bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The disulphide bonds in the catalytic domain of BACE are critical but not essential for amyloid precursor protein processing activity
Authors: Fischer Frauke , Molinari Maurizio , Bodendorf Ursula , Paganetti Paolo
Published: March 2003

β‐Site APP‐cleaving enzyme (BACE) initiates the processing of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) leading to the generation of β‐amyloid, the main component of Alzheimer's disease senile plaques. BACE (Asp2, memapsin 2) is a type I transmembrane aspartic protease responsible for the β‐secretase cleavage of APP producing a soluble form of the ectodomain (sAPPβ) and the membrane‐bound, carboxy‐terminal intermediates C99 and C89. BACE maturation involves cysteine bridge formation, N‐glycosylation and propeptide removal. We investigated variants of BACE in which the disulphide bonds of the catalytic domain spanning between Cys216/Cys420, Cys278/Cys443 and Cys330/Cys380 were removed by mutagenesis. When transfected in cultured cells, these mutants showed impaired maturation. Nevertheless, a fraction of mutated protein retained both the competence to mature as well as the activity to process APP. For the generation of a functional enzyme the conserved Cys330/Cys380 bond was the most critical, whereas the two bonds between Cys216/Cys420 and Cys278/Cys443, which are typical for the membrane‐bound BACE, appeared to be less important.
Phylogeography of the ectomycorrhizal Pisolithus species as inferred from nuclear ribosomal DNA ITS sequences
Authors: Martin Francis , Díez Jesús , Dell Bernard , Delaruelle Christine
Published: March 2003

The fungal genus Pisolithus is cosmopolitan in warm temperate regions and forms ectomycorrhizal associations with a wide range of woody plants. To delimit phylogenetic Pisolithus species and identify their geographical distribution, 102 collections were made worldwide and their rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) was sequenced.

 Phylogenetic analyses of these sequences, together with 46 additional GenBank accessions, identified 11 species.

 A strong phylogeographical pattern was observed related to the native geographical origin of the host plants. In the Holarctic, P. tinctorius was widely distributed, associated with Pinus and Quercus. It has been co‐introduced with pines to other biogeographical regions. Several Pisolithus lineages, including P. aurantioscabrosus, occurred in restricted biogeographical regions associated with endemic plants, such as Afzelia in eastern Africa. Pisolithus albus, P. marmoratus and P. microcarpus were associated with Australasian hosts (Eucalyptus, Acacia) and were distributed with their hosts worldwide. By contrast, two additional unnamed species were restricted to Australia.

 The present study shows that evolutionary lineages within Pisolithus are related to the biogeographical origin of the hosts. In addition, regional floras and endemic plants could act as hosts of endemic species of Pisolithus.
Myco‐photobiontal selection in a Mediterranean cryptogam community with Fulgensia fulgida
Authors: Beck A. , Kasalicky T. , Rambold G.
Published: March 2003

To examine the mode of dispersal and photobiont selectivity of Fulgensia fulgida we investigated the photobionts associated with the lichens of a community related to the Toninio–Psoretum decipientis association.

 Photobionts and mycobionts were analysed using morphological (light microscopy) and molecular (internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and partial large subunit (LSU) nuclear ribosomal DNA sequencing) techniques.

 The thalli of the mycobiont of F. fulgida, which were identical in their ITS and partial LSU‐sequence, contained two strains of Trebouxia asymmetrica, one of them also present in a thallus of Toninia sedifolia. Other co‐occurring lichens, namely Squamarina lentigera, Catapyrenium michelii and Collema cristatum, were shown to have Asterochloris irregularis, Myrmecia and Nostoc as photobionts.

 It is suggested that F. fulgida is selective in its photobiont choice, that dispersal of the lichen has occurred by way of ascospores and subsequent independent relichenization events and that F. fulgida and T. sedifolia share the same photobiont pool. The results also suggest possible mechanisms of relichenization and strategies for future research on the selectivity of lichen bionts.
Identification and transmission of Piper yellow mottle virus and Cucumber mosaic virus infecting black pepper (Piper nigrum) in Sri Lanka
Authors: De Silva D. P. P. , Jones P. , Shaw M. W.
Published: March 2003

Sri Lankan black pepper with symptoms of yellow mottle disease contained a mixture of viruses: Piper yellow mottle virus (PYMV) particles (30 × 130 nm), Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV, 30 nm diameter isometric particles), and unidentified, isometric virus‐like particles (30 nm diameter). An effective purification procedure is described for PYMV. Immunosorbent and conventional electron microscopy successfully detected badnavirus particles only when at least partially purified extracts were used. PYMV was confirmed as the cause of the disease, with the other two viruses apparently playing no part in producing symptoms. PYMV was transmitted by grafting, by the insect vectors citrus mealy bug (Planococcus citri) and black pepper lace bug (Diconocoris distanti), but not by mechanical inoculation or through seeds. The CMV isolate was transmitted to indicator plants by mechanical inoculation and by the vector Aphis gossypii, but not by Myzus persicae; but neither mechanical nor insect transmission of CMV to black pepper was successful. A sensitive polymerase chain reaction assay was developed to detect PYMV in black pepper.
Metamorphism at a late Mesozoic accretionary margin: a study from the Coast Belt of the North American Cordillera
Authors: Mezger J. E. , Chacko T. , Erdmer P.
Published: March 2003

