bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prodigiosin 25‐C uncouples vacuolar type H+‐ATPase, inhibits vacuolar acidification and affects glycoprotein processing
Authors: Kataoka Takao , Muroi Makoto , Ohkuma Shoji , Waritani Takaki , Magae Junji , Takatsuki Akira , Kondo Shunzo , Yamasaki Makari , Nagai Kazuo
Published: May 2003

Prodigiosin 25‐C inhibited the accumulation of 3‐(2,4‐dinitroanilino)‐3′‐amino‐N‐methyldipropylamine and acridine orange in the acidic compartments of baby hamster kidney cells with little perturbation of cellular ATP levels. In rat liver lysosomes, prodigiosin 25‐C inhibited the proton pump activity with an IC50 of approximately 30 nM, but did not affect ATPase activity up to 1 μM. It also delayed the transport of vesicular stomatitis virus G protein and induced a drastic swelling of Golgi apparatus and mitochondria. These results indicate that prodigiosin 25‐C raises the pH of acidic compartments through inhibition of the proton pump activity of vacuolar type H+‐ATPase, thereby causing the functional and morphological changes to the Golgi apparatus.
The antitumor action of seminal ribonuclease and its quaternary conformations
Authors: Cafaro Valeria , De Lorenzo Claudia , Piccoli Renata , Bracale Aurora , Mastronicola Maria Rosaria , Di Donato Alberto , D'Alessio Giuseppe
Published: May 2003

It has been previously shown that the antitumor action of bovine seminal ribonuclease (BS‐RNase) is dependent on its dimeric structure. However, two distinct quaternary structures, each in equilibrium with the other, have been described for the enzyme: one in which the two subunits exchange their N‐terminal ends, the other with no exchange. Antitumor activity assays, carried out on homogeneous quaternary forms of the enzyme, as well as on dimeric mutants of bovine pancreatic RNase A, reveal that another structural determinant of the antitumor activity of BS‐RNase is the exchange of N‐terminal ends between subunits.
Cold lability of the mutant forms of Escherichia coli inorganic pyrophosphatase
Authors: Velichko Irina V. , Volk Sergej E. , Dudarenkov Valerij Yu. , Magretova Natalia N. , Chernyak Viktor Ya. , Goldman Adrian , Cooperman Barry S. , Lahti Reijo , Baykov Alexander A.
Published: May 2003

The variants of Escherichia coli pyrophosphatase carrying the substitutions Glu20 → Asp, His136 → Gln or His140 → Gln are inactivated, in contrast to the wild‐type enzyme, at temperatures below 25°C: their activity measured at 25°C decreases with decreasing the temperature of the stock enzyme solution. The inactivation is completely reversible and is explained by cold‐induced dissociation of these hexameric enzymes into less active trimers.
S‐Nitrosoglutathione induces formation of nitrosylmyoglobin in isolated hearts during cardioplegic ischemia — an electron spin resonance study
Authors: Konorev E.A. , Joseph J. , Kalyanaraman B.
Published: May 2003

Previously, it has been shown that ·NO donor S‐nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) improves the postischemic functional recovery in crystalloid buffer‐perfused isolated rat hearts subjected to cardioplegic ischemia. Supplementation of cardioplegic solution with nitronyl nitroxide, a scavenger of ·NO, antagonized this protective effect. Using low temperature ESR, we have detected nitrosylmyoglobin (MbNO) in rat hearts subjected to cardioplegic ischemia in the presence of GSNO (20–200 μmol/l). During aerobic reperfusion MbNO signal intensity gradually decreased, but persisted for up to 30 min of aerobic reperfusion. We conclude that MbNO is an endogenous marker of ·NO release in myocardial tissues. Implications of MbNO formation are discussed with respect to cardioprotection during ischemia‐ and reperfusion‐induced myocardial injury.
Effects of hydrogen/deuterium exchange on photosynthetic water cleavage in PS II core complexes from spinach
Authors: Karge M. , Irrgang K.-D. , Sellin S. , Feinäugle R. , Liu B. , Eckert H.-J. , Eichler H.J. , Renger G.
Published: May 2003

H/D isotope exchange effects on P680+·reduction by Yzand electron abstraction from the water oxidizing complex (WOC) in redox state S3by YZOXwere analyzed in PS II core complexes from spinach by measurements of laser flash induced absorption changes at 820 nm and 355 nm. The results obtained reveal: (1) the rate of YZoxidation by P680+·is almost independent of the substitution of exchangeable protons by deuterons; and (2) the reaction between YZOXand the WOC in S3exhibits a kinetic H/D isotope exchange effect of similar magnitude as that recently observed in PS II membrane fragments [Renger, G., Bittner, T. and Messinger, J. (1994) Biochem. Soc. Trans. 22, 318–322]. Based on these results it is inferred that photosynthetic dioxygen formation comprises the cleavage of at least one hydrogen bond.
The C‐terminal (haemopexin‐like) domain structure of human gelatinase A (MMP2): structural implications for its function
Authors: Gohlke Ulrich , Gomis-Rüth Franz-Xaver , Crabbe Thomas , Murphy Gillian , Docherty Andrew J.P. , Bode Wolfram
Published: May 2003

