bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of dominant nuclear male‐sterile lines with a blue seed marker in durum and common wheat
Authors: Tian N. , Liu Z.‐Q.
Published: March 2003

In order to develop genie male‐sterile lines with a blue seed marker, male‐sterile plants, controlled by a dominant nuclear gene Ms2, were used as female parents against a 4E disomic addition line ‘Xiaoyan Lanli’(2n= 44, AABBDD+4EII) as the male parent to produce monosomic addition lines with blue seed. Male‐sterile plants from the monosomic addition lines were pollinated with durum wheat for several generations and in 1989 a male‐sterile line with the blue grain gene and the male‐sterile gene Ms2 on the same additional chromosome was detected and named line 89‐2343. Using this line, the blue seed marker was successfully added to a short male‐sterile line containing Ms2 and Rht10. The segregation ratios of male sterility and seed colour as well as the chromosome figurations of different plants indicated that the blue grain genes, Ms2 and Rht10 were located on the same additional chromosome. Cytological analysis showed that the blue marker male‐sterile lines in durum wheat and common wheat were monosomic with an additional chromosome 4E. The inheritance ratio for blue seed male‐sterile plants and white seed male‐fertile plants was 19.7% and 80.3%, respectively, in common wheat. The potential for using blue marker sterile lines in population improvement and hybrid production is discussed.
Effect of mass selection in nil‐competition conditions on some traits of four cabbage populations
Authors: Koutsos T. V. , Koutsika‐Sotiriou M.
Published: March 2003

Mass selection with controlled pollination for heading, resistance to early bolting, fewer frame leaves relative to head size and few cover leaves, was applied for three cycles in four Greek open‐pollinating populations (OPPs) of cabbage in nil‐competition conditions (honeycomb method). The cycle 0 OPPs with their respective cycle 3 OPPs were tested under competition conditions (growers density), in two successive years, to assess the selection response for heading, resistance to early bolting, number of cover leaves and yield. In most cases, the selection response was significant at P = 0.01 or even at P = 0.001. For example, the mean increase of yield estimated over all OPPs across 2 years was 36%, without any undesirable changes in dry matter and soluble solids contents.
Inheritance of resistance to the Russian wheat aphid in an Iranian durum wheat line
Authors: Assad M. T.
Published: March 2003

The Russian wheat aphid (RWA), Diuraphis noxia (Mordvilko), is a major economic pest of small grains in many countries. An experiment was therefore conducted to determine the inheritance of gene(s) controlling resistance to RWA in a resistant tetraploid durum wheat line. This resistant line,‘1881′, was crossed to a susceptible line, ‘Orejy‐e‐Kazeroon’, and then F1 F2 and BCF1 (backcross to susceptible line) seedlings were screened in a greenhouse for RWA resistance following artificial infection. Resistance in ‘1881’ was apparently controlled by one dominant gene. Since Dnl, Dn2, dn3, Dn4 and Dn5 have been reported to be located on genome D, it was reasoned that the resistance gene in ‘1881’ is not allelic to them.
Relationship between heterosis and genetic divergence in ‘Tongil’‐type rice
Authors: Kwon S.‐J. , Ha W.‐G. , Hwang H.‐G. , Yang S.‐J. , Choi H.‐C. , Moon H.‐P. , Ahn S.‐N.
Published: March 2003

Improving grain yield and quality of ‘Tongil’‐type rice (indica/japonica) continues to be a major breeding objective in Korea. In this study, genetic divergence among 13‘Tongil’‐type rice cultivars was evaluated and the relationship between genetic distance and hybrid performance in all possible nonreciprocal crosses between them assessed. The 78 F1 hybrids together with the 13 parents were evaluated for eight traits of agronomic importance, including yield, in a replicated field trial. The 13 parents were examined for DNA polymorphism using 71 micro‐satellite or simple sequence repeats and 46 random decamer oligonucleotide primers. A total of 319 polymorphic variants were generated and, based on the polymorphism data, genetic distances (GDs) ranged from 0.021 to 0.437. Cluster analysis based on GDs revealed associations among cultivars which was in agreement with the pedigree data. Heterosis was observed in hybrids for most of the traits, and yield exhibited the highest heterosis among the eight traits examined. The correlation values of GDs with F1 performance were mostly nonsignificant, except for yield, culm length and spikelets per panicle. The correlations of GDs with midparent and better‐parent heterosis were not significant enough to be of predictive value. These results indicate that GDs based on the microsatellite and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers may not be useful for predicting heterotic combinations in ‘Tongil’‐type rice and support the idea that the level of correlation between hybrid performance and genetic divergence is dependent on the germplasm used.
Present and future of quantitative trait locus analysis in plant breeding
Authors: Asíns M. J.
Published: March 2003

The joint analysis of genotype marker segregation and phenotypic values of individuals or lines enables the detection and location of loci affecting quantitative traits (QTL). The availability of DNA markers and powerful biometric methods has led to considerable progress in QTL mapping in plants.