The late Mesozoic and Cenozoic metamorphic evolution of the western North American continental margin is recorded in a belt of homogeneous metapelitic rocks, the Kluane metamorphic assemblage (KMA), in the northern Coast Belt of Yukon Territory. A record of Late Cretaceous medium‐pressure and ‐temperature (c. 7 kbar, 500 °C) metamorphism, M1, is preserved in Ca‐rich garnet and Na‐rich plagioclase cores in rocks that were little affected by later events. M1 was synchronous with mylonitization and is attributed to accretion of the KMA to the ancient continental margin. Isothermal decompression during rapid uplift was followed by early Eocene emplacement of the Ruby Range Batholith (RRB), part of a magmatic arc produced by subduction of the Kula plate. The intrusion of the RRB led to a contact metamorphic overprint, M2, producing a 5–6 km wide aureole in which the grade ranges from subgarnet zone to garnet–cordierite–K‐feldspar zone. Pressure and temperature estimates for M2, calculated from mineral equilibria, are 3.5–4.5 kbar and 530–720 °C, generally consistent with the stability limits of the observed mineral assemblages. Comparison of mineral assemblages and P–T conditions in the KMA with those in the Mclaren Glacier metamorphic belt in Alaska does not support the correlation of the two metamorphic sequences. This weakens the hypothesis proposing 400 km of dextral slip along the Denali fault zone.
Cretaceous evolution of a metamorphic core complex, the Veporic unit, Western Carpathians (Slovakia): P–T conditions and in situ40Ar/39Ar UV laser probe dating of metapelites
Authors: Janák M. , Plašienka D. , Frey M. , Cosca M. , Schmidt S. TH. , Lupták B. , Méres Š.
Published: March 2003

Alpine metamorphism, related to the development of a metamorphic core complex during Cretaceous orogenic events, has been recognized in the Veporic unit, Western Carpathians (Slovakia). Three metamorphic zones have been distinguished in the metapelites: 1, chloritoid + chlorite + garnet; 2, garnet + staurolite + chlorite; 3, staurolite + biotite + kyanite. The isograds separating the metamorphic zones have been modelled by discontinuous reactions in the system K2O–FeO–MgO–Al2O3–SiO2–H2O (KFMASH). The isograds are roughly parallel to the north‐east‐dipping foliation related to extensional updoming along low‐angle normal faults. Thermobarometric data document increasing P–T conditions from c. 500 °C and 7–8 kbar to c. 620 °C and 9–10 kbar, reflecting a coherent metamorphic field gradient from greenschist to middle amphibolite facies. 40Ar/39Ar data obtained by high spatial resolution in situ ultraviolet (UV) laser ablation of white micas from the rock slabs constrain the timing of cooling and exhumation in the Late Cretaceous. Mean dates are between 77 and 72 Ma; however, individual white mica grains record a range of apparent 40Ar/39Ar ages indicating that cooling below the blocking temperature for argon diffusion was not instantaneous. The reconstructed metamorphic P–T–t path is ‘clockwise’, reflecting post‐burial decompression and cooling during a single Alpine orogenic cycle. The presented data suggest that the Veporic unit evolved as a metamorphic core complex during the Cretaceous growth of the Western Carpathian orogenic wedge. Metamorphism was related to collisional crustal shortening and stacking, following closure of the Meliata Ocean. Exhumation was accomplished by synorogenic (orogen‐parallel) extension and unroofing in an overall compressive regime.
Interaction of metamorphism, deformation and exhumation in large convergent orogens
Authors: Jamieson R. A. , Beaumont C. , Nguyen M. H. , Lee B.
Published: March 2003

Coupled thermal‐mechanical models are used to investigate interactions between metamorphism, deformation and exhumation in large convergent orogens, and the implications of coupling and feedback between these processes for observed structural and metamorphic styles. The models involve subduction of suborogenic mantle lithosphere, large amounts of convergence (≥ 450 km) at 1 cm yr−1, and a slope‐dependent erosion rate. The model crust is layered with respect to thermal and rheological properties — the upper crust (0–20 km) follows a wet quartzite flow law, with heat production of 2.0 μW m−3, and the lower crust (20–35 km) follows a modified dry diabase flow law, with heat production of 0.75 μW m−3. After 45 Myr, the model orogens develop crustal thicknesses of the order of 60 km, with lower crustal temperatures in excess of 700 °C. In some models, an additional increment of weakening is introduced so that the effective viscosity decreases to 1019 Pa.s at 700 °C in the upper crust and 900 °C in the lower crust. In these models, a narrow zone of outward channel flow develops at the base of the weak upper crustal layer where T≥600 °C. The channel flow zone is characterised by a reversal in velocity direction on the pro‐side of the system, and is driven by a depth‐dependent pressure gradient that is facilitated by the development of a temperature‐dependent low viscosity horizon in the mid‐crust. Different exhumation styles produce contrasting effects on models with channel flow zones. Post‐convergent crustal extension leads to thinning in the orogenic core and a corresponding zone of shortening and thrust‐related exhumation on the flanks. Velocities in the pro‐side channel flow zone are enhanced but the channel itself is not exhumed. In contrast, exhumation resulting from erosion that is focused on the pro‐side flank of the plateau leads to ‘ductile extrusion’ of the channel flow zone. The exhumed channel displays apparent normal‐sense offset at its upper boundary, reverse‐sense offset at its lower boundary, and an ‘inverted’ metamorphic sequence across the zone. The different styles of exhumation produce contrasting peak grade profiles across the model surfaces. However, P–T–t paths in both cases are loops where Pmax precedes Tmax, typical of regional metamorphism; individual paths are not diagnostic of either the thickening or the exhumation mechanism. Possible natural examples of the channel flow zones produced in these models include the Main Central Thrust zone of the Himalayas and the Muskoka domain of the western Grenville orogen.
Quality of web‐based medical information on stable COPD: comparison of non‐commercial and commercial websites
Authors: Kunst Heinke , Khan Khalid S.
Published: March 2003

