bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prostacyclin, thromboxane A2 and the effect of low‐dose ASA in pregnancies at high risk for hypertensive disorders
Authors: Vainio Merja , Riutta Asko , Koivisto Anna‐Maija , Mäenpää Johanna
Published: November 2004

Background.  The aim of this study was to investigate the prostanoid production in pregnancies at high risk for hypertensive disorders, and the effect of low‐dose acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) on prostanoids.

Material and methods.  Ninety women with a bilateral notching in uterine arteries screened by Doppler ultrasound at 12–14 gestational weeks were randomized to the ASA (0.5 mg/kg/day) or placebo group. Forty‐three women in both groups were followed up throughout the pregnancy. Urine samples were taken at baseline, and at 24–26 and 32–34 weeks of gestation to determine the urinary 11‐dehydrothromboxane B2 (u‐11‐dehydro‐TxB2) and 2,3‐dinor‐6‐keto‐prostaglandin F1α (u‐2,3‐dinor‐6‐keto‐PGF1α), the metabolites of thromboxane A2 and prostacyclin, respectively.

Results.  In the pregnancies with pregnancy‐induced hypertension (PIH) before 37 gestational weeks, the 2,3‐dinor‐6‐keto‐PGF1α/11‐dehydro‐TxB2 ratio did not increase as much as in other pregnancies (P = 0.028). In the placebo group pregnancies with preeclampsia had significantly lower 2,3‐dinor‐6‐keto‐PGF1α (P = 0.019) at 12–14 weeks of gestation compared to other pregnancies. In the placebo group the 2,3‐dinor‐6‐keto‐PGF1α/11‐dehydroTxB2 ratio remained unchanged throughout the pregnancy, with no significant difference between pregnancies with a normal or an adverse outcome. In the ASA group the 2,3‐dinor‐6‐keto‐PGF1α/11‐dehydro‐TxB2 ratio increased (P < 0.001, early vs. midpregnancy). Again, the changes were similar in pregnancies with a normal or an adverse outcome.

Conclusion.  The balance of prostacyclin and thromboxane A2 shifted in an unfavorable direction in pregnancies complicated by PIH. ASA had a favorable effect on the prostanoids.
Pregnancy outcomes in unselected singleton pregnant women with an increased risk of first‐trimester Down's syndrome
Authors: Liu Silvia So‐Aei , Lee Fa‐Kung , Lee Jia‐Ling , Tsai Ming‐Song , Cheong Mei‐Leng , She Bo‐Quing , Chen Su‐Chee
Published: November 2004

Background.  The purpose of this study was to assess outcomes in pregnancies with a positive screen of first‐trimester combined test (nuchal translucency, pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A and free beta‐human chorionic gonadotropin).

Methods.  Using a cut‐off level of 1 in 270, 216 (7.1%) women had a positive screen. Among them, 187 delivered their babies in our hospital and the adverse outcomes, such as spontaneous abortion, intrauterine fetal demize, preterm prelabor rupture of the membranes, preterm labor, intrauterine growth restriction, gestational hypertensive disorders, placenta previa, chromosomal abnormalities and fetal structural anomalies, were identified and compared with the 2097 women who screened negative for Down's syndrome.

Results.  Pregnancies with a positive screen had a significantly higher risk of adverse outcomes than those with negative screens (30.5% versus 15.3%; odds ratio 2.4; p < 0.001), especially for those complicated by spontaneous abortion (odds ratio 11.4; p < 0.05) and placenta previa (odds ratio 4.3; p < 0.05).

Conclusions.  Besides fetal chromosomal abnormalities and structural abnormalities, pregnancies with a positive screen for Down's syndrome in the first‐trimester had a significantly higher incidence of subsequent adverse obstetric outcomes.
Young women with genital prolapse have a low collagen concentration
Authors: Söderberg Marie Westergren , Falconer Christian , Byström Birgitta , Malmström Anders , Ekman Gunvor
Published: November 2004

Background.  Genital prolapse is a common and handicapping form of pelvic floor dysfunction. To explain its genesis as a result of endopelvic connective tissue weakness, the collagen state was analyzed in women with and without genital prolapse.

Methods.  Punch biopsies from the paraurethral ligaments were obtained during the operation from 22 women undergoing surgery for genital prolapse. As controls, similar biopsies were taken from 13 women who underwent gynecologic surgery for other benign reasons. Collagen concentration as hydroxyproline and its extractability by pepsin digestion were studied in relation to age by multiple regression, two‐way anova, Levene's test, and Student's t‐test. Histological examination was also performed.

Results.  Women, younger than 53 years, with genital prolapse had a 30% lower collagen concentration than age‐matched controls, which reached significance, P = 0.01. The extractability by pepsin digestion, an indicator of cross‐links in the collagen molecule, did not significantly differ between groups. It did, however, decrease significantly with age in both prolapse patient and control groups. Morphology supported these findings with a less‐dense extracellular matrix composition subepithelially in genital prolapse compared to a healthy control.

Conclusion.  For the first time, we show that young women with genital prolapse have a decreased collagen concentration, suggesting a different organization of the endopelvic connective tissue extracellular matrix. Furthermore, these alterations differ from those earlier found in younger women with stress urinary incontinence.
Subsequent pregnancy outcome after conservative treatment of a previous cesarean scar pregnancy
Authors: Seow Kok‐Min , Hwang Jiann‐Loung , Tsai Yieh‐Loong , Huang Lee‐Wen , Lin Yu‐Hung , Hsieh Bin‐Chwen
Published: November 2004

Background.  To assess pregnancy course and outcome after conservative treatment of a cesarean scar pregnancy.

