bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can symptomatology help in the diagnosis of endometriosis? Findings from a national case–control study—Part 1
Authors: Ballard KD , Seaman HE , De Vries CS , Wright JT
Published: October 2008

Objective  To determine the value of patient‐reported symptoms in diagnosing endometriosis.

Design  A national case–control study.

Setting  Data from the UK General Practice Research Database for years 1992–2001.

Sample  A total of 5540 women aged 15–55 years, diagnosed with endometriosis, each matched to four controls without endometriosis.

Methods  Data were analysed to determine whether specific symptoms were highly indicative of endometriosis. Odds ratios for these symptoms were derived by conditional logistic regression analysis.

Main outcome measures  Symptoms associated with endometriosis.

Results  The prevalence of diagnosed endometriosis was 1.5%. A greater proportion of women with endometriosis had abdominopelvic pain, dysmenorrhoea or menorrhagia (73%) compared with controls (20%). Compared with controls, women with endometriosis had increased risks of abdominopelvic pain (OR 5.2 [95% CI: 4.7–5.7]), dysmenorrhoea (OR 8.1 [95% CI: 7.2–9.3]), menorrhagia (OR 4.0 [95% CI: 3.5–4.5]), subfertility (OR 8.2 [95% CI: 6.9–9.9]), dyspareunia and/or postcoital bleeding (OR 6.8 [95% CI: 5.7–8.2]), and ovarian cysts (OR 7.3 [95% CI: 5.7–9.4]), and of being diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) (OR 1.6 [95% CI: 1.3–1.8]) or pelvic inflammatory disease (OR 3.0 [95% CI: 2.5–3.6]). Women with endometriosis were also found to consult the doctor more frequently than the controls and were twice as likely to have time off work.

Conclusions  Specific symptoms and frequent medical consultation are associated with endometriosis and appear useful in the diagnosis. Endometriosis may coexist with or be misdiagnosed as pelvic inflammatory disease or IBS.
Chronic voluntary ethanol intake hypersensitizes 5‐HT1Aautoreceptors in C57BL/6J mice
Authors: Kelaï Sabah , Renoir Thibault , Chouchana Laurent , Saurini Françoise , Hanoun Naïma , Hamon Michel , Lanfumey Laurence
Published: October 2008

Alcoholism is a complex disorder involving, among others, the serotoninergic (5‐HT) system, mainly regulated by 5‐HT1Aautoreceptors in the dorsal raphe nucleus. 5‐HT1Aautoreceptor desensitization induced by chronic 5‐HT reuptake inactivation has been associated with a decrease in ethanol intake in mice. We investigated here whether, conversely, chronic ethanol intake could induce 5‐HT1Aautoreceptor supersensitivity, thereby contributing to the maintenance of high ethanol consumption. C57BL/6J mice were subjected to a progressive ethanol intake procedure in a free‐choice paradigm (3–10% ethanol versus tap water; 21 days) and 5‐HT1Aautoreceptor functional state was assessed using different approaches. Acute administration of the 5‐HT1Areceptor agonist ipsapirone decreased the rate of tryptophan hydroxylation in striatum, and this effect was significantly larger (+75%) in mice that drank ethanol than in those drinking water. Furthermore, ethanol intake produced both an increased potency (+45%) of ipsapirone to inhibit the firing of 5‐HT neurons, and a raise (+35%) in 5‐HT1Aautoreceptor‐mediated stimulation of [35S]GTP‐γ‐S binding in the dorsal raphe nucleus. These data showed that chronic voluntary ethanol intake in C57BL/6J mice induced 5‐HT1Aautoreceptor supersensitivity, at the origin of a 5‐HT neurotransmission deficit, which might be causally related to the addictive effects of ethanol intake.
Allele‐specific silencing of mutant Huntington’s disease gene
Authors: Zhang Yu , Engelman Joshua , Friedlander Robert M.
Published: October 2008

Huntington’s disease (HD) is an autosomal‐dominant neurodegenerative disorder caused by a poly‐glutamine expansion in huntingtin, the protein encoded by the HD gene. PolyQ‐expanded huntingtin is toxic to neurons, especially the medium spiny neurons of the striatum. At the same time, wild‐type huntingtin has important – indeed essential – protective functions. Any effective molecular therapy must preserve the expression of wild‐type huntingtin, while silencing the mutant allele. We hypothesized that an appropriate siRNA molecule would display the requisite specificity and efficacy. As RNA interference is incapable of distinguishing among alleles with varying numbers of CAG (glutamine) codons, another strategy is needed. We used HD fibroblasts in which the pathogenic mutation is linked to a polymorphic site: the Δ2642 deletion of one of four tandem GAG triplets. We silenced expression of the harmful Δ2642‐marked polyQ‐expanded huntingtin without compromising synthesis of its wild‐type counterpart. Following this success in HD fibroblasts, we obtained similar results with neuroblastoma cells expressing both wild‐type and mutant HD genes. As opposed to the effect of depleting wild‐type huntingtin, specifically silencing the mutant species actually lowered caspase‐3 activation and protected HD cells under stress conditions. These findings have therapeutic implications not only for HD, but also for other autosomal dominant diseases. This approach has great promise: it may lead to personalized genetic therapy, a holy grail in contemporary medicine.
Bias in freshwater biodiversity sampling: the case of Iberian water beetles
Authors: Sánchez‐Fernández David , Lobo Jorge M. , Abellán Pedro , Ribera Ignacio , Millán Andrés
Published: October 2008