The Internet provides an easy and accessible way to deliver medical information about the management of various diseases, both to practitioners and to their patients. As there is no control over who posts information on the Web, there is a risk that the interests of the web producer may bias the quality of information. The quality of medical information on the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) on the Internet was evaluated, comparing non‐commercial and commercial websites. An internet search was conducted to locate relevant websites using a metasearch engine. The quality of websites was scored on a scale of 0–10, based on three items about the credibility of the site and seven items about the accuracy of the information provided by the site. Quality differences between commercial and non‐commercial websites were explored. The search revealed 23 relevant websites (12 non‐commercial and 11 commercial). The overall quality of non‐commercial websites was better than that of commercial websites (median score 7 vs. 4, p= 0.01). Compared to commercial sites, non‐commercial websites more often provided information about cessation of smoking (100% vs. 64%, p= 0.03), preventative influenza vaccinations (42% vs. 9%, p= 0.07) and use of long‐term oxygen therapy (92% vs. 45%, p= 0.02). Among websites providing information on COPD, commercial sites were much more likely to be of poorer quality compared to sites of non‐commercial organizations. In particular, commercial sites do not provide information about simple preventative treatments. There is a need to be vigilant about the quality of health information about COPD on the Internet.
Learning about psychological professions with the world‐wide web
Authors: Leung J.P. , Chamberlain K.
Published: March 2003

Abstract Teaching with the world‐wide web is becoming a common practice in modern education. The web serves two main interrelated functions, namely, retrieval and publication of information. To enhance learning and motivation, the student‐as‐teacher (SAT) principle was adopted in the study reported in this paper. Students were given the role of teacher of high school students and the general public about the subject matter they learned on a course. To achieve this goal, the students created educational web sites featuring two selected psychological professions. Being the major assignment for the course, the web sites created by students received higher scores than the assignments of their peers who learned the same materials through traditional pedagogical approaches. Course evaluation confirmed that the web implementation of the SAT principle enhanced learning, increased motivation and provided a transfer‐able skill, without compromising accomplishment of major course goals.
What have examinations got to do with computers in education?
Authors: Harding R.
Published: March 2003

Abstract   Courseware, i.e. computer based learning materials, usually includes some self‐assessment for formative assessment. Insufficient attention has been paid, however, to the link between formal assessment and use of courseware: teachers and learners focus on examination syllabuses. Examinations bodies can use only the simplest forms of ICT‐based assessment (objective or multiple choice tests) until learners are familiar with newer styles. This problem can be addressed on several fronts: with new ICT styles of tests, by developing websites supporting learners and teachers, by conducting field trials using computers under examination conditions and by commissioning new types of examination questions built around online interactive simulations.
Electroantennogram and behavioural responses of the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae to human‐specific sweat components
Authors: Costantini C. , Birkett M. A. , Gibson G. , Ziesmann J. , Sagnon N'F. , Mohammed H. A. , Coluzzi M. , Pickett J. A.
Published: March 2003

Abstract. Afrotropical malaria vectors of the Anopheles gambiae complex (Diptera: Culicidae), particularly An. gambiae sensu stricto, are attracted mainly to human hosts. A major source of human volatile emissions is sweat, from which key human‐specific components are the carboxylic acids (E)‐ and (Z)‐3‐methyl‐2‐hexenoic acid and 7‐octenoic acid. Electrophysiological studies on the antennae of An. gambiae s.s. showed selective sensitivity to these compounds, with a threshold at 10−6 g comparable to that of known olfactory stimulants 1‐octen‐3‐ol, p‐cresol, isovaleric acid, and lower than threshold sensitivity to l‐lactic acid and the synthetic mosquito repellent N,N‐diethyltoluamide (DEET). A combination of the acids released at concentrations > 10−5 g in wind tunnel bioassays significantly reduced the response to CO2, the major attractant released by human hosts, for strains of An. gambiae s.s. originating from East and West Africa.

Field trials with odour‐baited entry traps (OBETs) in Burkina Faso showed that 7‐octenoic acid significantly increased (by 1.7‐fold) the catch of females of An. gambiae sensu lato (comprising two sibling species: An. arabiensis Patton and An. gambiae s.s.) in OBETs baited with CO2, whereas combinations of the acids significantly reduced the catch in CO2‐baited traps (by 2.1‐fold) and in whole human odour‐baited traps (by 1.5‐fold). The pure (E) and (Z) geometric isomers of 3‐methyl‐2‐hexenoic acid gave comparable results to the (E/Z) isomer mixture. These results provide the first experimental evidence that human‐specific compounds affect the behaviour of highly anthropophilic An. gambiae s.l. mosquitoes. The compounds appear to inhibit the ‘upwind flight’ response to known long‐range attractants, and may serve either to ‘mask’ the attractants present or, more probably, to ‘arrest’ upwind flight when mosquitoes arrive at a host under natural conditions. In the final approach to hosts, vectors are known to reduce their flight speed and increase their turning rate, to avoid overshooting the source. In our experimental apparatus, these changes in flight behaviour would reduce the number of mosquitoes entering the ports of the collection devices.
Ambient temperature effects on the extrinsic incubation period ofWuchereria bancroftiinAedes polynesiensis: implications for filariasis transmission dynamics and distribution in French Polynesia
Authors: Lardeux F. , Cheffort J.
Published: March 2003