Methods.  During an 8‐year period, 15 cases of cesarean scar pregnancies were diagnosed at our institution. Seven of the 14 patients for whom we successfully preserved the uterus became pregnant within 3 years after termination of the scar pregnancy. The year of diagnosis, conservative method and gestational age for these five patients were recorded. Delivery method, time interval between the scar pregnancy and subsequent pregnancy, and maternal and neonatal outcome were evaluated.

Results.  Seven pregnancies (eight live and one dead baby) were noted. The mean interval between the ectopic pregnancy and subsequent pregnancy was 13.3 months (range 0–34 months). One patient, who became pregnant 3 months after the scar pregnancy was found, suffered uterine rupture at 38.3 weeks' gestational age. Two patients with placental accrete, and one of them who continued the existing intrauterine twin pregnancy after transvaginal sono‐guided aspiration of the scar pregnancy received a cesarean hysterectomy at 32 weeks of gestation. The remaining four pregnancies were uneventful, followed by early cesarean sections at 36 weeks.

Conclusion.  The results of this first series of seven subsequent pregnancies after conservative treatment of scar pregnancies are promising. An early cesarean section before over‐extension of the uterus and spontaneous labor can help to prevent uterine rupture. Placenta accrete is another severe morbidity of these patients in addition to uterine rupture. Thus a cesarean hysterectomy may be the choice of treatment.
Low plasma levels of oxidized low density lipoprotein in preeclampsia
Authors: Raijmakers Maarten T. M. , Van Tits Berry J. H. , Hak‐Lemmers Heidi L. M. , Roes Eva Maria , Steegers Eric A. P. , Peters Wilbert H. M.
Published: November 2004

Background.  Markers of lipid peroxidation are commonly used to assess oxidative stress in preeclampsia. The aim of this study was to assess the concentration of oxidized low density lipoprotein (oxLDL), a novel marker for lipid peroxidation, and that of the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in the pathogenesis of severe preeclampsia and to investigate the influence of gestational age on these parameters.

Method.  Plasma levels of oxLDL and TBARS were assayed in women with severe preeclampsia (n = 40), normotensive pregnant controls matched for gestational age (n = 24) and normotensive pregnant controls at full term (n = 16).

Results.  Women with preeclampsia showed lower oxLDL levels (mean ± SE) than matched controls (181 ± 12 vs. 219 ± 14; p = 0.027), whereas no differences were found for the TBARS concentration (3.8 ± 0.6 vs. 3.7 ± 0.4). When women with preeclampsia were compared to control women at full term, TBARS were elevated (3.8 ± 0.6 vs. 1.5 ± 0.2; p = 0.01). However, in women with normotensive pregnancy TBARS were also lower in full‐term control pregnancy compared to early third‐trimester values (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion.  Plasma TBARS decreased during the third trimester of pregnancy, underlining the importance of matching for gestational age when studying markers of lipid peroxidation in pregnant women. Women with preeclampsia had lower plasma levels of oxLDL compared to gestational age‐matched controls, indicating that oxLDL could be a marker for preeclampsia.
La mesure des variations territoriales du bien‐être de la population vieillissante de l'Outaouais, entre caractères objectifs et évaluations subjectives
Authors: Gilbert Anne , Langlois André
Published: November 2004

La question de la mesure du bien‐être a ceci d'intéressant qu'elle oblige les géographes à pousser leur réflexion sur les modalités de l'interconnexion entre données objectives et données subjectives. Malgré le regain d'intérêt pour le concept sur la scène publique, peu d'efforts systématiques ont cependant été entrepris dans cette perspective. Notre article vise à pallier cette lacune en comparant une mesure objective de la qualité de vie de la population vieillissante de l'Outaouais (Québec) avec des données sur son bien‐être obtenues par voie d'enquête. Le capital résidentiel, le capital social et le capital humain sont les trois grands facteurs du bien‐être qui ont retenu l'attention. L'effet de milieu sur la relation du bien‐être objectif au bien‐être subjectif a été un important fil conducteur de la recherche. L'étude montre que, si les deux ensembles de mesures convergent assez bien, elles ne se superposent pas entièrement. Les mesures objectives de la contribution de l'environnement social au bien‐être traduisent mal les satisfactions telles que révélées par l'enquête qui illustrent par ailleurs le besoin de tenir compte du sexe, du revenu et de la scolarité dans le bien‐être perçu.
EFFECTS OF SELECTED PHYSICOCHEMICAL FACTORS ON GROWTH AND ZOOSPOROGENESIS OF CLADOPHORA GLOMERATA (CHLOROPHYTA)1
Authors: Hoffmann James P. , Graham Linda E.
Published: November 2004

The effects of vitamin B1 and B12, temperature, light intensity and photoperiod on dry weight production and zoosporogenesis of Cladophora glomerata (L.)Kütz. were investigated by factorial experiments. Statistical analysis showed all of the above factors to be significantly (P < 0.01) influenced by these two parameters. Zoosporogenesis appeared to be more sensitive to vitamin limitation than dry weight production. Dry weight production and zoosporogenesis exhibited significantly different maxima. Dry weight production was most strongly influenced by temperature whereas photoperiod exerted the strongest influence on zoosporogenesis. It was possible to experimentally separate the light intensity and photoperiod factors; analysis showed photoperiod to be the primary factor influencing zoosporogenesis. Among the conditions tested, an 8:16 h LD short day photoperiod elicited the greatest number of zoosporangia.
OCTOSPORIELLA COLORADOENSIS GEN. ET SP. NOV., A NEW TETRASPORALEAN GREEN ALGA FROM TWO COLORADO MOUNTAIN LAKES1
Authors: Kugrens Paul
Published: November 2004

