bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A truncated haemoglobin implicated in oxygen metabolism by the microaerophilic food-borne pathogen Campylobacter jejuni
Authors: Wainwright Laura M. , Elvers Karen T. , Park Simon F. , Poole Robert K.
Published: December 2005

Of the three groups of haemoglobins identified in micro-organisms (single-domain globins, flavohaemoglobins and truncated globins), the last group is the least well understood. The function of the truncated haemoglobin (Ctb) encoded by Cj0465c in the microaerophilic food-borne bacterial pathogenCampylobacter jejuniwas investigated by constructing actbmutant and characterizing its phenotype. The effects of thectbmutation on the kinetics of terminal oxidase function inC. jejuniwere investigated using oxyleghaemoglobin and oxymyoglobin as sensitive reporters of O2consumption. TheVmaxofctbmutant cells for O2, calculated using either globin, was greater than that of wild-type cells at extracellular O2concentrations up to ∼1 μM, suggesting a role for Ctb in moderating O2supply for reduction by high-affinity terminal oxidases. However, cells mutated inctbwere disadvantaged when grown under conditions of high aeration, as revealed by measurements of growth yields and rates in batch culture. Furthermore, the rate at whichctbmutant cells consumed O2in an O2electrode (10–200 μM O2) was approximately half the rate displayed by wild-type cells, reflecting a role for Ctb in respiration at physiologically relevant external O2concentrations. However, a lack of sensitivity of the mutant to paraquat or H2O2indicated that increased oxidative stress under such conditions was not the cause of these phenotypes. O2affinities of cells (Kmvalues of approximately 40 nM and 1 μM) were unaffected by mutation of either Ctb or the full-lengthC. jejuniglobin, Cgb. Although the gene encoding Ctb was found to be upregulated byS-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) and the NO-donating compoundS-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP), actbmutant did not display sensitivity to a number of nitrosative stress-generating compounds. The authors conclude that Ctb is involved in moderating O2flux withinC. jejuni.
Therapeutic effect of α‐galactosylceramide‐loaded dendritic cells genetically engineered to express SLC/CCL21 along with tumor antigen against peritoneally disseminated tumor cells
Authors: Matsuyoshi Hidetake , Hirata Shinya , Yoshitake Yoshihiro , Motomura Yutaka , Fukuma Daiki , Kurisaki Akari , Nakatsura Tetsuya , Nishimura Yasuharu , Senju Satoru
Published: December 2005

The close cooperation of both innate and acquired immunity is essential for the induction of truly effective antitumor immunity. We tested a strategy to enhance the cross‐talk between NKT cells and conventional antigen‐specific T cells with the use of αGalCer‐loaded dendritic cells genetically engineered to express antigen plus chemokine, attracting both conventional T cells and NKT cells. DC genetically engineered to express a model antigen, OVA, along with SLC/CCL21 or monokine induced by IFN‐γ/CXCL9, had been generated using a method based on in vitro differentiation of DC from mouse ES cells. The ES‐DC were loaded with α‐GalCer and transferred to mice bearing MO4, an OVA‐expressing melanoma, and their capacity to evoke antitumor immunity was evaluated. In vivo transfer of either OVA‐expressing ES‐DC, stimulating OVA‐reactive T cells, or α‐GalCer‐loaded non‐transfectant ES‐DC, stimulating NKT cells, elicited a significant but limited degree of protection against the i.p. disseminated MO4. A more potent antitumor effect was observed when α‐GalCer was loaded to ES‐DC expressing OVA before in vivo transfer, and the effect was abrogated by the administration of anti‐CD8, anti‐NK1.1 or anti‐asialo GM1 antibody. α‐GalCer‐loaded double transfectant ES‐DC expressing SLC along with OVA induced the most potent antitumor immunity. Thus, α‐GalCer‐loaded ES‐DC expressing tumor‐associated antigen along with SLC can stimulate multiple subsets of effector cells to induce a potent therapeutic effect against peritoneally disseminated tumor cells. The present study suggests a novel way to use α‐GalCer in immunotherapy for peritoneally disseminated cancer. (Cancer Sci 2005; 96: 889–896)
Inhibitory effect of dietary monoglucosylceramide 1‐O‐β‐glucosyl‐N‐2′‐hydroxyarachidoyl‐4,8‐sphingadienine on two different categories of colon preneoplastic lesions induced by 1,2‐dimethylhydrazine in F344 rats
Authors: Inamine Morihiko , Suzui Masumi , Morioka Takamitsu , Kinjo Tatsuya , Kaneshiro Tatsuya , Sugishita Tomoko , Okada Tadashi , Yoshimi Naoki
Published: December 2005

