bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epinastine Hydrochloride Antagonism against Interleukin-4-Mediated T Cell Cytokine Imbalance in vitro
Authors: Kanai Ken-ichi , Asano Kazuhito , Watanabe So , Kyo Yoshiyuki , Suzaki Harumi
Published: March 2006

Background: Interleukin (IL)-4 is well accepted to be a cytokine that plays many roles in the regulation of immune responses. Although the primary pharmacological target of antihistamines has been regarded as the histamine H1 receptor, there is little information about the influence of antihistamines on IL-4-mediated immune responses. The present study was undertaken to examine whether H1 receptor antagonists could modulate IL-4-mediated immune responses in vitro. Methods: CD4+ T cells from normal human peripheral blood (1 × 106 cells/ml) were incubated with various concentrations of epinastine hydrochloride (EP) or chlorpheniramine (CH) for 30 min and then stimulated with 10.0 ng/ml IL-4. After 24 h, culture supernatants were collected and assayed for IL-5, IL-6, IL-13 and interferon-γ by ELISA. The influence of EP on transcription factor activation and mRNA expression for cytokines was also examined. Results: Addition of EP into cell cultures at more than 20.0 ng/ml significantly suppressed the production of IL-5, IL-6 and IL-13, which were increased by IL-4 stimulation. EP at more than 20.0 ng/ml also suppresses nuclear factor-ĸB activation, signal transducers and activators of transcription 6 phosphorylation and mRNA expression, which were upregulated by IL-4 stimulation. However, the ability of CD4+ T cells to produce interferon-γ was decreased by IL-4 stimulation, which was dramatically restored by treatment with EP at more than 15.0 ng/ml. On the other hand, CH, a first-generation H1 receptor antagonist, could not inhibit cytokine production from CD4+ T cells in response to IL-4 stimulation, even when 90.0 ng/ml of the agent was added to cell cultures. Conclusion: The present results strongly suggest that EP, a second-generation H1 receptor antagonist, interferes with IL-4-activated signaling in CD4+ T cells and results in favorable modification of the allergic disease state or conditions.
Ins and Outs of Dendritic Cells
Authors: Schuurhuis Danita H. , Fu Nathalie , Ossendorp Ferry , Melief Cornelis J.M.
Published: March 2006

Dendritic cells (DC) are professional antigen-presenting cells which are strategically positioned at the boundaries between the inner and the outside world, in this way bridging innate and adaptive immunity. DC can initiate T cell responses against microbial pathogens and tumors due to their capacity to stimulate naïve T cells. The development of DC occurs in distinct stages. DC precursors develop in the bone marrow and home to a large variety of tissues. Immature DC capture antigen (Ag) and, following proinflammatory signals, migrate to the lymphoid organs where, after maturation, they present captured Ag to naïve T cells, thereby inducing differentiation of naïve T cells into effector T cells. An important cognate event in the development of cell-mediated immunity is the interaction between CD40 and CD40 ligand. Ligation of CD40 on DC by its ligand results in maturation of the DC. In addition to CD40 ligand (expressed by activated Th cells), inflammatory cytokines, bacterial components or Ag-Ab immune complexes can induce maturation of DC. Maturation of DC is crucial for the priming of efficient T cell responses and is characterized by a decreased Ag processing capacity, an increased cell surface expression of MHC and costimulatory molecules, and rearrangement of cytoskeleton, adhesion molecules, and cytokine receptors. Mature DC migrate from peripheral tissues to secondary lymphoid organs, where T cell priming occurs. DC are not only critical in initiating T cell immunity, they also play a role in the induction of T cell tolerance and the regulation of the type of T cell response that is induced. Here we give an overview of the dendritic cell system.
Hyperoxia and Tidal Volume: Independent and Combined Effects on Neonatal Pulmonary Inflammation
Authors: Ehlert Carey A. , Truog William E. , Thibeault Donald W. , Garg Uttam , Norberg Mike , Rezaiekhaligh Mo , Mabry Sherry , Ekekezie Ikechukwu I.
Published: March 2006

Background: Hyperoxia and tidal volume mechanical ventilation are independent factors in the genesis of lung injury, but it remains unclear the extent to which each is responsible or contributes to this process in newborns. Objectives: To study the independent and combined effects of hyperoxia and tidal volume mechanical ventilation on the induction of lung inflammation in a newborn piglet model of ventilator-induced lung injury. Methods: Following exposure to either ambient air or FIO2 = 1.0 for a period of 3 days, newborn piglets were randomized to receive mechanical ventilation with either high tidal volume (20 ml/kg) or low tidal volume (6 ml/kg) for 4 h while controlling for pH. Results: Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 level in the lungs of animals randomized to hyperoxia with high tidal volume ventilation was significantly elevated, compared to all other groups (p < 0.05). Myeloperoxidase assayed in lung homogenate was found to be significantly higher in nonventilated animals exposed to hyperoxia (p < 0.01). Only in animals previously exposed to hyperoxia did the addition of high tidal volume ventilation further increase the level of myeloperoxidase present (p < 0.05). Pulmonary vascular resistance was significantly elevated after 4 h of mechanical ventilation compared to 1 h (p < 0.001). Conclusions: We conclude that in neonatal piglets undergoing hyperoxic stress, superimposition of high tidal volume ventilation exacerbates the lung inflammation as assessed by lung monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and level of myeloperoxidase.
Antibody Response to Hepatitis B Vaccine in End-Stage Renal Disease Patients
Authors: Chow Kai Ming , Law Man Ching , Leung Chi Bon , Szeto Cheuk Chun , Li Philip Kam-Tao
Published: March 2006

