bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Flunixin Meglumine on Cytokine Levels in Experimental Endotoxemia in Mice
Authors: Yazar E. , Er A. , Uney K. , Altunok V. , Elmas M.
Published: August 2007

In this study, effect of flunixin meglumine on serum tumour necrosis factor alpha, (TNFα) interleukin‐1 beta and interleukin‐10 levels was investigated in lipopolysaccharide‐induced endotoxic mice. Healthy 273 Balb/C mice were used and divided into three equal groups. Group 1 was injected lipopolysaccharide (Escherichia coli0111:B4, 250 μg/mouse, intraperitoneally), Group 2 was injected flunixin meglumine (2.5 mg/kg, subcutaneously), and Group 3 was injected lipopolysaccharide + flunixin meglumine. After the treatments, at 0., 1., 2., 3., 6., 12., 24th hours and 3., 5., 7., 14., 21., 28th days blood samples were taken from seven mice in each group. Serum TNFα, interleukin‐1 beta and interleukin‐10 levels were measured using commercially available kits by enzyme‐linked immunoassay. Flunixin meglumine did not affect the cytokine levels in healthy animals. While lipopolysaccharide increased serum TNFα, interleukin‐1 beta and interleukin‐10 levels, flunixin meglumine inhibited increases at levels of all cytokines. As result, flunixin meglumine showed depressor effect on cytokine levels in endotoxemia and the effect may be a reason for the first chosen member of nonsteroid anti‐inflammatory drug in endotoxemia.
Pituitary Macroadenoma in a Cat with Diabetes Mellitus, Hypercortisolism and Neurological Signs
Authors: Fracassi F. , Mandrioli L. , Diana A. , Hilbe M. , Grinwis G. , Gandini G.
Published: August 2007

A 13‐year‐old neutered male European short‐hair cat was presented because of blindness and behavioural abnormalities. On physical examination, abnormal behaviour, compulsive walking, circling, continuous vocalization and blindness were the main neurological signs. In addition, abdominal alopecia, thin and inelastic skin, weight loss despite polyphagia, polyuria and polydipsia were present. Laboratory investigation revealed diabetes mellitus and pituitary‐dependent hypercortisolism. Diagnostic imaging showed bilaterally enlarged adrenals and a large pituitary mass. Histopathological and immunohistochemical examination confirmed the clinical diagnosis of an ACTH‐producing pituitary macroadenoma.
Comparison of Plasma Metabolite Concentrations and Enzyme Activities in Beef Cattle Raised by Different Feeding Systems in Korea, Japan and New Zealand
Authors: Mori A. , Urabe S. , Asada M. , Tanaka Y. , Tazaki H. , Yamamoto I. , Kimura N. , Ozawa T. , Morris S. T. , Hickson R. , Kenyon P. R. , Blair H. , Choi C. B. , Arai T.
Published: August 2007

Concentrations of metabolites and immunoreactive insulin (IRI) and activities of enzymes related to energy metabolism were measured in plasma of Korean and Japanese beef cattle, which were raised by the indoor feeding system programmed to feed larger amount of roughage in their growing periods and larger amount of concentrate diet in their finishing periods (Japanese feeding system), and grazing New Zealand beef cattle. By the Japanese beef grading system, Korean and Japanese beef cattle showed high beef quality score, average grade 3.3 and 3.6, respectively. The plasma free fatty acid and lactate concentrations and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), malate dehydrogenase (MDH) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities in Korean beef cattle were significantly higher than those in Japanese beef cattle. The plasma lactate concentration in Korean beef cattle was 8.40 mmol/l, which was similar to the values observed in lactic acidosis. The higher activities of plasma LDH, MDH and AST may indicate slight liver damage by slightly acidotic conditions in Korean beef cattle. New Zealand beef cattle fed on pasture which they harvest by grazing showed significantly lower plasma glucose, cholesterol, lactate and IRI concentrations and enzyme activities than those in Korean and Japanese beef cattle fed on larger amount of concentrate diets. Plasma metabolite concentrations and energy metabolism‐related enzyme activities may be good indicators for evaluating metabolic conditions of beef cattle raised by different feeding systems.
A Comparison of Tepoxalin–Buprenorphine Combination and Buprenorphine for Postoperative Analgesia in Dogs: A Clinical Study
Authors: Bosmans T. , Gasthuys F. , Duchateau L. , De Bruin T. , Verhoeven G. , Polis I.
Published: August 2007

The present study compares the analgesic effect of a tepoxalin–buprenorphine combination to that of buprenorphine alone in the 24 h peri‐operative period in 20 dogs undergoing cranial cruciate ligament repair, which were randomly assigned to the two treatment protocols (n = 10). Additionally, possible side effects induced by tepoxalin were investigated. Analgesia was compared using a visual analogue scale (VAS) and a multifactorial pain scale (MFPS), by an anaesthetist blinded from treatment. Analysis of the overall VAS‐scores showed a significant decrease over time in both treatment groups. The decrease in the two groups was not significantly different from each other. No significant differences were found between the MFPS‐scores of both protocols. Potential side effects of tepoxalin were investigated by venous blood sampling before premedication and 24 h after extubation, a buccal mucosal bleeding time test and recording of vomiting, diarrhoea and adverse effects at the surgical site. Analysis of the blood parameters showed that fibrinogen levels were overall higher 24 h after surgery in both protocols, but were significantly more elevated in the tepoxalin group.No significant differences were found for the other blood parameters. Statistically, tepoxalin failed to improve analgesia induced by buprenorphine. There was no convincing evidence that the administration of tepoxalin was not associated with gastrointestinal side effects. There were no significant adverse effects on renal function and primary haemostasis.
Atrial fibrillation in haemodialysis patients: Do the guidelines for anticoagulation apply?
Authors: TO ANDREW CY , YEHIA MAHA , COLLINS JOHN F
Published: August 2007

