bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Over‐expression of cysteine proteinase inhibitor cystatin 6 promotes pancreatic cancer growth
Authors: Hosokawa Masayo , Kashiwaya Kotoe , Eguchi Hidetoshi , Ohigashi Hiroaki , Ishikawa Osamu , Furihata Mutsuo , Shinomura Yasuhisa , Imai Kohzoh , Nakamura Yusuke , Nakagawa Hidewaki
Published: August 2008

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) shows the worst mortality among the common malignancies and development of novel therapies for PDAC through identification of good molecular targets is an urgent issue. Among dozens of over‐expressing genes identified through our gene‐expression profile analysis of PDAC cells, we here report CST6 (Cystatin 6 or E/M) as a candidate of molecular targets for PDAC treatment. Reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and immunohistochemical analysis confirmed over‐expression of CST6 in PDAC cells, but no or limited expression of CST6 was observed in normal pancreas and other vital organs. Knock‐down of endogenous CST6 expression by small interfering RNA attenuated PDAC cell growth, suggesting its essential role in maintaining viability of PDAC cells. Concordantly, constitutive expression of CST6 in CST6‐null cells promoted their growth in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the addition of mature recombinant CST6 in culture medium also promoted cell proliferation in a dose‐dependent manner, whereas recombinant CST6 lacking its proteinase‐inhibitor domain and its non‐glycosylated form did not. Over‐expression of CST6 inhibited the intracellular activity of cathepsin B, which is one of the putative substrates of CST6 proteinase inhibitor and can intracellularly function as a pro‐apoptotic factor. These findings imply that CST6 is likely to involve in the proliferation and survival of pancreatic cancer probably through its proteinase inhibitory activity, and it is a promising molecular target for development of new therapeutic strategies for PDAC. (Cancer Sci 2008; 99: 1626–1632)
Extracellular matrix proteins protect human HT1080 cells against the antimigratory effect of doxorubicin
Authors: Fourre Nicolas , Millerot‐Serrurot Emilie , Garnotel Roselyne , Zahm Jean‐Marie , Bonnet Noël , Millot Jean‐Marc , Jeannesson Pierre
Published: August 2008

In solid tumors, the cell microenvironment appears to be a key determinant in the emergence of drug resistance, a major obstacle to the successful use of antitumor drugs. Our aim was to determine whether type I collagen and fibronectin, proteins of the extracellular matrix, were able to influence the antimigratory properties induced by the antitumor drug doxorubicin. These properties were investigated at doxorubicin concentrations of 10 and 20 nM, which do not affect cell proliferation on a 24 h drug exposure. Using videomicroscopy, we found that these subtoxic doses of doxorubicin were sufficient to inhibit individual tumor cell motion on two‐dimensional plastic surfaces. Such a drug treatment induced a dramatic disturbance of actin stress fiber formation and of vinculin distribution in 80% of cells. In contrast, on extracellular matrix proteins, cell speed was unaffected by drug and perturbation of both actin network and vinculin distribution was detected in only 50% of cells, suggesting a protective effect of the microenvironment. In addition, the phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase and GTPase RhoA was less affected by doxorubicin with cells cultured on extracellular matrix proteins. In conclusion, our findings indicate that the cell microenvironment prevents drug‐dependent inhibition of cell migration in vitro. They reveal cell locomotion as a key factor of microenvironment‐mediated drug resistance. This new concept needs to be exploited in in vitro models to optimize the screening of new antimigratory drugs. (Cancer Sci 2008; 99: 1699–1705)
Progressive tumor features accompany epithelial–mesenchymal transition induced in mitochondrial DNA–depleted cells
Authors: Naito Akihiro , Cook Cody C. , Mizumachi Takatsugu , Wang Mian , Xie Cheng‐hui , Evans Teresa T. , Kelly Thomas , Higuchi Masahiro
Published: August 2008

The growth of LNCaP, a human prostate adenocarcinoma cell line, and MCF‐7, a human breast adenocarcinoma cell line, is initially hormone dependent. We previously demonstrated that LNρ0‐8 and MCFρ0, derived from LNCaP and MCF‐7 by depleting mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), exhibited hormone‐independent growth that led to progressed phenotypes. Here, we demonstrate that LNρ0‐8 and MCFρ0 have invasive characters as evaluated by the ability of invasion through the extracellular matrix (ECM) in vitro. In addition, the induction of vimentin and the repression of E‐cadherin expression in ρ0 cells indicate that they are mesenchymal cells. Since LNρ0‐8 and MCFρ0 were derived from epithelial cancer cell lines, LNCaP and MCF‐7 must have lost epithelial features and gained the mesenchymal phenotype by epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) during the mtDNA depletion. In the ρ0 cell lines, the Raf/MAPK signaling cascade was highly activated together with the expressions of transforming growth factor‐beta (TGF‐β) and type I TGF‐β receptor (TGF‐βRI). EMT requires cooperation of TGF‐β signaling with activation of the Raf/MAPK cascade, suggesting that EMT was induced in mtDNA depleted cells resulting in the acquisition of progressive tumor features, such as higher invasiveness and loss of hormone dependent growth. Our results indicate that decreasing mtDNA content induces EMT, enabling the progressive phenotypes observed in cancer. (Cancer Sci 2008; 99: 1584–1588)
Do smoking attitudes predict behaviour? A longitudinal study on the bi‐directional relations between adolescents’ smoking attitudes and behaviours
Authors: De Leeuw Rebecca N. H. , Engels Rutger C. M. E. , Vermulst Ad A. , Scholte Ron H. J.
Published: August 2008

Aims  Prevention and intervention programmes focus frequently upon retaining or creating negative attitudes towards smoking in an effort to prevent adolescents from smoking. As the focus upon attitudes is central in these programmes it is essential to know whether smoking attitudes actually precede smoking behaviour or, conversely, are affected by it. Therefore, in the present study we examined to what extent bi‐directional relations existed between smoking attitudes and behaviour.