Sphingolipids display a wide spectrum of biological activities, including cell growth, differentiation and apoptosis. However, precise mechanisms by which these compounds exert anticancer or cancer‐preventive effects are not known. In the present study, we evaluated the preventive efficacy of enriched dietary monoglucosylceramide 1‐O‐β‐glucosyl‐N‐2′‐hydroxyarachidoyl‐4,8‐sphingadienine (G1CM) on 1,2‐dimethylhydrazine (DMH)‐induced aberrant crypt foci (ACF) and β‐catenin‐accumulated crypt (BCAC) formation in F344 rats during initiation stage. We also examined whether G1CM affects cell proliferation and apoptosis in these lesions. Pure G1CM was isolated from rice bran. Forty‐two rats were divided randomly into five experimental groups. Rats in groups 1–3 were given subcutaneous injections of DMH (40 mg/kg body weight) once a week for 2 weeks. One week before the first injection of DMH, rats in groups 2 and 3 were fed a diet containing 200 and 1000 p.p.m. G1CM, respectively, for 5 weeks. Rats in group 4 were fed a diet containing 1000 p.p.m. G1CM. Rats in group 5 were given the basal diet alone and served as untreated controls. The experiment was terminated 5 weeks after the start. Dietary G1CM at both doses (groups 2 and 3) significantly inhibited the induction of ACF and BCAC (P < 0.001) when compared to group 1 treated with DMH alone. In groups 2 and 3, the proliferating cell nuclear antigen labeling indices of epithelial cells in ACF and BCAC were also lower than in group 1 (P < 0.0001 for ACF, P < 0.05 for BCAC). These results, that dietary G1CM has possible chemopreventive effects in the present short‐term colon carcinogenesis bioassays, suggest that longer exposure may cause suppression of tumor development. (Cancer Sci 2005; 96: 876–881)
Enhanced efficacy of radiation‐induced gene therapy in mice bearing lung adenocarcinoma xenografts using hypoxia responsive elements
Authors: Wang Wei‐dong , Chen Zheng‐tang , Li Rong , Li De‐zhi , Duan Yu‐zhong , Cao Zheng‐huai
Published: December 2005

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the hypoxia responsive element (HRE) could be used to enhance suicide gene (HSV‐tk) expression and tumoricidal activity in radiation‐controlled gene therapy of human lung adenocarcinoma xenografts. A chimeric promoter, HRE–Egr, was generated by directly linking a 0.3‐kb fragment of HRE to a 0.6‐kb human Egr‐1 promoter. Retroviral vectors containing luciferase or the HSV‐tk gene driven by Egr‐1 or HRE–Egr were constructed. A human adenocarcinoma cell line (A549) was stably transfected with the above vectors using the lipofectamine method. The sensitivity of transfected cells to prodrug ganciclovir (GCV) and cell survival rates were analyzed after exposure to a dose of 2 Gy radiation and hypoxia (1%). In vivo, tumor xenografts in BALB/c mice were transfected with the constructed retroviruses and irradiated to a total dose of 6 Gy, followed by GCV treatment (20 mg/kg for 14 days). When the HSV‐tk gene controlled by the HRE–Egr promoter was introduced into A549 cells by a retroviral vector, the exposure to 1% O2 and 2 Gy radiation induced significant enhancement of GCV cytotoxicity to the cells. Moreover, in nude mice bearing solid tumor xenografts, only the tumors infected with the hybrid promoter‐containing virus gradually disappeared after GCV administration and radiation. These results indicate that HRE can enhance transgene expression and tumoricidal activity in HSV‐tk gene therapy controlled by ionizing radiation in hypoxic human lung adenocarcinoma. (Cancer Sci 2005; 96: 918–924)
Maintenance of a small anadromous subpopulation of brown trout (Salmo trutta L.) by straying
Authors: AYLLON F. , MORAN P. , GARCIA‐VAZQUEZ E.
Published: December 2005

1. Microsatellite and isozyme loci variation were used to study structure and dynamics of a brown trout (Salmo trutta) population heavily affected by damming. The downstream area accessible for spawning was drastically reduced to a stream 1 km long influenced by regulated discharge.

2. Stocking of hatchery‐reared juveniles failed and the population is entirely supported by anadromous adults from neighbouring populations.

3. Temporal genetic stability is reported here. Some punctual between‐river genetic differences are likely because of different contribution from each neighbouring river through years.

4. High anadromy‐mediated gene flow produces a lack of genetic substructure in the region. The role of anadromous brown trout on maintenance of endangered small populations is emphasised.
The unicellular freshwater cyanobacterium Synechococcus and mixotrophic flagellates: evidence for a functional association in an oligotrophic, subalpine lake
Authors: CALLIERI CRISTIANA , CARAVATI EMANUELE , MORABITO GIUSEPPE , OGGIONI ALESSANDRO
Published: December 2005

1. We applied Reynolds's approach to the study of phytoplankton ecology through functional associations of species to identify possible algal species, which associate with the freshwater cyanobacterium Synechococcus. Previously an association among Synechococcus spp. and small‐celled chlorophytes (association Z) has been recognised by evaluating phytoplankton associations according to functional criteria.

2. Biomass data for phytoplankton and picocyanobacteria from Lago Maggiore spanning more years were organised in a matrix and a cluster analysis was performed. The results showed four groups separated at a linkage distance of 0.20. Mixotrophic species which clustered with Synechococcus spp. were Ceratium hirundinella, Chrysochromulina parva, Cryptomonas erosa, Cryptomonas ovata, Dinobryon bavaricum, Dinobryon sociale, Rhodomonas minuta and Uroglena americana. The redundancy analysis (RDA) consolidated the association of Synechococcus with C. hirundinella and R. minuta showing greater probability of occurrence than random aggregates of species.

3. The association Synechococcus spp. –C. hirundinella also appeared from temporal variation of their biomass. In early summer both these species increased at the same time; later, the peak of C. hirundinella (potential predator) coincided with a minimum of Synechococcus spp. suggesting a possible predator‐prey interaction. This implied that phytoplankton assemblages which form a functional group cannot only have similar adaptations and requirements but can also exhibit trophic interactions.

