bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supraglottoplasty for Laryngomalacia With Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Zafereo Mark E. , Taylor Rodney J. , Pereira Kevin D.
Published: September 2008

Objectives/Hypothesis: To determine if supraglottoplasty (SGP) is effective in reversing abnormal respiratory parameters in children with laryngomalacia and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Study Design: Retrospective case series at a tertiary referral children's hospital.

Methods: Ten patients with laryngomalacia and OSA as documented by polysomnography underwent SGP between 2005 and 2007. Data collected included age, findings on flexible and rigid endoscopy, type of procedure performed, and postoperative course. The postoperative polysomnographies were reviewed to identify changes in obstructive apnea index, obstructive apnea/hypopnea index, respiratory disturbance index, and low arterial oxygen saturation (O2 nadir) after SGP.

Results: All 10 patients were successfully extubated after SGP. There were no peri‐ or postoperative complications, and no patient required a subsequent airway procedure. Each patient had a postoperative nocturnal polysomnography performed after SGP at 11 weeks (range 2–29 weeks). Caregivers reported mild improvement (10%), significant improvement (70%), and complete resolution (20%) of stridor and nocturnal snoring at a follow‐up visit 4 weeks after discharge. Marked improvements were observed in obstructive apnea index, obstructive apnea/hypopnea index, respiratory disturbance index and O2 nadir, all of which were statistically significant (P < .05).

Conclusions: Polysomnography should be considered in the initial evaluation of infants with moderate laryngomalacia to rule out OSA. SGP is an effective treatment for infants with laryngomalacia and OSA. The significant benefits of the procedure outweigh thelow morbidity. Improvement after surgery was reliably confirmed by polysomnography in this study.
Artificial Manipulation of Voice in the Human by an Implanted Stimulator
Authors: Broniatowski Michael , Grundfest‐Broniatowski Sharon , Zobenica Nina S. , Tyler Dustin J.
Published: September 2008

Objectives/Hypothesis: Traditional approaches influencing voice quality (e.g., anatomical and chemical denervation for spasmodic dysphonia, surgical medialization for paralysis) have ignored the dynamic nature of the larynx.

Study Design: We report here the first attempt to manipulate voice using an implanted stimulator to systematically control vocal fold adduction.

Methods: Devices placed for aspiration in three subjects retaining speech after stroke, cerebral palsy, and multiple sclerosis were used to stimulate recurrent laryngeal nerves with 42 Hz, 52 to 200 microsecond pulses of incremental amplitudes during phonation with the tracheostomy tube occluded. Vocal fold adduction increased with stimulation strength (P < .05). Speech was analyzed with the Vox Metria program.

Results: We found highly significant differences for fundamental frequency (P < .007), jitter (P < .004), and shimmer (P < .005), between natural and stimulated voice (aah and eeh) when using higher charges.

Conclusions: Dynamic vocal fold manipulation seems promising in terms of versatility lacking with static approaches to voice control.
The Perichondrial Cutaneous Graft: A Facial Reconstructive Option for the Ages (Ages 1 Week to 94 Years)
Authors: Stucker Frederick J. , Walsh William E. , Dammert Mark , Lian Timothy
Published: September 2008

Objectives/Hypothesis: The perichondrial cutaneous graft (PCCG) possesses unique characteristics that make them a propitious reconstructive option in facial plastic surgery. The PCCG is easily harvested from the conchal bowl. Notable characteristics are that it does not contract, unexcelled color match for resurfacing facial skin, and minimal donor site morbidity. This free graft frequently offers an expeditious solution to an otherwise more complicated reconstructive effort.

Study Design: Retrospective review of an academic otolaryngology and facial plastic surgery practice.

Methods: Patients requiring head and neck reconstruction for cutaneous deficiencies were studied. The PCCG is harvested from the anterior conchal bowl. This is technically easy, and the perichondrium is tightly adherent to the dermis in this area. The donor site is closed by resecting a fenestra of conchal cartilage and rotating a posterior auricular interpolated island flap into the defect (the “flip‐flop‐flap”). The posterior auricular defect is easily closed in a linear fashion. The main outcome measures were cosmetic result, graft survival, donor site morbidity, and complications.

Results: There are 406 PCCGs in our series. Patients ranged in age from 7 days to 94 years. There were 170 grafts used for trauma and 236 used for reconstruction after skin cancer resection. Over the past 30 years in observing these grafts, there are no contractions noted in infants and children, growth with maturity is noteworthy. Cosmesis is excellent and in most cases superior to other skin grafting techniques. We have had four total failures and six partial losses of less than 30% for the PCCG. All complete failures were in patients with a smoking history.

Conclusions: The PCCG is a very reliable flap for reconstruction of facial defects. It has been used in elderly and heavy smoking patients with minimal complications, attesting to its viability. The graft provides excellent cosmesis and it is an expeditious alternative to commonly used local flaps. It is especially useful in pediatric patients because the graft actually expands with growth. This is in contrast to the disadvantages of split thickness and full thickness skin grafts that predictably contract with maturity. Local flaps often lack adequate laxity for common implementation and make the PCCG a propitious choice in the pediatric patient.
Platelet‐Rich Plasma for Pediatric Tonsillectomy Patients
Authors: Sidman James D. , Lander Timothy A. , Finkelstein Marsha
Published: September 2008

Objectives/Hypothesis: To determine if placement of autologous platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) on the tonsil beds at the time of tonsillectomy would decrease postoperative pain and complications.