Design  Data were used from the three annual waves of the ‘Family and Health’ project.

Setting  Participants were asked to complete questionnaires individually at their homes.

Participants  Addresses of families consisting of two parents and two adolescents were obtained from the records of 22 municipalities in the Netherlands. At baseline, 428 families participated with a response rate of 94% at the third measurement.

Measurements  Self‐reports were used to assess adolescents’ smoking attitudes and behaviour. Associations between smoking attitudes and behaviour were tested using structural equation modelling.

Findings  Findings revealed that smoking attitudes did not predict smoking consistently over time. However, past smoking affected subsequent attitudes moderately, suggesting that adolescents who started to smoke developed less negative attitudes towards smoking.

Conclusions  The current findings imply that smoking behaviour predominantly shapes smoking‐related attitudes, rather than vice versa. Focusing merely on smoking attitudes is probably not enough to prevent adolescents from smoking.
Parental drug use, early adversities, later childhood problems and children's use of tobacco and alcohol at age 10: birth cohort study
Authors: Macleod John , Hickman Matthew , Bowen Erica , Alati Rosa , Tilling Kate , Smith George Davey
Published: August 2008

Aims  To estimate the prevalence of alcohol and tobacco use among children at age 10 years and to investigate possible influences on this.

Design  Birth cohort study.

Setting  England.

Participants  A total of 6895 children provided data at age 10.

Measurements  Parental tobacco, alcohol and cannabis use, parental social position, children's intelligence, behavioural and emotional problems, children's tobacco and alcohol use at age 10.

Findings  A total of 1.3% of children reported smoking and 1.8% reported drinking alcohol, with boys reporting higher use than girls. Parental social disadvantage was the strongest predictor of children's smoking and also predicted children's alcohol use. Some of this association appeared to be mediated through the greater experience of childhood behavioural and cognitive problems among the disadvantaged. Parental smoking and paternal alcohol use had little independent influence on offspring drug use. Postnatal, rather than prenatal, maternal alcohol use predicted children's alcohol use.

Conclusions  Strategies to prevent early initiation of tobacco and alcohol use should focus upon the reduction of childhood social disadvantage and the behavioural and cognitive problems associated with this.
Prevalence of hepatitis B, tetanus, hepatitis A, human immunodeficiency virus and feasibility of vaccine delivery among injecting drug users in Bangkok, Thailand, 2003–2005
Authors: Sunthornchart Sunthorn , Linkins Robert W. , Natephisarnwanish Voranut , Levine William C. , Maneesinthu Kunyarat , Lolekha Rangsima , Tappero Jordan W. , Trirat Nisanart , Muktier Suchada , Chancharastong Pennapa , Fox Kimberley , Donchalermpak Suwanna , Vitek Charles , Supawitkul Somsak
Published: August 2008

Objectives  To estimate the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV), tetanus, hepatitis A virus (HAV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in injecting drug users (IDUs), risk factors associated with infection and the feasibility of HBV vaccine delivery in HBV seronegatives.

Methods  Cross‐sectional seroprevalence survey of 1535 IDUs recruited from 17 Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) methadone clinics and HBV vaccination of seronegatives.

Results  Prevalence of antibody to HBV, tetanus, HAV and HIV was 87.8%, 68.1%, 60.2% and 35.9%, respectively. Prevalence of HBV and HAV increased with increasing age; prevalence of tetanus decreased with increasing age. Being HIV seropositive was related inversely to income and being tetanus seronegative. Of the 189 HBV seronegative IDUs, 81.0% completed the vaccine series. IDUs with HIV had a 6.5‐fold odds of vaccine non‐response.

Conclusions  These data underscore the need for, and feasibility of, vaccine delivery in this population and support targeting efforts at high‐risk age groups.
GH and IGF‐I deficiency are associated with reduced loss of fat mass after laparoscopic‐adjustable silicone gastric banding
Authors: Di Somma Carolina , Angrisani Luigi , Rota Francesca , Savanelli Maria Cristina , Cascella Teresa , Belfiore Annamaria , Orio Francesco , Lombardi Gaetano , Colao Annamaria , Savastano Silvia
Published: August 2008

Context  GH secretion is reduced in obese subjects and increases after body weight loss. It is still unclear if changes in the GH/IGF‐I axis after laparoscopic‐adjustable silicone gastric banding (LASGB) are associated with changes of body composition.

Objective  To analyse the relationships between changes in the GH/IGF‐I axis and those of body weight and composition before and after LASGB.

Design  Observational, prospective.

Setting  University ‘Federico II’ of Naples (Italy).

Patients  Seventy‐two severely obese females (BMI: 44·9 ± 4·68; mean age: 33·1 ± 11·34 years) were studied.

