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Strong Negative Correlation (strong + negative_correlation)
Selected AbstractsAbstract no.: 6 Endothelium-dependent relaxation by purinergic receptors in the aorta of apolipoprotein E-deficient miceFUNDAMENTAL & CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Issue 3 2005A. Korda Previously we reported that the acetylcholine-induced relaxation in the isolated aorta of apolipoprotein E-deficient (apoE -/- ) mice deteriorates after the development of atherosclerotic plaques, but remains normal in adjacent, plaque-free segments. The present study investigated the presence of functional purinergic receptors in the murine aorta, and whether their function changes before or after the development of atherosclerosis. Endothelium-dependent relaxation was measured in aorta segments of apoE -/- , C57BL6 (WT) and human apoAI-overexpressing apoE -/- mice (apoAI/apoE -/- ) on regular chow. Rings were isometrically contracted with phenylephrine to 50% of their maximum force before performing cumulative concentration-response curves to different nucleotides or their stable analogues. After the functional study, the cross-sectional area of the plaque was determined in every segment. The nucleotides induced complete (UTP, UDP, ATP) or partial (ADP) relaxation that was abolished by endothelial cell removal or nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibition. The responses pointed to the presence of functional P2y1, P2y2 or P2y4 receptors on endothelial cells. RT-PCR confirmed the presence of P2y1 and P2y4 mRNA in the aorta of WT mice. Nucleotide responses were unaltered in lesion-free apoE -/- mice (5 months). However, in atherosclerotic segments of apoE -/- mice (18 months), the relaxation to ATP was impaired compared to age-matched WT controls (maximum amplitude (Emax) 25 ± 14%, n = 6 vs. 90 ± 3%, n = 5, P < 0.01). A similar defect was seen for the stable analogue ATP-gamma-S (Emax 36 ± 12% vs. 86 ± 3%, P < 0.01). Atherosclerotic apoE -/- segments were less sensitive to the NO donor spermineNONOate (pD2 6.74 ± 0.18) than WT segments (7.25 ± 0.20), but maximum relaxation was unaltered. In non-atherosclerotic aorta segments of the same apoE -/- mice all relaxation responses remained normal and were not different from WT. Strong negative correlations (P < 0.001) existed between lesion size and the Emax for ATP (rs = ,0.82) and ATP-gamma-S (rs = ,0.73) in apoE -/- mice. ApoAI overexpression improved the purinergic responses (Emax ATP 64 ± 9%, ATP-gamma-S 64 ± 10%, n = 5) and these were not different from WT (P > 0.05). An analysis of covariance with plaque size as covariate suggested that this benefit was secondary to the strongly reduced plaque formation in apoAI/apoE -/- mice. It is concluded that functional P2 y receptors are present on murine aortic endothelium. Furthermore, endothelium-dependent purinergic relaxation declines after plaque development. This deterioration involves decreased bioavailability of NO rather than enhanced ATP degradation. The defect is, however, not systemic since the responses remain unaltered in plaque-free segments of atherosclerosis-prone apoE -/- mice. [source] Flooding induced emissions of volatile signalling compounds in three tree species with differing waterlogging tolerancePLANT CELL & ENVIRONMENT, Issue 9 2010LUCIAN COPOLOVICI ABSTRACT To gain insight into variations in waterlogging responsiveness, net assimilation rate, stomatal conductance, emissions of isoprene and marker compounds of anoxic metabolism ethanol and acetaldehyde, and stress marker compounds nitric oxide (NO), volatile products of lipoxygenase (LOX) pathway and methanol were studied in seedlings of temperate deciduous tree species Alnus glutinosa, Populus tremula and Quercus rubra (from highest to lowest waterlogging tolerance) throughout sustained root zone waterlogging of up to three weeks. In all species, waterlogging initially resulted in reductions in net assimilation and stomatal conductance and enhanced emissions of ethanol, acetaldehyde, NO, LOX products and methanol, followed by full or partial recovery depending on process and species. Strong negative correlations between gs and internal NO concentration and NO flux, valid within and across species, were observed throughout the experiment. Isoprene emission capacity was not related to waterlogging tolerance. Less waterlogging tolerant species had greater reduction and smaller acclimation capacity in foliage physiological potentials, and larger emission bursts of volatile stress marker compounds. These data collectively provide encouraging evidence that emissions of volatile organics and NO can be used as quantitative measures of stress tolerance and acclimation kinetics in temperate trees. [source] Acute mountain sickness is associated with sleep desaturation at high altitudeRESPIROLOGY, Issue 4 2004Keith R. BURGESS Objective: This study was intended to demonstrate a biologically important association between acute mountain sickness (AMS) and sleep disordered breathing. Methodology: A total of 14 subjects (eight males, six females aged 36 ± 10 years) were studied at six different altitudes from sea level to 5050 m over 12 days on a trekking route in the Nepal Himalaya. AMS was quantified by Lake Louise (LL) score. At each altitude, sleep was studied by 13 channel polysomnography (PSG). Resting arterial blood gases (ABG) and exercise SaO2 were measured. Ventilatory responses (VR) were measured at sea level. Individual data were analysed for association at several altitudes and mean data were analysed for association over all altitudes. Results: ABG showed partial acclimatization. For the mean data, there were strong positive correlations between LL score and altitude, and periodic breathing, as expected. Strong negative correlations existed between LL score and PaO2, PaCO2, sleep SaO2 and exercise SaO2, but there was no correlation with sea level VR. There were equally tight correlations between LLs/PaO2 and LL score/sleep SaO2. The individual data showed no significant correlations with LL score at any altitude, probably reflecting the non-steady state nature of the experiment. In addition, mean SaO2 during sleep was similar to minimum exercise SaO2 at each altitude and minimum sleep SaO2 was lower, suggesting that the hypoxic insult during sleep was equivalent to or greater than walking at high altitude. Conclusions: It is concluded that desaturation during sleep has a biologically important association with AMS, and it is speculated that under similar conditions (trekking) it is an important cause of AMS. [source] T lymphopaenia in relation to body mass index and TNF-, in human obesity: adequate weight reduction can be correctiveCLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY, Issue 3 2001S.