Extensive distributional data bases are key tools in ecological research, and good‐quality data are required to provide reliable conservation strategies and an understanding of biodiversity patterns and processes. Although the evaluation of data bases requires the incorporation of estimates of sampling effort and bias, no studies have focused on these aspects for freshwater biodiversity data. We used here a comprehensive data base of water beetles from the Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands, and examine whether these data provide an unbiased, reliable picture of their diversity and distribution in the study area. Based on theoretical estimates using the Clench function on the accumulated number of records as a surrogate of sampling effort, about a quarter of the Iberian and Balearic 50 × 50 km Universal Transverse Mercator grid cells can be considered well prospected, with more than 70% of the theoretical species richness actually recorded. These well‐surveyed cells are not evenly distributed across biogeographical and physicoclimatic subregions, reflecting some geographical bias in the distribution of sampling effort. Our results suggest that recording was skewed by relatively simple variables affecting collector activity, such as the perceived ‘attractiveness’ of mountainous landscapes and protected areas with recently described species, and accessibility of sampling sites (distance from main research centres). We emphasize the importance of these evaluation exercises, which are useful to locate areas needed of further sampling as well as to identify potential biases in the distribution of current biodiversity patterns.
Where do Swainson's hawks winter? Satellite images used to identify potential habitat
Authors: Sarasola José Hernán , Bustamante Javier , Negro Juan José , Travaini Alejandro
Published: October 2008

During recent years, predictive modelling techniques have been increasingly used to identify regional patterns of species spatial occurrence, to explore species–habitat relationships and to aid in biodiversity conservation. In the case of birds, predictive modelling has been mainly applied to the study of species with little variable interannual patterns of spatial occurrence (e.g. year‐round resident species or migratory species in their breeding grounds showing territorial behaviour). We used predictive models to analyse the factors that determine broad‐scale patterns of occurrence and abundance of wintering Swainson's hawks (Buteo swainsoni). This species has been the focus of field monitoring in its wintering ground in Argentina due to massive pesticide poisoning of thousands of individuals during the 1990s, but its unpredictable pattern of spatial distribution and the uncertainty about the current wintering area occupied by hawks led to discontinuing such field monitoring. Data on the presence and abundance of hawks were recorded in 30 × 30 km squares (n = 115) surveyed during three austral summers (2001–03). Sixteen land‐use/land‐cover, topography, and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) variables were used as predictors to build generalized additive models (GAMs). Both occurrence and abundance models showed a good predictive ability. Land use, altitude, and NDVI during spring previous to the arrival of hawks to wintering areas were good predictors of the distribution of Swainson's hawks in the Argentine pampas, but only land use and NDVI were entered into the model of abundance of the species in the region. The predictive cartography developed from the models allowed us to identify the current wintering area of Swainson's hawks in the Argentine pampas. The highest occurrence probability and relative abundances for the species were predicted for a broad area of south‐eastern pampas that has been overlooked so far and where neither field research nor conservation efforts aiming to prevent massive mortalities has been established.
Do non‐native species invasions lead to biotic homogenization at small scales? The similarity and functional diversity of habitats compared for alien and native components of Mediterranean floras
Authors: Lambdon Philip W. , Lloret Francisco , Hulme Philip E.
Published: October 2008

Although a number of recent studies have demonstrated biotic homogenization, these have mainly focused on larger spatial scales. Homogenizing effects are equally important at finer resolutions, e.g. through increasing similarity between habitats, which may result in a simplification of ecosystem structure and function. One major cause of homogenization is the expanding ranges of alien species, although it is not clear whether they are inherently homogenizing at smaller scales. We therefore assessed whether the alien flora is less complex across habitats than the resident native flora of Mediterranean Islands. From a regional data base, we examined floristic lists for between‐habitat taxonomic and functional similarity, and within‐habitat functional diversity, using resampled data sets to control for sample size biases. Aliens and natives showed equivalent complexity in most respects. At the taxonomic level, between‐island and between‐habitat similarities were almost identical, and when ecosystem function was measured by a functional group classification system, this was also true of between‐habitat similarities and within‐habitat diversities. When ecosystem function was measured using Grime's CSR classification, aliens were found to be more functionally homogenous between‐habitats and less functionally diverse within habitats. However, since the CSR profiles of aliens and natives differed, simplification is not inevitable due to ecological segregation of the two floras (aliens tend to be recruited to disturbed habitats rather than displacing natives). One deficiency is a lack of large scale species abundance data. A simple simulation exercise indicated that this is likely to lead to substantial overestimation of true levels of similarity, although would only influence the comparison between aliens and natives if they have different abundance distribution curves. The results indicate that alien floras are not intrinsically more simple than natives, but a higher proportion of competitive strategists among aliens may still cause small‐scale homogenization as these include many strong competitors that are likely to dominate communities.
The Future of Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS)
Authors: Marinis T. F.
Published: October 2008

