bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maternal circulating interferon‐γ and interleukin‐6 as biomarkers of Th1/Th2 immune status throughout pregnancy
Authors: Aris Aziz , Lambert Fréderic , Bessette Paul , Moutquin Jean‐Marie
Published: November 2007

Aim:  T cells may be classified as T helper type 1 (Th1) cells, which synthesize cytokines inducing cellular immunity, or T helper type 2 (Th2), which synthesize cytokines inducing humoral immunity. According to the Th1/Th2 paradigm, it has been postulated that successful pregnancy induces an immune Th2 bias, but it is not yet clear how Th1 and Th2 systems vary simultaneously throughout the pregnancy.

Methods:  Using maternal circulating interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) as biomarkers of Th1 and Th2 cytokines, respectively, we examined the variation of circulating Th1/Th2 ratio in 35 healthy pregnant women from 10 to 40 weeks of pregnancy.

Results:  With increasing gestational age, maternal circulating levels of IFN‐γ decrease, whereas those of IL‐6 increase. The IFN‐γ/IL‐6 ratio switches around the 19th week of pregnancy.

Conclusions:  Our results suggest that maternal systemic IFN‐γ and IL‐6 concentrations may be biomarkers of Th1/Th2 immune status during pregnancy. Moreover, our findings showed that contrary to the Th1/Th2 paradigm, the Th1 bias may be prevailing at the beginning of pregnancy, balanced in the middle of pregnancy and supplanted by the Th2 bias at the end of pregnancy.
Effects of hormone replacement therapy on bone mineral density in Turkish patients with or without COL1A1 Sp1 binding site polymorphism
Authors: Simsek Mehmet , Cetin Zafer , Bilgen Turker , Taskin Omur , Luleci Guven , Keser Ibrahim
Published: November 2007

Aim:  To evaluate the effects of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with or without COL1A1 Sp1 binding site polymorphism.

Methods:  Non‐smoking otherwise healthy postmenopausal women (n = 111), who had not received any kind of HRT for at least 3 years (between 2002 and 2005) at the onset of menopause, were included. All patients received 0.625 mg conjugated estrogen/2.5 mg medroxyprogesterone for 18 months. BMD by dual X‐ray absorptiometry was measured at the lumbar spine and the femur neck initially and after 18th months of treatment. COL1A1 Sp1 binding site polymorphism was studied using the PCR‐RFLP method.

Results:  After having the results of COL1A11 Sp1 binding site polymorphism, 79 (71.2%) patients were SS, 30(27.0%) were Ss and two (1.8%) were homozygous for ss. The mean age, weight and length of menopausal period were similar between the SS and Ss patients. The Ss heterozygotes had lower BMD values both at the lumbar spine and at the femur neck compared with the SS patients. This difference was also reflected in post treatment measurements. The increase in BMD scores was higher in the SS homozygotes than in the Ss patients.

Conclusion:  Our preliminary data supports the fact that HRT had a lower increase in BMD scores following 18 months of treatment in COL1A1 s allele individuals compared with normal SS individuals. Therefore our study may provide evidence that the Sp1 polymorphism may ameliorate the effects of HRT on BMD, suggesting some additional regimens may be used to support bone strength and to decrease osteoporotic fractures.
Screening for periodontitis in pregnant women with salivary enzymes
Authors: Kugahara Tomoko , Shosenji Yayoi , Ohashi Kazutomo
Published: November 2007

Aim:  To develop a test for the screening of pregnant women for periodontitis using saliva prior to a dental examination.

Methods:  A cross‐sectional research design was employed. Whole unstimulated saliva was collected from 221 pregnant women prior to a dental examination at the Amagasaki Public Health Office and levels of activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and of occult blood in the saliva were measured. The data were compared with Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN) scores. The diagnostic performance of LDH, ALP, and occult blood was determined in terms of sensitivity, specificity, and the area under receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves. The optimal combination of parameters for screening periodontitis was determined at maximum sensitivity and specificity.

Results:  Periodontitis (CPITN 3, 4) in 19 women (8.6%) and gingivitis (CPITN 1, 2) in 129 women (58.4%) were observed. The activity levels of LDH and ALP were significantly higher in the pregnant women with periodontitis than those with gingivitis or a healthy periodontium. To distinguish between the pregnant women with periodontitis and the others, a cut‐off value of 684 IU/L for LDH and of 75 IU/L for ALP were determined by a ROC analysis. The test combining LDH, ALP, and occult blood showed the highest diagnostic performance; with a sensitivity value of 0.90, specificity value of 0.62, positive predictive value of 0.18, and negative predictive value of 0.98.

Conclusions:  A test combining the parameters salivary LDH, ALP and occult blood is useful for screening pregnant women for periodontitis.
Ureteral catheter placement for prevention of ureteral injury during laparoscopic hysterectomy
Authors: Tanaka Yudai , Asada Hironori , Kuji Naoaki , Yoshimura Yasunori
Published: November 2007

Aim:  Ureteral injury is among the most devastating complications of gynecologic surgery. Estimated incidence of ureteral injury during laparoscopic hysterectomy is 2.6–35 times (0.2–6.0%) that in abdominal hysterectomy. We investigated preoperative ureteral catheter (UC) placement as a way to prevent ureteral injury in laparoscopic hysterectomy.