-I. Tanaka OBJECTIVE Although individuals with obesity are susceptible to infection, the underlying causes have not been fully identified. To investigate whether obesity affects immunity, we studied subjects with isolated obesity. DESIGN AND SUBJECTS Thirty-four obese persons from our outpatient obesity clinic and 50 nonobese healthy control subjects were studied. The effects of weight reduction were evaluated in obese subjects on a very-low-energy diet. We examined blastogenic response, lymphocyte subsets, circulatory TNF-,, soluble TNF-, receptor 1, soluble TNF-, receptor 2, and in vitro TNF-, production in obesity. MEASUREMENTS Lymphocyte subsets were analysed with flowcytometry. TNF-, and soluble TNF receptors levels were assayed using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. RESULTS Blastogenic responses to phytohemagglutinin or concanavalin A of T cells, CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD4+CD45RO+, and TCR ,, T cells were significantly diminished in obese subjects. Strong negative correlations were observed between TCR ,, and body weight and BMI in obese subjects. Circulatory levels of TNF-,, soluble TNF-, receptors, and in vitro TNF-, production were significantly increased compared to nonobese subjects. In obese subjects, there were significant positive correlations between serum levels of TNF-, and waist-hip ratio, serum levels of soluble TNF-, receptor 1 and body weight, soluble TNF-, receptor 2 and BMI, and soluble TNF-, receptor 2 and waist-hip ratio. The T cell responses and previously reduced non-CD8 T cell subsets were increased significantly following weight reduction. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that subsets of T cell populations and their function may be reduced in human obesity, and that this may be related, at least in part, to the elevated TNF-, production. Furthermore, this T cell dysfunction can be recovered by adequate weight reduction. [source] Evidence for distinct effects of GH and IGF-I in the metabolic syndromeDIABETIC MEDICINE, Issue 9 2007P. Maison Abstract Aims, The metabolic syndrome is a cluster of cardiovascular risk factors which include central obesity, dyslipidaemia, glucose intolerance and hypertension. These risk factors are common in patients with growth hormone (GH) deficiency, suggesting a role for the somatotropic axis in the development of metabolic syndrome. Methods, We used factor analysis to investigate the relationships linking serum levels of GH and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) to metabolic syndrome variables (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting glucose, blood pressure and waist circumference). We studied 359 men and 388 women from the Data from an Epidemiological Study on the Insulin Resistance syndrome (DESIR). Their age range was 30,64 years. Results, Three independent latent factors explained 61% of the total variance in women and four factors explained 73% in men. In both men and women, IGF-I showed a strong positive correlation with the lipid factor and a negative correlation with the obesity/glucose factor. In women, GH showed a strong negative correlation with the obesity/glucose factor but not the lipid factor. In men, GH was unrelated to the lipid and obesity/glucose factors. The blood pressure factor was not related to GH or IGF-I. In contrast with IGF-I, GH was significantly lower in women with metabolic syndrome (1575 ± 449 pg/ml) than in the other women (2121 ± 520 pg/ml, P = 0.002). No significant difference was observed in men for GH or IGF-I. Conclusion, Our results support a link between the somatotropic axis and several features of the metabolic syndrome, and suggest distinct effects of GH and IGF-I on these parameters. [source] Warming and depth interact to affect carbon dioxide concentration in aquatic mesocosmsFRESHWATER BIOLOGY, Issue 4 2008KYLA M. FLANAGAN Summary 1. Climate change may significantly influence lake carbon dynamics and consequently the exchange of CO2 with the atmosphere. Warming will accelerate multiple processes that either absorb or release CO2, making predicting the net effect of warming on CO2 exchange with the atmosphere difficult. Here we experimentally test how the CO2 flux of deep and shallow systems responds to warming. To do this, we conducted a greenhouse experiment using mesocosms of two depths, experiencing either ambient or warmed temperatures. 2. Deeper mesocosms were found to have a lower average CO2 concentration than shallower mesocosms under ambient temperature conditions. In addition, warming interacts with mesocosm depth to affect the average CO2 concentration; there was no effect of warming on the average CO2 concentration of deep mesocosms, but shallow mesocosms had significantly lower average CO2 concentrations when warmed. 3. The difference in CO2 concentration resulting from the depth manipulation was due to varying loss rates of particulate carbon to the sediments. There was a strong negative correlation between CO2 and sedimentation rates in the deep mesocosms suggesting that high particulate carbon loss to the sediments lowered the CO2 concentration in the water column. There was no correlation between CO2 and sedimentation rates observed for shallow mesocosms suggesting enhanced carbon regeneration from the sediments was maintaining higher CO2 concentrations in the water column. 4. Relationships between CO2 and algal concentrations indicate that the reduction in CO2 concentrations resulting from warming is due to increased per capita algal turnover rates depleting CO2 in the water column. Our results suggest that the carbon dynamics and CO2 flux of shallow systems will be affected more by climate warming than deep systems and the net effect of warming is to increase CO2 uptake. [source] Variation in Serripes groenlandicus (Bivalvia) growth in a Norwegian high-Arctic fjord: evidence for local- and large-scale climatic forcingGLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY, Issue 9 2006WILLIAM G. AMBROSE Jr. Abstract We examined the growth rate of the circumpolar Greenland Cockle (Serripes groenlandicus) over a period of 20 years (1983,2002) from Rijpfjord, a high-Arctic fjord in northeast Svalbard (80°10,N, 22°15,E). This period encompassed different phases of large-scale climatic oscillations with accompanying variations in local physical variables (temperature, atmospheric