bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Food Security in Protracted Crises: Building More Effective Policy Frameworks
Authors: Flores Margarita , Khwaja Yasmeen , White Philip
Published: May 2005

This paper considers the principal elements that underpin policy frameworks for supporting food security in protracted crisis contexts. It argues that maintaining the food entitlements of crisis‐affected populations must extend beyond interventions to ensure immediate human survival. A ‘policy gap’ exists in that capacities for formulating policy responses to tackle the different dimensions of food insecurity in complex, fluid crisis situations tend to be weak. As a result, standardised, short‐term intervention designs are created that fall short of meeting the priority needs of affected populations in the short and long term and only partially exploit the range of policy options available. The paper discusses key attributes of agency frameworks that could support more effective policy processes to address longer term as well as immediate food security needs. Additionally, it points to some main challenges likely to be encountered in developing such frameworks and, with the participation of beneficiaries, translating them into effective action.
A ‘Principled’ Approach to Complex Emergencies: Testing a New Aid Delivery Model in the Nuba Mountains
Authors: Pantuliano Sara
Published: May 2005

This paper provides an analysis of the Nuba Mountains Programme Advancing Conflict Trans‐formation (NMPACT) as an example of an operational response in a complex emergency that innovatively addressed an incipient food security crisis. NMPACT is notable for having brought together an array of actors around a common principled agenda and for being the only operational programme in the Sudan to which both warring parties subscribed during the conflict. The key features of the programme are presented and the main innovative elements are reviewed, including the role of the principles of engagement and the ‘political humanitarianism’ of NMPACT. The paper looks at how NMPACT broke from traditional externally driven responses to food insecurity, and, drawing on lessons from Operation Lifeline Sudan, adopted an approach that focuses on capacity building, sustainable agriculture and market revitalisation, alongside conflict transformation and peace‐building. The limitations of the model are also assessed, and preliminary lessons regarding its replication in other complex emergency contexts are presented.
Mitochondrial dysfunction and Alzheimer's disease: role of amyloid‐β peptide alcohol dehydrogenase (ABAD)
Authors: Yan Shi Du , Stern David M.
Published: May 2005

An important means of determining how amyloid‐beta peptide (Aβ) affects cells is to identify specific macromolecular targets and assess how Aβ interaction with such targets impacts on cellular functions. On the one hand, cell surface receptors interacting with extracellular Aβ have been identified, and their engagement by amyloid peptide can trigger intracellular signaling cascades. Recent evidence has indicated a potentially significant role for deposition of intracellular Aβ in cell stress associated with amyloidosis. Thus, specific intracellular targets of Aβ might also be of interest. Our review evaluates the potential significance of Aβ interaction with a mitochondrial enzyme termed Aβ‐binding alcohol dehydrogenase (ABAD), a member of the short‐chain dehydrogenase‐reductase family concentrated in mitochondria of neurones. Binding of Aβ to ABAD distorts the enzyme's structure, rendering it inactive with respect to its metabolic properties, and promotes mitochondrial generation of free radicals. Double transgenic mice in which increased levels of ABAD are expressed in an Aβ‐rich environment, the latter provided by a mutant amyloid precursor protein transgene, demonstrate accelerated decline in spatial learning/memory and pathologic changes. These data suggest that mitochondria ABAD, ordinarily a contributor to metabolic homeostasis, has the capacity to become a pathogenic factor in an Aβ‐rich environment.
Role of water‐soluble amyloid‐β in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Tabaton Massimo , Piccini Alessandra
Published: May 2005

Water‐soluble amyloid‐β (wsAβ) is present in cerebral cortex of subjects at risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) as well as in normal elderly subjects as a mixture of three major amyloid‐β (Aβ) species: 1–42, py3–42 and py11–42. The three wsAβ species are nondetectable in brains of young people, free of immunohistochemically detectable amyloid plaques. In the brains of Down's syndrome and APP‐mutant transgenic mice, wsAβ appears long time before amyloid deposition, indicating that it represent the first form of Aβ aggregation and accumulation. In normal brain, wsAβ is bound to apolipoprotein E that favours its degradation by proteases. The composition of wsAβ, in terms of the ratio between the full‐length 1–42 and the py3–42 peptides, correlates with the severity of clinical and pathological phenotype in familial early onset AD. Water‐soluble Aβ is the native counterpart of the Aβ small aggregates (soluble oligomers) that show in vitro an early and high neuronal toxicity.
Amyloid‐β in Alzheimer's disease: the horse or the cart? Pathogenic or protective?
Authors: Lee Hyoung‐Gon , Castellani Rudy J. , Zhu Xiongwei , Perry George , Smith Mark A.
Published: May 2005

While the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is unclear, amyloid‐β plaques remain major lesions in the brain of individuals with AD. Likewise, amyloid‐β is one of the best‐studied proteins relating to the pathogenesis of AD. Indeed, the pathological diagnosis of AD tends to be congruous with the quantity of amyloid‐β. However, it is important to recognize that pathological diagnosis merely represents the association of a pattern of pathological changes with a clinical phenotype. Therefore, it should be acknowledged that, although amyloid‐β detection and semiquantification have some diagnostic utility, the simple presence of amyloid plaques, as with proteinaceous accumulations in essentially all neurodegenerative diseases, does not presume aetiology. Thus, in this review, we discuss the role of amyloid‐β in the pathogenesis of AD and provide an alternative view to the widely accepted dogma.
Electrocardiographic characterization of stress‐induced myocardial infarction in atherosclerotic mice
Authors: Hemdahl A.‐L. , Caligiuri G. , Hansson G. K. , Thorén P.
Published: May 2005

Aim:  We have previously shown that mental and hypoxic stress can trigger the development of myocardial infarction (MI) in atherosclerotic apoE−/− × LDLR−/− mice. The purpose of the present study was to characterize the interval between stress and MI and determine whether electrophysiological changes precede the precipitation of an infarct by assessing telemetry recordings of the electrocardiogram.

