bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inorganic carbon acquisition in some synurophyte algae
Authors: Bhatti Shabana , Colman Brian
Published: February 2008

Some characteristics of photosynthesis of three synurophyte algae, Synura petersenii, Synura uvella and Tessellaria volvocina were investigated to determine the mechanism of inorganic carbon (Ci) uptake. All three species were found to have no external carbonic anhydrase, no capacity for direct bicarbonate uptake and a low whole‐cell affinity for Ci. The internal pH of S. petersenii determined using 14C‐benzoic acid and [2‐14C]‐5,5‐dimethyloxazolidine‐2,4‐dione was pH 7.0–7.5, over an external pH range of 5.0–7.5. Thus, the pH difference between the cell interior of S. petersenii and the external medium was large enough, over the alga’s growth range, to allow the accumulation of Ci by the diffusive uptake of CO2. Monitoring O2 evolution and CO2 uptake by suspensions of S. petersenii at pH 7.0 by mass spectrometry did not indicate a rapid uptake of CO2, and the final CO2 compensation concentration reached was 24 ± 0.7 μM. Furthermore, when the cells were darkened, a brief burst of CO2 occurred before a steady rate of dark respiration was established, suggesting a loss of CO2 by photorespiration. An examination of the kinetics of ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase in homogenates of cells of S. petersenii, S. uvella and Mallomonas papillosa showed that values of the Km (CO2) were 28.4, 41.8 and 18.2 μM, respectively. These species lack the characteristics of cells with a CO2‐concentrating mechanism because the cell affinity for Ci appears to be determined by the relatively high CO2 affinity of the Rubisco of these algae.
New insights into the identity and origin of the causal agent of oak powdery mildew in Europe
Authors: Mougou A. , Dutech C. , Desprez‐Loustau M.‐L.
Published: February 2008

Powdery mildew is the most common disease on oaks in Europe where it was first recorded at the beginning of the 20th century. Yet, little is known about the origin of the causal agent. In this study, we analysed the variability of the ribosomal DNA (rDNA) of the pathogen. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, the 5.8S rRNA coding gene and the intergenic spacer (IGS) of the rDNA of 33 European (mostly French) samples of oak powdery mildew were amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and PCR products were subsequently sequenced. Four different haplotypes were obtained for ITS among the various samples (ITSA, ITSB, ITSC and ITSD). Each ITS sequence corresponded to a different IGS sequence. The comparison of ITS sequences obtained with sequences accessible in the GenBank database revealed very high homologies with different taxa. Of these, three taxa had already been described on oaks in Europe, i.e. Erysiphe alphitoides (100% homology with ITSA), Erysiphe hypophylla (99.4% homology with ITSC) and Phyllactinia guttata (97.64% homology with ITSD). Our data also confirmed the 100% homology between ITSA and the sequence described for Oïdium mangiferae, the agent of mango powdery mildew. The fourth haplotype, i.e. ITSB, represented by nearly 25% samples, showed 100% homology with the recently described Erysiphe quercicola from Quercus spp. in Asia, and several tropical and sub‐tropical powdery mildew species, including Oïdium heveae, a major pathogen of rubber trees worldwide. Our results suggest that oak powdery mildew might originate from host shifts of tropical Erysiphe species introduced to Europe through infected exotic host plants.
Duration of erectile dysfunction and its relationship to treatment seeking and satisfaction with treatment using PDE5 inhibitors
Authors: Matic Hayley , McCabe Marita P
Published: February 2008

Objectives: This cross‐sectional study was designed to evaluate whether the duration of erectile dysfunction (ED) influenced treatment seeking and satisfaction with treatment using PDE5 inhibitors.

Methods: Participants were 409 men with ED who were primarily recruited over the internet via men's health web sites. Participants completed a questionnaire to assess the duration and perceived severity of ED, information and help‐seeking behaviors for ED, and treatment usage and satisfaction with PDE5 inhibitor medication.

Results: The results demonstrated that men with ED of longer duration were more likely to have discussed their ED with their partner and doctor and to have sought information and treatment for their ED problem. No differences were found in reported satisfaction with ED medication usage or expected future medication use across the varying levels of ED duration, once variance attributable to age was accounted for.

Conclusions: These results suggest that men are more likely to accept that they have ED and seek treatment for their ED with increasing duration of the condition, although these men are not more satisfied with PDE5 inhibitors as a treatment option.
Climate Policy‐induced Investments in Developing Countries: The Implications of Investment Risks
Authors: Böhringer Christoph , Löschel Andreas
Published: February 2008

1075 (Christoph Böhringer and Andreas Löschel) International climate policy has assigned the leading role in emissions abatement to the industrialised countries while developing countries remain uncommitted to binding emission reduction targets. However, cooperation between the industrialised and the developing world through joint implementation of emission abatement promises substantial economic gains to both parties. In this context, the policy debate on joint implementation has addressed the question of how investment risks to project‐based emission crediting between industrialised countries and developing countries affect the magnitude and distribution of such gains. In our quantitative analysis, we find that the incorporation of country‐specific investment risks induces rather small changes vis‐à‐vis a situation where investment risks are neglected. Only if investors go for high safety of returns is there a noticeable decline in the overall volume of emission crediting and the associated total economic benefits. While the welfare effects of risk incorporation for industrialised countries are unequivocally negative, the implications across developing countries are ambiguous. Whereas low‐risk developing countries attract higher project volumes and benefit from higher effective prices per emission credit compared to a reference scenario without risk, the opposite applies to high‐risk countries. The – politically undesired – shift in comparative advantage of emission abatement against high‐risk, typically least‐developed, countries may become larger if risk‐averse investors perceive large differences in project‐based risks across countries. In this case, only very cheap mitigation projects in high‐risk countries will be realised, driving down the respective country's benefits from emission crediting to the advantage of low‐risk developing countries.
A National Saint in a Fascist State: Catherine of Siena, ca 1922–1943
Authors: PARSONS GERALD
Published: February 2008