4. We propose to enlarge the association Z and create an association ZMX (where MX stands for mixotrophs) which would include Synechococcus spp. and C. hirundinella as the most representative of the mixotrophic species found in the oligotrophic Lago Maggiore.
Gas saturation prediction and effect of low frequencies on acoustic impedance images at Foinaven Field
Authors: Wagner Sean R. , Pennington Wayne D. , MacBeth Colin
Published: December 2005

Low frequencies are necessary in seismic data for proper acoustic impedance imaging and for petrophysical interpretation. Without lower frequencies, images can be distorted leading to incorrect reservoir interpretation and petrophysical predictions. As part of the Foinaven Active Reservoir Management (FARM) project, a Towed Streamer survey and an Ocean Bottom Hydrophone (OBH) survey were shot in both 1995 and 1998. The OBH surveys contain lower frequencies than the streamer surveys, providing a unique opportunity to study the effects that low frequencies have on both the acoustic impedance image along with petrophysical time‐lapse predictions. Artefacts that could easily have been interpreted as high‐resolution features in the streamer data impedance volumes can be distinguished by comparison with the impedance volumes created from the OBH surveys containing lower frequencies.

In order to obtain results from the impedance volumes, impedance must be related to saturation. The mixing of exsolved gas, oil and water phases involves using the Reuss (uniform) or Voigt (patchy approximation) mixing laws. The Voigt average is easily misused by assuming that the end‐points correspond to 0% and 100% gas saturation. This implies that the patches are either 0% gas saturation or 100% gas saturation, which is never the case. Here, the distribution of gas as it comes out of solution is assumed to be uniform until the gas saturation reaches a sufficiently high value (critical gas saturation) to allow gas to flow. Therefore, at low gas saturations the distribution is uniform, but at saturations above critical, it is patchy, with patches that range from critical gas saturation to the highest gas saturation possible (1 minus residual oil and irreducible water saturation).
Luminal bacterial antigen‐specific CD4+ T‐cell responses in HLA‐B27 transgenic rats with chronic colitis are mediated by both major histocompatibility class II and HLA‐B27 molecules
Authors: Qian Bi‐Feng , Tonkonogy Susan L. , Balfour Sartor R.
Published: December 2005

Rats transgenic (TG) for the human major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I HLA‐B27 and β2‐microglobulin genes develop chronic colitis under specific pathogen‐free (SPF) but not sterile (germ‐free, GF) conditions. We investigated the role of antigen‐presenting molecules involved in generating immune responses by CD4+ mesenteric lymph node (MLN) cells from colitic HLA‐B27 TG rats to commensal enteric micro‐organisms. All TG MLN cells expressed HLA‐B27. A higher level of MHC class II was expressed on cells from TG rats, both SPF and GF, compared to non‐TG littermates. In contrast, rat MHC class I expression was lower on TG than non‐TG cells. Both TG and non‐TG antigen presenting cells (APC) pulsed with caecal bacterial antigens induced a marked interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) response in TG CD4+ T lymphocytes but failed to stimulate non‐TG cells. Blocking MHC class II on both TG and non‐TG APC dramatically inhibited their ability to induce TG CD4+ T cells to produce IFN‐γ. Blocking HLA‐B27 on TG APC similarly inhibited IFN‐γ responses. When the antibodies against MHC class II and HLA‐B27 were combined, no APC‐dependent IFN‐γ response was detected. These data implicate both native rat MHC class II and TG HLA‐B27 in CD4+ MLN T‐cell IFN‐γ responses to commensal enteric microflora in this colitis model.
Penetratin tandemly linked to a CTL peptide induces anti‐tumour T‐cell responses via a cross‐presentation pathway
Authors: Pouniotis Dodie S. , Apostolopoulos Vasso , Pietersz Geoffrey A.
Published: December 2005

Recently there has been increasing evidence to suggest that membrane translocating peptides enter cells by a receptor‐dependent pathway. There have been some studies on the mechanism of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I presentation of membrane translocating peptides incorporating cytotoxic T lymphocyte epitopes. However, these have been on different cell lines and only a limited number of inhibitors of the antigen presentation pathway were used. Herein, we demonstrate a comprehensive study utilizing a full spectrum of inhibitors to various pathways of MHC class I to elucidate the mechanism of the membrane translocating peptide, penetratin from Antennapedia (Int). It is clear that Int, RQIKIWFQNRRMKWKK when tandemly linked to a cytotoxic T lymphocyte peptide of ovalbumin, SIINFEKL (IntSIIN) is endocytosed via phagocytosis or macropinocytosis by dendritic cells in an ATP‐dependent manner and is processed by a proteasome‐ and tapasin‐independent pathway for presentation and loading to MHC class I molecules. In addition, the majority of antigen is taken up by negatively charged receptors. IntSIIN activates T cells in vitro and in vivo and protects mice against challenge with an ovalbumin‐expressing tumour.
Cytotoxic herpes simplex type 2‐specific, DQ0602‐restricted CD4+ T‐cell clones show alloreactivity to DQ0601
Authors: Reichstetter Sandra , Standifer Nathan E. , Geubtner Kelly A. , Liu Andrew W. , Agar Stacy L. , Kwok William W.
Published: December 2005

Alloreactivity is one of the most serious problems in organ transplantation. It has been hypothesized that pre‐existing alloreactive T cells are actually cross‐reacting cells that have been primed by the autologous major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and a specific peptide. CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes that are alloreactive and recognize a virus‐peptide that is presented by the autologous MHC have been reported. Here we demonstrate a cross‐reactivity that exists between DQ0602 restricted, herpes simplex type 2 VP16 40–50 specific CD4+ T‐cell clones, which can be alloreactive to DQ0601. Though most of the DQ0602 restricted T‐cell clones we isolated from two different donors were not alloreactive, weakly cross‐reacting T‐cell clones could be isolated from both donors. Two strongly cross‐reacting T‐cell clones with high affinity interaction of their T‐cell receptor (TCR) with both DQ0602/VP16 40–50 and DQ0601 could be isolated from one donor. DNA sequencing of the a fragment of the Vβ gene used in their TCR confirmed that these two T cells indeed are two independent clones. These clones are cytotoxic and produce cytokines of a T helper 2‐like pattern. Possible implications in a DR‐matched transplantation setting are discussed.
A preliminary phylogenetic analysis of Poecilochaetidae (Annelida: Polychaeta) at the species level
Authors: Eibye‐Jacobsen Danny
Published: December 2005

