bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect on Heterorhabditis indica of substances occurring in decomposing palm tissues infested by Rhynchophorus ferrugineus
Authors: Monzer Abd-Elrahman , El-Rahman Randa Abd
Published: February 2004

Ethanol, acetic acid and ethyl acetate are generated during the degeneration of palm tissues infested by the red palm weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Oliv. This in vitro study determined the influences of concentrations of 0.05-2% v/v of these substances in distilled water on the behaviour, survival and infectivity of the entomopathogenic nematode Heterorhabditis indica, a candidate species for control of R. ferrugineus. The observed responses of the nematode included normal movement, reversible partial paralysis and death. The estimated LC50 were 1.48, 0.25 and 0.14% for ethanol, acetic acid and ethyl acetate, respectively, but only 0.18% for the equal mixture of all three. Nematodes that survived treatment at the LC50 of each substance showed infectivity and penetration activity comparable to those of control nematodes. We conclude that it will be difficult to control R. ferrugineus using H. indica in the presence of these substances in palm trunks.
Free-living nematodes from nature reserves in Costa Rica. 5. Bunonematoidea (Rhabditida)
Authors: Holovachov Oleksandr , Bongers Tom , Esquivel Alejandro
Published: February 2004

Three species of Bunonematoidea, Pterygorhabditis panoplus, Rhodolaimus arboreus sp. n. and Rhodolaimus dimorphus are described and illustrated on the basis of material collected in Costa Rica. SEM studies and details of the labial region structure in P. panoplus and R. arboreus sp. n. are given. Rhodolaimus arboreus sp. n. is characterised by the 0.2-0.25 mm long body, left body side with five parallel cuticular ridges, right body side with two parallel rows of tubercles, the anteriormost pair of which are almost fused, 28-33.5 μm long spicules, cylindrical gubernaculum, bursa developed on left body side and seven pairs of caudal papillae.
The genus Bursaphelenchus Fuchs (Nematoda: Aphelenchida) in north-west Spain
Authors: Arias María , Escuer Miguel , Mansilla J. Pedro , Abelleira Adela
Published: February 2004

As a consequence of the report of pine wood nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus) in the Setúbal peninsula (Portugal), nematodes of the genus Bursaphelenchus and the vector insect were studied in pine forests, timber industries and entry points for imported timber in Galicia (north-west Spain). The aim of this paper was to contribute to the establishment of the necessary measures to prevent the introduction of B. xylophilus into Spain. Sampling, nematode extraction and identification were carried out according to the EU norm. From collections made in 1999-2002, a total of 2612 samples were studied. Bursaphelenchus eggersi, B. mucronatus and B. sexdentati were found, as well as Monochamus galloprovincialis, a vector cerambycid beetle. Bursaphelenchus xylophilus was not isolated. Morphometric characteristics and geographic distribution of the species are provided and the risk of introducing B. xylophilus to Spain assessed.
Genetic analysis of (a)virulence in Meloidogyne hapla to resistance in bean (Phaseolus vulgaris)
Authors: Roberts Philip , Chen Peichen
Published: February 2004

Nematode crossing experiments were conducted to test the hypothesis that virulence in Meloidogyne hapla to a dominant major resistance gene in the bean Phaseolus vulgaris cv. NemaSnap is simply inherited by a single gene, with avirulence dominant to virulence (recessive). In a new procedure established for crossing M. hapla race A isolates, females of avirulent isolate K6 and males of virulent isolates AN and LM were used as parental lines. Virulence frequencies and segregation patterns in the F3 to F5 generations indicated cross-mating with virulent males, not selection and selfing, as the source of virulence in segregating progenies. In F3 progenies, three of 29 lines expressed virulence at levels of 10.6-36.6%. The percentage of virulence from the pooled F3 data from these three lines indicated monogenic inheritance of virulence. F4 families were established from single egg masses of the three virulent F3 lines. Cohorts of F5 juveniles derived from single egg masses of F3 and F4 families were tested for virulence. Due to the facultative parthenogenesis in M. hapla race A, tests were conducted of various genetic models for inheritance of (a)virulence based on different assumptions about the mode of reproduction, gamete duplication and recombination. A segregation pattern of three avirulent (AA, Aa): one virulent (aa) for the genotypes in the F4 was determined from the F5 virulence tests. The percentages of virulence at the F5 stage and their patterns of segregation strongly supported the hypothesis that avirulence in M. hapla is controlled by a single gene, with virulence recessive to avirulence. The M. hapla (a)virulence matches the dominant resistance in P.vulgaris cv. NemaSnap, thus conforming to a gene-for-gene relationship. Our findings indicated that the (a)virulence factor can be transferred within and between M. hapla populations that have the ability to reproduce sexually, thereby maintaining genetic variation for virulence. The inheritance of virulence also suggests that other important biological traits can be transferred through this process.
Identification, host range and infection process of Meloidogyne marylandi from turf grass in Israel
Authors: Karssen Gerrit , Oka Yuji , Mor Mishael
Published: February 2004

