bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Socioeconomic Gradient in the Incidence of Stroke
Authors: Kuper Hannah , Adami Hans-Olov , Theorell Töres , Weiderpass Elisabete
Published: December 2006

Background and Purpose—

A socioeconomic gradient in stroke has been demonstrated in a variety of settings, but mostly in men. Our purpose was to establish whether a socioeconomic gradient in stroke existed in a group of Swedish women and whether this gradient could be explained by established stroke risk factors or psychosocial factors.

Methods—

The Women’s Lifestyle and Health Cohort Study includes 49 259 women from Sweden aged 30 to 50 years at baseline (1991 to 1992). The women completed an extensive questionnaire and were traced through linkages to national registries until the end of 2002. Among the 47 942 women included in these analyses, there were 200 cases of incident stroke during follow up (121 ischemic stroke, 47 hemorrhagic stroke, and 32 of unknown origin). Statistical analysis was through the Cox proportional hazards model.

Results—

The risk of stroke was significantly inversely related to years of education completed, our proxy for socioeconomic status (hazard ratio comparing lowest with highest education group=2.1, 95% CI: 1.4 to 2.9,
P
for trend <0.001). This association was reduced after adjustment for established risk factors, although remaining significant (1.5, 1.0 to 2.2,
P
for trend=0.04). The gradient was more pronounced for ischemic stroke (2.9, 1.8 to 4.7,
P
for trend <0.001) than for hemorrhagic stroke (1.4, 0.7 to 2.9,
P
for trend=0.35). Job strain and social support were unrelated to risk of stroke. Self-rated health was strongly related to risk of stroke mediated by established risk factors. Psychosocial factors did not contribute toward the socioeconomic gradient in stroke.

Conclusions—

There was a strong gradient in risk of stroke by years of education, especially for ischemic stroke. Most of the social gradient was explained by established risk factors, particularly smoking and alcohol, but not by psychosocial factors.
Aircraft flight controller tracking design using H-Infinity static output-feedback
Authors: Gadewadikar J. , Lewis F. L.
Published: December 2006

This paper presents an approach for designing compensators of specified structure for shaping the closed-loop step response that uses H-Infinity output-feedback design techniques. This approach results in controllers that take advantage of the wealth of experience in aircraft control design. Simplified conditions are presented, which only require the solution of two coupled matrix design equations. A new numerically efficient algorithm to solve the H-Infinity disturbance attenuation is given. An F-16 normal acceleration design example is solved to illustrate the power of the proposed approach.
Widowhood, Gender, and Depression
Authors: Lee Gary R. , DeMaris Alfred
Published: December 2006

Many cross-sectional studies have found that widowhood is psychologically a more difficult experience for men than for women. However, most longitudinal studies have found either no gender difference or a slightly greater effect for women. The authors attempted to resolve this paradox with data from the first two waves of the National Survey of Families and Households. They found that men whose wives died between the two waves were already highly depressed at time 1, compared with men whose wives survived until time 2. There was no such anticipatory effect for women. Attempts to explain men's elevated depression before widowhood, with predictors involving wife's health, caregiving, and marital quality at time 1, were largely unsuccessful. However, the authors suggest that longitudinal studies that examine change in depression after widowhood may miss the increase in depression for men that appears to occur before their wives' deaths.
Self-State of Nurses in Caring for Sars Survivors
Authors: Chiang Hsien-Hsien , Chen Mei-Bih , Sue I-Ling
Published: December 2006

The aim of this study was to analyze nurses' experiences of role strain when taking care of patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). We adopted an interpretive/constructivist paradigm. Twenty-one nurses who had taken care of SARS patients were interviewed in focus groups. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The self-state of nurses during the SARS outbreak evolved into that of professional self as: (1) self-preservation; (2) self-mirroring; and (3) self-transcendence. The relationship between self-state and reflective practice is discussed.
Why Hospice Nurses Need High Self-Esteem
Authors: Olthuis Gert , Leget Carlo , Dekkers Wim
Published: December 2006

This article discusses the relationship between personal and professional qualities in hospice nurses. We examine the notion of self-esteem in personal and professional identity. The focus is on two questions: (1) what is self-esteem, and how is it related to personal identity and its moral dimension? and (2) how do self-esteem and personal identity relate to the professional identity of nurses? We demonstrate it is important that the moral and personal goals in nurses' life coincide. If nurses' personal view of the good life is compatible with their experiences and feelings as professionals, this improves their performance as nurses. We also discuss how good nursing depends on the responses that nurses receive from patients, colleagues and family; they make nurses feel valued as persons and enable them to see the value of the work they do.
Human herpesvirus 8 acute infection of endothelial cells induces monocyte chemoattractant protein 1–dependent capillary-like structure formation: role of the IKK/NF-κB pathway
Authors: Caselli Elisabetta , Fiorentini Simona , Amici Carla , Di Luca Dario , Caruso Arnaldo , Santoro M. Gabriella
Published: December 2006

Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) is considered the causative agent of Kaposi sarcoma, a highly vascularized neoplasm characterized by spindle-shaped cells of endothelial origin and inflammatory cell infiltration. The cell transforming ability of HHV-8 has been associated with the activation of NF-κB, a nuclear factor playing a pivotal role in promoting inflammation and cell proliferation; however, little is known about NF-κB activation during acute HHV-8 infection. In the present study, we used a recently established in vitro model of HHV-8 acute productive infection in endothelial cells to investigate the effect of HHV-8 on NF-κB activity and function. HHV-8 rapidly and potently induced NF-κB activity in endothelial cells via stimulation of the IκB kinase (IKK). Following IKK activation, HHV-8 selectively triggered the production of high levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), whereas it did not affect the expression of other NF-κB–dependent proinflammatory proteins, including TNF-α, IL-8, and RANTES. Deletion of NF-κB–binding sites in the MCP-1 enhancer resulted in significant inhibition of HHV-8–induced transcription. Furthermore, MCP-1 production was accompanied by virus-induced capillary-like structure formation at early stages of infection. The results suggest that HHV-8–induced MCP-1 may play an important role in promoting inflammation and pathogenic angiogenesis typical of HHV-8–associated lesions.
Sustained thymopoiesis and improvement in functional immunity induced by exogenous KGF administration in murine models of aging
Authors: Min Dullei , Panoskaltsis-Mortari Angela , Kuro-o Makoto , Holländer Georg A. , Blazar Bruce R. , Weinberg Kenneth I.
Published: December 2006

Age-related thymopoietic insufficiency has been proposed to be related to either defects in lymphohematopoietic progenitors or the thymic microenvironment. In this study, we examined whether keratinocyte growth factor (KGF), an epithelial cell–specific growth factor, could increase thymopoietic capacity in aged mice by restoration of the function of thymic epithelial cells (TECs). The thymic cellularity in KGF-treated aged mice increased about 4-fold compared to placebo-treated mice, resulting in an equivalent thymic cellularity to young mice. Enhanced thymopoiesis was maintained for about 2 months after a single course of KGF, and sustained improvement was achieved by administration of monthly courses of KGF. With the enhanced thymopoiesis after KGF treatment, the number of naive CD4 T cells in the periphery and T-cell–dependent antibody production improved in aged mice. KGF induced increased numbers of TECs and intrathymic interleukin-7 (IL-7) production and reorganization of cortical and medullary architecture. Furthermore, KGF enhanced thymopoiesis and normalized TEC organization in klotho (kl/kl) mice, a model of premature degeneration and aging, which displays thymopoietic defects. The result suggests that TEC damage is pathophysiologically important in thymic aging, and KGF therapy may be clinically useful in improving thymopoiesis and immune function in the elderly.
Dasatinib induces notable hematologic and cytogenetic responses in chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukemia after failure of imatinib therapy
Authors: Hochhaus Andreas , Kantarjian Hagop M. , Baccarani Michele , Lipton Jeffrey H. , Apperley Jane F. , Druker Brian J. , Facon Thierry , Goldberg Stuart L. , Cervantes Francisco , Niederwieser Dietger , Silver Richard T. , Stone Richard M. , Hughes Timothy P. , Muller Martin C. , Ezzeddine Rana , Countouriotis Athena M. , Shah Neil P.
Published: December 2006

Although imatinib induces marked responses in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), resistance is increasingly problematic, and treatment options for imatinib-resistant or -intolerant CML are limited. Dasatinib, a novel, highly potent, oral, multitargeted kinase inhibitor of BCR-ABL and SRC family kinases, induced cytogenetic responses in a phase 1 study in imatinib-resistant or -intolerant CML and was well tolerated. Initial results are presented from a phase 2 study of 186 patients with imatinib-resistant or -intolerant chronic-phase CML (CML-CP) designed to further establish the efficacy and safety of dasatinib (70 mg twice daily). At 8-months' follow-up, dasatinib induced notable responses, with 90% and 52% of patients achieving complete hematologic and major cytogenetic responses (MCyR), respectively. Responses were long lasting: only 2% of patients achieving MCyR progressed or died. Importantly, comparable responses were achieved by patients carrying BCR-ABL mutations conferring imatinib resistance. Dasatinib also induced molecular responses, reducing BCR-ABL/ABL transcript ratios from 66% at baseline to 2.6% at 9 months. Nonhematologic adverse events were generally mild to moderate, and most cytopenias were effectively managed with dose modifications. Cross-intolerance with imatinib was not evident. To conclude, dasatinib induces notable responses in imatinib-resistant or -intolerant CML-CP, is well tolerated, and represents a promising therapeutic option for these patients. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as CA180013.
Management of expatriate medical assistance in Mozambique
Authors: Vio Ferruccio
Published: December 2006

This paper discusses how Mozambique coped with the health system needs in terms of specialized doctors since independence, in a troubled context of war, lack of financial resources and modifying settings of foreign aid. The Ministry of Health (MOH) managed to make up for its severe scarcity of specialist MDs especially through contracting expatriate technical assistance. Different scenarios, partnerships and contract schemes that have evolved since independence are briefly described, as well as self-reliance option possibility and implications. Lessons learned about donor initiatives aimed at contracting specialists from other developing countries are singled out. The issue of obtaining expertise and knowledge in the global market as cheap as possible is stressed, and realistic figures of cost planning are highlighted, as determined by the overall health system necessities and budget limitations.
Human T-cell leukemia virus type 2 Tax protein induces interleukin 2-independent growth in a T-cell line
Authors: Kondo Rie , Higuchi Masaya , Takahashi Masahiko , Oie Masayasu , Tanaka Yuetsu , Gejyo Fumitake , Fujii Masahiro
Published: December 2006

