bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential Expression of Neurotrophic Factors and Inflammatory Cytokines by Myelin Basic Protein‐Specific and Other Recruited T Cells Infiltrating the Central Nervous System during Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Authors: Muhallab S. , Lundberg C. , Gielen A. W. , Lidman O. , Svenningsson A. , Piehl F. , Olsson T.
Published: March 2003

Recent evidence suggests that autoimmune reactions in the central nervous system (CNS) not only have detrimental consequences but can also be neuroprotective, and that this effect is mediated by the expression of neuronal growth factors by infiltrating leucocytes. Here we dissect these two phenomena in guinea pig myelin basic protein peptide (gpMBP 63–88)‐induced experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in the Lewis rat. Real‐time TaqMan polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to measure mRNA for the nerve growth factors, brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin (NT)‐3. As reference, the well‐known proinflammatory mediator molecules interferon (IFN)‐γ and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α were quantified. In whole lumbar cord tissue, both the nerve growth factors and the proinflammatory cytokines, IFN‐γ and TNF‐α, displayed similar expression patterns, peaking at the height of the disease. Among the infiltrating inflammatory cells isolated and sorted from the CNS, αβ+/T‐cell receptor (TCR)BV8S2+, but not αβ+/TCRBV8S2–, recognized the encephalitogenic MBP peptide. Interestingly, these two populations displayed contrasting expression patterns of nerve growth factors and proinflammatory cytokines with higher inflammatory cytokine mRNA levels in αβ+/TCRBV8S2+ cells at all time intervals, whereas the levels of BDNF and NT3 were higher in αβ+/TCRBV8S2– cells. We conclude that a potentially important neuroprotective facet of CNS inflammation dominantly prevails within other non‐MBP peptide‐specific lymphoid cells and that there are independent regulatory mechanisms for neurotrophin and inflammatory cytokine expression during EAE.
NMDA receptor mediated changes inIGF‐IIgene expression in the rat brain after injury and the possible role of nitric oxide
Authors: Giannakopoulou M. , Mansour M. , Kazanis E. , Bozas E. , Philpipidis H. , Stylianopoulou F.
Published: March 2003

This study was undertaken in order to investigate the role of insulin‐like growth factor (IGF)‐II, c‐fos, N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors, and nNOS in the cellular processes following a penetrating brain injury. IGF‐II mRNA levels, as determined by Northern analysis, were decreased at 4, 8, and 24 h after brain injury, in the lesioned, compared to the contralateral intact hemisphere. Forty‐eight and 72 h after the injury, there was no difference between the lesioned and the contralateral intact hemisphere in IGF‐II mRNA levels. c‐fos mRNA levels followed a parallel, but opposite course: They were increased at 4, 8 and 24 h after the injury, while at 48 and 72 h c‐fos mRNA levels in the lesioned hemisphere did not differ from those in the intact. Administration of MK‐801 reversed the injury‐induced decrease in IGF‐II mRNA levels. Administration of MK‐801 resulted in an increase in IGF‐II mRNA in both the intact and the lesioned hemispheres. Brain injury resulted in an increase in nNOS immunopositive cells in the hippocampal formation, which was detectable at 4 and 12, but not 48 h after the injury. These results suggest that IGF‐II, c‐fos, NMDA receptors and nNOS are involved in the cellular responses to brain injury.
Lesion‐associated accumulation of uPAR/CD87‐ expressing infiltrating granulocytes, activated microglial cells/macrophages and upregulation by endothelial cells following TBI and FCI in humans
Authors: Beschorner R. , Schluesener H. J. , Nguyen T. D. , Magdolen V. , Luther T. , Pedal I. , Mattern R. , Meyermann R. , Schwab J. M.
Published: March 2003

Urokinase‐type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR/CD87) together with its ligand, urokinase‐type plasminogen activator (uPA), constitutes a proteolytic system associated with tissue remodelling and leucocyte infiltration. uPAR is a member of the glycosyl phosphatidyl inositol (GPI) anchored protein family. The functional role of uPAR comprises fibrinolysis by conversion of plasminogen to plasmin. In addition, uPAR promotes cell adhesion, migration, proliferation, re‐organization of the actin cytoskeleton, and angiogenesis. Furthermore, uPAR is involved in prevention of scar formation and is chemoattractant to macrophages and leucocytes. In order to investigate the pathophysiological role of uPAR following human CNS injury we examined necrotic brain lesions resulting from traumatic brain injury (TBI; n = 28) and focal cerebral infarctions (FCI; n = 17) by immunohistochemistry. Numbers of uPAR+ cells and uPAR+ blood vessels were counted. Following brain damage, uPAR+ cells increased significantly within 12 h, reached a maximum after 3–4 days and remained elevated until later stages. uPAR was expressed by infiltrating granulocytes, activated microglia/macrophages and endothelial cells. Numbers of uPAR+ vessels increased in parallel subsiding earlier following FCI than post TBI. The restricted, lesion‐associated accumulation of uPAR+ cells in the brain parenchyma and upregulated expression by endothelial cells suggests a crucial role for the influx of inflammatory cells and blood–brain barrier (BBB) disturbance. Through a failure in BBB function, uPAR participates in formation of brain oedema and thus contributes to secondary brain damage. In conclusion, the study defines the localization, kinetic course and cellular source of uPAR as a potential pharmacological target following human TBI and FCI.
Ionotropic and metabotropic glutamate receptor protein expression in glioneuronal tumours from patients with intractable epilepsy
Authors: Aronica Eleonora , Yankaya Bulent , Jansen Gerard H. , Leenstra Sieger , Van Veelen Cees W. M. , Gorter Jan A. , Troost Dirk
Published: March 2003