A population of a root-knot nematode species was isolated from Zoysia japonica in a turf nursery in Israel. Measurements and morphology of the second-stage juveniles and adult females, including perineal pattern, indicated this nematode to be Meloidogyne marylandi. In addition, esterase (Est) and malate dehydrogenase (Mdh) isozymes were studied for the first time for this species which is shown to be characterised by VS1 Est band and a N1c Mdh pattern. Host range tests showed that the turf grasses Stenotaphrum secundatum, Dactyloctenium australe and Paspalum vaginatum, corn (Zea mays) and oat (Avena sativa) were non-hosts or resistant. Kikuyu grass (Pennisetum clandestinum), wheat (Triticum aestivum), barley (Hordeum vulgare), bristle oat (Avena strigosa), Siberian millet (Echinochloa frumentaceae) and pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) were susceptible to the nematode. The second-stage juveniles of M. marylandi penetrated the elongation zone of wheat roots but did not reach the meristematic zone and settled with their anterior end toward the root tip. This contrasted with M. javanica or M. incognita which migrated to the meristematic zone, and turned around with their anterior toward the root base. Meloidogyne marylandi juveniles induced giant cells from vascular parenchyma cells and caused no or only small galls on the roots.
Nematodes of the order Rhabditida from Andalucía Oriental, Spain. The genus Cervidellus Thorne, 1937 (Cephalobidae) with additional data on C. hamatus Thorne, 1937
Authors: Holovachov Oleksandr , Abolafia Joaquín , Boström Sven , Peña-Santiago Reyes
Published: February 2004

Three known species of the genus Cervidellus Thorne, 1937 are described from natural areas in the SE Iberian Peninsula on the basis of light and scanning electron microscopy, viz., C. neftasiensis, C. vexilliger and C. hamatus. In addition, data on C. hamatus from the USA are given. Descriptions, measurements and illustrations, including SEM photographs, are provided for all three species. The systematics of the genus is briefly discussed and an identification key to the species is provided.
Effect of varying the pressurisation rate during noninvasive pressure support ventilation
Authors: Prinianakis G. , Delmastro M. , Carlucci A. , Ceriana P. , Nava S.
Published: February 2004

The aim of the study was to assess the effects of varying the pressurisation rate during noninvasive pressure support ventilation on patients' breathing pattern, inspiratory effort, arterial blood gases, tolerance to ventilation and amount of air leakage.

A total of 15 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients recovering from an acute episode of hypercapnic acute respiratory failure were studied during four randomised trials with different levels of pressurisation rate.

No significant changes were observed in breathing pattern and arterial blood gases between the different runs. The pressure time product of the diaphragm, an estimate of its metabolic consumption, was significantly lower with all pressurisation rates than with spontaneous breathing, but was significantly lowest with the fastest rate. However, air leak, assessed by the ratio between expired and inspired tidal volumes, increased and the patients' tolerance of ventilation, measured using a standardised scale, was significantly poorer with the fastest pressurisation rate.

In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients recovering from an episode of acute hypercapnic respiratory failure and ventilated with noninvasive pressure support ventilation, different pressurisation rates resulted in different reductions in the pressure time product of the diaphragm; this reduction was greater with the fastest rate, but was accompanied by significant air leaks and poor tolerance.
Quantifying pulmonary perfusion in primary pulmonary hypertension using electron-beam computed tomography
Authors: Jones A.T. , Hansell D.M. , Evans T.W.
Published: February 2004

Traditionally, a gravitational distribution of pulmonary perfusion has been described in normal subjects. How this may vary in patients with primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH), which is characterised by vascular obstruction due to intimal thickening, smooth muscle cell proliferation and episodes of thrombosis in small and medium sized pulmonary arteries, is unclear. In this study the potential of electron-beam computed tomography in quantifying the distribution of pulmonary perfusion in patients with PPH was investigated.

Contrast-enhanced sections were obtained during inspiration in the supine position at baseline and during administration of the vasodilator adenosine in five healthy subjects and five patients with PPH. Under each experimental condition, regions of interest were placed along the nondependent-to-dependent axis and values for relative perfusion derived.

In healthy individuals, a marked nondependent-to-dependent gradient in perfusion was observed. By contrast, in PPH, perfusion values were significantly lower and were uniform across the lung section, although the administration of adenosine resulted in increased perfusion in all regions of interest.

Electron-beam computed tomography provides physiological and structural information about the pulmonary circulation in subjects with pulmonary vascular disease.
Quantitative analysis of 8‐isoprostane and hydrogen peroxide in exhaled breath condensate: Table 1—
Authors: Van Hoydonck P.G.A. , Wuyts W.A. , Vanaudenaerde B.M. , Schouten E.G. , Dupont L.J. , Temme E.H.M.
Published: February 2004

Exhaled breath condensate (EBC) provides a noninvasive means of sampling the lower respiratory tract. Collection of EBC might be useful in the assessment of airway oxidative stress in smokers. The aim of this study was to determine 8‐isoprostane and hydrogen peroxide levels in EBC, and, in addition, to investigate the reproducibility of these measurements.

EBC samples were collected from 12 healthy male smokers at three time points within 1 week. 8‐isoprostane and H2O2were measured in nonconcentrated EBC using immunochemical and colorimetric assays, respectively.

