bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seasonal variation in freezing tolerance of the New Zealand alpine cockroach Celatoblatta quinquemaculata
Authors: SINCLAIR BRENT
Published: December 2004

1. The cold hardiness of the alpine cockroach Celatoblatta quinquemaculata was investigated. This species is found at 1360 m a.s.l. beneath schist slabs on the Rock and Pillar Range (Central Otago, New Zealand). Cockroaches were collected monthly from January to December 1996, and their LT50 and supercooling points determined.

2. Celatoblatta quinquemaculata was freezing tolerant throughout the year, with a lower lethal temperature in winter of – 8.9 °C. Celatoblatta quinquemaculata was also found frozen under rocks in the field when the under‐rock temperature was below – 3 °C, and could survive being frozen at – 5 °C for 4 days in the laboratory.

3. There was a marked decrease in LT50 temperature from – 5.5 °C in April to – 7.5 °C in May. This coincides with decreasing temperatures from summer through autumn to winter, during which temperatures beneath snow‐covered rocks may reach – 7.3 °C.

4. Supercooling points fluctuated during the year, with an increase from – 4.2 °C in autumn to – 3.4 °C in winter. Supercooling point was highest in spring, and changes in supercooling point do not appear to be related to changes in LT50.

5. Recordings of environmental temperatures from the Rock and Pillar Range suggest that cockroaches may undergo up to twenty‐three freeze–thaw cycles in the coldest month of the year, and that they may remain frozen for periods of up to 21 h. Maximum cooling rates recorded in the field (0.01 °C min–1) were 100‐fold slower than laboratory cooling rates, so survival estimates from laboratory experiments may be underestimates.
Direct and feeding‐induced interactions between two rice planthoppers, Sogatella furcifera and Nilaparvata lugens: effects on dispersal capability and performance
Authors: Matsumura Masaya , Suzuki Yoshito
Published: December 2004

Abstract. 1. A series of laboratory experiments was conducted to explore the effects of inter‐specific interactions, both direct interactive effects and those induced through previous feeding, on the dispersal capability (proportion of macropterous adults) and performance (development time and survival) of two wing‐dimorphic planthoppers, the whitebacked planthopper Sogatella furcifera and the brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens, two pests of rice throughout Asia.

2. An asymmetric effect of inter‐specific crowding on dispersal capability was detected between the two planthoppers. With density controlled, the proportion of macropterous adults in N. lugens was higher when raised in mixed populations with S. furcifera than in pure cultures comprised of conspecifics, suggesting that interspecific effects on dispersal capability are stronger than intraspecific effects. In contrast, interspecific effects on macroptery (%) were weaker than intraspecific impacts for S. furcifera.

3. This trend was parallelled by adverse competitive effects on survival, with interspecific effects stronger than intraspecific impacts for N. lugens and intraspecific effects stronger for S. furcifera.

4. Crowding also affected the incidence of macroptery indirectly through feeding‐induced changes in plant physiology. Rearing N. lugens on plants fed on previously by heterospecifics resulted in a higher incidence of macroptery in females and protracted development than for N. lugens raised on plants fed on previously by conspecifics. By contrast, the intraspecific effect of previous feeding was stronger than the interspecific effect in S. furcifera, with higher macropter production and prolonged development occurring on plants exposed previously to conspecifics.

5. The results suggest that interspecific interactions between herbivorous insects, both direct and via feeding‐induced changes in plant physiology, can have negative consequences for performance and survival and promote the production of flight‐capable adults that can disperse.
Colonisation ability of the threatened tenebrionid beetle Oplocephala haemorrhoidalis and its common relative Bolitophagus reticulatus
Authors: Jonsson Mattias
Published: December 2004

Abstract. 1. Life‐history traits associated with colonisation ability were compared in the threatened tenebrionid beetle Oplocephala haemorrhoidalis and its common relative Bolitophagus reticulatus. Both species feed and breed exclusively in fruiting bodies of the wood‐decaying fungus Fomes fomentarius.

2. The presence and status of flight wings, flight muscles, and mature eggs were determined by dissection. Flight willingness was studied in a field experiment, and flight duration in a flight‐mill experiment.

3. Females of O. haemorrhoidalis had fewer but larger eggs in their abdomen than B. reticulatus females.

4. All beetles of both species had fully developed flight wings but a larger proportion of B. reticulatus than O. haemorrhoidalis had developed flight muscles.

5. Bolitophagus reticulatus was more willing to take off than O. haemorrhoidalis, however both species, especially O. haemorrhoidalis, were powerful fliers, with many individuals being able to fly several kilometres. Oplocephala haemorrhoidalis tended to make few flights of long duration whereas B. reticulatus made several, but mostly shorter, flights.

6. The results indicate that B. reticulatus has a suite of life‐history traits that makes it better adapted than O. haemorrhoidalis to exploit the scattered trees with fruiting bodies present in managed forests. This may explain why O. haemorrhoidalis is restricted primarily to sites with a high density of suitable substrates that have been available continuously for a long time.
A lagged, density‐dependent relationship between jack pine budworm Choristoneura pinus pinus and its host tree Pinus banksiana
Authors: Nealis V. G. , Magnussen S. , Hopkin A. A.
Published: December 2004

Abstract. 1. Survival of newly emerged jack pine budworm Choristoneura pinus pinus is related to the density of available pollen cones (microsporangiate strobili) produced by its host tree, jack pine Pinus banksiana.

