bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clonal population structure of the chestnut blight fungus in expanding ranges in southeastern Europe
Authors: MILGROOM MICHAEL G. , SOTIROVSKI KIRIL , SPICA DOMENICO , DAVIS JOANNE E. , BREWER MARIN T. , MILEV MILKO , CORTESI PAOLO
Published: September 2008

Expanding populations are often less genetically diverse at their margins than at the centre of a species’ range. Established, older populations of the chestnut blight fungus, Cryphonectria parasitica, are more variable for vegetative compatibility (vc) types than in expanding populations in southeastern Europe where C. parasitica has colonized relatively recently. To test whether vc types represent clones, we genotyped 373 isolates of C. parasitica from southern Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Greece and Turkey using 11 sequence‐characterized amplified region (SCAR) markers. Ten SCAR loci and six vegetative incompatibility (vic) loci were polymorphic in these samples. These populations are clonal by all criteria tested: (i) among 373 isolates, we found only eight multilocus haplotypes, and the same haplotypes were found in multiple countries, sometimes separated in time by as much as 12 years; (ii) the number of haplotypes observed was significantly less than expected under random mating; (iii) populations are in linkage disequilibrium; (iv) the two sets of independent markers, SCARs and vc types, are highly correlated; and (v) sexual structures of C. parasitica were found only in Bulgaria and Romania. One mating type (MAT‐1) was found in 98% of the isolates sampled. In contrast, a population in northern Italy, in the central part of the range in Europe, had 12 multilocus haplotypes among 19 isolates. The spread of a few clones could be the result either of founder effect and restricted migration, or these clones have greater fitness than others and spread because they are better adapted to conditions in southeastern Europe.
Monocyte Exposure to Saccharomyces cerevisiae Cell Wall Mannan and Decreased TNF‐α Production in Mild Asthma: A Role for Mannan‐binding Lectin?
Authors: Johannessen L. N. , Løvik M. , Steinshamn S. , Nilsen A. M.
Published: September 2008

A correlation between fungal exposure and aggravation of inflammatory symptoms in asthmatic individuals is well documented in the literature. However, the molecular mediators responsible for clinical symptoms due to fungal exposure in individuals with asthma are still not known. The fungal cell wall polysaccharide mannan stimulates production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α in monocytes. Recently, a role for the plasma protein mannan‐binding lectin (MBL) has been proposed in individuals with severe asthmatic disease, although little is known about its role in those with mild and untreated asthma. MBL has been reported to modulate inflammatory cytokine production, but the mechanisms are not known. We conducted a pilot study and found that the cell wall mannan preparation used stimulated lower TNF‐α production by monocytes from asthmatic subjects compared with that from healthy subjects in the presence of autologous plasma. Lipopolysaccharide‐induced TNF‐α production was not significantly different between the groups. Further, plasma MBL levels in individuals with mild asthma were slightly increased compared with those in normal subjects, although the difference was not statistically significant. We speculate that reduced TNF‐α production in monocytes from asthmatic subjects after fungal cell wall mannan stimulation could partly be influenced by plasma components such as MBL.
Strategy to Assess the Overall Cytokine Profile of Circulating Leukocytes and its Association with Distinct Clinical Forms of Human Chagas Disease
Authors: Vitelli‐Avelar D. M. , Sathler‐Avelar R. , Teixeira‐Carvalho A. , Pinto Dias J. C. , Gontijo E. D. , Faria A. M. , Elói‐Santos S. M. , Martins‐Filho O. A.
Published: September 2008

Herein we have employed an alternative strategy to assess the cytokine patterns of circulating leukocytes and correlate dominant cytokine profiles with indeterminate‐IND and cardiac‐CARD clinical forms of Chagas disease. We have first calculated median percentages of cytokine‐positive leukocytes of our study sample to establish, for each cytokine‐positive cell population, the cut‐off edge that would segregate ‘low’ and ‘high’ cytokine producers to build colour diagrams and draw a panoramic cytokine chart. Using this approach we demonstrated that most IND individuals presented a dominant regulatory cytokine profile, whereas CARD individuals displayed a dominant inflammatory cytokine pattern. In addition, radar chart analysis confirmed the dichotomic cytokine balance between IND and CARD groups and further allowed the identification of the relative contribution of each cell population for the global cytokine pattern. Data analysis demonstrated that CD4+ T cells were the major cell population defining the regulatory profile in IND, whereas monocytes and CD4+ T cells determined the inflammatory cytokine pattern in CARD individuals. Interestingly, in vitro stimulation with trypomastigote Trypanosoma cruzi antigen was able to invert the cytokine balances in IND and CARD groups. Upon antigenic stimulation, changes in the frequencies of IL‐10‐producing CD4+ T cells and monocytes drove IND individuals towards an inflammatory pattern and CARD towards a regulatory cytokine profile. A similar inversion could be found after in vivo treatment of IND and CARD individuals with benzonidazole. Altogether, these findings shed some light into the complex cytokine network underlying the immunopathogenesis of Chagas disease and provide putative immunological biomarkers of disease severity and therapeutic response.
Mucosal Administration of Completely Non‐Replicative Vaccinia Virus Recombinant Dairen I strain Elicits Effective Mucosal and Systemic Immunity
Authors: Yoshino N. , Kanekiyo M. , Hagiwara Y. , Okamura T. , Someya K. , Matsuo K. , Ami Y. , Sato S. , Yamamoto N. , Honda M.
Published: September 2008

