bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Delay of photoreceptor degeneration in tubby mouse by sulforaphane
Authors: Kong Li , Tanito Masaki , Huang Zhong , Li Feng , Zhou Xiaohong , Zaharia Alexander , Yodoi Junkie , McGinnis James F. , Cao Wei
Published: March 2007

In this study, the homozygous tubby (tub/tub) mutant mouse, with an early progressive hearing loss and photoreceptor degeneration, was used as a model system to examine the effects of systemic administration of a naturally occurring isothiocyanate, sulforaphane (SF), on photoreceptor degeneration. Several novel observations have been made: (i) the mRNA and protein expression of thioredoxin (Trx), thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) and NF‐E2‐related factor‐2 (Nrf2) were significantly reduced even prior to photoreceptor cell degeneration in the retinas of tub/tub mice, suggesting that retinal expression of the Trx system is impaired and that Trx regulation is involved in the pathogenesis of retinal degeneration in this model, (ii) intraperitoneal injection with SF significantly up‐regulated retinal levels of Trx, TrxR, and Nrf2, and effectively protected photoreceptor cells in tub/tub mice as evaluated functionally by electroretinography and morphologically by quantitative histology, and (iii) treatment with PD98059, an inhibitor of extracellular signal‐regulated kinases (ERKs), blocked SF‐mediated ERKs activation and up‐regulation of Trx/TrxR/Nrf2 in the retinas of tub/tub mice. This suggests that ERKs and Nrf2 are involved in the mechanism of SF‐mediated up‐regulation of the Trx system to protect photoreceptor cells in this model. These novel findings are significant and could provide important information for the development of a unique strategy to prevent sensorineural deafness/retinal dystrophic syndromes and also other forms of inherited neurological disorders.
Ketone bodies are protective against oxidative stress in neocortical neurons
Authors: Kim Do Young , Davis Laurie M. , Sullivan Patrick G. , Maalouf Marwan , Simeone Timothy A. , Brederode Johannes van , Rho Jong M.
Published: March 2007

Ketone bodies (KB) have been shown to prevent neurodegeneration in models of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, but the mechanisms underlying these effects remain unclear. One possibility is that KB may exert antioxidant activity. In the current study, we explored the effects of KB on rat neocortical neurons exposed to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) or diamide – a thiol oxidant and activator of mitochondrial permeability transition (mPT). We found that: (i) KB completely blocked large inward currents induced by either H2O2 or diamide; (ii) KB significantly decreased the number of propidium iodide‐labeled cells in neocortical slices after exposure to H2O2 or diamide; (iii) KB significantly decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in dissociated neurons and in isolated neocortical mitochondria; (iv) the electrophysiological effects of KB in neurons exposed to H2O2 or diamide were mimicked by bongkrekic acid and cyclosporin A, known inhibitors of mPT, as well as by catalase and DL – dithiothreitol, known antioxidants; (v) diamide alone did not significantly alter basal ROS levels in neurons, supporting previous studies indicating that diamide‐induced neuronal injury may be mediated by mPT opening; and (vi) KB significantly increased the threshold for calcium‐induced mPT in isolated mitochondria. Taken together, our data suggest that KB may prevent mPT and oxidative injury in neocortical neurons, most likely by decreasing mitochondrial ROS production.
Hyaluronan‐CD44 interaction stimulates Rac1 signaling and PKNγ kinase activation leading to cytoskeleton function and cell migration in astrocytes
Authors: Bourguignon Lilly Y. W. , Gilad Eli , Peyrollier Karine , Brightman Amy , Swanson Raymond A.
Published: March 2007

Both hyaluronan [HA, the major glycosaminoglycans in the extracellular matrix (ECM)] and CD44 (a primary HA receptor) are associated with astrocyte activation and tissue repair following central nervous system (CNS) injury. In this study we investigated the question of whether HA‐CD44 interaction influences astrocyte signaling and migration. Our data indicated that HA binding to the cultured astrocytes stimulated Rac1 signaling and cytoskeleton‐mediated migration. To determine the cellular and molecular basis of these events, we focused on PKNγ, a Rac1‐activated serine/threonine kinase in astrocytes. We determined that HA binding to astrocytes stimulated Rac1‐dependent PKNγ kinase activity which, in turn, up‐regulated the phosphorylation of the cytoskeletal protein, cortactin, and attenuated the ability of cortactin to cross‐link F‐actin. Further analyses indicated that the N‐terminal antiparallel coiled‐coil (ACC) domains of PKNγ interacted with Rac1, and transfection of astrocytes with PKNγ‐ACCcDNA inhibited PKNγ activity. Over‐expression of the PKNγ‐ACC domain also functions as a dominant‐negative mutant to block HA/CD44‐mediated PKNγ activation of cortactin and astrocyte migration. Taken together, these findings strongly suggest that hyaluronan/CD44 interaction with Rac1‐PKNγ plays a pivotal role in cytoskeleton activation and astrocyte migration. These newly discovered HA/CD44‐induced astrocyte function may provide important insight into novel therapeutic treatments for tissue repair following CNS injury.
Glutamate release from activated microglia requires the oxidative burst and lipid peroxidation
Authors: Barger Steven W. , Goodwin Mary E. , Porter Mandy M. , Beggs Marjorie L.
Published: March 2007