Glioneuronal tumours are an increasingly recognized cause of chronic pharmaco‐resistant epilepsy. In the present study the immunocytochemical expression of various glutamate receptor (GluR) subtypes was investigated in 41 gangliogliomas (GG) and 16 dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumours (DNT) from patients with intractable epilepsy. Immunocytochemistry with antibodies specific for ionotropic NR1, NR2A/B (NMDA) GluR1, GluR2 (AMPA), GluR5–7 (kainate), and metabotropic mGluR1, mGluR2–3, mGluR5, mGluR7a subtypes demonstrated in both GG and DNT the presence of an highly differentiated neuronal population, containing subunits from each receptor class. More than 50% of tumours contained a high percentage of neuronal cells immunolabelled for NMDA, AMPA and kainate receptor subunits. A high percentage of neurones showed strong expression of NR2A–B, which co‐localized with NR1. Group I mGluRs (mGluR1 and mGluR5) were highly represented in the neuronal component of the tumours. Immunolabelling for several GluRs was also present in the glial component. Increased expression of mGluR2–3, mGluR5 and GluR5–7 was observed in reactive astrocytes in the perilesional zone compared to normal cortex. The neurochemical profile of glioneuronal tumours, with high expression of specific GluR subtypes, supports the central role of glutamatergic transmission in the mechanisms underlying the intrinsic and high epileptogenicity of these lesions.
Energetic cost of foraging in the ant Rhytidoponera aurata in tropical Australia
Authors: Gissel Nielsen Mogens
Published: March 2003

Abstract. The energetic costs of foraging by the ant Rhytidoponera aurata (Roger) were investigated both in the laboratory and field. The cost of running was estimated for workers under controlled conditions in the laboratory. Ants were placed in a ring‐shaped respiration chamber, connected to a through‐flow respirometer, in which they could run freely while their speed and respiratory rates were monitored simultaneously. The energetic costs were measured for workers while running at different speeds, and the same individuals were then used to measure the additional costs of carrying loads. Loads consisted of pieces of platinum one to two times the body mass of the ant, glued to the ants' thoraxes. These were relatively small loads compared to their natural food items. The mean cost of locomotion was 166 mJ/mg/km, and the mean cost of load carriage was 179 mJ/mg/km. A field experiment was carried out in three biotypes in open forest in Northern Territory, Australia, where worker R. aurata forage only during daylight hours at air temperatures ranging from 31 to 36 °C. Food items were placed randomly within the territory of a nest, and the duration and distance of its transportation to the nest by a forager was recorded. There were no significant differences in the frequencies with which ants selected different sized food items in the range 15–165 mg, whereas items weighing 5 mg were selected less often. The relationship between the speed of running and size of a food item transported was linear but this differed in each of three types of ground vegetation recognized. The energy cost of load carriage was extremely small compared with the energetic benefit, e.g. the energy content in a 165 mg food item is equivalent to the cost of carrying it over a distance of 78 km taking 129 days under laboratory conditions. Thus, the main limiting factor in energetic terms for this species is not the retrieval of food items, but the foraging time required to find a food source.
Collagenous hydrolysates from untraditional sources of proteins
Authors: Langmaier F. , Mladek M. , Kolomaznik K. , Sukop S.
Published: March 2003

Synopsis Sufficiently pure collagenous hydrolysates, suitable for application in skin and hair care cosmetics, have been prepared through biotechnological methods with the use of commercially available enzymatic preparations from short cattle tendons (musculus extensor communis, musculus flexor digitorum, musculus flexor digitorum profundis). These hydrolysates contain neither lipoid nor aminosaccharide components, content of primary amino groups reaches around 1.1 mmol g−1 and the average molecular weight of the resulting collagenous hydrolysates does not exceed 2000 g mol−1 (2.0 kDa). Short cattle tendons represent a relatively pure and easily available source of collagens and are, despite their generally known low nutritional value, used only as a feeding mixture component.
Collagenous hydrolysates from untraditional sources of proteins. Reaction condition and the yield of enzymatic hydrolysis of short cattle tendons
Authors: Langmaier F. , Mladek M. , Kolomaznik K. , Sukop S.
Published: March 2003

Synopsis The effect of reaction conditions on the yield of enzymatic hydrolysis of short cattle tendons was examined using statistical scheme of factorial experiments 24. The duration of enzymatic purification of the starting material and of purified material denaturation processes, the protease concentration in reaction mixture and hydrolysis time were considered to be the main sources of reaction yield variation. An attempt was made to find the conditions leading to maximal yield of collagen hydrolysate.
Skin ageing: changes of physical properties of human skin in vivo
Authors: Diridollou S. , Vabre V. , Berson M. , Vaillant L. , Black D. , Lagarde J. M. , Grégoire J. M. , Gall Y. , Patat F.
Published: March 2003

Synopsis

We have investigated in vivo the change with age of various parameters that describe the physical properties of skin. The parameters were derived from pressure/displacement curves obtained by applying reduced pressure to a small area of skin and measuring the resulting displacement by 20 MHz scan echography. By fitting the pressure/displacement curves to a theoretical model, the following skin parameters were obtained: E, Young's modulus or stiffness (in Pascals); σ0, the initial stress (in Pascals); and the unrestored energy ratio (UER), an index related to cutaneous non‐elasticity. These parameters, which are used in mechanics to define the intrinsic physical characteristics of materials, were measured for the first time on volar forearm skin of 206 male and female subjects, aged between 6 months and 90 years.