The most obvious applications of QTL analysis seem to be marker‐assisted selection (MAS) in breeding and pre‐breeding and QTL cloning. However, other areas are envisaged where QTL analysis can contribute decisively. These are: the understanding of complex traits such as plant‐pathogen interaction; plant genomics, connecting proteins and regulatory elements of known functions to QTL by candidate gene analysis; and germplasm enhancement through a characterization that allows its efficient utilization. The success in all these applications depends primarily on the reliability and accuracy of the QTL analysis itself. Therefore, the discussion of its limitations will constitute an important part of this review.
Reproductive Performance in Cows with Extended Calving Interval*
Authors: Larsson B , Berglund B
Published: March 2003

Contents The effects of increased calving intervals on reproduction were studied in two herds. In Herd 1 cows were managed for 12‐ or 15‐month calving intervals and in Herd 2 for 12‐ or 18‐month intervals. Data from the study revealed that managing cows for a longer calving interval improved the fertility. Animals with a short interval needed more hormonal treatments to be inseminated on time due to anoestrus, compared to animals with longer intervals. Once the animals were inseminated there was a tendency for a higher conception rate at first AI in the 15‐month group compared with the 12‐month group. The cows in the 15‐month group needed a lower number of AIs per serviced cow and a shorter period from the first AI to conception. Culling due to fertility problems was more frequent in the 12‐month group. A longer period of days open did not imply an increased risk for development of cystic ovaries and did not result in weaker heat symptoms over time.
Influence of Sample Preparation, Staining Procedure and Analysis Conditions on Bull Sperm Head Morphometry using the Morphology Analyser Integrated Visual Optical System
Authors: Boersma A , Raßhofer R , Stolla R
Published: March 2003

The importance of standardizing the procedures of sample and slide preparation for computer‐assisted morphologic analysis has been emphasized in human and veterinary andrology. The purpose of this study was to optimize slide preparation (dilution grade and sperm washing), staining procedures and analysis conditions (colour of light source and objective magnification) for the morphometric analysis of bull spermatozoa using the Hamilton Thorne morphology analyzer integrated visual optical system (IVOS). For experiment 1, one ejaculate was collected from one bull and diluted to 200 000–300 000 spermatozoa/μl. Slides were prepared and stained using seven different procedures: rapid Papanicolaou (PAP), rapid Papanicolaou with prolonged staining times (PAP+), Diff‐Quik (DIF), haematoxylin (HEM), Farelly (FAR), Spermac (SPER) and the modified GZIN (MGZIN) staining. All slides were analysed using a Hamilton Thorne Morphology Analyser IVOS equipped alternatively with a red, green or blue light source, and a 40× or 100× oil immersion objective. Recognition and digitization errors as well as morphometric parameters were determined. The IVOS was unable to detect DIF‐stained spermatozoa. The GZIN and the SPER staining as well as the blue light source led to unsatisfactory results. Among the staining methods examined, the FAR, HEM, PAP+, and PAP staining, preferably in combination with the green light source, and the 40× objective yielded optimal results concerning sperm recognition and digitization. The 100× objective did not allow reliable analysis of the sperm heads because of a frequently appearing digitization error. For experiment 2, three ejaculates were collected from each of three bulls and diluted to five dilution grades (100 000–500 000 spermatozoa/μl). An aliquot of each dilution grade was washed additionally. The percentage of correctly digitized sperm heads decreased with increasing spermatozoal concentration. However, the evaluation speed increased. The range of 200 000–300 000  spermatozoa/μl appeared to be a reasonable compromise for both criteria. Sperm washing failed to further improve the analysis results. Sperm head dimensions were influenced significantly by all variations of the methods in both experiments. In conclusion, using the proposed methods, the IVOS allows precise and reliable morphometric analyses of bull spermatozoa. The consistent application of these procedures may lead to an inter‐laboratory standardization and to further establishment of generally accepted morphometric criteria used in human andrology (e.g. World Health Organisation or strict criteria).
Influence of Puerperal Uterine Infection on Uterine Involution and Postpartum Ovarian Activity in Dairy Cows
Authors: Mateus L , Lopes da Costa L , Bernardo F , Robalo Silva J
Published: March 2003

This article presents the results of a clinical trial designed to study the effect of puerperal uterine infection on uterine involution and on ovarian activity in dairy cows, monitored twice weekly from parturition until the sixth week postpartum (wpp). Infection significantly retarded uterine involution assessed by the uterine body diameter and a score of intrauterine fluid volume (IUFV). By the sixth wpp, cows with normal puerperium (controls) and cows that showed mild puerperal endometritis had similar uterine body diameter and IUFV, indicating spontaneous recovery within the postpartum voluntary waiting period. However, in cows with severe puerperal endometritis, although uterine body diameter had regressed to pregravid size, IUFV remained significantly higher than in control and mild endometritis cows, indicating that chronic endometritis was established. The IUFV score was positively and significantly correlated with uterine swab bacterial growth density and allowed diagnosis of endometritis after the third wpp. Cows with mild or severe endometritis had a significantly higher prevalence and persistence of pathogenic bacteria (Escherichia coli,Actinomyces pyogenes, Gram‐negative anaerobes – GNA) than controls.Actinomyces pyogeneswas associated to GNA in 74% of isolations. Ovarian activity measured by ultrasound scanning of the ovaries and plasma progesterone (P4) concentrations was more abnormal (prolonged anoestrus, prolonged luteal phases and ovarian cysts) in cows with severe endometritis than in controls.
Scanning Electron Microscopic Changes of the Canine Uterine Luminal Surface during Oestrus and Late Metoestrus
Authors: Van Cruchten S , Van den Broeck W , Simoens P , Lauwers H
Published: March 2003

