bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship between employees’ beliefs regarding training benefits and employees’ organizational commitment in a petroleum company in the State of Qatar
Authors: Al‐Emadi Mohammed Asad Shareef , Marquardt Michael J.
Published: February 2007

The study examined the relationship between the beliefs of senior staff Qatari national employees regarding training benefits as measured by the benefits of employee training, and employees’ organizational commitment as measured by the three‐component model of organizational commitment. This relationship was assessed through a quantitative associational research design. From the study site, Qatar Petroleum, a total of 283 responses were analysed using stepwise regression analysis. The findings suggest that there is a positive relationship between employees’ beliefs regarding training benefits and employees’ organizational commitment.
Outcome of children born out of pregnancies complicated by unexplained polyhydramnios
Authors: Touboul C , Boileau P , Picone O , Foix‐L’Hélias L , Frydman R , Senat MV
Published: February 2007

Our aim was to assess the long‐term outcomes of infants born out of a pregnancy complicated by unexplained polyhydramnios. We retrospectively analysed a cohort of 173 singleton pregnancies with polyhydramnios. There were 24 singletons with unexplained polyhydramnios, defined as polyhydramnios where prenatal testing was negative. Infants were examined by a paediatrician at a median age of 12 months (range 12–64 months). Of the 24 infants, 19 (79%) had a normal outcome. West syndrome, polyuria and pulmonary stenosis were diagnosed in three children during follow up, while there were two perinatal deaths. Paediatric follow up of children born out of pregnancies complicated by unexplained polyhydramnios should be carried out systematically.
Maternal health in Northern Nigeria—a far cry from ideal
Authors: Galadanci HS , Ejembi CL , Iliyasu Z , Alagh B , Umar US
Published: February 2007

Objective  To determine the level of maternal care in Northern Nigeria.

Design  A cross‐sectional descriptive study design was used.

Setting  The Study was Community based and carried out in the ten states that constitute UNICEF D zone in northeast Nigeria.

Population  Women who delivered in the 11 months preceding the survey and resident in the study area.

Methods  The WHO cluster sampling methodology was used to draw a sample of 210 eligible women in each of the 10 local government areas (LGAs).

Main outcome measures  Utilization of antenatal care (ANC) services, tetanous toxoid immunization, skilled attendant at delivery and postnatal care.

Results  Majority of the respondents, 73.2%, were between the ages 20 and 34 years. Overall, 50% of the women attended antenatal clinics during their last pregnancy, with a range of ANC coverage by LGA of 14.0–81.0%. The proportion of women who booked in the first, second and third trimesters was 22.8, 63.0 and 14.2%, respectively. The antenatal services offered ranged from 95.7% for abdominal examination to 41.2% for urine examination. Sixty percent of the women received no tetanus toxoid in their last pregnancy, 11% had one dose and 29% had at least two doses. Home delivery was still the norm throughout the zone with 1791 (85.3%) delivering at home. Up to 80.5% of the deliveries were supervised by personnel with no verifiable training in sanitary birthing techniques. Only 11.4% (233) of those who received ANC had postnatal check‐up.

Conclusions  Maternal health care as evidenced above is far from the ideal. Likewise, the commitment of the 5th Millennium Development Goal is extremely far‐reaching: to reduce the maternal mortality ratio by 75% by the year 2015 with this level of maternal care.
Practical issues drawn from the implementation of the integrated test for Down syndrome screening into routine clinical practice
Authors: Weisz B , Pandya P , Chitty L , Jones P , Huttly W , Rodeck C
Published: February 2007

We have evaluated a cohort of women booked for antenatal care at University College London Hospitals. The uptake of screening was 64.4% and was significantly higher (73 versus 46%) in women who booked before 14 weeks. Of the women who booked before 14 weeks, 96.8% opted for the integrated test (IT). Overall, 5.3% failed to attend for the second blood test. The false‐positive rate in the women who had the IT was 2.9%. All 11 cases of Down syndrome were detected prenatally. Our study is the first to evaluate implementation of the IT into routine clinical practice.
Isolation and characterization of eight microsatellite loci in the icefish Chaenocephalus aceratus (Perciformes, Notothenioidei, Channichthyidae)
Authors: SUSANA EMANUELE , PAPETTI CHIARA , BARBISAN FEDERICA , BORTOLOTTO ERICA , BUCCOLI SIMONA , PATARNELLO TOMASO , ZANE LORENZO
Published: February 2007

We characterized eight polymorphic microsatellites in the Scotia icefish Chaenocephalus aceratus (Perciformes, Notothenioidei, Channichthyidae) that is endemic of Southern Ocean waters surrounding the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula. Microsatellites were isolated from a partial genomic library enriched for an AC motif. The number of alleles ranged from two to 19 with a mean observed hererozygosity of 0.71. Loci were in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium and no evidence for linkage disequilibrium was found. These molecular markers will be useful to investigate Scotia icefish genetic structure, possibly providing insights on its effective population size and demographic history.
Characterization of microsatellite loci isolated in Mountain Plover (Charadrius montanus)
Authors: JOHN J. ST. , KYSELA R. F. , OYLER‐MCCANCE S. J.
Published: February 2007