Methods:  Isoflurane anaesthetized apoE−/− × LDLR−/− (n = 16) and C57BL/6J (n = 8) mice were exposed to systemic hypoxia by reducing the inhaled oxygen concentration to 10% for 10 min. Mental stress was induced in eight conscious apoE−/− × LDLR−/− and eight C57BL/6J mice by blowing air into the cage. Physiological parameters were recorded every 30 min for 2–6 days by implanted transmitters.

Results:  During stress all mice developed transient ischaemic STU‐area changes, which returned to normal at the end of stress. During the recovery phase (6 days) 50% (4/8) of the mentally stressed apoE−/− × LDLR−/− mice developed increased STU‐area variability (P < 0.05) followed by dramatic STU‐area elevations and spontaneous death at approximately 12–24 h. In hypoxia‐exposed apoE−/− × LDLR−/− mice 56% (9/16) developed MI as determined by elevated serum levels of the infarction marker troponin T which correlated with increased variability in the STU‐area (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:  This is the first mouse model showing that increased STU‐area variability is indicative of MI development in atherosclerotic mice following ischaemic stress. Furthermore, our findings suggest a two‐phase pathway for the infarction development: an initial phase comprising a transient ischaemic response which triggers a delayed second phase of ischaemia and MI.
Cannabinoid influence on cytokine profile in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Katona S , Kaminski E , Sanders H , Zajicek J
Published: May 2005

Cannabinoids have been suggested as possessing immunomodulatory properties, and cannabinoid receptors are present on leucocytes. Clinically, there is some evidence that cannabinoids may be therapeutically useful in treating multiple sclerosis, which is generally believed to be an autoimmune condition. This paper reports data derived from the Cannabinoids in MS (CAMS) study, which was the largest randomized controlled trial yet conducted to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of cannabinoids. We found no evidence for cannabinoid influence on serum levels of interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-10, IL-12 or C-reactive protein as measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), in comparison to control values. Mitogenic stimulation experiments also failed to demonstrate any significant reduction in percentage of CD3+, IFN-γ producing cells after exposure to cannabinoids in vivo, although numbers were small. Further work is needed to establish the functional significance of cannabinoid receptors on immune cells.
Induction of proinflammatory mediators requires activation of the TRAF, NIK, IKK and NF-κB signal transduction pathway in astrocytes infected withEscherichia coli
Authors: Kim J M , Oh Y-K , Lee J H , Im D Y , Kim Y-J , Youn J , Lee C-H , Son H , Lee Y-S , Park J Y , Choi I-H
Published: May 2005

Escherichia coli is associated with inflammation in the brain. To investigate whether astrocytes are involved in E. coil-induced inflammation, we assessed the levels of expression of proinflammatory mediators produced by E. coli-infected astrocytes. E. coli infection in primary human astrocytes and cell lines increased expression of the CXC chemokine IL-8/GRO-α, the CC chemokine MCP-1, TNF-α, and iNOS. E. coli infection activated p65/p50 heterodimeric NF-κB and concurrently decreased the signals of IκBα. Blocking the NF-κB signals by IκBα-superrepressor-containing retrovirus or antisense p50 oligonucleotide transfection resulted in down-regulation of expression of the proinflammatory mediators. Furthermore, superrepressors of IκBα, IκB kinase (IKK) or NF-κB inducing kinase (NIK) inhibited the up-regulated expression of the downstream target genes of NF-κB such as IL-8 and MCP-1, and superrepressors of TNF receptor-associated factor (TRAF)2 and TRAF5 also inhibited expression of the E. coli-induced target genes of NF-κB. These results indicate that proinflammatory mediators such as the CXC chemokine IL-8/GRO-α, the CC chemokine MCP-1, TNF-α, and iNOS can be expressed in E. coli-infected astrocytes via an NF-κB pathway, suggesting that these mediators may contribute to inflammation in the brain, including infiltration of inflammatory cells.
Linking the global carbon cycle to individual metabolism
Authors: ALLEN A. P. , GILLOOLY J. F. , BROWN J. H.
Published: May 2005

We present a model that yields ecosystem‐level predictions of the flux, storage and turnover of carbon in three important pools (autotrophs, decomposers, labile soil C) based on the constraints of body size and temperature on individual metabolic rate.

The model predicts a 10 000‐fold increase in C turnover rates moving from tree‐ to phytoplankton‐dominated ecosystems due to the size dependence of photosynthetic rates.

The model predicts a 16‐fold increase in rates controlled by respiration (e.g. decomposition, turnover of labile soil C and microbial biomass) over the temperature range 0–30 °C due to the temperature dependence of ATP synthesis in respiratory complexes.

