bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of wet‐wrap dressing on epidermal barrier in patients with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Lee JH , Lee SJ , Kim DS , Bang D
Published: July 2007

Background  Wet‐wrap dressing has been shown to be effective for atopic dermatitis; however, the therapeutic mechanism of wet‐wrap dressing is only the hypothesis based on the recovery of decreased epidermal barrier function.

Objectives  To examine the therapeutic efficacy as well as the mechanism of wet‐wrap dressing in atopic dermatitis patients.

Methods  To examine the difference of non‐lesional and lesional atopic skin and to evaluate the change between epidermal barrier function before and after the treatment, SCORAD, epidermal water content, transepidermal water loss, the lipid amount of skin surface, immunohistochemical staining of filaggrin and loricrin, transmission electron microscopic examination, and calcium ion capture cytochemistry method were done in 10 severe form atopic dermatitis patients.

Results  In atopic dermatitis patients, SCORAD was clearly decreased, epidermal water content was increased, and transepidermal water loss was decreased after wet‐wrap dressing. After wet‐wrap dressing, increased release of lamellar body and the recovery of the damaged lamellar structure of intercellular lipid were observed; nevertheless, neither the change in keratinocyte differentiation nor the change of calcium ion gradient was detected. A week after the termination of wet‐wrap dressing, increased water content and decreased transepidermal water loss were still maintained.

Conclusion  We confirmed the abnormality of the epidermal barrier in atopic dermatitis, and the effects of wet‐wrap were associated with the recovery of epidermal barrier. In atopic lesions, wet‐wrap dressing induced clinical improvement by the release of lamellar body and the restoration of intercellular lipid lamellar structure.
Decellularized dermis in combination with cultivated keratinocytes in a short‐ and long‐term animal experimental investigation
Authors: Bannasch H , Stark GB , Knam F , Horch RE , Föhn M
Published: July 2007

Decellularized human dermis as a potentially ideal scaffold for dermal substitution in severe burns was examined in a two‐staged animal experiment. In an initial step, anin vitrogenerated composite graft consisting of human keratinocytes and decellularized dermis (AlloDerm®) was transplanted onto nude mice in a short‐term trial (n = 20, 14 days). Subsequently, a combined one‐step grafting of full thickness wounds with both decellularized dermis (in part preincubated with fibroblasts) and cultivated autologous keratinocytes as a cell suspension in fibrin glue was done in a long‐term porcine animal model (n = 10, 6 months). In both series, macroscopic wound healing was evaluated by planimetry. Histological investigations included morphological as well as immunohistochemical parameters. The short‐term study showed both successful integration of the composite grafts and reduction of wound contraction compared with the control group (epithelial grafts). The long‐term porcine study displayed reduced myofibroblast formation and contraction in the wounds that had been treated with fibroblast‐preincubated dermis. After 4 weeks, a decline of the structural integrity of the dermal matrix could be noticed.

The utility of decellularized dermis as template for both dermal reconstitution and keratinocyte delivery vehicle was shown. The closure of full thickness wounds by a single‐step combination of an autologous keratinocyte fibrin sealant suspension and acellular dermis in a pig animal model could be shown. Incorporation of fibroblasts led to reduced wound contraction but could not prevent the loss of dermal integrity. The engineered ‘skin’ remained viable and stable over a period of 6 months.
An assessment of population size and distribution of harbour seals in the Republic of Ireland during the moult season in August 2003
Authors: Cronin M. , Duck C. , Cadhla O. Ó. , Nairn R. , Strong D. , O'Keeffe C.
Published: July 2007

The status of Ireland's harbour sealPhoca vitulina vitulinapopulation is poorly understood. The most recent national population estimate dates back to the breeding season in 1978 and did not cover the entire coastline. Reliable up‐to‐date information on the abundance and distribution of harbour seals in Ireland is necessary to assess the conservation status of the species and for the effective identification, management and monitoring of special areas of conservation required for harbour seals under the EU Habitats Directive. To provide comprehensive current information on Ireland's harbour seal population, a geographically extensive survey was conducted along the coastline of the Republic of Ireland during the species' annual moult in August 2003. This complemented a similar survey of Northern Ireland, which was conducted in 2002. Using thermal imaging technology, haul‐out groups of harbour seals and grey sealsHalichoerus grypuswere identified from the air, aerial‐counts were obtained and compared with simultaneous ground‐count data from selected sites. Harbour seal distribution recorded during the 2003 moult season was concentrated in the south‐west, west and north‐west of the country. This national survey yielded a minimum population estimate for the Republic of Ireland of 2905 harbour seals, delivering an effective baseline for current and future population research.
Viability analysis of endangered crayfish populations
Authors: Meyer K. M. , Gimpel K. , Brandl R.
Published: July 2007

The noble crayfish Astacus astacus L. is a threatened freshwater invertebrate. Many of the remaining populations are isolated and there is considerable concern that diseases and the increased frequency of flooding events may drive these remnant populations to extinction. We performed a population viability analysis for a typical isolated noble crayfish population. We quantified the extinction risk by the mean time to extinction within 1000 years for several scenarios (flooding events, restocking of adults). For a set of parameters derived from field estimates, we estimated the mean time to extinction to be 240 years. However, the median was only 80 years. Multiple sensitivity analysis by logistic regression revealed that spawning probability, juvenile and adult mortality were the important parameters for the survival of the population. The mean time to extinction decreased with increasing frequency of floodings. This is alarming, considering the magnitude of the effect and the expectation of an increasing number of floodings with global warming. Restocking, however, was found to have only a minor effect on the mean time to extinction. Overall, our simulations suggested that for the long‐term and self‐sustaining survival of the noble crayfish, particularly where they remain isolated, we have to improve the extent and quality of habitats. Nevertheless, additional measures are necessary, especially the removal of dispersal barriers to allow some exchange of individuals between populations. However, this also calls for a control of invasive crayfish species.
A method for quantifying rotational symmetry
Authors: Frey Frank M. , Robertson Aaron , Bukoski Michael
Published: July 2007

• Here, a new approach for quantifying rotational symmetry based on vector analysis was described and compared with information obtained from a geometric morphometric analysis and a technique based on distance alone.