Primers for 15 microsatellite loci were developed for Mountain Plover, a species whose distribution and abundance have been reduced drastically in the past 30 years. In a screen of 126 individuals collected from four breeding locales across the species’ range, levels of polymorphism ranged from two to 13 alleles per locus. No two loci were found to be linked, although one locus revealed significant departures from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. These microsatellite loci can be used in population genetic studies, ultimately aiding in management efforts for Mountain Plover. Additionally, these markers can potentially be used in studies investigating the mating system of Mountain Plover.
Isolation and characterization of nuclear microsatellite loci for the common green darner dragonfly Anax junius (Odonata: Aeshnidae) to constrain patterns of phenotypic and spatial diversity
Authors: MATTHEWS JOHN H. , BOLES SANDRA , PARMESAN CAMILLE , JUENGER THOMAS
Published: February 2007

Fourteen polymorphic microsatellite loci were developed from an enriched genomic library of the widely distributed migratory North American dragonfly species, the common green darner (Anax junius). For a group of 22 larvae, these loci averaged 16 alleles, with individual loci ranging from nine to 29 alleles. Observed heterozygosity averaged 0.784 per locus.
IMPROVING GLOBAL HEALTH: COUNTING REASONS WHY
Authors: SELGELID MICHAEL J.
Published: February 2007

This paper examines cumulative ethical and self‐interested reasons why wealthy developed nations should be motivated to do more to improve health care in developing countries. Egalitarian and human rights reasons why wealthy nations should do more to improve global health are that doing so would (1) promote equality of opportunity, (2) improve the situation of the worst‐off, (3) promote respect of the human right to have one’s most basic needs met, and (4) reduce undeserved inequalities in well‐being. Utilitarian reasons for improving global health are that this would (5) promote the greater good of humankind, and (6) achieve enormous benefits while requiring only small sacrifices. Libertarian reasons are that this would (7) amend historical injustices and (8) meet the obligation to amend injustices that developed world countries have contributed to. Self‐interested reasons why wealthy nations should do more to improve global health are that doing so would (9) reduce the threat of infectious diseases to developed countries, (10) promote developed countries’ economic interests, and (11) promote global security. All of these reasons count, and together they add up to make an overwhelmingly powerful case for change. Those opposed to wealthy government funding of developing world health improvement would most likely appeal, implicitly or explicitly, to the idea that coercive taxation for redistributive purposes would violate the right of an individual to keep his hard‐earned income. The idea that this reason not to improve global health should outweigh the combination of rights and values embodied in the eleven reasons enumerated above, however, is implausibly extreme, morally repugnant and perhaps imprudent.
The endocardial extent of reperfused first‐time myocardial infarction is more predictive of pathologic Q waves than is infarct transmurality: a magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Engblom Henrik , Carlsson Minna B. , Hedström Erik , Heiberg Einar , Ugander Martin , Wagner Galen S. , Arheden Håkan
Published: February 2007

Background  Historically, Q‐wave myocardial infarction (MI) has been equated with transmural MI. This association have, however, recently been rejected. The endocardial extent of MI is another potential determinant of pathological Q waves, since the first part of the QRS complex where the Q wave appears reflects depolarization of subendocardial myocardium. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that endocardial extent of MI is more predictive of pathological Q waves than is MI transmurality and to investigate the relationship between QRS scoring of the ECG and MI characteristics.

Methods  Twenty‐nine patients with reperfused first‐time MI were prospectively enrolled. One week after admission, delayed contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DE‐MRI) was performed and 12‐lead ECG was recorded. Size, transmurality and endocardial extent of MI were assessed by DE‐MRI. Q waves were identified with Minnesota coding and electrocardiographic MI size was estimated by QRS scoring of the ECG.

Results  There was a significant difference between patients with and without Q waves with regard to MI size (P = 0·03) and endocardial extent of MI (P = 0·01), but not to mean and maximum MI transmurality (P = 0·09 and P = 0·14). Endocardial extent was the only independent predictor of pathological Q waves. Endocardial extent of MI was most strongly correlated to QRS score (r = 0·86, P<0·001) of the MI variables tested.

Conclusion  The endocardial extent of reperfused first‐time acute MI is more predictive of pathological Q waves than is MI transmurality.
Primary biliary cirrhosis and Henoch–Schonlein purpura: report of two cases and review of the literature
Authors: Gatselis Nikolaos K. , Stefos Angelos , Gioti Chrisa , Rigopoulou Eirini I. , Dalekos George N.
Published: February 2007

We describe, for the first time, two adult patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) who presented palpable purpuric lesions on the lower extremities and buttocks. Skin biopsy was consistent with Henoch–Schonlein purpura (HSP). One of the patients exhibited renal and gastrointestinal involvement, as well. A favourable outcome was achieved in both the patients (after treatment with prednisolone only in the patient with renal and gastrointestinal manifestations). The possible pathophysiological relationships between PBC and HSP – particularly on the significance of the IgA antimitochondrial autoantibodies – are discussed. To the best of our knowledge, these are the first two cases of HSP, which developed in PBC patients. Therefore, this case study suggests that HSP may be rarely involved in the extensive list of immune‐mediated diseases associated with PBC.
Study of the efficacy and mechanism of ALA‐mediated photodynamic therapy on human hepatocellular carcinoma cell
Authors: Yow C. M. N. , Wong C. K. , Huang Z. , Ho R. J.
Published: February 2007

Objectives: To examine the efficacy and mechanism of δ‐ or 5‐aminolevulinic acid (ALA)‐mediated photodynamic therapy (PDT) on a human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line.