The model predicts only a fourfold increase in rates controlled by photosynthesis (e.g. net primary production, litter fall, fine root turnover) over the temperature range 0–30 °C due to the temperature dependence of Rubisco carboxylation in chloroplasts.

The difference between the temperature dependence of respiration and photosynthesis yields quantitative predictions for distinct phenomena that include acclimation of plant respiration, geographic gradients in labile C storage, and differences between the short‐ and long‐term temperature dependence of whole‐ecosystem CO2 flux.

These four sets of model predictions were tested using global compilations of data on C flux, storage and turnover in ecosystems.

Results support the hypothesis that the combined effects of body size and temperature on individual metabolic rate impose important constraints on the global C cycle. The model thus provides a synthetic, mechanistic framework for linking global biogeochemical cycles to cellular‐, individual‐ and community‐level processes.
Picky predators and the function of the faecal shield of a cassidine larva
Authors: BACHER S. , LUDER S.
Published: May 2005

The faecal shield of cassidine larvae is generally thought to have evolved as a defence against predators, but field evidence for this is only anecdotal. We investigated the effectiveness of the shield as defence against natural enemies and as protection from ultraviolet (UV‐B) radiation in the shield beetle Cassida rubiginosa Müller (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae). We also investigated if the construction and bearing of the shield is associated with fitness costs for the larvae in the absence of natural enemies.

Using continuous video surveillance of individual prey, we determined the predator complex of the larvae in the field. Against the main predator, the paper wasp Polistes dominulus Christ (Hymenoptera, Vespidae), the faecal shield was not effective at all. Only few other generalist predators attacked the larvae and thus represented no major mortality factor. By contrast, the faecal shield was highly effective against parasitoids, an unexpected trait described here for the first time.

In dual‐choice bioassays we found no attractive effect of the faecal shield on the endoparasitoid Foersterella reptans (Hymenoptera, Tetracampidae), but a removed faecal shield facilitated oviposition.

There was no protective effect of the faecal shield against UV‐B radiation in a laboratory experiment. However, irradiated larvae suffered from a higher mortality rate and reached a lower pupal weight, independent of whether or not they carried a shield.

We found no measurable fitness costs for the larvae associated with bearing the faecal shield. Advantages (protection from desiccation, wind) seem to outweigh the costs, even in the absence of enemies.

Although many studies on the defensive function of Cassidine shields have been published, this is to our knowledge the first to consider the actual predation pressure in natural situations. This step is rarely undertaken in studies on proposed defensive traits. However, verification that a proposed selection pressure is in fact present in the field is crucial for demonstrating the value and function of any trait.
Variability and correlations in carnivore crania and dentition
Authors: MEIRI S. , DAYAN T. , SIMBERLOFF D.
Published: May 2005

We analysed patterns of variability and correlations in skulls and teeth of a wide (>100 species; >17 000 specimens) sample of terrestrial carnivores.

Within species, larger craniodental components vary less than do smaller ones.

The higher variability of canines in comparison with lower carnassials probably reflects the low complexity of the former.

Among species, however, trait variation is not size‐related, suggesting that the higher intraspecific variability of small traits is not an artefact of measurement error.

Correlations between the carnassial teeth are higher in carnivores feeding mainly on vertebrates than in those that eat mostly invertebrates or fruit, suggesting that the degree of functional integration between these teeth is under differing selective pressures.

Correlations between the carnassials probably have a phylogenetic basis as well, with caniform carnivores having higher correlation coefficients than feliform ones.
A potential microevolutionary life‐history trade‐off in White‐Footed Mice (Peromyscus leucopus)
Authors: HEIDEMAN P. D. , RIGHTLER M. , SHARP K.
Published: May 2005

Reproductive costs can affect survival and future reproduction. In winter and in short photoperiods, some individuals within populations of temperate‐zone rodents inhibit reproduction and decrease food intake, while others do not.

Two lines derived from a natural population of White‐Footed Mice and selected to maintain or inhibit reproduction in short photoperiod were tested for two potentially correlated responses to selection: changes in food intake and body mass. Mice were raised to age 70 days in short or long photoperiod, following which testis size, body mass and food intake were measured over a 2‐week period.

In both lines and both photoperiods, there was an apparent response to selection in testis size and a correlated response to selection in food intake but not body mass. In both photoperiods, mice in the line selected for winter reproduction ate 50% more than mice in the line selected for winter reproductive inhibition. Mice in an unselected control line were intermediate for testis size and food intake.

The increased food intake in a line of mice with a genetic tendency for winter reproduction suggests a potential cost of winter reproduction and a potential microevolutionary trade‐off related to this cost of reproduction.
Quality control workshops in standardization of sperm concentration and motility assessment in multicentre studies
Authors: TOFT GUNNAR , RIGNELL‐HYDBOM ANNA , TYRKIEL EWA , SHVETS MARYNA , GIWERCMAN ALEKSANDER
Published: May 2005

