bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N‐terminal‐proBNP for heart failure diagnosis in shock or acute respiratory distress
Authors: Bal L. , Thierry S. , Brocas E. , Van de Louw A. , Pottecher J. , Hours S. , Moreau M. H. , Perrin Gachadoat D. , Tenaillon A.
Published: February 2006

Background:  Plasma B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) assay is recommended as a diagnostic tool in emergency‐room patients with acute dyspnea. In the intensive care unit (ICU), the utility of this peptide remains a matter of debate. The objectives of this study were to determine whether cut‐off values for BNP and N‐terminal‐proBNP (NT‐proBNP) reliably diagnosed right and/or left ventricular failure in patients with shock or acute respiratory distress, and whether non‐cardiac factors led to an increase in these markers.

Methods:  Plasma BNP and NT‐proBNP levels and echocardiographic parameters of cardiac dysfunction were determined in 41 patients within 24 h of the onset of shock or acute respiratory distress.

Results:  BNP and NT‐proBNP levels were higher in the 25 patients with heart failure than in the other 16 patients: 491.7 ± 418 pg/ml vs. 144.3 ± 128 pg/ml and 2874.4 ± 2929 pg/ml vs. 762.7 ± 1128 pg/ml, respectively (P < 0.05). In the diagnosis of cardiac dysfunction, BNP > 221 pg/ml and NT‐proBNP > 443 pg/ml had 68% and 84% sensitivity, respectively, and 88% and 75% specificity, respectively, but there was a substantial overlap of BNP and NT‐proBNP values between patients with and without heart failure. BNP and NT‐proBNP were elevated, but not significantly, in patients with isolated right ventricular dysfunction. Patients with renal dysfunction and normal heart function had significantly higher levels of BNP (258.6 ± 144 pg/ml vs. 92.4 ± 84 pg/ml) and NT‐proBNP (2049 ± 1320 pg/ml vs. 118 ± 104 pg/ml) than patients without renal dysfunction.

Conclusion:  Both BNP and NT‐proBNP can help in the diagnosis of cardiac dysfunction in ICU patients, but cannot replace echocardiography. An elevated BNP or NT‐proBNP level merely indicates the presence of a ‘cardiorenal distress’ and should prompt further investigation.
Ethylene glycol intoxication misdiagnosed as eclampsia
Authors: Kralova I. , Stepanek Z. , Dusek J.
Published: February 2006

Ethylene glycol intoxication is one of the most serious acute poisonings with very uncertain prognosis with regard to both recovery and survival. A case report is presented in which a woman who was admitted for the termination of pregnancy by Caesarean section with a diagnosis of eclampsia turned out to be severely intoxicated by ethylene glycol.
Analgesic efficacy of parenteral paracetamol (propacetamol) and diclofenac in post‐operative orthopaedic pain
Authors: Hynes D. , McCarroll M. , Hiesse‐Provost O.
Published: February 2006

Background:  Propacetamol is an injectable pro‐drug of paracetamol (acetaminophen) with analgesic and antipyretic activities, especially used in the post‐operative period. The aim of this study was to assess the analgesic efficacy and safety of intravenous paracetamol, administered as propacetamol, in comparison with placebo and intramuscular diclofenac in patients with post‐operative pain.

Methods:  This was a randomized, double‐blind, double‐dummy study. One hundred and twenty patients with moderate to severe pain following total hip arthroplasty received either two administrations of propacetamol 2 g intravenously, 5 h apart (n = 40), one single administration of diclofenac 75 mg intramuscularly (n = 40) or placebo (n = 40). Efficacy measures were assessed before each drug administration, for the 5 h following each study treatment administration and for the total study duration of 10 h. Safety was assessed by reporting adverse events and changes in vital signs, electrocardiogram (ECG) and biochemical investigations before and 24 h after dosing.

Results:  Both active treatments were effective and statistically superior to placebo over the whole study period, as indicated by the total pain relief score. No significant differences were found between propacetamol and diclofenac for any measures of analgesic activity. Only minor and common adverse events were reported, with no overall differences between the groups.

Conclusion:  Both active treatments were superior to placebo, and the overall efficacy of two intravenous infusions of propacetamol 2 g (equivalent to 1 g of paracetamol), 5 h apart, was not statistically different from that provided by a single intramuscular injection of diclofenac 75 mg over the first 5 h post‐dose and over the total 10‐h study period. The safety was good.
Asynchronous Eye Closure as an Anti‐Predator Behavior in the Western Fence Lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis)
Authors: Mathews Christian G. , Lesku John A. , Lima Steven L. , Amlaner Charles J.
Published: February 2006

Asynchronous eye closure (ASEC), one eye open while the other is closed, is a behavior observed in birds, some aquatic mammals, and reptiles. In birds and aquatic mammals, ASEC is associated with unihemispheric sleep wherein the cerebral hemisphere contralateral to (i.e. neurologically connected to) the closed eye sleeps while the other cerebral hemisphere remains awake with its associated eye open and functional. Evidence from birds suggests that ASEC is an important anti‐predator adaptation to mediate the trade‐off between the need to remain vigilant and the need to sleep. However, the anti‐predator correlates of ASEC remain largely unstudied in other animals. Here, we present behavioral evidence that ASEC in reptiles is also an anti‐predator adaptation used in response to an increase in the risk of predation. ASEC was measured in captive western fence lizards (Sceloporus occidentalis) individually exposed to three experimental treatments: (1) an empty terrarium, (2) a terrarium housing a novel moving object, and (3) a terrarium housing a live predator (snake). Predator exposure elicited significantly higher levels of vigilance, mostly due to an increase in ASEC. This increase in ASEC came largely at the expense of synchronous eye closure (both eyes closed). Lizards in ASEC also showed a strong tendency to orient their open eye in the direction of the predator. We suggest that lizards engaged in ASEC are sleeping unihemispherically and are thus able to maintain a level of vigilance concurrent with sleep.
Matter of Size or Matter of Residency Experience? Territorial Contest in a Green Hairstreak, Chrysozephyrus smaragdinus (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae)
Authors: Takeuchi Tsuyoshi
Published: February 2006

