bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Growth, photosynthesis, nitrogen partitioning and responses to CO2 enrichment in a barley mutant lacking NADH‐dependent nitrate reductase activity
Authors: Sicher Richard C. , Bunce James A.
Published: May 2008

Plant growth, photosynthesis and leaf constituents were examined in the wild‐type (WT) and mutant nar1 of barley (Hordeum vulgare L. cv. Steptoe) that contains a defective structural gene encoding NADH‐dependent nitrate reductase (NADH‐NAR). In controlled environment experiments, total biomass, rates of photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, intercellular CO2 concentrations and foliar non‐structural carbohydrate levels were unchanged or differed slightly in the mutant compared with the WT. Both genotypes displayed accelerated plant growth rates when the CO2 partial pressure was increased from 36 to 98 Pa. Total NADH‐NAR activity was 90% lower in the mutant than in the WT, and this was further decreased by CO2 enrichment in both genotypes. Inorganic nitrate was greater in the mutant than in the WT, whereas in situ nitrate assimilation by excised leaves was two‐fold greater for the WT than for the mutant. Foliar ammonia was 50% lower in the mutant than in the WT under ambient CO2. Ammonia levels in the WT were decreased by about one‐half by CO2 enrichment, whereas ammonia was unaffected by elevated CO2 in mutant leaves. Total soluble amino acid concentrations in WT and mutant plants grown in the ambient CO2 treatment were 30.1 and 28.4 μmol g−1 FW, respectively, when measured at the onset of the light period. Seven of the twelve individual amino acids reported here increased during the first 12 h of light in the ambient CO2 treatment, leading to a doubling of total soluble amino acids in the WT. The most striking effect of the mutation was to eliminate increases of glutamine, aspartate and alanine during the latter half of the photoperiod in the ambient CO2 treatment. Growth in elevated CO2 decreased levels of total soluble amino acids on a diurnal basis in the WT but not in mutant barley leaves. The above results indicated that a defect in NADH‐NAR primarily affected nitrogenous leaf constituents in barley. Also, we did not observe synergistic effects of CO2 enrichment and decreased foliar NADH‐NAR activity on most N‐containing compounds.
Absence ofPneumocystis jirovecipneumonia in liver transplantation recipients receiving short‐term (3‐month) prophylaxis
Authors: Trotter J.F. , Levi M. , Steinberg T. , Lancaster J.
Published: May 2008

Abstract:Pneumocystis jiroveci(formerly known asPneumocystis carinii) is a fungal pathogen that causes pneumonia (PCP) in liver transplant recipients. Consequently, prophylaxis with trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMZ) is typically administered for at least 1 year at most liver transplant programs. At our center we have utilized a short‐term (3‐month) prophylactic regimen with TMP/SMZ for the past decade and report our experience and speculate on the potential widespread application of this approach.

Methods.For patients transplanted at our center between January 1997 and January 2007, we recorded all documented PCP infections by review of our liver transplant database and hospital‐based electronic medical records system, both of which record all infections and culture results.

Results.We recorded no cases of PCP in any of the liver transplant recipients at our center during the study period.

Conclusions.We report the absence of PCP in a large cohort of liver transplant recipients receiving a short‐term (3‐month) prophylaxis with TMP/SMZ. These findings provide a rational basis to consider short‐term (3‐month) PCP prophylaxis or avoidance of prophylaxis altogether in selected low‐risk patients.
Dynamics of yolk sac content absorption and intestine development in ducklings fed mixtures with increasing dietary methionine level
Authors: Jamroz D. , Wertelecki T. , Lemme A. , Wiliczkiewicz A. , Orda J. , Skorupińska J.
Published: May 2008

The experiment was carried out with ducklings fed‐control feed mixture (Met level 0.3%) and mixtures supplemented with dl‐methionine at the dose of 0.03 (II); 0.07 (III) 0.12 (IV) and 0.18% (V). In 5 h post‐hatch (12 birds) and on days 3, 4, 6 always 18 birds were taken out from each treatment and killed, then the yolk sac (YS) and intestine were removed. The weight and chemical composition of YS residues (in them also amino acids) were analysed. Moreover on days 1, 3, 4 and 6, the amino acid pattern of YS residual protein was elaborated as well as length and weight of intestine were recorded. Increased doses of supplemental Met improved body weight gain after 4 days of ducklings life. All determined parameters were not affected by treatment. Development of intestines, yolk sac weight and yolk sac composition (DM, fat, protein, amino acid composition) changed with age; however, without any clear effect from dietary methionine level. No differences between sex and analysed parameters were stated.
Phospholipid compositions of sera and synovial fluids from dog, human and horse: a comparison by 31P‐NMR and MALDI‐TOF MS
Authors: Fuchs B. , Bondzio A. , Wagner U. , Schiller J.
Published: May 2008

Alterations of the phospholipid (PL) compositions of body fluids are assumed to be indicative of inflammatory diseases, e.g. rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Recently, we have shown that particularly the phosphatidylcholine/lysophosphatidylcholine (PC/LPC) ratio determined in human synovial fluids (SF) and sera represents a reliable measure of the inflammatory state in RA patients. However, it is not yet clear to what extent the PC/LPC ratio is also affected by nutrition habits. In the present study, the PL and the corresponding acyl chain compositions of human body fluids (SF and serum of RA patients as well as serum from healthy volunteers) are compared with those of two other mammalian species (horses and dogs suffering from degenerative joint diseases as well as healthy controls) by high‐resolution 31P‐nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and matrix‐assisted laser desorption and ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS). The most important result of this study is that the PL compositions of SF and serum of horse and dog are comparable with those of human body fluids. Compared with humans, however, the horse body fluid contains less PCs with highly unsaturated arachidonoyl residues, while that of dogs possesses the highest content of arachidonoyl‐containing PC. These species‐related differences stem primarily from different nutrition habits (meat vs. plants).
Comparison of three organelle markers for phylogeographic inference in Batrachospermum helminthosum (Batrachospermales, Rhodophyta) from North America
Authors: House Denise L. , Sherwood Alison R. , Vis Morgan L.
Published: May 2008