8‐isoprostane and H2O2were detected in only 36 and 47% of all EBC samples, respectively. It was not possible to calculate the within-subject variation in a reliable manner since only three of the 12 smokers exhibited detectable 8‐isoprostane concentrations on all three occasions (mean 4.6 pg·mL−1; range 3.9–7.7 pg·mL−1), whereas H2O2could not be detected on all three occasions in any of the smokers. Spiking experiments revealed a recovery of 83.5–109.5% for 8‐isoprostane and 69.9–129.0% for H2O2in fresh EBC samples.

It was concluded that levels of 8‐isoprostane and hydrogen peroxide cannot be reproducibly assessed in exhaled breath condensate from healthy smokers because of their low concentration and/or the lack of sensitivity of the available assays.
Inhaled iloprost is a potent acute pulmonary vasodilator in HIV‐related severe pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Ghofrani H.A. , Friese G. , Discher T. , Olschewski H. , Schermuly R.T. , Weissmann N. , Seeger W. , Grimminger F. , Lohmeyer J.
Published: February 2004

As antiretroviral therapy has improved life expectancy in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, the life-limiting complication of HIV‐related pulmonary hypertension has come into focus. Inhalation of the stable prostacyclin analogue iloprost is an effective treatment for various forms of precapillary pulmonary hypertension. The main objective of the present study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of inhaled iloprost in HIV‐related pulmonary hypertension.

In eight patients with severe pulmonary hypertension related to HIV infection, right heart and femoral artery catheterisation were performed. The acute effect of oxygen, inhaled nitric oxide and aerosolised iloprost was investigated. Four patients underwent long-term treatment with inhaled iloprost.

The rank order of pulmonary vasodilatory potency was iloprost>NO>O2, with a maximum reduction (mean±sem) in pulmonary vascular resistance of 30.6±3.1% (p<0.001), 5.9±3.9% and −0.6±3.9%, respectively. Concomitantly, inhaled iloprost significantly increased the cardiac index and central venous oxygen saturation. Chronic treatment with inhaled iloprost tended to improve the 6 min walking distance and decreased pulmonary vascular resistance in all patients (although not significantly). No serious adverse events and no major interactions with the ongoing antiretroviral therapy were noted.

In conclusion, inhaled iloprost is a potent pulmonary vasodilator in human immune deficiency virus-related pulmonary hypertension. Future studies are warranted to confirm the encouraging long-term beneficial results observed in the present limited number of patients.
Sympathetic activity is reduced by nCPAP in hypertensive obstructive sleep apnoea patients
Authors: Heitmann J. , Ehlenz K. , Penzel T. , Becker H.F. , Grote L. , Voigt K.H. , Hermann Peter J. , Vogelmeier C.
Published: February 2004

There is increasing evidence that nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) lowers blood pressure in obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) patients, not only during sleep but also in the daytime. However, both the mechanisms of blood pressure reduction and the considerable differences in the magnitude of the effect in the studies presented to date are not fully understood.

Therefore, the authors prospectively studied the effect of nCPAP on noradrenaline plasma levels (NApl), blood pressure and heart rate (HR) in 10 normotensive and eight hypertensive OSA patients before and after 41.6±16.9 days of nCPAP therapy. Polysomnography and invasive blood pressure were continuously monitored over 24 h in the supine position before and with nCPAP. NAplwere analysed every 15 min.

In hypertensives, nCPAP reduced NAplby 36±25%, lowered mean arterial blood pressure substantially (night-time: −8.89±14.09 mmHg; daytime: −7.94±10.47 mmHg) and decreased HR by 6.6±5.4 beats·min−1, whereas in normotensives there were only minor changes.

The decrease in heart rate was associated with a decrease in mean arterial blood pressure and noradrenaline plasma levels, suggesting a causal effect of nasal continuous positive airway pressure therapy. This nasal continuous positive airway pressure effect occurs mainly in hypertensive obstructive sleep apnoea patients, whereas the effect is small in normotensives. This may explain, at least in part, some of the discrepant results in previous treatment studies.
Detection of expiratory flow limitation in COPD using the forced oscillation technique
Authors: Dellacà R.L. , Santus P. , Aliverti A. , Stevenson N. , Centanni S. , Macklem P.T. , Pedotti A. , Calverley P.M.A.
Published: February 2004

Expiratory flow limitation (EFL) during tidal breathing is a major determinant of dynamic hyperinflation and exercise limitation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Current methods of detecting this are either invasive or unsuited to following changes breath-by-breath. It was hypothesised that tidal flow limitation would substantially reduce the total respiratory system reactance (Xrs) during expiration, and that this reduction could be used to reliably detect if EFL was present.

To test this, 5‐Hz forced oscillations were applied at the mouth in seven healthy subjects and 15 COPD patients (mean±sd forced expiratory volume in one second was 36.8±11.5 % predicted) during quiet breathing. COPD breaths were analysed (n=206) and classified as flow-limited if flow decreased as alveolar pressure increased, indeterminate if flow decreased at constant alveolar pressure, or nonflow-limited.

Of these, 85 breaths were flow-limited, 80 were not and 41 were indeterminate. Among other indices, mean inspiratory minus mean expiratory Xrs(ΔXrs) and minimum expiratory Xrs(Xexp,min) identified flow-limited breaths with 100% specificity and sensitivity using a threshold between 2.53–3.12 cmH2O·s·L−1(ΔXrs) and −7.38– −6.76 cmH2O·s·L−1(Xexp,min) representing 6.0% and 3.9% of the total range of values respectively. No flow-limited breaths were seen in the normal subjects by either method.