We studied the immunogenicity of completely replication‐deficient vaccinia virus Dairen I strain recombinant encoding simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) gag/pol (rDIs) in both mucosal and systemic compartments. When administered either intranasally or intragastrically, rDIs elicited enhanced levels of both SIV Gag p27‐specific IgA antibodies and specific plasma antibodies, and the enhanced immunity persisted for the 1‐year of observation by intranasal immunization. Increases were observed in antigen‐specific IgA antibody‐forming cells (AFC) in intestinal mucosal tissues and in IgG AFC in spleens. Furthermore, induction of type 1 and 2 helper cytokines in CD4+ spleen T cells and of CD8+ IFN‐γ spot‐forming cells in mucosal tissues was observed in the intranasally immunized mice. Moreover, not even high‐dose rDIs generated an SIV gene signal in the brain tissues of immunized mice. These findings suggest that mucosal immunization with the DIs recombinant hold promise as a safe mucosal vector.
Prophylactic Efficacy of High‐Molecular‐Weight Antigenic Fractions of a Recent Clinical Isolate of Leishmania donovani Against Visceral Leishmaniasis
Authors: Tripathi P. , Gupta S. K. , Sinha S. , Sundar S. , Dube A. , Naik S.
Published: September 2008

T‐cell mediated immune responses are key determinants to the natural course of infection caused by intracellular parasites such as Leishmania. Thus, T‐cell activating proteins of these microbes continue to generate active interest particularly in view of their possible role in the design and development of newer and more effective vaccines. We have recently reported the presence of T‐cell immunostimulatory antigens with the high‐molecular‐weight (MW) fractions (134–64.2 kDa) of whole Leishmania donovani antigen (strain 2001), which stimulated variable amounts of IFN‐γ, IL‐12 and IL‐10 in exposed immune individuals. The present study was undertaken to further evaluate these high‐MW antigenic fractions (MW range >100–60 kDa) for potential protective efficacy. The high‐MW region of the parasite was resolved into five antigenic fractions (Prep A–E) using continuous elution gel electrophoresis. Prior to in vivo protection studies in hamsters, these fractions were used to evaluate in vitro cellular responses in eight Leishmania‐exposed individuals and treated cured hamsters. The protective efficacy of prep (A + B), C, D and E in combination with BCG was evaluated in inbred hamsters using standard immunization protocol. Proliferative responses were seen in all eight of eight exposed individuals to prep D [median stimulation index (SI): 5.2 (range 3.9–7.1)] and E [median SI: 5.6 (range 4.4–8.2)], five of eight individuals to prep B and prep C and three of eight to prep A [median SI: 0.2 (range 0.1–7.2)]. The median proliferative responses to prep D and prep E were significantly higher than to fraction prep A; (P < 0.05) but not to prep B and prep C. However, prep A–E induced equivalent levels of IFN‐γ, IL‐10 and IL‐12 cytokines. Fractions D and E also exhibited marked parasite inhibition in spleen (52.5% and 73.7%) and liver (65% and 80.2%) as compared with prep (A + B) (23% in spleen and 24% in liver) and prep C (38% in spleen and 24% in liver). Prep D and prep E vaccinated animals showed higher in vitro stimulatory responses (mean SI: 6.6 and 8.8) and nitric oxide (NO) induction (mean NO levels: 6.4 and 10.7 μg/ml) against whole cell extract as compared with other groups. The protection also correlated with presence of suppressed Leishmania‐specific IgG levels in prep D and prep E immunized hamsters. These studies indicate the presence of immunostimulatory and protective molecules in 60–80 kDa region of L. donovani, which may be further exploited for developing a subunit vaccine.
Diagnostic accuracy of a new Leishmania PCR for clinical visceral leishmaniasis in Nepal and its role in diagnosis of disease
Authors: Deborggraeve Stijn , Boelaert Marleen , Rijal Suman , De Doncker Simonne , Dujardin Jean‐Claude , Herdewijn Piet , Büscher Philippe
Published: September 2008

Objective  To develop a new PCR for Leishmania detection and to estimate its diagnostic accuracy in a visceral leishmaniasis (VL) endemic area.

Methods  After providing the proof‐of‐concept, the diagnostic accuracy was estimated on blood from 247 non‐endemic control persons and on blood and bone marrow from 173 confirmed VL, 39 probable VL and 87 non‐VL patients from south‐eastern Nepal.

Results  The PCR showed a specificity of 99.64% [95% confidence interval (CI): 98.93–100%) on non‐endemic controls and a sensitivity of 92.1% (95% CI: 87.6–96.6%) on blood and 92.9% (95% CI: 89–96.8%) on bone marrow from the confirmed VL patients. Leishmania DNA was detected in blood and bone marrow of 67.6% (95% CI: 50.8–80.9%) and 71.8% (95% CI: 56.2–83.5%) of the probable VL patients, respectively, and of 38.2% (95% CI: 28–49.4%) and 29.9% (95% CI: 21.3–40.2%) of the non‐VL patients, respectively. The PCR showed 97% concordance with a positive DAT status while for a negative DAT status this was only 41.3% (kappa‐index 0.416, 95% CI: 0.30–0.53).

