bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long‐term intermittent pulse therapy with mizoribine attenuates histologic progression in young patients with severe lupus nephritis: Report of two patients (Brief Communication)
Authors: TANAKA HIROSHI , OKI EI‐SHIN , TSUGAWA KOJI , SUZUKI KOICH , TSURUGA KAZUSHI , ITO ETSURO
Published: July 2007

SUMMARY:  Mizoribine (MZR), a novel selective inhibitor of inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase in the de novo pathway, whose mode of action is very similar to that of mycophenolate mofetil, has been successfully applied without serious adverse effects for the treatment of renal diseases. We have previously reported the efficacy and safety of a new MZR treatment regimen, namely, oral MZR intermittent pulse therapy, which we examined based on the observation that it might show superior efficacy to the conventional daily low‐dose MZR regimen on account of the higher peak serum MZR levels, in selected patients with lupus nephritis. Two Japanese patients with severe lupus nephritis (WHO class IV‐G) who were administered long‐term intermittent MZR pulse therapy, and in whom pre‐ and post‐treatment renal biopsies were reported. Post‐treatment renal biopsy confirmed the marked attenuation of histologic progression by the treatment. These clinical observations may lend further support, from the histologic standpoint, to the efficacy of long‐term MZR intermittent pulse therapy for selected patients with active lupus nephritis.
Clinicopathology of childhood‐onset renal systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: OLOWU WASIU A , ADELUSOLA KAYODE A , SENBANJO IDOWU O
Published: July 2007

Aims:  To determine the clinicolaboratory renal manifestations; glomerular, extra‐glomerular histopathologic lesions; renal tubular dysfunction (RTD) frequency and outcome of a short‐term renal follow up in Nigerian children with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods:  A non‐randomized prospective study of consecutive cases of childhood‐onset SLE with nephropathy was conducted. Baseline/follow‐up clinicolaboratory data were collected. Each patient was followed up for 12 months.

Results:  Seven of the 11 children studied were girls. The median age at diagnosis was 11.0 years. Median diagnosis time interval (1.9 years) and median time of renal disease onset (1.0 year) were similar. Hypertension, nephrotic syndrome and acute renal failure (ARF) occurred in 45.5%, 54.5% and 63.7% of the patients, respectively. The glomerular lesions were non‐proliferative lupus nephritis (LN) in 9.0% (class II LN); focal (class III LN) and diffuse (class IV LN) proliferative LN (PLN) in 27.0% and 64.0%, respectively. Tubulointerstitial nephritis (TIN, 91.0%) and RTD (64.0%) were common. ARF (P = 0.033) and RTD (P = 0.015) were significantly associated with severe TIN. Complete renal remission rate at end‐point was 71.4%. Relapse and renal survival rates were 14.3% and 86.0%, respectively. RTD was persistent in 43.0%.

Conclusion:  Renal function disorders, diffuse PLN and extra‐glomerular lesions were frequent. Significant association of ARF and RTD with severe TIN in this series suggests the need for early renal tubular function (RTF) assessment in our SLE patients. Deranged RTF may be marker of severe TIN in SLE warranting early confirmatory renal biopsy and aggressive interventional treatment.
A SWINE MODEL FOR LONG‐TERM EVALUATION OF PROSTHETIC HEART VALVES
Authors: Li Demin , Ren Bin‐Hui , Shen Yi , Wu Haiwei , Wang Changtian , Zhang Lidong , Zhu Jiaquan , Jing Hua
Published: July 2007

Background:  The objective of this study was to develop a porcine model of mitral valve replacement (MVR) for long‐term evaluation of prosthetic heart valves.

Methods:  Sixteen 25‐kg male Bama miniature pigs underwent MVR using St Jude Medical valve (21 mm). Each animal was allocated to an anticoagulation protocol after surgery (group I, s.c. heparin injection and warfarin (n = 8); group II, s.c. low‐molecular‐weight heparin and warfarin (n = 8)) and was followed for up to 20 weeks. Terminal studies were carried out on all animals having survived for more than 140 days or died.

Results:  Fourteen animals survived for more than 1 month without signs of heart failure. One of group I animals died from haemorrhagic (haemopericardium) complications on the 9th postoperative day, and another animal of group I died on the 18th postoperative day because of valve thrombosis.

Conclusions:  Compared with other species, humans and pigs show remarkable anatomical and physiological similarities. This model is promising for long‐term preclinical evaluation of prosthetic heart valves and evaluation of postoperative anticoagulant agents.
Microbial response to salinity change in Lake Chaka, a hypersaline lake on Tibetan plateau
Authors: Jiang Hongchen , Dong Hailiang , Yu Bingsong , Liu Xinqi , Li Yiliang , Ji Shanshan , Zhang Chuanlun L.
Published: July 2007