Main outcome measures  GH peak after GHRH plus arginine test, IGF‐I, IGFBP‐3 and ALS levels, fat mass (FM) and free fat mass (FFM) (by Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis) at baseline and 6 months after LASGB. The change in percentage of individual variables was calculated as well as that of excess of body weight loss (EBWL%). The FM%, FFM% and EBWL% were correlated with peak GH and IGF‐I levels changes.

Results  At baseline, GH deficiency (GHD) (GH peak = 4·1 µg/l) was found in 22 patients (31%), 16 of them also had IGF‐I deficiency (< –2SDS). IGF‐I levels were inversely correlated with waist circumference (r = –0·72, P < 0·001) and FM% (r = –0·75, P < 0·001). Post‐LASGB the patients were classified as follows: group (1) GH and IGF‐I sufficient (n = 44; 61·1%); group (2) GH and IGF‐I deficient (n = 14; 19·4%) and group (3) GH sufficient and IGF‐I deficient (n = 14; 19·4%). The percentage changes of EWBL (P < 0·05, P = 0·051, respectively) and FM (P < 0·001, P < 0·01, respectively) were lower in groups (2) and (3) than in group (1). At the stepwise linear regression analysis, postoperative IGF‐I levels were the strongest determinant of percent changes of FM (P < 0·0001), of FFM (P = 0·009) and of EBWL (P < 0·0001).

Conclusions  IGF‐I levels is the most sensitive to unfavourable changes in body composition 6 months after LASGB making investigation of the somatotropic axis useful in the evaluation of bariatric surgery outcomes.
Glucocorticoid replacement is associated with hypertriglyceridaemia, elevated glucose and higher non‐HDL cholesterol and may diminish the association of HDL cholesterol with the –629C>A CETP promoter polymorphism in GH‐receiving hypopituitary patients
Authors: Dullaart Robin P. F. , Schols Jeroen L. , Van Der Steege Gerrit , Zelissen Peter M. J. , Sluiter Wim J. , Van Beek André P.
Published: August 2008

Objectives  The effect of glucocorticoid substitution on the prevalence of metabolic syndrome components (NCEP ATP III criteria) and serum lipid levels was determined in GH‐replaced hypopituitary patients. As glucocorticoid replacement is associated with a pronounced decrease in plasma cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) activity, we also tested associations of HDL cholesterol with the –629C>A CETP promoter polymorphism in subjects with and without ACTH deficiency.

Design and patients  In a university setting, we retrieved protocolized clinical and laboratory data from 165 adult hypopituitary patients, who had received GH for 1 year.

Results  After adjustment for age, sex and smoking, non‐HDL cholesterol (P = 0·05) and triglycerides (P = 0·004) were higher, but HDL cholesterol was not decreased in 117 glucocorticoid (mainly cortisone acetate in two divided doses) receiving subjects compared to 48 ACTH‐sufficient subjects. The prevalence of elevated plasma glucose and/or diabetes (P = 0·04) and hypertriglyceridaemia (P = 0·005), but not of other metabolic syndrome components, was higher in glucocorticoid‐replaced subjects. HDL cholesterol was higher in –629 A allele carriers compared to –629CC homozygotes in ACTH‐sufficient subjects (P = 0·04), but not in glucocorticoid‐treated subjects (P = 0·13). Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that only in ACTH‐sufficient subjects, HDL cholesterol was independently related to this CETP gene variation (P = 0·03).

Conclusions  In GH‐ and glucocorticoid‐replaced hypopituitary patients, serum non‐HDL cholesterol and triglycerides are higher and the prevalence of hyperglycaemia is increased, but HDL cholesterol is not decreased. Conventional glucocorticoid replacement appears to diminish the association of HDL cholesterol with a common CETP gene variation.
Colostrum iodine and perchlorate concentrations in Boston‐area women: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Leung Angela M. , Pearce Elizabeth N. , Hamilton Tara , He Xuemei , Pino Sam , Merewood Anne , Braverman Lewis E.
Published: August 2008

Objective  To measure levels of colostrum iodine, which has not been previously measured, and perchlorate and cotinine (a surrogate for thiocyanate derived from cigarette smoke) in women up to 60 h postpartum. Perchlorate and thiocyanate are environmental inhibitors of iodide transport into the thyroid and lactating breast.

Design  Cross‐sectional.

Patients  Ninety seven postpartum women in Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

Measurements  Colostrum iodine and perchlorate, and spot urine iodine, perchlorate, cotinine and creatinine concentrations were measured.

Results  Sufficient colostrum was obtained to measure iodine in 61 samples and perchlorate in 46 samples. Median colostrum iodine content was 51·4 µmol/l (range 21·3–304·2 µg/l). Perchlorate was detectable in 43 of 46 colostrum samples (median 2·5 µmol/l; range, < 0·05–188·9 µmol/l). Median urine iodine in 97 samples was 82·2 µmol/l (range, 10·3–417·1 µmol/l). Perchlorate was detectable in all 97 urine samples (median 2·6 µmol/l; range, 0·2–160·6 µmol/l). Colostrum iodine content was not significantly correlated with levels of colostrum perchlorate or concentrations per litre of urinary iodine, perchlorate, or cotinine. Colostrum perchlorate concentrations were not significantly associated with urinary iodine, perchlorate, or cotinine levels. Urinary cotinine levels were not significantly associated with urinary iodine or perchlorate levels. There was no association between maternal urinary iodine and urinary perchlorate levels.