Methods:  Clinical records of 94 women who underwent laparoscopic hysterectomy between February 2006 and January 2007 in Yazaki Hospital, Kanagawa, Japan, were reviewed retrospectively. Thirty‐four patients between February and June 2006 underwent the surgery without ureteral catheterization and 60 patients between July 2006 and January 2007 underwent surgery with ureteral catheterization. Clinical outcomes were statistically compared between the two groups.

Results:  The average time required for catheter insertion was 9.35 min. The ureter in which the catheter was placed was visualized clearly. In one patient, whose left ureter was deviated by a massive myoma, catheter insertion was not possible. No complications arose from catheter placement except for minor complaints including low back pain, urinary discomfort, and transient hamaturia. While one injury occurred in a patient without ureteral catheterization (1/34), no ureteral injury occurred in any patient with ureteral catheterization (0/60). Operative time, total blood loss, and hospital stay were not significantly different between the two groups.

Conclusions:  UC placement is simple, helping to prevent ureteral injury during laparoscopic hysterectomy and enhancing safety of this procedure.
Microscopic analysis of lizard claw morphogenesis and hypothesis on its evolution
Authors: Alibardi Lorenzo
Published: November 2007

Morphogenesis of claws in the lizard Lampropholis guichenoti has been studied by light and electron microscopy. Claws originate from a thickening of the epidermis covering the tips of digits under which mesenchymal cells aggregate. Mesenchymal cells are in continuity with perichondrial cells of the last phalange, and are connected to the epidermis through numerous cell bridges that cross an incomplete basement membrane. The dense lamella is completed in non‐apical regions of the digit where also collagen fibrils increase. The dorsal side of the developing claw derives from the growth of the outer scale surface of the last scale of the digit. The corneous layer, made of beta‐keratin cells, curves downward by the tip of the growing claw. The epidermis of the ventral side of the claw contains keratohyaline‐like granules and alpha‐keratinocytes like an inner scale surface. The thickness of the horny layer increases in the elongating unguis while a thinner and softer corneous layer remains in the subunguis. These observations show that lizard claws derive from the modification of the last scale or scales of the digit, probably under the influence of the growing terminal phalanx. Some hypotheses on the evolution of claws in reptiles are presented.
ECONOMICS OF STOCK‐PRICE VIBRATIONS: RIDING SPECULATIVE WAVES WITHOUT SPECULATION
Authors: Ohta Hiroshi , Nakagawa Hironobu , Wang Yong
Published: November 2007

Abstract.  When speculation causes share prices to fluctuate, even the best speculators may do ‘hardly better than the comprehensive common‐stock averages’ (Samuelson). We further demonstrate in this paper that non‐speculators can indeed benefit, in terms of both utility and wealth, from speculative price fluctuations by choosing their portfolio optimally. In particular, we show both how much and how fast non‐speculators’ wealth can accumulate, presumably at speculators’ expenses, over periods of price fluctuations. We also show a seemingly paradoxical outcome where a rational individual would rejoice more when stock prices fall than when they rise by the same (absolute) amounts.
SALES MAXIMIZATION AND PROFIT MAXIMIZATION: A NOTE ON THE DECISION OF A SALES MAXIMIZER TO THE INCREASE OF PER UNIT COST
Authors: Li Ke , Yao Shuntian
Published: November 2007

Abstract.  In this paper, the authors compare the behaviours of a sales revenue maximizer with that of a profit maximizer in their response to an increase of the per unit production cost or a per unit tax being imposed. A common mistake in currently used textbooks is pointed out, and a new proposition is proposed for replacing a false statement there.
ON THE SUSTAINABILITY OF GOVERNMENT BORROWING IN A DYNAMIC GENERAL EQUILIBRIUM
Authors: Kondo Atsumasa
Published: November 2007

Abstract.  This paper constructs a dynamic general equilibrium model with money in consumers’ utility functions and investigates the equilibrium dynamics of government's debt. The limitation level of the government borrowing for which a dynamic equilibrium and the no Ponzi Game condition are compatible with each other is explicitly derived. The critical level depends on the long‐run interest rate, primary balance, money supply etc.
FIRM COMPLIANCE WITH SOCIAL INSURANCE OBLIGATIONS WHERE THERE IS A WEAK SURVEILLANCE AND ENFORCEMENT MECHANISM: EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM SHANGHAI*
Authors: Maitra Pushkar , Smyth Russell , Nielsen Ingrid , Nyland Chris , Zhu Cherrie
Published: November 2007

Abstract.   This article examines why firms in Shanghai comply or over‐comply with social insurance obligations in a regulatory environment where the expected punishment for non‐compliance is low. Our first finding is that firms found to be in non‐compliance in the first audit in 2001 were moved into a separate violation category and the probability of being reaudited in 2002 was significantly higher if the firm was in that category. Our second main result is that, across the board, firms which were reaudited continued to underpay in 2002 but the extent of underpayment was significantly reduced.
INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS AND ECONOMIC GROWTH IN KOREA
Authors: Park Ki Seong
Published: November 2007

The wage rate, labour productivity, and labour share are examined as they relate to changing industrial relations over the last four decades in the Korea. The results imply that the labour share is greater than that of Korea's competitive equilibrium in the 1990s. We analyse the effect of industrial relations on economic growth through a theoretical model comparing the growth rate of the competitive equilibrium with that of the bargaining equilibrium. The bargaining growth rate is lower than that of the competitive equilibrium. Among bargaining equilibria, the growth rate decreases as the labour share increases.
Caveolins in glial cell model systems: from detection to significance
Authors: Silva W. I. , Maldonado H. M. , Velázquez G. , García J. O. , González F. A.
Published: November 2007

