bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Translation of scales in cross‐cultural research: issues and techniques
Authors: Cha Eun‐Seok , Kim Kevin H. , Erlen Judith A.
Published: May 2007

Aims.  This paper is a report of a study designed to: (i) describe issues and techniques of translation of standard measures for use in international research; (ii) identify a user‐friendly and valid translation method when researchers have limited resources during translation procedure; and (iii) discuss translation issues using data from a pilot study as an example.

Background.  The process of translation is an important part of cross‐cultural studies. Cross‐cultural researchers are often confronted by the need to translate scales from one language to another and to do this with limited resources.

Method.  The lessons learned from our experience in a pilot study are presented to underline the importance of using appropriate translation procedures. The issues of the back‐translation method are discussed to identify strategies to ensure success when translating measures.

Findings.  A combined technique is an appropriate method to maintain the content equivalences between the original and translated instruments in international research. There are several possible combinations of translation techniques. However, there is no gold standard of translation techniques because the research environment (e.g. accessibility and availability of bilingual people) and the research questions are different.

Conclusions.  It is important to use appropriate translation procedures and to employ a combined translation technique based on the research environment and questions.
From private to public: negotiating professional and personal identities in spiritual care
Authors: Pesut Barbara , Thorne Sally
Published: May 2007

Aim.  This paper is an exploration of the challenge of negotiating the highly personalized concept of spirituality within the public sphere of professional–patient interactions.

Background.  Spirituality has become increasingly prominent within the nursing discourse, and providing spiritual care is often positioned as an ethical obligation of care. However, bringing such a personal concept into the public domain of care creates some unique tensions and ethical risks.

Discussion.  Nurses bring three potentially competing identities to spiritual care encounters with patients. Firstly, they are professionals with a public trust in health promotion and restoration, including those areas that intersect with spiritual health. Secondly, they are citizens of a liberal society where non‐judgmental pluralism as it relates to spirituality is enshrined. Thirdly, they are individuals who hold particular beliefs and values about spirituality. Each of these identities may result in particular, and potentially conflicting, approaches to spiritual care. Ultimately, the identity which nurses choose to adopt is often determined by how they view themselves in the spiritual care encounter, either as experts with legitimate authority to intervene in the spiritual lives of patients or as people in a shared relational encounter. Each of these approaches carries ethical risks, although the nature of these risks is different.

Conclusion.  The identities which nurses bring to spiritual care encounters have far‐reaching implications for patient experiences in those encounters. Nurses who position themselves as experts run the risk of objectifying the spiritual, being experienced as coercive and transcending nursings’ competence. The work of Martin Buber is presented as a model that, while acknowledging competing identities, sets forth a vision of spirituality and spiritual care based upon relational reciprocity.
Osteopontin, a Protein with Cytokine‐like Properties, is Associated with Inflammation in Crohn's Disease
Authors: Agnholt J. , Kelsen J. , Schack L. , Hvas C. L. , Dahlerup J. F. , Sørensen E. S.
Published: May 2007

In Crohn's disease (CD) mucosal T‐cells produce increased interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) and tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) levels and TNF‐α antibody treatment [Infliximab (Ifx)] is effective. Osteopontin (OPN), a glycoprotein stimulating activated T‐lymphocytes, may be involved in the disturbed immune‐regulation but also in normal immune‐homeostasis and mucosal repair, since it is expressed in many tissues and present in human milk. This study investigates plasma‐OPN levels in CD patients during Ifx treatment and the in vitro effect of OPN on intestinal T cells. Thirty‐seven CD patients received three Ifx doses at week 0, 2 and 6. Blood samples, colonic biopsies and clinical scores were obtained before treatment and at week 8, 26 and 52. In‐vivo activated T‐cell cultures were established from colonic biopsies in the presence of interleukin (IL)‐2 and IL‐4. The in vitro effect of OPN stimulation on T‐cell IFN‐γ, TNF‐α, and IL‐10 production was measured. Plasma‐OPN was increased in active CD (increased CRP‐level) compared with quiescent disease (P = 0.02) and declined after three Ifx doses (P = 0.04). It was inversely correlated with in vitro T‐cell IL‐10 production. OPN increased CD69 and CD25 expression and enhanced T‐cell IFN‐γ and TNF‐α production in a dose‐dependent fashion with higher levels in CD than in healthy controls (HC), but induced a concomitant higher IL‐10 production in HC than CD. In conclusion, plasma‐OPN levels are related to CD inflammation. In vitro, OPN‐stimulated IL‐10 production increases less in T‐cell cultures from CD patients than from HC, indicating that IL‐10 deficiency may be involved in the defect immune‐regulation in CD, even after OPN stimulation.
Passive Transfer of Experimental Autoimmune Neuritis by IL‐12 and IL‐18 Synergistically Potentiated Lymphoid Cells is Regulated by NKR‐P1+ Cells
Authors: Sun B. , Li H.‐L. , Wang J.‐H. , Wang G.‐Y. , Zhao R. , Mu L.‐L. , Jin L.‐H.
Published: May 2007

