bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nicotine replacement therapy for long-term smoking cessation: a meta-analysis
Authors: Etter Jean-François , Stapleton John A 
Published: August 2006

Objective:To assess if the effect of a single treatment episode with nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) enhances smoking cessation over many years.Data sources:Meta-analysis of all randomised controlled trials of NRT with final follow-up more than one year after the start of treatment. Twelve eligible trials were identified, all placebo-controlled, having final follow-ups ranging from 2–8 years. All had earlier follow-ups at 12 months. They comprised 2408 active and 2384 placebo treatment participants.Data synthesis:The odds ratio (OR) in favour of NRT at final follow-up was 1.99 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.50 to 2.64). There was no evidence that the effect varied according to length of final follow-up (β  =  0.92, p  =  0.28) or duration of initial NRT treatment (β  =  0.99, p > 0.5). The overall relapse rate between the 12 months and final follow-up was 30.0% (95% CI 23.5% to 37.5%). This rate did not differ between NRT and control groups (OR 1.11, 95% CI 0.78 to 1.59), or length of initial NRT treatment. There was also no evidence that it varied according to length of final follow up. Due to relapse, the overall efficacy of NRT treatment in terms of additional ex-smokers declined from 10.7% over and above placebo (6.6% to 14.8%) after one year to 7.2% (3.8% to 11.3%) at an average of 4.3 years follow up.Conclusions:The relative efficacy of a single course of NRT remains constant over many years. The majority of relapse after 12 months occurs within the first or second year and is not detectable thereafter, suggesting that NRT has a permanent effect on smoking cessation. However, initial relapse after one year has the effect of diminishing the number of ex-smokers that can be ultimately attributed to NRT. Results after only 6–12 months of follow-up, as used in existing reviews and treatment guidelines, will overestimate the lifetime benefit and cost-efficacy of NRT by about 30%. Because the long-term benefit of NRT is modest, tobacco dependence treatment might be better viewed as a chronic disorder, requiring repeated episodes of treatment.
Stretch induced accumulation of total Ca and Na in cytosol and nucleus: a comparison between cardiac trabeculae and isolated myocytesThis paper is one of a selection of papers published in this Special Issue, entitled The Nucleus: A Cell Within A Cell.
Authors: Wilhelm J. , Kondratev D. , Christ A. , Gallitelli M.F. 
Published: August 2006

By means of electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), we quantified changes in total sodium [Na] and calcium [Ca] concentration owing to the following: (i) local axial stretch (LAS) of isolated rat myocytes and (ii) end-to-end stretch (ETES) of rat ventricular trabeculae. For LAS, the distance between patch pipette and a cell-attached stylus was increased by maximally 20%; this activated a nonselective cationic current ISACof approximately –0.5 nA, which was blocked by streptomycin. Trabeculae were stretched end-to-end from 85% Lmaxto Lmax. Stretch increased cytosolic [Na]totalby 34% in isolated myocytes (p < 0.001) and by 43% in trabeculae (p < 0.001). The increment in nuclear [Na]totalwas 21% in myocytes (p < 0.01) and 20% in trabeculae (p < 0.001). Stretch increased [Ca]totalin isolated myocytes, in both cytosol (from 0.63 ± 0.09 to 1.09 ± 0.20 mmol/L, p < 0.05) and nucleus (from 0.33 ± 0.05 to 0.64 ± 0.13 mmol/L, p < 0.05). In trabeculae, the stretch-induced increment of 51% in cytosolic [Ca]totalremained nonsignificant (p < 0.15). In the nucleus, [Ca]totaldid not change. We interpret the difference of stretch on nuclear calcium in myocytes vs. trabeculae with the assumption that LAS, but not ETES, produces shear-stress components that translate the mechanical stimulus deeply into the cell where it may modulate [Ca]totalby signals independent of ISAC.
Protein Expression Profiling Identifies Cyclophilin A as a Molecular Target in Fhit-Mediated Tumor Suppression
Authors: Semba Shuho , Huebner Kay 
Published: August 2006