The annual festival of Saint Catherine of Siena is now the focus of a self‐conscious internationalism which celebrates Catherine as both Patron Saint of Italy and Co‐Patron Saint of Europe. When Catherine of Siena was proclaimed Patron Saint of Italy in 1939, however, the annual festival in her honour was quite different in ethos, being a highly patriotic, nationalistic, and even militaristic celebration of Catherine's significance in and for Fascist Italy. The article examines the campaign for Catherine to be proclaimed a “national saint” and “patron of Italy” during the 1920s and 1930s, locating it within the context of the relationship between Catholicism and Fascism in Mussolini's Italy. It also examines the celebration of her annual festival between 1940 and 1943 in the context of Italian participation in the Second World War, until the fall of Mussolini and his regime.
HETEROGENEOUS CAPITAL GOODS AND THE HARROD–BALASSA–SAMUELSON EFFECT
Authors: Mariolis Theodore
Published: February 2008

This paper shows that in a world of ‘production of commodities by means of commodities’ there is not an unambiguous relation between the long‐period relative commodity prices and the sectoral total factor productivities. Consequently, the Harrod–Balassa–Samuelson effect is not verified and/or makes no sense.
Economica Coase Lecture: Reference Points and the Theory of the Firm
Authors: HART OLIVER
Published: February 2008

I argue that it has been hard to make progress on Coase's theory of the firm agenda because of the difficulty of formalizing haggling costs. I propose an approach that tries to move things forward using the idea of aggrievement costs, and apply it to the question of whether a transaction should be placed inside a firm (in‐house production) or in the market place (outsourcing).
Genetic diversity and host plant preferences revealed by simple sequence repeat and mitochondrial markers in a population of the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Glomus intraradices
Authors: Croll Daniel , Wille Lukas , Gamper Hannes A. , Mathimaran Natarajan , Lammers Peter J. , Corradi Nicolas , Sanders Ian R.
Published: February 2008

DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-8137.2008.02426.xCommentary p 465
Dopamine‐induced toxicity is synergistically potentiated by simultaneous HSP‐90 and Akt inhibition in oligodendrocyte progenitors
Authors: Hemdan Sandy , Almazan Guillermina
Published: February 2008

Oligodendrocyte progenitors are highly susceptible to various insults. Their limited antioxidant defenses and high levels of apoptotic factors, such as Bax and pro‐caspase‐3 contribute to their sensitivity. We previously showed that dopamine (DA) is toxic to oligodendrocyte progenitors by inducing superoxide generation, lowering glutathione levels and promoting apoptosis through caspase‐3 activation. In contrast, factors that contribute to cell survival and defense against dopamine (DA) toxicity are less studied. Here, we explored the role of two molecules which play important roles in cell survival, namely the heat shock protein 90 (HSP‐90) and the protein kinase Akt, using the selective inhibitors, 17‐AAG and Akt inhibitor III, respectively. The HSP‐90 inhibitor caused a decrease in P‐Akt level, induced caspase‐3 activation, increased nuclear condensation and caused a loss in cell viability. Furthermore, 17‐AAG potentiated DA‐induced apoptosis by enhancing caspase‐3 activation. In addition, the Akt inhibitor alone exacerbated DA toxicity and in combination with 17‐AAG caused synergistic potentiation of DA toxicity by enhancing caspase‐3 activation. Together, these results indicate that HSP‐90 is essential for oligodendrocyte progenitor survival. Both HSP‐90 and Akt play important roles in concert in the defense against DA‐induced apoptosis.
Investigating grammatical difficulty in second language learning: Implications for second language acquisition research and language testing
Authors: Ellis Rod
Published: February 2008

Both second language acquisition (SLA) researchers and language testers collect data in order to make statements about what learners have learned. Many researchers and testers consider the ideal data for this purpose to be naturally occurring language use. This paper examines whether data elicited by instruments designed to provide separate measures of implicit and explicit second language knowledge afford a valid basis for determining what learners have learned. It reports on a study that tested predictions derived from Pienemann's Processability Theory regarding the learning difficulty of four grammatical structures. The results showed that the predictions were borne out in the data from the tests of implicit knowledge but not in the data from the tests of explicit knowledge. The study suggests that experimentally elicited data can be used to examine interlanguage development (i.e. how learners’ implicit knowledge develops) and to make statements about learners’ grammatical proficiency. It also indicates that what constitutes learning difficulty needs to be considered separately for implicit and explicit knowledge. The implications for SLA research and language testing are considered.1
Typology in action: applying typological insights in the study of translation
Authors: Filipović Luna
Published: February 2008