The aim of this study was to investigate the roles and mechanism of interleukin‐12 (IL‐12) and interleukin‐18 (IL‐18) in potentiating the autoreactivity of lymphoid cells specific for P2 53–78 peptide. P2 53–78‐specific lymphoid cells in the presence of IL‐12 or IL‐18 alone passive transferred only moderate experimental autoimmune neuritis (EAN) into a low percentage of recipients. However, lymphoid cells co‐cultured with both cytokines transferred aggressive clinical and histological EAN into all recipients. NKR‐P1+ cells (including NK and NKT cells) played an immunosuppressive function in passive transfer EAN and depletion of NKR‐P1+ cells by anti‐NKR‐P1 Ab and complement induced a more serious form of EAN. Nevertheless, lymphoid cells co‐cultured with both IL‐12 and IL‐18 induced high levels of interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) and promoted Th1 differentiation partially through NKR‐P1+ cells and to some extent, NKR‐P1+ cell depletion inhibited the auto‐reactivity of lymphoid cells treated with IL‐12 and IL‐18.
Dextran Sulfate Sodium‐induced Colitis Generates a Transient Thymic Involution – Impact on Thymocyte Subsets
Authors: Fritsch Fredin M. , Elgbratt K. , Svensson D. , Jansson L. , Melgar S. , Hultgren Hörnquist E.
Published: May 2007

One of the most widely used animal models for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is the dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)‐induced colitis. We have previously reported that 5 days administration of DSS in C57Bl/6J mice induces a colonic inflammation that progresses into chronicity after DSS removal, whereas in BALB/cJ mice the inflammation resolves within 4 weeks post‐DSS. Here we show that both thymic size and thymocyte numbers dramatically decreased in the acute phase of inflammation in C57Bl/6 mice, 7 days after DSS withdrawal. Mature, CD4+ and CD8+ single positive (SP) CD69lo CD62Lhi thymocytes were enriched in these mice, accompanied by a major decrease in the number of immature double positive (DP) thymocytes. However, the different maturation stages within the DP thymocyte subset were unchanged between healthy and inflamed C57Bl/6J mice. Interestingly, as the inflammation progressed into the chronic phase, the thymus recovered and 2 weeks after the acute inflammatory phase all the thymic parameters investigated in this study were restored to normal. In contrast, BALB/cJ mice only develop mild thymic alterations. Nevertheless, we found that within the double negative (DN) thymocytes an increased frequency and also total numbers of CD44+ CD25− (DN1) cells correlated with the severety of colitis, and that the frequency of CD44− CD25− (DN4) thymocytes decreased proportionally in the acute phase in BALB/cJ mice. Our observations suggest that the thymic effects are intimately connected to the intestinal inflammatory response in colitis regardless of the inflammatory stimuli.
A Novel Mannose‐binding Lectin‐associated Serine Protease 1/3 Gene Variant
Authors: Weiss G. , Madsen H. O. , Garred P.
Published: May 2007

The ficolins and mannose‐binding lectin (MBL) create complexes with three different serine proteases (MASP‐1, MASP‐2 and MASP‐3) and a truncated non‐enzymatic form of MASP‐2 (sMAP). MASP‐2 is able to activate complement by cleavage of C4 and C2, while the physiological functions of MASP‐1, MASP‐3 and sMAP still are debated. MASP‐1 and MASP‐3 are alternative spliced forms of the same MASP gene. To gain insight in the molecular variation in the MASP‐1/3 gene, we undertook a systematic study of the protein coding sequences of the MASP‐1/3 gene. The coding regions of the MASP‐1/3 gene were sequenced in 92 healthy Caucasian donors. A total of six nucleotide substitutions were detected. Five were detected only once. One polymorphism identified in exon 10 at position +50074 (rs 38343199) relative to the transcription start site resulting in the amino acid substitution of a glycine (GGG) with a glutamic acid residue (GAG) in the second complement control protein domain was observed. The frequency of this allele in 305 blood donors, 90 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and 234 patients with the systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and/or sepsis was 0.03, 0.017 and 0.03 respectively. No significant differences in genotype frequencies between the groups were observed (P > 0.45). However, the SIRS/sepsis group deviated from the Hardy–Weinberg expectations due to one variant allele homozygote (P = 0.07), which was not observed in the other groups. In conclusion, the MASP1/3 gene harbours a low‐frequent polymorphic site resulting in an amino acid substitution, which may influence the function of the gene product.
Activation of toll‐like receptors 2 and 4 by gram‐negative periodontal bacteria
Authors: Kikkert R. , Laine M. L. , Aarden L. A. , Van Winkelhoff A. J.
Published: May 2007

Background/aims:  Periodontitis is a chronic infectious disease associated with a gram‐negative subgingival microflora. Bacterial components stimulate, among other receptors, Toll‐like receptor (TLR) 2 and/or TLR4. Accumulating evidence indicates that both qualitatively and quantitatively distinct immune responses result from the triggering of TLR2 as compared to TLR4 triggering. The aim was to study the interaction of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Tannerella forsythensis, Prevotella intermedia, Prevotella nigrescens, Fusobacterium nucleatum and Veillonella parvula with TLR2 and TLR4. We investigated all known serotypes (K−, K1–K6) of P. gingivalis and A. actinomycetemcomitans serotype a–e strains for their potency to stimulate cytokine production.

Methods:  Human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells, stably transfected with CD14, CD14‐TLR2, or CD14‐TLR4 and whole blood were stimulated with bacterial sonicates. Cytokine production (interleukin‐6, ‐8, ‐10 and ‐12) was measured in the supernatant by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results:  All test bacteria stimulated HEK‐CD14‐TLR2, but only A. actinomycetemcomitans and V. parvula stimulated HEK‐CD14‐TLR4. No differences were found in the activation of HEK‐CD14‐TLR2/4, or cytokine production in whole blood between serotypes of P. gingivalis and A. actinomycetemcomitans.