Abstract
Loss of fragile histidine triad (Fhit) expression is often associated with human malignancies, and Fhit functions as a tumor suppressor in controlling cell growth and apoptosis, although specific signal pathways are still undefined. We have used a proteomic approach to define proteins in the Fhit-mediated tumor suppression pathway. Because substitution of Tyr114 (Y114) with phenylalanine (Y114F) diminishes Fhit functions, we did protein expression profiling to identify proteins differentially expressed in Fhit-negative H1299 lung cancer cells infected with wild-type (Ad-FHIT-wt) and Y114 mutant FHIT-expressing (Ad-FHIT-Y114F) adenoviruses. Among 12 distinct proteins that exhibited 4-fold differences in expression on comparison of the two infected cell lysates, cyclophilin A, the intracellular reporter of the immunosuppressive drug cyclosporine A, showed a remarkably decreased protein level in cells infected with Ad-FHIT-wt versus Ad-FHIT-Y114F. Conversely, loss of Fhit expression resulted in increased cyclophilin A expression in mouse tissues and cell lines. Restoration of Fhit expression led to down-regulated cyclophilin A protein expression and subsequently prevented cyclophilin A–induced up-regulation of cyclin D1, Cdk4, and resultant cell cycle progression (G1-S transition), which was independent of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent kinase inhibitor, KN-93. Interestingly, Fhit down-modulation of phosphatase activity of calcineurin, which controls cyclin D1/Cdk4 activation, was reversed by cyclophilin A treatment in a concentration-dependent manner, a reversal that was inhibited by additional cyclosporine A treatment. Thus, cyclophilin A is a downstream target in Fhit-mediated cessation of cell cycle progression at late G1 phase. Elucidation of the protein effectors of Fhit signaling may lead to identification of targets for lung cancer therapy. (Mol Cancer Res 2006;4(8):529–38)
Studies on the genus Aphanolaimus de Man, 1880 (Nematoda: Aphanolaimidae) with description of two new species
Authors: Park Byeong-Yong , Holovachov Oleksandr , Sturhan Dieter 
Published: August 2006

AbstractThree known and two new species of Aphanolaimus are described, viz. A. louisae, A. seshadrii, A. brasiliensis, A. aberrans sp. n. and A. vietnamicus sp. n. New data on the morphology and distribution of A. louisae, A. seshadrii and A. brasiliensis are given. The male of A. brasiliensis is described for the first time: it is characterised by the presence of one pair of neck setae, four tubular supplements, two precloacal and six caudal setae, 13-18 μm long spicules with oval manubrium and gradually narrowing shaft, platelike gubernaculum. Aphanolaimus aberrans sp. n. is characterised by a 495-681 μm long body, longitudinally striated cuticle, presence of 24-34 lateral epidermal glands, weakly sclerotised stoma, amphid with central elevation, lateral field starting on the third to seventh annule, oval ventral gland cell; female reproductive system with developed spermathecae, straight vagina without sclerotisations; male with one pair of neck setae, with two or three small tubular supplements and three or four caudal setae, 13-18 μm long spicules with oval manubrium and gradually narrowing shaft, plate-like gubernaculum. Aphanolaimus vietnamicus sp. n. is characterised by a 544-569 μm long body, longitudinally striated cuticle, presence of 19 lateral epidermal glands, weakly sclerotised stoma, amphid with central elevation, lateral field starting on 14th-18th annule, oval ventral gland cell; female reproductive system with developed spermathecae, straight vagina without sclerotisations; male with one pair of neck setae, with two tubular supplements and four caudal setae, 12 μm long spicules with oval manubrium and gradually narrowing shaft.
Embryology and gonad development in Oscheius shamimi sp. n. (Nematoda: Rhabditida)
Authors: Tahseen Qudsia , Nisa Syim-ul 
Published: August 2006

AbstractA new species of Rhabditinae collected from compost, is described and illustrated together with observations on embryonic and post-embryonic development. Oscheius shamimi sp. n. is characterised by a medium-sized body (female: L = 0.76-1.52 mm, a = 12-20, b = 4.2-6.3, c = 6.8-13.8, c′ = 4.1-5.8, V = 45-51), finely annulated cuticle; slightly demarcated lip region; lips fused to form three doublets; six lines in lateral field; small stoma with isomorphic metastegostom; cylindrical pharyngeal corpus; slightly protruded vulval lips with subventral cuticular flap; long, proximally dilated, rectum; 53-61 μm long, robust spicules with long capitula having strongly cuticularised ventral walls; pseudopeloderan bursa with nine pairs of genital papillae in 1 + 1 + 1/3 + 3 + ph configuration and six to seven pairs of copulatory muscle bands. Oscheius shamimi sp. n. is amphimictic with a 1:1 sex ratio. The eggs are ovoid and smooth-shelled and measure 48-78 × 37-48 μm. Most eggs are laid in the late stages of embryonation. The embryonation time was 14-15 h at 25 ± 2°C. The genital primordium was orientated obliquely to the longitudinal axis and did not show division of primordial nuclei during the first moult. The didelphic female reproductive system was formed as a result of anterior and posterior elongation of the primordium while the monorchic reproductive system of the male developed from an anterior elongation of the primordium. The life cycle from egg to adult was completed in 3-3.5 days at 25 ± 2°C.
Activity of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase in roots of banana (Musa acuminata AAA, cvs Grande Naine and Yangambi km5) before and after infection with Radopholus similis
Authors: Wuyts Nathalie , Swennen Rony , De Waele Dirk 
Published: August 2006