This paper provides arguments in favour of using Talmy's cognitive typology in the study of translation. I contrasted English motion expressions with those in Spanish and Serbo‐Croatian. English and Spanish belong to two opposing types in the typology, and Serbo‐Croatian is classified as the same type as English. I illustrate the effects that different lexicalization patterns can have in a specific context of translation, namely that of translating police interviews with witnesses and suspects from Spanish into English. I also explain the intratypological contrasts that affect translation in the case of English vs. Serbo‐Croatian. I propose a number of underlying principles to be used in translation and foreign language teaching.
A dyadic assessment of how couples indicate their commitment to each other
Authors: WEIGEL DANIEL J.
Published: February 2008

This study investigated the behaviors couples use to indicate their commitment in romantic relationships and explored the complex ways in which these behaviors are interconnected. Survey data were collected from 121 romantically involved couples in the United States. Dyadic analysis of the data revealed that the greater the levels of commitment, the more frequent the use of certain behaviors to indicate commitment. In addition, couples were similar in their use of the indicators, tended to project their self‐perceptions onto their partners, and had a degree of accuracy in perceiving their partners’ use of indicators. The research sheds light on some of the complex ways intimate couples experience and express commitment in the everyday lives.
Commitment expectations in romantic relationships: Application of a prototype interaction‐pattern model
Authors: HAMPEL ALEXA D. , VANGELISTI ANITA L.
Published: February 2008

Three studies were conducted to investigate whether commitment expectations in romantic relationships can be described using a prototype interaction‐pattern model of interpersonal expectations. Participants included male and female students enrolled at a university in the United States. In Study 1, 204 participants listed interaction patterns they believed produce a sense of commitment in romantic relationships. Study 2 (N= 170) tested whether the patterns are organized around prototypes, such that some patterns are more likely to create a sense of commitment than others. In Study 3, 160 participants evaluated the effects of prototypical and nonprototypical pattern violations to verify the prototype structure further. The utility of the prototype interaction‐pattern model for analyzing commitment expectations was supported in all 3 studies.
Addressing genetic heterogeneity in complex disease: Finding seizure genes in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Bautista Jocelyn F. , Kelly Jennifer A. , Harley John B. , Gray‐McGuire Courtney
Published: February 2008

Summary

Complex genetic disease is inherently difficult to study due to an imperfect relationship between genotype and phenotype. One important reason for this imperfect relationship is genetic heterogeneity, the occurrence of different genetic factors underlying the same clinical syndrome. One method of addressing genetic heterogeneity is covariate‐based linkage analysis, which allows the use of additional phenotypic features to define genetically distinct subsets of patients. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is one example of a complex genetic disease affecting multiple organ systems including the central nervous system. We report here the use of covariate‐based linkage analysis to detect a potential genetic locus on chromosome 15 influencing the development of seizures in individuals with SLE. The use of covariates increases the power to detect linkage in the presence of genetic heterogeneity.
Exploring Pregnancy‐Related Changes in Alcohol Consumption Between Black and White Women
Authors: Morris Daniel S. , Tenkku Leigh E. , Salas Joanne , Xaverius Pamela K. , Mengel Mark B.
Published: February 2008

Background:  Although epidemiological data indicate that White women are more likely to drink and binge drink before pregnancy, fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is more common in the Black population than among Whites in the United States. Differences in drinking cessation between Black and White women who become pregnant may help explain the disparity in FAS rates.

Methods:  The study sample was comprised of 280,126 non‐Hispanic Black and White women, ages 18 to 44, from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) 2001 to 2005 data sets. Predictors of reduction in alcohol consumption (in drinks per month) and binge drinking (>4 drinks on one occasion) by pregnant and non‐pregnant women were identified with logistic regression. The effect of interactions of pregnancy status with age, education, and Black or White race on drinks per month and binge occasions were explored using analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Results:  Pregnant White women averaged 79.5% fewer drinks per month than non‐pregnant White women (F = 1250.1, p < 0.001), and 85.4% fewer binge drinking occasions (F = 376, p < 0.001). Pregnant Black women averaged 58.2% fewer drinks per month than non‐pregnant Black women (F = 31.8, p < 0.001) and 64.0% fewer binge occasions (F = 13.8, p < 0.001). Compared to Black women, White women appear to make a 38% greater reduction in drinks per month, and a 33% greater reduction in binge occasions.

Conclusions:  Non‐Hispanic White women appear more likely to reduce drinks per month and binge drinking occasions than non‐Hispanic Black women during pregnancy. These findings may help explain disparities in FAS in the United States, though this cross‐sectional sample does not permit claims of causation. To better describe the impact of differential drinking reduction on FAS rates, future studies of longitudinal data should be done.
Perioperative management of aspirin resistance after off‐pump coronary artery bypass grafting: possible role for aprotinin
Authors: Poston Robert S. , Gu Junyan , White Charles , Jeudy Jean , Nie Lei , Brown James , Gammie James , Pierson Richard N. , Romar Linda , Griffith Bartley P.
Published: February 2008

BACKGROUND: Aspirin is the only drug proven to reduce saphenous vein graft (SVG) failure, but aspirin resistance (ASA‐R) frequently occurs after off‐pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB). The factors, mechanism, and best means for preventing and/or treating ASA‐R have not been established. This study hypothesizes that thrombin production during OPCAB stimulates this acquired ASA‐R.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A nonrandomized prospective cohort of 255 patients (n = 465 SVG) who underwent OPCAB with varied use of aprotinin (21%) and different SVG preparation techniques (standard, 56% vs. low‐pressure, 44%) was analyzed. A surplus SVG segment was obtained to assess endothelial integrity. ASA‐R was determined at baseline, after surgery, and on Days 1 and 3 by three assays. The effects of aprotinin on thrombin responsiveness were analyzed by means of whole‐blood aggregometry, SVG tissue factor (TF) activity, and transcardiac thrombin production (i.e., F1.2 levels in aorta versus coronary sinus). SVG patency was assessed on Day 5 with multichannel CT angiography.