Conclusion:  Gram‐negative periodontal bacteria predominantly stimulated TLR2, which may be of importance for the Th1/Th2 cell orientation of the immune response in periodontitis.
An in vitro biofilm model of subgingival plaque
Authors: Walker C. , Sedlacek M. J.
Published: May 2007

Introduction:  Numerous biofilm models have been described for the study of bacteria associated with the supragingival plaque. However, there are fewer models available for the study of subgingival plaque. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a model that closely mimicked the composition of the subgingival flora.

Methods:  The model was developed as follows: calcium hydroxyapatite disks were coated overnight with 10% sterile saliva, placed in flat‐bottomed tissue culture plates containing trypticase‐soy broth, directly inoculated with a small aliquot of dispersed subgingival plaque, incubated anaerobically, and transferred to fresh medium at 48‐h intervals until climax (steady‐state) biofilms were formed (∼10 days).

Results:  The model, based on samples from eight periodontitis patients and eight healthy subjects, yielded a multi‐species, heterogeneous biofilm, consisting of both gram‐positive and gram‐negative species, and comprising 15–20 cultivable species associated with the subgingival flora. The species present and their proportions were reflective of the initial cultivable subgingival flora. Comparisons of the initial plaque samples from healthy subjects and the mature biofilms showed 81% similarity in species and 70% similarity in the proportions present. Biofilms formed from samples obtained from periodontally diseased subjects were 69% similar in species and 57% similar in the proportions present.

Conclusions:  The biofilm model described here closely reproduces the composition of the cultivable subgingival plaque both in the species present and in their relative proportions. Differences existed between biofilms grown from diseased and non‐diseased sites with the former being characterized by the presence of periodontal pathogens at microbially significant levels.
Immunization of Macaca fascicularis against experimental periodontitis using a vaccine containing cysteine proteases purified from Porphyromonas gingivalis
Authors: Page R. C. , Lantz M. S. , Darveau R. , Jeffcoat M. , Mancl L. , Houston L. , Braham P. , Persson G. R.
Published: May 2007

Introduction:  Periodontitis is a common infectious disease to which Porphyromonas gingivalis has been closely linked, in which the attachment tissues of the teeth and their alveolar bone housing are destroyed. We conducted a study to determine if immunization using a purified antigen could alter the onset and progression of the disease.

Methods:  Using the ligature‐induced model of periodontitis in Macaca fascicularis, we immunized five animals with cysteine protease purified from P. gingivalis and used an additional five animals as controls. Alveolar bone loss was measured by digital subtraction radiography.

Results:  Immunization induced high titers of specific immunoglobuin G serum antibodies that were opsonic. Total bacterial load, levels of P. gingivalis in subgingival plaque and levels of prostaglandin E2 in gingival crevicular fluid were significantly reduced. Onset and progression of alveolar bone loss was inhibited by approximately 50%. No manifestations of toxicity were observed.

Conclusions:  Immunization using a purified protein antigen from P. gingivalis inhibits alveolar bone destruction in a ligature‐induced periodontitis model in M. fascicularis.
Effects of prolonged exposure to alkaline pH on Enterococcus faecalis survival and specific gene transcripts
Authors: Appelbe O. K. , Sedgley C. M.
Published: May 2007

Introduction:  The persistence of Enterococcus faecalis in treated root canals has been attributed to its resistance to the high pH of antimicrobial agents used during treatment, but the specific mechanisms are not clear. We investigated the survival and gene expression of E. faecalis maintained in alkaline media.

Methods:  E. faecalis JH2‐2 was maintained in media at pH 7, 10, 11 and 12 at either 25°C or 37°C for 1 week (168 h). At 24, 48, 72, 120 and 168 h, cell viability was determined in parallel with real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction analyses of stress response genes (dnaK, fba, ftsZ, GroEL, napA, pbp5, tsf and tuf).

Results:  After 1 week the E. faecalis showed survival levels of 100% in pH 7, 1% in pH 10, 0.001% in pH 11 and 0.00001% in pH 12 media. At 37°C increased levels of gene transcripts occurred between 72 and 120 h in pH 7 media for ftsZ and dnaK, and in pH 10 media for ftsZ, pbp5, dnaK, napA, tsf, fba and GroEL. No increase in transcripts was observed at 37°C in media at pH 11 or pH 12, nor at 25°C in any media.

Conclusion:  Transcripts of ftsZ, a gene involved in cell division, increased by 37‐fold after 120 h at pH 10 at 37°C. Overall, the greatest increase in levels of gene transcripts occurred in cultures maintained in pH 10 media at 37°C. These data may assist in understanding the survival strategies of E. faecalis following prolonged exposure to alkaline pH levels.
The microbiological profiles of saliva, supragingival and subgingival plaque and dental caries in adults with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Hintao J. , Teanpaisan R. , Chongsuvivatwong V. , Ratarasan C. , Dahlen G.
Published: May 2007

Introduction:  The relationships between suspected bacteria in saliva, yeasts in oral rinse, and supragingival and subgingival plaque versus root surface and coronal caries in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and a non‐diabetic group were explored.