When activated by proinflammatory stimuli, microglia release substantial levels of glutamate, and mounting evidence suggests this contributes to neuronal damage during neuroinflammation. Prior studies indicated a role for the Xc exchange system, an amino acid transporter that antiports glutamate for cystine. Because cystine is used for synthesis of glutathione (GSH) synthesis, we hypothesized that glutamate release is an indirect consequence of GSH depletion by the respiratory burst, which produces superoxide from NADPH oxidase. Microglial glutamate release triggered by lipopolysaccharide was blocked by diphenylene iodonium chloride and apocynin, inhibitors of NADPH oxidase. This glutamate release was also blocked by vitamin E and elicited by lipid peroxidation products 4‐hydroxynonenal and acrolein, suggesting that lipid peroxidation makes crucial demands on GSH. Although NADPH oxidase inhibitors also suppressed nitrite accumulation, vitamin E did not; moreover, glutamate release was largely unaffected by nitric oxide donors, inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase, or changes in gene expression. These findings indicate that a considerable degree of the neurodegenerative consequences of neuroinflammation may result from conversion of oxidative stress to excitotoxic stress. This phenomenon entails a biochemical chain of events initiated by a programmed oxidative stress and resultant mass‐action amino acid transport. Indeed, some of the neuroprotective effects of antioxidants may be due to interference with these events rather than direct protection against neuronal oxidation.
Two isoforms of the cold‐inducible mRNA‐binding protein RBM3 localize to dendrites and promote translation
Authors: Smart Fiona , Aschrafi Armaz , Atkins Annette , Owens Geoffrey C. , Pilotte Julie , Cunningham Bruce A. , Vanderklish Peter W.
Published: March 2007

A diverse set of mRNA‐binding proteins (BPs) regulate local translation in neurons. However, little is known about the role(s) played by a family of cold‐inducible, glycine‐rich mRNA‐BPs. Unlike neuronal mRNA‐BPs characterized thus far, these proteins are induced by hypothermia and are comprised of one RNA recognition motif and an adjacent arginine‐ and glycine‐rich domain. We studied the expression and function of the RNA‐binding motif protein 3 (RBM3), a member of this family, in neurons. RBM3 was expressed in multiple brain regions, with the highest levels in cerebellum and olfactory bulb. In dissociated neurons, RBM3 was observed in nuclei and in a heterogeneous population of granules within dendrites. In sucrose gradient assays, RBM3 cofractionated with heavy mRNA granules and multiple components of the translation machinery. Two alternatively spliced RBM3 isoforms that differed by a single arginine residue were identified in neurons; both were post‐translationally modified. The variant lacking the spliced arginine exhibited a higher dendritic localization and was the only isoform present in astrocytes. When overexpressed in neuronal cell lines, RBM3 isoforms‐enhanced global translation, the formation of active polysomes, and the activation of initiation factors. These data suggest that RBM3 plays a distinctive role in enhancing translation in neurons.
Baicalin protects mouse from Concanavalin A‐induced liver injury through inhibition of cytokine production and hepatocyte apoptosis
Authors: Liu Lin‐lin , Gong Li‐kun , Wang Hui , Xiao Ying , Wu Xiong‐fei , Zhang Yun‐hai , Xue Xiang , Qi Xin‐ming , Ren Jin
Published: March 2007

Background: Baicalin (BA) exhibits an anti‐inflammatory effect in vivo and in vitro and is used to treat chronic hepatitis. However, the mechanism by which BA exerts the liver‐protective effect remains largely unknown.

Aims: The present study reports that BA inhibits cytokine production and hepatocyte apoptosis to protect mice from liver injury induced by concanavalin A (Con A), a T‐cell‐dependent liver injury model.

Results: Con A injection of mice induced severe immune responses and extensive hepatocellular apoptosis within 24 h. Pretreatment of 200 or 100 mg/kg BA markedly reduced serum aminotransferase activities, protected hepatoycte apoptosis and reduced the increase of plasma cytokine levels, including tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6). Furthermore, BA pretreatment decreased tissue myeloperoxidase activity and lipid peroxidation, but increased the superoxide dismutase level. In vitro studies indicated that the beneficial effect of BA was associated with reduced cytokine production from lymphocytes and reduced TNF‐α‐induced hepatocyte apoptosis.

Conclusion: These results suggest that BA has therapeutic potential for T‐cell‐mediated liver injury.
Current concepts in the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Méndez‐Sánchez Nahum , Arrese Marco , Zamora‐Valdés Daniel , Uribe Misael
Published: March 2007

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an increasingly recognized cause of chronic liver disease, representing the leading cause of hepatology referral in some centres. However, its pathophysiology is not completely understood. Insulin resistance is one of the major mechanisms involved in disease prevalence and progression. Owing to the lack of an effective pharmacological therapy, recommendations on treatment are scarce and are based mainly on lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise. A review of the current literature on pathogenesis of NAFLD is presented in this article.
Too Close to Call? Uncertainty and Bias in Election‐Night Reporting*
Authors: Uscinski Joseph E.
Published: March 2007

Objective. Previous research has found that early election‐night projections can have a depressing effect on turnout in presidential elections. Although this effect has been found to be small in the past, it may be enough to sway state outcomes and, potentially, the final outcomes of close presidential and other elections. Therefore, this article analyzes the election‐night presidential projections of the three major cable news networks in 2000 and 2004 to examine the forces that lead to the timing of election‐night calls.

Method. I collect the on‐air projection times of the cable news networks from videotapes, transcripts, and network documents. I apply duration analysis, specifically Cox models, to examine the forces that lead networks to make projections when they do.