Phylogeographic signal provided by the newly developed 23S plastid rRNA marker (universal plastid amplicon, UPA) and the cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene marker (COI) in the freshwater red alga Batrachospermum helminthosum, throughout its range in North America, was investigated. These markers were compared in individuals from a previous study using the cytochrome oxidase 2–3 spacer region (cox2–3), which has yielded the most useful data to date with 13 haplotypes among geographic locations. Five haplotypes were resolved for the UPA, differing by only one to two base pairs (bp), and we conclude that this marker may be more appropriate for studying interspecific variation. In contrast, the COI gene revealed 16 haplotypes, differing from one to 44 base pairs or up to 6.6% sequence variation. The intraspecific variation of COI in this taxon is much greater than that reported thus far for marine red algae (generally <5 bp). The intraspecific variation within B. helminthosum is in accord with levels shown in Batrachospermum macrosporum (48 bp within distant locations in Brazil). The COI gene is comparable to the cox2–3 spacer for phylogeographic studies as the haplotype networks were similar and showed the same geographic patterns. To our knowledge, this is the first comparison of these three regions for phylogeographic research in the red algae.
On the absence of previously reported Japanese and Peruvian species of Prionitis (Halymeniaceae, Rhodophyta) in the northeast Pacific
Authors: Gabrielson Paul W.
Published: May 2008

Partial rbcL sequences of type specimens, historically significant specimens and recently collected comparative specimens are used to demonstrate that Prionitis decipiens (Montagne) J. Agardh (type locality: Paita, Peru), Prionitis angusta (Harvey) Okamura (type locality: Shimoda, Japan, currently known as Grateloupia angusta (Harvey) Kawaguchi et Wang) and Prionitis cornea (Okamura) E. Y. Dawson (type locality: Shizuoka, Japan, currently known as Grateloupia cornea Okamura), all previously reported from the northeast (NE) Pacific (California, USA and Baja California, Mexico), were not, and currently are not, present. Historically significant specimens from the NE Pacific specifically annotated by E. Y. Dawson as belonging to P. cornea or specifically annotated by I. A. Abbott as belonging to P. angusta were sequenced and shown to belong to either Prionitis linearis Kylin (type locality: La Jolla, California, USA) or to Prionitis filiformis Kylin (type locality: San Francisco, California, USA). The lectotype of Gelidium decipiens Montagne (basionym of Prionitis decipiens) is narrowed to a single specimen illustrated by Montagne, and a lectotype is designated for P. linearis. The utility of partial rbcL sequences (less than 200 base pairs) for determining the identity of specimens is discussed, as is the importance of sequencing type and historically significant specimens.
Haramonas pauciplastida sp. nov. (Raphidophyceae, Heterokontophyta) and phylogenetic analyses of Haramonas species using small subunit ribosomal RNA gene sequences
Authors: Yamaguchi Haruyo , Hoppenrath Mona , Takishita Kiyotaka , Horiguchi Takeo
Published: May 2008

A new species of the Raphidophyceae, Haramonas pauciplastida sp. nov. from Canada is described. The genus Haramonas has been described based on the type species Haramonas dimorpha and currently only two species are known. This new alga belongs to the genus because it possesses a tubular invagination at the posterior end of the cell, producing a large amount of mucilage and generating both motile and non‐motile phases in its life cycle. The chloroplast color of H. pauciplastida is yellowish green, and is similar to that of Haramonas viridis Horiguchi et Hoppenrath. However, this alga differs from the other species of the genus in that it possesses fewer chloroplasts, which are rarely overlapping. The ultrastructual study shows differences between these two species in the number of thylakoids in the lamella, the presence of a scattered pyrenoid matrix, and the position of the plastoglobuli. The phylogenetic analyses of the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene from the Haramonas species reveal that three species can be distinguished genetically from each other and they form a robust clade in the Raphidophyceae. This result supports the notion that the characteristic features of Haramonas are synapomorphies. This is the first report of molecular data from the Haramonas species.
Microbial community response to a release of neat ethanol onto residual hydrocarbons in a pilot‐scale aquifer tank
Authors: Cápiro Natalie L. , Da Silva Marcio L. B. , Stafford Brent P. , Rixey William G. , Alvarez Pedro J. J.
Published: May 2008