Contents

In this study the endometrial morphology of four dogs in oestrus and 10 dogs in late metoestrus was investigated with scanning electron microscopy. In early oestrus the cells were slightly convex with fairly long microvilli and cell boundaries that were apparent but situated on a deeper level than the cell surface. In late oestrus the cells were clearly convex with long and numerous microvilli masking the cell boundaries. At the beginning of late metoestrus the cells became less convex with many but short microvilli and prominent but lower situated cell boundaries. At the end of late metoestrus the cells were flat with very short microvilli and protruding cell borders. These morphological findings were correlated with the cyclic variations of the steroid hormone levels.
Seasonal evaporative concentration of an extremely turbid water‐body in the semiarid tropics of Australia
Authors: Townsend Simon A.
Published: March 2003

Many lakes and other standing water‐bodies in arid and semiarid Australia are extremely turbid, although the nature of this turbidity and its seasonal and interannual variation are not widely known. The water quality of the Longreach Waterhole was investigated over the dry season (April–November). Turbidity exceeded 100 Nephelometric Turbidity Units, comprising mainly colloidal clay and silica minerals. The high total solids’ concentrations of the Waterhole (maximum 1150 mg/L) resulted in euphotic depths as low as 19 cm. Evaporative concentration, inferred from increased conductivity and observed reductions in water level, increased the concentration of total solids, phosphorus, nitrogen and reduced euphotic depth. Elevated nutrient concentrations, however, were not accompanied by increased phytoplankton biomass, measured as chlorophyll a. The water‐body was well oxygenated, although concentrations tended to decline towards the end of the dry season. The influence of evaporative concentration on water quality and the need to relate water quality monitoring and investigations to the hydrologic history of the Longreach Waterhole, and other arid water‐bodies, is emphasized.
Th1 unresponsiveness can be infectious for unrelated antigens
Authors: Charlton Brett , Fathman C Garrison , Slattery Robyn M
Published: March 2003

CD4+ T cells may be assigned a functional status (Th1 or Th2) according to the cytokines they produce including IL‐2, IFN‐γ and IL‐4. Th1 and Th2 CD4+ T cells deliver different isotype‐switching signals to antigen‐specific B cells which bias the serum Ig isotypes. The stimulation of Th1 or Th2 responses is influenced by adjuvants and administration of antigen in IFA results in Th1 unresponsiveness as evidenced by: (i) reduced T cell proliferation to antigen; (ii) reduced IFN‐γ production in response to antigen; and (iii) reduced IgG2a isotype antigen‐specific antibodies following antigen/CFA challenge. The impact of established human gamma globulin (HGG) specific Th1 unresponsiveness on subsequent immunization with an unrelated antigen, human serum albumin (HSA) in Th1‐inducing CFA was then examined. When subsequently challenged with a mixture of HSA and HGG in CFA the HGG‐specific Th1 unresponsiveness was infectious and dominant, preventing the induction of a Th1 response to HSA. Reduced T cell proliferation, IFN‐γ production and IgG2a antibody were consequently observed in response to HSA. The HGG‐specific Th1 unresponsiveness was not infectious when HGG/CFA and HSA/CFA were administered at separate sites. This demonstrates that antigen‐specific Th1 unresponsiveness can be infectious for new, molecularly unrelated antigens and supports studies showing that Th1‐mediated autoimmune diseases such as experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) and diabetes can be ameliorated using antigens molecularly distinct from the disease‐inducing immunogen.
Heterogeneity in heat shock protein genes in Leishmania isolates
Authors: Arora SK , Kapoor GS , Sehgal S
Published: March 2003

Leishmaniasis, a group of visceral and cutaneous diseases, is caused by parasites belonging to one genus comprising approximately 13 different species. Many methods including serological, biochemical and molecular biological techniques have been used by various workers to characterize these different species and isolates of Leishmania, yet there is no single generally accepted criterion. We have identified certain cDNA clones from a library generated from the promastigotes of S1 strain of Leishmania donovani and used them as probes for identification of various isolates of L. donovani and Leishmania tropica. Two of the probes used, E2b (2.0 kb) and Ela (1.3 kb), sequence characterized to be hsp70 of Leishmania, were able to distinguish various isolates of L. donovani from different geographical origins as well as strains of L. donovani from those of L. tropica. Thus, by using recombinant hsp70 cDNA probes, the data indicated that there is a considerable degree of heterogeneity in the heat‐shock genes of Leishmania.
Exposure of N‐acetylglucosamine decreases early in dexamethasone‐induced apoptosis in thymocytes, demonstrated by flow cytometry using wheat germ agglutinin and pokeweed mitogen
Authors: Beaver Joanne P , Stoneman Claire L
Published: March 2003