Results. Results of duration analysis indicate that while the cable networks timed their state‐by‐state projections primarily on the competitiveness of the state presidential races, network competition appears to drive projections at the beginning of election night. Furthermore, I find that early in the night in 2000, the cable networks appeared to call states sooner for Al Gore than for George W. Bush when controlling for the competitiveness of the state presidential races.

Conclusions. This article provides support for Republican allegations of biased election‐night projections in 2000. However, it appears that because the networks amended their election‐night procedures, there were no miscalls or differences in how cable networks called states for the two presidential candidates in 2004.
Nonprofit Advocacy Organizations: Their Characteristics and Activities*
Authors: Child Curtis D. , Grønbjerg Kirsten A.
Published: March 2007

Objectives. In this article we examine political advocacy by nonprofit organizations. Relatively little is known about the types of organizations that participate in advocacy, their characteristics, the issues for which they advocate, and the resources they devote to it. This is especially the case for nonprofits that operate at the state or local level.

Methods. Using data from a large survey of Indiana nonprofit organizations, we use logistic and multinomial regression to determine which organizational characteristics relate to participation in varying levels of advocacy.

Results. We find that the size of the organization, its access to information and communication technology, its charitable status, and, in some cases, the field of activity in which it operates all help predict nonprofit advocacy. The age of the organization, its reliance on government funding (except when substantial), and its proximity to the state's major economic and political center do not generally help differentiate nonprofits that advocate from those that do not.

Conclusions. Our findings suggest that most nonprofits are ambivalent about advocacy. Some do no advocacy at all; many participate in some form of it although it does not constitute their primary purpose or mission; and only a small minority devotes considerable resources to it. However, these patterns differ systematically by type of nonprofit.
Low Temperature Preparation of Ferroelectric Relaxor Composite Thick Films
Authors: Wu Aiying , Vilarinho P. M. , Kholkin A.
Published: March 2007

In this work, the fabrication and characterization of a composite films comprising classical ferroelectric (PbTiO3, PT) and relaxor (PbMg1/3Nb2/3O3, PMN) material is reported. Thick films consisting of ferroelectric and relaxor phases in the thickness range of 2–10 μm are fabricated on Pt‐coated Si substrates at a temperature of ≤550°C via a modified sol–gel route. The phase purity of the composite films was determined by X‐ray powder diffraction pattern. The morphology and composition homogeneity were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDX), and by X‐ray mapping method, respectively. High dielectric permittivity (ɛ≈1100) and low loss values (tan δ≈0.03) at 1 kHz and room temperature were measured on 2‐μm‐thick composite films for a particular composition of 83 mol% of a PT phase and 17 mol% of a PMN phase, with associated remanent polarization ofP≈31.6 μC/cm2and coercive field ofEc≅166 kV/cm. Piezo‐response force microscopy analysis of the composite film showed that the film is piezoelectric and switchable. The temperature dependence of the effective dielectric permittivity and loss of the films at different frequencies was studied in the temperature range −50° to 200°C. In the temperature range used for applications (−50° to +100°C) the composite shows quite low temperature coefficient of capacitance (TCC=100%(CT−C−50°)/C−50°C))=18%, much lower than both PMN thick film and PT film in the same temperature range. This composition is therefore promising for low TCC applications.
Shape‐Tailored Hydrothermal Synthesis of CdMoO4 Crystallites on Varying pH Conditions
Authors: Ren Yang , Ma Junfeng , Wang Yonggang , Zhu Xiaoyi , Lin Botao , Liu Jun , Jiang Xiaohui , Tao Jiantao
Published: March 2007

CdMoO4 powders with well‐controlled shapes, including sphere, cake, cubic sugar, flake, and floccule have been successfully synthesized by a low‐temperature (≤90°C) hydrothermal method. The effects of pH, reaction time, and temperature on the crystalline size and shape were explored by using X‐ray powder diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Room‐temperature photoluminescence spectra of the as‐synthesized CdMoO4 crystallites were also investigated, which showed that their optical properties obviously relied on the particle size and morphology of CdMoO4 powders.
Photoluminescence Properties of Zinc Oxide in Barium and Fluorine Silicate Glasses
Authors: Qian Gujie , Liang Xiaoluan , Bei Jiafang , Yuan Shuanglong , Chen Guorong
Published: March 2007

Zinc oxide (ZnO) was embedded in barium and fluorine silicate glass matrices, and luminescence properties of as‐prepared glass samples were studied. For the fluorine‐free glasses, a blue emission was observed. With partial substitution of BaF2 for BaO in glass compositions, emission spectra of glasses show an obvious blue shift to the near‐UV region. For the BaO‐free glasses, the dominant UV emission shifts to the near‐band‐edge exciton emission position of ZnO and also shows a red shift with increasing BaF2. At the same time, a visible emission shoulder appears in the blue to green region and becomes weak with introduction of increasing BaF2.
Biomolecular Template‐Induced Biomimetic Coating of Hydroxyapatite on an SS 316 L Substrate
Authors: Chakraborty Jui , Sinha Mithlesh K. , Basu Debabrata
Published: March 2007

Bone, a natural composite, comprises non‐stoichiometric calcium hydroxyapatite (HAp) precipitated in a controlled reaction environment of a highly aligned, anisotropic organic template (type I collagen) that leads to its exotic tensile and compressive strength. It differs from stoichiometric hydroxyapatite in composition, crystallinity, and other physical and mechanical properties. In the present study, functionalized biomolecular template‐induced precipitation of HAp on an SS 316 L substrate following biomimetic route exhibits distinct alterations in crystal growth and geometry, which in turn indicates the potential of the process to develop a non‐stoichiometric HAp coating on metal implants.
Slag Solidification Modeling Using the Scheil–Gulliver Assumptions
Authors: Durinck Dirk , Jones Peter Tom , Blanpain Bart , Wollants Patrick , Mertens Gilles , Elsen Jan
Published: March 2007

