bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Galectin-3 expression is induced in renal β-intercalated cells during metabolic acidosis
Authors: Schwaderer Andrew L. , Vijayakumar Soundarapandian , Al-Awqati Qais , Schwartz George J.
Published: August 2005

The adaptation of the cortical collecting duct (CCD) to metabolic acidosis requires the polymerization and deposition in the extracellular matrix of the novel protein hensin. HCO3−-secreting β-intercalated cells remove apical Cl−:HCO3−exchangers and may reverse functional polarity to secrete protons. Using intercalated cells in culture, we found that galectin-3 facilitated hensin polymerization, thereby causing their differentiation into the H+-secreting cell phenotype. We examined the expression of galectin-3 in the rabbit kidney and its relationship to hensin during metabolic acidosis. In control kidneys, galectin-3 was expressed in the cortical and medullary collecting ducts. In the outer cortex 26 ± 3% of CCD cells expressed galectin-3 compared with 64 ± 3% of the cells of the inner cortex. In the CCD, galectin-3 was rarely expressed in β-intercalated cells, being primarily present in α-intercalated and principal cells. During metabolic acidosis, the intensity of cellular staining for galectin-3 increased and more cells began to express it; the percentage of CCD cells expressing galectin-3 increased from 26 ± 3 to 66 ± 3% in the outer cortex and from 64 ± 3 to 78 ± 4% in the inner cortex. This was particularly evident in β-intercalated cells where expression was found in only 8 ± 2% in control animals but in 75 ± 2% during metabolic acidosis in the outer cortex and similarly for the inner cortex (26 ± 6 to 90 ± 7%). Importantly, both galectin-3 and hensin were found in the extracellular matrix of microdissected CCDs; and during metabolic acidosis, many more cells exhibited this extracellular colocalization. Thus galectin-3 may play several important roles in the CCD, including mediating the adaptation of β-intercalated cells during metabolic acidosis.
Neonatal antibiotic treatment alters gastrointestinal tract developmental gene expression and intestinal barrier transcriptome
Authors: Schumann Alexandra , Nutten Sophie , Donnicola Dominique , Comelli Elena M. , Mansourian Robert , Cherbut Christine , Corthesy-Theulaz Irène , Garcia-Rodenas Clara
Published: August 2005

The postnatal maturation of the gut, partially modulated by bacterial colonization, ends up in the establishment of an efficient barrier to luminal antigens and bacteria. The use of broad-spectrum antibiotics in pediatric practices alters the gut bacterial colonization and, consequently, may impair the maturation of the gut barrier function. To test this hypothesis, suckling Sprague-Dawley rats received a daily intragastric gavage of antibiotic (Clamoxyl; an amoxicillin-based commercial preparation) or saline solution from postnatal day 7 (d7) until d17 or d21. Luminal microbiota composition and global gene expression profile were analyzed on samples from small intestine and colon of each group. The treatment with Clamoxyl resulted in the almost-complete eradication of Lactobacillus in the whole intestine and in a drastic reduction of colonic total aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, in particular Enterobacteriacae and Enterococcus. The global gene expression analysis revealed that Clamoxyl affects the maturation process of 249 and 149 Affymetrix probe sets in the proximal and distal small intestine, respectively, and 163 probe sets in the colon. The expression of genes coding for Paneth cell products (defensins, matrilysin, and phospholipase A2) was significantly downregulated by the Clamoxyl treatment. A significant downregulation of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class Ib and II genes, involved in antigen presentation, was also observed. Conversely, mast cell proteases expression was upregulated. These results suggest that early treatment with a large-spectrum antibiotic deeply affects the gut barrier function at the suckling-weaning interface, a period during which the gut is challenged by an array of novel food-borne antigens.
Growth, metabolism, and blood pressure disturbances during aging in transgenic rats with altered brain renin-angiotensin systems
Authors: Kasper Sherry O. , Carter Christy S. , Ferrario Carlos M. , Ganten Detlev , Ferder Leon F. , Sonntag William E. , Gallagher Patricia E. , Diz Debra I.
Published: August 2005

Transgenic rats with targeted decreased glial expression of angiotensinogen (ASrAogen rats) did not show an increase in systolic pressure compared with Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats during aging (15–69 wk of age). ASrAogen animals had lower body weights throughout the study, similar to reports for animals with systemic knockout of angiotensinogen or treated long term with renin-angiotensin system (RAS) blockers. Further characterization of indexes of growth and metabolism in ASrAogen rats compared with (mRen2)27 and SD rats, which express elevated versus normal brain and tissue angiotensin II levels, respectively, revealed that serum leptin was 100–200% higher in SD and (mRen2)27 rats at 46 wk and 69 wk of age. Consistent with low serum leptin, ASrAogen rats had higher food intake (73%) compared with SD or (mRen2)27 rats. (mRen2)27 rats had higher resting insulin levels than ASrAogen rats at all ages. Insulin levels were constant during aging in ASrAogen rats, whereas an increase occurred in SD rats, leading to higher insulin levels at 46 and 69 wk of age compared with ASrAogen rats. IGF-1 was comparable among strains at all ages, but (mRen2)27 rats had longer and ASrAogen rats had shorter tail lengths versus SD rats at 15 wk of age. In conclusion, reduced expression of glial angiotensinogen blunts the age-dependent rise in insulin levels and weight gain, findings that mimic the effects of long-term systemic blockade of the RAS or systemic knockout of angiotensinogen. These data implicate glial angiotensinogen in the regulation of body metabolism as well as hormonal mechanisms regulating blood pressure.
Human liver cholesteryl ester hydrolase: cloning, molecular characterization, and role in cellular cholesterol homeostasis
Authors: Zhao Bin , Natarajan Ramesh , Ghosh Shobha
Published: August 2005