The results showed that skin thickness increases until maturity and decreases for women over 50–60 years old, Young's modulus E increases linearly with age, and ageing is divided into two phases for natural stress, σ0 and the non‐elasticity index UER. Natural stress σ0 increases until maturity and then rapidly decreases. The non‐elasticity index decreases until puberty and steadily increases after puberty.

This new procedure provides a simple quantitative assessment of the physical properties of the skin, revealing that the skin becomes thinner, stiffer, less tense and elastic with ageing.
Primary Health Care for Korean Immigrants: Sustaining a Culturally Sensitive Model
Authors: Kim Mi Ja , Cho Hyang‐In , Cheon‐Klessig Young Sun , Gerace Laina M. , Camilleri Dorothy D.
Published: March 2003

This report describes a 4‐year long bilingual interdisciplinary primary health care project that was designed to make culturally sensitive services available to underserved Korean immigrants in Chicago. It also describes some of the particular needs of this population and the strategies that the project staff adopted to identify and address the population's mental health needs. The project reflected the successful collaborative efforts of four participating principals: the Korean community, the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Nursing, the Chicago Department of Public Health, and the W. K. Kellogg Foundation. The model of service demonstrated in the project paired a bilingual advanced practice nurse, a certified family nurse practitioner, with a bilingual community advocate to conduct a program emphasizing community outreach and health promotion and prevention. A bilingual physician provided consultation for the nurse and attended to patients in need of medical care. Patients were referred to bilingual community social service agencies for assistance with a variety of other problems. A central goal of the project was for the services developed during its course to be assimilated into the regular programming of the Chicago Department of Public Health, a goal that was achieved. Finally, some of the challenges of introducing role change into an organization are discussed.
The Role of Social Support in the Self‐Management of Diabetes Mellitus Among a Hispanic Population
Authors: Gleeson‐Kreig JoAnn , Bernal Henrietta , Woolley Steve
Published: March 2003

The rising incidence of diabetes mellitus continues to be a major health concern among Hispanic Americans. Social support has been found to be a relevant factor in diabetes self‐management, however, it has not been explored within a Hispanic community. This cross‐sectional study was therefore conducted with 95 insulin‐requiring Hispanic adults to explore the composition of the support network, the type of assistance needed, the degree of satisfaction with support received, and the relationship between social support and diabetes self‐management. Overall, the participants had fairly large networks, composed primarily of family members. The greatest need for assistance was associated with transportation or interactions that involved speaking English, and the assistance offered in these areas was viewed as highly satisfactory. Participants were least satisfied with the help they received for diabetes‐related self‐care, personal care, and financial assistance. Social support was not strongly related to diabetes self‐management. Community health nurses must be aware that this population may have needs that are unsatisfactorily met. They should provide education and resources for support persons and carefully evaluate the support network, not only for availability, but also for satisfaction. Effort should also be directed toward developing alternative support for those without available family.
Molecular characterization of Candida spp. isolated from the oral cavities of patients from diverse clinical settings
Authors: Al‐Karaawi Z. M. , Manfredi M. , Waugh A. C. W. , McCullough M. J. , Jorge J. , Scully C. , Porter S. R.
Published: March 2003

Infections by Candida spp. have increased in medical importance over the past few decades. Our understanding of species identification, commensalisms, pathogenicity, person‐to‐person spread, and the development of antifungal resistance within specific strains has been greatly enhanced by the utilization of molecular epidemiological methodology. The aim of the current research was to assess the quantity, species and molecular characterization of oral yeast isolates from well‐defined cohorts of immunocompetent patients from a diverse range of clinical settings. Oral rinse samples were assessed for the growth of yeast and degree of colonization. Isolates were defined to the species level by both phenotypic and molecular methods and strains were further genotypically subtyped. Significant variation was shown to exist in the number, species and genotypic subgroups of yeast isolated from the oral cavity in different patient groups. This variation could be attributed to the local oral conditions unique to these patient groups.
Differential labeling of the pinealocytes and pineal interstitial cells by a series of monoclonal antibodies to human pineal body
Authors: Nakazato Yoichi , Hirato Junko , Sasaki Atsushi , Yokoo Hideaki , Arai Hanako , Yamane Yuko , Sawai Jyunki
Published: March 2003