Study Design: Double blind, randomized, prospective study.

Methods: Seventy children were recruited to participate in the study, ranging in age from 4 to 15 years. They were randomized to treatment (PRP) or control groups. The parents, patients, and nurses were blinded as to which group they were in. Postoperative pain scores were obtained using the FACES pain scale and recorded in a home diary.

Results: Seventy patients were recruited to the study, and 12 did not submit their diaries and were considered to drop out of the study. Demographic data were similar for both control and treatment groups. Median pain scores, medication use, days to normal diet, and office visits did not differ between the two groups.

Conclusions: PRP applied once at the time of tonsillectomy does not improve postoperative pain or recovery in pediatric patients.
Reconstruction of the Internal Nasal Valve: Modified Splay Graft Technique With Endonasal Approach
Authors: Islam Ahmet , Arslan Necmi , Felek Sevim Aslan , Celik Hatice , Demirci Munir , Oguz Haldun
Published: September 2008

Objective/Hypothesis: The aim of this study was to determine the reliability and feasibility of modified splay graft technique in the surgical correction of internal nasal valve (INV) incompetence and nasal valve collapse.

Study Design: Eleven patients operated with the diagnosis of INV incompetence were followed for 6 to 30 months after operation.

Methods: Between 2004 and 2007, 11 patients with the complaint of shortness of breath, and in whom nasal valve incompetence was detected, and who were positive for Cottle and modified Cottle tests were operated. In the operation, splay graft was used endonasally with the technique we describe. Before and at least 6 months after the operation, patients were evaluated with acoustic rhinometry, linear symptom scale, and nasal obstruction symptom evaluation scale in addition to endoscopic examination, and the results were compared.

Results: In 10 of 11 (90.9%) patients operated with modified splay graft technique, marked improvement was observed in INV region with endoscopic examination and acoustic rhinometry. In the evaluation made with linear symptom scale and nasal obstruction symptom evaluation scale, partial improvement was seen in nasal obstruction in one patient and marked improvement in 10 patients. No complications developed.

Conclusions: Modified splay technique is an effective graft method that can be easily applied and has minimal complications and morbidity.
Quantitative Assessment of Laryngeal Muscle Morphology After Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Injury: Right vs. Left Differences
Authors: Woodson Gayle E. , Hughes Larry F. , Helfert Robert
Published: September 2008

Objectives/Hypothesis: Reports of laryngeal response to denervation are inconsistent. Some document atrophy and fibrosis in denervated laryngeal muscles, whereas others indicate resistance to atrophy. Spontaneous reinnervation has also been documented. The goal of this study was to clarify the effects of nerve injury and reinnervation on thyroarytenoid (TA) and posterior cricoarytenoid (PCA) muscles.

Study Design: Laboratory experiment.

Methods: TA and PCA muscles of cats were harvested 5 to 6 months after transecting right or left recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN). Images of muscle cross‐sections were acquired and studied using an image analysis workstation. Cross‐sectional areas as well as total cross‐sectional area of randomly selected muscle fibers were recorded.

Results: TA reinnervation was robust on both sides, but there was less reinnervation of the PCA muscle after left‐sided RLN lesion than after right‐sided injury.

Conclusions: Differences in reinnervation after RLN injury could contribute to the higher clinical incidence of left‐ vs. right‐sided laryngeal paralysis.
Down‐Regulation of Carbonic Anhydrase Isoenzymes in Nasal Polyps
Authors: Kim Tae Hoon , Lee Heung Man , Lee Seung Hoon , Kim Ha Kyun , Lee Jung Hoon , Oh Kyoung Ho , Lee Sang Hag
Published: September 2008

Objectives/Hypothesis: Carbonic anhydrase (CA) is a zinc metalloenzyme that participate in the biological processes of various fluid transporting epithelia, including ion and water transport. CA may thus play a role in the pathophysiology of normal nasal mucosa and nasal polyp. We evaluated the expression and pattern of distribution of mRNAs and proteins for CA isoenzymes in normal nasal mucosa and polyps.

Study Design: This was a controlled, prospective study.

Methods: The expression levels of 11 isoenzyme genes (I, II, III, IV, VA, VB, VI, VII, IX, XII, XIV) were evaluated in normal mucosa and polyps using semiquantitative reverse‐transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. The expression and pattern of distribution of CA I, II, and IX were also investigated using immunohistochemistry and Western blot.

Results: mRNAs for the 11 CA isoenzymes were detected in all normal nasal mucosa and polyps tested. Their expression levels were decreased in nasal polyp in comparison with normal nasal mucosa. CA I was detected in the epithelial cells, endothelial cells, and submucosal gland of normal nasal mucosa, but only in the endothelial cells in nasal polyp. CA II in normal mucosa was intensely expressed in the submucosal gland cells and CA IX was noted in the cytoplasm and plasma membrane of epithelial cells and submucosal glands. However, these findings were not found in nasal polyp. Western blot also showed differences in their expression levels.