Methods:  One‐hundred and five patients with type 2 diabetes and 103 non‐diabetic subjects were recruited; their periodontal status, plaque index and magnitude of root surface and coronal caries were assessed. Saliva and an oral rinse were cultured for mutans streptococci, lactobacilli and yeasts. Toothbrush samples of supragingival plaque and curette samples of subgingival plaque were assessed for 17 bacterial species using the checkerboard DNA–DNA hybridization method.

Results:  Type 2 diabetes patients had significantly more severe periodontitis, a higher plaque index and a higher prevalence and magnitude of root surface caries than non‐diabetic subjects. Significantly more diabetic subjects had higher levels of Treponema denticola, Prevotella nigrescens, Streptococcus sanguinis, Streptococcus oralis and Streptococcus intermedius in their supragingival plaque than non‐diabetic subjects. No significant difference was found for the organisms in saliva, oral rinse and subgingival plaque between the two groups. After adjustment for diabetic status, root surface caries was associated with an increased count of mutans streptococci, lactobacilli and yeasts in saliva and of Streptococcus mutans in supragingival plaque samples. Coronal caries was only associated with lactobacilli and yeasts in saliva.

Conclusion:  The number of cariogenic organisms in saliva and oral rinse estimated by culture demonstrated a stronger association with both root surface and coronal caries compared to those 17 species assessed with the checkerboard method in supragingival and subgingival plaque.
Oral epithelium–Candida glabrata interactions in vitro
Authors: Li L. , Dongari‐Bagtzoglou A.
Published: May 2007

Background:  Oropharyngeal candidiasis is a common opportunistic infection and Candida glabrata is the second or third most frequently isolated species from oropharyngeal candidiasis lesions, after Candida albicans. The aim of this study was to study the cytokine‐inducing and cell‐damaging potential of C. glabrata in oral epithelial cells and compare this to C. albicans.

Methods:  Oral epithelial cell lines and primary gingival epithelial cells were cocultured with C. glabrata strains GDH2269 and 94‐11 or C. albicans strains SC5314 and ATCC28366. Supernatants were analysed for the presence of interleukin‐1α (IL‐1α), IL‐8 and granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The cytotoxity of different strains was determined using the CytoTox‐96 assay.

Results:  Compared to C. albicans, C. glabrata induced different proinflammatory cytokine responses in oral epithelial cells; a high level of GM‐CSF induction was only detected in C. glabrata‐infected cells and not in C. albicans‐infected cells, regardless of the origin of these cells (cell lines or primary cells) or the strain used. Like C. albicans, C. glabrata induced an IL‐1α response by oral epithelial cells, but this response was both strain‐dependent and epithelial cell origin‐dependent. Unlike C. albicans, C. glabrata failed to induce a strong IL‐8 response in any of the cell systems studied. Finally, in these studies C. glabrata showed lower cytotoxicity than C. albicans.

Conclusions:  C. glabrata is less cytotoxic than C. albicans and induces different proinflammatory cytokine responses in oral epithelial cells.
Characterization of Candida albicans infection of an in vitro oral epithelial model using confocal laser scanning microscopy
Authors: Malic S. , Hill K. E. , Ralphs J. R. , Hayes A. , Thomas D. W. , Potts A. J. , Williams D. W.
Published: May 2007

Introduction:  Oral candidosis presents as several distinct forms and one of these, chronic hyperplastic candidosis, is distinguished by penetration of the epithelium by Candida. The aim of this study was to use confocal laser scanning microscopy to examine invasion of the oral epithelium by Candida albicans from different oral conditions and to determine whether inherent strain differences exist that could relate to infection type. Reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction was also used to detect products from virulence gene families.

Methods:  C. albicans (n = 19) was used to infect reconstituted human oral epithelium, which was incubated for 12 h. One half of the reconstituted human oral epithelium was then fixed and stained with concanavalin A–Alexa 594, pan‐cytokeratin antibody–Alexa 488 and Hoechst nucleic acid dye. RNA was extracted from the remaining tissue for reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction targeting secreted aspartyl proteinase, phospholipase and agglutinin‐like sequence genes of C. albicans.

Results:  Confocal laser scanning microscopy revealed strain‐dependent tissue invasion, with differences evident in surface colonization, C. albicans morphology and the extent and pattern of tissue penetration. Hyphae were seen to directly penetrate epithelial cells and migrate between keratinocytes with yeast budding also evident in the reconstituted human oral epithelium. A relationship between ‘high tissue invasion’ and expression of secreted aspartyl proteinase genes 4–6 was noted. Interestingly, four of the five ‘high invaders’ originated from chronic hyperplastic candidosis.

Conclusions:  Confocal laser scanning microscopy permitted high resolution analysis of reconstituted human oral epithelium invasion by C. albicans and identified strain differences in the invasion process. Association between extensive hyphal morphology, direct epithelial penetration and high surface colonization were made with the ‘highly invasive’ strains.
Cross‐reactive adaptive immune response to oral commensal bacteria results in an induction of receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand (RANKL)‐dependent periodontal bone resorption in a mouse model
Authors: Kawai T. , Paster B. J. , Komatsuzawa H. , Ernst C. W. O. , Goncalves R. B. , Sasaki H. , Ouhara K. , Stashenko P. P. , Sugai M. , Taubman M. A.
Published: May 2007

Introduction:  The present study examined whether induction of an adaptive immune response to orally colonizing non‐pathogenic Pasteurella pneumotropica by immunization with the phylogenetically closely related bacterium, Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, can result in periodontal bone loss in mice.