Conclusions  Iodine is present in human colostrum and thus available for breastfeeding infants immediately after birth. Perchlorate was also present in 93% of samples measured, but the concentrations did not correlate with colostrum iodine concentrations.
Modelling the effects on phytoplankton communities of changing mixed depth and background extinction coefficient on three contrasting lakes in the English Lake District
Authors: BERNHARDT J. , ELLIOTT J. A. , JONES I. D.
Published: August 2008

1.  The process‐based phytoplankton community model, PROTECH, was used to model the response of algal biomass to a range of mixed layer depths and extinction coefficients for three contrasting lakes: Blelham Tarn (eutrophic), Bassenthwaite Lake (mesotrophic) and Ullswater (oligotrophic).

2. As expected, in most cases biomass and diversity decreased with decreasing light availability caused by increasing the mixed depth and background extinction coefficient. The communities were generally dominated by phytoplankton tolerant of low light. Further, more novel, factors were identified, however.

3. In Blelham Tarn in the second half of the year, biomass and diversity did not generally decline with deeper mixing and the community was dominated by nitrogen‐fixing phytoplankton because that nutrient was limiting to growth.

4. In Bassenthwaite Lake, changing mixed depth influenced the retention time so that, as the mixed depth declined, the flushing rate in the mixed layer increased to the point that only fast‐growing phytoplankton could dominate.

5. In the oligotrophic Ullswater, changing the mixed depth had a greater effect through nutrient supply rather than light availability. This effect was observed when the mixed layer was relatively shallow (<5.5 m) and the driver for this was that the inflowing nutrients were added to a smaller volume of water, thus increasing nutrient concentrations and algal growth.

6. Therefore, whilst changes in mixed depth generally affect the phytoplankton via commonly recognized factors (light availability, sedimentation rate), it also affected phytoplankton growth and community composition through other important factors such as retention time and nutrient supply.
Long‐term responses of zooplankton to invasion by a planktivorous fish in a subarctic watercourse
Authors: AMUNDSEN PER‐ARNE , SIWERTSSON ANNA , PRIMICERIO RAUL , BØHN THOMAS
Published: August 2008

1. Introduced or invading predators may have strong impacts on prey populations of the recipient community mediated by direct and indirect interactions. The long‐term progression of predation effects, covering the invasion and establishment phase of alien predators, however, has rarely been documented.

2. This paper documents the impact of an invasive, specialized planktivorous fish on its prey in a subarctic watercourse. Potential predation effects on the crustacean plankton, at the community, population and individual levels, were explored in a long‐term study following the invasion by vendace (Coregonus albula).

3. Over the 12‐year period, the density and species richness of zooplankton decreased, smaller species became more abundant andDaphnia longispina, one of the largest cladocerans, was eliminated from the zooplankton community.

4. Within the dominant cladocerans, includingDaphniaspp.,Bosmina longispinaandBosmina longirostris, the body size of ovigerous females and the size at first reproduction decreased after the arrival of the new predator. The clutch sizes ofDaphniaspp. andB. longirostrisalso increased.

5. Increased predation pressure following the vendace invasion induced many effects on the crustacean zooplankton, and we document comprehensive and strong direct and indirect long‐term impacts of an introduced non‐native predator on the native prey community.
Geographic variation of flower traits inNarcissus papyraceus(Amaryllidaceae): do pollinators matter?
Authors: Pérez‐Barrales Rocío , Pino Rafael , Albaladejo Rafael G. , Arroyo Juan
Published: August 2008

Aim The geographic clinal variation of traits in organisms can indicate the possible causes of phenotypic evolution. We studied the correlates of flower trait variation in populations of a style‐dimorphic plant,Narcissus papyraceusKer‐Gawl., within a region of high biogeographical significance, the Strait of Gibraltar. This species shows a geographic gradient in the style‐morph ratio, suggested to be driven by pollinator shifts. We tested whether parallel geographic variation of perianth traits also exists, concomitant with vegetative trait variation or genetic similarity of plant populations.

Location The Strait of Gibraltar region (SG hereafter, including both south‐western Iberian Peninsula and north‐western Morocco).

Methods We used univariate and multivariate analyses of flower and vegetative traits in 23 populations. We applied Mantel tests and partial Mantel correlations on vegetative and flower traits and geographic locations of populations to test for spatial effects. We used Moran’s autocorrelation analyses to explore the spatial structure within the range, and performed the analyses with and without the Moroccan samples to test for the effects of the SG on spatial patterns. Amplified fragment length polymorphism data were used to estimate the genetic distance between populations and to ascertain its relationship with morphometric distance.

Results There was high variation between and within populations in both flower and vegetative traits. Mantel correlations between geographic and morphometric distances were not significant, but the exclusion of Moroccan populations revealed some distance effect. Partial Mantel correlation did not detect a significant correlation between flower and vegetative morphometric distances after controlling for geographic distance. There were opposite trends in spatial autocorrelograms of flower and vegetative traits. The genetic distance between pairs of populations was directly correlated with geographic distance; however, flower morphometric and genetic distances were not significantly correlated.

Main conclusions The SG had some influence on phenotypes, although the causes remain to be determined. The opposite trend of variation in flower and vegetative traits, and the lack of correlation between genetic distance and dissimilarity of flower phenotypes favour the hypothesis of pollinator‐mediated selection on flower morphology, although this may affect only particular traits and populations rather than overall phenotypes. Although stochastic population processes may have a small effect, other factors may account for the high flower variation within and between populations.
Towards understanding the concept of risk for pregnant women: some nursing and midwifery implications
Authors: Carolan Mary C
Published: August 2008

Aims and objectives.  This paper aims to explore the concept of risk in pregnancy.