The liver regulates cholesterol homeostasis and eliminates excess cholesterol as bile acids or biliary cholesterol. Free cholesterol for bile acid synthesis or biliary secretion is obtained by the hydrolysis of stored cholesteryl esters or from cholesteryl esters taken up by the liver from high-density lipoproteins via a selective uptake pathway. The present study was undertaken to characterize the enzyme catalyzing this reaction, namely, cholesterol ester hydrolase (CEH) from the human liver, and demonstrate its role in regulating bile acid synthesis. Two cDNAs were isolated from the human liver that differed only in the presence of an additional alanine at position 18 in one of the clones. Transient transfection of COS-7 cells with a eukaryotic expression vector containing either of these two cDNAs resulted in significant increase in the hydrolysis of cholesteryl esters, authenticating these clones as human liver CEH. CEH mRNA and protein expression in human hepatocytes were demonstrated by real-time PCR and Western blot analyses, respectively, confirming the location of this enzyme in the cell type involved in hepatic cholesterol homeostasis. Overexpression of these CEH clones in human hepatocytes resulted in significant increase in bile acid synthesis, demonstrating a role for liver CEH in modulating bile acid synthesis. This CEH gene mapped on human chromosome 16, and the two clones represent two different transcript variants resulting from splice shifts at exon 1. In conclusion, these data identify that human liver CEH was expressed in hepatocytes, where it potentially regulates the synthesis of bile acids and thus the removal of cholesterol from the body.
Synchronous Analysis for Diagnostics of Rolling Bearings in the Turbojet Engine
Authors: Gosiewski Zdzisław , Romaniuk Andrzej
Published: August 2005

Designed in the Aviation Institute, the K‐15 turbojet
engine has got rolling bearings, which answers with frequency
5.87 × ωr the unbalance excitation. The signal with such frequency indicates a fault of the outer race of the rolling bearing. A set of the digital synchronous filters was used for the
K‐15 vibration spectrum analysis. A procedure of filtration was performed by the computer software. The sychronous summation of the measured signals was carried out before the spectrum analysis. Two cases were considered: the engine with a small force due to
unbalance (a small angular velocity of the rotor), and the engine with a big unbalance force (high angular velocity). In the first case, the outer race frequency was not observed, despite the existence of the vibration amplitude (caused by unknown disturbances) with such frequency before the synchronous summation. In the second case, the outer race frequency after synchronous summation has enlarged amplitude while other spectrum
components in its vicinity have been damped. It underlines the usefulness of the synchronous analysis in the vibration diagnostics of the rotating machinery.
Melatonin Reduces Inflammatory Injury through Inhibiting NF‐κB Activation in Rats with Colitis
Authors: Li Jun-Hua , Yu Jie-Ping , Yu Hong-Gang , Xu Xi-Ming , Yu Liang-Liang , Liu Jin , Luo He-Sheng
Published: August 2005

Proinflammatory mediators are important in the pathogenesis of IBD, which are regulated by activation of NF‐κB. The aim of this study was to investigate whether melatonin reduces inflammatory injury and inhibits proinflammatory molecule and NF‐κB in rats with colitis. Rat colitis model was established by TNBS enema. NF‐κB p65, TNF‐α, ICAM‐1, and IκBα in colon tissue were examined by immunohistochemistry, EMSA, RT‐PCR, and Western blot analysis. Expression of proinflammatory molecule and activation of NF‐κB were upregulated and IκB level decreased in rats with colitis. Melatonin reduces colonic inflammatory injury through downregulating proinflammatory molecule mediated by NF‐κB inhibition and blockade of IκBα degradation.
Serotonergic Mechanisms Influence the Response to Glucocorticoid Treatment in TMJ Arthritis
Authors: Fredriksson Lars , Alstergren Per , Kopp Sigvard
Published: August 2005

The aims of this study were to investigate the influence of serotonin (5‐HT) on the effects of intra‐articular injections of glucocorticoid on pain of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in patients with inflammatory disorders of the TMJ. The pretreatment synovial fluid 5‐HT was negatively, and plasma 5‐HT positively, correlated to change in TMJ pain after treatment. The pretreatment plasma 5‐HT was positively correlated to change in pressure‐pain threshold after treatment. In conclusion, this study shows that local and systemic serotonergic mechanisms partly determine the effect of intra‐articular glucocorticoid treatment on TMJ pain in patients with chronic TMJ arthritis of systemic nature, while change in pressure‐pain threshold over the TMJ is influenced by systemic serotonergic mechanisms.
Multidose Streptozotocin Induction of Diabetes in BALB/c Mice Induces a Dominant Oxidative Macrophage and a Conversion of T H1 to T H2 Phenotypes During Disease Progression
Authors: Sun Naxin , Yang Guiwen , Zhao Heng , Savelkoul Huub F. J. , An Liguo
Published: August 2005