Background: This retrospective and comparative study evaluated the relationship between different factors which may contribute to suboptimal immunological response to intramuscular recombinant hepatitis B vaccine in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) subjects. Methods: From a cohort of 64 dialysis subjects undergoing primary vaccination with Engerix-B®, we determined the predictive factors that impinged on patients’ response to vaccine, as defined by anti-HBs level ≧10 mIU/l. Dose efficacy was further evaluated by comparing three historical cohorts vaccinated by the regimens of 20, 40 and 80 µg/dose, respectively. Results: We identified 64 ESRD patients (mean age 43 ± 12 years, 81% receiving peritoneal dialysis) who received primary vaccination from April 1997 to September 2004. Median follow-up was 6.5 years. They achieved 81% seroconversion rate. Older age, diabetes mellitus, obesity and low Engerix-B dose were risk factors of inadequate anti-HBs response by univariate analysis. By stepwise logistic regression analysis, hepatitis B vaccine dose was the only independent predictive factor of impaired antibody response. An Engerix-B vaccine dose of 20 µg was associated with more than tenfold increase in risk of non-response to hepatitis B vaccine (hazards ratio 32.2 (95% CI 3.85–250.0)). Immunization with 80 µg of Engerix-B increased the likelihood of persistent protective antibody (log-rank test, p = 0.014). Immunization with Engerix-B 80-µg dose is estimated to prevent one extra ESRD subject who would lose seroprotective anti-HBs level at 1 year for every 5.6 patients treated (number needed to treat to benefit, 5.6 (95% CI 5.4–5.8)). Conclusions: Our results suggest the potential for the three-dose schedule of recombinant vaccine Engerix-B 80 µg to prolong the immune response among ESRD population.
OKT3 Therapy in Addition to Tacrolimus Is Associated with Improved Long-Term Function in Patients with Steroid Refractory Renal Allograft Rejection
Authors: Patschan Daniel , Kribben Andreas , Pietruck Frank , Lutz Jens , Binek Matthias , Philipp Thomas , Heemann Uwe , Witzke Oliver
Published: March 2006

Background/Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate long-term allograft salvage rates of patients with steroid refractory allograft rejection after kidney transplantation and to identify factors indicating a successful outcome. Patients and Methods: Fifty patients with continuing rejection after high-dose steroids were included in the study. Baseline immunosuppression was switched from cyclosporine to tacrolimus in all patients. Twenty patients additionally received OKT3 as antirejection therapy. Patients having received a cadaveric renal transplant in 1995, excluding patients with steroid resistant rejection, were chosen as a control cohort. Results: Patient survival rates were 96% (n = 48) and 90% (n = 45) and allograft survival rates were 66% (n = 33) and 62% (n = 31) after 5 and 7 years following steroid refractory renal allograft rejection. Graft survival within the control cohort was 73% after 5 years and 69% after 7 years. Creatinine clearance increased from 20 ± 15 ml/min/1.73 m2 at the start of tacrolimus therapy to 37 ± 29 ml/min/1.73 m2 and to 32 ± 26 ml/min/1.73 m2 after 5 and 7 years. OKT3 treatment predicted successful rescue therapy (p = 0.005 and p = 0.04 after 5 and 7 years). Conclusion: Our data indicate a reasonable graft survival in steroid refractory renal allograft rejection using tacrolimus. OKT3 treatment in addition to tacrolimus therapy may be beneficial for long-term allograft survival.
The Effect of Hepatic Insufficiency on the Safety and Pharmacokinetics of Paricalcitol (Zemplar®)
Authors: Carr Robert A. , André Amy K. , Chen Ping , Grabowski Brian A. , Chang Min S. , Locke Charles S. , Williams Laura A. , Chojkier Mario
Published: March 2006

Background/Aims: Paricalcitol is highly protein bound, extensively metabolized and eliminated primarily by hepatobiliary excretion. This study was designed to determine if hepatic disease alters the pharmacokinetics or affects the safety of paricalcitol. Methods: Subjects with mild (n = 5) or moderate (n = 5) hepatic impairment, and subjects with normal hepatic function (n = 10) enrolled in and completed the study. Each subject was administered a single 0.24 µg/kg intravenous dose of paricalcitol, injected within 1 min. Results: For both total and unbound paricalcitol, there were no statistically significant differences in the pairwise comparisons between hepatic function groups in paricalcitol concentration at 5 min postdose (C5) or area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time zero to infinity (AUC0–∞), except C5 of total paricalcitol between mild and moderate impairment groups (p = 0.02). Paricalcitol binding to plasma proteins was extensive in all hepatic function groups (mean values >99.7%); unbound fraction was greater in subjects with moderate impairment than either healthy subjects or subjects with mild impairment (p < 0.01). Paricalcitol appeared to be well tolerated both by healthy subjects and subjects with mild to moderate hepatic insufficiency. Conclusion: No adjustment of paricalcitol dose is required for subjects with mild to moderate hepatic impairment. However, caution should be exercised in extrapolating the results from this study to subjects with severe hepatic impairment.
Oral Feeding Acutely Down-Regulates Serum PTH in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Brown Alex J. , Koch Matthew J. , Coyne Daniel W.
Published: March 2006

