bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detecting hybridization between wild species and their domesticated relatives
Authors: RANDI ETTORE
Published: July 2007

The widespread occurrence of free‐ranging domestic or feral carnivores (dogs, cats) or ungulates (pigs, goats), and massive releases of captive‐reproduced game stocks (galliforms, waterfowl) is raising fear that introgressive hybridization with wild populations might disrupt local adaptations, leading to population decline and loss of biodiversity. Detecting introgression through hybridization is problematic if the parental populations cannot be sampled (unlike in classical stable hybrid zones), or if hybridization is sporadic. However, the use of hypervariable DNA markers (microsatellites) and new statistical methods (Bayesian models), have dramatically improved the assessment of cryptic population structure, admixture analyses and individual assignment testing. In this paper, I summarize results of projects aimed to identify occurrence and extent of introgressive hybridization in European populations of wolves (Canis lupus), wildcats (Felis silvestris), rock partridges and red‐legged partridges (Alectoris graeca and Alectoris rufa), using genetic methods. Results indicate that introgressive hybridization can be locally pervasive, and that conservation plans should be implemented to preserve the integrity of the gene pools of wild populations. Population genetic methods can be fruitfully used to identify introgressed individuals and hybridizing populations, providing data which allow evaluating risks of outbreeding depression. The diffusion in the wild of invasive feral animals, and massive restocking with captive‐reproduced game species, should be carefully controlled to avoid loss of genetic diversity and disruption of local adaptations.
Gene flow inDubautia arboreaandD. ciliolata: the roles of ecology and isolation by distance in maintaining species boundaries despite ongoing hybridization
Authors: FRIAR E. A. , CRUSE‐SANDERS J. M. , McGLAUGHLIN M. E.
Published: July 2007

The relative roles of gene flow and natural selection in maintaining species differentiation have been a subject of debate for some time. The traditional view is that gene flow constrains adaptive divergence and maintains species cohesiveness. Alternatively, ecological speciation posits that the reverse is true: that adaptive ecological differentiation constrains gene flow. In this study, we examine gene flow and population differentiation among populations of two species of the Hawaiian silversword alliance,Dubautia arboreaandD. ciliolata. We compare divergence in putatively neutral microsatellite markers with divergence in leaf morphometric traits, which may be selectively important or physiologically linked to selectively important traits. Gene flow between populations was found to be significant in only one of the two species,D. arborea. Leaf morphometric differentiation between species was significant, though not among populations within species. No evidence of effective genetic introgression was observed between apparently ‘pure’ populations of these species. Gene flow as measured by microsatellites was not correlated with geographic distance between populations, but was correlated with the linear placement of the widest part of the leaf. Because these two species are interfertile, as demonstrated by the presence of active hybrid zone, the lack of genetic introgression and the maintenance of species boundaries may be associated with natural selection on differential habitat.
The star-forming content of the W3 giant molecular cloud
Authors: Moore T. J. T. , Bretherton D. E. , Fujiyoshi T. , Ridge N. A. , Allsopp J. , Hoare M. G. , Lumsden S. L. , Richer J. S.
Published: July 2007

We have surveyed a ∼0.9 square degree area of the W3 giant molecular cloud (GMC) and star-forming region in the 850-μm continuum, using the Submillimetre Common-User Bolometer Array on the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope. A complete sample of 316 dense clumps were detected with a mass range from around 13 to 2500 M⊙. Part of the W3 GMC is subject to an interaction with the H ii region and fast stellar winds generated by the nearby W4 OB association. We find that the fraction of total gas mass in dense, 850-μm traced structures is significantly altered by this interaction, being around 5–13 per cent in the undisturbed cloud but ∼25–37 per cent in the feedback-affected region. The mass distribution in the detected clump sample depends somewhat on assumptions of dust temperature and is not a simple, single power law but contains significant structure at intermediate masses. This structure is likely to be due to crowding of sources near or below the spatial resolution of the observations. There is little evidence of any difference between the index of the high-mass end of the clump mass function in the compressed region and in the unaffected cloud. The consequences of these results are discussed in terms of current models of triggered star formation.
Methylglyoxal‐induced Fibronectin gene expression through Ras‐mediated NADPH oxidase activation in renal mesangial cells
Authors: HO CHENG , LEE PEI‐HSIEN , HUANG WEI‐JAN , HSU YEN‐CHEN , LIN CHUN‐LIANG , WANG JENG‐YI
Published: July 2007

Background:  The formation of methylglyoxal (MGO), a highly reactive dicarbonyl compound, is accelerated under diabetic conditions. Although recent studies have suggested that apoptotic cell death is involved in diabetic nephropathy, the precise mechanism of MGO‐induced renal fibrosis remains to be elucidated.

Methods:  Rat kidney mesangial cells with or without pretreatment with inhibitors, including superoxide dismutase, catalase, L‐NAME, diphenylene iodonium, rotenone, allopurinol, PD98059, SB203580 and SP600125 were cultured in medium containing 100 μM MGO. In the MGO‐treated cell culture system, fibrosis‐related signalling pathway was assessed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and western blotting.

