bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The preterm parturition syndrome
Authors: Romero R , Espinoza J , Kusanovic JP , Gotsch F , Hassan S , Erez O , Chaiworapongsa T , Mazor M
Published: December 2006

The implicit paradigm that has governed the study and clinical management of preterm labour is that term and preterm parturition are the same processes, except for the gestational age at which they occur. Indeed, both share a common pathway composed of uterine contractility, cervical dilatation and activation of the membranes/decidua. This review explores the concept that while term labour results from physiological activation of the components of the common pathway, preterm labour arises from pathological signalling and activation of one or more components of the common pathway of parturition. The term ‘great obstetrical syndromes’ has been coined to reframe the concept of obstetrical disease. Such syndromes are characterised by: (1) multiple aetiology; (2) long preclinical stage; (3) frequent fetal involvement; (4) clinical manifestations that are often adaptive in nature; and (5) gene–environment interactions that may predispose to the syndromes. This article reviews the evidence indicating that the pathological processes implicated in the preterm parturition syndrome include: (1) intrauterine infection/inflammation; (2) uterine ischaemia; (3) uterine overdistension; (4) abnormal allograft reaction; (5) allergy; (6) cervical insufficiency; and (7) hormonal disorders (progesterone related and corticotrophin‐releasing factor related). The implications of this conceptual framework for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of preterm labour are discussed.
The role of inflammation in preterm birth—focus on periodontitis
Authors: Klebanoff M , Searle K
Published: December 2006

It is universally accepted that acute inflammation is responsible for a substantial fraction of preterm births, particularly early cases. Much of this inflammation is caused by intrauterine infection. There is also evidence that infection and perhaps inflammation remote from the genitourinary tract can trigger preterm labour. Several studies have suggested that periodontitis during pregnancy increases the risk of preterm birth. Periodontitis may cause preterm birth by causing low‐grade bacteraemia, which lodges in the decidua, chorion and amnion or by releasing endotoxin into the maternal circulation, which triggers intrauterine inflammation and preterm birth. Alternatively, it may release cytokines and other inflammatory products, which then trigger preterm labour. It is also conceivable that periodontitis might serve as a marker for other unhealthy behaviours, or immune hyperresponsiveness and that hyperresponsiveness to low‐grade intrauterine infection itself might cause preterm birth. Currently, there are few data available to distinguish these possibilities. Such distinctions are important since they have clear implications for whether treatment of periodontitis might reduce the incidence of preterm birth. Several clinical trials of treatment of periodontitis are continuing, but until their results are known there is currently little evidence that treatment of periodontitis during pregnancy reduces the incidence of preterm birth.
Does assisted reproduction technology, per se, increase the risk of preterm birth?
Authors: Blickstein I
Published: December 2006

There is little doubt that all methods of assisted reproduction increase the likelihood of multiple pregnancy and, as a result, increase the likelihood of preterm birth. Data from the East Flanders Prospective Twin Study clearly show that the proportion of spontaneous to iatrogenic twins has changed from 25:1 to 1:1 over the past two decades. Data from the very low birthweight (VLBW) Infant Database of the Israel Neonatal Network showed that 10% of VLBW singletons were a result of assisted reproduction compared with 60% of the VLBW twins and 90% of the VLBW triplets. Irrespective of plurality, an association between preterm birth and assisted reproduction has long been suspected and was related to causes such as iatrogenic preterm birth (in the so‐called ‘premium’ pregnancies), fertility history, past obstetric performance and to underlying medical conditions of the female partner. With more data available, a clearer picture is defined. Two different, recent meta‐analyses showed that singleton pregnancies resulting from in vitro fertilisation (IVF) have increased rates of preterm birth at <33 weeks of gestation (OR 2.99; 95% CI 1.54–5.80), at <37 weeks of gestation (OR 1.93; 95% CI 1.36–2.74) and a relative risk of 1.98 (95% CI 1.77–2.22) for preterm birth in singleton pregnancies resulting from in vitro fertilisation embryo transfer/gamete intra fallopian transfer (IVF‐ET/GIFT) compared with naturally conceived pregnancies. Since there is no way to predict which pregnant woman is at increased risk of preterm birth, it may be advisable to consider all pregnancies after assisted reproduction as being at risk. In any case, the most appropriate endpoint after assisted reproduction should also include preterm or term birth as measure of success.
Use of tocolytics: what is the benefit of gaining 48 hours for the fetus?
Authors: Di Renzo GC , Al Saleh E , Mattei A , Koutras I , Clerici G
Published: December 2006