In this paper, the Scheil–Gulliver approach on solidification modeling is applied to slag solidification. The Scheil–Gulliver model assumes no diffusion in the solid phases, infinitely rapid diffusion in the liquid phase, and local equilibrium at the solid/liquid interface. For two distinct CaO–MgO–SiO2 slags, solidification is simulated with the Scheil–Gulliver model and with the commonly used thermodynamic equilibrium model. The simulations show that in the Scheil–Gulliver model, as opposed to the equilibrium model, compositional gradients in the solid phases can exist and peritectic reactions do not occur. Solidification experiments are performed under laboratory conditions to validate the simulation results. The experimental results show a better correspondence with the Scheil–Gulliver model than with the equilibrium model. However, quantitative differences in mineralogy persist.
Effect of Precursor Ratio on Synthesis and Optical Absorption of TiON Photocatalytic Nanoparticles
Authors: Li Qi , Xie Rongcai , Shang Jian Ku , Mintz Eric A.
Published: March 2007

A simple sol–gel process was developed to synthesize a nitrogen‐doped titanium oxide (TiON) nanoparticle photocatalyst. Our work shows that the precursor ratio (tetramethyl ammonium hydroxide (TMA)/titanium tetraisopropoxide (TTIP)) has significant effects on the structure, composition, and optical properties of TiON nanoparticles. At high initial TMA/TTIP ratios, crystallization of the sol–gel TiON nanoparticle powders was sluggish, requiring a higher calcination temperature. As a high calcination temperature caused greater nitrogen loss, a high initial TMA/TTIP ratio in the TiON precursor did not ensure a high N/Ti atomic ratio in the TiON powders. By optimizing the initial TMA/TTIP ratio and the calcination temperature, crystalline powders were obtained with high nitrogen concentrations. These sol–gel TiON nanoparticles showed strong visible light absorbance.
Effects of Residual Stress on the Electrical Properties of PZT Films
Authors: Lee Jae‐Wung , Park Chee‐Sung , Kim Miyoung , Kim Hyoun‐Ee
Published: March 2007

The effects of the residual stress (either compressive or tensile) induced during the heat‐treatment process on the electrical properties of Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3 (PZT) films were investigated. The PZT films were deposited on platinized silicon substrates by the rf‐magnetron sputtering method using a single oxide target. After their deposition, the films were bent elastically by means of a specially designed fixture during the annealing process. Residual stress was induced in the film by removing the substrate from the fixture after annealing. The ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties of the films were markedly changed by the residual stresses; the remnant polarization (Pr) and saturation polarization (Psat) increased when a compressive stress was induced. On the other hand, the piezoelectric properties increased when a tensile stress was induced in the film.
Complex Oxide Ferroelectric Ceramics Pb(Ni1/3Nb2/3)O3–Pb(Zn1/3Nb2/3)O3–Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–PbZrO3–PbTiO3 with a Low Sintering Temperature
Authors: Gan Bee Keen , Yao Kui , He Xujiang
Published: March 2007

Perovskite phase ferroelectric ceramics with complex oxide compositions, comprising Pb(Ni1/3Nb2/3)O3, Pb(Zn1/3Nb2/3)O3, Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3, PbZrO3, and PbTiO3 (PNN–PZN–PMN–PZ–PT), with PZ and PT <50% by mole, were synthesized through a columbite approach at sintering temperatures as low as 850°–900°C. The effects of sintering temperature on the perovskite phase formation, density, dielectric, ferroelectric, and piezoelectric properties were investigated. A maximum piezoelectric coefficient d33 of 393 pC/N was obtained with a composition of 0.10PNN–0.35PZN–0.15PMN–0.10PZ–0.30PT when sintered at 900°C, although it was away from a morphotropical phase boundary composition. The low processing temperature potentially enables the use of economical electrodes with these compositions for device applications. The dependence of the structure and properties on the compositions of the solid solutions was discussed, and the results indicated that various excellent ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties could be obtained at a low processing temperature by appropriately tailoring the complex composition.
Invariant natural killer T cells from rhesus macaque spleen and peripheral blood are phenotypically and functionally distinct populations
Authors: Gansuvd Balgansuren , Goodwin Jeanine , Asiedu Clement K. , Jiang Xiao Ling , Jargal Uuganbayar , Andrades Patricio , Exley Mark A. , Thomas Judith M.
Published: March 2007

Background  Natural killer T cells (NKT) possess dual functions of innate and adaptive immune systems, controlling viral infections and regulating autoimmune diseases. Non‐human primates (NHP) are penultimate models for advancing therapeutic immunoregulatory strategies for translational application in humans, though, little is known about NHP NKT cells. Here we characterized rhesus macaque NKT cells ex vivo.

Methods  The frequency, phenotype and intracellular cytokine production of Vα24+6B11+ invariant NKT (iNKT) cells were analyzed by multi‐color flow cytometry. Vα24JαQ mRNA expression was analyzed by real‐time RT‐PCR.