The microbial community response to a neat ethanol release (E100, 76 l) onto residual hydrocarbons in sandy soil was evaluated in a continuous‐flow 8 m3 pilot‐scale aquifer tank, simulating a release at a bulk fuel terminal. Microbial genotypic shifts were assessed using quantitative real‐time PCR analysis. High ethanol concentrations in the capillary fringe at potentially toxic levels, exceeding 100 000 mg l−1, were tolerated by the microbial community. The high biochemical oxygen demand exerted by ethanol rapidly induced anaerobic conditions, and both methane production (up to 1.2 mg l−1) and growth of putative methanogenic Archaea (up to 106 gene copies per g of soil) were observed in shallow groundwater and soil samples 75 cm down gradient from the source. Aerobic conditions returned after ethanol was flushed out of the system, approximately 45 days after the spill (less than 7.5 pore volumes flushed). Total Bacteria growth coincided with ethanol migration and availability, which was restricted to a relatively thin layer at the capillary fringe and water table interface. The concentrations of bacteria harbouring the aerobic catabolic genes dmpN (coding for phenol hydroxylase) and todC1 (coding for toluene dioxygenase) increased (up to 100×) down gradient from the source, likely as a result of both fortuitous growth on ethanol and on aromatic hydrocarbons mobilized by ethanol. Growth of hydrocarbon degraders was corroborated by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis analysis showing proliferation of Azospirillum and Brevundimonas spp., which are bacteria commonly associated with microaerophilic hydrocarbon degradation. Nevertheless, the relative abundance of hydrocarbon‐specific degraders (as a fraction of total Bacteria) decreased as other bacteria grew to a higher extent. Overall, the observed growth of hydrocarbon degraders suggests a potential enhancement in aerobic natural attenuation in shallow aquifers after ethanol and its degradation by‐products are degraded or flushed from sites impacted by ethanol‐blended fuels.
Impact of tumour volume on surgical and pathological outcomes after robot‐assisted radical cystectomy
Authors: Yuh Bertram , Padalino Joe , Butt Zubair M. , Tan Wei , Wilding Gregory E. , Kim Hyung L. , Mohler James L. , Guru Khurshid A.
Published: May 2008

OBJECTIVE

To report on the influence that bladder tumour volume has on operative and pathological outcomes after robotic‐assisted radical cystectomy (RARC, a minimally invasive alternative to open cystectomy for treating bladder cancer), as with the lack of tactile feedback in RARC tumour volume might compromise the outcome.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between 2005 and 2007, 54 consecutive patients had RARC at one institution. CT urograms were obtained in all patients for staging purposes and to evaluate hydronephrosis. Patients were separated into two groups based on pathological tumour dimensions. Once selected into two‐dimensional (2D, flat) or 3D (bulky) tumour groups the patients were compared for operative and pathological variables.

RESULTS

The mean age of all patients was 67 years; 19 had tumours classified as 2D and 35 as 3D. There were no statistical differences in age, sex, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, previous surgery, mean hospital stay, or estimated blood loss between the groups. The difference in operative duration for bladder removal was almost statistically significant (P = 0.077). Intraoperative transfusion was more common in the 3D group (P = 0.044); 43% of patients in the 3D group had hydronephrosis, vs only 16% in the 2D group. 3D tumours were more likely to be higher stage (P = 0.051). All positive margins in the patient were in the 3D group (P = 0.04); no patients with ≤T2 disease had a positive surgical margin.

CONCLUSIONS

Bulky tumours removed with RARC might be associated with an increased rate of intraoperative transfusion, higher stage disease, and higher rate of margin positivity. In patients with large‐volume tumours on preoperative assessment, wider dissection of perivesical tissue might decrease the margin‐positive rates.
Bladder botulinum toxin A injection can benefit patients with radiation and chemical cystitis
Authors: Chuang Yao‐Chi , Kim Dae Kyung , Chiang Po‐Hui , Chancellor Michael B.
Published: May 2008

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the potential utility of botulinum toxin A (BoNT‐A) bladder injections in patients with radiation cystitis and bacillus Calmette‐Guérin (BCG)‐induced chemical cystitis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In all, six patients with refractory radiation cystitis were treated with 200 U bladder BoNT‐A injections and two patients with refractory cystitis after intravesical BCG therapy were treated with 100 U bladder BoNT‐A injections. All the patients were refractory to anticholinergic agents. Under sedation or local anaesthesia, BoNT‐A was injected through a cystoscope into 20 sites submucosally in the trigone and floor of the bladder.

RESULTS

There were no side‐effects or retention after BoNT‐A injection. In five of the six patients with radiation cystitis there was a moderate to significant improvement; the mean (sd) bladder capacity increased from 105 (25) mL to 250 (35) mL and the urinary frequency decreased from 14 (2) to 11 (1) episodes per day. In the two patients with BCG cystitis both reported significant symptomatic improvement; the mean (sd) bladder capacity increased from 110 (23) to 230 (23) mL, the urinary frequency decreased from 16 (1) to 12 (1) episodes per day, and using a 10‐point visual analogue pain scoring system, the perceived pain score decreased from 8 to 2. Microscopically, the bladder tissue at 1 month after BCG injection showed marked acute and chronic inflammation with eosinophilic infiltration and focal granulomatous formation. At 2 months after BoNT‐A injection, there was only a mild degree of chronic inflammation with few eosinophils.

CONCLUSION

These preliminary results suggest that BoNT‐A injected into the bladder is a promising treatment for patients with refractory radiation and BCG cystitis.
Ureteroscopic management of lower ureteric calculi: a 15‐year single‐centre experience
Authors: Elashry Osama M. , Elgamasy Abdelnaser K. , Sabaa Magdy A. , Abo‐Elenien Mohamed , Omar Mohamed Adel , Eltatawy Hassan H. , El‐Abd Shawky A.
Published: May 2008

OBJECTIVE

To review our 15‐year experience with ureteroscopic treatment of distal ureteric calculi and to determine the impact of improved technology and techniques on the efficacy, success and complications of the procedure.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 4512 patients who underwent 5133 ureteroscopic procedures for the treatment of distal ureteric calculi at our institution from January 1991 to December 2005. The patient and stone characteristics, treatment variables and clinical outcomes were assessed. Factors such as type of ureteroscope, procedure duration, procedure success, complication rate and hospital stay were evaluated. Data obtained from a cohort of patients that underwent the procedure from 1991 to 1995 (group 1) were statistical compared with those obtained from a cohort of patients from 1996 to 2005 (group 2). Logistic regression analysis was used to identify associated factors with the major complications of ureteroscopy.

