bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of principal parabens used in cosmetics after their passage through human epidermis–dermis layers (ex‐vivo study)
Authors: El Hussein Sawsan , Muret Patrice , Berard Michel , Makki Safwat , Humbert Philippe
Published: September 2007

Abstract:  Concern is continuously raised about the safety of parabens which are present in most of the cosmetic preparations. In this investigation, methyl‐, ethyl‐, propyl‐ and butyl paraben (MP, EP, PP, BP), in a commercial cosmetic lotion, were deposited on human skin fragments, collected after surgical operations. Permeated parabens were determined after their passage through human epidermis–dermis layers, fixed on Franz diffusion cells. Bovine serum albumin (3%) was employed as receptor fluid. Then, parabens were assessed by liquid chromatography. The objective of this research was to determine the permeation of these molecules through human epidermis–dermis layers, and their possible passage to body tissues and/or accumulation in skin layers. Two groups of experiments were performed. In the first experimental group (G1), unique doses of the cosmetic were deposited on skin fragments fixed on Franz cells (n = 6), at time 0 h, followed with different withdrawn times of the receptor fluid at 12, 24 and 36 h. G1 results demonstrated that parabens penetration was influenced by their lipophilicity: more lipophilic the parabens were (BP > PP > EP > MP), less they crossed the skin layers (BP < PP < EP < MP). The second experimental group (G2) was constituted of three equal deposits on each Franz cell (n = 6) at different hour times 0, 12 and 24 h followed with three withdrawn times of the receptor fluid at 12, 24 and 36 h. The G2 results indicated that investigated parabens had significant increasing permeations in skin layers. This situation provokes the accumulation of these molecules which were considered by some authors as the cause of skin toxicities and carcinogenicity.
Immunopathogenesis of psoriasis
Authors: Sabat Robert , Philipp Sandra , Höflich Conny , Kreutzer Stefanie , Wallace Elizabeth , Asadullah Khusru , Volk Hans‐Dieter , Sterry Wolfram , Wolk Kerstin
Published: September 2007

Abstract:  Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease that affects about 1.5% of the Caucasian population and is characterized by typical macroscopic and microscopic skin alterations. Psoriatic lesions are sharply demarcated, red and slightly raised lesions with silver‐whitish scales. The microscopic alterations of psoriatic plaques include an infiltration of immune cells in the dermis and epidermis, a dilatation and an increase in the number of blood vessels in the upper dermis, and a massively thickened epidermis with atypical keratinocyte differentiation. It is considered a fact that the immune system plays an important role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Since the early 1990s, it has been assumed that T1 cells play the dominant role in the initiation and maintenance of psoriasis. However, the profound success of anti‐tumor necrosis factor‐α therapy, when compared with T‐cell depletion therapies, should provoke us to critically re‐evaluate the current hypothesis for psoriasis pathogenesis. Recently made discoveries regarding other T‐cell populations such as Th17 and regulatory T cells, dendritic cells, macrophages, the keratinocyte signal transduction and novel cytokines including interleukin (IL)‐22, IL‐23 and IL‐20, let us postulate that the pathogenesis of psoriasis consists of distinct subsequent stages, in each of them different cell types playing a dominant role. Our model helps to explain the varied effectiveness of the currently tested immune modulating therapies and may enable the prediction of the success of future therapies.
Melatonin attenuates the focal cerebral ischemic injury by inhibiting the dissociation of pBad from 14‐3‐3
Authors: Koh Phil‐Ok
Published: September 2007

Abstract:  It has recently been reported that melatonin protects neuronal cells from damage by enhancing Akt activation, thus mediating antiapoptosis signals. However, there is little information regarding the effects of melatonin on the activation of genes further downstream in the Akt signaling pathway in ischemic brain injury. This study investigated whether melatonin modulates the antiapoptotic signal through Akt and its downstream targets, Bad and 14‐3‐3. Adult male rats were treated with melatonin (5 mg/kg) prior to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Brains were collected at 24 hr after MCAO and infarct volumes were analyzed. Our results confirm that melatonin significantly reduces infarct volume and decreases the positive reaction of TUNEL staining in the cerebral cortex. Signal pathway activation was measured by phosphorylation of Akt at Ser473 and Bad at Ser136 using Western blot analysis. Melatonin prevented the injury‐induced decrease of pAkt and pBad levels. However, melatonin did not affect the expression of 14‐3‐3, which acts as an antiapoptotic factor through interaction with Bad. Immunoprecipitation analysis showed that the interaction between pBad and 14‐3‐3 increased in the presence of melatonin, compared to that of control animals. Our findings suggest that melatonin prevents cell death because of brain injury and that these protective effects are mediated through maintaining the interaction between pBad and 14‐3‐3, thus blocking activation of the apoptotic pathway.
A Functional Dynein–Microtubule Network Is Required for NGF Signaling Through the Rap1/MAPK Pathway
Authors: Wu Chengbiao , Ramirez Alfredo , Cui Bianxiao , Ding Jianqing , Delcroix Jean‐Dominique M. , Valletta Janice S. , Liu Jia‐Jia , Yang Yanmin , Chu Steven , Mobley William C.
Published: September 2007