2. A 7‐year time series of observations from a plot network in Ontario, Canada, compared the propensity of jack pine to produce pollen cones, τ, on trees that were either defoliated or undisturbed by the jack pine budworm.

3. Non‐defoliated jack pine trees have a high propensity to produce pollen cones. More than one‐third of these trees produced pollen cones in every year of the series. Propensity varied significantly among plots and trees. Temporal patterns in propensity were also highly variable but within a plot propensity was often autocorrelated in time.

4. Defoliation by the jack pine budworm was associated with forest plots composed of the oldest and the largest trees and with the fewest trees per hectare. Within a plot, outbreaks lasted 3 or 4 years although individual trees were only defoliated in 1 or 2 years.

5. The propensity to produce pollen cones in jack pine was reduced in the years after defoliation. The most pronounced reductions in propensity occurred where defoliation was most severe.

6. The reduction in propensity to produce pollen cones resulting from previous defoliation, coupled with the dependence of jack pine budworm survival on the availability of pollen cones, induces a lagged, negative feedback between the density of the consumer and that of its resource.

7. The lagged, density‐dependent relationship between jack pine budworm and its jack pine host contributes to oscillatory dynamics of the jack pine budworm. Comparison of the outbreak behaviour of jack pine budworm with that of the closely related eastern spruce budworm C. fumiferana suggests that differences in the strength of the host‐plant interaction may account for differences in the relative frequency of outbreaks in the respective systems.
Oviposition habitat selection by the mosquito Culiseta longiareolata in response to risk of predation and conspecific larval density
Authors: Kiflawi Moshe , Blaustein Leon , Mangel Marc
Published: December 2004

Abstract. 1. Most female Culiseta longiareolata (Diptera: Culicidae) avoid ovipositing in pools that contain the predatory backswimmer Notonecta maculata. Such oviposition habitat selection has been suggested to reflect a trade‐off between the risk of predation on larvae and potential density‐dependent fitness costs. This putative trade‐off was examined. In particular, evidence was sought in support of direct female response to local heterogeneity in habitat quality.

2. Three habitat types were established using artificial outdoor pools: predator pools, and non‐predator pools with either low or high densities of Culiseta larvae. During each experimental night, females were offered one of the three possible pair‐wise treatment combinations.

3. The majority (≈88%) of females oviposited in low‐density pools rather than in the predator‐ or high‐density pools. Furthermore, a substantially higher proportion of females oviposited in predator pools when faced with the high‐density alternative, however this was due largely to fewer females ovipositing in high‐ vs low‐density pools.

4. Females of a second mosquito species (Culex laticinctus), the larvae of which are at a lower risk of predation, were predicted to exhibit weaker aversion to N. maculata; this prediction was supported only weakly.

5. Oviposition habitat selection by female C. longiareolata does not appear to involve a behavioural response that is based on individual assessment of local heterogeneity in relative pool quality, at least not at the spatial scale examined here; alternative explanations are discussed.
Lack of association of the Glu298Asp polymorphism of endothelial nitric oxide synthase with manifest coronary artery disease, carotid atherosclerosis and forearm vascular reactivity in two Austrian populations
Authors: Schmoelzer I. , Renner W. , Paulweber B. , Malaimare L. , Iglseder B. , Schmid P. , Schallmoser K. , Wascher T. C.
Published: December 2004

Objective Conflicting data exists about the possible contribution of the homozygous Asp/Asp genotype of the Glu298Asp polymorphism of endothelial nitric oxide synthase to human atherosclerotic vascular disease. We investigated the polymorphism in two independent study populations: a case–control study including patients with angiographically verified coronary artery disease (CAD) on the one hand and a cross‐sectional epidemiological study on the other hand.

Methods The Glu298Asp polymorphism was determined by PCR‐RFLP as established. In the case–control study (240 patients and 248 controls) a possible association between the polymorphism and CAD, and age of onset of CAD and myocardial infarction was investigated. In the cross‐sectional epidemiological study (932 subjects) intima‐media thickness (IMT) of the carotid artery as well as morphological plaque burden and forearm vascular reactivity (peak postischemic reactive hyperaemia, determined by venous occlusion plethysmography) were measured.

Results In the case–control study genotype distribution (Glu/Glu; Glu/Asp; Asp/Asp) was not different between the CAD patients (43/46/11%) and the controls (49/41/10%, P = NS). No association of the polymorphism with age of onset of CAD or myocardial infarction was found. In the epidemiological study no influence of the genetic variant on IMT was observed after correction for classical determinants of IMT (average IMT: Asp/ Asp: 0·077 ± 0·011 mm; Glu/Glu and Glu/Asp: 0·080 ± 0·012 mm, P = NS). Forearm vascular reactivity was also not different between homozygous Asp/Asp subjects and Glu/Glu and Glu/Asp subjects (peak‐reactive hyperaemia 20·1 ± 7·3 mL min−1 100 mL−1 vs. 20·0 ± 6·5 mL min−1 100 mL−1, P = NS).

