bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CASA Assessment of Kinematic Parameters of Ram Spermatozoa and their Relationship to Migration Efficiency in Ruminant Cervical Mucus
Authors: Robayo I , Montenegro V , Valdés C , Cox JF
Published: February 2008

Contents

Sperm motility is an indicator of male fertility because of its importance for sperm migration through the female genital tract and for gamete interaction at fertilization. This study analyses the relationship between computer assisted semen analysis (CASA) motility patterns and sperm migration of rams in ruminant cervical mucus. In experiment 1, spermatozoa extended with sperm analysis medium (SAM) and seminal plasma were compared in terms of motility. In experiment 2, 56 semen samples were collected either with artificial vagina (AV) or electroejaculator to be compared in terms of motility performance. In experiment 3, 104 ejaculates collected by AV from 26 males were analysed via the CASA system to characterize their motility patterns. In experiment 4, ejaculates from pairs of rams (20 rams in total) were simultaneously assessed for mucus migration (ovine, caprine, bovine) and motility patterns to evaluate the correlations between both parameters. Semen collected by AV and extended in SAM allows the most reliable assessment for sperm motility. Ram spermatozoa move fast and follow a linear trajectory compared with other ruminants. Continuous line velocity (VCL) and average path velocity (VAP) are the only sperm kinematic parameters that presented significant positive correlations with the ability to migrate in sheep cervical mucus (p < 0.05). Continuous line velocity, VAP, straight line velocity and linearity are highly significantly related with migration efficiency in goat cervical mucus (p < 0.01) and only lateral head displacement is negatively related to sperm migration in bovine cervical mucus (p < 0.05). These results suggest that specific kinematic parameters confer the ability of spermatozoa to colonize and migrate through epithelial mucus with different rheological properties.
Field Trial on Progesterone Cycles, Metabolic Profiles, Body Condition Score and their Relation to Fertility in Estonian Holstein Dairy Cows
Authors: Samarütel J , Ling K , Waldmann A , Jaakson H , Kaart T , Leesmäe A
Published: February 2008

Contents

Resumption of luteal activity postpartum and fertility were investigated in an Estonian Holstein high milk production and good fertility dairy herd. Body condition was scored after every 10 days in 54 multiparous dairy cows (71 lactations) calving inside from December to March during 4‐year period. Blood samples were taken 1–14 days before calving and 1–14, 28–42 and 63–77 days after calving: analytes estimated were serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), glucose, ketone bodies, total cholesterol, non‐esterified fatty acids and triglycerides. The general linear mixed model was used to compare the data for cows with different characteristics in luteal activity postpartum based on their milk progesterone profiles. Forty‐five per cent of cases had abnormal profiles; delayed resumption of ovarian cyclicity postpartum (DC) was the most prevalent abnormality. There was no difference in body condition scores between the groups. The DC and prolonged luteal phase groups had higher serum AST activity (p < 0.01) 1–14 days postpartum compared with normal group. The DC group also had higher cholesterol and triglyceride values (p < 0.05) 28–42 days postpartum and higher milk fat/protein ratio (p < 0.01) on the first month of lactation compared with normal profile group. Despite long post‐calving anoestrous period (71 ± 5.0 days; mean ± SEM) DC group had 64.7% first service pregnancy rate (normal group 48.6% and PLP group 37.5%). This study did not find any detrimental effect of prolonged anovulatory period postpartum on subsequent fertility.
Luteolytic Effect of Prostaglandin F2α on Bovine Corpus Luteum Depends on Cell Composition and Contact
Authors: Korzekwa AJ , Jaroszewski JJ , Woclawek‐Potocka I , Bah MM , Skarzynski DJ
Published: February 2008

Contents

Prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) is a main luteolytic factor in vivo; however, its direct luteolytic influence on steroidogenic cells of bovine corpus luteum (CL) is controversial and not fully understood. The aim of the study was to clarify PGF2α action on bovine CL in different in vivo and in vitro conditions and to examine whether the contact among all main types of CL cells is necessary for luteolytic PGF2α action. In experiment 1, the bovine CL (day 15 of the oestrous cycle) was perfused using in vivo microdialysis system with dinoprost (an analogue of PGF2α) for 0.5 h. Dinoprost caused a short‐time increase in progesterone (P4), whose concentration decreased thereafter (at 6‐, 10‐, 12‐ and 24‐h after treatment). In experiment 2, the direct effect of PGF2α on P4 accumulation in CL steroidogenic cells cultured in monolayer (day 15 of the cycle) was determined. PGF2α after 24 h of incubation increased P4 accumulation in steroidogenic CL cells. In experiment 3 steroidogenic, endothelial CL and immune cells (day 15 of the cycle) were incubated with PGF2α in cocultures for 24 h in glass tubes and the levels of P4, stable metabolites of nitric oxide (NO) and leukotriene (LT) C4 were determined. Although PGF2α treatment increased P4 secretion in homogeneous steroidogenic CL cell culture, the decrease in P4 secretion in cocultures of all types of CL cells was observed. The secretion of NO and LTC4 increased after the treatment of PGF2α both in pure cultures of CL cells and in cocultures. The interactions between endothelial and immune cells with steroidogenic CL cells are needed for luteolytic PGF2α action within the bovine CL. Our results indicate that the cell coculture model, including the main types of CL cells, is the most approximate to study PGF2α role in vitro.
Oocyte Recovery by Ovum Pick Up and Embryo Production in River Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)
Authors: Manjunatha BM , Ravindra JP , Gupta PSP , Devaraj M , Nandi S
Published: February 2008