Glial cells prevail in number and in diversity of cellular phenotypes in the nervous system. They have also gained prominence due to their multiple physiological and pathophysiological roles. Our current knowledge of the asymmetry and heterogeneity of the plasma membrane demands an in depth analysis of the diverse array of membrane microdomains postulated to exist in the context of glial cells. This review focuses and analyzes the studies reported to date on the detection of caveolae membrane rafts and the caveolin family members in glial cell model systems, the conditions leading to changes in their level of expression, and their functional and clinical significance. Outstanding in this work emerge the ubiquitous expression of caveolins, including the typically regarded ‘muscle‐specific’ cav3, in diverse glial cell model systems, their participation in reactive astrogliosis, cancer, and their key relevance to calcium signaling. The knowledge obtained to date demands incorporation of the caveolins and caveolae membrane rafts in our current models on the role of glial cells in heath and neurological disease.
Cholesterol effects on nicotinic acetylcholine receptor
Authors: Barrantes Francisco J.
Published: November 2007

This short overview addresses the effects of cholesterol (Chol) on the stability, supramolecular organization, and function of the murine muscle‐type nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AChR). The biophysical properties of Chol–AChR interaction are discussed first, as they constitute, in our view, the very source of the modulation exerted by Chol on receptor structure and function. In the absence of innervation, AChRs occur in the form of aggregates that remain stable at the cell‐surface membrane of mammalian model cells over a period of hours. Acute Chol depletion drastically reduces (∼50%) the number of receptor aggregates by accelerating the rate of endocytosis in a receptor‐expressing clonal cell line. Chol depletion also results in ion channel gain‐of‐function of the remaining cell‐surface AChRs, whereas Chol enrichment has the opposite effect. Wide‐field and confocal microscopy show AChR clusters as diffraction‐limited puncta of ∼200 nm diameter. Stimulated emission depletion fluorescence microscopy resolves these puncta into nanoclusters with an average diameter of ∼55 nm. Exploiting the enhanced resolution, the effect of acute Chol depletion is shown to alter the short‐ and long‐range organization of AChR nanoclusters. In the short range, the 50% AChRs remaining at the cell surface form larger nanoclusters. On larger scales (0.5–3.5 μm) Ripley’sK‐test on stimulated emission depletion images reveal changes in nanocluster distribution, attributable to the Chol‐related abolition of cytoskeletal physical barriers normally preventing the lateral diffusion of AChR nanoclusters. We discuss these observations in the light of the so‐called ‘raft’ hypothesis and surmise that Chol content at the plasmalemma homeostatically modulates cell‐surface organization and stability of receptor nanodomains and fine tunes receptor channel function to temporarily compensate for acute AChR loss from the cell surface.
Patterns and Determinants of Historical Woodland Clearing in Central‐Western New South Wales, Australia
Authors: BEDWARD MICHAEL , SIMPSON CHRISTOPHER C. , ELLIS MURRAY V. , METCALFE LISA M.
Published: November 2007

We consider the history of woodland clearing in central western New South Wales, Australia, which has led to the present highly cleared and fragmented landscape. A combined approach is used examining available historical land‐use data and using regression analysis to relate the pattern of cleared and wooded areas in the recent landscape to environmental variables, taking into account the contagious nature of clearing. We also ask whether it would be possible to apply a simple simulation modelling approach to reconstruct a credible historical sequence of clearing in the study area. The historical data indicate that annual clearing rates have varied substantially in the study area and selective tree removal (ringbarking and thinning) has been common. These findings make it unlikely that a simple simulation approach would replicate the spatial and temporal sequence of woodland loss. Our regression results show that clearing patterns can be related to environmental variables, particularly annual rainfall and estimated pre‐European vegetation type, but that patterns are dominated by contagion.
Negotiating the Geographies of Cultural Difference in Local Communities: Two Examples from Suburban Melbourne
Authors: PERMEZEL MELISSA , DUFFY MICHELLE
Published: November 2007

This paper explores the ways in which cultural difference is negotiated in local communities through the practices and actions of local individuals, groups and the policies of local government. Cultural difference is commonly managed through policies such as multiculturalism, and critiques of such policies tend to be either in terms of celebratory discourses of inclusiveness, or in negative terms which argue that such policies reiterate models of exclusivity and paternalism. The authors draw on current research in planning and cultural geography in order to explore the ways in which actual difference is negotiated at the local level through the institutional and civic spaces of local government. Two case studies for this discussion, the City of Greater Dandenong and Moreland City Council, demonstrate the importance of the physical body and its interactions with, and activities in, place to processes of local change and policy making.
Data Integration Issues in Research Supporting Sustainable Natural Resource Management
Authors: HERR ALEXANDER
Published: November 2007