Results:  Expression of fibronectin induced by MGO was highest after 48 h treatment. Superoxide production rapidly increased after 2 h and remained at a high level for 24 h. Scavenging O2– reversed transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF‐β1) and fibronectin mRNA level. Pretreatment with diphenylene iodonium significantly suppressed MGO‐induced superoxide, TGF‐β1 expression and fibronectin gene expression, indicating that NADPH oxidase is responsible for inducing superoxide formation and subsequently induced renal fibrosis. High MGO rapidly enhanced Ras activation in 1 h and progressively increased cytosolic p38 activation. Additionally, SB203580 pretreatment reduced MGO promotion of fibronectin gene activation suggesting that cytosolic p38 activation might affect MGO‐induced renal mesangial fibrosis. Inhibiting Ras activity with manumycin A significantly reduced the promoting effect of MGO on superoxide synthesis, and fibronectin expression.

Conclusion:  Induction of superxoide by Ras via p38 pathway activates fibrotic gene transcription of mesangial cells. Reduction of oxidative stress by scavenging superoxide may offer an alternative strategy for controlling MGO‐induced renal fibrosis.
HYBRID TOTAL HIP REPLACEMENT: OUTCOME AFTER A MEAN FOLLOW UP OF 10 YEARS
Authors: Horne Geoffrey , Culliford Nicola , Adams Kathryn , Devane Peter
Published: July 2007

Background:  Total hip replacement is one of the most successful surgical procedures of the modern surgical era. The method of fixation of implants continues to evolve, and as cemented acetabular fixation appears to be less durable than anticipated, the use of a cemented stem and an uncemented acetabulum – a so‐called ‘hybrid hip’– has become more popular. This paper reports the results of hybrid total hip replacement at an average of 10 years postoperatively.

Methods:  Primary hybrid total hip replacements carried out by a single surgeon in 1994 and 1995 were identified; patients were sent Oxford Hip Score and EuroQuol‐5 Dimension quality‐of‐life questionnaires and, where necessary, a radiograph appointment. Questions about diabetes, cigarette smoking and hip dislocation were included. First postoperative and final radiographs were compared for stem subsidence, cup migration, stem position, osteolysis of the femur and pelvis, and evidence of loosening of both components.

Results:  At 10‐year follow up the revision rate for femoral component loosening was 2.9%. Fifteen per cent showed some abnormality at the femoral interface, not related to stem size and more common in titanium stems. Average hip score was 20.9, and quality‐of‐life measures indicated a high level of satisfaction.

Conclusions:  Hybrid total hip replacement gives excellent clinical outcomes with low revision rates for both components. The one‐piece uncemented cup offers important advantages over modular devices, the use of which should be re‐evaluated.
PARAUMBILICAL BLOCK FOR UMBILICAL HERNIORRAPHY
Authors: Clarke Frederick K. , Cassey John G.
Published: July 2007

Background:  Umbilical herniorraphy is a common paediatric surgery day case. Paraumbilical blocks have previously been reported to provide excellent analgesia for umbilical hernia repairs.

Methods:  Local anaesthesia through a paraumbilical block was compared with local infiltration. Postoperative analgesic requirements were used to gauge the effectiveness of the techniques.

Results:  Patients receiving a paraumbilical block required significantly less analgesia postoperatively. These patients were generally discharged from hospital sooner.

Conclusion:  Paraumbilical block results in improved postoperative pain control through the more precise delivery of local anaesthetic to the intercostal nerves.
TOXIC EPIDERMAL NECROLYSIS/STEVENS–JOHNSON SYNDROME: CURRENT TRENDS IN MANAGEMENT
Authors: Dalli Rachel L. , Kumar Rohit , Kennedy Peter , Maitz Peter , Lee Stephen , Johnson Rae
Published: July 2007

Background:  Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is an uncommon but potentially life‐threatening condition that involves sloughing of the skin at the dermoepidermal junction. TEN is a well‐recognized syndrome and is part of a range of severe mucocutaneous intolerance reactions, mostly elicited by drugs and/or their metabolites. Reported mortality rates vary widely from 20 to 75%. Several systemic treatment protocols for TEN have been published; however, none has been formally standardized in a randomized controlled trial. The present study documents the current management principles and trends seen in 16 patients admitted with TEN or Stevens–Johnson syndrome over a 5‐year period at the Concord Repatriation General Hospital Burns Unit.

Method:  Data were collected by retrospective chart review, and parameters included in the study were patient demographics, causative agents, percentage total body surface area and/or mucosal involvement, complications, treatment and outcome. In particular, dressing choice and documented healing of skin lesions were noted.

Results:  Sixteen patients were identified, with the beta‐lactam antibiotics most commonly implicated as the cause. Complications tended to relate to degree of sepsis and/or mucous membrane involvement. Nanocrsytalline silver dressings, such as Acticoat™ (Smith & Nephew, Mount Waverley, Victoria, Australia), were used predominantly in more recent cases.

Conclusion:  The shift in dressing choice from traditional Vaseline‐impregnated gauze coincided with a general trend towards the use of nanocrystalline silver dressings for superficial burns after 2003. The nanocrystalline silver dressings have shown considerable advantage over previously used dressings, with no adverse reactions noted and good healing of the skin lesions for all patients.
COMPARISON BETWEEN INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE AND MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENTS IN THE AETIOLOGY OF MAXILLOFACIAL FRACTURES
Authors: Lee Kai H. , Snape Leslie , Steenberg Leon J , Worthington James
Published: July 2007

Background:  Maxillofacial fractures commonly present to the emergency department, interpersonal violence (IPV) and motor vehicle accidents (MVA) being two of the main causes. There is a changing trend in these two aetiologies, which is reflected in a change in demographics, the pattern of fractures and the treatment of maxillofacial fractures.