Conclusions: These results indicate that CA may participate in the physiology of normal nasal mucosa, but also suggest that altered their expression in nasal polyps may cause impaired electrolyte and water transport across the epithelial cells.
Narrow Band Imaging for Detecting Metachronous Superficial Oropharyngeal and Hypopharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinomas After Chemoradiotherapy for Head and Neck Cancers
Authors: Katada Chikatoshi , Nakayama Meijin , Tanabe Satoshi , Koizumi Wasaburo , Masaki Takashi , Takeda Masahiko , Okamoto Makito , Saigenji Katsunori
Published: September 2008

We present two cases of metachronous superficial squamous cell carcinomas at oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal mucosal sites after chemoradiotherapy for head and neck cancers. These were detected by narrow band imaging combined with a magnifying gastrointestinal endoscopy. In one case, we successfully removed the tumor using endoscopic submucosal dissection. Narrow band imaging combined with magnifying gastrointestinal endoscopy illustrated well‐demarcated brownish area and scattered foci of microvascular proliferation. Thus, it may serve as an ideal surveillance mode after chemoradiotherapy for head and neck cancers
Functional Assessments of the Rodent Facial Nerve: A Synkinesis Model
Authors: Hadlock Tessa , Kowaleski Jeffrey , Lo David , Bermejo Roberto , Zeigler H Philip , Mackinnon Susan , Heaton James T.
Published: September 2008

Objectives/Hypothesis: Rodent whisker movement has been used as a tool, after facial nerve manipulation, to quantify functional recovery. We have recently established a method to study functional correlates of aberrant regeneration of the facial nerve. Our objective was to establish normative parameters for both spontaneous and induced whisking and blinking behavior in a large group of normal rats.

Study Design: Prospective animal study.

Methods: Eighty animals underwent quantitative facial movement testing to measure simultaneous vibrissal movement and ocular closure for each side independently. Right and left C‐1 whisker positions were continuously recorded for 5‐minute sessions, and changes in infrared detection corresponding to eye closure were continuously recorded. Whisking and blinking were elicited by delivery of olfactory stimuli (10 s scented airflows) and corneal air puffs. Whisks were counted and analyzed, and eye closures were counted.

Results: Whisking amplitude, velocity, and acceleration were consistent with literature values. Air puff delivery elicited an ipsilateral blink 99% of the time, a contralateral blink 18% of the time, and changes in or initiation of bilateral whisking 70% of the time. Olfactory stimulus delivery prompted a change in whisking behavior 83% of the time, and eye closure 20% of the time.

Conclusions: This study establishes normative data for assessing cranial nerve VII‐controlled facial movement in four separate facial regions. We demonstrate the capability and tendency of animals to move their orbicularis oculi muscles independently of and simultaneously with their midfacial muscles. This model provides an excellent tool for the study of aberrant regeneration after facial nerve injury in the rodent.
Chondrosarcomas of the Jugular Foramen
Authors: Sanna Mario , Bacciu Andrea , Pasanisi Enrico , Piazza Paolo , Fois Paolo , Falcioni Maurizio
Published: September 2008

Objectives/Hypothesis: Chondrosarcomas of the jugular foramen are extremely rare tumors. Our review of the literature revealed eleven previously reported cases. The aim of this study is to describe the presenting symptoms, radiographic findings, operative procedures, and postoperative outcome of five histologically confirmed cases of chondrosarcomas arising from the jugular foramen. A review of the literature is also presented.

Study Design: Retrospective study of an quaternary referral otology and skull base private center.

Methods: Five cases of surgically treated and pathologically confirmed jugular foramen chondrosarcomas were identified. The follow‐up of the series ranged from 23 to 42 months (mean, 32.8 ± 7.7 months).

Results: A single stage procedure was adopted in all the cases. Two patients underwent type A infratemporal approaches, one patient underwent a transotic approach extending to the neck with ligature of the internal jugular vein, one patient underwent a petro‐occipital transigmoid approach, and one patient underwent a combined petro‐occipital transigmoid–transotic approach. Gross total tumor removal was achieved in all patients. The most common complications were lower cranial nerve deficits. To date, no recurrence or residual tumors have been observed at radiological controls.

Conclusions: We believe that the primary treatment for chondrosarcomas of the jugular foramen is gross total surgical resection of the tumor. It is our philosophy to reserve postoperative radiotherapy for patients with histologically aggressive tumors, as well as in cases with subtotal resection and recurrent tumors.
Relationship Between the Frequency of Postoperative Debridement and Patient Discomfort, Healing Period, Surgical Outcomes, and Compliance After Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Authors: Lee Jae Yong , Byun Jang Yul
Published: September 2008

Objectives/Hypothesis: To determine the optimal frequency of postoperative care after endoscopic sinus surgery, we evaluated the relationship between the frequency of postoperative debridement and patient discomfort, healing period, surgical outcomes, and compliance.

Study Design: A prospective randomized study.

Methods: Patients diagnosed with chronic rhinosinusitis with or without nasal polyposis were randomly allocated to three groups (N = 10 each group), according to the frequency of office visits for postoperative debridement during a 4‐week postoperative period. Group 1 underwent debridement twice a week, group 2 once a week, and group 3 once every 2 weeks. Four weeks after the procedure, the patients in each group were asked about discomfort between visits for postoperative debridement, including nasal obstruction, nasal discharge, foul odor, postnasal drip, and headache. Responses were scored using the visual analogue scale (VAS). Six months after surgery, the healing period was evaluated and both subjective and objective surgical outcomes were assessed using the Sinonasal Outcome test 20 and endoscopic findings. Patient compliance to postoperative debridement was also evaluated using the VAS. We compared the statistical significance of these parameters among the three groups.

