bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Arrhythmias Associated with Electroconvulsive Therapy in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: ADABAG A. SELCUK , KIM HELEN G. , ALOUL BASEL AL
Published: August 2010

Patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) are inherently prone to arrhythmias. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), a well‐known treatment in psychiatry, leads to a catecholamine surge and may cause arrhythmias in patients with severe coronary and valvular heart diseases and heart failure. Whether ECT is safe in HCM is unknown. We systematically investigated the effects of ECT on the arrhythmia profile and left ventricular outflow obstruction of a HCM patient by serial ambulatory Holter electrocardiograms and echocardiograms before and after ECT. Our observations provide insight into the evaluation and management of a HCM patient undergoing ECT.
Indications for Pacing in Patients with Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Villain Elisabeth
Published: August 2010

Background: Advances in pacing technology have increased indications for antibradycardia pacing and new indications have appeared for treatment of atrial tachycardia and cardiac failure in patients with congenital heart disease (CHD).

Methods and Results: Implantation of a pacemaker is mandatory for symptomatic children with complete atrio‐ventricular block (CAVB). In asymptomatic neonates and infants, prophylactic pacing is indicated when the ventricular rhythm is <55 beats per minute (bpm) or 70 bpm in case of significant cardiac malformations. Beyond one year of age, PM implantation is recommended in children with an average heart rate <50 bpm or long pauses on 24‐hour recordings. Post‐operative block that persists 7 days after cardiac surgery is a class I indication for pacing. Postoperative heart block may also be transient, but patients with residual conduction abnormalities and a long HV interval have a high risk of late sudden death and should be paced. After cardiac surgery, atrial pacing may also be considered, in patients with severe sinus bradycardia and symptoms, or in those requiring antiarrhythmic drugs for tachy‐bradycardia syndrome; in case of failure of antiarrhythmic drugs, antitachycardia atrial pacing now appears to be safe and efficacious. Finally, cardiac resynchronization therapy may apply to children with congenital heart block and cardiomyopathy, as well as to the population with CHD. Methods and results are described in the section dedicated to resynchronization.

Conclusion: Cardiac pacing indications have extended beyond prevention of sudden death and pacemaker implantation is now indicated to improve quality of life of patients with CHD and as a bridge to cardiac transplantation.
Subjective and Objective Response to Single‐ Versus Dual‐Chamber Pacing
Authors: FROMER MARTIN , KAPPENBERGER LUKAS , BABOTAI ISTVAN
Published: August 2010

With two different questionnaires, we analyzed the feeling of well‐being during dual chamber pacing mode and VVI mode in 25 randomly selected patients, mean age 66.7 years (range 22–84). All patients had high degree AV block and received either a DDD pacemaker (23 patients) or a VDD pacemaker. Under each pacing mode exercise tests were performed as well. Questionnaire 1 was answered during DDD or VDD mode. According to questionnaire 1, 76% of the patients remembered their symptoms before PM implantation. Eighty‐two percent of the patients felt an improvement of their symptoms after the installation of the pacemaker. Questionnaire 2 was answered after a three‐week period of VVI pacing. Fifty‐six of the patients indicated a deterioration of their general conditions, 36% of the patients noted dizziness, 58% dyspnea, 40% reduced effort tolerance, and 22% a sleep disturbance. After a change to dual‐chamber pacing, general well‐being was better in 74% of the patients, dyspnea was noted in only 15%, effort tolerance was improved in 61%, and sleep was undisturbed in 97%. The physical work capacity (expressed as a product of Watts multiplied by minutes) tested on a bicycle ergometer was 400 ± 190 Wmin in VVI mode and 414 ± 272 Wmin in DDD/VDD mode (p = ns). The double products were 14,600 ± 4,934 and 22,066 ± 5,585 (p < 0.05), respectively. We conclude that dual‐chamber pacing leads to a significant improvement in the quality of life for patients with symptomatic AV block.
Determinants and Effects of Electrical Stimulation of the Inferior Interatrial Parasympathetic Plexus During Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: SOÓS PÁL , MERKELY BÉLA , HORVAT PÁL MAUROVICH , ZIMA ENDRE , SCHAUERTE PATRICK
Published: August 2010

Introduction: Catheter stimulation of the inferior interatrial ganglionated parasympathetic plexus decreases the ventricular rate during atrial fibrillation (AF) in humans. However, the relatively high stimulation voltages might prevent implementation of neurostimulation in chronic implantable devices. From myocardial electrostimulation it is known that the required impulse energy and charge is lowest at the chronaxie time. In order to lower energy requirements for cardiac neurostimulation, the present study evaluates the impulse‐strength versus impulse‐duration relationship for a neurostimulation lead that was implanted into the inferior interatrial ganglionated plexus.

Methods and Results: In nine dogs, permanent epicardial bipolar screw‐in electrodes were fixed in the inferior interatrial ganglionated plexus. AF was maintained via rapid atrial pacing. During AF, neural stimulation was performed at various frequencies (1–100 Hz), impulse durations (0.05–2 msec), and voltages (0.02–11.5 V). There was a linear correlation between R‐R interval lengthening and stimulus voltage (R = 0.99; P < 0.001) and a bell‐shaped relationship between stimulation frequency and negative dromotropic effect with maximum rate slowing at 30–50 Hz. The rheobase for a 50% R‐R interval prolongation during AF was 1.81 V and 2.72 V for high‐grade AVB yielding a chronaxie time of 0.14 msec and 0.18 msec, respectively. The impulse energy (charge) at the chronaxie time was 4–6 μJ (6–8 μC).