Aim:  Atrial fibrillation (AF) is common in haemodialysis patients, but the risks and benefits of anticoagulation in this group are not well characterized. We investigated the prevalence of AF, its associated risk factors, and the incidence of stroke and haemorrhage in a cohort of haemodialysis patients.

Methods:  We retrospectively reviewed 155 patients undergoing maintenance haemodialysis on 1 April 2003 (age 56.9 ± 13.5 years; men 62.6%; mean duration of haemodialysis 39.3 ± 37.5 months). Patients with paroxysmal or permanent AF were identified, and baseline clinical and echocardiographic data were obtained. The incidence of cerebrovascular accidents, major haemorrhage and all‐cause mortality was assessed during the 26 month average follow‐up period.

Results:  AF was present in 25.8% of patients, paroxysmal in 18.1%, and permanent in 7.7%. Patients with AF were more likely to be older (64.2 ± 9.4 vs 54.4 ± 13.8 years; P < 0.005), have underlying ischaemic heart disease or congestive heart failure, and have a lower serum albumin (P < 0.05 for all). Only 12.5% of AF patients were anticoagulated, although 47.5% had contraindications to warfarin. Cerebrovascular events occurred in 5.2% of all patients (30.4 episodes/1000 patient‐years), and major haemorrhage in 20.0% (106.4 episodes/1000 patient‐years). All‐cause mortality was 29.7%. The endpoints for the AF group did not significantly differ from the non‐AF group.

Conclusion:  AF is common in haemodialysis patients. The incidence of major haemorrhage was over three times that of cerebrovascular accidents. Guideline recommendations for anticoagulation in AF in the general population may not be appropriate for the haemodialysis population.
Quantification of gene expression in urinary sediment for the study of renal diseases
Authors: WANG GANG , SZETO CHEUK‐CHUN
Published: August 2007

SUMMARY:  Urinalysis has been used extensively in clinical practice to aid in the diagnosis of various renal diseases. With the advances in technology of molecular biology, gene expression and proteomic studies are now possible for urinary sediment. In this review article, we focus on the quantification of messenger RNA expression in urinary sediment by reverse‐transcription and real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Recently, this technique has been explored for three potential applications: (i) distinguishing the different causes of kidney disease; (ii) assessment of kidney disease activity, progression and response to therapy; and (iii) as a tool to study the pathogenesis. Although the method is simple and non‐invasive, it requires further research to define the role in routine clinical practice. At this moment, the technique should only be considered experimental albeit promising.
Asymmetric dimethylarginine may be a missing link between cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease (Review Article)
Authors: UEDA SEIJI , YAMAGISHI SHO‐ICHI , KAIDA YUSUKE , OKUDA SEIYA
Published: August 2007

SUMMARY:  Decreased nitric oxide (NO) production and/or impaired NO bioavailability may occur in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), and could contribute to the elevation of blood pressure, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and the progression of renal injury in these patients. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms for reduced NO action in patients with CKD remains to be elucidated. Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is a naturally occurring l‐arginine analogue found in plasma and various types of tissues, acting as an endogenous NO synthase inhibitor in vivo. Further, plasma level of ADMA is elevated in patients with CKD and found to be a strong biomarker or predictor for future cardiovascular events. In addition, plasma level of ADMA could predict the progression of renal injury in these patients as well. These findings suggest that elevation of ADMA may be a missing link between CVD and CKD. In this review, we discuss the molecular mechanisms for the elevation of ADMA and its pathophysiological role for CVD in high‐risk patients, especially focusing on patients with CKD.
Comparison of chronic renal failure rats and modification of the preparation protocol as a hyperphosphataemia model
Authors: TERAI KAZUHIRO , MIZUKAMI KAZUHIKO , OKADA MASAMICHI
Published: August 2007

Background:  Several animal models with chronic renal failure have been established and used for demonstrating complications including hyperphosphataemia. Although long‐time feeding is required to cause hyperphosphataemia in animals, a few modifications have been reported to provide more useful models for research.

Methods:  Three separate experiments were carried out in the present study. First, characteristics of commonly used subnephrectomized (5/6Nx) rats and rats fed an adenine diet (0.75% adenine in normal diet) were compared as hyperphosphataemia models. Next, using adenine‐diet rats, the inhibitory effect of sevelamer hydrochloride (Sev) on serum phosphorus elevation was examined. Third, oral adenine dosing for induction of hyperphosphataemia and validation as a model using Sev were examined.