Conclusions  Our findings indicate that PCR alone rather provides a marker for infection than a marker for disease and its role in VL diagnosis in endemic regions is discussed.
Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia after rituximab therapy for antibody‐mediated rejection in a renal transplant recipient
Authors: Kumar D. , Gourishankar S. , Mueller T. , Cockfield S. , Weinkauf J. , Vethanayagam D. , Humar A.
Published: September 2008

Abstract: We report the case of a 54‐year‐old woman who underwent living‐related renal transplantation for end‐stage renal disease from IgA nephropathy. She was subsequently diagnosed with antibody‐mediated rejection (AMR) and received rituximab, a potent B‐cell suppressive agent. After therapy with rituximab, she developed Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) requiring hospitalization. We discuss the increasing literature for the use of rituximab for AMR and the need for PJP prophylaxis in this setting.
Responses of global plant diversity capacity to changes in carbon dioxide concentration and climate
Authors: Woodward F. I. , Kelly C. K.
Published: September 2008

We model plant species diversity globally by country to show that future plant diversity capacity has a strong dependence on changing climate and carbon dioxide concentration. CO2 increase, through its impact on net primary production and warming is predicted to increase regional diversity capacity, while warming with constant CO2 leads to decreases in diversity capacity. Increased CO2 concentrations are unlikely to counter projected extinctions of endemic species, shown in earlier studies to be more strongly dependent on changing land use patterns than climate per se. Model predictions were tested against (1) contemporary observations of tree species diversity in different biomes, (2) an independent global map of contemporary species diversity and (3) time sequences of plant naturalisation for different locations. Good agreements between model, observations and naturalisation patterns support the suggestion that future diversity capacity increases are likely to be filled from a ‘cosmopolitan weed pool’ for which migration appears to be an insignificant barrier.
Acetophenone superior to verbenone for reducing attraction of western pine beetle Dendroctonus brevicomis to its aggregation pheromone
Authors: Erbilgin Nadir , Gillette Nancy E. , Owen Donald R. , Mori Sylvia R. , Nelson Andrew S. , Uzoh Fabian , Wood David L.
Published: September 2008

1 The western pine beetle Dendroctonus brevicomis LeConte (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) is one of the most damaging insect pests of ponderosa pines Pinus ponderosa Douglas ex P. & C. Lawson in Western U.S.A. We compared the effect of verbenone, a well known bark beetle anti‐aggregation pheromone, with that of acetophenone on the attraction of D. brevicomis to its aggregation pheromone in a ponderosa pine forest in northern California. We tested the D. brevicomis aggregation pheromone alone and with three different release ratios of the aggregation pheromone (attractant) to verbenone or acetophenone (1 : 1, 1 : 2 and 1 : 5).

2 All treatments containing acetophenone or verbenone resulted in a significant reduction in the catch of D. brevicomis relative to the aggregation pheromone alone. When beetle responses to the three verbenone or three acetophenone treatments were pooled, the pooled verbenone treatment caught more D. brevicomis than the pooled acetophenone treatment.

3 There was no significant difference in the number of D. brevicomis caught among the three release rates of verbenone. By contrast, the 1 : 2 attractant : acetophenone ratio attracted significantly more D. brevicomis than the traps with the 1 : 5 attractant : acetophenone ratio.

4 Attraction of a major predator, Temnochila chlorodia (Mannerheim) (Coleoptera: Trogositidae), to the aggregation pheromone of D. brevicomis was reduced by verbenone, but not by acetophenone. Moreover, the T. chlorodia : D. brevicomis ratio for the pooled acetophenone treatment was 1.7‐fold greater than that for the attractant alone and two‐fold greater than the ratio for the pooled verbenone treatment, suggesting that acetophenone would not disrupt populations of this natural enemy. The importance of anti‐attractants in the biology of D. brevicomis and other bark beetles is discussed.
Clinical assessment of prognostic factors for long‐term pain and handicap after whiplash injury: a 1‐year prospective study
Authors: Kasch H. , Qerama E. , Kongsted A. , Bendix T. , Jensen T. S. , Bach F. W.
Published: September 2008

Background and purpose:  Physical mechanisms are the possible factors involved in the development and maintenance of long‐term handicaps after acute whiplash injury. This study prospectively examined the role of active neck mobility, cervical and extra‐cervical pains, as well as non‐painful complaints after a whiplash injury as predictors for subsequent handicap.

Methods:  Consecutive acute whiplash patients (n = 688) were interviewed and examined by a study nurse after the median of 5 days after injury, and divided into a high‐ or a low‐risk group by an algorithm based on pain intensity, number of non‐painful complaints and active neck mobility [active cervical range of motion (CROM)]. All 458 high‐risk patients and 230 low‐risk patients received mailed questionnaires after 3, 6 and 12 months. Two examiners examined all high‐risk patients (n = 458) and 41 consecutive low‐risk patients at median 11, 109, 380 days after injury. The main outcome measures were: handicaps, severe headaches, neck pain and neck disability.

Results:  The relative risk for a 1‐year disability increased by 3.5 with initial intense neck pain and headaches, by 4.6 times with reduced CROM and by four times with multiple non‐painful complaints.

Conclusion:  Reduced active neck mobility, immediate intense neck pain and headaches and the presence of multiple non‐painful complaints are the important prognostic factors for a 1‐year handicap after acute whiplash.
Chondrichthyans have a bulbus arteriosus at the arterial pole of the heart: morphological and evolutionary implications
Authors: Durán Ana C. , Fernández Borja , Grimes Adrian C. , Rodríguez Cristina , Arqué Josep M. , Sans‐Coma Valentín
Published: September 2008