Within-breath respiratory system reactance provides an accurate, reliable and noninvasive technique to detect expiratory flow limitation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Hyperplastic gastropathy as a presenting manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Elinav E , Korem M , Ofran Y , Migdal A , Doviner V , Hiler N , Aamar S , Bursztyn M
Published: February 2004

A patient is described who had severe hyperplastic gastropathy as the presenting manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Aggressive immunosuppressive therapy with systemic corticosteroids and immunoglobulins resulted in complete remission of lupus, and a prompt clinical and radiological regression of hyperplastic gastropathy. Hyperplastic gastropathy is an uncommon gastric illness, which is usually idiopathic but rarely is associated with Helicobacter pylori infection, cytomegalovirusinfection or lymphocytic gastritis. Three previous case reports have noted a response of idiopathic hyperplastic gastropathy to systemic corticosteroid treatment, yet none of the presented patients had a systemic inflammatory disease. The presented case is the first in the medical literature in which hyperplastic gastropathy is directly linked to the development of clinical and laboratory manifestations of SLE. We suggest that hyperplastic gastropathy be added to the list of rare gastrointestinalmanifestationsof SLE, and that autoimmune disease be considereda possiblecause of hyperplastic gastropathy. As such, any patient with symptomatic idiopathic hyperplastic gastropathy accompanied by other evidence of systemic inflammation should be considered for SLE evaluation and immunosuppressive treatment.
Lupus erythematosus tumidus in systemic lupus erythematosus: novel association and possible role of early treatment in prevention of discoid lupus erythematosus
Authors: Jolly M , Laumann A E , Shea Christopher R , Utset Tammy Olsen
Published: February 2004

Skin involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) occurs in varied forms. Lupus erythematosus tumidus (LET) is not known to occur with SLE. In our patient presented below, LET occurred in a patient with SLE. Some of the lesions progressedto scarring discoid lesions, while others responded very well to hydoxychloroquine treatment. We, as rheumatologists, are not very aware of this entity, which is so amenable to prevention and treatment if recognized correctly.
Systemic lupus erythematosus presenting as acute symptomatic hypercalcemia
Authors: Erdozain J G , Egurbide M V , Ruiz-Irastorza G , Ojanguren J , Aguirre C
Published: February 2004

Hypercalcemia is a common electrolyte abnormality with a wide differential diagnosis. Primary hyperparathyroidismand malignancy are the most frequent causes, accounting for more than 90% of cases. We report the case of a woman presenting with symptomatic severe hypercalcemia, who was subsequently diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) due to the presence of arthritis, lymphopenia, antinuclear antibodies (ANA), anti-DNA and anti-Ro antibodies and low C3 levels. After acute treatment with intravenous fluids, steroids, diuretics and pamidronate, calcium levels corrected and have remained normal on low-dose prednisone.Five similar cases have been reported in the literature. Thus, SLE is an uncommon cause of hypercalcemia, which can also be the presenting feature of lupus.
Prevalence and factors associated with fibromyalgia in Mexican patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Valencia-Flores M , Cardiel M H , Santiago V , Resendiz M , Castaño V A , Negrete O , Rosenberg C , García-Ramos G , Alcocer J , Alarcón-Segovia D
Published: February 2004

In total, 189 consecutivewomen diagnosed with SLE were evaluated using the ACR 1990 criteria for fibromyalgia. Patients were classified into three subgroups. The fibromyalgia group (FM) included patients experiencing pain on palpation in at least 11 of the 18 tender points examined, as well as having a history of widespread pain for at least three months. Patients who were noted to have pain in fewer than four quadrants with less than 11 of 18 tender points were considered to have regional pain (RP). All patientswho did not meet criteria for eitherFM or RP were classified as having no pain (NP). Measurement of SLE disease activity, sleep complaints, depression, fatigue severity and health status were performed. Only 18 of the SLE patients (9.5%) (95% CI 5.3-14%) fulfilled the ACR criteria for the classification of FM. Of the patients, 106 (56.1%) fulfilled criteria for RP and had a number of tender points of 5.4 + 3.4, and the rest of the patients (34.4%) had no tenderness at specific tender point sites. Age, body mass index, educational level and disease duration were comparable between the groups. FM and RP groups had different patterns of symptoms prevalence, with dysmenorrhea being more distinctive for FM. Sleep disturbances were more severe in the FM than in the RP group. Daytime complaints such as sleepiness, fatigue and depression were similar for RP and FM groups, but patients with FM reported more disability. Fibromyalgia is not common in Mexican patients with SLE and has a different pattern of symptoms in RP and NP patients. These data add evidence that ethnicity can play an important role in FM manifestations.
Clinical spectrum of males with primary antiphospholipid syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus: a comparative study of 73 patients
Authors: Medina G , Vera-Lastra O , Barile L , Salas M , Jara L J
Published: February 2004