A phylogenetic analysis of the polychaete family Poecilochaetidae is presented. The ingroup consisted of 24 of the 27 species presently regarded as valid, as well as two forms previously reported but not formally described. The outgroup consisted of the type species of the genera Apistobranchus and Trochochaeta. The analysis provides strong evidence that Trochochaetidae is the sister group of Poecilochaetidae and that the latter is a well defined monophyletic group. Poecilochaetidae is composed of two major subgroups, one consisting of forms with a papillate body surface and lacking a dorsal postchaetal lobe on chaetiger 1, the other containing forms with an elongate nuchal organ and a dorsal chitinous tooth on chaetiger 9. The hypothesized evolution of a number of characters within the family is discussed, most importantly the distribution of ampullaceous postchaetal lobes, the occurrence of various forms of nuchal organs, and the occurrence of different kinds of chaetae in the posterior notopodia.
An analysis of morphological characters of Owenia useful to distinguish species: description of three new species of Owenia (Oweniidae: Polychaeta) from Australian waters
Authors: Ford Evan , Hutchings Pat
Published: December 2005

Populations of Owenia from various localities around Australia were examined in detail and a large number of measurements were made on several individuals from each location. Using the means of these measurements a variety of statistical analyses were carried out which identified three major groups of Owenia and the various characters that delineate these groups. Each of these groups is described as a new species and the diagnostic features of all the described species of Owenia are provided. A cladistic analysis was undertaken to investigate the relationships of these species to other described species from the region. This study shows the usefulness of morphometrics in distinguishing species in this morphological conservative genus and provides further support that the so called ‘cosmopolitan species’O. fusiformis delle Chiaje 1841 does not occur in Australian waters.
Widespread and abundant α‐synuclein pathology in a neurologically unimpaired subject
Authors: Parkkinen Laura , Pirttilä Tuula , Tervahauta Markku , Alafuzoff Irina
Published: December 2005

The intracytoplasmic aggregation of α‐synuclein (αS) protein is a common denominator for a group of neurodegenerative disorders currently known as synucleinopathies. It is generally assumed that the incorporation of αS protein into compact inclusions compromises the function and viability of its host cell via mechanical disruption. Herein, we report a widespread and abundant αS pathology in an elderly subject, whose medical history gave no indication of any neurodegenerative disease. We compared neuronal and glial components in this neurologically unimpaired subject with a patient with a clinical syndrome of dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) by using a range of antigenic determinants and an in situ end‐labeling technique. We detected no differences in vascular pathologies, in gliosis, or in apoptosis that would have explained the incompatible clinical end‐points. With respect to the Alzheimer's disease‐related changes, the only differences noted were the β‐amyloid aggregates in the putamen found in the DLB patient alone. Our findings suggest that there must be some currently unidentified factors rather than αS‐positive inclusions that are responsible for the neuronal dysfunction. The αS‐positive inclusions may well represent detoxified reserves that cells can tolerate for years, and thus prevention of their development could actually accelerate the diseases process.
Pocket proteins p107 and p130 exhibit increased expression in macrophages during SIV encephalitis
Authors: Chalovich Elizabeth M. , Koike Maya A. , Aras Mandar A. , Murphey‐Corb Michael , Wiley Clayton A. , Jordan‐Sciutto Kelly L.
Published: December 2005

Progression of HIV encephalitis (HIVE) is associated with neuronal damage and loss because of infiltration of infected and/or activated macrophages into the CNS. We have previously observed increased inactivation of the retinoblastoma susceptibility gene product (pRb) by phosphorylation in neurons and glia of HIVE and the simian model of HIVE (SIVE). To determine if other pRb family members are altered in response to increased macrophage‐secreted factors, we investigated expression of pRb family members p107 and p130 in SIVE. Both p130 and p107 exhibited increased staining in macrophages, but not neurons, astrocytes or T‐cells in SIVE. Increased p130 and p107 immunostaining was not limited to virally infected or PCNA‐expressing macrophages. Most p107‐positive staining was observed in perivascular macrophages, suggesting p107 may indicate macrophages at a specific stage of differentiation soon after migration. In contrast, cytoplasmic p130 was found in the majority of macrophages present in SIVE cases and may indicate activation as it was not seen in microglia in control CNS. These findings suggest that p107 and p130 are differentially expressed in CNS macrophage populations which may have multiple derivations and/or roles in lentiviral encephalitis.
“Forme fruste” of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with dementia: A report of five autopsy cases without dementia and with ubiquitinated intraneuronal inclusions
Authors: Ota Satoru , Tsuchiya Kuniaki , Akiyama Haruhiko
Published: December 2005