Rap1 transduces nerve growth factor (NGF)/tyrosine receptor kinase A (TrkA) signaling in early endosomes, leading to sustained activation of the p44/p42 mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPK1/2). However, the mechanisms by which NGF, TrkA and Rap1 are trafficked to early endosomes are poorly defined. We investigated trafficking and signaling of NGF, TrkA and Rap1 in PC12 cells and in cultured rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. Herein, we show a role for both microtubule‐ and dynein‐based transport in NGF signaling through MAPK1/2. NGF treatment resulted in trafficking of NGF, TrkA and Rap1 to early endosomes in the perinuclear region of PC12 cells where sustained activation of MAPK1/2 was observed. Disruption of microtubules with nocodazole in PC12 cells had no effect on the activation of TrkA and Ras. However, it disrupted intracellular trafficking of TrkA and Rap1. Moreover, NGF‐induced activation of Rap1 and sustained activation of MAPK1/2 were markedly suppressed. Inhibition of dynein activity through overexpression of dynamitin (p50) blocked trafficking of Rap1 and the sustained phase of MAPK1/2 activation in PC12 cells. Remarkably, even in the continued presence of NGF, mature DRG neurons that overexpressed p50 became atrophic and most (>80%) developing DRG neurons died. Dynein‐ and microtubule‐based transport is thus necessary for TrkA signaling to Rap1 and MAPK1/2.
Uterine Cervical Inflammatory Cytokines, Interleukin‐6 and ‐8, as Predictors of Miscarriage in Recurrent Cases
Authors: Hattori Yukio , Nakanishi Tamao , Ozaki Yasuhiko , Nozawa Kyoko , Sato Takeshi , Sugiura‐Ogasawara Mayumi
Published: September 2007

Problem

Inflammatory changes frequently occur in cases of second trimester miscarriage or pre‐term delivery, but little attention has been paid to this association with recurrent miscarriage. As interleukin‐6 and interleukin‐8 are inflammatory cytokines reported to be associated with bacterial vaginosis, intrauterine infections, and pre‐term delivery, we here investigated whether they might have predictive value for spontaneous abortion in recurrent cases.

Method of study

Cervical mucus and sera were collected at 4–5 weeks’ gestation from a total of 59 patients with a history of two or more unexplained consecutive first trimester miscarriages, and examined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Patients then were followed up without medication and their pregnancy outcomes were compared with the test results.

Results

Of a total of 59 patients, 13 (22%) miscarried subsequently. Both IL‐6 and IL‐8 in cervical mucus were significantly higher in patients who miscarried subsequently than in those who had a live birth. In addition, there was no correlation between cervical mucus and serum concentrations of IL‐6 and IL‐8 take at the same time, and there was no relation with serum IL‐6 and IL‐8 levels between the two groups.

Conclusion

Cervical IL‐6 and IL‐8 might have predictive value for cases of recurrent miscarriage.
The Presence of Midkine and its Possible Implication in Human Ovarian Follicles
Authors: Hirota Yasushi , Osuga Yutaka , Nose Emi , Koga Kaori , Yoshino Osamu , Hirata Tetsuya , Yano Tetsu , Tsutsumi Osamu , Sakuma Sadatoshi , Muramatsu Takashi , Taketani Yuji
Published: September 2007

Problem

Ovarian follicles undergo a dynamic change to provide a mature ovum, and the process involves angiogenesis, follicular cell proliferation and leukocyte recruitment. Midkine (MK) is a heparin‐binding growth factor that has angiogenic, mitogenic, and chemotactic activities. In the present study, we investigated the presence of MK and its possible role in human ovarian follicles.

Method of study

Follicular fluid (FF) and luteinized granulosa cells (LGC) were collected from women undergoing in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. Expression of MK protein in FF was examined by Western blotting. Concentrations of MK, estradiol and oxygen in FF were measured. 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation assay was performed in LGC. Normal ovarian tissues were obtained surgically and used in in‐situ hybridization of MK mRNA.

Results

The presence of MK protein was verified in FF. MK mRNA was expressed in both granulosa cells and theca cells of large follicles. There is a significant negative correlation between the concentrations of MK and oxygen in FF, and a significant positive correlation between the concentrations of MK and estradiol. MK promoted BrdU uptake in LGC.

Conclusion

The present findings imply that hypoxic condition, a characteristic of growing follicles, associates with the production of MK. Given that MK is involved in granulosa cell proliferation and estradiol production in developing follicles, MK may play a role as a local regulator in the human ovary.
Serum Antiendometrial Antibodies and Diagnosis of Endometriosis
Authors: Randall Gary W. , Gantt Pickens A. , Poe‐Zeigler Robin L. , Bergmann Cynthia A. , Noel Marshall E. , Strawbridge Wendy R. , Richardson‐Cox Barbara , Hereford John R. , Reiff Robert H.
Published: September 2007

Problem

The purpose of the present prospective multi‐center study is to investigate the relationship between laparoscopic diagnosis of endometriosis and results of a serum antiendometrial antibody (AEA) assay.