A new green alga, Octosporiella coloradoensis, belonging to the order Tetrasporales, family Tetrasporaceae, is described from Colorado mountain lakes. Colonies are planktonic or attached, the latter often forming loosely aggregated colonial complexes, thus creating an irregularly shaped complex. Individual colonies are spherical and consist of eight subcolonies, with each subcolony having spherically arranged octads of cells. Each vegetative cell bears two pseudoflagella that extend well beyond the colonial sheaths. Cell division is by eleutheroschisis and may be synchronous or asynchronous. Daughter colony formation is apparently coenobic, with each cell in the octad forming new subcolonies of eight cells each. Zoospore formation may precede daughter colony formation but the flagella remain rigid and non‐motile. Large akinetes form in response to nutrient depletion. These germinate to produce eight aplanospores which divide to reconstitute a typical colony of Octosporiella. Sexual reproduction was not observed.
THE MAJOR HISTONE‐LIKE PROTEIN FROM THE NONPHOTOSYNTHETIC DINOFLAGELLATE CRYPTHECODINIUM COHNII (PYRROPHYTA) IS PRESENT IN STATIONARY PHASE CULTURES1
Authors: Rizzo Peter J. , Choi J. , Morris R. L.
Published: November 2004

An improved method is described for the isolation of nuclei from the nonphotosynthetic dinoflagellate Crypthecodinium cohnii (Seligo) Chatton in Grassé. The new method results in an increase in yield from about 13% to 45% or higher, with no loss in purity or activity of endogenous RNA polymerase. Most of this increase in yield is from the ability of 25% Ficoll to cause many cells to shed their walls, and from the stabilizing effect of hexylene glycol during cell disruption. The histone‐like protein, previously undetectable in chromatin from stationary phase cells, can now be demonstrated in chromatin from stationary as well as log phase cells. Preliminary experiments indicate that this protein inhibits transcription.
THE ECOLOGY OF EPIPELIC ALGAE OF FIVE WELSH LAKES, WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO VOLVOCALEAN GREEN FLAGELLATES (CHLOROPHYCEAE)1
Authors: Happey‐Wood Christine M. , Priddle Julian
Published: November 2004

The ecology of epipelic algae on the marginal sediments of five Welsh lakes was studied over an annual cycle. The lakes, Llydaw, Cwellyn, Padarn, Maelog and Coron ranged from very oligotrophic to nutrient‐rich. Attention was focussed on chlamydomonad flagellates, diatoms, blue‐green algae and euglenoids and the different proportions of these in algae in the epipelon of lakes of contrasting water quality.

A total of 75 algal taxa was found in the five lakes, 25 were species of volvocalean flagellates. Mean annual population density of these flagellates differed by an order of magnitude between the lakes. The greatest population density was recorded forChlamydomonas anticontataSchiller in nutrient‐rich Llyn Maelog. Twenty species of pennate diatoms were recorded frequently in the epipelon. In the nutrient‐rich lakes, Maelog and Coron, pennate diatoms were dominant on the sediments, where they exhibited population maxima in spring and autumn. Increase in numbers of epipelic diatoms was recorded when silica concentrations were minimum in the overlying lake waters.Navicula hungaricaGrun. achieved the maximum population density, 260 000 cells · cm−2. Euglenoids formed large epipelic populations during late‐summer and autumn in these nutrient‐rich lakes. Blue‐green algae were more important, proportionally, in the nutrient‐poor mountain lakes, which had sediments of higher organic content. Chlamydomonads were the major algal component of the epipelon in the mountain lakes, Llydaw and Cwellyn, where the sediments were characterized by larger particle size, and higher organic content. In the nutrient‐rich lakes, where the sediments had higher calcium content, chlamydomonads formed significant populations only during spring and summer, when nutrient levels were minimal in the overlying lakewaters.
SILICON UPTAKE BY ALGAE WITH NO KNOWN Si REQUIREMENT. I. TRUE CELLULAR UPTAKE AND pH‐INDUCED PRECIPITATION BY PHAEODACTYLUM TRICORNUTUM (BACILLARIOPHYCEAE) AND PLATYMONAS SP. (PRASINOPHYCEAE)1
Authors: Nelson David M. , Riedel Gerhardt F. , Millan‐Nunez Roberto , Lara‐Lara J. Ruben
Published: November 2004

Phaeodactylum tricornutum Bohlin, the one diatom known to lack a silicon requirement for growth, and the prasinophyte Platymonas sp. are two representatives of a taxonomically diverse group of planktonic algae that have been reported to take up Si without a demonstrable requirement for the element. For both species, removal of Si from solution during growth in batch culture has at least two components; true biological uptake throughout the growth of the culture, and spontaneous inorganic precipitation of a solid silicate phase–probably Mg2Si3O8 (sepiolite)–under the elevated pH conditions that prevail late in batch growth. It is not clear to what extent previous observations of Si uptake by algae without siliceous frustules may be influenced by inorganic, non‐cellular precipitation. The kinetics of true cellular uptake of Si are similar in Phaeodalylum and Platymonas, and different from those reported for the Si‐requiring diatoms. Uptake follows hyperbolic saturation kinetics in both species, with half‐saturation concentrations of 97.4 μM in Phaeodactylum and 80.9 μM in Platymonas, as compared to ca. 1–6 μM in diatoms that form siliceous frustules. Uptake by Phaeodactylum and Platymonas is not substrate‐saturated until the dissolved Si concentration of the medium exceeds 200 μM. Concentrations this high do not occur in the surface layer of the ocean, and the kinetics suggest that both species deposit much less silica in nature than they can be induced to deposit in culture.
ULTRASTRUCTURE OFCHAETOCEROS MUELLERI(BACILLARIOPHYCEAE): AUXOSPORE, RESTING SPORE AND VEGETATIVE CELL MORPHOLOGY1
Authors: Reinke Danny C.
Published: November 2004

