bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gene expression in skeletal tissues: application of laser capture microdissection
Authors: Benoyahu D. , Akavia U. D. , Socher R. , Shur I.
Published: November 2005

Tissue differentiation is based on the expression of transcription factors, receptors for cytokines, and nuclear receptors that regulate a specific phenotype. The purpose of this study was to select cells from various skeletal tissues in order to analyse differential gene expression of cells in the native environment in vivo. It is a difficult task to obtain cells from skeletal tissues, such as cartilage, periost, bone and muscle, that are structured together and do not exist as individual organs. We used laser capture microdissection which permits the selection and isolation of individual cells from tissue sections. The RNA isolated from these tissues was used for reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reactions for molecular analysis. We analysed the expression of transcription factors (cFOS, cbfa1, MyoD), receptors for cytokines, nuclear receptors, alkaline phosphatase and the structural proteins osteocalcin and collagen II. The results obtained demonstrate differential patterns of gene expression according to the tissue arrangement in their native in vivo environment, with reliable interpretation of the functions of the analysed genes in the context of intact skeletal tissue physiology.
Systematic evaluation of FRAP experiments performed in a confocal laser scanning microscope
Authors: SEIFFERT S. , OPPERMANN W.
Published: November 2005

The diffusion coefficient as well as the dimensionality of the diffusion process can be determined by straightforward and facile data analysis, when fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) is measured as a function of time and space by means of confocal laser scanning microscopy. Experiments representing one‐dimensional diffusion from a plane source or two‐dimensional diffusion from a line source are readily realized. In the data analysis, the deviations of the actual initial conditions from ideal models are consistently taken into account, so that no calibration measurements are needed. The method is applied to FRAP experiments on solutions of Rhodamine B in glycerol and aqueous suspensions of polymethyl methacrylate microspheres.
An improved enrichment broth for the sensitive detection of Ralstonia solanacearum (biovars 1 and 2A) in soil using DAS–ELISA
Authors: Priou S. , Gutarra L. , Aley P.
Published: November 2005

A reliable, sensitive, low‐cost and easy‐to‐use technique is described for the detection of Ralstonia solanacearum (the causal organism of bacterial wilt, BW) in soil. A total of 273 potato isolates belonging to five different biovars (Bv), originating from 33 countries worldwide, were tested and successfully detected by antibodies produced at the International Potato Center (CIP). Isolates of R. solanacearum belonging to Bv1 and Bv2A were successfully detected by double antibody sandwich–enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (DAS–ELISA) at low population levels after incubation of soil suspensions for 48 h at 30°C in a new semiselective broth containing a potato tuber infusion. Detection thresholds of 20 and 200 CFU g−1 inoculated soil were obtained for Bv1 and Bv2A, respectively. Sensitivity of detection of Bv2A was similar or even higher in five different inoculated soil types. No cross‐reactions were obtained in DAS–ELISA after enrichment of soil suspensions (i) prepared from 23 different soils sampled in BW‐free areas in six departments of Peru; and (ii) inoculated with 10 identified bacteria and 136 unknown isolates of soil microbiota isolated from eight different locations. Only the blood disease bacterium gave a low‐level reaction after enrichment. In naturally infested soils, average sensitivities of 97·6 (SE 14·8) and 100·9 (SE 22·6) CFU g−1 were obtained for biovars 1 and 2A, respectively. By making serial dilutions of the soil suspension before enrichment, densities of R. solanacearum could be determined in a semiquantitative way. Results also showed that composite samples of five soils could be analysed to assess field soil populations without reducing detection sensitivity.
Prebiotics and synbiotics: two promising approaches for the treatment of atopic dermatitis in children above 2 years
Authors: Passeron T. , Lacour J.‐P. , Fontas E. , Ortonne J.‐P.
Published: November 2005

Background:  Appropriate use of prebiotics and optimal combinations of probiotics and prebiotics (synbiotics) could allow significantly better results to be obtained in the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD).

Objective:  To evaluate the efficiency of synbiotics when compared with prebiotics alone (control group) in the treatment of moderate and severe AD in children aged 2 years and over.

Methods:  Double‐blind prospective randomized study performed on children aged at least 2 years presenting AD with a minimum SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) score of 15. A dose of 1.2 × 109 colony‐forming units Lactobacillus rhamnosus Lcr35 plus prebiotic preparation or an identically appearing prebiotic preparation alone was given three times a day for 3 months. Patients’ diet and usual treatment for AD remained unchanged during the study period. Efficiency was evaluated using the SCORAD score. Use of topical drugs was noted.

Results:  A total of 48 patients were originally enrolled; nine did not complete the study. In synbiotic group, the mean values of the total SCORAD score was 39.1 before treatment vs 20.7 after 3 months of treatment (P < 0.0001). In the prebiotic group, the mean of the total SCORAD score was 39.3 before the treatment vs 24.0 after 3 months (P < 0.0001). After 3 months of treatment, no statistical differences between the two treatment groups with regard to the total SCORAD score were noted (P = 0.535). Neither were there any statistical differences in the total use of ointment between patients receiving prebiotics or synbiotics (P = 0.966) over the study period. Tolerance was excellent in both groups.