Territorial residents usually win asymmetrical owner‐intruder contests and a variety of hypotheses have been proposed to explain this phenomenon. In the butterfly Chrysozephyrus smaragdinus (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae), male territorial residents defended their territories against intruders during numerous contests and kept them for many successive days. Field observations and experiments were conducted to examine the factors related to this superiority of residents. Forewing length did not differ between residents and intruders, suggesting that body size is not correlated with resource holding potential. Removal–replacement experiments demonstrated that residency did not serve as an arbitrary means for contest settlement, and did not support the recently presented alternative hypothesis that males with higher body temperature are more likely to win. New residents fought longer in defense of the territory as their residence duration in the territory increased. I discuss these results in light of game theory and suggest that the superiority of residents in C. smaragdinus may be based on the asymmetry of resource (territory) value for residents and intruders.
Trying to See Red Through Stickleback Photoreceptors: Functional Substitution of Receptor Sensitivities
Authors: Rowe Mickey P. , Baube Charles L. , Phillips John B.
Published: February 2006

A key to understanding animal behavior is knowledge of the sensory information animals extract from their environment. For visually motivated tasks, the information animals obtain through their eyes is often assumed to be essentially the same as that perceived by humans. However, known differences in structure and processing among the visual systems of different animals clearly indicate that the world seen by each is different. A well‐characterized difference between human and other animal visual systems is the number of types and spectral sensitivities of their photoreceptors. We are developing a technique, functional substitution, that exploits knowledge of these differences to portray for human subjects, colors as they would appear through the photoreceptors of another animal. In a specific application, we ask human subjects to rank hues of male threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) throats viewed through stickleback photopigments. We compare these ranks to ranks of the same throat hues viewed through normal human photoreceptors. We find essentially no difference between the two sets of rankings. This suggests that any differences in human and stickleback rankings of such hues would result from differences in post‐receptoral neural processing. Using a previously developed model of stickleback neural processing, we established another ranking of the hues which was again essentially the same as the rankings produced by the human subjects. A growing literature indicates that stickleback do rank such hues in the evaluation of males as potential mates or threats. Although our results do not demonstrate that humans and stickleback use the same mechanisms to assess color, our experiments significantly failed to show that stickleback and human rankings of throat huesshouldbe different. Nevertheless, a comparison of all these rankings to ranks derived from subjective color scoring by human observers suggests that color scoring may utilize other cues and should thus be used cautiously.
A Test of Temporal Variation in Risk and Food Stimuli on Behavioral Tradeoffs in the Rusty Crayfish,Orconectes rusticus: Risk Allocation and Stimulus Degradation
Authors: Pecor Keith W. , Hazlett Brian A.
Published: February 2006

The effects of temporal variation in exposure to predation risk on behavioral tradeoffs were tested in the rusty crayfish,Orconectes rusticus. Based on the risk allocation hypothesis, we predicted that increasing the frequency of encounter with predation risk would yield increasing responses to a food stimulus in the presence of both a risk stimulus and a food stimulus. Crayfish were exposed to risk every 12 h, every 6 h, or left undisturbed for 24 h prior to testing. The risk stimuli used were a plain water control, snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina) cue, and conspecific alarm cue. After 24 h of conditioning, the crayfish were exposed to a combination of risk cue and food cue. The behavioral responses of the crayfish were recorded for 5 min immediately following the introduction of the cues and again for 5 min, 1 h after stimulus exposure. The crayfish were observed at the two times to determine how their responses to the combination of risk and food cues changed over time. The responses of the crayfish were significantly influenced by stimulus treatment, time, and the interaction of time and stimulus treatment. Further analysis indicated that responses to the stimulus treatments changed differently over time. Immediately after exposure, the crayfish were more active in the control and snapping turtle treatments than in the conspecific alarm treatment. The high levels of activity initially observed in the control and snapping turtle treatments waned over time, such that the behaviors recorded 1 h after exposure were not significantly affected by stimulus treatment. Neither frequency nor the interactions of frequency with stimulus and/or time significantly affected crayfish behavior. The results of this study did not support the risk allocation model and contrast with results from similar work on the virile crayfish,Orconectes virilis.
Female Choice by Scent Recognition in the Spotted Cucumber Beetle
Authors: Brodt Jeremy F. , Tallamy Douglas W. , Ali Jared
Published: February 2006