Preterm birth remains one of the serious problems in perinatal medicine and is associated with an increased risk of neonatal complications and long‐term morbidity. Although each day that delivery is delayed between 22 and 28 weeks of gestation increases survival by 3%, since most spontaneous preterm labour occurs between 28 and 34 weeks of gestation, this is of secondary concern; the primary goal of delay is to improve the function of certain systems in the fetus and to balance the risks of a hostile intrauterine environment with the complications of extrauterine preterm life. Although there is a lack of definitive evidence that tocolytic drugs improve outcome following spontaneous preterm labour and preterm birth, there is ample evidence that tocolysis delays delivery for long enough to permit administration of a complete course of antepartum glucocorticoids and to facilitate in utero transfer to a tertiary care unit where neonatal care will be optimal. Both these measures have been associated with improved outcomes; antepartum glucocorticoids reduce the incidence of respiratory distress syndrome, intraventricular haemorrhage, periventricular leucomalacia and necrotising enterocolitis, and in utero transfer is associated with decreased morbidity and mortality and less hospital‐based intervention compared with postnatal transportation. Consequently, women who are more likely to benefit from tocolysis are those at early gestational ages, those needing transfer to a hospital that can provide neonatal intensive care and those who have not yet received a full course of antepartum glucocorticosteroids. In these cases, delaying labour for at least 48 hours with drugs such as atosiban should be considered, since it offers clear advantages for the fetus.
A quality assessment tool to evaluate tocolytic studies
Authors: Lamont RF
Published: December 2006

Over the past 15 years, the use of β‐agonists has declined worldwide. Following the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists guidelines in 2002, clinicians in the UK and beyond were faced with the dilemma of continuing to use β‐agonists, desist from using tocolytic therapy completely or choosing to change to atosiban or calcium channel blockers (CCBs). While grade A level 1 evidence exists to show that atosiban is significantly more efficacious than placebo and significantly safer than β‐agonists for the treatment of spontaneous preterm labour, the evidence for CCBs, such as nifedipine, is much less robust and no placebo‐controlled trials have been performed. Published studies on nifedipine are largely investigator‐led studies of small sample size, which lack sufficient power. As a result, most of the evidence has been based on meta‐analyses of these studies, which look retrospectively at pooled data and are only as good as the quality of the studies included. In light of this, a tool was developed to produce a systematic review of studies on tocolytic effectiveness, which can and should be applied to all tocolytics and which considered both method‐ and topic‐specific markers of quality. In the process of applying this tool to nifedipine, an extensive literature search identified 31 studies for a systematic review of the quality of nifedipine studies assessed by eight paired reviewers with wide experience in the subject of spontaneous preterm labour and preterm birth. Forty topic‐ and method‐specific items of quality were assessed. The paucity of good quality studies of nifedipine used for the treatment of spontaneous preterm labour should be highlighted in meta‐analyses or systematic reviews, which measure efficacy and should limit and influence the degree to which recommendations and guidelines are made on the basis of such studies.
‘Normal’ pregnancy with adverse events on initial tocolytic treatment
Authors: Dudenhausen J
Published: December 2006

Preterm birth is never low risk and there are advantages gained by prolonging gestation even at relatively advanced stages of pregnancy. This means that high‐value treatments should not just be reserved for high‐risk pregnancies. Some women treated with tocolytics will experience adverse events, and some adverse events are particularly associated with different classes of tocolytic agents. Cardiovascular adverse events are particularly common with beta‐agonists and there have been several maternal deaths from pulmonary oedema as a result of beta‐agonist use for tocolysis. Calcium channel blockers are often associated with maternal hypotension, and a number of case studies reporting serious adverse events have been reported. The aim of this case study is to discuss what can be done if a patient experiences adverse events with tocolytics, and suggests approaches to continuing patient management and implications for obstetric practice.
The use of high‐dimensional biology (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics) to understand the preterm parturition syndrome
Authors: Romero R , Espinoza J , Gotsch F , Kusanovic JP , Friel LA , Erez O , Mazaki‐Tovi S , Than NG , Hassan S , Tromp G
Published: December 2006

High‐dimensional biology (HDB) refers to the simultaneous study of the genetic variants (DNA variation), transcription (messenger RNA [mRNA]), peptides and proteins, and metabolites of an organ, tissue, or an organism in health and disease. The fundamental premise is that the evolutionary complexity of biological systems renders them difficult to comprehensively understand using only a reductionist approach. Such complexity can become tractable with the use of ‘omics’ research. This term refers to the study of entities in aggregate. The current nomenclature of ‘omics’ sciences includes genomics for DNA variants, transcriptomics for mRNA, proteomics for proteins, and metabolomics for intermediate products of metabolism. Another discipline relevant to medicine is pharmacogenomics. The two major advances that have made HDB possible are technological breakthroughs that allow simultaneous examination of thousands of genes, transcripts, and proteins, etc., with high‐throughput techniques and analytical tools to extract information. What is conventionally considered hypothesis‐driven research and discovery‐driven research (through ‘omic’ methodologies) are complementary and synergistic. Here we review data which have been derived from: 1) genomics to examine predisposing factors for preterm birth; 2) transcriptomics to determine changes in mRNA in reproductive tissues associated with preterm labour and preterm prelabour rupture of membranes; 3) proteomics to identify differentially expressed proteins in amniotic fluid of women with preterm labour; and 4) metabolomics to identify the metabolic footprints of women with preterm labour likely to deliver preterm and those who will deliver at term. The complementary nature of discovery science and HDB is emphasised.
In vivoanalysis of serotonin clearance in rat hippocampus reveals that repeated administration of p‐methoxyamphetamine (PMA), but not 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), leads to long‐lasting deficits in serotonin transporter function
Authors: Callaghan Paul D. , Owens W. Anthony , Javors Martin A. , Sanchez Teresa A. , Jones David J. , Irvine Rodney J. , Daws Lynette C.
Published: December 2006

