bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BDNF promotes target innervation of Xenopus mandibular trigeminal axons in vivo
Authors: Huang Jeffrey K , Dorey Karel , Ishibashi Shoko , Amaya Enrique
Published: May 2007

Background

Trigeminal nerves consist of ophthalmic, maxillary, and mandibular branches that project to distinct regions of the facial epidermis. In Xenopus embryos, the mandibular branch of the trigeminal nerve extends toward and innervates the cement gland in the anterior facial epithelium. The cement gland has previously been proposed to provide a short-range chemoattractive signal to promote target innervation by mandibular trigeminal axons. Brain derived neurotrophic factor, BDNF is known to stimulate axon outgrowth and branching. The goal of this study is to determine whether BDNF functions as the proposed target recognition signal in the Xenopus cement gland.

Results

We found that the cement gland is enriched in BDNF mRNA transcripts compared to the other neurotrophins NT3 and NT4 during mandibular trigeminal nerve innervation. BDNF knockdown in Xenopus embryos or specifically in cement glands resulted in the failure of mandibular trigeminal axons to arborise or grow into the cement gland. BDNF expressed ectodermal grafts, when positioned in place of the cement gland, promoted local trigeminal axon arborisation in vivo.

Conclusion

BDNF is necessary locally to promote end stage target innervation of trigeminal axons in vivo, suggesting that BDNF functions as a short-range signal that stimulates mandibular trigeminal axon arborisation and growth into the cement gland.
NGF-mediated transcriptional targets of p53 in PC12 neuronal differentiation
Authors: Brynczka Christopher , Labhart Paul , Merrick B Alex
Published: May 2007

Background

p53 is recognized as a critical regulator of the cell cycle and apoptosis. Mounting evidence also suggests a role for p53 in differentiation of cells including neuronal precursors. We studied the transcriptional role of p53 during nerve growth factor-induced differentiation of the PC12 line into neuron-like cells. We hypothesized that p53 contributed to PC12 differentiation through the regulation of gene targets distinct from its known transcriptional targets for apoptosis or DNA repair.

Results

Using a genome-wide chromatin immunoprecipitation cloning technique, we identified and validated 14 novel p53-regulated genes following NGF treatment. The data show p53 protein was transcriptionally activated and contributed to NGF-mediated neurite outgrowth during differentiation of PC12 cells. Furthermore, we describe stimulus-specific regulation of a subset of these target genes by p53. The most salient differentiation-relevant target genes included wnt7b involved in dendritic extension and the tfcp2l4/grhl3 grainyhead homolog implicated in ectodermal development. Additional targets included brk, sdk2, sesn3, txnl2, dusp5, pon3, lect1, pkcbpb15 and other genes.

Conclusion

Within the PC12 neuronal context, putative p53-occupied genomic loci spanned the entire Rattus norvegicus genome upon NGF treatment. We conclude that receptor-mediated p53 transcriptional activity is involved in PC12 differentiation and may suggest a contributory role for p53 in neuronal development.
Translational control of recombinant human acetylcholinesterase accumulation in plants
Authors: Geyer Brian C , Fletcher Samuel P , Griffin Tagan A , Lopker Michael J , Soreq Hermona , Mor Tsafrir S
Published: May 2007

Background

Codon usage differences are known to regulate the levels of gene expression in a species-specific manner, with the primary factors often cited to be mRNA processing and accumulation. We have challenged this conclusion by expressing the human acetylcholinesterase coding sequence in transgenic plants in its native GC-rich sequence and compared to a matched sequence with (dicotyledonous) plant-optimized codon usage and a lower GC content.

Results

We demonstrate a 5 to 10 fold increase in accumulation levels of the "synaptic" splice variant of human acetylcholinesterase inNicotiana benthamianaplants expressing the optimized gene as compared to the native human sequence. Both transient expression assays and stable transformants demonstrated conspicuously increased accumulation levels. Importantly, we find that the increase is not a result of increased levels of acetylcholinesterase mRNA, but rather its facilitated translation, possibly due to the reduced energy required to unfold the sequence-optimized mRNA.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate that codon usage differences may regulate gene expression at different levels and anticipate translational control of acetylcholinesterase gene expression in its native mammalian host as well.
Promoting contraceptive use among unmarried female migrants in one factory in Shanghai: a pilot workplace intervention
Authors: Qian Xu , Smith Helen , Huang Wenyuan , Zhang Jie , Huang Ying , Garner Paul
Published: May 2007

Background

In urban China, more single women are becoming pregnant and resorting to induced abortion, despite the wide availability of temporary methods of contraception. We developed and piloted a workplace-based intervention to promote contraceptive use in unmarried female migrants working in privately owned factories.

Methods

Quasi-experimental design. In consultation with clients, we developed a workplace based intervention to promote contraception use in unmarried female migrants in a privately owned factory. We then implemented this in one factory, using a controlled before-and-after design. The intervention included lectures, bespoke information leaflets, and support to the factory doctors in providing a contraceptive service.

Results

598 women participated: most were under 25, migrants to the city, with high school education. Twenty percent were lost when staff were made redundant, and implementation was logistically complicated. All women attended the initial lecture, and just over half the second lecture. Most reported reading the educational material provided (73%), but very few women reported using the free family planning services offered at the factory clinic (5%) or the Family Planning Institute (3%). At baseline, 90% (N = 539) stated that contraceptives were required if having sex before marriage; of those reporting sex in the last three months, the majority reporting using contraceptives (78%, 62/79) but condom use was low (44%, 35/79).