Conclusions: Cardiac neurostimulation follows a chronaxie/rheobase behavior. Energy, charge, and voltage values needed to achieve significant negative dromotropic effects are within the limits of conventional cardiac pacemaker outputs, which may allow implementation of neurostimulation capabilities in current pacemaker technology.
Atrial Natriuretic Peptide Has Dose‐Dependent, Autonomically Mediated Effects on Atrial Refractoriness and Repolarization in Anesthetized Dogs
Authors: STAMBLER BRUCE S. , GUO GARY B.
Published: August 2010

Introduction: Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) may alter electrophysiological properties of the heart and possibly have a role in arrhythmogenesis. However, previous studies have yielded conflicting results and have not fully considered whether ANP's cardiac electrophysiological effects are mediated via direct actions and/or indirectly via the autonomic nervous system. This study's aim was to establish whether ANP infused at pathophysiological and pharmacological doses has significant in vivo cardiac electrophysiological effects and to determine whether these effects are directly or autonomically mediated.

Methods and Results: Electrophysiologic and hemodynamic effects of ANP infusion (human ANP at 15–600 ng/kg per minute) were examined in chloralose‐anesthetized dogs under conditions of varying autonomic blockade. In autonomically intact dogs (n = 12), low‐dose ANP (15 ng/kg per minute) shortened atrial effective refractory period (ERP) (P < 0.001) and monophasic action potential duration (MAPD90) (P < 0.05) at 600, 500, and 400 msec atrial paced cycle lengths and reduced right atrial pressure (P < 0.05) but did not alter mean arterial pressure. After either combined vagal and beta‐adrenergic blockade (vagotomy plus atropine plus propranolol, n = 7) or selective vagal blockade (n = 9), low‐dose ANP no longer altered atrial ERP or MAPD90. Higher ANP doses (150 and 600 ng/kg per minute) decreased mean arterial and right atrial pressures (P < 0.001) but did not alter atrial ERP, MAPD90, or other electrophysiological parameters including atrial fibrillation threshold, ventricular ERP, and MAPD90.

Conclusion: ANP has dose‐dependent, autonomically mediated effects on atrial refractoriness and repolarization.
Stent Thrombosis Following 2 Drug‐Eluting Stent Implantations for Coronary Bifurcation Lesion: A Single‐Center Analysis
Authors: GAO ZHAN , XU BO , YANG YUEJIN , CHEN JILIN , QIAO SHUBIN , LI JIAN‐JUN , QIN XUEWEN , WU YONGJIAN , YAO MIN , YUAN JINQING , CHEN JUE , LIU HAIBO , DAI JUN , GAO RUN‐LIN
Published: August 2010

Background:
 The incidence of stent thrombosis (ST) following 2 drug‐eluting stent (DES) implantations for coronary bifurcation lesions needs to be identified.

Methods:
 From April 2004 to April 2009, 705 consecutive patients with true bifurcation lesions who underwent a double stenting procedure with DES at the Fu Wai Hospital were analyzed.

Results:
 Six (0.85%) patients had a definite ST, all of them had an early (4 acute and 2 subacute) definite ST. Probable ST occurred in 4 patients; in all of these cases, the event occurred early and was adjudicated because of the occurrence of sudden death within 30 days of the procedure. Therefore, a total of 10/705 (1.42%) patients had a definite or probable ST. Possible stent thrombosis was adjudicated only in 1 patient 371 days after the initial PCI in whom the cause of death was unexplained. Compared to the patients without definite and probable ST, patients with definite and probable ST were older, had more unstable angina, lower LVEF, and more left main bifurcation lesions (63.2 ± 8.9 vs. 56.8 ± 10.9 yrs; P = 0.049, 100% vs. 64.7%; P = 0.018, 50.6 ± 9.9 vs. 60.3 ± 12.4%; P = 0.019 and 70.0% vs. 36.1%; P = 0.043). Logistic analysis results indicated that only LVEF (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.87–0.93; P = 0.017) was associated with definite and probable ST.

Conclusions:
 The present study indicates that modern 2‐DES technique for bifurcation lesions was comparatively safe with a low incidence of ST. (J Interven Cardiol 2010;23:346–351)
Changing views in Canadian geomorphology: are we seeing the landscape for the processes?
Authors: WALKER IAN J.
Published: August 2010

Geomorphology in Canada, as elsewhere, has evolved into an essentially bipartite discipline focusing either on ‘process’ or broader ‘historical’ (Quaternary) landscape interpretation. A growing emphasis on process‐oriented research that relies increasingly on instrumentation and computational technologies has occurred. Critics of such research note limited applicability for landscape evolution, fashionability of methods and limited societal relevance. Indeed, some say we are not seeing the landscape for the processes. This article discusses the changing nature of geomorphology since the Quantitative Revolution of the 1950s including new advances, recent trends and challenges. Publication trends and recent advances suggest that the discipline is very healthy (following a slump in the early 1990s) and continues to evolve, which may reflect increasing research infrastructure and/or funding opportunities and new publications spotlighting Canadian research. Unfortunately, fundamental (less applied) research is threatened by funding program shifts, changing institutional pressures and a decline in research capacity from retirement attrition, and student recruitment challenges. Three research priorities are recommended: (1) continued fundamental research, (2) more integrated modelling to link micro scale processes to macro scale landform behaviour and
(3) improvements in profiling our discipline amongst students and related professionals.
Maize: A Paramount Staple Crop in the Context of Global Nutrition
Authors: Nuss Emily T. , Tanumihardjo Sherry A.
Published: August 2010