Background: Changes in serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) within minutes are known only to be mediated by changes in ionized calcium. Recent animal studies show ingestion of a low phosphorus meal can lower serum PTH within 15 min, before changes in serum ionized calcium or phosphorus occur, suggesting a rapid gastrointestinal signal may regulate PTH. Methods: Eight hemodialysis patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism were admitted twice to a metabolic unit and ate a high and low phosphorus meal after an overnight fast. Serum PTH, total and ionized calcium, phosphorus, pH, and glucose were measured at 0, 15, 30, 60, 120 and 240 min. In the second protocol, we examined the possible role of volume or glucose changes in rapid PTH suppression by administering intravenous saline and glucose after an overnight fast to 6 patients, with similar testing. Results: Intact PTH decreased 24% from 419 ± 331 at baseline to 312 ± 221 pg/ml (p = 0.002) 15 min after a meal. Total and ionized calcium and pH did not change, glucose rose by 15 min, and phosphorus changed only after 60–90 min. During the second protocol, saline and glucose infusions failed to change PTH. Conclusions: In dialysis patients, a glucose-containing meal, with or without phosphorus, rapidly suppresses serum PTH ∼25% within 15 min. This effect is not mediated by changes in ionized calcium, phosphorus, pH, glucose, or insulin. These data suggest there may be an as yet unknown enteral signal that rapidly suppresses PTH.
Hyperleptinemia Is Not Responsible for Decreased Paraoxonase Activity in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Varga Zsuzsa , Paragh Gyorgy , Seres Ildiko , Kakuk Gyorgy , Karanyi Zsolt , Karpati Istvan , Matyus Janos , Csongradi Eva , Juhasz Attila , Balla Jozsef , Bajnok Laszlo
Published: March 2006

Background: Exogenous leptin markedly decreased plasma paraoxonase (PON1) activity in rats. Hyperleptinemia and decreased PON1 activity have previously been demonstrated in uremia. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between leptin level and PON1 activity in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Methods: Leptin and PON1 were determined in 40 HD patients and 40 age-matched controls with similar body mass index (BMI). Results: Leptin was higher (p < 0.001) and PON1 activity was lower (p < 0.001) in HD patients than in controls. PON1 and PON1/HDL ratio was higher in HD patients with BMI >25 kg/m2 than in HD patients with BMI <25 kg/m2. It was not due to a difference in frequency of high activity phenotype of PON1 among subgroups of HD patients. There was no similar difference in controls. Spearman analysis showed a significant correlation between leptin and PON1 activity (p < 0.02), BMI (p < 0.001), triglyceride (TG) (p < 0.03), and Kt/V (–0.323, p < 0.03), but multiparametric regression analysis did not reveal it. PON1 activity depended on BMI in both models. In controls, leptin correlated with BMI (p < 0.001) and TG (p < 0.002) but not PON1 activity. A slight decrease in leptin concentration and PON1 activity during HD was observed. Conclusion: Our results suggest the role of other pathophysiological conditions besides hyperleptinemia resulting in decreased PON1 activity in HD patients.
Improvement in Stroke Mortality in Canada and the United States, 1990 to 2002
Authors: Yang Quanhe , Botto Lorenzo D. , Erickson J. David , Berry Robert J. , Sambell Christie , Johansen Helen , Friedman J.M.
Published: March 2006

Background—

In the United States and Canada, folic acid fortification of enriched grain products was fully implemented by 1998. The resulting population-wide reduction in blood homocysteine concentrations might be expected to reduce stroke mortality if high homocysteine levels are an independent risk factor for stroke.

Methods and Results—

In this population-based cohort study with quasi-experimental intervention, we used segmented log-linear regression to evaluate trends in stroke-related mortality before and after folic acid fortification in the United States and Canada and, as a comparison, during the same period in England and Wales, where fortification is not required. Average blood folate concentrations increased and homocysteine concentrations decreased in the United States after fortification. The ongoing decline in stroke mortality observed in the United States between 1990 and 1997 accelerated in 1998 to 2002 in nearly all population strata, with an overall change from −0.3% (95% CI, −0.7 to 0.08) to −2.9 (95% CI, −3.5 to −2.3) per year (
P
=0.0005). Sensitivity analyses indicate that changes in other major recognized risk factors are unlikely to account for the reduced number of stroke-related deaths in the United States. The fall in stroke mortality in Canada averaged −1.0% (95% CI, −1.4 to −0.6) per year from 1990 to 1997 and accelerated to −5.4% (95% CI, −6.0 to −4.7) per year in 1998 to 2002 (
P
≤0.0001). In contrast, the decline in stroke mortality in England and Wales did not change significantly between 1990 and 2002.

Conclusions—

The improvement in stroke mortality observed after folic acid fortification in the United States and Canada but not in England and Wales is consistent with the hypothesis that folic acid fortification helps to reduce deaths from stroke.
Human Semilunar Cardiac Valve Remodeling by Activated Cells From Fetus to Adult
Authors: Aikawa Elena , Whittaker Peter , Farber Mark , Mendelson Karen , Padera Robert F. , Aikawa Masanori , Schoen Frederick J.
Published: March 2006

Background—

The evolution of cell phenotypes and matrix architecture in cardiac valves during fetal maturation and postnatal adaptation through senescence remains unexplored.