Ovum pick up (OPU) was conducted twice a week for 12 weeks in six cycling, non‐descriptive (local breed), Indian buffaloes to study the efficiency of OPU on recovery of oocytes for embryo production. OPU was performed using an ultrasound equipment with a 5‐MHz transvaginal transducer, a single‐lumen, 18‐gauge, 55‐cm‐long needle and a constant vacuum pressure of 110 mmHg. The number and size of follicles were determined before puncture. The recovered oocytes were graded, washed, matured for 24 h and then fertilized with frozen–thawed semen, followed by embryo culture on the oviductal monolayer. The mean number of follicles observed per animal per session did not differ between animals or between puncture sessions. A mean number of 3.62 ± 0.32 mm follicles were observed, 2.90 ± 0.15 mm follicles were punctured and 1.21 ± 0.07 oocytes were recovered per animal per session, with an average recovery rate of 42%. Of the total oocytes recovered, 64% were suitable for in vitro embryo production (grade A + B) whereas 36% were classified to be of grades C + D. A mean number of 0.25 ± 0.2 transferable embryos was produced in vitro per buffalo per session with a transferable embryo production rate of 32%. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that twice‐a‐week OPU could be applied repeatedly, without any adverse effects on the follicular growth and oocyte recovery and that recovered oocytes could be used for in vitro embryo production in buffaloes.
Induction of Parturition with Daily Low‐dose Oxytocin Injections in Pregnant Mares at Term: Clinical Applications and Limitations
Authors: Villani M , Romano G
Published: February 2008

Contents

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical applications and limitations of daily low‐dose oxytocin injections for the induction of parturition in pregnant at term mares, the attention was focussed on the efficacy of the treatment and on its possible negative effects on mare and foal. Three‐hundred and fifty pregnant full term Standardbred mares were used: 176 were allowed to foal spontaneously, 174 were treated daily with 3.5 IU of oxytocin i.m. when mammary secretion showed a calcium concentration ≥ 200 ppm. For each mare, gestational length, outcome and duration of foaling, placenta expulsion time were recorded. Physical and behavioural characteristics of each foal were also recorded. Administration of oxytocin resulted in the delivery of a normal foal within 120 min in 68.9% of treated mares: 51.3% responded to the first oxytocin administration, 14.2% to the second and 3.4% to the third. No significant difference between treated and control mares was observed in the gestational length (340 ± 8 days vs 337 ± 7 days), duration of foaling (10 ± 5.6 min vs 11 ± 4.9 min), incidence of dystocia (1.4% vs 1.7%) and failure of rupture of the allantochorion (0% vs 0.6%). No significant difference was observed in the incidence of placental retention between treated and control groups (8.1% vs 6.3%). Physical and behavioural characteristics were normal in foals of both groups. In conclusion, daily injections of low doses of oxytocin in at term mares showed only moderate efficacy for inducing parturition. However, the easy applicability and the complete safety for both mare and foal, of this method of foaling induction makes it a useful tool to simplify the management of mares in commercial stud farms.
Influence of Postpartum Cloprostenol Treatment in Sows on Subsequent Reproductive Performance under Field Conditions
Authors: Vanderhaeghe C , Dewulf J , Daems A , Van Soom A , De Kruif A , Maes D
Published: February 2008

During the previous decade several studies focused on postpartum treatment with prostaglandin for improvement of reproductive performance in sows. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of administration of a prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) analogue in sows within 24–48 h after farrowing on sow and litter performance. In five commercial farms, the sows were randomly assigned to either treatment A (2 ml cloprostenol, PlanateIM) or treatment B (2 ml physiological saline solution, i.m.). Fifteen per cent of all sows were at random selected for progesterone analysis. Litter performance was assessed by measuring pre‐weaning mortality and average daily weight gain (ADG). Sow performance was assessed by measuring weaning‐to‐oestrus interval (WOI), the percentage of sows returning to oestrus and litter size during subsequent farrowing. Administration of a PGF2α analogue within 24–48 h postpartum had no effect on the rate of progesterone decline measured over 24 h compared with that of the controls. Litter performance and WOI were not affected by treatment. The subsequent litter size in sows of parity seven and more showed a significant difference of 1.98 piglets (p < 0.01) between both groups, to the benefit of the cloprostenol group. In conclusion, administration of a synthetic PGF2α analogue, cloprostenol, within 24–48 h after farrowing improved litter size at next farrowing in older (≥7 parity) sows.
Congenital anaplastic astrocytoma differentiated into pilocytic astrocytoma: An autopsy case
Authors: Arai Yoshifumi , Tsuchida Takashi , Tanioka Fumihiko , Sugimura Haruhiko , Watanabe Chieko , Hongo Teruaki , Tsutsui Yoshihiro
Published: February 2008

