bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The type III secretion system tip complex and translocon
Authors: Mueller C. A. , Broz P. , Cornelis G. R.
Published: April 2008

The type III secretion machinery of Gram‐negative bacteria, also known as the injectisome or needle complex, is composed of a basal body spanning both bacterial membranes and the periplasm, and an external needle protruding from the bacterial surface. A set of three proteins, two hydrophobic and one hydrophilic, are required to allow translocation of proteins from the bacterium to the host cell cytoplasm. These proteins are involved in the formation of a translocation pore, the translocon, in the host cell membrane. Exciting progress has recently been made on the interaction between the translocators and the injectisome needle and the assembly of the translocon in the host cell membrane. As expected, the two hydrophobic translocators insert into the target cell membrane. Unexpectedly, the third, hydrophilic translocator, forms a complex on the distal end of the injectisome needle, the tip complex, and serves as an assembly platform for the two hydrophobic translocators.
Mentation on the immunological modulation of gastrointestinal motility
Authors: Bauer A. J.
Published: April 2008

Abstract  The immunological modulation of gastrointestinal motility is currently one of the most dynamic and fascinating areas of enteric research, as investigators are beginning to focus their studies on the pathophysiology of various gastrointestinal dysmotilities. The new fruits of this investigative initiative has resulted in the appearance of a fascinating series of articles which demonstrate that intestinal inflammatory events alter a distinct population of enteric neurons and that these alterations last long past the apparent resolution of the inciting event. Studies over the past few years have unequivocally demonstrated that the muscularis externa itself is an active and complex immunological compartment with unique features. The rodent muscularis externa is constitutively populated by a dense network of muscularis macrophages throughout the entire gastrointestinal tract. Although few other leukocytes are present in the rodent, the human muscularis is densely populated by both macrophages and mast cells. Postoperative ileus and endotoxin‐induced ileus have turned out to be extremely useful rodent models to elucidate the importance of muscularis leukocytes in causing intestinal dysfunction. Using models of ileus, studies have demonstrated that a complex molecular inflammatory scenario is triggered within the muscularis externa, which consists of MAP kinase phosphorylation, transcriptior factor activation and the subsequent induction of various cytokines, chemokines and, importantly, smooth muscle inhibitory substances, such as nitric oxide and prostaglandins from iNOS and COX‐2. This local molecular inflammatory milieu leads to leukocyte extravasation. Data suggests that the muscularis macrophage network is the conductor of the molecular and cellular inflammatory responses which causes ileus.
Psychosocial factors in functional gastrointestinal disorders: an evolving phenomenon
Authors: Olden K. W.
Published: April 2008

Abstract  The psychosocial aspect of functional gastrointestinal disorders have a long and complicated investigative history. Emerging from the 1930s when the observations of individual investigators and clinicians was the norm we have evolved in the last 25 years to an increasingly sophisticated era of scientific observation using standardized nosology, validated psychometric instruments and have made use of emerging technology such as brain imaging, barostat testing and other technologies. The application of the scientific method to help improve out understanding of the relationship of psychosocial factors as they relate to gastrointestinal illnesses is slowly but surely revolutionizing gastroenterology practice. It is the purpose of this paper to review the history of “Psychosomatic Gastroenterology” to review the dimensions of psychosocial factors as they relate to gastroenterology and to review the emerging technologies which are helping us to develop this knowledge. Finally we will attempt to speculate on where the field will be going in the future.
Cucumber mosaic virus infection of chickpea stands: temporal and spatial patterns of spread and yield‐limiting potential
Authors: Jones R. A. C. , Coutts B. A. , Latham L. J. , McKirdy S. J.
Published: April 2008

Patterns of spread and yield losses were examined when migrant aphid vectors transmitted Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) within chickpea (Cicer arietinum) plots. When numbers of chickpea plant infection foci were varied to provide initial infection incidences of 0·3–2%, rate of virus spread and its final incidence increased in proportion to initial virus incidence and pathogen progress curves reflected a polycyclic pattern of spread. Chickpea seed yields decreased by 44–45% when CMV incidence reached 61–74% at final assessment in plots with simulated 1–2% initial incidence. In chickpea plots with or without introduced lupin plant infection foci, cumulative spatial data for diseased plants were assessed using spatial analysis by distance indices (sadie). When CMV spread within a plot, infection was concentrated in large patch clusters and was consistent with comprehensive localized spread around primary infection foci. When introduced infection foci were absent, there was more diffuse spread with many isolated clusters. In individual plants that developed CMV symptoms at different growth stages, shoot and pod dry weight were reduced by 60–65% and 77–79% (early infection) and 44 and 66% (late infection), respectively. Seed yield losses were 78–80% (early) and 65–67% (late), and reduction in 50‐seed weight was 20–25% regardless of time of infection, so seed number was reduced more by early than late infection. Infection also reduced seed quality as, in addition to smaller seed size, seed coats were discoloured and malformed: the proportions of malformed seeds were 9–11% (early), 3–6% (late) and 0·5% (healthy).
Autoimmune Markers in Lymphoid Malignancies
Authors: Sjöberg K. , Roth E. B. , Gustavsson L. , Jönsson C. , Simán H. , Henriksson G. , Stenberg P. , Lindblom A. , Svensson P.
Published: April 2008