Qualitative data showed that the reading material seemed to be popular and young women expressed a need for more specific reproductive health information, particularly on HIV/AIDS. Women wanted services with some privacy and anonymity, and views on the factory service were mixed.

Conclusion

Implementing a complex intervention with a hard to reach population through a factory in China, using a quasi-experimental design, is not easy. Further research should focus on the specific needs and service preferences of this population and these should be considered in any policy reform so that contraceptive use may be encouraged among young urban migrant workers.
Oral Pirfenidone in patients with chronic fibrosis resulting from radiotherapy: a pilot study
Authors: Simone Nicole L , Soule Benjamin P , Gerber Lynn , Augustine Elizabeth , Smith Sharon , Altemus Rosemary M , Mitchell James B , Camphausen Kevin A
Published: May 2007

Background

Fibrosis is a common side effect after treatment with ionizing radiation. Several methods to ameliorate debilitating fibrosis have been employed but without consistent results. The goal of this pilot study is to determine if Pirfenidone, a novel regulator of cytokine gene expression, has the potential to ameliorate established radiation-induced fibrosis.

Methods

Open label, prospective pilot study of 800 mg three times/day, orally administered Pirfenidone was administered to enrolled patients who were had completed radiation therapy and who had established radiation-induced fibrosis. Range of motion (ROM) was assessed using standard measures, and subjective measures of pain, fatigue, disability and global health were measured every three months.

Results

Seven patients were enrolled of whom 3 had ROM assessments of 1 site and 2 had ROM assessments of 2 sites. Of these assessments, 6 revealed increased ROM during drug intervention while 1 revealed a decreased ROM. There was an overall improvement in the mental composite score of the SF36 while physical composite score was decreased and the vitality score was unchanged. Two patients were removed from the study because of syncopal episodes.

Conclusion

Several patients experienced improved function of at least 25% and reported subjective improvement. Pirfenidone may benefit patients with radiation-induced fibrosis and is worthy of a larger well controlled trial.
Perceived stigma and depression among caregivers of patients with bipolar disorder
Authors: Perlick Deborah A. , Miklowitz David J. , Link Bruce G. , Struening Elmer , Kaczynski Richard , Gonzalez Jodi , Manning Lauren N. , Wolff Nancy , Rosenheck Robert A.
Published: May 2007

This study investigates the associations between perceived stigma, depressive symptoms and coping among caregivers of people with bipolar disorder. Caregivers of 500 people with DSM–IV bipolar disorder responded to measures of these constructs at study entry Patients' clinical and functional status were evaluated within 30 days of the caregiver assessment. Perceived stigma was positively associated with caregiver depressive symptoms, controlling for patient status and socio-demographic factors. Social support and avoidance coping accounted for 63% of the relationship between caregiver stigma and depression. Results suggest that caregivers' perceptions of stigma may negatively affect their mental health by reducing their coping effectiveness.
Comparison of outcomes following after-care from forensic and general adult psychiatric services
Authors: Coid Jeremy W. , Hickey Nicole , Yang Min
Published: May 2007

Background

Forensic psychiatry services are expanding in England and Wales but require support from general services for patient after-care.

Aims

To compare outcomes following community after-care from forensic or general adult psychiatry services.

Method

An observational comparison was made of case management following discharge from medium security in seven pre-reorganisation health regions of England and Wales, by forensic services (n=409) and general adult services (n=652). Criminal convictions, hospital readmissions and deaths were compared over a mean follow-up period of 6.2 years, adjusting for difference in case mix.

Results

Forensic services did not supervise more high-risk patients in the community. Neither service was superior in outcome. More patients managed by general services died from natural causes.

Conclusions

Neither service was superior on measures of subsequent offending or hospitalisation. Specialist forensic after-care conveyed no added benefit. Case management may have been the same in both services.
Randomised controlled trial of interpersonal psychotherapy and cognitive–behavioural therapy for depression
Authors: Luty Suzanne E. , Carter Janet D. , McKenzie Janice M. , Rae Alma M. , Frampton Christopher M. A. , Mulder Roger T. , Joyce Peter R.
Published: May 2007

Background

Interpersonal psychotherapy and cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) are established as effective treatments for major depression. Controversy remains regarding their effectiveness for severe and melancholic depression.

Aims

To compare the efficacy of interpersonal psychotherapy and CBT in people receiving out-patient treatment for depression and to explore response in severe depression (Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) score above 30), and in melancholic depression.

Method

Randomised clinical trial of 177 patients with a principal Axis I diagnosis of major depressive disorder receiving 16 weeks of therapy comprising 8–19 sessions. Primary outcome was improvement in MADRS score from baseline to end of treatment.

Results

There was no difference between the two psychotherapies in the sample as a whole, but CBT was more effective than interpersonal psychotherapy in severe depression, and the response was comparable with that for mild and moder-ate depression. Melancholia did not predict poor response to either psychotherapy.