Ten hybridomas producing monoclonal antibodies against pineal antigens were established by hybridizing mouse myeloma cells with spleen cells from BALB/c mice immunized with human pineal body homogenate. Seven antibodies immunohistochemically reacted with the pinealocytes and three reacted with the pineal interstitial cells. According to the antibodies applied, the pinealocytes were immunostained in a variable manner; granularly with PP1, PP4 and PP6 antibodies, diffusely with PP2 and PP5, membraneously with PP3, and apically with PP7. The PI1 and PI2 antibodies immunolabeled most of the interstitial cells, but PX1 immunolabeled only a small population of these cells. An immunoblotting study indicated that single or multiple polypeptides of the pineal homogenate constituted the antigen epitopes for these antibodies. Most antibodies also immunoreacted with several cell types of the extra‐pineal tissues, thus these antibodies are not specific to the human pineal body. This series of monoclonal antibodies should be available for immunohistochemical studies involving the normal and pathological human pineal body.
Adapalene in the treatment of African patients
Authors: Jacyk WK
Published: March 2003

Aim To assess the efficacy and safety of topical adapalene gel 0.1% as a treatment for acne vulgaris in black South African patients.

Background African and other darker skin types represent a particular clinical challenge for dermatologists treating acne. In many cases, this is due to the higher risk of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation in patients with dark skin. Acne vulgaris is an extremely common dermatological problem among Africans and people of African descent worldwide. Few studies of any of the major acne therapies have been carried out in exclusively black populations, and relatively little is known about the specific responsiveness of black skin to these agents. The ideal acne treatment for black people would specifically target the inflammatory process, which so often results in hyperpigmentation. Topical retinoids do this to some degree, but they can be highly irritating and this in itself can provoke post‐treatment hyperpigmentation.

Methods An open‐label study of adapalene 0.1% gel in 65 black South Africans, aged 12–30, for 12 weeks. Patients all had mild to moderate facial acne as defined by the Leeds scoring system; they were instructed to apply the medication once daily. Lesion counts and severity scores were assessed at 4, 8 and 12 weeks.

Results A total of 44 subjects completed the trial and all three follow‐up visits. Adapalene gel 0.1% showed clear efficacy against both inflammatory and non‐inflammatory lesions. The drop in mean total facial‐lesion count ranged from 46 to 72% between the first and last visit, and in most cases, there was clear improvement in cosmesis. In two‐thirds of cases, patients experienced reductions in both number of hyperpigmented macules and density of hyperpigmentation.

Conclusion Adapalene gel 0.1% is an effective, well‐tolerated topical therapy for black patients. It is able to reduce both inflammatory and non‐inflammatory lesions, as well as prevent and alleviate acne‐associated hyperpigmentation.
Transiency of the different cholesterolaemic responses to dietary cellulose and psyllium in pigs and two strains of hamsters
Authors: Terpstra A. H. M. , Lapré J. A. , De Vries H. T. , Beynen A. C.
Published: March 2003

The time course of the cholesterolaemic effects of dietary cellulose and psyllium was studied in two strains of hamsters and in pigs. In the first experiment, the ShHan:AURA strain from Harlan was used. Hamsters were first fed a cholesterol‐enriched (0.1%, w/w) semipurified diet containing 3% cellulose for a period of 2 weeks. Then, one group (n = 14) continued on the cellulose diet and another group (n = 14) was transferred to the psyllium diet. After 1.5 weeks on the diets, the psyllium‐fed hamsters showed a steep decrease in plasma cholesterol levels whereas the cellulose group maintained high cholesterol levels. Then, however, the cellulose‐fed hamsters showed a gradual decrease in plasma cholesterol levels and after 9.5 weeks on the diets, they had plasma cholesterol levels comparable to the hamsters fed psyllium. In the second study, the Lake View strain from Charles River was used. Two groups of hamsters (n = 14 per group) were fed a cholesterol‐enriched (0.1%, w/w) semipurified diet containing either 3% cellulose or 3% psyllium. The psyllium‐fed group had significantly lower plasma cholesterol concentrations than the cellulose group after 2, 4, and 6 weeks on the diets. After 8 weeks on the diets, however, the cholesterol levels in the cellulose group had decreased to levels similar to those in the psyllium group. In the third experiment, pigs were fed a cholesterol‐enriched (0.5%, w/w) semipurified diet containing either 5% cellulose or psyllium. After 1 and 2 weeks on the diets, the cellulose‐fed pigs had elevated plasma cholesterol concentrations, whereas the psyllium‐fed pigs maintained low cholesterol levels. After 3 weeks on the diets, the cholesterol concentrations in the cellulose‐fed pigs had decreased to the same level as in the psyllium‐fed pigs. There was no significant effect of cellulose and psyllium on liver cholesterol in the three studies, but psyllium tended to increase the faecal excretion of bile acids. Thus, the present studies showed a cholesterol lowering effect of dietary psyllium compared with cellulose in hamsters and pigs, but this effect was transient.
Prior exposure to lipopolysaccharide potentiates expression of plant defenses in response to bacteria
Authors: Newman Mari‐Anne , Von Roepenack‐Lahaye Edda , Parr Adrian , Daniels Michael J. , Dow J. Maxwell
Published: March 2003