RESULTS

Overall, the stone‐free rate after the procedure was 94.6%, the mean (sd; range) operative duration was 43 (15.0; 25–120) min, the intraoperative complication rate was 6.67%, the postoperative complication rate was 9.9%, and the mean (sd) hospital stay was 1.7 (1.1) days. The clinical and radiological follow‐up (mean 36.8 months) for 71.3% of eligible patients detected only 12 ureteric strictures (0.23%). On comparing group 1 with group 2, the overall success of ureteroscopic stone extraction improved from 85.7% to 97.3% (P < 0.001), significant ureteric perforation decreased from 3.3% to 0.5% (P = 0.05), ureteric avulsion decreased from 1.3 to 0.1% (P < 0.05), ureteric stricture decreased from 0.7% to 0.1% (P < 0.007), the mean (sd) procedure time significantly decreased from 75 (42.9) min to 36.5 (12.5) min (P < 0.001), and the mean hospital stay significantly decreased from 2.5 (1.6) days to 0.5 (1.2) days, with a trend toward outpatient treatment. Logistic regression analysis showed a significant association of the major ureteroscopic complications with increased operative duration, type of ureteroscope used, stone impaction, stone size and surgeon experience.

CONCLUSION

The present series shows the high success rate, with minor complications, that can be achieved with ureteroscopic treatment of distal ureteric calculi. Improvements in ureteroscope design, accessories, technique and experience have led to a significant increase in the success rate and decrease in the complication rate.
Clinical significance of lymphovascular invasion in upper urinary tract urothelial cancer
Authors: Akao Jumpei , Matsuyama Hideyasu , Yamamoto Yoshiaki , Hara Tomohiko , Kawai Yoshihisa , Sakano Shigeru , Ohmi Chietaka , Gondo Toshikazu , Naito Katsusuke
Published: May 2008

OBJECTIVES

To clarify the significance of lymphovascular invasion (LVI) in patients with pT3N0M0 upper urinary tract (UUT) urothelial carcinoma (UC) relative to prognosis in terms of disease‐specific survival, as LVI, which implies both blood vessel and lymph vessel involvement, is reportedly a poor prognostic factor in patients with UUT‐UC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The clinical records of 90 patients who had surgery for UUT‐UC were reviewed retrospectively. The median patient age was 71 years and the median follow‐up was 42 months. The prognostic significances of LVI (with vs without), T stage (<1 vs 2–4), grade (1–2 vs 3), N stage (0 vs 1–2), age (≤70 vs >70 years), gender and tumour location (renal pelvis vs ureter) for survival time were evaluated.

RESULTS

LVI of UUT‐UC was found in 34 patients (37.8%). There were significantly higher frequencies of LVI with advancing stage and lymph node metastasis. Kaplan‐Meier analysis showed that LVI was strongly associated with disease‐specific survival in all patients (P < 0.001) and in patients with pT3N0M0 disease (P < 0.001). Univariate analyses showed that LVI, T stage, N stage and tumour grade were significantly related to disease‐specific survival in all patients (P < 0.001, <0.001, 0.003 and 0.007, respectively). Multivariate analysis using Cox proportional hazards model showed that LVI was the only prognostic factor with independent significance for disease‐specific survival (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

LVI appears to be an important and independent prognostic factor for UUT‐UC in patients treated by nephroureterectomy. Our data suggest that the LVI status might be a predictive marker for disease‐specific survival in patients with T3N0M0 UTT‐UC.
Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide/phentolamine for intracavernosal injection in erectile dysfunction
Authors: Dinsmore W. Wallace , Wyllie Michael G.
Published: May 2008

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is becoming an increasingly common problem and although oral therapies offer first‐line treatment for many men, they are contraindicated or ineffective in substantial groups of patients. Intracavernosal injection (ICI) therapy is the most effective nonsurgical treatment for ED and offers an effective alternative to oral therapy. Sufficient arterial blood supply and a functional veno‐occlusive mechanism are prerequisites in the attainment and maintenance of a functional erection. Invicorp® (Plethora Solutions, London, UK) is a combination of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) 25 µg and phentolamine mesylate 1 or 2 mg for ICI in the management of moderate to severe ED. The two active components have complementary modes of action; VIP has a potent effect on the veno‐occlusive mechanism, but little effect on arterial inflow, whereas phentolamine increases arterial blood flow with no effect on the veno‐occlusive mechanism. Clinical studies showed that Invicorp is effective in ≥80% of men with ED, including those who have failed to respond to other therapies and, unlike existing intracavernosal therapies, is associated with a very low incidence of penile pain and virtually negligible risk of priapism. We estimate that there are >5.9 million men in the USA alone for whom oral ED drugs are not a viable treatment option, and for whom Invicorp might offer a safe and effective alternative.
Negotiating Moral Orders in Chinese Business Families in Finland: Constructing Family, Gender and Ethnicity in a Research Situation
Authors: Katila Saija
Published: May 2008