AbstractPhenylpropanoids – phenolic compounds – take part in the wound and defence responses of plants and are frequently correlated with resistance. Enzymes directly or indirectly functional in the phenylpropanoid pathway are induced in plants in response to wounding and infection by pathogens, including sedentary endoparasitic nematodes. The activity of three of these enzymes, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), peroxidase (PO) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO), was analysed in banana roots before and 1, 3 and 7 days after inoculation with the burrowing nematode Radopholus similis and in comparison with mechanically wounded roots. Constitutive activities of PAL, PO and PPO were lower in the resistant cv. Yangambi km5 (Musa acuminata AAA) than in the susceptible cv. Grande Naine (Musa acuminata AAA). During the experiment, levels increased to those of cv. Grande Naine, but only for R. similis-inoculated roots of cv. Yangambi km5 enzyme activities at 3 and 7 days after the onset of the experiment were values significantly higher than constitutive ones. At 7 days after the treatments, PO activity was significantly higher in wounded roots of cv. Grande Naine than in control and nematode-inoculated roots. The level of PAL activity in nematode-treated roots of cv. Yangambi km5 at 7 days after inoculation was 2.3-fold higher than control and wounded roots and up to six-fold higher than cv. Grande Naine roots. We concluded that PAL was induced in R. similis-inoculated roots of the resistant cultivar only and that this response was different from wound induction. For PO and PPO we concluded that levels in the resistant cultivar increased to those of the susceptible cultivar as a response to general stress in the plants during the experiment. Nevertheless, final levels of PO and PPO activity in R. similis-inoculated roots of the resistant cultivar were significantly higher than constitutive ones.
Influence of Pratylenchus coffeae and Meloidogyne spp. on plant growth and yield of banana (Musa spp.) in Vietnam
Authors: Van den Bergh Inge , Tuyet Nguyen Thi , Nguyet Duong Thi Minh , De Waele Dirk , Nhi Ho Huu 
Published: August 2006

AbstractThe objective of the presented study was to look at the effect of Pratylenchus coffeae and Meloidogyne spp., the two major nematode species associated with banana ( Musa spp.) in North Vietnam, on the plant growth and yield of cv. Grand Naine (AAA) and four local banana cultivars, Ngu Tien (AA), Hot (BB), Ben Tre (AAA) and Tay Tia (ABB). Inoculated plants were compared with nematode-free control plants in terms of plant growth, crop cycle duration and yield under field conditions in Hanoi, North Vietnam. Infection with P. coffeae did not affect the crop cycle duration or the plant height, the pseudostem girth or the number of standing leaves at harvest of any of the cultivars, but did significantly reduce the bunch weight of cv. Ngu Tien from 6.6 to 5.3 kg (20% reduction), the bunch weight of cv. Tay Tia from 7.3 to 5.9 kg (19% reduction) and the bunch weight of cv. Grand Naine from 6.9 to 6.0 kg (13% reduction). The bunch weight of cvs Hot and Ben Tre was not significantly affected. The number of hands of the inoculated and the control plants did not differ for any of the cultivars but infection with P. coffeae resulted in a 34% reduction in the number of fingers of cv. Grand Naine (from 67 to 44 fingers). The number of fingers of the other cultivars were not affected by inoculation with P. coffeae. Infection with Meloidogyne spp. did not affect the time from planting to harvest for any of the cultivars, but the time from planting to shooting was increased from 367 to 387 days for cv. Ngu Tien. The plant height and the pseudostem girth at harvest of cv. Grand Naine were significantly reduced by 27% and 18%, respectively. The number of standing leaves as well as the plant height and the pseudostem girth at harvest of the other cultivars were unaffected. Infection with Meloidogyne spp. significantly reduced the bunch weight of cv. Ngu Tien from 6.6 to 5.1 kg (23% reduction) and the bunch weight of cv. Grand Naine from 6.9 to 5.6 kg (19% reduction). The bunch weight of cv. Hot was unaffected. Infection with Meloidogyne spp. reduced the number of hands of cv. Ngu Tien by 14% (from 6.2 to 5.4 hands) the number of fingers of cv. Grand Naine by 25% (from 67 to 50 fingers). The number of hands and fingers of the other cultivars were not affected. The results indicate that in areas where the burrowing nematode, Radopholus similis, is not present, other nematodes, especially Meloidogyne spp., may become more important in terms of damage and yield loss.
Detection of Heterodera schachtii infestation in sugar beet by means of laser-induced and pulse amplitude modulated chlorophyll fluorescence
Authors: Kiewnick Sebastian , Kühbauch Walter , Schmitz Astrid , Tartachnyk Iryna , Sikora Richard 
Published: August 2006