p‐Methoxyamphetamine (PMA) has been implicated in fatalities as a result of ‘ecstasy’ (MDMA) overdose worldwide. Like MDMA, acute effects are associated with marked changes in serotonergic neurotransmission, but the long‐term effects of PMA are poorly understood. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of repeated PMA administration onin vitromeasures of neurodegeneration: serotonin (5‐HT) uptake, 5‐HT transporter (SERT) density and 5‐HT content in the hippocampus, and compare with effects onin vivo5‐HT clearance. Male rats received PMA, MDMA (4 or 15 mg/kg s.c., twice daily) or vehicle for 4 days and 2 weeks later indices of SERT function were measured. [3H]5‐HT uptake into synaptosomes and [3H]cyanoimipramine binding to the SERT were significantly reduced by both PMA and MDMA treatments. 5‐HT content was reduced in MDMA‐, but not PMA‐treatment. In contrast, clearance of locally applied 5‐HT measuredin vivoby chronoamperometry was only reduced in rats treated with 15 mg/kg PMA. The finding that 5‐HT clearancein vivowas unaltered by MDMA treatment suggests thatin vitromeasures of 5‐HT axonal degeneration do not necessarily predict potential compensatory mechanisms that maintain SERT function under basal conditions.
Arachidonic acid potentiates exocytosis and allows neuronal SNARE complex to interact with Munc18a
Authors: Latham Catherine F. , Osborne Shona L. , Cryle Max J. , Meunier Frederic A.
Published: December 2006

Neuronal communication relies on the fusion of neurotransmitter‐containing vesicles with the neuronal plasma membrane. Recent genetic studies have highlighted the critical role played by polyunsaturated fatty acids in neurotransmission, however, there is little information available about which fatty acids act on exocytosis and, more importantly, by what mechanism. We have used permeabilized chromaffin cells to screen various fatty acids of the n‐3 and n‐6 series for their acute effects on exocytosis. We have demonstrated that an n‐6 series polyunsaturated fatty acid, arachidonic acid, potentiates secretion from intact neurosecretory cells regardless of the secretagogue used. We have shown that arachidonic acid dose dependently increases soluble NSF attachment protein receptor complex formation in chromaffin cells and bovine cortical brain extracts and that a non‐hydrolysable analogue of arachidonic acid causes a similar increase in SNARE complex formation. This prompted us to examine the effect of arachidonic acid on SNARE protein interactions with Munc18a, a protein known to prevent Syntaxin1a engagement into the SNARE complex in vitro. In the presence of arachidonic acid, we show that Munc18a can interact with the neuronal SNARE complex in a dose‐dependent manner. We further demonstrate that arachidonic acid directly interacts with Syntaxin1a.
Bone morphogenetic protein down‐regulation of neuronal pituitary adenylate cyclase‐activating polypeptide and reciprocal effects on vasoactive intestinal peptide expression
Authors: Pavelock Kristen A. , Girard Beatrice M. , Schutz Kristin C. , Braas Karen M. , May Victor
Published: December 2006

Among bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), the decapentaplegic (Dpp; BMP2, BMP4) and glass bottom boat (Gbb/60A; BMP5, BMP6, BMP7) subgroups have well‐described functions guiding autonomic and sensory neuronal development, fiber formation and neurophenotypic identities. Evaluation of rat superior cervical ganglia (SCG) post‐ganglionic sympathetic neuron developmental regulators identified that selected BMPs of the transforming growth factor beta superfamily have reciprocal effects on neuronal pituitary adenylate cyclase‐activating polypeptide (PACAP) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) expression. Dpp and Gbb/60A BMPs rapidly down‐regulated PACAP expression, while up‐regulating other sympathetic neuropeptides, including PACAP‐related VIP. The suppressive effects of BMP on PACAP mRNA and peptide expression were potent, efficacious and phosphorylated mothers against decapentaplegic homolog (Smad) signaling‐dependent. Axotomy of SCG dramatically increases PACAP expression, and the possibility that abrogation of inhibitory retrograde target tissue BMP signaling may contribute to this up‐regulation of sympathetic neuron PACAP was investigated. Replacement of BMP6 to SCG explant preparations significantly blunted the injury‐induced elevated PACAP expression, with a concomitant decrease in sympathetic PACAP‐immunoreactive neuron numbers. These studies suggested that BMPs modulate neuropeptide identity and diversity by stimulating or restricting the expression of specific peptidergic systems. Furthermore, the liberation of SCG neurons from target‐derived BMP inhibition following axotomy may be one participating mechanism associated with injury‐induced neuropeptidergic plasticity.
Role of peroxynitrite in secondary oxidative damage after spinal cord injury
Authors: Xiong Yiqin , Rabchevsky Alexander G. , Hall Edward D.
Published: December 2006