In the present paper we describe changes in the exposure of oligosaccharides containing N‐ acetylglucosamine (Glc‐NAc) during apoptosis of mouse thymocytes. The structures containing this sugar were probed with fluorescein isothiocyanate‐labelled lectins, wheat germ agglutinin and pokeweed mitogen in flow cytometric assays. Both lectins bind to structures containing Glc‐NAc. The present report describes experiments in which two different dual‐staining techniques were used to simultaneously identify apoptotic cells and measure their lectin exposure. In these experiments, we observed an early and substantial decrease in the exposure of Glc‐NAc‐containing structures associated with the onset of apoptosis, before or simultaneously with phosphatidylserine exposure. This was followed by an increase in the exposure of Glc‐NAc‐containing structures after longer incubation times, when a large proportion of cells was demonstrated to have fragmented DNA. These results provide evidence for major changes in the structure of plasma membrane oligosaccharides during apoptosis. The initial decrease may be a by‐product of the hydrolysis of glycosphingolipids to yield ceramide for apoptotic signalling or a deliberate process related to the removal of cell adhesion signalling structures, associated with the separation of the apoptotic cell from its neighbours. The later increase in Glc‐NAc‐containing structures may be the result of the incorporation of internal membranes into the plasma membrane or a deliberate production of prophagocytic signals by a still‐functioning Golgi apparatus.
Viral modulation of the host response via crmA/SPI‐2 expression
Authors: Turner Stephen , Kenshole Bronwyn , Ruby Janet
Published: March 2003

Viruses have evolved numerous strategies to modulate the host response to infection. Poxviruses cause acute infections and need to replicate quickly to promote efficient transmission. Consequently, it is not surprising to learn that poxviruses encode a large number of proteins designed to target various arms of the host inflammatory response. One of the earliest described and most well‐studied viral modulatory proteins is crmA/SPI‐2. While the biochemical targets and possible modes of action have been well characterized in vitro, the role that crmA/SPI‐2 plays during natural infection is less clear. It may have effects in modulating host responses involving apoptosis and inflammation. It is important to further understand the precise mode of action of viral proteins, such as crmA/SPI‐2, because this may lead to better therapeutic strategies to combat a range of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
Use of recombinant viruses to deliver cytokines influencing the course of experimental bacterial infection
Authors: Cheers Christina , Janas Michele , Ramsay Alistair , Ramshaw Ian
Published: March 2003

The feasibility of using viral constructs expressing cytokine genes to influence the course of bacterial infection was tested in mice. The mice were first infected with vaccinia or fowlpox viruses expressing the cytokine of interest, then challenged with the facultative intracellular bacterial pathogen Listeria monocytogenes. The course of infection was assessed by subsequent bacterial counts. Expression of IFN‐γ or TNF was protective. Vaccinia virus was more efficient at delivering IFN‐γ‐mediated protection than was fowlpox virus, which is unable to proliferate in mammalian cells. The effect of vaccinia‐IFN‐γ was more apparent in the liver, where vaccinia proliferates to high titres (> 109), than in the spleen, where only 103 vaccinia were isolated. Vaccinia virus expressing IL‐4 exacerbated infection. Interleukin‐4 exacerbation was T cell independent and was reflected in the failure of macrophage activation, possibly due to suppression of NK cells, which are a source of IFN‐γ early in infection. The clear indication of protection by some cytokines in this prophylactic model appears to justify further study of the therapeutic effects of cytokine‐expressing viruses in chronic bacterial infections, especially where a cytokine defect is suspected.
Interactions of HIV‐1 with antigen‐presenting cells
Authors: Hewson Tim , Lone Nazir , Moore Marilyn , Howie Sarah
Published: March 2003

There is currently much interest in the numerical and functional loss of antigen‐presenting cells (APC) in HIV‐1 disease and the contribution that this may make to HIV‐1 pathology. The HIV‐1 virus can interfere with the normal function of APC in a number of ways involving inappropriate signalling. These include changes in cytokine balance, cell‐surface molecule expression and intracellular signalling pathways. This review examines how HIV‐1 is able to disregulate APC function and discusses possible outcomes for the function of the immune system.
Regulation of T helper cell differentiation by respiratory tract dendritic cells
Authors: Stumbles Philip A
Published: March 2003

Studies on dendritic cells (DC) of the respiratory and gastric mucosae have identified an extensive network of cells that represent the predominant antigen‐presenting cell type at these sites. Under steady‐state conditions, respiratory tract DC (RTDC) are specialized for antigen uptake and spontaneously migrate to local lymph nodes, although in vivo transfer studies have shown that the T‐cell priming activity of these cells is restricted to low‐level, Th2‐skewed responses. Following exposure to inflammatory stimuli, the migration of RTDC to lymph nodes is accelerated and is associated with a rapid and dramatic increase in the ability of these cells to induce both Th1‐ and Th2‐dependent immunity. Under normal circumstances, however, responsiveness of epithelial RTDC to maturation stimuli is regulated by locally produced micro‐environmental factors, including pro‐inflammatory cytokines, reactive oxygen species and prostanoids. These studies have led to a greater understanding of airway DC function and their role in T helper cell differentiation and provide the basis for future studies to determine the role of the cells in the aetiology and pathogenesis of respiratory immunoinflammatory disorders.
Langerhans’ cell histiocytosis is caused by dysregulation of the E‐cadherin–β‐catenin cascade: A hypothesis
Authors: Leenen Pieter JM , Egeler R Maarten
Published: March 2003