Previous investigations of the salinity effects on the microbial community composition have largely been limited to dynamic estuaries and coastal solar salterns. In this study, the effects of salinity and mineralogy on microbial community composition was studied by using a 900‐cm sediment core collected from a stable, inland hypersaline lake, Lake Chaka, on the Tibetan Plateau, north‐western China. This core, spanning a time of 17 000 years, was unique in that it possessed an entire range of salinity from freshwater clays and silty sands at the bottom to gypsum and glauberite in the middle, to halite at the top. Bacterial and archaeal communities were studied along the length of this core using an integrated approach combining mineralogy and geochemistry, molecular microbiology (16S rRNA gene analysis and quantitative polymerase chain reaction), cultivation and lipid biomarker analyses. Systematic changes in microbial community composition were correlated with the salinity gradient, but not with mineralogy. Bacterial community was dominated by the Firmicutes‐related environmental sequences and known species (including sulfate‐reducing bacteria) in the freshwater sediments at the bottom, but by halophilic and halotolerant Betaproteobacteria and Bacteroidetes in the hypersaline sediments at the top. Succession of proteobacterial groups along the salinity gradient, typically observed in free‐living bacterial communities, was not observed in the sediment‐associated community. Among Archaea, the Crenarchaeota were predominant in the bottom freshwater sediments, but the halophilic Halobacteriales of the Euryarchaeota was the most important group in the hypersaline sediments. Multiple isolates were obtained along the whole length of the core, and their salinity tolerance was consistent with the geochemical conditions. Iron‐reducing bacteria were isolated in the freshwater sediments, which were capable of reducing structural Fe(III) in the Fe(III)‐rich clay minerals predominant in the source sediment. These data have important implications for understanding how microorganisms respond to increased salinity in stable, inland water bodies.
Grazing protozoa and magnetosome dissolution in magnetotactic bacteria
Authors: Martins Juliana L. , Silveira Thaís S. , Abreu Fernanda , Silva Karen T. , Da Silva‐Neto Inácio D. , Lins Ulysses
Published: July 2007

Magnetotactic bacteria show an ability to navigate along magnetic field lines because of magnetic particles called magnetosomes. All magnetotactic bacteria are unicellular except for the multicellular prokaryote (recently named ‘Candidatus Magnetoglobus multicellularis’), which is formed by an orderly assemblage of 17–40 prokaryotic cells that swim as a unit. A ciliate was used in grazing experiments with the M. multicellularis to study the fate of the magnetosomes after ingestion by the protozoa. Ciliates ingested M. multicellularis, which were located in acid vacuoles as demonstrated by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Transmission electron microscopy and X‐ray microanalysis of thin‐sectioned ciliates showed the presence of M. multicellularis and magnetosomes inside vacuoles in different degrees of degradation. The magnetosomes are dissolved within the acidic vacuoles of the ciliate. Depending on the rate of M. multicellularis consumption by the ciliates the iron from the magnetosomes may be recycled to the environment in a more soluble form.
Heterotrophic symbionts of phototrophic consortia: members of a novel diverse cluster of Betaproteobacteria characterized by a tandem rrn operon structure
Authors: Pfannes Kristina R. , Vogl Kajetan , Overmann Jörg
Published: July 2007

Phototrophic consortia represent the most highly developed type of interspecific association of bacteria and consist of green sulfur bacterial epibionts attached around a central colourless rod‐shaped bacterium. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing, the central bacterium of the consortium ‘Chlorochromatium aggregatum’ was recently shown to represent a novel and phylogenetically isolated lineage of the Comamonadaceae within the β‐subgroup of the Proteobacteria. To date, 19 types of phototrophic consortia are distinguished based on the different 16S rRNA gene sequences of their epibionts, but the diversity and phylogenetic relationships of the heterotrophic partner bacteria are still unknown. We developed an approach based on the specific rrn (ribosomal RNA) operon structure of the central bacterium of ‘C. aggregatum’ to recover 16S rRNA gene sequences of other central bacteria and their close relatives from natural consortia populations. Genomic DNA of the central bacterium of ‘C. aggregatum’ was first enriched several hundred‐fold by employing a selective method for growth of consortia in a monolayer biofilm followed by a purification of the genome of the central bacterium by cesium chloride‐bisbenzimidazole equilibrium density gradient centrifugation. A combination of inverse PCR, cloning and sequencing revealed that two rrn operons of the central bacterium are arranged in a tandem fashion and are separated by an unusually short intergenic region of 195 base pairs. This rare gene order was exploited to screen various natural microbial communities by PCR. We discovered a diverse and previously unknown subgroup of Betaproteobacteria in the chemoclines of freshwater lakes. This group was absent in other freshwater and soil samples. All the 16S rRNA gene sequences recovered are related to that of the central bacterium of ‘C. aggregatum’. Fluorescence in situ hybridization indicated that two of these sequences originated from central bacteria of different phototrophic consortia, which, however, were only distantly related to the central bacterium of ‘C. aggregatum’. Based on a detailed phylogenetic analysis, these central bacterial symbionts of phototrophic consortia have a polyphyletic origin.
Biofilm formation in Desulfovibrio vulgaris Hildenborough is dependent upon protein filaments
Authors: Clark Melinda E. , Edelmann Richard E. , Duley Matt L. , Wall Judy D. , Fields Matthew W.
Published: July 2007

Desulfovibrio vulgaris Hildenborough is a Gram‐negative sulfate‐reducing bacterium (SRB), and the physiology of SRBs can impact many anaerobic environments including radionuclide waste sites, oil reservoirs and metal pipelines. In an attempt to understand D. vulgaris as a population that can adhere to surfaces, D. vulgaris cultures were grown in a defined medium and analysed for carbohydrate production, motility and biofilm formation. Desulfovibrio vulgaris wild‐type cells had increasing amounts of carbohydrate into stationary phase and approximately half of the carbohydrate remained internal. In comparison, a mutant that lacked the 200 kb megaplasmid, strain ΔMP, produced less carbohydrate and the majority of carbohydrate remained internal of the cell proper. To assess the possibility of carbohydrate re‐allocation, biofilm formation was investigated. Wild‐type cells produced approximately threefold more biofilm on glass slides compared with ΔMP; however, wild‐type biofilm did not contain significant levels of exopolysaccharide. In addition, stains specific for extracellular carbohydrate did not reveal polysaccharide material within the biofilm. Desulfovibrio vulgaris wild‐type biofilms contained long filaments as observed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the biofilm‐deficient ΔMP strain was also deficient in motility. Biofilms grown directly on silica oxide transmission electron microscopy (TEM) grids did not contain significant levels of an exopolysaccharide matrix when viewed with TEM and SEM, and samples stained with ammonium molybdate also showed long filaments that resembled flagella. Biofilms subjected to protease treatments were degraded, and different proteases that were added at the time of inoculation inhibited biofilm formation. The data indicated that D. vulgaris did not produce an extensive exopolysaccharide matrix, used protein filaments to form biofilm between cells and silica oxide surfaces, and the filaments appeared to be flagella. It is likely that D. vulgaris used flagella for more than a means of locomotion to a surface, but also used flagella, or modified flagella, to establish and/or maintain biofilm structure.
Quantitative analysis of glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons expressing 5‐HT2A receptors in human and monkey prefrontal cortex
Authors: De Almeida J. , Mengod G.
Published: July 2007