This article explores how Chinese business families in the Chinese catering sector in the Helsinki metropolitan Area (Finland) articulate gendered and ethnicized moral orders in the relationship that ensues between the researcher and the research participants. Earlier studies indicate that overseas Chinese family businesses are patriarchal family firms characterized by filial piety, frugality and a concern for family welfare. This article challenges this static and idealized picture by highlighting the (re)articulation and negotiation of gendered familial moral orders. The study suggests that families do not necessarily adhere to patriarchal arrangements of gender in their everyday life and that commitment or resistance to the gendered familial moral orders can be seen as an act of ethnic identification. The study further suggests that ethnic meaning‐making is an inherent part of interactional interview situations where the relational construction of ethnic similarities and differences conveys a sense of inherent duality between the ethnic groups represented in the interaction. The study implies that when studying ethnic family businesses we should be careful not to base our analysis on the assumption that there are ethnic group‐wide cultural moral orders. This assumption tends to (re)produce deterministic accounts that deny the role of human agency and to disregard politico‐economic differences of interest within and between groups in a given context.
Frontotemporal dementia linked to chromosome 3 (FTD‐3) – current concepts and the detection of a previously unknown branch of the Danish FTD‐3 family
Authors: Lindquist S. G. , Brændgaard H. , Svenstrup K. , Isaacs A. M. , Nielsen J. E. ,   on behalf of the FReJA Consortium
Published: May 2008

Background:  Among patients with onset of dementia below the age of 65 years, frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is the second most prevalent cause, secondary only to Alzheimer’s disease. Recent advances in understanding the heterogeneous genetic background for different clinical and neuropathological entities of FTD have involved identification of several new causative genes.

Methods and results:  We report the finding of a truncating mutation in the CHMP2B gene (c.532‐1G>C) in a patient with early onset dementia. The patient was previously not known to be related to the single Danish pedigree known to have this specific mutation. Subsequently he has turned out to represent a new branch of the family with several affected individuals.

Discussion:  Our findings highlight the need for awareness of the CHMP2B mutation and associated clinical phenotype for neurological assessment in Denmark. Further, we discuss recent advances and current concepts in the understanding of CHMP2B‐related dementia.
Monitoring of CBFV and time characteristics of oxygen‐induced acute CNS toxicity in humans
Authors: Koch A. E. , Kähler W. , Wegner‐Bröse H. , Weyer D. , Kuhtz‐Buschbeck J. , Deuschl G. , Eschenfelder C. C.
Published: May 2008

Background:  Hyperbaric oxygen can cause central nervous system (CNS) toxicity with seizures. We tested the hypothesis that CNS toxicity could be predictable by cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV) monitoring.

Method:  We monitored 369 mandatory oxygen tolerance tests (30 min, 280 kPa O2) by video‐documentation and since May 2005 by additional CBFV registration (n = 61).

Results:  The onset of early manifestations of CNS toxicity was documented in 11 of 369 tests within 22 ± 3 min. These included twitches and/or agitation, 6 of 11 and tonic–clonic seizures in 5 of 11 cases. In both cases with CBFV monitoring, an increase in CBFV preceded symptom onset, once followed by seizure, once without seizure after timely oxygen reduction.

Conclusions:  During exposure to 280 kPa oxygen at rest a constant delay of approximately 20 min precedes the onset of central nervous oxygen toxicity. An increase in CBFV may indicate the impending seizure.
Immunophenotyping in Tourette syndrome – a pilot study
Authors: Möller J. C. , Tackenberg B. , Heinzel‐Gutenbrunner M. , Burmester R. , Oertel W. H. , Bandmann O. , Müller‐Vahl K. R.
Published: May 2008

Background and purpose:  The cause of Tourette syndrome (TS) is not precisely known, although several lines of evidence point at an involvement of the immune system in its pathogenesis.

Results:  Here, we report the results of a pilot study investigating frequently analysed lymphocyte surface markers in 20 adult patients with TS (16 males; 37.3 ± 15.8 years) and 20 matched controls (16 males; 37.5 ± 15.3 years). Statistical analysis revealed significant differences for the investigated lymphocyte surface markers. The difference in CD69+/CD22+‐B cells (23.0 ± 10.5% vs. 13.1 ± 6.1%; P = 0.001) and in CD95+/CD4+‐T cells (41.5 ± 12.1% vs. 24.6 ± 10.0%; P = 0.0001) was still significant after Bonferroni–Holm correction.

Conclusion:  Our preliminary data indicate that TS may be associated with an increased peripheral immune activity.
Cardiovagal modulation upon postural change is altered in Huntington’s disease
Authors: Bär K. J. , Boettger M. K. , Andrich J. , Epplen J. T. , Fischer F. , Cordes J. , Koschke M. , Agelink M. W.
Published: May 2008

Background:  Cardiac autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction in Huntington’s disease (HD) might affect both the sympathetic and parasympathetic branch of the ANS.