Background.  Notions of risk and ‘not knowing’ have always surrounded pregnant women, although in the last two decades trends of increased consumer confidence and midwifery activism have together promoted a greater appreciation of pregnancy as a normal life event. At the same time, advances in pregnancy‐related technologies have contributed new levels of concern related to an increasing ability to detect minor abnormalities by ultrasound. This, in turn, causes a concordant rise in the number of women referred to high‐risk pregnancy care to monitor suspect findings. Overall, it seems likely that this increasing emphasis on abnormality detection and risk may have serious implications for women.

Design.  Concept analysis.

Method.  In this paper, I undertake an exploration of the concept of risk as understood by health professionals and pregnant women. Then, using Deborah Lupton’s understanding of a ‘discourse of risk’, I discuss the ways pregnant women both contribute to and are enmeshed in, this discourse. In the final section, I consider how nurses act informally to shield vulnerable women.

Conclusions.  Health professionals and pregnant women understand risk differently. Women employ a subjective appraisal of risk, measuring it against their personal values and prior experience, while health professionals evaluate risk in an objective manner.

Relevance to clinical practice.  As increasing numbers of women are referred to ‘at risk’ care, it is important that health professionals understand and respond to maternal understandings of risk. Nurses and midwives particularly, have a role to play in assisting women to make sense of risk calculations. In this way, they can act to ameliorate the growing concept of risk for pregnant women.
Tat‐dependent targeting of Rieske iron‐sulphur proteins to both the plasma and thylakoid membranes in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis PCC6803
Authors: Aldridge Cassie , Spence Edward , Kirkilionis Markus A. , Frigerio Lorenzo , Robinson Colin
Published: August 2008

Cyanobacteria possess a differentiated membrane system and transport proteins into both the periplasm and thylakoid lumen. We have used green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐tagged constructs to study the Tat protein transporter and Rieske Tat substrates in Synechocystis PCC6803. The Tat system has been shown to operate in the plasma membrane; we show here that it is also relatively abundant in the thylakoid membrane network, indicating that newly synthesized Tat substrates are targeted to both membrane systems. Synechocystis contains three Rieske iron‐sulphur proteins, all of which contain typical twin‐arginine signal‐like sequences at their N‐termini. We show that two of these proteins (PetC1 and PetC2) are obligate Tat substrates when expressed in Escherichia coli. The Rieske proteins exhibit differential localization in Synechocystis 6803; PetC1 and PetC2 are located in the thylakoid membrane, while PetC3 is primarily targeted to the plasma membrane. The combined data show that Tat substrates are directed with high precision to both membrane systems in this cyanobacterium, raising the question of how, and when, intracellular sorting to the correct membrane is achieved.
Participation of cell‐free haemolymph of Biomphalaria tenagophila in the defence mechanism against Schistosoma mansoni sporocysts
Authors: PEREIRA C. A. J. , MARTINS‐SOUZA R. L. , CORRÊA JR A. , COELHO P. M. Z. , NEGRÃO‐CORRÊA D.
Published: August 2008

Biomphalaria tenagophila of Taim strain is able to completely destroy Schistosoma mansoni sporocyst few hours after parasite penetration, although the mechanism is still not well known. In this experimental work we show that passive transference of cell‐free haemolymph, especially from B. tenagophila Taim, resulted in higher resistance of B. tenagophila Cabo Frio to S. mansoni infection. This effect was demonstrated in vivo, by the reduction in the infection rate, and the significantly lower production of sporocysts and cercariae of the parasite in snails treated with Taim cell‐free haemolymph compared to CBSS‐inoculated snails. The protective effect of Taim cell‐free haemolymph was also observed during the in vitro interaction between haemocytes and sporocysts. In this system, addition of B. tenagophila cell‐free haemolymph, especially from Taim strain, was responsible for significant increase in sporocyst mortality compared to B. glabrata cell‐free haemolymph or culture medium. Moreover, the combination of Taim cell‐free haemolymph and Cabo Frio haemocytes increased significantly the mortality of sporocysts. The results show that Taim cell‐free haemolymph would act direct and indirectly on destruction of S. mansoni sporocysts. The results also suggest that cell‐free haemolymph indirectly increases parasite recognition by the circulating granulocytes and it is species specific.
Distribution and origin of bovine major histocompatibility complex class IIDQA1genes in Japan
Authors: Takeshima S. , Chen S. , Miki M. , Kado M. , Aida Y.
Published: August 2008

We sequenced the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class IIDQA1gene in 352 Japanese cattle (95 Japanese Black, 91 Holstein, 102 Japanese Shorthorn and 64 Jersey cattle) using a new sequence‐based typing method. In total, 19 bovine MHC (BoLA)‐DQA1alleles, of which two were novel alleles, were detected. The Holstein, Jersey, Japanese Shorthorn and Japanese Black breeds had 13, 12, 10 and 15 alleles, respectively. The dendrogram that was constructed by the neighbor‐joining method on the basis of theDQA1gene allele frequencies of the four Japanese cattle breeds showed that the Holstein and Japanese Black breeds were closest to each other, with Jersey being farther from these two breeds than Japanese Shorthorn. In addition, Wu–Kabat analysis showed that theDQA1alleles of the Holstein and Japanese Black were the most and least polymorphic, respectively. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that theDQA1gene of Bovidae such as cattle, sheep, bison and goat were more similar to pigSLA‐DQAgenes than to humanHLA‐DQA1and dogDLA‐DQAgenes. The cattle, goat, bison, sheep, human and pigDQA1molecules had similar rates of amino acid sequence polymorphism, but the distribution of their polymorphic residues differed from that in the dogDQA1protein. However, the BovidaeDQA1molecule had more polymorphic residues than the human, pig and dogDQAmolecules at two regions, namely positions 52–53 and 65–66. This indicates that the BovidaeDQA1locus is more polymorphic than theDQAloci of other species.
Perfume‐collecting male euglossine bees as pollinators of a basal angiosperm: the case of Unonopsis stipitata (Annonaceae)
Authors: Teichert H , Dötterl S , Zimma B , Ayasse M , Gottsberger G
Published: August 2008