5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) or serotonin 2A receptors play an important role in modulation of prefrontal cortex (PFC) activity and have been implicated in the physiopathology of psychiatric disorders. There is no quantitative information on the percentage of glutamatergic and GABAergic cells that express 5‐HT2A receptors in human and monkey PFC. We have used double in situ hybridization to quantify the mRNA co‐localization of 5‐HT2A receptor with the glutamatergic transporter vesicular glutamate transporter 1, and with the GABAergic marker glutamic acid decarboxylase 65/67 and in parvalbumin and calbindin GABAergic cell populations. Our results show that nearly every glutamatergic cell (86–100%) in layers II‐V expressed 5‐HT2A receptor mRNA in both species. This percentage was lower in layer VI (13–31%). In contrast, not all the GABAergic interneurons (13–46%) expressed 5‐HT2A receptor mRNA. This receptor was expressed in 45–69% of parvalbumin and in 61–87% of calbindin positive cells. These results indicate that, while the majority of glutamatergic neurons can be sensitive to 5‐HT action via 5‐HT2A receptors, this modulation occurs only in a limited population of GABAergic interneurons and provides new neuroanatomical information about the role played by serotonin through 5‐HT2A receptors in the PFC and on the sites of action for drugs such as antipsychotics and antidepressants used in treatment of psychiatric disorders.
Minocycline and riluzole brain disposition: interactions with p‐glycoprotein at the blood–brain barrier
Authors: Milane Aline , Fernandez Christine , Vautier Sarah , Bensimon Gilbert , Meininger Vincent , Farinotti Robert
Published: July 2007

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a neurodegenerative fatal disease. The only drug recognized to increase the survival time is riluzole(RLZ). In animal models, minocycline (MNC) delayed the onset of the disease and increased the survival time (in combination with RLZ). The objective of our work was to study the interactions between RLZ, MNC and the efflux pump p‐glycoprotein (p‐gp) at the blood–brain barrier. We investigated these two drugs as: (i) p‐gp substrates by comparing their brain uptake in CF1mdr1a(−/−) andmdr1a(+/+) mice, (ii) p‐gp modulators by studying their effect on the cerebral uptake of digoxin.mdr1a(−/−) mice showed higher brain uptake of MNC and RLZ thanmdr1a(+/+) (in a 1.6‐ and 1.4‐fold, respectively); and inmdr1a(+/+) mice pre‐treated with repeated doses of MNC, brain uptake of digoxin was increased. When both drugs were administrated tomdr1a(+/+) mice, MNC increased the brain uptake of RLZ in a 2.1‐fold. In conclusion, MNC and RLZ are both p‐gp substrates. MNC is also a p‐gp inhibitor and increases the brain diffusion of RLZ.In vitroexperiments with the GPNT cell line confirmed these results. These interactions should be taken into account in the design of future clinical trials.
Aminoindan and hydroxyaminoindan, metabolites of rasagiline and ladostigil, respectively, exert neuroprotective properties in vitro
Authors: Bar‐Am Orit , Amit Tamar , Youdim Moussa B. H.
Published: July 2007

The anti‐Parkinson, selective irreversible monoamine oxidase B inhibitor drug, rasagiline (Azilect), recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, has been shown to possess neuroprotective‐neurorescue activities in in vitro and in vivo models. Recent preliminary studies indicated the potential neuroprotective effect of the major metabolite of rasagiline, 1‐(R)‐aminoindan. In the current study, the neuroprotective properties of 1‐(R)‐aminoindan were assessed employing a cytotoxic model of human neuroblastoma SK‐N‐SH cells in high‐density culture‐induced neuronal death. We show that aminoindan (0.1–1 μmol/L) significantly reduced the apoptosis‐associated phosphorylated protein, H2A.X (Ser139), decreased the cleavage of caspase 9 and caspase 3, while increasing the anti‐apoptotic proteins, Bcl‐2 and Bcl‐xl. Protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, GF109203X, prevented the neuroprotection, indicating the involvement of PKC in aminoindan‐induced cell survival. Aminoindan markedly elevated pPKC(pan) and specifically that of the pro‐survival PKC isoform, PKCε. Additionally, hydroxyaminoindan, a metabolite of a novel bifunctional drug, ladostigil [(N‐propargyl‐(3R) aminoindan‐5yl)‐ethyl methyl carbamate], combining cholinesterase and monoamine oxidase inhibitor activity, exerted similar neuroprotective properties. Aminoindan and hydroxyaminoindan also protected rat pheochromacytoma PC‐12 cells against the neurotoxin, 6‐hydroxydopamine. Our findings suggest that both metabolites may contribute to the overall neuroprotective activity of their respective parent compounds, further implicating rasagiline and ladostigil as potentially valuable drugs for treatment of a wide variety of neurodegenerative disorders of aging.
SYSTEMATICS AND TAXONOMY OF EOCENE TOMISTOMINE CROCODYLIANS FROM BRITAIN AND NORTHERN EUROPE
Authors: BROCHU CHRISTOPHER A.
Published: July 2007