We report an autopsy case of congenital astrocytoma and its histopathological changes during 5 years of the patient's development from birth to death. At birth, a right exophthalmic tumor was observed, and MRI revealed that the tumor occupied the right orbital space and had also affected the suprasellar diencephalic structures. The right orbital tumor, which was enucleated at 2 months of age, was a highly cellular tumor with moderate pleomorphism resembling anaplastic astrocytoma. On the other hand, at autopsy, a brain tumor was found in the right diencephalic region with features of pilocytic astrocytoma, accompanied by leptomeningeal dissemination. A biopsy specimen, which was obtained from the chiasmatic part of the tumor at 4 months of age, showed an intermediate appearance between the orbital tumor and the brain tumor obtained at autopsy. Immunohistochemical examination confirmed that all three phases of the tumors showed an astrocytic lineage, and the Ki‐67 labeling index decreased rapidly after 2 months of age. We believe that this congenital anaplastic astrocytoma differentiated into a pilocytic astrocytoma during the 5 years of the patient's development. The transformation of the congenital astrocytoma from anaplastic to pilocytic forms can be attributed to the nature of the tumor, namely postmitotic neoplastic cells are characterized by their ability to undergo self‐differentiation, along with the organotropism of the developing brain.
Intracranial inflammatory pseudotumor: Report of a rare case
Authors: Suri Vaishali , Shukla Bhaskar , Garg Ajay , Singh Manmohan , Rishi Arvind , Sharma Mehar C. , Sarkar Chitra
Published: February 2008

Inflammatory pseudotumors (IPs) arising in the CNS (IP‐CNS) are quite rare. We report here a case of IP in a 5‐year‐old boy. Intraoperatively there was a well‐defined extra‐axial lesion in the right frontobasal region with CSF all around. There was no dural attachment. The tumor was removed piece‐meal. On pathological examination, the lesion was well circumscribed and comprised of spindled cells in a collagenous background with sprinkling of inflammatory cells. The case was worked up considering the possibilities of low grade glioma, lymphoplasmacyte‐rich meningioma, fungal/tubercular infection or inflammatory pseudotumors. Appropriate immunohistochemical stains were performed to rule out the rare possibility of lymphoma or plasmacytoma. The spindled cells were diffusely immunopositive for vimentin and only occasional cells were positive for smooth muscle actin (SMA). The cells did not show anaplastic lymphoma kinase‐1 immunopositivity. Based on the above morphological and immunohistochemical analysis, a diagnosis of inflammatory pseudotumor was rendered.
An autopsy case with non‐herpetic acute limbic encephalitis (NHALE)
Authors: Maki Toshiki , Kokubo Yasumasa , Nishida Suguru , Suzuki Hideo , Kuzuhara Shigeki
Published: February 2008

Non‐herpetic acute limbic encephalitis (NHALE) is a cause‐unknown, inflammatory disease entity that affects the limbic system restrictedly. Neuropathological changes of NHALE have been described in only one report. A 53‐year‐old Japanese woman developed high fever, disturbance of consciousness and intractable generalized convulsions. Her symptoms were resistant to aggressive therapy including corticosteroid, acyclovir, γ‐globulin and anticonvulsants, and progressed acutely, leading to status epilepticus at 6 days after the onset. Brain MRI revealed inflammatory changes restricted to the limbic system. Herpes encephalitis was excluded by laboratory tests. Although paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis could not be excluded completely, no tumor lesions were detected on chest CT and abdominal ultrasonography. The patient died of multiple organ failure at 34 days after the onset of the disease. Histologically, there were neuronal loss and severe gliosis with an increase in hypertrophic astrocytes and with perivascular cuffings around several small blood vessels restricted to the hippocampus and the amygdala. Immunohistochemically, macrophages and activated astrocytes were distributed more widely over the limbic system, namely internal capsule, thalamus, caudate nucleus and substantia nigra. Herpes simplex virus I(1)and II(2) were negative immunohistochemically. The neuropathological findings of this case were similar to that of the previous report. NHALE is supposed to be a distinct disease entity neuropathologically and the fulminant form of NHALE exists.
Low grade diffuse gliomas: Shared cellular composition and morphometric differences
Authors: Kinjo Sawako , Hirato Junko , Nakazato Yoichi
Published: February 2008

Low grade diffuse gliomas arising in the brain are challenging to treat because of their ability to infiltrate adjacent tissue. We attempted to clarify the cellular composition and histopathological features of low grade gliomas by utilizing morphometric and immunohistochemical analyses. Seventy‐eight cases of low grade gliomas were examined including 21 diffuse astrocytomas (DA), 36 oligodendrogliomas (OL), and 21 oligoastrocytomas (OA), based on the WHO classification system. Moreover, OL were subdivided into three types based on the morphological characteristics advocated by Daumas‐Duportet al.: OL type I, OL type II, and OL type III. The cellularity, nuclear form factor, and conditional entropy corresponding to the nuclear pleomorphism were measured in each sample by the image analysis software “Gunmetry.” Twenty‐two cases were immunohistochemically analyzed for the expression of several antigens. Morphometric data indicated that the cellularity of OL type II was significantly higher than that of DA, and that the conditional entropy of OL type III was significantly lower than that of DA. Although the results of the immunohistochemical studies were almost consistent with previous reports, there were significant differences in the expression of GFAP, nestin and p53 between DA and OL. Double immunostaining revealed that expression of Olig2 and GFAP, and Olig2 and nestin was mutually exclusive in most glioma cells. Moreover, the coexpression of nestin and GFAP occurred in DA and OA, but not in OL. We conclude that each glioma include cells expressing GFAP, cells expressing nestin, and cells expressing Olig2 in a characteristic proportion for each tumor type. We suggest that diffuse gliomas share cellular compositions in different ratios and that they can be distinguished by morphometrical analysis.
Proliferation and cell death of human glioblastoma cells after carbon‐ion beam exposure: Morphologic and morphometric analyses
Authors: Oishi Takuma , Sasaki Atsushi , Hamada Nobuyuki , Ishiuchi Shogo , Funayama Tomoo , Sakashita Tetsuya , Kobayashi Yasuhiko , Nakano Takashi , Nakazato Yoichi
Published: February 2008