Methods:  A prospective database of patients presenting to the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery service at Christchurch Hospital during an 11‐year period was reviewed. Of a total of 2581 patients with radiographic confirmation of facial fractures, 1135 patients sustained injuries following IPV and 286 patients following MVA. Variables examined include demographics, type of fracture, mode of injury, and treatment.

Results:  The male : female ratio was 9:1 in patients following IPV and 7:3 following MVA; 16–30‐year‐olds accounted for greatest proportion of injuries (48 and 68%, respectively). There was alcohol involvement in 87% of fractures caused by IPV, compared with 58% for MVA. Mid‐facial fractures were more frequently seen in MVA, whereas mandibular fractures were more prevalent in IPV. Sixty‐two per cent of the patients from MVA required active treatment and 87% were hospitalized, compared with 56% actively treated and 59% hospitalized in the IPV group.

Conclusion:  Interpersonal violence has continued to be the main cause of maxillofacial fractures. Both IPV and MVA commonly involve alcohol and young male adults. They frequently require hospitalization and surgical intervention.
A dual biosensor for 2‐alkyl‐4‐quinolone quorum‐sensing signal molecules
Authors: Fletcher Matthew P. , Diggle Stephen P. , Crusz Shanika A. , Chhabra Siri Ram , Cámara Miguel , Williams Paul
Published: July 2007

Pseudomonas, Burkholderia and Alteromonas species produce diverse 2‐alkyl‐4‐quinolones (AHQs) which inhibit the growth of bacteria, algae and phytoplankton, chelate iron, modulate mammalian host immune defences and act as quorum‐sensing (QS) signal molecules. To facilitate the detection, identification and quantification of the major Pseudomonas aeruginosa AHQs 2‐heptyl‐3‐hydroxy‐4‐quinolone (PQS) and 2‐heptyl‐4‐quinolone (HHQ) we developed two different AHQ biosensors. These were constructed by introducing either a lecA::luxCDABE or a pqsA::luxCDABE reporter gene fusion into a P. aeruginosa pqsA mutant which cannot synthesize AHQs. While both biosensors responded similarly to PQS (EC50 18 ± 4 μM), the pqsA::luxCDABE biosensor was most sensitively activated by HHQ (EC50 0.44 ± 0.1 μM). This biosensor was also activated albeit less sensitively by (i) PQS analogues with alkyl chains varying from C1 to C11, (ii) HHQ analogues with C9 and C11 alkyl chains and (iii) 2‐heptyl‐4‐hydroxyquinoline‐N‐oxide (HHQNO). The AHQ biosensor also responded differentially to the AHQs present in cell free culture supernatants prepared from PAO1 and isogenic strains carrying mutations in genes (pqsA, pqsH, lasR, lasI, rhlR, rhlI) known to influence AHQ production. The AHQ profiles of P. aeruginosa strains was also evaluated by overlaying thin layer chromatogram (TLC) plates with the pqsA::luxCDABE biosensor. In PAO1, three major bioluminescent spots were observed which correspond to PQS, HHQ and a mixture of 2 nonyl‐4‐quinolone and HHQNO. We also noted that on TLC plates the biosensor not only produced bioluminescence in response to AHQs but also the green pigment, pyocyanin which offers an alternative visual indicator for AHQ production.
Intra‐ and inter‐lake variability of free‐living and particle‐associated Actinobacteria communities
Authors: Allgaier Martin , Brückner Sarah , Jaspers Elke , Grossart Hans‐Peter
Published: July 2007

We have analysed the inter‐ and intra‐lake variability of free‐living and particle‐associated freshwater Actinobacteria communities in four limnological different lakes of the Mecklenburg Lake District, Northeastern Germany. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) specific for Actinobacteria was used to investigate phylogenetic diversity and seasonal dynamics of actinobacterial communities in the epilimnion of all lakes (inter‐lake variability) and to assess differences between Actinobacteria communities of the epi‐, meta‐ and hypolimnion of a single lake (intra‐lake variability) respectively. DGGE analyses showed significant inter‐ and intra‐lake differences between Actinobacteria communities of all lakes and water layers as well as between free‐living and particle‐associated Actinobacteria. Phylogenetic inferences of 16S rRNA gene sequences suggest that particular members of particle‐associated Actinobacteria were exclusively affiliated to certain actinobacterial lineages. The phylogenetic comparison of 16S rRNA gene sequences of all lakes and water layer, however, indicated the occurrence of almost similar phylogenetic lineages in all studied habitats and suggest high intracluster diversity within already known actinobacterial lineages. Non‐metric multidimensional scaling (NMS) ordination analyses and Pearson's product moment correlations revealed several strong correlations between the investigated Actinobacteria communities and various limnological parameters, such as conductivity, total phosphorous, alkalinity or primary production. However, no uniform correlation patterns were found between lakes, water layers and bacterial fractions. These heterogeneous correlation patterns together with the phylogenetic similarities of Actinobacteria communities from different lakes indicate that particular Actinobacteria represent various ecotypes or exhibit a pronounced ecophysiological plasticity.
Transcriptional response of Silicibacter pomeroyi DSS‐3 to dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP)
Authors: Bürgmann Helmut , Howard Erinn C. , Ye Wenying , Sun Feng , Sun Shulei , Napierala Sarah , Moran Mary Ann
Published: July 2007