Results  The frequencies of peripheral blood (PB) and spleen Vα24+6B11+ iNKT cells were not significantly different. The iNKT cell subset in spleen was significantly increased for CD4+CD8+ and CD3+CD56+ co‐expression as well as intracellular interleukin‐4 production, which was rarely observed in circulating PB.

Conclusion  Spleen iNKT cells in rhesus macaques are Th2 biased and display phenotypically and functionally distinct profiles from their PB counterpart.
Periodontitis and premature death: a 16‐year longitudinal study in a Swedish urban population
Authors: Söder B. , Jin L. J. , Klinge B. , Söder P.‐Ö.
Published: March 2007

Background and Objective:  Growing experimental evidence implicates chronic inflammation/infection due to periodontal diseases as a risk factor for death. The objective was to evaluate the role of periodontitis in premature death in a prospective study.

Methods:  The causes of death in 3273 randomly‐selected subjects, aged 30–40 years, from 1985 to 2001 were registered. At baseline, 1676 individuals underwent a clinical oral examination (Group A) and 1597 did not (Group B). Mortality and causes of death from 1985 to 2001 were recorded according to ICD‐9‐10.

Results:  In Groups A (clinically examined group) and B, a total of 110 subjects had died: 40 subjects in Group A, and 70 in Group B. In Group A significant differences were present at baseline between survivors and persons who later died, with respect to dental plaque, calculus, gingival inflammation and number of missing molars in subjects with periodontitis (p < 0.001). The multiple logistic regression analysis results of the relationship between being dead (dependent variable) and several independent variables identified periodontitis with any missing molars as a principal independent predictor of death.

Conclusions:  Young individuals with periodontitis and missing molars seem to be at increased risk for premature death by life‐threatening diseases, such as neoplasms, and diseases of the circulatory and digestive systems.
Overexpression of interleukin‐1β and interleukin‐6 may play an important role in periodontal breakdown in type 2 diabetic patients
Authors: Duarte P. M. , De Oliveira M. C. G. , Tambeli C. H. , Parada C. A. , Casati M. Z. , Nociti F. H.
Published: March 2007

Background and Objective:  This study evaluated whether the biochemical changes associated with type 2 diabetes modulate the expression of interleukin‐1β, interleukin‐6, interleukin‐8, and interferon‐γ in sites with chronic periodontitis.

Material and Methods:  Biopsies were harvested and divided into three groups: group 1, systemically and periodontally healthy subjects (n = 10); group 2, systemically healthy subjects with moderate‐to‐severe chronic periodontitis (probing depth > 6 mm) (n = 20); and group 3, type 2 diabetic subjects with periodontitis (n = 20). Cytokine levels were assessed in the gingival tissues by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay analysis.

Results:  Data analysis demonstrated that the interleukin‐1β, interleukin‐6, interleukin‐8, and interferon‐γ levels were higher in the presence of periodontal inflammation than in the absence of inflammation, regardless of systemic status. The interleukin‐1β and interleukin‐6 levels were higher in diabetic subjects (group 3) than in systemically healthy patients with comparable types of periodontitis (group 2). No difference was observed for the interleukin‐8 and interferon‐γ levels between groups 2 and 3.

Conclusion:  Within the limits of this study, it was concluded that type 2 diabetes was associated with increased expression of interleukin‐1β and interleukin‐6 in periodontally inflamed tissues of diabetic patients, relative to nondiabetic subjects, and that such overexpression may be involved in the mechanisms by which type 2 diabetes enhances periodontal destruction.
Susceptibility of various oral bacteria to antimicrobial peptides and to phagocytosis by neutrophils
Authors: Ji S. , Hyun J. , Park E. , Lee B.‐L. , Kim K.‐K. , Choi Y.
Published: March 2007

Background and Objective:  The aim of this study was to compare the susceptibility of nonperiodontopathic and periodontopathic bacteria to major defense mechanisms for bacterial clearance in gingival sulcus.

Material and Methods:  Twenty strains of 13 oral bacterial species were studied for their susceptibility to phagocytosis by human neutrophils and to the antimicrobial peptides LL‐37 and human beta defensin‐3. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of LL‐37 and human beta defensin‐3 were determined by a liquid dilution assay, and susceptibility to phagocytosis was examined by a flow cytometric phagocytosis assay.

Results:  The minimum inhibitory concentrations of LL‐37 and human beta defensin‐3 varied greatly, depending on the strain and species. Although a significant difference between the non‐ and periodontopathic groups was not observed, the red‐complex bacteria were more resistant to LL‐37 than the others (p = 0.004). The susceptibility of oral bacteria to phagocytosis was quite variable, depending on the species but not on the strains. The periodontopathic bacteria, especially Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans and the red‐complex triad, were more resistant to phagocytosis than were the nonperiodontopathic bacteria (p = 0.0003). In addition, bacteria resistant both to antimicrobial peptides and to phagocytosis were more common in the periodontopathic group.