Abstract.Temperature effects on development of the human filarial parasiteWuchereria bancrofti(Cobbold) (Filaridea: Onchocercidae) in the main Pacific vectorAedes polynesiensisMarks (Diptera: Culicidae) are analysed in relation to ambient climatic conditions. A statistical model of the extrinsic cycle duration as a function of temperature is described and used to distinguish three patterns ofW. bancroftitransmission dynamics: continuous, fluctuating and discontinuous, occurring from north to south geographically among French Polynesian archipelagos. In the northerly Marquesas Islands (8–11° S) filariasis transmission is continuous and very active, facilitated by perennially high temperatures combined with constantly high rates of man–vector contact. In the southerly Australes Islands (21–28° S) filariasis transmission is seasonally discontinuous and, during the cooler months (May–September), the model predicts virtually no transmission because the cycle duration exceeds the life expectancy of the vector. In the Society Islands (16–18° S), between the Marquesas and Australes, transmission is predicted to be intermediate as expected from their latitude, with seasonally fluctuating transmission potential. In the Tuamotu Islands (also geographically intermediate: 14–23° S), with theoretically perennial transmission potential, transmission occurs only intermittently, being limited by other human and environmental factors whereby man–vector contact is confined to seasonal agricultural situations. Generally, among French Polynesian archipelagos whereAedes polynesiensisis the vector, the transmission potential forW. bancroftiand resulting disease manifestations of lymphatic filariasis in humans are correlated with ambient temperature due to the degree of southern latitude.
Testicular maturation in the sheep bot fly Oestrus ovis
Authors: Cepeda‐Palacios R. , Monroy A. , Mendoza M. A. , Scholl P. J.
Published: March 2003

Abstract. The process of testicular maturation in relation to intrapuparial development was studied in the sheep nasal bot fly, Oestrus ovis L. (Diptera: Oestridae). After formation of the puparium during larval–pupal apolysis and the cryptocephalic pupal stage (≈ 24–72 h), spermatogonia had undergone mitotic divisions and sperm cysts had been formed. Five days after pupariation, spermatogonia transformed into primary spermatocytes during the phanerocephalic pupal stage, and secondary spermatocytes first appeared during the pupal–adult apolysis. Secondary spermatocytes began undergoing the second meiotic division by day 8 (transparent‐eye pharate adult stage). By days 9 and 10, round spermatids were present and began to elongate by day 11. By day 12, the first bundles of tailed spermatozoa had appeared. By day 15 (the yellow‐orange eye pharate adult stage), round, elongated, tailed and bundled spermatids were predominant and by day 17 differentiating spermatids occupied nearly 35% of the testicular cavity, and 60% was occupied by free sperm. By day 21 (the red‐brown eye pharate adult stage), spermatozoa colonized the seminal vesicle. At emergence (≈ day 22), a complement of free sperm occupied the testis and the seminal vesicle, but groups of developing cells frequently remained in certain zones. Spermatogenesis was carried out after pupariation and spermiogenesis occurred during the pharate adult stage. After emergence, males possessed fully formed spermatozoa ready for ejaculation.
Phylogeny of the Strepsiptera based on morphological data of the first instar larvae
Authors: Pohl Hans
Published: March 2003

This investigation was the first cladistic analysis using morphological data of first instar larvae of Strepsiptera. The analysis of representatives of nearly all known families of Strepsiptera supports the division of Strepsiptera into Mengenillidia and Stylopidia. Corioxenidae and Elenchidae are placed at the base of Stylopidia. Halictophagidae is the sister group to Xeninae + Myrmecolacidae + Stylopinae. Xeninae is placed as the sister group to Myrmecolacidae + Stylopinae. Stylopidae are paraphyletic. Thus, Xenidae stat. n. is re‐established. A sister‐group relationship between Myrmecolacidae and Elenchidae is not supported on characters of first instar larvae.
Hyaluronic Acid and Chondroitin Sulphate A Rapidly Promote Differentiation of Immature DC with Upregulation of Costimulatory and Antigen‐Presenting Molecules, and Enhancement of NF‐κB and Protein Kinase Activity
Authors: Yang R. , Yan Z. , Chen F. , Hansson G. K. , Kiessling R.
Published: March 2003

Dendritic cells (DCs) have been identified as effective antigen‐presenting cells (APCs). We demonstrate that extracellular matrix (ECM), hyaluronic acid (HA) and chondroitin sulphate A (CSA), in the presence of granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF), can rapidly promote the differentiation of monocyte‐derived immature DCs, as characterized by the remarkable upregulation of human leucocyte antigen (HLA‐DR), CD40, CD54, CD80 and CD86 expression to levels higher than those in the DCs generated by culturing with GM‐CSF and interleukin (IL)‐4 for 7 days and aggregation of the cells within 48 h. The upregulation of expression of HLA‐DR, CD40, CD54, CD80 and CD86 was dose‐dependent. Further studies showed that HA and CSA were able to augment nuclear factor (NF)‐κB activity, as determined by gel mobility shift assay and promote protein phosphorylation. Inhibition of NF‐κB by pyrolidine dithiocarbamate and sodium salicylate, and serine‐threonine and tyrosine kinase by starosporine as well as phosphatidylinositide‐3‐kinase (PI‐3‐K) by wortmannin could prevent the effects of HA and CSA on the expression of HLA‐DR, CD40, CD80 and CD86 in various degrees. Thus, our data demonstrate that HA or CSA can effectively and rapidly promote the differentiation of immature DC, suggesting that HA and CSA may possess a potential capacity in regulating immune responses.
Elevated p53 expression in benign meningiomas protects against recurrence and may be indicative of senescence
Authors: Hakin‐Smith V. , Battersby R. D. , Maltby E. L. , Timperley W. R. , Royds J. A.
Published: March 2003