Materials and methods: The optimal uptake of photosensitizer ALA in HepG2 (p53 wild) cells was investigated by means of spectrometric measurement. Cell viability was determined by trypan blue exclusion assay. Morphological apoptotic changes in HepG2 cells before and after ALA‐mediated PDT were determined by microscopic examination. Detection of apoptotic bodies was examined by DAPI staining. The changes in p53 expression were revealed by the immunostaining method.

Results: ALA/protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) was mainly located in the cytoplasm of HepG2 cells. The maximal cellular uptake occurred after 18 h in vitro incubation. The photocytotoxic assay showed that ALA PDT induced 80% killing at 2 mM drug dose and 2 J/cm2 light intensity. Up to 70% of cells showed membrane blebbing and positive DAPI staining, indicating that ALA–PDT‐mediated cell death was predominantly via apoptosis. In addition, p53 was upregulated after treatment, implying that p53 might evoke apoptotic cell death.

Conclusions: HepG2 cell line is sensitive to ALA‐mediated PDT. ALA–PDT induces apoptosis in the HepG2 cell line that may be mediated by a p53‐dependent pathway.
Treatment of hydatid bronchobiliary fistulas: 30 years of experience
Authors: Tocchi Adriano , Mazzoni Gianluca , Miccini Michelangelo , Drumo Andrea , Cassini Diletta , Colace Lidia , Tagliacozzo Sandro
Published: February 2007

Background: Bronchobiliary fistula (BBF) is an uncommon but severe complication of hydatid disease of the liver. Operation is considered the treatment of choice but the most appropriate operation is uncertain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the early and long‐term outcomes following different surgical procedures.

Methods: A retrospective evaluation of 31 patients with BBF was performed. Surgical access consisted of laparotomy, thoracotomy or a thoracoabdominal (TA) incision. Surgical procedures for the treatment of the cyst were classified as conservative or radical.

Results: Radical treatment including lung resection and pericystectomy was performed in all patients in whom the surgical exposure was obtained by either thoracotomy or TA. Of the patients treated by laparotomy, two had a pericystectomy, and four had drainage of the cyst. There were two deaths among the seven thoracotomy patients and one among the 18 TA patients. Pleural effusion was observed in six of the TA, two of the thoracotomy, and three of the laparotomy patients. Biliary fistula occurred in two of the five thoracotomy patients surviving operation and in two laparotomy patients (2/6). Progression of the lung disease was observed in four laparotomy patients and in one thoracotomy patient.

Conclusions: The better outcome achieved in TA patients is the result of the simultaneous radical treatment of all the pathological aspects of BBF.
Serum osteoprotegerin and its ligand in cirrhotic patients referred for orthotopic liver transplantation: relationship with metabolic bone disease
Authors: Monegal Ana , Navasa Miquel , Peris Pilar , Alvarez Luisa , Pons Francesca , Rodés Joan , Guañabens Nuria
Published: February 2007

Aims: A prospective study was carried out in 22 cirrhotic patients referred for orthotopic liver transplantation, in order to analyze serum osteoprotegerin (OPG) and RANKL levels and their relationship with metabolic bone disease.

Methods: Serum levels of OPG and RANKL were measured in all patients as well as bone markers, serum parathyroid hormone and 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels. OPG and RANKL values were compared with those obtained in 29 healthy controls. Bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine and proximal femur was measured by dual X‐ray absorptiometry and spinal X‐rays were obtained to assess vertebral fractures.

Results: Serum OPG levels were higher in cirrhotic patients than in controls (6.4±2 vs 2.7±0.7 pmol/l; P=0.001) and RANKL serum levels were lower in cirrhotic patients (0.215±0.6 vs 1.012±1.2 pmol/l; P=0.002), with an increased OPG:RANKL ratio when compared with the control group (280.3±334.5 vs 113±137.6; P=0.04). Ten patients had osteoporosis (45%) and up to 45% skeletal fractures. No differences were found in OPG levels between patients with and without osteoporosis by densitometric criteria or fractures. Negative correlations were found between OPG levels and femoral neck (R−0.46; P=0.03) and total hip BMD (R−0.48; P=0.025). By contrast, OPG values were not related to markers of bone turnover.

Conclusions: OPG values are elevated in cirrhotic patients before liver transplantation, particularly in those with low bone mass at the proximal femur.
Effect of iron depletion on serum markers of fibrogenesis, oxidative stress and serum liver enzymes in chronic hepatitis C: results of a pilot study
Authors: Alexander Jacob , Tung Bruce Y. , Croghan Anne , Kowdley Kris V.
Published: February 2007

Background: Hepatic iron deposition has been associated with decreased response to interferon‐α monotherapy, and has been speculated to contribute to disease progression in chronic hepatitis C (CHC). We performed this study to evaluate the effect of iron depletion on biochemical and virologic markers, and markers of lipid peroxidation and fibrogenesis.

Materials and Methods: Eighteen patients with CHC who did not have a virologic response to interferon monotherapy underwent weekly phlebotomies until iron depletion (serum ferritin <50 ng/ml). Serum levels of alanine transaminase (ALT), hepatitis C virus‐RNA, transferrin saturation, ferritin, 8‐isoprostane, hylauronic acid, amino‐terminal procollagen III peptide and YKL‐40 were measured before and after iron depletion.