pressure, precipitation, sea ice cover), allowing us to analyze the linkage between growth rate, climatic oscillations, and their local physical and biological manifestations. Standard growth index (SGI), an ontogenetically adjusted measure of annual growth, ranged from a low of 0.27 in 2002 up to 2.46 in 1996. Interannual variation in growth corresponded to the Arctic climate regime index (ACRI), with high growth rates during the positive ACRI phase characterized by cyclonic ocean circulation and a warmer and wetter climate. Growth rates were influenced by local manifestations of the ACRI: positively correlated with precipitation and to a lesser extent negatively correlated with atmospheric pressure. A multiple regression model explains 65% of the variability in growth rate by the ACRI and precipitation at the nearest meteorological station. There were, however, complexities in the relationship between growth and physical variables, including an apparent 1 year lag between physical forcing changes and biological response. Also, when the last 4 years of poor growth are excluded, there is a very strong negative correlation with ice cover on a pan-arctic scale. Our results suggest that bivalves, as sentinels of climate change on multi-decadal scales, are sensitive to environmental variations associated with large-scale changes in climate, but that the effects will be determined by changes in environmental parameters regulating marine production and food availability on a local scale. [source] Snow cover in western Poland and macro-scale circulation conditionsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLIMATOLOGY, Issue 5 2002Ewa Bednorz Abstract The aim of the study was to find out the connection between the nature of winters in the western part of Poland (excluding the Sudety mountains) and the fluctuation in the atmospheric circulation in the North Atlantic region determined by the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) index. An attempt was made to establish the correlation between the NAO index and specific meteorological parameters in Pozna,. The strongest positive correlation was obtained for the mean winter temperature (December,March) and strong negative correlation was found for the number of days with snow cover. Winter precipitation in Pozna, was least associated with the NAO. The correlation coefficient was small and not significant. In the next stage of the study, the area of western Poland was examined; however, only one parameter, i.e. the number of days with snow cover, was taken into consideration. At each of 29 stations distributed in the study area the number of days with snow cover was proved to be strongly negatively correlated with the NAO index. Finally, the frequency of air flow directions was taken into consideration and their association with the NAO was examined. A strong negative correlation was obtained for the frequency of northeasterly and easterly air flow directions and a strong positive correlation was calculated for the frequency of westerly and northwesterly airflow directions. Such findings are consistent with the westerly flow of air masses during the positive phase and with the northerly and easterly flows during the negative phase. The results lead to the conclusion that the positive phase of the NAO causes mild and less snowy winters, whereas the negative phase increases the probability of severe and snowy winters in western Poland. Copyright © 2002 Royal Meteorological Society. [source] Effect of Secondary Salinization on Photosynthesis in Fodder Oat (Avena sativa L.) GenotypesJOURNAL OF AGRONOMY AND CROP SCIENCE, Issue 1 2000A. Chatrath The effect of secondary salinization on photosynthesis was studied in fodder oat genotypes Kent, JHO-829, JHO-881, UPO-94 and OS-6 at the flower initiation stage. With an increase in the electrical conductivity (EC) of irrigation water, the net photosynthesis rate (PN) and the transpiration rate (E) of all the genotypes decreased. The intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci) increased in all genotypes at 10 dS m,1. Stomatal resistance (Rs) had a strong negative correlation with PN and E. The increase in Ci together with the increase in the Rs shows that at higher EC non-stomatal factors also start contributing to the limitation of photosynthesis. This study suggests that secondary salinization effects are strongly under stomatal control at lower saline water irrigation levels, but at higher levels non-stomatal factors may come into play. [source] Effects of breed, sex and halothane genotype on fatty acid composition of triacylglycerols and phospholipids in pork longissimus muscleJOURNAL OF ANIMAL BREEDING AND GENETICS, Issue 4 2009S. Zhang Summary The objective of this study was to estimate the effects of breed, sex, and halothane (HAL-1843TM) genotype on fatty acid composition of triacylglycerols (TAG) and phospholipids (PL) extracted from porcine longissimus muscle (LM). Purebred Yorkshire (n = 131), Duroc (n = 136), Hampshire (n = 49), Spotted (n = 35), Chester White (n = 74), Poland China (n = 51), Berkshire (n = 169) and Landrace (n = 82) pigs (n = 727; 427 barrows and 300 gilts) from the 1994 and 2001 National Barrow Show Sire Progeny Tests were used. For statistical analyses, a mixed model was used that included fixed effects of breed, sex, HAL-1843TM genotype, year, slaughter date within each year, interaction of breed × sex and random effects of sire and dam within breed. Breeds and sex were significantly associated with the percentages of the majority fatty acids in TAG. Duroc pigs had greater total saturated fatty acids (SFA) and lower total monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) (p < 0.05) contents than did pigs of all other breeds except Berkshire (p > 0.05). The concentration of total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) was the greatest in Hampshire pigs (p < 0.05). The content of total SFA was greater (p < 0.01), whereas the concentrations of total MUFA and PUFA were lower (p < 0.01) in barrows than those in gilts. The contents of major SFA in PL did not differ significantly among pigs from different breeds and sex groups. However, breed and sex significantly affected the concentrations of major MUFA and PUFA in PL and strong negative correlation between the total contents of MUFA and PUFA in PL was observed in the current study. Chester White pigs had greater total MUFA and lower total PUFA contents (p < 0.05) in PL than did pigs of all other breeds except Spotted (p > 0.05). In contrast to breed and sex effects, the concentrations of fatty acids in PL were