• A new method was developed that generates a polygon from the length and angle data of a structure and then quantifies the minimum change necessary to convert that polygon into a regular polygon. This technique yielded an asymmetry score (s) that can range from 0 (perfect symmetry) to 1 (complete asymmetry). Using digital images of Geranium robertianum flowers, this new method was compared with a technique based on lengths alone and with established geometric morphometric methods used to quantify shape variation.

• Asymmetry scores (s) more clearly described variation in symmetry and were more consistent with a visual assessment of the images than either comparative technique.

• This procedure is the first to quantify the asymmetry of radial structures accurately, uses easily obtainable measures to calculate the asymmetry score and allows comparisons among individuals and species, even when the comparisons involve structures with different patterns of symmetry. This technique enables the rigorous analysis of polysymmetric structures and provides a foundation for a better understanding of symmetry in nature.
The peptide NAP promotes neuronal growth and differentiation through extracellular signal‐regulated protein kinase and Akt pathways, and protects neurons co‐cultured with astrocytes damaged by ethanol
Authors: Pascual Maria , Guerri Consuelo
Published: July 2007

We have previously shown that glial cells are a target of ethanol toxicity during brain ontogeny, since ethanol affects glial development and impairs the release of neurotrophic factors which are important for neuronal outgrowth and synaptic plasticity. Activity‐dependent neuroprotective protein (ADNP) is a glial factor with anti‐apoptotic and neuroprotective actions. We proposed that some ethanol effects on brain development and synaptic formation are, in part, mediated by the ethanol‐induced impairment of the synthesis and release of ADNP by astroglial cells. We show a reduction in the ADNP mRNA levels in the cerebral cortex and astrocytes from prenatal ethanol exposed (PEE) foetuses. Furthermore, co‐cultures of PEE astrocytes with control neurons cause a marked decrease in neuronal growth, differentiation and synaptic connections relative to the co‐cultures with control astrocytes, effects that were reverted by the addition of NAP, the active peptide of ADNP. We further show that one mechanism by which NAP could exert its actions is the activation of mitogen‐activated protein kinase/extracellular signal‐regulated protein kinase, the phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinase (PI‐3K)/Akt pathways and the transcription factor cAMP response element‐binding protein. These results indicate that the protective actions of NAP are mediated by triggering signalling pathways which are important in neuronal growth and differentiation contributing to the restoration of PEE‐associated neuronal plasticity.
Neuropathology, biochemistry, and biophysics of α‐synuclein aggregation
Authors: Uversky Vladimir N.
Published: July 2007

Aggregation of α‐synuclein, an abundant and conserved pre‐synaptic brain protein, is implicated as a critical factor in several neurodegenerative diseases. These diseases, known as synucleinopathies, include Parkinson’s disease, dementia with Lewy bodies (LBs), diffuse LB disease, the LB variant of Alzheimer’s disease, multiple system atrophy, and neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation type I. Although the precise nature ofin vivoα‐synuclein function remains elusive, considerable knowledge has been accumulated about its structural properties and conformational behavior. α‐Synuclein is a typical natively unfolded protein. It is characterized by the lack of rigid, well‐defined, 3‐D structure and possesses remarkable conformational plasticity. The structure of this protein depends dramatically on its environment and it accommodates a number of unrelated conformations. This paper provides an overview of the biochemistry, biophysics, and neuropathology of α‐synuclein aggregation.
Nitric oxide from neuronal nitric oxide synthase sensitises neurons to hypoxia‐induced death via competitive inhibition of cytochrome oxidase
Authors: Jekabsone Aiste , Neher Jonas J. , Borutaite Vilmante , Brown Guy C.
Published: July 2007

Hypoxia/ischaemia is known to trigger neuronal death, but the role of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in this process is controversial. Nitric oxide (NO) inhibits cytochrome oxidase in competition with oxygen. We tested whether NO derived from nNOS synergises with hypoxia to induce neuronal death by inhibiting mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase. Sixteen hours of hypoxia (2% oxygen) plus deoxyglucose (an inhibitor of glycolysis) caused extensive, excitotoxic death of neurons in rat cerebellar granule cell cultures. Three different nNOS inhibitors (including the selective inhibitor N‐4S‐4‐amino‐5‐2‐aminoethyl‐aminopentyl‐N′‐nitroguanidine) decreased this neuronal death by half, indicating a contribution of nNOS to hypoxic death. The selective nNOS inhibitor did not, however, block neuronal death induced either by added glutamate or by added azide (an uncompetitive inhibitor of cytochrome oxidase), indicating that nNOS does not act downstream of glutamate or cytochrome oxidase. Hypoxia plus deoxyglucose‐induced glutamate release and neuronal depolarisation, and the nNOS inhibitor decreased this. Hypoxia inhibited cytochrome oxidase activity in the cultures, but a selective nNOS inhibitor prevented this inhibition, indicating NO from nNOS was inhibiting cytochrome oxidase in competition with oxygen. These data indicate that hypoxia synergises with NO from nNOS to induce neuronal death via cytochrome oxidase inhibition causing neuronal depolarisation. This mechanism might contribute to ischaemia/stroke‐induced neuronal death in vivo.
The role of the integrin LFA‐1 in T‐lymphocyte migration
Authors: Smith Andrew , Stanley Paula , Jones Kristian , Svensson Lena , McDowall Alison , Hogg Nancy
Published: July 2007