Results: In groups 1, 2, and 3, nasal polyposis was present in eight, eight, and six patients, respectively, and five, one, and four patients had unilateral sinusitis. The VAS scores for four of the five main symptoms regarding patient discomfort differed significantly among thegroups; group 3 reported the worst scores. However, healing periods, Sinonasal Outcome test‐20 scores, and objective endoscopic findings did not show statistical differences among the groups. Patient compliance to the frequency of postoperative debridement differed significantly among the groups. Patients in group 1 reported the greatest disturbance in academic and socioeconomic activities, whereas the patients in groups 2 and 3 demonstrated similar scores.

Conclusions: One‐week intervals seem to be the optimal frequency for postoperative debridement during the healing period after endoscopic sinus surgery. However, patient individualization should be taken into account depending on the extent of surgery and healing progress.
Aerodynamic Changes as a Result of Vocal Function Exercises in Elderly Men
Authors: Gorman Stephen , Weinrich Barbara , Lee Linda , Stemple Joseph C.
Published: September 2008

Objectives/Hypothesis: Voice therapy can improve the vocal quality of elderly patients with voice problems, but the changes in vocal aerodynamics associated with physiologic voice therapy are not well documented. The purpose of the present study was to determine the changes in vocal aerodynamics as a result of the management program known as Vocal Function Exercises (VFEs).

Study Design: Pre‐ and post‐treatment differences in VFE maximum phonation times (MPT) and measures of vocal aerodynamics were analyzed.

Methods: There were 19 participants, aged 60 to 78 years, who performed VFEs twice a day for 12 weeks. Aerodynamic measures of glottal airflow and subglottic pressure were collected at comfortable, high, and low pitches both before the initiation of the exercise program and again at its conclusion. MPT data were collected weekly.

Results: The participants showed continuous improvement in VFE MPT across the 12 weeks. Significant differences occurred from pre‐ to post‐therapy on some measures of vocal aerodynamics relating to glottic closure.

Conclusions: Decrease in glottic airflow was achieved, with a concomitant increase in subglottic pressure, but without an increase in acoustic power (comfortable and low pitch). Improvement in VFE MPT mirrored the improvement in vocal aerodynamics.
Inheritance and diversification of symbiotic trichonymphid flagellates from a common ancestor of termites and the cockroachCryptocercus
Authors: Ohkuma Moriya , Noda Satoko , Hongoh Yuichi , Nalepa Christine A , Inoue Tetsushi
Published: September 2008

Cryptocercuscockroaches and lower termites harbour obligate, diverse and unique symbiotic cellulolytic flagellates in their hindgut that are considered critical in the development of social behaviour in their hosts. However, there has been controversy concerning the origin of these symbiotic flagellates. Here, molecular sequences encoding small subunit rRNA and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase were identified in the symbiotic flagellates of the order Trichonymphida (phylum Parabasalia) in the gut ofCryptocercus punctulatusand compared phylogenetically to the corresponding species in termites. In each of the monophyletic lineages that represent family-level groups in Trichonymphida, the symbionts ofCryptocercuswere robustly sister to those of termites. Together with the recent evidence for the sister-group relationship of the host insects, this first comprehensive study comparing symbiont molecular phylogeny strongly suggests that a set of symbiotic flagellates representative of extant diversity was already established in an ancestor common toCryptocercusand termites, was vertically transmitted to their offspring, and subsequently became diversified to distinct levels, depending on both the host and the symbiont lineages.
Lifespan, lifetime reproductive performance and paternity loss of within-pair and extra-pair offspring in the coal tit
Periparus ater
Authors: Schmoll Tim , Schurr Frank M , Winkel Wolfgang , Epplen Joerg T , Lubjuhn Thomas
Published: September 2008

The hypothesis that females of socially monogamous species obtain indirect benefits (good or compatible genes) from extra-pair mating behaviour has received enormous attention but much less generally accepted support. Here we ask whether selection for adult survival and fecundity or sexual selection contribute to indirect selection of the extra-pair mating behaviour in socially monogamous coal tits (
Periparus ater
). We tracked locally recruited individuals with known paternity status through their lives predicting that the extra-pair offspring (EPO) would outperform the within-pair offspring (WPO). No differences between the WPO and EPO recruits were detected in lifespan or age of first reproduction. However, the male WPO had a higher lifetime number of broods and higher lifetime number of social offspring compared with male EPO recruits, while no such differences were evident for female recruits. Male EPO recruits did not compensate for their lower social reproductive success by higher fertilization success within their social pair bonds. Thus, our results do not support the idea that enhanced adult survival, fecundity or within-pair fertilization success are manifestations of the genetic benefits of extra-pair matings. But we emphasize that a crucial fitness component, the extra-pair fertilization success of male recruits, has yet to be taken into account to fully appreciate the fitness consequences of extra-pair matings.
Evolutionary dynamics of collective action in
N
-person stag hunt dilemmas
Authors: Pacheco Jorge M , Santos Francisco C , Souza Max O , Skyrms Brian
Published: September 2008