Histological analyses of glioblastoma cells after carbon‐ion exposure are still limited and ultrastructural characteristics have not been investigated in detail. Here we report the results of morphological and morphometric analyses of a human glioblastoma cell line, CGNH‐89, after ionizing radiation to characterize the effect of a carbon‐beam on glioblastoma cells. Using CGNH‐89 cells exposed to 0–10 Gy of X‐ray (140 kVp) or carbon‐ions (18.3 MeV/nucleon, LET = 108 keV/μm), we performed conventional histology and immunocytochemistry with MIB‐1 antibody, transmission electron microscopy, and computer‐assisted, nuclear size measurements. CGNH‐89 cells with a G to A transition in codon 280 in exon 8 of the TP53 gene had nuclei with pleomorphism, marked nuclear atypia and brisk mitotic activity. After carbon‐ion and X‐ray exposure, living cells showed decreased cell number, nuclear condensation, increased atypical mitotic figures, and a tendency of cytoplasmic enlargement at the level of light microscopy. The deviation of the nuclear area size increased during 48 h after irradiation, while the small cell fraction increased in 336 h. In glioblastoma cells of the control, 5 Gy carbon‐beam, and 10 Gy carbon‐beam, and MIB‐1 labeling index decreased in 24 h (12%, 11%, 7%, respectively) but increased in 48 h (10%, 20%, 21%, respectively). Ultrastructurally, cellular enlargement seemed to depend on vacuolation, swelling of mitochondria, and increase of cellular organelles, such as the cytoskeleton and secondary lysosome. We could not observe apoptotic bodies in the CGNH‐89 cells under any conditions. We conclude that carbon‐ion irradiation induced cell death and senescence in a glioblastoma cell line with mutant TP53. Our results indicated that the increase of large cells with enlarged and bizarre nuclei, swollen mitochondria, and secondary lysosome occurred in glioblastoma cells after carbon‐beam exposure.
Redox active iron accumulation in aceruloplasminemia
Authors: Gonzalez‐Cuyar Luis F. , Perry George , Miyajima Hiroaki , Atwood Craig S. , Riveros‐Angel Marcela , Lyons Patrick F. , Siedlak Sandra L. , Smith Mark A. , Castellani Rudy J.
Published: February 2008

Aceruloplasminemia is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by a ceruloplasmin gene mutation and defective or absent ceruloplasmin function. Because ceruloplasmin functions in iron transport and storage, aceruloplasminemia leads to excessive iron accumulation systemically and within the CNS. The type and form of iron deposited is unclear and while oxidative stress was hypothesized as a potential mechanism of cytotoxicity in this disorder, direct evidence linking oxidative stress to the underlying genetic defect has not been provided. To address these issues, we studied autopsy brain tissue from two subjects with genetically confirmed aceruloplasminemia using an assay developed in our laboratory for redox‐active iron assessment. We found iron deposited in perivascular areas, localizing to terminal astrocytic processes and further showed that this iron was redox active. These data are consistent with the concept that oxidative stress, driven by heavy metal accumulation, represents the primary cellular cytotoxic process, accounting for neuronal damage in affected brain regions. As such, aceruloplasminemia is an excellent model of transition metal‐driven oxidative stress and neurodegeneration.
Correlative evidence that tumor cell‐derived caveolin‐1 mediates angiogenesis in meningiomas
Authors: Barresi Valeria , Cerasoli Serenella , Tuccari Giovanni
Published: February 2008

Since it has recently been reported that caveolin‐1 (cav‐1) may favor the progression of prostatic and renal cancers by stimulating tumor neoangiogenesis, we thought it of interest to analyze the correlation between cav‐1 expression and tumor microvessel density (MVD) in meningiomas. In the present study we quantified cav‐1 expression by immunohistochemistry and used CD105 immunohistochemical staining to measure MVD. Sixty‐two formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded, surgically resected meningiomas were submitted to the analysis. On the basis of cav‐1 immuno‐expression, cases were subdivided into meningiomas displaying a low (n = 34) and a high (n = 28) cav‐1 immuno‐expression, respectively. Mann–Whitney test showed that a significantly higher MVD was present in the cases with a high cav‐1 expression than in those with a low expression (mean 24.44 vs. 41.28 microvessels/mm2) (P = 0.0001). Moreover, Spearman test revealed a significant positive correlation between cav‐1 rate of expression and MVD counts in the meningiomas of our series (r = 0.390; P = 0.0023). Therefore, our study demonstrates the existence of an association between cav‐1 expression and neoangiogenesis in meningiomas, suggesting that cav‐1 may mediate the progression of these tumors by stimulating the angiogenic process. Besides, it is known that the progression of meningiomas is paralleled by an increase in MVD. The clarification of cav‐1 role in the neoangiogensis of meningiomas may open new insights about the possibility of novel therapeutic strategies in these neoplasias.
A molecular investigation of polymorphism in the North Atlantic red algaChondrus crispus(Gigartinales)*
Authors: Chopin Thierry , Bird Carolyn J. , Murphy Colleen A. , Osborne Jane A. , Patwary Moshin U. , Floc'h Jean‐Yves
Published: February 2008