Results: There was a statistically significant reduction of serum ALT, transferrin saturation and serum ferritin after iron depletion (range 4–11 phlebotomies). Serum ALT returned to normal after iron depletion in four (22%) patients. There was a significant reduction in serum procollagen III peptide level among patients who achieved biochemical response. No significant reduction was noted in serum levels of other markers.

Conclusions: Iron depletion was associated with a biochemical response in 22% of patients who did not respond to interferon monotherapy. There was a significant reduction in a key marker of fibrogenesis among patients with biochemical response. These data support longer‐term studies of iron depletion in CHC.
The deterioration of children in ward areas in a specialist children’s hospital
Authors: Tume Lyvonne
Published: February 2007

Research in adult patients, in the last decade, has highlighted suboptimal care and failures in the recognition of sick adults in ward areas. In addition, many of these patients (at least 50%) demonstrated documented evidence, on observation charts, of clinical deterioration in the 24–48 h preceding cardiopulmonary arrest or emergency intensive care unit admission. However, there is little published data on whether these findings apply to children (0–17 years). The aim of the study was to examine the extent of inpatient deterioration and critical care unit admission within a children’s hospital based in the North West of England, during a 4‐month period. The design included a prospective chart review of clinical observations. As noted in adult patients, there is considerable documented evidence (in terms of abnormal vital signs) of physiological deterioration in the 24 h preceding intensive care or high‐dependency unit admission. The use of a Paediatric Early Warning (PEW) tool could potentially have identified 87% of these children of being ‘at risk’ of deterioration. It is recommended that a PEW tool be incorporated into the routine paediatric ward observation charts and practice to identify children ‘at risk’ of deterioration.
Visits to intensive care unit patients – frequency, duration and impact on outcome
Authors: Eriksson Thomas , Bergbom Ingegerd
Published: February 2007

The issue of the presence of patients’ loved ones during their intensive care unit (ICU) stay is a frequently discussed topic among ICU staff. Today, ICU patients’ loved ones are seen as important for the care of the patient. There is a gap in knowledge and research concerning the frequency and duration of visits by loved ones and the effect of such visits on patient outcome. The aim of this study was to explore the frequency and duration of loved ones’ visits and whether or not such visits have an impact on patient outcome. A prospective, explorative observational study design was used. The sample included 198 ICU patients from a general ICU in Sweden. Twenty‐five per cent of the patients had no visitors whatsoever. Forty‐seven per cent of the patients who had visitors had visits of ≤0·5 h/day, 36% had visits of between 0·6 and 2 h/day and 17% had visits of >2 h/day. The most frequent visitors were spouses and children. Significant differences between the groups were that the patients who had no visitors were older, had a shorter ICU stay, lower nine equivalents of nursing manpower score and more often lived alone. There were no significant differences in mortality and length of hospital stay over time. We could not establish that patients who had no visitors had a poorer outcome. Most of the older patients had no visitors, which indicates that elderly people may have a poorer social network; thus, there may be a greater need for professional caring relationships and care planning.
Commentary: Hillman K, Chen J, et al. (2005). Introduction of the medical emergency team (MET) system: a cluster‐randomised controlled trial
Authors: Odell Mandy
Published: February 2007

Patients with cardiac arrests or who die in general wards have often received delayed or inadequate care. We investigated whether the medical emergency team (MET) system could reduce the incidence of cardiac arrests, unplanned admissions to intensive care units (ICU) and deaths. We randomized 23 hospitals in Australia to continue functioning as usual (n= 11) or to introduce a MET system (n= 12). The primary outcome was the composite of cardiac arrest, unexpected death or unplanned ICU admission during the 6‐month study period after MET activation. Analysis was by intention to treat. Introduction of the MET increased the overall calling incidence for an emergency team (3·1 versus 8·7 per 1000 admissions, p= 0·0001). The MET was called to 30% of patients who fulfilled the calling criteria and who were subsequently admitted to the ICU. During the study, we recorded similar incidence of the composite primary outcome in the control and MET hospitals (5·86 versus 5·31 per 1000 admissions, p= 0·640), as well as of the individual secondary outcomes (cardiac arrests, 1·64 versus 1·31, p= 0·736; unplanned ICU admissions, 4·68 versus 4·19, p= 0·599; and unexpected deaths, 1·18 versus 1·06, p= 0·752). A reduction in the rate of cardiac arrests (p= 0·003) and unexpected deaths (p= 0·01) was seen from baseline to the study period for both groups combined. The MET system greatly increases emergency team calling but does not substantially affect the incidence of cardiac arrest, unplanned ICU admissions or unexpected death.