Summary:  A successful immune response depends on the migration of lymphocytes into lymph nodes or inflamed tissues where they make contact with antigen‐presenting cells. We are interested in how one member of the integrin family, leukocyte function‐associated antigen‐1 (LFA‐1), controls the function and, in particular, the migration of immune cells. We find that this integrin operates not only as an adhesion receptor for T lymphoblasts (T cells) but also induces their migration in vitro at approximately 15 μm/min. Migration requires active myosin light chain kinase at the leading edge and Rho kinase at the trailing edge of the cell. Two active conformations of LFA‐1 are differently distributed on the T‐cell membrane and regulate independent aspects of migration. High‐affinity LFA‐1 is located in a midcell ‘focal zone’ and influences the speed of migration, whereas intermediate affinity LFA‐1 controls leading edge adhesions. Manipulating LFA‐1 conformation in vivo can be performed, for example, by creating the active conformation in a transgenic mouse, and this model gives further insight into the role of LFA‐1 in migration. In humans, the beneficial effect of functioning CD18 integrins in combating infections in vivo is illustrated by rare patients displaying two forms of leukocyte adhesion deficiency. In summary, we speculate that T cells have evolved a mode of rapid migration that is of paramount importance in achieving the high‐speed immune surveillance upon which depends the body’s protection against diverse invaders from pathogens to cancer cells.
Effect of aeration in reducing phytotoxicity in anaerobic digestion liquor of swine manure
Authors: HANAJIMA Dai , KURODA Kazutaka , FUKUMOTO Yasuyuki , YASUDA Tomoko , SUZUKI Kazuyoshi , HAGA Kiyonori
Published: July 2007

Numerous reports have accumulated concerning the quality of solid compost. In contrast, there are few for the residue of anaerobic digestion. In this study, the fertilizer value of anaerobic digestion liquor (ADL) was evaluated, and the effect of aeration on the reduction of the phytotoxicity was examined by a germination assay. Low or high aeration (100 or 400 mL/min) was added to 3 L of ADL obtained from a mixture of pig manure and garbage by using 5‐L jar fermenters under a controlled temperature of 30°C. During the 14‐day aeration period, a high aeration rate improved the germination index (GI) score from 5.7% to nearly 80%, while a low aeration rate did not. Although organic matter decomposition, determined as chemical oxygen demand, did not differ with aeration intensity, remarkable differences were observed in the time course of changes in pH, electric conductivity and ammonium‐nitrogen (NH4‐N) and total nitrogen (T‐N) content. Among these parameters, the NH4‐N concentration correlated highly with the GI score (r = 0.986). The primary phytotoxic element in ADL was considered to be NH4‐N, and the stripping of ammonia (NH3) by high aeration resulted in the improvement of the GI score. Although the ratio of major nutrients N : P2O5 : K2O (1:0.41:0.94) in ADL was at nearly same level as conventional liquid fertilizer, special attention should be paid to the high concentration of NH3 when drawing up a fertilization plan.
Effects of Paracetamol Combined with Dextromethorphan in Human Experimental Muscle and Skin Pain
Authors: Olesen Anne Estrup , Staahl Camilla , Ali Zahid , Drewes Asbjørn Mohr , Arendt‐Nielsen Lars
Published: July 2007

Abstract:  By combining drugs with different mechanisms of action, synergistic effects may be achieved. The aim of the present experimental pain study was to combine paracetamol with dextromethorphan for synergistic effects. Furthermore, the reproducibility of the pain assessment methods was evaluated. Eighteen volunteers completed all periods in a three‐way cross‐over study. Pain stimuli were assessed at baseline and 1, 2 and 3 hr after dosing. The aim was to compare the pain‐alleviating effect of 1 g paracetamol, 1 g paracetamol plus 30 mg dextromethorphan and placebo in response to a number of different stimuli in a human experimental volunteer model of skin and muscle pain. Repeated electrical stimulation of skin and muscle (temporal summation) modelled central integration and intramuscular hypertonic saline mimicked musculoskeletal pain. The method provided statistically stable pain recordings between repetitions on the same day and between days (all P > 0.05). Between repetitions on the same day, all tests were reproducible within the participants (intra‐class correlation > 0.60). Between days all tests, except muscular pain pressure threshold, were reproducible within the participants (intra‐class correlation > 0.60). There were no statistical differences (all P > 0.05) between paracetamol compared to placebo, and between the effect of paracetamol and dextromethorphan compared to placebo. The acute pain models were not sufficiently sensitive to detect an analgesic effect of paracetamol or the combination with dextromethorphan. The selected dose of dextromethorphan was low as the aim was to use commonly used doses, and a higher dose of dextromethorphan is most likely needed to attenuate the selected pain measures.
Management of Female Sexual Dysfunction in Postmenopausal Women by Testosterone Administration: Safety Issues and Controversies
Authors: Braunstein Glenn D.
Published: July 2007

Introduction

A Food and Drug Administration advisory group has questioned the long-term safety of testosterone administration to postmenopausal women. Although only short-term data exist on safety from the double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, testosterone has been used for more than 50 years. Therefore, some data concerning the long-term safety issues must exist in the literature.