Prediction of recurrence after resection of benign meningiomas represents a significant clinical problem. A prospective study commenced in 1984 aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved in the development of abnormal karyotype and tumour recurrence in meningiomas. Expression of key cell cycle regulators p53, p21, mdm2 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) were studied by immunohistochemistry in 85 tumours for which follow‐up data was available. It was found that most tumours expressed p53, p21 and PCNA, with significant correlations between expression of p53 and both p21 and PCNA. As PCNA fulfils a multifunctional role its expression may be an unreliable indicator of proliferation in benign tumours. The degree of tumour excision remains the best prognostic indicator while p53 is the main predictor of abnormal karyotype. Karyotype is not however, related to prognosis. Incompletely excised tumours which expressed high levels of p53 and p21 did not recur. It is suggested that this is indicative of a fully functional p53‐mediated DNA damage response mechanism. Rather than contributing to tumour progression, p53 is fulfilling its role as guardian of the genome in benign meningiomas. This study shows that induction of senescence may be an important tumour suppressor mechanism in benign tumours.
Occludin expression in microvessels of neoplastic and non‐neoplastic human brain
Authors: Papadopoulos M. C. , Saadoun S. , Woodrow C. J. , Davies D. C. , Costa‐Martins P. , Moss R. F. , Krishna S. , Bell B. A.
Published: March 2003

The tight junction protein occludin ‘glues’ normal, adjacent brain microvessel endothelial cells together. Malignant brain tumours cause cerebral oedema because they have leaky endothelial tight junctions, which allow plasma fluid to enter the brain from the microvessel lumen. In order to identify molecular abnormalities in tumour endothelial tight junctions, we investigated occludin expression in microvessels from adult human non‐neoplastic brain tissue using immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting. The proportions of microvessels immunolabelling for occludin were >2/3 in 5/5 non‐neoplastic brain tissue samples, >1/3 in 5/5 low grade (Daumas‐Duport I or II) astrocytomas and <1/3 in 5/5 high grade (III or IV) astrocytomas and 6/6 metastatic adenocarcinomas. Six non‐neoplastic brain tissue immunoblots gave a 55‐kDa occludin band, three low‐grade astrocytomas gave 55‐kDa and 60‐kDa bands, 13 high‐grade astrocytomas gave 60‐kDa or no band and four adenocarcinomas did not give an occludin band. Expression of 55‐kDa occludin inversely correlated with the presence of contrast enhancement on computed tomograms (P < 0.001). Electron microscopy showed open endothelial tight junctions in 0/2 non‐neoplastic human brain specimens and 2/2 high‐grade astrocytomas. We suggest that loss of 55‐kDa occludin expression in human brain tumours may contribute to endothelial tight junction opening. Characterizing the molecular pathology of brain endothelial tight junctions may facilitate the design of novel drugs against cerebral oedema.
In vivo effects of Manduca sexta allatostatin and allatotropin on larvae of the tomato moth, Lacanobia oleracea
Authors: Audsley Neil , Weaver Robert J. , Edwards John P.
Published: March 2003

Abstract. Injection of Manduca sexta allatotropin (Manse‐AT) into fifth or sixth stadium larval Lacanobia oleracea had no significant effect on larval growth, development or food consumption, compared to control injected insects. In contrast, injection of M. sexta allatostatin (Manse‐AS) into fifth stadium larvae resulted in a retardation of growth, reduction in feeding and increased mortality, compared to control injected insects, but had no effect on non‐feeding (day 7) sixth instar larvae. Results suggest that Manse‐AS is not acting on the corpora allata (CA) to inhibit Juvenile Hormone (JH) synthesis to produce the observed effects, but most likely by its myoinhibiting action on the foregut. Inhibition of foregut peristalsis by Manse‐AS in vivo appears to suppress feeding, resulting in increased mortality. Foregut peristalsis may be inhibited by the intact peptide or a deletion peptide produced by cleavage of Manse‐AS by haemolymph enzymes, because Manse‐AS (5‐15) also inhibits muscle contractions in the foregut in vitro.
Venom from the ectoparasitoid wasp Eulophus pennicornis disrupts host ecdysteroid production by regulating host prothoracic gland activity
Authors: Marris Gay C. , Weaver Robert J. , Bell Julie , Edwards John P.
Published: March 2003