The structure of the frustule of auxospores, resting spores and vegetative cells ofChaetoceros muelleriLemm. are described with LM and SEM. Vegetative frustules are relatively small and lightly silicified, are not united into filaments, and appear unornamented under LM and SEM. The setae are circular to subcircular in transverse section with spines and puncta arranged in a spiral pattern. The resting spore and auxospore frustules are more silicified than the vegetative frustules and appear unornamented under LM and SEM. The auxospores of C.muelleriwere previously unknown.
INFLUENCE OF GROWTH STATUS AND NUTRIENTS ON EXTRACELLULAR POLYSACCHARIDE SYNTHESIS BY THE SOIL ALGACHLAMYDOMONAS MEXICANA(CHLOROPHYCEAE)1
Authors: Kroen William K. , Rayburn William R.
Published: November 2004

Increased levels of nitrogen in liquid growth medium bring about increased growth and a delay in extracellular polysaccharide production byChlamydomonas mexicanaLewin on a per‐cell basis. Addition of nitrogen to stationary phase cultures causes renewed growth and a temporary lag in polysaccharide synthesis until growth again ceases. Removal of nitrogen terminates growth, causing an immediate increase in polysaccharide synthesis. Phosphate‐starved cells show a response similar to nitrogen‐starved cells, indicating that the beginning of stationary phase and not nitrogen depletion causes the stimulation in extracellular polysaccharide synthesis. As similar results are assumed to occur on soil, the significance of this response is discussed.
THE MORPHOLOGY AND DEVELOPMENT OF SOME PROMINENTLY STALKED SOUTHERN AUSTRALIAN HALYMENIACEAE (CRYPTONEMIALES, RHODOPHYTA). II. THE SPONGE‐ASSOCIATED GENERA THAMNOCLONIUM KUETZING AND CODIOPHYLLUM GRAY1
Authors: Scott Fiona J. , Wetherbee Richard , Kraft Gerald T.
Published: November 2004

Three members of the red algal family Halymeniaceae (Thamnoclonium dichotomum (J. Ag.) J. Ag., Codiophyllum flabelliforme (Sond.) Schmitz, and C. decipiens (J. Ag.) Schmitz) are investigated. All are endemic to southern and southwestern Australia, possess basal stalks of substantial size and firmness, and are consistently associated with specific sponge taxa. In each case, the sponges are bonded by collagen‐like fibrils to the host cuticle without modifying the algal tissue at the ultrastructural level. Secondary cortication and prominent growth rings occur in the stalks of all three species, and in each the pit plugs between cells become wider, more convoluted and less electron dense with increasing distance from the surface. Such pit plugs are apparently a unique attribute of the stalked Halymeniaceae. The three species share pit plug, sponge association and stalk morphological features but are not otherwise closely related, as they actually represent three distinct genera.
SPERMATOGENESIS INCOLEOCHAETE PULVINATA(CHAROPHYCEAE): SPERM MATURATION1
Authors: Graham Linda E. , Wedemayer Gary J.
Published: November 2004

Ultrastructural study showed that the sequence of developmental events occurring during spermatozoid maturation inColeochaete pulvinataBraun was similar in a number of respects to sperm development in the Charales and lower land plants. Elaboration of cytoskeletal components and associated flagellar basal bodies occurs early, and is followed by an extensive decrease in cytoplasmic volume and increases in densities of cytoplasm and nucleoplasm. Volume decrease and density increases appear to result from exocytosis involving dictyosome vesicles and perhaps endoplasmic reticulum. Elongation of flagella is accompanied by deposition of flagellar and body scales as in the Charales. During final stages of sperm maturation, the MLS undergoes changes in organization of the lamellar strip, which may also occur in archegoniates. In mature sperm ofC. pulvinatathe MLS and basal bodies are so occluded by dense material that determination of absolute orientation (configuration) is difficult. Thus, absolute orientation of the flagellar apparatus was determined by study of mid‐stage spermatids, and found to be the same as previously described by Sluiman for zoospores ofC. pulvinata.Finally, it is proposed that the large complex, striated fiber which connects basal bodies inC. pulvinatahas been evolutionarily reduced in the Charales andPhaeocerossp., ultimately disappearing from most embryophytic lines of descent.
VALVE MORPHOGENESIS IN THE PENNATE DIATOM ACHNANTHES COARCTATA
Authors: Boyle Judith A. , Pickett‐Heaps Jeremy D. , Czarnecki David B.
Published: November 2004