Abstract:  The holotype of Dollosuchus dixoni (Owen) from the Early–Middle Eocene Bracklesham Beds of England is a set of mandibular fragments that cannot be distinguished from corresponding parts of other longirostrine crocodylians. An isolated humerus from the Bracklesham Beds is consistent with a gavialoid, but it cannot be referred to the holotype of D. dixoni. The name Dollosuchoides densmorei is established for the well‐preserved skull and skeleton of a tomistomine from the Middle Eocene of Belgium that had been referred to D. dixoni. It can be clearly distinguished from the basal tomistomine ‘Crocodilus’spenceri Buckland from the Lower Eocene of England, which cannot be referred to Dollosuchoides and is provisionally referred to Kentisuchus Mook. Although basal within Tomistominae, Dollosuchoides is more closely related to Tomistoma than to Kentisuchus.
A CARBONIFEROUS SYNZIPHOSURINE (XIPHOSURA) FROM THE BEAR GULCH LIMESTONE, MONTANA, USA
Authors: MOORE RACHEL A. , McKENZIE SCOTT C. , LIEBERMAN BRUCE S.
Published: July 2007

Abstract: A new synziphosurine,Anderella parvagen. et sp. nov., extends the known range of this group from the Silurian to the Carboniferous and is the youngest known so far from the fossil record. Previously the youngest synziphosurine,Kasibelinurus, was from the Devonian of North America.Anderella parvahas a semi‐oval carapace with pointed genal regions, nine freely articulating opisthosomal segments and a long styliform tail spine. It is the third xiphosuran genus to be described from the Bear Gulch Limestone and its discovery highlights this deposit as containing an unusually diverse xiphosuran biota. It is also the only known locality where synziphosurines occur alongside the more derived xiphosurids. Xiphosurans reached their greatest diversity in the Carboniferous when the xiphosurids began to occupy brackish and freshwater habitats and became dominant over the synziphosurines. The discovery of the only known Carboniferous synziphosurine in marine sediments may indicate their inability to exploit these same environments.
ANACORACID SHARKS FROM THE ALBIAN (LOWER CRETACEOUS) PAWPAW SHALE OF TEXAS
Authors: SIVERSON MIKAEL , LINDGREN JOHAN , KELLEY L. SCOTT
Published: July 2007

Abstract:  Recent collecting from the Pawpaw Shale in north‐east Texas has yielded several hundred teeth of anacoracid sharks. The material allows for a much‐needed revision of the Late Albian anacoracids from North America. The previously recognized Squalicorax sp., also referred to as S. volgensis in more recent publications, is a mix of two different species: S. priscoserratus sp. nov. and S. pawpawensis sp. nov. In addition to these two new species, a single tooth is assigned to S. aff. S. baharijensis. Our data indicate that anacoracids were a considerably more diverse group in the North American Cretaceous than previously thought. We attribute much of the underestimation of diversity to vague species concepts, poor preparation techniques and the associated lack of attention to certain dental features, in particular neck morphology, root surface porosity and the root's vascularization.
Significance of dye research and development for practical dyers
Authors: Park J , Shore J
Published: July 2007

The history of research and development on synthetic dyes stretches back for 150 years. Major contributions to practical dyeing have been the provision of dye ranges for both natural and synthetic fibres of a sufficiently wide colour gamut to obtain a multitude of colours. Dye standardisation, with the associated analytical, testing and evaluation methods, has ensured that products are fit for purpose. Ecotoxicology has been a major issue for several decades, adding to the cost of research but improving the health and safety aspects of dyes. Developments in physical forms of dyes have been designed to improve health, safety, hygiene, ease of handling and accuracy in dispensing. Application research, in conjunction with dye users and machinery makers, has been a long‐established feature of the industry. This has resulted in improved, controlled and systematic dye application techniques, leading to shorter dyeing cycles, right‐first‐time (RFT) processing and a reduction in processing costs. Although dye making is now based mainly in Asia, it is hoped that R&D efforts will continue to ensure that products of the necessary quality and performance remain available.
Assessing colour values of polyester fabrics produced from fibres having different cross‐sectional shapes after abrasion
Authors: Becerir Behcet , Karaca Esra , Omeroglu Sunay
Published: July 2007

This study assesses the colour, colour difference and colour strength values obtained for eight disperse‐dyed polyester fabric samples produced from full and hollow round and trilobal fibres after four sets of abrasion cycle. Each fabric was produced from the same yarns in warp and weft directions. The L*, C*ΔE*ab and K/S values of the undyed fabrics and dyed fabrics before and after increasing cycles of abrasion are presented and discussed. Fabrics produced from full and hollow fibres showed great differences regarding colour values in abrasion behaviour. Fabrics produced from hollow fibres were found to be very sensitive to increasing abrasion cycles.
Enhancing textile ink‐jet printing with chitosan
Authors: Yuen C W M , Ku S K A , Kan C W , Choi P S R
Published: July 2007