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a ubiquitous component of Gram‐negative bacteria which has a number of diverse biological effects on eukaryotic cells. In contrast to the large body of work in mammalian and insect cells, the effects of LPS on plant cells have received little attention. LPS can induce defense‐related responses in plants, but in many cases these direct effects are weak. Here we have examined the effects of prior inoculation of LPS on the induction of plant defense‐related responses by phytopathogenic xanthomonads in leaves of pepper (Capsicum annuum). The resistance of pepper to incompatible strains of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. vesicatoria or to X. campestris pv. campestris is associated with increased synthesis of the hydroxycinnamoyl‐tyramine conjugates, feruloyl‐tyramine (FT) and coumaroyl‐tyramine (CT). FT and CT are produced only in trace amounts in response to compatible strains of X. axonopodis pv. vesicatoria. Treatment of leaves with LPS from a number of bacteria did not induce the synthesis of FT and CT but altered the kinetics of induction upon subsequent bacterial inoculation. In incompatible interactions FT and CT synthesis was accelerated, whereas in compatible interactions synthesis was also considerably enhanced. The ability of the tissue to respond more rapidly was induced within 4 h of LPS treatment and the potentiated state was maintained for at least 38 h. Earlier treatment with LPS also potentiated the expression of other defense responses such as transcription of genes encoding acidic β‐1,3‐glucanase. Our findings indicate a wider role for LPS in plant–bacterial interactions beyond its limited activity as a direct inducer of plant defenses.
Important roles of drought‐ and cold‐inducible genes for galactinol synthase in stress tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Taji Teruaki , Ohsumi Chieko , Iuchi Satoshi , Seki Motoaki , Kasuga Mie , Kobayashi Masatomo , Yamaguchi‐Shinozaki Kazuko , Shinozaki Kazuo
Published: March 2003

Raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFO) accumulating during seed development are thought to play a role in the desiccation tolerance of seeds. However, the functions of RFO in desiccation tolerance have not been elucidated. Here we examine the functions of RFO in Arabidopsis thaliana plants under drought‐ and cold‐stress conditions, based on the analyses of function and expression of genes involved in RFO biosynthesis. Sugar analysis showed that drought‐, high salinity‐ and cold‐treated Arabidopsis plants accumulate a large amount of raffinose and galactinol, but not stachyose. Raffinose and galactinol were not detected in unstressed plants. This suggests that raffinose and galactinol are involved in tolerance to drought, high salinity and cold stresses. Galactinol synthase (GolS) catalyses the first step in the biosynthesis of RFO from UDP‐galactose. We identified three stress‐responsive GolS genes (AtGolS1, 2 and 3) among seven Arabidopsis GolS genes. AtGolS1 and 2 were induced by drought and high‐salinity stresses, but not by cold stress. By contrast, AtGolS3 was induced by cold stress but not by drought or salt stress. All the GST fusion proteins of GST‐AtGolS1, 2 and 3 expressed in Escherichia coli had galactinol synthase activities. Overexpression of AtGolS2 in transgenic Arabidopsis caused an increase in endogenous galactinol and raffinose, and showed reduced transpiration from leaves to improve drought tolerance. These results show that stress‐inducible galactinol synthase plays a key role in the accumulation of galactinol and raffinose under abiotic stress conditions, and that galactinol and raffinose may function as osmoprotectants in drought‐stress tolerance of plants.
Spontaneous resolution of amniotic bands
Authors: Pedersen T. K. , Thomsen S. G.
Published: March 2003

The amniotic band syndrome comprises a group of sporadic congenital anomalies characterized by amputations, constriction bands, pseudosyndactylism and multiple craniofacial, visceral and body wall defects. It occurs in approximately 1 in 1200 to 1 in 15 000 live births. Some of the cases present with congenital anomalies that are incompatible with life, but a selected group shows isolated limb constrictions. Repeated sonographic examinations afforded us the opportunity of observing the in utero process of limb strangulation and subsequent spontaneous lysis of an amniotic band attached to a fetal elbow. Surgical fetal therapy with lysis of the constriction ring in utero is an option, but intervention is probably not always warranted. Spontaneous resolution does occur.Copyright © 2001 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Fetal ear length measurement: a useful predictor of aneuploidy?
Authors: Chitkara U. , Lee L. , Oehlert J. W. , Bloch D. A. , Holbrook R. H. , El‐sayed Y. Y. , Druzin M. L.
Published: March 2003

Objective

To determine the usefulness of short ear length (EL) measurement in the prenatal detection of fetuses with chromosomal abnormalities.

Design

Fetal EL measurements, routine biometry and complete anatomic survey for fetal abnormalities were prospectively performed by antenatal sonography.

Subjects

One thousand eight hundred and forty‐eight patients with singleton pregnancies undergoing genetic amniocentesis in the second or third trimester.

Methods

Complete data for EL, biometry and anatomic survey for major structural abnormalities and minor sonographic markers of chromosomal abnormality were available in 1311 fetuses. Of these, 48 (3.7%) had an abnormal karyotype and 1263 (96.3%) had a normal karyotype. Using an EL measurement of ≤10th percentile for corresponding gestational age in normal fetuses as abnormal cut‐off values, detection rates for chromosomal abnormalities by short EL were determined.