Conclusions Our results suggest that there is no association of the Glu298Asp polymorphism with coronary or carotid atherosclerosis or forearm vascular reactivity in these populations recruited in a country with a rather high risk for atherosclerosis. We suggest additional investigations to be performed in populations at different risk for coronary events to further elucidate the possible contribution of this polymorphism to vascular disease.
Effect of oxytocin on nitric oxide activity controlling gonadotropin secretion in humans
Authors: Chiodera P. , Volpi R. , Manfredi G. , Bortesi M. L. , Capretti L. , Magotti M. G. , Saccanijotti G. , Coiro V.
Published: December 2004

Background Previously described inhibitory effects of the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor L‐NAME on luteinizing hormone‐releasing hormone (LH‐RH)‐induced LH and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) secretion in humans suggested modulation by nitric oxide (NO) of the gonadotropin‐releasing action of LH‐RH.

Design In order to establish whether oxytocin (OT) participates in this regulatory mechanism, 10 normal men were treated with LH‐RH (100 µg as an i.v. bolus) given alone or in the presence of L‐NAME (40 µg kg−1 injected plus 50 µg kg−1 infused i.v. for 60 min), OT (2 IU injected plus 4 IU infused i.v. for 60 min) or a combination of both drugs.

Results The administration of OT was unable to change the gonadotropin responses to LH‐RH. In contrast, L‐NAME significantly reduced both FSH and LH increments induced by LH‐RH. When L‐NAME was given in the presence of OT, the LH and FSH responses to LH‐RH were similar to those observed after the administration of LH‐RH alone.

Conclusion These data suggest antagonistic actions of OT and L‐NAME in the control of NOS activity in regulation of gonadotropin secretion induced by LH‐RH.
Novel LPL mutation (L303F) found in a patient associated with coronary artery disease and severe systemic atherosclerosis
Authors: Saika Y. , Sakai N. , Takahashi M. , Maruyama T. , Kihara S. , Ouchi N. , Ishigami M. , Hiraoka H. , Nakamura T. , Yamashita S. , Matsuzawa Y.
Published: December 2004

Background Patients with lipoprotein lipase (LPL) deficiency had been generally thought to be spared accelerated atherosclerosis in spite of a marked elevation of plasma triglyceride levels. However, it has been recently reported that some heterozygous and homozygous LPL‐deficient patients are associated with premature atherosclerosis. In this paper, we report a 55‐year‐old type I hyperlipidaemic patient with a novel missense mutation in the LPL gene.

Patient and results The patient had suffered from coronary artery disease, abdominal aortic aneurysm, and stenoses of the bilateral renal arteries and superficial femoral arteries. Sequencing of the genomic DNA revealed that the patient was a homozygote for the mutation, a G to C transition at nucleotide position 1069 in the exon 6, resulting in an amino acid substitution of Phe for Leu303 (L303F). Approximately ∼6% and ∼40% of normal LPL activity and LPL mass, respectively, were detected in the patient's postheparin plasma. An in vitro expression study demonstrated that COS7 cells transfected with L303F mutant cDNA produced a 40% amount of LPL protein in cell lysates compared with normal cDNA, but no protein was detected in the media. Lipoprotein lipase activity was completely absent in both lysates and media of the cells transfected with the mutant cDNA, suggesting that this mutation in the LPL gene results in the production of a functionally inactive protein.

Conclusion This case suggests that the LPL missense mutation (L303F), which impairs lipolysis but preserves the LPL mass, is proatherogenic.
Topical butyrate improves efficacy of 5‐ASA in refractory distal ulcerative colitis: results of a multicentre trial
Authors: Vernia P. , Annese V. , Bresci G. , D’Albasio G. , D’Incà R. , Giaccari S. , Ingrosso M. , Mansi C. , Riegler G. , Valpiani D. , Caprilli R. ,   GISC (Gruppo Italiano per lo Studio del Colon and del Retto)
Published: December 2004

Background The treatment of distal ulcerative colitis, refractory to conventional 5‐ASA/steroid treatment, is still a matter of debate. The present study aimed at confirming, with adequate statistical power, previous data indicating the usefulness of topical butyrate and 5‐ASA in the treatment of this condition.

Design Double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, multicentre study. A total of 51 patients with distal (< 65 cm) ulcerative colitis, refractory to topical 5‐ASA/cortisone, were randomly allocated to receive topical 5‐ASA 2 g and 80 mM L−1 sodium‐butyrate bid (Group A; 24 patients) or 5‐ASA 2 g and 80 mL saline bid (Group B; 27 patients) for 6 weeks. Sigmoidoscopy with biopsies, as well as clinical and laboratory evaluations, were carried out at enrollment and at the end of the trial. Primary endpoints: remission or marked improvement in endoscopic, histologic and clinical findings.

Results Most parameters showed a significant improvement vs. baseline in both groups. Remission in six patients and improvement in 12 patients in Group A vs. one remission and 13 with improvement in Group B (P < 0·05). A significant difference in favour of Group A was recorded regarding the number of bowel movements (P < 0·01), urgency (P < 0·05) and the patients’ self evaluation (P < 0·01).

Discussion The combined treatment with topical butyrate and 5‐ASA is significantly more effective than 5‐ASA alone in the management of refractory distal colitis. Further improvements in the treatment of refractory distal ulcerative colitis may be feasible based on the identification of patient subgroups and the association of two or more active drugs. Butyrate may well be one of them.
Quantitative determination of MDR1 mRNA expression in peripheral blood lymphocytes: a possible role of genetic polymorphisms in the MDR1 gene
Authors: Oselin K. , Nowakowski‐Gashaw I. , Mrozikiewicz P. M. , Wolbergs D. , Pähkla R. , Roots I.
Published: December 2004

Background P‐glycoprotein is a transmembrane efflux pump that extrudes a wide variety of drugs, thereby reducing their intracellular access. In humans, P‐glycoprotein is encoded by the MDR1 gene. Recently, several single nucleotide polymorphisms in the MDR1 gene were identified. Moreover, it was postulated that, in addition to the full‐length P‐glycoprotein, a ‘mini’ P‐glycoprotein was also present in lymphocytes.