Following on from previous research, the possibility of using chitosan in preparing the pretreatment print paste for textile ink‐jet printing was investigated but the final colour was not as good as expected. In this study, chitosan was applied separately on cotton fabric for ink‐jet printing. A two‐bath method was proposed and it was confirmed that a better colour yield was achieved with this method. However, the use of chitosan reduced the tensile strength of the ink‐jet printed fabric slightly.
PHOSPHORUS METABOLISM AND MANAGEMENT IN CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE: Lanthanum Carbonate as a First‐Line Phosphate Binder: The “Cons”
Authors: Drüeke Tilman B.
Published: July 2007

Controlling serum phosphorus levels in patients with renal failure is critical. The use of oral phosphate‐binding agents is universal for patients with end‐stage kidney disease to reduce phosphate absorption. The therapeutic goal is to reduce serum phosphorus levels without disturbing calcium homeostasis or promoting accumulation of potentially toxic elements from the medication. Aluminum hydroxide effectively reduces serum phosphorus, but has largely been abandoned as a first‐line phosphate binder because of hazards associated with metal absorption and tissue accumulation. Traditional calcium‐based phosphate binders tend to promote hypercalcemia and calcium overloading, and are linked to accelerated cardiovascular calcification. Interest in aluminum‐free, calcium‐free phosphate‐binding agents continues to grow. Sevelamer hydrochloride, a metal‐free, calcium‐free hydrogel, is not absorbed, has been proven safe and efficacious in controlling serum phosphorus, and is associated with attenuated progression of cardiovascular calcification. Lanthanum carbonate is a newer aluminum‐free, calcium‐free phosphate‐binding agent. Lanthanum is a rare‐earth trace metal with industrial and agricultural applications. As a therapeutic, this metal‐based binder appears effective in reducing serum phosphorus, yet concerns remain about lanthanum accumulation in tissues during long‐term oral administration. Similar to the metal aluminum, lanthanum is absorbed in the intestine and accumulates in body tissues, especially in the liver, bone, muscle, kidney, and brain. Moreover, the rate of intestinal absorption of lanthanum is enhanced in chronic renal failure. Our experience with aluminum hydroxide suggests caution regarding the long‐term use of another metal‐based agent that displays enhanced absorption in the uremic state and progressive tissue accumulation.
PHOSPHORUS METABOLISM AND MANAGEMENT IN CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE: The Role of Magnesium Binders in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Spiegel David M.
Published: July 2007

Magnesium is predominately an intracellular cation that plays a critical role in cellular physiology. Serum levels are often slightly elevated in patients on chronic hemodialysis and older reports suggests that total body stores may also be increased, based on bone biopsies in patients treated with higher dialysate magnesium levels than are currently in use today. Several studies have shown that magnesium, particularly in the form of magnesium carbonate, is an effective phosphate binder and can decrease patients’ exposure to calcium. Retrospective studies suggest that magnesium may prevent vascular calcification in dialysis patients, although this remains controversial and has not been evaluated prospectively. Magnesium may reduce arrhythmias postoperatively and, while it may theoretically reduce arrhythmic death in dialysis patients, this hypothesis has never been tested. While short‐term or adjuvant use of magnesium carbonate appears safe and effective as a phosphate binder, more studies are needed to evaluate the long‐term effects on vascular calcification, bone histology, and mortality.
PHOSPHORUS METABOLISM AND MANAGEMENT IN CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE: Phosphorus Homeostasis in Normal Health and in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients with Special Emphasis on Dietary Phosphorus Intake
Authors: Uribarri Jaime
Published: July 2007

Elevated serum phosphorus has been identified as a cardiovascular risk factor in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients and a clear understanding of phosphorus homeostasis is very important for practicing nephrologists. At any particular point, serum phosphorus levels reflect the balance between movements of this mineral from and into the intestine, bone, intracellular space, and kidneys. We briefly review here all these exchanges with a particular emphasis on dietary phosphorus intake. Despite all the oral phosphorus binders currently available in the market, dietary restriction of this mineral remains a cornerstone for the prevention and treatment of hyperphosphatemia. An effective restriction of dietary intake of phosphorus requires prescription of a moderate protein intake (0.9–1.0 g/kg/day) and restricted consumption of highly processed fast and convenience foods. Phosphorus added during food processing is an important source of this mineral because of its magnitude and high bioavailabilty. Moreover, as food manufacturers are not required to label the amount of phosphorus added during food processing, a significant amount of the current daily phosphorus intake remains unaccounted when estimating phosphorus intake in CKD patients. The recent development of low phosphorus‐containing food products represents a very useful addition for CKD patients.
Clinical evaluation of platelet‐rich plasma and bioactive glass in the treatment of intra‐bony defects
Authors: Demir Becen , Şengün Dilek , Berberoğlu Atilla
Published: July 2007

Background: There are limited numbers of studies focused on the using of platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) combined with different types of bone substitutes in intra‐bony defects.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of bioactive glass graft material (BG) with and without PRP on the clinical healing of intra‐bony defects.

Materials and Methods: Twenty‐nine intra‐bony defects were randomly treated with either PRP/BG or BG alone. Clinical parameters were recorded at baseline and repeated 9 months after surgery and surgical reentries were also performed.

Results: The results showed that both treatment modalities were effective. Pocket depth reduction of 3.60 ± 0.51 mm, clinical attachment gain of 3.3 ± 1.77 mm and defect fill of 3.47 ± 0.53 mm were noted in the PRP/BG group, with 3.29 ± 1.68, 2.86 ± 1.56 and 3.36 ± 0.55 mm improvements, respectively, noted for the BG group. None of the differences between the two treatment modalities were statistically significant.