RESULTS: ASA‐R developed in 42 percent of patients after OPCAB. Multivariate analysis showed that ASA‐R, endothelial integrity, and target size independently predicted early SVG failure. Aprotinin use was associated with: 1) reduced postoperative ASA‐R (15%); 2) decreased platelet (PLT) response to thrombin; 3) reduced TF activity within SVG segments; 4) decreased transcardiac thrombin gradient; and 5) improved SVG patency.

CONCLUSION: ASA‐R is a common post‐OPCAB event whose frequency may be reduced by intraoperative use of aprotinin, possibly via TF and thrombin suppression. Improved perioperative PLT function after OPCAB may also inadvertently enhance the clinical relevance of these potential antithrombotic effects.
Sensing Failure Associated with the Medtronic Sprint Fidelis Defibrillator Lead
Authors: KENIGSBERG DAVID N. , MIRCHANDANI SUNIL , DOVER AMANDA N. , KOWALSKI MARCIN , WOOD MARK A. , SHEPARD RICHARD K. , KALAHASTY GAUTHAM , STEIN KENNETH M. , MARKOWITZ STEVEN M. , IWAI SEI , SHAH BINDI K. , LERMAN BRUCE B. , MITTAL SUNEET , ELLENBOGEN KENNETH A.
Published: February 2008

Introduction: The diameter of implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) leads has become progressively smaller over time. However, the long‐term performance characteristics of these smaller ICD leads are unknown.

Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 357 patients who underwent implantation of a Medtronic Sprint Fidelis™ defibrillating lead at two separate centers between September 2004 and October 2006. Lead characteristics were measured at implant, at early follow‐up (1–4 days post implant), and every 3–6 months thereafter.

Results: During the study period, 357 patients underwent implantation of the Medtronic Sprint Fidelis™ lead. The mean R‐wave measured at implant through the device was not different (P = NS) when compared with that measured at first follow‐up (10.5 ± 5.0 mV vs 10.7 ± 5.1 mV). Forty‐one patients (13%) had an R‐wave amplitude ≤ 5 mV measured through the device at implant. Of those patients with an R‐wave amplitude ≤ 5 mV at implant measured through the device, 63% (n = 26) remained ≤ 5 mV for the duration of follow‐up. The mean time to R‐wave amplitude ≤ 5 mV was 96.2 ± 123 days. During follow‐up, 65 (18%) patients developed R‐wave ≤ 5 mV. Overall 10 lead revisions (2.8%) were performed during the first year of follow‐up.

Conclusion: Abnormal R‐wave sensing is frequently observed during follow‐up with the Medtronic Fidelis ICD lead. Lead revision was necessary in 2.8% of the patients, most often (8 of 10) due to abnormal R‐wave sensing along with elevated pacing threshold. Whether this issue is limited to this lead or reflects a potential problem with all downsized ICD leads merits further investigation.
Successful Ablation of Atrial Tachycardia in the Right Coronary Cusp of the Aortic Valve in a Patient with Atrial Fibrillation: What is the Substrate?
Authors: GAMI APOOR S. , VENKATACHALAM K.L. , FRIEDMAN PAUL A. , ASIRVATHAM SAMUEL J.
Published: February 2008

Atrial tachycardias have been successfully ablated from the noncoronary cusp of the aortic valve. The anatomical substrate responsible for the arrhythmia in these patients is unknown. We report a case of intracardiac ultrasound confirmed ablation in the right coronary cusp of the aortic valve. Pacing maneuvers performed in this case, along with the regional anatomy of the right coronary cusp, strongly suggest that the ablated substrate is muscular extensions above the aortic valve. Ablation in the right coronary cusp eliminated tachycardia without valve damage or AV conduction abnormality.
Cardiometabolic Disease in Human Immunodeficiency Virus‐Infected Children
Authors: Miller Tracie L. , Grant Yoran T. , Almeida Daniela Neri , Sharma Tanvi , Lipshultz Steven E.
Published: February 2008

Cardiometabolic problems in children with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection have recently begun to emerge as distinct clinical problems that require monitoring and often intervention. The cardiometabolic issues that face HIV‐infected children include high rates of unfavorable lipid profiles, insulin resistance, cardiovascular inflammation, and vascular stiffness as well as the phenotypic features of truncal adiposity and facial/extremity wasting. Children differ from adults in that many have been exposed to both HIV and antiretroviral therapies even before birth. The future risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes is poorly defined yet warrants close tracking because a number of risk factors are present in early childhood. Preventive care and interventions that include surveillance of nutrition and body composition, dietary counseling, exercise programs, and drug therapy should be considered standard care for all HIV‐infected children.
A systematic review and meta‐analyses on C‐reactive protein in relation to periodontitis
Authors: Paraskevas Spiros , Huizinga John D. , Loos Bruno G.
Published: February 2008

Aim: Elevated plasma C‐reactive protein (CRP) is regarded as a risk predictor for cardiovascular diseases. This systematic review explored the robustness of observations that CRP is elevated in periodontitis. Similarly, the effect of periodontal therapy on CRP levels was investigated.