Materials and methods We investigated the effect of the genetic polymorphisms G2677T and C3435T in the MDR1 gene on MDR1 mRNA expression in FACS‐sorted peripheral blood CD4+, CD8+, CD19+, and CD56+ cells. MDR1 mRNA expression was determined in 45 healthy individuals using a real‐time quantitative RT‐PCR.

Results We detected the highest expression of MDR1 mRNA in CD56+ cells, followed by CD8+ > CD4+ > CD19+ cells. However, genetic polymorphisms of the MDR1 gene failed to affect (P > 0·05) MDR1 mRNA levels in the peripheral blood lymphocytes. Furthermore, the transcript levels for the MDR1 N‐terminal half were almost two‐fold lower than that of the MDR1 C‐terminal half in all cell populations investigated (P < 0·0001).

Conclusions An almost two‐fold difference in MDR1 C‐ and N‐terminal half expressions supports the presence of mini‐P‐glycoprotein, an alternatively spliced form of the full‐length molecule, in peripheral blood lymphocytes.
Treatment with hormone replacement therapy lowers remnant lipoprotein particles in healthy postmenopausal women: results from a randomized trial
Authors: Ossewaarde M. E. , Dallinga‐Thie G. M. , Bots M. L. , Van Der Schouw Y. T. , Rabelink T. J. , Grobbee D. E. , Westerveld H. T.
Published: December 2004

Background Recent evidence indicates that remnant lipoprotein particles (RLPs) may play a role in atherosclerosis. Remnant lipoprotein particles have been suggested to be the most atherogenic particles among the triglyceride‐rich lipoproteins. In particular, these triglyceride‐rich particles were identified as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in women. Postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy (HRT) beneficially affects lipid profile, although total triglyceride levels often increase. Evidence on the effects of HRT on RLPs is limited. We determined whether 3 months’ treatment of postmenopausal women with Tibolone or conjugated oestrogens combined with medroxyprogesterone acetate (CEE + MPA) affects RLP‐cholesterol (RLP‐C).

Materials and methods One hundred and five healthy postmenopausal women were randomized to either 2·5 mg of Tibolone, 0·625 mg of CEE + 2·5 mg of MPA or placebo. At baseline and after 3 months the lipid profile was determined. For assessment of RLP‐C we used an immunoseparation‐based method.

Results Treatment with CEE + MPA significantly reduced RLP‐C (−0·03 mmol L−1, P‐value = 0·01) and appeared to increase triglycerides (0·15 mmol L−1, P‐value = 0·20) compared with placebo. Tibolone did not significantly change RLP‐C (−0·01 mmol L−1, P‐value = 0·35) and significantly decreased triglycerides (−0·35 mmol L−1, P‐value = 0·004).

Conclusions Treatment of postmenopausal women with conjugated oestrogens and medroxyprogesterone acetate reduced RLP‐C, without a reduction in total triglycerides, whereas Tibolone did affect triglyceride levels, but not RLP‐C. These observations may be relevant for explaining the effect of HRT on cardiovascular risk in healthy postmenopausal women.
Continuing professional development amongst dental practitioners in the United Kingdom: how far are we from lifelong learning targets?
Authors: Buck Dave , Newton Tim
Published: December 2004

This study was conducted to identify the extent to which qualified dental practitioners in the UK currently undertake three distinct activities of Continuing Professional Development (CPD): reading professional journals; attending courses; and undertaking retraining courses. Also, to determine the impact of gender, age, length of time since qualification, current working hours and career breaks upon the extent to which dental practitioners engage in CPD. Data were analysed from a questionnaire survey of a systematic sample of one in 10 dentists taken from the Dentists Register of the UK General Dental Council. The response rate was 66.6%. Only dentists practising at the time of the survey were included in the analysis (N = 1550). A high proportion of the sample reported regularly undertaking activities related to CPD. Approximately 87% read professional journals at least once per month; just over half had attended five or more days at professional meetings and courses in the last year. Only a small proportion of dentists (12%) had undertaken a retraining course in the past three years. Those dentists who had been qualified for between 21 and 30 years, those who had gained additional qualifications after qualifying as a dentist, and those who had taken a career break at some point in their life were more likely to read professional journals. Attendance at postgraduate dental courses was related to being male, not having taken a career break, possessing an additional qualification, longer working hours, and not being a General Dental Practitioners (GDP). Attendance at a retraining course was less likely for those who had taken a career break, those who had attended fewer courses in the last year and for those who worked 30–40 h per week. A large proportion of dental practitioners are currently undertaking sufficient CPD to meet the UK requirements of recertification. Greater attention should be directed towards identifying the barriers to CPD among female dentists and those who have been qualified for longer periods. More research is needed in assessing the long‐term CPD consequences of those who have returned to dentistry following a career break.
Hepatic venous outflow reconstruction in adult living donor liver transplants without portal hypertension
Authors: Bogetti Diego , Panaro Fabrizio , Jarzembowski Tomasz , Sankary Howard , Benedetti Enrico , Testa Giuliano
Published: December 2004