Seven samples ofChondrus crispusStackhouse, representing widely contrasting forms from both sides of the North Atlantic, were compared by restriction digestion of their plastid DNA. The similar banding patterns confirmed that the seven forms were conspecific and distinct fromChondrus ocellatusHolmes f.ocellatusfrom Japan, used as an outgroup. Nucleotide sequences of the internal transcribed spacers (ITS1 and ITS21 and the intervening 5.8S rRNA gene of the nuclear rRNA operon were investigated as a potential indicator of genetic divergence among morphological variants ofC. crispus.The combined ITS regions were relatively short inChondrus(between 719 and 731 base pairs [bp] inC. crispusand 724 bp inC. ocellatusf.ocellatus), and the sequence of the 5.8s rDNA fragment (152 bp) was identical in both species. In the aligned ITS regions, there were 0–18 base pair differences (0–2.18% divergence) in pairwise comparisons of the seven forms ofC. crispusbut no consistent pattern of variation according to gross morphology or geographic origin. However, the ITS sequence differed at 41–54 sites (6.22‐7.56%) betweenC. crispusandC. ocellatusf.ocellatus, again illustrating the genetic distinctiveness of the latter species.
Avrainvillea rotumensis sp. nov. (Bryopsidales, Chlorophyta), a peltate species from the South Pacific
Authors: N'Yeurt Antoine D. R. , Littler Diane S. , Littler Mark M.
Published: February 2008

A new species of Avrainvillea was found on the South Pacific island of Rotuma, Fiji. Avrainvillea rotumensis sp. nov. occurs 1.5‐3.0 m deep in a high energy current area of the Hoféa Passage, one of the few openings in the fringing reef that surrounds the island. The distinctive peltate growth habit of A. rotumensis is unique for the genus and facilitates quick and accurate field identification. The peltate blade (7–9 cm in diameter at maturity) is unusually thick (34 mm) tapering toward a short (up to 6 cm in length), thick (1.5‐2.0 cm in diameter) stipe.
Morphology and life history of Scytosiphon canaliculatus comb. nov. (Scytosiphonales, Phaeophyceae) from Japan*
Authors: Kogame Kazuhiro
Published: February 2008

Morphology of field material and life history in culture were studied in Scytosiphon canaliculatus (Setchell et Gardner) comb. nov. from northern Japan. Erect gametophytes of S. canaliculatus are cylindrical, tubular, up to 7 mm wide and 40 cm long, and without regular constrictions. S. canaliculatus has pronounced anisogamy and ascocysts accompanied with plurilocular gametangia. The life history of S. canaliculatus showed an alternation between erect gametophytes and crustose prostrate sporophytes bearing unilocular sporangia. Since field sporophytes of S. canaliculatus were found to be identical with Hapterophycus canaliculatus Setchell et Gardner (Ralfsiaceae, Phaeophyceae), it is proposed to transfer H. canaliculatus to the genus Scytosiphon. In the field, gametophytes with plurilocular gametangia appeared in spring and disappeared in summer. Sporophytes with unilocular sporangia were collected in late autumn and winter. Unilocular sporangia were produced at 15°C in short‐day culture conditions and unispores developed into erect gametophytes at 5–15°C. It is suggested that the seasonal Occurrence of gametophytes in the field is due to the seasonal formation of unilocular sporangia, which is regulated by temperature and photoperiod.
Architectural models for apical patterns in Gelidium (Gelidiales, Rhodophyta): hypothesis of growth
Authors: Vargas Dení Rodríguez , Collado‐Vides Ligia
Published: February 2008

The great morphological variation in the apical region of main axes and branches in species of Gelidium and Pterocladia suggests different patterns of growth. Those patterns have been reconstructed from the ontogenetic sequence of morphological stages and regeneration of the apex. Using the architectural approach, models for four species of Gelidium from the Pacific coast of central Chile and the Pacific coast of Mexico's tropical region, were constructed based on the following criteria: growth pattern, specialization of laterals, symmetry, apical dominance and rhythm of apical and lateral growth. Those models allow for a formal evaluation of apical differences between species.
Observations on Japanese species of the genus Martensia (Delesseriaceae, Rhodophyta), with the description of Neomartensia gen. nov.
Authors: Yoshida Tadao , Mikami Hideo
Published: February 2008

The morphology of vegetative and reproductive structures of Martensia fragilis Harvey, Martensia australis Harvey and Martensia flabelliformis Harvey ex J. Agardh was studied based on material collected from Japan. M. fragilis and M. australis have cystocarps with terminal carposporangia, and their membranous portions are composed of cell layers with regularly stacked flat cells of similar size. M. flabelliformis has the following combination of characters: (i) carposporangia are formed in short chains; and (ii) the membranous portion is composed of irregularly arranged flat cells of various sizes. These characters are distinctly different from those of Martensia and warrant the establishment of Neomartensia gen. nov., with the type species Neomartensia flabelliformis comb. nov.
Parietochloris incisa comb. nov. (Trebouxiophyceae, Chlorophyta)
Authors: Watanabe Shin , Hirabayashi Seishiro , Boussiba Sammy , Cohen Zvi , Vonshak Avigad , Richmond Amos
Published: February 2008