Peroxynitrite (PON, ONOO−), formed by nitric oxide synthase‐generated nitric oxide radical (˙NO) and superoxide radical (O2˙−), is a crucial player in post‐traumatic oxidative damage. In the present study, we determined the spatial and temporal characteristics of PON‐derived oxidative damage after a moderate contusion injury in rats. Our results showed that 3‐nitrotyrosine (3‐NT), a specific marker for PON, rapidly accumulated at early time points (1 and 3 h) and a significant increase compared with sham rats was sustained to 1 week after injury. Additionally, there was a coincident and maintained increase in the levels of protein oxidation‐related protein carbonyl and lipid peroxidation‐derived 4‐hydroxynonenal (4‐HNE). The peak increases of 3‐NT and 4‐HNE were observed at 24 h post‐injury. In our immunohistochemical results, the co‐localization of 3‐NT and 4‐HNE results indicates that PON is involved in lipid peroxidative as well as protein nitrative damage. One of the consequences of oxidative damage is an exacerbation of intracellular calcium overload, which activates the cysteine protease calpain leading to the degradation of several cellular targets including cytoskeletal protein (α‐spectrin). Western blot analysis of α‐spectrin breakdown products showed that the 145‐kDa fragments of α‐spectrin, which are specifically generated by calpain, were significantly increased as soon as 1 h following injury although the peak increase did not occur until 72 h post‐injury. The later activation of calpain is most likely linked to PON‐mediated secondary oxidative impairment of calcium homeostasis. Scavengers of PON, or its derived free radical species, may provide an improved antioxidant neuroprotective approach for the treatment of post‐traumatic oxidative damage in the injured spinal cord.
Development of microsatellite markers for southern catfish (Silurus meriaionalis) and cross‐species amplification in northern sheatfish (Silurus soldatovi)
Authors: QUAN Y. C. , SUN X. W. , LIANG L. Q.
Published: December 2006

Forty microsatellite markers were developed from a (CA)n enrichment library created from the DNA of southern catfish (Silurus meriaionalis). Also, the population structure of northern sheatfish (Silurus soldatovi) was examined by 24 microsatellite loci. They are polymorphic in at least one of the two geographically distant populations sampled from the Heilongjiang River and the Songhuajiang River in North China, respectively. Unbiased expected heterozygosity levels varied from 0.435 to 0.946 and number of alleles per locus varied from three to 20. Results indicated that these microsatellite loci were highly polymorphic and could be used as genetic markers.
Development of polymorphic nuclear microsatellite markers for polyploid and diploid members of the orchid genus Dactylorhiza
Authors: NORDSTRÖM SOFIE , HEDRÉN MIKAEL
Published: December 2006

Dactylorhiza traunsteineri is an allotetraploid species that belongs to the large Dactylorhiza incarnata/maculata polyploid complex of the Eurasian genus Dactylorhiza (Orchidaceae). Here, eight polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated using selective hybridization according to the FIASCO protocol (fast isolation by AFLP of sequences containing repeats) with slight modifications. The number of alleles per locus ranged from two to seven. All loci were possible to amplify in several other species of Dactylorhiza, using the same primers.
Characterization of four tetranucleotide and six dinucleotide microsatellite markers for use in the tropical freshwater fish Telmatherina antoniae and related species
Authors: WALTER RYAN P. , OVENDEN JENNIFER R. , HEATH DANIEL D.
Published: December 2006

Ten primer pairs were designed from two genomic libraries enriched for (GACA)4 and (GACA)7 in the sailfin silverside Telmatherina antoniae. Characterization with 57 T. antoniae individuals revealed between three and 30 alleles, with observed and expected heterozygosity values ranging from 0.47 to 0.98 and from 0.46 to 0.93, respectively. Eight of the 10 loci conformed to Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium, with no significant linkage detected between loci pairs. These microsatellite markers are intended for use in population genetic studies of T. antoniae and related fishes of the family Telmatherinidae.
A set of polymorphic microsatellite loci for Vriesea gigantea and Alcantarea imperialis (Bromeliaceae) and cross‐amplification in other bromeliad species
Authors: PALMA‐SILVA C. , CAVALLARI M. M. , BARBARÁ T. , LEXER C. , GIMENES M. A. , BERED F. , BODANESE‐ZANETTINI M. H.
Published: December 2006

Fifteen polymorphic microsatellite markers were isolated and characterized in two species of Bromeliaceae: Vriesea gigantea and Alcantarea imperialis. The number of alleles observed for each locus ranged from three to 16. The loci will be used for studies of the genetic structure of natural populations, reproductive biology, and evolutionary relationships among and within these genera. A cross‐amplification test in 22 taxa suggests that the markers will be useful for similar applications in numerous other bromeliad species.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite markers in the gecko Gekko swinhonis and cross‐species amplification in other gekkonid species
Authors: LI JINGJING , ZHOU KAIYA
Published: December 2006

Gekko swinhonis is a gekkonid lizard endemic to China, inhabiting Loess Plateau, Huabei Plain, Huanghuai Plain and areas north of the Yangtze River. We characterized 21 dinucleotide microsatellite loci from an AC/AG‐enriched genomic library of G. swinhonis. The number of alleles per locus ranged from eight to 24 and the observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.160 to 0.834 and from 0.584 to 0.917, respectively. We also tested the utility of these loci in other Gekko and Hemidactylus species; many of these loci can be cross‐amplified.
Polymorphic microsatellite loci for studies of bronze‐cuckoo species (GenusChalcites: Aves)
Authors: ADCOCK G. J. , LANGMORE N. E. , KILNER R. M.
Published: December 2006