Abstract:  Graft congestion is one of the causes of poor graft function in segmental liver transplantation. Three factors are implicated in segmental graft congestion: graft size, hepatic venous outflow and portal inflow. The graft size must be matched to the body weight, which is conventionally done by using graft to body weight ratio. Hepatic blood outflow must be optimized by hepatic vein reconstruction, which can be complicated. High portal blood flow has been shown to be detrimental to small‐for‐size grafts. These factors are strictly connected to each other. They can all contribute to graft congestion and poor function, while one factor can compensate for the others and decrease congestion. Ideally, all the accessory veins should be reconstructed, if possible, to maximize the outflow. In the absence of portal hypertension and with an adequate sized graft, complex venous reconstruction may not be necessary. We present a case report of an adult living donor liver transplant with the favorable conditions of normal portal pressure and a large sized graft, but complicated by the presence of several accessory hepatic veins. A simple hepatic vein anastomosis was sufficient for adequate outflow and prompt graft function.
In vivo IL‐10 and TGF‐β production by PBMC from long‐term kidney transplant recipients with excellent graft function: a possible feedback mechanism participating in immunological stability
Authors: Alberú Josefina , Richaud‐Patin Yvonne , Vázquez‐Lavista Luis Gabriel , de Leo Claudia , Guzmán‐Rodríguez Hugo , Mancilla Eduardo , Correa‐Rotter Ricardo , Chew‐Wong Alfredo , Llorente Luis
Published: December 2004

Abstract:  Background:  Interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) and transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) are Th2‐derived multifunctional cytokines that exhibit potent immunoregulatory and anti‐inflammatory properties which might prolong graft survival. The aim of this study was to explore whether spontaneous production of IL‐10 and TGF‐β by blood mononuclear cells correlates with excellent long‐term graft function.

Methods:  A cross‐sectional study was carried out in 32 kidney transplant recipients, without albuminuria, treated with azathioprine and prednisone. Spontaneous IL‐10 and TGF‐β were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in supernatants from 24 h cultured unstimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Both cytokines were also determined in 10 healthy kidney donors.

Results:  There was no correlation between IL‐10 or TGF‐β with any variable tested, namely age, SCr, histocompatibility, and post‐transplant follow‐up. In vivo IL‐10 production displayed a statistical trend to be higher in transplant recipients than in controls (362.3 ± 465, range 12.5–1929.3 pg/ml, and 189 ± 170, range 4.17–485.7 pg/ml, respectively; p = 0.08), whereas no difference was observed in TGF‐β among the same groups (134.7 ± 79.2, range 68–421 pg/ml, and 121.4 ± 25.8, range 75–151 pg/ml, respectively). Interestingly, a statistically significant inverse correlation was observed between IL‐10 and TGF‐β in kidney transplant recipients (p = 0.03).

Conclusions:  The higher IL‐10 production observed in long‐term kidney transplant recipients supports the notion that this cytokine contributes in decreasing allogenic immune responses and allows prolongation of allograft survival. The balance between TGF‐β and IL‐10 may be of paramount importance in graft acceptance.
Aldosterone resistance in kidney transplantation is in part induced by a down‐regulation of mineralocorticoid receptor expression1
Authors: Heering PJ , Kurschat C , Vo DT , Klein‐Vehne N , Fehsel K , Ivens K
Published: December 2004

Abstract: Background: After renal transplantation immunosuppressive drugs‐like cyclosporin A (CsA) and FK506 induce either hypoaldosteronism or pseudo‐hypoaldosteronism presenting with hyperkalemia and metabolic acidosis. We investigated the relationship between renal allograft function under CsA therapy and plasma aldosterone concentration, potassium‐ and water homeostasis and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) expression level in peripheral leukocytes.

Methods: We studied 21 renal transplant patients under CsA therapy and 12 healthy controls. Transplant recipients were studied before and under fludrocortisone treatment. Using quantitative reverse‐phase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) specific for the MR, we analyzed the level of expression of MR in peripheral leukocytes.

Results: In acidotic transplant recipients (HCO318.5 ± 1.2 mM) renal function was only slightly impaired with 2.0 ± 0.2 mg creatinine/dL when compared with 1.8 ± 0.3 mg/dL (ns) in non‐acidotic patients (HCO323.0 ± 2.8 mM). Mean plasma aldosterone levels in renal transplant recipients did not differ from control levels (150 ± 33 pg/mL vs. 148 ± 33 pg/mL, ns). In contrast, the expression level of MR in peripheral leukocytes of renal transplant recipients treated with CsA was significantly decreased when compared with healthy controls without renal disease (120 ± 78 vs. 423 ± 73 RNA molecules/0.5 μg total RNA, p < 0.01). The level of expression of MR in renal transplant recipients did not differ between acidotic patients and non‐acidotic patients (ns). The application of fludrocortisone reversed hyperkalemia and metabolic acidosis without significant effect on MR expression.

Conclusions: The present data demonstrate that hyperkalemia and metabolic acidosis following CsA treatment in kidney transplantation might be associated with a down‐regulation of MR expression on peripheral leukocytes. Electrolyte imbalance is reversible on application of fludrocortisone. This observation supports fludrocortisone treatment in transplant patients with severe electrolyte disturbances.
Factors associated with (un)willingness to be an organ donor: importance of public exposure and knowledge
Authors: Haustein Silke V , Sellers Marty T
Published: December 2004

Abstract:  Background:  Transplantation is increasingly limited by the supply of donor organs. Identifying subgroups that do not support organ donation will allow targeted efforts to increase organ donation.