Abstract reprinted from the The Lancet volume 365, Hillman K et al., ‘Introduction of the medical emergency team (MET) system…’, pages 2091–7. © 2005, with permission from Elsevier.
Experimental studies of mineralogical assemblages of metasedimentary rocks at Earth's mantle transition zone conditions
Authors: DOBRZHINETSKAYA L. F. , GREEN H. W.
Published: February 2007

Metasedimentary rocks, a major component of the continental crust, are abundant within ultra‐high pressure (UHP) metamorphic terranes related to continental collisions. The presence of diamond, coesite, and relics of decompressed minerals in these rocks suggests that they were subducted to a depth of more than 150–250 km. Reconnaissance experiments at 9–12 GPa and 1000–1300 °C on compositions corresponding to felsic rocks from diamond‐bearing UHP terranes of Germany and Kazakhstan show that at higher pressures they consist of majoritic garnet, Al‐Na‐rich clinopyroxene, stishovite, solid solution of KAlSi3O8‐NaAlSi3O8 hollandite, topaz‐OH, and TiO2 with α‐PbO2 structure. Comparison of our data with experiments conducted by others at similar P–T conditions shows differences, which are due to variations in bulk chemistry and the type of starting material (gel, oxides, minerals). These differences may affect correct establishment of the ‘point of no return’ of subducted continental lithologies. This paper discusses the implication of the experimental data with regard to naturally existing UHP metamorphic rocks and their significance for our understanding of the deep subduction of continental material.
Academic Freedom and Academic Duty to Teach Social Justice: A Perspective and Pedagogy for Public Health Nursing Faculty
Authors: Fahrenwald Nancy L. , Taylor Janette Y. , Kneipp Shawn M. , Canales Mary K.
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACT
Public health nursing practice is rooted in the core value of social justice. Nursing faculty whose expertise is in public health are often the content experts responsible for teaching this essential, yet potentially controversial, value. Contemporary threats to academic freedom remind us that the disciplinary autonomy and academic duty to teach social justice may be construed as politically ideological. These threats are of particular concern when faculty members guide students through a scientific exploration of sociopolitical factors that lead to health‐related social injustices and encourage students to improve and transform injustices in their professional careers. This article (a) reviews recent challenges to academic freedom that influence social justice education, (b) explores academic freedom and duty to teach social justice within the discipline of nursing, and (c) proposes a praxis‐based approach to social justice education, which is grounded in transformative pedagogy.
The Effect of Brushing on Surface Roughness of Denture Lining Materials
Authors: Oliveira Luciana Valadares , Mesquita Marcelo Ferraz , Henriques Guilherme Elias Pessanha , Consani Rafael Leonardo Xediek
Published: February 2007

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to test the effect of brushing on surface roughness of two resilient liners (Luci Sof and Sofreliner) compared with an acrylic resin (QC 20).

Materials and Methods: Twenty specimens of each material were prepared (25 mm × 14 mm × 3 mm). Ten specimens served as controls and were stored in distilled water and not brushed. The remaining ten specimens were subjected to mechanical brushing, using an MSEt plus machine to simulate brushing at a rate of 5.0 strokes per second (30,000 cycles). Surface roughness measurements were recorded before and after brushing. Random samples were analyzed using scanning electron microscope. Data collected were analyzed by a two‐way analysis of variance using material and treatment as variables, followed by Tukey's test (α= 0.05).

Results: Initial surface roughness of materials indicated that QC 20 was the smoothest (0.13 μm), and Luci Sof the roughest (0.68 μm). Sofreliner had an intermediate value (0.31 μm). All materials were significantly different. Mechanical brushing significantly increased surface roughness in all the materials. Although there was no statistical difference between QC 20 and Luci Sof after mechanical brushing (0.88 and 1.00 μm, respectively), both differed significantly from Sofreliner (7.74 μm).

Conclusion: The two resilient liners and the acrylic resin became rougher, to a greater or lesser extent, when subjected to mechanical brushing.
Plasticity of olfactory‐guided behaviour and its neurobiological basis: lessons from moths and locusts
Authors: Anton Sylvia , Dufour Marie‐Cécile , Gadenne Christophe
Published: February 2007

The sense of smell plays an important role in guiding the behaviour of many animals including insects. The attractiveness of a volatile is not only dependent on the nature of the chemical, but might change with the physiological status (e.g., age/hormone or mating status) or environmental conditions (e.g., photoperiod or temperature) of the individual. Here we summarize our studies focused on the plasticity of olfactory‐guided behaviour and its neurobiological basis linked with the physiological status in Lepidoptera and migratory locusts. In moths and locusts, age and juvenile hormone changed the behavioural responses to pheromones. In moths, mating had an effect on pheromone responses in males and plant odour responses in females. In all cases of behavioural plasticity studied, we found changes in the sensitivity of olfactory interneurons in the antennal lobe, whereas the peripheral system does not seem to show any plasticity in that context. Changes in the central nervous system were slow under the influence of juvenile hormone (days) or fast after mating (minutes). The olfactory system seems thus to adapt to the physiological or environmental situation of an animal to avoid a waste of energy. We discuss possible mechanisms underlying the observed plasticity.
Experimental demonstration of close‐range olfaction and contact chemoreception in the Brazilian harvestman,Iporangaia pustulosa
Authors: Willemart Rodrigo H. , Chelini Marie‐Claire
Published: February 2007