Mitosis and valve morphogenesis in the pennate diatom Achnanthes coarctata (Bréb. in W. Sm.) Grun. are described. After cytokinesis, both daughter nuclei and their microtubule centers (MCs) are found near one side of the cell. Each new tubular silica deposition vesicle (SDV) arises centrally, forming a single rib running the length of the cell. Each MC then migrates around its nucleus and positions itself directly adjacent to the new SDV. The enlarging silicalemmas with their associated MCs, nuclei, microtubules (MTs) and microfilaments (MFs) appear in mirror image in the daughter cells. Both SDVs soon generate a second longitudinal rib alongside the first; the gap between the ribs ultimately becomes the future raphe fissure. The MC, MTs and nucleus are associated with each fissure. However, the subsequent behavior of the valve secreting machinery now becomes quite different in the daughter cells. In the cell that will form a raphid valve, the silicalemma, flanked by MFs, expands laterally in both directions over the cleavage furrow. Within the expanding SDV, silica secretion continues, eventually generating the structure of the mature valve, and during this phase the raphe fissure becomes delineated as in other raphid diatoms. In the other daughter cell, however, the MC and its MTs withdraw from the silicalemma, and the SDV moves laterally across the cleavage furrow until the double rib is at the corner of the cell. As silica is secreted into this expanding SDV, the raphe fissure completely fills in. This valve, therefore, lacks a raphe when mature and has a symmetry quite different from that of the valve formed in the other daughter cell. These events are compared with the course of morphogenesis described for other raphid diatoms.
DEMONSTRATION OF NET INFLUX OF FREE AMINO ACIDS IN PHAEODACTYLUM TRICORNUTUM USING HIGH PERFORMANCE LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY1
Authors: Lu Ming , Stephens Grover C.
Published: November 2004

Influx of glycine from dilute solution in the medium into Phaeodactylum tricornutum (Bohlin) was studied using radiochemical techniques. Comparison of these data with simultaneous measurements of the disappearance of primary amines from the medium by fluorometry indicates that influx of 14C‐labeled glycine accurately reflects net entry of substrate. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was employed to demonstrate net removal of fourteen different amino acids from dilute solution by P. tricornutum. HPLC was also used to demonstrate net removal of free amino acids naturally present in sea water.
Transesophageal Echocardiography‐Guided Transvenous Biopsy of an Intracardiac Tumor
Authors: Scholte Arthur J.H.A. , Frissen P.H. Jos , van der Wouw Poll. A.
Published: November 2004

Transesophageal echocardiography with simultaneous fluoroscopic guidance during a transvenous biopsy of an intracardiac tumor is a valuable technique. We present the case of a 67‐year‐old man with a metastasis in the right atrium from which histological examination of the tumor was indicated. The inaccessible location of the primary tumor in the liver and impaired hemostasis due to cirrhosis necessitated a transvenous biopsy of the metastasis. The procedure and the associated techniques are discussed in this case.
A Novel Method to Estimate Pulmonary Artery Wedge Pressure Using the Downslope of the Doppler Mitral Regurgitant Velocity Profile
Authors: Uzun Mehmet , Erinc Kursad , Kirilmaz Ata , Baysan Oben , Sag Cemal , Kilicarslan Fethi , Genc Celal , Karaeren Hayrettin , Demirtas Ertan
Published: November 2004

Continuous‐wave (CW) Doppler recording of mitral regurgitation (MR) is a reflection of the left ventriculoatrial pressure gradient. Accordingly, this jet may yield information about pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP). In this study, we derived and then evaluated a novel method for prediction of PAWP. Patients (n = 80) with moderate to severe MR and left ventricular dysfunction were included in the study. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed in patients during pulmonary artery pressure monitoring. A satisfactory CW Doppler recording of MR was obtained in 63/80 (78%). On the late descending portion of the CW recording, the time from a velocity of 4 m/sec to the end of the jet was defined as t1, and from 3 m/sec to the end of the jet as t2. Mathematical derivation of t1/t2 as a predictor of PAWP, was performed based on Weiss' derivation. If t1/t2 was <1.30, the PAWP was normal. If t1/t2 > 1.44, the PAWP was > 16 mmHg. With this new mathematical derivation, it appears that the downslope of the CW Doppler MR waveform may be able to distinguish a normal from elevated PAWP.
Live Three‐Dimensional Transthoracic Echocardiographic Assessment of Left Ventricular Hydatid Cyst
Authors: Sinha Ashish , Nanda Navin C. , Panwar Raja Babu , Kasliwal Ravi R. , Chauhan Nagendra , Beniwal Sanjay , Panwar Sadik Raja , Khanna Deepak , Bodiwala Kunal , Mehmood Farhat , Upendram Sailendra , Vengala Srinivas
Published: November 2004

We report an adult patient in whom live three‐dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (3DTTE) complemented two‐dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (2DTTE) in making a definitive diagnosis of a hydatid cyst located in the left ventricular cavity. The parent hydatid cyst, as well as the daughter cysts, contained within it could be delineated by both 2DTTE and live 3DTTE. However, the tertiary or granddaughter cysts originating from the daughter cysts as well as great‐granddaughter cysts budding from tertiary cysts could be visualized only when the live 3DTTE data sets were cropped and sectioned sequentially using multiple cutting planes. In addition, apparent intrinsic mobility of some of the tertiary cysts implying viability was detected only by 3DTTE.
Fatal Attraction
Authors: Cohen Florette , Solomon Sheldon , Maxfield Molly , Pyszczynski Tom , Greenberg Jeff
Published: November 2004

A study was conducted to assess the effects of mortality salience on evaluations of political candidates as a function of leadership style. On the basis of terror management theory and previous research, we hypothesized that people would show increased preference for a charismatic political candidate and decreased preference for a relationship-oriented political candidate in response to subtle reminders of death. Following a mortality-salience or control induction, 190 participants read campaign statements by charismatic, task-oriented, and relationship-oriented gubernatorial candidates; evaluated their preferences for each candidate; and voted for one of them. Results were in accord with predictions. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are considered.
Impact of water quality on macroinvertebrate assemblages along a tropical stream in Kenya
Authors: Ndaruga Ayub M. , Ndiritu George G. , Gichuki Nathan N. , Wamicha W. N.
Published: November 2004