more affected by HAL-1843TM genotype than those in TAG. The content of C16:0, a major SFA in PL, differed significantly in pigs with different HAL-1843TM genotypes. In conclusion, these results suggest that breed and sex are important sources of the variations for fatty acid composition of TAG and PL in LM. [source] Circadian Profile of Cardiac Autonomic Nervous Modulation in Healthy Subjects:JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 8 2003Differing Effects of Aging, Gender on Heart Rate Variability Introduction: Although heart rate variability (HRV) has been established as a tool to study cardiac autonomic activity, almost no data are available on the circadian patterns of HRV in healthy subjects aged 20 to 70 years. Methods and Results: We investigated 166 healthy volunteers (81 women and 85 men; age 42 ± 15 years, range 20,70) without evidence of cardiac disease. Time-domain HRV parameters were determined from 24-hour Holter monitoring and calculated as hourly mean values and mean 24-hour values. All volunteers were fully mobile, awoke around 7 A.M., and had 6 to 8 hours of sleep. Circadian profiles of vagus-associated HRV parameters revealed a marked day-night pattern, with a peak at nighttime and a plateau at daytime. The characteristic nocturnal peak and the day-night amplitude diminished with aging by decade. Estimates of overall HRV (geometric triangular index [TI], SD of NN intervals [SDNN]) and long-term components of HRV (SD of the averages of NN intervals for all 5-min segments [SDANN]) were low at nighttime and increased in the morning hours. There was a significant decline of 24-hour values of all HRV parameters (P < 0.001) and a strong negative correlation (P < 0.001) with increasing age. Mean 24-hour RR interval (P < 0.001), SDNN, mean SD of NN intervals for all 5-minute intervals (SDNNi), and SDANN (all P < 0.01) were significantly higher in men. Younger men also exhibited significantly higher values for vagus-associated parameters (root mean square successive difference [rMSSD], P < 0.05; SDNNi, P < 0.01); however, gender differences diminished with increasing age. Conclusion: Normal aging is associated with a constant decline of cardiac vagal modulation due to a significant decrease of nocturnal parasympathetic activity. The significant gender-related difference of HRV decreases with aging. These findings emphasize the need to determine age-, gender-, and nycthemeral-dependent normal ranges for HRV assessment. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 14, pp. 791-799, August 2003) [source] Changes in miombo woodland cover in and around Sengwa Wildlife Research Area, Zimbabwe, in relation to elephants and fireAFRICAN JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY, Issue 3 2002Isaac N. Mapaure Abstract One of the consequences of impacts of elephants and fire on woodlands is a change in woody cover, which often results in major challenges for wildlife managers. Changes in miombo woodland cover in and around Sengwa Wildlife Research Area (SWRA) between 1958 and 1996 were quantified by analyzing aerial photographs. Woody cover in SWRA decreazed from 95.2% in 1958 to 68.2% in 1996, with a lowest mean of 62.9% in 1983. The annual absolute rate of woody cover change in SWRA increazed from ,1.1% per annum between 1958 and 1964 to a recovery of 1.6% per annum between 1993 and 1996, while the annual relative rate increazed from ,1.1% per annum between 1958 and 1964 to 3.3% per annum between 1993 and 1996. There was a strong negative correlation between elephant densities and woody cover in SWRA, suggesting that loss of woody cover was mainly due to elephants. Woodland recovery after 1983 was due to reductions in elephant populations through legal and illegal off-take and reductions in fire frequency. Surrounding areas experienced less woody cover losses than SWRA, mainly due to tree removal by locals whose densities increazed after the eradication of tsetse fly in the 1970s. Résumé Une des conséquences de l'impact des éléphants et des feux sur les forêts s'exprime par un changement du couvert ligneux qui pose souvent de fameux défis pour les gestionnaires de la faune. Les changements du couvert forestier à Miombo, qui sont survenus à l'intérieur et aux alentours de l'Aire de Recherche sur la Faune de Sengwa (SWRA) entre 1956 et 1996, ont été quantifiés grâce à l'analyse de photos aériennes. Le couvert forestier de la SWRA a diminué de 95.2% en 1958 à 68.2% en 1996, la moyenne la plus basse étant observée en 1983, avec 62.9%. Le taux annuel absolu de changement du couvert forestier dans la SWRA est passé de , 1.1% par an entre 1958 et 1964 à une restauration de 1.6% par an entre 1993 et 1996, tandis que le taux annuel relatif augmentait de , 1.1% par an entre 1958 et 1964 à 3.3% par an entre 1993 et 1996. Il existait une forte corrélation négative entre la densité des éléphants et le couvert forestier de la SWRA, ce qui laisse supposer que la perte de couvert forestier était due principalement aux éléphants. La restauration de la forêt après 1983 était due à des réductions des populations d'éléphants suite à des prélèvements, légaux ou non, et à une baisse de la fréquence des feux. Les zones adjacentes ont subi de moins fortes pertes du couvert forestier que la SWRA, et celles-ci étaient principalement dues à des coupes faites par les locaux dont la densité a augmenté suite à l'éradication de la mouche tsé-tsé dans les années 1970. [source] Variation in synonymous codon use and DNA polymorphism within the Drosophila genomeJOURNAL OF EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY, Issue 1 2006N. BIERNE Abstract A strong negative correlation between the rate of amino-acid substitution and codon usage bias in Drosophila has been attributed to interference between positive selection at nonsynonymous sites and weak selection on codon usage. To further explore this possibility we have investigated polymorphism and divergence at three kinds of sites: synonymous, nonsynonymous and intronic in relation to codon bias in D. melanogaster and D. simulans. We confirmed that protein evolution is one of the main explicative parameters for interlocus codon bias variation (r2, 40%). However, intron or synonymous diversities, which could have been expected to be good indicators of local interference [here defined as the additional increase of drift due to selection on tightly linked sites, also called ,genetic draft' by Gillespie (2000)] did not covary significantly with codon bias or with protein evolution. Concurrently, levels of polymorphism were reduced in regions of low recombination