In species that demonstrate female choice, geographically distinct populations can vary in their signal‐response behaviors as a result of environmental differences or genetic drift. Observing whether or not females discriminate against males from allopatric populations can establish such signal deviations. Here we compare mating success within and between populations of the spotted cucumber beetle (Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi) collected from Delaware, Tennessee, Missouri, and New Mexico, USA. A no‐choice cross‐mating experiment was employed to measure female preference for sympatric and allopatric males. While only two of the populations (Tennessee and Missouri) demonstrated statistically significant female preference for sympatric males, this trend was observed in all populations tested. Further, we show that (i) males from Tennessee, Missouri, and New Mexico differ in their scent, (ii) females may use population‐specific scents to discriminate among males, and (iii) females whose antennae have been surgically removed are unable to recognize acceptable mates. New Mexico males, which were never accepted by either Tennessee or Missouri females, became acceptable mates when crowded with Tennessee or Missouri males prior to copulation. We infer that male odor may be an important factor in determining cucumber beetle mating success.
Flower Choice and Learning in Foraging Bumblebees: Effects of Variation in Nectar Volume and Concentration
Authors: Cnaani Jonathan , Thomson James D. , Papaj Daniel R.
Published: February 2006

Bees collect food from flowers that differ in morphology, color, and scent. Nectar‐seeking foragers can rapidly associate a flower's cues with its profitability, measured as caloric value or ‘net energy gain,’ and generally develop preferences for more profitable species. If two flower types are equally easy to discover and feed from, differences in profitability will arise from differences in the volume or the sugar concentration of their nectar crops. Although there has been much study of how bees respond to one or the other of these two kinds of nectar variation, few studies have considered both at once. We presented free‐foraging bumblebees with two different types of equally rewarding artificial flowers. After a period of familiarization, we made one type more rewarding than the other by increasing its nectar concentration, volume, or both. Bees responded more rapidly to a change in the reward's sugar concentration than to a change in its volume, even if the profitability differences were approximately equal. Sucrose concentration differences (40% vs. 13%) caused bees to virtually abandon the more dilute flower type, whether both types offered the same volume (2 μl) or the less concentrated reward offered higher volume (7 μl vs. 0.85 μl). When the two types of flower differed only in nectar volume (7 μl vs. 0.85 μl), the less rewarding type continued to receive 22% of the visits. We propose three different hypotheses to explain the stronger response of the bees to changes in sugar concentration: (i) their response threshold to sucrose concentration might change; (ii) less time is needed to assess the concentration of a reward than its volume; and (iii) a smaller sample size may be needed for reliable estimation of profitability when flowers differ in concentration.
Influence of mating duration on fecundity and fertility in two aphidophagous ladybirds
Authors: Omkar  , Singh K. , Pervez A.
Published: February 2006

Abstract:  The influence of different mating durations on fecundity and fertility has been studied in two aphidophagous ladybirds, Cheilomenes sexmaculata and Coelophora saucia. Pre‐oviposition period decreased while fecundity and fertility increased with increase in mating duration in both the ladybird species. The increase in fecundity with longer mating durations is probably due to the female response because of cryptic female choice. Mating of 10‐s duration resulted in oviposition but of unviable eggs probably because of lack of sperm transfer. A minimum duration of 1 min of mating was probably essential for fertilization of the eggs. Absence of spermatophore in the reproductive tract of females is indicative of direct sperm transfer in both the ladybird species. Trend of fertility (similar fertility at 1 and 5 min followed by increase at 60 min which was again similar to that at complete mating) indicates probable sperm transfer in spurts in C. sexmaculata while continuous transfer in C. saucia is indicated by continuous increase in fertility with increase in mating duration.
Effects of delayed mating and male mating history on longevity and reproductive performance of the rice stem borer, Chilo suppressalis (Walker) (Lep., Pyralidae)
Authors: Jiao X. , Xuan W. , Sheng C.
Published: February 2006

Abstract:  The mating potential, effects of delayed mating and male mating history on longevity and reproductive performance of female rice stem borer (RSB), Chilo suppressalis, were investigated under laboratory conditions. Given the opportunity, RSB males copulated an average of 2.7 times, while females generally mated only once. Females were more severely affected by mating delay than males in terms of female longevity and reproductive performance. With increasing age at mating, females’ longevity increased, while oviposition period, fecundity and egg fertility decreased. Mean fecundity and egg fertility of females mated 1 and 7 days after emergence were 251.3% and 99.2%, and 96.2% and 75.5% respectively. Both were reduced significantly when female mating was delayed beyond 4 days after emergence. However, irrespective of the first mating age and different mating history of the males, the results indicated that both did not result in a significant difference in the quality of their contributions to female longevity and reproductive performance. The results obtained in this study are discussed in relation to the potential effect on pheromone control of RSB.
Pathogenicity of four Phytophthora Species on Wild Cherry and Italian Alder Seedlings
Authors: Santini A. , Biancalani F. , Barzanti G. P. , Capretti P.
Published: February 2006

Inoculation tests were carried out in the greenhouse on wild cherry (Prunus avium) and Italian alder (Alnus cordata) seedlings, to determine their susceptibility to certain Phytophthora species (P. citrophthora, P. alni, P. megasperma and P. cinnamomi) that are commonly present in the soil. Host susceptibility was evaluated in accordance with a disease index, with the lesion length after stem inoculation, and with a root system disease index. Wild cherry was found to be highly susceptible to P. citrophthora, and was also found to be susceptible to P. alni, although to a lesser extent. Italian alder was very susceptible to P. alni, but had only low susceptibility to P. citrophthora. The other Phytophthora species caused only modest symptoms. The danger to alder and wild cherry is all the greater because these trees not only share the same pathogens, but also commonly planted together in mixed stands. The results will now have to be confirmed by using a more natural inoculation method.
Long‐term Preservation of Podosphaera fusca Using Silica Gel
Authors: Pérez‐García A. , Mingorance E. , Rivera M. E. , Del Pino D. , Romero D. , Torés J. A. , De Vicente A.
Published: February 2006