Prudent management of lotic systems requires information on their ecological status that can be estimated by monitoring water quality and biodiversity attributes. To understand environmental conditions in Gatharaini drainage basin in Central Kenya, a study was carried out to establish the relationship between water quality and macroinvertebrate assemblages between the months of March and September 1996. Six sampling sites, each 25 m long were selected along a 24‐km stretch of the stream, which drained land under agricultural, residential and industrial use. Water physico‐chemical data was explored using multivariate analysis of Principal Component Analysis to detect environmental trends downstream. Both macroinvertebrates and water physico‐chemical data of suggested trends were analysed for variations and correlations. Temperatures and invertebrate densities changed significantly between the dry and wet season (P < 0.01) but the fluctuations were not evident downstream. Water physico‐chemical characteristics (total dissolved solids (TDS), pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen) and biodiversity indices (species richness, diversity, dominance, evenness) changed markedly downstream (P < 0.01). Biodiversity indices correlated inversely with TDS, pH and turbidity but positively with dissolved O2. It was evident macroinvertebrate assemblages changed significantly downstream as opposed to functional feeding groups. Diptera was important in most sites whilst Oligochaeta dominance increased downstream corresponding to the deterioration in water quality. Collectors/browsers were the dominant functional feeding groups at most sites. This study showed that significant changes in aquatic macroinvertebrate assemblages were primarily due to water quality rather than prevailing climatic conditions.
Lack of a strong association between HLA class II, tumour necrosis factor and transporter associated with antigen processing gene polymorphisms and virological response to α‐interferon treatment in patients with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Airoldi A. , Zavaglia C. , Silini E. , Tinelli C. , Martinetti M. , Asti M. , Rossini A. , Vangeli M. , Salvaneschi L. , Pinzello G.
Published: November 2004

The aim of the study was to investigate whether polymorphisms of the HLA class II, tumour necrosis factor (TNF) and transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP) genes influence the response to α‐interferon in patients with chronic hepatitis C. Twenty‐seven sustained responders and 55 non‐responders to α‐interferon monotherapy were investigated. HLA‐DRB1, DQA1, DQB1, TNFA, TNFB, TAP1 and TAP2 alleles were determined by PCR‐based molecular techniques. Sustained virological response was defined as undetectable serum hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA for at least 3 years after the end of treatment. Probability (P) values were corrected for the number of alleles tested (Pc). Viral genotype 1b was more frequent in responders than in non‐responders (56% vs. 26%, P = 0.009). HLA‐DQB1*02 occurred less frequently in responders than in non‐responders (14.8% vs. 29%, Pc not significant). HLA‐DRB1*11 and DQB1*0602 were found in 22.2% and 9.3% of responders and in 10.9% and 1.8% of non‐responders, respectively (Pc not significant). There was no difference in the distribution of TNF alleles in the two groups. Twenty‐four (88.8%) responder patients as compared with 34 (61.8%) non‐responders were TAP1*0101 homozygous (Pc not significant). Thus, in European Caucasoids with chronic hepatitis C, we could not demonstrate a strong association between HLA class II, TNF, and TAP gene polymorphisms and response to interferon treatment.
Decomposition of soil and plant carbon from pasture systems after 9 years of exposure to elevated CO2: impact on C cycling and modeling
Authors: De Graaff Marie‐Anne , Six Johan , Harris David , Blum Herbert , Van Kessel Chris
Published: November 2004

Elevated atmospheric CO2 may alter decomposition rates through changes in plant material quality and through its impact on soil microbial activity. This study examines whether plant material produced under elevated CO2 decomposes differently from plant material produced under ambient CO2. Moreover, a long‐term experiment offered a unique opportunity to evaluate assumptions about C cycling under elevated CO2 made in coupled climate–soil organic matter (SOM) models. Trifolium repens and Lolium perenne plant materials, produced under elevated (60 Pa) and ambient CO2 at two levels of N fertilizer (140 vs. 560 kg ha−1 yr−1), were incubated in soil for 90 days. Soils and plant materials used for the incubation had been exposed to ambient and elevated CO2 under free air carbon dioxide enrichment conditions and had received the N fertilizer for 9 years. The rate of decomposition of L. perenne and T. repens plant materials was unaffected by elevated atmospheric CO2 and rate of N fertilization. Increases in L. perenne plant material C : N ratio under elevated CO2 did not affect decomposition rates of the plant material. If under prolonged elevated CO2 changes in soil microbial dynamics had occurred, they were not reflected in the rate of decomposition of the plant material. Only soil respiration under L. perenne, with or without incorporation of plant material, from the low‐N fertilization treatment was enhanced after exposure to elevated CO2. This increase in soil respiration was not reflected in an increase in the microbial biomass of the L. perenne soil. The contribution of old and newly sequestered C to soil respiration, as revealed by the 13C‐CO2 signature, reflected the turnover times of SOM–C pools as described by multipool SOM models. The results do not confirm the assumption of a negative feedback induced in the C cycle following an increase in CO2, as used in coupled climate–SOM models. Moreover, this study showed no evidence for a positive feedback in the C cycle following additional N fertilization.
Nitrous oxide and methane fluxes from soils of the Orinoco savanna under different land uses
Authors: Simona Castaldi , Ariangelo De Pascale Raffaele , John Grace , Nina Nikonova , Ruben Montes , José San José
Published: November 2004