Methods:  BALB/c mice harboring P. pneumotropica (P. pneumotropica+ mice) in the oral cavity or control P. pneumotropica‐free mice were immunized with fixed A. actinomycetemcomitans. The animals were sacrificed on day 30, and the following measurements were carried out: (i) serum immunoglobulin G and gingival T‐cell responses to A. actinomycetemcomitans and P. pneumotropica; (ii) periodontal bone loss; and (iii) identification of receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand (RANKL) ‐positive T cells in gingival tissue.

Results:  Immunization with A. actinomycetemcomitans induced a significantly elevated serum immunoglobulin G response to the 29‐kDa A. actinomycetemcomitans outer membrane protein (Omp29), which showed strong cross‐reactivity with P. pneumotropica OmpA compared to results in the control non‐immunized mice. The A. actinomycetemcomitans‐immunized P. pneumotropica+ mice developed remarkable periodontal bone loss in a RANKL‐dependent manner, as determined by the abrogation of bone loss by treatment with osteoprotegerin‐Fc. The T cells isolated from the gingival tissue of A. actinomycetemcomitans‐immunized P. pneumotropica+ mice showed an in vitro proliferative response to both A. actinomycetemcomitans and P. pneumotropica antigen presentation, as well as production of soluble(s)RANKL in the culture supernatant. Double‐color confocal microscopy demonstrated that the frequency of RANKL+ T cells in the gingival tissue of A. actinomycetemcomitans‐immunized P. pneumotropica+ mice was remarkably elevated compared to control mice.

Conclusion:  The induction of an adaptive immune response to orally colonizing non‐pathogenic P. pneumotropica results in RANKL‐dependent periodontal bone loss in mice.
Regional and Cyclic Variations in the Ultrastructural Features of Secretory Cells in the Oviductal Epithelium of the Chinese Meishan Pig
Authors: Abe H , Hoshi H
Published: May 2007

Contents

The Chinese Meishan pig is prolific breed and it is considered that this pig has a capacity with higher rates of embryonic survival. The oviductal secretory cells may affect the embryonic development and survival. The aim of the present study was to investigate the ultrastructural features of secretory cells in the various regions of the Chinese Meishan pig oviduct during the follicular and luteal phases of the oestrous cycle. In the ampullar secretory cells, numerous secretory granules with moderately electron‐dense matrices were present in the supranuclear cytoplasm and exocytosis of secretory granules was observed. The number of secretory granules was dramatically reduced in the ampullar secretory cells in the luteal phase. During the follicular phase in the fimbrial epithelium, the secretory cells contained rough endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus, but most cells had few small granules. In the luteal phase, the secretory cells in the ampullar and fimbrial epithelia extended beyond the luminal border of the ciliated cells. In the isthmus, many granules were present in the cytoplasm of secretory cells throughout the oestrous cycle, but the number of secretory granules was reduced in the luteal phase. The cytomorphometric data revealed that the height of ciliated cells decreased substantially in the fimbriae and ampulla at the luteal phase, while that of non‐ciliated cells was less affected. These results suggest that the drastic reduction of cell height of ciliated cells cause the extrusion of most secretory cells beyond the ciliated cells in the fimbriae and ampulla during the luteal phase. In summary, our ultrastructural observations of Chinese Meishan pig oviduct revealed marked cyclic changes in the ultrastructural features of secretory cells. In particular, the ultrastructural features and the numbers of secretory granules were distinctive for each particular segment. These findings should provide insight into the regional and cellular differences in functions of secretory cells of the Chinese Meishan pig oviduct.
Progesterone and Caspase‐3 Activation in Equine Cyclic Corpora Lutea
Authors: Ferreira‐Dias G , Mateus L , Costa AS , Solá S , Ramalho RM , Castro RE , Rodrigues CMP
Published: May 2007

Contents

Soon after ovulation, the newly formed corpus luteum (CL) starts secreting progesterone (P4), necessary for implantation. The CL, an ovarian transient endocrine organ, undergoes growth and regression throughout its life span. The objective of this study was to evaluate if caspase‐3 mediates cell death in the equine cyclic luteal structures and relate it to luteal endocrine function. Blood and luteal tissue were collected during the breeding season after slaughter from 38 randomly assigned cycling mares. Luteal tissues were classified as corpora haemorrhagica (CH; n = 7); mid luteal phase corpora lutea (Mid‐CL; n = 17); late or regressing corpora lutea (Late‐CL; n = 9) and corpora albicans (CA; n = 5). Plasma P4 concentration, determined by radioimmunoassay, showed a significant increase from CH to Mid‐CL (p < 0.001), followed by a decrease to Late‐CL (p < 0.001) and CA (p < 0.001). Caspase‐3 processing and poly (ADP) ribose polymerase (PARP) degradation were assessed by western blotting. Active caspase‐3 was twofold increased in Mid‐CL, Late‐CL and CA as compared with CH (p < 0.05). Immunocytochemistry also showed a significant increase in caspase‐3 expression in large luteal cells in all structures when compared with CH (p < 0.05). Consistently, the endogenous caspase‐3 substrate, PARP, was markedly degraded from CH to CA (p < 0.05). In fact, the ratio of full‐length to degraded PARP showed a significant decrease from CH to Mid‐CL, Late‐CL and CA (p < 0.05). Finally, the decrease in P4 from Mid‐ to Late‐CL coincided with no further increases in apoptosis. In conclusion, these results suggest that the effector caspase‐3 of apoptosis, might play an important role during luteal tissue involution in the mare, even though its relationship with P4 remains to be elucidated.
Procedure for Maximizing Oocyte Harvest for In Vitro Embryo Production in Small Ruminants
Authors: Gibbons A , Bonnet FP , Cueto MI , Catala M , Salamone DF , Gonzalez‐Bulnes A
Published: May 2007