Abstract. Attack by the ectoparasitoid Eulophus pennicornis Nees (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) prevents larvae of Lacanobia oleracea L. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) from moulting. Prothoracic glands (PGs) excised from parasitized or artificially envenomated hosts show a reduced basal level of ecdysteroid release at a time when non‐parasitized caterpillars produce an ecdysteroid surge (48 h post moult to 5th stadium = penultimate stadium in non‐venomated hosts). By contrast, PGs from similarly parasitized or envenomated caterpillars release comparatively high levels of ecdysteroid at 120 h post‐moult. Temporary inactivation of PGs cannot be attributed solely to a parasitoid‐induced reduction in cell viability, and incubation in E. pennicornis venom in vitro does not exert any direct effect on either PG cell viability or ecdysteroid release. However, inactivated PGs are not stimulated by forskolin, which may indicate that the absence of the required pre‐moult ecdysteroid surge in developmentally arrested L. oleracea is due to insensitivity to a prothoracicotropic hormone. Even though parasitized caterpillars never moult, reversed‐phase HPLC separations and radioimmunoassay confirm that they produce active moulting hormone (20‐hydroxyecdysone) at 120 h post‐moult. These results suggest that E. pennicornis arrests host development through the indirect effects on their hosts' PGs. This effect is not achieved through the destruction of gland cells, but more likely reflects the interruption of an innate cycle in PG activity, such that they lose their ability to respond to a normal cue to produce an essential hormone peak at a crucial point in development.
Phenotypic plasticity of body size in Drosophila: effects of a daily periodicity of growth temperature in two sibling species
Authors: Pétavy Georges , Moreteau Brigitte , Gibert Patricia , Morin Jean‐Philippe , David Jean R.
Published: March 2003

Abstract. Variation of wing and thorax length under thermoperiodic growth conditions was analysed in four strains of two sibling species, Drosophila melanogaster and D. simulans, from two European localities. Results were compared to those obtained with constant temperatures ranging from 12 to 31 °C.

Under constant temperatures the data basically confirmed previous results: concave reaction norms for wing and thorax length; a monotonically decreasing norm for wing : thorax ratio; and an increasing norm for sex dimorphism (female : male ratio). Phenotypic variability was maximum at extreme temperatures and minimum at middle ones. Slight differences were observed according to the geographical origin: the difference between strains from Bordeaux (France) and Cordoba (Spain) was maximum at low temperatures but disappeared at about 28 °C.

According to the temperatures chosen, alternating thermal regimens had either no effect or produced a significant size reduction, probably reflecting a periodic stress. The magnitude of this effect was proportional to the amplitude of the thermoperiod but not to the quality (cold or heat) of the stress. In a similar way, the wing : thorax ratio was either not modified or reduced significantly, indicating that wing length was relatively more affected than thorax length by alternating thermal regimens. Sex dimorphism also showed either no change or a significant increase, indicating that males were relatively more reactive than females to alternating conditions. Finally, regimens of broad amplitudes increased the phenotypic variability, again an indication of stressful effects. All these observations should be taken into account when analysing phenotypic variability in nature and trying to understand natural selection in wild‐living populations.
Phylogeny of Agriotypinae (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae), with comments on the subfamily relationships of the basal Ichneumonidae
Authors: Bennett Andrew M. R.
Published: March 2003

Abstract. Agriotypinae is a small clade of aquatic parasitoid wasps with uncertain affinities. Its phylogeny was examined in a cladistic analysis of larval and adult morphological characters. The analysis found that Agriotypinae belongs within Ichneumonidae as sister group of Labeninae and related to Xoridinae and Cryptinae. All sixteen species in the subfamily should be assigned to Agriotypus Curtis. Two species groups were found, the Palaearctic armatus species group and the Oriental himalensis species group. Agriotypus chaoi sp.n. and Agriotypus masneri sp.n. are described from Vietnam and Atopotypus Chao is synonymized with Agriotypus forming Agriotypus succinctus (Chao) comb.n. A key and revision of the world species is provided, and the evolution of aquatic behaviour in Ichneumonidae is discussed.
Hair biology: an update
Authors: Bernard B. A.
Published: March 2003

Synopsis

In the past few years, the hair follicle has started revealing its beauty and mysteries. The existence of a growth and regeneration cycle, together with a unique tissue organization and complex regulatory network, make it a true paradigm of tissue homeostasis and dermal–epithelial crosstalk. In this brief review, I will describe some of the most recent results obtained in this very active research field of hair biology, underlining the diversity of the molecular signals that control hair growth and pigmentation.
Cosmetic use formulations containing pentyl rhamnoside and cetyl rhamnoside
Authors: Houlmont J.‐P. , Vercruysse K. , Perez E. , Rico‐Lattes I. , Bordat P. , Treilhou M.
Published: March 2003

Synopsis

For the first time, we report here the synthesis and use of pentyl and cetyl rhamnoside as cosurfactant or surfactant, respectively, and their evaluation in cosmetic formulations. l‐rhamnose is more reactive than d‐glucose in direct acetalization with long alkyl chains of alcohol, because of its higher lipophilicity, whereas for short alkyl chains, glucose and rhamnose are equivalent. Furthermore, pentyl rhamnoside could be used as a new non‐toxic cosurfactant to formulate microemulsions. Finally, a white continuous aqueous phase emulsion and a liquid soap were evaluated for cosmetic uses. These new formulations showed very good cosmetic properties with high hydration properties and rapid cutaneous penetration.
Generation of CTL responses using Kunjin replicon RNA
Authors: Ward Scott M , Tindle Robert W , Khromykh Alexander A , Gowans Eric J
Published: March 2003