The study investigates the effect of land‐use change on nitrous oxide (N2O) and methane (CH4) fluxes from soil, in savanna ecosystems of the Orinoco region (Venezuela). Gas fluxes were measured by closed static chambers, in the wet and dry season, in representative systems of land management of the region: a cultivated pasture, an herbaceous savanna, a tree savanna and a woodland (control site). Higher N2O emissions were observed in the cultivated pasture and in the herbaceous savanna compared with the tree savanna and the woodland, and differences were mainly related to fine soil particle content and soil volumetric water content measured in the studied sites. Overall N2O emissions were quite low in all sites (0–1.58 mg N2O‐N m−2 day−1). The cultivated pasture and the woodland savanna were on average weak CH4 sinks (−0.05±0.07 and −0.08±0.05 mg CH4 m−2 day−1, respectively), whereas the herbaceous savanna and the tree savanna showed net CH4 production (0.23±0.05 and 0.19±0.05 mg CH4 m−2 day−1, respectively). Variations of CH4 fluxes were mainly driven by variation of soil water‐filled pore space (WFPS), and a shift from net CH4 consumption to net CH4 production was observed at around 30% WFPS. Overall, the data suggest that conversion of woodland savanna to managed landscape could alter both CH4 and N2O fluxes; however, the magnitude of such variation depends on the soil characteristics and on the type of land management before conversion.
Role of 14‐bp deletion in the HLA‐G gene in the maintenance of pregnancy
Authors: Tripathi P. , Abbas A. , Naik S. , Agrawal S.
Published: November 2004

Abstract:  Differential expression of human leukocyte antigens (HLAs) on trophoblast has been the focus of many studies, specially on extravillous cytotrophoblast cells, which migrates into the maternal uterine tissues. These invading cells do not express classical major histocompatibility complex class I (–A and –B) and class II molecules, along with low expression of HLA‐C. HLA‐G is the predominantly expressed antigen along with HLA‐E. Hence, it is believed that expressed antigens may be involved in materno‐fetal tolerance. In the present study, we have studied 14‐bp deletion polymorphism in the exon‐8 of the non‐classical HLA‐G antigen. There was no difference in the frequency of deletion/insertion polymorphism in fertile normal women and recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) women. However, the number of heterozygotes (−14b/+14b) were increased in RSA women. The probable mechanism for the increase of heterozygotes in recurrent fetal loss is discussed in light of soluble HLA‐G.
Cancer statistics: everything you wanted to know about the cancer registry data but were too afraid to ask
Authors: Giles Graham G. , Thursfield Vicky
Published: November 2004

Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) have had complete population cancer incidence registration for decades and are beginning to develop clinical data systems to collect details of staging and treatment. Sadly, this bounty of statistical data is often under utilized and occasionally abused. Many are unaware of the data and statistical services available from their local cancer registry. To promote the use of ANZ population cancer data, the following paper describes the principal statistics that are available and identifies common problems with their use.
Embedded Internationalisms: Building Transnational Solidarity in the British and Norwegian Trade Union Movements
Authors: Cumbers Andrew
Published: November 2004

There has been growing interest in the prospects for a new trade union internationalism in recent years, following the end of the Cold War and the coming together of the main national union organisations into one confederation, the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU). For the first time in decades, geopolitical straitjackets and defensive nationalistic postures are giving way to more open, internationalist perspectives as unions attempt to get to grips with global capitalism. However, despite some well‐publicised grassroots globalisation campaigns, effective international labour organising and networking remains thin on the ground. One of the reasons for this is that, despite the rhetoric of globalisation and the reality of multi‐layered governance, the “national” space remains the critical scale at which unions operate. Variations in both union organisation and the politico‐institutional context within which unions operate nationally continue to shape international solidarity activities. This theme is pursued in this paper through the contrasting cases of the UK and Norwegian trade union movements. Although both union movements have been subject to similar problems in recent years, in terms of membership decline and the pressures of increasing global economic integration, the different national political and economic contexts within which unions are embedded have been important in facilitating or constraining international strategies.
Resisting and Challenging Neoliberalism: The Development of Italian Social Centers
Authors: Mudu Pierpaolo
Published: November 2004

In the 1970s, Italy experienced a difficult transition from Fordism to a flexible accumulation regime. The resulting changes in production relations led to the disappearance of traditional public spaces and meeting places such as open squares, workplaces, party offices or the premises of groups involved in the antagonistic, ie anti‐capitalist and anti‐fascist, movement. Within this context, in the 1980s and 1990s, these groups managed to create new social and political spaces by setting up Self‐Managed Social Centers (CSAs), ie squatted properties which became the venue of social, political and cultural events. Over 250 Social Centers have been active in Italy over the past 15 years, especially in urban areas. Their organizational modes are examples of successful direct democracy in non‐hierarchical structures and may provide alternative options to the bureaucratic organization of so many aspects of social and political life. Point number one on a Social Center's agenda is a daunting task: it must renovate and refurbish privately or publicly owned empty properties and turn them into public spaces open to the general public. For this task it relies exclusively on collective action, ie cooperative working modes which do not come under the provisions governing regular employment contracts and can thus be used to combat marginalization and exclusion processes which are becoming more and more dramatic in our cities. An analysis of the evolution of this original Italian movement provides the opportunity to address a number of issues associated with alternative practices to neoliberal globalization.
Nine polymorphic microsatellite loci for the fennel Pondweed Potamogeton pectinatus L.
Authors: NIES GEORG , REUSCH THORSTEN B. H.
Published: November 2004