Podosphaera fusca is the main causal agent of cucurbit powdery mildew in Spain and one of the most important limiting factors for cucurbit production worldwide. As an obligate biotrophic parasite, this fungus has been traditionally cultured and conserved by periodical transfers of conidia to fresh plant material. Here we describe a simple protocol for preservation of P. fusca isolates in absence of living tissue based on the dry spore, slow‐freezing technique, and demonstrate that storage of silica gel desiccated conidia at −80°C is an efficient method for the long‐term preservation of the pathogen.
EFFECT OF ALCOHOL ON CYTOCHROME P450 ARACHIDONIC ACID METABOLISM AND BLOOD PRESSURE IN RATS AND ITS MODULATION BY RED WINE POLYPHENOLICS
Authors: Cowpland Christine , Su Gloria M , Murray Michael , Puddey Ian B , Croft Kevin D
Published: February 2006

Alcohol‐induced hypertension is well recognized with clear evidence for a direct pressor effect of chronic alcohol consumption provided by a number of intervention studies in humans. In experimental animals, the effect of alcohol on blood pressure is less consistent; however, in Sprague‐Dawley rats, alcohol feeding consistently induces a hypertensive response. The mechanism of alcohol‐induced hypertension is not clearly understood. Ethanol is known to induce certain cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes, particularly the 2E1 isoform, which has been shown to metabolise arachidonic acid (AA) to the 19‐hydroxy metabolite (19‐HETE), which could have prohypertensive activity; CYP4A, by comparison, is the principal AA ω‐hydroxylase in the liver. Polyphenolic compounds, such as flavonoids, have been shown to inhibit some CYPs.

In this study, we determined the effect of alcohol administration on blood pressure and CYP‐dependent AA metabolism in the rat and its possible modulation by red wine polyphenols.

Thirty male Sprague‐Dawley rats were randomly allocated to three groups, which received water, low‐dose ethanol (5% v/v) or red wine (diluted to contain 5% ethanol) for a period of 9 weeks. Bodyweight and blood pressure were measured weekly and 24h urine collected at baseline and every 2 weeks. Animals were killed at 9 weeks and blood and tissue samples were collected. The blood pressure of rats fed with alcohol increased significantly over the period of the study compared with controls (P < 0.001). The blood pressure of animals fed 5% alcohol in the form of red wine was not significantly different from controls over the study period. The urinary excretion of 20‐HETE did not differ significantly among the treatment groups over the study period and there was no effect of any treatment on the metabolism of AA by renal microsomes. Red wine, but not administration of the relatively low dose of alcohol alone, increased the expression of CYP2E1 protein in the liver and kidney and CYP4A in the kidney. Both red wine and alcohol decreased CYP4A protein levels in the liver compared with controls.

Our results suggest that constituents of red wine, possibly polyphenols, can attenuate the alcohol‐induced rise in blood pressure in the Sprague‐Dawley rat, although this effect does not appear to be mediated by the inhibition of CYP‐derived AA metabolism.
WHICH OF THE CARDIAC NATRIURETIC PEPTIDES IS MOST EFFECTIVE FOR THE TREATMENT OF CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE, RENAL FAILURE AND CANCER?
Authors: Vesely David L
Published: February 2006

Cardiac natriuretic peptides consist of a family of six peptide hormones that are synthesised by three separate genes and then stored as three separate prohormones (i.e. 126 amino acid atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), 108 amino acid B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and 103 amino acid C‐type natriuretic peptide (CNP) prohormones). The ANP prohormone contains four peptide hormones: long‐acting natriuretic peptide (LANP), vessel dilator, kaliuretic peptide and ANP.

Currently, the only natriuretic peptide available commercially to treat congestive heart failure (CHF) is BNP (Nesiritide/Natrecor; SCIOS, Sunnyvale, CA, USA), which causes a small increase in the urine volume of 90 38 mL/h compared with 67 27 mL/h and no significant natriuresis, but has beneficial haemodynamic effects in acute CHF individuals. These haemodynamic effects probably contribute to the side‐effects of BNP in patients with acute CHF with a 27% incidence of hypotension and possibly to 22% worsening of renal function, defined as an increase in serum creatinine of 0.5 mg/dL, associated with a worse prognosis. A review of clinical trials suggests a twofold increased risk of death at 30 days post‐nesiritide treatment, a finding that needs further investigation.

The best of the natriuretic peptides for treating chronic CHF is the vessel dilator, which increases urinary flow up to 13‐fold and sodium excretion up to fourfold, without the previously mentioned side‐effects. The natriuretic and diuretic effects of vessel dilators last 6 h, which would allow them to be used on a four times per day basis in treating chronic CHF.

Atrial natriuretic peptide does not cause significant improvement in acute renal failure (ARF) in humans. The only natriuretic peptide that significantly improves ARF is the vessel dilator. Even when ARF has been established for 2 days before treatment in an ischaemic ARF animal model, vessel dilator decreases serum creatinine from 8.2 0.5 to 0.98 0.12 mg/dL in 6 days. At day 6 of ARF, mortality decreases to 14% (from 88%) without the vessel dilator. After 6 days of treatment with the vessel dilator, the proximal and distal tubules regenerate.