Langerhans’ cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a proliferative disease of cells of the dendritic cell lineage, closely resembling activated Langerhans’ cells. The clinical picture of LCH is greatly variable, suggesting a scale of aberrancies at the cellular level. Despite progress in clinical treatment, the aetiology and pathogenesis of this disease remain unknown. In the present paper, we present the hypothesis that dysregulation of the E‐cadherin–β‐catenin–Wnt cascade, which has both adhesive and transcriptional functions, may be fundamental to the development of LCH. This hypothesis is founded upon two notions: (i) careful regulation of this cascade is essential in normal Langerhans cell activation; and (ii) abnormalities in the E‐cadherin–β‐catenin cascade are a major cause of epithelial neoplastic proliferation. On the basis of this hypothesis, we present three alternative scenarios that may describe the initial steps in the pathogenesis of LCH.
Quantitative analysis of lymphocyte differentiation and proliferation in vitro using carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester
Authors: Hasbold J , Gett AV , Rush JS , Deenick E , Avery D , Jun J , Hodgkin PD
Published: March 2003

Mature T and B lymphocytes respond to receptor‐delivered signals received during and following activation. These signals regulate the rates of cell death, growth, differentiation and migration that ultimately establish the behaviour patterns collectively referred to as immune regulation. We have been pursuing the philosophy that in vitro systems of lymphocyte stimulation, when analysed quantitatively, help reveal the logical attributes of lymphocyte behaviour. The development of carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester (CFSE) to track division has enabled the variable of division number to be incorporated into these quantitative analyses. Our studies with CFSE have established a fundamental link between differentiation and division number. Isotype switching, expression of T cell cytokines, surface receptor alterations and changes to intracellular signalling components all display independent patterns of change with division number. The stochastic aspects of these changes and the ability of external signals to independently regulate them argue for a probabilistic modelling framework for describing and understanding immune regulation.
Expression of the interferon‐inducible chemokines MuMig and Crg‐2 following vaccinia virus infection in vivo
Authors: Mahalingam Surendran , Karupiah Gunasegaran
Published: March 2003

MuMig (monokine induced by gamma interferon) and Crg‐2 (cytokine responsive gene) are chemokines of the CXC subfamily. They share activity as T and NK cell chemoattractants. Crg‐2 has been shown to be inducible by IFN, TNF, IL‐1 and LPS, whereas the expression of MuMig is thought to be strictly dependent on IFN‐γ. In the present study, the kinetics of expression of the genes for MuMig and Crg‐2 were analysed by northern blot analysis in organs of normal mice and in groups of gene knockout mice deficient in IFN‐γ (IFN‐γ–/–) or receptors for IFN‐α/β and IFN‐γ (double R–/–; DR–/–) after vaccinia virus infection. MuMig mRNA was not expressed in IFN‐γ–/– mice in all organs examined, whereas Crg‐2 mRNA levels were marginally reduced. In contrast, MuMig and Crg‐2 mRNA transcripts were completely abolished in the DR–/– mice.
Regulation of lipopolysaccharide‐induced B‐cell activation: Evidence that surface immunoglobulin mediates two independently regulated signals
Authors: Mamchak Alusha A , Hodgkin Philip D
Published: March 2003

An antigen‐specific B cell response can be induced by low concentrations of haptenated lipopolysaccharide (LPS), whereas high concentrations are inhibitory. Two explanations have been proposed for the latter phenomenon. In the first, specific surface Ig focuses LPS to the B cell membrane, where high local concentrations of the mitogen become paralytic for B cell responses. In the alternative, transmission of an antigen signal at higher concentrations of hapten LPS actively inhibits the development of antibody secreting cells (ASC). In the present paper, the immunosuppressant cyclosporine A (CsA) was used to attempt to distinguish between these two models. Cyclosporine A did not block the inhibitory effects of goat anti‐IgM (gαIgM) on development of ASC induced by LPS and therefore was unsuitable for testing between the two models. However, surprisingly, in the presence but not the absence of CsA, even low concentrations of gαIgM became inhibitory for LPS‐induced B cell proliferation. Thus, a CsA‐insensitive signal could inhibit both B cell proliferation and the development of ASC. In contrast, the CsA‐sensitive signal induced by sIg required high concentrations of gαIgM for triggering and enhanced the LPS proliferative response without affecting development of ASC. Evidence is presented that these two signals are regulated independently, suggesting that together they may transmit information about the physical form of an antigen to the B cell.
Disparity in the kinetics of onset of hypermutation in immunoglobulin heavy and light chains
Authors: Van Der Keyl Harjeet , Gellad Ziad F , Owen Judith A
Published: March 2003