Method of study

Indirect immunofluorescence detection of AEA was performed on serum specimens from patients presenting with dysmenorrhea or chronic pelvic pain and infertility (n = 2609) utilizing frozen sections of endometrium acquired on cycle days 18–21 from normally cycling women without endometriosis. Diagnostic laparoscopy was performed within 1 year of AEA assay on 527 tested women.

Results

The relationship between the serum AEA and laparoscopic verification was characterized by a positive predictive value = 88%, negative predictive value = 86%, sensitivity = 87% and specificity = 87%.

Conclusion

The AEA assay is a very good screening test for patients suspected of having endometriosis and should be utilized prior to laparoscopy in diagnostic categories of dysmenorrhea or chronic pelvic pain and infertility.
Displacement of tooth fragments to the lower lip: a report of a case presenting an immediate diagnostic approach
Authors: Pektas Zafer Özgür , Kircelli Beyza Hancıoglu , Uslu Hilal
Published: September 2007

Abstract –  Dentoalveolar injuries are common and are caused by many factors with falls accounting for the most frequent one. Dental trauma requires a special consideration when dental fractures accompany soft‐tissue lacerations. Dental fragments occasionally penetrate into soft tissues and may cause severe complications. A thorough clinical examination with soft‐tissue radiographs could provide an early diagnosis and surgical removal. This case report presents an immediate diagnosis and management of displaced tooth fragments to the lower lip following a dental trauma.
Surgical extrusion of a crown‐root fractured immature permanent incisor: 36 month follow‐up
Authors: Kırzıoğlu Zuhal , Karayılmaz Hüseyin
Published: September 2007

Abstract –  Crown‐root fracture is defined as a fracture involving enamel, dentin and pulp and can be classified as either complicated or uncomplicated. The tooth with crown‐root fracture presents a lot of problems during coronal restorations and extraction was formerly used in many cases. But loss of a permanent incisor in a young patient may create severe emotional problems and alternative treatment approaches must be considered. This report presents the successful results of a surgical extrusion of a complicated crown‐root fractured, immature permanent incisor in a 9‐year‐old boy. Examination 36 months after the trauma indicated that the treatment had provided functional and esthetic results.
Survival analysis of endodontically treated traumatized primary teeth
Authors: Rocha Maria José de Carvalho , Cardoso Mariane
Published: September 2007

Abstract –  The present study aimed to verify the factors that interfere with the success of endodontic treatment of traumatized primary teeth as well as to determine the success level of the proposed treatment, through survival analysis. The research was conducted through the analysis of dental traumatism records and attached radiological exams of patients assisted by the Assistance Program for the Traumatized Patient at UFSC (Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina). Fifty‐one dental records of patients aged between 10 and 60 months were analyzed. These patients had their traumatized teeth endodontically treated (n = 51), according to the indications of the UFSC protocol. In order to evaluate possible interference factors affecting the success of the endodontic treatment, the following items were analyzed: age of the child at the beginning of the endodontic treatment (over or below 36 months), trauma type (mild or severe) pathological root resorption type (replacement or inflammatory), localization of the pathological root resorption (in the apical third or in the middle third), bone resorption (absent or present), alteration of the soft tissue (absent or present), condition of the pulp tissue (vitality or necrosis) and trauma recurrence (absent or present). Through the chi‐squared test (χ2 = 9.594, P < 0.05) and survival analysis, it was verified that trauma recurrence in the same tooth is a factor that interferes in the success of endodontic treatment. It was also observed, through survival analysis, that levels of success of endodontic treatments are stabilized in the 19th month. A period of 48 months of follow up was observed. It was also verified that most failures occurred between the 7th and 12th months counting from the beginning of the endodontic treatment. It was concluded that endodontic treatment of traumatized primary teeth, performed according to the UFSC protocol, enables the maintenance of the traumatized tooth in acceptable conditions in the buccal cavity up to its physiological resorption, and that trauma recurrence is a factor that leads to treatment failure.
Pandemic Influenza: A Review
Authors: MacKellar Landis
Published: September 2007

This essay, written ten years after the first human death from avian influenza, reviews scientific, social, and policy aspects of pandemic influenza, and asks whether the near‐crisis level of concern is justified. That there will be another influenza pandemic is certain, and a number of factors suggest it will occur sooner rather than later. It is impossible, however, to predict two of the pandemic's crucial characteristics—its pathogenicity and the age‐attack curve. The scientific arsenal has never been stronger, yet gaps in the availability of antiviral drugs and vaccines are inevitable, and the world is poorly prepared to cope with the politics of drug shortage. Some studies suggest emergent pandemics can be “ring‐fenced,” but these studies are not broadly accepted. Assuming that they cannot, rapid and global deployment of a range of responses, including social distancing, travel limitations, and prophylactic/curative application of antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu, can limit impacts. However, the impacts are bound to be significant if not severe. Overall health‐sector strengthening, rural development (particularly in the area of veterinary health), and addressing the local, national, and international governance issues that cut across all aspects of infectious disease are more likely to bear fruit, especially in the developing world, than the pandemic preparedness planning now in vogue.
Delayed Marriage and Very Low Fertility in Pacific Asia
Authors: Jones Gavin W.
Published: September 2007