Contents

Possible effects of repeated hormonal treatments and laparoscopic ovum pick‐up (LOPU) on the efficiency of oocyte recovery rate and quality were determined in sheep and goats. In six adult Merino sheep and five Criolla goats, ovarian status was synchronized by a prostaglandin F2α analogue and the insertion of an intravaginal sponge 48 h later. Follicle development was stimulated by a single dose of FSH (60 mg NIH‐FSH‐P1) plus a single dose of equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG; 300 UI). The first FSH/eCG doses were administered 48 h after the sponge insertion, being repeated every 4 days to complete a total of four treatments in sheep and three in goats. Follicles in both ovaries were categorized according to their diameter and follicular fluid was aspirated under laparoscopic observation without a vacuum pump. In sheep, during a 12‐day‐period, a total of 347 follicles were aspirated with a recovery rate of 46.9%. In goats, during an 8‐day‐period, 219 follicles were aspirated with a recovery rate of 45.6%. In both species, there were no significant differences in the number of aspirated follicles, oocyte recovery rate and good quality oocyte recovery rate. However, in sheep the oocyte recovery rate was higher for large follicles, whereas in goats no such effect was detected. In summary, current results indicate that retrieval of oocytes can be maximized, without affecting oocyte quality, by repeating ‘oneshot’ FSH/eCG regimes and LOPUs at intervals as short as 4 days.
Quarter Milking for Improved Detection of Increased SCC
Authors: Berglund I , Pettersson G , Östensson K , Svennersten‐Sjaunja K
Published: May 2007

Contents

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether milk composition and milk yield are changed in relation to a moderate increase in milk somatic cell count (SCC) in separate udder quarters. During a period of 13 weeks, 4158 bulk quarter milk samples from 68 cows were collected and analysed for milk SCC and milk composition. The sampling was done twice weekly. The cows were in different stages of lactation and in different lactation numbers. For calculations, three groups of cows were formed according to their SCC value. Group 1 cows, where all quarters had an SCC <100 000 cells/ml at all sampling occasions, were considered to be non‐affected. Group 2 cows had one udder quarter with an increased SCC >100 000 cells/ml and 1.5‐fold higher than the opposite quarter at one sampling occasion. For group 3 cows, the increase in SCC remained for several consecutive sampling occasions. Data from group 1 cows revealed that front and rear quarters were similar when compared with each other. For group 3 cows, the lactose content in milk decreased significantly, simultaneously with the increase in SCC and remained decreased for two sampling occasions after the initial increase in SCC. It was concluded that deviations in lactose content within front and rear quarters, respectively, may be a useful tool for detection of moderately increased SCC in separate udder quarters.
Oestrus Expression and Ovarian Function in Repeat Breeder Cows, Monitored by Ultrasonography and Progesterone Assay
Authors: Pérez‐Marín CC , España F
Published: May 2007

Contents

Ovarian ultrasonography and plasma progesterone levels were monitored in 37 lactating Holstein cows with a history of repeat breeding; the data obtained were analysed in conjunction with clinical and behavioural signs, to identify the aetiology of the syndrome. Differences were detected between RBCs displaying apparently normal cycles and others with irregular cycles. There were also differences in heat expression; a large number of repeat breeder cows (RBCs, 50%) displayed delayed or silent oestrus. Ovarian disorders were common in RBCs, and included ovarian cysts, mistimed AI, subluteal progesterone levels, luteal dysfunction or ovulation defects. Both ultrasonography and plasma progesterone assays are useful tools for ascertaining the aetiology of the repeat breeder syndrome.
Combination of the ALCR/alcA ethanol switch and GAL4/VP16‐UAS enhancer trap system enables spatial and temporal control of transgene expression in Arabidopsis
Authors: Jia Hongge , Van Loock Bram , Liao Mingjun , Verbelen Jean‐Pierre , Vissenberg Kris
Published: May 2007

The experimental control of gene expression in specific tissues or cells at defined time points is a useful tool for the analysis of gene function. GAL4/VP16‐UAS enhancer trap lines can be used to selectively express genes in specific tissues or cells, and an ethanol‐inducible system can help to control the time of expression. In this study, the combination of the two methods allowed the successful regulation of gene expression in both time and space. For this purpose, a binary vector, 962‐UAS::GUS, was constructed in which the ALCR activator and β‐glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene were placed under the control of upstream activator sequence (UAS) elements and the alcA response element, respectively. Three different GAL4/VP16‐UAS enhancer trap lines of Arabidopsis were transformed, resulting in transgenic plants in which GUS activity was detected only on ethanol induction and exclusively in the predicted tissues of the enhancer trap lines. As a library of different enhancer trap lines with distinct green fluorescent protein (GFP) patterns exist, transformation with a similar vector, in which GUS is replaced by another gene, would enable the control of the time and place of transgene expression. We have constructed two vectors for easy cloning of the gene of interest, one with a polylinker site and one that is compatible with the GATEWAY™ vector conversion system. The method can be extended to other species when enhancer trap lines become available.
Remote sensing‐based neural network mapping of tsunami damage in Aceh, Indonesia
Authors: Aitkenhead Matthew J. , Lumsdon Parivash , Miller David R.
Published: May 2007