Material and Methods: Selection of publications was based on: (1) cross‐sectional (case–control) studies; (2) longitudinal (treatment) studies; (3) high‐sensitivity CRP measurement; (4) median and/or mean (±SD) values presented; and (5) subjects with no systemic disorders.

Results: Screening of the initially 448 identified studies and reference checking resulted in 18 suitable papers. The majority of the studies showed that CRP levels are higher in patients than in controls. Often, studies showed that patients had CRP levels >2.1 mg/l. A meta‐analysis of 10 cross‐sectional studies showed that the weighted mean difference (WMD) of CRP between patients and controls was 1.56 mg/l (p<0.00001). Evidence from available treatment studies (n=6) showed lower levels of CRP after periodontal therapy. Eligible treatment studies in a meta‐analysis demonstrated a WMD of reductions of CRP after therapy of 0.50 mg/L (95% CI 0.08–0.93) (p=0.02).

Conclusions: There is strong evidence from cross‐sectional studies that plasma CRP in periodontitis is elevated compared with controls. There is modest evidence on the effect of periodontal therapy in lowering the levels of CRP.
Effect of glycine powder air‐polishing on the gingiva
Authors: Petersilka Gregor , Faggion Clovis Mariano , Stratmann Udo , Gerss Joachim , Ehmke Benjamin , Haeberlein Ingo , Flemmig Thomas F.
Published: February 2008

Objectives: Safety and efficacy of glycine powder air‐polishing (GPAP) in removing subgingival biofilm have been previously demonstrated. The hypothesis that GPAP results in less gingival erosion than sodium bicarbonate air‐polishing (SBAP) or hand‐instrumentation was assessed.

Material and Methods: In each of 10 patients, eight teeth with a residual probing depth of at least 5 mm following initial periodontal therapy were randomly assigned to the following interventions: GPAP (test), SBAP (positive control), hand‐instrumentation (positive control), or no treatment (negative control). In each group, gingival biopsies were taken immediately after instrumentation and one 14 days later. Damaged gingival epithelium (GE) was assessed by light microscopy and quantified by a histological score (values 1–4). Differences between groups were evaluated using the marginal homogeneity test.

Results: GPAP resulted in minor erosions of the GE (scores 1 and 2), whereas positive control specimens displayed moderate to severe erosions (scores 2–4). Differences between GPAP and positive controls were significant (p<0.05). Fourteen days following instrumentation GE under assessment was found to be intact in all groups.

Conclusion: The data indicated that GPAP results in less gingival erosion than SBAP or hand instrumentation, further supporting the safety of this new debridement technique.
Local osteoprotegerin gene transfer to periodontal tissue inhibits lipopolysaccharide‐induced alveolar bone resorption
Authors: Chen Rui , Kanzaki Hiroyuki , Chiba Mirei , Nishimura Makoto , Kanzaki Reiko , Igarashi Kaoru
Published: February 2008

Background and Objective:  Osteoclastogenesis is primarily activated by receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL) and is inhibited by osteoprotegerin (OPG). A previous study demonstrated that local OPG gene transfer to periodontal tissue inhibited RANKL‐mediated osteoclastogenesis and experimental tooth movement. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that local OPG gene transfer to the periodontium can neutralize RANKL activity induced by lipopolysaccharide injection, thereby inhibiting osteoclastogenesis and diminishing alveolar bone resorption in experimental periodontal disease.

Material and methods:  Seven‐week‐old male Wistar rats received an injection of lipopolysaccharide or phosphate‐buffered saline in the palatal gingiva of the upper first molars on both the right and left sides. An inactivated haemagglutinating virus of Japan (HVJ) envelope vector containing a mouse OPG expression plasmid [pcDNA3.1(+)‐mOPG] or mock vector was injected periodically into the palatal periodontal tissue of the upper first molars.

Results:  Lipopolysaccharide injection induced severe periodontal bone resorption. Local OPG gene transfer induced OPG production, and osteoclastogenesis was inhibited. Local OPG gene transfer significantly decreased alveolar bone resorption.