Methods and Results—

We hypothesized that valvular interstitial (VIC) and endothelial cell (VEC) phenotypes, critical for maintaining valve function, change throughout life in response to environmental stimuli. We performed quantitative histological assessment of 91 human semilunar valves obtained from fetuses at 14 to 19 and 20 to 39 weeks’ gestation; neonates minutes to 30 days old; children aged 2 to 16 years; and adults. A trilaminar architecture appeared by 36 weeks of gestation but remained rudimentary compared with that of adult valves. VECs expressed an activated phenotype throughout fetal development. VIC density, proliferation, and apoptosis were significantly higher in fetal than adult valves. Pulmonary and aortic fetal VICs showed an activated myofibroblast-like phenotype (α-actin expression), abundant embryonic myosin, and matrix metalloproteinase-collagenases, which indicates an immature/activated phenotype engaged in matrix remodeling versus a quiescent fibroblast-like phenotype in adults. At birth, the abrupt change from fetal to neonatal circulation was associated with a greater number of α-actin–positive VICs in neonatal aortic versus pulmonary valves. Collagen content increased from early to late fetal stages but was subsequently unchanged, whereas elastin significantly increased postnatally. Collagen fiber color analysis revealed a progressive temporal decrease in thin fibers and a corresponding increase in thick fibers. Additionally, collagen fibers were more aligned in adult than fetal valves.

Conclusions—

Fetal valves possess a dynamic/adaptive structure and contain cells with an activated/immature phenotype. During postnatal life, activated cells gradually become quiescent, whereas collagen matures, which suggests a progressive, environmentally mediated adaptation.
Longidorus cylindricapitatus sp. n. (Nematoda: Longidoridae) from Serbia
Authors: Agostinelli Augusta , Roca Francesco , Krnjaić Smiljka , Krnjaić Dorde
Published: March 2006

During a survey carried out in Serbia in October 1998 and 1999 a population of Longidorus was found in forest soil from Mt Goch (central Serbia). The population was identified as a new species and is described herein as Longidorus cylindricapitatus sp. n. The new species is characterised by a body length of ca 5.5 mm, a vulva located almost at the mid-body (V − 50.5), an almost cylindrical lip region, amphidial pouches more or less symmetrically bilobed, a very long odontostyle (164–178 μm), and conoid tail with a rounded terminus. Males were not found. Data for the four juvenile stages are presented.
Rhabditis rainai n. sp. (Nematoda: Rhabditida) associated with the Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)
Authors: Osbrink Weste , Carta Lynn
Published: March 2006

Rhabditis rainai n. sp. is described from the gut and head of sick Formosan subterranean termites (Coptotermes formosanus) collected in New Orleans, LA, USA (isolate LKC20). Rhabditis rainai n. sp. is a hermaphroditic species with an unusual prerectum, four denticles per glottoid swelling, enlarged posterior stoma, three paired lip sectors, protruding posterior anal lip, and five ridges in the hermaphrodite lateral field. Males generated from starved bacterial cultures have three lateral field ridges and a notched peloderan bursa with only eight rays. Male spicules are distinctive with a round but truncated head, constricted neck, narrow shoulders, nearly straight blade with distal tenth upturned, and rounded tips supporting a curved ventral arch. Males of LKC20 were mated successfully with hermaphrodites cultured from a Fiji Islands soil (isolate PS1191). In subsequent crosses, male progeny were fertile as expected for conspecific populations. Differences in morphometrics of cultured specimens that were heat-killed or fixed is demonstrated. Rhabditis rainai n. sp. was compared to R. blumi and R. adenobia, but does not fit clearly within the current subgenera of Rhabditis or genera of Rhabditidae. Nematode-termite relationships and possible origin of R. rainai n. sp. with Formosan subterranean termites from Southeast Asia are discussed.
Phylogeny of Criconematina Siddiqi, 1980 (Nematoda: Tylenchida) based on morphology and D2-D3 expansion segments of the 28S-rRNA gene sequences with application of a secondary structure model
Authors: Crozzoli Renato , Lamberti Franco , Vovlas Nicola , Baldwin James , Subbotin Sergei , Sturhan Dieter , Moens Maurice
Published: March 2006

The suborder Criconematina is a large group of ecto- and endoparasitic nematodes, including several species of major agricultural importance. The D2-D3 expansion segments of the 28S nuclear ribosomal RNA gene were amplified and sequenced from 23 nominal and six unidentified species from the genera Mesocriconema, Criconemoides, Ogma, Criconema, Xenocriconemella, Hemicriconemoides, Hemicycliophora, Paratylenchus, Tylenchulus, Trophonema and Sphaeronema, together with outgroup taxa from Tylenchidae (Aglenchus) and Atylenchidae (Eutylenchus). A sequence alignment optimised using the secondary structure model was analysed using maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference approaches under two models. All analyses yielded a similar topology with differences primarily in the position of poorly supported clades. Although some molecular trees differ from the previous morphologically based hypotheses of criconematid phylogeny, maximum likelihood tests did not yield statistically significant differences between some of the tested classical morphological and molecular topologies. DNA data support monophyly for the genera Mesocriconema, Hemicriconemoides and Criconema and reject the hypothesis of a single origin of criconematids with a cuticular sheath or 'double cuticle'. Application of the complex model of rRNA evolution, considering paired nucleotides for the stem and unpaired nucleotides for the loop region, resulted in a majority rule consensus Bayesian tree with unresolved relationships between main clades. This lack of resolution is expected by the low number of independently evolving nucleotides. Sequence divergence in this DNA segment between populations of Mesocriconema xenoplax, M. sphaerocephalum and Hemicriconemoides cocophillus suggest the presence of several sibling species under these taxa names.
Phylogeny of Meloidogyne spp. based on 18S rDNA and the intergenic region of mitochondrial DNA sequences
Authors: Carneiro Regina , Dickson Don , Jeyaprakash Ayyamperumal , Adams Byron , Tigano Myrian
Published: March 2006