Conclusions:  Both synbiotics and prebiotics used alone seem able to significantly improve the manifestations of AD in children aged 2 years and over.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in water, seston and copepods in a harbour area in the Western Mediterranean (Ligurian Sea)
Authors: Pane Luigi , Boccardo Simona , Bonfiglioli Fabio , Mariottini Gian Luigi , Priano Francesca , Conio Osvaldo
Published: November 2005

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are widespread carcinogenic, mutagenic and teratogenic pollutants that can significantly affect ecosystems and exert an influence on marine planktonic and benthic communities as well as on higher organisms such as fish and mammals, including humans. In this paper the concentrations of six PAHs in water, seston and copepods were examined in a harbour zone of the Genova Gulf (Ligurian Sea) from November 1997 to June 1998. The importance of freshwater inputs coming from a polluted stream and the influence of seasonal and atmospheric factors were also considered. Highest PAH values were recorded during spring. Fluoranthene, Benzo[b]fluoranthene and Benzo[k]fluoranthene were the most abundant PAHs either in water, seston or copepods. The concentration of total PAHs in seawater was often lower than the detection limit: recorded values ranged between 0.001 and 0.06 ppb. In seston, total PAHs ranged between 0.033 and 6.26 ng·g−1 and in copepods between 0.01 and 2.34 ng·g−1. With this study, PAH contamination in the harbour zone of Genova Sestri‐Ponente and the importance of inputs of organic pollutants coming from land and freshwaters have been emphasized.
Community structure in mussel beds at Logatchev hydrothermal vents and a comparison of macrofaunal species richness on slow‐ and fast‐spreading mid‐ocean ridges
Authors: Van Dover C.L. , Doerries M.B.
Published: November 2005

Species lists for vent fields on the Mid‐Atlantic Ridge (MAR) from 14°N to 38°N suggest that there is a northern (>27°N), shallow (<2000 m) fauna and a southern (<27°N), deeper (>3000 m) endemic vent fauna, but little is known about how community structure varies along the ridge axis. In this study, quantitative samples of macrofaunal invertebrates associated with mussels (Bathymodiolus puteoserpentis) were collected at Logatchev (14°45′N), the southern‐most explored vent field on the MAR. Community structure (including species composition, species richness, diversity, and relative species abundances) in mussel beds at Logatchev was compared with that of Snake Pit (23°22′N) and Lucky Strike (37°17′N) mussel beds. The most striking feature of the Logatchev mussel‐bed macrofaunal invertebrate community was the tremendous abundance (up to 2390 individuals per liter of mussel‐volume sampled) and biomass of the ophiuroid, Ophioctenella acies. Logatchev and Snake Pit mussel beds share >50% of their associated macrofaunal species; these two sites share only 20–25% of their macrofaunal species with Lucky Strike. Species–effort curves and univariate measures of diversity (H′, J′) do not support the claim that diversity of vent organisms on the MAR is highest at Logatchev, at least when one assesses this within a habitat type. Multivariate analysis readily differentiates the species‐abundance characteristics of Logatchev, Snake Pit, and Lucky Strike mussel‐bed macrofaunas. The relationship between sea‐floor spreading rate and diversity was explored through comparison of species richness in mussel‐bed habitats on slow‐spreading (MAR), fast‐spreading [northern East Pacific Rise (EPR)], and ultra‐fast‐spreading (southern EPR) mid‐ocean ridges. Species richness was greater in samples from the faster‐spreading ridge axes, where vents are more closely spaced but shorter lived, than on slow‐spreading centers, where vents are further apart but longer lived.
Diel feeding, daily food consumption and the predatory impact of whitemouth croaker (Micropogonias furnieri) in an estuarine environment
Authors: de Figueiredo Gisela Mandali , Vieira João Paes
Published: November 2005

Diel feeding pattern and food consumption of whitemouth croaker (Micropogonias furnieri) were examined and related to seasonal variations in an estuarine environment. To determine diel feeding pattern whitemouth croaker were collected from the Patos Lagoon Estuary over 24 h (∼3‐h intervals) and their stomach contents were examined. Food consumption of whitemouth croaker was determined from evacuation rates estimated experimentally and in the field. The results suggested that whitemouth croaker in the Patos Lagoon estuary feed all day long. However, whitemouth croaker showed higher feeding intensity and food consumption during daylight hours when the water transparency increased than in others when water transparency was low. Thus, whitemouth croaker seemed to intensify their feeding when they could see their prey. Daily food consumption was between 0.9 and 5.3% of body wet weight (these being the lowest and highest consumption rates during the winter and summer, respectively). The maximum predation impact of whitemouth croaker on their preferential prey, the tanaid Kalliapseudes schubartii, was 27indiv·m−2·day−1. The results suggested that the changes in water transparency seem to affect the diel feeding pattern and food consumption of whitemouth croaker. This could have important consequences for fish growth.
Varicella vaccination in Australia
Authors: Macartney KK , Beutels P , McIntyre P , Burgess MA
Published: November 2005

Abstract:  Varicella zoster virus (VZV) causes both chickenpox and herpes zoster and is responsible for a significant disease burden, including hospitalizations and deaths, in Australian children and adults. Varicella vaccine has been available in Australia for 5 years; however, from November 2005, it will be funded for use in all susceptible children at 18 months and 10–13 years of age under the National Immunisation Program. Experience with universal varicella vaccination of children in the USA over the last 10 years has shown that the vaccine is safe and highly effective in reducing varicella‐related disease. This review summarizes the epidemiology of VZV‐related disease in Australia, the use of varicella vaccine and the international experience with vaccine efficacy and safety. The potential impact of varicella vaccination on the incidence of herpes zoster is also discussed.
Randomized, double‐blind comparison of growth in infants receiving goat milk formula versus cow milk infant formula
Authors: Grant C , Rotherham B , Sharpe S , Scragg R , Thompson J , Andrews J , Wall C , Murphy J , Lowry D
Published: November 2005

Objective: To compare growth of infants fed goat milk infant formula (GMF) or cow milk infant formula (CMF) and to compare tolerability and safety of the two formulas.