Conclusion:  Osteoprotegerin gene transfer to periodontal tissue inhibited osteoclastogenesis and alveolar bone resorption in lipopolysaccharide‐induced experimental periodontal disease.
Role of melatonin in regulating matrix metalloproteinase‐9 via tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase‐1 during protection against endometriosis
Authors: Paul Sumit , Sharma Anamika Vivek , Mahapatra Pramathes Das , Bhattacharya Partha , Reiter Russel J. , Swarnakar Snehasikta
Published: February 2008

Abstract:  Endometriosis is a gynecological disease of women and plausibly regulated by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). However, mechanisms of alterations in MMPs during endometriosis remain unclear. Human endometriotic tissues possessing varying degrees of severity were examined for expression of MMPs and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMP)‐1. In addition, endometriosis was generated in mice and endometriotic tissues were tested for MMP‐9 activity. Results show significant upregulation of secreted and synthesized proMMP‐9 activity with duration and severity of endometriosis. Along with upregulation of activity, the expression of proMMP‐9 was found increased while TIMP‐1 expression followed an inverse trend. The effect of melatonin, a major secretory product of the pineal gland, on endometriosis was examined in preventive and therapeutic models in mice. The results show that melatonin arrested lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation and downregulated proMMP‐9 activity and expression in a time and dose‐dependent manner while protecting and regressing peritoneal endometriosis. Moreover, the attenuated activity and expression of proMMP‐9 were associated with subsequent elevation in the expression of TIMP‐1. Our study reveals for the first time the role of melatonin in arresting peritoneal endometriosis in mice and a novel marker, expression ratio of proMMP‐9 versus TIMP‐1, was identified for assessing severity and progression of endometriosis.
Melatonin treatment in peri‐ and postmenopausal women elevates serum high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels without influencing total cholesterol levels
Authors: Tamura Hiroshi , Nakamura Yasuhiko , Narimatsu Akio , Yamagata Yoshiaki , Takasaki Akihisa , Reiter Russel J. , Sugino Norihiro
Published: February 2008

Abstract:  The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of melatonin on lipid metabolism in peri‐ and postmenopausal women. Forty‐six women were enrolled in these studies. The relationship between night‐time serum melatonin levels and serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol was investigated in 36 women. Night‐time serum melatonin levels had a negative correlation with serum total cholesterol and LDL‐cholesterol, and a loose positive correlation with HDL‐cholesterol. To examine the effects of exogenous melatonin on lipid metabolism, serum levels of total cholesterol, HDL‐cholesterol, LDL‐cholesterol and triglycerides were determined in 10 women before the onset of therapy and after 1 month of oral melatonin administration (1 mg melatonin daily). Melatonin administration significantly increased the serum levels of HDL‐cholesterol. These results show that melatonin may influence cholesterol metabolism and suggest that the melatonin administration may become a new medical application for improvement of lipid metabolism and prevention of cardiovascular disease in peri‐ and postmenopausal women.
Moonlight affects nocturnal Period2 transcript levels in the pineal gland of the reef fish Siganus guttatus
Authors: Sugama Nozomi , Park Ji‐Gweon , Park Yong‐Ju , Takeuchi Yuki , Kim Se‐Jae , Takemura Akihiro
Published: February 2008

Abstract:  The golden rabbitfish Siganus guttatus is a reef fish with a restricted lunar‐synchronized spawning cycle. It is not known how the fish recognizes cues from the moon and exerts moon‐related activities. In order to evaluate the perception and utilization of moonlight by the fish, the present study aimed to clone and characterize Period2 (Per2), a light‐inducible clock gene in lower vertebrates, and to examine daily variations in rabbitfish Per2 (rfPer2) expression as well as the effect of light and moonlight on its expression in the pineal gland. The partially‐cloned rfPer2 cDNA (2933 bp) was highly homologous (72%) to zebrafish Per2. The rfPer2 levels increased at ZT6 and decreased at ZT18 in the whole brain and several peripheral organs. The rfPer2 expression in the pineal gland exhibited a daily variation with an increase during daytime. Exposing the fish to light during nighttime resulted in a rapid increase of its expression in the pineal gland, while the level was decreased by intercepting light during daytime. Two hours after exposing the fish to moonlight at the full moon period, the rfPer2 expression was upregulated. These results suggest that rfPer2 is a light‐inducible clock gene and that its expression is affected not only by daylight but also by moonlight. Since the rfPer2 expression level during the full moon period was higher than that during the new moon period, the monthly variation in the rfPer2 expression is likely to occur with the change in amplitude between the full and new moon periods.
Therapeutic effects of melatonin on peritonitis‐induced septic shock with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome in rats
Authors: Wu Jeng‐Yuan , Tsou Mei‐Yung , Chen Tai‐Hao , Chen Shiu‐Jen , Tsao Cheng‐Ming , Wu Chin‐Chen
Published: February 2008

Abstract:  The pathogenesis of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) in septic shock is complicated and not fully understood. Some studies show that an overproduction of nitric oxide (NO) leads to the refractory hypotension and multiple organ failure, while other studies suggest that free radicals, e.g. superoxide (O2−), contribute to the detrimental effect on vascular responsiveness and tissue/organ damage. Thus, this study was performed on the Wistar rat by using cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) to induce septic shock‐associated MODS. We evaluated the effect of an antioxidant melatonin in CLP‐induced septic rats and demonstrated that melatonin (3 mg/kg, i.v. at 3, 6, 12 hr after CLP) significantly (a) attenuated hyporeactivity to norepinephrine and delayed hypotension, (b) reduced plasma index of hepatic and renal dysfunction, (c) diminished plasma NO and interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) concentrations as well as aortic O2− levels, (d) reduced marked infiltration of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) in the lung and liver tissues, and (e) promoted the survival rate at 18 hr to twofold compared with the CLP alone group. The current study underlined the inhibition of plasma NO and IL‐1β as well as aortic O2− production and the reduction of PMN infiltration may lead to the amelioration of MODS, which may contribute to the beneficial effect of antioxidants (e.g. melatonin in this study) in conscious rats with peritonitis‐induced lethality. Thus, the antioxidant could be a novel agent for the treatment of septic animals or patients in the early stage.
Melatonin impairs NADPH oxidase assembly and decreases superoxide anion production in microglia exposed to amyloid‐β1–42
Authors: Zhou Juefei , Zhang Shen , Zhao Xingyu , Wei Taotao
Published: February 2008