A set of 17 microsatellite loci was shown to provide at least seven that were polymorphic in each of three bronze‐cuckoo species (Chalcites basalis, C. lucidusandC. minutillus) representing the taxonomic range of this genus. This set includes nine newly isolated loci from genomic libraries constructed fromC. basalisandC. lucidus. For these three species, each had seven or more polymorphic loci that showed no significant linkage or Hardy–Weinberg disequilibrium with more than five alleles (mean 7.6–12.1) and expected heterozygosity greater than 0.5 (mean 0.78–0.85).
Micro‐scale sulphur isotope evidence for sulphur cycling in the late Archean shallow ocean
Authors: KAMBER B. S. , WHITEHOUSE M. J.
Published: December 2006

We report in situ secondary ion mass spectrometer sulphur isotope data for sedimentary pyrite from the 2.52 Ga Upper Campbellrand Subgroup, Transvaal, South Africa. The analysed sedimentary rocks represent a transition in depositional environment from very shallow to deeper water, with strong sedimentological, facies distribution and geochemical evidence for the presence of a shallow redox chemocline. Data were obtained directly in thin section in order to preserve petrographic context. They reveal a very large extent of isotopic fractionation both in mass‐independent (MIF) and in mass‐dependent fractionation (MDF) on unprecedentedly small scale. In the shallow‐water microbical carbonates, three types of pyrite were identified. The texturally oldest pyrite is found as small, isotopically little fractionated grains in the microbial mats. Large (several mm) spheroidal pyrite concretions, which postdate the mat pyrite, record strong evidence for an origin by bacterial sulphate reduction. Rare pyrite surrounding late fenestral calcite is inferred to have formed from recycled bacterial pyrite on account of the slope of its correlated MIF and MDF array. This latter type of pyrite was also found in an interbedded black shale and a carbonate laminite. In a deeper water chert, pyrite with very heavy sulphur indicates partial to almost complete sulphate reduction across a chemocline whose existence has been inferred independently. The combined picture from all the studied samples is that of a sulphate availability‐limited environment, in which sulphur was cycled between reservoirs according to changing redox conditions established across the chemocline. Cycling apparently reduced the extent of recorded sulphur isotope fractionation relative to what is expected from projection in the correlated MIF and MDF arrays. This is consistent with regionally relatively high free oxygen concentrations in the shallow water, permitting locally strong MDF. Our new observations add to the growing evidence for a complex, fluctuating evolution of free atmospheric oxygen between c. 2.7 Ga and 2.3 Ga.
Functional role of the Werner syndrome RecQ helicase in human fibroblasts
Authors: Dhillon Kiranjit K. , Sidorova Julia , Saintigny Yannick , Poot Martin , Gollahon Katherine , Rabinovitch Peter S. , Monnat Raymond J.
Published: December 2006

Werner syndrome is an autosomal recessive human genetic instability and cancer predisposition syndrome that also has features of premature aging. We focused on two questions related to Werner syndrome protein (WRN) function in human fibroblasts: Do WRN‐deficient fibroblasts have a consistent cellular phenotype? What role does WRN play in the recovery from replication arrest? We identified consistent cell proliferation and DNA damage sensitivity defects in both primary and SV40‐transformed fibroblasts from different Werner syndrome patients, and showed that these defects could be revealed by acute depletion of WRN protein. Mechanistic analysis of the role of WRN in recovery from replication arrest indicated that WRN acts to repair damage resulting from replication arrest, rather than to prevent the disruption or breakage of stalled replication forks. These results identify readily quantified cell phenotypes that result from WRN loss in human fibroblasts; delineate the impact of cell transformation on the expression of these phenotypes; and define a mechanistic role for WRN in the recovery from replication arrest.
Nasal indices of eosinophilic and exudative inflammation in bakery‐workers
Authors: Storaas Torgeir , Årdal Laila , Van Do Thien , Florvaag Erik , Steinsvåg Sverre K. , Irgens Ågot , Aasen Tor B. , Greiff Lennart
Published: December 2006

Aims:  Rhinitis symptoms frequently occur in bakery‐workers. Yet, little is known about the pathophysiology of this condition. The objective of the present study was to examine nasal indices of inflammation in relation to occupational dust exposure, occupational rhinitis according to defined criteria, rhinitis symptoms associated to the workplace, and occupational sensitization in bakery‐workers.

Methods:  Bakery‐workers (n = 197) were subjected to interviews, questionnaires, workplace dust measurements, allergy tests, and nasal lavages with and without histamine. α2‐Macroglobulin and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) were measured in saline lavages as indices of plasma exudation and eosinophilic activity, respectively. Histamine lavages were employed to explore the nasal exudative responsiveness.

Results:  α
2‐Macroglobulin and ECP increased significantly by increased workplace dust exposure (P≤0·035). Furthermore, the exudative responsiveness to histamine increased significantly by such exposure (P≤0·016). Similar patterns were seen in workers with occupational rhinitis and in subjects with rhinitis symptoms associated to the workplace, but not in workers with occupational sensitization.