Methods: The study was conducted in Auckland, New Zealand. This was a double‐blind randomized controlled trial. Newborn term infants were randomized within 72 h of birth to GMF or CMF. Milk formula powder in single serve sachets were reconstituted and fed to infants from trial commencement until age 168 days. No other formula given from randomization until age 168 days. Infant weight, length and head circumference were measured at birth and age 14, 28, 56, 84, 112, 140 and 168 days. Bowel motion frequency and consistency, sleeping and crying patterns and adverse events were also measured.

Results: Seventy‐two infants were randomized, 36 each to GMF or CMF, with 62 infants completing the intervention. At enrolment the average weight of infants in the GMF group (mean ± SD) was 3.33 ± 0.43 kg and in the CMF group 3.43 ± 0.47 kg; and at study completion 8.07 ± 0.90 kg (GMF) and 7.87 ± 0.99 kg (CMF). The difference in average weight gain over the study period for the GMF group versus the CMF group was not significant (+309 g; 95% CI = −49 to +668, P = 0.09). Median daily bowel motion frequency was greater in the GMF group than the CMF group (2.4 vs 1.7, P = 0.01). There were no group differences in bowel motion consistency, duration of crying, ease of settling, or frequency of adverse events.

Conclusion: Growth of infants fed GMF is not different to that of infants‐fed CMF.
Routine neonatal postextubation chest physiotherapy: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Bagley CE , Gray PH , Tudehope DI , Flenady V , Shearman AD , Lamont A
Published: November 2005

Objective: To test the effects of a neonatal postextubation programme on the incidence of postextubation collapse and adverse outcomes.

Methods: A randomized controlled trial was carried out at the Mater Mothers' Hospital, Brisbane. Mechanically ventilated infants were randomized into one of two groups, physiotherapy group – which involved a regimen of chest wall percussion and oropharyngeal suctioning and control group – which involved suctioning without the percussion unless indicated. Chest X‐rays were taken at 6 h and at 24 h postextubation. The primary outcome measure was postextubation collapse as determined by a paediatric radiologist blinded to the group allocation.

Results: One hundred and seventy‐seven neonates were enrolled in the trial between 1997 and 1999. After an interim analysis, the trial was stopped early. No statistically significant difference was shown in the rate of postextubation collapse (15 of 87 (17.2%) physiotherapy group and 17 of 86 (19.8%) control group (P = 0.85)). No differences were shown between the groups in the number of apnoeic or bradycardic events, duration of requirement for supplemental oxygen or the need for re‐intubation within 24 h postextubation.

Conclusion: The results of this trial suggest that a routine neonatal postextubation chest physiotherapy programme for all infants is not indicated. There was no evidence that chest physiotherapy is associated with any adverse outcomes.
Antiandrogenic therapy can cause coronary arterial disease
Authors: CHEN KUAN‐CHOU , PENG CHIUNG‐CHI , HSIEH HSIU‐MEI , PENG CHIUNG‐HUEI , HSIEH CHIU‐LAN , HUANG CHIEN‐NING , CHYAU CHARNG‐CHERNG , WANG HUI‐ER , PENG ROBERT Y
Published: November 2005

Abstract  Aim:  To study the change of lipid metabolism by antiandrogen therapy in patients with prostate cancer.

Materials and methods:  We studied with a 2.5 years follow‐up the changes in plasma cholesterols (C), triglycerides (TG), lipoproteins (LP), and apolipoproteins (Apo) B‐100, A‐I, and A‐II proﬁles in 24 patients of mean age 60 years with low risk prostate cancer (stage: T1cN0M0, Gleason score: 2–5) during treatment with cyproterone acetate (CPA) without surgical management or radiation therapy.

Results:  Signiﬁcant decreases of HDL‐C, Apo A‐I and Apo A‐II and an increase of triglyceride levels in VLDL were induced by CPA. After a period of 2.5 years on CPA treatment, four patients out of twenty‐four were found to be affected by coronary heart disease.

Conclusions:  Ischaemic coronary arteriosclerosis with an incidence rate of 16.6% as caused by prolonged CPA therapy is mediated through changes in HDL cholesterol, Apo A‐I and Apo A‐II proﬁles, other than the well‐known hyperglyceridemic effect caused by estrogen.
Successful renal transplantation in the right iliac fossa 2 years after serious deep venous thrombosis in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: TSUCHIYA NORIHIKO , SATOH SHIGERU , NARITA SHINTARO , SHIMODA NAOTAKE , MATSUURA SHINOBU , OHYAMA CHIKARA , SATO KAZUNARI , KATO TETSURO , OHTANI HIROSHI , KOMATSUDA ATSUSHI , HABUCHI TOMONORI
Published: November 2005