We clinicopathologically investigated five autopsy cases of ALS without dementia and with ubiquitinated intraneuronal inclusions. The age at onset of symptoms ranged from 52 to 81 years and the duration of the disease was from 10 months to 3 years, 3 months. All five patients initially developed lower motor neuron signs, including bulbar signs, and upper motor neuron signs were found in the middle to late clinical stages, but dementia was not observed in all five cases. Thus, the clinical diagnoses of all five patients were ALS without dementia. Neuropathological examination of all five cases revealed not only obvious degeneration  of  upper  motor  neurons  with  neuronal  loss of Betz cells, but also lower motor neuron involvement associated with Bunina bodies. In addition, ubiquitin‐immunoreactive intraneuronal inclusions in the hippocampal dentate granular cells and degeneration of the substantia nigra were observed in all five cases. Furthermore, neuronal loss with astrocytosis in the dorsomedial portion of the anterior first temporal gyrus was observed in all three cases in which this structure was examined. Neuronal loss with astrocytosis in the subiculum was found in four cases. Neuronal loss of the parahippocampal gyrus was observed in three of the five autopsy cases, and amygdala involvement was encountered in three of four cases in which this structure was investigated. Based on these clinicopathological findings and a review of the published literature, we concluded that our five cases were ALS without dementia, but with pathological hallmarks compatible with ALS with dementia. We also concluded that there is a “forme fruste” of ALS with dementia showing no overt dementia clinically.
Topical nitroglycerin versus lateral internal sphincterotomy for chronic anal fissure: prospective, randomized trial
Authors: Mishra Rajnish , Thomas Shaji , Maan Mohender S. , Hadke Niladhar S.
Published: December 2005

Introduction:  Topical nitroglycerin (GTN) is one of the medical treatments of choice in chronic anal fissure. The present prospective, randomized, clinical trial was conducted to study the symptomatic relief, healing, and changes in the maximum anal resting pressure (MARP) in patients with chronic anal fissure comparing topical GTN and lateral sphincterotomy.

Methods:  Forty consecutive patients with chronic anal fissure were randomized for treatment with either topical GTN or internal sphincterotomy (20 patients in each group). Anal manometry was done before treatment in all patients, and 1 h after application of GTN or sphincterotomy. Patients were followed at 2‐weekly intervals for 6 weeks for symptomatic relief and healing.

Results:  Both GTN and sphincterotomy brought about a highly significant, but comparable drop in the MARP after treatment (P < 0.0001 in both groups). Sphincterotomy relieved pain much earlier compared to GTN (70% vs 40% at 2 weeks, P = 0.0032); but after 4 weeks of treatment, pain relief in both groups was comparable. Healing in the sphincterotomy group was also earlier than with GTN (55% vs 0% at 2 weeks, P < 0.0001; and 85% vs 30% at 4 weeks, P < 0.0001); but after 6 weeks, healing in both groups was comparable. Sphincterotomy had a significant incidence of minor, short‐term complications; it also required surgical expertise, theatre time, and day‐care beds. Nitroglycerin is safe, with mild and tolerable side‐effects of headache and local burning sensation.

Conclusion:  Topical GTN should be the initial treatment in chronic anal fissure. Lateral sphincterotomy should be reserved for patients with severe disabling pain (because pain relief is much faster), and for patients not responding to at least 4 weeks of GTN therapy.
Protective effect of erythropoietin on renal ischemia and reperfusion injury
Authors: Ates Ersin , Yalcin Ahmet Ugur , Yilmaz Sezgin , Koken Tulay , Tokyol Cigdem
Published: December 2005

Background:  Multiple protective effects of erythropoietin (EPO), such as antiapoptotic, antioxidant, angiogenic and neuroprotective effects, against ischemia have been demonstrated in cell culture and animal models. Genistein is also a potent tyrosine kinase inhibitor. The aims of the present study were to evaluate the effects of EPO on renal ischemia/reperfusion injury and to determine the role of the tyrosine kinase pathway on this process.

Methods:  Sprague−Dawley rats were assigned to five groups: (i) sham (Group I); (ii) control with renal ischemia (right nephrectomy and clamping on the left renal pedicle for 45 min and reperfusion; Group II); (iii) EPO + ischemia (Group III); (iv) genistein (an inhibitor of tyrosine kinase) + ischemia (Group IV); and (v) EPO + genistein + ischemia (Group V). Recombinant human EPO (1000 IU/kg) and genistein (10 mg/kg) were given 2 hours before ischemia. Blood samples and the left kidney were obtained after 45 min of reperfusion from half of the rats and after 24 h from the other half.

Results:  The blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, tumour necrosis factor‐α (P < 0.05) and interleukin‐2 (P < 0.01) levels, and renal tissue lipid peroxidation (P < 0.05) were significantly lower in Group III than in Group II at 45 min of reperfusion. Following 24 h of reperfusion, EPO decreased tissue peroxidation and histopathological injury, whereas genistein reversed it. The most prominent ischemic injury was observed in Group IV in which genistein was administered. There was no significant difference between Groups II and V.

Conclusions:  These results suggest that EPO is effective in attenuating renal ischemia/reperfusion injury, and this effect may be related to tyrosine kinase activity.
Effects of Azolla species on weed emergence in a rice paddy ecosystem
Authors: BISWAS MOLOY , PARVEEN SULTANA , SHIMOZAWA HIDEKI , NAKAGOSHI NOBUKAZU
Published: December 2005