In common with most other matrix metalloproteinases, gelatinase A has a non‐catalytic C‐terminal domain that displays sequence homology to haemopexin. Crystals of this domain were used by molecular replacement to solve its molecular structure at 2.6 Å resolution, which was refined to an R value of 17.9%. This structure has a disc‐like shape, with the chain folded into a β‐propeller structure that has pseudo four‐fold symmetry. Although the topology and the side‐chain arrangement are very similar to the equivalent domain of fibroblast collagenase, significant differences in surface charge and contouring are observable on 1 side of the gelatinase A disc. This difference might be a factor in allowing the gelatinase A C‐terminal domain to bind to natural inhibitor TIMP‐2.
Synthesis and properties of cross‐linked DNA duplexes
Authors: Antsypovich S.I. , Oretskaya T.S. , Romanova E.A. , Volkov E.M. , Tashlitsky V.N. , Vasser M. , Shabarova Z.A.
Published: May 2003

A method has been devised to synthesize DNA duplexes with covalently connected strands. The structure of cross‐linked duplexes was confirmed by a reaction with the restriction endonuclease AluI. The thermal stability of the resulting compounds was investigated.
Purification and characterization of furostanol glycoside 26‐O‐β‐glucosidase from Costus speciosus rhizomes
Authors: Inoue Kentaro , Ebizuka Yutaka
Published: May 2003

In plants, spirostanol glycosides (steroid saponins) are known to be formed from furostanol glycosides during postharvest treatment and storage. Furostanol glycoside 26‐O‐β‐glucosidase (F26G) involved in this conversion was purified to apparent homogeneity for the first time from Costus speciosus rhizomes which accumulate these glycosides. The enzyme was highly specific for cleavage of the C‐26‐bound glucose moiety of furostanol glycosides showing K
m for protogracillin of 50 μM. Glucono‐1,5‐lactone, a typical β‐glucosidase inhibitor, and diosgenin, an aglycone of spirostanol glycosides, strongly inhibited the enzyme activity. The purified F26G is dimeric with a native apparent molecular weight of 110,000 consisting of subunits of 54,000 and 58,000. The N‐terminal sequence of the 54,000 protein has a high similarity to the sequences found in N‐terminal regions of known plant β‐glucosidases.
Opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore by uncoupling or inorganic phosphate in the presence of Ca2+ is dependent on mitochondrial‐generated reactive oxygen species
Authors: Kowaltowski Alicia J. , Castilho Roger F. , Vercesi Anibal E.
Published: May 2003

In this study, we show that mitochondrial membrane permeability transition in Ca2+‐loaded mitochondria treated with carbonyl cyanide p‐(trifluoromethoxy)phenylhydrazone (FCCP) or inorganic phosphate (Pi) is preceded by enhanced production of H2O2. This production is inhibited either by ethylene glycol‐bis(b‐aminoethyl ether)N,N,N′,N′‐tetraacetic acid (EGTA) or Mg2+, but not by cyclosporin A. Permeability transition is prevented either by EGTA, catalase or dithiothreitol, suggesting the involvement of Ca2+, H2O2 and oxidation of membrane protein thiols in this mechanism. When mitochondria are incubated under anaerobiosis, no permeabilization or H2O2 production occurs. Based on these results we conclude that mitochondrial permeability transition induced by Pi or FCCP‐uncoupling is dependent on mitochondrial‐generated reactive oxygen species.
The serum albumin‐binding domain of streptococcal protein G is a three‐helical bundle: a heteronuclear NMR study
Authors: Kraulis Per J. , Jonasson Per , Nygren Per-Åke , Uhlén Mathias , Jendeberg Lena , Nilsson Björn , Kördel Johan
Published: May 2003

Streptococcal protein G (SPG) is a cell surface receptor protein with a multiple domain structure containing tandem repeats of serum albumin‐binding domains (ABD) and immunoglobulin‐binding domains (IgBD). In this paper, we have analysed the fold of ABD. Far‐UV circular dichroism analysis of ABD indicates high helical content (56%). Based on an analysis of nuclear magnetic resonance 13C secondary chemical shifts, sequential and short‐range NOEs, and a few key nuclear Overhauser effects, we conclude that the ABD is a three‐helix bundle. The structure of the ABD is, thus, quite different from the IgBD of protein G [Gronenborn, A.M. et al. (1991) Science 253, 657–661]. This strongly suggests that the ABD and the IgBD of SPG have evolved independently from each other. However, the fold of ABD is similar to that of the IgBD of staphylococcal protein A, possibly indicating a common evolutionary ancestor, despite the lack of sequence homology.
Cap Z, a calcium insensitive capping protein in resting and activated platelets
Authors: Nachmias Vivianne T. , Golla Rajasree , Casella James F. , Barron-Casella Emily
Published: May 2003

Capping of the barbed‐ends of actin filaments is an important mechanism for control of the cytoskeleton. In platelets, a valuable model system, it has been thought that gelsolin was the major capping protein. We now report that platelets contain 2 μM Cap Z, a calcium insensitive heterodimeric capping protein; two major and additional minor isoforms of both α and β subunits are present. In lysates from resting platelets 75–80% of the Cap Z sediments with the high speed pellet, but if the platelets are activated with thrombin for 10 s, about 15% of the Cap Z leaves the pellet fraction and is found in the high speed supernatant where it is not bound to actin. This translocation of Cap Z to the supernatant is also observed when resting platelets are lysed into buffer containing 50–100 μM GTPγS and 10 mM EGTA. Our results suggest that release of Cap Z from some actin filaments could generate free filament barbed‐ends. An increase in free barbed‐ends has been reported in platelet lysates prepared shortly after thrombin activation.
Inverse sequence similarity of proteins does not imply structural similarity
Authors: Lorenzen Stephan , Gille Christoph , Preissner Robert , Frömmel Cornelius
Published: May 2003