In the animal world, collective action to shelter, protect and nourish requires the cooperation of group members. Among humans, many situations require the cooperation of more than two individuals simultaneously. Most of the relevant literature has focused on an extreme case, the
N
-person Prisoner's Dilemma. Here we introduce a model in which a threshold less than the total group is required to produce benefits, with increasing participation leading to increasing productivity. This model constitutes a generalization of the two-person stag hunt game to an
N
-person game. Both finite and infinite population models are studied. In infinite populations this leads to a rich dynamics that admits multiple equilibria. Scenarios of defector dominance, pure coordination or coexistence may arise simultaneously. On the other hand, whenever one takes into account that populations are finite and when their size is of the same order of magnitude as the group size, the evolutionary dynamics is profoundly affected: it may ultimately invert the direction of natural selection, compared with the infinite population limit.
Lake warming favours small-sized planktonic diatom species
Authors: Winder Monika , Reuter John E , Schladow S. Geoffrey
Published: September 2008

Diatoms contribute to a substantial portion of primary production in the oceans and many lakes. Owing to their relatively heavy cell walls and high nutrient requirements, planktonic diatoms are expected to decrease with climate warming because of reduced nutrient redistribution and increasing sinking velocities. Using a historical dataset, this study shows that diatoms were able to maintain their biovolume with increasing stratification in Lake Tahoe over the last decades; however, the diatom community structure changed. Increased stratification and reduced nitrogen to phosphorus ratios selected for small-celled diatoms, particularly within the
Cyclotella
genus. An empirical model showed that a shift in phytoplankton species composition and cell size was consistent within different depth strata, indicating that altered nutrient concentrations were not responsible for the change. The increase in small-celled species was sufficient to decrease the average diatom size and thus sinking velocity, which strongly influences energy transfer through the food web and carbon cycling. Our results show that within the diverse group of diatoms, small-sized species with a high surface area to volume ratio were able to adapt to a decrease in mixing intensity, supporting the hypotheses that abiotic drivers affect the size structure of planktonic communities and that warmer climate favours small-sized diatom cells.
The science of space weather
Authors: Eastwood Jonathan P
Published: September 2008

The basic physics underpinning space weather is reviewed, beginning with a brief overview of the main causes of variability in the near-Earth space environment. Although many plasma phenomena contribute to space weather, one of the most important is magnetic reconnection, and recent cutting edge research in this field is reviewed. We then place this research in context by discussing a number of specific types of space weather in more detail. As society inexorably increases its dependence on space, the necessity of predicting and mitigating space weather will become ever more acute. This requires a deep understanding of the complexities inherent in the plasmas that fill space and has prompted the development of a new generation of scientific space missions at the international level.
Magnetic fields in astrophysical objects
Authors: Silvers L.J
Published: September 2008

Magnetic fields are known to reside in many astrophysical objects and are now believed to be crucially important for the creation of phenomena on a wide variety of scales. However, the role of the magnetic field in the bodies that we observe has not always been clear. In certain situations, the importance of a magnetic field has been overlooked on the grounds that the large-scale magnetic field was believed to be too weak to play an important role in the dynamics. In this article I discuss some of the recent developments concerning magnetic fields in stars, planets and accretion discs. I choose to emphasize some of the situations where it has been suggested that weak magnetic fields may play a more significant role than previously thought. At the end of the article, I list some of the questions to be answered in the future.
Arabidopsis ARC6 Coordinates the Division Machineries of the Inner and Outer Chloroplast Membranes through Interaction with PDV2 in the Intermembrane Space
Authors: Glynn Jonathan M. , Froehlich John E. , Osteryoung Katherine W.
Published: September 2008

Chloroplasts arose from a free-living cyanobacterial endosymbiont and divide by binary fission. Division involves the assembly and constriction of the endosymbiont-derived, tubulin-like FtsZ ring on the stromal surface of the inner envelope membrane and the host-derived, dynamin-like ARC5 ring on the cytosolic surface of the outer envelope membrane. Despite the identification of many proteins required for plastid division, the factors coordinating the internal and external division machineries are unknown. Here, we provide evidence that this coordination is mediated in Arabidopsis thaliana by an interaction between ARC6, an FtsZ assembly factor spanning the inner envelope membrane, and PDV2, an ARC5 recruitment factor spanning the outer envelope membrane. ARC6 and PDV2 interact via their C-terminal domains in the intermembrane space, consistent with their in vivo topologies. ARC6 acts upstream of PDV2 to localize PDV2 (and hence ARC5) to the division site. We present a model whereby ARC6 relays information on stromal FtsZ ring positioning through PDV2 to the chloroplast surface to specify the site of ARC5 recruitment. Because orthologs of ARC6 occur in land plants, green algae, and cyanobacteria but PDV2 occurs only in land plants, the connection between ARC6 and PDV2 represents the evolution of a plant-specific adaptation to coordinate the assembly and activity of the endosymbiont- and host-derived plastid division components.
Identification of the repeated number of C and D regions of tyrosine phosphorylation motifs in Helicobacter pylori cagA using multiplex PCR
Authors: An Byungrak , Lee Gyusang , Lim Kwanhun , Moon Byung Soo , Kim Jong Bae
Published: September 2008