Background:

While human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is a causative agent of adult T-cell leukemia, HTLV type 2 (HTLV-2) is not associated with this malignancy. Accumulating evidence suggests that Tax, a transforming protein of HTLV-1 or HTLV-2, plays a crucial role in the distinctive pathogenesis of these two infections. We herein examined whether Tax2 by itself has a growth promoting activity in a mouse T-cell line CTLL-2, and compared the activity with that of Tax1.

Results:

We found that Tax2 converts the cell growth of CTLL-2 from an interleukin(IL)-2-dependent growth into an independent one. Cyclosporine A, an inhibitor of transcription factor NFAT, inhibited the growth of two out of four Tax2-transformed CTLL-2 cells, but it had little effect on two Tax1-transformed cells. While the HTLV-2-transformed human T-cell lines produce a significant amount of IL-2, Tax2-transformed CTLL-2 cells only produced a minimal amount of IL-2. These results thus suggest that NFAT-inducible gene(s) other than IL-2 play a role in the cell growth of Tax2-transformed CTLL-2 cells.

Conclusion:

These results show that HTLV-2 Tax2 by itself has a growth promoting activity toward a T-cell line CTLL-2, and the CTLL-2 assay used in this study may therefore be a useful tool for comparing the activity of Tax2 with that of Tax1 in T-cells, thereby elucidating the mechanism of HTLV-1 specific leukemogenesis.
Malignancy in the blind painful eye – report of two cases and literature review
Authors: Pereira Patrícia Rusa , Odashiro Alexandre Nakao , Souza Filho João Pessoa , Saraiva Vinicius S , Camoriano David Gerardo , Burnier Miguel N
Published: December 2006

Background

Few cases of malignant tumors arising in a blind painful eye have previously been described. We described two cases of a blind painful eye containing an unsuspected tumor, which were enucleated to relieve the pain.

Case presentations

Case 1: A 57 year-old Caucasian man presented with recurrent orbital cellulitis and endophthalmitis in the left eye (OS). The OS was blind and painful and an enucleation was performed showing a uveal melanoma by histopathological exam. Case 2: A 54 year-old Caucasian man with previous history of a rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in his left eye presented a blind painful eye. Enucleation was performed revealing a well-differentiated B-cell lymphoma of uveal tract with extra ocular extension.

Conclusion

In the management of a blind painful eye, it is extremely important to rule out an intraocular malignancy particularly in those patients who have not been followed by an ophthalmologist.
Oxidation of methionine 63 and 83 regulates the effect of S100A9 on the migration of neutrophils in vitro
Authors: Sroussi Herve Y , Berline Jennifer , Palefsky Joel M
Published: December 2006

The calcium-binding proteins S100A8 and S100A9 and their heterocomplex calprotectin are abundant cytosolic constituents in human neutrophils, constitutively expressed by mucosal epithelium and in association with inflammation by epidermal keratinocytes. S100A8 and S100A9 are pleiotropic proteins, which partake in the regulation of leukocyte migration. This study was designed to investigate the effect of S100A9 on neutrophil migration and to explore the mechanisms that regulate this effect. Based on previous results with S100A8, we hypothesized that S100A9 repels neutrophils and that oxidation of S100A9 regulates this function. Using standard Transwell chemotaxis assays and site-directed mutagenesis, we show that S100A9 exerts a chemo-repulsive (fugetactic) effect on peripheral neutrophils, an effect abolished by oxidation of S100A9. After substitution of methionine 63 and 83 for alanine, S100A9 maintained its fugetaxis activity, even in inhibitory, oxidative conditions. Together, the data suggest that S100A9 serves as a molecular switch for oxidative control of inflammation regulated by the oxidation of species-conserved methionine residues. In healthy mucosal tissue, expression of S100A9 by the epithelium may serve to inhibit leukocyte recruitment. However, conditions of oxidative stress, including infection and overgrowth of opportunistic pathogens, may abrogate this activity by neutralizing S100A9 as a result of its oxidative alteration.
Availability of patient records and psychiatric admission rate
Authors: Shajahan Polash , Agnew Timothy
Published: December 2006

Aims and Method

Trainee psychiatrists often perform emergency mental health assessments. Traditionally, it has been considered that having access to past psychiatric records will reduce the likelihood of a patient being admitted. We examined whether the availability of records had an influence on admission by recording all contacts to the duty junior psychiatrist in two district general hospitals over a 6-month period.

Results

For those with chronic or enduring mental illnesses there is a 27% increase in the likelihood of admission if past records are available. For all other patients the increase is 10%.