Current decision‐making in natural resource use and management aims at delivering ecologically‐sustainable development to achieve conservation and economic benefits. The process of guiding natural resource use requires the integration of social, economic and biophysical information on which to base management decisions. This paper discusses the integration of socio‐economic information for natural resource management (NRM) planning and decision‐making in the Australian context. A comprehensive resource of socio‐economic data is the Census, which is undertaken every five years by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) for the whole of Australia. Unfortunately there are qualitative and quantitative issues stemming from the use of ABS census data maps for NRM decision‐making, as they are at a different scale to and the boundaries do not coincide with biophysical information. These issues include the variable shape of collection districts, the use of enumerated data for population‐based statistics, the large size of collection districts in low populated areas, and the averaging of socio‐economic information over the collection districts. Examples highlight these issues and show a way forwards in improving data integration, which includes simple spatial overlay methods and regression modelling.
Assessment of Riparian Rainforest Vegetation Change in Tropical North Queensland for Management and Restoration Purposes
Authors: LAWSON TINA , GILLIESON DAVID , GOOSEM MIRIAM
Published: November 2007

Changes in riparian vegetation extent in northern Queensland, Australia were assessed using aerial photographs from 1944 and 2000. Change in riparian extent was recorded as vegetation gain or loss. Changes in density were recorded as vegetation thickening. Riparian forest coverage increased by 22 ha during this time period in the Mossman River catchment. A total of 124 ha of riparian forest were gained, while 101 ha of riparian forest were lost. A further 59 ha of forest increased in density over this time period. Clearing, changes in farm management practices and natural stream channel movement have been identified as three potential causes for these changes. Areas with little or no riparian vegetation were identified and categorised into priority levels for potential revegetation efforts.
A functional insulin‐like growth factor receptor is not necessary for load‐induced skeletal muscle hypertrophy
Authors: Spangenburg Espen E. , Le Roith Derek , Ward Chris W. , Bodine Sue C.
Published: November 2007

Increasing the mechanical load on skeletal muscle results in increased expression of insulin‐like growth factor I (IGF‐I), which is thought to be a critical step in the induction of muscle hypertrophy. To determine the role of the IGF‐I receptor in load‐induced skeletal muscle hypertrophy, we utilized a transgenic mouse model (MKR) that expresses a dominant negative IGF‐I receptor specifically in skeletal muscle. Skeletal muscle hypertrophy was induced in the plantaris muscle using the functional overload (FO) model, a model which has previously been shown to induce significant elevations of IGF‐I expression in skeletal muscle. Adult male wild‐type (WT) and MKR mice were subjected to 0, 7 or 35 days of FO. In control or unchallenged animals, the plantaris mass was 11% greater in WT compared to the MKR mice (P < 0.05). After 7 days of FO, plantaris mass increased significantly by 26% and 62% in WT and MKR mice, respectively (P < 0.05). After 35 days of FO, WT and MKR mice demonstrated significant increases of 100% and 122%, respectively, in plantaris mass (P < 0.05). Further, at no time point was the degree of hypertrophy significantly different between the WT and MKR mice. Previous research suggests that IGF‐I induces muscle growth through activation of the Akt–mTOR signalling pathway; therefore, we measured the phosphorylation status of Akt and p70s6k in the WT and MKR mice after 7 days of FO. Significant increases of ∼100% and ∼200% in Akt (Ser‐473) and p70s6k (Thr‐389) phosphorylation were measured in overloaded plantaris from both WT and MKR mice, respectively. Moreover, no differences were detected between the WT and MKR mice. These data suggest that increased mechanical load can induce muscle hypertrophy and activate the Akt and p70s6k independent of a functioning IGF‐I receptor.
Acute physical exercise reverses S‐nitrosation of the insulin receptor, insulin receptor substrate 1 and protein kinase B/Akt in diet‐induced obese Wistar rats
Authors: Pauli José R. , Ropelle Eduardo R. , Cintra Dennys E. , Carvalho‐Filho Marco A. , Moraes Juliana C. , De Souza Cláudio T. , Velloso Lício A. , Carvalheira José B. C. , Saad Mario J. A.
Published: November 2007

Early evidence demonstrates that exogenous nitric oxide (NO) and the NO produced by inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) can induce insulin resistance. Here, we investigated whether this insulin resistance, mediated by S‐nitrosation of proteins involved in early steps of the insulin signal transduction pathway, could be reversed by acute physical exercise. Rats on a high‐fat diet were subjected to swimming for two 3 h‐long bouts, separated by a 45 min rest period. Two or 16 h after the exercise protocol the rats were killed and proteins from the insulin signalling pathway were analysed by immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting. We demonstrated that a high‐fat diet led to an increase in the iNOS protein level and S‐nitrosation of insulin receptor β (IRβ), insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) and Akt. Interestingly, an acute bout of exercise reduced iNOS expression and S‐nitrosation of proteins involved in the early steps of insulin action, and improved insulin sensitivity in diet‐induced obesity rats. Furthermore, administration of GSNO (NO donor) prevents this improvement in insulin action and the use of an inhibitor of iNOS (l‐N6‐(1‐iminoethyl)lysine; l‐NIL) simulates the effects of exercise on insulin action, insulin signalling and S‐nitrosation of IRβ, IRS1 and Akt. In summary, a single bout of exercise reverses insulin sensitivity in diet‐induced obese rats by improving the insulin signalling pathway, in parallel with a decrease in iNOS expression and in the S‐nitrosation of IR/IRS1/Akt. The decrease in iNOS protein expression in the muscle of diet‐induced obese rats after an acute bout of exercise was accompanied by an increase in AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity. These results provide new insights into the mechanism by which exercise restores insulin sensitivity.
Cell‐specific spike‐timing‐dependent plasticity in GABAergic and cholinergic interneurons in corticostriatal rat brain slices
Authors: Fino Elodie , Deniau Jean‐Michel , Venance Laurent
Published: November 2007