The Kunjin replicon was used to express a polytope that consisted of seven hepatitis C virus cytotoxic T lymphocyte epitopes and one influenza cytotoxic T lymphocyte epitope for vaccination studies. The self‐replicating nature of, and expression from, the ribonucleic acid was confirmed in vitro. Initial vaccinations with one dose of Kun‐Poly ribonucleic acid showed that an influenza‐specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte response was elicited more efficiently by intradermal inoculation compared with intramuscular delivery. Two micrograms of ribonucleic acid delivered in the ear pinnae of mice was sufficient to elicit a detectable cytotoxic T lymphocyte response 10 days postvaccination. Further vaccination studies showed that four of the seven hepatitis C virus cytotoxic T lymphocyte epitopes were able to elicit weak cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses whereas the influenza epitope was able to elicit strong, specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses following three doses of Kun‐Poly ribonucleic acid. These studies vindicate the use of the Kunjin replicon as a vector to deliver encoded proteins for the development of cell‐mediated immune responses.
Gates, GAVI, the glorious global funds and more: All you ever wanted to know
Authors: Nossal Gustav JV
Published: March 2003

Global immunization programmes have achieved some remarkable successes. In 1977, Frank Fenner's Commission declared smallpox to have been eradicated by an 11‐year‐long intensive campaign. The Expanded Programme on Immunization encompassed six important childhood vaccines and reached over three‐quarters of the world's children. Polio eradication has gone remarkably well, with only 10 out of 200 countries reporting residual cases. But amidst all the good news, there is also bad news. Coverage is variable; infrastructure is crumbling; and newer vaccines are not being incorporated in many country programmes. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has introduced a new dynamic here. From their initial gift of $100 million in December 1998, their commitment to date is US$1.5 billion − and rising. At the centre is a Global Children's Vaccine Fund which permitted the launch, in January 2000, of the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization. This is targeted to the 74 poorest countries of the world and is designed to improve vaccination infrastructure, to purchase newer vaccines and to support research and development.

Even before we know how successful this programme will be, it has had its imitators. The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria borrowed many concepts from GAVI. The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition announced in May 2002 does so as well, and is heavily supported by Gates. Highly effective parasite control programmes antedate all this but will be much strengthened. However, we still face a sizeable budgetary gap both for research and for bringing the best advances to all people who need them.
Periodontal pathogen detection in gingiva/tooth and tongue flora samples from 18‐ to 48‐month‐old children and periodontal status of their mothers
Authors: Yang E.Y. , Tanner A. C. R. , Milgrom P. , Mokeem S. A. , Riedy C. A. , Spadafora A. T. , Page R. C. , Bruss J.
Published: March 2003

Few studies have detected periodontal pathogens in young children, and when detected the prevalence has been relatively low. In this epidemiological study, we determined the prevalence of periodontal pathogen colonization in young children and examined the relationship between periodontitis in mothers and detection of periodontal pathogens in their children aged 18–48 months. Children were selected and enrolled randomly into the study; tongue and gingival/tooth plaque samples were harvested and analyzed by DNA probe checkerboard assay for Porphyromonas gingivalis and Bacteroides forsythus. Clinical measurements included a gingival bleeding score in the children and a periodontal screening and recording (PSR) score in the mothers. Mothers having one or more periodontal sites with probing depths > 5.5 mm were classified as having periodontitis. In this population, 71% (66/93) of the 18‐ to 48‐month‐old children were infected with at least one periodontal pathogen. Detection rates for children were 68.8% for P. gingivalis and 29.0% for B. forsythus. About 13.8% (11/80) of children had gingival bleeding in response to a toothpick inserted interproximally. Children in whom B. forsythus was detected were about 6 times more likely to have gingival bleeding than other children. There was no relationship between bleeding and detection of P. gingivalis. 17.0% (16/94) of the mothers had periodontitis. When all mother–child pairs were considered, the periodontal status of the mother was found not to be a determinant for detection of periodontal pathogens in the floral samples from the children. However, the odds ratio that a daughter of a mother with periodontitis would be colonized was 5.2 for B. forsythus. A much higher proportion of children in this population were colonized by P. gingivalis and/or B. forsythus than has been previously reported for other populations. A modest level of association between manifestations of periodontitis in mothers and detection of B. forsythus in their daughters was observed.
Fluoride and organic weak acids as respiration inhibitors for oral streptococci in acidified environments
Authors: Phan T.‐N. , Nguyen P. T. M. , Abranches J. , Marquis R. E.
Published: March 2003

Oxygen metabolism (respiration) of Streptococcus mutans GS‐5 involving NADH oxidases, mainly of the H2O‐producing type, was found to be acid sensitive, as was NADH oxidase activity of cell extracts. Respiration of intact cells in acidified media was also highly sensitive to fluoride, with a 50% inhibitory concentration of about 0.02 mM at pH 4. In contrast, NADH oxidases in cell extracts were fluoride insensitive. Fluoride inhibition of respiration of intact cells was related to weak‐acid effects leading to enhanced proton permeability of cells, cytoplasmic acidification and resultant acid inhibition of NADH oxidases and glycolysis. Organic weak acids, such as indomethacin and benzoate, were also effective inhibitors. H2O2 production by intact cells of Streptococcus sanguis NCTC 10904, a peroxide producer, was similarly inhibited by fluoride or organic weak acids in acidified media. Thus, weak acids act as respiratory inhibitors for oral streptococci indirectly by acidifying the cytoplasm rather than acting as direct inhibitors of NADH oxidases.
Recovery of Candida dubliniensis from sputum of cystic fibrosis patients
Authors: Peltroche‐Llacsahuanga Heidrun , Döhmen Hiltrud , Haase Gerhard
Published: March 2003