Clinical Implications

Contrary to our expectations, the availability of records increases the likelihood of admission to mental health admission units.
A Growth Hormone-Releasing Peptide Promotes Mitochondrial Biogenesis and a Fat Burning-Like Phenotype through Scavenger Receptor CD36 in White Adipocytes
Authors: Rodrigue-Way Amélie , Demers Annie , Ong Huy , Tremblay André
Published: December 2006

Whereas the uptake of oxidized lipoproteins by scavenger receptor CD36 in macrophages has been associated with foam cell formation and atherogenesis, little is known about the role of CD36 in regulating lipid metabolism in adipocytes. Here we report that treatment of 3T3-L1 adipocytes with hexarelin, a GH-releasing peptide that interacts with CD36, resulted in a depletion of intracellular lipid content with no significant change in CD36 expression. Microarray analysis revealed an increased pattern in several genes involved in fatty acid mobilization toward the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation process in response to hexarelin. Interestingly, many of these up-regulated genes are known targets of peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ, such as FATP, CPT-1, and F1-ATPase, suggesting that adipocyte response to hexarelin may involve PPARγ activation. Expression studies also indicate an increase in thermogenic markers PPARγ coactivator 1α and uncoupling protein-1, which are normally expressed in brown adipocytes. Electron microscopy of hexarelin-treated 3T3-L1 adipocytes showed an intense and highly organized cristae formation that spans the entire width of mitochondria, compared with untreated cells, and cytochrome c oxidase activity was enhanced by hexarelin, two features characteristic of highly oxidative tissues. A similar mitochondrial phenotype was detected in epididymal white fat of mice treated with hexarelin, along with an increased expression of thermogenic markers that was lost in treated CD36-null mice, suggesting that the ability of hexarelin to promote a brown fat-like phenotype also occurs in vivo and is dependent on CD36. These results provide a potential role for CD36 to impact the overall metabolic activity of fat usage and mitochondrial biogenesis in adipocytes.
Insulin-Like Growth Factor (IGF)-I Controls Prostate Fibromuscular Development: IGF-I Inhibition Prevents Both Fibromuscular and Glandular Development in Eugonadal Mice
Authors: Kleinberg David L. , Ruan Weifeng , Yee Douglas , Kovacs Kalman T. , Vidal Sergio
Published: December 2006

Although antiandrogen therapy has been shown effective in treating prostatic tumors, it is relatively ineffective in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). In an attempt to understand better the role of androgens in the development of the normal prostate and BPH, we studied the relative effects of testosterone and IGF-I on the development of the two compartments of the prostate in castrated IGF-I(−/−) male mice. Here we report that IGF-I stimulated the development of the fibromuscular compartment, but testosterone inhibited it (stromal epithelial ratio 2.17 vs. 0.83, respectively; P < 0.001). Testosterone also impaired IGF-I induced insulin receptor substrate-1 phosphorylation and cell division, and increased apoptosis in fibromuscular tissue. In sharp contrast IGF-I and testosterone both stimulated the development of the glandular compartment individually and together. The combined effects were either additive or synergistic on compartment size, cell division, insulin receptor substrate-1 phosphorylation, and probasin production. Together they also had a greater inhibitory effect on apoptosis in gland tissue. To determine whether IGF-I inhibition would inhibit both fibromuscular and glandular compartments, we tested the effect of IGF binding protein-1 on prostate development in two different models: castrated Ames dwarf mice and eugonadal normal male mice. IGF binding protein-1 blocked bovine GH-induced fibromuscular and glandular development in both. It also inhibited epithelial cell division and increased apoptosis in both prostate compartments in the eugonadal mice. The observed discordance between IGF-I and testosterone control of prostate compartment development might explain the relative failure of 5α-reductase inhibition in BPH and why testosterone inhibition might theoretically reduce gland volume but increase fibromuscular tissue. The work also provides a rationale for considering IGF-I inhibition as therapy for BPH to reduce the size of both prostate compartments.
Improving sneaky-sex in a low oxygen environment: reproductive and physiological responses of male mosquito fish to chronic hypoxia
Authors: Carter Alecia J. , Wilson Robbie S.
Published: December 2006

Few studies have examined the adaptive significance of reversible acclimation responses. The aerobic performance and mating behaviour of the sexually coercive male eastern mosquito fish (Gambusia holbrooki)offers an excellent model system for testing the benefits of reversible acclimation responses to mating success. We exposed male mosquito fish to normoxic or hypoxic conditions for 4 weeks and tested their maximum sustained swimming performance and their ability to obtain coercive matings under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions. We predicted that hypoxia-acclimated males would possess greater swimming and mating performance in hypoxic conditions than normoxic-acclimated males, and vice versa when tested in normoxia. Supporting our predictions, we found the sustained swimming performance of male mosquito fish was greater in a hypoxic environment following long-term exposure to low partial pressures of oxygen. However, the benefits of acclimation responses to mating performance were dependent on whether they were tested in the presence or absence of male-male competition. In a non-competitive environment, male mosquito fish acclimated to hypoxic conditions spent a greater amount of time following females and obtained more copulations than normoxic-acclimated males when tested in low partial pressures of oxygen. When males were competed against each other for copulations, we found no influence of long-term exposure to different partial pressures of oxygen on mating behaviour. Thus, despite improvements in the aerobic capacity of male mosquito fish following long-term acclimation to hypoxic conditions, these benefits did not always manifest themselves in improved mating performance. This study represents one of the first experimental tests of the benefits of reversible acclimation responses, and indicates that the ecological significance of physiological plasticity may be more complicated than previously imagined.
The Na+/K+/2Cl- cotransporter in the sea bassDicentrarchus labraxduring ontogeny: involvement in osmoregulation
Authors: Lorin-Nebel Catherine , Boulo Viviane , Bodinier Charlotte , Charmantier Guy
Published: December 2006