Results

Among the 48 abnormal karyotypes, 34 were considered significant, and 11 of these 34 (32.4%) fetuses had short EL. In 14 cases, the karyotypic abnormality was considered non‐significant and fetal EL was normal in all cases. Of the 34 fetuses with significant chromosomal abnormalities, six (17.6%) on antenatal sonography had no detectable abnormal findings, other than short EL. An increased biparietal diameter (BPD)/EL ratio of ≥4.0 was also noted in fetuses with an abnormal karyotype, but the sensitivity and predictive value of increased BPD/EL ratio alone or increased BPD/EL ratio in combination with short EL was no better than the sensitivity and predictive value of short EL alone. A combination of short EL and abnormal ultrasound, however, gave a much higher positive predictive value (46%) for significant chromosomal abnormalities.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that in women at high risk for fetal chromosomal abnormality, a short fetal EL measurement on prenatal ultrasound, either alone or in combination with other sonographically detectable structural abnormalities, may be a useful parameter in predicting fetal aneuploidy. Copyright © 2002 ISUOG
Fetal cleft lip and palate: sonographic diagnosis, chromosomal abnormalities, associated anomalies and postnatal outcome in 70 fetuses
Authors: Bergé S. J. , Plath H. , Van De Vondel P. T. , Appel T. , Niederhagen B. , Von Lindern J. J. , Reich R. H. , Hansmann M.
Published: March 2003

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between facial clefts, associated malformations and chromosomal abnormalities.

Study design

Sonograms of 70 fetuses with cleft lip with or without cleft palate were prospectively and retrospectively evaluated in our tertiary referral center for the nature of the cleft lip or palate and for the nature of the associated anomalies. Additionally, karyotyping was performed in 63 of the 70 patients (90%).

Results

The frequency of additional anomalies and the mortality rate in this selected population varied with the type of cleft. None of the fetuses presenting an isolated cleft lip had additional anomalies and all survived. All fetuses presenting a median facial cleft had concurrent anomalies (particularly of the central nervous system (90%)) and a fatal outcome. Associated defects were more frequent in fetuses with bilateral clefts (72%) than in those with unilateral clefts (48%). Fetuses with a unilateral cleft lip with or without cleft palate had a better survival rate (52%) than those with a bilateral cleft lip with or without cleft palate (35%). The frequency and type of chromosomal abnormalities varied with the type of cleft. The highest rate of chromosomal abnormalities was found in fetuses with median clefts (82%).

Conclusions

Although no conclusions regarding the prevalence of chromosomal or other anomalies in patients with a cleft lip with or without cleft palate in the general population could be drawn, the study revealed a strong relationship between the type of facial cleft, associated malformations, chromosomal abnormalities and fetal outcome. Copyright © 2001 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Screening for pre‐eclampsia and fetal growth restriction by uterine artery Doppler at 11–14 weeks of gestation
Authors: Martin A. M. , Bindra R. , Curcio P. , Cicero S. , Nicolaides K. H.
Published: March 2003

Objective

To examine the value of uterine artery Doppler at 11–14 weeks of gestation in the identification of women at risk of developing pre‐eclampsia and fetal growth restriction.

Methods

Uterine artery Doppler was carried out at 11–14 weeks in 3324 consecutive singleton pregnancies attending for routine care in three London hospitals. The right and left uterine arteries were identified using color flow mapping and velocity waveforms were obtained using pulsed Doppler. The mean pulsatility index of the two arteries was determined and the predictive value of a mean pulsatility index > the 95th centile in the prediction of pre‐eclampsia and/or fetal growth restriction was calculated.

Results

Satisfactory flow velocity waveforms were obtained from both uterine arteries in 3195 (96.1%) of the 3324 pregnancies examined and complete outcome information was obtained for 3045 (95.3%) of these women. The 95th centile of the uterine artery mean pulsatility index was 2.35 and did not change significantly with gestational age. The pregnancy was complicated by pre‐eclampsia in 63 (2.1%) cases and by fetal growth restriction in 290 (9.5%) cases. The sensitivity of a mean pulsatility index > 2.35 for pre‐eclampsia (with or without fetal growth restriction) was 27.0% but for fetal growth restriction alone it was 11.7%. The respective sensitivities for these complications requiring delivery before 32 weeks of gestation were 60.0% and 27.8%, respectively.

Conclusion

Uterine artery Doppler at 11–14 weeks of gestation identifies a high proportion of women who develop severe pre‐eclampsia and/or fetal growth restriction.Copyright © 2001 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Retrograde net blood flow in the aortic isthmus in relation to human fetal arterial and venous circulations
Authors: Mäkikallio K. , Jouppila P. , Räsänen J.
Published: March 2003

Objectives

To characterize changes in the human fetal arterial and venous circulations associated with retrograde aortic isthmus net blood flow.

Methods

Study groups consisted of fetuses with placental insufficiency and/or fetal growth restriction and either antegrade (Group 1; n = 18) or retrograde (Group 2; n = 11) net blood flow in the aortic isthmus. The control group comprised 31 fetuses in uncomplicated pregnancies. Pulsatility indices of the umbilical, middle cerebral and proximal pulmonary arteries and the descending aorta, and pulsatility indices for veins of the ductus venosus and inferior vena cava were calculated. Right and left ventricular fractional shortenings were ascertained. The coronary artery blood flow was visualized and the presence of tricuspid regurgitation was noted.