Macrophages (Mp) are implicated in both early and late phases in type 1 diabetes development. Recent study has suggested that a balance between reductive Mp (RMp) and oxidative Mp (OMp) is possible to regulate T H1/T H2 balance. The aim of this study is to investigate the redox status of peritoneal Mp and its cytokine profile during the development of autoimmune diabetes induced by multiple low‐dose streptozotocin in BALB/c mice. Meanwhile, the polarization of T H1/T H2 of splenocytes or thymocytes was also examined. We found that peritoneal Mp appeared as an “incomplete” OMp phenotype with decreased icGSH along with disease progression. The OMp showed reduced TNF‐α, IL‐12, and NO production as well as defective phagocytosis activity compared to nondiabetic controls; however, there was no significant difference with IL‐6 production. On the other hand, the levels of IFN‐γ or IL‐4 of splenocytes in diabetic mice were significantly higher compared to the control mice. The ratio of IFN‐γ to IL‐4 was also higher at the early stage of diabetes and then declined several weeks later after the occurrence of diabetes, suggesting a pathogenetic T H1 phenotype from the beginning gradually to a tendency of T H2 during the development of diabetes. Our results implied that likely OMp may be relevant in the development of type 1 diabetes; however, it is not likely the only factor regulating the T H1 H/T H2 balance in MLD‐STZ‐induced diabetic mice.
Suppressive Activity of Vitamin D3 on Matrix Metalloproteinase Production From Cholesteatoma Keratinocytes In Vitro
Authors: Kobayashi Hitome , Asano Kazuhito , Kanai Ken-ichi , Suzaki Harumi
Published: August 2005

There is much evidence that degradation of the extracellular matrix is essential for the development of cholesteatomas and that this is induced by activation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Vitamin D3 (VD3) has several well‐recognised biological activities, including suppression of MMP production. The present study, therefore, was undertaken to examine whether VD3 could suppress MMP production from cholesteatoma keratinocytes in vitro. Keratinocytes (2.5 × 105 cells/mL) induced from cholesteatoma tissue specimens were cultured with various concentrations of VD3. After one hour, lipopolysaccharide was added to the cell cultures at 100 μg/mL. The culture supernatants were then collected and assayed for MMP‐1 and MMP‐3 by ELISA. We also used ELISA to measure the levels of both TIMP (tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase)‐1 and TIMP‐2 in culture supernatants. Addition of VD3 into keratinocyte cultures caused the suppression of MMP and TIMP production, which was increased by LPS stimulation. This was dose‐dependent. The present results showing the suppressive activity of VD3 on the production of MMPs, which are responsible for tissue remodeling, strongly suggest that VD3 would be a good candidate for an agent in the medical treatment of, or prophylaxis for, cholesteatomas.
Calotropis procera Latex‐Induced Inflammatory Hyperalgesia—Effect of Antiinflammatory Drugs
Authors: Sehgal Raman , Kumar Vijay L.
Published: August 2005

The milky white latex of plant Calotropis procera produces inflammation of the skin and mucous membranes on accidental exposure. It produces edema on local administration due to the release of histamine and prostaglandins and is associated with hyperalgesia. In the present study we have evaluated the antiedematous and analgesic activity of antiinflammatory drugs against inflammatory response induced by dried latex (DL) of C procera in rat paw edema model. An aqueous extract of DL of C procera was injected into the subplantar surface of the rat paw and the paw volume was measured by a plethysmometer at 0, 1, 2, 6, 12, and 24 hours. Concomitantly the hyperalgesic response was also evaluated by motility test, stair climbing ability test, dorsal flexion pain test, compression test, and observing the grooming behavior. The inhibitory effect of diclofenac and rofecoxib on edema formation and hyperalgesic response was compared with cyproheptadine (CPH). DL‐induced edema formation was maximum at 2 hours that was associated with decreased pain threshold, functional impairment, and grooming. Treatment with antiinflammatory drugs and CPH significantly attenuated the edematous response and grooming, increased the pain threshold, and improved functional parameters. Both antiinflammatory and antiserotonergic drugs significantly inhibited the hyperalgesia associated with DL‐induced paw edema. Rofecoxib was found to be superior than diclofenac and was as effective as CPH in ameliorating the hyperalgesia. However, it was found to be less effective than CPH in attenuating edema formation.
Serum Levels of Soluble P‐Selectin Are Increased and Associated With Disease Activity in Patients With Behçet′s Syndrome
Authors: Turkoz Yusuf , Evereklioglu Cem , Özkiriş Abdullah , Mistik Selçuk , Borlu Murat , Özerol Ibrahim H. , Duygulu Fuat , Ilhan Özgür
Published: August 2005

Behçet′s syndrome (BS) is a relapsing, chronic, inflammatory disease characterized by endothelial dysfunction, atherothromboembogenesis, and leukocytoclastic vasculitis with complex immunologic molecular interactions. Generalized derangements of the lymphocyte and neutrophil populations, activated monocytes, and increased PMNLs motility with upregulated cell surface molecules such as ICAM‐1, VCAM‐1, and E‐selectin, which are found on the endothelial cells, leukocytes, and platelets, have all been demonstrated during the course of BS. Our aim is to investigate the association of serum concentrations of soluble P‐selectin in patients with BS, and to evaluate whether disease activity has an effect on their blood levels. This multicenter study included 31 patients with BS (15 men and 16 women) and 20 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy control volunteers (11 men and nine women). Neutrophil count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and acute‐phase reactants as well as soluble P‐selectin levels were determined. The mean age and sex distributions were similar (P > .05) between BS patients (35 years) and control volunteers (36 years). Serum levels of soluble P‐selectin in patients with BS (399 ± 72 ng/mL) were significantly (P < .001) higher when compared with control subjects (164 ± 40  ng/mL). In addition, active BS patients (453 ± 37 ng/mL) had significantly (P < .001) elevated levels of soluble P‐selectin than those in inactive period (341 ± 52 ng/mL). This study clearly demonstrated that serum soluble P‐selectin levels are increased in BS patients when compared with control subjects, suggesting a modulator role for soluble P‐selectin during the course of platelet activation and therefore, atherothrombogenesis formation in BS, especially in active disease.
Purposes and Models of Diagnostic Systems
Authors: Mezzich Juan E. , Berganza Carlos E.
Published: September 2005