The objective of this study was to compare the clinical findings, laboratory data, functional outcome and chronic damage in male patients with primary antiphospholipid syndrome (PAPS) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We studied 29 male patients with PAPS and 44 with SLE. Clinical findings, laboratory data, lupus damage index (SLICC/ACR DI), and functional outcome in PAPS, were analysed in each group. The mean age at diagnosiswas 29.8 + 10.4 years in patientswith PAPS and 26 + 10.1 years in SLE patients. The duration of disease was 4.5 + 2.6 versus 5.2 + 3.8 years in patients with PAPS and SLE, respectively(P NS). In patients with PAPS the most frequent clinical manifestations were venous thrombosis, thrombocytopenia, and pulmonary thromboembolism. Patients with SLE had joint, skin and renal involvement more frequently than those with PAPS (P 0.0001). All PAPS patients had anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL), and 14 patients (48%) had lupus anticoagulant (LA). All SLE patients had antinuclear antibodies (ANAs). Anti-dsDNA antibodies were positive in 39% of SLE patients. Five patients died: one with ‘catastrophic’ APS and four with SLE. SLICC/ACR-DI score in SLE patients was 1.9 (SD 1). In PAPS patients poor functional outcome was due to myocardial infarction, pulmonary thromboembolism, stroke and mesenteric thrombosis. Lupus nephritis was the principal organ damage in SLE. In conclusion, in male patients with PAPS and SLE, the clinical manifestations were significantly different. Arterial thrombosis was the major cause of functional impairment and permanent organ damage in PAPS. Renal involvement was the major cause of chronic damage in SLE.
Clinical significance of anti-dsDNA antibody isotypes: IgG/IgM ratio of anti-dsDNA antibodies as a prognostic marker for lupus nephritis
Authors: Förger F , Matthias T , Oppermann M , Becker H , Helmke K
Published: February 2004

The objective of this paper is to investigate the association between patterns of anti-dsDNA antibody isotypes and specific clinical manifestations (categorized in renal, musculoskeletal, cutaneous, hematological, pulmonary, neurologicaland cardiac). Sera of 202 systemiclupus erythematosus(SLE) patients, 33 patients suffering from other autoimmune diseases and 115 healthy blood donors were analysed for anti-dsDNA antibodies by IgG-, IgA- and IgM-specific ELISA, Farr-assay and CLIF. A subset of 24 SLE patients was investigated in a longitudinal study over a period of one to six years. Disease activity of 105 SLE patients was measured according to the ECLAM score. In the cohort of SLE patients 63% were positivefor the IgG class, 40% for the IgA and 57% for the IgM class specific anti-dsDNA ELISA. Sensitivity (79%) and specificity (99%) for the diagnosis of SLE appeared to be highest for the ELISA measuring all isotypes of anti-dsDNA antibodies. The concentrations of anti- dsDNA isotypesshowed a strong correlationwith disease activity. Analysing the relationship between IgG, IgA and IgM anti-dsDNA antibody isotypes and clinical manifestation, we found a significant associationof the IgM isotypewith cutaneousinvolvementand of the IgG isotypewith lupus nephritis. The IgG/IgM ratio of anti-dsDNA antibodies represented a significant parameter to distinguish patients with lupus nephritis from those without renal involvement. In the longitudinal study, a continuous ratio under 0.8 was associated with absence of renal involvement throughout the investigatedperiod. In conclusion, the evaluationof anti-dsDNA isotypesprovidesa diagnostictool to define subsets within SLE patients with different clinical manifestations. In particular, the IgG/IgM ratio of anti-dsDNA antibodies could be used as a prognostic marker for lupus nephritis during the course of the disease.
Neuroendocrine dopaminergic regulation of prolactin release in systemic lupus erythematosus: a possible role of lymphocyte-derived prolactin
Authors: Méndez I , Alcocer-Varela J , Parra A , Lava-Zavala A , de la Cruz D A , Alarcón-Segovia D , Larrea F
Published: February 2004

Prolactin (PRL) secretion by the pituitary is under the control of dopamine. Hyperprolactinemia has been found in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and seems to be associated with clinical activity. T-lymphocytesexpress PRL and those from SLE patients appear to secrete more PRL than controls. In this study, immuno-(RIA) and bio-(BIO) assayable PRL in both serum and culture media of peripheralblood mononuclearcells (PBMNC) from SLE and control subjectswere evaluated in the basal state and in response to 10 mg oral administration of metoclopramide, a dopamine receptor antagonist. Prolactin size heterogeneity in serum and culture media and PRL gene transcription in PBMNC were also studied. Basal serum RIA-PRL, BIO-PRL and the BIO/RIA ratio were similar in both groups. The serum BIO-PRL response after metoclopramide was higher than RIA-PRL in SLE, and this increment was also greater than in control subjects. PBMNC from SLE subjects secreted and produced more BIO-PRL. After metoclopramide, secretion and production of PRL increased only in PBMNC from control women and not in those from SLE patients. Our results demonstrated an increased central dopaminergic tone in SLE and suggest that lymphocyte-derived PRL might contribute to alter the functionalactivity of the hypothalamicdopaminergicsystem in SLE attempting to maintain serum PRL within a physiological range.
Cerebral vasculitis in a patient with hereditary complete C4 deficiency and systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Lhotta K , Würzner R , Rosenkranz A R , Beer R , Rudisch A , Neumair F , Mayer G
Published: February 2004