Abstract:  Melatonin shows significant protective effects in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) models in vitro and in vivo; these effects are related to its function as an antioxidant. The source of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in the AD brain is primarily the amyloid‐β (Aβ)‐ activated microglial nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase. However, the effects of melatonin on the activation of NADPH oxidase remain unclear. In the present study, the cultures of microglia were incubated in the presence of fibrillar Aβ1–42, which induces the assembly and the activation of NADPH oxidase, and triggers the production of superoxide anion‐derived ROS. Pretreatment of microglia with melatonin dose‐dependently prevents the activation of NADPH oxidase and decreases the production of ROS. Melatonin inhibits the phosphorylation of the p47phox subunit of NADPH oxidase via a PI3K/Akt‐dependent signalling pathway, blocks the translocation of p47phox and p67phox subunit to the membrane, down‐regulates the binding of p47phox to gp91phox, and impairs the assembly of NADPH oxidase. Our data offer new insights into the mechanism of inhibiting ROS generation by melatonin in Aβ‐activated microglia. Inhibition of ROS production indirectly might be the underlying mechanism for the neuroprotection by melatonin in the AD brain.
Yeast Arf3p Modulates Plasma Membrane PtdIns(4,5)P2 Levels to Facilitate Endocytosis
Authors: Smaczynska‐de Rooij Iwona I. , Costa Rosaria , Ayscough Kathryn R
Published: February 2008

Phosphatidylinositol‐(4,5)‐bisphosphate [PtdIns(4,5)P2] is a key regulator of endocytosis. PtdIns(4,5)P2 generation at the plasma membrane in yeast is mediated by the kinase Mss4p, but the mechanism underlying the temporal and spatial activation of Mss4p to increase formation of PtdIns(4,5)P2 at appropriate sites is not known. Here, we show that ADP ribosylation factor (Arf)3p, the yeast homologue of mammalian Arf6, is necessary for wild‐type levels of PtdIns(4,5)P2 at the plasma membrane. Arf3p localizes to dynamic spots at the membrane, and the behaviour of these is consistent with it functioning in concert with endocytic machinery. Localization of Arf3p is disrupted by deletion of genes encoding an ArfGAP homology protein Gts1p and a guanine nucleotide exchange factor Yel1p. Significantly, deletion of arf3 causes a reduction in PtdIns(4,5)P2 at the plasma membrane, while increased levels of active Arf3p, caused by deletion of the GTPase‐activating protein Gts1, increase PtdIns(4,5)P2 levels. Furthermore, elevated Arf3p correlates with an increase in the number of endocytic sites. Our data provide evidence for a mechanism in yeast to positively regulate plasma membrane production of PtdIns(4,5)P2 levels and that these changes impact on endocytosis.
Dynactin Function in Mitotic Spindle Positioning
Authors: Moore Jeffrey K. , Li Jun , Cooper John A.
Published: February 2008

Dynactin is a multisubunit protein complex necessary for dynein function. Here, we investigated the function of dynactin in budding yeast. Loss of dynactin impaired movement and positioning of the mitotic spindle, similar to loss of dynein. Dynactin subunits required for function included p150Glued, dynamitin, actin‐related protein (Arp) 1 and p24. Arp10 and capping protein were dispensable, even in combination. All dynactin subunits tested localized to dynamic plus ends of cytoplasmic microtubules, to stationary foci on the cell cortex and to spindle pole bodies. The number of molecules of dynactin in those locations was small, less than five. In the absence of dynactin, dynein accumulated at plus ends and did not appear at the cell cortex, consistent with a role for dynactin in offloading dynein from the plus end to the cortex. Dynein at the plus end was necessary for dynactin plus‐end targeting. p150Glued was the only dynactin subunit sufficient for plus‐end targeting. Interactions among the subunits support a molecular model that resembles the current model for brain dynactin in many respects; however, three subunits at the pointed end of brain dynactin appear to be absent from yeast.
British Society for Sexual Medicine Guidelines on the Management of Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Hackett Geoff , Kell Phil , Ralph David , Dean John , Price David , Speakman Mark , Wylie Kevan
Published: February 2008

Introduction

UK primary care physicians are required to follow authoritative endorsed guidelines as part of their terms of service. The major influence on the management of erectile dysfunction in primary and secondary care between 1999 and 2007 has been Department of Health “guidance on good practice,” a non-evidence-based document, essentially defining patients who qualify for government-funded treatment.

Aim

To provide clinically based guidelines relevant to UK primary and secondary healthcare professionals in their daily practice.

Methods

A multidisciplinary panel of seven UK experts including two primary care physicians from the British Society for Sexual Medicine met for two full day meetings between September 2006 and April 2007, with each member allocated to disease areas related to their specialty. Feedback and approval of all sections between panel members was facilitated by the chairman. Source information was obtained from peer reviewed articles, meetings and presentations. Articles were chosen from electronically searching the Cochrane Library, Medline and Embase for randomized controlled clinical trials and graded according to level of evidence.