A coccoid green alga, Myrmecia incisa Reisigl, was isolated from the soil of Mt Tateyama, Japan. Electronmicroscopy revealed that the organism has pyrenoids sparsely covered with starch segments and traversed by many parallel thylakoid membranes, and zoo‐spores with counterclockwise basal body orientation. Due to the presence of these features, we have proposed a reclassification of M. incisa into the genus Parietochloris, Trebouxiophyceae.
Osmoprotectors in some species of Japanese mangrove macroalgae
Authors: Karsten Ulf , Mostaert Anika S. , King Robert J. , Kamiya Mitsunobu , Hara Yoshiaki
Published: February 2008

The macroalgae asSociated with the mangrove vegetation of the Japanese Islands Okinawa, Ishigaki and Iriomote were investigated. The flora includes members of the red algal genera Bostrychia, Caloglossa and Catenella, as well as the brown alga Dictyotopsis propagulifera Troll, which may be considered typical of mangrove forests. The distribution of the low molecular weight carbohydrates sorbitol, dulcitol, mannitol and floridoside was studied in the mangrove algae. Their physiological role as osmoprotectors was assessed by investigating the effect of salinity on the intracellular sorbitol and dulcitol concentration in Bostrychia pinnata J. Tanaka et Chihara and on the mannitol content in D. propagulifera. In both species the polyol values increased with increasing salinity.
The role of macroalgae in epiphytism of the toxic dinoflagellate Gambierdiscus toxicus (Dinophyceae)
Authors: Nakahara Hiroyuki , Sakami Tomoko , Chinain Mireille , Ishida Yuzaburo
Published: February 2008

Populations of the toxic, epiphytic dinoflagellate Gambierdiscus toxicus Adachi et Fukuyo are asSociated closely with Jania sp. on Hitiaa and Papara fringing reefs in Tahiti. Small populations were also observed to be asSociated with Amphiroa sp. and Halimeda opuntia (L.) Lamouroux. The cells attached themselves to the thallus by means of a short thread. When the thalli were irradiated, the cells began to detach from them and swim around the branches. The swimming cells stopped and attached to substrata when a disturbance occurred. The attached cells began to swim within a short time under light conditions when the thallus of Jania sp. were placed near the attached cells. Amphiroa sp. and H. opuntia also induced this re‐commencement of swimming of the attached cells. These observations suggest that G. toxicus usually swims around macroalgal thalli on coral reefs. When sudden disturbance or strong water motion occurs, they attach to the surface of macroalgae and are not dispersed. Soon after water motion becomes slow, the cells begin to swim into the water around the thalli. The epiphytism of G. toxicus is different from epiphytic pennate diatoms, most of which adhere to the thallus all the time. The population of G. toxicus is maintained as an asSociation to a limited number of species of macroalgae which support the re‐commencement of swimming after disturbance.
The Asian Pacific Society of Respirology (APSR)
Authors: Tan Wan C
Published: February 2008

The Asian Pacific Society of Respirology (APSR) is holding its fourth congress on 4–8 October 1996 in Beijing. The APSR is the only respiratory society formed entirely in the Asia‐Pacific region. The society is affiliated with the national thoracic societies from all the countries in the Asian Pacific region. Countries here have the fastest economic growth in the world and a commitment to social and health changes.

An Asian Pacific Society, devoted to pulmonary medicine and science in this region, was first conceived when a steering committee of distinguished pulmonary physicians and scientists from the region met, with the participation of the American Thoracic Society, in Tokyo in August 1985. It had amongst its founding members many international experts in the respiratory field, such as Michiyoshi Harasawa, Shiro Kira, James Hogg, Ann Woolcock, Ken Moser, John Murray and Peter Macklem, to name but a few. The official name is the Asian Pacific Society of Respirology, as this word means the science of respiration and includes all aspects of breathing. Dr Harasawa was the first president (1985–93); Dr Wan C Tan, the second president (1993–96).
Disintegration of the ‘waterfall phenomenon’ in the inferior vena cava due to right heart failure
Authors: KIRA Shiro , DAMBARA Takashi , MIENO Tatsuhiko , TAMAKI Shigeru , NATORI Hiroshi
Published: February 2008

Abstract
The concept of the waterfall phenomenon in Zone 2 in the pulmonary vasculature is well known from West's lung model. It is believed that the flow through this zone is determined by the pressure difference between the pulmonary artery and alveoli, and the left atrial pressure is not transmissible to the alveolar capillaries. However, it is impossible to see whether alveolar capillaries are really displaying the waterfall phenomenon or not. In this review, the interrelation between the flow and geometry of the alveolar capillaries in the waterfall phenomenon is analyzed based on physiological studies using a model system and isolated lung lobe experiments. Further, extending the concept to the analysis of ventilatory changes of the inferior vena cava (IVC) configuration, it is ascertained that the waterfall phenomenon normally occurs in the IVC during inspiration just before it enters the thorax and the waterfall phenomenon in the IVC disintegrates with elevation of the central venous pressure. Because these configurations of the IVC in normal and abnormal conditions are visible with ultrasonography, the technique is very useful as a noninvasive approach to diagnose right heart failure.
Tropical pulmonary diseases
Authors: BOVORNKITTI Somchai
Published: February 2008