Results

In the study groups, the umbilical artery and descending aorta pulsatility indices were significantly higher (P < 0.05), and those of the middle cerebral artery lower (P < 0.001), than in the control group, with no difference between the two study groups. The proximal pulmonary artery pulsatility index was significantly higher in Group 2 (P < 0.001) than in Group 1 and the control group. In Group 2, the right ventricular fractional shortening was significantly lower (P < 0.01) than in Group 1. Coronary artery blood flow was visualized significantly more often (P < 0.03) and tricuspid regurgitation was present more frequently (P < 0.003) in Group 2 than in Group 1. In Group 2, the ductus venosus pulsatility index for veins was significantly higher than in Group 1 (P < 0.01) and the control group (P < 0.01), with no difference in the inferior vena cava pulsatility index for veins.

Conclusions

Fetuses with retrograde aortic isthmus net blood flow demonstrate a rise in right ventricular afterload and increased pulsatility in ductus venosus blood velocity waveforms. Copyright © 2002 ISUOG
Tehao functions in the Toll pathway in Drosophila melanogaster: possible roles in development and innate immunity
Authors: Luo C. , Shen B. , Manley J. L. , Zheng L.
Published: March 2003

Toll and related proteins play important roles in innate immunity in both invertebrates and vertebrates. In Drosophila melanogaster, Tehao shares a striking similarity in its intracellular domain with Toll. In this paper, we show that Tehao is expressed throughout development and appears to be glycosylated. In transiently transfected cells, Tehao activated both Dorsal and the transcription of endogenous drosomycin and metchnikowin genes. Purified recombinant Tehao interacted specifically in vitro not only with the Pelle protein kinase, but also with the Toll intracytoplasmic domain. Remarkably, Tehao was found to activate Dorsal‐dependent transcription in a synergistic manner with Toll, as well as Pelle in co‐transfected cells. Thus, Tehao, alone or with Toll as a multimeric complex, has the potential to participate in both the development and innate immune responses of Drosophila.
Bumblebee commercialization will cause worldwide migration of parasitic mites
Authors: Goka Koichi , Okabe Kimiko , Yoneda Masahiro , Niwa Satomi
Published: March 2003

We investigated natural populations of three Japanese native bumblebee species to determine the status of infestation by a tracheal mite, Locustacarus buchneri, which we had earlier detected in introduced commercial colonies of the European bumblebee, Bombus terrestris. We also investigated mite infestation in commercial colonies of a Japanese native species, B. ignitus, which are mass‐produced in the Netherlands and reimported into Japan. We detected the mite in both natural and commercial colonies of the Japanese species. Comparison of 555 bp sequences of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) cytochrome oxidase 1 (CO1) gene from the mite showed that there were seven haplotypes, on the basis of combinations of substitutions at eight sites in the gene. The haplotypes of the mites in the Japanese native bumblebees and the haplotypes of the mites in B. terrestris did not overlap; however, mtDNA of mites detected in the commercial colonies of B. ignitus possessed the same sequence as a European haplotype. These results indicate that transportation of bumblebee colonies will cause overseas migration of parasitic mites of different origins.
The molecular revolution in ectomycorrhizal ecology: peeking into the black‐box
Authors: Horton Thomas R. , Bruns Thomas D.
Published: March 2003

Molecular tools have now been applied for the past 5 years to dissect ectomycorrhizal (EM) community structure, and they have propelled a resurgence in interest in the field. Results from these studies have revealed that: (i) EM communities are impressively diverse and are patchily distributed at a fine scale below ground; (ii) there is a poor correspondence between fungi that appear dominant as sporocarps vs. those that appear dominant on roots; (iii) members of Russulaceae, Thelephoraceae, and/or non‐thelephoroid resupinates are among the most abundant EM taxa in ecosystems sampled to date; (iv) dissimilar plants are associated with many of the same EM species when their roots intermingle — this occurs on a small enough spatial scale that fungal individuals are likely to be shared by dissimilar plants; and (v) mycoheterotrophic plants have highly specific fungal associations. Although, these results have been impressive, they have been tempered by sampling difficulties and limited by the taxonomic resolution of restriction fragment length polymorphism methods. Minor modifications of the sampling schemes, and more use of direct sequencing, has the potential to solve these problems. Use of additional methods, such as in situ hybridization to ribosomal RNA or hybridization coupled to microarrays, are necessary to open up the analysis of the mycelial component of community structure.
Mating system and reproductive skew in the black rhinoceros
Authors: Garnier J. N. , Bruford M. W. , Goossens B.
Published: March 2003

Only ≈ 2600 black rhinoceros survive today, mainly in small, isolated populations of < 100 animals. The management of remaining black rhinoceros populations aims at preserving natural levels of genetic relatedness and optimizing breeding success, which requires an accurate knowledge of the mating system, reproductive skew and effective population size. DNA was extracted from faecal samples from a community of 35 wild black rhinoceros, and microsatellites were used to characterize patterns of paternity of 19 offspring born from eight females in this community. Paternity could be ascribed unequivocally for each offspring. Although our conclusions must be considered tentative, we present the first genetic evidence that black rhinoceros males are polygynous, with a high variance in reproductive success. We also describe a noninvasive management tool that can be used for the genetic management of this critically endangered species, both in the wild and in captivity.
Phylogenetic relationships among the Canary Island Steganacaridae (Acari, Oribatida) inferred from mitochondrial DNA sequence data
Authors: Salomone N , Emerson B. C , Hewitt G. M , Bernini F
Published: March 2003