Abstract:  The maize plant (Zea mays), characterized by an erect green stalk, is one of the 3 great grain crops of the world. Its kernels, like other seeds, are storage organs that contain essential components for plant growth and reproduction. Many of these kernel constituents, including starch, protein, and some micronutrients, are also required for human health. For this reason, and others, maize has become highly integrated into global agriculture, human diet, and cultural traditions. The nutritional quality and integrity of maize kernels are influenced by many factors including genetic background, environment, and kernel processing. Cooking procedures, including nixtamalization and fermentation, can increase accessibility of micronutrients such as niacin. However, man cannot live on maize alone. For one‐third of the world's population, namely in sub‐Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America, humans subsist on maize as a staple food but malnutrition pervades. Strategies to further improve kernel macronutrient and micronutrient quality and quantities are under intense investigation. The 2 most common routes to enhance grain nutritional value are exogenous and endogenous fortification. Although exogenous fortification, such as addition of multivitamin premixes to maize flour, has been successful, endogenous fortification, also known as “biofortification,” may provide a more sustainable and practical solution for chronically undernourished communities. Recent accomplishments, such as low‐phytate, high‐lysine, and multivitamin maize varieties, have been created using novel genetic and agronomic approaches. Investigational studies related to biofortified maize are currently underway to determine nutrient absorption and efficacy related to human health improvement.
On the Organization and Affinities of the Amoeba, Pompholyxophrys punicea Archer, Based on Ultrastructural Examination of Individual Cells from Wild Material1
Authors: Patterson David J.
Published: August 2010

The genus Pompholyxophrys includes amoebae which have a spherical body, fine radiating pseudopodia, and a layer of adhering siliceous “perles.” These organisms are normally regarded as a type of heliozoon. Ultrastructural examination of P. punicea reveals that those characters associated with well characterized heliozoa, such as microtubular axonemes and extrusomes, are lacking. The species has much in common with nucleariid filose amoebae with which it, and the related genus Pinaciophora, are regarded as having affinities. The species P. punicea is rare, and this study was made possible by the application of techniques developed for the ultrastructural examination of single cells. The assessment of protistan diversity and interrelationships relies heavily on the use of ultrastructural characters. Although techniques that are based on the examination of a small number of individual cells have limitations, they do allow rare organisms to be included in the re‐evaluation of protistan systematics.
Morphological, Biometric, and Morphogenetic Comparison of Two Closely Related Species, Stylonychia vorax and S. pustulata (Ciliophora: Oxytrichidae)1
Authors: Wirnsberger Erna , Foissner Wilhelm , Adam Hans
Published: August 2010

Differences in the morphology of Stylonychia vorax Stokes, 1885 and S. pustulata (Müller, 1786) Ehrenberg, 1838 recognizable in vivo are the shape, the ventral cirral pattern, the caudal cirri, and the mode of moving. The dorsal‐bristle complexes are distinguishable by the length of dorsal kinety four and the spaces among the pairs of basal bodies. When the ranges of variation of different populations and clones are compared by biometric analyses, S. vorax shows a relatively stable cortical pattern whereas in S. pustulata the cortical elements are regulated depending on the size of the body and the number of adoral membranelles. In S. vorax morphogenesis begins with a proliferation of basal bodies close to the transverse cirri. In contrast, in S. pustulata, the oral primordium appears de novo between the left marginal row and the postoral cirri. All other morphogenetic events are the same for both species. In proters and opisthes the six anlagen of the frontal‐ventral‐transverse cirri are of different origin and evolve independently. Three anlagen of the opisthe separate from the oral primordium, two originate from the right, and one from the left postoral cirrus. Three anlagen of the proter evolve from the posteriormost cirrus in the frontal area, one from the parental undulating membranes, one from the buccal cirrus, and one from the cirrus below the buccal cirrus. The anlagen one to six generate one, three, three, three, four, and four cirri. The characteristic arrangement of the undulating membranes and the participation of only two postoral cirri in the formation of primordia provide features that distinguish between the often confused genera Oxytricha and Stylonychia.
Rhoptry Secretion of Membranous Whorls by Plasmodium berghei Sporozoites1
Authors: Stewart Michael J. , Schulman Seymour , Vanderberg Jerome P.
Published: August 2010

Electron microscopy of sporozoites of the rodent malaria parasite, Plasmodium berghei, reveals electron‐dense multi‐laminate membranous whorls within components of the rhoptry‐microneme complex after fixation with tannic acid in conjunction with glutaraldehyde. This multilaminate material, which has a dark line to dark line periodicity of approximately 5 nm, appears to be secreted from the sporozoite since it is also found adhering to the sporozoite's external surface. The material may function in sporozoite gliding motility and in invasion of host cells.
Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (Ciliophora) Invasion of Gill Epithelium1
Authors: EWING MARGARET S. , KOCAN KATHERINE M. , EWING S. A.
Published: August 2010

The sequence of morphologic events associated with Ichthyophthirius rnultifliis invasion of gill epithelium began in the theront with differentiation of secretory mucocysts and the perforatorium. After escaping from the cyst the theront, which stained intensely with Mallory' stain, sought a host. As it approached the host epithelium, the contents of the mucocysts were discharged, enveloping the ciliate in sticky material, which made initial contact with the host epithelium. Rapid penetration by the theront caused disruption of one or more host cells and resulted in a focal necrosis associated with the anterior margin of the ciliate. Within five minutes postexposure, the parasite completed its invasion of the epithelial layer and stained less intensely. The remnants of host cells disrupted during its entry surrounded the trophont until they were ingested by the parasite. Within 40 min postexposure, synthetic activity of the parasite appeared to increase as evidenced by an abundance of organelles, particularly ribosomes and crystalline mucocysts. At this point, the overlying host epithelium appeared normal.
Selection for and Enrichment of Non‐Discharge Mucocyst Variants of Tetrahymena thermophila 1,2
Authors: Tiedtke Arno
Published: August 2010