We describe the case of a female patient with hereditary complete C4 deficiency and systemic lupus erythematosus. She had suffered from lupus nephritis in early childhood. At the age of 23 years she developed severe lupus with skin disease and life-threateningcerebral vasculitis. Her cerebral disease was unresponsiveto high-dosesteroids, intravenousimmunoglobulin, fresh frozen plasma and plasma exchange. Improvement was achieved with immunoadsorption in combination with mycophenolate mofetil. The patient made a complete recovery and is maintained in complete remission on mycophenolate and low-dose steroids.
Processing conditions and mechanical properties of high-speed steel parts fabricated using direct selective laser sintering
Authors: Dewidar M M , Dalgarno K W , Wright C S
Published: February 2004

This paper reports the results of an investigation into the selective laser sintering of a prealloyed high-speed steel powder. The structured development of processing conditions for single lines, single layers and multiple layers of material is reported, as are the flexural modulus and strength of the single- and multiple layer components. Infiltration with bronze was used to improve the mechanical properties of the components and it is concluded that selective laser sintering of high-speed steel allied to bronze infiltration can produce material with the mechanical properties to allow for use in load-bearing applications, but that further work is required to improve the density, mechanical properties and build rate if selective laser sintering is to develop as a general manufacturing process for hard metals.
Using geometric shape variations to create an inverse model for a sheet metal process
Authors: Rolfe B F , Cardew-Hall M J , Abdallah S M , West G A W
Published: February 2004

The output of the sheet metal forming process is subject to much variation. This paper develops a method to measure shape variation in channel forming and relate this back to the corresponding process parameter levels of the manufacturing set-up to create an inverse model. The shape variation in the channels is measured using a modified form of the point distribution model (also known as the active shape model). This means that channels can be represented by a weighting vector of minimal linear dimension that contains all the shape variation information from the average formed channel.

The inverse models were created using classifiers that related the weighting vectors to the process parameter levels for the blank holder force (BHF), die radii (DR) and tool gap (TG) of the parameters. Several classifiers were tested: linear, quadratic Gaussian and artificial neural networks. The quadratic Gaussian classifiers were the most accurate and the most consistent type of classifier over all the parameters.
Finding the optimum Hill index in the determination of the forming limit diagram
Authors: Dariani B M , Azodi H D
Published: February 2004

The forming limit diagram (FLD) is a very useful diagnostic tool for troubleshooting in sheet metal forming industries. These curves can be assessed using theoretical and experimental approaches. In this paper, the FLD is calculated using Hill's non-quadratic yield criterion. It is shown that the theoretical results are dependent upon the Hill index. To achieve better agreement between theoretical and experimental results, the different Hill indices are used for different materials as well as the different regions of the FLD. The optimum Hill indices for left- and right-hand sides of the FLD for different materials are obtained regarding the experimental results.
Turning of titanium alloy with TiB2-coated carbides under cryogenic cooling
Authors: Venugopal K A , Tawade R , Prashanth P G , Paul S , Chattopadhyay A B
Published: February 2004

TiB2 is a relatively new coating material used on carbide cutting tool inserts and is useful owing to its high hardness and chemical inertness. In the present investigation, TiB2-coated carbide inserts were used to machine titanium alloy (Ti-5Al-5Mo-2Sn-V) under dry as well as cryogenic cooling conditions. The cutting forces, surface quality, surface roughness and tool wear were studied in detail. Although beneficial effects of machining under cryogenic cooling, reported in previous investigations, were observed in the present investigation, TiB2 as a coating material on carbide inserts was found to be unsuitable for machining titanium alloys. Removal of coating followed by severe abrasion, adhesion and diffusion was found to be the main reason for tool failure.
Finite element simulation of abrasive flow machining
Authors: Jain R K , Jain V K
Published: February 2004

The abrasive flow machining (AFM) process can be applied to an impressive range of finishing operations, providing uniform, repeatable and predictive results. It offers higher productivity, automation, flexibility and ability to control the intensity and location of machining. In the literature there is not much information available that deals with the theoretical analysis of AFM process. A finite element model has been proposed for analysing the flow of a viscoelastic medium in the AFM process. The results of the finite element analysis have been used to estimate the material removal and surface finish in AFM process. Experiments have been planned using a central composite rotatable design to obtain useful inferences by performing the minimum number of experiments. The theoretical results obtained by the finite element simulation have been compared with experimental results. The effects of the process parameters on the process performance have been discussed.
An improved chip flow model considering cutting geometry variations based on the equivalent cutting edge method
Authors: Wen D H , Zheng L , Li Z Z , Hu R S
Published: February 2004

An improved chip flow model of a nose-radiused cutting tool in oblique turning is developed considering cutting geometry variations based on the equivalent cutting edge method. The model-building procedure divided the arbitrary cutting area engaged with workpiece into a single edge and a nose-radiused cutting edge according to the depth of cut and tool nose radius. The individual effects on the chip flow angle are distinguished by the equivalent cutting edge method and the total chip flow angle obtained. The chip flow angle prediction results obtained under different cutting parameters show good agreement with experimental data.
Experimental design and investigation of a pin-type reconfigurable clamping system for manufacturing aerospace components
Authors: Al-Habaibeh A , Gindy N , Parkin R M
Published: February 2004