Abstract  Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) possibly occurs in the perioperative period, and induces serious complications such as a pulmonary embolism. On the other hand, allograft renal vein thrombosis leads to a high incidence of graft loss. We experienced a case in which a serious DVT occurred prior to renal transplantation; however, a successful renal transplantation in the right iliac fossa was performed after 2 years of anticoagulant therapy. It is suggested that the external iliac vein even after suffering from DVT can be anastomosed to an allograft vein successfully, when enough blood ﬂow or a lower venous pressure is conﬁrmed. However, one should be aware of the risk factors and the adequate management of thrombosis in renal transplantation because of the serious complications of DVT and the poor prognosis of allograft vein thrombosis.
Accuracy of prostate volume measurements using transrectal multiplanar three‐dimensional sonography
Authors: GIUBILEI GIANLUCA , PONCHIETTI ROBERTO , BISCIONI STEFANO , FANFANI ANDREA , CIATTO STEFANO , DI LORO FILIPPO , GAVAZZI ANDREA , MONDAINI NICOLA
Published: November 2005

Abstract  The aim of this study is to evaluate the accuracy of three‐dimensional (3D) ultrasound in comparison with conventional bidimensional (2D) sonography in prostatic calculations. The study was performed using a Kretztechnik Voluson 530D machine with a 7.5 MHz endocavitary transducer. From March 1998 to March 2000, we examined 80 patients (63–74 years, mean 68 years). There were 59 patients with benign prostate hypertrophy (BPH) and 21 with prostate cancer awaiting a radical prostatectomy. The mean absolute error in 3D ultrasound measurement was ±0.2–3 mL. (range of error was 6.5%). Volume measurement using 2D ultrasound methods was much less accurate than 3D ultrasound methods: ±0.4–5 mL. (range of error was 35%). Both 2D and 3D measurements show that the margin of error depends on the frequent presence of a third prostatic lobe, on the morphology, and on the size of the prostatic gland. The precise estimation of prostate volumes may provide information on the real effectiveness of some therapies that act on the reduction in volume of benign alteration, such as in prostatic hypertrophy, and may eliminate the current limits of 2D sonography with a signiﬁcant clinical contribution for virtually no extra cost.
Predicting sperm retrieval rates in testicular sperm extraction for azoospermia according to endocrine profiles
Authors: JINNO MASAO , OZAKI TSUNEO , NAKAMURA YUKIO , IWASHITA MITSUTOSHI
Published: November 2005

Background and Aims:  The present study was carried out to examine the predictive value of endocrine profiles as indicators of the sperm retrieval rate on testicular sperm extraction (TESE) in azoospermic men.

Methods:  Prior to TESE, the serum levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin, testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), estradiol and 17 α‐hydroxyprogesterone were measured and the sagittal cross‐sections of the testis were acquired using ultrasonography.

Results:  The sperm retrieval rates according to the cause of azoospermia were 40% for idiopathic azoospermia, and 100% for obstructive azoospermia, cryptorchidsm and ejaculatory disorder. Based on the endocrinological profiles, the sperm retrieval rates showed significant differences at 100% for FSH  15 mIU/mL or LH  2 mIU/mL, 0% for FSH > 60 mIU/mL or LH > 12 mIU/mL, and 33% for the intermediate groups (P < 0.01). Comparison of the retrieval of spermatozoa and serum DHT level for the intermediate group also showed a significant difference, with retrieval rates of 58% for DHT  0.5 ng/mL and 0% for DHT > 0.5 ng/mL (P < 0.01).

Conclusions:  The etiology, serum FSH, LH and DHT levels are useful in predicting the sperm retrieval rates on TESE in azoospermic patients. (Reprod Med Biol 2005; 4: 239–245)
A two‐partner secretion system is involved in seed and root colonization and iron uptake by Pseudomonas putida KT2440
Authors: Molina María Antonia , Ramos Juan‐Luis , Espinosa‐Urgel Manuel
Published: November 2005

We describe the first two‐partner secretion system known to play a role in mutualistic plant–bacterial interactions, identified in the soil and rhizosphere‐colonizing bacterium Pseudomonas putida KT2440. The genes coding for the two components of the system are organized in an operon, which we have named hlpBA. HlpA is a secreted protein that has similarities with iron‐regulated haemolysins, while HlpB would be responsible for the activation and transport of HlpA across the outer membrane. Mutations in this novel two‐partner secretion system result in reduced capacity to colonize corn seeds. When introduced in the rhizosphere, hlpA and hlpB mutants show no competitive disadvantage, but the number of cells attached to the root surface is reduced with respect to the wild type, suggesting this protein plays a role directly in the bacterial cell–root surface interaction. Under iron‐limiting conditions, the presence of a truncated HlpA causes reduced viability and high levels of siderophore release. These data further strengthen our previous observations indicating the importance of iron acquisition for attachment of P. putida KT2440 to plant surfaces.
Membrane lipids of mesophilic anaerobic bacteria thriving in peats have typical archaeal traits
Authors: Weijers Johan W. H. , Schouten Stefan , Hopmans Ellen C. , Geenevasen Jan A. J. , David Olivier R. P. , Coleman Joanna M. , Pancost Rich D. , Sinninghe Damsté Jaap S.
Published: November 2005