The present protocol for selection for and enrichment of potential non‐discharge mucocyst variants of Tetrahymena thermophila is based on the ability of wild‐type cells to discharge their mucocyst contents simultaneously when stimulated with alcian blue 8 GS. Under appropriate ionic conditions, the discharged mucocyst contents form a capsule around each cell and prevent its locomotion. Non‐discharge variants unable to shed a capsule are assumed to retain their ability to swim and are simulated in this study by cells not induced to shed their capsule. For mass phenotype screening, the conditions for maximum capsule shedding were established for wild‐type cells. One hour starvation in Wagner's solution rendered 100% of the cells competent to shed a capsule when triggered with a 0.4% solution of alcian blue 8 GS. Decontamination of the shedding mixture by addition of egg albumin in a final concentration of 0.1% guaranteed survival of >95% of these cells that were now encapsulated, but allowed up to 5% of the cells to escape their capsule and swim freely. Cells with intact mucocysts and cells with emptied mucocysts were separated in reconstruction experiments by density‐gradient centrifugation in which 95% of the cells with intact mucocysts appeared in a discrete band. Using the same protocol, the efficiency of separation was tested with mixtures of morphologically marked (food vacuoles stained with India ink) and genetically marked (resistance to cycloheximide) cells. Using 1:1 mixtures of marked cells with intact mucocysts and cells with emptied mucocysts (or vice versa), the cells with intact mucocysts were efficiently separated from other cells; one cell with emptied mucocysts per 100 cells with intact mucocysts was found in the upper discrete gradient band.
Stage‐Dependent Protein Composition in the Life Cycle of Synchronous Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, a Ciliate Fish Parasite1
Authors: Pyle Stephen W. , Dawe Donald L.
Published: August 2010

The sequential development of Ichthyophthirius multifiliis Fouquet, 1876 at 22°C was monitored from detachment from the fish through to infective tomites using one‐dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Methods are described for synchronizing I. multifiliis cells to permit the collection of large numbers of cells at stages during mitotic division. The electrophoretic protein patterns of the encysted stage differ from those of the tomite stage as well as from those of the other measured intervals.
The Full Schedule of Macronuclear DNA Synthesis is Not Required for Cell Division in Paramecium tetraurelia1 1
Authors: RASMUSSEN COLIN D. , CHING ADA S. L. , BERGER JAMES D.
Published: August 2010

Macronuclear DNA synthesis normally continues until late in the cell cycle in Paramecium; however, blockage of macronuclear DNA synthesis after 0.72 in the cell cycle does not alter the occurrence or timing of the subsequent cell division. When DNA synthesis is blocked after cells have reached the transition point, macronuclear DNA content at the following division is reduced to about 75% of the normal level. The point at which macronuclear DNA synthesis is no longer required for division corresponds to the beginning of micronuclear mitosis and the early stages of oral morphogenesis.
Species of the Coccidian Genus Alveocystis1
Authors: Levine Norman D.
Published: August 2010

Publications on the coccidia of certain invertebrates are reviewed and two new taxonomic‐nomenclatural combinations are introduced: Alveocystis macrocoronata (Lüling, 1942) n. comb., in hosts Priapulus caudatus and Halicryptus spinulosus (Priapuloidea); and A. gugleri (Wacha, 1981) n. comb., in Triodopsis albolabris (Mollusca).
Comparison of Ribosomal and Isozymic Phylogenies of Tetrahymenine Ciliates
Authors: NANNEY D. L. , MEYER E. B. , SIMON E. M. , PREPARATA R.‐M.
Published: August 2010

A recent analysis of sequence variations in ribosomal RNA's from 31 species of tetrahymenine ciliates groups them into 9 sets referred to as “ribosets.” These species associations are not well correlated with the distributions of distinctive morphological characteristics. The phylogenetic structure suggests that modem “pyriform” tetrahymenines may be paraphyletic survivors of primitive design and that the morphologically distinctive forms may include examples of convergent evolution of derived forms. Alternatively, the common ancestor may have been a polymorphic species that has lost its plasticity in some derived lineages. In an attempt to test the ribosomal phylogeny, we here compare it with a phytogeny based on isozymic variation. The main features of the ribosomal and isozymic phylogenies are similar. The carnivorous (macrostome‐forming) species are widely scattered in both, as are the bacteriophagous pyriform species. Isozymic and ribosomal analyses are optimally useful, however, in different contexts. Isozymic variations can distinguish species that are ribosomally identical. Ribosomal variations provide more secure evaluations of distant relationships.
Characterization and Cloning of Pneumocystis carinii Nucleic Acid
Authors: WORLEY MARK A. , IVEY MICHAEL H. , GRAVES DON C.
Published: August 2010

Large numbers of Pneumocystis carinii (2 × 1010 nuclei) were isolated and separated from the lungs of immunosupprcsscd rats by an enzymaric (collagcnasc, hyaluronidasc and DN'asc) digestion procedure. The nucleic acid isolated from this P. cartnii‐cnnchcd preparation was characterized by melting point analysis and RNA‐sizing gels. The GC content of P. carinii DNA was approximately 33% while the rat DNA was 41.4%. In addition, RNA isolated from the P. curmii‐enrichcd preparation showed unique ribosomal RNA bands of 3.4 kb and 1.8 kb as compared with uninfected rat lung ribosoma! RNA. which banded at 4.8 and 1.9 kb. Following isolation and fragmentation by sonicaüon, the P. carinii D.VA fragments were inserted into the vector, λ gt‐11. The resultant library contained 1.1 × 105 phage, of which 40–45% hybridized to P. carinii DNA but not to rat DNA.
A Method for Isolation of RNA from Pneumocystis carinii
Authors: CUSHION MELANJE T. , BLASÉ MARIA AIRO , VVALZER PETER D.
Published: August 2010