Semen quality has been reported to vary markedly between different regions. To properly assess the differences among countries a minimization of the variation among centres in the assessments of sperm quality is essential. We here report on the training and two subsequent follow‐up workshops on assessments of sperm concentration and motility. A total of 26 fresh ejaculates were analysed by four persons who were collecting these data in a multicentre study on sperm quality. In addition, two trained technicians from one of the laboratories analysed the samples. At the first training workshop, the median coefficient of variation among centres in sperm concentration was 27.7%, but decreased markedly to 17.0% at the second workshop and 8.1% (p = 0.048) at the third workshop. The CV for evaluation of the proportion of progressive motile sperm decreased less and not statistically significant from 16.5 to 14.1% and 11.0% (p = 0.94). At the third workshop there were no statistical significant differences among centres in assessments of sperm concentration or motility (p > 0.57). Furthermore the coefficient of variation in assessments of sperm concentration and motility among centres were at the same level as between two trained technicians (p > 0.72). This study indicates that training and subsequent follow‐up workshops can assure minimum variability among centres in assessments of sperm concentration and motility.
Is inhibin B involved in the toxic effect of lead on male reproduction?
Authors: MAHMOUD A. , KISS P. , VANHOORNE M. , DE BACQUER D. , COMHAIRE F.
Published: May 2005

Human studies indicate exposure to lead is associated with decreased sperm quality with modest, if any, effects on conventional reproductive endocrine profile. Inhibin B is a marker of Sertoli cell function and spermatogenesis. The present study evaluates possible effects of lead exposure on serum levels of inhibin B in a group of lead workers as compared with a non‐exposed group of hospital personnel. The study population included 68 healthy Belgian workers from a lead smelter (Hoboken, Belgium) and for comparison a control group of 91 hospital personnel (University Hospital Ghent, Belgium). Semen analysis and measurement of current blood lead levels and serum levels of inhibin B, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol (E2). Lead workers had significantly lower sperm concentration (35 vs. 51 million/mL) and higher serum inhibin B (259 vs. 177 pg/mL) as well as lead blood levels 30.9 vs. 3.4 μg/dL) compared with the hospital personnel (all p < 0.05). Serum FSH and E2 levels were similar in both groups. Overall, inhibin B levels correlated significantly positively with blood lead levels and sperm concentration while it was negatively correlated with serum FSH. In multiple regression analysis of data from all participants, blood lead and serum FSH (p < 0.0001 for both) followed by sperm count (p = 0.007) were selected as the only independent variables for inhibin B with an R‐adjusted coefficient of determination of 0.3714. The results of the present study suggest that the exposure of the cells of Sertoli to excessive amounts of lead results in inappropriate inhibin B overproduction that may be involved in the impairment of spermatogenesis.
Glutathione levels in patients with erectile dysfunction, with or without diabetes mellitus
Authors: TAGLIABUE M. , PINACH S. , DI BISCEGLIE C. , BROCATO L. , CASSADER M. , BERTAGNA A. , MANIERI C. , PESCARMONA G.P.
Published: May 2005

The reduced form of glutathione (GSH) is the most important cell antioxidant and is also an essential cofactor for nitric oxide (NO) synthase that synthesizes NO from l‐arginine. Reduced levels of GSH, due both to a hyperglycaemia‐induced increase of free radical production and to a decrease of NADPH levels [like in diabetes mellitus (DM)], can hamper the endothelial cell functions. This condition may play an important role in the aetiology of some clinical signs, like erectile dysfunction (ED). The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that GSH concentration is reduced in patients with ED and type 2 diabetes mellitus. We studied 111 male patients with ED: 64 with diabetes (ED/DM) and 47 without diabetes (ED/wDM); 20 patients with diabetes but without ED (DM) and 26 male normal subjects as a control group (C). The GSH red blood cell concentration was significantly lower in ED than in C (X ± SD; 1782.12 ± 518.02 vs. 2269.20 ± 231.56 μmol/L, p < 0.001). In particular, GSH was significantly reduced in ED/DM vs. ED/wDM (1670.74 ± 437.68 vs. 1930.63 ± 581.01 μmol/L, p < 0.01). In DM, GSH was significantly lower than in C and significantly higher than in ED/DM (2084.20 ± 118.14 vs. 2269.20 ± 231.56 and vs. 1670.74 ± 437.68 μmol/L, p < 0.002 and p < 0.001 respectively). GSH showed a negative correlation with fasting glucose concentrations (r = −0.34, p < 0.01) and with the duration of DM (r = −0.25, p < 0.05). A GSH depletion can lead to a reduction of NO synthesis, thus impairing vasodilation in the corpora cavernosa.
Unusual germ cell organization in the seminiferous epithelium of a murid rodent from southern Asia, the greater bandicoot rat,Bandicota Indica
Authors: WORAWITTAYAWONG P. , LEIGH C. M. , COZENS G. , PEIRCE E. J. , SETCHELL B. P. , SRETARUGSA P. , DHARMARAJAN A. , BREED W. G.
Published: May 2005

In the greater bandicoot rat,Bandicota indica, of south‐east Asia, nine cell associations were documented in the testicular seminiferous epithelium. In about 10% of the tubule cross sections two or more cell associations occurred and, furthermore, some of the generations of germ cells within the cell associations were sometimes either out of phase, or missing, in the tubule cross sections. These features, together with the fact that this species has a highly pleiomorphic sperm head shape, are somewhat reminiscent of those of the seminiferous epithelium in humans and some other primates but not of common laboratory rodents. This species could thus be a good model for investigating irregular patterns of spermatogenesis in naturally occurring wild species of rodent.
Stroke and coronary heart disease in treated hypertension – a prospective cohort study over three decades
Authors: ALMGREN T. , PERSSON B. , WILHELMSEN L. , ROSENGREN A. , ANDERSSON O. K.
Published: May 2005

Objective. To compare cardiovascular mortality and morbidity in middle‐aged hypertensive men with initially nonhypertensive men derived from the same random population sample, and to study stroke morbidity in these men in relation to cardiovascular risk factors during 25–28 years of follow‐up.