Results and Conclusions:  The pattern of linear heart rate variability we found in mid stage HD patients points towards a predominately reduced cardiovagal modulation compared with healthy subjects, which might influence HD patients’ susceptibility for cardiovascular complications such as syncopes and cardiac arrhythmias.
Food consumption and political agency: on concerns and practices among Danish consumers
Authors: Halkier Bente , Holm Lotte
Published: May 2008

Increasingly ordinary individual consumers are expected to perform some kind of societal or political agency. In the debates about political consumption it is a recurrent topic to what degree consumption practices can be seen as political practices and how many consumers perform such practices. The aim of this article is to empirically qualify the demarcation of the political in individual consumer activities by integrating the concept of political agency in the definition of political consumption. On the basis of empirical results from a representative survey among food consumers in Denmark, the article suggests that by supplementing the criteria of consumers performing specific consumption activities with a criteria of consumers expressing political agency, a more precise empirical delimitation of political consumption can be achieved. Three groups of food consumers are identified: those who perform political consumption practices; those who perform politicized consumption practices; and those who vocalize the discourse of political consumerism.
Role of GSK‐3β activation and α7 nAChRs in Aβ1–42‐induced tau phosphorylation in PC12 cells
Authors: Hu Min , Waring Jeffrey F. , Gopalakrishnan Murali , Li Jinhe
Published: May 2008

β‐amyloid peptide 1–42 (Aβ1–42) and hyperphosphorylated tau are associated with neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s disease. Emerging evidence indicates that Aβ1–42 can potentiate hyperphosphorylation of tau in cell lines and in transgenic mice, but the underlying mechanism(s) remains unclear. In this study, Aβ1–42‐induced tau phosphorylation was investigated in differentiated PC12 cells. Treatment of cells with Aβ1–42 increased phosphorylation of tau at serine‐202 as detected by AT8 antibody. This Aβ1–42‐induced tau phosphorylation paralleled phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase‐3β (GSK‐3β) at tyrosine‐216 (GSK‐3β‐pY216), which was partially inhibited by the GSK‐3β inhibitor, CHIR98023. Aβ1–42‐induced tau phosphorylation and increase in GSK‐3β‐pY216 phosphorylation were also partially attenuated by α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7 nAChR) selective ligands including agonist A‐582941 and antagonists methyllycaconitine and α‐bungarotoxin. The α7 nAChR agonist and the GSK‐3β inhibitor had no additive effect. These observations suggest that α7 nAChR modulation can influence Aβ1–42‐induced tau phosphorylation, possibly involving GSK‐3β. This study provides evidence of nAChR mechanisms underlying Aβ1–42 toxicity and tau phosphorylation, which, if translated in vivo, could provide additional basis for the utility of α7 nAChR ligands in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
Long‐lasting depression‐like behavior and epigenetic changes of BDNF gene expression induced by perinatal exposure to methylmercury
Authors: Onishchenko Natalia , Karpova Nina , Sabri Farideh , Castrén Eero , Ceccatelli Sandra
Published: May 2008

Substantial evidence indicates that predisposition to diseases can be acquired during early stages of development and interactions between environmental and genetic factors may be implicated in the onset of many pathological conditions. Data collected over several decades have shown that chemicals are among the relevant factors that can endanger CNS. We previously showed that perinatal exposure to methylmercury (MeHg) causes persistent changes in learning and motivational behavior in mice. In this study, we report that the depression‐like behavior in MeHg‐exposed male mice is reversed by chronic treatment with the antidepressant fluoxetine. Behavioral alterations are associated with a decrease in brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA in the hippocampal dentate gyrus and fluoxetine treatment restores BDNF mRNA expression. We also show that MeHg‐exposure induces long‐lasting repressive state of the chromatin structure at the BDNF promoter region, in particular DNA hypermethylation, an increase in histone H3‐K27 tri‐methylation and a decrease in H3 acetylation at the promoter IV. While fluoxetine treatment does not alter hypermethylation of H3‐K27, it significantly up‐regulates H3 acetylation at the BDNF promoter IV in MeHg‐exposed mice. Our study shows that developmental exposure to low levels of MeHg predisposes mice to depression and induces epigenetic suppression of BDNF gene expression in the hippocampus.
The Yin and Yang of YY1 in the nervous system
Authors: He Ye , Casaccia‐Bonnefil Patrizia
Published: May 2008

The transcription factor Yin Yang 1 (YY1) is a multifunctional protein that can activate or repress gene expression depending on the cellular context. YY1 is ubiquitously expressed and highly conserved between species. However, its role varies in diverse cell types and includes proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. This review will focus on the function of YY1 in the nervous system including its role in neural development, neuronal function, developmental myelination, and neurological disease. The multiple functions of YY1 in distinct cell types are reviewed and the possible mechanisms underlying the cell specificity for these functions are discussed.
Regulatory role of neuron‐restrictive silencing factor in the specific expression of cocaine‐ and amphetamine‐regulated transcript gene
Authors: Li Yanhua , Liu Qingbin , Yang Yinxiang , Lv Yang , Chen Lin , Bai Cixian , Nan Xue , Wang Yunfang , Pei Xuetao
Published: May 2008

Cocaine‐ and amphetamine‐regulated transcript (CART) peptide is an endogenous peptide which is widely expressed in the CNS and PNS as well as in endocrine cells. Despite the functional knowledge about CART, the mechanisms that regulate CART gene transcription are poorly characterized. Here, we showed that neuron‐restrictive silencer factor (NRSF) functions as a negative regulator of CART gene expression in neuroendocrine cells. A putative neuron‐restrictive silencer element (NRSE) conserved between the rodent and human CART promoter was identified and demonstrated to bind to NRSF in sequence‐specific manner by the electrophoretic mobility shift and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. Ectopic expression of NRSF in pheochromocytoma cells (PC12) and insulin‐secreting cells (INS‐1) induced a marked reduction in the level of CART mRNA and the activity of CART promoter or NRSE reporter. The CART promoter showed very low activity in endogenous NRSF‐expressing HeLa cells. When expression of NRSF was down‐regulated in HeLa cells using a RNA interfering technique, the transcriptional activity of the CART promoter or a NRSE reporter was significantly increased. Taken together, our data suggested that CART gene expression in neuroendocrine cells is strictly controlled by NRSF, via a mechanism dependent upon the CART NRSE.
Current and future therapy in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Van Marum Robert J.
Published: May 2008