Aim

To review the published data concerning the safety of administration of testosterone to women.

Methods

Review of published articles identified by a search of the Ovid databases and bibliographies from articles identified as dealing with the topics of testosterone or androgen treatment of women.

Results

The major adverse reactions to exogenous androgens are the expected androgenic side effects of hirsutism and acne. High-density lipoprotein levels may be decreased with oral androgens. There are insufficient long-term safety data regarding breast, endometrium, or heart safety to draw strong conclusions, although the data available to date are reassuring.

Conclusions

Testosterone administration to postmenopausal women that result in physiological to slightly supraphysiological serum-free testosterone levels is safe for at least 2 years.
Role of 5-HT Receptor Antagonists in Mediating Intracavernous Pressure Response Induced by Fluvoxamine in Conscious Rats
Authors: Aizawa Naoki , Ishizuka Osamu , Ogawa Teruyuki , Mizusawa Hiroya , Igawa Yasuhiko , Nishizawa Osamu
Published: July 2007

Introduction

It has been reported that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) may cause sexual dysfunction.

Aim

To determine the relationship between serotonin and sexual function, we investigated the role of serotonergic receptors on changes in intracavernous pressure (ICP) and systemic blood pressure (BP) in conscious and free-moving rats.

Methods

ICP and BP were measured in male Sprague-Dawley rats after catheters were inserted into the crus corpus cavernosum and carotid artery, respectively. Pressures were recorded 2 hours after catheterization. In other rats, this procedure was performed 2 weeks after spinal cord transection (spinal cord injury [SCI]) between the eighth and ninth thoracic vertebrae. To investigate the role of serotonergic receptors, fluvoxamine (an SSRI), WAY100635 (a 5-HT1A-receptor antagonist), and SB242084 (a 5-HT2C-receptor antagonist) were administered by intravenous (i.v.) or intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) routes.

Main Outcome Measures

BP and parameters of ICP were measured in conscious and free-moving rats.

Results

Administration of fluvoxamine (1- to 30-μmol/kg i.v. and 1- to 30-nmol i.c.v.) induced a transient increase in the ICP. The ICP parameters responded in a dose-dependent manner, especially the time to first response (TFR), which was significantly shortened. BP also increased in response to fluvoxamine. In contrast, ICP in SCI rats did not change after fluvoxamine administration. WAY100635 (10 or 30-nmol i.c.v.) induced an increase in the ICP. In combination with fluvoxamine, it significantly shortened the TFR in comparison with WAY100635 or fluvoxamine alone. However, SB242084 (10 or 30-nmol i.c.v.) actually had an inhibitory effect on fluvoxamine-induced ICP responses.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrated that ICP is regulated at the supraspinal level when endogenous serotonin is increased by fluvoxamine. Furthermore, ICP is facilitated by 5-HT2C-receptors and inhibited by 5-HT1A-receptors in the rat brain.
Fabrication and Application of an Oxide Thermoelectric System
Authors: Funahashi Ryoji , Urata Saori
Published: July 2007

A plate‐shaped thermoelectric module was prepared using 140 pairs of p‐type Ca3Co4O9 (Co‐349) and n‐type LaNiO3 (Ni‐113) bulks. The hot‐pressed thermoelectric oxide bulks were connected with an Ag paste, incorporating oxide powder, and Ag sheets. The module's open‐circuit voltage increases with increasing hot‐side temperature (TH) and reaches 4.5 V at a TH of 1072 K in air. No deterioration in output power was seen when power generation was carried out 10 times at a TH of 723 K with intermediate cooling to room temperature. The module was successfully used to charge a lithium‐ion battery in a mobile phone. Thermoelectric modules composed of p‐type Co‐349 and n‐type CaMnO3 (Mn‐113) bulks, which have a pipe shape, were constructed using Ag electrodes and stainless‐steel tubes. The devices were connected with the stainless‐steel tube coated with ZrO2 by thermal spray using a dielectric paste composed of silica glass and iron oxide. Power generation was carried out in flame by combustion of natural gas. Water flowed inside the stainless‐steel tube for cooling. One module consisting of 54 pairs of legs can generate 1.5 V, 0.28 W, and steam simultaneously by installing in an instantaneous water heater. Power generation was carried out four times with intermediate cooling. Deterioration in the open‐circuit voltage of the module was not observed after the fourth combustion.
Thermoelectric Properties of Ruddlesden–Popper Phase n‐Type Semiconducting Oxides: La‐, Nd‐, and Nb‐Doped Sr3Ti2O7
Authors: Lee Kyu Hyoung , Wang Yi Feng , Kim Sung Wng , Ohta Hiromichi , Koumoto Kunihito
Published: July 2007

We report herein on Ruddlesden–Popper‐type doped Srn+1TinO3n+1 (n=2) as a potential candidate for n‐type thermoelectric (TE) oxides. The TE properties of 5 at.% La‐, Nd‐, and Nb‐doped Sr3Ti2O7 polycrystalline ceramics were investigated and the origin of Seebeck coefficient was discussed from the viewpoint of the symmetry of TiO6 octahedra. A significant reduction in the lattice thermal conductivity was observed by the enhancement of phonon scattering at SrO/(SrTiO3)n interfaces originating from the inherent superlattice structure, and the maximum dimensionless figure of merit, ZT∼0.15, at a 1000 K value was obtained in 5 at.% La‐doped Sr3Ti2O7.
Characterization of Ballistic Impact Damage in Wired Glass
Authors: Boccaccini Aldo R. , Thompstone Jesse , Desimone Deborah , Rawlings Rees D. , Kasiarova Monika , Srivastava Vijay K.
Published: July 2007