Abstract:  MEMS‐based products produced in 2005 had a value of $8bn, 40% of which was sensors. The balance was for products that included micromachined features, such as ink jet print heads, catheters and RF IC chips with embedded inductors. Growth projections follow a hockey stick curve, with the value of products rising to $40bn in 2015 and $200bn in 2025! Growth to date has come from a combination of technology displacement, as exemplified by automotive pressure sensors and airbag accelerometers and new products, such as miniaturised guidance systems for military applications and wireless tire pressure sensors. Much of the growth in MEMS business is expected to come from products that are in the early stages of development or yet to be invented. Some of these devices include disposable chips for performing assays on blood and tissue samples, which are now performed in hospital laboratories, integrated optical switching and processing chips, and various RF communication and remote sensing products.The key to enabling the projected 25‐fold growth in MEMS products is development of appropriate technologies for integrating multiple devices with electronics on a single chip. At present, there are two approaches to integrating MEMS devices with electronics. Either the MEMS device is fabricated in polysilicon, as part of the CMOS wafer fabrication sequence or a discrete MEMS device is packaged with a separate ASIC chip. Neither of these approaches is entirely satisfactory, though, for building the high‐value, system‐on‐chip products that are envisioned. It is this author's opinion that a combination of self‐assembly techniques in conjunction with wafer stacking, offer a viable path to realizing ubiquitous, complex MEMS systems.
Invisible Children: Young Carers of Parents with Mental Health Problems ‐ The Perspectives of Professionals
Authors: Gray Ben , Robinson Catherine , Seddon Diane
Published: October 2008

This study explored professional views about the needs of young carers of adults with mental health problems. Sixty five participants were interviewed and included professionals from the health, social care and voluntary sectors. Respondents were asked to comment on their understanding of the needs of young carers and appropriate methods or interventions to address these needs. Findings include: young carers'perceived isolation, restricted opportunities and stigma; fears involving child protection and family separation; and examples of good professional practice upon which to build.
The place of rural, remote and least‐wealthy small islands in international water development: the nexus of geography–technology sustainability in Chuuk State, Federated States of Micronesia
Authors: SMITH WILLIAM JAMES
Published: October 2008

Many least‐wealthy, rural, remote and resource‐poor small island communities are unlikely to benefit from high‐profile global water improvement initiatives. Their small landmasses, geologic composition, geography, social and technological isolation, colonial history, and weak educational and financial resources constitute significant barriers to improving access to safe drinking water. This paper discusses the relatively unique position of such island societies in the international community, providing a case study of the Federated States of Micronesia that integrates data and information pertaining to water resources management and governance, spanning from the island village to national scale. A vision is offered regarding the interaction between small island human and biophysical water systems, manifesting ways to pursue water resource development to improve public health which are constructed to be economically, physically and culturally sustainable.
Learning from the South: common challenges and solutions for small‐scale farming
Authors: STRINGER LINDSAY C , TWYMAN CHASCA , GIBBS LEAH M
Published: October 2008

Small‐scale farmers all over the world face a number of common biophysical and socio‐economic challenges. In this paper we draw on data from a workshop held in the UK in 2005, to assess whether experiences in addressing these challenges, as gained in the global South, may be used to inform solutions to similar challenges in the UK. In doing so, we contribute to a growing body of literature that seeks to challenge predominantly North–South flows of knowledge and resources. We first identify specific common challenges faced by small‐scale farmers in the global North and South. We then compare the different solutions used to address these problems, drawing on the first‐hand experiences of the academics, small‐scale farmers, NGO staff and policymakers who participated in the workshop. Next, we examine the transferability of solutions between locations, elucidating the conditions that support and hinder such transfers. Finally, we evaluate the potential for a workshop approach to act as a ‘learning space’, in which the sharing of experiences can foster learning for participants and lead to new, creative ways of thinking about the process‐based challenges faced by small‐scale farmers
Hemodialysis Catheter‐Associated Central Venous Stenosis
Authors: Yevzlin Alexander S.
Published: October 2008

The purpose of this review is to explore the pathophysiology, epidemiology, and interventional treatment of central vein stenosis (CVS) that may result from central vein catheter (CVC) placement. The precise mechanism of CVC‐associated CVS remains largely undefined, though anatomic considerations appear to play a prominent pathologic role. The impact of CVC‐associated CVS on arteriovenous fistula outcomes is reviewed. The percutaneous treatment of CVS, observation, angioplasty, or angioplasty with stent placement is reviewed, along with potential surgical treatment options. As the treatment outcomes of CVC‐associated CVS have been disappointing, catheter avoidance remains the best strategy.
Antibiotic Lock for Treatment of Tunneled Hemodialysis Catheter Bacteremia
Authors: Maya Ivan D.
Published: October 2008

Catheter‐related bacteremia is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among catheter‐dependent hemodialysis patients. Microorganism biofilm matrix formation in the catheter is the pathogenic process of this entity. Administration of systemic antibiotics and removal of the offending catheter is the most logical treatment. This article discusses an alternative option, instillation of an antibiotic‐lock solution into the lumen of the catheter plus systemic antibiotic therapy. Recent studies suggest that this strategy could treat the infection and salvage the catheter, thus avoiding the need for further interventional procedures including but not limited to the removal of the catheter, placement of a temporary catheter, and finally placement of a new permanent catheter. The implementation of this effective approach will reduce morbidity and possibly reduce the cost and interventions associated with it.
Has the Fistula First Breakthrough Initiative Caused an Increase in Catheter Prevalence?
Authors: Spergel Lawrence M.
Published: October 2008

