bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The significance of overlapping plant range to a putative adaptive trade‐off in the black bean aphid Aphis fabae Scop
Authors: Tosh C. R. , Morgan D. , Walters K. F. A. , Douglas A. E.
Published: July 2004

Abstract.  1. This study continues to explore the analysis of a putative adaptive trade‐off in the utilisation of host plants Vicia faba and Tropaeolum majus by the aphid, Aphis fabae. These plants are utilised exclusively by the subspecies Aphis fabae fabae and A. f. mordwilkoi respectively, and this plant‐use system has been studied previously as a potential source of disruptive selection.

2. Here the potential of these two host plants to generate disruptive selection is considered given common utilisation of the abundant host plant, Rumex obtusifolius, by both subspecies.

3. The life history of subspecific clones is quantified in the laboratory on V. faba, T. majus, and R. obtusifolius at various temperatures and used to parameterise a temperature‐driven simulation model of aphid population development.

4. Accuracy of the model is tested using a field experiment, and fitness of clones on specific and common host is simulated using temperature data from a number of English sites.

5. The model gives a close quantitative fit to field data and makes the following predictions: performance of A. f. fabae is higher on the specific host than the common host under all tested thermal regimes; and performance of A. f. mordwilkoi is superior on the specific host in warm years but inferior in cold years.

6. Given the great abundance of R. obtusifolius relative to T. majus, the model predicts that the plant utilisation system has little potential to consistently promote hybrid dysfunction. This adds further weight to the assertion that the plant utilisation system studied can offer little insight into the evolutionary processes involved in subspecific differentiation and probably contains a host plant/host plants acquired after the evolution of reproductive barriers.
Disturbance and investment: developmental responses of tropical lotic midges to repeated tube destruction in the juvenile stages
Authors: Mckie Brendan G.
Published: July 2004

Abstract.  1. Investment in silken tubes may give tubicolous chironomid larvae more to lose than non‐tube building taxa when physical disturbances or the actions of other organisms induce dispersal. In this study, two chironomid species from flood‐prone Australian tropical streams were subjected to repeated experimental destruction of their larval and pupal tubes in laboratory experiments, with life‐history parameter responses recorded.

2. When subjected to the tube destruction treatments, Echinocladius martini (Orthocladiinae), whose larvae construct branched loose silken tubes in fast flow, showed no reduction in survivorship to adult, whereas Polypedilum australotropicus (Chironominae), which builds compact tightly woven tubes incorporating detrital material within pool leaf packs, showed reduced survivorship of about 25%.

3. For both species, tube destruction reduced pupal duration, regardless of whether destruction occurred in the larval stage only, or in both the larval and pupal stages. This may be a response to the risks of exposure outside tubes in nature, particularly for pupae, which are incapable of spinning silk.

4. Tube destruction caused little or no reduction in adult size, longevity, or female fecundity (oocyte number) for either species, but oocyte development and size was retarded in E. martini females, reflecting the energetic and nutritive costs of the tube destruction treatments.

5. Contrasts in the responses of the two species reflect differences in tube‐building behaviour and in situ habitat use. These results demonstrate that tube loss can affect the fitness of individual chironomids, though both species proved generally resilient, which may reflect their long‐term exposure to variable tropical lotic conditions.
Cold tolerance in obligate and cyclical parthenogens of the peach‐potato aphid, Myzus persicae
Authors: Vorburger Christoph
Published: July 2004

Abstract.  1. Many aphids form mixed populations of cyclical and obligate parthenogens. This is puzzling, because all else being equal, obligate parthenogens should outcompete cyclical parthenogens due to the two‐fold cost of sex. Yet cyclical parthenogens produce frost‐resistant, diapausing eggs in autumn, while obligate parthenogens spend the winter as active stages. Frost resistance thus represents a short‐term advantage to sexual reproduction mediated by winter temperatures, which may promote this coexistence.

2. Because obligate parthenogens overwinter as active stages, there may be selection for increased cold tolerance compared to cyclical parthenogens. This has the potential to gradually erode the advantage of sexually producing eggs.

3. Four obligately and four cyclically parthenogenetic lines of Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) were collected from each of two areas differing in winter severity, and their survival after exposure to a severe experimental frost (14 h at −9 °C), as well as their reproductive performance at a low (10 °C) and a high (20 °C) temperature were compared.

4. There was significant variation among lines in survival after the experimental frost, but this variation was neither related to their reproductive mode, nor to their area of origin. Similarly, neither reproductive mode nor origin had a significant effect on reproductive performance, independent of temperature. The average slope of the response to variation in temperature was also similar for both reproductive modes, despite the fact that slopes differed significantly among lines.

5. Within the limits of extrapolating from laboratory experiments, it is concluded that in M. persicae, the active stages of obligate parthenogens are not better adapted to cold temperatures than those of cyclical parthenogens.
Internal structure of developing aucuba fruit as a defence increasing oviposition costs of its gall midges Asphondylia aucubae
Authors: Imai Kensuke , Ohsaki Naota
Published: July 2004

Abstract.  1. Damage to juvenile plant tissues can cause reductions in fitness. Therefore, plants are expected to have evolved various defences for juvenile organs; however, so far, little attention has been paid to mechanical defence, as they have been considered to constrain the growth of juvenile organs. This study revealed that the dioecious tree Aucuba japonica uses mechanical defences to protect young developing fruit from the gall midge Asphondylia aucubae.