The effects of Azolla pinnata R. Br. on weed emergence were evaluated in terms of plot area coverage by an A. pinnata mat, its biomass production and the amount of weed emergence, using fresh and dry weights, in a rice paddy field experiment. The experiment was conducted following a randomized block design with five combinations of fertilizer and A. pinnata treatments (control, A. pinnata + superphosphate, A. pinnata + urea, A. pinnata + compound fertilizer, A. pinnata + cow manure). The results revealed that after 18 days of inoculation, all superphosphate (T1) and cow manure (T4)‐treated plots were fully covered by the A. pinnata mat. However, coverage of the urea (T2) and compound fertilizer (T3)‐treated plots were only 80% and 70%, respectively. The full plot area coverage by the A. pinnata mat and the highest biomass production with superphosphate and cow manure‐treated plots were able to completely inhibit two weed species (Scirpus juncoides Roxb. var. hotarui Ohwi and Monochoria vaginalis Burm. f. Presl var. plantaginea (Roxb.) Solms‐Laub) and significantly suppressed four other weeds (Cyperus serotinus Rottb, Echinochla oryzicola Vasing, and Eclipta prostrata L.). In all the treatments, the fresh weight of weeds significantly reduced to 13, 29, 34, and 9%, respectively, for treatments T1, T2, T3, and T4. The dry weights also were significantly reduced to 10.00, 16.00, 22.00, and 7.26%, respectively, for treatments T1, T2, T3, and T4 over the control. The results revealed that there was a significant correlation among plot area coverage by the A. pinnata mat, its biomass production and weed emergence in a rice paddy field over the control. Azolla pinnata did not have any detrimental effect on the growth of rice plants.
Phytotoxic activity of pethoxamid in soil under different moisture conditions
Authors: DHAREESANK ARM , KOBAYASHI KATSUICHIRO , USUI KENJI
Published: December 2005

The phytotoxic activity of soil‐applied pethoxamid [2‐chloro‐N‐(2‐ethoxyethyl)‐N‐(2‐methyl‐1‐phenyl‐1‐propanyl) acetamide], (TKC‐94), on the plant growth of rice (Oryza sativa cv. Kiyohatamochi) seedlings as an assay plant in soil was investigated under different soil moisture conditions. The phytotoxic activity of pethoxamid mixed with soil on the shoot and root growth of rice seedlings was uppermost under the highest soil moisture condition and it decreased with declining soil moisture content, while the inhibition was greater on the root growth than the shoot growth. The amount of pethoxamid adsorbed on soil solid and the concentration of pethoxamid in soil water from soil applied with this herbicide were not influenced by the soil moisture content. In addition, the phytotoxic activity on the growth of rice seedlings in sea sand culture applied with the soil water from the herbicide‐applied soil was not influenced by the soil moisture content. In the sea sand culture, the phytotoxic activity of pethoxamid was significantly reduced in negative water potential as the concentration of polyethylene glycol‐6000 added to the water increased. It is suggested that the phytotoxic activity of pethoxamid in the soil primarily depends on the concentration in soil water, but the phytotoxic activity was affected by soil moisture through the effect on absorption of this herbicide by rice seedlings.
Use of the internet by colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Powell S. M. , McStay R. A. , Hanson J. M. , Plusa S. M.
Published: December 2005

Objective  To identify the frequency of Internet use by colorectal cancer patients.

Materials and methods  Fifty patients interviews.

Results  Only four patients (8%) had used the internet to access information about colorectal cancer though 36% would have used it if a site had been recommended.

Conclusion  The Internet is a resource rarely used by patients but there is potential for its use as an adjunct to written and verbal information.
Day case stapled haemorrhoidopexy for prolapsing haemorrhoids
Authors: Beattie G. C. , McAdam T. K. , McIntosh S. A. , Loudon M. A.
Published: December 2005

Objective  Conventional surgical management of prolapsing haemorrhoids is by excisional haemorrhoidectomy. Postoperative pain has restricted the application of such procedures in the day case setting. These operations remain associated with a period of restricted activity. The use of circular stapling devices as an alternative to the excisional approach in the management of haemorrhoids has been described. This study reports our experience of stapled haemorrhoidopexy as a day case procedure.

Methods  Patients with third or fourth degree haemorrhoids were eligible for the procedure. Patients were considered suitable candidates for day case surgery based on conventional parameters. Symptoms were assessed using a previously validated symptom severity rating score. Stapled haemorrhoidopexy was carried out using a circular stapling device. Pain scores were obtained prior to discharge. Patients were admitted if pain was uncontrolled despite oral analgesia. Symptoms were re‐scored at six‐week follow‐up.

Results  Over a 70‐month period 168 consecutive stapled haemorrhoidopexies were performed or directly supervised by one consultant colorectal surgeon. One hundred and ten (65%) patients were considered appropriate candidates for day case surgery by conventional criteria. Ninety‐six (87.3%) patients successfully underwent stapled haemorrhoidopexy on a day case basis. Fourteen (12.7%) patients required admission on the day of surgery (5 for early postoperative bleeding, 4 for pain necessitating continuing opiate analgesia, two for urinary retention and three for surgery performed late in the day). Six (5%) patients were re‐admitted postoperatively; four for pain relief and two because of urinary retention. Of the day case patients, 91 (82.7%) and 56 (50.9%) had been seen for 6 week and 6 month review, respectively, at the time of analysis. Symptom scores were 6 (pre‐operatively) vs 0 (postoperatively) (P < 0.01). 76/91 (83.5%) patients reviewed at 6/52 were asymptomatic.

Conclusion  Stapled haemorrhoidopexy is a safe and effective procedure that can be carried out on selected patients on a day case basis. Complications are of a similar nature to excisional haemorrhoidectomy.
The Colorectal Development Unit: impact on functional outcome for the electrically stimulated gracilis neoanal sphincter
Authors: Saunders J. R. , Darakhshan A. A. , Eccersley A. J. P. , Lee J. E. , Allison M. E. , Lunniss P. J. , Williams N. S.
Published: December 2005

Objective  A Colorectal Development Unit (CDU) was established to treat patients with end stage faecal incontinence with the electrically stimulated gracilis neoanal sphincter (ESGN). The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the CDU on functional outcome and complications.

Methods  From March 1997 to March 2003, 53 patients underwent ESGN formation. Results were compared with 65 patients undergoing ESGN surgery prior to the establishment of the unit (pre‐CDU) between 1988 and 1997, which were similar with regard to age, sex, aetiology and follow‐up.