Results:  Serum phosphorus in 5/6Nx rats became elevated in 8–17 weeks, but the levels and time points of elevation differed among animals. In adenine‐fed rats, the elevation was more clearly demonstrated with less diversity at 4 weeks. The data revealed a potential shorter model preparation period and the importance of controlling feeding amounts. Oral adenine dosing induced hyperphosphataemia by 12 days, and Sev treatment was inhibitory. After a maintenance period of over a month (no treatments), Sev‐treated rats showed hyperphosphataemia as did oral adenine‐dosed control rats. The serum phosphorus levels significantly decreased on further Sev treatment.

Conclusion:  Oral dosing with adenine made the model preparation period definitely shorter, and its usefulness as a hyperphosphataemia model was revealed using Sev.
Complex adaptive systems and nursing
Authors: Paley John
Published: August 2007

Complex adaptive systems and nursing

There have been numerous references to complexity theory and complex systems in the recent healthcare literature, including nursing. However, exaggerated claims have (in my view) been made about how they can be applied to health service delivery, and there is a widespread tendency to misunderstand some of the concepts associated with complexity thinking (usually justified by describing the misconception as a metaphor). These conceptscanbe extended to systems and structures in healthcare organisations but, at this stage in the development of complexity science, only in a modest and very cautious way. In this paper I first outline some of the key ideas in the theory of complex adaptive systems, and then suggest that they have been distorted by a series of influential articles in the medical literature. I go on to present a simple case study of my own and undertake a complexity analysis of it. In the conclusion I suggest that we should beware of some outdated ideas being trotted out in the guise of complexity — an exciting and diverse area of enquiry that those old ideas do not, in fact, resemble.
An examination of nervios among Mexican seasonal farm workers
Authors: England Margaret , Mysyk Avis , Gallegos Juan Arturo Avila
Published: August 2007

An examination of nervios among Mexican seasonal farm workers

The purpose of this exploratory descriptive study was to examine a process model of the nervios experience of 30 Mexican seasonal farm workers. Focused interviews were conducted in Spanish to determine the workers’ perspectives on their experiences of nervios while residing in rural, southwest Ontario. Data for analysis originated from variables created to represent key themes that had emerged from open coding of the interviews. Simultaneous entry, multiple regression analyses revealed that provocation, control salience, and cognitive sensory motor distress directly explained 67.2% of the variation in worker expressions of negative affectivity. The combination fear, feeling trapped, and giving in mediated the relationship of provocation, control salience and cognitive sensory motor distress to expressions of negative affectivity (R2 = 88.1%). Control salience and its dampening effect on other elements of the nervios experience, however, appeared to be key to whether subjects experienced negative reactions to being provoked or distressed. This evidence points to nervios being a powerful, holistic idiom of distress with at least six variables contributing to its affective negativity. This information is important to our understanding of how nervios unfolds and for accurate specification of a nervios model for clinical practice and research. It also sets the stage for improved therapeutic alliances with nervios sufferers, and social action to reduce factors that provoke nervios.
Prisoners signify: a political discourse analysis of mental illness in a prison control unit
Authors: Cloyes Kristin Gates
Published: August 2007

Prisoners signify: a political discourse analysis of mental illness in a prison control unit

Increasingly, US prisoners diagnosed with mental illness are housed in control units, the most restrictive form of confinement in the US prison system. This situation has led to intense debate over the legal, ethical and clinical status of mental illness. This is a semiotic struggle with profound effects, yet most related work treats mental illness as a neutral, individual variable. Few analyses locate mental illness within a larger sociopolitical context. Fewer still focus on discursive practice. None critically analyze the accounts of control unit prisoners, who talk about extreme marginality and risk for victimization. This paper has two aims: (i) to develop a systematic method of analysis that accounts for signification as discourse‐in‐action; and (ii) to show how prisoners’ signification of mental illness articulates agency through and against marginalizing discourse. Political discourse analysis demonstrates how control unit prisoners with psychiatric diagnoses signify mental illness, and articulate safer identifications in the process.
Admitting hospital patients: a qualitative study of an everyday nursing task
Authors: Jones Aled
Published: August 2007

Admitting hospital patients: a qualitative study of an everyday nursing task

In recent years new modes of nursing work have been introduced globally in response to radical changes in healthcare policies, technology and new ideologies of citizenship. These transformations have redefined orthodox nurse–patient relationships and further complicated the division of labour within health‐care. One distinctive feature of the work of registered nurses has been their initial assessment of patients being admitted to hospital, and it is of interest that this area of nursing practice remains central to the registered nurse's role at a time where other areas of practice have been relinquished to other occupational groups. This qualitative study, drawing on conversation analysis and ethnographic techniques, explores this area of everyday nursing work. Initial nursing assessments have attracted considerable interest in the nursing literature, where it is clearly stated that assessments should be patient centred and seen as the important first step on the road to a therapeutic nurse–patient relationship. Results from this study lead to the conclusion that the actual nursing practice of patient assessment on admission to hospital is at odds with the recommendations of the literature and that a more routinised, bureaucratic form of work is devised by nurses as a means of expediting the process of admission.
The meaning of being a middle‐aged close relative of a person who has suffered a stroke, 1 month after discharge from a rehabilitation clinic
Authors: Bäckström Britt , Sundin Karin
Published: August 2007

The meaning of being a middle‐aged close relative of a person who has suffered a stroke, 1 month after discharge from a rehabilitation clinic