2. Young fruit of A. japonica have a hard layer of endocarp covering the integument. Midges oviposit on the surface of the integument, where larval chambers are later formed. The endocarp gradually becomes cracked as the embryo sac develops.

3. Oviposition by the midges is successful only when the ovipositors happen to pass through cracks in the endocarp. Thus, to successfully lay eggs, midges must insert the ovipositor repeatedly. This should decrease the fecundity of the midges, and subsequently their infectiousness, because their adult lifespan is short and they do not consume food during this time.

4. Expansion of the cracks in the endocarp simplifies oviposition over time; however, the embryo sac continues to grow, increasing its volume relative to that of the ovule. This appears to deplete available space and tissue used in the construction of larval chambers, gradually making the fruit less susceptible to midge attacks.

5. The temporary nature of this defence should prevent it from constricting the growth of young fruit. This exemplifies a novel strategy for a mechanical defence of young developing plant tissues.
The Puzzling Increase in the Underpricing of Seasoned Equity Offerings
Authors: Kim Kenneth A. , Shin Hyun‐Han
Published: July 2004

Using a sample of over 3,000 seasoned equity offerings (SEOs) from 1983 to 1998, we test the hypothesis that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's Rule 10b‐21, which disallows the covering of short positions with newly issued SEOs, makes pre‐offer stock prices less informative, which, in turn, causes the new seasoned equity to be priced at a discount. Consistent with the hypothesis, we find that the year the rule went into effect coincides with the year from which we begin observing significant SEO discounts. Further, we find that ex ante uncertainty and SEO discounts are positively related. We also conduct tests specifically related to short selling, and we also consider an exhaustive set of alternative explanations for the discounts. Based on all of the evidence, we conclude that it is the rule that makes issue discounts larger in the 1990s.
Mixed Messages: Open‐Market Repurchases Following Stock Acquisitions
Authors: Howell Jann C. , Payne Janet D.
Published: July 2004

Management decisions and market reactions to those decisions do not occur in isolation. Despite this fact, little or no research has examined two events when they occur in a sequence, even when theory suggests that those two events convey opposite signals. We examine firms that do a stock‐based acquisition then announce an open‐market repurchase program. These two actions, according to the signaling theory, signal conflicting valuation errors. This paper is the first to examine a sequence of events that convey seemingly conflicting signals. Among other results, we find that repurchasers who had previously made a stock‐based acquisition have a less positive market reaction than do otherwise comparable repurchasers with no previous acquisition. These results indicate that the market reactions to events are tempered by previous information‐releasing events.
Equity Ownership and Firm Value: Evidence from Targeted Stock Repurchases
Authors: Chang Saeyoung , Hertzel Michael
Published: July 2004

In contrast to the negative average abnormal return associated with the announcement of a control‐related targeted repurchase (greenmail transaction), we find that the announcement of a noncontrol‐related targeted repurchase is associated with a positive and significant average abnormal return. Cross‐sectional analysis indicates that the change in firm value at the announcement of a noncontrol‐related targeted repurchase is negatively related to the resulting changes in both insider ownership and outside blockholdings. We also find significant differences in announcement‐period stock price effects depending on the identity of the selling shareholder.
Informed Trading Around Earnings Announcements: Another Look
Authors: Whalen Dennis J. , Collver Charles D.
Published: July 2004

This study is an empirical test of the Easley, O'Hara, and Srinivas (1998) multimarket sequential trade model of stock and option markets. We employ two approaches to determine the information content of signed stock and option trades executed around quarterly earnings announcements. The first approach expands the vector autoregression (VAR) technique of Hasbrouck (1991a) to include signed option trade volumes and inter‐trade durations. Estimates from the VAR models provide insight into whether both equity and option trades are viewed as informative by the equity specialist. The second approach focuses on the information content of the earnings releases to determine whether signed equity and option trades executed prior to the announcements are informed. Results indicate that although informed traders prefer to transact in both markets around earnings announcements, option market transactions contain no incremental information.
The Effect of Demand on Stock Prices: Evidence from Index Fund Rebalancing
Authors: Biktimirov Ernest N.
Published: July 2004

I examine the effect of demand on stock prices by analyzing the conversion of the TIPs 35 and TIPs 100 exchange‐traded funds into the i60 Fund. This conversion occurred at the Toronto Stock Exchange on March 6, 2000. Forty stocks of the TIPs 100 Fund that were not members of the new units of the i60 Fund were sold to complete this conversion. I find that a decrease in demand produced a permanent stock price decline, which was accompanied by significant abnormal trading volume. The results provide support for the downward‐sloping demand curve hypothesis.
In vitro induction of matrix metalloproteinase‐2 and matrix metalloproteinase‐9 expression in keratinocytes by boron and manganese
Authors: Chebassier Nathalie , El Houssein Ouijja , Viegas Isabelle , Dréno Brigitte
Published: July 2004