The ballistic impact behavior of wired glass has been studied. Three types of commercially available samples, with thin and thick wire mesh, were impacted with steel, glass, and tungsten carbide spheres of various sizes using a gas gun. Impact energies varied from 0.5 to 40 J. A system of cracks was found to develop that comprised primarily a major cone crack. At higher energies, additional radial and lateral cracking developed along with increased damage to the front face of the sample. The extent of damage was assessed in terms of basal cone crack area, number of cracks, mass loss, and fracture load of impacted samples. It was found that damage, at a given impact energy, increased with increasing projectile diameter. Moreover, 10 mm diameter glass spheres caused more damage than smaller (3–4.74 mm diameter) steel spheres. No significant differences were observed with regard to the ballistic behavior of the thin‐ and thick‐wired glass types.
Appropriate use of interferon for treatment of chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Kao Jia‐Horng
Published: July 2007

Hepatitis B is not only a preventable but now treatable disease. Five drugs have been approved for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection: standard interferon‐α (IFN), pegylated IFN, lamivudine, adefovir dipivoxil and entecavir. Among these agents, the responses to interferon therapy are invariably influenced by both host and viral factors. Therefore, understanding these factors is important for practicing hepatologists, and it may help design individualized medicine for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B. HBV genotypes affect the disease progression and outcomes of HBV‐related chronic liver disease, as well as the response to antiviral treatments. Existing data indicate a better sustained response to standard IFN‐α in HBeAg positive genotype B patients than genotype C patients, and in genotype A patients than genotype D patients. Nevertheless, conflicting results exist regarding the response to pegylated IFN, and more studies are needed. As to HBV genetic polymorphisms, a recent study showed that an IFN sensitivity‐determiningregion may not exist within the whole genome of HBV subgenotype Ba, and host factors as well as virus–host interactions may be more important than viral factors alone in determining the treatment outcomes with IFN. Regarding host genetic polymorphisms, single nucleotide polymorphisms within eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 and MxA promoter regions may be associated with the responsiveness to standard IFN‐α treatment in patients with HBeAg positive chronic hepatitis B. In the foreseeable future, individualized chronic hepatitis B treatment algorithms should be tailored to host (immune status, ALT level and genomic polymorphisms), virus (HBeAg status, HBV DNA level, genotype, precore/basal core promoter mutants and pre‐S deletion mutant) as well as liver disease status (hepatitis activity and fibrosis stage).
Management of HBV infection in Japan
Authors: Minami Masahito , Okanoue Takeshi
Published: July 2007

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is usually transmitted from mother to infant, and genotype C is prevalent in Japan. Because of these features, guidelines for HBV treatment from other countries are not directly adaptable to Japanese patients. Age is an important factor in deciding the treatment strategy, because many vertically transmitted HBV carriers naturally show spontaneous remission by the age of 25–30 years. In addition, genotype C is considered more refractory to antiviral therapies than genotypes A and B. Considering these differences, we propose a treatment for HBV in Japanese patients. Although the guidelines indicate who to treat and when therapy should be started, it is unclear for how long patientsshould be treated. This situation arises because current lamivudine and interferon monotherapies are not potent at curing HBV infection. To develop a more efficient treatment, we performed a pilot study of lamivudine/interferon sequential therapy in Japan. The biochemical and virological responses were comparable or superior to lamivudine or interferon monotherapies, and this protocol can be a potent alternative because we can take advantage of both the mild side‐effects of lamivudine and finite duration of interferon.
Occurrence of Tetracycline Resistance Genes among
Escherichia coli
Isolates from the Phase 3 Clinical Trials for Tigecycline
Authors: Tuckman Margareta , Petersen Peter J. , Howe Anita Y. M. , Orlowski Mark , Mullen Stanley , Chan Karen , Bradford Patricia A. , Jones C. Hal
Published: July 2007

Tigecycline, a member of the glycylcycline class of antibiotics, was designed to maintain the antibacterial spectrum of the tetracyclines while overcoming the classic mechanisms of tetracycline resistance. The current study was designed to monitor the prevalence of the
tet
(A),
tet
(B),
tet
(C),
tet
(D),
tet
(E), and
tet
(M) resistance determinants in
Escherichia coli
isolates collected during the worldwide tigecycline phase 3 clinical trials. A subset of strains were also screened for the
tet
(G),
tet
(K),
tet
(L), and
tet
(Y) genes. Of the 1,680
E. coli
clinical isolates screened for resistance to classical tetracyclines, 405 (24%) were minocycline resistant (MIC ≥ 8 μg/ml) and 248 (15%) were tetracycline resistant (MIC ≥ 8 μg/ml) but susceptible to minocycline (MIC ≤ 4 μg/ml). A total of 452 tetracycline-resistant, nonduplicate isolates were positive by PCR for at least one of the six tetracycline resistance determinants examined. Over half of the isolates encoding a single determinant were positive for
tet
(A) (26%) or
tet
(B) (32%) with
tet
(C),
tet
(D),
tet
(E), and
tet
(M), collectively, found in 4% of isolates. Approximately 33% of the isolates were positive for more than one resistance determinant, with the
tet
(B) plus
tet
(E) combination the most highly represented, found in 11% of isolates. The susceptibilities of the tetracycline-resistant strains to tigecycline (MIC
90
, 0.5 μg/ml), regardless of the encoded
tet
determinant(s), were comparable to the tigecycline susceptibility of tetracycline-susceptible strains (MIC
90
, 0.5 μg/ml). The results provide a current (2002 to 2006) picture of the distribution of common tetracycline resistance determinants encoded in a globally sourced collection of clinical
E. coli
strains.
Treatment of a Clinically Relevant Plant-Pathogenic Fungus with an Agricultural Azole Causes Cross-Resistance to Medical Azoles and Potentiates Caspofungin Efficacy
Authors: Serfling Albrecht , Wohlrab Johannes , Deising Holger B.
Published: July 2007