Conclusions

Both therapies are equally effective for depression but CBT maybe preferred in severe depression.
Explanations for the increase in mental health problems in UK reserve forces who have served in Iraq
Authors: Browne Tess , Hull Lisa , Horn Oded , Jones Margaret , Murphy Dominic , Fear Nicola T. , Greenberg Neil , French Claire , Rona Roberto J. , Wessely Simon , Hotopf Matthew
Published: May 2007

Background

Deployment to the 2003 Iraq War was associated with ill health in reserve armed forces personnel.

Aims

To investigate reasons for the excess of ill health in reservists.

Method

UK personnel who were deployed to the 2003 Iraq War completed a health survey about experiences on deployment to Iraq. Health status was measured using self-report of common mental disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), fatigue, physical symptoms and well-being.

Results

Reservists were older and of higher rank than the regular forces. They reported higher exposure to traumatic experiences, lower unit cohesion, more problems adjusting to homecoming and lower marital satisfaction. Most health outcomes could be explained by role, experience of traumatic events or unit cohesion in theatre. PTSD symptoms were the one exception and were paradoxically most powerfully affected by differences in problems at home rather than events in Iraq.

Conclusions

The increased ill-health of reservists appears to be due to experiences on deployment and difficulties with homecoming.
The RhoGAP RGA-2 and LET-502/ROCK achieve a balance of actomyosin-dependent forces inC. elegansepidermis to control morphogenesis
Authors: Diogon Marie , Wissler Frédéric , Quintin Sophie , Nagamatsu Yasuko , Sookhareea Satis , Landmann Frédéric , Hutter Harald , Vitale Nicolas , Labouesse Michel
Published: May 2007

Embryonic morphogenesis involves the coordinate behaviour of multiple cells and requires the accurate balance of forces acting within different cells through the application of appropriate brakes and throttles. In C. elegans, embryonic elongation is driven by Rho-binding kinase (ROCK) and actomyosin contraction in the epidermis. We identify an evolutionary conserved, actin microfilament-associated RhoGAP (RGA-2) that behaves as a negative regulator of LET-502/ROCK. The small GTPase RHO-1 is the preferred target of RGA-2 in vitro, and acts between RGA-2 and LET-502 in vivo. Two observations show that RGA-2 acts in dorsal and ventral epidermal cells to moderate actomyosin tension during the first half of elongation. First,time-lapse microscopy shows that loss of RGA-2 induces localised circumferentially oriented pulling on junctional complexes in dorsal and ventral epidermal cells. Second, specific expression of RGA-2 in dorsal/ventral, but not lateral, cells rescues the embryonic lethality of rga-2 mutants. We propose that actomyosin-generated tension must be moderated in two out of the three sets of epidermal cells surrounding the C. elegans embryo to achieve morphogenesis.
Wnt/β-catenin signaling regulates nephron induction during mouse kidney development
Authors: Park Joo-Seop , Valerius M. Todd , McMahon Andrew P.
Published: May 2007

Mammalian nephrons form as a result of a complex morphogenesis and patterning of a simple epithelial precursor, the renal vesicle. Renal vesicles are established from a mesenchymal progenitor population in response to inductive signals. Several lines of evidence support the sequential roles of two Wnt family members, Wnt9b and Wnt4, in renal vesicle induction. Using genetic approaches to specifically manipulate the activity of β-catenin within the mesenchymal progenitor pool in mice, we investigated the potential role of the canonical Wnt pathway in these inductive events. Progenitor-cell-specific removal of β-catenin activity completely blocked both the formation of renal vesicles and the expected molecular signature of an earlier inductive response. By contrast, activation of stabilizedβ-catenin in the same cell population causes ectopic expression of mesenchymal induction markers in vitro and functionally replaces the requirement for Wnt9b and Wnt4 in their inductive roles in vivo. Thus, canonical Wnt signaling is both necessary and sufficient for initiating and maintaining inductive pathways mediated by Wnt9b and Wnt4. However, the failure of induced mesenchyme with high levels of β-catenin activity to form epithelial structures suggests that modulating canonical signaling may be crucial for the cellular transition to the renal vesicle.
Rhodium-catalyzed Selective Cross-coupling of Internal Alkynes with a Terminal Silylacetylene
Authors: Katagiri Takashi , Tsurugi Hayato , Funayama Atsushi , Satoh Tetsuya , Miura Masahiro
Published: May 2007

The cross-coupling of a number of internal arylalkynes with a representative terminal alkyne, tert-butyldimethylsilylacetylene, proceeds regio- and stereoselectively in the presence of a rhodium catalyst to produce the corresponding enyne compounds with good yield.
Syntheses and Photophysical Properties of Boomerang-shaped Bis(dehydrobenzo[12]annulene) and Trapezoid-shaped Tris(dehydrobenzo[12]annulene)
Authors: Tahara Kazukuni , Yoshimura Takashi , Ohno Mariko , Sonoda Motohiro , Tobe Yoshito
Published: May 2007

A boomerang-shaped bis(dehydrobenzo[12]annulene) and a trapezoid-shaped tris(dehydrobenzo[12]annulene) were synthesized, and their ground- and excited-state properties were investigated.
Genetic modification of chondrocytes with insulin-like growth factor-1 enhances cartilage healing in an equine model
Authors: Goodrich L. R. , Hidaka C. , Robbins P. D. , Evans C. H. , Nixon A. J.
Published: May 2007

Gene therapy with insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) increases matrix production and enhances chondrocyte proliferation and survival in vitro. The purpose of this study was to determine whether arthroscopically-grafted chondrocytes genetically modified by an adenovirus vector encoding equine IGF-1 (AdIGF-1) would have a beneficial effect on cartilage healing in an equine femoropatellar joint model.