Abstract:  Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐2 and MMP‐9 are involved in keratinocyte migration and granulation tissue remodeling during wound healing. Thermal water cures are sometimes proposed as complementary treatment for accelerating healing of wounds resulting from burns and/or surgery, but their mechanisms of action remain unknown. Some thermal waters are rich in trace elements such as boron and manganese. Interestingly, clinical studies have shown the beneficial effects of trace elements such as boron and manganese for human wound healing. To try to specify the role of trace elements in cutaneous healing, the present study investigated the effects of these trace elements on the production of MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 by normal human keratinocytes cultured in vitro. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot showed that intracellular MMP‐9 expression in keratinocytes was induced when incubated for 6 h with boron at 10 µg/ml or manganese at 0.2 µg/ml. Moreover, gelatin zymography on keratinocyte supernatants showed an increase of gelatinase secretion after 24 h of incubation of keratinocytes with boron or manganese, regardless of concentration. Gelatinase secretion was not associated with keratinocyte proliferation induced by trace elements. Thus, our results suggest that boron and manganese could play a role in the clinical efficiency of thermal water on wound healing.
The water‐soluble extract of Illicium anisatum stimulates mouse vibrissae follicles in organ culture
Authors: Sakaguchi Ikuyo , Ishimoto Hiroko , Matsuo Masaki , Ikeda Norikazu , Minamino Miki , Kato Yoshiko
Published: July 2004

Abstract:  It is well known that reduced blood flow in the scalp is a cause of alopecia. We have shown previously that the extract of Illicium anisatum increases subcutaneous blood flow in mice. In the present study, we used an organ culture system to examine whether this extract promoted hair follicle elongation. B6C3HF1 mouse vibrissae follicles were cultured in serum‐free medium for 7 days at 31°C. Follicles treated with water‐soluble (WS) extracts of the leaves, fruits and roots of Illicium anisatum or shikimic acid grew significantly longer than controls. In contrast, ethyl acetate‐soluble (AS) extracts and n‐hexane‐soluble (HS) extracts of the leaves, fruits and roots of the plant inhibited hair follicles and shaft growth. Fractionation of the WS fruit extract showed that the number 1 and number 2 fractions possessed hair follicle elongation activity. GC/MS analysis revealed that the number 1 fraction contained shikimic acid, and that the number 2 fraction was a mixture of many components including glycosides and polysaccharides. Reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction analysis demonstrated that shikimic acid also induced mRNA expression of insulin‐like growth factor‐1, keratinocyte growth factor, and vascular endothelial growth factor in the hair follicles. These results suggest that the WS extract of Illicium anisatum promotes hair growth and may be a useful additive in hair growth products.
Suppression of melanogenesis by induction of endogenous intracellular metallothionein in human melanocytes
Authors: Sasaki M. , Kizawa K. , Igarashi S. , Horikoshi T. , Uchiwa H. , Miyachi Y.
Published: July 2004

Abstract:  Nitric oxide (NO) is a potent intercellular mediator of melanogenesis, whereas metallothionein (MT) is an inducible intracellular antioxidant that has been reported to scavenge NO. We investigated the existence and induction of MT in melanocytes, and its inhibitory effect on NO‐induced melanogenesis. The expression of MT was detected in melanocytes, however, at a lower level than in keratinocytes, and its induction was possible by the addition of zinc chloride. Further, an NO‐stimulated increase of tyrosinase activity in melanocytes was remarkably suppressed, when MT was induced prior to NO stimulation. Melanogenesis was also suppressed, when dexamethasone was used to induce MT. However, an NO‐stimulated increase of tyrosinase expression was not suppressed at the gene and protein level, when MT was induced in melanocytes. The same suppressive effect of melanogenesis was also observed, when α‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone or endothelin‐1 was used as a stimulator. Because these results implied a mechanism other than NO scavenging to explain the suppressive effect of MT induction on melanogenesis, the direct inhibition of tyrosinase by MT was examined. Melanosome fractions were prepared from melanocytes, whose melanogenesis was suppressed by the induction of MT. Tyrosinase suppression was observed in the melanosome fractions, which was neutralized by the addition of anti‐MT antibody. These results suggest that MT induction may be effective to suppress melanogenesis stimulated by NO as well as other melanogens, and these suppressive effects might be due to a direct inhibition of tyrosinase activity in melanosome and not a scavenging effect of NO.
A central role for the mast cell in early phase vasculitis in the Brown Norway rat model of vasculitis: a histological study
Authors: Vinen Catherine S. , Turner David R. , Oliveira David B. G.
Published: July 2004