The sudden and unexpected impact of stroke may have a stressful affect on close relatives. To illuminate the essential meaning in the lived experience of a middle‐aged close relative of a person who has suffered a stroke, narrative interviews were conducted with 10 close relatives of people who had suffered their first stroke where both parties were aged over 18 and under 65. A phenomenological‐hermeneutic interpretation of the narratives was then conducted. Three intimately intertwined themes emerged during the analysis: ‘being called to mission’, ‘feeling lost and set adrift’ and ‘struggling to keep going’. The middle‐aged close relatives felt unreflectively duty bound. There was a struggle with suffering and enduring the process of coping with life and overcoming a feeling of helplessness. Life turned out to be a struggle with overwhelming feelings. They felt alienated in a restricted life situation, disconnected from themselves and others, and from a world that supports feelings of being lost and set adrift (i.e. feeling homeless). Strength was found in moments when the situation improved, in being related to oneself and others, and when feelings of normality were regained.
Type I cystinuria and its genetic basis in a population of Turkish school children
Authors: Tanzer Fatos , Ozgur Arzu , Bardakci Fevzi
Published: August 2007

Objectives:  Cystinuria is a common inherited disorder characterized by an abnormal urinary excretion of cystine and dibasic amino acids resulting in nephrolithiasis. The SLC3A1 gene, which encodes a dibasic amino acid transporter protein, is involved in the pathogenesis of cystinuria. In the present study we aimed to investigate the prevalence of cystinuria among children in Sivas province (Central Anatolia, Turkey) and to study M467T and M467K mutations and 231T/A polymorphism in patients with cystinuria.

Methods:  A total of 8500 children were screened for cystinuria. The cyanide‐nitroprusside test was applied to urine samples of all children. Children having a positive cyanide‐nitroprusside test were further analyzed. M467T and M467K mutations (exon 8) and 231T/A polymorphism (exon 1) in the SCL3A1 gene were studied using a restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) assay.

Results:  We have found that the prevalence of cystinuria (11 cystinuric patients) is 1/772 in our population. Results of mutation analysis in the patients with cystinuria showed that M467T was the only mutation that was found in six cystinuric patients. One patient was homozygous and five were heterozygous for this mutation.

Conclusions:  The frequency of cystinuria in Sivas Province is the highest among the other populations studied to date. The frequency of M467T mutation is relatively higher than those reported for most populations. High frequency of cystinuria in this region could be due to consanguineous marriages.
Prostate specific antigen nadir determined using ultra‐sensitive prostate specific antigen as a predictor of biochemical progression after radical prostatectomy in Japanese males
Authors: Kinoshita Hidefumi , Kamoto Toshiyuki , Nishiyama Hiroyuki , Nakamura Eijiro , Matsuda Tadashi , Ogawa Osamu
Published: August 2007

Objectives:  We examined whether the prostate specific antigen (PSA) nadir is a good predictor of biochemical failure after radical prostatectomy.

Methods:  We retrospectively reviewed clinico‐pathological data in 257 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy. Twenty‐nine patients of whom PSA nadir did not reach 0.1 ng/mL and three patients in whom second line therapy was started before biochemical failure were excluded, and 225 patients were subject to this study. We evaluated the changes in PSA value at very low (from less than 0.01–0.10 ng/mL) levels using an ultra‐sensitive PSA assay after radical prostatectomy. Biochemical failure was defined as three consecutive elevations of PSA to above 0.1 ng/mL.

Results:  Biochemical failure‐free survival was attained by 89.9% of patients at 1 year, 83.0% at 2 years, and 81.0% at 5 years. PSA nadir more than 0.01 ng/mL was strongly associated with biochemical failure after radical prostatectomy (P < 0.0001). Mean time to reach PSA nadir was 3.1 months. Preoperative PSA > 20 ng/mL (P = 0.0013), clinical T stage = T2 (P = 0.0462), Gleason score 8–10 (P = 0.0243) were also independent predictors of biochemical progression.

Conclusions:  Prostate specific antigen nadir determined by ultra‐sensitive PSA assay is an important parameter that is objective, reliable, and easily measured, and useful for predicting the subgroups of patients both most likely and unlikely to exhibit biochemical progression.
Significance of lateral biopsy specimens during transrectal ultrasound‐guided prostate biopsies in Japanese men
Authors: Shigemura Katsumi , Arakawa Soichi , Yamanaka Kunito , Kataoka Nobuo , Yuien Keiji , Fujisawa Masato
Published: August 2007

Objectives:  Lateral biopsies are thought to have a better cancer detection rate compared with standard sextant biopsies. This study aimed to determine whether lateral peripheral zone biopsies in Japanese men who underwent transrectal ultrasound‐guided prostate biopsies provided a significantly higher cancer detection rate than sextant biopsies.

Methods:  Between 1999 and 2004, data were collected from 461 men who underwent prostate biopsy and had enough data regarding the performance of lateral biopsies for statistical analysis. There were two categories in this study: (i) patients who underwent sextant prostate biopsies; and (ii) patients who underwent sextant biopsies plus lateral biopsies.