A total of 16 horses underwent arthroscopic repair of a single 15 mm cartilage defect in each femoropatellar joint. One joint received 2 × 107AdIGF-1 modified chondrocytes and the contralateral joint received 2 × 107naive (unmodified) chondrocytes. Repairs were analysed at four weeks, nine weeks and eight months after surgery. Morphological and histological appearance, IGF-1 and collagen type II gene expression (polymerase chain reaction, in situ hybridisation and immunohistochemistry), collagen type II content (cyanogen bromide and sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis), proteoglycan content (dimethylmethylene blue assay), and gene expression for collagen type I, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, MMP-3, MMP-13, aggrecanase-1, tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) and TIMP-3 were evaluated.

Genetic modification of chondrocytes significantly increased IGF-1 mRNA and ligand production in repair tissue for up to nine weeks following transplantation. The gross and histological appearance of IGF-1 modified repair tissue was improved over control defects. Gross filling of defects was significantly improved at four weeks, and a more hyaline-like tissue covered the lesions at eight months. Histological outcome at four and nine weeks post-transplantation revealed greater tissue filling of defects transplanted with genetically modified chondrocytes, whereas repair tissue in control defects was thin and irregular and more fibrous. Collagen type II expression in IGF-1 gene-transduced defects was increased 100-fold at four weeks and correlated with increased collagen type II immunoreaction up to eight months.

Genetic modification of chondrocytes with AdIGF-1 prior to transplantation improved early (four to nine weeks), and to a lesser degree long-term, cartilage healing in the equine model.

The equine model of cartilage healing closely resembles human clinical cartilage repair. The results of this study suggest that cartilage healing can be enhanced through genetic modification of chondrocytes prior to transplantation.
Healing of full-thickness defects of the articular cartilage in rabbits using fibroblast growth factor-2 and a fibrin sealant
Authors: Ishii I. , Mizuta H. , Sei A. , Hirose J. , Kudo S. , Hiraki Y.
Published: May 2007

We have investigated in vitro the release kinetics and bioactivity of fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) released from a carrier of fibrin sealant. In order to evaluate the effects of the FGF-2 delivery mechanism on the repair of articular cartilage, full-thickness cylindrical defects, 5 mm in diameter and 4 mm in depth, which were too large to undergo spontaneous repair, were created in the femoral trochlea of rabbit knees. These defects were then filled with the sealant.

Approximately 50% of the FGF-2 was released from the sealant within 24 hours while its original bioactivity was maintained. The implantation of the fibrin sealant incorporating FGF-2 successfully induced healing of the surface with hyaline cartilage and concomitant repair of the subchondral bone at eight weeks after the creation of the defect.

Our findings suggest that this delivery method for FGF-2 may be useful for promoting regenerative repair of full-thickness defects of articular cartilage in humans.
Alternating cervical laminoplasty for cervical spondylotic myelopathy
Authors: Iencean S. M.
Published: May 2007

We present a novel method of performing an ‘open-door’ cervical laminoplasty. The complete laminotomy is sited on alternate sides at successive levels, thereby allowing the posterior arch to be elevated to alternate sides. Foraminotomies can be carried out on either side to relieve root compression. The midline structures are preserved.

We undertook this procedure in 23 elderly patients with a spondylotic myelopathy. Each was assessed clinically and radiologically before and after their operation.

Follow-up was for a minimum of three years (mean 4.5 years; 3 to 7). Using the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association scoring system, the mean pre-operative score was 8.1 (6 to 10), which improved post-operatively to a mean of 12.7 (11 to 14). The mean percentage improvement was 61% (50% to 85.7%) after three years. The canal/vertebral body ratio improved from a mean of 0.65 (0.33 to 0.73) pre-operatively to 0.94 (0.5 to 1.07) postoperatively.

Alternating cervical laminoplasty can be performed safely in elderly patients with minimal morbidity and good results.
IGF-I Receptor Is Required for the Anabolic Actions of Parathyroid Hormone on Bone
Authors: Wang Yongmei , Nishida Shigeki , Boudignon Benjamin M , Burghardt Andrew , Elalieh Hashem Z , Hamilton Michelle M , Majumdar Sharmila , Halloran Bernard P , Clemens Thomas L , Bikle Daniel D
Published: May 2007

We showed that the IGF-IR–null mutation in mature osteoblasts leads to less bone and decreased periosteal bone formation and impaired the stimulatory effects of PTH on osteoprogenitor cell proliferation and differentiation.

Introduction: This study was carried out to examine the role of IGF-I signaling in mediating the actions of PTH on bone.

Materials and Methods: Three-month-old mice with an osteoblast-specific IGF-I receptor null mutation (IGF-IR OBKO) and their normal littermates were treated with vehicle or PTH (80 μg/kg body weight/d for 2 wk). Structural measurements of the proximal and midshaft of the tibia were made by μCT. Trabecular and cortical bone formation was measured by bone histomorphometry. Bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) were obtained to assess the effects of PTH on osteoprogenitor number and differentiation.