Dimethylsufoniopropionate (DMSP) is an abundant organic sulfur compound in the ocean and an important substrate for marine bacterioplankton. The Roseobacter clade of marine alphaproteobacteria, including Silicibacter pomeroyi strain DSS‐3, are known to be involved in DMSP degradation in situ. The fate of DMSP has important implications for the global sulfur cycle, but the genes involved in this process and their regulation are largely unknown. S. pomeroyi is capable of performing two major pathways of DMSP degradation, making it an important model organism. Based on the full genome sequence of this strain we designed an oligonucleotide‐based microarray for the detection of transcripts of nearly all genes. The array was used to study the transcriptional response of S. pomeroyi cultures to additions of DMSP compared to the non‐sulfur compound acetate in a time series experiment. We identified a number of upregulated genes that could be assigned to potential roles in the metabolism of DMSP. DMSP also affected the transcription of genes for transport and metabolism of peptides, amino acids and polyamines. DMSP concentration may thus also play a role as a chemical signal, indicating phytoplankton abundance and eliciting a regulatory response aimed at making maximum use of available nutrients.
Investigations of the structure and function of bacterial communities associated with Sphagnum mosses
Authors: Opelt Katja , Chobot Vladimir , Hadacek Franz , Schönmann Susan , Eberl Leo , Berg Gabriele
Published: July 2007

High acidity, low temperature and extremely low concentration of nutrients form Sphagnum bogs into extreme habitats for organisms. Little is known about the bacteria associated with living Sphagnum plantlets, especially about their function for the host. Therefore, we analysed the endo‐ and ectophytic bacterial populations associated with two widely distributed Sphagnum species, Sphagnum magellanicum and Sphagnum fallax, by a multiphasic approach. The screening of 1222 isolates for antagonistic activity resulted in 326 active isolates. The bacterial communities harboured a high proportion of antifungal (26%) but a low proportion of antibacterial isolates (0.4%). Members of the genus Burkholderia (38%) were found to be the most dominant group of antagonistic bacteria. The finding that a large proportion (89%) of the antagonistic bacteria produced antifungal compounds may provide an explanation for the well‐known antimicrobial activity of certain Sphagnum species. The secondary metabolites of the Sphagnum species themselves were analysed by HPLC‐PDA. The different spectra of detected compounds may not only explain the antifungal activity but also the species specificity of the microbial communities. The latter was analysed using cultivation‐independent single‐stranded conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis. Using Burkholderia‐specific primers we found a high diversity of Burkholderia isolates in the endophytic and ectophytic habitats of Sphagnum. Furthermore, a high diversity of nitrogen–fixing bacteria was detected by using nifH‐specific primers, especially inside Sphagnum mosses. In conclusion, this study provides evidence that both Sphagnum species were colonized by characteristic bacterial populations, which appear to be important for pathogen defence and nitrogen fixation.
The bacterial aetiology of rosy discoloration of ancient wall paintings
Authors: Imperi Francesco , Caneva Giulia , Cancellieri Laura , Ricci Maria A. , Sodo Armida , Visca Paolo
Published: July 2007

The inventory of microorganisms responsible for biological deterioration of ancient paintings has become an integral part of restoration activities. Here, the microbial agent of rosy discoloration on medieval frescoes in the Crypt of the Original Sin (Matera, Italy) was investigated by a combination of microscopic, molecular and spectroscopic approaches. The bacterial community from three rosy‐discoloured painting sites was characterized by 16S rRNA gene‐based techniques. The eubacterial population was prevalently composed of Actinobacteria, among which Rubrobacter radiotolerans‐related bacteria accounted for 63–87% of the 16S rRNA gene pool per sampled site. Archaea, with prevalence of Haloarchaea‐related species, were detected in one of the three sites where they accounted for < 0.1% of the total 16S rRNA gene pool. Raman spectroscopy confirmed the identity between R. radiotolerans carotenoids (bacterioruberins) and pigments responsible for colour alteration of frescoes. This investigation provides the first evidence of a causal relationship between heavy contamination by Rubrobacter‐related bacterioruberin‐producing bacteria and rosy discoloration of ancient wall paintings.
Processing of Temporal and Nontemporal Information as Predictors of Psychometric Intelligence: A Structural‐Equation‐Modeling Approach
Authors: Helmbold Nadine , Troche Stefan , Rammsayer Thomas
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACT
Recent research suggests a functional link between temporal acuity and general intelligence. To better understand this relation, the present study took advantage of a large sample (N=260) and structural equation modelling to examine relations among temporal acuity, measured by various tasks, speed of information processing as measured by the Hick reaction time task, and psychometric intelligence. Temporal acuity and the Hick task showed common variance in predicting psychometric intelligence. Furthermore, timing performance was a better predictor of psychometric intelligence and mediated the relation between Hick task performance and psychometric intelligence. These findings are consistent with the idea that temporal acuity reflects a basic property of neural functioning that is relevant to intelligence‐related aspects of mental activity including speed of information processing.
Adult Attachment and Preemptive Defenses: Converging Evidence on the Role of Defensive Exclusion at the Level of Encoding
Authors: Chris Fraley R. , Brumbaugh Claudia Chloe
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACT
The objective of this research was to determine whether the tendency of highly avoidant adults not to recall attachment‐related information is best explained through defensive strategies that operate on encoding or retrieval processes. In Study 1 participants listened to an emotionally evocative recording and were given both explicit and implicit tests of their memory for the material. Compared to less avoidant people, highly avoidant people recalled fewer details from the recording and performed worse on an implicit test of their memory for the information. In Study 2 we manipulated people's motivation to retrieve information from memory by offering participants a monetary award for recall. Highly avoidant people recalled less information than less‐avoidant people despite the monetary incentive. Taken together, these results suggest that the relative inability of avoidant adults to recall attachment‐related information is due to the defensive exclusion of information at the time of encoding rather than the time of retrieval.
Flow of information for emotions through temporal and orbitofrontal pathways
Authors: Barbas Helen
Published: July 2007