rates whereas codon bias was not. Finally, while nonsynonymous diversities were very well correlated between species, neither synonymous nor intron diversities observed in D. melanogaster were correlated with those observed in D. simulans. All together, our results suggest that the selective constraint on the protein is a stable component of gene evolution while local interference is not. The pattern of variation in genetic draft along the genome therefore seems to be instable through evolutionary times and should therefore be considered as a minor determinant of codon bias variance. We argue that selective constraints for optimal codon usage are likely to be correlated with selective constraints on the protein, both between codons within a gene, as previously suggested, and also between genes within a genome. [source] The temporal expression and localization of extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) during the development of perio-dontitis in an animal modelJOURNAL OF PERIODONTAL RESEARCH, Issue 4 2010L. Liu Liu L, Li C, Cai X, Xiang J, Cao Z, Dong W. The temporal expression and localization of extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) during the development of periodontitis in an animal model. J Periodont Res 2010; 45: 541,549. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S Background and Objective:, We previously demonstrated extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) was associated with the matrix metalloproteinases production of human periodontitis. The aim of this study was to investigate the temporal expression and localization of EMMPRIN during ligature-induced periodontitis in rats. Material and Methods:, Periodontitis was inducd in rats by placing a thread around the cervix of the first mandibular molar. Animals were killed 3, 7, 11, 15 or 21 d after ligation. Mandibles were processed for paraffin sections and stained with hematoxylin and eosin or picrosirius red. The distance from the amelocemental junction to the alveolar crest (ACJ,AC) and the area fraction (Area%) of collagen fibers were measured. EMMPRIN was examined by immunohistochemistry and quantified by positive cell counting. Correlation analyses were then performed. Results:, Histologically, alveolar bone was gradually destroyed from day 3 to 11 and then stabilized. Collagen fibers were slightly dissociated on day 3 and extensively broken on day 7. They were reconstructed from day 11 to 21. EMMPRIN was localized predominantly in infiltrating cells and adjacent fibroblasts in interdental gingiva. The number of EMMPRIN-positive cells increased on day 3, peaked on day 7 and then gradually subsided from day 11 to 21. Statistically, there was a moderate positive correlation regarding the ACJ,AC distance (r = 0.552, p < 0.01) and a strong negative correlation with the Area% of collagen fibers (r = ,0.808, p < 0.01). In gingival epithelium, the immunoreactivity was extremely strong in basal layer cells and sulcular epithelial cells in health. It was greatly enhanced in the inflamed conditions on days 3 and 7. In the interradicular bone, EMMPRIN was localized in the osteoclasts on days 3 and 7, as well as in the osteoblasts from day 11 onwards. Conclusion:, The expression and localization of EMMPRIN are temporally varied during the development of periodontitis. In addition, the inflammation-dependent expression of EMMPRIN might be involved in alveolar bone resorption and collagen breakdown. [source] Evaluation of the clinical and immunohistological efficacy of the 585-nm pulsed dye laser in the treatment of psoriasisJOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY & VENEREOLOGY, Issue 4 2009R Noborio Abstract Background, The 585-nm pulsed dye laser (PDL) therapy is useful for the patients with psoriasis. PDL treatment is based on selective photothermolysis of the dermal vasculature. Objective, The objectives of this study were to evaluate the clinical and immunohistological effects of PDL on psoriasis and to examine the association between psoriatic dermal vasculature and the clinical effects. Methods, Eleven patients with recalcitrant psoriasis were treated with 585-nm PDL. Biopsy specimens obtained before and after treatment were stained with CD31. All microvessels to the depth of 400 µm from the rete ridge were counted and the internal diameters were measured. Results, The mean percent reduction of plaque severity score was 42. The mean microvessel count decreased significantly from 63 to 35.6 (P < 0.001). There was a strong positive correlation between the plaque severity score and microvessel number (P < 0.001) and a strong negative correlation between the microvessel count of an untreated area and degree of the change in the microvessel count after treatment (P = 0.005). Conclusions, The findings of this study suggest that PDL treatment improves psoriasis. Moreover, PDL treatment decreased the number of dermal papillary microvessels. Dermal papillary microvessels are important pathogenetic targets of psoriasis, and PDL therapy, which selectively targets superficial vessels, is therefore a valid therapeutic approach. Conflicts of interest None declared [source] von Willebrand factor is a major determinant of ADAMTS-13 decrease during mouse sepsis induced by cecum ligation and punctureJOURNAL OF THROMBOSIS AND HAEMOSTASIS, Issue 5 2009N. LEROLLE Summary.,Background:,During sepsis, von Willebrand factor (VWF) is abundantly secreted; the main mechanism regulating its size involves specific proteolysis by the metalloprotease ADAMTS-13. Objectives:,To determine whether ADAMTS-13 consumption due to its binding to, and/or cleavage, of VWF contributes to its decrease during sepsis and whether abrogating or enhancing ADAMTS-13 activity influences sepsis outcome. Methods:,ADAMTS-13 activity was evaluated in a model of sepsis induced by cecum ligature and puncture (CLP) in wild-type and Vwf,/, mice. Sepsis outcome was studied in those mice and in Adamts-13,/, mice. Finally, survival was studied in wild-type mice injected hydrodynamically with the human ADAMTS-13 gene. Results:,In wild-type mice, CLP-induced sepsis elicited a significant ADAMTS-13 decrease, and a strong negative correlation existed between VWF and ADAMTS-13. In Vwf,/, mice, CLP also induced severe sepsis, but ADAMTS-13 was not significantly diminished. Notably, Vwf,/, mice lived significantly longer than wild-type mice. In contrast, Adamts-13,/, mice and wild-type mice were comparable with regard to thrombocytopenia, VWF concentrations, absence of thrombi, and survival. Hydrodynamic hADAMTS-13 gene transfer with the pLIVE expression