Chronic immune stimulation such as Helicobacter pylori (hp) infection, Sjögren’s syndrome or coeliac disease may initiate non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). The opposite (appearance of autoimmunity) has also been reported. The aim of this study was to describe the pattern of these immune markers in patients with lymphoid malignancies. Sera from 96 patients with NHL (median age 72, range 38–88, F/M 41/55) were analysed with ELISA to determine the frequency of antibodies against guinea pig (gp) and human recombinant (hr) transglutaminase type 2 (Tg2), and hr factor XIII subunit a* (part of the Tg‐family), extractable nuclear antigen (ENA), and hp. As hp antibodies decrease in younger age cohorts a sex‐ and age‐matched control group of 768 persons was used. The control population for transglutaminase antibodies consisted of 59 blood donors, (median 42 years, range 19–65) was analysed with a commercial kit. Gp‐Tg2‐IgG positivity was documented in 72% and hr‐Tg2‐IgG positivity in 15% (5% positive controls for both; P < 0.001 and ns, respectively). For IgA 3% had gp‐Tg2 and 4% hr‐Tg2 (5% in controls: ns for both). Anti‐FXIII‐IgA positivity was found in 22% (5% in controls; P = 0.03). Unspecific anti‐ENA‐IgG positivity was found in 24% (P < 0.001), while only 2% had specific ENA autoantibodies. Moreover, 36% were positive for anti‐hp‐IgG, while controls were positive in 54% (P < 0.001). The frequency of unspecific autoantibodies was increased. No differences could be noted in specific autoantibodies (hr‐Tg2‐IgA). In contrast, fewer than expected were anti‐hp‐positive. A defective immune response, similar to that in autoimmune diseases, could contribute to the pathogenesis of lymphoid malignancies.
Kangaroo Mother Care – a review
Authors: Hall D. , Kirsten G.
Published: April 2008

summary Kangaroo Mother Care is a simple and beneficial intervention for the care of low birth weight infants. Although initially conceived for use in developing countries with limited resources, its use has expanded worldwide as clinicians, administrators and parents become familiar with the psychological, physiological, clinical and cost benefits associated with the practice. A recently documented benefit has specific relevance to blood transfusion medicine.
Effect of Veillonella parvula on the antimicrobial resistance and gene expression of Streptococcus mutans grown in a dual‐species biofilm
Authors: Luppens S. B. I. , Kara D. , Bandounas L. , Jonker M. J. , Wittink F. R. A. , Bruning O. , Breit T. M. , Ten Cate J. M. , Crielaard W.
Published: April 2008

Introduction:  Our previous studies showed that Streptococcus mutans and Veillonella parvula dual‐species biofilms have a different acid production profile and a higher resistance to chlorhexidine than their single‐species counterparts. The aim of the current study was to test whether the susceptibility of S. mutans grown in the presence of V. parvula is also decreased when it is exposed to various other antimicrobials. Furthermore, the aim was to identify other changes in the physiology of S. mutans when V. parvula was present using transcriptomics.

Methods:  Susceptibility to antimicrobials was assessed in killing experiments. Transcript levels in S. mutans were measured with the help of S. mutans microarrays.

Results:  When V. parvula was present, S. mutans showed an increase in survival after exposure to various antimicrobials. Furthermore, this co‐existence altered the physiology of S. mutans. The expression of genes coding for proteins involved in amino acid synthesis, the signal recognition particle‐translocation pathway, purine metabolism, intracellular polysaccharide synthesis, and protein synthesis all changed.

Conclusion:  Growing in a biofilm together with a non‐pathogenic bacterium like V. parvula changes the physiology of S. mutans, and gives this bacterium an advantage in surviving antimicrobial treatment. Thus, the study of pathogens implicated in polymicrobial diseases, such as caries and periodontitis, should be focused more on multispecies biofilms. In addition, the testing of susceptibility to currently used and new antimicrobials should be performed on a multispecies microbial community rather than with single pathogens.
Lack of Toll‐like receptor 4 decreases lipopolysaccharide‐induced bone resorption in C3H/HeJ mice in vivo
Authors: Nakamura H. , Fukusaki Y. , Yoshimura A. , Shiraishi C. , Kishimoto M. , Kaneko T. , Hara Y.
Published: April 2008

Introduction:  Few in vivo studies have demonstrated whether Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) is indispensable for lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced bone resorption and little is known about the receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) expression induced by LPS under conditions of lack of TLR4.

Methods:  We compared bone resorption histomorphometrically in C3H/HeN and C3H/HeJ mice that were repeatedly injected with Actinobacillus actionmycetemcomitans LPS into their gingiva every 48 h. RANKL‐, interleukin‐1β‐ and OPG‐positive cells in the connective tissue were also compared immunohistochemically.

Results:  Bone resorption in C3H/HeJ mice in the fourth, seventh, and tenth injection groups was significantly less than that C3H/HeN mice (P < 0.05). The number of RANKL‐positive cells in C3H/HeJ mice in the 10th injection group was significantly smaller than that in C3H/HeN mice (P < 0.05). The numbers of interleukin‐1β‐positive cells in C3H/HeJ mice in the seventh and tenth injection groups were significantly decreased compared with those in C3H/HeN mice (P < 0.05). The numbers of OPG‐positive cells in C3H/HeN and C3H/HeJ mice gradually increased, but there was no significant difference between the two strains of mice.