Fennel (= Sago) pondweed (Potamogeton pectinatus L.) is a submersed macrophyte of nearly cosmopolitan distribution. The plant is of worldwide ecological importance as structuring component of shallow lakes, and as food for waterfowl. We developed nine polymorphic microsatellite primers for the population genetic analysis of P. pectinatus. The loci were identified using a GA/CT‐enriched genomic library using subtractive hybridization with magnetic particles. All nine loci were highly polymorphic with 6–9 alleles and heterozygosities ranging from 0.23 to 0.80 in a subset of N = 40 genotypes from five locations.
Isolation of 10 polymorphic microsatellite loci from Antirhea borbonica (Rubiaceae)
Authors: LITRICO I. , GILLES J. , SOURROUILLE P. , VIGNES H.
Published: November 2004

We report here the characteristics of 10 microsatellite markers isolated from a microsatellite‐enriched DNA library from Antirhea borbonica, Gmel (Rubiaceae). Antirhea borbonica is an endemic tree on the islands of La Réunion and Mauritius (Indian Ocean) where it occurs on young lava flows (fragmented and perturbed habitat) and in old primary forest. Ten polymorphic loci were characterized, with two to 15 alleles per locus, based on samples from six populations. These loci will be useful for analysing population structure in a metapopulation context where populations frequently go extinct.
Microsatellite DNA markers for the Stable Fly, Stomoxys calcitrans (Diptera: Muscidae)
Authors: GILLES J. , LITRICO I. , SOURROUILLE P. , DUVALLET G.
Published: November 2004

Eight polymorphic microsatellite markers have been isolated from a microsatellite‐enriched DNA library from the Stable Fly, Stomoxys calcitrans. These loci exhibited four to 15 alleles per locus and an expected heterozygosity ranging from 0.19 to 0.84 in the three populations studied from La Réunion island (Indian Ocean). They should therefore be valuable for studying genetic diversity and population structure. Cross‐species amplification of these eight loci in the closely allied species Stomoxys niger niger was successful for four of these loci, one of which was monomorphic and one of which strongly departed from Hardy–Weinberg expectations.
Development and characterization of nine new microsatellite markers in Taraxacum (Asteraceae)
Authors: VAŠUT RADIM J. , VAN DIJK PETER J. , FALQUE MATTHIEU , TRÁVNÍČEK BOHUMIL , DE JONG J. HANS
Published: November 2004

This study aims at developing and characterizing new microsatellite primer pairs in Taraxacum officinale auct. to produce polymorphic markers for genetical and evolutionary studies on apomixis in this sexual‐apomictic complex. A total of 24 diploid plants were tested for allelic polymorphism and heterozygosity. Out of nine loci three deviated significantly from the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium expectations, probably due to the presence of null‐alleles. Successful cross‐species amplification was obtained for all markers in 29 Taraxacum microspecies from five sections.
Isolation of polymorphic tetranucleotide microsatellite markers for the little greenbul (Andropadus virens)
Authors: BARDELEBEN CAROLYNE
Published: November 2004

Thirteen polymorphic microsatellite markers have been developed for the little greenbul, Andropadus virens. The number of alleles range from two to 15 per locus with the observed heterozygosity ranging from 0.15 to 0.92. Eight sets of primers also amplify in closely related species, Andropadus laterostris and Andropadus tephrolaemus. These markers will be useful for analysis of questions concerning population genetic structure and models of speciation.
Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite loci in the boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis Boheman (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: KIM KYUNG SEOK , SAPPINGTON THOMAS W.
Published: November 2004

The boll weevil (Anthonomus grandis Boheman) is a major insect pest of cotton in North America. Dispersal activity poses a threat to ongoing eradication efforts in the US, but little is known about the frequency of long‐distance migration. Nuclear molecular markers are needed to assess gene flow in relation to geographical distance. A biotin‐enrichment strategy was employed to develop microsatellite markers for the boll weevil. Of 23 loci isolated, 14 were polymorphic with three to 10 alleles per locus. Twelve of the polymorphic loci showed Mendelian inheritance and are likely to be useful in population genetics studies.
genotypeandgenodive: two programs for the analysis of genetic diversity of asexual organisms
Authors: MEIRMANS PATRICK G. , VAN TIENDEREN PETER H.
Published: November 2004

Investigating diversity in asexual organisms using molecular markers involves the assignment of individuals to clonal lineages and the subsequent analysis of clonal diversity. Assignment is possible using a distance matrix in combination with a user‐specified threshold, defined as the maximum distance between two individuals that are considered to belong to the same clonal lineage. Analysis of clonal diversity requires tests for differences in diversity and clonal composition between populations. We developed two programs,genotypeandgenodivefor such analyses of clonal diversity in asexually reproducing organisms. Additionally,genotypecan be used for detecting genotyping errors in studies of sexual organisms.
Microsatellite loci from red sea urchins (Strongylocentrotus franciscanus)
Authors: MILLER K. M. , KAUKINEN K. H. , LABEREE K. , SUPERNAULT K. J.
Published: November 2004

Strongylocentrotus franciscanus is a keystone marine herbivore in the Pacific North West of North America, that is commercially harvested for its roe in wild fisheries and is under development as an aquaculture species. We report the development of 11 novel, highly polymorphic di‐ and trinucleotide loci for use in population studies of this species. In a survey of over 200 individuals from three coastal sites in British Columbia, observed heterozygosities of the loci ranged from 0.39 to 0.85 and an average of 26 alleles per locus were resolved. Seven of the 11 microsatellite loci were in Hardy–Weinburg equiulibruim (HWE).