In addition to the loss of human life, the tsunami event of 26 December 2004 caused extensive damage to coastal areas. The scale of the disaster was such that remote sensing may be the only way to determine its effects on the landscape. This paper presents the results of a neural network‐based mapping of part of the region of Aceh, Sumatra. Before‐and‐after satellite imagery, combined with a novel neural network methodology, enabled a characterisation of landscape change. The neural network technique used a threshold of acceptance for identification, in combination with a bootstrapped identification method for identifying problem pixels. Map analysis allowed identification of urban areas that were inaccessible by road, and which aid agencies could therefore only reach by air or sea. The methods used provide a rapid and effective mapping ability and would be a useful tool for aid agencies, insurance underwriters and environmental monitoring.
The significance of a small, level‐3 ‘semi evacuation’ hospital in a terrorist attack in a nearby town
Authors: Pinkert Moshe , Leiba Adi , Zaltsman Eilon , Erez Onn , Blumenfeld Amir , Avinoam Shkolnick , Laor Daniel , Schwartz Dagan , Goldberg Avishay , Levi Yehezkel , Bar‐Dayan Yaron
Published: May 2007

Terrorist attacks can occur in remote areas causing mass‐casualty incidents MCIs far away from level‐1 trauma centres. This study draws lessons from an MCI pertaining to the management of primary and secondary evacuation and the operational mode practiced. Data was collected from formal debriefings during and after the event, and the medical response, interactions and main outcomes analysed using Disastrous Incidents Systematic Analysis through Components, Interactions and Results (DISAST‐CIR) methodology. A total of 112 people were evacuated from the scene—66 to the nearby level 3 Laniado hospital, including the eight critically and severely injured patients. Laniado hospital was instructed to act as an evacuation hospital but the flow of patients ended rapidly and it was decided to admit moderately injured victims. We introduce a novel concept of a ‘semi‐evacuation hospital’. This mode of operation should be selected for small‐scale events in which the evacuation hospital has hospitalization capacity and is not geographically isolated. We suggest that level‐3 hospitals in remote areas should be prepared and drilled to work in semi‐evacuation mode during MCIs.
Realising a resilient and sustainable built environment: towards a strategic agenda for the United Kingdom
Authors: Bosher Lee , Carrillo Patricia , Dainty Andrew , Glass Jacqueline , Price Andrew
Published: May 2007

Recent natural and human‐induced emergencies have highlighted the vulnerability of the built environment. Although most emergency events are not entirely unexpected, and the effects can be mitigated, emergency managers in the United Kingdom have not played a sufficiently proactive role in the mitigation of such events. If a resilient and sustainable built environment is to be achieved, emergency management should be more proactive and receive greater input from the stakeholders responsible for the planning, design, construction and operation of the built environment. This paper highlights the need for emergency management to take a more systematic approach to hazard mitigation by integrating more with professions from the construction sector. In particular, design changes may have to be considered, critical infrastructures must be protected, planning policies should be reviewed, and resilient and sustainable agendas adopted by all stakeholders.
The application of seismic risk‐benefit analysis to land use planning in Taipei City
Authors: Hung Hung‐Chih , Chen Liang‐Chun
Published: May 2007

In the developing countries of Asia local authorities rarely use risk analysis instruments as a decision‐making support mechanism during planning and development procedures. The main purpose of this paper is to provide a methodology to enable planners to undertake such analyses. We illustrate a case study of seismic risk‐benefit analysis for the city of Taipei, Taiwan, using available land use maps and surveys as well as a new tool developed by the National Science Council in Taiwan—the HAZ‐Taiwan earthquake loss estimation system. We use three hypothetical earthquakes to estimate casualties and total and annualised direct economic losses, and to show their spatial distribution. We also characterise the distribution of vulnerability over the study area using cluster analysis. A risk‐benefit ratio is calculated to express the levels of seismic risk attached to alternative land use plans. This paper suggests ways to perform earthquake risk evaluations and the authors intend to assist city planners to evaluate the appropriateness of their planning decisions.
Hurricane Katrina disaster diplomacy
Authors: Kelman Ilan
Published: May 2007

Hurricane Katrina struck the United States at the end of August 2005. The consequent devastation appeared to be beyond the US government's ability to cope with and aid was offered by several states in varying degrees of conflict with the US. Hurricane Katrina therefore became a potential case study for ‘disaster diplomacy’, which examines how disaster‐related activities do and do not yield diplomatic gains. A review of past disaster diplomacy work is provided. The literature's case studies are then categorised using a new typology: propinquity, aid relationship, level and purpose. Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath are then placed in the context of the US government's foreign policy, the international response to the disaster and the US government's reaction to these responses. The evidence presented is used to discuss the potential implications of Hurricane Katrina disaster diplomacy, indicating that factors other than disaster‐related activities generally dominate diplomatic relations and foreign policy.
575. DAPHNE WOLONGENSIS
Authors: Brickell Christopher , Mathew Brian
Published: May 2007