The posterior orbitofrontal cortex, anterior temporal sensory association areas and the amygdala have a key role in emotional processing and are robustly interconnected. By analogy with the pattern of connections in early processing sensory areas, anterior temporal sensory and polymodal association cortices send primarily feedforward projections to posterior orbitofrontal cortex and to the amygdala originating in the supragranular layers, in pathways that may provide signals about the external environment. The amygdala innervates all layers of the posterior orbitofrontal cortex, including the middle, or feedforward, target layers, in a pathway that may convey information about emotional context. The posterior orbitofrontal cortex targets dual systems in the amygdala which have opposite effects on central autonomic structures. Both pathways originate in posterior orbitofrontal cortex, but one targets heavily the inhibitory intercalated masses, whose activation can ultimately disinhibit central autonomic structures during emotional arousal. The other pathway innervates the central nucleus of the amygdala, and can lead to downstream inhibition of central autonomic structures, resulting in autonomic homeostasis. The choice of pathway may depend on emotional context, and probably involves other prefrontal areas, including lateral prefrontal areas, which have executive functions. Lateral prefrontal cortices issue feedforward projections that target layer 5 of orbitofrontal cortex, which is the chief output layer to the amygdala. These laminar‐specific pathways suggest sequential and collaborative interactions in evaluating the sensory and emotional aspects of the environment for decision and action in complex behaviour.
Evolution of the amygdaloid complex in vertebrates, with special reference to the anamnio‐amniotic transition
Authors: Moreno Nerea , González Agustín
Published: July 2007

Numerous studies over the last few years have demonstrated that the amygdaloid complex in amniotes shares basic developmental, hodological and neurochemical features. Furthermore, homologous territories of all the main amygdaloid subdivisions have been recognized among amniotes, primarily highlighted by the common expression patterns for numerous developmental genes. Thus, derivatives from the lateral pallium, ventral pallium and subpallium constitute the fundamental parts of the amygdaloid complex. With the development of new technical approaches, study of the precise neuroanatomy of the telencephalon of the anuran amphibians (anamniotes) has been possible. Current embryological, hodological and immunohistochemical evidence strongly suggests that most of the structures present in amniotes are recognizable in these anamniotes. These investigations have yielded enough results to support the notion that the organization of the anuran amygdaloid complex includes subdivisions with their origin in ventral pallial and subpallial territories; a strong relationship with the vomeronasal and olfactory systems; abundant intra‐amygdaloid connections; a main output centre involved in the autonomic system; recognizable amygdaloid fibre systems; and distinct chemoarchitecture. Therefore, the new ideas regarding the amygdaloid evolution based on the recent findings in anamniotes, and especially in anurans, strongly support the notion that basic amygdaloid structures were present at least in the brain of ancestral tetrapods organized following a basic plan shared by tetrapods.
Repeated amphetamine treatment increases phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase, protein kinase B, and cyclase response element‐binding protein in the rat striatum
Authors: Shi Xiangdang , McGinty Jacqueline F.
Published: July 2007

Extracellular signal‐regulated kinases, protein kinase B/Akt and cyclase response element‐binding protein play important roles in drug‐induced neuroadaptations. Acute psychostimulant exposure rapidly alters the phosphorylation of these proteins in the striatum but less is known about their responses to repeated stimulant administration. In this study the phosphorylated state of these proteins in rat striatum was analyzed by immunoblotting 15 min and 2 h after amphetamine (AMPH)‐induced behavioral sensitization. Two weeks after the last dose of 5 mg/kg, i.p. AMPH once daily for 5 days, rats were challenged with 1 mg/kg, i.p. AMPH or saline and sacrificed 15 min or 2 h later. Sensitization to AMPH‐induced behavioral activity was observed in AMPH pre‐treated rats after AMPH on the challenge day. Phosphorylation of all three proteins was significantly greater 15 min after AMPH in AMPH‐pre‐treated than in saline‐pre‐treated rats. Two hours after AMPH challenge in AMPH‐pre‐treated rats, phospho‐extracellular signal‐regulated kinase and phospho‐cAMP response element‐binding protein immunoreactivity was still significantly elevated but not after AMPH injection in saline‐pre‐treated rats. In contrast, phospho‐Akt was down‐regulated to the same extent 2 h after acute AMPH or repeated AMPH with an AMPH challenge. These data implicate differential regulation of phospho‐extracellular signal‐regulated kinase, phospho‐cAMP response element‐binding protein versus phospho‐Akt in sensitized responses to AMPH.
Non‐charged amino acids from three different domains contribute to link agonist binding to channel gating in α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors
Authors: Aldea Marcos , Mulet José , Sala Salvador , Sala Francisco , Criado Manuel
Published: July 2007