This study combines a cellular and molecular analysis of the Na+/K+/2Cl- cotransporter (NKCC) to determine the osmoregulatory role of this protein in different tissues during the ontogeny of the sea bass. We have characterized the complete sequence of the NKCC1 isoform isolated from the sea bass gills and have identified, by immunofluorescence, NKCC1, and other isoforms, within the epithelium of the major osmoregulatory organs. Different (absorptive and secretory) functions have been attributed to this protein according to the tissue and salinity. The effects of short- (1-4 days), medium- (7-21 days) and long (6 months)-term freshwater (FW) adaptations were investigated, in comparison with seawater(SW)-maintained sea bass. In adult sea bass after long-term adaptation to FW and SW, the gills had the highest expression of NKCC mRNA compared with the median/posterior kidney and to the posterior intestine. Expression of NKCC mRNA in the kidney was 95% (SW) and 63% (FW) lower, and in the intestine 98%(SW) and 77% (FW) lower. Compared to SW-maintained sea bass, long-term FW adaptation induced a significant 5.6-fold decrease in the branchial NKCC gene expression whereas the intestinal and renal expressions did not vary significantly. The cells of the intestine and collecting ducts as well as a part of the epithelium lining the urinary bladder expressed NKCC apically. Within the gill chloride cells, NKCC was found basolaterally in SW-acclimated fish; some apically stained cells were detected after 7 days of FW exposure and their relative number increased progressively following FW acclimation. The appearance of FW-type chloride cells induces a functional shift of the gills from a secretory to an absorptive epithelium, which was only completed after long-term exposure to FW. Short- and medium-term exposure to FW induced a progressive decrease in total NKCC content and an increase in functionally different branchial chloride cells. During development, the cotransporter was already expressed in tegumentary ionocytes and along the digestive tract of late embryos. NKCC was recorded in the branchial chamber and along the renal collecting ducts in prelarvae and also in the dorsal part of the urinary bladder in larvae. The expression of NKCC along the osmoregulatory epithelial cells and the presence of Na+/K+-ATPase within these cells contribute to the increase of the osmoregulatory capacity during sea bass ontogeny.
Beta3-Adrenoceptor in the eel (Anguilla anguilla) heart:negative inotropy and NO-cGMP-dependent mechanism
Authors: Imbrogno S. , Angelone T. , Adamo C. , Pulerà E. , Tota B. , Cerra M. C.
Published: December 2006

Neuroendocrine regulation of cardiac function involves a population of three types of β-adrenoceptors (ARs). In various mammalian species,β1- and β2-AR stimulation produces an increase in contractility;whereas β3-AR activation mediates negative inotropic effects. At the moment, nothing is known about the physiological role of β3-AR in fish.

Using an isolated working heart preparation, we show that a β3-AR selective agonist BRL37344 (0.1-100 nmol l-1) elicits a dose-dependent negative inotropism in the freshwater eel Anguilla anguilla. This effect was insensitive to the β1/β2-AR inhibitor nadolol (10 μmol l-1), but was blocked by theβ3-AR-specific antagonist SR59230 (10 nmol l-1). The analysis of the percentage of stroke work (SW) variations, in terms of EC50 values, induced by BRL37344 alone (10 nmol l-1), and in presence of SR59230 (10 nmol l-1), indicated a competitive antagonism of SR59230. In addition to the classic positive inotropism, the non-specific β agonist isoproterenol (100 nmol l-1) induced, in 30% of the preparations, a negative inotropic effect that was abrogated by pre-treatment with SR59230, pointing to a β3-mediated pathway. The BRL37344-induced negative inotropic effect was abolished by exposure to a Gi/o proteins inhibitor pertussis toxin (PTx; 0.01 nmol l-1), suggesting a Gi/o-dependent mechanism. Using L-N5(l-imino-ethyl)ornithine (L-NIO; 10 μmol l-1), as a nitric oxide (NO) synthase (NOS) blocker and haemoglobin (Hb; 1 μmol l-1), as a NO scavenger, we demonstrated that NO signalling is involved in the BRL37344-induced response. Pre-treatment with either an inhibitor of soluble guanylate cyclase (GC) 1H-(1,2,4)oxadiazolo-(4,3-a)quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ; 10 μmol l-1), or an inhibitor of the cGMP-activated protein kinase (PKG) KT5823 (100 nmol l-1), abolished the β3-dependent negative inotropism,indicating the cGMP-PKG component as a crucial target of NO signalling. Taken together, our findings provide functional evidence for the presence ofβ3-like adrenoceptors in the eel Anguilla anguilla heart identifying, for the first time in a working fish heart, theβ3-AR-dependent negative inotropy discovered in mammals.
Postprandial changes in plasma free amino acid levels obtained simultaneously from the hepatic portal vein and the dorsal aorta in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Karlsson Anders , Eliason Erika J. , Mydland Liv Torunn , Farrell Anthony P. , Kiessling Anders
Published: December 2006