AbstractTwo glasshouse experiments with sugar beet cvs Penta and Macarena inoculated, respectively, with 0 or 1500 and 0, 500, 1000 or 1500 juveniles of Heterodera schachtii, were conducted to estimate the capability of laser-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (LIF) and pulse amplitude modulated (PAM) chlorophyll fluorescence techniques to detect H. schachtii infestation and to differentiate between infestation levels. Fluorescence and gas exchange parameters, nitrogen and chlorophyll content of sugar beet leaves were measured weekly after nematode inoculation. Sugar beet plants responded to H. schachtii infestation initially with a decrease in photosynthesis rate and later with a reduction in nitrogen uptake and chlorophyll concentration. At the early stages of nematode infestation, before visual symptoms were evident, infested sugar beet plants displayed increased fluorescence (F680, F740). Later stages of infection were accompanied by an increase in the F686/F740 ratio, ground fluorescence (Fo) and a decrease in photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm) induced by degradation of leaf chlorophyll. Sugar beet plants infested with 500, 1000 or 1500 juveniles per 100 cm3 of soil did not differ either in their nitrogen and chlorophyll content or in photosynthesis and transpiration rate. The linear discrimination analysis based on the combination of PAM and LIF parameters resulted in 100% correct classification of control plants and high classification rates (60-100%) of the infested treatments on all the sampling dates. Whether the fluorescence technique will differentiate nematode densities under field conditions needs further study.
Spermatozoon ultrastructure in the sphaerularioidid nematode Contortylenchus genitalicola (Tylenchomorpha: Sphaerularioidea)
Authors: Kosaka Hajime , Yushin Vladimir , Kusunoki Manabu 
Published: August 2006

AbstractThe spermatozoa of the insect-parasitic tylenchomorph nematode Contortylenchus genitalicola (Tylenchomorpha: Sphaerularioidea) were studied with the transmission electron microscope. The immature spermatozoa from the testis are unpolarised cells with a centrally located nucleus lacking a nuclear envelope. The cytoplasm contains mitochondria and specific components, membranous organelles (MO) and fibrous bodies (FB). The MO are spherical vesicles with an internal system of finger-like invaginations of the membrane; the cylinder-like FB consist of tightly packed parallel fibres. The mature (activated) spermatozoa from the uterus are bipolar cells with the anterior pseudopod and posterior main cell body (MCB), which includes the nucleus, mitochondria and MO. The MO are attached to the spermatozoon plasmalemma and open to the exterior via pores. FB were not observed but their content may be transformed into the pseudopod cytoskeleton. In general, the spermatozoa of C. genitalicola well resemble those of free-living and parasitic nematodes from a variety of the taxa belonging to the order Rhabditida sensu De Ley & Blaxter (2002). The presence of the MO in C. genitalicola spermatozoa may be considered as an important cytological character that differentiates the superfamilies Sphaerularioidea and Tylenchoidea within the infraorder Tylenchomorpha. The plant-parasitic Tylenchoidea are characterised by a total absence of MO at all stages of sperm development.
Patronage, Activists and Repression: A Comparison of Minority Conflicts in Northern and Southern Thailand
Authors: Korff Rüdiger , Korff Valeska , Manakit Peerapong 
Published: August 2006