It has been generally assumed that the outflow tract of the chondrichthyan heart consists of the conus arteriosus, characterized by cardiac muscle in its walls. However, classical observations, neglected for many years, indicated that the distal component of the cardiac outflow tract of several elasmobranch species was composed of tissue resembling that of the ventral aorta. The present study was outlined to test the hypothesis that this intrapericardial, non‐myocardial component might be homologous to the actinopterygian bulbus arteriosus. The material consisted of Atlantic catshark adults and embryos, which were examined by means of histochemical and immunohistochemical techniques for light and fluorescence microscopy. In this species, the distal component of the outflow tract differs histomorphologically from both the ventral aorta and the conus arteriosus; it is devoid of myocardium, is covered by epicardium and is crossed by the coronary arterial trunks. In the embryonic hearts examined, this distal component showed positive reactivity for 4,5‐diaminofluorescein 2‐diacetate (DAF‐2DA), a fluorescent nitric oxide indicator. These findings, together with other observations in holocephals and several elasmobranch species, confirm that chondrichthyans possess a bulbus arteriosus interposed between the conus arteriosus and the ventral aorta. Therefore, the primitive heart of gnathostomates consists of five intrapericardial components, sinus venosus, atrium, ventricle, conus arteriosus and bulbus arteriosus, indicating that the bulbus arteriosus can no longer be regarded as an actinopterygian apomorphy. The DAF‐2DA‐positive reactivity of the chondrichthyan embryonic bulbus suggests that this structure is homologous to the base of the great arterial trunks of birds and mammals, which derives from the embryonic secondary heart field.
Nerve growth factor regulates the expression of the cholinergic locus and the high‐affinity choline transporter via the Akt/PKB signaling pathway
Authors: Madziar Beata , Shah Sonia , Brock Martina , Burke Rebecca , Lopez‐Coviella Ignacio , Nickel Ann‐Christin , Cakal Esra Betul , Blusztajn Jan Krzysztof , Berse Brygida
Published: September 2008

Nerve growth factor (NGF) is a trophic and survival factor for cholinergic neurons, and it induces the expression of several genes that are essential for synthesis and storage of acetylcholine (ACh), specifically choline acetyltransferase, vesicular ACh transporter (VAChT), and choline transporter. We have found previously that the phosphatidylinositol 3′‐kinase pathway, but not the MEK/MAPK pathway, is the mediator of NGF‐induced cholinergic differentiation. Here we demonstrate, in the rat pheochromocytoma cell line PC12 and in primary mouse neuronal cultures, that NGF‐evoked up‐regulation of these three cholinergic‐specific genes is mediated by the anti‐apoptotic signaling molecule Akt/protein kinase B. Inhibition of Akt activation by the pharmacological inhibitor 1L‐6‐hydroxymethyl‐chiro‐inositol 2(R)‐2‐O‐methyl‐3‐O‐octadecylcarbonate (HIMO), or by a peptide fragment derived from the proto‐oncogene TLC1, eliminated NGF‐stimulated increases in cholinergic gene expression, as demonstrated by RT‐PCR and reporter gene assays. Moreover, treatment with HIMO reversed NGF‐evoked increases in choline acetyltransferase activity and ACh production. In co‐transfection assays with the reporter construct, a dominant‐negative Akt plasmid and Akt1‐specific small interfering RNA also attenuated NGF‐induced cholinergic promoter activity. Our data indicate that, in addition to its well‐described role in promoting neuronal survival, Akt can also mediate signals necessary for neurochemical differentiation.
The methylmercury‐l‐cysteine conjugate is a substrate for the L‐type large neutral amino acid transporter
Authors: Yin Zhaobao , Jiang Haiyan , Syversen Tore , Rocha João B. T. , Farina Marcelo , Aschner Michael
Published: September 2008

Methylmercury (MeHg) is a potent neurotoxin. The mechanism(s) that governs MeHg transport across the blood‐brain barrier and other biological membranes remains unclear. This study addressed the role of the L‐type large neutral amino acid transporter, LAT1, in MeHg transport. Studies were carried out in CHO‐k1 cells. Over‐expression of LAT1 in these cells was associated with enhanced uptake of [14C]‐MeHg when treated withl‐cysteine, but not with thed‐cysteine conjugate. In the presence of excessl‐methionine, a substrate for LAT1,l‐cysteine‐conjugated [14C]‐MeHg uptake was significantly attenuated. Treatment of LAT‐1 over‐expressing CHO‐k1 cells withl‐cysteine‐conjugated MeHg was also associated with increased leakage of lactate dehydrogenase into the media as well as reduced cell viability measured by the 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide reduction assay. In contrast, knock‐down of LAT1 decreased the uptake ofl‐cysteine‐conjugated MeHg and attenuated the effects of MeHg on lactate dehydrogenase leakage and CHO‐k1 cell viability. These results indicate that the MeHg‐l‐cysteine conjugate is a substrate for the neutral amino acid transporter, LAT1, which actively transports MeHg across membranes.
c‐Jun Expression, activation and function in neural cell death, inflammation and repair
Authors: Raivich Gennadij
Published: September 2008

Up‐regulation of c‐Jun is a common event in the developing, adult as well as in injured nervous system that serves as a model of transcriptional control of brain function. Functional studies employingin vivostrategies using gene deletion, targeted expression of dominant negative isoforms and pharmacological inhibitors all suggest a three pronged role of c‐Jun action, exercising control over neural cell death and degeneration, in gliosis and inflammation as well as in plasticity and repair.In vitro, structural and molecular studies reveal several non‐overlapping activation cascades via N‐terminal c‐Jun phosphorylation at serine 63 and 73 (Ser63, Ser73), and threonine 91 and 93 (Thr91, Thr93) residues, the dephosphorylation at Thr239, the p300‐mediated lysine acetylation of the near C‐terminal region (Lys268, Lys271, Lys 273), as well as the Jun‐independent activities of the Jun N‐terminal family of serine/threonine kinases, that regulate the different and disparate cellular responses. A better understanding of these non‐overlapping rolesin vivocould considerably increase the potential of pharmacological agents to improve neurological outcome following trauma, neonatal encephalopathy and stroke, as well as in neurodegenerative disease.
Pathogenic missense MAPT mutations differentially modulate tau aggregation propensity at nucleation and extension steps
Authors: Chang Edward , Kim Sohee , Yin Haishan , Nagaraja Haikady N. , Kuret Jeff
Published: September 2008