Methods:  A total of 185 non‐acutely ill outpatients visiting a community physician's office voluntarily completed a survey designed to capture views and general knowledge/misconceptions about cadaveric organ donation/transplantation.

Results:  Of 185 patients, 86 were willing to donate, 42 were unwilling, and 57 were unsure. Willingness to donate was significantly associated with: having discussed the topic with family; having known a cadaveric organ donor; age 55 yr; having graduated high school; recognizing the organ shortage as the primary problem in transplantation; having received a post‐high school degree; having seen public information within 30 d; and having a family member in health care (all p≤0.05). Not significant were: gender; race; religious affiliation or regular church attendance; knowing a transplant recipient or wait‐listed patient; and having easy internet access. Those unwilling/unsure more often thought: organ allocation is based on race/income; organ donation is expensive for the donor family; designated donors may not receive full emergency room care; a brain‐dead person can recover.

Conclusions:  Intense efforts to improve public awareness and knowledge about organ donation/transplantation are necessary to maximize donation and the overall success of transplantation.
FTIR spectroscopy shows structural similarities between photosystems II from cyanobacteria and spinach
Authors: Remy André , Niklas Jens , Kuhl Helena , Kellers Petra , Schott Thomas , Rögner Matthias , Gerwert Klaus
Published: December 2004

Photosystem II (PSII), an essential component of oxygenic photosynthesis, is a membrane‐bound pigment protein complex found in green plants and cyanobacteria. Whereas the molecular structure of cyanobacterial PSII has been resolved with at least medium resolution [Zouni, A., Witt, H.‐T., Kern, J., Fromme, P., Krauss, N., Saenger, W. & Orth, P. (2001) Nature (London)409, 739–743; Kamiya, N. & Shen, J.R. (2003) Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA100, 98–103], the structure of higher plant PSII is only known at low resolution. Therefore Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) difference spectroscopy was used to compare PSII from both Thermosynechococcus elongatus and Synechocystis PCC6803 core complexes with PSII‐enriched membranes from spinach (BBY). FTIR difference spectra of T. elongatus core complexes are presented for several different intermediates. As the FTIR difference spectra show close similarities among the three species, the structural arrangement of cofactors in PSII and their interactions with the protein microenvironment during photosynthetic charge separation must be very similar in higher plant PSII and cyanobacterial PSII. A structural model of higher plant PSII can therefore be predicted from the structure of cyanobacterial PSII.
Clamping down on clamps and clamp loaders
Authors: Mossi Romina , Hübscher Ulrich
Published: December 2004

DNA transactions such as DNA replication and DNA repair require the concerted action of many enzymes, together with other proteins and non‐protein cofactors. Among them three main accessory proteins, replication factor C (RF‐C), proliferating‐cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and replication protein A (RP‐A), are essential for accurate and processive DNA synthesis by DNA polymerases. RF‐C is a complex consisting of five polypeptides with distinct functions. RF‐C can bind to a template‐primer junction and, in the presence of ATP, load the PCNA clamp onto DNA, thereby recruiting DNA polymerases to the site of DNA synthesis. RF‐C not only acts as a clamp loader in DNA replication and DNA repair, but there is some evidence that it could be involved in several other processes such as transcription, S‐phase checkpoint regulation, apoptosis, differentiation and telomere‐length regulation.
An effective medium for isolating Sphaeropsis sapinea from asymptomatic pines
Authors: Blodgett J. T. , Bonello P. , Stanosz G. R.
Published: December 2004

The pathogen Sphaeropsis sapinea can persist in stems and branches of asymptomatic pines and can later induce disease when triggered by host stress. Several experiments were conducted to test if:(i) medium amended with tannic acid (TA) can increase the frequency of cultural detection of this shoot blight and canker pathogen from asymptomatic red pine (Pinus resinosa) stems, and (ii) S. sapinea can persist in asymptomatic red pine in the field following artificial inoculation. TA (0.5% w/v) in 2% (w/v) water agar proved to be the best medium for isolation of S. sapinea among a larger number of tested media. The addition of TA had little or no effect on the growth of two group A and two group B isolates of S. sapinea. However, when TA was added, 11 other fast‐growing fungal isolates from stems/branches of red or jack pines (P. banksiana) were inhibited and grew more slowly (p < 0.05) than both S. sapinea groups. The TA‐amended medium improved cultural detection of S. sapinea from 2‐year‐old, asymptomatic red pine nursery seedlings compared with two other methods used for the cultural detection of S. sapinea (32%vs. 8.5% and 18% recovery; p < 0.001 and p = 0.031, respectively). A field test using the TA‐amended media established that S. sapinea can persist asymptomatically in red pine trees for at least 1 year. This medium significantly reduces the frequency of false‐negatives from asymptomatic field material.
Prävention und Regeneration epidermaler Barrierestörungen bei Berufsdermatosen
Authors: Schürer Nanna Y. , Schwanitz † Hans J.
Published: December 2004