There is a debate on the folding of proteins with inverted sequences. Theoretical approaches and experiments give contradictory results. Many proteins in the Protein Data Bank (PDB) show conspicuous inverse sequence similarity (ISS) to each other. Here we analyze whether this ISS is related to structural similarity. For the first time, we performed a large scale three‐dimensional (3‐D) superposition of corresponding Cα atoms of forwardly and inversely aligned proteins and tested the degree of secondary structure identity between them. Comparing proteins of less than 50% pairwise sequence identity, only 0.5% of the inversely aligned pairs had similar folds (99 out of 19 073), whereas about 9% of forwardly aligned proteins in the same score and length range show similar 3‐D structures (1731 out of 19 248). This observation strongly supports the view that the inversion of sequences in almost all cases leads to a different folding property of the protein. Inverted sequences are thus suitable as protein‐like sequences for control purposes without relations to existing proteins.
Predicted protein–protein interaction sites from local sequence information
Authors: Ofran Yanay , Rost Burkhard
Published: May 2003

Protein–protein interactions are facilitated by a myriad of residue–residue contacts on the interacting proteins. Identifying the site of interaction in the protein is a key for deciphering its functional mechanisms, and is crucial for drug development. Many studies indicate that the compositions of contacting residues are unique. Here, we describe a neural network that identifies protein–protein interfaces from sequence. For the most strongly predicted sites (in 34 of 333 proteins), 94% of the predictions were confirmed experimentally. When 70% of our predictions were right, we correctly predicted at least one interaction site in 20% of the complexes (66/333). These results indicate that the prediction of some interaction sites from sequence alone is possible. Incorporating evolutionary and predicted structural information may improve our method. However, even at this early stage, our tool might already assist wet‐lab biology.
A pentatricopeptide repeat‐containing gene that promotes the processing of aberrant atp6 RNA of cytoplasmic male‐sterile rice
Authors: Kazama Tomohiko , Toriyama Kinya
Published: May 2003

A fertility restorer gene (Rf‐1) of [ms‐bo] cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) in rice has been reported to be responsible for the processing of RNA of aberrant atp6 of mitochondria. We have carried out map‐based cloning of the Rf‐1 gene and found that a 4.7‐kb genomic fragment of a restorer line promoted the processing of aberrant atp6 RNA when introduced into a CMS line. The genomic fragment contained a single open reading frame encoding 18 repeats of the 35 amino acid pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) motif. The cloned PPR gene is a possible candidate of Rf‐1. A non‐restoring genotype was identified to have deletions within the coding region.
Expression of the VRK (vaccinia‐related kinase) gene family of p53 regulators in murine hematopoietic development
Authors: Vega Francisco M , Gonzalo Pilar , Gaspar Marı́a L , Lazo Pedro A
Published: May 2003

The vaccinia‐related kinase (VRK) proteins are a new group of three Ser‐Thr kinases in the human kinome. VRK proteins are upstream regulators of several transcription factors. VRK1 phosphorylates p53 in Thr‐18 within the region of binding to mdm2 preventing their interaction. The tissue distribution of three genes is still largely unknown. In the present report the expression of these genes was analyzed during murine hematopoietic development. The three genes are expressed in fetal liver and peripheral blood, with higher levels between days 11.5 and 13.5, a time when there is a massive expansion of liver cells, and thereafter their expression falls significantly. VRK genes are expressed, particularly at mid‐gestation, in embryo thymus and spleen, but in adult thymus and spleen their levels are very low. VRK2 is expressed at lower levels than VRK1 and VRK3 in the mouse embryo. VRK genes play a role during embryonic development of hematopoiesis.
The stomach as a site for anthocyanins absorption from food1
Authors: Passamonti Sabina , Vrhovsek Urska , Vanzo Andreja , Mattivi Fulvio
Published: May 2003

The ability of anthocyanins to permeate the gastric mucosa can be suggested as a possible explanation of the fast kinetics of plasma appearance of anthocyanins in rats and humans. This paper presents an in vivo experiment aimed to prove the involvement of the stomach in the absorption of grape anthocyanins in rats. The required analytical selectivity and sensitivity was achieved by high‐performance liquid chromatography, diode array detection and mass spectrometry. Malvidin 3‐glucoside appeared in both portal and systemic plasma after only 6 min. The average concentrations measured in portal and systemic plasma were 0.650±0.162 μM and 0.234±0.083 μM (mean±S.E.M.), respectively.
BMP‐2 regulates cardiomyocyte contractility in a phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase‐dependent manner
Authors: Ghosh-Choudhury Nandini , Abboud Sherry L , Chandrasekar Bysani , Ghosh Choudhury Goutam
Published: May 2003

Bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2) regulates development of heart during vertebrate embryogenesis. In vitro BMP‐2 induces differentiation of precardiac cells into mature cardiomyocytes by inducing the expression of cardiac‐specific genes. However, the role of BMP‐2 and its signaling in other cardiac functions have not been studied. We examined the action of phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3 kinase in isolated adult rat cardiomyocytes. Incubation of rat ventricular cardiomyocytes with BMP‐2 increased the PI 3 kinase activity. Ly294002, a pharmacological inhibitor of PI 3 kinase, blocked BMP‐2‐induced PI 3 kinase activity completely. To investigate the contractility of isolated cardiomyocytes, fractional shortening was examined. BMP‐2 significantly increased the percent fractional shortening of the cardiomyocytes. Inhibition of PI 3 kinase activity completely abolished this action of BMP‐2. These data indicate that PI 3 kinase regulates BMP‐2‐induced myocyte contractility. To further confirm this observation, we used adenovirus‐mediated gene transfer to express a constitutively active myristoylated catalytic subunit of PI 3 kinase in rat cardiomyocytes. Infection of cardiomyocytes with the adenovirus vector increased the expression of constitutively active PI 3 kinase within 24 h. Expression of constitutively active PI 3 kinase significantly increased cardiomyocyte contractility. Together, these data show for the first time that the growth and differentiation factor, BMP‐2, stimulates cardiomyocyte contractility. Also we provide the first evidence that BMP‐2‐induced PI 3 kinase activity regulates this cardiomyocyte function.
The PEF family proteins sorcin and grancalcin interact in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Hansen Christian , Tarabykina Svetlana , la Cour Jonas M , Lollike Karsten , Berchtold Martin W
Published: May 2003

The penta‐EF hand (PEF) family of calcium binding proteins includes grancalcin, peflin, sorcin, calpain large and small subunits as well as ALG‐2. Systematic testing of the heterodimerization abilities of the PEF proteins using the yeast two‐hybrid and glutathione S‐transferase pull‐down assays revealed the new finding that grancalcin interacts strongly with sorcin. In addition, sorcin and grancalcin can be co‐immunoprecipitated from lysates of human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Our results indicate that heterodimerization, in addition to differential interactions with target proteins, might be a way to regulate and fine tune processes mediated by calcium binding proteins of the penta‐EF hand type.
Integration and cross‐validation of high‐throughput gene expression data: comparing heterogeneous data sets
Authors: Detours Vincent , Dumont Jacques E. , Bersini Hugues , Maenhaut Carine
Published: May 2003

Data analysis – not data production – is becoming the bottleneck in gene expression research. Data integration is necessary to cope with an ever increasing amount of data, to cross‐validate noisy data sets, and to gain broad interdisciplinary views of large biological data sets. New Internet resources may help researchers to combine data sets across different gene expression platforms. However, noise and disparities in experimental protocols strongly limit data integration. A detailed review of four selected studies reveals how some of these limitations may be circumvented and illustrates what can be achieved through data integration.
The RNA binding protein FMRP: new connections and missing links
Authors: Schaeffer Céline , Beaulande Mélanie , Ehresmann Chantal , Ehresmann Bernard , Moine Hervé
Published: May 2003

The loss of the fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) is responsible for the most common cause of inherited mental retardation called the fragile X syndrome. FMRP is suspected to participate in the synaptic plasticity of neurons by acting on posttranscriptional control of gene expression. FMRP is an RNA binding protein that associates with mRNAs together with other proteins to form large ribonucleoprotein complexes. These complexes are proposed to participate in the transport, localization and translation of target mRNAs. Progress has been made recently in the identification of the mRNAs and the proteins present in these complexes and a possible connection with the micro‐RNA dependent regulatory pathway has been established.
Well-posedness for non-isotropic degenerate parabolic-hyperbolic equations
Authors: Chen Gui-Qiang , Perthame Benoît
Published: May 2003

We develop a well-posedness theory for solutions in

L^1

to the Cauchy problem of general degenerate parabolic-hyperbolic equations with non-isotropic nonlinearity. A new notion of entropy and kinetic solutions and a corresponding kinetic formulation are developed which extends the hyperbolic case. The notion of kinetic solutions applies to more general situations than that of entropy solutions; and its advantage is that the kinetic equations in the kinetic formulation are well defined even when the macroscopic fluxes are not locally integrable, so that

L^1

is a natural space on which the kinetic solutions are posed. Based on this notion, we develop a new, simpler, more effective approach to prove the contraction property of kinetic solutions in

L^1

, especially including entropy solutions. It includes a new ingredient, a chain rule type condition, which makes it different from the isotropic case.

Nous développons une théorie d’existence et unicité pour les solutions

L^1

seulement du problème de Cauchy pour un problème de Cauchy hyperbolique-parabolique avec diffusion non-isotrope générale. Des notions de formulations entropique et cinétique sont introduites qui incorporent un nouvel ingrédient, une condition de type dérivation composée, qui montre la différence fondamentale avec le cas d’une diffusion isotrope. L’avantage de la notion de solution cinétique est de travailler directement dans l’espace naturel

L^1

.
A Morse lemma at infinity for Yamabe type problems on domains
Authors: Ben Ayed Mohamed , Chtioui Hichem , Hammami Mokhless
Published: May 2003

In this paper we consider the following nonlinear elliptic problem (P):

−Δu=u^p

,

u>0

in

Ω

,

u=0

on

∂Ω

, where

Ω

is a bounded and smooth domain in

ℝ^n

,

n⩾4

,

p+1=2n/(n−2)

is the critical Sobolev exponent. We prove a version of Morse lemmas at infinity for this problem. As application of these lemmas we will give a characterization of the critical points at infinity of the functional corresponding to (P).