The use of central venous hemodialysis catheters (CVC) continues to be high among the incident as well as the prevalent HD patients. Whereas many strategies have been implemented to decrease the use of CVCs, their placement rates have doubled since 1996. While many factors, including late referral, are responsible for the increased use of CVCs, the arteriovenous Fistula First Breakthrough Initiative (known as “Fistula First” [FF]) has also been implicated in the increased use of CVCs. It has been suggested that while the FF initiative has resulted in a substantial increase in arteriovenous fistulae placement and use, it has also resulted in an increase in the use of CVCs. This report argues that catheter rates have remained unchanged and provides data regarding the impact of the FF initiative on catheter use.
Voluntary Informed Consent in Research and Clinical Care: An Update
Authors: Cahana Alex , Hurst Samia A.
Published: October 2008

Informed consent is important: in research, it allows subjects to make an informed and voluntary choice to participate—or refuse to participate—in a project where they will be asked to take risks for the benefit of others. In both research and clinical care, informed consent represents a permission to intervene on a person's private sphere. The elements of informed consent are usually described as disclosure, understanding, decision‐making capacity, and voluntariness. Each poses distinct difficulties, and can be amenable to improvements. However, research on the quality of informed consent and on strategies intended to improve it have only become the object of research relatively recently. In this article, we describe some results of this research, and outline how they can be relevant to informed consent in research and clinical care. Although much of the data suffers from limitations, it does suggest that disclosure has improved, but is still uneven, comprehension is often poor, for both patients and research subjects. Moreover, trust is a motivating factor for research participation, and thus we run risks if we allow false expectations and prove ourselves unworthy of this trust. Although improving consent forms does not have a clear effect on understanding, improving the consent process may help. Finally, better information may decrease anxiety and seems to have at most a small negative effect on research recruitment.
The Effects of Oklahoma's Pre‐K Program on Hispanic Children*
Authors: Gormley William T.
Published: October 2008

Objective. The objective of this work is to determine how much Hispanics benefit from a high‐quality pre‐K program and which Hispanic students benefit the most.

Methods. Hispanic students in Tulsa, Oklahoma were tested (in English, Spanish) in August 2006. A regression discontinuity design addressed potential selection bias by comparing pre‐K alumni (treatment group) with pre‐K entrants (control group), controlling for age and other demographic variables.

Results. Hispanic students experienced substantial improvements in prereading, prewriting, and premath skills. Hispanic students whose parents speak Spanish at home or whose parents were born in Mexico benefited the most. English‐language test gains were stronger than Spanish‐language test gains, but the latter were sometimes significant.

Conclusions. Preschool education has considerable potential to improve educational outcomes for Hispanic children.
Executive‐Legislative Relations: Where You Sit Really Does Matter*
Authors: Bernick Ethan M. , Lee Bernick E.
Published: October 2008

Objectives.Do state legislators believe there is a proper balance of power between the governor and the legislature? The research uses both individual and institutional factors to explain the variation in legislators' opinions.

Methods.The results of a mail survey sent to all legislators in nine states were used as the basic data source for the study. The dependent variable required the legislators to indicate if a proper balance of power existed. Hierarchical generalized linear modeling (HGLM) was performed.

Results.A sizeable majority of legislators (66 percent) thought there was a proper balance of power between the governor and the legislature. HGLM found no discernable role for a number of state‐level characteristics. The analysis did uncover a negative relationship between perceived balance of power and whether the governor had previously served in the legislature. Female legislators were more likely to express a lower level of satisfaction with the balance of power than their male counterparts. The partisan relationship between legislators and governors as well as the majority/minority status of the legislators proved to be most important in explaining legislators' perceptions.

Conclusions.Contrary to popular opinion, the relationships between the two branches of government are not inherently contentious. Legislators from the governor's party were most likely to assess the relationship as proper.
English‐ and Spanish‐Language Media Coverage of Immigration: A Comparative Analysis*
Authors: Branton Regina , Dunaway Johanna
Published: October 2008

Objective. We apply economic theories of news to explain differences between English‐ and Spanish‐language newspaper coverage of immigration.

Methods. Using content analysis and contextual data, we examine newspaper coverage of immigration as a function of economic incentives of news organizations and the language of the newspaper outlet.

Results. The results indicate that Spanish‐language news outlets generate a larger volume of coverage and more positive coverage of immigration when compared to English‐language news outlets.

Conclusions. This specific topic is important and politically relevant because of the potential implications variability in media coverage of this issue hold for public opinion on immigration.
Inappropriate ICD Discharges in Single‐Chamber Versus Dual‐Chamber Devices in the Pediatric and Young Adult Population
Authors: LAWRENCE DAVID , VON BERGEN NICHOLAS , LAW IAN H. , BRADLEY DAVID J. , DICK II MACDONALD , FRIAS PATRICIO A. , STREIPER MARGARET J. , FISCHBACH PETER S.
Published: October 2008

Inappropriate ICD Discharges in Pediatric Patients.
Background: Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) use is increasing in young patients and is frequently complicated by inappropriate device discharges (IDs), leading to discomfort, anxiety and, potentially, proarrhythmia. Dual‐chamber (DC) ICDs may decrease IDs by improving rhythm discrimination, but are associated with increased size, expense, and implant complications. We examined whether the frequency of IDs was the same in dual‐ and single‐chamber (SC) ICDs in young patients.

Methods: A multicenter review of patients ≤30 years of age with ICDs was performed. Demographic data and number of appropriate discharges (ADs) and IDs were collected. ADs and IDs were categorized after review of the episode by the primary electrophysiologist.