Administration of mercuric chloride (HgCl2) to Brown Norway rats causes Th2‐dominated autoimmunity with raised immunoglobulin E concentrations and gut vasculitis, both of which are T‐cell dependent, peak at 14 days after starting HgCl2 and then spontaneously resolve. If animals are re‐challenged with HgCl2 6 weeks after initial exposure, they are resistant to autoimmunity, developing only attenuated disease. Recently, a separate phase of early caecal vasculitis was described beginning 24 h after initiating HgCl2 and prior to caecal entry of T cells. Previous work suggested this early vasculitis was αβ T‐cell independent and implied a role for mast cells. We further tested this hypothesis by performing a histological study during the first 93 h following HgCl2 challenge defining the precise relationship between gut mast cell degranulation and appearing caecal vasculitis. We also studied whether early caecal vasculitis enters a resistant phase upon re‐challenge with HgCl2. We show a direct correlation between mast cell degranulation and early caecal vasculitis following initial HgCl2 challenge. We demonstrate resistance to re‐challenge in this phase of injury, with results at re‐challenge also showing a correlation between mast cell degranulation and early caecal injury.
Activity of lung neutrophils and matrix metalloproteinases in cyclophosphamide‐treated mice with experimental sepsis
Authors: Hirsh Mark , Carmel Julie , Kaplan Viktoria , Livne Erella , Krausz Michael M.
Published: July 2004

Sepsis in patients receiving chemotherapy may result in acute respiratory distress syndrome, despite decreased number of blood neutrophils [polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs)]. In the present study, we investigated the correlation of cyclophosphamide (CY)‐induced neutropenia with the destructive potential of lung PMN in respect to formation of septic acute lung injury (ALI). Mice were treated with 250 mg/kg of CY or saline (control) and subjected to cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) or sham operation. ALI was verified by histological examination. Lung PMNs and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) were assessed by flow cytometry and gelatin zymography. CLP in CY‐treated mice induced a typical lung injury. Despite profound neutropenia, CY treatment did not attenuate CLP‐induced ALI. This might relate to only a partial suppression of PMN: CY has significantly reduced PMN influx into the lungs (P = 0.008) and suppressed their oxidative metabolism, but had no suppressive effect on degranulation (P = 0.227) and even induced MMP‐9 activity (P = 0.0003). In CY‐untreated animals, peak of CLP‐induced ALI coincided with massive PMN influx (P = 0.013), their maximal degranulation (P = 0.014) and activation of lung MMP‐9 (P = 0.002). These findings may indicate an important role of the residual lung PMN and activation of MMP‐9 in septic lung injury during CY chemotherapy.
Metalloproteinases, insulin‐like growth factor‐I and its binding proteins in aortic aneurysm
Authors: Panek Bogusław , Gacko Marek , Pałka Jerzy
Published: July 2004

Abdominal aortic aneurysm is accompanied by the impairment of collagen metabolism in arterial wall. Metalloproteinases and collagen‐stimulating factors play an important role in the maintenance of balance between collagen biosynthesis and degradation in tissues. Insulin‐like growth factor‐I (IGF‐I) plays a major role in the stimulation of collagen biosynthesis. Its activity and bioavailability to target cells are modulated by IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs). The potential role of these factors in the mechanism of collagen metabolism deregulation in aortic aneurysm is the purpose of this study. Therefore, we have compared the content of collagen, gelatinolytic activity, IGF‐I, IGFBP‐1 and IGFBP‐3 in normal human aorta and aortic aneurysm. The content of hydroxyproline (representing collagen content) in the proteins of aortic aneurysm was found to be similar to that found in normal aorta. Taking into account that some of the hydroxyproline may be derived from collagen degradation products (CDPs), they were separated and hydroxyproline was determined. It has been found that CDP‐derived hydroxyproline content in aortic aneurysm was increased as compared with normal aorta, suggesting an increased collagen degradation. In contrast, zymography showed a decrease of collagenolytic activity in aortic aneurysm tissue, but an increase in mural thrombus, compared to respective controls. IGF‐I concentration in aortic aneurysm was decreased, while the concentrations of BP‐1 and BP‐3 were both increased compared to control. The data suggest that increased collagen degradation in aortic aneurysm is due to the increase in collagenolytic activity in mural thrombus accompanying aneurysm tissue. It suggests that the mural thrombus may play a critical role in the pathogenesis of abdominal aortic aneurysm.
Role of Lewis A and Lewis B Blood Group Antigens in Helicobacter pylori Infection
Authors: Rothenbacher Dietrich , Weyermann Maria , Bode Günter , Kulaksiz Murrat , Stahl Bernd , Brenner Hermann
Published: July 2004

Background and aims.  We investigated the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in a large group of women to determine whether there was an association of current infection status with Lewis blood group antigen A and B phenotype.

Methods.  Between November 2000 and November 2001, mothers were recruited after delivery of their offspring at the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics at the University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany. The H. pylori infection status of the women was determined by 13C urea breath test. Their Lewis A and Lewis B phenotype was determined using standard laboratory techniques.

Results.  In total, 22.2% of the 712 women included in the study (mean age 30.7 years) had a current H. pylori infection. The prevalence of infection varied from 15.5% in women of German nationality to 75.0% in women of Turkish nationality (p < .001). Most women (68.1%) had a Le(a–b+) phenotype. The prevalence of H. pylori infection in women with Le(a–b+) phenotypes was lower than in other women (p = .02). In multivariate analysis, the odds ratio (OR) for a current H. pylori infection given Le(a–b+) was 0.56 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.33–0.95] compared to women with Le(a–b–).