The present paper describes a comparative analysis of light chains associated with primary and secondary IgM, as well as with secondary IgG antibodies to fluorescein, undertaken in order to explore the relationship between light chain somatic hypermutation and the isotype switch. The data reveal a disparity in the frequency of somatic hypermutation of secondary IgM heavy versus light chains. Among 20 secondary IgM light chains, a mutation frequency of 1/777 nucleotides was defined. In contrast, our previous analysis of the heavy chains of these molecules had identified a mutation frequency of 1/129. Among 17 IgG‐derived light chains, obtained from animals killed at the same time point as those from which the secondary IgM antibodies were obtained, we measured a mutation frequency of 1/77. Finally, analysis of 20 light chains derived from primary IgM antibodies revealed a mutation frequency of only 1/1192 nucleotides. These data demonstrate that, prior to the class switch, light chain mutation occurs at a frequency considerably lower than that measured for the associated heavy chain gene. Six additional apparent mutations in the secondary IgM antibody 95B3 were all shared with a set of IgG antifluorescein antibodies belonging to the Vκ 34 family. It is suggested that these light chains represent the products of a previously uncharacterized germ line gene.
Role of CD8+ T cells in mycobacterial infections
Authors: Smith Steven M , Dockrell Hazel M
Published: March 2003

The interaction between IFN‐γ‐secreting CD4+ T cells and macrophages has long been established as integral in the protective immune response against tuberculosis. More recently, evidence from murine experiments and human studies has begun to demonstrate an essential role for MHC class I restricted CD8+ T cells in this immune response. CD8+ T cells can produce the protective cytokines IFN‐γ and TNF‐α in addition to their classical cytolytic functions. However, the exact protective mechanisms and antigens recognized by these important cells remain poorly characterized.
HIV‐1‐specific cellular immune responses among HIV‐1‐resistant sex workers
Authors: Fowke Keith R , Kaul Rupert , Rosenthal Kenneth L , Oyugi Julius , Kimani Joshua , Rutherford W John , Nagelkerke Nico JD , Ball T Blake , Bwayo Job J , Simonsen J Neil , Shearer Gene M , Plummer Francis A
Published: March 2003

The goal of the present study was to determine whether there were HIV‐1 specific cellular immune responses among a subgroup of women within a cohort of Nairobi prostitutes (n = 1800) who, despite their intense sexual exposure to HIV‐1, are epidemiologically resistant to HIV‐1 infection. Of the 80 women defined to be resistant, 24 were recruited for immunological evaluation. The HIV‐1‐specific T‐helper responses were determined by IL‐2 production following stimulation with HIV‐1 envelope peptides and soluble gp120. Cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses were determined by lysis of autologous EBV‐transformed B cell lines infected with control vaccinia virus or recombinant vaccinia viruses containing the HIV‐1 structural genes env, gag and pol. Resistant women had significantly increased HIV‐1 specific T‐helper responses, as determined by in vitro IL‐2 production to HIV‐1 envelope peptides and soluble glycoprotein 120, compared with low‐risk seronegative and HIV‐1‐infected controls (P ≤ 0.01, Student's t‐test). Seven of the 17 (41%) resistant women showed IL‐2 stimulation indices ≥ 2.0. HIV‐1‐specific CTL responses were detected among 15/22 (68.2%) resistant women compared with 0/12 low‐risk controls (Chi‐squared test, P < 0.001). In the two resistant individuals tested, the CTL activity was mediated by CD8+ effectors. Many HIV‐1‐resistant women show evidence of HIV‐1‐specific T‐helper and cytotoxic responses. These data support the suggestion that HIV‐1‐specific T‐cell responses contribute to protection against HIV‐1 infection.
Differential interleukin‐6 mRNA expression in Nippostrongylus brasiliensis infection of susceptible and resistant strains of mice
Authors: Bao Shisan , Cole Nerida , Willcox Mark , Beagley Kenneth , Zhou Yafen , Husband Alan J
Published: March 2003

Intestinal parasitic infection is still a major problem in humans and animals, yet host immunity against gut parasitic infection remains partially understood. Eosinophilia and mastocytosis are features of such infection that have been shown to be genetically controlled. The expression of IL‐6 is detected in eosinophils, mast cells and neutrophils and may be responsible for the regulation of leucocytes at infective sites. The relationships between IL‐6 expression, eosinophilia, mastocytosis and host immunity remain unclear. In the present report, a close correlation between IL‐6 mRNA+ cells, eosinophilia, mastocytosis and worm expulsion is demonstrated, which may indicate a role for IL‐6 in regulation of host immunity against intestinal parasite infection.
Rapid dissemination of intramuscularly inoculated DNA vaccines
Authors: Mena Angelo , Andrew Marion E , Coupar Barbara E H
Published: March 2003

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) vaccination offers the prospect of novel, safe vaccines that can stimulate cell‐mediated immunity as well as antibody. An understanding of how and where transfection occurs in vivo will assist strategies to enhance their efficacy. Plasmid DNA encoding for the expression of firefly luciferase was injected intramuscularly into sheep. The DNA was rapidly disseminated and could be detected in efferent lymph within 5 min. At the earliest time that cells were tested separately from lymph plasma (1 h), DNA was found to be present in both the lymph plasma and within lymph cells. Although plasmid DNA could be detected intracellularly in lymph and in muscle tissue at the site of inoculation, no luciferase gene expression could be detected. The results suggest that, in addition to the internalization of plasmid DNA, other factors may limit gene expression, possibly the rate of DNA migration into the nucleus.
Regulation of the inflammatory response in asthma by mast cell products
Authors: Hart Prue H
Published: March 2003