Conclusion:  TLR4 is indispensable for LPS‐induced bone resorption in vivo.
Influences of starch and sucrose on Streptococcus mutans biofilms
Authors: Duarte S. , Klein M. I. , Aires C. P. , Cury J. A. , Bowen W. H. , Koo H.
Published: April 2008

Introduction:  The combination of starch and sucrose has been shown to be potentially more cariogenic than either alone. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of starch and sucrose, alone or in combinations, on formation, polysaccharide composition, gene expression, and acidogenicity of Streptococcus mutans biofilms.

Methods:  S. mutans UA159 biofilms were formed on saliva‐coated hydroxyapatite (sHA) discs in batch culture for 5 days in the presence of 1% (weight/volume) starch, 1% sucrose, 1% starch plus 1% sucrose, 1% starch plus 0.5% fructose plus 0.5% glucose, or 1% sucrose plus 1% glucose.

Results:  Amylase activity from sHA disks was detected up to 48 h, thereby increasing the availability of reducing sugars and acidogenicity in the early stages of biofilm development. S. mutans grown in the presence of sucrose alone or in combinations formed well‐defined and tightly adherent biofilms comprised of mostly water‐insoluble polysaccharides (INS); in contrast, the presence of starch or starch + glucose + fructose resulted in little biofilm formation with minimal amounts of INS. However, the combination of starch + sucrose produced biofilms with more biomass and acidogenicity, and a higher content of INS than those grown in sucrose or sucrose + glucose (P < 0.05). The INS extracted from biofilms formed in the presence of starch + sucrose displayed a higher percentage of 3‐linked branching (3,4‐, 3,6‐, and 3,4,6‐linked glucose) compared to those from biofilms grown in sucrose or sucrose + glucose. Furthermore, biofilms grown in starch + sucrose expressed significantly higher levels of gtfB messenger RNA than sucrose‐grown or sucrose + glucose‐grown biofilms (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:  The combination of starch and sucrose has profound effects not only on the composition and structure of the polysaccharide matrix but also on gene expression of S. mutans within biofilms, which may enhance the cariogenic potential of dental biofilms.
An acute injection of Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide modulates the OPG/RANKL system and interleukin‐6 in an ovariectomized mouse model
Authors: Lu H.‐K. , Yeh K.‐C. , Wu M.‐F. , Li C.‐L. , Tseng C.‐C.
Published: April 2008

Background/aims:  In the present study, we attempted to develop a simulated model to explore the causal effects of periodontal pathogens on skeletal homeostasis in postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Methods:  Fifty‐three female adult ICR mice were randomly assigned to an experimental group (ovariectomized) or a control group. A single injection of Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (P. gingivalis‐LPS, ATCC 33277) or Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (E. coli‐LPS) was administered intraperitoneally 4 weeks after an ovariectomy. Concentrations of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), osteoprotegerin (OPG), and the receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand (RANKL) in serum were subsequently analyzed using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results:  Under stimulation with P. gingivalis‐LPS or E. coli‐LPS, the concentration of OPG rose in both groups. The serum level of RANKL showed a decreasing trend 24 h after the injection in both groups. After injection of P. gingivalis‐LPS in both the experimental and control animals, the OPG : RANKL ratio increased 24 h after the booster (22.26–620.99, P < 0.05). The serum level of IL‐6 in the experimental group significantly increased 1–6 h after administration of E. coli‐LPS and 1–3 h after administration of P. gingivalis‐LPS (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:  A single booster injection of P. gingivalis‐LPS induced short‐term changes in OPG, RANKL, and IL‐6 serum levels in this ovariectomized mouse model.
Effect of glucose on Treponema denticola cell behavior
Authors: Ruby J. D. , Lux R. , Shi W. , Charon N. W. , Dasanayake A.
Published: April 2008

Introduction:  Treponema denticola inhabits the oral subgingival environment and is part of a proteolytic benzoyl‐dl‐arginine‐naphthylamide‐positive ‘red complex’ associated with active periodontal disease. Spirochetes have a unique form of chemotactic motility that may contribute to their virulence. Chemotaxis is essential for efficient nutrient‐directed translocation.

Methods:  We examined the effect of glucose on T. denticola cell velocity, expression of periplasmic flagella proteins, and chemotaxis, e.g. translocation into capillary tubes.

Results:  The presence of glucose did not significantly effect T. denticola cell velocity in high viscosity conditions nor did it alter periplasmic flagella protein expression. The addition of glucose to capillary tubes resulted in greater numbers of T. denticola cells in tubes containing glucose. A non‐motile mutant did not migrate into capillary tubes containing glucose.

Conclusion:  These results are consistent with a chemotactic response to glucose that is motility dependent.
Molecular and enzymatic characterization of βC‐S lyase in Streptococcus constellatus
Authors: Yoshida Y. , Ito S. , Sasaki T. , Kishi M. , Kurota M. , Suwabe A. , Kunimatsu K. , Kato H.
Published: April 2008

Background/aims:  Streptococcus anginosus and Streptococcus constellatus are frequently isolated from dental abscesses and other suppurative lesions. We previously reported that βC‐S lyase from a strain of S. anginosus produced significantly more hydrogen sulfide than βC‐S lyases from other streptococci. The purpose of this study was to establish the molecular and enzymatic features of the βC‐S lyase in S. constellatus and to elucidate whether this unique capacity is common to many strains of S. constellatus and S. anginosus.

Methods:  The capacity of crude extract to produce hydrogen sulfide was evaluated among 16 strains of S. constellatus, S. anginosus, and Streptococcus gordonii. The lcd gene encoding βC‐S lyase was cloned from the genomic DNA of each strain to compare the deduced amino acid sequences. The recombinant βC‐S lyases of three representative strains were purified and characterized.