The 16S ribosomal DNA based distinction between the bacterial and archaeal domains of life is strongly supported by the membrane lipid composition of the two domains; Bacteria generally contain dialkyl glycerol diester lipids, whereas Archaea produce isoprenoid dialkyl glycerol diether and membrane‐spanning glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraether (GDGT) lipids. Here we show that a new group of ecologically abundant membrane‐spanning GDGT lipids, containing branched instead of isoprenoid carbon skeletons, are of a bacterial origin. This was revealed by examining the stereochemistry of the glycerol moieties of those branched tetraether membrane lipids, which was found to be the bacterial 1,2‐di‐O‐alkyl‐sn‐glycerol stereoconfiguration and not the 2,3‐di‐O‐alkyl‐sn‐glycerol stereoconfiguration as in archaeal membrane lipids. In addition, unequivocal evidence for the presence of cyclopentyl moieties in these bacterial membrane lipids was obtained by NMR. The biochemical traits of biosynthesis of tetraether membrane lipids and the formation of cyclopentyl moieties through internal cyclization, which were thought to be specific for the archaeal lineage of descent, thus also occur in the bacterial domain of life.
Outcome of elective primary surgery for diverticular disease of the sigmoid colon: a risk analysis based on the POSSUM scoring system
Authors: Oomen J. L. T. , Engel A. F. , Cuesta M. A.
Published: November 2005

Background  The outcome of surgery for diverticular disease of the sigmoid colon remains largely unclear. A comparison of studies is hardly possible because risk factors for diverticular disease severity and patient‐related risk factors are lacking. The purpose of this study was to define morbidity and mortality of primary surgery for nonacute complications of diverticular disease of the sigmoid colon and to identify the risk factors that predict a higher morbidity and mortality.

Methods  Patients who underwent elective surgery for complications of diverticular disease of the sigmoid colon (n = 149) were identified in a prospective computerized morbidity and mortality registration. In all patients, the Physiological and Operative Severity Score for the enUmeration of Mortality and morbidity (POSSUM) was calculated, as were the morbidity and mortality rates. Factors predicting postoperative morbidity and mortality were identified. To audit mortality figures, a POSSUM based scoring system is introduced.

Results  The mortality rate was 4.7% and morbidity rate was 53.7%. Significantly higher morbidity rates were correlated with a higher physiological POSSUM score (P = 0.010). Non‐survivors were older (P = 0.029) and also had a higher physiological POSSUM score (P < 0.001) and operation severity POSSUM score (P < 0.001).

Conclusion  The morbidity and mortality rates of surgery for nonacute complications of diverticular disease of the sigmoid colon are considerable. To a large extent, mortality and morbidity are driven by patient‐ and disease‐related factors, as expressed by elevated physiological severity and operative severity scores and failures of peri‐operative management in most deceased patients.
Testing lineage and comparative methods for inferring adaptation
Authors: Kluge Arnold G.
Published: November 2005

The competing lineage (homology) and comparative (convergence) methods for inferring adaptation are distinguished by their falsification and verification practices, respectively. Although these are substantially different paradigms of historical inference, their theoretical and philosophical presuppositions can be tested in a rigorous and comparable manner. Several such tests were performed. Sufficient outright failures were recorded for both methods to call into question their validity as sources of increased knowledge of adaptation.
Associations and Contention in France and Finland: Constructing the Society and Describing the Society
Authors: Alapuro Risto
Published: November 2005

The role of voluntary associations in the repertoire of joint action in France and Finland captures in a concrete way the character of the political culture in the two countries. The role of associations is viewed, first, in a historical state–society perspective. In Finland, they appear to be the main vehicle for making claims and taking joint action, whereas in France they have long been harassed or barely tolerated by the state. Second, seen as a part of a wider repertoire of collective action, the dominant position of the associations in Finland – reflecting the character of Finnish ‘organization society’– is contrasted with action orientation in the French tradition, which is manifested, for example, in the linkage of associations with demonstrations. Third, the French and the Finnish view of ‘representation’, in a wide sense of the term, are compared. It is argued that a ‘descriptive’ vision ‘expressing’ society predominates in Finland, whereas a ‘constructive’ vision ‘producing’ society characterizes France. Finally, a few reflections are made on the French and the Finnish perceptions of societal dynamics and on the current problem of claim‐making.
Molecular and pharmacological characterization of muscarinic receptors in retinal pigment epithelium: role in light‐adaptive pigment movements
Authors: Phatarpekar Prasad V. , Durdan Simon F. , Copeland Chad M. , Crittenden Elizabeth L. , Neece James D. , García Dana M.
Published: November 2005

Muscarinic receptors are the predominant cholinergic receptors in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Recently, activation of muscarinic receptors was found to elicit pigment granule dispersion in retinal pigment epithelium isolated from bluegill fish. Pigment granule movement in retinal pigment epithelium is a light‐adaptive mechanism in fish. In the present study, we used pharmacological and molecular approaches to identify the muscarinic receptor subtype and the intracellular signaling pathway involved in the pigment granule dispersion in retinal pigment epithelium. Of the muscarinic receptor subtype‐specific antagonists used, only antagonists specific for M1and M3muscarinic receptors were found to block carbamyl choline (carbachol)‐induced pigment granule dispersion. A phospholipase C inhibitor also blocked carbachol‐induced pigment granule dispersion, and a similar result was obtained when retinal pigment epithelium was incubated with an inositol trisphosphate receptor inhibitor. We isolated M2and M5receptor genes from bluegill and studied their expression. Only M5was found to be expressed in retinal pigment epithelium. Taken together, pharmacological and molecular evidence suggest that activation of an odd subtype of muscarinic receptor, possibly M5, on fish retinal pigment epithelium induces pigment granule dispersion.
Striatal neuroadaptation and rescue of locomotor deficit by l‐dopa in aphakia mice, a model of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Van Den Munckhof Pepijn , Gilbert François , Chamberland Michel , Lévesque Daniel , Drouin Jacques
Published: November 2005