Results: Of 168 subjects (SC = 52; female = 76), 41 patients received 139 ADs, while 35 patients received 159 IDs. There were no differences related to gender or primary diagnosis, but patients with SC versus DC devices were younger (12.3 ± 5.0 years vs 14.9 ± 4.4 years, P < 0.0001) at implant. SC and DC devices were implanted with the same frequency for primary and secondary prevention. There were no significant differences in the incidence of IDs or ADs between the patients with SC or DC devices (AD: 12/52 SC vs 29/116 DC, P = 0.79; ID 7/52 SC vs 28/116 DC, P = 0.13).

Conclusion: In this cohort of young patients, DC ICDs did not provide added protection from IDs. Hence, the added complexity and cost of an atrial lead appear unwarranted if used solely for assistance with rhythm discrimination in young patients. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 20, pp. 287‐290, March 2009)
Enhanced Predictive Power of Quantitative TWA during Routine Exercise Testing in the Finnish Cardiovascular Study
Authors: MINKKINEN MIKKO , KÄHÖNEN MIKA , VIIK JARI , NIKUS KJELL , LEHTIMÄKI TERHO , LEHTINEN RAMI , KÖÖBI TIIT , TURJANMAA VÄINÖ , KAISER WILLI , VERRIER RICHARD L. , NIEMINEN TUOMO
Published: October 2008

Introduction: We examined whether quantification of T‐wave alternans (TWA) enhances this parameter's capacity to evaluate the risk for total and cardiovascular mortality and sudden cardiac death (SCD).

Methods and Results: The Finnish Cardiovascular Study (FINCAVAS) enrolled consecutive patients (n = 2,119; 1,342 men and 777 women) with a clinically indicated exercise test with bicycle ergometer. TWA (time domain‐modified moving average method) was analyzed from precordial leads, and the results were grouped in increments of 10 μV. Hazard ratios (HR) for total and cardiovascular mortality and SCD were estimated for preexercise, routine exercise, and postexercise stages. Cox regression analysis was performed. During follow‐up of 47.1 ± 12.9 months (mean ± standard deviation [SD]), 126 patients died: 62 were cardiovascular deaths, and 33 of these deaths were sudden. During preexercise, TWA ≥ 20 μV predicted the risk for total and cardiovascular mortality (maximum HR >4.4 at 60 μV, P < 0.02 for both). During exercise, HRs of total and cardiovascular mortality were significant when TWA measured ≥50 μV, with 90 μV TWA yielding maximum HRs for total and cardiovascular death of 3.1 (P = 0.03) and 6.4 (P = 0.002), respectively. During postexercise, TWA ≥60 μV indicated risk for total and cardiovascular mortality, with maximum HR of 3.4 at 70 μV (P = 0.01) for cardiovascular mortality. SCD was strongly predicted by TWA levels ≥60 μV during exercise, with maximum HR of 4.6 at 60 μV (P = 0.002), but was not predicted during pre‐ or postexercise.

Conclusion: Quantification of TWA enhances its capacity for determination of the risk for total and cardiovascular mortality and SCD in low‐risk populations. Its prognostic power is superior during exercise compared to preexercise or postexercise.
Effects of Cyclic Loading and Temperature on a SiC‐Coated Carbon/Carbon Composite in a Combustion Environment
Authors: Liu Chidong , Cheng Laifei , Luan Xingang , Li Jianghong , Huang Hui
Published: October 2008

The damage mechanism of SiC‐coated carbon/carbon composites subjected to cyclic loading in a combustion gas environment was investigated. At the maximum cyclic stresses <90 MPa, the hysteresis and ratchetting strain responses indicated that the damage evolutions were similar at both 1300° and 1800°C. As the applied stress was sufficient to open the coating cracks, rapid failure of the composite was observed. Because of the enhancement mechanism caused by the cyclic loading, the residual strengths of the cyclic‐loaded specimens exposed to the combustion environment were higher than those of the specimens not exposed to cyclic loading. Acoustic emission activities throughout the tensile tests of the cycled specimens showed that little damage was produced before the applied tensile load exceeded the maximum history load of the cyclic loading tests.
Pre‐copulation intervals, copulation frequencies, and initial progeny sex ratios in two biotypes of whitefly, Bemisia tabaci
Authors: Luan Jun‐Bo , Ruan Yong‐Ming , Zhang Li , Liu Shu‐Sheng
Published: October 2008

The whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) is a species complex, and its systematic classification requires controlled crossing experiments among its genetic groups. Accurate information on pre‐copulation intervals, copulation frequencies, and initial frequency of egg fertilization of newly emerged adults is critical for designing procedures for collecting the virgin adults necessary for these experiments. In the literature, considerable variation is reported between B. tabaci populations, with respect to the length of the pre‐copulation interval and the initial frequency of egg fertilization. Here, we used a video‐recording method to observe continuously the copulation behaviour of the Mediterranean/Asia Minor/Africa (B biotype) and the Asia II (ZHJ1 biotype) groups of B. tabaci. We also recorded the initial frequency of egg fertilization, as determined by the sex of the progeny. When adults were caged in female–male pairs on leaves of cotton plants, the earliest copulation events occurred 2–6 h after emergence; at 12 h after emergence 56–84% of the females had copulated at least once, and nearly all (92–100%) had copulated at least once by 36 h after emergence. Both females and males copulated repeatedly. Approximately 80 and 20% of copulation events occurred during the photophase and scotophase, respectively. By 72 h post‐emergence, the females of the B and ZHJ1 biotypes had copulated on average 6.1 and 3.9 times, respectively. When adults were caged in groups on plants 1–13 h after emergence, 30–35% of the eggs deposited during this period were fertilized, and approximately 90% of females were fertilized by the end of the 13 h. Although timing of copulation differed in detail between the two genetic groups, the results demonstrate that B. tabaci adults can start to copulate as early as 2–6 h post‐emergence and the majority of females can become fertilized on the day that they emerge.
Combined use of entomopathogenic nematodes and Metarhizium anisopliae as a new approach for black vine weevil, Otiorhynchus sulcatus, control
Authors: Ansari M. A. , Shah F. A. , Butt T. M.
Published: October 2008

Combined use of the entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs), Heterorhabditis bacteriophora Poinar (Heterorhabditidae), Steinernema feltiae Bovien, and Steinernema kraussei Steiner (Steinernematidae) and the insect‐pathogenic fungus, Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsch.) Sorokin (Clavicipitaceae) was evaluated for control of third‐instar black vine weevil, Otiorhynchus sulcatus Fabricius (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). Black vine weevil larvae were exposed to various concentrations of M. anisopliae and EPNs and mortality was assessed weekly or at 3‐day intervals under laboratory and greenhouse conditions. The EPNs were added simultaneously, or 1 or 2 weeks after application of M. anisopliae. Throughout the experiments, the combined application of EPNs with M. anisopliae resulted in increased efficacy against black vine weevil. When the EPNs were applied 1 or 2 weeks after application of the fungus, 100% larval mortality was obtained, even when the biocontrol agents were used at reduced rates. The interactions observed suggest that EPN and M. anisopliae work together synergistically in potted Euonymus fortunei Blondy (Celastraceae) under greenhouse conditions and may provide a powerful and economically feasible approach for black vine weevil larval control.
Antiplatelet therapy attenuates subcellular remodelling in congestive heart failure
Authors: Sanganalmath Santosh K. , Babick Andrea P. , Barta Judit , Kumamoto Hideo , Takeda Nobuakiya , Dhalla Naranjan S.
Published: October 2008

Antiplatelet agents, sarpogrelate (SAR), a 5‐HT2Areceptor antagonist, and cilostazol (CIL), a phosphodiesterase III (PDE‐III) inhibitor, are used for the treatment of peripheral vascular disease. We tested whether these agents affect cardiac function and subcellular remodelling in congestive heart failure (CHF) induced by myocardial infarction (MI). Three weeks after MI, rats were treated daily with 5 mg/kg SAR or CIL as well as vehicle for 5 weeks. Sham‐operated animals served as controls. At end of the treatment period, haemodynamic measurements were performed and the left ventricle was processed for the determination of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+‐uptake and ‐release activities, and expression of SR Ca2+‐pump, phospholamban and ryanodine receptors, as well as myofibrillar ATPase activities, expression of α‐ and β‐myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoforms, and phosphorylation of phospholamban and cardiac troponin‐I (c Tn‐I). Marked haemodynamic changes in the MI‐induced CHF were associated with depressions in SR Ca+‐uptake and ‐release activities as well as in protein content and gene expression for SR proteins. Furthermore, myofibrillar Ca2+‐stimulated ATPase activity, as well as protein content and gene expression for α‐MHC were decreased whereas those for β‐MHC were increased in the failing heart. Also, phosphorylation levels of phospholamban and cTn‐I were reduced in failing hearts. The MI‐associated changes in cardiac function, SR and myofibillar activities, as well as SR and myofibrillar protein and gene expression were attenuated by treatment with SAR or CIL. The results suggest that SAR and CIL improve cardiac function by ameliorating subcellular remodelling in the failing heart and indicate the potential therapy of CHF with antiplatelet agents.
The somatostatin analogue octreotide inhibits angiogenesis in the earliest, but not in advanced, stages of portal hypertension in rats
Authors: Mejias Marc , Garcia‐Pras Ester , Tiani Carolina , Bosch Jaime , Fernandez Mercedes
Published: October 2008

Background: Angiogenesis is an important determinant of the pathophysiology of portal hypertension contributing to the formation of portosystemic collateral vessels and the hyperdynamic splanchnic circulation associated to this syndrome. Somatostatin and its analogues, like octreotide, have been shown to be powerful inhibitors of experimental angiogenesis. Aim: To determine whether octreotide has angioinhibitory effects in portal hypertensive rats. Methods: Partial portal vein‐ligated (PPVL) rats were treated with octreotide or vehicle during 4 or 7 days. Splanchnic neovascularization and VEGF expression were determined by histological analysis and western blotting. Expression of the somatostatin receptor subtype 2 (SSTR2), which mediates the anti‐angiogenic effects of octreotide, was also analyzed. Formation of portosystemic collaterals (radioactive microspheres) and hemodynamic parameters were also measured. Results: Octreotide treatment during 4 days markedly and significantly decreased splanchnic neovascularization, VEGF expression by 63% and portal pressure by 15%, whereas portosystemic collateralization and splanchnic blood flow were not modified. After 1 week of octreotide injection, portal pressure was reduced by 20%, but inhibition of angiogenesis escaped from octreotide therapy, a phenomenon that could be related to the finding that expression of SSTR2 receptor decreased progressively (up to 78% reduction) during the evolution of portal hypertension. Conclusion: This study provides the first experimental evidence showing that octreotide may be an effective anti‐angiogenic therapy early after induction of portal hypertension, but not in advanced stages most likely due to SSTR2 down‐regulation during the progression of portal hypertension in rats. These findings shed light on new mechanisms of action of octreotide in portal hypertension.
KIBRA genetic polymorphism influences episodic memory in later life, but does not increase the risk of mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Almeida O. P. , Schwab S. G. , Lautenschlager N. T. , Morar B. , Greenop K. R. , Flicker L. , Wildenauer D.
Published: October 2008