Various tyrosine phosphorylation motif regions of H. pylori cagA exist. The number of these regions was found to have some influence on cell signaling, which was found to be more pronounced when in D (ESS) region than in C (WSS) region. A molecular biological method with multiplex PCR was developed to distinguish C and D regions, and to identify the repetition number of tyrosine phosphorylation of the cagA gene. Multiplex PCR using novel primer sets was performed on 73 strains of H. pylori isolated from Korean patients with upper gastrointestinal diseases. The Western cagA was identified in only 3 strains (4.1%) whereas East Asia cagA was identified in 69 strains (94.5%). These results were reconfirmed through a sequencing analysis. The method developed in this study would be useful for monitoring the repeated number of C and D regions of tyrosine phosphorylation motifs in H. pylori cagA.
Production and characterization of rabbit polyclonal sera against Shiga toxins Stx1 and Stx2 for detection of Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli
Authors: Mendes‐Ledesma Meire R. B. , Rocha Letícia B. , Bueris Vanessa , Krause Gladys , Beutin Lothar , Franzolin Marcia R. , Trabulsi Luiz R. , Elias Waldir P. , Piazza Roxane M. F.
Published: September 2008

STEC has emerged as an important group of enteric pathogens worldwide. In this study, rabbit polyclonal Stx1 and Stx2 antisera were raised and employed in the standardization of immunoassays for STEC detection. Using their respective antisera, the limit of detection of the toxin was 35.0 pg for Stx1 and 5.4 pg for Stx2. By immunoblotting, these antisera recognized both toxin subunits. Cross‐reactivity was observed in the A subunit, but only Stx2 antiserum was able to neutralize the cytotoxicity of both toxins in the Vero cell assay. Six stx‐harboring E. coli isolates were analyzed for their virulence traits. They belonged to different serotypes, including the O48:H7, described for the first time in Brazil. Only three strains harbored eae, and the e‐hly gene and hemolytic activity was detected in five strains. Three isolates showed new stx2 variants (stx2v‐ha and stx2vb‐hb). The ELISA assay detected all six isolates, including one VCA‐negative isolate, while the immunodot assay failed to detect one isolate, which was VCA‐positive. In contrast, the colony‐immunoblot assay detected only one VCA‐positive isolate. Our results demonstrate that among the immunoassays developed in this study, the immunodot, and particularly the ELISA, appear as perspective for STEC detection in developing countries.
Use of heart rate variability analysis to determine the risk of cardiac ischaemia in high‐risk patients undergoing general anaesthesia
Authors: Hanss R. , Block D. , Bauer M. , Ilies C. , Magheli A. , Schildberg‐Schroth H. , Renner J. , Scholz J. , Bein B.
Published: September 2008

The aim of this study was to investigate the use of pre‐operative heart rate variability analysis to predict postoperative cardiac events (identified by 24 h Holter‐ECG recording and an increase of creatine kinase MB) in high‐risk cardiac patients. Length of hospital stay, the incidence of postoperative cardiac ischaemia and cardiac events after discharge were recorded. Fifty patients were assigned by the presence of cardiac events and the heart rate variability in 17 patients with an event was compared with 33 patients without. Total power was identified as a predictive parameter. The usefulness of this test was assessed in a second group of 50 patients. The incidence of cardiac events detected by Holter‐ECG recording or an increased creatine kinase MB was greater and the duration of hospital stay longer in the 26 patients with total power < 400 ms².Hz−1 compared with those with total power > 400 ms².Hz−1 (eight and four patients and 10 (7) days (mean (SD)), vs 1 (p < 0.05) and 0 (p < 0.05) patients and 6 (2) days (p < 0.05), respectively). The total power of high‐risk cardiac patients predicted postoperative cardiac events and extended length of hospital stay.
Effects of propofol on pulmonary inflammatory response and dysfunction induced by cardiopulmonary bypass*
Authors: An K. , Shu H. , Huang W. , Huang X. , Xu M. , Yang L. , Xu K. , Wang C.
Published: September 2008

The pulmonary inflammatory response and pulmonary dysfunction after cardiopulmonary bypass is a major problem in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Propofol has anti‐inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties which may attenuate this response. Thirty patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass were randomly assigned to receive saline (control group) or propofol (propofol group). Pulmonary thoracic compliance, respiratory index, malondialdehyde and interleukin‐8 concentrations and intrapulmonary polymorphonucleocyte sequestration were measured at pre‐bypass and 5, 30, 60, 90 and 120 min after unclamping the aorta. Plasma levels of interleukin‐8, malondialdehyde and the respiratory index increased and reached peaks 30 min after unclamping in both groups. However, in the propofol group the increases were less than in the control group (p < 0.01). Intrapulmonary polymorphonucleocytes sequestration in the propofol group was less than in the control group 5 min after unclamping (p < 0.0001). Pulmonary thoracic compliance decreased significantly after unclamping in both groups, but the reduction was less in the propofol group (p < 0.01). These findings suggest that propofol administered during bypass could reduce the severity of pulmonary dysfunction.
A GYS1 gene mutation is highly associated with polysaccharide storage myopathy in Cob Normand draught horses
Authors: Herszberg B. , McCue M. E. , Larcher T. , Mata X. , Vaiman A. , Chaffaux S. , Chérel Y. , Valberg S. J. , Mickelson J. R. , Guérin G.
Published: September 2008