Toial RNA from Pneumocystis carinii obtained directly from the rat lung and from short term culture on A549 cells was evaluated for size and purity. An isolation procedure using guanidine isothiocyanate and lithium chloride was preferable to a hot phenol method. Host cells were eliminated by hypotonic lysis and a series of microfiltrations. Pneumocystis carinii were pretreated with Zymolyase for increased susceptibility to chaotropic agents. The major ribosomal species of P. carinii RNA migrated similarly to Saccharomyces cerevisiae rRNA. The 28s‐like species migrated well ahead of rat and A549 cell rRNA and weli behind the prokaryotic large rRNA species.
Proliferation of Pneumocystis Trophozoites in Human Lymph Nodes and in Nude Mice Lungs
Authors: MATSUMOTO YOSHITSUGU , FRENKEL JACOB K. , AIKAVVA MASAMICHI , YOSHIDA YUKIO
Published: August 2010

Pneumocystis infection in athymic nude mice lungs showed a particularly high trophozoite to cyst ratio. A similar observation was obtained from a study of a patient with lymph node infection with Pneumocystis. Eosinophilic foamy masses in these sites were observed by light microscopy. With the electron microscope, the masses were seen to be composed of large aggregates of trophozoites. Cystic forms (precysl, cyst and empty cyst) were extremely scarce in comparison with the huge numbers of trophozoites. These cystic forms were mostly undergoing degeneration. These observations indicate that the mode of proliferation in both situations was predominantly asexual, that is, proliferation by trophozoites, suggesting that certain conditions may enhance asexual reproduction or depress the fonnation of cysts.
Adherence of Pneumocystis carinii in Lung Cells during in Vitro Cultivation
Authors: BURNSTEIN THEODORE , RHODES JAN , TUREK JOHN
Published: August 2010

This study describes an approach to cultivation of Pneumocystis carinii (I c) on 2 cell lines derived from lung (A549, human and L2, rat) with emphasis on the organisms which adhered to the cells. Immunofluorcsccnt staining was used for growth assays.
Dynamics of Pneumocystis carinii‐Specific Immune Complexes in AIDS Patients with P. carinii Pneumonia
Authors: PIFER LINDA L.
Published: August 2010

Pneumocystis carinii‐specitic immune complexes were detected by immunoblot and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 53% of sera from Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) patients with P. carinii pneumonia (PCP). Resolution of glycoprotein antigenemia (50–55 kd = dominant species) appears to correlate with successful PCP drug therapy and recovery. An epitope map has been constructed from im‐munoblots of P. carinii hydrolysates and from human and murine scrum containing P. carinii antigens.
Surface Labeling of Pneumocystis carinii from in Vitro Culture
Authors: RADDING JEFFREY A. , ARMSTRONG MARTINE Y. K. , BOGUCKI M. SANDRA , RICHARDS FRANK F.
Published: August 2010

Pneumocystis carinii is an opportunistic pathogen of man, carried as a commensal in healthy subjects. It frequently causes a fatal pneumonia in the immunosupprcssed host. It is a major complication of HIV‐1 infection in man (AIDS). Using surface radioiodination of rat‐denved P. carinii trophozoites obtained from in vitro culture, a major surface glycoprotein (gp120) has been identified. The glycoprotein exhibits adherent behavior similar to that of the intact organism. Purification of gp120 by conventional methods was unsuccessful as the glycoprotein irreversibly bound lo numerous column matrices. A combination of gel chromatography and hydroxyapatile chromatography in sodium dodecylsulfaie v. as utilized to purify the glycoprotein. Some preliminary characterization of the glycoprotein is presented.
Analyses of Pneumocystis Fatty Acids
Authors: KANESHIRO EDNA S. , CUSHION MELANIET , WALZER PETER D. , JAYASIMHULU KOKA
Published: August 2010

The major ester‐linked fatty acids of the total lipids extracted from Pneumocystis carinii isolated from the lungs of corticosteroid‐trcaicd rats were 16:0. 18:0, 18:1, 18:2 and 20:4. Others detected included 14:0, 16:1 and 22:4. The major sphingolipid fatty acids were 16:0, 18:0,22:0,24:0 and 24:1; others included 14:0, 18:1, 20:0, 23:0, 24:2 and 26:0. The total lipid fatty acid compositions of preparations from appropriate lung controls were similar to those of the organism.
Description of the Oocysts of Two New Species of Eimeria (Apicomplexa: Eimerüdae) from the Florida Manatee, Trichechus manatus (Sirenia: Trichechidae)
Authors: UPTON STEVE J. , ODELL DANIEL K. , BOSSART GREGORY D. , WALSH MICHAEL T.
Published: August 2010