Conclusions:  We conclude that occupational dust exposure in bakery‐workers is associated with nasal eosinophilic exudative inflammation. In contrast, occupational sensitization is not a discriminating factor with regard to indices of eosinophilic, exudative inflammation in the present material.
Volumetric evaluation of upper extremities in 250 healthy persons
Authors: Gebruers N. , Truijen S. , Engelborghs S. , De Deyn P. P.
Published: December 2006

Background and purpose  Upper extremity oedema frequently occurs as a complication of several diseases. The aim of this study was to establish normative data for upper extremity volumes with a modified water displacement method. These data were used to develop predictive formulas helpful in detecting abnormal swelling.

Subjects and methods  Upper extremities of 250 healthy subjects (138 men and 112 women) were measured by water displacement.

Results  A mean difference of 3·0% (3·2%) between right and left arm (forearm) was found. Intra‐class correlation coefficients were 0·99 for intra‐rater and inter‐rater reliabilities. Coefficient of variation was 0·23%. To predict the premorbid volume of an oedematous arm, prediction formulas were constructed.

Discussion and conclusion  Water displacement as used in this study is a highly reliable technique for volume measurement of upper extremities. This technique was applied to gather normative data for upper extremity volumes. We suggest that this technique can be used in daily clinical practice for the evaluation of upper extremity oedema or atrophy caused by various diseases as well as for volume monitoring. Prediction formulas can be used to define abnormal swelling.
Echocardiographic Doppler assessments of left ventricular filling and ejection during upright exercise in endurance athletes
Authors: Sundstedt Milena , Hedberg Pär , Jonason Tommy , Ringqvist Ivar , Henriksen Egil
Published: December 2006

Doppler echocardiography was used to describe left ventricular filling and ejection during upright bicycle exercise in 24 healthy male endurance athletes. The transmitral pressure gradient was estimated and isovolumetric relaxation, filling and ejection time and transmitral and aortic flow velocities were measured at rest and during exercise. From rest to peak exercise (at a heart rate of 160 bpm), the mean left ventricular filling time was shortened by 73%, the ejection time by 31%, while the isovolumetric relaxation time was shortened by 62%. At peak exercise, the maximum aortic flow velocity almost doubled and the maximum transmitral flow velocity more than doubled, with a tenfold increase in the mean transmitral pressure gradient. The increase was significant (P<0·001) at each level of exercise. The left ventricular filling rate measured as volume per time was 185 ± 62 ml s−1 at rest and it increased to 986 ± 192 ml s−1 at peak exercise. This study demonstrates large changes in diastolic filling indices during upright exercise and it shows that the heart is able to increase its filling rate five times from rest to peak exercise.
Childhood trauma and marital outcomes in adulthood
Authors: WHISMAN MARK A.
Published: December 2006

Although existing research suggests that certain childhood traumas such as childhood sexual abuse are associated with interpersonal (e.g., marital) difficulties in adulthood, there has been limited research on interpersonal sequelae of other types of traumas. In addition, the association between childhood traumas and interpersonal outcomes has often been limited to a particular outcome such as divorce, and existing studies have rarely controlled for the co‐occurrence of other traumas when evaluating interpersonal outcomes. The current study sought to evaluate the associations between 7 childhood traumas and 2 marital outcomes—marital disruption (i.e., divorce and separation) and marital satisfaction—in a large, national probability sample. Results from univariate and multivariate analyses indicated that (a) probability of marital disruption was higher among people who during childhood had experienced physical abuse, rape, or serious physical attack or assault; and (b) current marital satisfaction was lower among people who during childhood had experienced rape or sexual molestation. Results support the importance of childhood traumas in predicting 2 important marital outcomes.
Responses to a happily married other: The role of relationship satisfaction and social comparison orientation
Authors: BUUNK ABRAHAM P.
Published: December 2006

A study among 103 married individuals examined how the responses to a story about an individual with a happy marriage that was characterized by either high or low effort were moderated by relationship satisfaction and social comparison orientation (SCO). As individuals were higher in SCO, the high‐effort couple evoked more positive affect and more identification and the low‐effort couple evoked more negative affect and less identification. Furthermore, the higher the SCO, the more positive affect and identification those high in relationship satisfaction experienced in response to the targets. In the high‐effort condition, but not in the low‐effort condition, identification mediated between relationship satisfaction and SCO and the affective responses. Independent of induced effort, a higher degree of perceived effort was, especially among those high in relationship satisfaction, associated with a higher level of identification. Finally, relationship satisfaction induced relatively more identification with the target among men, married people, and relatively older people.
Predicting conflict within romantic relationships during the transition to adulthood
Authors: CHEN HENIAN , COHEN PATRICIA , KASEN STEPHANIE , JOHNSON JEFFREY G. , EHRENSAFT MIRIAM , GORDON KATHY
Published: December 2006