Conclusion.  Le(a–b+) blood group phenotype in combination with secretor status may hinder colonization of H. pylori in the population studied.
Total Family Unit Helicobacter pylori Eradication and Pediatric Re‐Infection Rates
Authors: Farrell Stephen , Milliken Irene , Doherty Gary M. , Murphy Jane L. , Wootton Steven A. , McCallion William A.
Published: July 2004

Background.  Re‐infection with Helicobacter pylori is more common in children than adults, and it is generally accepted that the family unit plays a significant role in primary childhood infection. We investigated whether the family unit plays a significant role in pediatric re‐infection and if eradication of H. pylori from the entire family reduces the risk of childhood re‐infection.

Methods.  Fifty families, each with an H. pylori‐infected pediatric index case (mean age 9.48 years), were recruited. A 13carbon urea breath test was performed on all family members in the same house as the index case. Each family unit was randomized into a ‘family unit treatment’ group (all infected family members treated) or an ‘index case treatment’ group (index case only treated).

Results.  At long‐term follow‐up (mean 62.2 months), there were three re‐infected children in the ‘index case treatment’ group compared with one in the ‘family unit treatment’ group. The re‐infection rate was 2.4% per patient per year in the ‘index case treatment’ group and 0.7% per patient per year in the ‘family unit treatment’ group (p = .31).

Conclusions.  This study is the first to evaluate the effect of total family unit H. pylori eradication on pediatric re‐infection rates and reports the longest period of re‐infection follow‐up in children. In childhood, re‐infection with H. pylori is not significantly reduced by family unit H. pylori eradication.
A Novel In Vitro Infection Model of Helicobacter pylori Using Mucin‐Producing Murine Gastric Surface Mucous Cells
Authors: Takahashi Tetsufumi , Matsumoto Tsukasa , Nakamura Masahiko , Matsui Hidenori , Kiyohara Hiroaki , Sasakawa Chihiro , Yamada Haruki
Published: July 2004

Background.  Helicobacter pylori is found within the gastric surface mucous gel layer and in the epithelial surface. Gastric cancer cells have been used in experimental H. pylori infection in vitro, although cancer cells have some abnormalities in cellular properties. The aim of this study was to develop an in vitro H. pylori infection model using normal gastric surface cells that produce gastric mucin.

Materials and methods.  Normal murine gastric surface mucous cells (GSM06) were cultured by the liquid interface method using a serum‐free medium and a collagen gel containing a fibroblast cell line (L929) and infected with H. pylori. Infection by H. pylori was assessed by enumerating the colony‐forming units (CFU) of H. pylori adhered to GSM06 cells and by transmission electron microscopy. The production of mucin was determined by a lectin binding assay, sugar analysis, and MUC5AC gene expression.

Results.  GSM06 cells cultured under these conditions produced mucin containing N‐acetylgalactosamine and MUC5AC as the core protein. Significantly higher numbers of H. pylori adhered to GSM06 cells under mucin‐producing conditions than under nonproducing conditions. Microscopic observation showed a filamentous structure resembling a type IV secretion system apparatus formed between the surface of GSM06 cells and H. pylori.

Conclusions.  This study demonstrates a novel in vitro H. pylori infection model using mucin‐producing murine GSM06 cells for early stages of infection.
Hyperpolarization‐activated, cyclic nucleotide‐gated HCN2 cation channel forms a protein assembly with multiple neuronal scaffold proteins in distinct modes of protein–protein interaction
Authors: Kimura Kouji , Kitano Jun , Nakajima Yoshiaki , Nakanishi Shigetada
Published: July 2004

Hyperpolarization‐activated cation currents, termed Ih, are non‐uniformly distributed along dendritic arbors with current density increasing with increasing distance from the soma. The non‐uniform distribution of Ih currents contributes to normalization of location‐dependent variability in temporal integration of synaptic input, but the molecular basis for the graded HCN distribution remains to be investigated. The hyperpolarization‐activated, cyclic nucleotide‐gated cation channels (HCNs) underlie Ih currents and consist of four members (HCN1‐HCN4) of the gene family in mammals. In this investigation, we report that HCN2 forms a protein assembly with tamalin, S‐SCAM and Mint2 scaffold proteins, using several different approaches including immunoprecipitation of rat brain and heterologously expressing cell extracts and glutathione S‐transferase pull‐down assays. The PDZ domain of tamalin interacts with HCN2 at both the PDZ‐binding motif and the internal carboxy‐terminal tail of HCN2, whereas binding of the PDZ domain of S‐SCAM occurs at the cyclic nucleotide‐binding domain (CNBD) and the CNBD‐downstream sequence of the carboxy‐terminal tail of HCN2. A protein assembly between HCN2 and Mint2 is formed by the interaction of the munc18‐interacting domain of Mint2 with the CNBD‐downstream sequence of HCN2. The results demonstrate that HCN2 forms a protein complex with multiple neuronal scaffold proteins in distinct modes of protein–protein interaction.
Intranasal cocaine use does not appear to be an independent risk factor for HCV infection
Authors: Galperim Bruno , Cheinquer Hugo , Stein Airton , Fonseca André , Lunge Vagner , Ikuta Nilo
Published: July 2004

Aims  To determine the prevalence of HCV infection among intranasal cocaine users and evaluate underlying parental risk factors.