Conclusions: It is suggested that both PRP/BG combination and BG alone are effective in the treatment of intra‐bony defects. The results also showed that using PRP with BG has no additional benefit in the reduction of pocket depth, clinical attachment gain and defect fill.
Early oral presentation of Crohn's disease
Authors: William Thomas , Marsch Wolfgang‐Christian , Schmidt Frank , Kreft Burkhard
Published: July 2007

Inflammatory changes of the oral mucosa in children can have a variety of infectious and non‐infectious etiologies. We report on a 10‐year‐old boy with progressive cobblestone‐like changes and erosions of oral mucosa over six months, which turned out to be early oral manifestations of Crohn disease.
Macro‐micro dermatology: Erythematous papules and lentigo‐like macules – a new entity?
Authors: Shabrawi‐Caelen Laila El , Hofer Angelika , Kerl Helmut
Published: July 2007

Galli‐Galli disease is usually characterized by reticulate hyperpigmentation of the flexures. Rare patients may present without this finding, instead having only localized erythematous papules and brown, lentigo‐like macules on the trunk and extremities. Histological changes consist of elongated and in part hyperpigmented rete ridges and areas of acantholysis.
Losartan decreases vasopressin‐mediated cAMP accumulation in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle in rats with congestive heart failure
Authors: Torp M. , Brønd L. , Hadrup N. , Nielsen J. B. , Prætorius J. , Nielsen S. , Christensen S. , Jonassen T. E. N.
Published: July 2007

Introduction:  Vasopressin (AVP) stimulates sodium reabsorption and Na,K,2Cl‐cotransporter (NKCC2) protein level in the thick ascending limb (TAL) of Henle's loop in rats. Rats with congestive heart failure (CHF) have increased protein level of NKCC2, which can be normalized by angiotensin II receptor type‐1 (AT1) blockade with losartan.

Aim:  In this study, we investigated whether CHF rats displayed changes in AVP stimulated cAMP formation in the TAL and examined the role of AT1 receptor blockade on this system.

Method:  CHF was induced by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD). SHAM‐operated rats were used as controls. Half of the rats were treated with losartan (10 mg kg day−1 i.p.).

Results:  CHF rats were characterized by increased left ventricular end diastolic pressure. Measurement of cAMP in isolated outer medullary TAL showed that both basal and AVP (10−6 m) stimulated cAMP levels were significantly increased in CHF rats (25.52 ± 4.49 pmol cAMP μg−1 protein, P < 0.05) compared to Sham rats (8.13 ± 1.14 pmol cAMP μg−1 protein), P < 0.05). Losartan significantly reduced the basal level of cAMP in CHF rats (CHF: 12.56 ± 1.93 fmol μg−1 protein vs. Los‐CHF: 7.49 ± 1.08, P < 0.05), but not in Sham rats (SHAM: 4.66 ± 0.59 vs. Los‐SHAM: 4.75 ± 0.71). AVP‐mediated cAMP accumulation was absent in both groups treated with losartan (Los‐SHAM: 4.75 ± 0.71 and Los‐CHF: 7.49 ± 1.08).

Conclusion:  The results indicate that the increased NKCC2 protein level in the mTAL from CHF rats is associated with increased cAMP accumulation in this segment. Furthermore, the finding that AT1 receptor blockade prevents AVP‐mediated cAMP accumulation in both SHAM and CHF rats suggests an interaction between angiotensin II and AVP in regulation of mTAL Na reabsorption.
Interindividual differences in muscle sympathetic nerve activity: a key to new insight into cardiovascular regulation?
Authors: Gunnar Wallin B.
Published: July 2007

The paper reviews findings in humans regarding interindividual differences in sympathetic nerve activity. Data come predominantly from microneurographic multi‐ or single fibre recordings of sympathetic nerve activity in healthy subjects. Findings relate to interindividual differences in muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) during resting conditions and in response to surprising sensory stimuli. At rest there are marked interindividual differences in the number of multiunit MSNA bursts. At the single fibre level the differences are because of more vasoconstrictor fibres being active in subjects with high than in subjects with low number of bursts. There are inverse relationships between (i) sympathetic burst incidence and cardiac output (CO) and (ii) between sympathetic burst incidence and vascular responsiveness to noradrenaline. Both findings contribute to explaining the absence of correlation between resting levels of MSNA and blood pressure. Surprising visual, somatosensory or auditory stimuli of sufficient strength cause a short lasting inhibition of MSNA in approx. 50–60% of healthy subjects. In subjects who display significant inhibition, the stimulus‐induced blood pressure increase is smaller than in subjects without inhibition. The underlying mechanism may be related to fear of blood/injury. It is concluded that analysis of interindividual differences in sympathetic activity improves the understanding of central nervous control of the circulation.
Adhesion properties of polymer/silicon interfaces for biological micro-/nanoelectromechanical systems applications
Authors: Palacio Manuel , Bhushan Bharat , Ferrell Nicholas , Hansford Derek
Published: July 2007