Dementia is increasingly being recognized as one of the most important medical problems in the elderly. As most pharmacological research within the field of dementia is focused on Alzheimer’s dementia (AD), this review will focus on pharmacological interventions in AD. Most disease‐modifying therapies are based on the amyloid hypothesis. In this hypothesis, the pathological accumulation of Aβ in the brain leads to oxidative stress, neuronal destruction and finally the clinical syndrome of AD. Following this hypothesis, secondary prevention of AD can be made by: decreasing the production of Aβ, stimulation of clearance of Aβ formed or prevention of aggregation of Aβ into amyloid plaques. First a short overview on current approved therapies for AD is given. The main part of the review will focus on potential disease‐modifying therapies for AD that are currently being studied in phase I to phase III trials.
Effects of hyperthermia on pharmacokinetics of ertapenem in rats
Authors: Boulamery Audrey , Marouani Hafedh , Guilhaumou Romain , Rocher Emmanuelle , Simon Nicolas , Bruguerolle Bernard
Published: May 2008

The aim of this study was to document the influence of hyperthermia on the pharmacokinetics of ertapenem. Two groups of Wistar rats, normothermic (n = 6) and hyperthermic (n = 8), were injected a single intravenous bolus of ertapenem (15 mg/kg of body weight). Hyperthermia‐induced animals were placed in a water‐bath at 47 °C and control group animals were kept in a water‐bath at 25 °C to obtain a stable mean core temperature of 39.8 and 36.9 °C respectively. Hyperthermia induced significant higher plasma concentrations and exposure, whereas total apparent clearance and volume of distribution were significantly decreased. If confirmed in humans, these results will be of interest to take into account such modifications in hyperthermic clinical situations.
TOWARDS A NEW APPROACH TO ARCHAEOMAGNETIC DATING IN EUROPE USING GEOMAGNETIC FIELD MODELLING*
Authors: LODGE A. , HOLME R.
Published: May 2008

We introduce a new approach to producing secular variation curves for archaeomagnetic dating, using global geomagnetic field modelling techniques. Using published palaeosecular variation curves for five European locations as input, and a previous global model for regularization, we produce a model for the period ad 0–1900, which reproduces the input curves within their 95% confidence intervals, and successfully fits data from other regions in Europe. Our global model performs as well as a previous regional model, but additionally ensures consistency with physical constraints. We show that the curves currently used for dating are not mutually consistent, and therefore that in the future this new approach will provide more reliable curves for archaeomagnetic dating.
AN ORIBATID MITE (ARACHNIDA: ACARI) FROM THE OXFORD CLAY (JURASSIC: UPPER CALLOVIAN) OF SOUTH CAVE STATION QUARRY, YORKSHIRE, UK
Authors: SELDEN PAUL A. , BAKER ANNE S. , PHIPPS KENNETH J.
Published: May 2008

Abstract:  A single specimen of a new species of oribatid mite belonging to the genus Jureremus Krivolutsky, inKrivolutsky and Krassilov 1977, previously described from the Upper Jurassic of the Russian Far East, is described as J. phippsi sp. nov. The mite is preserved by iron pyrite replacement, and was recovered by sieving from the Oxford Clay Formation (Jurassic: Upper Callovian) of South Cave, Yorkshire. It is the first record of a pre‐Pleistocene mite, and the second species record of the family Cymbaeremaeidae, from the British Isles; also, it is only the third record of Acari from the Jurassic Period. The presence of a terrestrial mite in a sedimentary sequence of open marine origin is noteworthy, and suggestions for its mode of transport to the site of deposition are discussed.
A NEW MIDDLE JURASSIC APHID FAMILY (INSECTA: HEMIPTERA: STERNORRHYNCHA: SINOJURAPHIDIDAE FAM. NOV.) FROM INNER MONGOLIA, CHINA
Authors: HUANG DIYING , NEL ANDRÉ
Published: May 2008

Abstract:  A new monotypic aphid family, Sinojuraphididae, is described from the Middle Jurassic of China. Its antennae and wing venation have very plesiomorphic structures, even more than in known Triassic taxa (e.g. 12 antennomeres, Cu with a very long stem, very narrow pterostigma), confirming the persistence of ancient, probably Triassic, lineages among Jurassic aphids.
Simvastatin: Two Decades in a Circle
Authors: Kolovou Genovefa D. , Vasiliadis Ioannis , Anagnostopoulou Katerina , Cokkinos Dennis V.
Published: May 2008

Simvastatin is an agent of the 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitor group of drugs. It is administrated orally once a day in doses of 5–80 mg. Although its main action is to reduce total and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, it is able to reduce triglycerides and increase high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, though at a lower extent. Beyond this action, studies enrolled with simvastatin have shown beneficial effect on endothelial function, smooth muscle cell function, hemostasis, vascular wall function, LDL oxidation, and inflammation. All these actions mentioned above are known as pleiotropic effects. In this review, we will present all these effects, as well as the beneficial effects on atherogenesis and the reduction in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality related to simvastatin.
Commercially Available Order Flow Data and Exchange Rate Movements:Caveat Emptor
Authors: SAGER MICHAEL , TAYLOR MARK P.
Published: May 2008