Results:  Incubation of crude extracts from all strains of S. constellatus and S. anginosus with l‐cysteine resulted in the production of a large amount of hydrogen sulfide. The primary sequence of βC‐S lyase was very similar among strains of S. constellatus and S. anginosus. The kinetic properties of the βC‐S lyases purified from S. constellatus resembled those for βC‐S lyases purified from S. anginosus. In contrast, the βC‐S lyases of S. constellatus and S. gordonii differed in terms of their hydrogen sulfide production, with the former producing much more.

Conclusion:  A high level of hydrogen sulfide production, which appears to be a common feature in both S. constellatus and S. anginosus, may be associated with their abscess formation.
Purification of bacteriocin LS1 produced by human oral isolate Lactobacillus salivarius BGHO1
Authors: Busarcevic M. , Kojic M. , Dalgalarrondo M. , Chobert J.‐M. , Haertlé T. , Topisirovic L.
Published: April 2008

Introduction:  Lactobacillus salivarius BGHO1, a human oral isolate with antagonistic activity against growth of Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Micrococcus flavus, and Salmonella enteritidis, probably produces more than one proteinaceous antimicrobial substance. The objective of this study was the purification of a bacteriocin, named LS1, produced by L. salivarius BGHO1.

Methods:  A simple and fast procedure for bacteriocin purification was developed, consisting of reverse‐phase chromatography of the ammonium sulfate precipitate of cell‐free culture supernatant by fast protein liquid chromatography and high‐performance liquid chromatography, followed by tricine sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE), with the subsequent extraction of bacteriocin from the gel.

Results:  The supernatant of L. salivarius BGHO1 culture retained its antimicrobial activity after boiling in a water bath for 15 min. Its antimicrobial activity was also maintained even after treatment for 20 min at 121°C in an autoclave. Bacteriocin LS1 was purified to homogeneity. The molecular mass of bacteriocin LS1 was estimated to be approximately 10 kDa, based on tricine SDS‐PAGE. During purification, another compound with antimicrobial activity, produced by L. salivarius BGHO1, was detected. The molecular mass of this compound was estimated to be approximately 5 kDa, based on tricine SDS‐PAGE.

Conclusion:  Our results imply that LS1 is most probably a new bacteriocin, different from previously described bacteriocins produced by L. salivarius strains. The purification of bacteriocin LS1 enabled the further characterization of LS1 on both the molecular and genetic levels.
Differences in outcome of DSM‐IV bipolar I and II disorders
Authors: Mantere Outi , Suominen Kirsi , Valtonen Hanna M , Arvilommi Petri , Leppämäki Sami , Melartin Tarja , Isometsä Erkki
Published: April 2008

Objectives:  To investigate whether the course of bipolar disorder (BD) type II is more depressive than that of BD I, and, if so, to explore the underlying factors that cause this difference.

Methods:  In a prospective, naturalistic study of 191 secondary care psychiatric in‐ and outpatients diagnosed in an acute phase of BD I or II, 160 patients (85.1%) were followed for 18 months. Using a life chart, the exact timing of symptom states in follow‐up was examined. Differences between BD I (n = 75) and II (n = 85) in duration of index phase and episode, time to full remission and recurrence, and time in any mood episode were investigated.

Results:  Patients with BD II spent a higher proportion of time ill (47.5% versus 37.7%; p = 0.02) and in depressive symptom states (58.0% versus 41.7%; p = 0.003) than BD I patients. This was a result of the higher proportion (61.7% versus 48.6%; p = 0.03) and mean number (1.69 versus 1.11; p = 0.006) of depressive illness phases in BD II, rather than of differences in the duration of depressive phases. Type of index phase strongly predicted the outcome. In linear regression models, both BD II and type of index phase predicted more time spent in depressive symptom states.

Conclusions:  In medium‐term follow‐up, BD II patients spend about 40% more time in depressive symptom states than BD I patients because a higher proportion of BD II patients have depressive phases and the frequency of these is higher. Differences in type of index phase may markedly confound differences in outcome between BD I and II.
Neuroprotective effect of chronic lithium treatment against hypoxia in specific brain regions with upregulation of cAMP response element binding protein and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor but not nerve growth factor: comparison with acute lithium treatment
Authors: Omata N , Murata T , Takamatsu S , Maruoka N , Mitsuya H , Yonekura Y , Fujibayashi Y , Wada Y
Published: April 2008

Objectives:  We evaluated the neuroprotective effect of chronically or acutely administered lithium against hypoxia in several brain regions. Furthermore, we investigated the contribution of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF), and cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) to the neuroprotective effect of lithium.

Methods:  Brain slices were prepared from rats that had been treated chronically or acutely with lithium. The cerebral glucose metabolic rate (CMRglc) before and after hypoxia loading to brain slices was measured using the dynamic positron autoradiography technique with [18F]2‐fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐d‐glucose. The changes of expression of proteins were investigated using Western blot analysis.

Results:  Before hypoxia loading, the CMRglc did not differ between the lithium‐treated and untreated groups. After hypoxia loading, the CMRglc of the untreated group was significantly lower than that before hypoxia loading. However, the CMRglc of the chronic lithium treatment group recovered in the frontal cortex, caudate putamen, hippocampus and cerebellum, but not in the thalamus. In contrast, the CMRglc of the acute lithium treatment group did not recover in any analyzed brain regions. After chronic lithium treatment, the levels of expression of BDNF and phospho‐CREB were higher than those of untreated rats in the frontal cortex, but not in the thalamus. However, the expression of NGF did not change in the frontal cortex and thalamus.