In cancer, vessel dilator, LANP, kaliuretic peptide and ANP at 1 mmol/L, decrease up to 97% of human breast, pancreatic and prostate adenocarcinoma cells, as well as small cell and squamous cell lung cancer cells within 24 h. In vivo, vessel dilator, LANP and kaliuretic peptide completely stop the growth of human pancreatic adenocarcinomas in athymic mice and decrease their tumour volume by 49, 28 and 11%, respectively in 1 week.
IMPACT OF CORTISOL ON α‐ACTIN CONTENT IN VASCULAR SMOOTH MUSCLE CELLS OF FETAL SHEEP
Authors: Matuszek Maria A , Gibson Karen J , Lumbers Eugenie R , Simonetta Giuseppe
Published: February 2006

The effects of gestation on a‐actin levels in vascular smooth muscle aortae were studied in 31 fetal sheep, aged 66–144 days (term = 150 days). Aortae were collected post‐mortem.

Aortae, carotid and femoral arteries from two groups of chronically catheterized fetal sheep (110–114 days) were also examined. One group was infused with cortisol (n = 6; hydrocortisone sodium succinate, total dose 16.8 mg in 48 h) and the control group received saline (0.15 mol/L, 0.33 mL/h, n = 7).

Vascular homogenate protein was separated by sodium dodecyl sulphate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and western transfer. a‐Actin was identified using a monoclonal mouse anti‐a actin antibody and standardized against tissue protein and DNA content.

Between 60 and 144 days gestation, there was an exponential increase in the a‐actin content of vascular smooth muscle cells from fetal sheep aorta (P < 0.0001). a‐Actin concentration (densitometry units (U) relative to DNA 260 nm absorbance (Abs)) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the aortae of cortisol‐infused (12 601 2499 U/Abs) fetal sheep compared with those that were saline‐infused (4514 670 U/Abs). a‐Actin (relative to DNA absorbance) of carotid and femoral vessels in cortisol‐infused animals (20 659 4812 U/Abs) compared with those that were saline‐infused (14 461 2645 U/Abs) was increased, but the difference was not significant.

Therefore, the a‐actin concentration of the vascular smooth muscle of the aorta increases throughout gestation. Cortisol treatment is associated with further increases in a‐actin concentration in the fetal aorta, indicating that the development of large conduit vessels can be altered by this glucocorticoid.
HIGH GLUCOSE‐INDUCED INHIBITION OF 2‐DEOXYGLUCOSE UPTAKE IS MEDIATED BY cAMP, PROTEIN KINASE C, OXIDATIVE STRESS AND MITOGEN‐ACTIVATED PROTEIN KINASES IN MOUSE EMBRYONIC STEM CELLS
Authors: Han Ho Jae , Heo Jung Sun , Lee Yun Jung , Min Jung Jun , Park Kwang Sung
Published: February 2006

Abnormally high glucose levels may play an important role in early embryo development and function. In the present study, we investigated the effect of high glucose on 2‐deoxyglucose (2‐DG) uptake and its related signalling pathway in mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells.

2‐Deoxyglucose uptake was maximally inhibited by 25 mmol/L glucose after 24 h treatment. However, 25 mmol/L mannitol and dextran did not affect 2‐DG uptake. Indeed, 25 mmol/L glucose decreased GLUT‐1 mRNA and protein levels. The glucose (25 mmol/L)‐induced inhibition of 2‐DG uptake was blocked by pertussis toxin (a Gi‐protein inhibitor; 2 ng/mL), SQ 22536 (an adenylate cyclase inhibitor; 10‐6 mol/L) and the protein kinase (PK) A inhibitor myristoylated PKI amide‐(14–22) (10‐6 mol/L). Indeed, 25 mmol/L glucose increased intracellular cAMP content.

Furthermore, 25 mmol/L glucose‐induced inhibition of 2‐DG uptake was prevented by 10‐4 mol/L neomycin or 10‐6 mol/L U 73122 (phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitors) and staurosporine or bisindolylmaleimide I (protein kinase (PK) C inhibitors). At 25 mmol/L, glucose increased translocation of PKC from the cytoplasmic fraction to the membrane fraction. The 25 mmol/L glucose‐induced inhibition of 2‐DG uptake and GLUT‐1 protein levels was blocked by SQ 22536, bisindolylmaleimide I or combined treatment. In addition, 25 mmol/L glucose increased cellular reactive oxygen species and the glucose‐induced inhibition of 2‐DG uptake were blocked by the anti‐oxidants N‐acetylcysteine (NAC; 10‐5 mol/L) or taurine (2 ¥ 10‐3 mol/L).

Glucose (25 mmol/L) activated p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) and p44/42 MAPK. Staurosporine (10‐6 mol/L), NAC (10‐5 mol/L) and PD 98059 (10‐7 mol/L) attenuated the phosphorylation of p44/42 MAPK. Both SB 203580 (a p38 MAPK inhibitor; 10‐7 mol/L) and PD 98059 (a p44/42 MAPK inhibitor; 10‐7 mol/L) blocked 25 mmol/L glucose‐induced inhibition of 2‐DG uptake.

In conclusion, high glucose inhibits 2‐DG uptake through cAMP, PLC/PKC, oxidative stress or MAPK in mouse ES cells.
THE CATECHOLAMINE–β‐ADRENORECEPTOR–cAMP SYSTEM AND PREDICTION OF CARDIOVASCULAR EVENTS IN HYPERTENSION
Authors: Peng Ying‐Xin , Shan Jiang , Qi Xiao‐Yong , Zhang Su‐Jun , Ma Shu‐Ping , Wang Na , Li Jun‐Ping , Xue Hao , Wu Min
Published: February 2006

Although the importance of elevated circulating plasma catecholamines on cardiac structural and functional remodelling of hypertension is well documented, it is unclear whether the catecholamine–b‐adrenoreceptor (bAR)–cAMP system can predict different cardiovascular events.