This paper presents an experimental design and evaluation of a pin-type universal clamping system. The clamping system is designed for holding complex-shaped aerospace components, such as turbine blades, during machining processes. The experimental investigation is performed by comparing the pin-type clamping system with a dedicated clamping system during the machining of aluminium and steel parts. Force signals are monitored during machining. The experimental results are presented and compared with a dedicated clamping system. From the comparison, the performance of the clamping system is discussed. The results provide an evaluation of the designed pin-type clamping systems for machining operations. The results prove that the pin-type clamping system can be reconfigured for machining different complex shaped components with performance comparable with a dedicated clamping system.
Measurements of the cavitation threshold of multigrade engine oils under dynamic stressing by pulses of negative pressure
Authors: Williams P. R. , Williams R. L.
Published: February 2004

This paper reports the first measurements of the effective tensile strength (or ‘cavitation threshold’) Fc, of degassed samples of a commercial multigrade engine oil over a range of temperatures, T, which are representative of those encountered under normal automotive engine operating conditions (in the range 20° C ≤ T ≤ 140°C). Also reported are the values of Fc obtained for Newtonian silicone oils over a range of shear viscosities. In the experiments reported herein, samples of liquid are subjected to dynamic stressing by a rapid pressure—tension cycle, this being a feature of the conditions experienced by an engine oil within a dynamically loaded journal bearing. The method used herein to estimate Fc avoids reliance upon direct measurements of substantial dynamic negative pressures using transducers which are designed for use in the range of positive pressures.
Initial development of non-evaporating diesel sprays in common-rail injection systems
Authors: Kang J , Bae C , Lee K. O.
Published: February 2004

Transient nature of common-rail diesel sprays was characterized at the initial stage of fuel injection, the effects of injection rate being taken into account. Direct photography and the shadowgraph technique were used to obtain macroscopic spray images at several different experimental conditions. Highly versatile image processing software was developed to analyse the spray images. In the analysis, spray penetration, dispersion and spray angles were defined and accurately measured by the software with consistency. The effects of rail pressure and ambient gas density upon spray behaviours were discussed in detail. Based on the measured injection rates, the asymptotic relations of spray penetration were found at early and late stages of injection. The changes in spray volume were correlated with the measured injection rates. It was found that the initial spray penetration correlates well with the amount of fuel injected. The increase in injection rate during the injection period was observed to induce a smaller spray angle.
A supercharged heavy-duty diesel single-cylinder research engine for high-pressure direct injection of natural gas
Authors: McTaggart-Cowan G. P. , Bushe W. K. , Hill P. G. , Munshi S. R.
Published: February 2004

A single cylinder of a heavy-duty diesel engine has been commissioned for research on the use of pilot diesel ignited natural gas which is directly injected into the cylinder. The cylinder is supercharged and equipped for exhaust gas recirculation. Performance and emissions measurements have been made over a range of loads, speeds, timings and equivalence ratios to indicate the potential for emissions reduction of high-pressure direct injection of natural gas. With independent control of boost pressure and engine backpressure, an examination has been made of the similarities and differences in performance of the single-cylinder engine and its multi-cylinder counterpart.
Rates of GDP Referral of Complete Dentures to a Teaching Hospital
Authors: Lamb David , Walsh Jennifer , Ellis Bryan
Published: February 2004

Purpose of study

To identify areas and sites of excessive referral of complete dentures by GDPs, allowing for factors which might distort referral rates.

Methods

Two hundred and six consecutive valid referrals of patients over the age of 50 years with complete dentures to a local dental teaching hospital and originating from the 29 Sheffield electoral wards were audited from the beginning of 1995 to the end of 1997. The referring practitioner and electoral ward were recorded.

Results

Referral rates were calculated according to the size of the 50+ population within each ward and were found to be normally distributed, following exclusion of two wards with much higher referral rates than normal (3.5 and 6 SDs [standard deviations] from the mean). After calculating mean numbers referred per full-time equivalent (FTE) GDP for all wards, practices and practitioners originating excessive numbers of referrals within a high-referring ward could be identified.

Conclusion

After taking into account factors which might permit a high referral rate to be acceptable, practices with inappropriately high referral rates can be identified and remedial teaching need pinpointed.
How Orthodontic Functional Appliances Work
Authors: Lee Robert T
Published: February 2004

Orthodontic functional appliances are an essential part of an orthodontist's armamentarium. The amount of their use varies greatly, some feeling they have limited use with minor effects, others claiming dramatic changes in facial growth and appearance, without significant genetic constraints. The evidence on clinical use is not equivocal, the general results however not showing an unlimited amount of skeletal change, but rather a balance of change in the growth of the facial bones and dentition with clinically significant changes in the facial soft tissues. This article examines the current evidence.
The Impact of Advances in Dental Sciences on Primary Dental Care
Authors: Scully Crispian
Published: February 2004