Mutations in the MAPT gene encoding tau protein lead to neurofibrillary lesion formation, neurodegeneration, and cognitive decline associated with frontotemporal lobar degeneration. While some pathogenic mutations affect MAPT introns, resulting in abnormal splicing patterns, the majority occur in the tau coding sequence leading to single amino acid changes in tau primary structure. Depending on their location within the polypeptide chain, tau missense mutations have been reported to augment aggregation propensity. To determine the mechanisms underlying mutation‐associated changes in aggregation behavior, the fibrillization of recombinant pathogenic mutants R5L, G272V, P301L, V337M, and R406W prepared in a full‐length four‐repeat human tau background was examined in vitro as a function of time and submicromolar tau concentrations using electron microscopy assay methods. Kinetic constants for nucleation and extension phases of aggregation were then estimated by direct measurement and mathematical simulation. Results indicated that the mutants differ from each other and from wild‐type tau in their aggregation propensity. G272V and P301L mutations increased the rates of both filament nucleation and extension reactions, whereas R5L and V337M increased only the nucleation phase. R406W did not differ from wild‐type in any kinetic parameter. The results show that missense mutations can directly promote tau filament formation at different stages of the aggregation pathway.
Amino acids involved in conformational dynamics and G protein coupling of an odorant receptor: targeting gain‐of‐function mutation
Authors: Kato Aya , Katada Sayako , Touhara Kazushige
Published: September 2008

Thousands of different odorants are recognized and discriminated by odorant receptors (ORs) in the guanine nucleotide‐binding protein (G protein)‐coupled seven‐transmembrane receptor family. Odorant‐bound ORs stimulate Gs‐type G proteins, Gαolf, which in turn activates cAMP‐mediated signaling pathway in olfactory sensory neurons. To better understand the molecular basis for OR activation and G protein coupling, we analyzed the effects of a series of site‐directed mutations of mouse ORs, on function. Mutations of conserved amino acid residues in an intracellular loop or the C‐terminus resulted in loss of activity without impairing ligand‐binding activity, indicating that these residues are involved in Gαs/olf coupling. Moreover, mutation of the serine in KAFSTC, the OR‐specific sequence motif, resulted in a dramatic increase in odorant responsiveness, suggesting that the motif is involved in a conformational change of the receptor that regulates G protein coupling efficiency. Our results provide insights into how ORs switch from an inactive to an active state, as well as where and how activated ORs interact with G proteins.
Extended NO analysis in a healthy subgroup of a random sample from a Swedish population
Authors: Högman Marieann , Lafih Jaroslava , Meriläinen Pekka , Bröms Kristina , Malinovschi Andrei , Janson Christer
Published: September 2008

Introduction:  There is an interest in modelling exhaled nitric oxide (NO). Studies have shown that flow‐independent NO parameters i.e. NO of the alveolar region (CANO), airway wall (CawNO), diffusing capacity (DawNO) and flux (JawNO), are altered in several disease states such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, alveolitis and chronic obsmuctive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, values from a healthy population are missing.

Objectives:  To calculate NO parameters in a healthy population by collecting NO values at different exhalation flow rates.

Methods:  A random sample from the ECRHS II study was investigated. Among the 281 subjects that had performed a bronchial hyperreactivity (BHR)‐test, FEV1·0, IgE and NO‐analyses 89 were found to be healthy.

Results:  There were no differences in FENO0·05 or NO parameters between men and women. There were weak correlations between height and both FENO0·05 (r = 0·23, P = 0·03) and CawNO (r = 0·22, P = 0·04). There was also a correlation between age and CANO (r = 0·28, P = 0·007). When controlled for gender, this correlation was more powerful in women (r = 0·51, P = 0·001) but did not remain for male subjects.

Conclusion:  Extended NO analysis is a simple non‐invasive tool that gives by far more information than FENO0·05. Based on our results, we suggest that the values for healthy subjects should be considered to fall between the following ranges: FENO0·05, 10–30 ppb; CawNO, 50–250 ppb; DawNO, 5–15 ml s−1; JawNO, 0·8–1·6 nl s−1; and CANO, 0–4 ppb. Values outside these intervals indicate the need for further investigation to exclude a state of disease.
Interictal rhythmical midline theta differentiates frontal from temporal lobe epilepsies
Authors: Beleza Pedro , Bilgin Özgür , Noachtar Soheyl
Published: September 2008

Purpose:  We evaluated the role of interictal rhythmical midline theta (RMT) in the identification of frontal lobe epilepsy (FLE) and its differentiation from temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and nonepileptic controls.

Methods:  We included 162 individuals in the study: 54 FLE patients, 54 TLE patients, and 54 nonepileptic controls. Continuous electroencephalographic (EEG)‐video monitoring was performed in all individuals. Interictal RMT was included only if it occurred during definite awake states. RMT associated with drowsiness or mental activation and ictal RMT was excluded.

Results:  We identified RMT significantly more frequently in FLE patients (48.1%, 26 of 54) than in TLE patients (3.7%, 2 of 54) (p < 0.01), and not in the control group. The average frequency was 6 Hz (range 5–7 Hz), and the average RMT bursts lasted 8 s (3–12 s). Interestingly, all mesial FLE patients (n = 4) (as established by invasive EEG recordings) showed RMT, whereas this was less frequently the case in the other FLE patients (44%, 22 of 50) (p = 0.03). Thirteen of our 54 patients with FLE (24%) did not have any interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs), but RMT was observed in the majority of these patients (62%, 8 of 13).