Results

Patient-reported sexual activity, satisfaction with sexual activity (Male Sexual Health Questionnaire), and treatment expectations; urologists' subjective assessment of the importance given by their patients to ED; the timing they propose for starting ED treatment.

Results

After the second full day meeting in January 2007, the final version was approved by panel members and made available for healthcare professions by download from http://www.bssm.org and from http://www.eguidelines.co.uk

Conclusion

A comprehensive evidence-based guideline has been developed that is highly relevant for primary and secondary care professionals enabling them to work within the unique requirements of the UK healthcare system.
Inactivation of Listeria innocua on Frankfurters That Contain Potassium Lactate and Sodium Diacetate by Flash Pasteurization
Authors: Sommers C.H. , Geveke D.J. , Fan X.
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACT:  Listeria monocytogenes, a psychrotrophic foodborne pathogen, is a recurring postprocess contaminant on ready‐to‐eat meat (RTE) products, including frankfurters. Potassium lactate (PL) and sodium diacetate (SDA) are FDA‐approved antimicrobials that inhibit the growth of L. monocytogenes when incorporated into the formulation of fine emulsion sausage. Flash (steam) pasteurization (FP) has been shown to reduce levels of L. monocytogenes, and its surrogate L. innocua, on frankfurter surfaces. The ability of FP to inactivate and prevent the growth of the L. monocytogenes surrogate L. innocua in a pilot plant setting was investigated. FP treatment (1.5 s, 121 °C) of single layers of frankfurters that were surface‐inoculated with either 5, 4, or 3 log CFU/g of L. innocua immediately before FP (1.5 s, 121 °C) resulted in log reductions of 1.97 (± 0.11), 2.03 (± 0.10), or 2.07 (± 0.14), respectively. Inoculum level had no effect on the inactivation of L. innocua. Following 8 wk of refrigerated storage (4 °C), L. innocua levels decreased by 0.5 log in non‐FP‐treated frankfurter packs, while the 2 log reduction of L. innocua was maintained for FP‐treated frankfurters. FP (1.5 s, 121 °C) had no effect on frankfurter color or texture. Because the numbers of L. monocytogenes associated with contaminations of ready‐to‐eat meats are typically very low, the use of FP in combination with PL and SDA has the potential to reduce the number of frankfurter recalls and foodborne illness outbreaks.
Thermoplastic Processing of Proteins for Film Formation—A Review
Authors: Hernandez‐Izquierdo V.M. , Krochta J.M.
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACT:  Increasing interest in high‐quality food products with increased shelf life and reduced environmental impact has encouraged the study and development of edible and/or biodegradable polymer films and coatings. Edible films provide the opportunity to effectively control mass transfer among different components in a food or between the food and its surrounding environment. The diversity of proteins that results from an almost limitless number of side‐chain amino‐acid sequential arrangements allows for a wide range of interactions and chemical reactions to take place as proteins denature and cross‐link during heat processing. Proteins such as wheat gluten, corn zein, soy protein, myofibrillar proteins, and whey proteins have been successfully formed into films using thermoplastic processes such as compression molding and extrusion. Thermoplastic processing can result in a highly efficient manufacturing method with commercial potential for large‐scale production of edible films due to the low moisture levels, high temperatures, and short times used. Addition of water, glycerol, sorbitol, sucrose, and other plasticizers allows the proteins to undergo the glass transition and facilitates deformation and processability without thermal degradation. Target film variables, important in predicting biopackage performance under various conditions, include mechanical, thermal, barrier, and microstructural properties. Comparisons of film properties should be made with care since results depend on parameters such as film‐forming materials, film formulation, fabrication method, operating conditions, testing equipment, and testing conditions. Film applications include their use as wraps, pouches, bags, casings, and sachets to protect foods, reduce waste, and improve package recyclability.
Research on the Pump–Vessel Combined Ore Lifting Equipment for
Deep-Sea Rigid Pipe Mining System
Authors: Hailiang Xu
Published: February 2008

It is known from the principle that the pump–vessel combined ore lifting method has high head, large ores lifting capacity, and long-term working reliability. When applied to the deep-sea rigid pipe mining system, the main pump and power equipment installed on the mining ship is more convenient to operate and maintain. According to Bernoulli’s equation and two phases of hydrodynamics theory, the ore lifting equipment parameters have been calculated and analyzed. It is known that the pump head H of 1000m sea mining system is 124–172m and that of 5000m sea mining system is 652–760m. It is known that the pump–vessel combined lifting method is feasible in both theory and practice, therefore it is an ideal ore lifting method for a deep-sea rigid pipe mining system.
Vertical Oscillation of a Bed of Granular Material
Authors: Brennen C. E. , Ghosh S. , Wassgren C. R.
Published: February 2008

A bed of granular material which is subjected to vertical vibration will exhibit at least one sudden expansion at a critical acceleration amplitude. This sudden expansion corresponds to a bifurcation similar to that exhibited by a single ball bouncing on a vibrating plate. Theoretical analysis based on this model yields results which are in accord with the experimental observations. Other bifurcations may occur at higher vibration levels.