Dans cet article nous considérons le problème elliptique non linéaire (P) :

−Δu=u^p

,

u>0

dans

Ω

,

u=0

sur

∂Ω

, où

Ω

est un domaine borné et régulier de

ℝ^n

,

n⩾4

et

p+1=2n/(n−2)

est l’exposent critique de Sobolev. Nous prouvons une version des lemmes de Morse à l’infini pour le problème (P) et nous appliquerons ces lemmes afin de donner une caractérisation des points critiques à l’infini de la fonctionnelle correspondante au problème (P).
Gravity solitary waves with polynomial decay to exponentially small ripples at infinity
Authors: Lombardi E. , Iooss G.
Published: May 2003

In this paper, we study the travelling gravity waves of velocity

c

in a system of two layers of perfect fluids, the bottom one being infinitely deep, the upper one having a finite thickness

h

. We assume that the flow is potential, and the dimensionless parameters are the ratio between densities

ρ=ρ_2/ρ_1

and

λ=gh/c^2

. For

ε=1−λ(1−ρ)

near

0^+

, the existence of periodic travelling waves of arbitrary small amplitude and the existence of generalized solitary waves with ripples at infinity of size larger than

ε^{5/2}

and polynomial decay rate were established in [7]. In this paper we improve this former result by showing the existence of generalized solitary waves with exponentially small ripples at infinity (of order

\mathcal O(e^{−c/ε}))

. We conjecture the nonexistence of true solitary waves in this case. The proof is based on a spatial dynamical formulation of the problem combined with a study of the analytic continuation of the solutions in the complex field which enables one to obtain exponentially small upper bounds of the oscillatory integrals giving the size of the oscillations at infinity.

Cet article est consacré aux ondes progressives de vitesse

c

dans un système de deux couches superposées de fluides parfaits en écoulement potentiel, la couche inférieure étant de profondeur infinie, et la supérieure de profondeur finie

h

. Les paramètres sans dimension du problème sont le rapport des densités

ρ=ρ_2/ρ_1

et

λ=gh/c^2

. Pour

ε=1−λ(1−ρ)

voisin de

0^+

, l’existence d’ondes progressives périodiques de tailles arbitrairement petites et l’existence d’ondes solitaires généralisées à décroissance polynomiale vers des oscillations de taille supérieure à

ε^{5/2}

ont été obtenues dans [7]. Dans ce présent article nous améliorons ce dernier résultat en montrant l’existence d’ondes solitaires généralisées avec des oscillations résiduelles à l’infini exponentiellement petites (d’ordre

\mathcal O(e^{−c/ε}))

. On conjecture la non existence de vraies ondes solitaires dans ce cas. La démonstration est basée sur une formulation de type “dynamique spatiale” du problème combinée avec une étude du prolongement analytique des solutions qui permet d’obtenir des bornes supérieures exponentiellement petites des intégrales oscillantes donnant la taille des oscillations à l’infini.
Substance use and the course of early psychosis: a 2-year follow-up of first-admitted subjects
Authors: Sorbara F. , Liraud F. , Assens F. , Abalan F. , Verdoux H.
Published: May 2003

Objective

To examine the impact of alcohol and substance use on the early course of psychosis.

Methods: First-admitted subjects with psychosis (n= 58) were assessed at 6-month intervals over a 2-year follow-up. Information on substance and alcohol misuse and clinical and social outcome was collected using multiple sources of information.

Results

After adjustment for potential confounding factors, subjects with persistent substance misuse over the follow-up were at increased risk of readmission (OR = 3.1; 95%CI = 1.0-9.4;P= 0.05), of presenting with psychotic symptoms (OR = 4.3; 95%CI = 1.0-18.1;P= 0.04), and with a non-continuous course of illness (OR = 11; 95%CI = 1-122;P= 0.05). No significant association was found between substance misuse and social outcome, or between alcohol misuse and clinical and social outcome.

Conclusions

Persistent substance misuse after a first admission for psychosis has a deleterious impact on clinical outcome. Early identification and treatment of substance use is essential in the care of subjects with incipient psychosis.
Depressive symptoms in chronic schizophrenia patients: any differences between patients with and without a major depressive episode?
Authors: Kaneda Yasuhiro
Published: May 2003

The author investigated the differences between schizophrenia patients with and without a major depressive episode (MDE) using the Japanese Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenics. The total depression score was correlated with the dosage of antipsychotics in patients without an MDE, but such a correlation was not found in patients with an MDE.
Emotional hyper-reactivity as a fundamental mood characteristic of manic and mixed states
Authors: Henry Chantal , Swendsen Joel , Van den Bulke Donatienne , Sorbara Frederic , Demotes-Mainard Jacques , Leboyer Marion
Published: May 2003

Background

The relationship between depression and mania remains poorly understood and is responsible for much of the confusion about mixed states. The difficulty in conceptualizing opposite states such as euphoric and depressive moods during the same episode may account for the considerable differences in reported frequencies of mixed states, among acutely manic patients. It is possible that the fundamental mood characteristic of mania is not tonality of mood (e.g. euphoric, irritable or depressed mood), but rather theintensityof emotions.

Methods

We interviewed 30 patients hospitalized for a manic episode, asking about their symptoms during the episode, using the list of symptoms for manic and depressive episode of the DSM-IV criteria. Emotional hyper-reactivity, defined as an increase in the intensity of all emotions, was assessed using the Hardy Scale. Manic symptoms were also assessed by a clinician using the Beck–Rafaelsen Mania Scale.

Results

This study showed that most of the manic episodes presented many dysphoric symptoms, more particularly depressive mood (33%), irritability (53%), anxiety (76%), and recurrent thoughts of death or suicidal ideation (33%). However, only 10% of our sample met the criteria for mixed state. The other symptoms reported by patients and included in the DSM-IV criteria for depressive mood are common between depressive and manic episodes. All patients (100%) reported that they felt all their emotions with an unusual intensity.