Preferential neurodegeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the ventral substantia nigra of the midbrain is a hallmark of Parkinson's disease. The homeobox transcription factor Pitx3 is similarly and selectively expressed in the same neurons. Pitx3 deficiency in a natural mouse mutant, the aphakia mouse, was correlated with the loss of these neurons and with a deficit in locomotor activity. We now report that the locomotor deficit of aphakia mice is established by 40 days of age and that it can be rescued by injection of l‐dopa. We further show that downstream striatal correlates of the midbrain neuronal losses in aphakia mice, as assessed by dopamine transporter binding and expression of dopamine receptors, enkephalin, dynorphin and neurotensin, are highly similar to neuroadaptive responses observed following rapid neurodegeneration induced by neurotoxin administration in adult animals or following the progressive neurodegenerative processes as seen in Parkinson patients. Taken collectively, these data support the idea that the aphakia mice represent a selective model of dopaminergic deficiency that closely resembles the midbrain and striatal neuropathology associated with Parkinson's disease, and this suggests that these mice are a good model to assess therapies for Parkinson's disease as well as to understand the susceptibility of these neurons to neurodegeneration.
Action of extracellular divalent cations on native α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methylisoxazole‐4‐propionate (AMPA) receptors
Authors: Dorofeeva N. A. , Tikhonov D. B. , Barygin O. I. , Tikhonova T. B. , Salnikov Y. I. , Magazanik L. G.
Published: November 2005

The effects of divalent cations on Ca2+‐impermeable containing (GluR2 subunit) MPA receptors of hippocampal pyramidal neurones isolated from rat brain was studied using patch‐clamping. Ca2+, Mg2+, Mn2+, Co2+, Ni2+ and Zn2+ inhibited currents induced by kainate and glutamate. Inhibition was fast, reversible and voltage independent. The rank order of activities was Ni2+ > Zn2+ > Co2+ > Ca2+ > Mn2+ > Mg2+. Cyclothiazide (0.1 mm) significantly reduced inhibition by divalent cations and 6, 7 dinitroquinoxaline‐2.3‐dione (DNQX). However, high concentrations of Ni2+ and DNQX inhibited AMPA receptors even in the presence of cyclothiazide. The inhibitory effect of divalent cations as well as DNQX was counteracted by an increase in agonist concentration. In the presence of divalent cations the EC50 values of kainate and glutamate were increased, but the maximal response was not changed. An increase in agonist concentration induced a parallel shift in the concentration–inhibition curve for a divalent cation. These data suggest a competitive‐like type of inhibition. However, an increase in agonist concentration reduced the inhibitory action of Ni2+ less than that of DNQX. This gave evidence against direct competition between divalent cations and AMPA receptor agonists. A ‘complex‐competition’ hypothesis was proposed to explain the inhibitory action of divalent cations; it is suggested that divalent cations form ion–agonist complexes, which compete with free agonist for agonist‐binding sites on AMPA receptors.
Twelve novel polymorphic microsatellites in a marine fish species, yellow croaker Larimichthys polyactis
Authors: LI J. , FENG F. , YUE G. H.
Published: November 2005

We isolated 12 polymorphic microsatellites from an important marine food fish Larimichthys polyactis and characterized them in 32 unrelated individuals. Among the 12 microsatellites, four were tetranucleotide repeats and eight were dinucleotide repeats. The allele number ranged from five to 25 with an average of 15.4/locus; average expected heterozygosity was 0.81, ranging from 0.57 to 0.95, whereas the observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.34 to 1.00 (average: 0.78). Nine of the 12 markers conformed to Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium and showed no sign of linkage. These microsatellites will be useful for population genetic studies and selective breeding programs of this species.
Isolation of microsatellite markers for Contarinia nasturtii, a European pest invading the New World
Authors: PFUNDER M. , FREY J. E.
Published: November 2005

Microsatellite markers were developed for epidemiological studies on Contarinia nasturtii (Diptera, Cecidomyiidae), a native European pest that was introduced to the New World in 1996. Nine loci were found to be polymorphic and suitable for the analysis of 56 male individuals that were collected using pheromone traps. These markers all conform to Hardy–Weinberg expectations in at least one of the two tested populations, and carry an average number of 11 alleles among populations and observed levels of heterozygosity ranging from 0.32 to 0.86. Primers for all markers also successfully amplified fragments from Contarinia pisi and Contarinia tritici.
A new set of polymorphic simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers from a wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca) are transferable to other diploid Fragaria species and to Fragaria × ananassa
Authors: MONFORT A. , VILANOVA S. , DAVIS T. M. , ARÚS P.
Published: November 2005

A set of 41 polymorphic microsatellite markers were developed using a CT/AG‐enriched genomic library of Fragaria vesca cv. Reine des Vallées. Thirty‐five of them were polymorphic in F. vesca and were tested in one accession each of six additional diploid Fragaria species and the octoploid Fragaria× ananassa. A mean of 5.3 alleles per locus and a low level of observed heterozygosity were generally detected in the 32 single‐locus simple sequence repeats of F. vesca. Most of these loci amplify in the other diploid species and in F. × ananassa.
Microsatellite loci for the basal angiosperm Austrobaileya scandens (Austrobaileyaceae)
Authors: WILLIAMS JOSEPH H. , KENNARD KIMBERLY S.
Published: November 2005