The 18S rDNA of 19 populations of Meloidogyne spp. was amplified and directly sequenced. The region of mitochondrial DNA, located in the 3′ portion of the gene that codes for cytochrome oxidase subunit II (COII) through a portion of the 16S rRNA (lRNA) gene, from 16 of these populations was cloned and sequenced. Heteroplasmic sequences were identified from both rDNA and mtDNA regions for several taxa. Several sequences sampled from nominal taxa differed from previously published accounts. Phylogenetic trees based on alignments of these sequences were constructed using distance, parsimony and likelihood optimality criteria. For 18S rDNA data, three main clades were identified. One well supported clade (86–91% bootstrap) included the most common and widely disseminated species, e.g.,M. arenaria, M. javanica and M. incognita, some recently described or redescribed species (M. floridensis, M. paranaensis, and M. ethiopica) plus numerous unidentified isolates. All mitotic parthenogenetic species, except for M. oryzae, were included in this clade. Other, less well supported clades included the amphimictic and facultative meiotic species M. hapla, M. microtyla, M. maritima and M. duytsi. One such clade comprised three meiotic parthenogens (M. exigua, M. graminicola and M. chitwoodi) and M. oryzae. This clade was moderately supported (77% bootstrap) but the relationships within this clade were poor. For mitochondrial DNA data, only the species in clade I from rDNA analysis, and M. hapla were analysed. These species formed a well supported clade (100% bootstrap) to the exclusion of M. mayaguensis and M. hapla. The addition of taxa and mtDNA data to publicly available records improved the discrimination sensitivity of species and atypical, non-identified, isolates.
Community development of free-living aquatic nematodes in littoral periphyton communities
Authors: Traunspurger Walter , Rothhaupt Karl-Otto , Peters Lars , Wetzel Markus
Published: March 2006

The development of an epilithic nematode community and the mode of colonisation was monitored over a 57-day period during spring in a field experiment in the littoral zone of a large oligotrophic lake. Two types of experimental units were used: one type prohibited direct colonisation via active crawling by elevating substrates into the water column and the second type had substrates placed on the lake bottom. Data from the two types of units and from nearby natural hard substrates were compared. The nematodes quickly colonised on the introduced substrates and reached maximum densities of 123 individuals per 10 cm2 after 57 days. Nematode densities on elevated and non-elevated substrates did not differ significantly. The nematode abundance and community structure showed a large initial variation, but became more stable over time and resembled the natural community structure at the end of the experiment. The maximum number of nematode species was reached after 2 weeks of colonisation, with a maximum species number on days 12 and 14 in the experimental units and on day 19 on the surrounding natural hard substrates. The five numerically dominant species, Eumonhystera vulgaris, Chromadorina bioculata, Eumonhystera filiformis, Chromadorina viridis and Daptonema dubium, accounted for most of the variation between the different communities. The results indicate that water-column transport was the main colonisation pathway of epilithic nematodes. The distribution of nematode species points to potential morphological adaptations of some species for persistence on hard substrates.
Meloidogyne izalcoensis n. sp. (Nematoda: Meloidogynidae), a root-knot nematode parasitising coffee in El Salvador
Authors: Hernandez Adan , Carneiro Regina , Gomes Ana Cristina , Almeida Maria Ritta
Published: March 2006

A new root-knot nematode parasitising coffee in the region of the Izalco volcano, Sansonate, El Salvador, is described as Meloidogyne izalcoensis n. sp. The suggested common name is El Salvador coffee root-knot nematode. The perineal pattern is characterised by the moderately high to high, squareish to rounded, dorsal arch, striae coarse, smooth to wavy, sometimes zigzaggy, usually without a distinct whorl, and similar to that of M. incognita and M. paranaensis. The female head region set off from body, sometimes annulated, and the labial disc has two prominent elevations or bumps on the ventral side that are slightly raised above the medial lips. The female stylet is robust, 15.0-16.0 μm long and with the DGO at 4.5-6.0 μm posterior to the knobs. Males have a high, round, head cap continuous with the body contour and the labial disc is fused with the medial lips to form an elongated structure. The head region is never marked by incomplete annulations. The stylet is robust, 23.0-26.0 μm long, and has rounded, backwardly sloping, knobs with the DGO located at 4.0-7.0 μm posteriorly. The stylet of second-stage juveniles is 12.0-13.0 μm long and the DGO is located 3.0-4.0 μm posterior to the stylet base; the tail is 45-48 μm long, conoid, with a rounded terminus. Biochemically, the esterase phenotype I4 (= Sa4) (Rm: 0.86, 0.96, 1.24, 1.30) is unique and is the most useful character to differentiate M. izalcoensis n. sp. from all other species.
Description of two new species of Iotonchium Cobb, 1920 (Tylenchida: Iotonchiidae) from Japan
Authors: Utai Kazuyoshi , Tsuda Kaku
Published: March 2006