Glycogen storage diseases or glycogenoses are inherited diseases caused by abnormalities of enzymes that regulate the synthesis or degradation of glycogen. Deleterious mutations in many genes of the glyco(geno)lytic or the glycogenesis pathways can potentially cause a glycogenosis, and currently mutations in fourteen different genes are known to cause animal or human glycogenoses, resulting in myopathies and/or hepatic disorders. The genetic bases of two forms of glycogenosis are currently known in horses. A fatal neonatal polysystemic type IV glycogenosis, inherited recessively in affected Quarter Horse foals, is due to a mutation in the glycogen branching enzyme gene (GBE1). A second type of glycogenosis, termed polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM), is observed in adult Quarter Horses and other breeds. A severe form of PSSM also occurs in draught horses. A mutation in the skeletal muscle glycogen synthase gene (GYS1) was recently reported to be highly associated with PSSM in Quarter Horses and Belgian draught horses. This GYS1 point mutation appears to cause a gain‐of‐function of the enzyme and to result in the accumulation of a glycogen‐like, less‐branched polysaccharide in skeletal muscle. It is inherited as a dominant trait. The aim of this work was to test for possible associations between genetic polymorphisms in four candidate genes of the glycogen pathway or the GYS1 mutation in Cob Normand draught horses diagnosed with PSSM by muscle biopsy.
Living in the red zone: the experience of child‐to‐mother violence
Authors: Edenborough Michel , Jackson Debra , Mannix Judy , Wilkes Lesley M.
Published: September 2008

Child‐to‐mother violence is an area of family violence that has received limited attention over the past 20 years but is a problem for many families. It is poorly understood in the community and this lack of understanding creates a basis for families and service providers to minimize the abused mothers' experience. This paper is drawn from a larger study that aimed to explore child‐to‐mother violence in a high‐risk geographical area and describes a qualitative theme developed from 185 participating women's narratives, ‘Living in the red zone’: the experience of child‐to‐mother violence. The red zone refers to danger and was an element throughout women's narratives. It is clear from the reflections of these women that child‐to‐mother violence is a significant and complex issue. Mothers were predominantly struggling in silence with their experiences of a child or children whose behaviour was threatening and/or abusive. Their experiences were most often minimized and/or devalued by family and community members, which may prevent affected women from seeking support. Mothers generally had limited concepts of the possibilities open to them to improve their situation, or limited access to appropriate and empathic individuals or services.
Changes in the expression of suppressor of cytokine signalling (SOCS) 2 in the colonic mucosa of acromegalic patients are associated with hyperplastic polyps
Authors: Bogazzi Fausto , Ultimieri Federica , Raggi Francesco , Russo Dania , Costa Aurelio , Marciano Emanuele , Bartalena Luigi , Martino Enio
Published: September 2008

Background  Acromegalic patients have increased prevalence of colonic polyps. Development of hyperplastic polyps was related to suppressor of cytokine signalling (SOCS) 2 haploinsufficiency in animal models of acromegaly.

Objective and patients  To evaluate whether variations in SOCS2 expression in the colonic mucosa of acromegalic patients might be associated to hyperplastic polyps, patients with active acromegaly or disease in remission with or without hyperplastic polyps were studied; controls were non‐acromegalic subjects age‐ and sex‐ matched with or without polyps.

Measurements  Expression of SOCS1‐3 was evaluated by RT‐PCR, immunofluorescence and Western blot in the colonic mucosa. Coimmunoprecipatiton was used to evaluate multimeric protein complexes.

Results  Acromegalic patients with active disease and hyperplastic polyps had higher levels of SOCS2 transcripts; on the contrary, SOCS1 and SOCS3 transcripts did not differ among the study groups. While the expression of SOCS2 and SOCS3 protein was indistinguishable with that of the corresponding transcripts, SOCS1 protein expression was reduced in active acromegalic patients with polyps. SOCS1 protein was reduced owing to its increased proteasome degradation mediated by SOCS2. The increased SOCS2 and reduced SOCS1 led to increased STAT5b expression, suggesting a higher GH signalling transduction.

Conclusions  Acromegalic patients with active disease and hyperplastic polyps have high levels of SOCS2 and increased SOCS1 degradation, leading to reduced negative feedback on GH signalling, likely favouring a hyperplastic polyps phenotype.
Innate and adaptive immune responses in the urinary tract
Authors: Song J. , Abraham S. N.
Published: September 2008

As new and intriguing details of how uropathogens initiate infections and persist within the urinary tract have emerged, so has important information regarding how the immune system functions within the urinary tract. Recent studies have revealed the existence of a multifaceted innate immune response triggered by Toll‐like receptor (TLR) 4 on superficial bladder epithelial cells directed at clearing infection by Gram negative pathogens. Other studies have reported that the adaptive immune response in the urinary tract is effective and that vaccines comprised of bacterial virulence factors or whole dead bacteria can evoke protective immunity against urinary tract infections (UTIs) in animals and humans. As antibiotic therapy becomes increasingly ineffective, modulating the innate and adaptive immune system in the urinary tract using TLR4 ligands and other immunomodulators may become viable options to combat UTIs.
Current concepts of molecular defence mechanisms operative during urinary tract infection
Authors: Weichhart T. , Haidinger M. , Hörl W. H. , Säemann M. D.
Published: September 2008