Conclusion:  Interictal RMT is common and has a localizing value in patients with FLE, provided that conditions such as drowsiness and mental activation as confounding factors for RMT are excluded. RMT should be included in the evaluation of patients considered for resective epilepsy surgery.
Aphasic or amnesic status epilepticus detected on PET but not EEG
Authors: Dong Christine , Sriram Subramaniam , Delbeke Dominique , Al‐Kaylani Muhammad , Arain Amir M. , Singh Pradumna , McLean Michael J. , Abou‐Khalil Bassel
Published: September 2008

Purpose:  To describe five patients with ictal aphasia and one patient with ictal amnesia, who had focal positron emission tomography (PET) hypermetabolism but no clear ictal activity on electroencephalography (EEG).

Methods:  18F‐Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)–PET scans with concomitant EEG were obtained in five patients with suspected ictal aphasia or ictal amnesia without ictal activity on EEG. We reviewed medical history, EEG, imaging data, and treatment outcome.

Results:  Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed no structural abnormalities in any of the patients. EEG showed left temporal irregular delta activity in three patients, with aphasia and nonspecific abnormalities in two other patients, all without clear ictal pattern. All patients demonstrated focal hypermetabolism on PET scan. The hypermetabolism was in the left frontotemporal region in patients with ictal aphasia and in the bilateral hippocampal region in the patient with amnesia. Three patients who received intravenous benzodiazepines during their episodes had transient clinical improvement. With antiepileptic drug (AED) treatment, symptoms gradually resolved in all patients. Concomitant resolution of PET hypermetabolism was documented in three patients who had follow up scans. One patient with ictal aphasia later developed recurrent episodes, each with recurrent PET hypermetabolism. This patient and one other patient required immune‐modulating therapy in addition to AEDs.

Discussion:  FDG‐PET imaging should be considered as a diagnostic tool in patients with suspected ictal aphasia or amnesia, who fail to show clear evidence of ictal activity on EEG.
Scopolamine‐induced convulsions in fasted mice after food intake: the effect of duration of food deprivation
Authors: Enginar Nurhan , Nurten Asiye , Özünal Zeynep Güneş , Zengin Aslı
Published: September 2008

It has been shown that mice and rats treated with antimuscarinic drugs, scopolamine or atropine, after fasting for 48 h develop convulsions soon after refeeding. The present study was performed to evaluate whether mice also develop convulsions after being deprived of food for 1–24 h. The effect of day–night fasting on the development of convulsions was also determined in 12‐h deprived animals. Mice were deprived of food for periods of 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, and 48 h. Animals fasted for 12 h during the day or night were deprived of food at 08:00 or 20:00 h, respectively. At the time of testing, animals were treated with intraperitoneal (i.p.) saline or 3 mg/kg scopolamine. Twenty minutes later, they were given food and allowed to eat ad lib. All animals were observed for 30 min for the incidence and onset of convulsions. Fasted animals treated with scopolamine developed clonic convulsions after food intake. Incidence of convulsions was significant in 2‐, 3‐, 12‐, 18‐, 24‐, and 48‐h deprived animals. Convulsions observed after deprivation of food for 12 h during the day or at night were almost similar in both regimens. Our results indicate that food deprivation itself, rather than its duration, seems to be the principal factor in the development of these convulsions.
ASYMMETRY OF EYESPOT AND MATING STRUCTURE POSITIONS IN ULVA COMPRESSA (ULVALES, CHLOROPHYTA) REVEALED BY A NEW FIELD EMISSION SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY METHOD1
Authors: Mogi Yuko , Kagami Yayoi , Kuwano Kazuyoshi , Miyamura Shinichi , Nagumo Tamotsu , Kawano Shigeyuki
Published: September 2008

Gametes of the marine green alga Ulva compressa L. are biflagellate and pear shaped, with one eyespot at the posterior end of the cell. The species is at an early evolutionary stage between isogamy and anisogamy. In the past, zygote formation of green algae was categorized solely by the relative sizes of gametes produced by two mating types (+ and −). Recently, however, locations of cell fusion sites and/or mating structures of gametes have been observed to differ between mating types in several green algae (asymmetry of cell fusion site and/or mating structure positions). To use this asymmetry for determining gamete mating type, we explored a new method, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), for visualizing the mating structure of U. compressa. When gametes were subjected to drying stress in the process of a conventional critical‐point‐drying method, a round structure was observed on the cell surfaces. In the mating type MGEC‐1 (mt+), this structure was located on the same side of the cell as the eyespot, whereas it was on the side opposite the eyespot in the mating type MGEC‐2 (mt−). The gametes fuse at the round structures. TEM showed an alignment of vesicles inside the cytoplasm directly below the round structures, which are indeed the mating structures. Serial sectioning and three‐dimensional construction of TEM micrographs confirmed the association of the mating structure with flagellar roots. The mating structure was associated with 1d root in the MGEC‐1 gamete but with 2d root in the MGEC‐2 gamete.
DESICCATION PROTECTION AND DISRUPTION: A TRADE‐OFF FOR AN INTERTIDAL MARINE ALGA1
Authors: Hunt Luke J. H. , Denny Mark W.
Published: September 2008