Two new Iotonchium species are described from Japan. These species possesses four adult forms; mycetophagous female, infective female, male and insect-parasitic female. Iotonchium laccariae n. sp. is characterised by short body length of all adult forms, right-angled L-shaped spicule with beak-like distal arm, a pair of large papillae anterior to the cloacal opening, the dorso-ventrally flattened head of male and the reproductive features of the parasitic female. The mycetophagous females of I. laccariae n. sp. inhabit the fruiting bodies of four Laccaria spp. Males and infective females were also obtained from the fruiting bodies. The insect-parasitic females of I. laccariae n. sp. inhabit the haemocoel of a fungus gnat, Allodia laccariae. Iotonchium russulae n. sp. is characterised by the long body length of the infective female, parasitic female and mycetophagous female, obtuse-angled L-shaped spicule with dorsally curved slender distal arm, a pair of bifid postcloacal papillae, presence of a mid-ventral postcloacal papilla in the male and reproductive features of the parasitic female. The mycetophagous females, males and infective females of I. russulae n. sp. were obtained from the fruiting bodies of three Russula spp. and two Lactarius spp. The insect-parasitic females of I. russulae n. sp. inhabit the haemocoel of A. bipexa, a species of fungus gnat.
Defence responses of white mustard, Sinapis alba, to infection with the cyst nematode Heterodera schachtii
Authors: Sobczak Miroslaw , Golinowski Wladyslaw , Soliman Ahmed
Published: March 2006

Responses of two Sinapis alba cultivars (nematode susceptible cv. Albatros and nematode resistant cv. Maxi) to infection with the root-parasitic nematode Heterodera schachtii were investigated at the anatomical and cytological levels. In the susceptible cv. Albatros, male and female juveniles develop. Syncytia associated with female juveniles are induced in the procambium and they preferentially incorporate procambial cells abutting xylem vessels. The syncytial elements are greatly enlarged and interconnected by wide cell wall openings. Syncytia associated with male juveniles are induced in the pericycle and they incorporate primarily greatly enlarged pericyclic cells and sometimes less enlarged procambial cells. In the resistant cv. Maxi, most of juveniles remain as secondstage juveniles while some develop into males. Their syncytia are induced in and involve pericyclic cells only. Syncytia induced in cv. Maxi by males differ from those induced in susceptible cv. Albatros by less enlargement of nuclei, the presence of remnants of the central vacuole, and a marked presence of rough endoplasmic reticulum. At least three different defence responses could be discriminated in cv. Maxi: i) a hypersensitive response of vascular cylinder cells during/after nematode invasion; ii) degeneration of syncytia induced in the procambium; and iii) formation of a layer of necrotic cells between syncytium and xylem vessels.
An effective PCR-based diagnostic method for the detection of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (Nematoda: Aphelenchoididae) in wood samples from lodgepole pine
Authors: Rott Michael , Humble Leland , Allen Eric , Green Margaret , Leal Isabel
Published: March 2006

A molecular diagnostic method has been designed for the detection and identification of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus. Heat shock protein 70 gene sequences from B. xylophilus and the closely related B. mucronatus were compared and used to design primers Bx701F and Bx701R which amplify a 171 base pair fragment from B. xylophilus by PCR. As a control, primers Bm701F and Bm701R were designed which specifically amplify a 168 base pair fragment from B. mucronatus. After optimisation, B. xylophilus primers were shown to be highly sensitive and could easily detect 23 target copies, or less than one nematode. Species-specific detection of B. xylophilus was carried out directly from concentrated Baermann funnel extracts using wood samples from lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta var. latifolia) trees from British Columbia, Canada, containing an unknown nematode population, thus bypassing the need for culturing or recovering the nematode before analysis.
Characteristics of Tylencholaimus parvus (Nematoda: Dorylaimida) as a fungivorus nematode
Authors: Okada Hiroaki , Araki Masaak , Tsukiboshi Takaoi , Harada Hiroki
Published: March 2006

To analyse nematode community structures appropriately for the evaluation of soil ecosystem status and function requires information on the life history traits of K-strategic nematodes. Therefore, a K-strategic fungivorus nematode, Tylencholaimus parvus, was examined for population growth rates on nine fungal species on agar and on soil-based media. Also, the nematode was compared with an r-strategic fungivorus nematode, Aphelenchus avenae, in terms of population growth rates on potato dextrose agar (PDA), and of prey-predator relationships with nematophagus fungi, Pleurotus spp., growing on water agar. Population growth rates of T. parvus on PDA were large on three plant-pathogenic fungi, Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium oxysporum and Phoma herbarum. On the soilbased medium, two saprophytic fungi, Coprinus cinereus and Flammulina velutipes, also supported large population increases of the nematode, as well as F. oxysporum and P. herbarum. Tylencholaimus parvus always had significantly smaller growth rates than A. avenae, and the rates of T. parvus were 0-24% of those of A. avenae on a given fungal species. Tylencholaimus parvus was able to avoid predation of the two Pleurotus species and fed upon the fungal hyphae to reproduce, although A. avenae was killed and consumed by the fungi.
Changing Patterns of Familial Sociability: Family Members as Witnesses to (Re)marriage in Nineteenth-Century Flanders
Authors: Matthijs Koen
Published: March 2006