Summary Summary. A new species of Daphne, D. wolongensis C.D. Brickell & B. Mathew (Thymelaeaceae) is described from western China. It is illustrated, its taxonomy and relationships are discussed and its cultivation requirements are reviewed.
577. IRIS BLOUDOWII
Authors: Mathew Brian
Published: May 2007

Summary Iris bloudowii Ledeb. (Iridaceae) is illustrated. A full description of the species is provided, its taxonomy and relationships are discussed and its cultivation requirements are reviewed.
581. FRITILLARIA GIBBOSA
Authors: Rix Martyn , Zarrei Mehdi
Published: May 2007

Summary Fritillaria gibbosa Boiss. is described and illustrated. Its history, ecology and cultivation are discussed.
585. ASCLEPIAS BARJONIIFOLIA
Authors: Goyder David
Published: May 2007

Summary An illustration and description is provided for Asclepias barjoniifolia E. Fourn. This species is compared with A. pilgeriana Schltr., a second yellow‐flowered species from the Andes of Bolivia and northern Argentina. Revised synonymies are outlined for each species, and five names are lectotypified. Thomas Bridges’ travels in Bolivia are summarised briefly.
586. DRACULA CORDOBAE
Authors: Drinkell Clare
Published: May 2007

Summary Dracula cordobae Luer from Ecuador is illustrated. Its taxonomy, relationships and distribution are discussed and a full description provided.
587. BULBOPHYLLUM PLUMATUM
Authors: Vermeulen Jaap J. , Wood Jeffrey J.
Published: May 2007

Summary Bulbophyllum plumatum Ames from Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, and the Philippines is illustrated. Its taxonomy, relationships and distribution are discussed and a full description provided.
Does the error negativity reflect response conflict strength? Evidence from a Simon task
Authors: Masaki Hiroaki , Falkenstein Michael , Stürmer Birgit , Pinkpank Thomas , Sommer Werner
Published: May 2007

The error (‐related) negativity (Ne or ERN) has been related to detecting the mismatch between incorrectly executed and appropriate responses or, alternatively, to the degree of conflict between different response alternatives. In this study different levels of response conflict were generated by manipulating task difficulty in a Simon task. According to the product of incorrect and subsequent correct EMG activation, the amount of conflict in error trials was indeed larger for the easy than for the hard condition. In contrast, Ne/ERN amplitudes did not differ between difficulty conditions, nor was the amount of conflict mirrored by Ne/ERN amplitude. Therefore, the present data are at variance with the hypothesis that the Ne/ERN reflects the degree of response conflict.
Predictive information and error processing: The role of medial‐frontal cortex during motor control
Authors: Krigolson Olav E. , Holroyd Clay B.
Published: May 2007

We have recently provided evidence that an error‐related negativity (ERN), an ERP component generated within medial‐frontal cortex, is elicited by errors made during the performance of a continuous tracking task (O.E. Krigolson & C.B. Holroyd, 2006). In the present study we conducted two experiments to investigate the ability of the medial‐frontal error system to evaluate predictive error information. In two experiments participants used a joystick to perform a computer‐based continuous tracking task in which some tracking errors were inevitable. In both experiments, half of these errors were preceded by a predictive cue. The results of both experiments indicated that an ERN‐like waveform was elicited by tracking errors. Furthermore, in both experiments the predicted error waveforms had an earlier peak latency than the unpredicted error waveforms. These results demonstrate that the medial‐frontal error system can evaluate predictive error information.
Range of sensory gating values and test–retest reliability in normal subjects
Authors: Fuerst Darren R. , Gallinat Jürgen , Boutros Nash N.
Published: May 2007

This article characterizes gating in normal subjects using P50, N100, and P200 components in a paired‐click paradigm and compares the test–retest reliabilities of the three components. Sixty‐seven normal subjects had gating data from a standard paired‐click paradigm; 30 had test–retest data. The test–retest reliability of the amplitudes, latencies, and sensory gating indices derived from the P50, N100, and P200 responses were compared. Measured gating ratios showed either normal or positively skewed distributions. Test–retest reliability of the P50 gating ratio did not reach significance, but N100 and P200 ratios showed better reliability (.50 and .64). The P50 difference score was more reliable (.61), and the N100 and P200 test–retest reliabilities of difference scores were high (.83 and .81, respectively). N100 and P200 attenuation is reliable; further work is needed to develop more reliable P50 gating measures.
Estimating heart rate and RSA from the mattress‐recorded kinetocardiogram
Authors: Woodward Steven H. , Arsenault Ned J. , Voelker Karin , Nguyen Tram , Lynch Janel , Leskin Greg , Sheikh Javaid
Published: May 2007

This article describes a method for extracting heart rate (HR) and respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) from the kinetocardiogram (KCG) recorded from accelerometers embedded in a mattress topper. Validation has been performed via comparison with simultaneously recorded ECG. All‐night estimates of HR and RSA magnitude derived from both methods were highly correlated. KCG‐derived estimates of HR were slightly lower, and those of RSA magnitude higher, than those derived from ECG. These biases are consistent with the need to constrain KCG estimation to periods free of body movement. Mattress actigraphy represents a zero‐burden method of obtaining intensive longitudinal indices of cardiac status.