For marine algae, the benefits of drying out are often overshadowed by the stresses involved. Here we used laboratory and field experiments to examine both the costs and benefits of desiccation in the intertidal turf alga Endocladia muricata (Endlichter) J. Agardh. Laboratory experiments showed that when Endocladia is dry, photosynthesis stops, but thermotolerance increases to the point that the alga is protected from heat‐induced mortality. Drying rates measured in a wind tunnel, combined with tidal data and measured wave splash, indicate that a substantial fraction of the year is spent “drying out” (∼30% of the total time available for photosynthesis). During these periods, the rate of drying determines how much time is spent hydrated and potentially engaged in photosynthesis, but also vulnerable to high temperatures. Turf algae such as Endocladia dry from the edge of a clump inward. Consequently, the clump center remains hydrated longer than the clump edge. The resulting regionalization of a clump results in notable patterns of frond mortality (“fairy rings,” and zoned patterns of frond bleaching) within the Endocladia zone.
EXPRESSION PROFILING OF THE MANNURONAN C5‐EPIMERASE MULTIGENIC FAMILY IN THE BROWN ALGA LAMINARIA DIGITATA (PHAEOPHYCEAE) UNDER BIOTIC STRESS CONDITIONS1
Authors: Tonon Thierry , Rousvoal Sylvie , Roeder Vincent , Boyen Catherine
Published: September 2008

The aim of this study was to profile expression of mannuronan C5‐epimerase (ManC5‐E) genes of Laminaria digitata (Huds.) J. V. Lamour. under treatment with brown alga cell wall components known to induce defense reaction in this organism. After determining that incubation in the presence of homo‐guluronates increased the accumulation of ManC5‐E transcripts, we cloned a number of partial ManC5‐E genes from nonelicited and elicited specimens. In addition to these fragments, previously identified genes from sporophyte and protoplast cDNA libraries were considered for a clustering analysis. Several groups of ManC5‐E genes were observed, including groups containing sequences specific from nonelicited and elicited sporophytes, and sequences isolated from protoplasts. Quantitative real‐time PCR experiments were then carried out using genes representative of different groups. Results of transcript accumulation during protoplast regeneration and sporophyte elicitation supported the hypothesis that specific C5‐epimerase genes are recruited under pathogen attack, enabling L. digitata to modify its cell wall in response to environmental stimuli.
A NOVEL EPIPHYTIC CYANOBACTERIAL SPECIES FROM THE GENUS BRASILONEMA CAUSING DAMAGE TO EUCALYPTUS LEAVES1
Authors: Aguiar Rosane , Fiore Marli Fatima , Franco Maione Wittig , Ventrella Marília Contin , Lorenzi Adriana Sturion , Vanetti Cláudia A. , Alfenas Acelino Couto
Published: September 2008

A cyanobacterial mat colonizing the leaves of Eucalyptus grandis was determined to be responsible for serious damage affecting the growth and development of whole plants under the clonal hybrid nursery conditions. The dominant cyanobacterial species was isolated in BG‐11 medium lacking a source of combined nitrogen and identified by cell morphology characters and molecular phylogenetic analysis (16S rRNA gene and cpcBA‐IGS sequences). The isolated strain represents a novel species of the genus Brasilonema and is designated Brasilonema octagenarum strain UFV‐E1. Thin sections of E. grandis leaves analyzed by light and electron microscopy showed that the B. octagenarum UFV‐E1 filaments penetrate into the leaf mesophyll. The depth of infection and the mechanism by which the cyanobacterium invades leaf tissue were not determined. A major consequence of colonization by this cyanobacterium is a reduction in photosynthesis in the host since the cyanobacterial mats decrease the amount of light incident on leaf surfaces. Moreover, the cyanobacteria also interfere with stomatal gas exchange, decreasing CO2 assimilation. To our knowledge, this is the first report of an epiphytic cyanobacterial species causing damage to E. grandis leaves.
Effect of Physical Activity Guidelines on Physical Function in Older Adults
Authors: Morey Miriam C. , Sloane Richard , Pieper Carl F. , Peterson Matthew J. , Pearson Megan P. , Ekelund Carola C. , Crowley Gail M. , Demark‐Wahnefried Wendy , Snyder Denise C. , Clipp Elizabeth C. , Cohen Harvey J.
Published: September 2008

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether elderly people who meet national guidelines have higher physical function (PF) scores than those who do not and the effect on functional trajectory when physical activity (PA) levels change from above to below this threshold, or vice versa.

DESIGN: Pooled data.

SETTING: Two 6‐month randomized controlled trials aimed at increasing PA in adults.

PARTICIPANTS: Adults aged 65 to 94 (N=357).

INTERVENTION: PA counseling over the telephone and through mailed materials.

MEASUREMENTS: Self‐reported PA dichotomized at 150 minutes/week and PF using the Medical Outcomes Study 36‐item Short Form Questionnaire PF subscale.

RESULTS: At baseline, individuals reporting 150 minutes or more of moderate PA/week had mean PF scores that were 20.3 points higher than those who did not (P<.001). Change in PA minutes from above threshold to below threshold or from below threshold to above threshold from baseline to 6 months resulted in an average change in PF of −11.18 (P<.001) and +5.10 (P=.05), respectively.

CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that PA is an important predictor of functional status. Older sedentary adults can improve PF by meeting recommended PA levels. Conversely, dropping below recommended PA levels has a deleterious effect on PF. Given the importance of PF in maintenance of independence and quality of life in older adults, adherence to recommended PA guidelines should be endorsed.
The Impact of Myocardial Viability on the Clinical Outcome of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
Authors: RIEDLBAUCHOVÁ LUCIE , BRUNKEN RICHARD , JABER WAEL A. , POPOVÁ LUCIE , PATEL DIMPI , LÁNSKÁ VĚRA , CIVELLO KENNETH , CUMMINGS JENNIFER , BURKHARDT J. DAVID , SALIBA WALID , MARTIN DAVID , SCHWEIKERT ROBERT , WILKOFF BRUCE L. , GRIMM RICHARD , NATALE ANDREA
Published: September 2008

Introduction: Around 30% of patients do not respond to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). Nonischemic cardiomyopathy has been identified as an independent predictor of response to CRT, probably due to the absence of compact scar.