The next century will see phenomenal changes especially and, most importantly, in patient empowerment, in the improvement of health in the disadvantaged, and in the harmonisation of standards of healthcare throughout the world. Advances in the dental sciences will facilitate these improvements but the major changes surely will be largely stimulated and motivated by the information revolution and the advances in molecular and materials sciences. The identification, and protection against disease, of patients who, because of a genetic predisposition, are at particular risk of disease is likely to become possible. Simple, sensitive, effective, non-invasive and safe diagnostic procedures will become available, as will chairside diagnostic test kits that would identify specific microorganisms causal of oral disease. The advances in digital imaging will be taken further and linked to record-keeping. Specific safe agents targeted at responsible microorganisms will be devised, and systems to deliver therapeutic agents effectively and prevent tissue damage simply will be perfected. Painless, minimally-invasive techniques for the removal of diseased oral tissues will become available, as will biocompatible materials for replacement of lost oral tissues.
The Impact of the Electronic Media on Primary Dental Care in the 21st Century
Authors: Eaton Kenneth A
Published: February 2004

This paper attempts to predict how electronic media will impact on primary dental care in the twenty-first century. The predictions for the next 10 years are based on developments currently in train or on the premise that equipment and techniques, which have been recently introduced and are at present used by relatively few, will be used by many by 2010. During this decade, the impact of electronic media is considered in the areas of patient support, diagnosis, treatment planning, provision of treatment and its maintenance, quality control and practice management. The paper then speculates briefly about how dentists in primary dental care might practise in the year 2100. It concludes that although electronic media are likely to play an increasingly important role, a clinician's skills, knowledge and ability to communicate with patients will remain the keys to successful practice for the foreseeable future.
Intracranial Self-Administration of Ethanol within the Ventral Tegmental Area of Male Wistar Rats: Evidence for Involvement of Dopamine Neurons
Authors: Rodd Zachary A. , Melendez Roberto I. , Bell Richard L. , Kuc Kelly A. , Zhang Ying , Murphy James M. , McBride William J.
Published: February 2004

Previous work from our laboratory indicated that female Wistar rats will self-administer ethanol (EtOH) directly into the posterior ventral tegmental area (VTA). These results suggested that VTA dopamine (DA) neurons might be involved in mediating the reinforcing actions of EtOH within this region. The objectives of this study were to determine (1) the dose–response effects for the self-administration of EtOH into the VTA of male Wistar rats, and (2) the involvement of VTA DA neurons in the reinforcing actions of EtOH within the VTA. Adult male Wistar rats were implanted stereotaxically with guide cannulas aimed at the posterior or anterior VTA. After 1 week, rats were placed in standard two-lever (active and inactive) experimental chambers for a total of seven to eight sessions. The first experiment determined the intracranial self-administration of EtOH (0–400 mg%) into the posterior and anterior VTA. The second experiment examined the effects of coadministration of the D2/3agonist quinpirole on the acquisition and maintenance of EtOH self-infusions into the posterior VTA. The final experiment determined the effects of a D2antagonist (sulpiride) to reinstate self-administration behavior in rats given EtOH and quinpirole to coadminister. Male Wistar rats self-infused 100–300 mg% EtOH directly into the posterior, but not anterior, VTA. Coadministration of quinpirole prevented the acquisition and extinguished the maintenance of EtOH self-infusion into the posterior VTA, and addition of sulpiride reinstated EtOH self-administration. The results of this study indicate that EtOH is reinforcing within the posterior VTA of male Wistar rats and suggest that activation of VTA DA neurons is involved in this process.
The Glutamate Transporter GLT1a Is Expressed in Excitatory Axon Terminals of Mature Hippocampal Neurons
Authors: Chen Weizhi , Mahadomrongkul Veeravan , Berger Urs V. , Bassan Merav , DeSilva Tara , Tanaka Kohichi , Irwin Nina , Aoki Chiye , Rosenberg Paul A.
Published: February 2004

GLT1 is the major glutamate transporter of the brain and has been thought to be expressed exclusively in astrocytes. Although excitatory axon terminals take up glutamate, the transporter responsible has not been identified. GLT1 is expressed in at least two forms varying in the C termini, GLT1a and GLT1b. GLT1 mRNA has been demonstrated in neurons, without associated protein. Recently, evidence has been presented, using specific C terminus-directed antibodies, that GLT1b protein is expressed in neuronsin vivo. These data suggested that the GLT1 mRNA detected in neurons encodes GLT1b and also that GLT1b might be the elusive presynaptic transporter. To test these hypotheses, we used variant-specific probes directed to the 3′-untranslated regions for GLT1a and GLT1b to performin situhybridization in the hippocampus. Contrary to expectation, GLT1a mRNA was the more abundant form. To investigate further the expression of GLT1 in neurons in the hippocampus, antibodies raised against the C terminus of GLT1a and against the N terminus of GLT1, found to be specific by testing in GLT1 knock-out mice, were used for light microscopic and EM-ICC. GLT1a protein was detected in neurons, in 14–29% of axons in the hippocampus, depending on the region. Many of the labeled axons formed axo-spinous, asymmetric, and, thus, excitatory synapses. Labeling also occurred in some spines and dendrites. The antibody against the N terminus of GLT1 also produced labeling of neuronal processes. Thus, the originally cloned form of GLT1, GLT1a, is expressed as protein in neurons in the mature hippocampus and may contribute significantly to glutamate uptake into excitatory terminals.