Striatum, the main input nucleus of basal ganglia, is involved in the learning of cognitive and motor sequences in response to environmental stimuli. Striatal output neurons (medium spiny neurons, MSNs) integrate cortical activity and the two main classes of interneurons (GABAergic and cholinergic interneurons) tightly regulate the corticostriatal information transfer. We have explored the transmission between cortex and striatal interneurons and their capability to develop activity‐dependent long‐term plasticity based on the quasi‐coincident cortical and striatal activities (spike‐timing‐dependent plasticity, STDP). We have observed glutamatergic monosynaptic connections between cortical cells and both striatal interneurons. Excitatory postsynaptic current latencies and rise times revealed that a cortical stimulation activates GABAergic interneurons before cholinergic, and both interneurons before MSNs. In addition, we have observed that striatal interneurons are able to develop bidirectional long‐term plasticity and that there is a cell‐specificity of STDP among striatal interneurons. Indeed, in GABAergic interneurons, long‐term depression (LTD) and long‐term potentiation (LTP) are induced by post‐pre and pre‐post STDP protocols, respectively. Cholinergic interneurons displayed a partially reversed STDP when compared to GABAergic interneurons: post‐pre protocols induced LTP as well as LTD (the induction of either LTP or LTD is correlated with rheobase) and pre‐post protocols induced LTD. The cell‐specificity of STDP also concerned the receptors activated for the induction of LTP and LTD in GABAergic and cholinergic interneurons: in GABAergic interneurons LTP and LTD required NMDA receptor‐activation whereas, in cholinergic interneurons, LTP was underlain by NMDA receptor‐activation and LTD by metabotropic glutamate receptors.
Contribution of transcranial magnetic stimulation to the understanding of cortical mechanisms involved in motor control
Authors: Reis Janine , Swayne Orlando B. , Vandermeeren Yves , Camus Mickael , Dimyan Michael A. , Harris‐Love Michelle , Perez Monica A. , Ragert Patrick , Rothwell John C. , Cohen Leonardo G.
Published: November 2007

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was initially used to evaluate the integrity of the corticospinal tract in humans non‐invasively. Since these early studies, the development of paired‐pulse and repetitive TMS protocols allowed investigators to explore inhibitory and excitatory interactions of various motor and non‐motor cortical regions within and across cerebral hemispheres. These applications have provided insight into the intracortical physiological processes underlying the functional role of different brain regions in various cognitive processes, motor control in health and disease and neuroplastic changes during recovery of function after brain lesions. Used in combination with neuroimaging tools, TMS provides valuable information on functional connectivity between different brain regions, and on the relationship between physiological processes and the anatomical configuration of specific brain areas and connected pathways. More recently, there has been increasing interest in the extent to which these physiological processes are modulated depending on the behavioural setting. The purpose of this paper is (a) to present an up‐to‐date review of the available electrophysiological data and the impact on our understanding of human motor behaviour and (b) to discuss some of the gaps in our present knowledge as well as future directions of research in a format accessible to new students and/or investigators. Finally, areas of uncertainty and limitations in the interpretation of TMS studies are discussed in some detail.
Influences of sensory input from the limbs on feline corticospinal neurons during postural responses
Authors: Karayannidou A. , Deliagina T. G. , Tamarova Z. A. , Sirota M. G. , Zelenin P. V. , Orlovsky G. N. , Beloozerova I. N.
Published: November 2007

The dorsal‐side‐up body posture of standing quadrupeds is maintained by coordinated activity of all limbs. Somatosensory input from the limbs evokes postural responses when the supporting surface is perturbed. The aim of this study was to reveal the contribution of sensory inputs from individual limbs to the posture‐related modulation of pyramidal tract neurons (PTNs) arising in the primary motor cortex. We recorded the activity of PTNs from the limb representation of motor cortex in the cat maintaining balance on a platform periodically tilted in the frontal plane. Each PTN was recorded during standing on four limbs, and when two or three limbs were lifted from the platform and thus did not signal its displacement to motor cortex. By comparing PTN responses to tilts in different tests we found that the amplitude and the phase of the response in the majority of them were determined primarily by the sensory input from the corresponding contralateral limb. In a portion of PTNs, this input originated from afferents of the peripheral receptive field. Sensory input from the ipsilateral limb, as well as input from limbs of the other girdle made a much smaller contribution to the PTN modulation. These results show that, during postural activity, a key role of PTNs is the feedback control of the corresponding contralateral limb and, to a lesser extent, the coordination of posture within a girdle and between the two girdles.
Coughing induced by airway irritation modulates the sensation of air hunger
Authors: Nishino Takashi , Isono Shiroh , Shinozuka Norihiro , Ishikawa Teruhiko
Published: November 2007