We studied the ability to detect food by close‐range olfaction and contact chemoreception in the harvestmanIporangaia pustulosaMello‐Leitão (Opiliones: Laniatores: Gonyleptidae). We first tested the reaction of individuals towards tasteless (pure agar), aversive (agar with salt), and food‐intake stimulating substrates (agar with saccharose). Only the substrate containing saccharose was consumed. Contact (mainly with legs II) was necessary for detection of the agar and, before ingestion, the stimulus was always tapped with legs I. In the second experiment, we observed the behavior of individuals in an arena with a screened plastic box containing pieces ofTenebrio molitorL. (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) larvae. Individuals spent more time on the box containing food than on the control. In the third experiment, in an arena identical to that used in Experiment 2, we introduced a live but motionlessT. molitorlarva in the box. There was no difference between experimental and control treatments. We also observed the behavior ofI. pustulosain an arena containing live isopods. In first capture attempts, isopods were only detected upon contact, mainly with legs I. Our results suggest that (i)I. pustulosais capable of detecting food only by its chemical properties; (ii) food with weak odor may not be detected by close‐range olfaction; and (iii) legs I and II are important for food detection but, before ingestion, legs I are used to examine potential food items.
Detection of Bemisia tabaci remains in predator guts using a sequence‐characterized amplified region marker
Authors: Zhang Gui‐Fen , Lü Zhi‐Chuang , Wan Fang‐Hao
Published: February 2007

Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) B biotype is an invasive species (biotype) in China. In order to understand the role that native natural enemies might play in its control, techniques were developed for detecting B. tabaci DNA within the gut of predators. A species‐specific DNA fragment, ca. 350 bp, was identified by random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis. This fragment was absent in other closely related or co‐occurring prey species, cotton, and other select predator species. After cloning and sequencing the fragment, one pair of sequence‐characterized amplified region (SCAR) primers was developed, which amplified a single band of 240 bp. Specificity tests performed with the primers showed the presence of the 240‐bp band for B. tabaci in all developmental stages and both sexes, in adult Propylaea japonica (Thunberg) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) fed on B. tabaci nymphs in the laboratory, and in predators collected in cotton fields. Following consumption of a single red‐eyed B. tabaci nymph, prey DNA was detectable in 100% of P. japonica at t = 0, decreasing to 20% after 12 h of digestion, and no B. tabaci DNA detected at t = 24 h. In total, we analyzed the gut contents of 185 field‐collected predators, representing four different orders. All nine field‐collected predator species (namely, P. japonica, Harmonia axyridis, Scymnus hoffmanni, Coccinella septempunctata, Orius sauteri, Chrysopa pallens, Chrysopa formosa, Erigonnidium graminicolum, and Neoscona doenitzi) contained DNA from B. tabaci and are assumed predators of this pest insect. Overall, the B. tabaci was eaten by more than 50% of field‐collected predator individuals, including larvae of the coccinellids (P. japonica and H. axyridis) and lacewings (C. pallens and C. formosa) and adults of O. sauteri and the spiders (E. graminicolum and N. doenitzi). There was a trend of a higher percentage of larval than adult coccinellids and lacewings that preyed on B. tabaci in the field. This study provides a framework for the future use of molecular gut content analysis in arthropod conservation ecology and food web research, with considerable potential for quantifying threats to invasive or endemic pest species in China and elsewhere.
Eye muscle force development in thyroid‐associated ophthalmopathy in different stages of disease
Authors: Tian Suna , Bolzani Roberto , Benassi Mariagrazia , Lennerstrand Gunnar
Published: February 2007

Purpose:  Ocular motility disturbances are common in patients with thyroid‐associated ophthalmopathy (TAO). A quantitative evaluation of the isometric force of the eye muscles in TAO might be useful in the detection of early stages of this disease.

Methods:
  A total of 32 patients with TAO were divided into three groups according to whether they had mild active, pronounced, active, or longstanding, inactive disease. A group of six patients with Graves' disease without clinical signs of TAO and a group of 10 control subjects were also studied. The development of isometric force during saccadic eye movements of 5‐, 10‐ and 20‐degree amplitude in horizontal and vertical directions of gaze were recorded in the more affected eye in patients and the non‐dominant eye in normal subjects, using a suction contact lens/strain gauge technique.

Results:  Peak tension (Fp) in vertical and horizontal saccadic movements was not significantly different between groups. Steady‐state tension (Fs) was significantly higher in the groups with pronounced, active and longstanding, inactive disease than in the other groups for vertical (p < 0.01) and horizontal movements (p < 0.05). Abnormal force development in any of the gaze directions was seen in all patients with pronounced, active and longstanding, inactive TAO, and in some of the patients with mild, active TAO and Graves' disease without TAO.

Conclusions:  Increased eye muscle tension was recorded in different gaze directions, confirming multiple extraocular muscle involvement in TAO. It is suggested that the increased force development reflected contractile compensations for restrictions of ocular motility due to higher muscle stiffness in thyroid‐associated eye muscle disease. Tension measurements can be used to identify muscle involvement in TAO.
Nicotine increases the collagen‐degrading ability of human gingival fibroblasts
Authors: Zhou J. , Olson B. L. , Windsor L. J.
Published: February 2007

Background and Objective:  The objective of this study was to determine the effects that nicotine and the combination of nicotine and Porphyromonas gingivalis supernatant have on human gingival fibroblast‐mediated collagen degradation.

Material and Methods:  Human gingival fibroblasts were cultured with 25–500 µg/ml of nicotine in collagen‐coated six‐well plates. On days 1–5, the conditioned media was collected for zymography and western blot analyses of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). The cells were then removed and the collagen cleavage visualized by Coomassie blue staining. To examine the combined effect, 250 µg/ml of nicotine and 10% v/v culture supernatant of P. gingivalis ATCC 33277 were added to the human gingival fibroblasts. The mRNA levels of multiple MMPs and TIMPs were monitored.