For the first time, changes in plasma concentrations of free amino acid(AA) and their metabolites were followed simultaneously in pre- and post-hepatic blood following a single meal in non-anaesthetized and free-swimming fish. Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), kept in 10°C water and fitted with cannulae in the hepatic portal vein (HPV) and the dorsal aorta (DA), were force-fed 1% of their body mass and blood samples were taken from both cannulae at 0, 3, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h postprandially to follow the free AA profile. Almost all free AAs increased rapidly within the first 3 h and only a few free AAs did not change significantly over time. By 6 h, the total free AA concentration had peaked in blood taken from both the DA(7107±369 nmol ml-1) and HPV (9999±572 nmol ml-1). However, individual free AAs showed three main profiles beyond this time: for type I, a peak concentration occurred only at 6 h; for type II, there was a more gradual rise in concentration to a peak at 24 h; and for type III there were two peaks, at 6 h and 24 h. All free AAs returned to or were lower than baseline levels within 48 h, with the exception of threonine and proline. The total free AA concentrations were consistently higher (P<0.05) in the HPV than in the DA at 3 h, 6 h, 12 h and 24 h. Our data provide clear evidence that, during the first pass through the liver, hepatic modification altered individual free AA concentrations as indicated by variable ratios among the simultaneous blood samples. Furthermore, the elevation of ammonium and urea in the HPV indicates intestinal catabolism of ingested free AA before release into the HPV. In conclusion, the dual HPV and DA cannulation shows promise as a useful technique for qualitative and quantitative investigations of absorption and turnover of nutrients, especially if the measurements can be combined with reliable estimates of blood flow and labelled substances.
Schistosome infection in deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus):impacts on host physiology, behavior and energetics
Authors: Schwanz Lisa E.
Published: December 2006

Animals routinely encounter environmental stressors and may employ phenotypic plasticity to compensate for the costs of these perturbations. Parasites represent an ecologically important stressor for animals, which may induce host plasticity. The present study examined the effects of a trematode parasite, Schistosomatium douthitti, on deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) physiology, behavior and energetics. Measures were taken to assess direct parasite pathology as well as potential host plasticity used to reduce the costs of these pathologies. Parasitized mice had increased liver and spleen masses, as well as decreased liver protein synthesis. Parasitism also led to increased gastrointestinal (GI) mass, either directly due to parasite presence or as host compensation for decreased GI function. No additional plasticity was recorded - infected animals did not consume more food, decrease in body mass or reduce their activity. Parasitism led to reduced thermoregulation during short-term cold exposure, indicating that there may be fitness costs of parasitism. There were no changes in the other measures of energetics taken here, namely basal metabolic rate (BMR) and cold-induced maximal metabolic rate (MRmax). Together, the results suggest that many costs of parasite infection are largely ameliorated through physiological or morphological compensatory mechanisms.
Acoustic communication in territorial butterflyfish: test of the sound production hypothesis
Authors: Tricas Timothy C. , Kajiura Stephen M. , Kosaki Randall K.
Published: December 2006

Butterflyfishes are conspicuous members of coral reefs and well known for their visual displays during social interactions. Members of the genus Chaetodon have a unique peripheral arrangement of the anterior swim bladder that connects with the lateral line (the laterophysic connection) and in many species projects towards the inner ear. This morphology has lead to the proposal that the laterophysic connection and swim bladder system may be a specialized structure for the detection of sound. However, the relevant stimuli, receiver mechanisms and functions for these putative hearing structures were unknown because butterflyfishes were previously not recognized to produce sounds during natural behavior. We performed field experiments to test the hypothesis that Chaetodon produces sounds in natural social contexts. Acoustic and motor behaviors of the monogamous multiband butterflyfish, C. multicinctus, were evoked and recorded by placement of bottled fish into feeding territories of conspecific pairs. We demonstrate that territory defense includes the production of agonistic sounds and hydrodynamic stimuli that are associated with tail slap, jump, pelvic fin flick and dorsal-anal fin erection behaviors. In addition, grunt pulse trains were produced by bottled intruders and are tentatively interpreted to function as an alert call among pair mates. Acoustic behaviors include low frequency hydrodynamic pulses <100 Hz, sounds with peak energy from 100 Hz to 500 Hz,and a broadband high frequency click (peak frequency=3.6 kHz), which is produced only during the tail slap behavior. These results provide a biological framework for future studies to interpret the proximate function of the acoustico-lateralis sensory system, the evolution of the laterophysic mechanism and their relevance to butterflyfish social behavior.
Localization of TGF-β Signaling Intermediates Smad2, 3, 4, and 7 in Developing and Mature Human and Mouse Kidney
Authors: Banas Miriam C. , Parks W. Tony , Hudkins Kelly L. , Banas Bernhard , Holdren Matthew , Iyoda Masayuki , Wietecha Tomasz A. , Kowalewska Jolanta , Liu Gang , Alpers Charles E.
Published: December 2006