Design, setting and participants  A cross‐sectional study evaluated prospectively 60 patients admitted to a chemical dependency unit.

Measurements  A standardized questionnaire was designed to obtain epidemiological data. Aminotransferases and anti‐HCV antibodies were determined. Anti‐HCV antibody positivity was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Findings  Fifteen (25%) patients of 60 tested intranasal cocaine users were anti‐HCV positive. Ten (75%) of them had detectable HCV‐RNA. Comparison between 15 anti‐HCV positive and 45 anti‐HCV negative patients showed significant differences in mean age (35 versus 27 years), estimated time of drug use (10 versus 4 years), rate of elevated ALT and/or AST (60% versus 16%) and presence of parenteral risk factors (100% versus 7%). Comparison between patients with and without elevated aminotransferases showed significant difference in mean duration of drug use (8 versus 5 years) and rate of anti‐HCV positivity (56% versus 14%). Among 15 anti‐HCV positive patients, HCV‐RNA was detectable in all with elevated aminotransferases and only one of six with normal aminotransferases (100% versus 17%).

Conclusions  While there was a high prevalence of anti‐HCV antibodies in this sample of intranasal cocaine users, the infection was highly correlated with the presence of intravenous (i.v.) drug use and duration of drug use. In this sample, therefore, intranasal cocaine use alone was not an important risk factor for HCV infection.
Weekend effects on binge drinking and homicide: the social connection between alcohol and violence in Russia
Authors: Pridemore William Alex
Published: July 2004

Aims and design  This study employs unique newly available Russian mortality data to examine the social connection between binge drinking and homicide in the country.

Setting, participants and measurements  All death certificates of those aged 20–64 years in the Udmurt Republic, Russia, were analyzed according to day and cause of death for the years 1994–98. Deaths due to alcohol poisoning were used as a proxy for binge drinking.

Findings  There was a high bivariate correlation (r = 0.75) between the daily distribution of deaths due to alcohol and homicide. The number of alcohol deaths was significantly higher on Saturdays and Sundays (presumably as a result of drinking on Friday and Saturday nights) and the number of homicide deaths was significantly higher on Fridays and Saturdays.

Conclusions  The levels of alcohol consumption and homicide in Russia are among the highest in the world, and there is mounting evidence that the two are related. Binge drinking, preference for distilled spirits and a high social tolerance for heavy drinking may act as social and cultural contextual factors that might increase the risk of violent outcomes. The high correspondence between the daily distribution of alcohol and homicide deaths provides indirect evidence for the social connection between them. While these findings do not represent a causal connection, when placed in the context of the growing literature on this topic they provide further support of an association between alcohol consumption and homicide rates in Russia and preliminary evidence for the intermediate role in this relationship played by social context.
Slow‐release oral morphine versus methadone: a crossover comparison of patient outcomes and acceptability as maintenance pharmacotherapies for opioid dependence
Authors: Mitchell Timothy B. , White Jason M. , Somogyi Andrew A. , Bochner Felix
Published: July 2004

Aims  To evaluate slow‐release oral morphine (SROM) as an alternative maintenance pharmacotherapy to methadone for treatment of opioid dependence.

Design  Open‐label crossover study.

Setting  Out‐patient methadone maintenance programme.

Participants  Eighteen methadone maintenance patients.

Intervention  Participants were transferred from methadone to SROM (once‐daily Kapanol™) for approximately 6 weeks before resuming methadone maintenance.

Measurements  Patient outcomes were assessed (1) during the transition between medications (dose requirements, withdrawal severity) and (2) after at least 4 weeks on a stable dose of each drug (treatment preference, patient ratings of treatment efficacy and acceptability, drug use, health, depression and sleep).

Findings  Transfer from methadone to SROM was associated with relatively mild withdrawal for the first 5 days; the final mean SROM : methadone dose ratio was 4.6 : 1. Compared to methadone, SROM was associated with improved social functioning, weight loss, fewer and less troublesome side‐effects, greater drug liking, reduced heroin craving, an enhanced sense of feeling ‘normal’ and similar outcomes for unsanctioned drug use, depression and health. The majority of subjects preferred SROM (78%) over methadone (22%).

Conclusions  These findings provide justification for further evaluation of SROM as a maintenance pharmacotherapy for opioid dependence.
In 12‐step groups, helping helps the helper
Authors: Zemore Sarah E. , Kaskutas Lee Ann , Ammon Lyndsay N.
Published: July 2004

Aims  The helper therapy principle suggests that, within mutual‐help groups, those who help others help themselves. The current study examines whether clients in treatment for alcohol and drug problems benefit from helping others, and how helping relates to 12‐step involvement.

Design  Longitudinal treatment outcome.

Participants  An ethnically diverse community sample of 279 alcohol‐ and/or drug‐dependent individuals (162 males, 117 females) was recruited through advertisement and treatment referral from Northern California Bay Area communities. Participants were treated at one of four day‐treatment programs.