Pollination of Unonopsis stipitata (Annonaceae) by males of two perfume‐collecting bees, Euglossa imperialis and Eulaema bombiformis (Euglossini) is described. This is the first detailed account of this pollination mode in a member of a basal angiosperm family. Pollinator behaviour, identification of the odour bouquet and electrophysiological reaction of one of the two pollinators to the odour bouquet were determined. The collected odour is produced by ‘osmophores’ located adaxially on the petals. Starch and polysaccharides accumulated in petals are metabolized during odour emission. Mainly monoterpenes were detected in the scent samples, among them trans‐carvone oxide. This molecule is thought by several authors to be the key attractant for male Eulaema bees and may be pivotal for convergent evolution of the perfume‐collecting syndrome among dicotyledonous and monocotyledonous plants. It is speculated that Unonopsis, which on the basis of molecular age dating is considered a relatively recent genus of the Annonaceae (being 15–30 million years old), has diversified in relation to male euglossine bee pollinators.
Invasive rhino‐orbital fungal sinusitis following dental manipulation
Authors: Chopra Hemant , Dua Kapil , Bhatia Suneet , Dua Nisha , Mittal Vikrant
Published: August 2008

Rhinocerebral mucormycosis is a fulminant fungal infection of the nose and paranasal sinuses in immunocompromised patients. But mucormycosis following dental manipulation in immunocompetent patients leading to orbital involvement is rare. The objective of this study was to highlight the variable presentations of mucormycosis. We had two immunocompetent patients, who had undergone some dental treatment by quacks, later developed fulminant mucormycosis of the paranasal sinuses and blindness. The endoscopic sinus surgery and Amphotericin B chemotherapy resulted in a good outcome. This disease requires an aggressive approach of combined endoscopic sinus surgery and Amphotericin B to increase the chances of survival in these patients.
Lack of association between PSA‐NCAM expression and migration in the rostral migratory stream of a Huntington's disease transgenic mouse model
Authors: Moraes Louise , De Moraes Mello Luiz Eugenio Araujo , Shimabukuro Marília Kimie , De Castro Batista Claudia Maria , Mendez‐Otero Rosalia
Published: August 2008

Huntington's disease is a neurodegenerative autosomal disorder characterized by selective loss of striatal and cortical neurons. The mammalian brain subventricular zone contains a population of neural precursors involved in postnatal neurogenesis. These newly generated cells migrate from the subventricular zone along the rostral migratory stream and differentiate into mature olfactory bulb neurons throughout adulthood. The establishment of this pathway depends upon a variety of molecules, including polysialylated neural cell adhesion molecule (PSA‐NCAM). We used a murine model of Huntington's disease, the R6/2 transgenic mouse, and in vivo bromodeoxyuridine administration to label cells undergoing proliferation and to follow their migration along the rostral migratory stream. Bromodeoxyuridine labeling did not show any significant increase in proliferation of progenitor cells in symptomatic R6/2 mice, but migration of neuroblasts along the rostral migratory stream was significantly diminished. The decrease in neuroblast migration was not due to an alteration in the expression of PSA‐NCAM along the rostral migratory stream since immunohistochemical analysis showed no significant differences between R6/2 and wild type mice. In addition, we used Fluoro‐Jade C to evaluate apoptosis and demonstrated that the number of apoptotic cells in the rostral migratory stream is similar in affected and wild type animals, suggesting that cell death is not responsible for the differences observed in neuroblast migration. We conclude that in R6/2 mice, progenitor cells have an impaired migration in their route to the olfactory bulb, with accumulation of cells in the caudal rostral migratory stream that does not result from changes in PSA‐NCAM expression and/or cell death.
Urinary incontinence in men with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Hirayama Fumi , Lee Andy H , Binns Colin W , Taniguchi Hiroyuki , Nishimura Koichi , Kato Kumiko
Published: August 2008

Abstract:  This study investigated urinary incontinence in men with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A total of 244 community‐dwelling men (mean age 66.5 years) diagnosed with COPD within the past 4 years were recruited from six hospital outpatient departments in central Japan. The prevalence of urinary incontinence was 10% according to the International Consultation on Incontinence criterion. Urine leakage among the 24 incontinent men was typically a small amount (75%) and occurred once a week or less often (58%). Fifteen (63%) of them reported urge incontinence while only two men experienced stress incontinence. On average they had urine leakage for 2.5 (SD 2.3) years and the majority (n = 19, 79%) developed the condition after diagnosis of COPD. The finding of higher prevalence of urge incontinence challenges the conventional view that COPD is associated with stress incontinence due to high pressure coughs.
The influence of soil pH on the diversity, abundance and transcriptional activity of ammonia oxidizing archaea and bacteria
Authors: Nicol Graeme W. , Leininger Sven , Schleper Christa , Prosser James I.
Published: August 2008