Azoles are extensively applied in agriculture and medicine, and a relationship between the development of azole resistance in agriculture and the development of azole resistance in clinical practice may exist. The maize pathogen
Colletotrichum graminicola
, causing cutaneous mycosis and keratitis, has been used to investigate the acquisition of resistance to an agricultural azole and the resulting cross-resistance to various medical antifungal agents. Azole-adapted strains were less sensitive to all azoles tested but showed increased sensitivity to caspofungin, amphotericin B, and nystatin. Viability staining and infection assays with excised human skin confirmed these data.
A Second
Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans
Autotransporter Adhesin Exhibits Specificity for Buccal Epithelial Cells in Humans and Old World Primates
Authors: Yue Gang , Kaplan Jeffrey B. , Furgang David , Mansfield Keith G. , Fine Daniel H.
Published: July 2007

Previous work showed that the
Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans
adhesin Aae demonstrated species specificity and tissue tropism to buccal epithelial cells (BECs) derived from humans and Old World primates, but a second, lower-affinity adhesin was noted. This study was designed to determine if Omp100 (also known as ApiA), a surface-expressed
A. actinomycetemcomitans
adhesin, is that second adhesin and if so to investigate its tissue tropism and species specificity. A targeted mutagenesis protocol was used to construct an isogenic
apiA
mutant and an
aae apiA
double mutant with wild-type
A. actinomycetemcomitans
. In addition,
Escherichia coli
strain DH5α was used to express
apiA
to further assess binding parameters. Results indicated that the
apiA
mutant strain showed significantly less binding to BECs than its parent strain (
P
≤ 0.05). Further, binding mediated by ApiA was specific to BECs from humans and Old World primates, as seen in both wild-type
A. actinomycetemcomitans
and
E. coli
expressing ApiA (
P
≤ 0.05). Pretreatment of wild-type
A. actinomycetemcomitans
cells with anti-ApiA antiserum reduced binding in a dose-dependent manner. The
aae apiA
double mutant completely abrogated
A. actinomycetemcomitans
binding to both human and Old World primate BECs. Taken together, these studies indicate that ApiA and Aae, in concert, modulate binding of
A. actinomycetemcomitans
to human BECs. Since the BEC is a prominent reservoir for
A. actinomycetemcomitans
, identification of this second adhesin could lead to important therapeutic strategies.
Efficient Preconcentration of Cu2+, Zn2+ and Fe3+ with an Agarose-Schiff Base Sorbent
Authors: Hashemi Payman , Hassanvand Hatam , Naeimi Hossain
Published: July 2007

Sorption and preconcentration of Cu2+, Zn2+ and Fe3+ on a salen-type Schiff base, 2,2'- [ethane-1,2-diylbis(nitrilomethylidyne)]bis(2-methylphenol), chemically immobilized on a highly crosslinked agarose support, were studied. Kinetic studies showed higher sorption rates of Cu2+ and Fe3+ in comparison with Zn2+. Half-times (t1/2) of 31, 106 and 58 s were obtained for sorption of Cu2+, Zn2+ and Fe3+ by the sorbent, respectively. Effects of pH, eluent concentration and volume, ionic strength, buffer concentration, sample volume and interferences on the recovery of the metal ions were investigated. A 5-ml portion of 0.4 M HCl solution was sufficient for quantitative elution of the metal ions from 0.5 ml of the sorbent packed in a 6.5 mm i.d. glass column. Quantitative recoveries were obtained in a pH range 5.5-6.5 for all the analytes. The volumes to be concentrated exceeding 500 ml, ionic strengths as high as 0.5 mol l-1, and acetate buffer concentrations up to 0.3 mol l-1 for Zn2+ and 0.4 mol l-1 for Cu2+ and Fe3+ did not have any significant effect on the recoveries. The system tolerated relatively high concentrations of diverse ions. Preconcentration factors up to 100 and detection limits of 0.31, 0.16 and 1.73 μg l-1 were obtained for Cu2+, Zn2+ and Fe3+, respectively, for their determination by a flame AAS instrument. The method was successfully applied to the metal ion determinations in several river water samples with good accuracy.
Childhood obesity: food, nutrient, and eating-habit trends and influences
Authors: Roblin Lynn
Published: July 2007

The need has never been greater to support healthy eating and physical activity in children and youth; the numbers of overweight and obese children have doubled and tripled, respectively, over the past 3 decades. Poor eating habits, including inadequate intake of vegetables, fruit, and milk, and eating too many high-calorie snacks, play a role in childhood obesity. Grain products provide the highest percentage (31%) of daily calories, followed by “other foods,” which have limited nutritional value (22% of daily calories). Snacks account for 27% of total daily calories, which is more than the calories consumed at breakfast (18%) and lunch (24%), but not dinner (31%). For Canadians older than 4 years of age, more than 41% of daily snack calories come from other foods, such as chips, chocolate bars, soft drinks, fruit drinks, sugars, syrup, preserves, fats, and oils. Habits that protect against childhood obesity include eating more vegetables and fruit, eating meals with family, and being physically active. Children’s food habits and choices are influenced by family, caregivers, friends, schools, marketing, and the media. Successful interventions for preventing childhood obesity combine family- and school-based programs, nutrition education, dietary change, physical activity, family participation, and counseling.
Effect of unilateral resistance training on arterial compliance in elderly men
Authors: Poelkens Fleur , Rakobowchuk Mark , Burgomaster Kirsten A. , Hopman Maria T.E. , Phillips Stuart M. , MacDonald Maureen J.
Published: July 2007