Results:  Nicotine increased the human gingival fibroblast‐mediated collagen cleavage. The MMP‐14 and MMP‐2 produced by the nicotine‐treated human gingival fibroblasts more readily underwent zymogen activation. Nicotine treatment resulted in TIMP‐2 redistribution to the cell surface. The mRNAs of multiple MMPs and TIMPs were unaltered by nicotine. An additive collagen cleavage effect was observed when the human gingival fibroblasts were treated with both nicotine and P. gingivalis.

Conclusion:  Nicotine increased human gingival fibroblast‐mediated collagen degradation, in part through the activation of membrane‐associated MMPs. Nicotine and P. gingivalis had an additive effect on human gingival fibroblast‐mediated collagen degradation.
Membrane Formations in the Pineal Cells of the Teleost Gambusia affinis
Authors: Gonzalez Rosa M. , Tolivia Delio , Menendez‐Pelaez Armando , Rodriguez‐Colunga Mafia J.
Published: February 2007

Highly organized membrane formations in the cytoplasm of photoreceptor and supporting cells of the pineal organ of Gambusia affinis are described. These membranous structures show different characteristics depending on the cell type where they are located. Some of the morphological characteristics of these membranous formations are similar to those of myeloid bodies, but their presence in the photoreceptor cells raises some doubt about their being myeloid bodies. The three‐dimensional interpretation of these structures is discussed.
Endocrine Effects of Blinding in Male Syrian Hamsters Are Associated With Increased Hypothalamic 5‐Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid/Serotonin Ratios
Authors: Vriend J.
Published: February 2007

The antigonadal, antithyroid, and antiadrenal effects of blinding were studied in male Syrian hamsters receiving propylthiouracil (PTU) or PTU plus thyroxine (T4) replacement. Ten weeks after blinding, the expected gonadal involution and reduction of circulating levels of T4, as well as a reduction of circulating levels of corticosterone, were observed. T4 treatment significantly increased testicular weights, but it did not prevent gonadal involution. Neither PTU nor T4 administration significantly influenced the inhibition of serum corticosterone levels observed in blinded hamsters. The increase in serum thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) observed in hypothyroid (PTU‐treated) hamsters was significantly greater in intact hamsters than in blind hamsters. Blinding was associated with a small but highly significant increase in ratios of 5‐hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5HIAA) to serotonin (5HT) in extracts of the medial basal hypothalamus. Based on the assumption that 5HIAA represents primarily intraneuronal metabolism of excess 5HT, the present results are consistent with reduced 5HT release in blinded hamsters. Daily evening melatonin administration also increased the 5HIAA/5HT ratios of the mediobasal hypothalamus concurrently with gonadal involution, reduction of circulating levels of T4, and reduction of circulating levels of corticosterone. These results are consistent with the view that serotonergic neurons entering the hypothalamus are components of the photoneuroendocrine system of the hamster.
Protective effect of melatonin in acetic acid induced colitis in rats
Authors: Nosál'ová Viera , Zeman Michal , Černá Silvia , Navarová Jana , Zakálová Monika
Published: February 2007

Abstract:  Possible protective effects of exogenous melatonin on colonic inflammation were studied in rats. Colitis was induced by intracolonic (i.c.) instillation of 4% acetic acid (AA) and the resulting injury was assessed after 1 and 48 hr. Diffuse hyperemia and bleeding with erosions and ulcerations were observed in the colons of vehicle‐treated rats. Melatonin administered in doses of 5 and 10 mg/kg reduced significantly the extent of gross mucosal damage after intraperitoneal as well as i.c. dosing. The inflammation induced increase in colonic wet weight was also reduced by melatonin treatment. In the early phase of colonic inflammation (60 min), melatonin partly prevented the decrease of reduced glutathione (GSH) content and limited lysosomal enzyme, N‐acetyl‐glucosaminidase and cathepsin D, activities induced by AA, with no changes in proteins or acid phosphatase activity. Increase of myeloperoxidase activity (MPO) caused by colonic inflammation was prevented by melatonin given i.c. As observed 48 hr after AA exposure, there was no difference between the effect of vehicle and melatonin on the content of GSH. Colitis did not influence the melatonin content of the colon. After administration of exogenous melatonin, plasma, pineal and gut melatonin tended to increase. The results indicate that melatonin participates in various defense mechanisms against colonic inflammatory processes by preserving the important endogenous antioxidant reserve of GSH, by preventing lysosomal enzyme disruption, by inhibiting enhanced MPO activity, thus reducing the extent of colonic damage, mainly in the early phase of colitis.
Computerized evaporimetry using the DermaLab® TEWL probe
Authors: Grove Gary L. , Grove Mary Jo , Zerweck Charles , Pierce Elizabeth
Published: February 2007

Background/aims:

TEWL measurements are one of the most frequently utilized of the non‐invasive bioengineering techniques. We wanted to enhance the reproducibility and sensitivity of this method by employing computerized evaporimetry.

Methods:

A DermaLab® system equipped with one or two TEWL probes was interfaced to a personal computer (PC) via the RS‐232c port and special data acquisition software written so that changes in water loss rates could be monitored in real time. Application programs included TEWL measurements under steadystate or dynamic conditions using single or dual probe instruments as well as diagnostics to determine probe condition. Retrospective analysis could be performed by exporting the captured data to an ExcelTM spread sheet.