Measurements  A helping checklist measured the amount of time participants spent, during treatment, helping others by sharing experiences, explaining how to get help and giving advice on housing and employment. Measures of 12‐step involvement and substance use outcomes were administered at baseline and a 6 month follow‐up.

Findings  Helping and 12‐step involvement emerged as important and related predictors of treatment outcomes. In the general sample, total abstinence at follow‐up was strongly and positively predicted by 12‐step involvement at follow‐up, but not by helping during treatment; still, helping positively predicted subsequent 12‐step involvement. Among individuals still drinking at follow‐up, helping during treatment predicted a lower probability of binge drinking, whereas effects for 12‐step involvement proved inconsistent.

Conclusions  Findings support the helper therapy principle and clarify the process of 12‐step affiliation.
Substance abuse treatment needs and access in the USA: interstate variations
Authors: McAuliffe William E. , Dunn Ryan
Published: July 2004

Aims  This study investigated interstate substance abuse treatment needs and access in the USA.

Design  After assessing the validity of recently developed survey and indicator measures, the study analysed the geographic distribution and nature of state substance abuse treatment needs. Substance abuse treatment utilization index scores were regressed on the need measurements to identify differences among state populations in treatment access.

Findings  The interstate substance abuse treatment need measures had evidence of reliability and construct validity. Treatment needs clustered in stable, distinct geographic patterns. The most severe problems, primarily reflecting alcoholism, were in the west. Drug and alcohol substance use disorders and related problems were not significantly correlated at this level of aggregation. There was evidence of regionalization of the drug‐of‐choice mix in treatment admissions. Only 21% of the variations in state treatment utilization rates stemmed from the prevalence of substance use disorders and related problems. The biggest treatment gaps were in the south and south‐west, regions with large minority populations.

Conclusions  Development of interstate survey and indicator measures of treatment needs has created new opportunities to broaden our understanding of substance abuse epidemiology and treatment access in the USA. The nature and severity of drug and alcohol problems vary from state to state, but the interstate disparities in treatment services remain even after variations in treatment need have been discounted. Further research is needed to understand the causes of these differences in treatment access.
Characteristics of drug users who do or do not have care of their children
Authors: Meier Petra S. , Donmall Michael C. , McElduff Patrick
Published: July 2004

Aims  To compare the relative frequency of eight indicators of problem drug use and potentially adverse social circumstances in drug‐using parents and non‐parents and to explore whether a profile based on these characteristics differs according to whether or not dependent children live with their drug‐using parent.

Design  The study utilizes a 5 year national UK treatment monitoring system data set.

Sample  61 425 users with, and 105 473 without dependent children accessing drug treatment services in England and Wales between January 1996 and December 2000.

Measurements  Information about parenthood and children's residence was routinely collected. Drug use and social circumstance indicators were daily heroin use, daily alcohol use, regular stimulant use, sharing of injecting equipment, living with another user, living alone, unstable accommodation, and criminal justice referral.

Findings  There were clear differences between drug‐using parents according to where children live. Parents with children at home and non‐parents showed fewer of the indicators than parents with children in care or elsewhere. Sixty‐five percent of parents with none of the indicators lived with their children, compared with only 28% of those with three indicators and 9% of those with six or more indicators. Parents with children in care or living elsewhere showed the highest prevalence for each individual indicator.

Conclusions  Drug‐using parents demonstrate a range of potentially unfavourable drug use behaviours and social circumstances, but those whose children live with them use drugs less frequently and live in more favourable conditions than those whose children live elsewhere. Protective factors may operate in family situations, while severe drug use and adverse social circumstances may result in a breakdown of family structures.
Inattentiveness, parental smoking and adolescent smoking initiation
Authors: Barman Satu K. , Pulkkinen Lea , Kaprio Jaakko , Rose Richard J.
Published: July 2004

Aims  To examine how adolescents’ inattentive behaviour, together with parental smoking patterns, predicts smoking initiation by age 14.

Design, settings  A prospective, longitudinal study: baseline at ages 11–12, follow‐up at age 14. A population‐based sample of Finnish twins, born 1983–1987, with parents and classroom teachers as additional informants. Two groups were formed, allocating the co‐twins of each family into separate groups: the study sample and a replication sample.

Participants  Twin individuals (n = 4552), aged 11–12 at baseline and 14 (average 14.04 years) at follow‐up.

Measurements  At baseline, inattentiveness was assessed with the Multidimensional Peer Nomination Inventory (MPNI, Teacher Form) and parental  smoking with individual questionnaires completed by each twins’ parents; at the age 14 follow‐up, adolescent smoking was assessed with a self‐report questionnaire.

Findings  At age 14, 57% reported never having smoked, 34% had experimented with cigarettes and 9% were current smokers. Inattentiveness and parental smoking additively predicted both experimental and current smoking in adolescence. The effects were independent of each other.