The general decline in fertility levels in Pacific Asia has in its vanguard countries where fertility rates are among the lowest in the world. A related trend is toward delayed marriage and nonmarriage. When prevalence of cohabitation in European countries is allowed for, levels of “effective singlehood” in many countries of Pacific Asia have run ahead of those in northern and western Europe. This raises questions about the extent to which delayed marriage has been implicated in fertility declines, and whether the same factors are leading both to delayed marriage and to lowered fertility within marriage. The article argues that involuntary nonmarriage is likely to be more common in Pacific Asia than in Western countries, and that resultant involuntary childlessness plays a substantial role in the low fertility rates currently observed.
Sero‐Discordant Couples in Five African Countries: Implications for Prevention Strategies
Authors: De Walque Damien
Published: September 2007

Most analyses of the determinants of HIV infection are performed at the individual level. The recent Demographic and Health Surveys, which include results from HIV tests, allow the study of HIV infection at the level of the cohabiting couple. This article exploits this feature of the data for Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, and Tanzania. The analysis yields two findings about the dynamics of the HIV/AIDS epidemic that have important implications for policy. First, at least two‐thirds of the infected couples are sero‐discordant, that is, only one of the two partners is infected. This implies scope for prevention efforts among infected couples. Second, among 30–40 percent of the infected couples only the woman is infected. This is at odds with levels of self‐reported extramarital sex by women and with the common perception that unfaithful men are the main link between high‐risk groups and the general population. These findings are confirmed by tests of robustness. These results indicate that extramarital sexual activity among women in union is a substantial source of vulnerability to HIV that should be, as much as male extramarital activity, targeted by prevention efforts.
Impacts of Demographic Trends on US Household Size and Structure
Authors: Jiang Leiwen , O'Neill Brian C.
Published: September 2007

We use a household projection model to construct future scenarios for the United States designed to reflect a wide but plausible range of outcomes, including a new set of scenarios for union formation and dissolution rates based on past trends, experience in other countries, and current theory. The period covered is from 2000 to 2100. We find that the percentage of people living in households headed by the elderly may climb from 11 percent in 2000 to 20–31 percent in 2050 and 20–39 percent in 2100, while the average size of households could plausibly be as low as 2.0 or as high as 3.1 by the second half of the century. We assess the sensitivity of household size and structure to various demographic events, and show that outcomes are most sensitive to changes in fertility rates and rates of union formation and dissolution. They are less sensitive to the timing of marriage and childbearing and to changes in life expectancy.
Ties of Dependence: AIDS and Transactional Sex in Rural Malawi
Authors: Swidler Ann , Watkins Susan Cotts
Published: September 2007

In sub‐Saharan Africa, the exchange of sex for material support—labeled “transactional sex” by Western observers—is claimed by some to be a major driver of the AIDS pandemic. Transactional sex is described as akin to prostitution, a degraded form of sexual expression forced on vulnerable women by economic desperation. Using evidence from rural Malawi, we demonstrate that patron–client ties and a moral obligation to support the needy, which are fundamental to African social life, are central elements of transactional sex. We argue that the exchange of sex for money is better understood as one of the many ties of unequal exchange in which Malawians and other Africans engage, an exchange in which the patrons are as important as the clients.
The Impact of Pregnancy Intention on Breastfeeding Duration in Bolivia and Paraguay
Authors: Shapiro‐Mendoza Carrie K. , Selwyn Beatrice J. , Smith David P. , Sanderson Maureen
Published: September 2007

Research has demonstrated that prolonged duration of breastfeeding promotes child survival. This study examines the impact of unintended—mistimed or unwanted—pregnancy on breastfeeding duration. We use data from the 1990 Paraguay and 1994 Bolivia Demographic and Health Surveys and restrict our analysis to last‐born, surviving children younger than 36 months from singleton births. To assess the association, unintended and intended pregnancies are compared by calculating incidence rates and adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) using survival analysis. Most children (approximately 95 percent) were breastfed initially, but the median duration of breastfeeding in Bolivia was five months longer than that in Paraguay (19 versus 14 months). A greater proportion of pregnancies were described as intended in Paraguay than in Bolivia (74 percent versus 45 percent). In adjusted analyses, unwanted and mistimed pregnancies were associated with slightly longer duration of breastfeeding (aHR = 0.9) than were intended pregnancies, but the association was not statistically significant. In this study, therefore, pregnancy intention was not an important factor in duration of breastfeeding in Bolivia or Paraguay.
Childhood Adultification in Economically Disadvantaged Families: A Conceptual Model*
Authors: Burton Linda
Published: September 2007

Abstract:This article presents an emergent conceptual model of childhood adultification and economic disadvantage derived from 5 longitudinal ethnographies of children and adolescents growing up in low‐income families. Childhood adultification involves contextual, social, and developmental processes in which youth are prematurely, and often inappropriately, exposed to adult knowledge and assume extensive adult roles and responsibilities within their family networks. Exemplar cases from the ethnographies are integrated in the discussion to illustrate components of the model. Four successive levels of adultification are described: precocious knowledge, mentored‐adultification, peerification/spousification, and parentification. The developmental assets and liabilities children incur also are discussed. Recommendations for school, health care, and social service practitioners working with low‐income families and children are provided.
The structure–function relationship analysis of Prismalin‐14 from the prismatic layer of the Japanese pearl oyster, Pinctada fucata
Authors: Suzuki Michio , Nagasawa Hiromichi
Published: September 2007