vector resulted in high and stable ADAMTS13 activity in CLP mice; however, no impact on survival was observed. Conclusions: VWF secretion is a major determinant of ADAMTS-13 decrease in the CLP model, and plays an important role in sepsis-induced mortality, but the complete absence of its regulating protease, ADAMTS-13, had no detectable impact in this sepsis model. Furthermore, increasing ADAMTS-13 activity had no impact on survival. [source] The curse of natural resources in the transition economies,THE ECONOMICS OF TRANSITION, Issue 3 2004Tobias Kronenberg Abstract The curse of natural resources is a well-documented phenomenon for developing countries. Economies that are richly endowed with natural resources tend to grow slowly. Among the transition economies of the former ,Eastern Bloc', a similar pattern can be observed. This paper shows that a large part of the variation in growth rates among the transition economies can be attributed to the curse of natural resources. After controlling for numerous other factors, there is still a strong negative correlation between natural resource abundance and economic growth. Among the transition economies the prime reasons for the curse of natural resources were corruption and a neglect of basic education. In order to overcome the curse of natural resources and move to a sustainable path of development, the resource abundant transition countries should fight corruption and ensure that their resource revenues are invested in human capital or the preservation of natural capital. [source] CDKN2A promoter methylation is related to the tumor location and histological subtype and associated with Helicobacter pylori flaA(+) strains in gastric adenocarcinomasAPMIS, Issue 4 2010MARKÊNIA KÉLIA SANTOS ALVES Alves MKS, Lima VP, Ferrasi AC, Rodrigues MA, de Moura Campos Pardini MI, Rabenhorst SHB. CDKN2A promoter methylation is related to the tumor location and histological subtype and associated with Helicobacter pylori flaA(+) strains in gastric adenocarcinomas. APMIS 2010; 118: 297,307. Promoter hypermethylation of CDKN2A (p16INK4A protein) is the main mechanism of gene inactivation. However, its association with Helicobacter pylori infection is a controversial issue. Therefore, we examined a series of gastric adenocarcinomas to assess the association between p16INK4A inactivation and H. pylori genotype (vacA, cagA, cagE, virB11 and flaA) according to the location and histological subtype of the tumors. p16INK4A expression and CDKN2A promoter methylation were found in 77 gastric adenocarcinoma samples by immunohistochemistry and methylation-specific PCR, respectively. Helicobacter pylori infection and genotype were determined by PCR. A strong negative correlation between immunostaining and CDKN2A promoter region methylation was found. In diffuse subtype tumors, the inactivation of p16INK4A by promoter methylation was unique in noncardia tumors (p = 0.022). In addition, H. pylori -bearing flaA was associated with non-methylation tumors (p = 0.008) and H. pylori strain bearing cagA or vacAs1m1 genes but without flaA was associated with methylated tumors (p = 0.022 and 0.003, respectively). Inactivation of p16INK4A in intestinal and diffuse subtypes showed distinct carcinogenic pathways, depending on the tumor location. Moreover, the process of methylation of the CDKN2A promoter seems to depend on the H. pylori genotype. The present data suggest that there is a differential influence and relevance of H. pylori genotype in gastric cancer development. [source] The lower genital tract microbiota in relation to cytokine-, SLPI- and endotoxin levels: application of checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization (CDH),APMIS, Issue 4 2008NATALIA NIKOLAITCHOUK In the present study the lower genital tract microbiota in asymptomatic fertile women (n=34) was identified and quantified by culturing vaginal secretions. Also, vaginal and cervical samples were analyzed by a semiquantitative checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization technique (CDH) based on genomic probes prepared from 13 bacterial species (Bacteroides ureolyticus, Escherichia coli, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Gardnerella vaginalis, Mobiluncus curtisii ss curtisii, Prevotella bivia, Prevotella disiens, Prevotella melaninogenica, Atopobium vaginae, Lactobacillus iners, Staphylococcus aureus ss aureus, Streptococcus anginosus, and Streptococcus agalactiae). The bacterial species found by either culture or CDH were correlated with proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1,, IL-1,, IL-6, IL-8), secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI), and endotoxin in the cervicovaginal samples. Grading the women into healthy, intermediate, or bacterial vaginosis (BV) as based on Gram staining of vaginal smears, the viable counts of lactobacilli (L. gasseri) and of streptococci-staphylococci combined were highest in the intermediate group. In BV, particularly the high concentrations of Actinomyces urogenitalis, Atopobium vaginae, and Peptoniphilus harei were noted (,1011 per ml). The total viable counts correlated with both cervical IL-1, and IL-1,. A strong negative correlation was observed between L. iners and total viable counts, G. vaginalis, or cervical IL-1,, while it correlated positively with SLPI. Analysis of vaginal and cervical samples from 26 out of the 34 women by CDH showed that anaerobic bacteria were more frequently detected by CDH compared to culture. By this method, A. vaginae correlated with G. vaginalis, and L. iners with S. aureus. With regard to cytokines, B. ureolyticus correlated with both cervical and vaginal IL-1, as well as with cervical IL-8, while F. nucleatum, S. agalactiae, S. anginosus, or S. aureus correlated with vaginal IL-1,. Furthermore, all Gram-negative bacteria taken together, as measured by CDH, correlated with vaginal endotoxin and inversely with vaginal SLPI. The significance of the results is discussed. In summary, mapping of the identity and quantity of vaginal bacterial species and their association with locally produced host innate immune factors will help in defining various types of abnormal vaginal microbiota, developing new ways of assessing the risk of ascending subclinical infections, and in treating them. CDH appears to be a suitable tool for future analyses of large numbers of clinical samples with an extended number of bacterial probes. [source] Relationship between species richness and spatial and temporal distance from seed source in semi-natural grasslandAPPLIED VEGETATION SCIENCE, Issue 3 