Die Prävention von Berufsdermatosen hat in den letzten 10 Jahren zu statistisch gesicherten Erfolgen in der Primär‐, Sekundär‐ und Tertiärprävention geführt. In der Sekundär‐ und Tertiärprävention waren hierfür vor allem berufsdermatologische Interventionen ausschlaggebend. Insbesondere in der Primärprävention sind pädagogische Maßnahmen in Form von Einzelberatung sowie Seminaren zur Aufklärung, Motivation und zum Einüben eines sachgerechten Hautschutzverhaltens indiziert. In der vorliegenden Übersicht werden die naturwissenschaftlichen Besonderheiten von Handekzemen in bezug auf Störung und Regeneration der epidermalen Barriere und damit den Möglichkeiten zur gezielten Prävention dargestellt. Hierbei wurden unter anderem anatomische Besonderheiten der Interdigitalräume, der Palmae und deren funktionelle Konsequenzen wie die palmare Hyperhidrose dargestellt. Es werden die biochemischen Möglichkeiten zur Regeneration der Epidermis in bezug auf den (sauren) pH, den epidermalen Kalziumgradienten und die perkutane Absorption erläutert. Auf die Wirkung von Antioxidantien wird ebenso eingegangen wie auf neuere Hautfunktionstests, die physiologische Meßmethoden nutzen.
Insulin‐like growth factors, hepatocyte growth factor and transforming growth factor‐α in mouse tongue myogenesis
Authors: Yamane Akira , Amano Osamu , Slavkin Harold C.
Published: December 2004

Many reports have shown that tongue striated muscles have several unique characteristics not found in other skeletal muscles such as limb and trunk. Several peptide growth factors are reported to play important roles in skeletal myogenesis. In this article, the roles of insulin‐like growth factors (IGF), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and transforming growth factor (TGF)‐α in mouse tongue myogenesis were studied using an organ culture system of the mandible or tongue obtained from mouse embryos. It was found that IGF‐I promotes the differentiation of tongue myoblasts. HGF plays an essential role in the migration and proliferation of tongue myogenic cells, and inhibits the differentiation of tongue myoblasts. TGF‐α does not play an essential role in the proliferation of tongue myogenic cells, but does promote the early differentiation of tongue myoblasts. The role of IGF‐I in the differentiation of tongue myoblasts, and that of HGF in the migration, proliferation and differentiation of tongue myogenic cells appear to be almost identical to their roles in the myogenesis of limb and cultured myogenic cell lines. However, the role of TGF‐α in the proliferation and differentiation of tongue myogenic cells appears to be different from its role in the myogenesis of limb and cultured myogenic cell lines such as C2 and L6.
Spatio‐temporal pattern of MAP kinase activation in embryos of the ascidian Halocynthia roretzi
Authors: Nishida Hiroki
Published: December 2004

To understand developmental mechanisms, it is important to know when and where signaling pathways are activated. The spatio‐temporal pattern of activation of mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK/ERK) was investigated during embryogenesis of the ascidian Halocynthia roretzi, using an antibody specific to the activated form of MAPK. During cleavage stages, activated MAPK was transiently observed in nuclei of the precursor blastomeres of endoderm, notochord, mesenchyme, brain, secondary muscle, trunk lateral cells and trunk ventral cells. These sites of MAPK activation are consistent with results of previous studies that have analyzed the embryonic induction of various tissues, and with results of inhibition of MAPK kinase (MEK) in ascidians. Activation of MAPK in notochord and mesenchyme blastomeres was observed in a short period in a single cell cycle. In contrast, in brain and secondary muscle lineages, MAPK activation spanned two or three cell cycles, and upon each cleavage, MAPK was asymmetrically activated in only one of the two daughter cells that remained brain or secondary muscle lineages. During later stages, MAPK activation was predominantly observed in the central nervous system. A conspicuous feature at this stage was that activation appeared to alternate between positive and negative along the anterior–posterior axis of the neural tube. During the tail elongation stage, MAPK was quiescent.
Gastrointestinal motility and the brain‐gut axis
Authors: ISHIGUCHI TADASHI , ITOH HIDEKAZU , ICHINOSE MASAO
Published: December 2004

The role of the brain‐gut axis in gastrointestinal motility is discussed according to the specific organs of the gastrointestinal tract. Not only clinical studies but basic animal research are reviewed. Although the mechanism of functional gut disorders remains to be clarified, recent data suggest that there is evidence that the brain‐gut axis has significant effects on gastrointestinal motility. The major role of endoscopy in the diagnosis of functional gastrointestinal disorders is to exclude organic gastrointestinal disorders. In the esophagus, the lower esophageal sphincter and a gamma‐aminobutyric acid B mechanism are considered to play important roles in gastroesophageal reflux disease. In the stomach, corticotropin‐releasing factor, neuropeptide Y and other substances might be involved in the pathogenesis of non‐ulcer dyspepsia. In the small intestine, corticotropin‐releasing factor, gamma‐aminobutyric acid B and other substances are considered to modulate intestinal transit via central mechanisms. In the colon, it is known that psychiatric factors are related to the onset and clinical course of irritable bowel syndrome. Serotonin, corticotropin‐releasing factor, gamma‐aminobutyric acid, orphanin FQ and neuropeptide Y have been reported as putative neurotransmitters. More efforts in basic science studies and animal and human studies of physiology of the gastointestinal tract are still required. These efforts will elucidate further mechanisms to clarify the etiology of motility disorders and encourage the investigation of new therapies in this field.
Formation and clinical significance of reddish markings on the liver surface: Activity of chronic liver disease
Authors: SHIBAYAMA TAKAO , OHTAKE HIROO , HISHIMA TSUNEKAZU
Published: December 2004

Background:  The aim of this study was to clarify the clinical significance of reddish markings appearing on the surface of the liver.