In airways, mast cells lie adjacent to nerves, blood vessels and lymphatics, which highlights their pivotal importance in regulating allergic inflammatory processes. In asthma, mast cells are predominantly activated by IgE receptor cross linking. In response to activation, preformed mediators that are stored bound to proteoglycans, for example, TNF‐α, IL‐4, IL‐13, histamine, tryptase and chymase, are released. New synthesis of arachidonic acid metabolites (leukotriene C4 (LTC4), leukotriene B4 (LTB4) and prostaglandin D2 (PGD2)) and further cytokines is stimulated. Mediators from degranulating mast cells are critical to the pathology of the asthmatic lung. Mast cell proteases stimulate tissue remodelling, neuropeptide inactivation and enhanced mucus secretion. Histamine stimulates smooth muscle cell contraction, vasodilatation and increased venular permeability and further mucus secretion. Histamine induces IL‐16 production by CD8+ cells and airway epithelial cells; IL‐16 is an important early chemotactic factor for CD4+ lymphocytes. LTC4, LTB4 and PGD2 affect venular permeability and can regulate the activation of immune cells. The best characterized mast cell cytokine in asthmatic inflammation is TNF‐α, which induces adhesion molecules on endothelial cells and subsequent transmigration of inflammatory leucocytes. IL‐13 is critical to development of allergic asthma, although its mode of action is less clear.
Cloning and characterization of a mouse homologue of the human haematopoietic cell‐specific four‐transmembrane gene HTm4
Authors: Hulett Mark D , Pagler Eloisa , Hornby June R
Published: March 2003

Haematopoietic cell‐specific transmembrane‐4 (HTm4) is a four‐transmembrane protein most closely related to CD20 and the beta subunit of the high affinity receptor for IgE (FcεRIβ). To date, it has only been described in humans, where it is expressed in haematopoietic cells of both myeloid and lymphoid lineages. The function of HTm4 is unknown; however, as for CD20 and FcεRI‐β, it is likely to play a role in signal transduction as part of a multi‐subunit cell surface receptor complex. In this study, we report the cDNA cloning and expression distribution of mouse HTm4. The deduced mouse HTm4 protein is of 213 amino acids, and contains four putative transmembrane domains. Mouse HTm4 shows 62% overall amino acid identity with human HTm4; the transmembrane regions are highly conserved between both species (75% identity), whereas the N‐ and C‐terminal and inter‐transmembrane loop regions are more divergent (52%). Interestingly, the N‐terminal domain of mouse HTm4 is predicted to be 23 amino acids shorter, and the C‐terminal domain 23 amino acids longer, than that of human HTm4. Northern blot and reverse transcriptase (RT)‐PCR analysis suggest that mouse HTm4 mRNA is expressed at low levels only in spleen, bone marrow and peripheral blood leucocytes. This is the first report of the cloning of HTm4 from a species other than human, and provides important sequence information towards the understanding of the function of this poorly characterized four‐transmembrane molecule.
Patient aggression in a general hospital setting: Do nurses perceive it to be a problem?
Authors: Zernike Wendy , Sharpe Paul
Published: March 2003

Zernike W, Sharpe P. International Journal of Nursing Practice 1998; 4: 126–133

Patient aggression in a general hospital setting: Do nurses perceive it to be a problem?

Aggressive incidents in the general hospital setting have been recognised as problematic for health care workers. Despite an awareness of the problem by nursing staff, there is little known about these incidents. A survey was therefore conducted in a metropolitan tertiary hospital to determine the prevalence and extent of patient aggression in order to direct future management strategies. A survey tool elicited information about the aggressor, factors leading to the incident, the nature of the incident, how it was managed and the outcome. Sixty‐eight incidents of aggression were reported over a five‐month period; all were reported by nursing staff. The majority of incidents occurred after hours when staff resources were limited. Frequent actions taken by staff to manage aggressive patients were chemical and physical restraint. Nurses identified that many of the incidents were unavoidable despite the aggression management training they had received. This paper outlines strategies taken by the hospital to address the issues identified in the survey.
Performance indicators and standards of care for coronary angioplasty procedures: A quality initiative
Authors: Higgins Monica
Published: March 2003

Performance indicators and standards of care for coronary angioplasty procedures: A quality initiative

The growth of coronary angioplasty procedures in Australia has provided opportunities for role development in nursing practice. In response to changes in health care demands, the angioplasty nurse specialist role was developed. This paper discusses a quality activity with two goals. First, to facilitate a change in culture within the angioplasty service from the existing fragmented system to a cohesive system based on a quality approach. Second, to develop a process improvement strategy involving a data collection tool that would facilitate the monitoring of performance indicators and patient outcomes.
Nursing, art and science: Revisiting the Two Cultures
Authors: Darbyshire Philip
Published: March 2003

I begin this paper by setting out the importance of the Two Cultures debate, given that many nurse authors would agree with Closs’s position that the art versus science debate should be closed finally. I suggest that issues are every bit as present and urgent in our current era as they were in the past. A brief tracing of the history of the Two Cultures debate highlights the relevance of the central features of the debate for nursing. I then focus on nursing’s current understanding of science and art and attempt to defend science from some of the accusations levelled at it, while also questioning some of the claims made on behalf of the arts. In the latter sections of the paper, I make a case for the development of ‘nursing humanities’ and argue the vital importance of overcoming the Two Cultures divide for the everyday practices of nurses and midwives.
Death in the Finnish family: Experiences of spousal bereavement
Authors: Kaunonen Marja , Päivi Åstedt‐Kurki , Paunonen Marita , Erjanti Helena
Published: March 2003