Polymers are used in biological micro-nanoelectromechanical systems (BioMEMS/NEMS) applications due to their desirable mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and reduced cost relative to silicon microfabrication processes. Understanding the interfacial properties of the films that are used in BioMEMS/NEMS serves as a useful tool in obtaining higher device yield and greater mechanical reliability. In this study, polystyrene (PS) and glycidyl-ether-bisphenol-A novolac polymer (SU8) on silicon substrates were investigated. SU8 is a commonly used material in MEMS/NEMS fabrication, while PS is evaluated for its potential use in BioMEMS/NEMS for interaction with biological cells. The aim is to examine the delamination of the interfaces. Nanoindentation was employed on the PS/Si and SU8/Si film systems coated with a thin metallic layer of Cr to facilitate delamination. The interfacial adhesion energy was determined from measuring the size of the resulting delamination and the contact radius. Scale effects were investigated by comparing the behavior of thin and thick PS and SU8 films, where a thickness dependence on the interfacial adhesion energy was observed. In addition to room temperature testing, film delamination experiments were conducted at 50 and 70°C by fitting the nanoindenter with a heating stage in order to study temperature effects. Nanoindentation-induced delamination is demonstrated for microstrips of PS and SU8 and the measured interfacial adhesion energy is compared to those obtained from films.
Carrier concentration and surface electron accumulation in indium nitride layers grown by high pressure chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Bhatta R. P. , Thoms B. D. , Weerasekera A. , Perera A. G. U. , Alevli M. , Dietz N.
Published: July 2007

Electronic and structural properties of InN layer grown by high pressure chemical vapor deposition have been studied by high-resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (HREELS) and room temperature infrared reflection measurements. HREEL spectra after atomic hydrogen cleaning exhibit N–H bending and stretching vibrations with no indications of an indium overlayer or droplet formation. Broad conduction band plasmon excitations are observed centered at 3100–4200cm−1 at various locations across the surface in HREEL spectra acquired with 25eV incident electron energy. The plasmon excitations are shifted about 300cm−1 higher in spectra acquired using 7eV electrons due to higher plasma frequency and carrier concentration at the surface than in the bulk which indicates surface electron accumulation. Infrared reflectance data acquired at various spots across the surface showed a similar variation in bulk plasma frequency. A three phase thin film reflection model fitted to the infrared data yielded carrier concentrations from 8.2×1019to1.5×1020cm−3 and carrier mobilities from 105 to 210cm2∕Vs.
Determination of the sticking probability of a Zr–V–Fe nonevaporable getter strip
Authors: Day Ch. , Luo X. , Conte A. , Bonucci A. , Manini P.
Published: July 2007

The Karlsruhe Tritium Neutrino experiment is an ambitious experiment to determine the electron neutrino mass with a sensitivity of 0.2eV. To achieve this extremely high precision, stringent UHV pressures below 10−11mbar in two large spectrometer vessels are requested. This will be achieved by several kilometers of nonevaporable Zr–V–Fe alloy getter (NEG) strips (type St707, manufactured by SAES Getters) which are to be integrated into robust cylindrical cartridges. The knowledge of the sticking probability is essential because the interference between the strips has to be taken into account in order to optimize the interior NEG pump geometry. In this article, the authors will use the Monte Carlo simulation approach to derive the sticking probability of the St707 NEG strip from the experimental data. The derived sticking probability is 0.0290(4), which is about 25% higher than the value estimated by the one-dimensional approximation, used by the standard procedure of the analytical method. Based on this value, different geometrical configurations of the pump setup are discussed. It is shown that the pumping speed of the resulting NEG pump with 1km St707 NEG strips is about 337m3∕s for H2 at 15°C.
Molecular beam epitaxy growth of the dilute nitride GaAs1−xNx with a helical resonator plasma source
Authors: Zangenberg N. , Beaton D. A. , Tiedje T. , Tixier S. , Adamcyk M. , Kumaran R. , MacKenzie J. A. , Nodwell E. , Young E. C. , Sproule G. I.
Published: July 2007

Dilute nitride semiconductors of composition GaAs1−xNx (0.0017<x<0.0115) are grown by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy with a helical resonator plasma source for active nitrogen. The plasma source is self-starting at the operating pressure and can be operated at two different frequencies for which the emission spectrum is dominated by N2 molecules or by N atoms. For the same power the molecular-rich mode is found to produce a higher flux of active nitrogen. After extended operation the plasma tube becomes contaminated with As which reduces the flux of active nitrogen and creates a below band gap emission band in the photoluminescence of the GaAs1−xNx. For the clean discharge tube no difference is observed in the photoluminescence for samples grown in the molecule-rich or atom-rich mode.
Effects of bias on surface properties of TiN films fabricated by hollow cathode discharge
Authors: Jiang H. F. , Tian X. B. , Yang S. Q. , Fu Ricky K. Y. , Chu Paul K.
Published: July 2007

Titanium nitride (TiN) films have been deposited on AISI 304 stainless steel substrates using hollow cathode reactive plasma vapor deposition. Titanium is introduced by sputtering the Ti cathode nozzle and TiN is formed in the presence of a nitrogen plasma excited by radio frequency. The substrate bias voltage is varied from 0to−300V to investigate its effect on the mechanical and structural properties of the films. X-ray diffraction results show the formation of TiN (111) and Ti2N (220) phases in the films. The sample bias has a critical influence on the thickness of the deposited films. The bias of −200V leads to the thickest films (about 1680nm) and the deposition rate is 18.7nm∕min. The microhardness, root-mean-square (rms) roughness values, and tribological properties also exhibit nonlinear relationship with increasing bias voltages. The highest hardness of about 1027 hardness vickers and best wear resistance are achieved at a bias voltage of −100V. Atomic force microscopy results reveal the lowest rms surface roughness of 3.19nm when the bias voltage is −200V.
Chemical structure of the bilayer Ag∕Li2O cathode interface in organic light emitting diodes
Authors: Joo Min Ho , Baik Min Kyung , Choi Jong Kwon , Park Kyu Ho , Lee Jay Man , Sung Chang Je , Kim Myeong Seop , Yang Joong-Hwan , Kim Sung Tae
Published: July 2007