Abstract
The term ‘tropical’ refers to the region of the Earth lying between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. Located between these equatorial parallels demarcating the Torrid Zone are several underdeveloped and developing countries: Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, southern India, Sri Lanka, Brazil, Cuba, Ethiopia, Sudan and Nigeria, to name but a few considered to be ‘tropical’. The climate in most of these countries is characterized by high temperatures and high humidity. The tropical climate and general state of socio‐economic underdevelopment in such countries provide an ideal environment for pathogenic organisms, their vectors and intermediate hosts to flourish. Furthermore, the cultural habits and educational background of the people living in such countries expose them to pathogens and, when these people become infected, they readily become reservoirs for, or carriers of, those organisms. Ultimately, the adverse socioeconomic conditions of underdeveloped countries impede attempts to eradicate or control tropical diseases.
Acute respiratory distress syndrome: Diagnosis and management
Authors: de GUIA Teresita S.
Published: February 2008

Abstract
This review will attempt to put together the voluminous studies and concepts that have been published during the past 25 years following the description of the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) regarding diagnosis and management. The initial discussion will focus on how to clinically diagnose ARDS based recommendations. This also gives the current definition of acute lung injury and when to call it ARDS. The radiographic and hemodynamic characteristics are discussed including oxygenation parameters. The management outlines the conventional as well as new therapys intended to improve survival of this devastating disease.
DNA diagnosis of pulmonary infections: Particular emphasis on Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: TAN Wan C , TAN Meng F
Published: February 2008

Abstract
The past two decades have brought significant changes to the clinical laboratory. Microbiologists now have highly sensitive, rapid and specific molecular methods of identifying infectious agents by the direct detection of DNA or RNA sequences unique to a particular organism. Advanced DNA technology such as nucleic‐acid hybridization, PCR and DNA fingerprinting have been used in the direct detection of causative organisms in clinical specimens, with resultant benefits such as increased sensitivity and specificity of the diagnostic approach and reduction of turnaround time. This review outlines a brief description of the various DNA diagnostic tools used in the detection of pulmonary infections with emphasis on their applications in the diagnosis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
A phase III randomized trial of cisplatin plus vindesine versus cisplatin plus vindesine plus mitomycin C versus cisplatin plus vindesine plus ifosfamide for advanced non‐small‐cell lung cancer
Authors: MASUTANI Masayuki , AKUSAWA Hiroshi , KADOTA Astushi , OHCHI Yasushi , TAKAHASHI Noriaki , TANIGAWA Satoshi , KOYA Yoshiaki , HORIE Takashi
Published: February 2008

AbstractA randomized trial of chemotherapy in 105 patients with advanced and metastatic nonsmall‐cell lung cancer (NCSLC) was conducted in order to compare the effect of the additional drug mitomycin C (PVM) or ifosfamide (PVI), to the combination of cisplatin plus vindesine (PV). An objective response rate was observed in 42.8% of the patients treated with PVM, 42.4% with PVI and 28.6% with PV and these response rates were not statistically significant (P > 0.20). No patient achieved the complete response with either of the three regimens. Comparison of the median response durations among the three regimens showed an advantage of PVI over PVM (P < 0.02) and PV (P < 0.05). The median survival times (MST) were similar for all three regimens (PVM, 33.5; PVI, 40.0 and PV, 36.5 weeks); moreover, the difference in survival time between the three regimens of responders was not statistically significant. The univariate analysis showed that significant predictors of survival were performance status (PS) zero (P = 0.0002), limited disease (P = 0.004), no previous weight loss (P = 0.01) and normal serum albumin (P = 0.016), and in multivariate analysis by a stepwise Cox proportional hazard model, these were PS zero (a hazard ratio of 2.3, P = 0.0001) and limited disease (a hazard ratio of 1.9, P = 0.048). Toxicity did not differ among the three treatment regimens.
Cardiovascular and respiratory adjustments in normal volunteers during modified exercise tests in comparison to standard exercise tests
Authors: BALGOS A , LUA L , PASCUAL R
Published: February 2008

Abstract
Sixteen normal, non‐smoking first year medical students underwent four standard exercise tests, while cardiovascular (heart rate and blood pressure) and pulmonary (respiratory rate, tidal volume and oxygen consumption) adjustments were being monitored. Maximal exercise level for all tests were defined following the Jones scale. No variation was noted in respiratory rate among the four exercise tests. The cycle ergometry (CE), hand ergometry (HE), and treadmill (TM) exercise tests produced progressive increases of the various parameters as expected, although target maximal heart rates were not reached in most cases secondary to muscle fatigue. The step test (ST) approximated the physiological parameter changes noted in these three tests during the early stages of exercise, but levelled off after 3 minutes, probably due to lack of incremental load. The ST took the longest time to reach maximal level of exercise parameters, and recorded the lowest tidal volume increase. The same subjects underwent a modified step test (MST1) by adding 1 kg sandbags every 3 min to backpacks worn by the subjects, to provide incremental load. This modification provided a slight increase in the parameters measured, but still plateaued after 3 min. Another set of 18 normal, non‐smoking medical students underwent bicycle ergometry and two other modified exercise tests. The modified step test two (MST2) was similar to our initial MST1, except that the sandbags added every 3 min were not fixed at 1 kg but were also incremental (1, 2, 3 and 4 kg). The other test (Ramp test or RT) required the subjects to walk up and down a ramp, which entailed not only the addition of incremental weights of sandbags every 3 min, but also increasing the elevation of the ramp at each stage. Data analysis showed that these two tests showed almost similar changes in cardiovascular and respiratory adjustments in the subjects, compared to the standard bicycle ergometry. These pilot studies showed that low‐cost modified step tests may be utilized to approximate the expensive standard treadmill and bicycle exercise tests. More studies on larger populations have to be done to validate these results.
Interleukin‐1ß decreases sensitivity of guinea‐pig airway to potassium chloride and isoproterenol by an epithelium‐dependent mechanism
Authors: MUNAKATA Mitsuru , CHEN Hang , NASUHARA Yasuyuki , SATO Atsuko , TAKAHASHI Toru , SATO Rika , HOMMA Yukihiko , KAWAKAMI Yoshikazu
Published: February 2008