We developed nine microsatellite loci for the basal angiosperm Austrobaileya scandens, a vine endemic to northeastern Australia. High levels of polymorphism were detected in 30 individuals from a single population, with an average of 14.78 alleles per locus and an average expected heterozygosity of 0.81. Historical inbreeding levels were significantly different from zero (f = 0.136), consistent with genetic evidence for self‐parentage in open‐pollinated progeny. The high exclusionary power of these loci (> 99.98%) indicates they will be useful in future parentage analyses designed to explore mechanisms of mate choice in Austrobaileya.
Biogeochemistry of microbial mats under Precambrian environmental conditions: a modelling study
Authors: HERMAN E. K. , KUMP L. R.
Published: November 2005

Microbial mats have arguably been the most important ecosystem on Earth over its 3.5 Gyr inhabitation. Mats have persisted as consortia for billions of years and occupy some of Earth's most hostile environments. With rare exceptions (e.g. microbial mats developed on geothermal springs at Yellowstone National Park, USA), today's mats do not exist under conditions analogous to Precambrian habitats with substantially lower oxygen and sulphate concentrations. This study uses a numerical model of a microbial mat to investigate how mat composition in the past might have differed from modern mats.

We present a numerical model of mat biogeochemistry that simulates the growth of cyanobacteria (CYA), colourless sulphur bacteria (CSB), and purple sulphur bacteria (PSB), with sulphate‐reducing bacteria (SRB) and heterotrophic bacteria represented by parameterized sulphate reduction rates and heterotrophic consumption rates, respectively. Variations in the availability of light, oxygen, sulphide, and sulphate at the upper boundary of the mat are the driving forces in the model. Mats with remarkably similar biomass and chemical profiles develop in models under oxygen boundary conditions ranging from 2.5 × 10−13 to 0.25 mm and sulphate boundary concentrations ranging from 0.29 to 29 mm, designed to simulate various environments from Archean to modern.

 The modelled mats show little sensitivity to oxygen boundary conditions because, independent of the overlying oxygen concentrations, cyanobacterial photosynthesis creates similar O2 concentrations of 0.45–0.65 mm in the upper reaches of the mat during the photoperiod. Varying sulphate boundary conditions have more effect on the biological composition of the mat. Sulphide generated from sulphate reduction controls the magnitude and distribution of the PSB population, and plays a part in the distribution of CSB. CSB are the most sensitive species to environmental change, varying with oxygen and sulphide.
Fan‐shaped staurolite in the Bolton syncline, eastern Connecticut: evidence for porphyroblast rotation during growth
Authors: BUSA M. D. , GRAY N. H.
Published: November 2005

Fan‐shaped polycrystalline staurolite porphyroblasts, 3–4 cm in length and 0.5 cm in width, occur together with centimetre‐sized euhedral prismatic staurolite porphyroblasts in pelitic schists of the Littleton Formation on the western overturned limb of the Bolton syncline in eastern Connecticut. The fans consist of intergrown planar splays of [001] elongated prisms, which are crudely radial from a single apex. The apical angles of the radial groupings range up to 70°. The orientations of the individual staurolite prisms are related by a rigid rotation about an axis perpendicular to the fan plane. The zone axes [001] always lie in the plane of the fan. Although the angle between the [100] zone axes of the individual prisms is uniform in each fan, it ranges from +30° to −30° in different fans. Internally, the fans display: (i) remnants of a passively captured Si foliation defined by disc‐shaped quartz blebs (type 1 inclusions) and layers of very fine carbonaceous material and tabular ilmenite platelets; (ii) bent staurolite blades and undulose extinction along low‐angle (010) subgrain boundaries near the apex of the fans; (iii) wedge‐shaped dilatational zones containing equigranular inclusion‐free quartz, mica and staurolite, and (iv) growth‐related quartz inclusion trails roughly perpendicular to a crystal face (type 2 inclusions). The Si inclusion trails are typically perpendicular to the fan surface, radiate parallel to the blades, and show little to no curvature except at the very edge of the fans where they abruptly curve through nearly 90° into parallelism with an external Se foliation. Careful examination of the three‐dimensional geometry of fans based on U‐stage measurements, serial sections and two‐circle optical goniometric measurements permits a detailed reconstruction of their sequential development. The origin of a fan involves limited intracrystalline deformation and brittle crack dilation, spalling, rotation, and growth of small marginal fragments and of new staurolite along wedge‐shaped zones along the Si inclusion surfaces. Fans preferentially develop in porphyroblasts in which Si is subparallel to the 010 cleavage. These internal features reflect the rotation and deformation of a brittle porphyroblast relative to syn‐growth shear stresses.
Hippocampal Formation Involvement in a Language‐activation Task in Patients with Mesial Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors: Bartha Lisa , Mariën Peter , Brenneis Christian , Trieb Thomas , Kremser Christian , Ortler Martin , Walser Gerald , Dobesberger Judith , Embacher Norbert , Gotwald Thaddäus , Karner Elfriede , Köylü Buelent , Bauer Gerhard , Trinka Eugen , Benke Thomas
Published: November 2005

Summary:  Purpose: The study aims to explore the contribution of the hippocampal formation to the retained language‐comprehension network in patients with unilateral mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE).

Methods: We performed a functional magnetic resonance (MRI) study based on a language comprehension paradigm in 45 right‐handed patients with unilateral mesial TLE and 35 healthy control subjects. Activations in the hippocampal formations in both hemispheres were analyzed for each subject as well as for groups of left TLE, right TLE, and controls.