The chemical structure of the interface between Ag with Li2O and tri(8-hydroxyquinoline) aluminum (Alq) was investigated by using in situ characterization of x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS). Li2O on Ag had lower barrier height than LiF on Ag. XPS and UPS results show the interaction between Li2O and Alq leads to gap state formation in highest occupied molecular orbital of Alq. Efficient bottom-emitting devices employing such a cathode scheme have been demonstrated.
Human PathogenicBorrelia spielmaniisp. nov. Resists Complement-Mediated Killing by Direct Binding of Immune Regulators Factor H and Factor H-Like Protein 1
Authors: Herzberger Pia , Siegel Corinna , Skerka Christine , Fingerle Volker , Schulte-Spechtel Ulrike , van Dam Alje , Wilske Bettina , Brade Volker , Zipfel Peter F. , Wallich Reinhard , Kraiczy Peter
Published: July 2007

Borrelia spielmaniisp. nov. has recently been shown to be a novel human pathogenic genospecies that causes Lyme disease in Europe. In order to elucidate the immune evasion mechanisms ofB. spielmanii, we compared the abilities of isolates obtained from Lyme disease patients and tick isolate PC-Eq17 to escape from complement-mediated bacteriolysis. Using a growth inhibition assay, we show that fourB. spielmaniiisolates, including PC-Eq17, are serum resistant, whereas a single isolate, PMew, was more sensitive to complement-mediated lysis. All isolates activated complement in vitro, as demonstrated by covalent attachment of C3 fragments; however, deposition of the later activation products C6 and C5b-9 was restricted to the moderately serum-resistant isolate PMew and the serum-sensitiveB. gariniiisolate G1. Furthermore, serum adsorption experiments revealed that allB. spielmaniiisolates acquired the host alternative pathway regulators factor H and factor H-like protein (FHL-1) from human serum. Both complement regulators retained their factor I-mediated C3b inactivation activities when bound to spirochetes. In addition, two distinct factor H and FHL-1 binding proteins, BsCRASP-1 and BsCRASP-2, were identified, which we estimated to be approximately 23 to 25 kDa in mass. A further factor H binding protein, BsCRASP-3, was found exclusively in the tick isolate, PC-Eq17. This is the first report describing an immune evasion mechanism utilized byB. spielmaniisp. nov., and it demonstrates the capture of human immune regulators to resist complement-mediated killing.
Brucella suisPrevents Human Dendritic Cell Maturation and Antigen Presentation through Regulation of Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha Secretion
Authors: Billard Elisabeth , Dornand Jacques , Gross Antoine
Published: July 2007

Brucellais a facultative intracellular pathogen and the etiological agent of brucellosis. In some cases, human brucellosis results in a persistent infection that may reactivate years after the initial exposure. The mechanisms by which the parasite evades clearance by the immune response to chronically infect its host are unknown. We recently demonstrated that dendritic cells (DCs), which are critical components of adaptive immunity, are highly susceptible toBrucellainfection and are a preferential niche for the development of the bacteria. Here, we report that in contrast to several intracellular bacteria,Brucellaprevented the infected DCs from engaging in their maturation process and impaired their capacities to present antigen to naïve T cells and to secrete interleukin-12. Moreover,Brucella-infected DCs failed to release tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), a defect involving the bacterial protein Omp25. Exogenous TNF-α addition toBrucella-infected DCs restored cell maturation and allowed them to present antigens. Two avirulent mutants ofB. suis,B. suis bvrRandB. suis omp25mutants, which do not express the Omp25 protein, triggered TNF-α production upon DC invasion. Cells infected with these mutants subsequently matured and acquired the ability to present antigens, two properties which were dramatically impaired by addition of anti-TNF-α antibodies. In light of these data, we propose a model in which virulentBrucellaalters the maturation and functions of DCs through Omp25-dependent control of TNF-α production. This model defines a specific evasion strategy of the bacteria by which they can escape the immune response to chronically infect their host.
A MAXWELL-LIKE FORMULATION OF GRAVITATIONAL THEORY IN MINKOWSKI SPACE–TIME
Authors: NOTTE-CUELLO EDUARDO A. , RODRIGUES WALDYR A.
Published: July 2007

Using the Clifford bundle formalism, a Lagrangian theory of the Yang–Mills type (with a gauge fixing term and an auto interacting term) for the gravitational field in Minkowski space–time is presented. It is shown how two simple hypotheses permit the interpretation of the formalism in terms of effective Lorentzian or teleparallel geometries. In the case of a Lorentzian geometry interpretation of the theory, the field equations are shown to be equivalent to Einstein's equations.
GRAVITATIONAL FIELD AND ELECTRIC FORCE LINES OF A NEW 2-SOLITON SOLUTION
Authors: PIZZI MARCO
Published: July 2007

A new exact solution of the coupled Einstein–Maxwell equations is given and studied. It is found using the soliton method, adding one soliton to the Schwarzschild background. The solution is stationary and axial-symmetric, and has five physical parameters. The physical interpretation we give is that it describes a Kerr–Newman (KN) naked singularity linked by a "strut" to a charged black hole. Indeed, on the axis, between the two bodies an unavoidable anomaly region is present (gφφ < 0 and a conic singularity). The solution is stationary also in the case with zero total angular momentum. Finally, we give the force lines of the electrical field in a general case, and in the case in which the KN singularity has a much smaller mass than the nearby black hole; we also considered the behavior at different distances of the charge. In spite of the naive interpretation suggested by the mathematical construction of the solution, what we expected to be a "Schwarzschild" black hole appears to be charged and rotating; we interpret this fact as a parameter-mixing phenomenon.