Abstract
Airway inflammation may cause alteration of airway responses in chronic airway diseases, such as bronchial asthma. The objective of this study was to examine whether interleukin‐18 (IL‐18), one of the pro‐inflammatory cytokines, has a direct effect on airway functions. The effects of IL‐18 on carbachol, KC1 and isoproterenol (ISO) responses of isolated guinea‐pig tracheal strips were examined by measuring isometric tension in tissue bath. Responses of tracheal strips with or without epithelium to each agonist were compared before and after incubation with IL‐18 (25 ng or 250 ng/mL). Both 1 h and 5 h incubation of the strips with 250 ng/mL IL‐18 significantly decreased the sensitivity not only to KC1 (P < 0.05; P < 0.01, respectively), but also to ISO (both P < 0.05) without affecting maximum contraction or relaxation. Response to carbachol was not affected by IL‐18. Epithelial denudation abolished the effects of IL‐18 on KC1 and ISO responses. Indomethacin (2 9mol/L) reversed the effects of IL‐18 both on KC1 and on ISO. These results suggest that IL‐1ß decreases the sensitivity of airway strips to KC1 and ISO, possibly by stimulating prostaglandin production from the airway epithelium.
The efficacy of doxycycline as a pleural sclerosing agent in malignant pleural effusion: A prospective study
Authors: PULSIRIPUNYA C , YOUNGCHAIYUD P , PUSHPAKOM R , MARANETRA N , NANA A , CHAROENRATANAKUL S
Published: February 2008

Abstract
To determine the efficacy of doxycycline in producing pleuroedesis in patients with malignant pleural effusion (MPE), 31 documented cases of MPE, aged 19–82 years were prospectively studied. Pleural sclerosis was done with 500 mg of doxycycline. Response regarding respiratory symptoms and pleural fluid accumulation were evaluated monthly. At one month, 27 patients were evaluable (4 dropped out). All responded and required no therapeutic thoracentesis. At 3 months, 13 patients dropped out, only 14 patients were evaluable. It revealed that 13 out of 14 patients (92%) responded. Only one patient failed and required therapeutic thoracentesis. Five and two patients came for assessment at 6 and 12 months, respectively. They still benefited from doxycycline pleurodesis. Side effects including low grade fever in 30% of patients, moderate to severe pain in 60% and troublesome cough with hemoptysis in one patient (3%) were noted. Doxycycline is an effective agent in controlling MPE. It was successful in every patient at 1 month and in 92% at 3 months. At 6 and 12 months quite a few patients survived for evaluation. However, they still benefited from doxycycline pleurodesis. Side effects were tolerable.
Smoking and health: A physician's responsibility A statement of the Joint Committee on Smoking and Health
Authors:   American College of Chest Physicians, American Thoracic Society, Asian Pacific Society of Respirology, Canadian Thoracic Society, European Respiratory Society, International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease
Published: February 2008

Abstract
Tobacco use, particularly cigarette smoking, is widely recognized by the medical community and the general public as a major public health problem. Physicians and medical organizations share a public health duty to address this problem. Physicians and their professional organizations must contribute effectively to measures undertaken to deal with cigarette smoking. The issues involved are complex and affect medical practice in a number of ways. The following statement developed by six international organizations—the American College of Chest Physicians, the American Thoracic Society, the European Respiratory Society, the Asian Pacific Society of Respirology, the Canadian Thoracic Society, and the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease—is intended to state the physician's responsibilities both to patients and to the community with regard to these general issues.
Strategies for the management of asthma
Authors: WOOLCOCK Ann J
Published: February 2008

Abstract
The aims of treating patients with asthma are to relieve symptoms, to prevent symptoms and exacerbations, and to prevent long‐term deterioration in lung function. It is the role of medical practitioners to inform the patient what asthma is, and to develop a plan to achieve the aims for the individual, recognizing that asthma is frequently a chronic, lifelong disease. Most patients can be diagnosed, assessed for severity and causes, and treated in primary care practices, however sometimes help from an asthma clinic or a specialist is required. The most important management decision is to determine whether the patient needs inhaled corticosteroids; subsequently, decisions about dose, duration and method of delivery of treatment can be tailored to the individual depending on the preferences and social conditions of the patient. The aim of this article is to present the latest strategies for the management of asthma and the simplest methods for their implementation. Important new strategies include careful assessment of the severity; the immediate introduction of a plan that is tailored for the individual and aimed at the possible reversing of the disease; detailed instructions for management of exacerbations and the combined use of inhaled corticosteroids with a long‐acting bronchodilator. It is becoming clear that these strategies obviate dependence on oral corticosteroids in newly diagnosed asthmatic patients. Furthermore, relatively low doses of inhaled corticosteroids can be used to maintain good control if used in conjunction with other therapies. The role of newly developed antagonists to leukotrienes is not yet known but it may well be useful in mild asthma and in special forms of the disease, such as those sensitive to aspirin. In the future, the most important strategy will be to prevent the disease.