Research suggests that customer order flow should help predict exchange rates. We make two contributions. First, we provide a review of the recent literature on order flow and exchange rate movements. Second, we critically evaluate the practical value of customer order flow data that are commercially available to the wider market, as well as the forecasting properties of inter‐dealer order flow. In line with microstructure theory, we find little evidence that the latter can forecast exchange rates, but our results also cast considerable doubt on the practical value to market practitioners of commercially available customer order flow data.
Estimating the New Keynesian Phillips Curve: A Vertical Production Chain Approach
Authors: HALE SHAPIRO ADAM
Published: May 2008

It has become customary to estimate the New Keynesian Phillips Curve (NKPC) with generalized method of moments using a large instrument set that includes lags of variables that are ad hoc to the firm's price‐decision problem. Researchers have also conventionally used real unit labor cost (RULC) as the proxy for real marginal cost even though it is difficult to support its significance. This paper introduces a new proxy for the real marginal cost term as well as a new instrument set, both of which are based on the micro foundations of the vertical chain of production. I find that the new proxy, based on input prices as opposed to wages, provides a more robust and significant fit to the model. Instruments that are based on the vertical chain of production appear to be both more valid and relevant toward the model.
Pegged Exchange Rate Regimes—A Trap?
Authors: AIZENMAN JOSHUA , GLICK REUVEN
Published: May 2008

We analyze the role of an exchange rate peg as a commitment mechanism to achieve inflation stability when multiple equilibria are possible. We show that there are ex ante large gains from choosing a more conservative regime not only in order to mitigate inflation bias from time inconsistency but also to avoid high inflation equilibria. In these circumstances, using a pegged exchange rate as an anti‐inflation commitment device can create a “trap” whereby the regime initially confers gains in anti‐inflation credibility but ultimately results in an exit occasioned by a big enough adverse real shock that creates large welfare losses to the economy.
Cell Therapy in Patients with Left Ventricular Dysfunction Due to Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Panovsky Roman , Meluzin Jaroslav , Janousek Stanislav , Mayer Jiří , Kaminek Milan , Groch Ladislav , Prasek Jiří , Stanicek Jaroslav , Dusek Ladislav , Hlinomaz Ota , Kala Petr , Klabusay Martin , Koristek Zdenek , Navratil Milan
Published: May 2008

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of autologous transplantation of mononuclear bone marrow cells on myocardial function in patients with left ventricular (LV) dysfunction due to an acute myocardial infarction. Methods: The randomized study included 82 patients with a first acute myocardial infarction treated with a stent implantation. This presentation is a subanalysis of 47 patients with left ventricular dysfunction–EF (ejection fraction) ≤ 40%. Group H patients (n = 17) received higher number (100,000,000) of cells; Group L patients (n = 13) received lower number (10,000,000) of cells. The patients of control Group C (n = 17) were not treated with cells. The Doppler tissue imaging and single photon emission computed tomography were performed before cell transplantation and 3 months later. Results: At 3 months of follow‐up, the baseline EF of 35%, 36%, 35% in Groups H, L, and C increased by 6% (P < 0.01 vs. baseline), 5% (P < 0.01 vs. baseline), and 4% (P = NS vs. baseline), respectively, as assessed by single photon emission computed tomography (P = NS between groups). The baseline number of akinetic segments of 6.9, 7.0, and 6.2 in H, L, and C groups decreased by 1.7 (P < 0.01 vs. baseline), 1.5 (P < 0.01 vs. baseline), and 0.7 (P = NS vs. baseline, P = NS between groups), respectively, as demonstrated by echocardiography. Conclusion: In our study, the statistically important effect of transplantation of mononuclear bone marrow cells on myocardial function was not found. Only an insignificant trend toward the improvement of global LV EF fraction was found at 3‐month follow‐up.
Sugarcane Bagasse Ash as a Potential Quartz Replacement in Red Ceramic
Authors: Teixeira Silvio Rainho , De Souza Agda Eunice , De Almeida Santos Gleyson Tadeu , Vilche Peña Angel Fidel , Miguel Álvaro Gil
Published: May 2008

Sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA) is an industrial waste that contains silicon and aluminum oxides as the major components and iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium oxides as the main minor components. In this paper, SCBA from one Brazilian factory was characterized and tested for its influence on the ceramic properties of clay/ash ceramic probes. Prismatic probes were pressed (18 MPa) using a ceramic mass mixed with 0%, 5%, 8%, and 10% ash. The probes were fired at temperatures between 800° and 1200°C. X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray fluorescence, thermal analysis (differential thermal analysis, thermogravimetric analysis/differential thermogravimetric analysis), and tests for texture (particle‐size analysis), flexural strength, and linear shrinkage were carried out to characterize the samples. The results showed that the amount of ash to be incorporated will depend on mainly the composition of clay but also ash, and indicated that the clay used in this work can incorporate up to 10% weight of ash to produce solid bricks. The results also showed an improvement in ceramic/ash properties up to sintering temperatures higher than 1000°C.
A Facile Aqueous Sol–Gel Process for the Synthesis of Alumina–Lanthanum Phosphate Nanocomposite
Authors: Rajesh Komban , Baiju Kizhakkekilikoodayil Vijayan , Jayasankar Mani , Warrier Krishna Gopakumar
Published: May 2008

A facile aqueous sol–gel process is being reported for the first time for the synthesis of alumina–lanthanum phosphate (Al2O3–LaPO4) nanocomposite. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirms the absence of any reactive phase even after heating to 1600°C. Microstructural analysis reveals a mutually controlled grain growth and the XRD analysis shows that the crystallite size of LaPO4 is in the range of 5–7 nm, indicating the exceptional inhibition of grain growth as well as the nanostructure of the sintered composite.