A total of 601 identified hypertensive patients with baseline and follow‐up plasma levels of noradrenaline (NA) and adrenaline (Adr), lymphocyte bAR density (Bmax) and intralymphocyte cAMP levels in peripheral blood (last examination 60 ± 26 months apart) were followed up for an additional 24 ± 12 months.

After the last follow up, a composite end‐point of cardiovascular death, non‐fatal myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke occurred in 139 patients (23.1%). In Cox analyses, adjusting for other standard factors as well as treatment effect, NA (hazard ratio 1.22; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.17–1.28; P = 0.0008), Adr (hazard ratio 1.53; 95% CI 1.18–2.00; P = 0.002), bAR (hazard ratio 1.12; 95% CI 1.06–1.17; P = 0.007) and cAMP (hazard ratio 1.15; 95% CI 1.09–1.21; P = 0.005) separately predicted cardiovascular mortality. Noradrenaline, Adr, bAR and intralymphocyte cAMP separately predicted fatal/non‐fatal MI; NA and Adr predicted fatal/non‐fatal stroke, whereas Bmax and intralymphocyte cAMP levels were not a significant predictor of fatal/non‐fatal stroke. When stratifying the study population by NA or Adr (median 4 nmol/L), Bmax (median 600 fmol/107 cells) and cAMP (median 5.0 pmol/mg protein) above and below the median values in both parameters categories, patients above the median had composite cardiovascular end‐point (all P < 0.001) and high cardiovascular death (all P < 0.01, log‐rank test).

These results suggest that plasma NA and Adr are significant predictors of cardiovascular mortality, MI and stroke. The Bmax and intralymphocyte cAMP levels are significant predictors of cardiovascular mortality and MI, but not stroke.
HYPERTENSION, OBESITY AND GNB3 GENE VARIANTS
Authors: Danoviz María E , Pereira Alexandre C , Mill José G , Krieger José E
Published: February 2006

The polymorphism C825T of the gene encoding the G‐protein b3‐subunit (GNB3) was found to be associated with an increased prevalence of hypertension in a number of studies. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between this polymorphism and blood pressure phenotypes in an urban, large and ethnically mixed population of Brazil.

Individuals (n = 1 568) were randomly selected from the general population of the Vitória City metropolitan area. The GNB3 C825T polymorphism was genotyped in each individual. Baseline cardiovascular risk factors were collected for all participants. Cardiovascular risk variables and genotypes were compared using anova and the Chi‐squared test for univariate comparisons and logistic regression for multiple comparisons.

A statistically significant interaction between the 825T allele and obesity was observed for systolic blood pressure (SBP; P = 0.02). In fact, the C825T genotype was predictive of SBP only in individuals with increased body mass index (P = 0.02). In addition, in a multiple logistic regression model conducted in the obese population and adjusted for age, sex, ethnicity, diabetes, triglycerides and total cholesterol, the presence of the T allele was significantly associated with a 1.5‐fold (95% confidence interval 1.04–2.26) increased risk of hypertension. Lack of statistical power does not explain the absence of other positive gene–environment interactions.

The present results suggest that an important gene ¥ environment interaction may take place between bodyweight regulation and the GNB3 gene. This finding provides further evidence for a role of the 825T allele in hypertension susceptibility and may be used for better disease stratification.
CONTRIBUTION OF PROSTANOID TP RECEPTORS TO THE PRESSOR AND INTRARENAL HAEMODYNAMIC RESPONSE TO ENDOTHELIN
Authors: Williams Jan Michael , Pollock David M
Published: February 2006

Previous studies have shown that endothelin (ET)‐1 stimulates thromboxane (Tx)A2production and so we hypothesized that inhibiting prostanoid TP receptors would prevent the pressor and intrarenal haemodynamic response to an acute infusion of ET‐1.

Male Sprague‐Dawley rats were anaesthetized with Inactin (Sigma Chemical, St Louis, MO, USA; 50 mg/kg) and catheters were inserted into the femoral artery and vein for recording mean arterial pressure (MAP) and infusion of ET‐1 and receptor antagonists, respectively. A jugular vein catheter was used for the infusion of bovine serum albumin (6.2% in saline) during surgery (1.25% bodyweight). The pressor response to a 1 h infusion of ET‐1 (6 pmol/kg per min) was determined in rats that had been pretreated with vehicle (0.9% NaCl) or the TP receptor antagonist SQ29548 (2 mg/kg per h). Laser Doppler single‐optic fibres were implanted in the left kidney for the measurement of medullary blood flow (MBF) and cortical blood flow (CBF).

Prostanoid TP receptor blockade completely inhibited the acute pressor response to ET‐1; the change in MAP was 14 2% versus ‐3 4% in vehicle and SQ29548 groups, respectively (P < 0.05). Endothelin‐1 reduced CBF (‐15.2 3.3%), a response that was not significantly changed by SQ29548 (‐6.2 7.6%). Similarly, the ET‐1‐mediated response in MBF was not altered by the TP receptor antagonist (7.7 4.9vs6.5 5.2%).