Design. Prospective, population‐based observational study in men where the main intervention effort was directed towards treatment of hypertension in a special outpatient clinic.

Subjects and methods. A total of 754 hypertensive men aged 47–55 years at screening were compared with 6740 men with normal blood pressure. The hypertensive men got stepped care treatment with either beta‐blockers, thiazide diuretics, or combination treatment including vasodilating agents during the whole observational period. Data on cause‐specific mortality and morbidity, and all cause mortality were obtained from patient files and the national registers on mortality and hospital admissions respectively.

Main outcome measures. Baseline and change of cardiovascular risk factors during the first 15 years of follow‐up and all cause mortality, and mortality and morbidity from stroke and coronary heart disease during 25–28 years.

Results. Treated hypertensive men had their blood pressure reduced with 21/15 mmHg during the first 5 years of the study and mean blood pressure levels were then rather constant. A minor reduction of serum cholesterol was also observed and a significant reduction in the prevalence of smoking. Treated hypertensive men suffered a substantial increased incidence of cardiovascular complications that escalated during the latter course of the study. Their total incidence of stroke was doubled; they had 50% more myocardial infarctions (MIs); mortality from coronary heart disease was doubled and all cause mortality was increased by a third, compared with nonhypertensive. In multiple regression analysis the incidence of stroke was significantly related to smoking and diabetes at entry and in time‐dependent Cox's regression analysis it was significantly related only to smoking. There was no relationship observed between achieved systolic or diastolic blood pressure and the risk of stroke or MI nor was there any relationship between the change in blood pressure and such cardiovascular complications.

Conclusion. In spite of a substantial reduction of their blood pressure, treated hypertensive middle‐aged men had a highly increased risk of stroke, MI and mortality from coronary heart disease compared with nonhypertensive men of similar age. The increased risk of cardiovascular complications escalated during the latter course of the study.
A randomized placebo‐controlled trial of an NMDA receptor antagonist in sleep‐disordered breathing
Authors: TORVALDSSON STEFAN , GROTE LUDGER , PEKER YÜKSEL , BASUN HANS , HEDNER JAN
Published: May 2005

Hypoxemia is a powerful stimulus of glutamate release in the central nervous system (CNS) and a hallmark phenomenon in sleep disordered breathing (SDB). Glutamate effects that include neuronal damage and apoptosis following hypoxemia and apnea following microinjections in animal models are in part mediated via postjunctional N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors. This was a double blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled single dose cross‐over study of the NMDA receptor antagonist AR‐R15896AR in 15 male patients with moderate to severe SDB. Seven patients received 120 mg and eight patients received 350 mg AR‐R15896AR or corresponding placebo (given by 2 h infusion) starting half an hour before estimated sleep onset. AR‐R15896AR concentrations were in line with the predicting kinetic model. A standard polysomnographic montage was applied. Repeated plasma samples were obtained in nine patients for analysis of plasma glutamate. Glutamate concentration in plasma did not change overnight and was unrelated to severity of SDB. Overall AHI (apnea–hypopnea index; primary efficacy variable) or investigated oxygen saturation variables were not significantly changed after AR‐R15896AR at either dosage level. Side effects were mostly confined to the higher dose level and included vivid dreams, nightmares as well as in two cases mild hallucinations. The previously postulated role of glutamate in SDB could not be confirmed after AR‐R15896AR induced NMDA‐receptor blockade.
Influence of HLA antigens and OSAS in childhood: a preliminary report*
Authors: BRUNETTI LUIGIA , FRANCAVILLA RUGGIERO , LEONARDO MINIELLO VITO , LEONE MADDALENA , RANA MICHELE , COLAZZO DAMIANO , LOGRILLO PAOLO , FAVOINO BIAGIO , ARMENIO LUCIO
Published: May 2005

Several studies have emphasized the role of familial factors and familial aggregation in increasing susceptibility to obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS); the aim of the present study was to investigate the possible influence of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) in the development of sleep disordered breathing and OSAS of children. Between January 2000 and January 2003, all the 370 children [193 males; median age: 5.2 years (range: 1–12 years)] with sleep disordered breathing referred to our Center were screened by a 41‐item multiple‐choice questionnaire. All habitual snores children underwent a polisomnographic evaluation, and those with an apnea/hypopnea index >3 were diagnosed as having OSAS. All children with OSAS or primary snoring were HLA typied for class I and II. According to nocturnal polygraphic monitoring study, 41 patients were diagnosed as having OSAS and 32 as primary snoring. Patients in the two diagnostic groups were homogeneous for demographic and clinical characteristics. HLA‐B65 was found to be significantly more expressed in children with sleep disordered breathing as compared with controls (10.5% versus 3.61; Pypc < 0.04) while no difference was found for the other tested antigens. A logistic regression analysis found cough (P < 0.02) and persistent wheeze (P < 0.008) the sole risk factors for OSAS development. Our preliminary data suggest that HLA does not play a key role in the pathogenesis of OSAS, however more studies are needed to clarify this issue.
Regional differences of the sleep electroencephalogram in adolescents
Authors: JENNI OSKAR G. , VAN REEN ELIZA , CARSKADON MARY A.
Published: May 2005