Two new species of Eimeria (Apicomplexa: Eimerüdae) are described from the feces of the Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostrts (Sirenia: Trichechidae). Oocysts of Eimeria manatus n. sp. are spherical to subsphencal, 11.8 × 10.7 (10.5–13.5 × 9.0–13.5) μm, with a smooth, thin, bilayered wall; shape index (length/width) 1.1 (1.0–1.3). Micropyle and oocyst residuum absent; polar granule(s) usually present. Sporocysts are ovoid, 8.6 × 5.1 (8.0–9.5 × 5.0–5.5) μm, with thin, membrane–like walls and a knoblike Stieda body; shape index 1.7 (1.4–1.8). Sporozoites elongate, each with a large posterior refractile body. The sporocyst residuum consists of a small cluster or row of few to many small granules. Oocysts of Eimeria nodulosa n. sp. are spherical to subspherical, 15.6 × 14.7 (14.5–17.5 × 13.0–16.0) μm, with a distinctly bilayered wall; shape index 1.1 (1.0–1.2). Unsporulated and freshly sporulated oocysts often possess large, knob–like structures on the external surface of the oocyst wall that support a thin membrane or filament. Micropyle, oocyst residuum and polar granule absent. Sporocysts are ovoid, 10.6 × 5.9 (9.5–12.0 × 5.0–6.5) μm, with a smooth, thin wall and knob–like Stieda body; shape index 1.8 (1.5–2.1). Sporozoites granular and elongate, each with a large posterior refractile body. The sporocyst residuum consists of a loose aggregate or scattered mass of moderately sized granules.
Secretion of Acid Phosphatase by x4xenic Entamoeba histolytica NIH‐200 and Properties of the Extracellular Enzyme
Authors: AGRAWAL ANJU , PANDEY V. C. , KUMAR S. , SAGAR P.
Published: August 2010

Entamoeba histolytica (NIH‐200) secreted large amounts of acid phosphatase in its external environment when grown axenically in modified TPS‐II medium. Fractionation by DEAE‐cellulose chromatography of the precipitate obtained from the cell‐free medium at 60% ammonium sulfate saturation yielded 3 distinct peaks of enzyme activity. The enzyme in all the peaks showed resistance to tartrate but was inhibited by fluoride, cupnc chloride, ethylene diamine‐tetra acetic acid, ammonium molybdale and cysteine: however, enzyme associated with different peaks differed in its polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic profiles and behavior towards concanavalin A.
Mini‐exon Gene Sequences Define Six Groups within the Genus Crithidia
Authors: FERNANDES OCTAVIO , TEIXEIRA MARTA M. G. , STURM NANCY R. , SOUSA MARIA A. , CAMARGO ERNEY P. , DEGRAVE WIM M. , CAMPBELL DAVID A.
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT. To develop molecular markers for lower trypanosmatids, we have examined the mini‐exon gene repeats of 17 isolates that were classified as Crithidia by traditional methods. Representative repeats were amplified by polymerase chain reaction and the amplification products were cloned and used as hybridization probes against genomic DNA. Six hybridization groups of Crithidia were defined on the basis of the DNA blotting experiments. The three endosymbiont‐bearing species (C. deanei, C. desouzai and C. oncopelti) and C. acanthocephali each belonged to single‐member hybridization groups, while the C. fasciculata group contained additional named and undesignated species. The Crithidia lucilae thermophila probe hybridized to multiple undesignated isolates. The DNA sequence of the cloned products revealed that the specificity of the hybridization probes was due to substantial differences in the intron and the non‐transcribed spacer regions. These data indicate substantial heterogeneity within the mini‐exon gene locus of the taxon Crithidia.
Evolution of Morphogenetic Processes in the Orthoamphisiellidae N. Fam., Oxytrichidae, and Parakahliellidae N. Fam., and Their Depiction Using a Computer Method (Ciliophora, Hypotrichida)
Authors: EIGNER PETER
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT. Forty detailed descriptions of divisional morphogenesis of protargol stained specimens were analyzed to establish a natural classification for the several hypotrich genera involved. Symbols were created for homologous interphase characters and morphogenetic processes and added to schematized computer drawings of the interphase cortical pattern, showing in one image the interphase and its morphogenesis. This method reveals genealogically linked relationships, correlated complex morphogenetic processes and their evolutionary transformation and gives a standardized account of known morphogenetic processes. Three monophyletic groups with their supposed ancestors are recognized, viz. Orthoamphisiellidae n. fam. and the two sister groups Oxytrichidae Ehrenberg, 1838 and Parakahliellidae n. fam. Species presently assigned to the Oxytrichidae are highly evolved species of the two sister groups which separates the species presently assigned to the Oxytrichidae and Stylonychia into two phylogenetic lineages. The three monophyletic groups are separated by complex early morphogenetic anlagen developments in the two rightmost ventral cirral rows. These cirral rows are generated in the Oxytrichidae and the Parakahliellidae by “neokinetal” anlagen developments. In contrast, the Orthoamphisiellidae develop these two cirral rows by usual “within” anlagen. The two sister groups are separated from each other by generating “neokinetal 3” anlagen and long primary primordia in the Oxytrichidae and “neokinetal 1” anlagen and separate primary primordia in the Parakahliellidae. Dorsomarginal kineties develop in the Parakahliellidae and highly evolved Oxytrichidae. Dorsal kineties develop in all groups from not more than three within anlagen. The left fronto‐ventral field evolved independently from evolutionary changes in the two rightmost ventral cirral rows. The Amphisiellidae and the Kahliellidae are junior synonyms of the Oxytrichidae. Suggested for Stylonychia pustulata and S. vorax are locations in Clara n. g. as Clara pustulata and C. vorax (new combinations). Results are in accordance with those obtained from molecular techniques.
Effect of SERCA Pump Inhibitors on Chemoresponses in Paramecium
Authors: WASSENBERG JAMES J. , CLARK KEVIN D. , NELSON DAVID L.
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT. Inhibitors of SERCA (sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+‐dependent ATPase) calcium pumps were used to investigate the involvement of internal Ca2+ stores in the GTP response in Paramecium. External application of these inhibitors was found to dramatically alter the typical behavioral and electrophysiological responses of Paramecium to extracellular chemical stimulation. In particular, 2.5‐di‐tert‐butylhydroquinone (BHQ) strongly inhibited the backward swimming response of paramecia to externally applied GTP, though it did not inhibit the associated whirling response. BHQ also prolonged the normally brief electrophysiological response of these cells to GTP. BHQ completely blocked the behavioral and electrophysiological responses of Paramecium to extracellular Ba2+, but had no measurable effect on the behavioral or electrophysiological responses of these cells to another depolarizing stimulus, elevated external K+ concentration. These results suggest the involvement of nonciliary Ca2+ ions in the GTP and Ba2+ responses.
A New Method for Determination of Postmortem Interval: Citrate Content of Bone*
Authors: Schwarcz Henry P. , Agur Kristina , Jantz Lee Meadows
Published: August 2010