An increase in age coincides with a decrease in arterial compliance, which is related to a higher risk for cardiovascular accidents. Evidence regarding the effects of resistance training on arterial compliance is conflicting. Currently, little information is available about the effect of resistance training on arterial compliance in elderly men. We assessed the impact of 10 weeks of unilateral arm and leg resistance training on carotid, brachial, and femoral arterial compliance in 12 healthy elderly men (mean age ± SD, 71 ± 7 y). Arterial compliance was evaluated before, after 4 weeks, and after 10 weeks of unilateral resistance training by simultaneously measuring arterial diameter and blood pressure in each artery. There were no significant differences in arterial compliance or stiffness index in any of the arteries examined after 10 weeks of training. However, after 10 weeks of resistance training, resting heart rate decreased from 76 ± 4 beats/min to 61 ± 3 beats/min (p < 0.05), plasma glucose decreased from 6.0 ± 0.9 to 5.1 ± 0.9 mmol/L (mean ± SE) (p < 0.05), and carotid artery peak blood flow increased from 1831 mL/min to 2245 mL/min (p < 0.05). There were no significant changes in resting arterial blood pressure. Unilateral resistance training for 10 weeks does not alter peripheral and central arterial compliance elderly men.
The effects of cadence and power output upon physiological and biomechanical responses to incremental arm-crank ergometry
Authors: Price Michael J. , Collins Lee , Smith Paul M. , Goss-Sampson Mark
Published: July 2007

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of cadence and power output on physiological and biomechanical responses to incremental arm-crank ergometry (ACE). Ten male subjects (mean ± SD age, 30.4 ±5.4 y; height, 1.78 ±0.07 m; mass, 86.1 ±14.2 kg) undertook 3 incremental ACE protocols to determine peak oxygen uptake (VO2 peak; mean of 3 tests: 3.07 ± 0.17 L·min–1) at randomly assigned cadences of 50, 70, or 90 r·min–1. Heart rate and expired air were continually monitored. Central (RPE-C) and local (RPE-L) ratings of perceived exertion were recorded at volitional exhaustion. Joint angles and trunk rotation were analysed during each exercise stage. During submaximal power outputs of 50, 70, and 90 W, oxygen consumption (VO2) was lowest for 50 r·min–1 and highest for 90 r·min–1 (p < 0.01). VO2 peak was lowest during 50 r·min–1 (2.79 ±0.45 L·min–1; p < 0.05) when compared with both 70 r·min–1 and 90 r·min–1 (3.16 ±0.58, 3.24 ±0.49 L·min–1, respectively; p > 0.05). The difference between RPE-L and RPE-C at volitional exhaustion was greatest during 50 r·min–1 (2.9 ± 1.6) when compared with 90 r·min–1 (0.9 ± 1.9, p < 0.05). At VO2 peak, shoulder range of motion (ROM) and trunk rotation were greater for 50  and 70 r·min–1 when compared with 90 r·min–1 (p < 0.05). During submaximal power outputs, shoulder angle and trunk rotation were greatest at 50 r·min–1 when compared with 90 r·min–1 (p < 0.05). VO2 was inversely related to both trunk rotation and shoulder ROM during submaximal power outputs. The results of this study suggest that the greater forces required at lower cadences to produce a given power output resulted in greater joint angles and range of shoulder and trunk movement. Greater isometric contractions for torso stabilization and increased cost of breathing possibly from respiratory–locomotor coupling may have contributed increased oxygen consumption at higher cadences.
Validation of the FAST skating protocol to predict aerobic power in ice hockey players
Authors: Petrella Nicholas J. , Montelpare William J. , Nystrom Murray , Plyley Michael , Faught Brent E.
Published: July 2007

Few studies have reported a sport-specific protocol to measure the aerobic power of ice hockey players using a predictive process. The purpose of our study was to validate an ice hockey aerobic field test on players of varying ages, abilities, and levels. The Faught Aerobic Skating Test (FAST) uses an on-ice continuous skating protocol on a course measuring 160 feet (48.8 m) using a CD to pace the skater with a beep signal to cross the starting line at each end of the course. The FAST incorporates the principle of increasing workload at measured time intervals during a continuous skating exercise. Step-wise multiple regression modelling was used to determine the estimate of aerobic power. Participants completed a maximal aerobic power test using a modified Bruce incremental treadmill protocol, as well as the on-ice FAST. Normative data were collected on 406 ice hockey players (291 males, 115 females) ranging in age from 9 to 25 y. A regression to predict maximum aerobic power was developed using body mass (kg), height (m), age (y), and maximum completed lengths of the FAST as the significant predictors of skating aerobic power (adjusted R2 = 0.387, SEE = 7.25 mL·kg–1·min–1, p < 0.0001). These results support the application of the FAST in estimating aerobic power among male and female competitive ice hockey players between the ages of 9 and 25 years.
WHAT DOES μ - τ SYMMETRY IMPLY ABOUT LEPTONIC CP VIOLATION?
Authors: BABA TEPPEI
Published: July 2007