The sleep electroencephalogram (EEG) was recorded from anterior (Fz/Cz) and posterior (Pz/Oz) bipolar derivations in two developmental groups: 20 pre‐ or early pubertal (Tanner 1/2, mean age 11.4 ± 1.1 years, 11 boys) and 20 late pubertal or mature adolescents (Tanner 4/5, 14.1 ± 1.3 years, 8 boys). A sleep‐state independent reduction of EEG power over almost the entire frequency range was present in Tanner 4/5 compared with Tanner 1/2 adolescents. Spectral characteristics of the sleep EEG yielded state‐ and frequency‐dependent regional differences that were similar in both developmental groups. Anterior predominance of power in delta and sigma ranges occurred in non‐rapid eye movement sleep. Rapid eye movement sleep EEG power was greater in low delta, alpha, and sigma ranges for the posterior derivation and in theta and beta ranges for the anterior derivation. The decay rate of the sleep homeostatic process – reflected by the exponential decline of the 2‐Hz EEG power band across the sleep episode – did not differ for derivations or groups. These results indicate that the nocturnal dynamics of sleep homeostasis are independent of derivation and remain stable across puberty.
Odds, prevalence and predictors of sleep problems in school‐age normal children
Authors: SPRUYT KAREN , O'BRIEN LOUISE M. , CLUYDTS RAYMOND , VERLEYE GINO BENJAMIN , FERRI RAFFAELE
Published: May 2005

The objectives of the study were to describe the prevalence, odds, and predictors of 36 paediatric sleep behaviours and describe their coexistence in a school‐age normal population. The design was community‐based questionnaire survey of sleep–wake patterns, sleep environment, and 36 sleep behaviours indicative of six sleep disorder‐subscales using the Health‐Behaviour Questionnaire. A caregivers’ report of 3045 children aged 6–13 years in Belgium constituted the participants. Prevalence of each sleep behaviour was calculated. Log‐linear modelling within and between the sleep disorder‐subscales was used to screen for coexistence. The effect size of selected night‐time parameters to the likelihood of sleep behaviours and disorder‐subscale was expressed as odds ratios via logit regression analysis. Significant differences in sleep–wake patterns were found between weekday and weekend. Ranking by odds showed that: (1) sleep problems such as ‘tired when waking up’, ’repetitive limb movements’, ‘going to bed reluctantly’, and ‘sleep paralysis’ and; (2) the disorder‐subscale ‘excessive somnolence’ are common in children. Coexistences within and between disorder‐subscales of sleep problems are evident in a school‐age, normal population. These results suggest that disorders of excessive somnolence (DES) are highly prevalent in a non‐clinical sample of school‐age children. Furthermore, sleep‐onset latency and a noisy, not well‐darkened room are predictive towards the odds for exhibiting sleep problems and disorders. It is advocated that more information on the importance of good sleep–wake hygiene should reach parents and children.
Invasion genetics of the Eurasian spiny waterflea: evidence for bottlenecks and gene flow using microsatellites
Authors: COLAUTTI ROBERT I. , MANCA MARINA , VILJANEN MARKKU , KETELAARS HENK A. M. , BÜRGI HANSRUDOLF , MACISAAC HUGH J. , HEATH DANIEL D.
Published: May 2005

The Eurasian spiny waterflea (Bythotrephes longimanus) is a predacious zooplankter that has increased its range in Europe and is rapidly invading inland water‐bodies throughout North America's Great Lakes region. To examine the genetics of these invasions, we isolated five microsatellite DNA loci with between 5 and 19 alleles per locus. We sampled three populations where B. longimanus has been historically present (Switzerland, Italy, and Finland) as well as an introduced European population (the Netherlands) and three North American populations (Lakes Erie, Superior, Shebandowan). Consistent with a bottleneck during colonization (i.e. founder effect), average heterozygosities of the four European populations ranged from 0.310 to 0.599, and were higher than that of three North American populations (0.151–0.220). Pairwise FST estimates among North American populations (0.002–0.063) were not significantly different from zero and were much lower than among European populations (0.208–0.474). This is consistent with a scenario of high gene flow among North American populations relative to that of European ones. Contrary to an invasion bottleneck, however, Erie and Superior populations contained similar numbers of rare alleles as European populations. Assignment tests identified several migrant genotypes in all introduced populations (the Netherlands, Erie, Superior, Shebandowan), but rarely in native ones (Switzerland, Italy and Finland). A large number of genotypes from North America were assigned to our Italian population suggesting a second, previously unidentified, invasion source somewhere in the region of northern Italy. Together, our results support an invasion bottleneck for North American populations that has been largely offset by gene flow from multiple native sources, as well as gene flow among introduced populations.
Genetic evidence of local adaptation of wheat yellow rust (Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici) within France
Authors: ENJALBERT J. , DUAN X. , LECONTE M. , HOVMØLLER M. S. , DE VALLAVIEILLE‐POPE C.
Published: May 2005

Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (PST), a clonal basidiomycete causing yellow rust disease on wheat, has a long record of ‘overcoming’ cultivar resistance introduced by breeders. Despite the long dispersal capacity of its spores, the French population of PST presents a strong geographical structure, with the presence of a specific pathotype (array of avirulence genes) at high frequencies in the south of France. The genetic diversity underlying this differentiation was analysed by microsatellite and AFLP markers. A total of 213 French isolates belonging to 10 pathotypes collected over a 15‐year period were investigated. For each of the 12 microsatellites used, polymorphism resulted from a unique allelic variant associated to the south‐specific pathotype. This pathotype was characterized by 40 specific markers over the total of 63 polymorphims detected using 15 AFLP primer combinations. Phylogeographical analysis indicated a strictly clonal structure of the population, and a strong genomic divergence between the northern population and a south‐specific clone. Both virulence and molecular data show that the northern French population belongs to the northwestern European population, whereas the southern clone is most likely related to a Mediterranean population, the two subpopulations resulting from the ancient divergence of two clonal lineages. While the virulence complexity in the northern population may be explained by the successive introduction of corresponding resistance genes in cultivars, the maintenance of a simple virulence type in southern France, despite gene flow between the two populations, may be explained in terms of host cultivars repartition and local adaptation to specific host or climatic conditions.
Phosphatases modulate the bistable sporulation gene expression pattern in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Veening Jan‐Willem , Hamoen Leendert W. , Kuipers Oscar P.
Published: May 2005

Spore formation in the Gram‐positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis is a last resort adaptive response to starvation. To initiate sporulation, the key regulator in this process, Spo0A, needs to be activated by the so‐called phosphorelay. Within a sporulating culture of B. subtilis, some cells initiate this developmental program, while other cells do not. Therefore, initiation of sporulation appears to be a regulatory process with a bistable outcome. Using a single cell analytical approach, we show that the autostimulatory loop of spo0A is responsible for generating a bistable response resulting in phenotypic variation within the sporulating culture. It is demonstrated that the main function of RapA, a phosphorelay phosphatase, is to maintain the bistable sporulation gene expression. As rapA expression is quorum regulated, it follows that quorum sensing influences sporulation bistability. Deletion of spo0E, a phosphatase directly acting on Spo0A∼P, resulted in abolishment of the bistable expression pattern. Artificial induction of a heterologous Rap phosphatase restored heterogeneity in a rapA or spo0E mutant. These results demonstrate that with external phosphatases, B. subtilis can use the phosphorelay as a tuner to modulate the bistable outcome of the sporulating culture. This shows that B. subtilis employs multiple pathways to maintain the bistable nature of a sporulating culture, stressing the physiological importance of this phenomenon.
Paleostress fields from calcite twins in the Pyeongan Supergroup, South Korea
Authors: Kang Seong‐Seung , Kim Jun‐Mo , Jang Bo‐An
Published: May 2005

Abstract  Paleostress fields of the Late Paleozoic to Early Mesozoic Pyeongan Supergroup that is distributed along the northeastern part of the Ogcheon Belt in South Korea were investigated using the calcite strain gauge (CSG) technique. Combining the results of this study with those of other studies investigating the relationship between twin strain, twin density and width, which are used as indicators of deformation conditions in the natural low‐temperature deformation of limestone, it was estimated that calcite twins in the study area were probably formed at temperatures lower than 170°C. From two samples, two different principal paleostress directions were inferred from calcite twins, while only one direction was inferred from two other samples. This result suggests that deformation occurred during two or more different tectonic events in the Pyeongan Supergroup during the Mesozoic era. The maximum shortening axis was oriented in two directions, northeast–southwest and northwest–southeast, respectively, which coincide well with the paleostress directions inferred from the stress inversion for many fault sets. Combining the results of the paleostress analysis from this and other studies, we hypothesize that the directions of the maximum shortening axis in the Pyeongan Supergroup changed from northeast–southwest during the pre‐Daebo orogeny period (Late Triassic period) to northwest–southeast during the syn‐Daebo orogeny period (Early Jurassic to Early Cretaceous period) in the Mesozoic era.
Survival analysis in advanced epithelial ovarian carcinoma in relation to proliferative index of MIB‐1 immunostaining
Authors: Kritpracha Krittaya , Hanprasertpong Jitti , Chandeying Verapol , Dechsukhum Chawaboon , Geater Alan
Published: May 2005

Aim: To evaluate the survival of patients with advanced epithelial ovarian carcinoma in relation to MIB‐1 immunostaining, to determine the association between MIB‐1 and clinicopathologic variables, and to identify an appropriate cut‐off point for MIB‐1 immunostaining as a prognostic marker.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of women diagnosed with advanced epithelial ovarian carcinoma during 1987–1998. The paraffin‐embedded tissue of recruited women was stained with MIB‐1 immunostaining for review.

Results: The records of 105 patients were included. The percentage staining of MIB‐1 ranged from 0.3 to 100%, with a median of 11.9%. MIB‐1 staining was generally higher in serous tumors than in other types (P = 0.048), but was not associated with other potential prognostic indicators. The 5‐year survival rate among advanced epithelial ovarian carcinoma patients was 25.7%, while that in the high MIB‐1 (greater than or equal to median) and low MIB‐1 (less than median) patients was 15.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 7.1–26.0) and 36.5% (95% CI = 23.8–49.4), respectively. Median survival times in the two groups were 1.8 years and 3.0 years, respectively (P < 0.008). Division of the MIB‐1 staining percentage into quartiles showed that the risk of death increased from the first to the second quartile (≥7.6 to <11.9%, hazard ratio = 2.36, 95% CI = 1.22–4.54) with no further increase in higher quartiles.