Conclusions  The risk related to inattentiveness itself is high, but in combination with the effects of parental smoking, the probability of current smoking can rise as high as 38%, compared with 5% without these two risk factors. For prevention purposes, parental commitment to non‐smoking should be emphasized.
Molecular cloning, expression and functional characterization of the cytochrome P450 2A6 gene in pig liver*
Authors: Lin Z. , Lou Y. , Squires E. J.
Published: July 2004

Raising intact male pigs would have a significant economic impact on the pork industry because intact males have improved feed efficiency and a greater lean yield of the carcass compared with barrows. However, the presence of skatole, a major cause of boar taint, in meat from intact male pigs could be highly objectionable to consumers. It has been shown that CYP2A6 is a key enzyme in the hepatic metabolism of skatole and that the activity of CYP2A6 is negatively correlated with skatole accumulation in fat. The aim of this study was to isolate and characterize CYP2A6 from pig liver, as well as identify genetic polymorphisms in the CYP2A6 gene, and examine the association between these polymorphisms and skatole level. We identified a single base deletion in CYP2A6, resulting in a frame shift in the coding region that produces a non‐functional enzyme, which was associated with high levels of skatole in fat tissue.
Genomic characterization of a novel pair of ID genes in the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Gahr S. A. , Palti Y. , Rexroad C. E.
Published: July 2004

The ID (inhibitors of DNA binding/differentiation) proteins represent a family of dominant negative regulators of the basic helix‐loop‐helix transcription factors whose activities result in delayed cell differentiation and prolonged proliferation. A pair of expressed sequence tag clones with homologies to the ID proteins were identified and used to screen a rainbow trout bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) library to identify clones containing homologues sequences. Phylogenetic analysis of the predicted amino acid sequences revealed close similarities to the rainbow trout ID1 protein, the genes were therefore classified as rainbow trout ID1B and ID1C. Genome characterization based on BAC sequencing showed each gene to have two exons separated by a small intron. The genes are 83% similar in their transcribed regions, yet they are only 64 and 65% similar in the upstream and downstream sequences, respectively. Using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, we found both genes to be expressed in a variety of tissues in the adult rainbow trout.
Linkage arrangement of Na,K‐ATPase genes in the tetraploid‐derived genome of the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Gharbi K. , Semple J. W. , Ferguson M. M. , Schulte P. M. , Danzmann R. G.
Published: July 2004

As part of our efforts to characterize Na,K‐ATPase isoforms in salmonid fish, we investigated the linkage arrangement of genes coding for the α and β‐subunits of the enzyme complex in the tetraploid‐derived genome of the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Genetic markers were developed from four of five previously characterized α‐subunit isoforms (α1b, α1c, α2 and α3) and four expressed sequence tags derived from yet undescribed β‐subunit isoforms (β1a, β1b, β3a and β3b). Sex‐specific linkage analysis of polymorphic loci in a reference meiotic panel revealed that Na,K‐ATPase genes are generally dispersed throughout the rainbow trout genome. A notable exception was the colocalization of two α‐subunit genes and one β‐subunit gene on linkage group RT‐12, which may thus share a conserved orthologous segment with linkage group 1 in zebrafish (Danio rerio). Consistent with previously reported homeologous relationships among the chromosomes of the rainbow trout, primers designed from the α3‐isoform detected a pair of duplicated genes on linkage groups RT‐27 and RT‐31. Similarly, the evolutionary conservation of homeologous regions on linkage groups RT‐12 and RT‐16 was further supported by the map localization of gene duplicates for the β1b isoform. The detection of homeologs within each gene family also raises the possibility that novel isoforms may be discovered as functional duplicates.
Exclusion ofgalectin 9as a candidate gene for hyperuricosuria in the Dalmatian dog
Authors: Bannasch D. L. , Ryun J. R. , Bannasch M. J. , Schaible R. H. , Breen M. , Ling G.
Published: July 2004

All Dalmatian dogs have an inherited defect in purine metabolism leading to high levels of uric acid excretion in their urine (hyperuricosuria) rather than allantoin, the normal end product of purine metabolism in all other breeds of dog. Transplantation experiments have demonstrated that the defect is intrinsic to the liver and not the kidney. Uricase, the enzyme involved in the breakdown of urate into allantoin, has been shown to function in Dalmatian liver cells. Therefore, candidate genes for this defect include transporters of urate, a salt of uric acid, across cell membranes. We excluded one such urate transporter candidate,galectin 9, using a Dalmatian × Pointer backcross in which hyperuricosuria was segregating.
Ovine alpha‐amylase genes: isolation, linkage mapping and association analysis with milk traits
Authors: Calvo J. H. , Marcos S. , Beattie A. E. , Gonzalez C. , Jurado J. J. , Serrano M.
Published: July 2004

On the basis of comparisons between cattle and sheep genome mapping information the ovine α‐amylase gene was examined as a possible genetic marker for milk traits in sheep. The objective of the present study was to isolate, map and determine whether this gene is a candidate gene for milk traits. DNA fragments (832 and 2360 bp) corresponding to two different AMY genes were isolated, and one SNP in intron 3 and one GTG deletion in exon 3 of the 2360 bp DNA fragment were found. The 2360 bp ovine AMY DNA fragment was located on chromosome 1 by linkage mapping using the International Mapping Flock. No association was found between estimated breeding values for milk yield, protein and fat contents and AMY genotypes in a daughter design comprising 13 Manchega families with an average of 29 daughters (12–62) per sire.