Conclusions:  These results demonstrated that lithium was neuroprotective against hypoxia only after chronic treatment and only in specific brain regions, and that CREB and BDNF might contribute to this effect.
Auditory P300 in patients with bipolar disorder and their unaffected relatives
Authors: Schulze Katja K , Hall Mei‐Hua , McDonald Colm , Marshall Nicolette , Walshe Muriel , Murray Robin M , Bramon Elvira
Published: April 2008

Objectives:  There is evidence that genetic susceptibility may be shared between bipolar disorder (BD) and schizophrenia, but electrophysiological phenotypes which have been extensively used in studies of genetic susceptibility for schizophrenia remain far less explored in bipolar illness. This study assesses whether auditory P300 latency delays and amplitude reductions, which have been demonstrated in patients with schizophrenia and their unaffected first‐degree relatives, are associated with familial liability to psychotic bipolar illness.

Methods:  The P300 auditory evoked potential was obtained using an oddball task from 37 participants with BD who had a history of psychotic symptoms, 38 of their unaffected first‐degree relatives and 42 healthy unrelated comparison subjects. Patients and relatives came from families multiply affected with BD or another functional psychotic disorder. P300 amplitude and latency at midline sites were compared between the groups, using linear regression analyses and robust variance estimators for clustered data, including age and gender as covariates.

Results:  Bipolar disorder patients with a history of psychosis and their unaffected relatives showed significantly delayed P300 latency at Pz compared to controls. The groups did not differ in P300 amplitude.

Conclusions:  P300 latency delays are associated with both psychotic BD and familial liability for this illness. Sample size limited our ability to test for multimodal distribution of P300 measures among relatives, which might be expected if only a subgroup inherits any deficits. In future it will be of interest to directly compare groups of families with psychotic and non‐psychotic forms of BD to explore further the role of psychotic symptoms with regard to P300 measures in the disorder. Our results indicate that delayed P300 latency is a promising candidate endophenotype for psychotic BD, as well as schizophrenia, and may reflect the impact of shared susceptibility genes for both types of psychosis.
Norepinephrine and serotonin imbalance in the locus coeruleus in bipolar disorder
Authors: Wiste Anna K , Arango Victoria , Ellis Steven P , Mann J John , Underwood Mark D
Published: April 2008

Objectives:  Abnormalities in norepinephrine (NE) and serotonin (5‐HT) are implicated in bipolar disorder (BD). We examined 5‐HT input and NE neurons in the locus coeruleus (LC, the NE nucleus that innervates the forebrain) in BD by quantifying immunoreactivity (IR) for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH), the biosynthetic enzymes for NE and 5‐HT, respectively.

Methods:  Six suicides with BD were compared to matched normal controls and unipolar major depression suicides, using immunocytochemistry with computer‐assisted quantification of immunoreactivity.

Results:  Depressed bipolar suicides had 26.7 ± 1.3% of LC area occupied by the TH immunoreactive (TH‐IR) process, while controls had 50.7 ± 8% (p = 0.002) and unipolar depressed suicides had 50.3 ± 2.5% (p = 0.003). In bipolars, these processes did not stain as darkly (1.9 ± 0.5 × background) as controls (2.9 ± 0.9 × background; p = 0.01) or unipolars (2.9 ± 0.6 × background; p = 0.002). Bipolar suicides also had less TPH‐IR processes in the LC (11.7 ± 10%) compared with controls (32.8 ± 8.8%; p = 0.01) or unipolar suicides (30.3 ± 8%; p = 0.02). The TPH‐IR intensity did not differ between groups.

Conclusions:  We found less TH‐IR and TPH‐IR in the LC in depressed bipolar suicides, but not unipolar suicides, suggesting that both NE and 5‐HT activity is lower in BD. Studies during manic or euthymic states will determine whether these changes are mood state dependent.
Mania as the first manifestation of Wilson’s disease
Authors: Machado Alexandre Costa , Deguti Marta Mitiko , Caixeta Leonardo , Spitz Mariana , Lucato Leandro Tavares , Barbosa Egberto Reis
Published: April 2008

Background:  Although mental changes are frequent in Wilson’s disease, severe psychiatric disorders occur uncommonly and usually accompany the neurological picture. There are few reports in the literature of Wilson’s disease patients with typical bipolar affective disorder (BPAD).

Case report:  The authors report the case of a patient with Wilson’s disease whose initial manifestation was a manic episode followed by depression. Tremor in the upper limbs appeared one year after the onset of symptoms. The diagnosis of Wilson’s disease was established three years after the first symptoms appeared, based on the neuropsychiatric picture, the detection of Kayser–Fleischer rings and the results of diagnostic tests indicating chronic liver disease and copper excess. ATP7B genotyping and magnetic resonance imaging of the brain with proton spectroscopy study were also performed. The patient became asymptomatic two years after starting treatment with penicillamine and remained non‐symptomatic controlled during the eight‐year follow‐up period, without any specific treatment for the BPAD.