The μ - τ symmetry can reproduce the consistent results with experimental data of θ13, and θ23 (θ13, and θ23 respectively denote the νe - ντ, and νμ - ντ, mixing angles). However, we can not address the issue of the leptonic CP violation in μ - τ symmetric models. So we add the μ - τ symmetry breaking part to include the CP violation. We characterize leptonic CP violation in terms of three phases, where one is conventional phase δ and others are additional phases ρ and γ. These δ, ρ and γ are, respectively, the phases of νe - ντ, νe - νμ and νμ - ντ mixings. The ρ and γ are redundant but the effect of ρ remains in the leptonic CP violation which is characterized by δ + ρ. The δ arises from the μ - τ symmetry breaking part of the Meμ and Meτ while ρ arises from of μ - τ symmetric part of the Meμ and Meτ, where Mij stands for ij (i,j = e,μ,τ) element of M(= [Formula: see text] for Mν being a flavor neutrino mass matrix). Moreover, θ23 can be exactly estimated to be: [Formula: see text] ( sin θ ∝ sin θ13 cos (δ + ρ)[Formula: see text], sin ϕ ∝ Mμμ - Mττ, where [Formula: see text] is the solar neutrino mass difference squared). The conditions of maximal atmospheric neutrino mixing are given by [Formula: see text] and Mμμ = Mττ,which indicate maximal Dirac CP violation.
QUARK AND LEPTON MASS MATRICES WITH A4 FAMILY SYMMETRY
Authors: SAWANAKA HIDEYUKI
Published: July 2007

Realistic quark masses and mixing angles are obtained applying the successful A4 family symmetry for leptons, motivated by the quark-lepton assignments of SU (5). The A4 symmetry is suitable to give tri-bimaximal neutrino mixing matrix which is consistent with current experimental data. We study new scenario for the quark sector with the A4 symmetry.
INVESTIGATIONS OF THE FLAVOR SYMMETRY, RADIATIVE SEESAW MODEL AND COLD DARK MATTER
Authors: OKADA HIROSHI
Published: July 2007

It is now clear that the masses of the neutrino sector are much lighter than those of the other three sectors. Canonial seesaw model would be the most famous for the above explanation. But one must introduce heavy particles that will not be able to observed with present scientific technologies. On the other hand, there are many attempts to explain the neutrino masses radiatively by means of inert Higgses, which do not have the vacuum expectation values. Then one can discuss cold dark matter candidates, because of no needing so heavy particles. The most famous work would be the Zee model17.

Recently a new type model (hep-ph/0601225)4 along this line of thought was proposed by E. Ma. We adopted this idea, and then we introduced a new flavor symmetry to constrain the Yukawa sector. So our model might be more predictive, and can be investigated at LHC. I will present how we can obserb the particular signal at LHC, and what we can predict about the neutrino sector.
CP VIOLATION FROM A HIGHER DIMENSIONAL MODEL
Authors: ICHINOSE SHOICHI
Published: July 2007

It is shown that Randall–Sundrum model has the EDM term which violates the CP-symmetry. The comparison with the case of Kaluza–Klein theory is done. The chiral property, localization, anomaly phenomena are examined. We evaluate the bulk quantum effect using the method of the induced effective action. This is a new origin of the CP-violation.
Single Electron in the Kondo Lattice
Authors: Ueda Kazuo , Sigrist Manfred
Published: July 2007

Arguments are presented for a conjecture that the ground state of a Kondo lattice with single conduction electron is an incomplete ferromagnetic state for any J < 0. This statement is rigorous in the limits of infinite and zero exchange coupling. Charge and spin excitations from the ground state are discussed. Numerical study of the spin excitations confirms the local stability of the ground state at finite J.
Theory of Magnetoresistance in Magnetic Superlattices
Authors: Inoue Jun-ichiro , Maekawa Sadamichi
Published: July 2007

The origin of the giant magnetoresistance observed recently in Fe/Cr, Co/Cu and Co/Cu /NiFe/Cu metallic superlattices is attributed to random exchange potentials at interfaces in the superlattices. Material dependence of the magnetoresistance is studied for Fe/TM and TM/Cu superlattices, where TM's denote 3d-transition metal elements.
The (K−,π−) and (π+, K+) Reactions and Λ-Hypernuclear Polarization
Authors: Itonaga K. , Motoba T. , Sotona M.
Published: July 2007

The theoretical studies of (K−, π−) and (π+, K+) reactions on p-shell targets are presented in the DWIA framework with use of the elementary spin-nonflip and spin-flip amplitudes. Calculations can explain the available experimental data of excitation functions and angular distributions of the (K−, π−) reactions at pK−=800 MeV/c and the (π+, K+) reactions at pπ+ = 1.04 GeV/c. Characteristic and distinguished features of the excitation functions and cross sections are exhibited. Especially it is demonstrated that the (K−, π−) reactions at pK−=1.1 GeV/c and 1.5 GeV/c can excite the unnatural parity states with comparable strength to the natural parity ones. Further interesting is that the (π+, K+) and (K−, π−) reactions with ∼1 GeV/c incident beams can be shown to produce very large polarizations of the produced hypernuclear states. Taking the subsequent deexcitation processes of the excited states into account, we have evaluated the hypernuclear polarization and Λ-spin polarization of the ground state and/or the ground-doublet states at the hypernuclear weak-decay stage, which would play a role in the hypernuclear coincidence experiment.