Autotrophic ammonia oxidation occurs in acid soils, even though laboratory cultures of isolated ammonia oxidizing bacteria fail to grow below neutral pH. To investigate whether archaea possessing ammonia monooxygenase genes were responsible for autotrophic nitrification in acid soils, the community structure and phylogeny of ammonia oxidizing bacteria and archaea were determined across a soil pH gradient (4.9–7.5) by amplifying 16S rRNA and amoA genes followed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and sequence analysis. The structure of both communities changed with soil pH, with distinct populations in acid and neutral soils. Phylogenetic reconstructions of crenarchaeal 16S rRNA and amoA genes confirmed selection of distinct lineages within the pH gradient and high similarity in phylogenies indicated a high level of congruence between 16S rRNA and amoA genes. The abundance of archaeal and bacterial amoA gene copies and mRNA transcripts contrasted across the pH gradient. Archaeal amoA gene and transcript abundance decreased with increasing soil pH, while bacterial amoA gene abundance was generally lower and transcripts increased with increasing pH. Short‐term activity was investigated by DGGE analysis of gene transcripts in microcosms containing acidic or neutral soil or mixed soil with pH readjusted to that of native soils. Although mixed soil microcosms contained identical archaeal ammonia oxidizer communities, those adapted to acidic or neutral pH ranges showed greater relative activity at their native soil pH. Findings indicate that different bacterial and archaeal ammonia oxidizer phylotypes are selected in soils of different pH and that these differences in community structure and abundances are reflected in different contributions to ammonia oxidizer activity. They also suggest that both groups of ammonia oxidizers have distinct physiological characteristics and ecological niches, with consequences for nitrification in acid soils.
Regulation of copper homeostasis in Pseudomonas fluorescens SBW25
Authors: Zhang Xue‐Xian , Rainey Paul B.
Published: August 2008

Copper is an essential element for life, but too much copper is harmful: copper homeostasis must therefore be carefully regulated. When growing on plant surfaces, the plant growth‐promoting bacterium Pseudomonas fluorescens SBW25 activates expression of a copper‐transporting P1‐type ATPase (CueA). Using a combination of transcriptional gene fusions and site‐directed mutants, we show that copper‐induced transcription of cueA is controlled by the MerR‐type regulator, CueR; CueR is also required for activation of the copper chaperone protein encoded by cueZ (pflu0660). The promoters of cueA and cueZ are also responsive to the metal salts of gold, silver and mercury. In each case, CueR transduces the stimulus. Resistance to exogenously applied copper sulfate shows that cueA and cueR mutants are significantly less resistant than the wild type. This is consistent with the role of CueA as a copper efflux system and a general role for the CueR regulon in copper resistance. A search of the SBW25 genome for orthologues of genes predicted to play additional roles in copper homeostasis identified copCD of the known four‐component copABCD system (unusually, copAB are absent from the SBW25 genome). Genetic studies showed that expression of copCD is controlled by copper and mediated by the CopRS two‐component regulatory system. Mutants devoid of copCD or copS displayed an increased tolerance to copper and overexpression of copCD caused increased sensitivity. This is consistent with CopCD encoding a copper uptake system. Taken together, we suggest that the Cue and Cop systems are integral to copper homeostasis in P. fluorescens SBW25 with one (Cop) being active at low‐copper environments and bringing copper into the cell, and the other (Cue) being active in high‐copper environments and serving to export excess copper.
The effect of personality variables in the prediction of the execution of different prospective memory tasks in the laboratory
Authors: ARANA JOSE M. , MEILAN JUAN J. G. , PEREZ ENRIQUE
Published: August 2008

The study of prospective memory (ProM), the remembering of the delayed execution of intentions, has been growing in recent years, and we know quite a bit about the cognitive variables that affect it. But the performance of a task depends on personality variables as well as on cognitive ones, and the role of personality variables in ProM has only been partially studied, the results being less conclusive. We sought to address two main objectives: (1) to quantify the joint influence of cognitive and personality variables on three ProM tasks in the laboratory (two based on events and the other on time), and (2) to identify the personality profiles of those who perform well in these three ProM tasks as opposed to those who do not. The cognitive and personality variables were evaluated with two sessions of 157 participants. The 16 PF‐5 was applied (Cattell, Cattell & Cattell, 1993) and other cognitive variables were measured. With the data obtained, we ran several regression analyses to determine how some cognitive variables (sustained attention, verbal fluency, interference, retrospective memory, selective attention) and personality factors (tested using the 16 PF‐5) can help to explain the variance in the performance of prospective memory tasks. Our results show that the contribution of personality predictor variables is moderate and smaller than that of the cognitive variables for predicting the execution of ProM tasks in the laboratory. Furthermore the intervention of the personality variables differs depending on the ProM tasks used. Global self‐control and rule‐consciousness were the personality variables that contributed the most in the prediction of the scores in the ProM tasks that were used.
Does action make you faster? A retrieval‐based approach to investigating the origins of the enactment effect
Authors: SPRANGER TINA , SCHATZ TANJA R. , KNOPF MONIKA
Published: August 2008