Methods and results: The relationship between cardiac scar, ischemia, and hibernation (both at the left‐ventricular pacing site and as a total burden) and response to CRT was studied in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy using the perfusion‐viability positron emission tomography (PET) test.

Sixty‐six patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy and traditional criteria for CRT were included. All patients underwent PET scan prior to CRT. Using PET, the amount and location of scarred, ischemic, and hibernating myocardium were characterized. No revascularization was indicated. Responders were defined by an improvement of left‐ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥ 5% and/or New York Heart Association (NYHA) class ≥ 1 degree.

During a mean follow‐up of 26.2 ± 22.2 months, there was a significant improvement in NYHA class and reverse remodeling in patients with the LV lead inserted remotely from the scar. However, reverse remodeling of a similar degree was present also in patients with extensive scarring including the lateral wall. The presence of ischemia, hibernation, or nontransmural scar at the pacing‐site did not significantly modify the outcome of CRT as compared with viable myocardium. There were only 38% of CRT‐nonresponders. Neither the extent of scar, ischemia, hibernation, or viability predicted outcome or mortality. Twenty patients died during the follow‐up, one patient underwent heart transplant.

Conclusions: At follow‐up, response to CRT is observed regardless of the presence of extensive scarring. Left ventricular (LV) pacing at sites with ischemia, hibernation, or nontransmural scar does not appear to modify the effect of CRT as compared to viable tissue.
Focal Atrial Tachycardia Originating from the Right Atrial Appendage: First Successful Cryoballoon Isolation
Authors: CHUN KR JULIAN , OUYANG FEIFAN , SCHMIDT BORIS , KUCK KARL‐HEINZ
Published: September 2008

Electrical Isolation of the Right Atrial Appendage Using the Cryoballoon. Focal atrial tachycardias (AT) can arise from the right atrial appendage (RAA). However, conventional catheter mapping and radiofrequency (RF) ablation inside the RAA is associated with the risk of cardiac perforation. The cryoballoon catheter represents a novel ablation device that was originally developed to facilitate pulmonary vein isolation. This report describes the first successful RAA isolation using a cryoballoon in a patient with an incessant focal RAA AT despite previous irrigated tip endo‐ and epicardial ablation attempts. Further, cryoballoon ablation targets beyond pulmonary veins may evolve. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 20, pp. 338‐341, March 2009)
Arrhythmias in Children Having a Single Left Superior Vena Cava and Minimal Structural Heart Disease
Authors: RATNASAMY CHRISTOPHER , IDRISS SALIM F. , CARBONI MICHAEL P. , KANTER RONALD J.
Published: September 2008

Background:
The presence of a single left superior vena cava in the absence of complex congenital heart disease is uncommon, and, in the absence of hemodynamic consequences, it would not be expected to result in cardiovascular signs or symptoms. Single case reports and our anecdotal experience suggested to us that this anomaly is highly associated with cardiac arrhythmias.

Objective:
We sought to describe the clinically important arrhythmias in a population of young patients having this anomaly.

Methods:
A retrospective chart review was performed from all patients <20 years old and who were determined by echocardiography over an 11‐year‐period to have a single left superior vena cava and minor or no coexisting congenital heart defects. The prevalence of nonsinus pacemaker, age‐corrected sinus rate percentile, and prevalence of brady‐ or tachyarrhythmias was compared with a control group of patients having bilateral superior vena cavae.

Results:
Eight patients having a single left and 55 patients having bilateral superior vena cava(e) were identified. The existence of this anomaly tended to be associated with a lower age‐corrected sinus rate percentile (17.5% vs 75%, P = 0.09), and was associated with a higher prevalence of arrhythmias (50% vs 7%, P = 0.014) compared with the control group. In the study group, one patient each had clinically relevant sinus node dysfunction, third‐degree AV block, Wolff‐Parkinson‐White syndrome and atrial fibrillation, and AV nodal reentrant tachycardia.

Conclusion:
Even in the absence of symptoms, patients found to have a single left superior vena cava should be monitored long‐term for clinically important arrhythmias.
Characterization and Performance Evaluation of Zinc Oxide Varistor Blocks Processed by Latex Binders
Authors: Begum Shahida , Karim A. N. M. , Hashmi M. S. J.
Published: September 2008

The processing of ZnO varistor has a long route with numerous contributing variables. The binder plays an important role in the fabrication of this electro‐ceramic device. Higher density and strength of a green body are critical not only for handling at its green state but also to avoid the causes of flaw formation during sintering. Use of appropriate binder can lead to improved characteristics of powder, which will reduce density gradient in the green body during compaction. Enhanced green properties can consequently lead to higher fired strength of the varistor discs. The binder system is anticipated to have an influence on the grain growth and microstructure which in turn affect the electrical performance parameters of the discs such as I–V characteristics, watt‐loss behavior, and energy absorption capability, etc. To investigate this phenomenon, several commercial latex binders and their blends have been studied and compared with the conventional plasticized polyvinyl alcohol. A positive effect was observed in the context of physical properties and electrical performance of ZnO varistors. Factorial analysis has revealed that the two input parameters (binder content and solid concentration) influence the electrical properties such as electric field intensity, non‐linear co‐efficient, energy absorption capability, and watt‐loss of ZnO varistor.