2010Toshikazu Matsumura Abstract Question: How do traditional management practices of field margins maintain the biodiversity of native grassland species? Location: Semi-natural grassland on the field margins of traditional and consolidated agricultural fields on Awaji Island, central Japan. Methods: The distance to the nearest traditional field margin to the study sites was determined because the traditional field was considered as a seed source of native vegetation to the semi-natural grasslands under study. We selected field margins in consolidated fields of different ages and distances from seed sources. Indicator species for both field types were sought. Regression analysis and detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) were used to determine the effect of spatial and temporal distances on the species composition of native vegetation. Results: Species richness differed significantly between the margin of traditional and consolidated fields. We identified significant indicator species of traditional fields, but not of consolidated fields. In consolidated fields, species richness increased significantly with age and decreased significantly with increasing distance to the source. At younger sites, species richness decreased faster with distance to the source because of strong negative correlation, but not at older sites. DCA ordination plots similarly indicated that similarities of vegetation composition in consolidated and traditional fields decreased with distance, and the effect of distance decreased with age. Conclusions: The species composition of the grassland margins of consolidated field was more similar to the margins of traditional fields if the consolidated fields were older, and/or closer to traditional fields. This pattern suggests that dispersal may play a role in the establishment of species on field margins. [source] Herbivore feeding preferences in captive and wild populationsAUSTRAL ECOLOGY, Issue 3 2010CHRISTINE M. RAFFERTY Abstract Investigations into the mechanisms underpinning plant selection by herbivores have often yielded conflicting results. Such inconsistency might stem from whether selection experiments are conducted with captive or wild populations, and upon the different measures of plant selection used to determine herbivore preference. Here we compared the feeding preferences of captive and wild kangaroos (Macropus fuliginosus) using a standard set of plant species (14 Hakea spp., Proteaceae) and several measures of herbivore selection to examine how environment influenced relative consumption. Three indices of herbivore consumption were measured: number of plants (NP), total shoot volume per plant (TV) and percentage available shoot volume (PV) consumed. NP and TV were closely correlated in the wild and captive populations and consistently correlated with six morphological and chemical plant attributes examined, the most notable being a strong negative correlation with shoot phenolic content. This uniformity suggests that plant selection by captive kangaroos is broadly consistent with that observed in field trials, and consequently that for macropods, at least, captive trials offer a valid way to determine the relative acceptability of different plant species. However, the fact that our third measure of herbivore selection PV was weakly correlated in captive and wild populations and showed no relationship with shoot phenolic content highlights the importance of which measure of plant selection is applied. We suggest that, while NP and TV are potentially confounded by plant size and availability, they offer the clearest insight into plant selection from the point of view of the herbivore, while PV is more suitable for plant-centred studies. [source] Motor impairment in liver cirrhosis without and with minimal hepatic encephalopathyACTA NEUROLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 1 2010M. Butz Butz M, Timmermann L, Braun M, Groiss SJ, Wojtecki L, Ostrowski S, Krause H, Pollok B, Gross J, Südmeyer M, Kircheis G, Häussinger D, Schnitzler A. Motor impairment in liver cirrhosis without and with minimal hepatic encephalopathy. Acta Neurol Scand: 2010: 122: 27,35. © 2009 The Authors Journal compilation © 2009 Blackwell Munksgaard. Aim,,, Manifest hepatic encephalopathy (HE) goes along with motor symptoms such as ataxia, mini-asterixis, and asterixis. The relevance of motor impairments in cirrhotics without and with minimal HE (mHE) is still a matter of debate. Patients and methods,,, We tested three different groups of patients with liver cirrhosis: no signs of HE (HE 0), mHE, and manifest HE grade 1 according to the West Haven criteria (HE 1). All patients (n = 24) and 11 healthy control subjects were neuropsychometrically tested including critical flicker frequency (CFF), a reliable measure for HE. Motor abilities were assessed using Fahn Tremor Scale and International Ataxia Rating Scale. Fastest alternating index finger movements were analyzed for frequency and amplitude. Results,,, Statistical analyses showed an effect of HE grade on tremor and ataxia (P < 0.01). Additionally, both ratings yielded strong negative correlation with CFF (P < 0.01, R = ,0.5). Analysis of finger movements revealed an effect of HE grade on movement frequency (P < 0.03). Moreover, decreasing movement frequency and increasing movement amplitude parallel decreasing CFF (P < 0.01, R = 0.6). Conclusion,,, Our results indicate that ataxia, tremor, and slowing of finger movements are early markers for cerebral dysfunction in HE patients even prior to neuropsychometric alterations becoming detectable. [source] Ocular rigidity in living human eyes in health and diseaseACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2009IG PALLIKARIS Purpose It is known that the balance between aqueous humor secretion and outflow rate controls the steady - state average intraocular pressure (IOP). It has been also early identified that blood circulation results to IOP fluctuations practically synchronous to cardiac function. IOP is the primary mechanical load to several ocular structures including the optical nerve head. Methods In-vivo intraoperative measurement of these quantities as well as secretion/outflow coefficients in humans allowed us to quantify ocular rigidity, IOP and its fluctuations (and pulsatile blood flow) in a series of physiological and pathological eyes. Ocular rigidity, outflow facility and pulsatile ocular blood flow were measured intraoperatively in a cohort of 63 patients undergoing cataract surgery. Measurements were also performed in a series of age related macular degeneration (AMD) patients. Results The eye, is a living structure under a continuously varying mechanical load that is strongly related to ocular haemodynamics. Ocular rigidity ranged from 0.0122 to 0.0343 (mean 0.0208),l-1. Outflow facility coefficient (derived from pressure decay curves) was 0.33 (sd 0.15),l/min/mmHg. Pulsatile ocular blood flow exhibited a strong negative correlation to IOP in all subjects. The ocular rigidity coefficient was higher in wet AMD patients compared to patients with dry AMD and healthy controls. Conclusion There are indications that this mechanical load, associated also to ocular rigidity, can not only inter-modulate blood flow but also have a long-term effect on other structures in the eye. Understanding the role of these parameters may contribute to the understanding of ocular disease. [source] Osteotome sinus floor elevation without grafting material: a 1-year prospective pilot study with ITI implantsCLINICAL ORAL IMPLANTS RESEARCH, Issue 6 2006Rabah Nedir Abstract Objective: The aim of the present pilot study was to evaluate: (1) the predictability of an osteotome sinus floor elevation procedure with ITI-SLA implants without placing a bone grafting material, and (2) the possibility to gain bone height without filling the created space with a bone grafting material. Material and methods: Seventeen patients received 25 implants protruding in the sinus. Most implants (21/25) were 10 mm long, eight were inserted in type 2 bone, 12 in type 3 and five in type 4 bone. At implant placement, the mean residual bone height (RBH) under the maxillary sinus was 5.4±2.3 mm; it was 5.7±2.6 mm on the mesial side and 5.1±1.9 mm on the distal side. Nineteen implants had less than 6 mm of bone on at least one side and six implants had less than 6 mm on both sides. A healing period of 3,4 months was allowed before abutment tightening at 35 Ncm. The percentage of stable implants at abutment tightening and at the 1-year control was calculated. The endo-sinus bone gain and the crestal bone loss (CBL) at the mesial and distal sides were measured. Results: Abutments were tightened after 3.1±0.4 months. All implants but one (96%) resisted the applied 35 Ncm torque. At the 1-year control, all implants were clinically stable and supported the definitive prosthesis. All showed endo-sinus bone gain; the mean gain was 2.5±1.2 mm. The mean CBL was 1.2±0.7 mm. Endo-sinus bone gain and RBH showed a strong negative correlation (r=,0.78 on the mesial side and ,0.80 on the distal side). A good correlation (r=0.73) was found between implant penetration in the sinus and endo-sinus bone gain. Conclusion: Elevation of the sinus membrane alone without addition of bone grafting material can lead to bone formation beyond the original limits of the sinus floor. Despite a limited RBH at implant placement, a healing period of 3 months was sufficient to resist a torque of 35 N cm and to lead to a predictable implant function at the 1-year control. [source] Functional connectivity of default mode network components: Correlation, anticorrelation, and causalityHUMAN BRAIN MAPPING, Issue 2 2009Lucina Q. Uddin Abstract The default mode network (DMN), based in ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) and posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), exhibits higher metabolic activity at rest than during performance of externally oriented cognitive tasks. Recent studies have suggested that competitive relationships between the DMN and various task-positive networks involved in task performance are intrinsically represented in the brain in the form of strong negative correlations (anticorrelations) between spontaneous fluctuations in these networks. Most neuroimaging studies characterize the DMN as a homogenous network, thus few have examined the differential contributions of DMN components to such competitive relationships. Here, we examined functional differentiation within the DMN, with an emphasis on understanding competitive relationships between this and other networks. We used a seed correlation approach on resting-state data to assess differences in functional connectivity between these two regions and their anticorrelated networks. While the positively correlated networks for the vmPFC and PCC seeds largely overlapped, the anticorrelated networks for each showed striking differences. Activity in vmPFC negatively predicted activity in parietal visual spatial and temporal attention networks, whereas activity in PCC negatively predicted activity in prefrontal-based motor control circuits. Granger causality analyses suggest that vmPFC and PCC exert greater influence on their anticorrelated networks than the other way around, suggesting that these two default mode nodes may directly modulate activity in task-positive networks. Thus, the two major nodes comprising the DMN are differentiated with respect to the specific brain systems with which they interact, suggesting greater heterogeneity within this network than is commonly appreciated. Hum Brain Mapp, 2009. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Validity of the home and community social behavior scales: Comparisons with five behavior-rating scalesPSYCHOLOGY IN THE SCHOOLS, Issue 4 2001Kenneth W. Merrell Three separate studies focusing on convergent and discriminant validity evidence for the Home and Community Social Behavior Scales are presented. The HCSBS is a 65-item social behavior-rating scale for use by parents and caretakers of children and youth ages 5,18. It is a parent-rating version of the School Social Behavior Scales. Within these studies, relationships with five behavior-rating scales were examined: the Social Skills Rating System, Conners Parent Rating Scale,Revised-Short Form, Child Behavior Checklist, and the child and adolescent versions of the Behavior Assessment System for Children. HCSBS Scale A, Social Competence, evidenced strong positive correlations with measures of social skills and adaptability, strong negative correlations with measures of externalizing behavior problems, and modest negative correlations with measures of internalizing and atypical behavior problems. HCSBS Scale B, Antisocial Behavior, evidenced strong positive correlations with measures of externalizing behavior problems, modest positive correlations with measures of internalizing and atypical behavior problems, and strong negative correlations with measures of social skills and adaptability. These results support the HCSBS as a measure of social competence and antisocial behavior of children and youth. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||