Conclusions

We suggest that the most appropriate way to define mood in manic states is as a function of intensity, and not as a function of tonality. This definition circumvents the arbitrary dichotomy between mania and mixed state. With this definition, manic episodes can be described as being more or less dysphoric, with the actual characteristics of dysphoria encompassing irritability, anxiety, or depressive affect. This point could be extremely helpful in discriminating mixed state or dysphoric mania from depression.
Current use of atypical antipsychotics
Authors: Müller-Spahn F.
Published: May 2003

In terms of the phenomenology of schizophrenia, there are four targets for drug treatments: positive symptoms, negative symptoms, affective dysfunction, and cognitive dysfunction. Because of the side-effects of both conventional antipsychotics and the new atypicals, there still is a need to search for better-tolerated antipsychotics. Conventional antipsychotics have two principal limitations: 30–40% of patients have an insufficient response to them, and they have a large variety of adverse effects. Side-effects will reduce patients’ compliance with treatment, as well as their immediate quality of life, and may therefore unfavorably affect rehabilitation. Four principal features differentiate atypical from conventional antipsychotics, yet have not been established for all atypicals: fewer extrapyramidal side-effects, greater efficacy in the treatment of negative symptoms, specific pharmacological receptor binding profiles, and greater selective effect on the mesolimbic dopamine neurons than on nigrostriatal neurons. The pharmacological profile of amisulpride is completely different to that of other atypical antipsychotics. It has a high selectivity for D2and D3dopamine receptors, and thus would be expected to be devoid of unwanted side-effects associated with action on other neurotransmitter systems. It acts preferentially on the mesocortical and mesolimbic systems. It has an earlier onset of action than haloperidol. Amisulpride is a compound with a dual mode of action. At low doses it blocks presynaptic dopamine autoreceptors, inducing an increased dopaminergic neurotransmission, and at high doses it blocks postsynaptic dopaminergic activity. It is at least as effective as haloperidol, flupenthixol, and risperidone in controlling positive symptoms, as well as having efficacy for negative symptoms. It has less propensity to induce weight gain than do other atypical antipsychotics. For the 60–80% of patients with schizophrenia who require long-term treatment, drug tolerability is crucially important, as it will improve compliance, and therefore reduce relapse rate.
The gender gap in political culture and participation in China
Authors: Tong J.
Published: May 2003

Using survey data collected from a larger comparative survey project employing a multistage, stratified, random sampling design administered in 1994, this article analyzes the gender gap in political culture and participation in China. We found a persistent gender difference, with male respondents scoring significantly higher on media attention, political knowledge, interest, internal, and external efficacy, and non-electoral participation. In accounting for the gender gap, the article also attempts to validate the prevailing socialization, situational, and structural theories. In terms of socialization theory, we found that women respondents were more passive towards achievement, more accommodating in conflict situations, and had a higher preference for conflict mediation by traditional authority. These traits were also found to be negatively correlated with political culture and participation measures. There is also empirical support for structural explanations, where we found that (1) higher socio-economic groups were more politically engaged than those in the lower strata; (2) higher socio-economic status women are more politically engaged than those of lower socio-economic status women and men. For both socialization and structural theories, the gender gap persisted even when passivity and socio-economic status were controlled. Our tests of situation theory did not find that the level of domestic burden had a significant dampening effect on women political culture and participation, nor did we find that women in the child-bearing and rearing cohort had the widest gender gap in political culture and participation.
Feline idiopathic cardiomyopathy: A retrospective study of 106 cats (1994–2001)
Authors: Ferasin L , Sturgess CP , Cannon MJ , Caney SMA , Gruffydd-Jones TJ , Wotton PR
Published: May 2003

The case records of 106 cats with idiopathic cardiomyopathy that presented to the Feline Centre of the University of Bristol between September 1994 and September 2001 were reviewed retrospectively. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) was the most common form seen (57.5%), followed by restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) (20.7%), dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) (10.4%) and unclassified cardiomyopathy (UCM) (10.4%). One cat showed echocardiographic changes compatible with a moderator band cardiomyopathy (MBCM). Most affected cats were domestic short hairs (DSH) (57.5%). The mean (±SD, range) age of cats with cardiomyopathy at presentation was 6.8 (4.3, 0.5–16) years, with an equal distribution of males and females. Clinical findings, electrocardiographic changes and radiographic abnormalities were also reviewed. The median survival time for 73 cats for which follow-up data was available was 300 days. A greater survival time was observed for cats with UCM (925 days) when compared with those with HCM (492 days), RCM (132 days) or DCM (11 days).
cDNA cloning, mapping and polymorphism of the porcine Rhesus (RH) gene
Authors: Omi T. , Vögeli P. , Hagger C. , Schelling C. , Špilar Š. , Kajii E. , Stranzinger G. , Neuenschwander S.
Published: May 2003