Conclusion:  Our results indicate that immune evasion may contribute to the pathogenicity of some periodontopathic bacteria.
Managing painful chronic wounds: the Wound Pain Management Model
Authors: Price Patricia , Fogh Karsten , Glynn Chris , Krasner Diane L , Osterbrink Jürgen , Sibbald R Gary
Published: March 2007

Chronic wound pain is not well understood and the literature is limited. Six of 10 patients venous leg ulcer experience pain with their ulcer, and similar trends are observed for other chronic wounds. Chronic wound pain can lead to depression and the feeling of constant tiredness. Pain related to the wound should be handled as one of the main priorities in chronic wound management together with addressing the cause. Management of pain in chronic wounds depends on proper assessment, reporting and documenting patient experiences of pain. Assessment should be based on six critical dimensions of the pain experience: location, duration, intensity, quality, onset and impact on activities of daily living. Holistic management must be based on a safe and effective mix of psychosocial approaches together with local and systemic pain management. It is no longer acceptable to ignore or inadequately document persistent wound pain and not to develop a treatment and monitoring strategy to improve the lives of persons with chronic wounds. Unless wound pain is optimally managed, patient suffering and costs to health care systems will increase.
Effects of intermittent lower limb ischaemia on coronary blood flow and coronary resistance in pigs
Authors: Shimizu M. , Konstantinov I. E. , Kharbanda R. K. , Cheung M. H. , Redington A. N.
Published: March 2007

Aim:  Intermittent limb ischaemia prior to cardiac ischaemia is a cardioprotective stimulus. This study was to investigate whether this peripheral stimulus had any effects on basal coronary blood flow and resistance, and to explore its potential mechanisms by studying the effect of femoral nerve transection and Katp blockade by glibenclamide.

Methods:  Remote ischaemic preconditioning (rIPC) was induced by four 5‐min cycles of lower limb ischaemia. Coronary resistance was measured using standard formulae and coronary blood flow in the left anterior descending artery (LAD) by a flow probe. In experiment 1, coronary ischaemia was induced by inflation of a cuff placed around the mid‐LAD, and inflated until cessation of flow. Left ventricular (LV) function was assessed using dp/dt and Tau at 1 and 30 min of ischaemia. Experiment 1: 20 pigs were randomized to control (n = 6), rIPC (n = 7) or femoral nerve transection + rIPC (n = 7) groups. The femoral nerve was transected before the rIPC protocol. All data were collected at fixed heart rates of 120 bpm. Coronary resistance was decreased and flow was increased significantly by the rIPC stimulus (P = 0.003, P = 0.016, paired t‐test), and these changes were preserved after femoral nerve transection. Experiment 2: 19 pigs were randomized to control (n = 5), rIPC (n = 8) or glibenclamide‐treated rIPC (n = 6) groups. Data were collected at baseline, and during incremental pacing between 120 and 180 bpm.

Results:  Experiment 1: Coronary resistance was decreased and flow was increased significantly by rIPC stimulus (P = 0.003, P = 0.016, paired t‐test), and these changes were preserved after femoral nerve transaction. rIPC was associated with superior LV function (dp/dtmax) at 30 min, compared with controls and the rIPC + femoral nerve transaction group. Experiment 2: Coronary resistance was significantly lower, and LAD flow was significantly higher in rIPC group (P < 0.0001, P = 0.0008, two‐way anova). These effects were reversed in the glibenclamide group.

Conclusion:  The rIPC stimulus leads to reduced coronary resistance and increased flow. This effect, while modified by glibenclamide appears to be a generic effect of remote ischaemia rather than a direct preconditioning effect.
Action potential clamp fingerprints of K+ currents in canine cardiomyocytes: their role in ventricular repolarization
Authors: Bányász T. , Magyar J. , Szentandrássy N. , Horváth B. , Birinyi P. , Szentmiklósi J. , Nánási P. P.
Published: March 2007

Aim:  The aim of the present study was to give a parametric description of the most important K+ currents flowing during canine ventricular action potential.

Methods:  Inward rectifier K+ current (IK1), rapid delayed rectifier K+ current (IKr), and transient outward K+ current (Ito) were dissected under action potential clamp conditions using BaCl2, E‐4031, and 4‐aminopyridine, respectively.

Results:  The maximum amplitude of Ito was 3.0 ± 0.23 pA/pF and its integral was 29.7 ± 2.5 fC/pF. The current peaked 4.4 ± 0.7 ms after the action potential upstroke and rapidly decayed to zero with a time constant of 7.4 ± 0.6 ms. IKr gradually increased during the plateau, peaked 7 ms before the time of maximum rate of repolarization (V) at −54.2 ± 1.7 mV, had peak amplitude of 0.62 ± 0.08 pA/pF, and integral of 57.6 ± 6.7 fC/pF. IK1 began to rise from −22.4 ± 0.8 mV, peaked 1 ms after the time of V at −58.3 ± 0.6 mV, had peak amplitude of 1.8 ± 0.1 pA/pF, and integral of 61.6 ± 6.2 fC/pF. Good correlation was observed between peak IK1 and V (r = 0.93) but none between IKr and V. Neither IK1 nor IKr was frequency‐dependent between 0.2 and 1.66 Hz. Congruently, IKr failed to accumulate in canine myocytes at fast driving rates.

Conclusion:  Terminal repolarization is dominated by IK1, but action potential duration is influenced by several ion currents simultaneously. As Ito was not active during the plateau, and neither IK1 nor IKr was frequency‐dependent, other currents must be responsible for the frequency dependence of action potential duration at normal and slow heart rates in canine ventricular cells.
Prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor treatment confers whole‐animal hypoxia tolerance
Authors: Kasiganesan H. , Sridharan V. , Wright G.
Published: March 2007

Aim:  Recently a family of O2‐dependent prolyl hydroxylase domain‐containing enzymes (PHD) has been identified as a cellular oxygen‐sensing mechanism. Reduced prolyl hydroxylase activity initiates a signalling cascade that includes the accumulation, as well as the activation, of hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF‐1α). In turn the transcription factor HIF‐1α, and other targets of the PHD, elicit a myriad of incompletely understood cellular responses. In these studies we have tested: (1) whether a small‐molecule prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor (PHI) can effectively activate the oxygen‐sensing pathway when administered systemically to mice, and (2) whether the activation of the PHD signalling pathway at the cellular level results in whole‐animal hypoxic tolerance.