The aim of this study was to clarify whether coughing elicited by airway irritation can modulate the sensation of air hunger. Using a visual analog scale (VAS), we measured air hunger for 30 s following breakpoint of a breath‐hold in healthy young subjects who were asked to resume their breathing according to four patterns (free breathing, citric acid inhalation, voluntary cough, and panting) before and/or after airway anaesthesia. We also measured air hunger for citric acid‐induced coughing and voluntary coughing without the preceding breath‐holding. The free breathing after breakpoint of breath‐holding causes an immediate relief of air hunger (VAS median values at 5, 15 and 25 s after breath‐hold: 39, 0 and 0), whereas voluntary coughing causes a delay in the relief of air hunger (67, P < 0.05; 17, P < 0.05; and 0, NS) and a slower relief occurred during citric acid‐induced coughing (81, P < 0.01; 49, P < 0.05; and 12, P < 0.05). Conversely, the voluntary coughing and citric acid‐induced coughing per se failed to induce air hunger. Inhalation of lidocaine aerosol completely abolished the cough response to citric acid inhalation causing an immediate relief of air hunger, whereas airway anaesthesia alleviated only slightly the air hunger during voluntary coughing. The changes in air hunger during the panting were similar to those during the voluntary coughing observed before airway anaesthesia and were not affected by airway anaesthesia (VAS at 15 s point before versus after anaesthesia: 18 versus 15; NS). Coughing induced by airway irritation per se does not generate the sensation of air hunger but can aggravate it, presumably by vagally mediated mechanisms and/or central mechanisms.
No stress please! Mechanisms of stress hyporesponsiveness of the maternal brain
Authors: Slattery David A. , Neumann Inga D.
Published: November 2007

The time around birth is accompanied by behavioural and physiological adaptations of the maternal brain, which ensure reproductive functions, maternal care and the survival of the offspring. In addition, profound neuroendocrine and neurobiological adaptations have been described with respect to behavioural and neuroendocrine stress responsiveness in rodents and human mothers. Thus, the hormonal response of the hypothalamo‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis and the response of the sympathetic nervous system to emotional and physical stressors are severely attenuated. Moreover, anxiety‐related behaviour and emotional responsiveness to stressful stimuli are reduced with the result of general calmness. These complex adaptations of the maternal brain are likely to be a consequence of an increased activity of brain systems with inhibitory effects on the HPA axis (such as the oxytocin and prolactin systems) and of a reduced activity of excitatory pathways (noradrenaline (norepinephrine), corticotrophin‐releasing factor and opioids). Experimental manipulation of these systems using complementary approaches indeed demonstrates their importance in these maternal brain adaptations. Maternal stress adaptations are not only important for the healthy prenatal development of the offspring by preventing excessive glucocorticoid responses and in the promotion of postnatal maternal behaviour, but are also vital for the well‐being of the mother and her mental health.
Reactive oxygen species contribute to Ca2+ signals produced by osmotic stress in mouse skeletal muscle fibres
Authors: Martins Adriano S. , Shkryl Vyacheslav M. , Nowycky Martha C. , Shirokova Natalia
Published: November 2007

Ca2+ sparks, localized elevations in cytosolic [Ca2+], are rarely detected in intact adult mammalian skeletal muscle under physiological conditions. However, they have been observed in permeabilized cells and in intact fibres subjected to stresses, such as osmotic shock and strenuous exercise. Our previous studies indicated that an excess in cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation over the ROS scavenging capabilities could be one of the up‐stream causes of Ca2+ spark appearance in permeabilized muscle fibres. Here we tested whether the cytosolic ROS balance is compromised in intact skeletal muscle fibres that underwent osmotic shock and whether this misbalance contributes to unmasking Ca2+ sparks. Spontaneous Ca2+ sparks and the rate of ROS generation were assessed with single photon confocal microscopy and fluorescent indicators fluo‐4, CM‐H2DCFDA and MitoSOX Red. Osmotic shock produced spontaneous Ca2+ sparks and a concomitant significant increase in ROS production. Preincubation of muscle cells with ROS scavengers (e.g. MnTBAP, Mn‐cpx 3, TIRON) nearly eliminated Ca2+ sparks. In addition, inhibitors of NAD(P)H oxidase (DPI and apocynin) significantly reduced ROS production and suppressed the appearance of Ca2+ sparks. Taken together, the data suggest that ROS contribute to the abnormal Ca2+ spark activity in mammalian skeletal muscle subjected to osmotic stress and also indicate that NAD(P)H oxidase is a possible source of ROS. We propose that ROS‐dependent Ca2+ sparks are an important component of adaptive/maladaptive muscle responses under various pathological conditions such as eccentric stretch, osmotic changes during ischaemia and reperfusion, and some muscle diseases.
Radar Sounding of the Medusae Fossae Formation Mars: Equatorial Ice or Dry, Low-Density Deposits?
Authors: Watters Thomas R. , Campbell Bruce , Carter Lynn , Leuschen Carl J. , Plaut Jeffrey J. , Picardi Giovanni , Orosei Roberto , Safaeinili Ali , Clifford Stephen M. , Farrell William M. , Ivanov Anton B. , Phillips Roger J. , Stofan Ellen R.
Published: November 2007