Results:  Prostate cancer was detected in 141 (30.6%) of 461 patients. It was detected in 24 (22.2%) of 108 patients who underwent sextant biopsies and 117 (33.1%) of 353 patients who underwent sextant plus lateral biopsies. Lateral biopsies were not associated with a statistically higher rate of positive biopsy findings; however, we found a significantly higher ratio of patients with positive findings in those with prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels ≤10 ng/mL (10 of 40, 25%) than in those with PSA levels >10 ng/mL (one of 71, 1.4%) among those who had positive cores only in lateral biopsy samples (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions:  Lateral biopsies did not show a significantly higher detection ratio of prostate cancer compared to sextant biopsies. However, lateral biopsies were more effective than sextant biopsies in patients with lower PSA levels. Our findings might be useful for the establishment of biopsy strategies to detect prostate cancer, especially in patients with lower PSA levels.
Weed seed movement and dispersal strategies in the agricultural environment
Authors: BENVENUTI STEFANO
Published: August 2007

This paper reviews the current knowledge on weed seed movement in an agricultural environment. Seed movement is analyzed both from an agronomic and ecological perspective, focusing predominantly on horizontal seed movement. Abiotic (anemochory and hydrochory), as well as biotic (autochory, myrmecochory, epizoochory, and endozoochory) weed seed dispersal typologies are examined, highlighting the mechanisms involved, the specializations displayed by weed species that have evolved by exploiting a particular dispersal mechanism, and their adaptive interaction with the surrounding ecosystem. Emphasis is also placed on the crucial role of human activity (anthropochory), which can affect natural (biotic and abiotic) weed seed dispersal at several stages, partly via the worldwide commercial seed trade but, above all, by crop management operations, thereby potentially facilitating the entry and spread of alien weed species. This phenomenon, together with the invasive expansion of existing weeds that more successfully coevolve and adapt to the new environment, might exert an adverse effect on biodiversity. In‐depth knowledge of weed seed dispersal, survival, and germination mechanisms is therefore essential for effective and eco‐compatible management of the weed phytocoenoses present in the agroecosystem in order to promote a rational trade‐off between agricultural productivity and environmental protection.
Allelopathic potential of Trifolium resupinatum L. (Persian clover) and Trifolium alexandrium L. (Berseem clover)
Authors: MAIGHANY FARIBA , KHALGHANI JAVAD , BAGHESTANI MOHAMMAD ALI , NAJAFPOUR MORTEZA
Published: August 2007

This experiment was conducted in order to determine if Persian clover (Trifolium resupinatum) and Berseem clover (Trifolium alexandrium) contained water‐soluble and methanol‐soluble constituents that could affect the seedling growth of four test species; namely, Amaranthus retroflexus, Convolvulus arvensis (field bindweed), Secale cereale, and Sinapis arvensis (wild mustard). The above‐ground tissues of the Persian and Berseem clover plants were collected during the vegetative growth stage and oven‐dried. Three concentrations of aqueous and methanolic extracts were used at full‐strength (33.3 g L−1), half‐strength (16.7 g L−1), and quarter‐strength (8.3 g L−1). Distilled water was used as the control. The weed seeds were placed in Petri dishes containing the legume extract or distilled water (control). The seedling growth of the weed species declined with the increasing concentration of the clover extracts. Wild mustard exhibited the highest sensitivity to both the legume extracts. Compared to the aqueous extract, the methanolic extract caused a greater decline in the seedling growth of the weeds. Berseem clover was the stronger inhibitor of the weed seedling growth, as compared to Persian clover. Therefore, the amounts of allelochemicals present might differ in these two clover species. Field bindweed showed the least sensitivity to both the legume extracts. Field bindweed showed more tolerance to the allelochemicals produced by the clover species.
Residual thenylchlor concentration in soil water and its phytotoxic activity in soil
Authors: MURANO HIROTATSU , KOBAYASHI KATSUICHIRO , FUJIHARA SHINSUKE
Published: August 2007

The phytotoxic activity of soil‐applied thenylchlor (2‐chloro‐N‐[3‐methoxy‐2‐thenyl]‐2′,6′‐dimethylacetanilide) on the growth of rice seedlings and its behavior in two different types of soil, Ryugasaki soil and Tsukuba soil, after application was investigated with emphasis on the concentration in the soil water. The greatest inhibition of thenylchlor on the growth of rice seedlings was found immediately after application to both the Ryugasaki and Tsukuba soils. The phytotoxic activity decreased with time in both soils. However, the rate of decrease in phytotoxic activity was slower in the Ryugasaki soil than in the Tsukuba soil. The concentration of thenylchlor in soil water, the amount adsorbed on the soil solid, and the amount in the total soil reduced with time after application to both soils. The amount of thenylchlor adsorbed on the soil solid phase was more persistent than that in the soil water in both soils and the concentration in the soil water was higher in the Ryugasaki soil than in the Tsukuba soil at any given time. The residual phytotoxic activity of thenylchlor on the growth of the rice seedlings in the soil was highly correlated with its concentration in the soil water but not with the amount in the total soil. These results suggested that the residual phytotoxic activity of thenylchlor in the soil is determined by its concentration in the soil water after application.
Specific and total activities of the allelochemicals identified in buckwheat
Authors: GOLISZ ANNA , LATA BARBARA , GAWRONSKI STANISLAW W. , FUJII YOSHIHARU
Published: August 2007