We conducted a retrospective study between 1997 and 2000 with 200 participants in the Children in the Community Study at their mean age of 29 (range: 27–31 years). Participants completed detailed narrative interviews about their transition to adulthood and described monthly levels of partner conflict that had occurred between ages 17 and 27. Data from these interviews were used to investigate the developmental trajectory and predictors of conflict in romantic relationships. Multilevel growth models showed that partner conflict increased between ages 19 and 25 and then declined slightly. Parental divorce, low parental socioeconomic status, being an only child, being divorced, being married, cohabiting, and having biological offspring were associated with elevated partner conflict. Different patterns of association between these variables and partner conflict were observed in men and women.
Gender‐of‐author differences in study design of older adult friendship surveys
Authors: ADAMS REBECCA G. , BERGGREN JENNY , DOCHERTY LINDSAY , RUFFIN KARA , PFAFF WRIGHT CYNTHIA
Published: December 2006

This research extends literature documenting gender differences in choice of quantitative or qualitative methods by examining whether men and women make different decisions regarding study design within one type of quantitative method—survey research. The population consists of 117 surveys (1960–1999) of older adults about friendship. We find that the use of communal methods, especially by women scholars, increased over time, and researchers who are women are more likely to use “communal” survey methods than researchers who are men. The gender difference in use of communal methods is not necessarily explained by essential differences between men and women or even by gender differences in commitment to feminist research as previous scholars have argued; rather, it is possibly explained by structured differences in access to resources to do agentic research.
Water and economic development: The role of variability and a framework for resilience
Authors: Brown Casey , Lall Upmanu
Published: December 2006

The article advances the hypothesis that the seasonal and inter‐annual variability of rainfall is a significant and measurable factor in the economic development of nations. An analysis of global datasets reveals a statistically significant relationship between greater rainfall variability and lower per capita GDP. Having established this correlation, we construct a water resources development index that highlights areas that have the greatest need for storage infrastructure to mitigate the impacts of rainfall variability on water availability for food and basic livelihood. The countries with the most critical infrastructure needs according to this metric are among the poorest in the world, and the majority of them are located in Africa. The importance of securing water availability in these nations increases every day in light of current population growth, economic development, and climate change projections.
Transaction costs and the clean development mechanism
Authors: Chadwick Bruce P.
Published: December 2006

The emissions trading provisions of the Kyoto Protocol and its clean development mechanism (CDM) are designed to permit greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions at the lowest cost globally. However, to ensure climate integrity, these reductions must pass through vigilant approval, monitoring and evaluation procedures that create additional transaction costs unrelated to the physical process of eliminating GHGs. Moreover, the CDM's additionality criterion creates constraints that magnify the influence of these transaction costs on project viability. If these costs are extreme, they could undermine the success of the CDM, and possibly of the Kyoto Protocol itself. This article describes the trading provisions of the treaty, creates a working definition of transaction costs, and discusses their effects. It then analyzes the process of creating a CDM project to identify the sources of transaction costs, illustrated by an example of a fuel substitution project in Ghana. The conditions for project profitability are analyzed and compared with recent GHG emission credit prices in Europe. The specific Ghanaian results are not generalizable to all CDM projects, but the model does suggest a template that can be used to analyze the effects of project and transaction costs in other contexts.
Comparison of oxygen consumption in drosophilid flies from different climates
Authors: OIKAWA Ayako , MORI Nobuhito , KIMURA Masahito T.
Published: December 2006

Oxygen consumption at rest was studied in drosophilid species from cool‐temperate, warm‐temperate and subtropical regions to assess whether adaptations to different climates are associated with changes in metabolic rates. In experiments at 23°C using 8‐day‐old males of 28 species, body mass was revealed to be a significant predictor of oxygen consumption. No significant relation was detected between mass‐adjusted oxygen consumption and latitudinal distribution or thermal tolerance by either conventional regression analysis or a phylogenetically based method. The effect of temperature on oxygen consumption was studied with experiments at 15, 18, 23 and 28°C using 8‐ and 24‐day‐old males of four species of each of themontiumspecies subgroup and the subgenusDrosophila. In these experiments, it was confirmed that temperature was a significant predictor of mass‐adjusted oxygen consumption. In both lineages, mass‐adjusted oxygen consumption was not higher in cool‐temperate species than in subtropical species. Thus, adaptations to colder climates are not associated with elevation of metabolic rates in these drosophilid species. The results of the present study also indicate that oxygen consumption is not related to the capacity to walk quickly.
Effect of a foreign male’s age on acceptance into a conspecific colony in a Neotropical wasp
Authors: KUDÔ Kazuyuki , ZUCCHI Ronaldo
Published: December 2006

We conducted field experiments to examine whether young males of different age cohorts were accepted from alien colonies in the swarm‐founding wasp Polybia paulista. We showed, as for young females in other social wasp species, that newly emerged males were frequently accepted from alien colonies. Our study suggests that young males of P. paulista acquire colony‐specific chemical odors shortly after emergence.
Systematics of the Protohermes xanthodes species‐group in eastern Asia (Megaloptera: Corydalidae)
Authors: LIU Xingyue , HAYASHI Fumio , YANG Ding
Published: December 2006

A new species‐group of the dobsonfly genus Protohermes is proposed, the Protohermes xanthodes species‐group. Three species from eastern Asia belonging to the new species‐group are redescribed and illustrated. Phylogenetic relationships among the species in this group, as well as the biogeography of these species, are discussed on the basis of a cladistic analysis.
Redefinition of Oligotrophus (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) based on morphological and molecular attributes of species from galls on Juniperus (Cupressaceae) in Britain and Japan
Authors: HARRIS Keith M. , SATO Shinsuke , UECHI Nami , YUKAWA Junichi
Published: December 2006