Binding of agonists to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors results in channel opening. Previously, we have shown that several charged residues at three different domains of the α7 nicotinic receptor are involved in coupling binding and gating, probably through a network of electrostatic interactions. This network, however, could also be integrated by other residues. To test this hypothesis, non‐charged amino acids were mutated and expression levels and electrophysiological responses of mutant receptors were determined. Mutants at positions Asn47 and Gln48 (loop 2), Ile130, Trp134, and Gln140 (loop 7), and Thr264 (M2–M3 linker) showed poor or null functional responses, despite significant membrane expression. By contrast, mutants F137A and S265A exhibited a gain of function effect. In all cases, changes in dose–response relationships were small, EC50 values being between threefold smaller and fivefold larger, arguing against large modifications of agonist binding. Peak currents decayed at the same rate in all receptors except two, excluding large effects on desensitization. Thus, the observed changes could be mostly caused by alterations of the gating characteristics. Moreover, analysis of double mutants showed an interconnection between some residues in these domains, especially Gln48 with Ile130, suggesting a potential coupling between agonist binding and channel gating through these amino acids.
THE EARLIEST TEREBRATULIDS
Authors: MODZALEVSKAYA TATIANA L.
Published: July 2007

Abstract:  The earliest terebratulids from Central Asia (Tadzhikistan), Podolia (Ukraine) and Novaya Zemlya (Russia) are described and include the new genus Nordothyris. Cranaena tinctoradiata Cooper and Cloud and Cryptonella melonica (Barrande) are revised for first time. The stratigraphical levels of the species studied and their biofacies are also described.
PTERYGOTUS ANGLICUS AGASSIZ (CHELICERATA: EURYPTERIDA) FROM ATHOLVILLE, LOWER DEVONIAN CAMPBELLTON FORMATION, NEW BRUNSWICK, CANADA
Authors: MILLER RANDALL F.
Published: July 2007

Abstract:  Specimens of the large eurypterid Pterygotus from the Early Devonian Campbellton Formation outcropping at Atholville, New Brunswick, are identified as Pterygotus anglicus Agassiz. The locality, in the Atholville beds near the western end of the Campbellton Formation exposure, is best known for its vertebrate fauna of ostracoderms, arthrodires, acanthodians and chondrichthyans, first described in 1881. Although a significant series of pterygotid fossils was acquired by the Natural History Museum, London, in 1892, it received little attention. A few small specimens from the Geological Survey of Canada collections were named Pterygotus atlanticus by Clarke and Ruedemann, considered here to be an invalid taxon. They suggested that P. atlanticus might turn out to be a small specimen of P. anglicus. The new material described here, including one relatively complete individual, confirms their suspicions and provides evidence of Pterygotus anglicus in the Lower Devonian of North America.
THE SHAPE OF THE PHANEROZOIC MARINE PALAEODIVERSITY CURVE: HOW MUCH CAN BE PREDICTED FROM THE SEDIMENTARY ROCK RECORD OF WESTERN EUROPE?
Authors: SMITH ANDREW B. , McGOWAN ALISTAIR J.
Published: July 2007

Abstract:  Palaeodiversity curves are constructed from counts of fossils collected at outcrop and thus potentially biased by variation in the rock record, specifically by the amount of sedimentary rock representative of different time intervals that has been preserved at outcrop. To investigate how much of a problem this poses we have compiled a high‐resolution record of marine rock outcrop area in Western Europe for the Phanerozoic and use this to generate a model that predicts the sampled diversity curve. We find that we can predict with high accuracy the variance of the marine genus diversity curve (itself dominated by European taxa) from rock outcrop data and a three‐step model of diversity that tracks supercontinent fragmentation, coalescence and fragmentation. The size and position of two of the five major mass extinction spikes are largely predicted by rock outcrop data. We conclude that the long‐term trends in taxonomic diversity and the end‐Cretaceous extinction are not the result of rock area bias, but cannot rule out that rock outcrop area bias explains many of the short‐term rises and falls in sampled diversity that palaeontologists have previously sought to explain biologically.
Colorant formulation based on new two‐constant theory
Authors: He Guoxing , Zhou Mingxun
Published: July 2007

A new two‐constant theory for colour matching has been developed based on the Kubelka–Munk theory. Colorant formulations and algorithms for matching tristimulus, K/S and reflectance values of a standard are presented based on the new theory. The algorithms are suitable for a single‐constant theory as well as a two‐constant theory. The experimental data show that the recipes predicted by the new two‐constant theory are closer to the actual recipes of the standard sample than the recipes predicted by the single‐constant theory, and also show smaller colour difference values for some disperse dyes. The results show that the scattering of some disperse dyes cannot be negligible, and that the recipes that match to textiles coloured by these disperse dyes should be predicted using the new two‐constant theory.
Basic dyeable polyester: a new approach using a VUV excimer lamp
Authors: Gupta Deepti , Siddhan Periyasamy , Banerjee Abhishek
Published: July 2007