Mucosal tissues such as the gastrointestinal tract are typically exposed to a tremendous number of microorganisms and many of them are potentially dangerous to the host. In contrast, the urogenital tract is rather infrequently colonized with bacterial organisms and also devoid of physical barriers as a multi‐layered mucus or ciliated epithelia, thereby necessitating separate host defence mechanisms. Recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI) represents the successful case of microbial host evasion and poses a major medical and economic health problem. During recent years considerable advances have been made in our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the immune homeostasis of the urogenital tract. Hence, the system of pathogen‐recognition receptors including the Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) is able to sense danger signalling and thus activate the host immune system of the genitourinary tract. Additionally, various soluble antimicrobial molecules including iron‐sequestering proteins, defensins, cathelicidin and Tamm‐Horsfall protein (THP), as well as their role for the prevention of UTI by modulating innate and adaptive immunity, have been more clearly defined. Furthermore, signalling mediators like cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) or the circulatory hormone vasopressin were shown to be involved in the defence of uropathogenic microbes and maintenance of mucosal integrity. Beyond this, specific receptors e.g. CD46 or β1/β3‐integrins, have been elucidated that are hijacked by uropathogenic E. coli to enable invasion and survival within the urogenital system paving the way for chronic forms of urinary tract infection. Collectively, the majority of these findings offer novel avenues for basic and translational research implying effective therapies against the diverse forms of acute and chronic UTI.
Pathways of renal injury in systemic gram‐negative sepsis
Authors: El‐Achkar T. M. , Hosein M. , Dagher P. C.
Published: September 2008

Acute renal failure is a grave complication of systemic gram‐negative sepsis. The pathophysiological mechanisms of sepsis leading to kidney injury result in part from systemic inflammatory and haemodynamic alterations. These are triggered by the interaction of endotoxin with Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) on cells of the immune system. Recently, TLR4 and other co‐effector molecules were identified on renal tubular and vascular cells. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that systemic endotoxin has direct access to renal sites where these receptors are expressed. Therefore, we review data in support of this novel pathway of renal injury in sepsis, whereby systemic endotoxin causes direct injury through interactions with local epithelial and endothelial TLR4.
Urinary tract infection in renal transplant recipients
Authors: Säemann M. , Hörl W. H.
Published: September 2008

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is common in renal transplant recipients. Frequency of UTIs depend on many factors such as age, female gender, kidney function, co‐morbidity, type and amount of immunosuppression, urological instrumentation and/or the follow‐up period (short term or long term) after kidney transplantation. UTI may worsen graft and patient survival. A significant proportion of renal transplant recipients with UTIs may develop acute pyelonephritis (APN), which is an independent risk factor for deterioration of graft function. Renal transplant recipients with UTIs are often clinically asymptomatic as a consequence of immunosuppression. UTI, however, may progress to APN (particularly in the early post‐transplant period), bacteraemia and the full blown picture of urosepsis. Strategies for long term prophylaxis and antimicrobial treatment of UTI in renal transplant recipients are discussed.
Transcriptional repression of the IMD2 gene mediated by the transcriptional co‐activator Sub1
Authors: Koyama Hiroshi , Sumiya Eriko , Nagata Makiko , Ito Takahiro , Sekimizu Kazuhisa
Published: September 2008

Sub1 was originally identified as a transcriptional co‐activator and later demonstrated to have pleiotropic functions during multiple transcription steps, including initiation, elongation and termination. The present study reveals a novel function of Sub1 as a transcription repressor in budding yeast. Sub1 does not activate IMP dehydrogenase 2 (IMD2) gene expression but rather represses its expression. First, we examined the genetic interaction of Sub1 with the transcription elongation factor S‐II/TFIIS, which is encoded by the DST1 gene. Disruption of the SUB1 gene partially suppressed sensitivity to the transcription elongation inhibitor mycophenolate (MPA) in a dst1 gene deletion mutant. SUB1 gene deletion increased the expression level of the IMD2 gene, which confers resistance to MPA, indicating that Sub1 functions to repress IMD2 gene expression. Sub1 located around the promoter region of the IMD2 gene. The upstream region of the transcription start sites was required for Sub1 to repress the IMD2 gene expression. These results suggest that the transcriptional co‐activator Sub1 also has a role in transcriptional repression during transcription initiation in vivo.
Escherichia coli tRNase Z can shut down growth probably by removing amino acids from aminoacyl‐tRNAs
Authors: Takaku Hiroaki , Nashimoto Masayuki
Published: September 2008

In most organisms, tRNase Z is considered to be essential for 3′ processing of tRNA molecules. The Escherichia coli tRNase Z gene, however, appears to be dispensable under normal growth conditions, and its existence remained an enigma. Here we intensively examined various (pre‐)tRNAs for good substrates of E. coli tRNase Z in vitro, and found that the enzyme can remove the 3′ terminal CCA residues from mature tRNAs regardless of their nucleotide modifications. Furthermore, we discovered that E. coli tRNase Z, when sufficiently expressed in the cell, can shut down growth probably by removing amino acids from aminoacyl‐tRNAs. We confirmed in vitro that E. coli tRNase Z exceptionally possesses the activity that cleaves off the 3′ terminal residues charging an amino acid from an aminoacyl‐tRNA molecule. The current data suggest that tRNase Z might help modulate a cell growth rate by repressing translation under some stressful conditions.