Summary.  Yeasts have been cultivated in a high percentage of sputum samples from patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). In cases of Candida dubliniensis a high recovery rate (15–25%) has so far only been reported from the oral cavity of HIV‐infected persons. When studying sputum samples of patients suffering from cystic fibrosis (n = 54) we could repeatedly observe C. dubliniensis in 6 patients (11.1%) by using a complex isolation procedure involving the use of Staib agar. This revealed that the prevalence rate was significantly higher than the estimated overall prevalence for all non‐HIV infected patients (0.8%) currently reported.
Idiopathic linear pustular acantholytic dermatosis in a young Brittany Spaniel dog
Authors: Beningo Karyn E. , Scott Danny W.
Published: March 2003

A unilateral, linear, papular–pustular dermatosis is described in a young Brittany Spaniel dog. The dermatosis appeared to follow Blaschko’s lines and extended from the left inguinal region to the medial aspect of the left metatarsal area. The predominant histological finding was an eosinophilic and neutrophilic pustular mural folliculitis with prominent acantholysis of infundibular epithelium. There was a rapid and long‐lasting (> 15 months) resolution after oral administration of methylprednisolone (1.6 mg kg−1).
Ultrasound‐guided mammotome vacuum biopsy for the diagnosis of impalpable breast lesions
Authors: Meloni G. B. , Dessole S. , Becchere M. P. , Soro D. , Capobianco G. , Ambrosini G. , Nardelli G. B. , Canalis G. C.
Published: March 2003

Objectives

To assess the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound‐guided mammotome vacuum biopsy in impalpable breast lesions.

Methods

Seventy‐three patients who presented with impalpable breast lesions that were suspicious for malignancy at mammography and/or sonography were included in the study. In the first instance the women underwent ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration cytology, then, 3 days later, histological biopsy with an ultrasound‐guided mammotome device. The patients with both cytological and histological diagnoses of malignancy underwent surgery; those with a negative (for malignancy) cytological diagnosis, but with a histological diagnosis of atypical hyperplasia or sclerosing adenosis, underwent surgical biopsy.

Results

The diagnostic accuracy of fine‐needle aspiration cytology was 67.2%; the sensitivity was 86.7%, the specificity was 48.4%, the negative predictive value was 78.9% and the positive predictive value was 61.9%. In comparison, the diagnostic accuracy of histological sampling by mammotome vacuum biopsy was 97.3%; the sensitivity was 94.7%, the specificity was 100%, the negative predictive value was 94.6% and the positive predictive value was 100%. Thus there was a statistically significant difference in diagnostic accuracy between fine‐needle aspiration cytology and mammotome vacuum biopsy (67.2% vs. 97.3%; χ2 test, P < 0.001). The 2.7% (2/73) failure rate of mammotome biopsy was likely to be due to an error in the positioning of the needle. The subsequent surgical biopsy proved that two cases, negative for malignancy by mammotome biopsy, were in fact malignant.

Conclusions

Our data confirm the value of sonography for the diagnosis of breast carcinoma in the preclinical phase and the efficacy of ultrasound sampling using a mammotome device to confirm the diagnosis in impalpable breast lesions. Copyright © 2001 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Identification of four small molecular mass proteins in the silk of Bombyx mori
Authors: Nirmala X. , Mita K. , Vanisree V. , Žurovec M. , Sehnal F.
Published: March 2003

This paper describes cDNAs of four small‐size proteins that occur in the cocoon silk of Bombyx mori. Two of them (9.9 and 10.3 kDa), which have the N‐terminal sequences and the spacing of a few amino acids at C‐termini similar to the seroin of Galleria mellonella, are called seroin 1 and seroin 2. The corresponding genes are expressed in the middle, and to a small extent also in the posterior silk gland sections. The seroin 1 and less conspicuously the seroin 2 mRNAs accumulate in the course of the last larval instar to a maximum in postspinning larvae. Two other proteins (6 kDa and 4.7 kDa) of B. mori cocoons were identified as a typical Kunitz‐type and a somewhat unusual Kazal‐type proteinase inhibitors, and named BmSPI 1 and BmSPI 2, respectively. Their genes are expressed in the middle, and the BmSPI 1 gene slightly also in the posterior silk gland sections. The expression ensues a few days after the last larval ecdysis and increases until the cocoon spinning. Post‐spinning larvae still contain high amounts of the BmSPI 1 but no BmSPI 2 transcripts. It is assumed that seroins and proteinase inhibitors are involved in cocoon protection against predators and microbes.
Multiple forms of U2 snRNA coexist in the silk moth Bombyx mori
Authors: Sierra‐Montes J. M. , Freund A. V. , Ruiz L. M. , Szmulewicz M. N. , Rowold D. J. , Herrera R. J.
Published: March 2003

Eight U2 snRNA variants were isolated from several Bombyx mori U2‐specific RT‐PCR libraries. U2 sequences and secondary structures were generated and examined in terms of potential RNA and protein interactions. Analysis indicated that nucleotide changes occurred in both stem/loop and single‐stranded areas. Changes in the double stranded areas were either compensatory, single substitutions (e.g. C ↔ U) or prevented the double‐stranded formation of one or two base pairs. The polymorphisms were clustered in moderately conserved regions. Some of the changes observed generated stronger base pairing. Inter‐species conserved protein or RNA‐binding sites were relatively unaffected. No polymorphic sites were found in known functional sequences. Bombyx mori and Drosophila melanogaster U2 sequences are 95% and 70% similar at the 5′‐ and the 3′‐ends of the molecule, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis of the U2 sequences demonstrates remarkable conservation across species.