The mollusk shell is a hard tissue consisting of calcium carbonate and organic matrices. The organic matrices are considered to play important roles in shell formation. We have previously identified a prismatic layer‐specific protein named Prismalin‐14, which consists of 105 amino acid residues and includes four structurally characteristic regions; a repeated sequence of Pro‐Ile‐Tyr‐Arg, a Gly/Tyr‐rich region and N‐ and C‐terminal Asp‐rich regions. Prismalin‐14 showed an inhibitory activity on calcium carbonate precipitation and a calcium‐binding ability in vitro. In this study, we prepared some molecular species of recombinant proteins including Prismalin‐14 and its truncated proteins in an Escherichia coli expression system to reveal a structure–function relationship of Prismalin‐14. The results showed that the Gly/Tyr‐rich region was responsible for chitin binding and was identified as a novel chitin‐binding sequence. On the other hand, both N‐ and C‐terminal Asp‐rich regions are related to inhibitory activity on calcium carbonate precipitation in vitro. Immunohistological observation revealed that Prismalin‐14 was localized at the acid‐insoluble organic framework including chitin. All these results strongly suggest that Prismalin‐14 is a framework protein that mediates chitin and calcium carbonate crystals by using its acidic and chitin‐binding regions.
Field overwintering biology of Spiroplasma kunkelii (Mycoplasmatales: Spiroplasmataceae) and its vector Dalbulus maidis (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae)
Authors: Moya‐Raygoza G. , Palomera‐Avalos V. , Galaviz‐Mejia C.
Published: September 2007

We studied the corn stunt spiroplasma (CSS), Spiroplasma kunkelii (Mycoplasmatales: Spiroplasmataceae) and its vector the corn leafhopper Dalbulus maidis (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) under field conditions in Mexico. We surveyed for the presence of CSS in D. maidis by using PCR on samples of adults collected during the 2000–01 and 2003–04 winter (dry) seasons from irrigated low‐elevation sites and un‐irrigated high‐elevation sites. Also, we determined the body size and number of mature eggs of D. maidis females collected during the dry season in 2004 and in females collected on maize seedlings in the first months (June and July) of the wet (summer) season in 2005. Our PCR results showed that CSS was present in leafhopper adults collected during the 2000–01 and 2003–04 dry seasons in irrigated low‐elevation sites. However, in un‐irrigated high‐elevation sites, CSS was present in corn leafhopper adults caught before, but not during, the dry seasons. In these un‐irrigated high‐elevation sites, adult leafhoppers without CSS were recovered during the first 2 months (November and December) of the dry season from the foliage of wild perennial grasses. Females collected on wild perennial grasses in December 2004 showed similar head width and wing length to females caught on maize seedlings in June 2005. However, females collected on maize seedlings in July 2005 had the widest heads, longest wings and highest number of mature eggs. The largest body size of these females that arrived in July 2005 indicates that they are immigrants and support the Roff’s hypothesis that insect migrants should be larger than nonmigrants.
Constraining white dwarf kicks in globular clusters
Authors: Heyl Jeremy
Published: September 2007

The wind of an asymptotic giant branch star is sufficiently strong that if it is slightly asymmetric, it can propel the star outside the open cluster of its birth or significantly alter its trajectory through a globular cluster. Therefore, if these stellar winds are asymmetric, one would expect a deficit of white dwarfs of all ages in open clusters and for young white dwarfs to be less radially concentrated than either their progenitors or older white dwarfs in globular clusters. This latter effect has recently been observed. Hence detailed studies of the radial distribution of young white dwarfs in globular clusters could provide a unique probe of mass loss on the asymptotic giant branch and during the formation of planetary nebulae both as a function of metallicity and for a limited range of stellar mass.
Sperm whale depredation of sablefish longline gear in the northeast Pacific Ocean
Authors: Sigler Michael F. , Lunsford Chris R. , Straley Janice M. , Liddle Joseph B.
Published: September 2007

Abstract

Interactions between marine mammals and fisheries include competition for prey (catch), marine mammal entanglement in fishing gear, and catch removal off fishing gear (depredation). We estimated the magnitude of sperm whale depredation on a major North Pacific longline fishery (sablefish) using data collected during annual longline surveys. Sperm whale depredation occurs while the longline gear is off‐bottom during retrieval. Sperm whales were observed on 16% of longline survey sampling days, mostly (95% of sightings) over the continental slope. Sightings were most common in the central and eastern Gulf of Alaska (98% of sightings), occasional in the western Gulf of Alaska and Aleutian Islands, and absent in the Bering Sea. Longline survey catches were commonly preyed upon when sperm whales were present (65% of sightings), as evidenced by damaged fish. Neither sperm whale presence (P= 0.71) nor depredation rate (P= 0.78) increased significantly from 1998 to 2004. Longline survey catch rates were about 2% less at locations where depredation was observed, but the effect was not significant (P= 0.34). Estimated sperm whale depredation was <1% of the annual sablefish longline fishery catch off Alaska during 1998 to 2004.
OCCURRENCE, COMPOSITION, AND POTENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF NORTH ATLANTIC RIGHT WHALE (EUBALAENA GLACIALIS) SURFACE ACTIVE GROUPS
Authors: Parks Susan E. , Brown Moira W. , Conger Lisa A. , Hamilton Philip K. , Knowlton Amy R. , Kraus Scott D. , Slay Christopher K. , Tyack Peter L.
Published: September 2007