The various organs of the Polish cultivars of buckwheat were evaluated for their flavonoid content (rutin, quercetin, (+)‐catechin, and (−)‐epicatechin) and for their phenolic acid content (chlorogenic, caffeic, ferulic, and gallic acids) to test their contribution to buckwheat allelopathic activity. The main compound found in the above‐ground organs of buckwheat was rutin, followed by chlorogenic acid, and then (−)‐epicatechin. The allelopathic activity, based on the specific activity of the identified compounds on lettuce seedling growth, was evaluated. Gallic acid had the highest specific activity and quercetin had the lowest. The specific activity of rutin was at the medium level compared to the other examined compounds, but as a consequence of its high concentration, its total activity was very high. The growth inhibitory effects of the aqueous extracts of the buckwheat leaves and inflorescences were higher than that of the stems. The higher inhibitory activity of the extracts compared to the leaves and inflorescences was explained by the high presence of rutin in them. Therefore, based on the total activity, as calculated by its concentration and its growth inhibitory effect, it seems that rutin, among the other tested compounds, is the major allelochemical in Polish buckwheat.
Characterization of reactive oxygen species‐involved oxidative damage in Hapalosiphon species crude extract‐treated wheat and onion roots
Authors: SANEVAS NUTTHA , SUNOHARA YUKARI , MATSUMOTO HIROSHI
Published: August 2007

Crude extract‐induced oxidative damage using the cyanobacterium, Hapalosiphon sp., was investigated in wheat seedlings (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Norin 61) and onion seedlings (Allium cepa L. cv. Raputa II). The analysis of root cell viability or cell death using Evans blue uptake showed that the root‐tip cells of wheat and onion lost viability after 24 h and 48 h treatment with 3 g dry weight (DW) L−1 of the crude extract, respectively. Lipid peroxidation was induced in the roots of both species and the shoots of onion, whereas no increase in lipid peroxide formation was observed in the wheat shoots. In onion, the degree of random DNA fragmentation increased with the increasing concentration of the extract and laddering of the DNA was observed with 6 g DW L−1 of the extract, but no apparent DNA ladder formation occurred in the wheat. Pretreatment for 1 h with the NADPH oxidase inhibitors, diphenyleneidonium or imidazole, reduced the crude extract‐induced root cell death in both species. From the results, we suggest that the Hapalosiphon sp. crude extract might enhance reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, which causes membrane lipid damage and fragmentation of the DNA of plant cells, resulting in cell death and growth inhibition. The crude extract‐mediated phytotoxic damage might be caused by ROS, triggered by NADPH oxidase.
Regulation of the norepinephrine transporter by α‐synuclein‐mediated interactions with microtubules
Authors: Jeannotte Alexis M. , Sidhu Anita
Published: August 2007

α‐Synuclein (α‐Syn) regulates catecholaminergic neurotransmission. We demonstrate that α‐Syn regulates the activity and surface expression of the norepinephrine transporter (NET), depending on its expression levels. In cells co‐transfected with NET and low amounts of α‐Syn, NET activity and cell surface expression were increased and protein interactions with α‐Syn decreased, compared with cells transfected with NET alone. Converse effects were observed at higher levels of α‐Syn expression. Treatment with nocodazole and other microtubule (MT) destabilizers abolished the expression‐dependent bimodal regulation of NET by α‐Syn. At low α‐Syn levels, nocodazole had no effect on NET surface expression or protein interactions, while inducing increases in these measures at higher levels. Cells that were transfected with NET alone displayed no sensitivity to nocodazole, indicating that α‐Syn expression was necessary for the MT‐dependent changes in NET activity. MT destabilizers also caused a significant increase in [3H]‐NE uptake in brainstem primary neurons and synaptosomes from the frontal cortex, but not striatal synaptosomes. These findings suggest that the surface localization and activity of NET is modulated by α‐Syn in a manner that is both dependent on interactions with the MT cytoskeleton and varies across brain regions.
Tripchlorolide protects against MPTP‐induced neurotoxicity in C57BL/6 mice
Authors: Hong Zhen , Wang Gang , Gu Jing , Pan Jing , Bai Li , Zhang Shi , Chen Sheng‐Di
Published: August 2007

Many current studies of Parkinson's disease (PD) suggest that inflammation is involved in the neurodegenerative process. Tripchlorolide (TW397), a traditional Chinese herbal compound with anti‐inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties, has been shown to protect dopaminergic neurons against, and restore their function after, the neurotoxicity induced by 1‐methyl‐4‐phenylpyridinium ions in vitro. This study was designed to investigate the effect of TW397 in vivo in the PD model of 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)‐lesioned C57BL/6 mice. In the animals that received vehicle‐only (i.e., no TW397) treatment with MPTP i.p. injection, the survival ratios of tyrosine hydroxylase‐immunoreactive (TH‐IR) neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta and TH‐IR fibres in the striatum were only 59 and 13%, respectively, compared with the normal controls. Intriguingly, in conjunction with MPTP, treatment with TW397, 1 µg/kg for 16 days, once per day, dramatically improved the survival rate of the TH‐IR neurons and TH‐IR fibres to 80 and 43% of the control. The treatment with TW397 also significantly improved the level of dopamine in the substantia nigra and striatum to 157 and 191%, respectively, of the MPTP‐ plus vehicle‐treated group. In addition, in MPTP‐treated animals the rota‐rod performances of those treated with 0.5 or 1 µg/kg TW397 were significantly improved, by ∼2‐ and 3‐fold, respectively, relative to vehicle‐treated animals. The neuroprotective effect of TW397 was coincident with an attenuated astroglial response within the striatum. These data demonstrate a neuroprotective action of TW397 in vivo against MPTP toxicity, with important implications for the treatment of PD.
Facilitation can increase the phylogenetic diversity of plant communities
Authors: Valiente‐Banuet Alfonso , Verdú Miguel
Published: August 2007