Results  Thirty‐three (70%) CDU patients had a good functional outcome defined as continence to solid and liquid stool, a significant improvement when compared to the pre‐CDU group, successful in 29 (45%) (P = 0.01). Episodes of technical complications leading to stimulator replacement were significantly reduced, from 25 to 3 over time (P < 0.001). Severe septic episodes were significantly reduced from 21 to four (P = 0.003) but there was no significant change in the incidence of postoperative evacuatory dysfunction.

Conclusion  Since setting up a CDU, a successful outcome has been achieved in 33 (70%) of 47 patients undergoing ESGN surgery, which represents a significant improvement over time. This is probably related to improved patient assessment and selection, more reliable equipment and increased operative and peri‐operative experience that come with a multidisciplinary team approach.
A red alga‐specific phycoerythrin gene for biodiversity surveys of callithamnioid red algae
Authors: YANG EUN CHAN , BOO SUNG MIN
Published: December 2005

We introduce a photosynthetic pigment‐encoding phycoerythrin gene, consisting of alpha (cpeA) and beta (cpeB) units that can be used for biodiversity surveys of callithamnioid red algae. A set of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers were designed to amplify an approximately 1‐kb fragment of the gene from 14 taxa. These have been proven useful in isolating the gene from samples mixed with diatoms. Pairwise distance and synonymous and nonsynonymous nucleotide substitution rates of the cpeA and cpeB regions are described. This is the first study to examine the phycoerythrin sequences for use in red alga biodiversity surveys.
Do Physicians Always Flee from HMOs? New Results Using Dynamic Panel Estimation Methods
Authors: Brown Timothy T. , Coffman Janet M. , Quinn Brian C. , Scheffler Richard M. , Schwalm Douglas D.
Published: December 2005

Objective. To assess the impact of changes in relative health maintenance organization (HMO) penetration on changes in the physician‐to‐population ratio in California counties when changes in the economic conditions in California counties relative to the U.S. average are taken into account.

Data Sources. Data on physicians who practiced in California at any time from 1988 to 1998 were obtained from the AMA Masterfile. The analysis was restricted to active, patient care physicians, excluding medical residents. Data on other covariates in the model were obtained from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, InterStudy, the Area Resource File, and the California state government. Data were merged using county FIPS codes.

Study Design. Changes in the physician‐to‐population ratio in California counties include the effects of both intrastate migration and interstate migration. A reduced‐form model was estimated using the Arellano–Bond dynamic panel estimator. Economic conditions in California relative to the U.S. were measured as the ratio of county‐level real per capita income to national‐level real per capita income. Relative HMO penetration in California was measured as the ratio of county‐level HMO penetration to HMO penetration in the U.S. relative HMO penetration was instrumented using five identifying variables to address potential endogeneity. Omitted‐variable bias was controlled for by first differencing the model. The model also incorporated eight other covariates that may be associated with the demand for physicians: the percentage of the population enrolled in Medicaid, beds in short‐term hospitals per 100,000 population, the percentage of the population that is black, the percentage of the population that is Hispanic, the percentage of the population that is Asian, the percentage of the population that is below age 18, the percentage of the population that is aged 65 and older, and the percentage of the population that are new legal immigrants in a given year. All of the above variables were lagged one period. The lagged physician‐to‐population ratio was also included to control for the supply of physicians. Separate equations were estimated for primary care physicians and specialist physicians.

Principal Findings. Changes in lagged relative HMO penetration are negatively associated with changes in specialist physicians per 100,000 population. However, this effect of HMO penetration is attenuated and at times reversed in areas where the magnitude of the difference in relative economic conditions is sufficiently large. We did not find any statistically significant effects for primary care physicians.

Conclusions. Consistent with prior studies, we find that changes in physician supply are associated with changes in relative HMO penetration. Relative economic conditions are an important moderator of the effect of changes in relative HMO penetration on physician migration.
COG Complex‐Mediated Recycling of Golgi Glycosyltransferases is Essential for Normal Protein Glycosylation
Authors: Shestakova Anna , Zolov Sergey , Lupashin Vladimir
Published: December 2005

Defects in conserved oligomeric Golgi (COG) complex result in multiple deficiencies in protein glycosylation. On the other hand, acute knock‐down (KD) of Cog3p (COG3 KD) causes accumulation of intra‐Golgi COG complex‐dependent (CCD) vesicles. Here, we analyzed cellular phenotypes at different stages of COG3 KD to uncover the molecular link between COG function and glycosylation disorders. For the first time, we demonstrated that medial‐Golgi enzymes are transiently relocated into CCD vesicles in COG3 KD cells. As a result, Golgi modifications of both plasma membrane (CD44) and lysosomal (Lamp2) glycoproteins are distorted. Localization of these proteins is not altered, indicating that the COG complex is not required for anterograde trafficking and accurate sorting. COG7 KD and double COG3/COG7 KD caused similar defects with respect to both Golgi traffic and glycosylation, suggesting that the entire COG complex orchestrates recycling of medial‐Golgi‐resident proteins. COG complex‐dependent docking of isolated CCD vesicles was reconstituted in vitro, supporting their role as functional trafficking intermediates. Altogether, the data suggest that constantly cycling medial‐Golgi enzymes are transported from distal compartments in CCD vesicles. Dysfunction of COG complex leads to separation of glycosyltransferases from anterograde cargo molecules passing along secretory pathway, thus affecting normal protein glycosylation.
CHALK AND FLUID INOCULATION METHODS IN STUDYING THE PERCENT RECOVERY OF CLOSTRIDIUM PERFRINGENS, ESCHERICHIA COLI AND ENTEROCOCCUS FAECALIS FROM RAW GROUND BEEF
Authors: OBAIDAT MOHAMMAD M. , FUNG DANIEL Y.C.
Published: December 2005