Abstract

Marine mammal social interactions are poorly understood primarily because of the difficulty of observing these behaviors in the wild. Observations of copulations in North Atlantic right whale surface active groups (SAGs) have led to the hypothesis that the function of these groups is for conception. The occurrence and composition of SAGs sighted from 1992 to 2001 were investigated on the basis of age, sex, and reproductive status of individuals. A total of 918 SAG events were documented. SAGs were observed in all habitat areas and in all months in which right whales were sighted. Group compositions revealed both potentially conceptive groups and nonconceptive groups. Of right whales whose age was known, 93% were first sighted in SAGs as juveniles, and more than half of all observed groups contained at least one juvenile whale. The group composition and timing of occurrence of SAGs do not support the hypothesis that all groups serve a purely conceptive function. Their functional role is likely much broader. Other potential functions include play, mating practice, or maintenance of social bonds.
Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) Prevents Body Fat Accumulation and Weight Gain in an Animal Model
Authors: Park Y. , Albright K.J. , Storkson J.M. , Liu W. , Pariza M.W.
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACT:  Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has been shown to reduce body fat and increase lean body mass in mice, rats, and pigs. A recent human trial indicated that CLA may work more effectively if used for prevention of body fat deposition and weight gain. To test this hypothesis, we conducted 2 experiments using relatively old mice (older than 6 mo): experiment 1, supplementation of CLA during dietary restriction and experiment 2, supplementation during ad libitum feeding followed by restriction. In experiment 1, there were significant effects of diet restriction and CLA supplementation on body composition, while CLA decreased body fat content in ad libitum diet but not significantly during diet restriction. In experiment 2, CLA fed animals had body weights similar to restricted animals and CLA significantly reduced body fat (significantly lower than prior to and post restriction, or pair fed). This suggests that CLA exerted modulation of body fat independent of reduced food intake. Based on these results, we concluded that CLA may be more effective at protecting against fat mass regain following weight loss than as a weight loss treatment.
Subtractive Screening for Probiotic Properties of Lactobacillus Species from the Human Gastrointestinal Tract in the Search for New Probiotics
Authors: Delgado S. , O'Sullivan E. , Fitzgerald G. , Mayo B.
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACT:  In the search for new probiotics, 61 Lactobacillus spp. isolates, belonging to 12 species and isolated as dominant lactic acid bacteria from the feces of healthy humans, were subjected to a subtractive system of in vitro analyses, which included desirable and undesirable traits. Twenty‐four isolates were able to grow in 2% bovine bile, of which 13 grew in acidified broth at pH 3.5 in acidified cysteine‐containing MRS broth. Intrinsic resistance to certain antimicrobial agents (cefoxitin, metronidazole, vancomycin) was observed in most isolates, but atypical resistances to erythromycin, clindamycin, or tetracycline were also found in 5 strains. Undesirable traits such as α‐chymotrypsin or N‐acetyl‐β‐glucosaminidase activities were not detected, but low β‐glucuronidase and moderate β‐glucosidase activities were recorded in 2 strains. Two Lactobacillus gasseri and 2 Lactobacillus paracasei selected strains inhibited several intestinal pathogens in an agar spot test, including strains of Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella typhimurium, and Staphylococcus aureus. They also adhered to human Caco‐2 and HT‐29 epithelial cells in a manner comparable to Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain GG, and were unable to degrade pig gastric mucin in a plate assay. Together, these results suggest these 4 strains to be good probiotic candidates, concluding that the subtractive screening devised in this work could be a valuable tool in large‐scale surveys for probiotics.
Microbiological and Physicochemical Properties of Red Claw Crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus) Stored in Different Package Systems at 2 °C
Authors: Chen G. , Xiong Y.L. , Kong B. , Newman M.C. , Thompson K.R. , Metts L.S. , Webster C.D.
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACT:  This study compared 3 package systems for their influence on the stability of shell‐on red claw crayfish tail meat stored at 2 °C for 14 d. Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP, with 80% CO2/10% O2/10% N2) suppressed (P < 0.05) the growth of aerobic bacteria and coliforms when compared with aerobic packaging using polyvinylchloride (PVCP) and vacuum packaging (VP). MAP and VP tended to retard lipid oxidation, inhibited Ca‐ATPase activity change, but produced more intense protein denatuation when compared with PVCP. The MAP packaging enhanced proteolysis and resulted in more (P < 0.05) cooking losses and a higher (P < 0.05) shear force than VP and PVCP for samples stored for 6 and 14 d (P < 0.05). Sensory panel results were in general agreement with the physicochemical changes, suggesting that the specific package systems had a significant impact on the quality of refrigerated red claw crayfish raw meat.
Treatment of lobar atelectasis with bronchoscopically administered recombinant human deoxyribonuclease in cystic fibrosis?
Authors: McLaughlin Anne Marie , McGrath Emmet , Barry Rupert , Egan Jim J. , Gallagher Charles G.
Published: September 2007

Introduction:  Recombinant human deoxyribonuclease (rhDNase) reduces sputum viscosity and improves pulmonary function in cystic fibrosis (CF).