A common T→C polymorphism of the KIBRA gene has been recently associated with worse performance on tests of episodic memory. This should aimed to determine whether older adults with the KIBRA CC genotype (1) have worse episodic memory than T‐allele carriers and, (2) are more likely to express the phenotype of amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Our Cross‐sectional investigation of 312 adults aged 50–89 years free of dementia included genotyping of the KIBRA rs17070145 gene and the assessment of episodic memory to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease (CERAD). Participants were considered to have MCI if their memory scores were 1.5 standard deviations below the mean norm for the population. 138/312 participants carried the KIBRA CC genotype. Their immediate and delayed recall scores were significantly lower than the scores of carriers of the T allele (P < 0.05; adjusted for age, gender and pre‐morbid IQ), although the effect size of the CC genotype was weak (0.2). Amongst our volunteers, 133 had MCI, of whom 63 (47.4%) had the CC genotype. There was no association between KIBRA genotype and MCI phenotype (TT/CT versus CC; adjusted odds ratio = 1.70, 95%CI = 0.74, 3.90). We concluded that the KIBRA T→C polymorphism contributes to modulate episodic memory amongst community‐dwelling older adults free of dementia, but plays no obvious role in the phenotypic expression of MCI. Future studies should aim to clarify the long term implications of this polymorphism on cognitive function and to identify other genes involved in the modulation of memory that might confer greater risk of MCI in later life.
Mesenchymal stem cells and their use as cell replacement therapy and disease modelling tool
Authors: García‐Castro J. , Trigueros C. , Madrenas J. , Pérez‐Simón J. A. , Rodriguez R. , Menendez P.
Published: October 2008

Introduction

Mechanisms of immunological tolerance

MSCs and cell replacement strategies

Clinical applications based on MSCs immune modulatory properties: overview of ongoing clinical trials

MSCs as a model to study cell transformation and disease

Concluding remarks

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from adult somatic tissues may differentiate in vitro and in vivo into multiple mesodermal tissues including bone, cartilage, adipose tissue, tendon, ligament or even muscle. MSCs preferentially home to damaged tissues where they exert their therapeutic potential. A striking feature of the MSCs is their low inherent immunogenicity as they induce little, if any, proliferation of allogeneic lymphocytes and antigen‐presenting cells. Instead, MSCs appear to be immunosuppressive in vitro. Their multi‐lineage differentiation potential coupled to their immuno‐privileged properties is being exploited worldwide for both autologous and allo‐geneic cell replacement strategies. Here, we introduce the readers to the biology of MSCs and the mechanisms underlying immune tolerance. We then outline potential cell replacement strategies and clinical applications based on the MSCs immunological properties. Ongoing clinical trials for graft‐versus‐host‐disease, haematopoietic recovery after co‐transplantation of MSCs along with haematopoietic stem cells and tissue repair are discussed. Finally, we review the emerging area based on the use of MSCs as a target cell subset for either spontaneous or induced neoplastic transformation and, for modelling non‐haematological mesenchymal cancers such as sarcomas.
Re‐expression of alpha skeletal actin as a marker for dedifferentiation in cardiac pathologies
Authors: Driesen Ronald B. , Verheyen Fons K. , Debie Wiel , Blaauw Erik , Babiker Fawzi A. , Cornelussen Richard N.M. , Ausma Jannie , Lenders Marie‐Hélène , Borgers Marcel , Chaponnier Christine , Ramaekers Frans C. S.
Published: October 2008

Differentiation of foetal cardiomyocytes is accompanied by sequential actin isoform expression, i.e. down‐regulation of the ‘embryonic’ alpha smooth muscle actin, followed by an up‐regulation of alpha skeletal actin (αSKA) and a final predominant expression of alpha cardiac actin (αCA). Our objective was to detect whether re‐expression of αSKA occurred during cardiomyocyte dedifferentiation, a phenomenon that has been observed in different pathologies characterized by myocardial dysfunction. Immunohistochemistry of αCA, αSKA and cardiotin was performed on left ventricle biopsies from human patients after coronary bypass surgery. Furthermore, actin isoform expression was investigated in left ventricle samples of rabbit hearts suffering from pressure‐ and volume‐overload and in adult rabbit ventricular cardiomyocytes during dedifferentiation in vitro. Atrial goat samples up to 16 weeks of sustained atrial fibrillation (AF) were studied ultrastructurally and were immunostained for αCA and αSKA. Up‐regulation of αSKA was observed in human ventricular cardiomyocytes showing down‐regulation of αCA and cardiotin. A patchy re‐expression pattern of αSKA was observed in rabbit left ventricular tissue subjected to pressure‐ and volume‐overload. Dedifferentiating cardiomyocytes in vitro revealed a degradation of the contractile apparatus and local re‐expression of αSKA. Comparable αSKA staining patterns were found in several areas of atrial goat tissue during 16 weeks of AF together with a progressive glycogen accumulation at the same time intervals. The expression of αSKA in adult dedifferentiating cardiomyocytes, in combination with PAS‐positive glycogen and decreased cardiotin expression, offers an additional tool in the evaluation of myocardial dysfunction and indicates major changes in the contractile properties of these cells.
Repression of the cardiac myosin light chain‐2 gene in skeletal muscle requires site‐specific association of antithetic regulator, Nished, and HDACs
Authors: Mathew Sumy , Galatioto Josephine , Mascareno Eduardo , Siddiqui M.A.Q.
Published: October 2008