The Rhesus (Rh) gene superfamily in humans and mice contains four independent genes, RH, RHAG, RHBG, and RHCG/GK. Heretofore, only the RHBG cDNA has been cloned in pig. We have isolated the porcine RH cDNA; its complete open reading frame of 1269 nucleotides encoded 423 amino acids. Porcine RH protein shared 67.6% amino acid identity with bovine RH, 61.0% with human RhCE and 60.8% with human RhD. The RT–PCR revealed RH transcripts in the spleen and bone marrow, but not in the heart, kidney, or lung. In RH intron 4, a deletion of 17 nucleotides distinguished the shorter allele (allele 1) from the longer. As determined in 115 unrelated pigs from five breeds – Landrace (L, n = 23), Large White (LW, n = 28), Duroc (D, n = 24), Hampshire (H, n = 20) and Piétrain (n = 20) – allele 1 frequencies were 1.0 (L, H), 0.77 (LW), 0.70 (P) and 0.25 (D). Somatic cell hybrid mapping localized the porcine RH and RHBG genes to pig chromosomes 6q22–q23 and 4q21–q22, respectively. Genetic mapping suggested RH–(FUT1, S, GPI, EAH, A1BG)–PGD as the most probable locus order. Sequence homology, mapping data, and haematopoietic tissue expression suggest that this cDNA may indeed encode the porcine RH homologue.
Identification of SNPs, mapping and analysis of allele frequencies in two candidate genes for meat production traits: the porcine myosin heavy chain 2B (MYH4) and the skeletal muscle myosin regulatory light chain 2 (HUMMLC2B)
Authors: Davoli R. , Fontanesi L. , Cagnazzo M. , Scotti E. , Buttazzoni L. , Yerle M. , Russo V.
Published: May 2003

Myosin is one of the most important skeletal muscle proteins. It is composed of myosin heavy chains and myosin light chains that exist with different isoforms coded by different genes. We studied the porcine myosin heavy chain 2B (MYH4) and the porcine skeletal muscle myosin regulatory light chain 2 (HUMMLC2B) genes. A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), identified for each gene, was used for linkage mapping of MYH4 and HUMMLC2B to porcine chromosome (Sscr) 12 and Sscr 3, respectively. The mapping of these two genes was confirmed by using a porcine–rodent radiation hybrid panel, even if for MYH4 the LOD score and the retention fraction were low. Allele frequencies at the two loci were studied in a sample of 307 unrelated pigs belonging to seven different pig breeds. Moreover the distribution of the alleles at these two loci was analysed in groups of pigs with extreme divergent (positive and negative) estimated breeding values (EBV) for four meat production traits that have undergone selection in Italian heavy pigs.
Modelling sorption and mobility of cadmium and zinc in soils with scaled exchange coefficients
Authors: Voegelin A. , Kretzschmar R.
Published: May 2003

Adsorption isotherms of Cd or Zn in soils of varying composition are often described using generalized Freundlich equations with scaled model parameters. However, this approach fails to describe the competition of several different metal cations for adsorption sites. To overcome this problem, we developed an empirical model based on cation exchange equations with scaled selectivity coefficients for Cd–Ca and Zn–Ca exchange. A large set of experimental data on the sorption of Cd and Zn to soils suspended in Ca(NO3)2, CaCl2, or Ca(ClO4)2 electrolyte solutions was compiled from the literature. The data covered wide ranges in solution concentrations (Zn: 10−8 to 10−2 m; Cd: 10−9 to 10−3 m), pH (3.9–7.7), and soil composition (organic carbon: 2 to 170 g kg−1; clay: 9 to 732 g kg−1). Selectivity coefficients for Cd–Ca and Zn–Ca exchange were scaled by expressing them as functions of organic carbon content, clay content, and solution activities of H+, Ca2+, and Zn2+ or Cd2+. The exchange selectivity coefficients and corresponding scaling factors were determined by fitting to experimental data. The model describes adsorbed amounts of Cd and Zn within a 95% confidence interval of approximately ± 0.5 logarithms (in mol kg−1). The model adequately reproduced adsorption isotherms of Cd and Zn and also the coupled transport of Cd and Ca through a loamy soil. To test the predictive capabilities of the model, we conducted leaching experiments in columns packed with four contaminated soils, which were not part of the calibration data set. Using the generalized model parameters obtained from fitting the literature data, we calculated the concentrations of Zn, Cd, Mg, K, and Ca in the effluent and compared them with experimental results. The observed concentrations of Cd and Zn in the effluent were predicted rather well; that is, predictions were generally within the expected 95% confidence interval obtained for the model. In the most acidic soil an excellent prediction of the elution patterns of Zn, Cd, Mg, and Ca was obtained. The parameters of the generalized model can easily be fine‐tuned to obtain an accurate description of the sorption and transport of Cd and Zn in a particular soil. However, in many practical situations detailed experimental data are lacking. In such cases, the parameters of the model can be used to predict pore water concentrations and leaching of Cd and Zn in contaminated soils.
Floral sex ratios, disease and seed set in dioecious Silene dioica
Authors: Carlsson‐Granér  , Elmqvist  , Ågren  , Gardfjell  , Ingvarsson
Published: May 2003

1  In the dioecious, perennial herb Silene dioica, the density of pollen donors in a population is determined by overall plant density, the sex ratio and the proportion of plants infected with the anther‐smut fungus Microbotryum violaceum, which results in permanent sterility of both male and female plants.

2  Pollinators (Bombus spp.) were found to prefer male flowers and to avoid diseased flowers. This may result in an overall lower visitation frequency and increased risk for pollen limitation in populations with a low density of males or a high incidence of disease.

3  Compared with open‐pollinated flowers, hand pollination resulted in a significant increase in the number of seeds produced per fruit in populations with an experimentally reduced proportion of males (25% and 50% male flowers) but not in a naturally male‐dominated population (75% male flowers). Seed production per plant was increased by hand pollination only in the most female‐dominated population. Because the floral sex ratio is often male‐biased, resources rather than pollen availability are likely to set the upper limit for total seed production per individual in most healthy populations of S. dioica.