Based on research in three Flemish communities, the author concluded that during the course of the second part of the nineteenth century, there was an increasing trend toward choosing family members as witnesses to the marriage ceremony (of first marriages). This was interpreted as an aspect of the “familiarization” of marriage. It might also, however, refer to changing family contexts and social networks, to switching roles of parents and youth, to shifting intergenerational power, and to new family situations of solidarity and conflict. In this follow-up study, the author demonstrates that the former conclusions also hold true for other Flemish regions, for all social groups, and for remarriages. It also appears that marrying people increasingly selected brothers and brothers-in-law as witnesses, rather than descending or ascending kin. These observations support the thesis of the increasing familiarization of family relations during the course of the nineteenth century.
The Persistence of Family: A Study of a Nineteenth-Century Canadian Family and Their Correspondence
Authors: Stott Greg
Published: March 2006

Beginning in the 1850s, the struggling farming family of Elijah Dunham (1810-1893) and Anna Maria Briggs (1813-1899) ceased to function as a single economic and social unit. The children left the family home to establish lives and families of their own in various parts of Canada and the United States. As the family dispersed, however, they continued to maintain contact through letters. In the letters, the family shared news, sought advice, received comfort, and, at times, vented their frustrations and exposed internal family tensions. The letters provided a means of requesting and extending financial assistance, especially as it came to maintaining the elderly parents back in Ontario. Although the family would never again inhabit the same geographic location, they continued to function as a kinship network even though separated by time and space.
Struggling for Each Other: The Stancioff Family at Work
Authors: Firkatian Mari A.
Published: March 2006

Due to the unique nature of Stancioff family relationships, family members lived and work as a highly effective network of enabling partners. They were living and working in the rarefied world of diplomats and dealt with people in a variety of countries and cultures. Their eldest daughter, Nadejda Stancioff, pursued a diplomacy career in the 1910s and participated in the post-World War I peace conferences. Dimitri Stancioff, her father, was a diplomat, and her mother, the Countess Anna de Grenaud, was mistress of the robes at the Bulgarian Court at the end of the nineteenth century. They were a “mixed” family in many aspects, yet they thrived. The manner in which this family worked together is a rare example of cooperative collective efforts unfettered by gender biases. They also formed a unique transitional unit as a family who successfully combined the traditional with the modern to serve their collective ends.
Coherent Fragments
Authors: Swarts Jason
Published: March 2006

Genres embody typified discursive activity that is situated in an ecology of texts, people, and tools. Within these settings, genres help writers compose recognizable information artifacts. Increasingly, however, many professions are becoming mobile, and mobile technologies (e.g., personal digital assistants [PDAs]) are creating problems of translation as writers attempt to make genres work across contexts. Mobile devices uproot genres from their native contexts, undercutting their ability to mediate discursive activity. The semantically reduced design of PDA-accessible information magnifies these problems by obscuring, but not erasing, genre characteristics that tie information to its native context. Readers must assume the burden of composing meaningful information artifacts, work otherwise offloaded to genres. The author explores the nature of this composition burden in a case study of veterinary students. He finds that context and the degree of mobility both influence student perception of this composition burden.
Literary Scholars Processing Poetry and Constructing Arguments
Authors: Warren James E.
Published: March 2006

Previous studies of the professional discourse of literary studies have focused solely on published scholarly articles and have produced contradictory evidence regarding the knowledge-building function of literary argument. In this study, 9 English department faculty members use a “think-aloud” procedure to read four lyric poems and compose a short text proposing a hypothetical conference talk about them for a professional conference. Data are analyzed using the commonplaces, or “special topoi,” of literary argument. Results show that (a) different topoi are used when scholars read literary texts and in constructing written arguments and (b) some special topoi are used for communal knowledge building and others are used as audience appeals that may not reflect a commitment to knowledge building. The author concludes by comparing the findings of the study to those of other researchers of literary argument andto those of researchers of scientific argument construction.
For Parents Only: A Strategic Family Therapy Approach in School Counseling
Authors: Nelson Judith A.
Published: March 2006

Schools are excellent resources for families whose children are experiencing behavioral problems at home and at school. School counselors who have training in systems theory are situated to help families make lasting positive changes in family structure and to avoid costly interventions that may or may not be helpful. According to Selvini-Palazzoli (1986), the problems between parents and children can be addressed using a universal set of directives that immediately restore the proper authority to the parents so that the parents can, in effect, help the child give up the symptomatic behavior. This article presents a technique based on Selvini-Palazzoli’s “invariable prescription” (p. 342) for professional school counselors working with families and their acting-out children.
Using Popular Films to Teach Systems Thinking
Authors: Stinchfield Tracy A.
Published: March 2006