Conclusions:  To our knowledge, this is a singular report of a case of Wilson’s disease in which a manic episode preceded the onset of neurological symptoms. The association between Wilson’s disease and bipolar disorder is discussed.
Age at onset in Sardinian bipolar I patients: evidence for three subgroups
Authors: Manchia Mirko , Lampus Simona , Chillotti Caterina , Sardu Claudia , Ardau Raffaella , Severino Giovanni , Zompo Maria Del
Published: April 2008

Objective:  We studied age at onset (AAO) in order to assess the presence of different subgroups in a homogeneous genetic population, such as the Sardinian population.

Methods:  Admixture analysis was applied in order to identify a model of separate normal distribution of AAO characterized by different means, variances and population proportions to allow for evaluation of different subgroups in a sample of 181 unrelated patients of Sardinian origin with bipolar disorder (BP) type I. The Mann–Whitney test was used to compare the means of AAO between subjects with a history of suicide attempts and subjects with no such history.

Results:  The best‐fitting model had three components with means (SD) of 18.1 (2.3), 24.3 (5.3) and 41 (11.5) years, comprising 36%, 39% and 25% of the sample, respectively. We obtained two cut‐off points at 21 and 33 years, enabling the sample to be divided into three subgroups. The Mann–Whitney test revealed a difference between the mean AAO of subjects with a positive history of suicide attempts and that of subjects with no such history (p = 0.041).

Conclusions:  We found three AAO sub‐groups in our sample of BP I patients of Sardinian origin. Our findings add further support to the hypothesis whereby AAO acts as a clinical marker of biological heterogeneity in BP.
Susceptibility of Thirty Cherry Genotypes on Phytophthora cactorum, P. citrophthora, P. citricola and P. parasitica
Authors: Thomidis T. , Karayiannis I. , Tsipouridis C.
Published: April 2008

The diseases Phytophthora crown and root rot consist of the most important problems in cherry cultivation. In this study, the susceptibility of 30 cherry genotypes to Phytophthora cactorum, P. citrophthora, P. parasitica and P. citricola was evaluated by using excised twig assay, excised shoot method and stem inoculation method. The results showed that all cherry genotypes tested were susceptible to all Phytophthora isolates used. Phytophthora parasitica and P. citrophthora were the most aggressive species. Host specificity of the Phytophthora isolates used in this study was not found although these isolates were from different plant species. In conclusion, because none of the cherry genotype showed a level of resistance to these pathogens, caution should be taken when these genotypes are used in locations, where these diseases are endemic.
Analysing Motility Parameters on Fresh Bull Semen Could Help to Predict Resistance to Freezing: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Defoin L , Granados A , Donnay I
Published: April 2008

Contents

Batches of straws often need to be thrown away after freezing because of a too few number of motile or progressive sperm cells after thawing. Our objective was to evaluate the possibility to predict before freezing the quality of the semen after freezing/thawing. Computer‐Aided Sperm Analysis was performed on motility parameters both before and after freezing of 20 ejaculates from different bulls. Significant variation between bulls was observed both before and after freezing for all the analysed traits (anova2; p < 0.001): proportion of motile (%mot) and progressive (%prog) sperm, velocity on the curved line (VCL), velocity on the straight line (VSL), velocity on the average path (VAP), linearity (VSL/VCL), beat cross frequency and average orientation change of the head. Freezing significantly altered the motility parameters and correlations were found between samples analysed before and after freezing (Pearson coefficient: R = 0.43–0.72; p < 0.05). The mean VAP, VSL and the %prog obtained before freezing were highly correlated to the %mot and %prog observed after freezing (R = 0.75–0.82; p < 0.001). Applying thresholds on mean VAP and VSL values allowed us to predict respectively 6 and 7 of nine batches that would be rejected after freezing due to a too low %prog (<15%). Combining different traits did not add to the precision. In conclusion, analysis of velocity traits on fresh sperm seems more efficient than analysis of %mot or %prog to discard batches that will be of poor quality after freezing.
Infertile Boars with Knobbed and Immotile Short‐tail Sperm Defects in the Finnish Yorkshire Breed
Authors: Kopp C , Sironen A , Ijäs R , Taponen J , Vilkki J , Sukura A , Andersson M
Published: April 2008

Contents

In the period 1996–2006 two specific sperm defects, the knobbed acrosome (KA) defect and the immotile short‐tail sperm (ISTS) defect, showed a strong negative association with fertility in Finnish breeding boars. In this study, we examined the incidence of these two sperm defects in two pig breeds, their effects on fertility and their associations with sperm morphology and testicular histology. Semen samples from 2048 (1097 Yorkshire, 951 Landrace) boars were collected. None of the Landrace boars revealed either the KA defect or the ISTS defect. Of the Yorkshire boars, 0.8% were afflicted with the KA defect and 7.6% with the ISTS defect. Boars diagnosed with the ISTS defect produced no litters. Fertility data were available from two artificially inseminated (AI) boars and six farm breeding boars affected with the KA defect. Breeding boars with 45–81% knobbed spermatozoa (n = 6) did not produce any litters out of 71 sows bred. AI boars with 25–30% knobbed spermatozoa had a poor non‐return rate (on average 47% compared with 85% for normal control boars) and produced small litters, on average 2.5 piglets less than other boars of the same breed. Morphometry of testicular tissue and distribution of different cells in the seminiferous tubules were examined in nine boars. Boars with the KA defect had a smaller diameter of the seminiferous tubules (p < 0.05) and a lower number of Sertoli cells (p < 0.05) than controls. ISTS boars, in turn, had a significantly lower number of elongated spermatids (p < 0.05), and they also produced on average only 12% of the spermatozoa of normal boars. The ISTS defect is a manifestation of an autosomal recessive disease caused by an insertion in theKPL2gene in porcine chromosome 16. Although we tried to map the KA defect, its aetiology remains unclear.
Effects of pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: NISHIYAMA Osamu , KONDOH Yasuhiro , KIMURA Tomoki , KATO Keisuke , KATAOKA Kensuke , OGAWA Tomoya , WATANABE Fumiko , ARIZONO Shinichi , NISHIMURA Koichi , TANIGUCHI Hiroyuki
Published: April 2008

Background and objective:  Although pulmonary rehabilitation is effective for patients with COPD, its efficacy in patients with IPF is unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of pulmonary rehabilitation in IPF.