Results: In sum, 82% of TLE patients displayed hippocampal activations. A significant difference in hippocampal activation between left and right TLE was found: Right TLE patients showed increased activity in the left hippocampal formation compared with left TLE patients. In contrast, patients with left TLE did not show increased activity in the right hippocampal formation compared with right TLE patients. In comparison with a healthy control group, right TLE patients activated the left hippocampal formation to a greater extent, whereas patients with left TLE did not activate the right hippocampal formation to a greater degree. These findings point to an increased involvement of the left hippocampal formation during a language‐comprehension task in right TLE patients. In contrast, left TLE in right‐handed patients seems not associated with an enhanced involvement of the right hippocampal formation in retained language comprehension.

Conclusions: These findings suggest that effective language comprehension in right‐handed subjects with TLE depends on the involvement of the left hippocampal formation and underline the risks of postoperative language decline in patients with left TLE.
Brain Inflammation in Epilepsy: Experimental and Clinical Evidence
Authors: Vezzani Annamaria , Granata Tiziana
Published: November 2005

Summary: Inflammatory reactions occur in the brain in various CNS diseases, including autoimmune, neurodegenerative, and epileptic disorders. Proinflammatory and antiinflammatory cytokines and related molecules have been described in CNS and plasma, in experimental models of seizures and in clinical cases of epilepsy. Inflammation involves both the innate and the adaptive immune systems and shares molecules and pathways also activated by systemic infection. Experimental studies in rodents show that inflammatory reactions in the brain can enhance neuronal excitability, impair cell survival, and increase the permeability of the blood–brain barrier to blood‐borne molecules and cells. Moreover, some antiinflammatory treatments reduce seizures in experimental models and, in some instances, in clinical cases of epilepsy. However, inflammatory reactions in brain also can be beneficial, depending on the tissue microenvironment, the inflammatory mediators produced in injured tissue, the functional status of the target cells, and the length of time the tissue is exposed to inflammation. We provide an overview of the current knowledge in this field and attempt to bridge experimental and clinical evidence to discuss critically the possibility that inflammation may be a common factor contributing, or predisposing, to the occurrence of seizures and cell death, in various forms of epilepsy of different etiologies. The elucidation of this aspect may open new perspectives for the pharmacologic treatment of seizures.
Utility of the Boston Naming Test in Predicting Ultimate Side of Surgery in Patients with Medically Intractable Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors: Busch Robyn M. , Frazier Thomas W. , Haggerty Kathryn A. , Kubu Cynthia S.
Published: November 2005

Summary:  Purpose: Confrontation naming tasks have long been presumed to be sensitive to left temporal dysfunction and, consequently, are frequently used in the evaluation of surgical epilepsy patients. Despite wide and frequent use, few studies have examined the utility of confrontation naming tasks in individuals with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE).

Methods: The current study examined the presurgical Boston Naming Test (BNT) performance of 217 right‐handed adult patients with intractable TLE (left, 108; right, 109) to determine the utility of this measure in predicting ultimate side of surgery.

Results: The results support the clinical utility of the BNT in determining ultimate side of surgery and suggest that the BNT has incremental validity over and above presurgical delayed memory and intelligence scores. This relation was found to be moderated by Full Scale IQ (FSIQ), age at seizure onset, and duration of epilepsy. The use of a logistic regression equation to predict side of surgery revealed that prediction of left temporal surgery was best among patients with low BNT scores, high FSIQs, and late age at seizure onset. In contrast, right temporal surgery was best predicted among patients with high BNT scores, low FSIQs, and short duration of epilepsy.

Conclusions: This study supports the clinical utility of the BNT in the preoperative evaluation of candidates for TLE surgery and highlights the importance of examining potential moderating variables when making predictions about side of surgery. This study further provides clinicians with a regression equation that can be used to predict side of surgery in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy.
Clinical and microbiological characterization of periodontal abscesses
Authors: Jaramillo Adriana , Arce Roger Mauricio , Herrera David , Betancourth Marisol , Botero Javier Enrique , Contreras Adolfo
Published: November 2005

Background/Aim: The knowledge of clinical features, microbial composition and susceptibility to antimicrobials of periodontal abscesses has recently improved. This descriptive clinical and microbiological study provides more information on the characteristics of periodontal abscesses.

Materials and Methods: Clinical parameters and subgingival samples were examined from 54 subjects presenting 60 periodontal abscesses. Samples were cultured for anaerobic and facultative bacteria, and data were expressed as frequency detection and mean proportion of isolation for microorganisms. Selected isolates of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans and Prevotella intermedia/nigrescens were used to test susceptibility to amoxicillin, azithromycin, tetracycline and metronidazole. Statistical descriptive analysis was conducted.

Results: Most periodontal abscesses were present in patients with ongoing Chronic Periodontitis. Bleeding on probing, tumefaction and suppuration were present in almost all abscesses. Affected teeth were lower anterior teeth, upper anterior teeth and lower molars. The subgingival microbiota was composed of periodontal pathogens such as Fusobacterium spp. (75%), P. intermedia/nigrescens (60%), P. gingivalis (51%) and A. actinomycetemcomitans (30%). Some periodontopathogens showed antimicrobial resistance to tetracycline, metronidazole and amoxicillin, but not to azithromycin.

Conclusions: Periodontal abscesses showed typical clinical features associated with untreated periodontitis, and the organisms identified were important periodontopathic bacteria. Rationale use of antibiotic adjunctive therapy in abscess treatment should be taken into account.