Smad proteins are signaling intermediates of the TGF-β superfamily and are involved in a range of biological activities including development and immune responses. We studied the expression of TGF-β-receptor activated Smads (Smad2 and Smad3), the common partner Smad (Smad4), an inhibitory Smad (Smad7), and the activated (phosphorylated) Smad2 (pSmad2) in developing and adult kidneys of humans and mice. These studies demonstrate associated expression of these Smads in multiple renal cell types in all developmental stages and in mature non-diseased kidneys. Smad expression is in general most widespread at the earliest stages of nephron development and diminishes as components of the nephrons become more differentiated. Paucity of Smad expression in mesangial cells in contrast to widespread expression of these Smads in glomerular visceral epithelial cells in both developing and mature kidneys was remarkable. Divergent and less extensive expression of Smad4, compared with other Smad proteins, was also demonstrated in tubules of human kidneys. Based on the observed expression patterns, these findings demonstrate, for the first time, expression of the TGF-β-receptor-activated Smad2 and Smad3, the common mediator Smad4, and the inhibitory Smad7 in the developing human fetal kidney, extending observations previously made in rodent systems to humans.
Strategien zur Echtzeitoptimierung transient betriebener Prozesse (Strategies for Real-Time Optimization of Transient Processes)
Authors: Kadam Jitendra , Würth Lynn , Marquardt Wolfgang
Published: December 2006

Dieser Beitrag gibt eine Übersicht über neue Entwicklungen der Echtzeitoptimierung transienter Prozesse. Die Entwicklungen basieren auf einer Zerlegung des Prozessführungsproblems auf zwei durch unterschiedliche Zeitskalen gekennzeichnete Ebenen, die den wirtschaftlichen und den regelungstechnischen Zielen entsprechen. Zwei modellgestützte Strategien wurden entwickelt, welche die beiden Ebenen enger integrieren und auch bei Unsicherheiten eine nahezu wirtschaftlich optimale Prozessführung ermöglichen. Die Anwendung auf simulierte industrielle Prozesse mit verschiedenen betrieblichen Szenarien zeigen, dass mit diesen Strategien erhebliche wirtschaftliche Vorteile erreicht werden können.
Nonlinear Model Predictive Control for Cost Optimal Startup of Steam Power Plants (Nichtlineare modellprädiktive Regelung zum kostenoptimalen Anfahren von Dampfkraftwerken)
Authors: Franke Rüdiger , Vogelbacher Lothar
Published: December 2006

The startup of processes is a challenging control task as a large range of operation needs to be passed and as multiple process units need to be coordinated. This makes the control problem nonlinear and multi-variable, respectively. Furthermore constraints on process variables have to be considered during a startup. Nonlinear Model Predictive Control (NMPC) is a promising concept to automate and optimize the startup of processes. Control actions are computed based on a nonlinear process model and employing a reasonable prediction horizon.

This paper states the startup optimization problem and discusses the application of online optimization in an NMPC. Appropriate numerical solution methods and their implementation in a modern control system are motivated.

The startup of a steam power plant serves as example. A process model is built using the object-oriented physical modeling technology Modelica. Based on an economic objective function the NMPC does both: online computation of optimal reference trajectories and generation of set points for an underlying base control system.
Obesity and Risk of Low Self-esteem: A Statewide Survey of Australian Children
Authors: Franklin Janet , Denyer Gareth , Steinbeck Katharine S. , Caterson Ian D. , Hill Andrew J.
Published: December 2006

OBJECTIVE. There is variation in the psychological distress associated with child obesity. Low self-esteem, when observed, provides very little information about the nature of the distress and no indication of the proportion of obese children affected. This study used a domain approach to self-competence to evaluate self-esteem in a representative sample of Australian children.

PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS. A total of 2813 children (mean age: 11.3 years) took part in the study. They were recruited from 55 schools and were all in the last 2 years of primary school. Participants completed the Self-perception Profile for Children, a measure of body shape perception, and their height and weight were measured.

RESULTS. Obese children had significantly lower perceived athletic competence, physical appearance, and global self-worth than their normal weight peers. Obese girls scored lower in these domains than obese boys and also had reduced perceived social acceptance. Obese children were 2–4 times more likely than their normal weight peers to have low domain competence. In terms of prevalence, 1 of 3 obese boys and 2 of 3 obese girls had low appearance competence, and 10% and 20%, respectively, had low global self-worth. Body dissatisfaction mediated most of the association between BMI and low competence in boys but not in girls.

CONCLUSIONS. Obesity impacts the self-perception of children entering adolescence, especially in girls, but in selected areas of competence. Obese children are at particular risk of low perceived competence in sports, physical appearance, and peer engagement. Not all obese children are affected, although the reasons for their resilience are unclear. Quantifying risk of psychological distress alongside biomedical risk should help in arguing for more resources in child obesity treatment.
Screening Children to Identify Families at Increased Risk for Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Reis Evelyn Cohen , Kip Kevin E. , Marroquin Oscar C. , Kiesau Marin , Hipps Lee , Peters Ronald E. , Reis Steven E.
Published: December 2006

OBJECTIVES. Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Atherosclerosis begins early in life; however, children and young and middle-aged adults are not universally screened for the presence of modifiable cardiovascular disease risk factors. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether cardiovascular disease risk-factor assessment in children can identify families who are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease.

PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS. Family Strategies Concentrating on Risk Evaluation is a community-based participatory research study designed to stratify cardiovascular disease risk in a cohort of children and their parents. Eligible families, consisting of ≥1 child and ≥1 biological parent, are recruited through community and faith-based educational and screening programs. In a single, fasted study visit, participants undergo assessment of cardiovascular disease risk factors: obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and metabolic syndrome. Associations of cardiovascular disease risk factors between children and their parents were assessed.

RESULTS. Data were analyzed from 94 families: 108 parents (mean age: 38.5 ± 7.5 years), 141 children (mean age: 10.5 ± 3.4 years), and 170 child-parent pairs. Child-parent association was strong for many risk factors: BMI, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, triglycerides, and total cholesterol. Several discrete-defined risk factors in children were found to be significant predictors of the presence of the same risk factors in their parents. Parents of children with hypertension, obesity, or hypertriglyceridemia had 15 times, 6 times, or 5 times increased odds, respectively, of having the same risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS. Identification of several clinically apparent and silent cardiovascular disease risk factors in children predicts elevated cardiovascular disease risk in their parents. Because children access primary care more frequently than adults, children can potentially serve as the index case to identify families at increased risk for cardiovascular disease.
Association of Proinflammatory Cytokine Gene Polymorphisms With Susceptibility to Otitis Media
Authors: Patel Janak A. , Nair Sangeeta , Revai Krystal , Grady James , Saeed Kokab , Matalon Reuben , Block Stan , Chonmaitree Tasnee
Published: December 2006

OBJECTIVE. Susceptibility to otitis media results from complex interactions among genetic factors of the host, exposure to pathogens, and environmental influences. The objective of this study was to study the role of single-nucleotide polymorphisms of regulatory elements of proinflammatory cytokine genes tumor necrosis factor-α−308, interleukin-1β+3953, and interleukin-6−174, in susceptibility to recurrent otitis media in childhood.

METHODS. A total of 505 children (296 otitis media susceptible, 209 nonsusceptible as control) were enrolled at 2 sites (Texas and Kentucky). DNA of the children was studied for specific single-nucleotide polymorphisms by restriction fragment length polymorphism assay and confirmed by gene sequencing.

RESULTS. In the overall study group, tumor necrosis factor-α−308 and interleukin-6−174 heterozygous or homozygous polymorphisms (high cytokine-producing genotypes) were significantly associated with otitis media susceptibility. The same association was found in a match-paired subgroup of 384 subjects. In the overall study group, there was a significant step-wise increase in otitis media susceptibility with increasing number of concomitant polymorphic genotypes. Simultaneous combination of tumor necrosis factor-α−308 and interleukin-6−174 polymorphisms further increased the risk for otitis media susceptibility. These 2 polymorphic genotypes also were associated with the increased risk for tympanostomy tube placement. Children who had tumor necrosis factor-α−308 polymorphism and were breastfed for <1 month or exposed to cigarette smoke were more likely to be otitis media susceptible.

CONCLUSIONS. Our data suggest that tumor necrosis factor-α−308 and interleukin-6−174 polymorphisms are associated with increased risk for otitis media susceptibility and placement of tympanostomy tubes. Environmental factors such as breastfeeding may modify the risk for otitis media susceptibility in polymorphic individuals.
Pharyngitis in Low-Resources Settings: A Pragmatic Clinical Approach to Reduce Unnecessary Antibiotic Use
Authors: Smeesters Pierre Robert , Campos Dioclécio , Van Melderen Laurence , de Aguiar Eurico , Vanderpas Jean , Vergison Anne
Published: December 2006

OBJECTIVE. Existing scoring systems for the diagnosis of group A streptococcus pharyngitis are insensitive or inapplicable in low-resources settings. Bacterial cultures and rapid tests can allow for antibiotic prescription abstention in high-income regions. These techniques are not feasible in many low-resources settings, and antibiotics often are prescribed for any pharyngitis episode. However, judicious antibiotics prescription in the community also is of concern in low-income countries. The objective of this study was to develop a clinical decision rule that allows for the reduction of empirical antibiotic therapy for children with pharyngitis in low-resources settings by identifying non–group A streptococcus pharyngitis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS. We prospectively included children with pharyngitis in 3 public hospitals of Brazil during 9 months in 2004. We filled out clinical questionnaires and performed throat swabs. Bilateral χ2 (2-tailed test) and multivariate analysis were used to determine score categories. The outcome measures were sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, and posttest probability of non–group A streptococcus infection with the clinical approach as compared with throat culture.

RESULTS. A total of 163 of the 220 children had non–group A streptococcus pharyngitis (negative culture). We established a 3-questions decision rule (age and viral and bacterial signs) with 3 possible answers. The use of this score would prevent 41% to 55% of unnecessary antimicrobial prescriptions. The specificity of the score for non–group A streptococcus pharyngitis was >84%.

CONCLUSION. Such a clinical decision rule could be helpful to reduce significantly unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions for pharyngitis in children in low-resources settings.