The mite genus Steganacarus is represented in the Canary Islands by three endemic species, one recently discovered species, and several morphotypes of uncertain taxonomic position. We used a fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene to reconstruct the phylogenetic relationships among representatives of the different taxa from the three central islands of the archipelago, Tenerife, La Gomera and Gran Canaria. Sequence data were analysed by both maximum parsimony and maximum likelihood methods. The inferred phylogenetic relationships do not correlate well with current morphological taxonomy but reveal four deeply divergent and geographically coherent lineages, one each on Gran Canaria and La Gomera and two on Tenerife. No pattern of molecular differentiation was observed among different morphotypes. Possible explanations for this incongruence are suggested in relation to the ecology and biogeography of the group. A recently discovered Steganacarus species from La Gomera, morphologically quite distinct from the other Canarian Steganacarus, is clearly identified as a taxon distantly related to all the other Canarian samples.
The discovery of three genetic races of the dwarf mistletoe Arceuthobium americanum (Viscaceae) provides insight into the evolution of parasitic angiosperms
Authors: Jerome Cheryl A. , Ford Bruce A.
Published: March 2003

A population genetic approach was used to explore the evolutionary biology of the parasitic angiosperm Arceuthobium americanum Nutt. ex Engelm. (Viscaceae). Arceuthobium americanum infects three principal hosts and has the most extensive geographical range of any North American dwarf mistletoe. Based on the lack of apparent morphological and phenological differences between populations of A. americanum, past researchers have found no evidence for recognizing infraspecific taxa. In this study, molecular analysis using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis indicated that A. americanum is divided into three distinct genetic races, each associated with a different host taxon in regions of allopatry: (i) Pinus banksiana in western Canada; (ii) Pinus contorta var. murrayana in the Sierra Nevada and Cascade Mountain ranges in the western US; and (iii) Pinus contorta var. latifolia in the western US and Canada. These observations suggest that host identity, geographical isolation and environmental factors have contributed to race formation in A. americanum. The lack of fine‐scale patterning within each of the A. americanum races is attributed to random dispersal of seeds over long distances by animal vectors. Historical factors such as glaciations and founder events have also influenced structuring and genetic diversity in A. americanum populations. Given sufficient time, it is possible that these races will become reproductively isolated and undergo speciation.
Micro‐ and macroscopic characteristics to stage gonadal maturation of female Baltic cod
Authors: Tomkiewicz J. , Tybjerg L. , Jespersen Å.
Published: March 2003

A set of histological characteristics to judge ovarian development was established and used to elaborate morphological criteria of 10 maturity stages of Baltic cod Gadus morhua sampled throughout the annual cycle to represent different macroscopic maturity stages. The applied characteristics confirmed most stages of the macroscopic scale, but the separation of late immature and resting mature females remained imprecise. Atretic vitellogenic oocytes or encapsulated residual eggs identified the resting condition morphologically, but not all ovaries with visible signs of previous spawning showed such features. One ovarian stage that was previously classified as ‘ripening’ was changed to ‘spawning’, owing to the prevalence of hydrated eggs and empty follicles. Ovaries with malfunctions were defined by a separate stage. Macroscopic criteria were revised by comparing the gross anatomy of ovaries with their histology. Female length and gonado‐somatic index supported stage definitions, but substantial variation in Fulton's condition factor and the hepato‐somatic index rendered these of little use for this purpose. The time of sampling influenced staging accuracy. A female spawner probability function based on the proportion of ripening and ripe specimens in early spring seems to be the most appropriate method to estimate spawner biomass and reproductive potential.
Massive ascites in severe pre‐eclampsia: A rare complication
Authors: Vaijyanath Anita Matai , Nayar Bonilla , Malhotra Neena , Deka Deepika
Published: March 2003

We report three rare cases of massive maternal ascites complicating severe pre‐eclamptic toxemia seen in the last 18 months. This complication developed in association with the rise of blood pressure to 160/110 mmHg or more, worsening of proteinuria and hyperuricemia. The onset of massive ascites caused respiratory compromise in all these patients, thus necessitating immediate termination of pregnancy.
Legal and ethical aspects of seclusion: an Australian perspective
Authors: Muir‐Cochrane E. C. , Holmes C. A.
Published: March 2003

The debate about the appropriateness of seclusion as a nursing practice in inpatient settings in the 21st century continues, with powerful and often emotive arguments from those who view it as an anachronistic and punitive form of ward management, and from others who see it as a useful emergency measure to protect individuals from imminent harm. This is the first paper, however, to focus on legal and ethical issues in relation to the use of seclusion, with policies and practices in Australian psychiatric institutions viewed within the context of worldwide trends. The interplay of ethical principles and international mental health law has encouraged a move towards the provision of care and treatment of the disturbed psychiatric patient within the least restrictive environment, supposedly reducing the potential for the inappropriate use of control mechanisms. Nevertheless, current legislation can be seen to preserve the status quo because it legitimizes seclusion as an acceptable nursing practice, albeit within given parameters, thereby defusing the imperative to promote the reduction and abolition of psychiatric control mechanisms and seek new possibilities in mental health care.