With the advent of molecular phylogenies the assessment of community assembly processes has become a central topic in community ecology. These processes have focused almost exclusively on habitat filtering and competitive exclusion. Recent evidence, however, indicates that facilitation has been important in preserving biodiversity over evolutionary time, with recent lineages conserving the regeneration niches of older, distant lineages. Here we test whether, if facilitation among distant‐related species has preserved the regeneration niche of plant lineages, this has increased the phylogenetic diversity of communities. By analyzing a large worldwide database of species, we showed that the regeneration niches were strongly conserved across evolutionary history. Likewise, a phylogenetic supertree of all species of three communities driven by facilitation showed that nurse species facilitated distantly related species and increased phylogenetic diversity.
Aerobic uranium (VI) bioprecipitation by metal‐resistant bacteria isolated from radionuclide‐ and metal‐contaminated subsurface soils
Authors: Martinez Robert J. , Beazley Melanie J. , Taillefert Martial , Arakaki Adrian K. , Skolnick Jeffrey , Sobecky Patricia A.
Published: August 2007

In this study, the immobilization of toxic uranium [U(VI)] mediated by the intrinsic phosphatase activities of naturally occurring bacteria isolated from contaminated subsurface soils was examined. The phosphatase phenotypes of strains belonging to the genera, Arthrobacter, Bacillus and Rahnella, previously isolated from subsurface soils at the US Department of Energy's (DOE) Oak Ridge Field Research Center (ORFRC), were determined. The ORFRC represents a unique, extreme environment consisting of highly acidic soils with co‐occurring heavy metals, radionuclides and high nitrate concentrations. Isolates exhibiting phosphatase‐positive phenotypes indicative of constitutive phosphatase activity were subsequently tested in U(VI) bioprecipitation assays. When aerobically grown in synthetic groundwater (pH 5.5) amended with 10 mM glycerol‐3‐phosphate (G3P), phosphatase‐positive Bacillus and Rahnella spp. strains Y9‐2 and Y9602 liberated sufficient phosphate to precipitate 73% and 95% of total soluble U added as 200 μM uranyl acetate respectively. In contrast, an Arthrobacter sp. X34 exhibiting a phosphatase‐negative phenotype did not liberate phosphate from G3P or promote U(VI) precipitation. This study provides the first evidence of U(VI) precipitation via the phosphatase activity of naturally occurring Bacillus and Rahnella spp. isolated from the acidic subsurface at the DOE ORFRC.
Beneficial effects of suplatast tosilate (IPD‐1151T) in a rat cystitis model induced by intravesical hydrochloric acid
Authors: Kirimoto Tsukasa , Nakano Koushi , Irimura Kenji , Hayashi Yukio , Matsuura Naosuke , Kiniwa Mamoru , Oka Toshinori , Yoshimura Naoki
Published: August 2007

OBJECTIVE

To examine the effects of suplatast tosilate (IPD‐1151T), a Th2 cytokine inhibitor recently recognized to improve the symptoms in patients with interstitial cystitis (IC), in a rat model of HCl‐induced chronic cystitis, to elucidate the possible mechanisms by which the drug improves the symptoms of IC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Chronic cystitis was induced by intravesical instillation of 0.2 mL of 0.4 m HCl in female adult rats. After a once‐daily oral administration of IPD‐1151T (0.1–100 mg/kg) or prednisolone (5 mg/kg) for 7 days, cystometry was performed under urethane anaesthesia. The bladder from HCl‐induced cystitis rats was also assessed histopathologically.

RESULTS

On cystometrography there was frequent voiding in cystitis rats. Administration of IPD‐1151T for 7 days after intravesical HCl instillation dose‐dependently increased the micturition volume and intercontraction intervals. Treatment with prednisolone had similar therapeutic effects. Histological analyses in the bladder from cystitis rats revealed oedema and infiltration of inflammatory cells such as mast cells and eosinophils in the lamina propria and the transitional epithelial thickening. These histological changes and the number of mast cells and eosinophils were reduced by administration of IPD‐1151T or prednisolone.

CONCLUSION

The present results indicate that IPD‐1151T improves bladder function and pathological changes in HCl‐induced cystitis rats, as previously observed in patients with IC. The rat cystitis model induced by HCl could provide useful information for studying proposed therapies for IC which might involve T cell‐dependent inflammatory responses as one of its potential pathophysiologies.
Environmental data sets matter in ecological niche modelling: an example with Solenopsis invicta and Solenopsis richteri
Authors: Peterson A. T. , Nakazawa Y.
Published: August 2007

Aim  In response to a recent paper suggesting the failure of ecological niche models to predict between native and introduced distributional areas of fire ants (Solenopsis invicta), we sought to assess methodological causes of this failure.

Location  Ecological niche models were developed on the species’ native distributional area in South America, and projected globally.

Methods  We developed ecological niche models based on six different environmental data sets, and compared their respective abilities to anticipate the North American invasive distributional area of the species.