The fluid inoculation method is widely used in studying the growth characteristics and percent recovery of microorganisms in food. In addition to this method a new method, called the chalk method, was introduced and has been successfully used. This research aimed to compare the percent recovery of Clostridium perfringens, Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis from raw ground beef using the chalk and fluid inoculation methods. It also aimed to compare the chalk and fluid methods in studying the percent recovery of the three microorganisms. The results show that the percent recoveries of C. perfringens, E. coli, and E. faecalis were significantly different (P < 0.05) using the two inoculation methods, except for the percent recovery of C. perfringens and E. coli using the fluid method (P > 0.05). The percent recovery using chalk powder inoculum was significantly lower (P < 0.05) than the percent recovery using fluid inoculum for E. coli and E. faecalis. The results also show that E. faecalis has the highest percent recovery using both methods, and E. coli has the lowest using the chalk method. It can be concluded that chalk inoculation is better than fluid inoculation because it gives better percent recovery, saves time, is easier to perform, is more precise, and gives information about inoculum distribution.
Skeletal muscle hypertrophy and structure and function of skeletal muscle fibres in male body builders
Authors: D'Antona Giuseppe , Lanfranconi Francesca , Pellegrino Maria Antonietta , Brocca Lorenza , Adami Raffaella , Rossi Rosetta , Moro Giorgio , Miotti Danilo , Canepari Monica , Bottinelli Roberto
Published: December 2005

Needle biopsy samples were taken from vastus lateralis muscle (VL) of five male body builders (BB, age 27.4 ± 0.93 years; mean ±s.e.m.), who had being performing hypertrophic heavy resistance exercise (HHRE) for at least 2 years, and from five male active, but untrained control subjects (CTRL, age 29.9 ± 2.01 years). The following determinations were performed: anatomical cross‐sectional area and volume of the quadriceps and VL muscles in vivo by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); myosin heavy chain isoform (MHC) distribution of the whole biopsy samples by SDS‐PAGE; cross‐sectional area (CSA), force (Po), specific force (Po/CSA) and maximum shortening velocity (Vo) of a large population (n= 524) of single skinned muscle fibres classified on the basis of MHC isoform composition by SDS‐PAGE; actin sliding velocity (Vf) on pure myosin isoforms by in vitro motility assays. In BB a preferential hypertrophy of fast and especially type 2X fibres was observed. The very large hypertrophy of VL in vivo could not be fully accounted for by single muscle fibre hypertrophy. CSA of VL in vivo was, in fact, 54% larger in BB than in CTRL, whereas mean fibre area was only 14% larger in BB than in CTRL. MHC isoform distribution was shifted towards 2X fibres in BB. Po/CSA was significantly lower in type 1 fibres from BB than in type 1 fibres from CTRL whereas both type 2A and type 2X fibres were significantly stronger in BB than in CTRL. Vo of type 1 fibres and Vf of myosin 1 were significantly lower in BB than in CTRL, whereas no difference was observed among fast fibres and myosin 2A. The findings indicate that skeletal muscle of BB was markedly adapted to HHRE through extreme hypertrophy, a shift towards the stronger and more powerful fibre types and an increase in specific force of muscle fibres. Such adaptations could not be fully accounted for by well known mechanisms of muscle plasticity, i.e. by the hypertrophy of single muscle fibre (quantitative mechanism) and by a regulation of contractile properties of muscle fibres based on MHC isoform content (qualitative mechanism). Two BB subjects took anabolic steroids and three BB subjects did not. The former BB differed from the latter BB mostly for the size of their muscles and muscle fibres.
Effects of TRH on heteromeric rat erg1a/1b K+ channels are dominated by the rerg1b subunit
Authors: Kirchberger Niklas M. , Wulfsen Iris , Schwarz Jürgen R. , Bauer Christiane K.
Published: December 2005

The erg1a (HERG) K+ channel subunit and its N‐terminal splice variant erg1b are coexpressed in several tissues and both isoforms have been shown to form heteromultimeric erg channels in heart and brain. The reduction of erg1a current by thyrotropin‐releasing hormone (TRH) is well studied, but no comparable data exist for erg1b. Since TRH and TRH receptors are widely expressed in the brain, we have now studied the different TRH effects on the biophysical properties of homomeric rat erg1b as well as heteromeric rat erg1a/1b channels. The erg channels were overexpressed in the clonal somatomammotroph pituitary cell line GH3/B6, which contains TRH receptors and endogenous erg channels. Compared to rerg1a, homomeric rerg1b channels exhibited not only faster deactivation kinetics, but also considerably less steady‐state inactivation, and half‐maximal activation occurred at about 10 mV more positive potentials. Coexpression of both isoforms resulted in erg currents with intermediate properties concerning the deactivation kinetics, whereas rerg1a dominated the voltage dependence of activation and rerg1b strongly influenced steady‐state inactivation. Application of TRH induced a reduction of maximal erg conductance for all tested erg1 currents without effects on the voltage dependence of steady‐state inactivation. Nevertheless, homomeric rerg1b channels significantly differed in their response to TRH from rerg1a channels. The TRH‐induced shift in the activation curve to more positive potentials, the dramatic slowing of activation and the acceleration of deactivation typical for rerg1a modulation were absent in rerg1b channels. Surprisingly, most effects of TRH on heteromeric rerg1 channels were dominated by the rerg1b subunit.