In this study dimensions of grief were examined using the Hogan model for widowed Finns. The aspects of loss were analyzed from the answers to an open‐ended question. The study group consisted of 242 widows and 76 widowers, whose spouse died more than 6 months prior to the data collection. The numerical data were analyzed to determine whether dimensions of grief were gender related. Content analysis was used when analyzing the written answers. The findings of the study demonstrate that there are gender differences in the expressions of grief after the death of a spouse. Widows expressed significantly more intense feelings of panic behaviour than widowers. Both widows and widowers grieved about how to survive after the death of their spouse. Both groups found their families and friends to be the most important source of support when trying to cope with their grief.
Family dynamics of child‐bearing families in Athens, Greece: A pilot study
Authors: Likeridou Katerina , Hyrkäs Kristiina , Paunonen Marita , Lehti Kristiina
Published: March 2003

The purpose of this pilot study was to describe family dynamics in Greek families during the third trimester of a low‐risk pregnancy with a first or second child. The description is based on Barnhill's framework for healthy family systems. The sample consisted of families expecting their first or second child. Both mothers (n= 160) and fathers (n= 47) participated in the study. The Family Dynamics Measure and a sociodemographic questionnaire were used in data collection. Data on 160 mothers and 47 couples were analyzed. Fathers perceived their families as having greater stability and role reciprocity than mothers. Fathers also reported clearer communication than mothers. There were no statistically significant relationships among family dynamics dimensions, maternal age and parity. Delayed first‐time expectant mothers reported greater flexibility than normative first‐time expectant mothers. The results provide some useful clues for prenatal care and also for further family dynamics research in Greece.
Predictors of coping efficacy, negative moods and post‐traumatic stress syndrome following major trauma
Authors: Tsay Shiow‐Luan , Halstead Marilyn Tuls , McCrone Susan
Published: March 2003

The purpose of the study was to test relationships among injury appraisals, coping, social support and outcomes of coping efficacy, mood states and post‐traumatic stress syndrome. A purposive sample of 152 hospitalized patients a week following major trauma was recruited from two trauma centres. The measures included the modified Ways of Coping Scale; the brief Social Support Questionnaire; the brief Profile of Mood State; the Impact of Event Scale; and selected demographic and injury related variables. Data were analyzed by multivariate statistics. The results indicated that perceived controllability, satisfaction with social support, wishful‐thinking coping and problem‐focused coping were the significant predictors for coping efficacy; perceived stressfulness, problem‐focused coping and wishful thinking explained a significant amount of variance in mood states; avoidance coping and wishful‐thinking coping were predictors for post‐traumatic stress syndrome. The moderating effects of emotion‐focused coping at high and medium levels were identified.
Older women's experiences with sternotomy
Authors: Allen Kerrie E , Wellard Sally J
Published: March 2003

While incision and subsequent scarring is a feature of all surgery, in cardiac surgery the sternotomy incision is significant and central to the body, separating the chest in half between the breasts. Increasingly older women count for a larger proportion of patients undergoing cardiac surgery each year in Australia yet there has been limited exploration of their experiences with sternotomy. A phenomenological approach was used to elicit the experiences of older women who had undergone cardiac surgery. In‐depth interviews with four older women revealed a range of ways in which these women were affected by their sternotomy and their whole experience of cardiac surgery. Findings from this project provide insight into practical issues affecting these women and may assist nurses in the assessment and planning of care and education for older women having cardiac surgery, particularly in the areas of preparation for cardiac surgery and body image.
Developing evidence‐based clinicians
Authors: Johnson Maree , Griffiths Rhonda
Published: March 2003

Evidence‐based care has heralded an advancement for health with extensive rhetoric and incentives encouraging clinicians to become active participants in practice change. This paper explores two mechanisms—research utilization and systematic reviews—as processes to develop empowerment in clinicians, and develop an ethos of basing practice on research. The intent of these approaches is to create an environment that enables clinicians to seek solutions to practice problems, inform practice decisions and develop practice policy using evidence from research. The goal is to develop evidence‐based clinicians who remain active and interested in their practice and who are committed to promoting the application of research to practice. The strengths and weaknesses of these methods are explored within two case studies where they are applied to the management of hypothermia and the efficacy of postoperative observations. Key points of application for each of the methods are outlined in the conclusions.
Family caregiving of the elderly and Long‐Term Care Insurance in rural Japan
Authors: Asahara Kiyomi , Momose Yumiko , Murashima Sachiyo
Published: March 2003

In this study, data were used from a qualitative research study and a literature review to present the characteristics of family caregiving for the elderly in rural Japan, and changes and issues related to home care since the recent implementation of Long‐Term Care Insurance (LTCI) for the Elderly. The results of a quantitative study are also used to describe the perceptions of public health nurses about their role in the LTCI, and the future role of Japanese nurses in rural Japan is discussed.