Conclusions:

Computerized evaporimetry, which allows the operator to conveniently monitor evaporative water loss rates in real time, should be the preferred way of making these types of measurements.
Broken Rules and Constrained Confusion: Toward a Theory of Meso-Institutions
Authors: Droege Scott , Johnson Nancy Brown
Published: February 2007

Meso-institutions are weak, intermediate forms of institutions that bridge the gap between institutional disintegration and the development of new, more firmly established institutions. Meso-institutions lack the stronger behaviour-guiding signs and symbols of more established institutions, but instead contain fragments of former institutions mixed with emerging, but fragile, components of developing institutions. Institutional disintegration leads to a disorienting period characterized by the dissolution of fundamental, widely held ideologies. This offers an opportunity for actions rather than institutions to guide actions. Because meso-institutions are weak, only after actions are repeated will they solidify into specific patterns that may be retrospectively granted legitimacy. Using archival data supplemented by interviews, we identified three meso-institutional occurrences with thephenomenologicallybased manifestations of fractured ideology, actions as rules and retrospective legitimization.
Simulation study of methemoglobin reduction in erythrocytes
Authors: Kinoshita Ayako , Nakayama Yoichi , Kitayama Tomoya , Tomita Masaru
Published: February 2007

Methemoglobin (metHb), an oxidized form of hemoglobin, is unable to bind and carry oxygen. Erythrocytes are continuously subjected to oxidative stress and nitrite exposure, which results in the spontaneous formation of metHb. To avoid the accumulation of metHb, reductive pathways mediated by cytochrome b5 or flavin, coupled with NADH‐dependent or NADPH‐dependent metHb reductases, respectively, keep the level of metHb in erythrocytes at less than 1% of the total hemoglobin under normal conditions. In this work, a mathematical model has been developed to quantitatively assess the relative contributions of the two major metHb‐reducing pathways, taking into consideration the supply of NADH and NADPH from central energy metabolism. The results of the simulation experiments suggest that these pathways have different roles in the reduction of metHb; one has a high response rate to hemoglobin oxidation with a limited reducing flux, and the other has a low response rate with a high capacity flux. On the basis of the results of our model, under normal oxidative conditions, the NADPH‐dependent system, the physiological role of which to date has been unclear, is predicted to be responsible for most of the reduction of metHb. In contrast, the cytochrome b5–NADH pathway becomes dominant under conditions of excess metHb accumulation, only after the capacity of the flavin–NADPH pathway has reached its limit. We discuss the potential implications of a system designed with two metHb‐reducing pathways in human erythrocytes.
Expression and physiological role of CCN4/Wnt‐induced secreted protein 1 mRNA splicing variants in chondrocytes
Authors: Yanagita Takeshi , Kubota Satoshi , Kawaki Harumi , Kawata Kazumi , Kondo Seiji , Takano‐Yamamoto Teruko , Tanaka Shinji , Takigawa Masaharu
Published: February 2007

CCN4/Wnt‐induced secreted protein 1 (WISP1) is one of the CCN (CTGF/Cyr61/Nov) family proteins. CCN members have typical structures composed of four conserved cysteine‐rich modules and their variants lacking certain modules, generated by alternative splicing or gene mutations, have been described in various pathological conditions. Several previous reports described a CCN4/WISP1 variant (WISP1v) lacking the second module in a few malignancies, but no information concerning the production of WISP1 variants in normal tissue is currently available. The expression of CCN4/WISP1 mRNA and its variants were analyzed in a human chondrosarcoma‐derived chondrocytic cell line, HCS‐2/8, and primary rabbit growth cartilage (RGC) chondrocytes. First, we found WISP1v and a novel variant of WISP1 (WISP1vx) to be expressed in HCS‐2/8, as well as full‐length WISP1 mRNA. This new variant was lacking the coding regions for the second and third modules and a small part of the first module. To monitor the expression of CCN4/WISP1 mRNA along chondrocyte differentiation, RGC cells were cultured and sampled until they were mineralized. As a result, we identified a WISP1v ortholog in normal RGC cells. Interestingly, the WISP1v mRNA level increased dramatically along with terminal differentiation. Furthermore, overexpression of WISP1v provoked expression of an alkaline phosphatase gene that is a marker of terminal differentiation in HCS‐2/8 cells. These findings indicate that WISP1v thus plays a critical role in chondrocyte differentiation toward endochondral ossification, whereas HCS‐2/8‐specific WISP1vx may be associated with the transformed phenotypes of chondrosarcomas.
Ruling out a massive asymptotic giant-branch star as the progenitor of supernova 2005cs
Authors: Eldridge J. J. , Mattila S. , Smartt S. J.
Published: February 2007

We calculate the predicted UBVRIJHK absolute magnitudes for models of supernova progenitors and apply the result to the case of supernova 2005cs. We agree with previous results that the initial mass of the star was low, around 6 to 8 M⊙. However, such stars are thought to go through a second dredge-up to become asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars. We show that had this occurred to the progenitor of 2005cs it would have been observed in JHK pre-explosion images. The progenitor was not detected in these bands and therefore we conclude that it was not an AGB star. Furthermore, if some AGB stars do produce supernovae they will have a clear signature in pre-explosion near-infrared images. Electron-capture supernovae are thought to occur in AGB stars, hence the implication is that 2005cs was not an electron-capture supernova but was the collapse of an iron core.