Emerging efforts at developing new international classification and diagnostic systems require a careful and fresh review and conceptualization of the meanings, purposes and models of diagnostic systems. Such meanings include both an informative statement as well as a process or activity. The purposes of diagnostic systems can be clustered under understanding of a case and planning effective clinical care and public health interventions. The models designed to give form to a diagnostic system must pay attention to the informational domains to be covered (from illness to positive health), the descriptive or measurement tools to be utilized (categories, dimensions, narratives), the evaluators to be engaged (clinicians, patient, family) and the structural schemas (single- or multilevel) required to accommodate meanings and purposes of interest.
Serine 68 Phospholemman Phosphorylation during Forskolin-Induced Swine Carotid Artery Relaxation
Authors: Rembold Christopher M. , Ripley Marcia L. , Meeks Melissa K. , Geddis Lisa M. , Kutchai Howard C. , Marassi Francesca M. , Cheung Joseph Y. , Moorman J. Randall
Published: September 2005

Background: Phospholemman (PLM) is an abundant phosphoprotein in the plasma membrane of cardiac, skeletal and smooth muscle. It is a member of the FXYD family of proteins that bind to and regulate the Na,K-ATPase. Protein kinase A (PKA) is known to phosphorylate PLM on serine 68 (S68), although the functional effect of S68 PLM phosphorylation is unclear. We therefore evaluated S68 PLM phosphorylation in swine carotid arteries. Methods: Two anti-PLM antibodies, one to S68 phosphorylated PLM and one to unphosphorylated PLM, were made to PLM peptides in rabbits and tested with purified PLM and PKA-treated PLM. Swine carotid arteries were mounted isometrically, contracted, relaxed with forskolin and then homogenized. Proteins were separated on SDS gels and the intensity of immunoreactivity to the two PLM antibodies determined on immunoblots. Results: The antipeptide antibody ‘C2’ primarily reacted with unphosphorylated PLM, and the antipeptide antibody ‘CP68’ detected S68 PLM phosphorylation. Histamine stimulation of intact swine carotid artery induced a contraction, increased the CP68 PLM antibody signal and reduced the C2 PLM antibody signal. High extracellular [K+] depolarization induced a contraction without altering the C2 or CP68 PLM signal. Forskolin-induced relaxation of histamine or extracellular [K+] contracted arteries correlated with an increased CP68 signal. Nitroglycerin-induced relaxation was not associated with changes in the C2 or CP68 PLM signal. Conclusions: These data suggest that a contractile agonist increased S68 PLM phosphorylation. Agents that increase [cAMP], but not agents that increase [cGMP], increased S68 PLM phosphorylation. S68 PLM phosphorylation may be involved in cAMP-dependent regulation of smooth muscle force.
Comparison of Effect of Vitamin E-Coated Dialyzer and Oral Vitamin E on Hemodialysis-Induced Cu/Zn-Superoxide Dismutase
Authors: Akiyama Shinichiro , Inagaki Masahiro , Tsuji Mayumi , Gotoh Hiromichi , Gotoh Tomomi , Washio Kazunori , Gotoh Yoshikazu , Oguchi Katsuji
Published: September 2005

Background: We reported earlier that production of Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD) increases markedly in hemodialysis patients but not in non-dialyzed chronic renal failure (CRF) patients. In this study, we compared the antioxidant effects of oral vitamin E supplementation (VE-PO) and vitamin E coating of a dialyzer (VE-BMD) by measuring increased Cu/Zn-SOD in hemodialysis patients. Methods: 31 hemodialysis patients were divided into two groups: 16 hemodialysis patients underwent usual dialysis with vitamin E supplementation 600 mg/day while 15 others were dialyzed using vitamin E-coated membrane for 6 months. Total plasma SOD activity was determined by NBT method, plasma Cu/Zn-SOD contents by ELISA and Cu/Zn-SOD mRNA in leukocytes by RT-PCR. Results: VE-PO and VE-BMD showed almost comparable effects on Cu/Zn-SOD contents and its mRNA levels in hemodialysis patients. VE-PO resulted in a progressive decrease of Cu/Zn-SOD content (p < 0.001). A comparable progressive decrease was observed also in VE-BMD (p < 0.0001). Both VE-PO and VE-BMD resulted in a progressive decrease of Cu/Zn-SOD mRNA (p < 0.01), which reached the level of non-dialyzed CRF patients.
Effects of Blood Pressure Lowering on Cerebral White Matter Hyperintensities in Patients With Stroke
Authors: Dufouil Carole , Chalmers John , Coskun Oguzhan , Besançon Véronique , Bousser Marie-Germaine , Guillon Pierre , MacMahon Stephen , Mazoyer Bernard , Neal Bruce , Woodward Mark , Tzourio-Mazoyer Nathalie , Tzourio Christophe
Published: September 2005

Background—

The prevalence of white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) detected on cerebral MRI is associated with hypertension, but it is not known whether blood pressure lowering can arrest their progression. We report here the results of an MRI substudy of PROGRESS (Perindopril Protection Against Recurrent Stroke Study), a randomized trial of blood pressure lowering in subjects with cerebrovascular disease.