Abstract:  Few accurate methods exist currently to determine the time since death (postmortem interval, PMI) of skeletonized human remains found at crime scenes. Citrate is present as a constituent of living human and animal cortical bone at very uniform initial concentration (2.0 ± 0.1 wt %). In skeletal remains found in open landscape settings (whether buried or not), the concentration of citrate remains constant for a period of about 4 weeks, after which it decreases linearly as a function of log(time). The upper limit of the dating range is about 100 years. The precision of determination decreases slightly with age. The rate of decrease appears to be independent of temperature or rainfall but drops to zero for storage temperature <0°C.
Antecedents and Consequences of Perceived Barriers to Obtaining Mentoring: A Longitudinal Investigation
Authors: Blickle Gerhard , Schneider Paula B. , Meurs James A. , Perrewé Pamela L.
Published: August 2010

Mentoring is prototypically intended to advance the personal and professional growth of new employees at work. Although meta‐analyses have found that receiving mentoring can result in beneficial outcomes for employees' career success, employees may perceive barriers to obtaining a mentor. The present research examined antecedents and consequences to perceived barriers to mentoring in business and administrative jobs in a field study over 2 years. Socioeconomic origin, positive affectivity, organizational development culture, and previous mentoring experience predicted perceived barriers to mentoring after 2 years. New employees' perceived barriers to mentoring at Time 1 predicted changes in mentoring received and income after 2 years. Implications of this study, including a proposed mentoring training program, and directions for future research are discussed.
The Impact of Race‐Based Performance Differences on Perceptions of Test Legitimacy
Authors: Unzueta Miguel M. , Lowery Brian S.
Published: August 2010

This paper examines if perceptions of test legitimacy increase when racial differences on test performance match the racial status quo or when a perceiver's in‐group performs better than expected, relative to other groups. Study 1 assesses expected performance difference for various racial groups on a GRE‐like test. Study 2 assesses White and Asian participants' perceptions of legitimacy of a test that either favors the in‐group or an out‐group. Study 3 replicates Study 2 using individuals from high‐ and low‐status groups (Asians and Latinos, respectively). The findings suggest that the desire to benefit the in‐group trumps the desire to justify the status quo in accounting for the impact of race‐based performance differences on perceptions of test legitimacy.
Doxycycline inhibits neutrophil (PMN)‐type matrix metalloproteinases in human adult periodontitis gingiva
Authors: Golub Lorne M. , Sorsa Timo , Lee Hsi‐Ming , Ciancio Sebastian , Sorbi Darius , Ramamurthy Nungavaram S. , Gruber Barry , Salo Tuula , Konttinen Yrjö T.
Published: August 2010

Abstract We previously reported that low‐dose doxycycline (DOXY) therapy reduces host‐derived collagenase activity in gingival tissue of adult periodontitis (AP) patients. However, it was not clear whether this in vivo effect was direct or indirect. In the present study, inflamed human gingival tissue, obtained from AP patients during periodontal surgery, was extracted and the extracts partially purified by (NH4)2SO4 precipitation. The extracts were then analyzed for collagenase activity using SDS‐PAGE/fluorography/laser densitometry, and for gelatinase activity using type I gelatin zymography as well as a new quantitative assay using biotinylated type I gelatin as substrate. DOXY was added to the incubation mixture at a final concentration of 0–1000 μM. The concentration of DOXY required to inhibit 50% of the gingival tissue collagenase (IC50) was found to be 16–18 μM in the presence or absence of 1.2 mM APMA (an optimal organomercurial activator of latent procollagenases); this IC50 for DOXY was similar to that exhibited for collagenase or matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐8 from polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) and from gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of AP patients. Of interest, Porphyromonas gingivalis collagenase was also inhibited by similar DOXY levels (IC50= 15 μM), however the collagenase activity observed in the gingival tissue extracts was found to be of mammalian not bacterial origin based on the production of the specific αA (3/4) and αB (1/4) collagen degradation fragments. In contrast, the inhibition of collagenase purified from culture media of human gingival fibroblasts (MMP‐1) required much greater DOXY levels (IC50=280 μM). The predominant molecular forms of gelatinolytic activity present in the AP patients gingival tissue extracts were found to closely correspond to the 92 kD PMN‐type gelatinase (MMP‐9) although small quantities of 72 kD fibroblast‐type gelatinase (MMP‐2), and some other low molecular weight gelatinases, were also detected. The IC50 of DOXY versus gingival tissue gelatinolytic activity was estimated at 30–50 μM measured using either type I gelatin zymography or the biotinylated type I gelatin assay. We conclude that MMPs in inflamed gingival tissue of AP patients, like those in GCF, originate primarily from infiltrating PMNs rather than resident gingival cells (fibroblasts and epithelial cells) or monocyte/macrophages, and that their pathologically‐elevated tissue‐degrading activities can be directly inhibited by pharmacologic levels of doxycycline.
Relationship between CPITN and periodontal attachment loss findings in an adult population
Authors: Baelum Vibeke , Manji Firoze , Wanzala Peter , Fejerskov Ole
Published: August 2010