Conclusion: Among patients with advanced epithelial ovarian carcinoma, MIB‐1 immunostaining was higher in serous than in other histologic types. Levels of MIB‐1 staining above the cut‐off point of 7.6% had significantly poorer survival.
Evaluation of glyceryl trinitrate, misoprostol, and prostaglandin E2 gel for preinduction cervical ripening in term pregnancy
Authors: Sharma Yuthika , Kumar Sunesh , Mittal Sunita , Misra Renu , Dadhwal Vatsla
Published: May 2005

Aim: To compare the efficacy of glyceryl trinitrate (GTN), dinoprostone and misoprostol for preinduction cervical ripening in primigravida at term.

Methods: Sixty‐five term primigravida, each with an unfavorable cervix (Bishop score ≤5), were randomized to receive GTN (0.5 mg perivaginally, n = 21), dinoprostone gel (0.5 mg intracervically, n = 21) and misoprostol (50 µg perivaginally, n = 23) for a maximum of two doses, 6 h apart. Statistical analysis included paired t‐tests to compare pre‐ and post‐treatment Bishop scores, one‐way analysis of variance (anova) tests to compare quantitative variables and chi‐squared tests to compare the proportion of subjects achieving favorable Bishop scores.

Results: Baseline Bishop scores were similar in the GTN (3.4 ± 0.9), dinoprostone (3.4 ± 1.0) and misoprostol groups (3.2 ± 1.2). The final outcome was favorable (Bishop score >6) in a greater proportion of subjects in the misoprostol (n = 18, 81.8%) and dinoprostone (n = 14, 66.7%) groups compared with the GTN group (n = 11, 55%). In subjects with a severely unfavorable cervix (Bishop score ≤3), treatment with misoprostol led to a favorable response in 61.6% of patients compared with 45.6% in the misoprostol group and 33.3% in the GTN group. A significant improvement was noted in the Bishop score of all three groups (P < 0.001) but the increase in Bishop score was greater in misoprostol (3.5 ± 2.1) and dinoprostone groups (2.8 ± 1.5), compared with the GTN group (2.0 ± 1.0, anovaF = 4.8, P = 0.01). Hyperstimulation and tachysystole were observed only in the misoprostol  (9%  and  4.3%)  and  dinoprostone  groups  (4.7%  and  16.2%).  The  most  common  adverse  effect  in  the GTN group was headache, which was observed in 47.6% of this group's subjects.

Conclusion: The findings of the present study suggest that GTN is safer, but less efficacious, compared with prostaglandins for preinduction cervical ripening at term.
Safe techniques in surgery for hysteroscopic myomectomy
Authors: Murakami Takashi , Tamura Mitsutoshi , Ozawa Yuka , Suzuki Haruka , Terada Yukihiro , Okamura Kunihiro
Published: May 2005

Hysteroscopic myomectomy is regarded as the best treatment for patients with submucous myomata. However, this procedure has a number of associated complications, including uterine perforation, cervical laceration, hyponatremia and hemorrhage, especially in cases of sessile submucous myomata. To avoid these problems, it is important to make well‐advised preparations and manipulations both pre‐ and intraoperatively. The main surgical considerations for safe hysteroscopic myomectomy are shortening the operating time and avoiding cutting too deeply into the myometrium. With these requirements in mind, a combination of techniques using vaporization and a powerful oxytocic agent, such as prostaglandin F‐2α, appears to be the safest method of carrying out hysteroresectoscopy for unpedunculated sessile submucous myomata.
Tension‐free vaginal tape procedure with manual‐tapping method: A potentially useful technique
Authors: Matsuo Koji , Koyama Masayasu , Yoshida Susumu , Koyama Shinsuke , Tsutsui Tateki , Shimoya Koichiro , Kimura Tadashi , Murata Yuji
Published: May 2005

Aim: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is accompanied by pelvic organ prolapse (POP) in many cases. We investigate a procedure to adjust the level of suspension of the mid‐urethra using tension‐free vaginal tape (TVT) under general anesthesia at the time of POP repair surgery.

Methods: Preliminary examination carried out prior to this study showed that the pressure stress applied by a surgeon is less than half of that induced using the cough‐stress method: the manual‐tapping method (MTM) showed an average intravesical urinary leak point pressure (IULPP) of 21.4 mmHg (range 19–23 mmHg), when the cough‐stress method demonstrated an average IULPP >52.4 mmHg (range 45–58 mmHg; n = 3). An attempt was made to predict postoperative SUI by packing sponge gauze into the manually replaced vagina preoperatively. If SUI appeared, TVT was added to the repair operation for POP in those patients (n = 11). Lastly, the MTM was used to decide the level of urethral suspension during the TVT procedure following POP repair surgery under general anesthesia (n = 11).

Results: Eleven patients underwent the TVT procedure combined with POP repair surgery. The mean postoperative follow‐up period was 23.8 months (range 9–40 months). There was no case of post‐surgical ischuria. One patient showed a cystocele during the postoperative course. However, all other patients were relieved from the symptoms of POP, and none complained of SUI following the procedure.

Conclusion: The MTM seems to be a more appropriate indicator by which to adjust the level of urethral suspension during the TVT procedure than the conventional method, particularly under general anesthesia. To prevent and cure perioperative SUI, the MTM as a TVT procedure combined with POP repair surgery under general anesthesia is a useful procedure.