Results: The fat-free weight of bone normalized to body weight (FFW/BW), bone volume (BV/TV), and cortical thickness (C.Th) in both proximal tibia and shaft were all less in the IGF-IR OBKO mice compared with controls. PTH decreased FFW/BW of the proximal tibia more substantially in controls than in IGF-IR OBKO mice. The increase in C.Th after PTH in the proximal tibia was comparable in both control and IGF-IR OBKO mice. Although trabecular and periosteal bone formation was markedly lower in the IGF-IR OBKO mice than in the control mice, endosteal bone formation was comparable in control and IGF-IR OBKO mice. PTH stimulated endosteal bone formation only in the control animals. Compared with BMSCs from control mice, BMSCs from IGF-IR OBKO mice showed equal alkaline phosphatase (ALP)+ colonies on day 14, but fewer mineralized nodules on day 28. Administration of PTH increased the number of ALP+ colonies and mineralized nodules on days 14 and 28 in BMSCs from control mice, but not in BMSCs from IGF-IR OBKO mice.

Conclusions: Our results indicate that the IGF-IR null mutation in mature osteoblasts leads to less bone and decreased bone formation, in part because of the requirement for the IGF-IR in mature osteoblasts to enable PTH to stimulate osteoprogenitor cell proliferation and differentiation.
Explicitation as a universal in syntactic de/condensation
Authors: Konšalová Petra
Published: May 2007

The aim of this study was to test the explicitation hypothesis (Blum-Kulka 1986) on the morpho-syntactic level. A bi-directional comparable corpus of popular texts on history, as well as German and Czech parallel corpora were analysed in order to investigate the tendency in translations to use more explicit modes of expression instead of syntactic condensation devices. At the first stage of the study, the frequencies of finite verbs in main and subordinate clauses, participial phrases and infinitive constructions, and deverbative nouns and adjectives in original Czech and German texts were contrasted. Results showed that Czech prefers more verbal/explicit modes of expression in contrast with the more nominal/implicit German style. The second stage of the study consisted of the examination of explicitating and implicitating shifts in both German-to-Czech and Czech-to-German translations. The findings fully confirm the explicitation hypothesis, with explicitation exceeding implicitation by 40.6% in Czech and by 47.8% in German translations. The word count analysis also supports the hypothesis. At the third stage, translations were subjected to the same quantitative analysis as was conducted at stage one on original texts. The frequencies revealed in translations were then compared with those obtained from original target language texts. The German comparable corpus proved to have a higher degree of explicitness in translations while the Czech comparable corpus did not show any clear-cut explicitation tendencies in translations.
Autonomous learning: What makes it work in postgraduate interpreter training?
Authors: Horváth Ildikó
Published: May 2007

Autonomous learning is a complex and multi-faceted construct. It can be defined as the learners’ capacity to self-direct their own learning, which means taking responsibility for the decisions concerning the different aspects of the learning process. However, there is more to autonomous learning than its purely management aspect. Autonomous learning, first of all, means critical thinking, planning and evaluating learning, and reflection, a conscious effort on the part of the learner to continuously monitor the learning process from beginning to end. This is the cognitive side of autonomous learning. This paper reports on the findings of an empirical investigation conducted at the Interpreter and Translator Training Centre (ITTC) of ELTE University, Budapest, Hungary. ITTC offers post-graduate translator and interpreting training. The current research focuses on the role of autonomous learning in interpreter training in particular. The study explores the research question whether interpreter training at ITTC develops the students’ capacity to carry out autonomous learning. It also intends to ascertain what makes autonomous learning work in the context of postgraduate interpreter training.
Longevity of Ceratomyxa shasta and Parvicapsula minibicornis Actinospore Infectivity in the Klamath River
Authors: Foott J. Scott , Stone R. , Wiseman E. , True K. , Nichols K.
Published: May 2007

Infectious Ceratomyxa shasta and Parvicapsula minibicornis actinospores were present in Klamath River samples collected in April, May, and June 2005. Juvenile Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha exposed to river water maintained at the ambient Klamath River temperature for 0, 4, 24, 72, and 168 h (7 d) developed asymptomatic infections from both parasites. Elevated water temperature (18°C) in June may have reduced actinospore viability, as both C. shasta and P. minibicornis infection markedly declined in fish exposed for over 72 h. As judged by the prevalence of infection for both parasites, the number of infectious actinospores tended to increase or remain steady through the spring. Ceratomyxa shasta infections were characterized by the presence of a few trophozoites within granulomatous foci in mesentery adipose tissue and were consistently observed outside of the intestine. Similarly, low numbers of P. minibicornis were observed in kidney glomeruli and tubules but were not associated with inflammation. Parvicapsula minibicornis DNA was consistently detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction in filtered water samples collected each month and from each time posttransfer. These data and the high prevalence of infection observed in the exposed fish indicate that P. minibicornis actinospores were at a relatively high concentration in the river during the spring. In contrast, C. shasta DNA was only detected in half of the water sample sets and its detection did not correspond well to C. shasta infectivity. An approximately threefold increase in river flow from the April to the May water collection was not associated with a decline in either the detection of actinospores (particularly for P. minibicornis) or the prevalence of infection for both parasites. Actinospores of these myxosporean parasites have the potential to infect salmonids for at least 7 d after release from the alternate polychaete host.
Mycobacterial Infections in Striped Bass from Delaware Bay
Authors: Ottinger C. A. , Brown J. J. , Densmore C. L. , Starliper C. E. , Blazer V. S. , Weyers H. S. , Beauchamp K. A. , Rhodes M. W. , Kator H. , Gauthier D. T. , Vogelbein W. K.
Published: May 2007