Making a paradigm shift from a linear perspective to a systemic perspective can present unique challenges to counseling students. Teaching students to make such a paradigm shift can be a challenge facing counselor educators when teaching family systems courses, particularly an introductory family systems course. Integrating feature films into course curriculum can assist student learning and concept development. This article identifies one way to integrate course content, the family circumplex model, and the movie Ordinary People into a family course to help students bridge the gap between course content and application.
Expanding the Use of the Ethical Genogram: Incorporating the Ethical Principles to Help Clarify Counselors’ Ethical Decision-Making Styles
Authors: Peluso Paul R.
Published: March 2006

Although it was originally conceived to tap into the intuitive-level of the ethical decision-making process, as outlined by Kitchener, the ethical genogram developed by Peluso (2003) can also illuminate how counselors (particularly couples and family counselors) operate on the more conscious, critical-evaluative level. As a result, two exercises were developed for supervisors or trainers to use as an adjunct to the ethical genogram, to tap into the counselor’s priorities regarding the ethical principles of beneficence, nonmalfeasance, justice, autonomy, and fidelity. The first exercise lists the definitions of the values, and the second exercise uses brief clinical vignettes that exemplify a dilemma related to the ethical values. A case example is provided to further illustrate the uses of these exercises with the ethical genogram.
Listening to Our Literature, Listening to Our Clients: An Interview With Barry Duncan and Scott Miller
Authors: Kindsvatter Aaron
Published: March 2006

In this interview, prominent authors and therapists Barry Duncan and Scott Miller share their views on how decades of counseling outcome research should inform therapeutic practices and shape the future of the metal health service delivery.
Characterisation of chromium nitride physical vapour deposition coating on diesel engine pistons
Authors: Laxane R. B. , Bhide R. S. , Patil A. S. , Sane S. G.
Published: March 2006

The development of PVD coatings on pistons for internal combustion engines is described. The aim is to achieve better control of friction, wear, oxidation and corrosion in critical engine components such as pistons and cylinders in order to achieve higher energy efficiency, prolonged life and improved power output. The aim of the study was to find an optimum substrate–coating combination for aluminium piston applications. PVD CrN arc deposited coatings have been found to offer excellent properties for this application, showing improved friction and wear properties and good adhesion as measured in the scratch test. The coating process has been shown not to affect the hardness or microstructure of the LM-13 piston alloy.
Physical vapour deposition coatings on elements of pressure casting dies
Authors: Opiekun Z. A. , Orłowicz W. A.
Published: March 2006

Cathodic arc plasma deposition in an atmosphere of ionised gases (N2 + C2H2) was used to deposit a PVD coating onto the surface of hot work tool steel after ammonia nitriding. In order to increase the adhesion, the steel surface was preshaped with a water jet containing 20 wt-%Al2O3 prior to PVD coating. The 10 μm thick PVD coat consisted of titanium and aluminium nitride–carbide grains of M(N, C) type. The application of a PVD coating onto the cores and surfaces of inputs of dies for pressure casting of Al–Si alloy castings had a positive effect on their durability.
Tribological properties of laser clad Stellite 6 coatings on steel substrates
Authors: Navas C. , Conde A. , Cadenas M. , de Damborenea J.
Published: March 2006

The laser cladding of diesel engine exhaust valves is an emerging technology that provides excellent results in terms of the wear and corrosion resistance of the repaired materials. This work focuses on the deposition by laser cladding of Stellite 6 alloy coatings on two different base materials: an AISI 1045 carbon steel and an AISI 304 stainless steel. Following a process optimisation criterion, several of the fundamental laser treatment parameters were varied in order to obtain defect-free coatings with good adherence and minimal dilution. The metallographic structure of the clad material, irrespective of the substrate used, consists of a typical dendritic microstructure in a solid solution of Co. The mechanical strength of the layers was analysed by measuring HV0·1 microhardness and sliding wear behaviour. Laser coatings achieved hardness greater than 500 HV0·1, and presented excellent dry sliding wear behaviour, with a dimensional wear coefficient k one and a half orders of magnitude lower than that of the substrates. A combined oxidation and abrasion mechanism dominated the wear of the Stellite 6 layers, while in the case of AISI 1045 steel substrate, the wear was caused mainly by a surface oxidation mechanism. For the AISI 304 steel, the wear resulted from a combined adhesion, abrasion and plastic deformation mechanism.
Role of sublayer in determining load bearing capacity of plasma nitrocarburised pure iron
Authors: Suhadi A. , Dong H. , Bell T.
Published: March 2006

Plasma austenitic nitrocarburising as well as plasma ferritic nitrocarburising treatments of pure iron have been carried out in a modified dc plasma unit at 700°C with a gas mixture of nitrogen, hydrogen and organic vapour as the carbon–nitrogen media supplier. The composition, phase structure, microstructure and hardness of the plasma nitrocarburised surface were characterised by a number of materials analytical techniques. The load bearing capacities of ferritic nitrocarburised and austenitic carburised samples were evaluated using a Falex tribometer, and the effect of the sublayer in determining the load bearing capacity of plasma nitrocarburised material was investigated. The experimental results show that the load bearing capacity of plasma nitrocarburised pure iron is mainly determined by the hardness of the sublayer. The load bearing capacity of plasma nitrocarburised pure iron increases in the order of (i) plasma ferritic nitrocarburised, (ii) plasma austenitic nitrocarburised and slow cooled, and (iii) plasma austenitic nitrocarburised, quenched and subzero treated. Based on the experimental results, the role of the sublayer in determining the load bearing capacity of plasma nitrocarburised material is discussed.