Methods:  Thirty patients diagnosed with IPF, according to the consensus statement, were randomly assigned to the rehabilitation group or the control group. The pulmonary rehabilitation mainly consisted of a 10‐week programme of exercise training. Pulmonary function, blood gas analysis, 6MWD, dyspnoea rating with the baseline dyspnoea index and health‐related quality of life score on the St George's Respiratory Questionnaire were evaluated at baseline and after the programme.

Results:  Assessment of efficacy was carried out on 13 patients who completed the programme and 15 patients in the control group. There were no significant effects of the programme on measures of pulmonary function, values of arterial blood gas analysis or dyspnoea rating. Although there were some differences in the baseline 6MWD and total health‐related quality of life score which were not statistically significant, marked improvements were observed in the 6MWD (mean difference 46.3 m (95% CI: 8.3–84.4), P < 0.05) and the total health‐related quality of life score (−6.1 (95% CI: −11.7 to −0.5), P < 0.05).

Conclusions:  Pulmonary rehabilitation improves both exercise capacity and health‐related quality of life in patients with IPF.
Interferon‐γ responses after isoniazid chemotherapy for latent tuberculosis
Authors: HIGUCHI Kazue , HARADA Nobuyuki , MORI Toru
Published: April 2008

Background and objective:  Chemotherapy for Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection may decrease interferon (IFN)‐γ responses to early secretory antigenic target 6 and culture filtrate protein (CFP)‐10; a reaction that could be useful to monitor the success of treatment. We investigated IFN‐γ responses in subjects with latent TB infection before and after isoniazid (INH) chemotherapy.

Methods:  A total of 48 patients who had contact with a TB patient in a psychiatric hospital were suspected to have latent TB infection on the basis of a positive QuantiFERON‐TB Gold (QFT‐G) test and were offered INH treatment for 6 months. After INH chemotherapy, IFN‐γ responses were again quantified and compared with initial measurements.

Results:  Thirty‐four patients completed 6 months of therapy and 28 were retested. Seven (25%) had a negative test and the other patients showed an overall decline. Geometric mean for early secretory antigenic target 6 decreased from 1.398 to 0.362 (P < 0.001), and that for CFP‐10 from 0.312 to 0.120 (P < 0.001). A subsequent QFT‐G test carried out 18 months after chemotherapy showed no further decline of IFN‐γ responses.

Conclusions:  If the success of chemotherapy is defined as negative conversion in the QFT‐G test, these results suggest that although the waning of QFT‐G responses as a result of chemotherapy is an important characteristic of IFN‐γ responses, the extent of waning would not be sufficient to allow effective monitoring of the success of chemotherapy because a majority of contacts still showed positive responses in the QFT‐G test even after chemotherapy.
Clinical benefit of sequential three‐step empirical therapy in the management of chronic cough
Authors: YU Li , QIU Zhongmin , LÜ Hanjing , WEI Weili , SHI Cuiqin
Published: April 2008

Background and objective:  A prospective study was conducted to investigate the efficacy of empirical therapy in the management of chronic cough.

Methods:  A three‐step empirical therapy protocol was used to treat patients who had a chronic cough and a normal CXR and normal lung function testing. In step one antihistamine decongestants plus bronchodilators were taken, corticosteroids in the second step, and a combination of a proton pump inhibitor and a prokinetic agent in the third step. Cough symptom scores were recorded before and after each step in the protocol.

Results:  There were 102 patients recruited; mean age 49 ± 16 years and with a history of cough of between 2 and 120 months at presentation. The cough resolved in 67.6% (n = 69) of the patients after the first‐step therapy; in a further 12.7% (13) after the second‐step therapy, and in another 7.8% (8) after the third‐step of the treatment protocol. In three patients cough improved after the first‐step of therapy but only achieved complete resolution when this treatment was combined with the third‐step therapy. Overall, the three‐step empirical therapy was successful in 88.2% (n = 90) of the patients. Cough symptom scores decreased from 3.30 ± 0.75 to 0.30 ± 0.97 (P < 0.001). The mean duration of treatment was 2.70 ± 1.52 weeks (range 1–12). Cough was controlled in <4 weeks in 79.4% (n = 81) of patients.

Conclusions:  Three‐step empirical therapy seemed to be useful in most patients and has practical application in the management of chronic cough.
Pleural fluid viscosity may help identifying malignant pleural effusions
Authors: CHANG Liang‐Che , HUA Chung‐Ching , LIU Yu‐Chih , CHU Chien‐Ming , CHEN Hung‐Jie , LEE Ning
Published: April 2008

Background and objective:  Cancer cells are larger in size and more rigid than blood cells. As the size and rigidity of cells contribute to blood viscosity, an association may exist between high pleural fluid viscosity and cancer cells in pleural effusions. The aim of this study was to determine the correlation between pleural fluid viscosity and cell constituents or laboratory data in pleural diseases with different aetiologies.