Eighty striped bass Morone saxatilis were obtained from Delaware Bay using commercial gill nets set adjacent to Woodland Beach (n = 70) and Bowers Beach (n = 10) in December 2003. Fish were examined for gross lesions. Total lengths (TLs) and eviscerated weights were determined to calculate condition factors (K). Portions of spleens were aseptically harvested for bacterial culture, and portions of spleens, kidneys (anterior and posterior), livers, and gonads were obtained for histological examination. The size distribution of the striped bass was relatively homogeneous; the mean TL was about 600 mm for all samples. Mean K exceeded 0.95 in all samples and was not significantly different (P > 0.05) among samples. Significant differences in mycobacterial infection prevalence (P ≤ 0.05) were observed among samples; samples obtained at Woodland Beach (WB) on December 10 (53.8%, n = 13) and December 17 (7.1%, n = 42) exhibited the most striking differences in prevalence. Mycobacterial infection intensity ranged from 1 × 102 to 1 × 107 colony-forming units per gram of spleen. Acanthocephalan infection prevalence and intensity, non-acid-fast bacterial infection prevalence, and fish sex ratio were also significantly different among the samples (P ≤ 0.05). Similar to the mycobacterial infections, differences in sex ratio, acanthocephalan infection, and non-acid-fast bacterial infection were observed between the WB samples taken on December 10 and 17. However, no significant associations (P > 0.05) were observed between sex ratio or these infections and mycobacterial infection. The differences in bacterial and parasite infection prevalence and intensity and fish sex ratio in some samples indicate that these fish had a different history and that the epizootiology of mycobacterial infection in striped bass from Delaware Bay may be relatively complex.
Pathological Effects Caused by Chronic Treatment of Rainbow Trout with Indomethacin
Authors: Lovy Jan , Speare David J. , Wright Glenda M.
Published: May 2007

The purpose of this study was to determine adequate dose ranges and to test for side effects associated with chronic treatment of fish with indomethacin. Rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss were orally treated with indomethacin at various nominal concentrations: a negative control (0 mg/kg) and low (5 mg/kg), medium (10 mg/kg), and high doses (15 mg/kg) daily for 30 d. A dose-associated mortality was observed, as cumulative mortality was 3, 13, and 33%, respectively, in the three indomethacin dose groups. No lesions were observed grossly or with histopathology in the control and low-dose treatment groups. Gross lesions were observed in the medium- and high-dose groups, including skin ulcers, abdominal distension, and necrosis of abdominal wall muscle. Histopathology of fish in the medium- and high-dosage groups revealed severe granulomatous peritonitis in which a large number of foreign body type giant cells were present around proteinaceous and plant material. The inflammatory response spread from the peritoneum through the somatic muscle to the epidermis, causing lesions within all layers of the skin. A large number of bacteria were noted within the peritonitis, observed both intracellularly and in large aggregates extracellularly. Perforations occurred within the anterior intestine, and the thick muscularis layer was replaced with inflammatory tissue. The present investigation shows that chronic indomethacin treatment produces gastrointestinal side effects in rainbow trout similar to those seen in mammals.
Theoretical morphology of the crinoid cup
Authors: Kendrick David C.
Published: May 2007

Two simple plate parameters, P, the height of the plate measured normal to the plate base, and α, the angle formed between the plate base and the adjacent edge of that plate, serve to model crinoid aboral cup morphology. With few exceptions, the resulting theoretical geometries replicate the range of calyx morphology observed in the natural world. A theoretical morphospace, derived from these parameters, encompasses both the realized and unrealized possibilities of crinoid calyx construction. The model and the associated morphospace demonstrate that the occupation of crinoid cup space varies non-uniformly in time and space and suggest that functional constraints and/or ecological habit are important components of the distribution of cup morphology in time.
Increasing hierarchical complexity throughout the history of life: phylogenetic tests of trend mechanisms
Authors: Marcot Jonathan D. , McShea Daniel W.
Published: May 2007

The history of life is punctuated by a number of major transitions in hierarchy, defined here as the degree of nestedness of lower-level individuals within higher-level ones: the combination of single-celled prokaryotic cells to form the first eukaryotic cell, the aggregation of single eukaryotic cells to form complex multicellular organisms, and finally, the association of multicellular organisms to form complex colonial individuals. These transitions together constitute one of the most salient and certain trends in the history of life, in particular, a trend in maximum hierarchical structure, which can be understood as a trend in complexity. This trend could be produced by a biased mechanism, in which increases in hierarchy are more likely than decreases, or by an unbiased one, in which increases and decreases are about equally likely. At stake is whether or not natural selection or some other force acts powerfully over the history of life to drive complexity upward.