Results  We show that models based on the ‘bioclimatic variables’ of the WorldClim data set indeed fail to predict the full invasive potential of the species, but that models based on four other data sets could predict this potential correctly.

Main conclusions  The difference in predictive abilities appears to centre on the complexity of the environmental variables involved. These results emphasize important influences of environmental data sets on the generality and ability of ecological niche models to anticipate novel phenomena, and offer a simpler explanation for the lack of predictive ability among native and invaded distributional areas than that of niche shifts.
Macroecology and extinction risk correlates of frogs
Authors: Cooper Natalie , Bielby Jon , Thomas Gavin H. , Purvis Andy
Published: August 2007

Aim Our aim was to test whether extinction risk of frog species could be predicted from their body size, fecundity or geographical range size. Because small geographical range size is a correlate of extinction risk in many taxa, we also tested hypotheses about correlates of range size in frogs.

Location Global.

Methods Using a large comparative data set (n = 527 species) compiled from the literature, we performed bivariate and multiple regressions through the origin of independent contrasts to test proposed macroecological patterns and correlates of extinction risk in frogs. We also created minimum adequate models to predict snout–vent length, clutch size, geographical range size and IUCN Red List status in frogs. Parallel non‐phylogenetic analyses were also conducted. We verified the results of the phylogenetic analyses using gridded data accounting for spatial autocorrelation.

Results The most threatened frog species tend to have small geographical ranges, although the relationship between range and extinction risk is not linear. In addition, tropical frogs with small clutches have the smallest ranges. Clutch size was strongly positively correlated with geographical range size (r2 = 0.22) and body size (r2 = 0.28).

Main conclusions Our results suggest that body size and fecundity only affect extinction risk indirectly through their effect on geographical range size. Thus, although large frogs with small clutches tend to be endangered, there is no comparative evidence that this relationship is direct. If correct, this inference has consequences for conservation strategy: it would be inefficient to allocate conservation resources on the basis of low fecundity or large body size; instead it would be better to protect areas that contain many frog species with small geographical ranges.
EXTERNALITIES AND PARTIAL TAX REFORM: DOES IT MAKE SENSE TO TAX ROAD FREIGHT (BUT NOT PASSENGER) TRANSPORT?*
Authors: Calthrop Edward , De Borger Bruno , Proost Stef
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT Externalities such as pollution and road congestion are jointly produced by the use of intermediate inputs by firms and the consumption of final goods by households. To cope with such externalities, policy proposals often suggest partial tax reforms. This paper uses a simple general equilibrium model to explore the effects of a reform of taxes on freight transport in a second‐best setting. The theoretical model shows that the welfare effect of higher freight taxes is positive, unless passenger transport is severely under‐taxed and the tax reform attracts substantially more passenger transport. Moreover, the optimal freight tax may be below or above marginal external cost. Budgetary neutral tax reform exercises with a numerical simulation model for the U.K. suggest that, under a wide variety of parameter values, higher freight transport taxes are indeed welfare increasing. The welfare gain of freight tax reform rises with the level of the passenger tax, but the optimal freight tax declines at higher taxes on passenger transport. Substantial net benefits of tax reform are obtained only under labor tax recycling of the revenues.
TIEBOUT DYNAMICS: NEIGHBORHOOD RESPONSE TO A CENTRAL‐CITY/SUBURBAN HOUSE‐PRICE DIFFERENTIAL*
Authors: Thorsnes Paul , Reifel John W.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT We take advantage of an unusual natural experiment—a high‐quality 1920s subdivision split neatly in half by a central‐city/suburban boundary—to study the response over 30 years to the relative decline in the quality of central‐city services since the 1960s. As expected, a large sale price differential opens in the 1960s. Demographic characteristics are nevertheless similar across the boundary. Survey data indicate Tiebout sorting: the central city side attracts households who prefer alternatives to suburban public schools. Children attend parochial and public “magnet” schools. A neighborhood association supplements municipal services. Rigid service district boundaries inhibit closure of the house‐price differential.
MEASURING THE LOCALIZATION OF ECONOMIC ACTIVITY: A PARAMETRIC APPROACH*
Authors: Guimarães Paulo , Figueiredo Octávio , Woodward Douglas
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT The index proposed by Ellison and Glaeser (1997) is now well established as the preferred method for measuring the localization of economic activity. In this paper we develop an alternative localization measure that is consistent with the theoretical framework originally proposed by Ellison and Glaeser. Our measure follows directly from the Random Utility (Profit) Maximization (RUM) location decision model. Because the distributional assumptions in our model are fully compatible with RUM, we are able to offer a more efficient measure of industry clustering.
REGIONAL EARNINGS INEQUALITY IN GREAT BRITAIN: EVIDENCE FROM QUANTILE REGRESSIONS*
Authors: Dickey Heather
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT The increase in national earnings inequality in Great Britain over the last two decades has predominantly been a result of increasing earnings inequality within the regions of Great Britain, and not rising inequality between regions. However, there is a severe lack of empirical research exploring the evolution of earnings inequality within regions. This paper investigates the causes of rising within‐region inequality in Great Britain. It examines the changes that have taken place between 1976 and 1995, and regional quantile regressions are estimated to reveal those factors that have contributed to the rise in within‐region inequality.