The equatorial Medusae Fossae Formation (MFF) is enigmatic and perhaps among the youngest geologic deposits on Mars. They are thought to be composed of volcanic ash, eolian sediments, or an ice-rich material analogous to polar layered deposits. The Mars Advanced Radar for Subsurface and Ionospheric Sounding (MARSIS) instrument aboard the Mars Express Spacecraft has detected nadir echoes offset in time-delay from the surface return in orbits over MFF material. These echoes are interpreted to be from the subsurface interface between the MFF material and the underlying terrain. The delay time between the MFF surface and subsurface echoes is consistent with massive deposits emplaced on generally planar lowlands materials with a real dielectric constant of ∼2.9 ± 0.4. The real dielectric constant and the estimated dielectric losses are consistent with a substantial component of water ice. However, an anomalously low-density, ice-poor material cannot be ruled out. If ice-rich, the MFF must have a higher percentage of dust and sand than polar layered deposits. The volume of water in an ice-rich MFF deposit would be comparable to that of the south polar layered deposits.
Modeling the Localized-to-Itinerant Electronic Transition in the Heavy Fermion System CeIrIn
5
Authors: Shim J. H. , Haule K. , Kotliar G.
Published: November 2007

We address the fundamental question of crossover from the localized to the itinerant state of a paradigmatic heavy fermion material: CeIrIn
5
. The temperature evolution of the one-electron spectra and the optical conductivity are predicted from first-principles calculation. The buildup of coherence in the form of a dispersive many-body feature is followed in detail, and its effects on the conduction electrons of the material are revealed. We find multiple hybridization gaps and link them to the crystal structure of the material. Our theoretical approach explains the multiple peak structures observed in optical experiments and the sensitivity of CeIrIn
5
to substitutions of the transition metal element and may provide a microscopic basis for the more phenomenological descriptions currently used to interpret experiments in heavy fermion systems.
Outcome of Vancomycin Treatment in Patients with Methicillin-SusceptibleStaphylococcus aureusBacteremia
Authors: Kim Sung-Han , Kim Kye-Hyung , Kim Hong-Bin , Kim Nam-Joong , Kim Eui-Chong , Oh Myoung-don , Choe Kang-Won
Published: November 2007

Limited data on the clinical outcome of vancomycin treatment compared with that of beta-lactam treatment in patients with methicillin-susceptibleStaphylococcus aureusbacteremia (MSSA-B) are available. We used different and complementary approaches: (i) a retrospective cohort study using a propensity score to adjust for confounding by treatment assignment and (ii) a matched case-control study. Of all patients withS. aureusbacteremia (SAB) in two university-affiliated hospitals over a 7-year period, 294 patients with MSSA-B were enrolled in the cohort study. The cases for the case-control study were defined as patients who received vancomycin treatment for MSSA-B; the controls, who were patients that received beta-lactam treatment for MSSA-B, were selected at a 1:2 (case:control) ratio according to the objective matching scoring system and the propensity score system. In the cohort study, SAB-related mortality in patients with vancomycin treatment (37%, 10/27) was significantly higher than that in those with beta-lactam treatment (18%, 47/267) (P= 0.02). In addition, multivariate analysis revealed that vancomycin treatment was associated with SAB-related mortality when independent predictors for SAB-related mortality and propensity score were considered (adjusted odds ratio of 3.3, 95% confidence interval of 1.2 to 9.5). In the case-control study using the objective matching scoring system and the propensity score system, SAB-related mortality in case patients was 37% (10/27) and in control patients 11% (6/54) (P< 0.01). Our data suggest that vancomycin is inferior to beta-lactam in the treatment of MSSA-B.
Modulation of Intestinal Goblet Cell Function during Infection by an Attaching and Effacing Bacterial Pathogen
Authors: Bergstrom Kirk S. B. , Guttman Julian A. , Rumi Mohammad , Ma Caixia , Bouzari Saied , Khan Mohammed A. , Gibson Deanna L. , Vogl A. Wayne , Vallance Bruce A.
Published: November 2007

The attaching and effacing (A/E) bacterial pathogens enteropathogenic
Escherichia coli
and enterohemorrhagic
E. coli
and the related mouse pathogen
Citrobacter rodentium
colonize their hosts' intestines by infecting the apical surfaces of enterocytes, subverting their function, and they ultimately cause diarrhea. Surprisingly, little is known about the interactions of these organisms with goblet cells, which are specialized epithelial cells that secrete the protective molecules Muc2 and trefoil factor 3 (Tff3) into the intestinal lumen.
C. rodentium
infection leads to dramatic goblet cell depletion within the infected colon, yet it is not clear whether
C. rodentium
infects goblet cells or if this pathology is pathogen or host mediated. As determined by immunostaining and PCR, both the number of goblet cells and the expression of genes encoding Muc2 and Tff3 were significantly reduced by day 10 postinfection. While electron microscopy and immunostaining revealed that
C. rodentium
directly infected a fraction of colonic goblet cells,
C. rodentium
localization did not correlate with goblet cell depletion. To assess the role of the host immune system in these changes, Rag1 knockout (KO) (T- and B-cell-deficient) mice were infected with
C. rodentium
. Rag1 KO mice did not exhibit the reduction in the number of goblet cells or in mediator (Muc2 and Tff3) expression observed in infected immunocompetent mice. However, reconstitution of Rag1 KO mice with T and B lymphocytes from C57BL/6 mice restored the goblet cell depletion phenotype during
C. rodentium
infection. In conclusion, these studies demonstrated that while colonic goblet cells can be subject to direct infection and potential subversion by A/E pathogens in vivo, it is the host immune system that primarily modulates the function of these cells during infection.
Brucella abortusInhibits Major Histocompatibility Complex Class II Expression and Antigen Processing through Interleukin-6 Secretion via Toll-Like Receptor 2
Authors: Barrionuevo Paula , Cassataro Juliana , Delpino M. Victoria , Zwerdling Astrid , Pasquevich Karina A. , Samartino Clara García , Wallach Jorge C. , Fossati Carlos A. , Giambartolomei Guillermo H.
Published: November 2007