Surface treatment of polyester fabric was carried out using a vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) excimer lamp. The hydrophilicity of the polyester fabric was significantly improved by surface modification, as indicated by the decrease in wetting time and wicking time. This approach can be used to create added value for polyester fabric, which otherwise suffers from low hydrophilicity. Further changes on irradiation were characterised by atomic force microscopy and the crystallinity and tensile strength of the samples were also tested. Basic dyeability of the microdenier polyester fabric was seen to improve greatly on exposure to the excimer lamp, followed by grafting with acrylic acid. The effects were observed to increase with an increase in irradiation time. The best effect was obtained for irradiation time of 10 min. These enhanced properties were accompanied by an insignificant loss in crystallinity and tensile strength of treated fabrics.
Reuse of ash‐tree (Fraxinus excelsior L.) bark as natural dyes for textile dyeing: process conditions and process stability
Authors: Bechtold Thomas , Mahmud‐Ali Amalid , Mussak Rita A M
Published: July 2007

The aqueous extract of ash‐tree bark (Fraxinus excelsior L.) was chosen as a model to study the shade reproducibility of dyeing on wool. A meta‐mordanting process using FeSO4·7H2O mordant was chosen as a system with particular potential for industrial application. The exhaust dyeing process with immediate use of the extracts as a dyebath and direct addition of FeSO4·7H2O stock solution as a meta‐mordant process showed good shade reproducibility and satisfying levelness of the dyed material. An increase of Fe(ii)‐mordant above a dyebath concentration of 2–3 g l−1 did not result in further colour depth. Extraction of 1–2 g of bark was found sufficient to dye 1 g wool yarn to the darkest colour possible; use of higher amounts of bark did not yield substantially higher colour depth. The quality of bark and the extraction step were found to be of significant importance for the colour depth; thus, in an optimised process, conditions of extract formation have to be well controlled.
Efficiency and Outcomes of Emergent Vascular Access Procedures Performed at a Dedicated Outpatient Vascular Access Center
Authors: Kian Kaveh , Takesian Kamla , Wyatt Christina , Assalotti Joseph , Mishler Rick , Schon Donald
Published: July 2007

The outpatient vascular access center (VAC) may have an important impact in improving the outcomes of emergent procedures on nonfunctioning hemodialysis access. An emergent procedure is defined as the absence of a functioning access for hemodialysis, including thrombosed graft or fistula, nonfunctioning dialysis catheters, and the need for access to initiate emergent hemodialysis.

The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate the efficiency and outcomes of all consecutive emergent hemodialysis access procedures during a 3‐month period at a single high volume VAC. Data collection for each procedure included anatomic outcome, clinical outcome, the amount of time from referral to procedure and to successful dialysis, 2‐week‐follow‐up to screen for postprocedure complications and fluoroscopy time.

A total of 157 emergent procedures were performed in 136 patients with the majority of interventions on nonfunctioning grafts and tunneled catheters. The overall clinical success (defined as successful postprocedure completion of at least one dialysis treatment at the prescribed blood flow) was achieved in 149 out of 157 (95%) cases. 90% of subjects completed their procedure within 24 hours of the initial referral to the VAC. The study also demonstrated a rapid turn around time, with successful dialysis being performed within 24 hours of referral in 61% and within 48 hours in 90% of referrals.

This is the first study to demonstrate both the efficiency and successful outcomes of an outpatient vascular access center in treating emergent vascular access problems.
PHOSPHORUS METABOLISM AND MANAGEMENT IN CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE: Expanding Role for Vitamin D in Chronic Kidney Disease: Importance of Blood 25‐OH‐D Levels and Extra‐Renal 1α‐Hydroxylase in the Classical and Nonclassical Actions of 1α,25‐Dihydroxyvitamin D3
Authors: Jones Glenville
Published: July 2007

Recent advances in the understanding of vitamin D have revolutionized our view of this old nutritional factor and suggested that it has much wider effects on the body than ever believed before. In addition to its well‐known effects on calcium/phosphate homeostasis, vitamin D, through its hormonal form, 1α,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 or calcitriol, is a cell differentiating factor and anti‐proliferative agent with actions on a variety of tissues around the body (e.g., skin, muscle, immune system). By influencing gene expression in multiple tissues, calcitriol influences many physiological processes besides calcium/phosphate homeostasis including muscle and keratinocyte differentiation, insulin secretion, blood pressure regulation, and the immune response. The incidence of various diseases including epithelial cancers, multiple sclerosis, muscle weakness as well as bone‐related disorders has been correlated with vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency and has led to a re‐evaluation of recommended daily intakes both in the normal subject and CKD patient. Critical developments have been the emergence of the value of blood 25‐OH‐D measurement as a tool in predicting vitamin D‐related problems and this has in turn emphasized the importance of the extra‐renal version of the 1α‐hydroxylase, the enzyme responsible for the final step in vitamin D activation. The widespread expression of this extra‐renal enzyme supports the view that it exists to boost intracellular concentrations of calcitriol within some target tissues in order to modulate a unique set of genes specifically in those tissues, a process which is therefore dependent upon circulating 25‐OH‐D. For CKD patients with their tendency to vitamin D substrate insufficiency coupled with their documented loss of the renal 1α‐hydroxylase in late stages, this new information has profound implications. Physicians must start to manage the vitamin D insufficiency by vitamin D supplements throughout stages 1–5 whilst continuing to provide calcitriol replacement therapy, in the form of calcitriol or its analogs, in stages 3–5.
PHOSPHORUS METABOLISM AND MANAGEMENT IN CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE: Phosphate Metabolism in the Setting of Chronic Kidney Disease: Significance and Recommendations for Treatment
Authors: Kestenbaum Bryan
Published: July 2007