Methods and Results—

The substudy comprised 192 participants who had a cerebral MRI both at baseline and after a mean follow-up time of 36 months (SD=6.0 months). At the first MRI, WMHs were graded with a visual rating scale from A (no WMH) to D (severe WMH). Participants were assigned to a combination of perindopril plus indapamide (or their placebos; 58%) or to single therapy with perindopril (or placebo). At the time of the second MRI, the blood pressure reduction in the active arm compared with the placebo arm was 11.2 mm Hg for systolic blood pressure and 4.3 mm Hg for diastolic blood pressure. Twenty-four subjects (12.5%) developed new WMHs at follow-up. The risk of new WMH was reduced by 43% (95% CI −7% to 89%) in the active treatment group compared with the placebo group (
P
=0.17). The mean total volume of new WMHs was significantly reduced in the active treatment group (0.4 mm
3
[SE=0.8]) compared with the placebo group (2.0 mm
3
[SE=0.7];
P
=0.012). This difference was greatest for patients with severe WMH at entry, 0.0 mm
3
(SE=0) in the active treatment group versus 7.6 mm
3
(SE=1.0) in the placebo group (
P
<0.0001).

Conclusions—

These results indicate that an active blood pressure–lowering regimen stopped or delayed the progression of WMHs in patients with cerebrovascular disease.
Chronic Thrombus Detection With In Vivo Magnetic Resonance Imaging and a Fibrin-Targeted Contrast Agent
Authors: Sirol Marc , Fuster Valentin , Badimon Juan J. , Fallon John T. , Toussaint Jean-François , Fayad Zahi A.
Published: September 2005

Background—

Arterial thrombosis plays a critical role in acute coronary syndromes and stroke. Therefore, the ability to detect thrombus in vivo has a significant clinical implication. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has shown promise in noninvasive thrombus detection. However, thrombus characterization and age definition remain difficult. We sought to evaluate the use of a fibrin-targeted peptide (EP-2104R) for MR thrombus detection and to compare this modality with non–contrast-enhanced (NCE) MRI and with Gd-DTPA injection at various ages and time points after thrombus generation.

Methods and Results—

Carotid artery thrombosis was induced by external injury and stasis in 18 rabbits. T1-weighted MRI was performed before and after contrast agent injection, within 6 hours of thrombus induction, at 48 hours, at 1 week, and every week up to 8 weeks after injury. Correlation with histopathology was performed. The fibrin-targeted contrast agent accurately detected all thrombi, regardless of their size, location, and age. Although thrombus signal intensity after injection decreased with thrombus age (
P
<0.001), enhancement at 8 weeks was still present. Gd-DTPA injection was not associated with an improvement of thrombus detection. EP-2104R was superior to both NCE and Gd-DTPA injection (
P
<0.001). Histopathologic examination showed thrombus organization over time. Fibrin was gradually replaced by fibrous tissue. A strong correlation was found between thrombus enhancement and collagen content of the organizing thrombus with time (
R
=−0.89;
P
<0.001).

Conclusions—

In an experimental animal model of carotid thrombosis, we have demonstrated the superiority of a fibrin-targeted MR contrast agent for in vivo detection of chronic or organized thrombus, compared with NCE MRI and Gd-DTPA injection.
Myocardial Contrast Echocardiography for Distinguishing Ischemic From Nonischemic First-Onset Acute Heart Failure
Authors: Senior Roxy , Janardhanan Raj , Jeetley Paramjit , Burden Leah
Published: September 2005

Background—

Distinguishing ischemic from nonischemic origin in patients presenting with acute heart failure (AHF) not resulting from acute myocardial infarction has both therapeutic and prognostic implications. The aim of the study was to assess whether myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) can identify underlying coronary artery disease (CAD) as the cause of AHF.

Methods and Results—

Fifty-two consecutive patients with AHF with no prior clinical history of CAD and no clinical evidence of acute myocardial infarction underwent resting echocardiography and MCE both at rest and after dipyridamole stress at a mean of 9±2 days after admission. All patients underwent coronary arteriography before discharge. Of the 52 patients, 22 demonstrated flow-limiting CAD (>50% luminal diameter narrowing). Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of MCE for the detection of CAD were 82%, 97%, 95%, and 88%, respectively. Among clinical, ECG, biochemical, resting echocardiographic, and MCE markers of CAD, MCE was the only independent predictor of CAD (
P
<0.0001). Quantitative MCE demonstrated significantly (
P
<0.0001) lower myocardial blood flow velocity reserve in vascular territories subtended by >50% CAD (0.59±0.46) compared with patients with normal coronary arteries (1.99±1.00). However, myocardial blood flow velocity reserve in patients with no significant CAD was significantly (
P
=0.03) lower compared with control (2.91±0.41). Myocardial blood flow velocity reserve correlated significantly (
P
<0.0001) with increasing severity of CAD.