The strategies that allowBrucella abortusto survive inside macrophages for prolonged periods and to avoid the immunological surveillance of major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC-II)-restricted gamma interferon (IFN-γ)-producing CD4+T lymphocytes are poorly understood. We report here that infection of THP-1 cells withB. abortusinhibited expression of MHC-II molecules and antigen (Ag) processing. Heat-killedB. abortus(HKBA) also induced both these phenomena, indicating the independence of bacterial viability and involvement of a structural component of the bacterium. Accordingly, outer membrane protein 19 (Omp19), a prototypicalB. abortuslipoprotein, inhibited both MHC-II expression and Ag processing to the same extent as HKBA. Moreover, a synthetic lipohexapeptide that mimics the structure of the protein lipid moiety also inhibited MHC-II expression, indicating that anyBrucellalipoprotein could down-modulate MHC-II expression and Ag processing. Inhibition of MHC-II expression and Ag processing by either HKBA or lipidated Omp19 (L-Omp19) depended on Toll-like receptor 2 and was mediated by interleukin-6. HKBA or L-Omp19 also inhibited MHC-II expression and Ag processing of human monocytes. In addition, exposure to the synthetic lipohexapeptide inhibited Ag-specific T-cell proliferation and IFN-γ production of peripheral blood mononuclear cells fromBrucella-infected patients. Together, these results indicate that there is a mechanism by whichB. abortusmay prevent recognition by T cells to evade host immunity and establish a chronic infection.
Association between foot type and tibial stress injuries: a systematic review
Authors: Barnes A , Wheat J , Milner C
Published: November 2007

Objectives:

To systematically review published articles investigating the association between structural foot characteristics and tibial stress injuries, and to suggest possible future avenues of research in this area.

Methods:

Literature was identified, selected and appraised in accordance with the methods of a systematic review. Articles potentially relevant to the research question were identified by searching the following electronic databases: Amed, Cinahl, Index to UK theses, Medline, PubMed, Scopus, Sports discus and Web of science. Duplicates were removed and, based on the title and abstract, the full text of relevant studies were retrieved. Two reviewers independently assessed papers; this formed the basis for the inclusion of the most appropriate trials.

Results:

From the 479 articles originally identified, nine were deemed appropriate for inclusion in the review. In general, specific data relating to this relationship was limited. Outcomes of the nine investigations were difficult to compare due to differing methods used across studies. Results have proved conflicting, with limited evidence found to implicate any specific foot type as a potential risk factor for tibial stress injuries.

Conclusions:

No definitive conclusions can be drawn relating foot structure or function to an increased risk of tibial stress injuries. Extremes of foot types are likely to pose an increased risk of tibial stress injuries compared to normal arched feet.
Growth factor delivery methods in the management of sports injuries: the state of play
Authors: Creaney L , Hamilton B
Published: November 2007

In recent years there have been rapid developments in the use of growth factors for accelerated healing of injury. Growth factors have been used in maxillo-facial and plastic surgery with success and the technology is now being developed for orthopaedics and sports medicine applications. Growth factors mediate the biological processes necessary for repair of soft tissues such as muscle, tendon and ligament following acute traumatic or overuse injury, and animal studies have demonstrated clear benefits in terms of accelerated healing. There are various ways of delivering higher doses of growth factors to injured tissue, but each has in common a reliance on release of growth factors from blood platelets. Platelets contain growth factors in their α-granules (insulin-like growth factor-1, basic fibroblast growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor, epidermal growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, transforming growth factor-β1) and these are released upon injection at the site of an injury. Three commonly utilised techniques are known as platelet-rich plasma, autologous blood injections and autologous conditioned serum. Each of these techniques has been studied clinically in humans to a very limited degree so far, but results are promising in terms of earlier return to play following muscle and particularly tendon injury. The use of growth factors in sports medicine is restricted under the terms of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) anti-doping code, particularly because of concerns regarding the insulin-like growth factor-1 content of such preparations, and the potential for abuse as performance-enhancing agents. The basic science and clinical trials related to the technology are reviewed, and the use of such agents in relation to the WADA code is discussed.
Effects of fungal seed pathogens under conspecific and heterospecific trees in a temperate forest
Authors: Kotanen Peter M.
Published: November 2007

This study investigated the impacts of soil fungi on seeds of two eastern North American temperate-zone trees: Acer saccharum Marsh. (sugar maple) and Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carr (eastern hemlock). Seeds of each species were buried at locations dominated by either conspecifics or heterospecifics. Half were protected with fungicide, and the net consequences for survival and germination were assessed. Net effects of fungicide usually were positive, indicating that pathogens affected seeds more strongly than any potential mutualists. Losses of A. saccharum to fungi were modest, and almost identical in areas dominated by itself versus areas dominated by T. canadensis. In contrast, fungal impacts on T. canadensis were strongly habitat-dependent: losses to fungi were high in T. canadensis-dominated sites, but not in A. saccharum-dominated sites. This result is consistent with an accumulation of host-specific pathogens, either by a direct feedback between T. canadensis and its fungal enemies, or indirectly through modification of the soil environment. Even though these two trees share similar habitats, responses to fungicide indicate that their seeds are affected very differently by the soil environment.