Methods:  Mice received daily injections of the PHI, ethyl‐3,4 dihydroxybenzoate (EDHB, 100–250 mg kg−1) or vehicle. Tissue levels of HIF‐1α and the serum levels of the HIF‐inducible gene, erythropoietin (EPO), were measured to evaluate PHD‐pathway activation. To evaluate hypoxic tolerance, the endurance and survival ability of these animals was tested in sublethal (8% O2) and lethal hypoxia (5% O2) respectively.

Results:  Systemic treatment of mice with the PHD inhibitor, EDHB, leads to elevated levels of HIF‐1α in liver and HIF‐inducible EPO in serum, indicating activation of the cellular oxygen‐sensing pathway. Animals treated with EDHB display significantly increased viability and enhanced exercise performance in hypoxia.

Conclusion:  These results demonstrate a novel pharmacological strategy to induce hypoxic tolerance and are the first to demonstrate that the activation of the PHD oxygen‐sensing pathway at the cellular level is sufficient to produce a hypoxic‐tolerant phenotype at the physiological level of the whole animal.
Treadmill but not wheel running improves fatigue resistance of isolated extensor digitorum longus muscle in mice
Authors: Jeneson J. A. L. , De Snoo M. W. , Verlinden N. A. T. , Joosten B. J. L. J. , Doornenbal A. , Schot A. , Everts M. E.
Published: March 2007

Aim:  The present study is the first to compare the physiological impact of either forced treadmill or voluntary wheel running exercise on hindlimb muscle in mice.

Methods:  Male C57BL/6 mice were subjected to either 6 weeks of forced treadmill or voluntary wheel running exercise. Mice in the treadmill running exercise group (TRE; n = 8) ran 1.9 km day−1 at a speed of 16 m min−1 against an uphill incline of 11 °. In the running wheel exercise group (RWE; n = 8) animals ran 8.8 ± 0.2 km per day (average speed 42 ± 2 m min−1). After the experimental period, animals were killed and mechanical performance and oxygen consumption of isolated extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscle were determined during serial electrical stimulation at 0.5, 1 and 2 Hz.

Results:  Steady‐state half‐width time (HWT) of twitch contraction at 0.5 Hz was significantly shorter in TRE and RWE than controls (CON) (41.3 ± 0.2, 41.3 ± 0.1 and 44.3 ± 0.1 s respectively; P < 0.05). The rate of fatigue development and HWT lengthening at 2 Hz was the same in RWE and CON but lower in TRE (1.2‐fold and twofold respectively; P < 0.05). EDL oxygen consumption, mitochondrial content and myosin heavy chain (MyHC) composition were not different between the groups.

Conclusion:  These results indicate that both exercise modalities have an effect on a hindlimb fast‐twitch muscle in mice, with the greatest impact seen with forced treadmill running.
Preliminary experience for reducing biliary complication in adult‐to‐adult living donor liver transplantation using right lobe graft
Authors: Yan Lunan , Li Bo , Zeng Yong , Wen Tianfu , Zhao Jichun , Wang Wentao , Yang Jiayin , Xu Mingqing , Ma Yukui , Chen Zheyu , Liu Jiangwen , Wu Hong
Published: March 2007

Aim:  To report the author’s preliminary experience with adult‐to‐adult living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) using right lobe liver grafts.

Methods:  From January 2002 to July 2006, 50 adult patients underwent LDLT using right lobe grafts at West China Hospital, Sichuan University Medical School, China. At present, 24 recipients have been followed up for over nine months.

Results:  There were no deaths amongst the donors. Biliary reconstruction for 35 hepatic duct orifices from 24 donor grafts was performed, which included 19 reconstructions of duct‐to‐duct anastomoses and 16 cholangio‐jejunostomy. Two recipients had biliary complications including one bile leakage and one slight biliary stricture.

Conclusion:  With the improved methods for biliary reconstruction, we achieved good results in 24 recipients of adult‐to‐adult LDLT. We consider that microsurgical technique and fixed operator could decrease the biliary complications of LDLT.
Correlation of hepatic steatosis with body mass index, serum ferritin level and hepatic fibrosis in Japanese patients with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Sumida Yoshio , Kanemasa Kazuyuki , Fukumoto Kohei , Yoshida Naohisa , Sakai Kyoko
Published: March 2007

Aims:  The present study was aimed at determining the predictors of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in Japanese patients with chronic hepatitis C.

Methods:  The relationship between the degrees of hepatic steatosis or fibrosis and several clinical parameters was evaluated using univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results:  Steatosis was observed in 117 out of 184 patients (64%), including 45 patients (25%) with grade 1 (<10% of hepatocytes affected), 56 patients (30%) with grade 2 (10–30%), 12 patients (7%) with grade 3 (30–50%), and four patients (2%) with grade 4 (>50%). In the multivariate analysis, body mass index (BMI) (P = 0.0038) and serum ferritin (P < 0.0001) were selected as independent predictors of hepatic steatosis. Six of the 184 patients (3%) had stage 0 fibrosis (no fibrosis), 87 patients (47%) had stage 1, 55 patients (30%) had stage 2 and 36 patients (20%) had stage 3. In the multivariate analysis, platelet count (P = 0.0012), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (P = 0.0219), hyaluronic acid (P < 0.0001) and the grade of steatosis (P = 0.0008) were selected as independent predictors of hepatic fibrosis.