Methods:  Fluid viscosities were determined in pleural effusions obtained via thoracocentesis. Pleural fluid viscosities were correlated with the laboratory data and with the percentages of different cellular constituents as assessed by cytological examination.

Results:  Pleural fluid viscosity was highest in malignant pleural effusions with positive results on cytological examination, and was correlated with the percentages of tumour cells (Spearman's rho = 0.24, P = 0.037) and mitotic figures (rho = 0.23, P = 0.041) in the exudates. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that pleural fluid viscosity was a significant determinant of positive results on cytological examination (odds ratio (OR) 6.26, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.32–29.8), as were the levels of protein (OR 1.48, 95% CI 1.01–2.16) and LDH (OR 1.001, 95% CI 1–1.002).

Conclusion:  High pleural fluid viscosity may suggest a potential diagnosis of malignant pleural effusion.
Oxidant stress mediates inflammation and apoptosis in ventilator‐induced lung injury
Authors: SYRKINA Olga , JAFARI Behrouz , HALES Charles A. , QUINN Deborah A.
Published: April 2008

Background and objective:  Ventilator‐induced lung injury (VILI) leads to airway epithelial cell apoptosis and lung inflammation. High tidal volume ventilation in vivo has been shown to induce MIP‐2 production, lung neutrophil sequestration and apoptotic airway cell death. This study aimed to determine the effect of N‐acetylcysteine (NAC), a scavenger of oxygen radicals, on lung inflammation and apoptosis in an in vivo model of VILI.

Methods:  Sprague–Dawley rats (n = 5 per group) were ventilated at low tidal volume (VT 7 mL/kg) or high tidal volume (VT 20 mL/kg) with or without administration of 140 mg/kg of intravenous NAC. Animals were ventilated for 30 min, 1 or 2 h, then allowed to recover for 2 h, at which time neutrophil infiltration, MIP‐2, TNF‐α and IL‐6 in BAL fluid, as well as the percentage of apoptotic airway epithelial cells, were measured.

Results:  Ventilation at VT 20 mL/kg increased oxidant release, as measured by serum isoprostane, and decreased lung glutathione, the major antioxidant in the lung. NAC treatment during ventilation at VT 20 mL/kg prevented the decrease in lung glutathione and significantly lowered serum isoprostane levels, neutrophil infiltration, cytokines in the BAL and apoptosis in the airways as compared with animals ventilated at VT 20 mL/kg without NAC (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:  These data point to an early role of oxidant‐induced inflammation and apoptosis in VILI.
Using a genetic algorithm to drive a microbial ecosystem in a desirable direction
Authors: Vandecasteele Frederik P. J. , Crawford Ronald L. , Hess Thomas F.
Published: April 2008

The functioning of natural microbial ecosystems is influenced by various biotic and abiotic conditions. The careful experimental manipulation of environmental conditions can drive microbial ecosystems toward exhibiting desirable types of functionality. Such manipulations can be systematically approached by viewing them as a combinatorial optimization problem, in which the optimal configuration of environmental conditions is sought. Such an effort requires a sound optimization technique. Genetic algorithms are a class of optimization methods that should be suitable for such a task because they can deal with multiple interacting variables and with experimental noise and because they do not require an intricate understanding or modelling of the ecosystem of interest. We propose the use of genetic algorithms to drive undefined microbial ecosystems in desirable directions by combinatorially optimizing sets of environmental conditions. We tested this approach in a model system where the microbial ecosystem of a human saliva sample was manipulated in successive steps to display increasing amounts of azo dye decoloration. The results of our experiments indicated that a genetic algorithm was capable of optimizing ecosystem function by manipulating the presence or absence of a set of 10 chemical supplements. Genetic algorithms hold promise for use as a tool in environmental microbiology for the efficient control of the functioning of natural and undefined microbial ecosystems.
Going Forward by Drawing From the Past: Personal Strivings, Personally Meaningful Memories, and Personality Traits
Authors: Sutin Angelina R. , Robins Richard W.
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACT
The present research explored the idea that what people strive for in their daily lives is meaningfully linked to their autobiographical memories and stable personality characteristics. Study 1 showed that (a) personal strivings (both self‐reported and content coded) are related to the emotional and motivational content of self‐defining memories, (b) personal strivings are related to self‐esteem and narcissism, and (c) the relation between personal strivings and personality is partially mediated by memory content. Study 2 extended these findings to a longitudinal context and showed that personal strivings and memory content reciprocally influence each other over time. Together, the findings suggest that when people consider how to move forward in their lives, they draw on their past experiences to establish goals for the future and that the way this process plays out is shaped by people's stable personality characteristics.
The Neural Basis of Selective Attention
Authors: Yantis Steven
Published: April 2008

Selective attention is an intrinsic component of perceptual representation in a visual system that is hierarchically organized. Modulatory signals originate in brain regions that represent behavioral goals; these signals specify which perceptual objects are to be represented by sensory neurons that are subject to contextual modulation. Attention can be deployed to spatial locations, features, or objects, and corresponding modulatory signals must be targeted within these domains. Open questions include how nonspatial perceptual domains are modulated by attention and how abstract goals are transformed into targeted modulatory signals.