Phosphorus is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in cell structure and metabolism. In living organisms, phosphorus exists surrounded by four oxygen atoms to form phosphate (PO4). Within cells, PO4regulates enzymatic activity and serves as an essential component of nucleic acids, adenosine triphosphate, and phospholipid membranes. Outside cells, PO4primarily resides in bone and teeth as hydroxyapatite. A small amount of inorganic PO4circulates in serum, with levels balanced by gastrointestinal intake, renal excretion, and a set of specific hormones. Under normal conditions, PO4is excreted through the kidneys. Among patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) receiving chronic dialysis, circulating PO4levels typically rise to levels well above the normal laboratory range. Higher serum PO4levels are strongly associated with arterial calcification and mortality in this setting. Among predialysis patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), phosphaturic hormones enhance renal PO4excretion to maintain serum PO4levels within the high‐normal laboratory range. Recently, high‐normal serum PO4levels have been associated with cardiovascular (CV) events and mortality among individuals who have CKD and among those who have normal kidney function. This review discusses PO4metabolism in the context of CKD, examines associations of PO4levels with adverse outcomes in the CKD setting, and suggests treatment strategies for moderating serum PO4levels.
PHOSPHORUS METABOLISM AND MANAGEMENT IN CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE: Role of Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 in Phosphate Homeostasis and Pathogenesis of Disordered Mineral Metabolism in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Stubbs Jason , Liu Shiguang , Quarles L. Darryl
Published: July 2007

The discovery of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), a novel bone‐derived hormone that inhibits phosphate reabsorption and calcitriol production by the kidney, has uncovered primary regulatory pathways and new systems biology governing bone mineralization, vitamin D metabolism, parathyroid gland function and renal phosphate handling. This phosphaturic hormone, which is made predominately by osteocytes in bone, appears to have a physiologic role as a counter‐regulatory hormone for vitamin D. Evidence has also emerged to support the existence of a bone–kidney axis to coordinate the mineralization of bone with renal handling of phosphate. Pathologically, high circulating levels of FGF23 result in hypophosphatemia, decreased production of 1,25(OH)2D, elevated parathyroid hormone and rickets/osteomalacia in patients with functioning kidneys, whereas low levels are associated with tumoral calcinosis, hyperphosphatemia and elevated 1,25(OH)2D. In addition, patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) exhibit marked elevations of circulating FGF23. While the significance of increased FGF23 levels in CKD remains to be defined, it might contribute to phosphate excretion and suppression of 1,25(OH)2D levels in CKD stages 3 and 4, as well as potentially contribute to secondary hyperparathyroidism through direct actions on the parathyroid gland in more advanced renal failure. As our knowledge expands regarding the regulation and functions of FGF23, the assessment of FGF23 will become an important diagnostic marker as well as a therapeutic target for management of disordered mineral metabolism in a variety of acquired and hereditary disorders.
Comparison of the effects of cetylpyridinium chloride with an essential oil mouth rinse on dental plaque and gingivitis – a six‐month randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Albert‐Kiszely A. , Pjetursson B. E. , Salvi G. E. , Witt J. , Hamilton A. , Persson G. R. , Lang N. P.
Published: July 2007

Objective: To compare the effects of an experimental mouth rinse containing 0.07% cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) (Crest Pro‐Health®) with those provided by a commercially available mouth rinse containing essential oils (EOs) (Listerine®) on dental plaque accumulation and prevention of gingivitis in an unsupervised 6‐month randomized clinical trial.

Material and Methods: This double‐blind, 6‐month, parallel group, positively controlled study involved 151 subjects balanced and randomly assigned to either positive control (EO) or experimental (CPC) mouth rinse treatment groups. At baseline, subjects received a dental prophylaxis procedure and began unsupervised rinsing twice a day with 20 ml of their assigned mouthwash for 30 s after brushing their teeth for 1 min. Subjects were assessed for gingivitis and gingival bleeding by the Gingival index (GI) of Löe & Silness (1963) and plaque by the Silness & Löe (1964) Plaque index at baseline and after 3 and 6 months of rinsing. At 3 and 6 months, oral soft tissue health was assessed. Microbiological samples were also taken for community profiling by the DNA checkerboard method.

Results: Results show that after 3 and 6 months of rinsing, there were no significant differences (p=0.05) between the experimental (CPC) and the positive control mouth rinse treatment groups for overall gingivitis status, gingival bleeding, and plaque accumulation. At 6 months, the covariant (baseline) adjusted mean GI and bleeding sites percentages for the CPC and the EO rinses were 0.52 and 0.53 and 8.7 and 9.3, respectively. Both mouth rinses were well tolerated by the subjects. Microbiological community profiles were similar for the two treatment groups. Statistically, a significant greater reduction in bleeding sites was observed for the CPC rinse versus the EO rinse.

Conclusion: The essential findings of this study indicated that there was no statistically significant difference in the anti‐plaque and anti‐gingivitis benefits between the experimental CPC mouth rinse and the positive control EO mouth rinse over a 6‐month period.