Too few major transitions are known to permit rigorous statistical discrimination of trend mechanisms based on these transitions alone. However, the mechanism can be investigated by using “minor transitions” in hierarchy, or, in other words, changes in the degree of individuation of the upper level. This study tests the null hypothesis that the probability (or rate) of increase and decrease in individuation are equal in a phylogenetic context. We found published phylogenetic trees for clades spanning minor transitions across the tree of life and identified changes in character states associated with those minor transitions. We then used both parsimony- and maximum-likelihood-based methods to test for asymmetrical rates of character evolution. Most analyses failed to reject equal rates of hierarchical increase and decrease. In fact, a bias toward decreasing complexity was observed for several clades. These results suggest that no strong tendency exists for hierarchical complexity to increase.
Confidence intervals for pulsed mass extinction events
Authors: Wang Steve C. , Everson Philip J.
Published: May 2007

Many authors have proposed scenarios for mass extinctions that consist of multiple pulses or stages, but little work has been done on accounting for the Signor-Lipps effect in such extinction scenarios. Here we introduce a method for computing confidence intervals for the time or stratigraphic distance separating two extinction pulses in a pulsed extinction event, taking into account the incompleteness of the fossil record. We base our method on a flexible likelihood ratio test framework that is able to test whether the fossil record is consistent with any extinction scenario, whether simultaneous, pulsed, or otherwise. As an illustration, we apply our method to a data set on marine invertebrates from the Permo-Triassic boundary of Meishan, China. Using this data set, we show that the fossil record of ostracodes and that of brachiopods are each consistent with simultaneous extinction, and that these two extinction pulses are separated by 720,000 to 1.2 million years with 95% confidence. With appropriate data, our method could also be applied in other situations, such as tests of origination patterns, coordinated stasis, and recovery after a mass extinction.
Current Oral Contraceptive Status and Periodontitis in Young Adults
Authors: Mullally Brian H. , Coulter Wilson A. , Hutchinson Julia D. , Clarke Heather A.
Published: May 2007

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of current hormonal contraceptive medication on periodontal health in young females.

Methods: Fifty women aged 20 to 35 years (mean ± SD: 29.7 ± 4.7 years) had a comprehensive periodontal examination. Current and previous contraceptive pill use was assessed by a questionnaire. Periodontal assessment included plaque index, gingival index, probing depth, and attachment level at six sites per tooth. The periodontal health of current pill users was compared to that of women not taking the pill.

Results: Forty‐two percent of subjects were taking the contraceptive pill at the time of periodontal examination. Current pill users had deeper mean probing depths compared to non‐users (3.3 mm versus 2.7 mm; P = 0.006) and more severe attachment loss (2.6 mm versus 1.7 mm; P = 0.015). Pill users had more sites with bleeding on probing (44.0% versus 31.1%; P = 0.017).

Conclusion: Current users of oral contraceptives had poorer periodontal health.
Effect of Platelet‐Rich Plasma on the Healing of Intrabony Defects Treated With an Anorganic Bovine Bone Mineral and Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene Membranes
Authors: Döri Ferenc , Huszár Tamás , Nikolidakis Dimitris , Arweiler Nicole B. , Gera István , Sculean Anton
Published: May 2007

Background: Regenerative periodontal therapy with a combination of platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) + an anorganic bovine bone mineral (ABBM) + guided tissue regeneration (GTR) has been shown to result in significantly higher probing depth reductions and clinical attachment level gains compared to treatment with open flap debridement (OFD) alone, ABBM alone, or GTR alone. However, there are no data evaluating to what extent the use of PRP may additionally enhance the clinical outcome of the therapy compared to treatment with ABBM + GTR. This study aimed to clinically evaluate the effect of PRP on the healing of deep intrabony defects treated with ABBM and GTR by means of a non‐resorbable expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membrane.

Methods: Twenty‐four patients with advanced chronic periodontal disease and displaying one intrabony defect were randomly treated with a combination of either PRP + ABBM + GTR or ABBM + GTR. The following clinical parameters were evaluated at baseline and at 1 year after treatment: plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD), gingival recession (GR), and clinical attachment level (CAL). The primary outcome variable was CAL.

Results: No differences in any of the studied parameters were observed at baseline between the two groups. Healing was uneventful in all patients. At 1 year after therapy, the sites treated with PRP + ABBM + GTR showed a reduction in mean PD from 8.6 ± 1.7 mm to 3.1 ± 1.3 mm (P <0.001) and a change in mean CAL from 10.3 ± 1.4 mm to 5.7 ± 1.6 mm (P <0.001). In the group treated with ABBM + GTR, mean PD was reduced from 8.8 ± 1.7 mm to 3.1 ± 1.0 mm (P <0.001), and the mean CAL changed from 10.4 ± 2.6 mm to 5.9 ± 1.8 mm (P <0.001). In both groups, all sites gained ≥3 mm of CAL. CAL gains ≥4 mm were measured in 83% (i.e., in 10 of 12 defects) of the cases treated with PRP + ABBM + GTR and in 92% (i.e., in 11 of 12 defects) treated with ABBM + GTR. No statistically significant differences in any of the studied parameters were observed between the two groups at 1‐year reevaluation.