The enactment effect, the stable finding that memory for action phrases is enhanced in a subject‐performed compared to a verbal task (SPT; VT), has repeatedly been demonstrated. The question remains whether the enactment effect has to do with specific characteristics of the SPT‐retrieval process. Experiment 1 tested younger and older adults in a within‐subjects design with two direct free recall tests. Thorough analyses of the recall process showed that the benefit from self‐performing the items becomes apparent early into the retrieval phase for both age groups. Experiment 2 tested the same age groups with a retention phase of 30 minutes. The same general results pattern emerged. The acceleration of the recall process in SPTs is indicative of a heightened accessibility of the actively encoded material, making it less susceptible to forgetting. This property of SPTs must be taken into account when trying to determine the origins of the enactment effect.
Attention and cognitive control: Unfolding the dichotic listening story
Authors: HUGDAHL KENNETH , WESTERHAUSEN RENÉ , ALHO KIMMO , MEDVEDEV SVYATOSLAV , LAINE MATTI , HÄMÄLÄINEN HEIKKI
Published: August 2008

In this article we present a theoretical approach to cognitive control and attention modulation, as well as review studies related to such a view, using an auditory task based on dichotic presentations of simple consonant‐vowel syllables. The reviewed work comes out of joint research efforts by the ‘Attention‐node’ at the ‘Nordic Center of Excellence in Cognitive Control’. We suggest a new way of defining degrees of cognitive control based on systematically varying the stimulus intensity of the right or left ear dichotic stimulus, thus parametrically varying the degree of stimulus interference and conflict when assessing the amount of cognitive control necessary to resolve the interference. We first present an overview and review of previous studies using the so‐called “forced‐attention” dichotic listening paradigm. We then present behavioral and neuroimaging data to explore the suggested cognitive control model, with examples from normal adults, clinical and special ability groups.
The Swedish National Adult Reading Test (NART‐SWE): A test of premorbid IQ
Authors: ROLSTAD SINDRE , NORDLUND ARTO , GUSTAVSSON MARIE HELENE , ECKERSTRÖM CARL , KLANG OLA , HANSEN STEFAN , WALLIN ANDERS
Published: August 2008

The purpose of this study was to construct a Swedish version of the National Adult Reading Test (NART‐SWE), a test for assessment of premorbid IQ, and to investigate its validity and reliability on healthy controls and patients with mild Alzheimer's disease. As Swedish pronunciation rules are fixed, NART‐SWE was constructed using loan words. NART‐SWE has satisfactory psychometric properties: Inter‐rater and retest reliability as well as internal consistency are very high. The NART‐SWE demonstrates face validity. In addition, high correlation with IQ was obtained. A significant model emerged when using NART‐SWE to predict IQ. Furthermore, no significant differences were observed when comparing performance for healthy controls’ with that of patients with Alzheimer's disease on NART‐SWE. It does appear that reading of irregular words is intact in mild Alzheimer's disease.
IDEOLOGY AND ORGANIZATIONS IN AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT: THE CASE OF MALAYSIA
Authors: Fredericks L. J.
Published: August 2008

The paper examines the hypothesis that the growing public enterprise involvement in the Malaysian agricultural sector represents a definite policy choice and ideological committment to public enterprises over either private firms or egalitarian institutions. However, the rapid growth of such public enterprises brings with it a three‐fold impact. Ideologically, it reflects a trend toward greater centralization of decision making; administratively, it creates problems of interbureaucratic conflict and duplication and projects a real need for ongoing evaluation; in terms of human resource development, maximum attention should be given to the role of bureaucracies in creating new farmer leadership material and greater farmer involvement. This role has been completely neglected in the past.

Cet article examine l'hypothèse que l'importance croissante de l'entreprise publique dans le secteur agricole Malais repréente un choix politique défini et un engagement ldéologique pour l'entreprise publique au détriment de l'entreprise privée et des institutions égalitaires. Cependant, la croissance rapide de telles entreprises publiques a un triple impact. Idéologiquement, elle reflète une tendance vers une centralisation accrue des décisions; administrativement, elle crée des problèmes de conflits inter‐bureaucratiques et de duplication et rend nécessaire une évaluation constante de la situation; en terme de déeloppement des ressources humaines, une attention maximale devrait être portée au role des bureaucraties dans la création d'une nouvelle catégorie dirigeante paysanne et d'un engagement accru des cultivateurs. Ce role a été complètement négligé de par le passé.

Der Artikel überprüft die Hypothese, daß die zunehmende Bedeutung der öffentlichen Unternehmung im malaysischen Agrarsektor eine klare politische Entscheidung und ideologische Bejahung zugunsten öffentlicher Unternehmungen und zum Nachteil privater Firmen und egalitärer Institutionen bedeutet. Die rasche Zunahme solcher offentlicher Unternehmen bringt jedoch in dreifacher Hinsicht Auswirkungen mit sich. Ideologisch, reflektiert sie eine Tendenz zu stärkerer Zentralisation von Entscheidungen; administrativ, schafft sie Probleme eines innerbürokratischen Konflikts, verdoppelt den Arbeitsaufwand und macht eine fortwährende Bewertung der Situation notwendig; im Sinne der Entwicklung menschlicher Ressourcen sollte der Rolle der Bürokratie bei der Schaffung einer neuen Form der Bauernführerschaft und der Förderung eines wachsenden Engagements der Land‐wirte größere Aufmerksamkeit geschenkt werden. Diese Rolle ist in der Vergangenheit vollständig vernachlässigt worden.