Conclusion:  Obesity and iron storage, as evaluated by BMI and serum ferritin level, respectively, have important roles in the pathogenesis of hepatic steatosis, which is a factor responsible for the development of hepatic fibrosis in Japanese patients with chronic hepatitis C.
Interleukin‐17 as a new marker of severity of acute hepatic injury
Authors: Yasumi Yuki , Takikawa Yasuhiro , Endo Ryujin , Suzuki Kazuyuki
Published: March 2007

Aim:  To determine cytokines associated with the progression of acute hepatic injury (AHI), we comprehensively evaluated the serum levels of 17 cytokines.

Methods:  We simultaneously measured serum levels of 17 cytokines on admission using a newly developed suspension array protein assay system in 51 patients with AHI, including 15 conventional AHI (CAHI), 15 severe AHI (SAHI) and 21 fulminant hepatic failure (FHF).

Results:  Interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐8 and IL‐17 levels were significantly different among the three disease types as determined by one‐way analysis of variance, and only the IL‐17 level showed a significant elevation in SAHI and FHF than in CAHI. Namely, the IL‐17 levels in SAHI and FHF patients were 4.4 (2.0–11.0) (mean [1 .s.d. range]) and 5.6 (2.0–18.5) pg/mL, respectively, whereas all CAHI patients showed levels lower than the lower limit of detection (2.0 pg/mL). In multiple regression analysis for each factor of model for end‐stage liver disease (MELD) score, only IL‐10 level was selected as the significant independent variable for total bilirubin level, only IL‐17 level for prothrombin time, and TNF‐α and IL‐1β levels for creatinine level.

Conclusion:  These data suggest the usefulness of serum IL‐17 level in evaluating the severity of AHI, thus emphasizing the necessity for the basic investigation of the pathological role of IL‐17 in acute hepatitis.
Characteristics of geographic distributions and route of infection for hepatitis B virus genotype D in Ehime area in western Japan
Authors: Matsuura Kana , Michitaka Kojiro , Yamauchi Kazuhiko , Nadano Seijin , Okada Shinichi , Matsuura Bunzo , Hiasa Yoichi , Horiike Norio , Onji Morikazu
Published: March 2007

Aims:  Hepatitis B virus genotype D (HBV/D) is rare in Japan, and has been shown to circulate in Ehime prefecture in western Japan. HBV/D is suspected to have been transferred into Ehime from Russia as a result of the Japanese–Russian War. This study examined the current geographic spread and infectious route for HBV/D in Ehime.

Methods:  HBV genotype was determined for 508 patients with chronic HBV infection and 46 patients with acute HBV infection hepatitis (acute hepatitis, AH), all of whom were living in Ehime. Ehime was divided into three areas and genotypic distributions were studied.

Results:  The ratio of genotypes A,B,C and D in chronically infected patients were 1.8%, 4.5%, 87.8% and 5.9%, respectively. Most patients chronically infected with HBV/D lived in the central area. Only two patients lived in the east and south‐west areas, and both had lived in the central area in childhood. Patients with AH due to HBV/D were found only in the central area.

Conclusion:  HBV/D has not yet spread widely to areas other than central Ehime, although small numbers of infected people have moved to other areas. The major infectious route for patients with AH is sexual transmission, regardless of HBV genotype.
Developmental plasticity in a passerine bird: an experiment with collared flycatchersFicedula albicollis
Authors: Hegyi Gergely , Török János
Published: March 2007

Young birds often face poor food supply, which reduces their growth and development. However, if the shortage of resources is only temporary, there is a possibility to adjust the growth trajectory of morphological traits after the end of the short‐term limitation period. The two main ways of compensatory growth are delayed development (parallel growth) and growth acceleration (catch‐up growth). Parallel growth has been widely demonstrated in birds, but the presence of catch‐up growth in altricial species has been questioned. However, most experiments have been conducted in laboratory conditions. We manipulated the food supply of nestling collared flycatchers Ficedula albicollis in the wild by removing the male parent for three days at 4–7 days of chick age. We performed early partial swapping to control for origin effects on growth, and total swapping after the period of food limitation to ensure similar late growth environment for deprived and control chicks. Both body mass and tarsus length of deprived chicks was negatively affected by the food scarcity. Body mass showed efficient catch‐up growth, but this compensation was absent in skeletal size. Body mass is an important determinant of postfledging survival in this long‐distance migrant. Further studies are needed in a variety of species to examine developmental plasticity in relation to age at food scarcity and the allocation hierarchy of various morphological traits.
Biparental incubation in the chestnut‐vented tit‐babbler Parisoma subcaeruleum: mates devote equal time, but males keep eggs warmer
Authors: Auer Sonya K. , Bassar Ronald D. , Martin Thomas E.
Published: March 2007

Biparental care in birds is less common during incubation than in other nesting stages. Males share in incubating eggs in a minority of bird species, and male effort is generally thought to be lower than females when sharing does occur. However, male assistance and incubation efficacy is poorly studied in such species. We examined sex differences in incubation effort in 12 pairs of a species with biparental incubation, the chestnut‐vented tit‐babbler Parisoma subcaeruleum. Males and females did not differ in the amount of time spent incubating during the day, time of day spent incubating, nor in their ability to rewarm eggs. Yet, males consistently maintained eggs at higher temperatures than their female partners, despite the absence of a brood patch.