To determine the influence of the ETBreceptor in modulating the response to ET‐1 during TP receptor blockade, additional groups were pretreated with A‐192621, an ETBreceptor‐selective antagonist (10 mg/kg, i.v.). A‐192621 potentiated the increase in MAP produced by ET‐1 (32 5%;P < 0.05vsET‐1 alone). SQ29548 significantly inhibited, but did not completely block, the increase in MAP produced by ET‐1 during ETBantagonist treatment (18 4%;P < 0.05). Endothelin‐1‐induced decreases in CBF were significantly enhanced in rats that were pretreated with A‐192621, whereas ET‐1 also significantly decreased MBF following A‐192621 treatment. During ETBreceptor blockade, TP receptor inhibition had no effect on the ET‐1‐mediated response of CBF and MBF.

These results suggest that TP receptor activation is not involved in the renal haemodynamic responses to ET‐1. However, TP receptor activation contributes to the acute pressor response to ET‐1, but does not account for the potentiated increase in MAP during ETBreceptor blockade.
HEAT SHOCK‐INDUCED AUGMENTATION OF VASCULAR CONTRACTILITY IS INDEPENDENT OF RHO‐KINASE
Authors: Seok YoungMi , Kim Jee In , Ito Masaaki , Kureishi Yasuko , Nakano Takeshi , Kim Si‐Oh , Lim Dong Gun , Park Wee Hyun , Kim InKyeom
Published: February 2006

In a previous study, we demonstrated that heat shock augments the contractility of vascular smooth muscle through the stress response.

In the present study, we investigated whether Rho‐kinases play a role in heat shock‐induced augmentation of vascular contractility in rat isolated aorta.

Rat aortic strips were mounted in organ baths, exposed to 42C for 45 min and subjected to contractile or relaxant agents 5 h later.

The level of expression of Rho‐kinases in heat shock‐exposed tissues was no different to that of control tissues, whereas heat shock induced heat shock protein (Hsp) 72 at 3 and 5 h. Heat shock resulted in an increase in vascular contractility in response to phenylephrine 5 h later.

The Rho‐kinase inhibitors Y27632 (30 nmol/L‐10 mmol/L) or HA 1077 (10 nmol/L‐10 mmol/L) relaxed 1.0 mmol/L phenylephrine‐precontracted vascular strips in a concentration‐dependent manner; these effects were attenuated in heat shock‐exposed strips. Pretreatment with Y27632 resulted in greater inhibition of the maximum contraction in control strips compared with those in heat shock‐exposed strips.

The results of the present study suggest that Rho‐kinases are unlikely to be involved in heat shock‐induced augmentation of vascular contractility.
INFLUENCE OF AIR POLLUTION ON RESPIRATORY HEALTH DURING PERINATAL DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Pinkerton Kent E , Joad Jesse P
Published: February 2006

The respiratory system is a highly ordered structure composed of over 40 cell types involved in a multitude of functions. Development of the lungs spans from embryogenesis to adult life, passing through several distinct stages of growth.

Oxidant gases, airborne particles and environmental tobacco smoke are common air pollutants that could have a significant impact on the lungs during both pre‐ and postnatal periods of life. Although the specific target cells for exposure to these pollutants are not clearly identified, these cells are likely to affect critical signals or mediators expressed during distinct stages of lung development.

Neonatal susceptibility to environmental pollutants may be caused by either direct or indirect hits on several cell types to influence cell differentiation, proliferation and/or maturation. Air pollutants may also alter the normal developmental pattern for metabolic, immune and neurological functions that are constantly changing during in utero and postnatal growth.

The sensitivity of neonatal cells to environmental insults is likely to be completely different from these same cell types found in the adult. Delivery of an environmental toxicant to the respiratory system is also dramatically different during the fetal compared with the postnatal period. Passage and interaction of environmental factors through other organ systems and the vasculature, as well as maternal influences, must be taken into consideration when evaluating the impact of an environmental toxicant during early life.

To understand the heath outcomes of exposure to a variety of environmental factors in the respiratory system of children requires careful consideration that lung development is a multistep process and cannot be based on studies in adults.
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS AND GENE–ENVIRONMENT INTERACTIONS IN THE AETIOLOGY OF ASTHMA
Authors: Marks Guy B
Published: February 2006

The importance of early life environmental influences on the aetiology of asthma is implied by the observed geographic and temporal variation in the prevalence of the disease among children.

There is evidence pointing to the role of exposure to allergen, various aspects of diet and hygiene‐related factors in the aetiology of asthma.

There is also evidence that heritable factors influence the impact of hygiene‐related exposures on the risk of having asthma. Polymorphism within genes coding for the toll‐like receptor–lipopolysaccharide (TLR‐LPS) signalling pathway may underlie variations in effects of hygiene‐related exposures, including specifically endotoxin, on the risk of developing allergic sensitization and allergic disease.