Conclusions—

MCE, which is a bedside technique, may be used to detect CAD in patients presenting with AHF without a prior history of CAD or evidence of acute myocardial infarction. Quantitative MCE may further risk-stratify patients with AHF but no CAD.
Responses of nematode community structure to pesticide treatments in an arid ecosystem of the Negev Desert
Authors:   Pen-Mouratov, Steinberger Yosef
Published: August 2005

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of pesticides on free-living soil nematodes in a desert system. Spatial and temporal distributions as well as changes in nematode community structure were investigated. Soil samples were collected monthly between November 2000 and November 2001 from four plots: one treated with Nemacur, one with Edigan, one with water and one untreated plot as control. The nematode population as well as spatial distribution was found to be affected by treatments on a temporal basis. The different treatments applied led to a significant difference in the abundance of nematode trophic groups, where the fungivores and bacterivores were found to decrease in the pesticide-treated samples. A total of 31 genera were found in the samples, with 21 in the Nemacur-treated sample and 16 in the Edigan-treated sample. Ecological indices such as trophic diversity, maturity index and Shannon index elucidated the effect of pesticides on density, diversity and trophic group composition.
Distribution of entomopathogenic nematodes in an Irish sand dune system
Authors: Griffin Christine , Rolston Alec , Downes Martin
Published: August 2005

A 100 × 800 m section of the sand dune system at North Bull Island, Dublin Bay, Ireland, was surveyed for entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) by baiting soil cores with Galleria mellonella in July and August of 2001 and 2002. Two species were found: Steinernema feltiae (2.5 and 3.2% of cores) and Heterorhabditis downesi (1.9 and 3.8% of cores in 2001 and 2002, respectively). In each year, two colour variants of the G. mellonella cadavers containing H. downesi were found: purple and yellow. In both 2001 and 2002, H. downesi was most prevalent in the front 20 m of the dune system. Steinernema feltiae occurrence generally increased with distance into the dunes. In 2002, H. downesi was recovered most often in sandy paths than any other habitat surveyed but there was no habitat differentiation for S. feltiae. Human traffic may be an important factor in the distribution of both EPN and their insect hosts on Bull Island.
Life cycle duration of Meloidogyne incognita and host status of Brassicaceae and Capparaceae selected for glucosinate content
Authors: Dallavalle Elisabetta , Lazzeri Luca , Curto Giovanna
Published: August 2005

Different plant species in the families Brassicaceae and Capparaceae were evaluated for their potential use in management of the root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita. Preliminary tests on host suitability were carried out for toxic effects on the nematode in small field plots of soil naturally infested with M. incognita. Afterwards, the best accessions and a susceptible tomato cultivar (UC82) were tested in pots to collect more complete observations of the nematode life cycle on the selected plant roots. Plants were cultivated in the glasshouse for 14–15 weeks and evaluated every 2 weeks. Root gall rating, population reproduction factor and life cycle duration showed wide differences amongst the different accessions and indicated two distinct approaches for control of M. incognita: catch crops or green manure. At 14–15 weeks after sowing, Rapistrum rugosum sel. ISCI 15, Eruca sativa cv. Nemat, Barbarea verna sel. ISCI 50 and Raphanus sativus cv. Boss were considered 'poor to nonhost' species; Brassica juncea sel. ISCI 99 was classified as 'maintenance host'; Lepidium campestre sel. ISCI 103 and Erucastrum gallicum were 'good hosts'. At 10 weeks after sowing, B. juncea sel. ISCI 20 was classified as a good host, so it could be grown for fewer than 8–10 weeks in a cropping system. The presence of galls and the identification of juveniles, females and egg masses, confirmed that second-stage juveniles had penetrated into the root of the tested accessions and completed their life cycle. However, in R. rugosum sel. ISCI 15, M. incognita did not complete its life cycle, even after 15 weeks.
Multiple displacement amplification of DNA for ITS-RFLP analysis of individual juveniles of Bursaphelenchus
Authors: Burgermeister Wolfgang , Metge Kai
Published: August 2005

Differentiation of the plant-pathogenic pinewood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, from non-pathogenic Bursaphelenchus species is difficult because of high morphological similarities among closely related species. In recent years, ITS-RFLP analysis has become a useful tool for Bursaphelenchus species identification. Analysis of individual nematodes is hampered by the fact that sufficient template DNA for ITS-PCR cannot be extracted reliably. We have employed a whole genome amplification method, termed multiple displacement amplification (MDA), to 26 DNA extracts from individual juveniles to increase the amount of template DNA. Preamplification of the whole genomic DNA by MDA provided sufficient amounts of PCR product for ITS-RFLP analysis with 12 out of 20 B. xylophilus, two B. mucronatus, two B. fraudulentus and two B. eggersi samples tested. The introduction of MDA to ITS-RFLP analysis of nematodes may improve the reliability of diagnostic testing for limited samples and permit verification of analytical results.
Species distribution of free-living nematodes and other meiofauna in littoral periphyton communities of lakes
Authors: Peters Lars , Traunspurger Walter
Published: August 2005

Recent studies on meiofaunal and nematode communities have focused on soft sediments in streams, lakes and marine environments. Despite a large number of studies dealing with periphyton, meiofaunal and nematode communities, on littoral hard substrates in lakes have not yet been investigated in detail. Therefore, epilithic communities with particular emphasis on nematode species composition, were analysed in 17 Swedish lakes differing greatly in size, depth, trophic status and epilithic biomass. Nematode abundance ranged from 2.3 to 161.5 cm−2, and the abundance of nematodes relative to total meiofauna ranged from 20 to 77% (mean 53%). Fifty-eight nematode species were identified; species numbers varied from eight to 34 species per lake. The dominant species were Rhabdolaimus aquaticus, Punctodora ratzeburgensis, Eumonhystera dispar and Crocodorylaimus flavomaculatus. Deposit feeders dominated (71% of total fauna), followed by suction feeders (14%), epistrate feeders (12%) and chewers (3%). Of 3624 nematodes examined, 54% were juveniles, 35% females, 6% males and 5% gravid females. Multivariate analysis of the nematode species composition revealed significant differences in the community structures among lakes. This is the first study to show that meiofauna is a numerically abundant group within littoral periphyton communities in lakes, with nematodes representing the dominant group.
Effect of blue-stain fungi on the number of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (Nematoda: Aphelenchoididae) carried by Monochamus alternatus (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)
Authors: Maehara Noritoshi , Hata Kunihiko , Futai Kazuyoshi
Published: August 2005