Objective:  The objective of this study was to describe our experience in which rhDNase (Pulmozyme; Roche, Basel, Switzerland) was administered by bronchoscopic instillation into atelectatic lobes in five adults with CF.

Conclusion:  We found this method successful in treating lobar atelectasis, which was resistant to conventional therapy with antibiotics and physiotherapy. In all but one of the cases we described, administration of DNase in this manner resulted in a radiographic and clinical improvement of the atelectasis. We recommend that respiratory physicians consider this as a second line treatment in the management of atelectasis.

Please cite this paper as: McLaughlin AM, McGrath E, Barry R, Egan JJ and Gallagher CG. Treatment of lobar atelectasis with bronchoscopically administered recombinant human deoxyribonuclease in cystic fibrosis? The Clinical Respiratory Journal 2008; 2: 123–126.
Effect of treatment with interferon α‐2b and ribavirin in patients infected with genotype 2 hepatitis C virus
Authors: Nagase Yoshihiko , Yotsuyanagi Hiroshi , Okuse Chiaki , Yasuda Kiyomi , Kato Tomohiro , Koike Kazuhiko , Suzuki Michihiro , Nishioka Kusuki , Iino Shiro , Itoh Fumio
Published: September 2007

Aim:  Nearly 20% of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients with genotype 2 hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are not curable, even by interferon (IFN)–ribavirin combination therapy. The aim of this study is to investigate the factors that determine the efficacy of combination therapy in patients with genotype 2 HCV infection.

Methods:  Fifty patients with CHC who underwent a treatment of 6 MU IFN α‐2b with ribavirin for 24 weeks were retrospectively analyzed.

Results:  All the patients showed no serum HCV‐RNA within 12 weeks after starting the therapy. Forty‐one of the 50 patients (82%) achieved a sustained virological response (SVR). The age, sex, genotype (2a vs. 2b) and grade/stage of the liver by histopathology and pretreatment viral load werenot different between the sustained responders and relapsers. Univariate analysis showed that an earlier viral clearance from blood and a larger number of amino acid substitutions in the interferon sensitivity determining region (ISDR) were predictors of SVR. Multivariate analysis showed that a large number of amino acid substitutions in the ISDR was a predictor of SVR.

Conclusion:  The characterization of the amino acid sequences of ISDR may be helpful for predicting a relapse after combination therapy in patients with genotype 2 HCV infection.
Hepatocyte steatosis in HCV patients promotes fibrosis by enhancing TGF‐β liver expression
Authors: Gabriel Andrzej , Ziólkowski Adam , Radlowski Pawel , Tomaszek Krzysztof , Dziambor Andrzej
Published: September 2007

Aim:  The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between TGF‐β expression in steatotic liver and the stage and yearly progression rate of fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients.

Methods:  We examined 44 CHC fatty liver patients, using 76 non‐steatotic CHC patients as controls. The stage of hepatic fibrosis was assessed on a score scale. TGF‐β expression was determined with the use of monoclonal serum and the ABC three‐step method.

Results:  We demonstrated a positive correlation of steatosis with the stage of fibrosis (P < 0.05). No relationship of thiskind was found with the yearly progression rate of fibrosis (P > 0.09). In steatotic biopsies, TGF‐β expression index in portal spaces and lobules was found to be higher as compared to TGF‐β expression in biopsies without steatosis (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:  In CHC patients steatosis induces the development of fibrosis by elevating the hepatic expression of TGF‐β.
Eight‐week oral administration of meloxicam, a non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug, prevents dose reduction of pegylated interferon α‐2a in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Kagawa Tatehiro , Shiozawa Hirokazu , Kojima Sei‐ichiro , Takashimizu Shinji , Nagata Naruhiko , Numata Makoto , Morino Fumitoshi , Nishizaki Yasuhiro , Mochizuki Kaori , Watanabe Norihito , Watanabe Tetsu , Matsuzaki Shohei , Mine Tetsuya
Published: September 2007

Aim:  We conducted a trial to evaluate whether eight‐week oral administration of meloxicam, a non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug, would decrease the rate of the patients who required dose reduction of pegylated interferon α‐2a in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C.

Methods:  Sixty patients given weekly subcutaneous administration of pegylated interferon α‐2a at a dose of 180 μg for 48 weeks were allocated into the meloxicam group (n = 22) and the control group (n = 38) before interferon treatment. Meloxicam was given orally at a dose of 10 mg once a day for eight weeks from the start of interferon treatment.