Abstract This study investigates the relationship between CPITN findings and the prevalence and severity of periodontal attachment loss in a rural Kenyan population comprising 1131 persons aged 15–65 years. All persons were examined for calculus, gingival bleeding, pocket depths and attachment loss levels on 4 sites of each tooth present. Recordings of bleeding, calculus and pocket depths were used to compute CPITN scores based on the 10 index teeth originally proposed, and these CPITN scores were subsequently related to the attachment loss findings derived from the full‐mouth assessment. In most cases, persons with a CPITN score 1 did not have attachment loss 4 mm. However, among 40+ year‐old persons with CPITN score 2 over 90% had attachment loss 4 mm and over 50% of the 50+ year‐olds with CPITN score 2 had attachment loss 6 mm, Less than 20% of the 15–29 year‐olds with CPITN score 3 had attachment loss 6 mm, and usually the attachment loss levels ranged between 0 and 3 mm. Beyond the age of 35 years over 10% of the sextants with CPITN score 0 had attachment loss 4 mm. Below the age of 35 years more than one third of all sextants with CPITN score 3 had attachment loss levels 3 mm. Thus, the CPITN findings overestimate both prevalence and severity of periodontal attachment loss among the younger age groups and underestimate these parameters among elderly subject.
Prognostic criteria for the efficiency of non‐surgical periodontal therapy in advanced periodontitis
Authors: Nieminen Anja , Sirén Eva , Wolf Juhani , Asikainen Sirkka
Published: August 2010

Abstract The aim of the study was to find out which clinical, radiographic and microbiological variables can be used as prognostic criteria for the efficiency of the commonly used initial treatment protocol comprising scaling, root planing and instruction on oral hygiene in advanced adult periodontitis. 46 patients (mean age 48 years) with untreated, advanced periodontitis volunteered for the study. The clinical examination included recordings of plaque, gingival and calculus indices, probing pocket depths, bleeding and suppuration after probing, probing attachment levels and furcation involvements. Infrabony and furcation lesions were assessed from panoramic radiographs. Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans and Porphyromonas gingivalis were cultured from the deepest, most inflamed periodontal pockets, from surface of the tongue and from saliva. 3 months after the completion of non‐surgical treatment comprising meticulous scaling and root planing and instruction on oral hygiene, the healing was assessed clinically, and 13 patients were assigned to a maintenance care programme (MC) and 33 to further treatment procedures (FT). Evaluation of the baseline clinical and radiographic data showed a significantly higher %s of 6 mm deep periodontal pockets, surfaces with suppuration, and sites with subgingival calculus, as well as higher numbers of infrabony lesions, in FT‐patients than in MC‐patients. Subgingival A. actinomycetemcomitans was isolated at baseline in 55% of the FT‐patients and in 38% of the MC‐patients, and P. gingivalis in 27% and 23%, respectively. A. actinomycetemcomitans was eradicated by non‐surgical treatment from only one patient. P. gingivalis was detected in 15% of the patients in both groups after treatment. Combining of the clinical and the microbiological baseline data demonstrated that simultaneous presence of multiple deep periodontal pockets (6 mm at 10% of the sites) and subgingival A. actinomycetemcomitans alone or concomitant with P. gingivalis was significantly more prevalent in the FT‐group than in the MC‐group. This simultaneous presence anticipated insufficient response to initial non‐surgical therapy. The results suggest that a treatment regimen more efficient than the traditional one is needed without delay in the treatment of A. actinomycetemcomitans infected generalized, severe periodontal disease in adults.
Crevicular interleukin‐1β in moderate and severe periodontitis patients and the effect of phase I periodontal treatment
Authors: Hou Lein‐Tuan , Liu Cheing‐Meei , Rossomando Edward F.
Published: August 2010

Abstract Interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), a potent stimulator of bone resorption, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of periodontal destruction. However, the relationship between cytokines and periodontal disease has not been studied sufficiently to allow definitive conclusions. The aims of this study are to investigate crevicular IL‐1β and the clinical status of patients with periodontitis and the effect of phase I periodontal therapy on levels of IL‐1β. For this study, 130 gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples were harvested from non‐inflamed (15) and diseased sites (115) in 11 patients with periodontitis. The gingival index (GI) and probing depth (PD) of each site was recorded initially and one month after treatment. The amount of IL‐1β in the GCF was measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using an antibody specific for this cytokine. Before treatment, IL‐1β was found in 12 of 15 non‐inflamed gingival crevices and in 112 of 115 diseased pockets. The amount of IL‐1β varied from 4.03 to 511.12 pg/site. The average amount of IL‐1/7 from diseased sites was 3‐fold greater than that from non‐inflamed sites. Both total amount of IL‐1β and the GCF volume, but not IL‐1β concentration, were found to be correlated, positively, with GI score and PD. After therapy, 63 sites from 7 patients were re‐examined, and the amount of 1L‐1β in 49 of 63 sites was found to have declined. These data suggest that the amount of Crevicular IL‐1β is closely associated with periodontal status. This relationship may be valuable in monitoring periodontal disease activity.