Blue-stain fungi were mainly isolated from the wood of pine wilt-killed Pinus densiflora. Intense blue-stain on the pupal chamber walls of the Japanese pine sawyer (Monochamus alternatus) increased the number of pinewood nematodes (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus) aggregating around such chambers and the number carried by the beetles that emerged from the chambers. There were differences in the numbers of nematodes carried by beetles among individual trees from which the beetles emerged. The beetles emerging from dry chambers carried relatively few nematodes.
Genetics and phenotypic characterisation of the hypersensitive resistance of Solanum sparsipilum to Meloidogyne incognita
Authors: Kouassi Abou Bakari , Dantec Jean-Paul , Rouaux Claudia , Kerlan Marie-Claire , Sobczak Miroslaw , Ellissèche Daniel , Mugniéry Didier
Published: August 2005

The hypersensitive resistance of the genotype '385.484.13' of Solanum sparsipilum to Meloidogyne incognita, one of the southern root-knot nematodes and their Mi virulent populations was analysed. Genetic control of the hypersensitive reaction was assessed based on segregation of the necrotic reaction in infected roots of diploid F1 plants obtained from the cross of the genotype '385.484.13' with the dihaploid susceptible potato genotype 'Keltia H12'. Two distinct tests showed a distorted segregation compared to the hypothetical ratio expected for a monogenic control. We hypothesised that the resistance is based on one dominant gene designated Mh and linked to the self incompatibility locus-S. Hypersensitive plants prevented juveniles from feeding, developing and reproducing. Ninety percent of invading juveniles remained undeveloped 6 weeks after inoculation. Almost all the adults were males and only very rarely were females observed. Inhibition of the development of juveniles into females showed a bimodal distribution of the genotypes: hypersensitive ones allowed almost no development of females whilst all the juveniles became females in non-hypersensitive plants. That result supports the hypothesis of a monogenic control of the resistance. The resistance was broken when plants were grown at 30°C. The histology of the hypersensitive reaction was very similar to that of the Mi gene of tomato and of some Me genes of pepper. Necrotic cells were localised not only around the head of the juveniles but also surrounding their bodies. In addition, healthy cells adjacent to necrotised ones underwent divisions parallel to the juveniles. Intercellular spaces between these cells and necrotised ones enlarged markedly, which is consistent with a process leading to isolation of the necrotic area from healthy tissue.
Phasmids in Tylenchulidae (Tylenchida: Criconematoidea)
Authors: Geraert Etienne , Sturhan Dieter
Published: August 2005

Light-microscope studies revealed the presence of phasmids in the mid-tail region in species of the genera Tylenchulus, Trophotylenchulus (syn. Trophonema), Sphaeronema and Meloidoderita in Tylenchulidae. Scanning electron microscopy studies on Sphaeronema species verified these observations. Absence of phasmids or phasmid-like structures was confirmed for genera placed in Paratylenchinae and Tylenchocriconematinae in the same family, and for other taxa of Criconematoidea. This first record of phasmids in the superfamily Criconematoidea requires reconsideration of the systematic position of Tylenchulidae and of the relationships of the genera currently placed in this family. Presence of phasmids, deirids and other morphological characters place Tylenchulidae in a basal position in Criconematoidea.
Steinernema silvaticum sp. n. (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae), a new entomopathogenic nematode from Europe
Authors: Spiridonov Sergei , Sturhan Dieter , Mráček Zdeněk
Published: August 2005

Steinernema silvaticum sp. n. is described from woodland soil near Berlin, Germany. The species is quite common in European woodlands, being found in forest soil all over Germany, in Belgium, the Czech Republic, The Netherlands, Sweden and the UK. It was previously reported as Steinernema sp. 'B' in Germany and the Czech Republic, and as Steinernema sp. 'B3' in UK, Belgian and Dutch surveys. Third-stage infective juveniles are mainly characterised by a straight body of medium length (means = 700–900 μm), lateral fields with eight equal ridges (with appearance of nine parallel, equally spaced lines under light microscope), rather broad, flatly rounded and continuous cephalic region, excretory pore at level of mid-pharynx and average hyaline tail portion constituting ca half total tail length; males with mucronate tail, yellowish spicules of ca 50 μm length and wide manubria; females with short conoid tail with pointed non-mucronate tip. According to the ITS rDNA sequences, S. silvaticum sp. n. belongs to the 'feltiae-kraussei-oregonense' group of Steinernema species, although it is closest to S. kraussei. The new species shows a high level of nucleotide differences in ITS rDNA sequences from other steinernematid species and can be easily distinguished from S. kraussei, S. feltiae, S. oregonense, S. weiseri and S. jollieti by morphological characters of the infective juveniles and males.
Accounting for extreme prejudice and legitimating blame in talk about the Romanies
Authors: Tileaga Cristian
Published: August 2005