Results:  The cumulative rate of dose‐reduction‐free patients was significantly higher in the meloxicam group (P < 0.05). Until week eight, 44.7% of the control group and 9.1% of the meloxicam group required dose reduction. Dose was modified by neutropenia in 31.6% and 18.2% of the control and meloxicam groups, respectively. Meloxicam relieved a declineof neutrophil count within the first eight weeks from 54.2% to 44.2% (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that greater pretreatment neutrophil count and the use of meloxicam were independent factors associated with avoiding dose reduction. Sustained virological response was obtained in 52.6% of the patients. The multivariate logistic analysis revealed that viral serotype and viral load were the only independent factors associated with sustained virological response.

Conclusion:  Eight‐week administration of meloxicam prevented dose reduction of pegylated interferon by relieving a decline of neutrophil count in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C.
Exposure to a hot environment can activate rostral ventrolateral medulla‐projecting neurones in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus in conscious rats
Authors: Cham Joo Lee , Badoer Emilio
Published: September 2007

A major integrative site within the brain for autonomic function is the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN). Several studies have suggested that the PVN may be involved in the responses regulating body temperature. Hyperthermia elicits redirection of blood flow from the viscera to the periphery and involves changes in sympathetic nerve activity mediated by the central nervous system. The hypothalamic PVN includes neurones that project to the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM), an important autonomic region involved in the tonic regulation of sympathetic nerve activity. This pathway could contribute to the cardiovascular changes induced by hyperthermia. The PVN has a high concentration of nitrergic neurones and it is known that nitric oxide within the brain mediates heat dissipation. Thus the aims of this study were to determine whether RVLM‐projecting neurones in the PVN are activated by heat and whether those neurones are also nitrergic. The results show that, compared with control conditions, exposure of conscious rats to a hot environment of 39°C significantly increased the number of neurones containing a Fos‐positive nucleus (a marker of activation) and significantly increased the number of activated RVLM‐projecting neurones in the PVN. Also, although heating significantly increased the number of activated nitrergic PVN neurones, triple‐labelled neurones (i.e. activated, nitrergic and RVLM projecting) in the PVN were rarely observed. The results suggest that RVLM‐projecting neurones in the PVN may play a role in responses to heat exposure but these are not nitrergic.
Metagenomic and Small-Subunit rRNA Analyses Reveal the Genetic Diversity of Bacteria, Archaea, Fungi, and Viruses in Soil
Authors: Fierer Noah , Breitbart Mya , Nulton James , Salamon Peter , Lozupone Catherine , Jones Ryan , Robeson Michael , Edwards Robert A. , Felts Ben , Rayhawk Steve , Knight Rob , Rohwer Forest , Jackson Robert B.
Published: September 2007

Recent studies have highlighted the surprising richness of soil bacterial communities; however, bacteria are not the only microorganisms found in soil. To our knowledge, no study has compared the diversities of the four major microbial taxa, i.e., bacteria, archaea, fungi, and viruses, from an individual soil sample. We used metagenomic and small-subunit RNA-based sequence analysis techniques to compare the estimated richness and evenness of these groups in prairie, desert, and rainforest soils. By grouping sequences at the 97% sequence similarity level (an operational taxonomic unit [OTU]), we found that the archaeal and fungal communities were consistently less even than the bacterial communities. Although total richness levels are difficult to estimate with a high degree of certainty, the estimated number of unique archaeal or fungal OTUs appears to rival or exceed the number of unique bacterial OTUs in each of the collected soils. In this first study to comprehensively survey viral communities using a metagenomic approach, we found that soil viruses are taxonomically diverse and distinct from the communities of viruses found in other environments that have been surveyed using a similar approach. Within each of the four microbial groups, we observed minimal taxonomic overlap between sites, suggesting that soil archaea, bacteria, fungi, and viruses are globally as well as locally diverse.
High Temporal but Low Spatial Heterogeneity of Bacterioplankton in the Chesapeake Bay
Authors: Kan Jinjun , Suzuki Marcelino T. , Wang Kui , Evans Sarah E. , Chen Feng
Published: September 2007

Compared to freshwater and the open ocean, less is known about bacterioplankton community structure and spatiotemporal dynamics in estuaries, particularly those with long residence times. The Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the United States, but despite its ecological and economic significance, little is known about its microbial community composition. A rapid screening approach, ITS (internal transcribed spacer)-LH (length heterogeneity)-PCR, was used to screen six rRNA operon (16S rRNA-ITS-23S rRNA) clone libraries constructed from bacterioplankton collected in three distinct regions of the Chesapeake Bay over two seasons. The natural length variation of the 16S-23S rRNA gene ITS region, as well as the presence and location of tRNA-alanine coding regions within the ITS, was determined for 576 clones. Clones representing unique ITS-LH-PCR sizes were sequenced and identified. Dramatic shifts in bacterial composition (changes within subgroups or clades) were observed for the
Alphaproteobacteria
(
Roseobacter
clade, SAR11),
Cyanobacteria
(
Synechococcus
), and
Actinobacteria
, suggesting strong seasonal variation within these taxonomic groups. Despite large gradients in salinity and phytoplankton parameters, a remarkably homogeneous bacterioplankton community was observed in the bay in each season. Stronger seasonal, rather than spatial, variation of the bacterioplankton population was also supported by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and LH-PCR analyses, indicating that environmental parameters with stronger seasonal, rather than regional, dynamics, such as temperature, might determine bacterioplankton community composition in the Chesapeake Bay.