Conclusion: Within its limits, the present study has shown that, at 1 year after regenerative therapy in periodontal intrabony defects, optimal clinical results were obtained with ABBM + GTR with a non‐resorbable barrier, with or without the addition of PRP.
Root Coverage in Isolated Gingival Recessions Using Autograft Versus Allograft: A Pilot Study
Authors: Joly Julio C. , Carvalho Alexandre M. , da Silva Robert C. , Ciotti Danilo L. , Cury Patricia R.
Published: May 2007

Background: Different surgical techniques have been used to treat gingival recessions. This preliminary study compared clinical findings for the treatment of isolated gingival defects using a coronally positioned flap associated with a subepithelial connective tissue graft or an acellular dermal matrix graft.

Methods: Ten subjects with bilateral and comparable Miller Class I or II defects were selected. The defects were ≥3.0 mm deep and were assigned randomly to the test group, which was treated with a coronally positioned flap associated with an acellular dermal matrix, or to the control group, which was treated with a coronally positioned flap associated with a subepithelial connective tissue graft. Probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), gingival recession depth (GRD), and width (KT) and thickness (GT) of the keratinized tissue were assessed at baseline and 6 months after the surgery.

Results: Mean root coverage was 50% in the test group (representing a gingival margin shift of 2.1 ± 0.99 mm) and 79.5% in the control group (representing a gingival margin shift of 3.5 ± 1.20 mm). These results were statistically different on intra‐ and intergroup comparisons (P <0.05). Between‐group comparisons revealed statistically significantly greater gains in CAL, GRD, and GT in the control group (P ≤0.05); no differences were found for PD or KT (P ≥0.05).

Conclusions: The coronally positioned flap associated with a subepithelial connective tissue graft or an acellular dermal matrix graft was effective in root coverage. However, the coronally positioned flap associated with a connective tissue graft provided a more favorable clinical outcome. More expanded studies are needed to confirm the present findings.
Mechanical Stress Induces Osteopontin Expression in Human Periodontal Ligament Cells Through Rho Kinase
Authors: Wongkhantee Suchart , Yongchaitrakul Tussanee , Pavasant Prasit
Published: May 2007

Background: Mechanical stress such as orthodontic forces can produce mechanical damage and inflammatory reaction in the periodontium. Osteopontin (OPN) is a multifunctional cytokine that has been correlated with periodontal disease progression. Because the periodontal ligament (PDL) can be affected by stress and PDL cells are involved in periodontal destruction and remodeling, we aimed to study the influence of mechanical stress on the expression and regulation of OPN in human PDL (HPDL) cells.

Methods: The mechanical stress was generated by continuous compressive force, and the expression of OPN was examined by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and Western analysis. The application of inhibitors was used to examine the mechanism involved.

Results: Both mRNA and protein expression of OPN significantly increased in a force‐dependent manner. Increase of receptor activator of nuclear factor‐kappa B ligand (RANKL) was also observed. Interestingly, application of indomethacin could abolish the induction of RANKL but not that of OPN, suggesting the cyclooxygenase‐independent mechanism for stress‐induced OPN expression. In addition, the upregulation of OPN was diminished by Rho kinase inhibitor but not by cytochalasin B.

Conclusions: Mechanical stress affects OPN expression in HPDL cells through the Rho kinase pathway. Because OPN participates in bone resorption and remodeling induced by mechanical and biologic signals, these results suggest the significance of stress‐induced OPN in HPDL cells in alveolar bone resorption and remodeling.
Lysophosphatidic Acid Modulates the Healing Responses of Human Periodontal Ligament Fibroblasts and Enhances the Actions of Platelet‐Derived Growth Factor
Authors: Cerutis D. Roselyn , Dreyer Andrew C. , Vierra Matthew J. , King Joshua P. , Wagner David J. , Fimple Jacob L. , Cordini Franco , McVaney Timothy P. , Parrish Lawrence C. , Wilwerding Terrence M. , Mattson John S.
Published: May 2007

Background:Platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) has been used to promote healing in many in vitro and in vivo models of periodontal regeneration. PDGF interacts extensively with lysophosphatidic acid (LPA). We recently showed that LPA modulates the responses of human gingival fibroblasts to PDGF. The objectives of this study were as follows: 1) to evaluate the basic interactions of LPA with primary human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PDLFs) alone and with PDGF‐BB for promoting PDLF growth and migration; 2) to determine the effects in an in vitro oral wound‐healing model; and 3) to identify the LPA receptors (LPARs) expressed by PDLF.

Methods:PDLF regenerative responses were measured using 1 and 10 μM LPA in the absence or presence of 1 or 10 ng/ml PDGF. Cell proliferation was determined by 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine (BrdU) immunohistochemistry and by cell counting. Migration responses were measured using a microchemotaxis chamber. PDLFs were grown to confluence on glass slides, a 3‐mm‐wide wound was mechanically inflicted, and wound fill on days 4, 6, and 9 was reported. PDLF LPAR expression was determined using Western blotting.

Results:PDLFs exhibited proliferative and chemotactic responses to LPA; these responses were enhanced when LPA and PDGF were present together. LPA plus PDGF elicited complete wound fill. PDLFs express the LPARs LPA1, LPA2, and LPA3.

Conclusions:To our knowledge, this study provides the first evidence that LPA stimulates human PDLF wound healing responses and interacts positively with PDGF to regulate these actions. These results suggest that LPA and its receptors play important modulatory roles in PDLF regenerative biology.