Methods:  Subjects were patients with Hepatitis B virus‐related (n = 232) or Hepatitis C‐related (n = 246) chronic liver disease. Reddish lesions were obtained from this population using punch biopsy (n = 30) or wedge biopsy (n = 4), then studied histopathologically. In addition, the incidence and macroscopic forms of reddish markings in each laparoscopic stage for the 478 subjects were examined to determine when reddish markings appeared.

Results:  Reddish markings on the liver surface appeared only after the appearance of hepatic parenchymal destruction subjacent to the liver capsule, rather than with the appearance of piecemeal necrosis in the portal area. Moreover, following expansion of necrotic hepatic parenchyma subjacent to the liver capsule and distortion of hepatic lobular architecture in this lesion, net‐like or hemorrhagic fleck‐like reddish markings appeared. Therefore, this was recognized as changes at the liver capsule, such as capillary proliferation and dilatation, and blood flow changes in both the capsule and hepatic parenchymal lesions subjacent to the liver capsule. With regards to timing, reddish markings were most frequently observed in the transition to liver cirrhosis. After the appearance of reddish markings on the liver surface, chronic hepatitis rapidly progressed to liver cirrhosis.

Conclusion:  Reddish markings correspond to hepatic parenchymal destruction subjacent to the liver capsule, and not to piecemeal necrosis. Reddish markings appear in the transition to liver cirrhosis and might offer a useful marker of the progression to liver cirrhosis.
Usefulness of oblique transparent cylinders in facilitating colonoscopy
Authors: TSUMURA TAKEHIKO , TORII AYAO , FUJITA SHINYA , TAKEDA JUN , HIKITA HIROSHI , NISHIKAWA HARUHIRO , OCHI JIRO , MIURA KENSUKE
Published: December 2004

Recently, the usefulness of the oblique transparent cylinder (OTC) in colonoscopy has been reported. In this study, the efficacy of two newly designed OTCs was evaluated. Colonoscopy performed by six experienced endoscopists in 1005 cases and by one inexperienced endoscopist in 177 cases was analyzed. Short (S) and ultra short (US) cylinders, shorter in length than a conventional long (L) cylinder, were used. The use of OTCs in colonoscopy contributed to a significantly faster insertion into the cecum. The average time to reach the cecum for experienced endoscopists were 12.4 ± 0.3 min without a cylinder, 9.0 ± 0.3 min with a US cylinder, 8.5 ± 0.4 min with an S cylinder and 6.9 ± 0.8 min with an L cylinder, respectively. The visual field and handling of the endoscope were more improved with the S cylinder than the conventional L cylinder. On the other hand, with the L cylinder, the success rate of one inexperienced endoscopist for total colonoscopy reached more than 90% and mean insertion time to reach the cecum was 16.4 ± 1.8 min 7‐months later. Both the success rate and average insertion time for the inexperienced endoscopist were satisfactory considering the rather short learning period. The OTCs were effective in reducing the insertion time. The use of the S cylinder overcame some of the disadvantages of the L cylinder; however, the L cylinder was helpful in improving the technique of an inexperienced endoscopist.
Retroperitoneal perforation of a pancreatic cyst during endoscopic retrograde pancreatography
Authors: KAWAKITA TOMOYUKI , MURAYAMA TAKASHI , IZUMI DAISUKE , TAKASE KOUJIROU , NAKANO TAKESHI , SHIRAKI KATSUYA
Published: December 2004

A 70‐year‐old man was admitted to Ueno Municipal Hospital, Ueno, Japan, for evaluation of abdominal distension. Computed tomography showed a 1 × 1 cm cyst at the pancreas tail. Endoscopic retrograde pancreatography (ERP) showed a normal pancreatic duct after the first gentle injection and an enhanced cyst at the pancreas tail. Extravasation of the contrast medium occurred from the pancreatic duct to the superior‐dorsal extrapancreas at the same time of the next low‐pressure manual injection. Computed tomography showed extravasation of the contrast medium from the pancreas cyst to the retroperitoneal space after ERP. It was considered that the cyst wall weakness, in addition to slight elevated pancreatic duct pressure, caused the disruption of the cyst wall.
Determination of Vibrio scophthalmi and its phenotypic diversity in turbot larvae
Authors: Cerdà‐Cuéllar Marta , Blanch Anicet R.
Published: December 2004

The association of Vibrio scophthalmi with turbot larvae was assessed, by molecular methods with a species‐specific probe, in the rearing stages of turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) larvae using a routine batch of production at a fish farm. The phenotypic diversity of this bacterial species was also studied to identify predominant phenotypes at successive stages of larval development.

Vibrio scophthalmi was detected in all turbot larvae samples except in the sample from day 0 after hatching. The percentage of V. scophthalmi in the intestinal microbiota increased throughout larval development. Vibrio scophthalmi was also detected in live food (brine shrimps) and water from the tanks, but not in the sediment. All turbot larvae, 15–57 day old, showed several V. scophthalmi phenotypes, and a pattern of successive waves of phenotypes was observed during successive larval stages. This indicates that certain strains may colonize the intestine more efficiently and thus maintain their population for longer than other strains. Vibrio scophthalmi populations from turbots of different origin were very similar, suggesting that irrespective of geographical area, turbot populations share similar V. scophthalmi strains. Vibrio scophthalmi strain was not isolated from other cultured fish, only turbot larvae, at the same hatchery receiving water from the same supply.