This article examines the particulars of extreme prejudiced discourse about ethnic minorities in a Romanian sociocultural context. It concentrates on a detailed analysis of a single case taken from a wider project aimed at comparing and contrasting the way Romanians talk about Hungarians with the way they talk about Romanies. The article examines in detail the discourse of a middle-class Romanian accounting for prejudice and discrimination towards Romanies as part of an interview on a series of controversial issues surrounding ethnic minorities. This article tries to highlight and interrogate claims that Romanies are to blame for prejudice against them. The analysis, inspired by a critical discursive approach, has a discursive and conversational analytic focus to examine switches in talk about 'us' to talk that blames 'them'. The analysis suggests that talk about Romanies is more extreme than the anti-alien, anti-immigrant prejudiced talk studied by numerous western critical researchers. It is more extreme because Romanies are not merely portrayed as being different, but also as being beyond the moral order, beyond nationhood, difference and comparison. Talk about Romanies employs a style that, at the same time, denies, but also protects extreme prejudice. This article illustrates and discusses some of the discursive, rhetorical and interpretative resources used to talk about and legitimate the blaming of Romanies. In examining the dynamics of extreme prejudice against Romanies, this article provides a critical investigation of the social and political consequences of extreme discursive patterning. Implications for the study of discursive construction and representation of difference in talk about Romanies are also discussed.
'We're really lucky': Co-creating 'us' and the 'Other' in school booktalk
Authors: Eriksson Katarina , Aronsson Karin
Published: August 2005

This article addresses how 'Otherness' is co-construed in booktalk in a Swedish school. The data consist of video-recorded teacher-led booktalk sessions, involving small groups of pupils in grades 4–7. Seven of the eight books discussed were, at least partly, set in settings foreign to the pupils. We found that a basic teacher device for constructing the 'Other', was to implicitly or explicitly compare a group of others with the participant children themselves, 'us Swedish children', accomplishing 'Otherness' by foregrounding dif ferences, setting up a series of implicit or explicit contrasts between 'them' and 'us'. Such contrasts concerned: literacy and language skills (Extracts 1 and 2), ways of 'sticking together' (Extracts 3 and 4), as well as contrasts in terms of the distribution of material educational resources and work demands on children (Extracts 5–8). Moreover, the last extracts also illustrate how pupils co-construct the teachers' implicit or explicit underlying moral agendas.
Making psychology relevant
Authors: Potter Jonathan
Published: August 2005

This article describes some key features of a discursive psychological approach. In particular, discursive psychology is analytically focused on the way psychological phenomena are practical, accountable, situated, embodied and displayed. It describes its particular version of constructionism and its distinctive approach to cognition as points of contrast with a range of other perspectives, including critical discourse analysis, sociolinguistics, ethnomethodology and conversation analysis. Finally, it describes three areas where discursive psychology is involved with social critique: work on categories and prejudice, issues to do with cognitivism and its problems, and work developing a discursive psychology of institutions.
Difficulties in evaluating public engagement initiatives: reflections on an evaluation of the UK GM Nation? public debate about transgenic crops
Authors: Rowe Gene , Horlick-Jones Tom , Walls John , Pidgeon Nick
Published: August 2005

In the realm of risk management, and policy-making more generally, “public engagement” is often advocated as an antidote to pathologies associated with traditional methods of policy-making, and associated deficit-model-driven communication strategies. The actual benefits of public engagement are, however, difficult to establish without thorough evaluation of specific engagement processes. Unfortunately, rigorous evaluation is difficult, and, perhaps for this reason, it has rarely been undertaken. In this paper we highlight a number of these difficulties in the light of our experiences in evaluating a major engagement initiative, namely the GM Nation? publice debate on the possible commercialization of transgenic crops, which took place in Britain in 2003. The difficulties we identify seem likely to be relevant to many, if not most, engagement evaluations. They are concerned with both theoretical/normative ( how one should evaluate) and practical ( how one does evaluate) issues. We suggest a number of possible solutions to these evaluation difficulties.
Communicating novel and conventional scientific metaphors: a study of the development of the metaphor of genetic code
Authors: Knudsen Susanne
Published: August 2005

Metaphors are more popular than ever in the study of scientific reasoning and culture because of their innovative and generative powers. It is assumed, that novel scientific metaphors become more clear and well-defined, as they become more established and conventional within the relevant discourses. But we still need empirical studies of the career of metaphors in scientific discourse and of the communicative strategies identifying a given metaphor as either novel or conventional. This paper presents a case study of the dis-cursive development of the metaphor of “the genetic code” from the introduction of the metaphor to its establishment as an entire network of interrelated conventional metaphors. Not only do the strategies in communicating the metaphor change as the metaphor becomes more established within the discourse, but the genres in which the metaphor is developed and interpreted change too during the career of the metaphor. Whereas the standard scientific article is central in experimentally researching and explaining the metaphor, a mixture of more popular scientific genres dominates in the innovative conceptual development of the metaphor.
Integrative Confusion: An Examination of Integrative Models in Couple and Family Therapy
Authors: Smith Robert L. , Southern Stephen
Published: September 2005

This article examines integrative therapy, emphasizing couple and family therapeutic models. Integrative models have developed at such a rapid pace that a review of their origins is essential. The literature review indicates the varied and confused state of integrative therapy. Yet, there are several promising couple and family therapy integrative models. In an attempt to understand and integrate the available models, their common factors are emphasized.