circle hooks had performance results intermediate to the other hook types, but also had the worst performance relative to undesirable release condition during the first two drop‐back intervals. Choice of hook type and drop‐back interval can significantly change hook wounding, and different models of non‐offset circle hooks should not be assumed to perform equivalently.
Pathogen resistance and immunocompetence covary with social status in house finches (Carpodacus mexicanus)
Authors: HAWLEY D. M. , JENNELLE C. S. , SYDENSTRICKER K. V. , DHONDT A. A.
Published: March 2007

Social status has striking effects on individual physiology, but the extent to which it influences pathogen resistance has rarely been explored. Here we examine how social status within groups of wintering house finches (Carpodacus mexicanus) relates to immunocompetence and susceptibility to an infectious disease.

We assayed cellular and humoral components of the immune response, then quantified symptom severity in response to experimental infection with Mycoplasma gallisepticum, a naturally occurring bacterial pathogen that causes periodic epidemics in social aggregations of house finches across North America.

Socially dominant house finches mounted stronger immune responses to phytohaemagglutinin but weaker antibody titres to sheep red blood cells. Dominant males, but not females, showed significantly lower symptom severity and proportion of time symptomatic when inoculated with M. gallisepticum.

Individual condition was not associated with social status before or after infection, but infection with M. gallisepticum created disparities in resource access across social status. Infected dominant birds of both sexes fed for significantly more time intervals than infected subordinate birds following infection.

Changes in resource access may partly underlie observed relationships between social status and disease severity, but the detected sex‐specific interactions suggest a role for endocrine–immune relationships that warrant further study. Overall, our results indicate that social behaviour can influence both immunocompetence and resistance to an infectious disease of broad impact in the wild, highlighting the importance of considering the social context of individuals in studies of disease in natural populations.
The N‐terminal regions of eukaryotic acidic phosphoproteins P1 and P2 are crucial for heterodimerization and assembly into the ribosomal GTPase‐associated center
Authors: Naganuma Takao , Shiogama Kaori , Uchiumi Toshio
Published: March 2007

Acidic phosphoproteins P1 and P2 form a heterodimer and play a crucial role in assembly of the GTPase‐associated center in eukaryotic ribosomes and in ribosomal interaction with translation factors. We investigated the structural elements within P1 and P2 essential for their dimerization and for ribosomal function. Truncation of the N‐terminal 10 amino acids in either P1 or P2 and swapping of the N‐terminal 10 amino acid sequences between these two proteins disrupted their dimerization, binding to P0 and P0 binding to rRNA. In contrast, truncation of the C‐terminal halves of P1 and P2 as well as swapping of these parts between them gave no significant effects. The protein dimers containing the C‐terminal truncation mutants or swapped variants were assembled with P0 onto Escherichia coli 50 S subunits deficient in the homologous protein L10 and L7/L12 and gave reduced ribosomal activity in terms of eukaryotic elongation factor dependent GTPase activity and polyphenylalanine synthesis. The results indicate that the N‐terminal 10 amino acid sequences of both P1 and P2 are crucial for P1–P2 heterodimerization and for their functional assembly with P0 into the GTPase‐associated center, whereas the C‐terminal halves of P1 and P2 are not essential for the assembly.
Review of specialist dietitian services in patients with inherited metabolic disease in the United Kingdom
Authors: Burton H. , Sanderson S. , Dixon M. , Hallam P. , White F.
Published: March 2007

Introduction

Dietary management forms the mainstay of treatment for many inherited metabolic diseases (IMDs) and specialist dietitians play a crucial role in the multi‐disciplinary core team for these patients. Professional concerns have been expressed that the current clinical workforce is inadequate for meeting current and future service demands. The aim of this work was to describe the provision of specialist dietetics to patients with IMD as part of a national needs assessment and review.

Materials and methods

The 24 main specialist providers and 27 specialist dietitians were surveyed by a questionnaire. A focus group of three specialist dietitians was also held to explore the roles of specialist dietitians in greater depth.

Results

Responses were received from all 24 specialist service providers and 63% of 27 specialist dietitians. The majority of service providers (92%) have specialist dietitians, but only eight services had more than one whole time equivalent (33%). Key roles were management of complex dietary regimens, prevention and management of metabolic crises, education, co‐ordination of care, clinical audit and research. Although highly qualified, there is currently no clear formal career structure or training pathway for dietitians in IMDs.

Conclusion

Specialist dietitians have important clinical and leadership roles in managing IMD but specialist services are thinly spread. There is a need for access to formal education, training and support programmes. The clinical workforce needs expansion to provide more comprehensive and equitable services.
Visualization and quantification of vesicle trafficking on a three‐dimensional cytoskeleton network in living cells
Authors: RACINE VICTOR , SACHSE MARTIN , SALAMERO JEAN , FRAISIER VINCENT , TRUBUIL ALAIN , SIBARITA JEAN‐BAPTISTE
Published: March 2007

Recent progress in biology and microscopy has made it possible to acquire multidimensional data on rapid cellular activities. Unfortunately, the data analysis needed to describe the observed biological process still remains a major bottleneck. We here present a novel method of studying membrane trafficking by monitoring vesicular structures moving along a three‐dimensional cytoskeleton network. It allows the dynamics of such structures to be qualitatively and quantitatively investigated. Our tracking method uses kymogram analysis to extract the consistent part of the temporal information and to allow the meaningful representation of vesicle dynamics. A fully automatic extension of this method, together with a statistical tool for dynamic comparisons, allows the precise analysis and comparison of overall speed distributions and directions. It can handle typical complex situations, such as a dense set of vesicles moving at various velocities, fusing and dissociating with each other or with other cell compartments. The overall approach has been characterized and validated on synthetic data. We chose the Rab6A protein, a GTPase involved in the regulation of intracellular membrane trafficking, as a molecular model. The application of our method to GFP‐Rab6A stable cells acquired using fast four‐dimensional deconvolution video‐microscopy gives considerable cellular dynamic information unreachable using other techniques.