At present there is no unifying theory to explain the childhood origins of asthma and, hence, no solid basis for developing preventative interventions. Progress towards this goal requires better understanding of the heterogeneous nature of the disease in early childhood, improved characterization of relevant environmental exposures and long‐term follow up of birth cohorts with reliable and valid measures of allergy and asthma outcomes.
A Methodology for Assessing Organizational Core Values*
Authors: Van Rekom Johan , Van Riel Cees B. M. , Wierenga Berend
Published: February 2006

abstract  The goal of this study is to offer a methodology for empirically assessing the core values of an organization. It uses means–end analysis in order to determine those values that organization members manifest in their daily behaviour, and which are not just espoused ‘truisms’. The method is based on the sense members of an organization make of what they do. Sensemaking follows a means–end pattern, through which individual actions converge into central values. The values most central in this means–end structure are the core values that effectively motivate organization members in their job. Our method works in two steps: first, exploratory interviews using the laddering‐technique establish the values potentially most central to the organization; then, a follow‐up survey assesses the complete pattern of means–end relations among the potential values. Validity tests show that the most central values derived from this survey data are the most important to organization members. These values are also the most stable over time. We make a comparison of this method with traditional value surveys and we discuss its implications for the study of organizational behaviour.
Post‐Formation Processes in Eastern and Western European Joint Ventures*
Authors: Brouthers Keith D. , Bamossy Gary J.
Published: February 2006

abstract  This study examines the post‐formation processes that firms use to create successful international joint ventures (IJVs). Scholars have suggested that IJV performance is dependent on the post‐formation processes firms institute to overcome barriers to success created by differences in national culture, trust, ownership positions and control mechanisms. Based on a longitudinal study of eight eastern/western European IJVs, our study provides insights into these post‐formation processes, how these processes relate to each other, and how they relate to managers’ evaluations of IJV success.
Being Taken Over: Managers’ Emotions and Rationalizations During a Company Takeover
Authors: Vince Russ
Published: February 2006

abstract The theme of this paper is the relationship between emotion, management and organization, specifically, how emotions are transformed by rationalizations, and vice versa. It is argued that managers’ tendency to rationalize emotion creates additionalemotionaldynamics, and that these provide opportunities for organizing reflection. This idea also points to a limitation of approaches that are concerned with how emotions can be managed through emotional intelligence. The study took place during a turbulent period in the history of a company, while it was being taken over. Managers in Hyder plc, formerly the largest stock market listed corporation in Wales, UK, carried a tension into their work roles. This was created from particular emotions (pain and shame) and their rationalizations of, or detachment from, these emotions (self‐interest and disinterest). Such tension was a necessary part of maintaining their managerial role under difficult and emotionally charged circumstances. The study also showed how fears about personal position undermined the ability of managers to enact their authority and to act collectively within the organization. The conclusion discusses the relationship between collective emotional dynamics (political relatedness) and the organization of reflection, as well as providing questions for further research.
Forcing single‐chain variable fragment production in tobacco seeds by fusion to elastin‐like polypeptides
Authors: Scheller Jürgen , Leps Michael , Conrad Udo
Published: February 2006

Single‐chain variable fragments (scFvs), as well as other recombinant antibodies, have become powerful tools for therapy and analysis in both human and veterinary medicine. Transgenic plants have been developed as an efficient production system for these recombinant proteins, achieving high yields at moderate cost. Seeds are especially useful organs for molecular farming because of their high protein content and their ability to keep proteins functional during extended storage in ambient conditions. Several concepts have been applied to optimize protein accumulation in seeds, such as the use of specific promoters and transcription enhancers. In this paper, we present a new strategy to enhance substantially the expression of scFvs in transgenic tobacco seeds, based on C‐terminal fusions to elastin‐like polypeptides (ELPs). This strategy resulted in a 40‐fold increase in scFv accumulation, with levels approaching 25% of total soluble protein. The fusion proteins show specific activities and affinities comparable with the properties of the corresponding scFvs. This strategy thus opens up new ways to improve greatly the production of recombinant antibodies in plant seeds.
Five Debates on International Development: The US Perspective
Authors: Natsios Andrew S.
Published: February 2006

Andrew S. Natsios was Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development until January 2006. The US has the largest aid programme in the world but labours under certain constraints, notably a proliferation of Congressionally‐imposed budget earmarks. Mr Natsios has been an articulate advocate as well as an outspoken reformer of the US approach to aid. It was appropriate, then, for the All‐Party Parliamentary Group on Overseas Development of the Westminster parliament, together with ODI, to invite him to speak in Parliament on 12 October 2005.1 The present article, a version of that APGOOD speech revised by Mr Natsios since his November resignation, has been judged by DPR Editors to be an important development policy statement worthy of publication.

Adrian Hewitt
Private Provision of Infrastructure in Emerging Markets: Do Institutions Matter?
Authors: Banerjee Sudeshna Ghosh , Oetzel Jennifer M. , Ranganathan Rupa
Published: February 2006

Governments in developing countries have encouraged private sector investment to meet the growing demand for infrastructure. According to institutional theory, the role of institutions is paramount in private sector development. A longitudinal dataset of 40 developing economies between 1990 and 2000 is used to test empirically how different institutional structures affect private investment in infrastructure, in particular its volume and frequency. The results indicate that property rights and bureaucratic quality play a significant role in promoting private infrastructure investment. Interestingly, they also suggest that countries with higher levels of corruption attract greater private participation in infrastructure.
Effects of Executive Characteristics and Venture Capital Involvement on Board Composition and Share Ownership in IPO Firms*
Authors: Filatotchev Igor
Published: February 2006

Combining the agency perspective, resource‐based view and upper echelon research, this paper examines factors affecting board selection and share ownership in initial public offerings (IPOs). In line with socio‐cognitive and behavioural research, it shows that board independence, cognitive capacity and the incentives of non‐executive directors are negatively associated with the experience and power of executive directors, and that large‐block share ownership is positively associated with the intensity and diversity of non‐executives' experience. However, the retained equity by venture capitalists negatively affects board independence and non‐executive directors' interests. The paper suggests a number of avenues for a future contextual analysis of the board development process in ‘threshold’ firms.