Morphological and molecular attributes of four species of Cecidomyiidae that induce galls on junipers, Juniperus spp., in Britain and Japan were used to redefine the genus Oligotrophus Latreille, which now includes Arceuthomyia Kieffer and Schmidtiella Rübsaamen (new synonyms). Illustrated morphological descriptions are provided for the four species Oligotrophus juniperinus (Linnaeus), Oligotrophus panteli Kieffer, Oligotrophus gemmarum (Rübsaamen) (new combination) and Oligotrophus nezu Kikuti (= Arceuthomyia nakaharai Inouye (new synonymy)) and phylogenies based on partial sequencing of the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene are reported.
Efficacy and Mechanisms of Biventricular and Left/Right Direct Cardiac Compression in Acute Heart Failure Sheep
Authors: Gallagher Gabrielle L. , Huang Yifei , Morita Shin , Zielinski Robert R. , Hunyor Stephen N.
Published: December 2006

Abstract:  Direct cardiac compression (DCC) with implanted heart patches has previously demonstrated efficacy of biventricular (BiV) support in acute heart failure (HF) sheep. We hypothesized that this was primarily due to a left ventricular (LV) effect. This study compared BiV, LV, and right ventricular (RV) assists in terms of hemodynamic and energetic response. Ten sheep underwent instrumentation and device implantation at least 1 week prior to study. HF (50% reduction in cardiac output) was maintained with intravenous esmolol infusion. BiV, LV, and RV assists were activated randomly with intervening stable HF periods. BiV assist was more effective than either LV or RV assist in restoring hemodynamic parameters; however, there was no difference in efficacy of LV and RV support. RV assist preserved left coronary flow patterns and chamber geometry compared to other assist conditions, but increased LV preload. These results suggest that LV and RV support each make a significant contribution to the efficacy of BiV assist, albeit through different mechanisms.
An Integrative Description of Dialysis Adequacy Indices for Different Treatment Modalities and Schedules of Dialysis
Authors: Debowska Malgorzata , Waniewski Jacek , Lindholm Bengt
Published: December 2006

Abstract:  Dialysis adequacy indices that are applied for the evaluation of the efficiency of urea removal include fractional water volume cleared from urea during dialysis (KT T/V), fractional solute removal (FSR), and equivalent urea clearance (EKR). Using a constant‐volume, one‐compartment urea kinetic model for an anuric patient, the FSR and EKR are shown to depend on only three nondimensional parameters: (i) KT/V, where K is the dialyzer clearance for hemodialysis (HD) or peritoneal mass transport coefficient for peritoneal dialysis (PD), T is the time period of dialysis, and V is urea distribution volume; (ii) T/Tc, where Tc is the length of treatment cycle; and (iii) VD/V, where VD is the volume of dialysis fluid applied. In particular, analytical formulas for FSR and EKR, valid for HD as well as for PD, were derived as functions of these three parameters. Numerical simulations, performed using a two‐compartment urea kinetic model, showed that the analytical formulas are valid also for the two‐compartment model, except for short, highly effective HD, where the overestimation of FSR and EKR using the analytical formulas is however, not higher than 20 and 16%, respectively. KT T/V is equal to KT/V for HD and FSR for PD. Thus, our formulas provide an integrative description of the relationships between dialysis efficiency indices and operational dialysis parameters that is valid for all modalities and schedules of dialysis. They may be applied not only for standard HD and continuous ambulatory PD, but also for HD with circulating dialysis fluid or intermittent forms of PD.
rTMS Reveals Premotor Cortex Dysfunction in Frontal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors: Löscher Wolfgang N. , Dobesberger Judith , Szubski Christoph , Trinka Eugen
Published: December 2006

Summary: Purpose:Studies of motor cortex excitability provided evidence that focal epilepsies may alter the excitability of cortical areas distant from the epileptogenic zone. In order to explore this hypothesis we studied the functional connectivity between premotor and motor cortex in seven patients with frontal lobe epilepsy and seizure onset zone outside the premotor or motor cortex.

Methods:Low‐frequency subthreshold repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation was applied to the premotor cortex and its impact on motor cortex excitability was measured by the amplitude of motor‐evoked potentials in response to direct suprathreshold stimulation of the motor cortex.

Results:Stimulation of the premotor cortex of the non‐epileptogenic hemisphere resulted in a progressive and significant inhibition of the motor cortex as evidenced by a reduction of motor evoked potential amplitude. On the other hand, stimulation of the premotor cortex of the epileptogenic hemisphere failed to inhibit the motor cortex. The reduced inhibition of the motor cortex by remote areas was additionally supported by the significantly shorter cortical silent periods obtained after stimulation of the motor cortex of the epileptogenic hemisphere.

Conclusion:These results show that the functional connectivity between premotor and motor cortex or motor cortex interneuronal excitability is impaired in the epileptogenic hemisphere in frontal lobe epilepsy while it is normal in the nonepileptogenic hemisphere.