AbstractThis paper compares the ethnic (indigenous) movements in northern Thailand with the violent conflict in the southernmost provinces of the country, and considers how these movements relate to both the state and the local population. The construction of the nation as an 'imagined community' is a project of the national political elites. Similarly, the construction of an ethnic identity emerges from the local elites. This implies that national integration and minority formation are simultaneous processes, in which national elites enforcing a national identity confront local elites constructing minority identities. The potential conflict is reduced through co-opting the local elites into the ruling system. This has not been the case for the ethnic minorities of the north. There they either define themselves as representatives of the minorities, or monopolise administrative positions established through decentralisation policies. In the south the conflict in which the local elites lost their power positions dates back decades, if not centuries. There too co-optation did not take place until the 1980s. Then a relative pacification set in, when possibilities for political participation for these elites improved. The conflict escalated again when these possibilities were reduced after the election in 2001 with a new government policy.
Rescuing the Empire: Chinese Nation-building in the Twentieth Century
Authors: Fiskesjö Magnus 
Published: August 2006

AbstractThis paper takes modern China's dilemma of how to deal with the legacy of its imperial past as the starting point for a discussion of the drawn-out re-creation of China in the twentieth century. The particular focus is on the important role of non-Han ethnic minorities in this process. It is pointed out that the non-recognition and forced assimilation of all such minorities, in favour of a unified citizenship on an imagined European, American or Japanese model, was actually considered as a serious alternative and favoured by many Chinese nation-builders in the wake of the overthrow of the last imperial dynasty in 1911. The article then proceeds to a discussion of why, on the contrary, ethnic minorities should instead have been formally identified and in some cases even actively organised as official minorities, recognised and incorporated into the state structure, as happened after 1949. Based on the formal and symbolic qualities of the constitution of these minorities, it is argued that new China is also a new formulation of the imperial Chinese model, which resurrects the corollary idea of civilisation as a transformative force that requires a primitive, backward periphery as its object.
Between Unity and Diversity: The Construction of the Indonesian Nation
Authors: Meuleman Johan 
Published: August 2006

AbstractThis article studies the process of nation-building in Indonesia. Using a historical approach for the analysis of what is portrayed as a nonlinear, long-term process, it discusses relevant developments during the pre-colonial, colonial and post-colonial eras, with particular attention to the New Order and most recent periods. The analysis focuses on the complex relations between unity and diversity and highlights the multiplicity of frame-works within which inhabitants of the present Republic of Indonesia have constituted their identities, including national, transnational and subnational ones. Two questions that receive particular attention are the role of religion and the relations between the centre and various parts of the country. The article argues that various factors, including religion and ethnicity, have contributed to nation-building in specific circumstances, but have had contrary effects under other conditions. It also shows that progress and regression in nation-building has partially been the voluntary or involuntary effect of the tactical use governments and other political actors have made of manifold communal differences. It adds that the identity of Indonesian citizens becomes increasingly complex and trans- as well as subnational components increasingly important, but that this does not automatically imply the end of the nation-building process.
Using Local Resources: Barefoot Doctors and Bone Manipulation in Rural Langzhong, Sichuan Province, Prc
Authors: Lora-Wainwright Anna 
Published: August 2006

This article offers an account of two local options for healing available in contemporary rural Sichuan. Since the recent economic reforms, available healthcare options have multiplied due to social, economic and cultural changes. Yet, rising costs have entailed a narrowing of resources accessible to rural peasantry. In this context, research on the use of local alternatives becomes paramount. The barefoot doctor and bone manipulator discussed below offer accessible healthcare without conspicuously compromising its quality. Their position as members of the local community and experienced healers, who have been practising for over 30 years, enhances faith in their healing powers. A study of these practitioners offers insights into how local people evaluate their services, and highlights the importance of assessing their practice in the terms used by the locals themselves.
Case studies drawn from fifteen months of research and experience of living in rural China illustrate that medical choices are situational, strategic and performative. Apparent inconsistencies between villagers' claims and daily practices become intelligible in light of the wider challenges they face. Indeed, evaluation of local healers cannot be divorced from peasants' experience of the cultural, social and economic setting. Focusing on the sufferers' own understanding, feelings and practices surrounding illness and health allows us to appreciate how efficacy is discussed, evaluated and established. In turn it highlights the continuing importance of local healing alternatives.