4  There was a negative relationship between seed set and incidence of disease across 22 populations in both years of a field study. However, there was no consistent difference between the responses of highly diseased populations (incidence 30–56%) and populations with a low disease incidence (incidence 0–8%) to hand pollination.

5  In a greenhouse experiment with cloned hand‐pollinated females, the presence of spores on healthy flowers was found to reduce seed set significantly. In highly diseased populations, therefore, the frequent deposition of spores by flower visitors onto remaining healthy plants may decrease seed production below the potential level determined by resources or pollen availability.
A gap dynamic model of mangrove forest development along gradients of soil salinity and nutrient resources
Authors: Chen Ronghua , Twilley Robert R.
Published: May 2003

1  A gap dynamic model (
FORMAN) was developed as a first synthesis of available data for three Caribbean mangrove species into an individual‐based model that simulates the long‐term dynamics of mangrove forest development.

2  Field observations at three sites along the Shark River estuary were compared with simulation results, assuming development following Hurricane Donna in 1960. Total basal area simulated for each site was within ±10% of that observed, although species‐specific basal area predictions were less accurate.

3  A decrease in nutrient availability from marine to mesohaline sites modelled the reduced basal area of Avicennia germinans and Laguncularia racemosa. However, at the lower nutrient site a 83% reduction in maximum sapling recruitment of both A. germinans and L. racemosa was required to fit field results. Increased basal area of A. germinans and L. racemosa limited the development of Rhizophora mangle at higher nutrient downstream sites, apparently due to competition for light resources. Both observed and simulated results indicated that R. mangle had higher frequencies in the smaller size classes at all three sites, compared to a bell‐shaped size‐class distribution of L. racemosa, particularly at the higher nutrient sites.

4  Succession was projected for the next 500 years at a site in the lower estuary. Long‐term forest dynamics were sensitive to species‐specific maximum sapling recruitment rates. In the absence of large‐scale disturbance, initial dominance by L. racemosa was predicted to be replaced eventually by A. germinans, even when maximum sapling recruitment rate of A. germinans was set at half of L. racemosa and R. mangle.

5  Response curves for each species along gradients of soil nutrient resource and salinity illustrated their relative competitive balance over time (up to 300 years). Laguncularia racemosa dominated in fertile soils with low salinity at early stages of recovery, but its abundance decreased over time while A. germinans increased. The dominance of R. mangle was limited to regions with low nutrient availability and low salinity. Avicennia germinans dominated at higher salinities, where the effect of nutrient availability was overwhelmed by the tolerance of individual species to salt stress.
Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1: duodenopancreatic tumours
Authors: Doherty G. M. , Thompson N. W.
Published: May 2003

Abstract.  Doherty GM, Thompson NW (University of Michigan, MI, USA). Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1: duodenopancreatic tumours (Minisymposium). J Intern Med 2003; 253: 590–598.

The pancreaticoduodenal disease in Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is the most frequent cause of death due to the syndrome, and the most controversial with regard to its management. This article discusses the current data and recommendations with respect to disease screening, functional tumour diagnosis, natural history, preoperative imaging, operative strategy and follow‐up.
Functional studies of the MEN1 gene
Authors: Chandrasekharappa S. C , Teh B. T
Published: May 2003

Abstract.  Chandrasekharappa SC, Teh BT (National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD; and Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, USA). Functional studies of the MEN1 gene (Minisymposium). J Intern Med 2003; 253; 606–615.

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 is an autosomal dominant cancer syndrome affecting primarily parathyroid, enteropancreatic endocrine and pituitary tissues. The inactivating germline and somatic mutations spread throughout the gene and the accompanying loss of the second allele in tumours show that the MEN1 gene is a tumour suppressor. The MEN1‐encoded protein, menin, is a novel nuclear protein. Menin binds and alters JunD‐, NF‐κB‐, Smad3‐mediated transcriptional activation. The mouse Men1 knockout model mimicks the human MEN1 condition contributing to the understanding of tumorigenesis in MEN1.
Surgical treatment of medullary thyroid carcinoma*
Authors: Cohen M. S. , Moley J. F.
Published: May 2003

Cohen, MS Moley, JF (Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA). Surgical treatment of medullary thyroid carcinoma (Minisymposium). J Intern Med 2003; 253: 616–626.

Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a malignancy of the parafollicular C cells of the thyroid gland. It occurs sporadically or as part of the multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2) syndromes. Patients who have inherited a mutation in the RET proto‐oncogene should have thyroidectomy early in life to prevent formation and spread of this cancer. Most patients with sporadic disease present with a palpable neck mass. The diagnosis is made by fine needle aspiration biopsy and by measuring calcitonin levels in the blood. Primary treatment consists of surgical resection including a total thyroidectomy, central neck nodal dissection and functional lateral neck nodal dissections. Most patients with a palpable primary tumour have nodal disease present at the time of operation, and nodal involvement is often bilateral. Adequate resection of the primary tumour and cervical lymph nodes is important to optimize outcome and minimize the risk of recurrent disease. Proper handling of the parathyroid glands prevents hypoparathyroidism. Following primary surgical resection, more than half of the patients will have recurrent disease with persistent elevation of calcitonin levels. Currently, there is no adequate systemic therapy for treating recurrent disease. Surgical reoperation or conservative observation are the best available options. Diagnostic laparoscopy for liver evaluation is the most sensitive diagnostic test to detect the presence of distant metastases.