The transcriptional activation mechanisms that regulate tissue‐specific expression of cardiac muscle genes have been extensively investigated, but little is known of the regulatory events involved in repression of cardiac‐specific genes in non‐cardiac cells. We have previously reported that Nished, a ubiquitous transcription factor, interacts with a positive sequence element, the Intron Regulatory Element (IRE) as well as a negatively acting element, the Cardiac‐Specific Sequence (CSS), in myosin light chain‐2 (MLC2v) gene to promote activation and repression of the gene in cardiac and skeletal muscle cells respectively. Here, we show that the negative regulation of cardiac MLC2v gene in skeletal muscle cells is mediated via the interaction of Nished with histone deacetylase (HDAC) co‐repressor. Treatment of cells with the HDAC inhibitor, Trichostatin A (TSA), alleviates the repressor activity of Nished in a dose‐dependent manner. Co‐transfection studies in primary muscle cells in culture and in Nished expressing stable skeletal muscle cell line demonstrate that Nished down‐regulates the cardiac MLC2 gene expression when its association is restricted to CSS alone. Chromatin immunoprecipitation data suggest that the CSS‐mediated repression of cardiac MLC2v gene in skeletal muscle cells excludes the participation of the positive element IRE despite the presence of an identical Nished binding site. Taken together, it appears that the negative control of MLC2v transcription is based on a dual mode of regulations, one that affords inaccessibility of IRE to Nished and second that promotes the formation of the transcription repression complex at the inhibitory CSS site to silence the cardiac gene in skeletal muscle cell.
Signal transduction of MCP‐1 expression induced by pancreatitis‐associated ascitic fluid in pancreatic acinar cells
Authors: Ramudo Laura , Yubero Sara , Manso Manuel A. , Vicente Secundino , De Dios Isabel
Published: October 2008

Pancreatitis‐associated ascitic fluid (PAAF) is known to contribute to the progression of acute pancreatitis (AP). We have investigated the capability of PAAF to activate the expression of MCP‐1 in pancreatic acinar cells and the involvement of MAPK, NF‐κB and STAT3 as downstream signalling transduction pathways. The actions of dexamethasone (Dx) and N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) on the PAAF's acinar effects have also been evaluated. Acinar cells were incubated for 1 hr with PAAF collected from rats with severe AP induced by sodium taurocholate in the absence or presence of Dx (10−7 M) or NAC (30 mM). MCP‐1 mRNA expression, phospho‐p38‐MAPK, IκBα, nuclear p65 levels and nuclear translocation of STAT3 were analysed. In response to PAAF, overexpression of MCP‐1, phosphorylation of p38‐MAPK, degradation of IκBα and increases in p65 nuclear levels and STAT3 activity were found in acinar cells. PAAF‐mediated MCP‐1 up‐regulation was completely suppressed by Dx and NAC. MAPK activation was only inhibited by NAC, NF‐κB activation was repressed by Dx and NAC, and STAT3 pathway was strongly blocked by Dx and significantly reduced by NAC. In conclusion, acinar cells were activated by PAAF to produce MCP‐1, mainly via NF‐κB and STAT3 pathways. Both downstream pathways were targeted by Dx and NAC to repress the PAAF‐mediated acinar MCP‐1 up‐regulation.
MicroRNA involvement in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Gramantieri Laura , Fornari Francesca , Callegari Elisa , Sabbioni Silvia , Lanza Giovanni , Croce Carlo M. , Bolondi Luigi , Negrini Massimo
Published: October 2008

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third cause of cancer‐related death worldwide. Curative options for HCC are limited and exclusively available for patients carrying an early stage HCC. In advanced stages, traditional chemotherapy proved to be only marginally effective or even toxic. Thus, the identification of new treatment options is needed. New targets for non‐conventional treatment will necessarily take advantage of progresses on the molecular pathogenesis of HCC. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a group of tiny RNAs with a fundamental role in the regulation of gene expression. Aberrant expression of several miRNAs was found to be involved in human hepatocarcinogenesis. miRNA expression signatures were correlated with bio‐pathological and clinical features of HCC. In some cases, aberrantly expressed miRNAs could be linked to cancer‐associated pathways, indicating a direct role in liver tumourigenesis. For example, up‐regulation of mir‐221 and mir‐21 could promote cell cycle progression, reduce cell death and favour angiogenesis and invasion. These findings suggest that miRNAs could become novel molecular targets for HCC treatment. The demonstration of in vivo efficacy and safety of anti‐miRNA compounds has opened the way to their use in clinical trials.